FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 BRIEFLY PM likely to meet Trump on sidelines of G7: New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit France and Slovakia from 14 to 18 June, culminating his trip with participation in the 52nd G7 Summit under the French presidency. The visit is expected to include bilateral meetings with several world leaders on the sidelines of the summit, including a possible meeting with US President Donald Trump amid rising tensions in West Asia and growing concerns over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. India has been invited as a partner country to the G7 Summit, marking its 13th participation in the grouping and Mr Modi’s seventh consecutive appearance. The summit will focus on global challenges related to peace, security, economic growth, sustainability and artificial intelligence. | Pages 12 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA LC | NEW DELHI New Delhi, 11 June West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday pitched an ambitious development roadmap for the state at the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog, asserting that West Bengal is ready for a “new era of double-engine growth, development and transparent governance” with the full support of the Central government. Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, chief ministers and senior policymakers in New Delhi, Mr Adhikari outlined a vision centred on economic revival, infrastructure expansion, industrial growth and youth empowerment, while stressing that closer cooperation between the Centre and the state was STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 11 June P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday underscored the critical role of Centre-state cooperation in transforming India into a developed nation by 2047, asserting that the collective efforts of the Union and state governments would be instrumental in achieving the vision of “Viksit Bharat.” Chairing the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi, the Prime Minister called for coordinated governance, effective policy implementation and a shared commitment to ensuring that the benefits of development reach every citizen. The high-level meeting, held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre under the theme “Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat @2047”, brought together Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, Union Ministers and senior policymakers to deliberate on a long-term roadmap for equitable and sustainable development. The Governing Council, NITI Aayog’s apex decision-making crucial for unlocking West Bengal’s development potential. “West Bengal is ready for a new era of double-engine growth, development and transparent governance with the full support of the Central government,” Mr Adhikari said, adding that a stable and transparent governance framework would help attract largescale investments and create employment opportunities for the state's youth. A significant portion of his address focused on North Bengal, which he described as a region deserving renewed developmental attention. He called for restoring the region’s “rightful rights, pride and developmental focus” through stronger alignment with central welfare and infrastructure programmes. As part of the proposed body, focused on creating a framework that places people at the centre of India’s development journey as the country prepares for the centenary of its independence. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s resilience in the face of global uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures and energy security challenges. He stressed that despite these headwinds, India continued to maintain strong economic momentum and is well-positioned to pursue its long-term developmental ambitions. Mr Modi urged West Bengal is ready for a new era of doubleengine growth, development and transparent governance with the full support of the Central government. Kolkata, 11 June In what could prove to be the last nail in the coffin for the embattled Trinamul Congress (TMC), party MP Kalyan Banerjee on Thursday issued an ultimatum to former Chief Minister and party chief Mamata Banerjee, saying she would have to choose between him and the party's national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. Speaking to the Media, Kalyan Banerjee, one of Mamata Banerjee’s most vocal supporters, said: “Didi (Mamata Banerjee) will have to choose between me and | BHUBANESWAR Abhishek Banerjee.” Asked whether he was hinting at quitting the party, the MP replied: “If Abhishek Banerjee continues in the same position with the same power, then I will not stay in the party.” The confrontation stems from a dispute over legal representation in a case linked to the alleged signature-forgery controversy in the West Bengal Assembly. Mr Banerjee said he had appeared before the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday to mention a petition filed by Abhishek Banerjee seeking legal protection in connection with the matter. Although the court did not take up the case that day and it was expected to be heard on Thursday, Mr Banerjee claimed that late on Wednesday night his son was informed that another lawyer would argue the case. Explaining his decision to withdraw from the case, Mr Banerjee said: “I cannot tolerate states to actively support and implement key flagship programmes of the Union government while ensuring that welfare schemes and development initiatives effectively reach citizens at the grassroots level. The discussions also examined areas where states may require additional support from the Centre, reflecting an effort to strengthen collaboration and improve the delivery of public services. Participants emphasised the need for coordinated governance and seamless policy execution to sustain growth and development outcomes across the country. A central focus of the meeting was the formulation of an Inclusive Human Development Framework built around four key pillars: foundational human capital and future-ready skills, productive employment and entrepreneurship-led growth, health and nutrition, and equity and dignity for all. roadmap, Mr Adhikari advocated transforming Siliguri into a major educational hub capable of serving students from North Bengal and neighbouring regions. He said the city's strategic location made it an ideal destination for higher education and skill such arrogance. I have been in this profession for 45 years. I will not accept this attitude.” He alleged that around 12.30 a.m. his son received a call informing him that advocate Ayan Bhattacharya would appear in the matter instead. “Those being spoken about are of my children’s age. If they did not trust me, why did they ask me to handle the case in the first place? I have known for a long time that Abhishek does not trust me. But he cannot insult a senior lawyer like me in this manner. Am I a dustbin?” he asked. Launching a direct attack on Abhishek Banerjee, the veteran MP claimed that the TMC leader had become increasingly unpopular among party workers. “He still does not understand that people and party workers do not like him. He has ruined the party. I am also being branded a thief because of him. I am not a worker from Camac Street. I cannot tolerate such arrogance,” he said. | LUCKNOW | SILIGURI | Friday, 12 June 2026 3 Indian seafarers confirmed killed in US strike on tanker ARTI BALI New Delhi, 11 June Three Indian seafarers were confirmed dead on Thursday after the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello was struck by US forces in the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday. A second vessel carrying more than 20 Indian seafarers came under attack from US forces off Oman’s Shinas port on Thursday, marking the third assault on ships with Indian crew in just seven days and underscoring the dangers facing commercial shipping in West Asia amid the escalating regional conflict. The deceased killed in the missile strike on the Settebello were identified as deck cadet Aditya Sharma, engine fitter Shivanand Chaurasiya and chief engineer Patnala Suresh. The tanker had a crew of 28, including 24 Indians and four others ~ two reportedly from Pakistan, one Ukrainian and one Russian. While 21 Indian sailors were rescued, the three missing crew members were later confirmed dead. The deaths prompted India to summon the US Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Jason Meeks, and lodge a strong protest. