MONDAY 02 DECEMBER 2024 www.thestatesman.com INDIA’S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER SINCE 1818 Pages 12 |` 5.00 | LC X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR ‘PM LEAVING NO STONE UNTURNED TO BREAK THE COUNTRY’S UNITY’ MVA FACES EXISTENTIAL CRISIS, MAHAYUTI BETTING BIG ON CONSOLIDATION P5 ‘HISTORY CANNOT BE NURTURED BY CREDITING A FEW’ P4 P8 WEATHER Cloudy morning. Hazy in the evening. Maximum and minimum temperatures likely to be around 26°C and 20°C respectively. RAINFALL: NIL RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 72% ‘All three allies of the Mahayuti have a good understanding,’ he said AGENCIES Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Ajit Pawar had earlier clarified that the Chief Minister would be from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with the other two coalition partners holding Deputy Chief Ministerial positions. SATARA, 1 DECEMBER Min. 59% C TEMPERATURE Max: 26.4˚C SUN RISES 06:00 hrs MOON RISES 06:55 hrs Eknath Shinde backs BJP candidate for Maha CM Min: 20.8˚C SUN SETS 16:51 hrs MOON SETS 17:34 hrs Full Moon on 15 December THUMBNAILS A sadhu, wearing Rudraksha and other garlands, holds a trident ahead of Maha Kumbh 2025, in Prayagraj on Sunday. n ANI Price of commercial LPG hiked by Rs 16.5, jet fuel by Rs 1,318.12: The price of Jet fuel, or ATF, was hiked by 1.45 per cent and rates of commercial LPG used in hotels and restaurants increased by Rs 16.5 per 19-kg cylinder on Sunday in the monthly revision done in line with international oil price trends. The aviation turbine fuel (ATF) price was increased by Rs 1,318.12 per kilolitre to Rs 91,856.84 per kl in Delhi, according to state-owned fuel retailers. (Page 4) aretaker Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde reiterated his full, unconditional support to the chief ministerial candidate in Maharashtra, stating that the people have delivered a historic mandate in favour of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. Mr Shinde said that he had retreated to his native village in Satara district to take a break following a hectic election schedule. He also confirmed that he had recovered from a fever and was in good health. Speaking to reporters in Satara, Mr Shinde said: “I am feeling better now. I came here to rest after the busy election schedule. I didn't take any leave during my 2.5 years as Chief Minister. People are still visiting me here. This government will listen to the people. I have already given my unconditional support to the party leadership, and I will stand by their decision." Mr Shinde, who travelled to his native village on Friday evening, also highlighted the unity among Mahayuti leaders, stating: “Our government's work over the past 2.5 years will be remembered in history. This is why the people gave us a historic mandate and denied the opposition even the chance to elect a Leader of the Opposition. All three allies of the Mahayuti have a good understanding. The Chief Minister candidate will be decided tomorrow.” Mr Shinde later in the day returned to Mumbai. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Ajit Pawar had earlier clarified that the Chief Minister would be from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with the other two coalition partners holding Deputy Chief Ministerial positions. “During the meeting in Delhi (with Union home minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah), it was decided that the Mahayuti would form the government with the Chief Minister from BJP, while the remaining two parties would have Deputy Chief Ministers," Mr Pawar said. Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis ~ widely considered the frontrunner for Chief Minister ~ Ajit Pawar, and other Mahayuti leaders met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President JP Nadda in Delhi on Thursday evening to discuss the deadlock over the Chief Ministerial position. The Maharashtra Assembly election, the results of which were declared on 23 November, saw the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance achieve a landslide victory, but the alliance has yet to name its Chief Minister. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats in the 280-member Maharashtra Assembly, while its allies ~ the Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, and the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar ~ won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. SINDHU BREAKS BWF TOUR TITLE DROUGHT P12 Indian-American Kash Patel nominated as FBI Director by US Prez-elect Trump “I am proud to announce that Kashyap “Kash” Patel will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” Mr Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social AGENCIES WASHINGTON, 1 DECEMBER US President-elect Donald Trump has announced Kash Patel's name as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director. “I am proud to announce that Kashyap “Kash” Patel will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and “America First” fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People,” Mr Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, his social media platform. “He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution. Kash did an incredible job during my First Term, where he served as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council. Kash has also tried over 60 jury trials. This FBI will end If confirmed by the US Senate, which is mandatory, Mr Patel will be the first Indian-American to lead AmericaÊs top investigative agency and also the first South Asian. the growing crime epidemic in America, dismantle the migrant criminal gangs, and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the