FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 20 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | PERSPECTIVE We’ve lost Asha, but not hope EDITORIAL PAGE Mess made by the West Page 9 Page 8 BRIEFLY Wholesale inflation surges to 3.88 per cent: New Delhi: India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-linked inflation rose sharply to 3.88 per cent in March from 2.13 per cent in February, marking the highest level in 41 months, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The spike was primarily driven by a surge in prices of crude petroleum and natural gas, other manufactured products, non-food articles, basic metals, and food articles. WPI inflation for the Fuel and Power category increased by 4.13 per cent. Within this segment, prices of mineral oils rose by 8.77 per cent, while electricity prices declined by 5.07 per cent in March. Prices of manufactured goods increased by 0.88 per cent during the month, while food inflation remained unchanged at 1.85 per cent. Page 12 CM alleges power misuse, questions PM’s credibility MANAS R BANNERJEE Siliguri, 15 April W est Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on We d n e s d ay accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of misleading the public and misusing government machinery in the run-up to the Assembly elections. Addressing a campaign rally at Islampur Court Maidan in Uttar Dinajpur district, Miss Banerjee said she respected the office of the Prime Minister but questioned the credibility of statements made from that position. “I respect the chair of the Prime Minister. But the chair itself cannot speak lies,” she remarked. Alleging violations of the Model Code of Conduct, the Chief Minister claimed that Central authorities were distributing financial benefits and facilitating the opening of bank accounts just days ‘Central forces tried to stop my car’: Siliguri: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday claimed that Central forces tried to search her car when she was travelling to Kolkata airport earlier in the day. Addressing a rally in North Dinajpur district, Banerjee said if the central forces have the guts, they can check her car every day. “Central forces tried to check my car when I was going to the Kolkata airport today. If you have the guts, you check my car every day,” she said. before polling. “Why are bank accounts being opened and money being transferred ahead of elections? The Union Finance Minister is distributing financial cards. This is a misuse of power,” she said, adding that she would approach the Election Commission of India over the issue. Miss Banerjee further alleged that such financial inducements were aimed at influencing voters. “Money is being given before elections to buy votes. Even central forces’ vehicles are being used to carry cash. What happens after the elections?” she asked, warning voters to remain cautious. She also claimed that people were being misled with promises, alleging that bank accounts could later be frozen and that policies like the NRC might be used to target citizens. She warned of possible coercive measures, including evictions, if such policies were implemented. • Related reports: Pgs 2, 3 Opposition closes ranks against delimitation push, seeks immediate rollout of women’s quota STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 15 April Leaders of the Opposition INDIA bloc on Wednesday declared a unified stand against linking the Women’s Reservation Bill to a delimitation exercise, following a high-level strategy meeting at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi. Speaking after the meeting, Mr Kharge asserted: “We are united and have decided to oppose the delimitation bill,” indicating rare cohesion among Opposition parties ahead of the upcoming three-day special Samrat Chaudhary takes oath as Bihar CM: Patna: BJP leader Samrat Chaudhary took oath as the 24th Chief Minister of Bihar on Wednesday in a lowprofile ceremony held at Lok Bhavan, Patna. Along with him, Bijendra Prasad Yadav and Vijay Kumar Chaudhary from the JD(U) quota were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers. Governor Syed Ata Hasnain administered the oath of office and secrecy. BJP president Nitin Nabin, the party’s central observer Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Union Minister JP Nadda, were among the few senior central leaders present at the ceremony. They were joined by leaders of all five NDA constituents, including Nitish Kumar, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Upendra Kushwaha and Chirag Paswan. It is believed that the BJP chose to keep the event low-key and did not invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah or other top national leaders to avoid any potential embarrassment to Nitish Kumar. Page 5 session of Parliament beginning Thursday. The meeting, attended by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and senior leaders from across parties, centred on concerns over the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026. The alliance voiced strong objections to making the 33 per cent reservation for women contingent on a future delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census, warning that such a linkage could significantly delay implementation. Leaders argued that the proposal risks turning a long-pending reform into “politics over the law” while potentially skewing representation in favour of certain regions and political forces. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said the Opposition had met to craft a joint strategy for the special session, describing the government’s delimitation move as “dangerous” with “grave concerns” for India’s democratic framework, particularly the balance of power among states. The meeting brought together leaders from Congress, DMK, TMC, Samajwadi Party, RJD, Left parties and several regional groups, signalling a coordinated push to counter the Centre’s legislative agenda. Participants agreed that women’s reservation should be implemented independently of any seat reorganisation process, which they cautioned could take years. MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR | LUCKNOW | SILIGURI | Thursday, 16 April 2026