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi had last night summoned the US diplomat to register a “strong protest” over the killings. “Yesterday, we condemned the attack on a ship off the coast of Oman in which, unfortunately, we lost three Indian nationals. We had summoned the US Chargé d’Affaires here to register a strong protest,” Mr Jaiswal said at an interministerial briefing on Thursday. Mr Jaiswal stated that efforts are underway to bring the mortal remains of the deceased seafarers to India at the earliest The Indian Embassy in Oman confirmed another maritime incident involving a vessel near Shinas port. The targeted vessel, MT Jalveer, a Guinea-Bissauflagged bitumen tanker, was sailing near Shinas when it was attacked. Evacuation of the crew was immediately initiated with assistance from the Royal Navy of Oman. Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mukesh Mangal, said all Indian crew members were safe and no casualties had been reported. (Representational image) Abhishek Banerjee appears before CID after obtaining court protection SUVENDU ADHIKARI, BENGAL CHIEF MINISTER Trinamul MP Kalyan miffed with Abhishek, asks Mamata to choose either him or nephew STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE MUMBAI PM urges Centre-state synergy to realise Viksit Bharat vision CM Adhikari unveils North Bengal-focused growth blueprint, backs stronger Centre-state partnership STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE | STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE development initiatives. Seeking enhanced central support for the region, the Chief Minister formally proposed the establishment of premier institutions such as an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in North Bengal. Hours after Calcutta High Court granted him interim protection from arrest in connection with a police probe into the alleged signature forgery case, Trinamul Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee appeared before a team of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for questioning on Thursday Kolkata, 11 June evening. The Diamond Harbour MP reached CID headquarters at Bhabani Bhavan at around 5.50 p.m, soon after he landed in Kolkata on his return from New Delhi. He left late in the night after a grilling lasting over five hours. Earlier in the day, Calcutta High Court directed that no coercive legal action can be taken against the TMC national general secretary without the court's permission while at the same time making it clear that Mr Banerjee must fully cooperate with the CID investigation into the alleged forged-signature case involving TMC MLAs. The order came after Mr Banerjee’s counsel, Ayan Bhattacharya, informed Justice Kausik Chanda that his client would appear before CID investigators at 6 p.m. today. The lawyer also told the court that Mr Banerjee would respond to summonses issued by the agency between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. whenever required. Mr Banerjee’s counsel faced tough questions from Justice Chanda during the hearing. The judge sought to know when the TMC leader would appear before the CID and directed the lawyer to provide an answer within 10 minutes. Justice Chanda subsequently directed that investigators would be free to seize documents relevant to the case and question Mr Banerjee if necessary. The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled after two weeks, and the CID has been directed to submit a status report on the progress of the probe. Mr Banerjee had approached the High Court seeking protection from arrest and other coercive measures by the CID in connection with the alleged forged-signature case in the West Bengal Assembly. The controversy stems from allegations of forgery and irregularities in the signatures of several TMC MLAs relating to a resolution endorsing senior party MLA Sovandeb Chattopadyay as Leader of the Opposition. The issue sparked turmoil after rebel TMC legislators Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha publicly raised objections. Following their complaints, an FIR was lodged through the Assembly Secretariat. HAL files FIR against aerospace supplier over alleged forged documents in Tejas Mk-1A programme PARWINDER SANDHU New Delhi, 11 June Defence public sector undertaking Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has initiated criminal proceedings against a Hyderabad-based aerospace components manufacturer after an internal verification exercise allegedly uncovered the submission of fabricated quality certification documents linked to supplies for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A programme. According to reports, an FIR was lodged at a police station in Bengaluru following a complaint by a senior HAL official. The complaint names the chief executive of Tec Aero Devices, a supplier engaged in manufacturing aircraft components for the Tejas Mk-1A project. HAL said that the company had received multiple purchase orders for the production of aircraft parts after submiting the necessary vendor approvals and certifications. The orders reportedly covered dozens of component categories required for the indigenous fighter aircraft programme. As per procurement requirements, suppliers are mandated to furnish authentic test and inspection reports for every batch of components delivered. These reports are intended to certify critical quality parameters such as material strength, hardness, structural integrity, corrosion resistance and other technical specifications. The complaint states that concerns arose after discrepancies were noticed in documents submitted by the supplier. A subsequent audit and verification exercise conducted by HAL's quality assurance team reportedly revealed that 199 test reports submitted in support of component supplies were not genuine. The reports had allegedly been attributed to a Hyderabad-based inspection agency. However, during verification, the agency informed HAL that it had not issued any of the documents in question and claimed that its name and authorised signatures had been misused. Following the findings, HAL issued a show-cause notice to the supplier seeking an explanation. Although the company later acknowledged procedural lapses and sought leniency, HAL rejected the request and removed the firm from its approved vendor list for a period of three years. Payments relating to the disputed supplies were also withheld pending further action. Police have registered a case under provisions relating to cheating, forgery and the use of forged documents. Investigators are examining the circumstances under which the alleged falsified reports were submitted and whether they had any impact on the supply chain of the Tejas Mk-1A programme. The development comes as HAL continues to strengthen quality assurance mechanisms for India's indigenous defence manufacturing programmes, where stringent certification and testing standards are considered critical for operational safety and reliability.