Border. Kash will work under our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to bring back Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity to the FBI,” Mr Trump said. If confirmed by the US Senate, which is mandatory, Mr Patel will be the first Indian-American to lead America’s top investigative agency and also the first South Asian. Mr Patel’s nomination marks a new high for the Indian-American commu- nity that has quietly and steadily expanded its clout in the political sphere in the United States commensurate with its financial clout. Mr Patel’s nomination is Trump’s new milestone for the community. Trump had appointed Nikki Haley, the Indian American Republican politician, as his first administration’s ambassador to the United Nations. It was a federal cabinet-level position that made Haley the highest serving Indian American in the US political system till the election of Kamala Harris as the vice president in 2020, as President Joe Biden’s running mate. Cyclone Fengal spares Chennai, wreaks Arvind Kejriwal rules out alliance with any other party in Delhi Assembly polls havoc in Puducherry and Villupuram Anti-Conversion law on the anvil in Rajasthan out stagnant rainwater in many residential areas. With the threat of extreme rain receding, many residents who have parked their cars on flyovers in both north and south Chennai have started taking them to their homes. Chief Minister MK Stalin inspected the rain-affected areas of his assembly constituency, Kolathur, in north Chennai and interacted with the residents at Selvi Nagar and other places. Later, speaking to reporters he said: “Rain has not stopped. Once the rain stops, stagnant water would get drained and there won’t be any water-logging. I have deputed the Electricity Minister Senthil Balaji and Transport Minister SS Sivasankar to Villupuram where the situation is grim. They will look after the relief and restoration works.” STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 1 DECEMBER JAIPUR, 1 DECEMBER Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday ruled out alliance with any party for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections that are likely to take place early next year. Replying to a question at a press conference here, the AAP chief said: “There will be no alliance in Delhi.” Meanwhile, AAP is the only party in Delhi which has so far released the names of its candidates ~ eleven so far ~ for the upcoming Assembly elections. No other party has done so yet. These eleven names released by the AAP also include some of those who have recently joined the party, and were members of Congress or BJP. Rajasthan will soon have “The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act” that is intended to provide deterrence against the so-called “love jihad”. The state government will introduce the requisite Bill in this regard during the next session of the state assembly, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Prem Chand Bairwa and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Joga Ram Patel said. The proposal for legislating on this subject was approved by the state cabinet at its meeting held here under chairmanship of CM Bhajan Lal Sharma on Friday evening, Mr Patel told media persons. At present, there is no law to curb attempts of religious conversions in the state. (Details on Page 5) M C RAJAN CHENNAI, 1 DECEMBER Cyclone Fengal which spared Chennai, wreaked havoc in Puducherry and its neighbourhood as well as Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu. Having made landfall late on Saturday evening, it is still stationed close to Puducherry. Regional Meteorological Centre director S Balachandran said the cyclone, which had weakened into a deep depression will pass through Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Salem and Krishnagiri districts, bringing intense spells in the region. Entire Puducherry town is flooded in yesterday’s heavy downpour of 46 cm rainfall, the highest since 2004 when it was 21 cm. All the roads in the town appear to be covered under a watery blanket and low lying areas are under knee-deep water. After a brief lull, it started raining since noon, placing hurdles in relief and rescue works. The Territorial administration which provided food to 60,000 people in relief camps on Saturday will provide the same to 1.5 lakh people on Sunday. In Villupuram district, adjoining Puducherry Union Territory, Mayilam town recorded 50 cm rainfall. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has deputed Electricity Minister V Senthil Balaji and Transport Minister SS Sivasankar along with a team of senior officials to carry out relief and restoration works in the district, worst hit by the cyclone. In Chennai, suburban areas continue to receive moderate rainfall with the City Corporation continuing to pump After successful stint at BCCI, Jay Shah takes over as new ICC chair TRIDIB BAPARNASH Jay, the son of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has joined an elite list of Indian administrators to head the ICC along with the likes of Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, Shashank Manohar and Jagmohan Dalmiya. NEW DELHI, 1 DECEMBER Jay Shah embarked on a new role in his career as a cricket administrator after taking over as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) following a successful stint as BCCI secretary, a position he took up after the shake-up of the Indian board on the recommendations of the Supreme Court-appointed Justice Lodha committee. The 36-year old Jay Shah succeeds Greg Barclay to become the youngest member of the apex board. Jay, the son of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has joined an elite list of Indian administrators to head the ICC along with the likes of Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, Shashank Manohar and Jagmohan Dalmiya. He began his journey in cricket administration back in 2009 when he was named as an executive board member of the Central Board of Cricket, Ahmedabad. In September 2013, Mr Shah helped in building the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad after becoming the joint secretary of the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA). In 2015, Mr Shah entered the BCCI as a member of the finance and marketing committee. In 2019, he became the youngest at 31 to take over as the board secretary. Mr Shah’s first major achievement as BCCI secretary was the Eden Gardens in Kolkata hosting India’s firstever Day-Test match against Bangladesh in November 2019. In 2020 and 2021, when the world was reeling from the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, Mr Shah made sure that the Indian Premier League (IPL) took place with foreign players. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates hosted the IPL, while the 2021 edition was partly held in India and the Gulf country. In 2022, under his leadership the BCCI took a major step towards gender equality by announcing a pay equity policy for contracted women players. Last year, he also spearheaded the formation of a women’s league (Women’s Premier League). During his tenure, the BCCI also struck a major media rights deal of Rs 48,390 crore for five years. It made the IPL the second-most valued league in the globe in terms of per-match value. Mr Shah has also played important roles in world cricket as the President of the Asian Cricket Council and as Chair of the ICC's Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee. Commenting on his appointment as ICC Chair, Mr Shah said: “I am honoured to be starting in the role of ICC Chair and want to thank the ICC Directors and Member Boards for their support and trust in me to undertake this important role.” “This is an exciting time for the sport as we build up to the LA28 Olympic Games and strive to make cricket more inclusive and popular than ever before. We also stand at a critical juncture in terms of the coexistence of multiple formats and accelerating the growth of the women’s game. There is huge potential for the game of cricket globally, with so much opportunity to engage with existing and new fans, while ensuring the best resources and platforms for our cricketers around the world. “I would also like to thank Greg Barclay for his leadership in the role for the past four years and the milestones achieved during that period. I look forward to working closely with the ICC team and the Member countries to sustainably expand the game’s reach and evolution on the global stage,” he added. The AAP has also dropped three of its sitting MLA, as per the candidates announced. During this year’s Lok Sabha elections, the Aam Aadmi Party had fought in alliance with the Congress under the INDIA banner in the national capital; however neither of the parties could secure a win. AAP has already kicked off its poll preparations with the national convener and other senior party leaders holding pad yatras (foot march) across different assembly constituencies informing people of the works done by their government during its tenure. PM expresses concern over threats posed by digital fraud, cyber crime STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 1 DECEMBER Expressing concern over the potential threats generated on account of digital frauds, cyber crimes and AI technology, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called upon police to convert the challenge into an opportunity by harnessing India’s double AI power of Artificial Intelligence and ‘Aspirational India’. Addressing the valedictory session of the 59th All India Conference of Directors General and Inspectors General of Police in Bhubaneswar, he expanded on the mantra of ‘SMART’ policing and called upon the police to become strategic, meticulous, adaptable, reliable and transparent. Appreciating the initiatives taken in urban policing, the PM suggested that each of the initiatives be collated and implemented entirely in 100 cities of the country. He called for the use of technology to reduce the workload of the constabulary and suggested that the Police Station be made the focal point for resource allocation. Dwelling on the success of hackathons in solving some key problems, Mr Modi suggested deliberating on holding a National Police Hackathon as well. He also highlighted the need for expanding the focus on port security and preparing a future plan of action for it. Recalling the unparalleled contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the PM exhorted the entire security establishment from Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to the Police Station level, to pay homage on his 150th birth anniversary next year, by resolving to set and achieve a goal on any aspect which would improve police image, professionalism and capabilities. He urged the police to modernise and realign itself with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’. The Prime Minister also distributed President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service to officers of the Intelligence Bureau. During the two-day conference, in depth discussions were held on existing and emerging challenges to national security, including counter terrorism, left wing extremism, cyber-crime, economic security, immigration, coastal security and narcotrafficking. Deliberations were also held on emerging security concerns along the border with Bangladesh and Myanmar, trends in urban policing and strategies for countering malicious narratives.