SUNDAY www.thestatesman.com 04 DECEMBER 2022 FIND US ONLINE Scan this with your smartphone twitter.com/TheStatesmanLtd facebook.com/thestatesman1875 Pages 12 |` 5.00|LC KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR SNOWDEN RECEIVES RUSSIAN PASSPORT, TAKES CITIZENSHIP OATH XI BLINKS P6 WEATHER MAINLY CLEAR SKY. MIST/SHALLOW FOG IN THE MORNING. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 26 AND 08 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: NIL RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max.97% TEMPERATURE Max: 26.4°C (+1) SUN RISES 06:59 hrs MOON RISES 14:56 hrs ROHIT, KOHLI RETURN ‘MAKE EDUCATION MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR AS INDIA BRACE KIDS WITH DISABILITIES’ THEMSELVES FOR ODIS P10 P5 Govt focussed on accessibility: PM In remarks on International Day of Persons with Disabilities Min. 45% STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Our government has undertaken numerous initiatives which have created opportunities for persons with disabilities and enabled them to shine.I would also like to acknowledge all those working at the grassroots to bring a positive difference in the lives of persons with disabilities NEW DELHI, 3 DECEMBER Min: 8.4°C (-1) SUN SETS 17:24 hrs MOON SETS 04:09 hrs L THUMBNAILS The Rashtrapati Bhavan complex is illuminated with purple light on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities in the Capital on Saturday.  SUBRATA DUTTA Court acquits Umar Khalid in stone pelting, torching case: Delhi's Karkardooma Court has acquitted 2020 Delhi riots' accused Umar Khalid and Khalid Saifi from the counts of arson, vandalism, and stone pelting on Saturday.Khalid is a former JNU student leader while Saifi is the founder of the United Against Hate organisation.While hearing the matter, Additional Sessions Judge Pulastya Pramachala discharged Khalid and Saifi. (SeePage2) auding the fortitude and accomplishments of persons with disabilities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said his government has taken several initiatives to create opportunities for them to shine. In a series of tweets on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, he lauded the fortitude and accomplishments of “our Divyang sisters and brothers”. He said; “Our government has undertaken numerous initiatives which have created opportunities for persons with disabilities and enabled them to shine.” The PM said the government was equally focused on accessibility, which was reflected in the flagship programmes and creation of next-gen infra. “I would also like to acknowledge all those working at the grassroots to bring a positive difference in the lives of persons with disabilities,” he added. The annual observance of International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992, by a United Nations General Assembly resolution. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. The main programme of the observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities is held at the UN Headquarters in New York. ‘One who abuses can’t be big, one who gives vaccines ought to be big’ STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 3 DECEMBER Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who is facing flak from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over his "Ravan" jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday accused the ruling party of misusing his remarks for electoral gains in Gujarat, and said that politics is not about individuals but policies.Mr Kharge told news agency PTI that he believes in “performance politics”, but the BJP's style of politics often lacks the spirit of democracy as "they make it about one person only, who is everywhere". Asked whether personal attacks, such as his own “Ravan” jibe, have become a key feature of the campaign, he said, "They are misusing it for electoral gains.” SNS & AGENCIES their thinking,” he said.Mr Patra noted that a Congress leader from Karnataka has now called the PM 'Bhasmasur' while Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge recently called him 'Ravan'. Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi had even called Modi a 'Maut ka Saudagar' (Merchant of Death), he recalled. Referring to US President Joe Biden's statement that he stood with his "friend" Modi as India took over the G-20 presidency, Mr Patra said on the one hand the world was standing with the Indian leader while on the other, the Congress was using such language for him. "This is sad and worrisome," he added. He also attacked Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of trying to project a lie as the truth. Just a few days back, Mr Kejriwal said that Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has got a clean chit and that there was no scam in the excise policy. Mr Patra wondered why Mr Sisodia and many other accused have changed mobile phones dozens of times, saying the common man never changed mobile phones so quickly. NEW DELHI, 3 DECEMBER Hitting out at the Congress, the BJP today said abusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become a “new normal” for the Opposition party. The Congress has completed a century of abuses against the PM, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, adding the people of Gujarat and the rest of the country would now give a befitting response to the party. “The people will now finish this party in a democratic way through the EVM...one who abuses can't be big but one who gives vaccines during Covid ought to be big,” he said at a media briefing. “The manner in which top leaders of the Congress party are repeatedly using language and abuses for PM Modi is being seen on TV every day. In such a situation, Congress has established itself as a party of abusers. Congress leaders called Modi ji 'lowly', 'Yamraj' and whatnot. In this way, Congress leaders have completed 100 abuses. It reflects KOLKATA, 3 DECEMBER Switzerland's players celebrate after beating Serbia 3-2 at their match in the FIFA World Cup 2022 on Saturday. With the win, Switzerland took the last slot in the Round of 16.  ANI (Left) Brazil's Gabriel Martinelli in action during the match against Cameroon on Saturday Cameroon won 1-0, but despite the victory finished third in its group and was eliminated.  ANI We are keeping close watch in Indian Ocean: Navy chief STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 3 DECEMBER The Indian Navy is closely monitoring all developments in the Indian Ocean, including the movement of Chinese Navy ships that operate in the region, Navy Chief, Admiral R Hari Kumar said today. “There are a lot of Chinese ships which operate in the Indian Ocean Region. We have about 4-6 PLA Navy ships, then some research vessels which operate. A large number of Chinese fishing vessels operate in the Indian Ocean Region. We keep a close watch on all developments," the Navy chief said at his annual press meet ahead of the Indian Navy Day tomorrow. He noted that nearly 60-odd other extra-regional forces BJP trying to misuse my remarks: Kharge Blast kills 3 near Bengal Opp leader’s home Court extends gangster Bishnoi's NIA remand by another 4 days: A Delhi Court on Saturday extended by 4 days the NIA remand of Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in connection with the Siddhu Moosewala murder case. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing the angle of links of Delhi NCR's gangsters with terror outfits. Special Judge (NIA) Shailendra Malik of Patiala House Court on Saturday granted another 10 days' remand period to NIA after hearing the submissions made by the agency. NIA on Saturday produced Lawrence Bishnoi through Video Conferencing after the end of his 10 days' remand granted on the last date of hearing. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar presents a memento to Badminton player P.V. Sindhu at the flag-in ceremony of the 1,500 km (35 Marathon in 35 Days) running expedition conducted as part of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' and Navy Day celebrations, at Kota House, in New Delhi on Saturday. ANI were always present in Indian Ocean Region (IOR). “We are aware it's a vital region where there is a large amount of trade which transits, energy flows which hap- pen. Our job is to see that India's interests in the maritime domain are protected,” he added.The Navy chief said maintaining a credible deterrence was the task of any armed force, especially the Navy. Admiral Kumar said the aim of the Indian Navy was to have “Made in India, Made by India, and Made for India” security solutions so that it could contribute to the “Atmanirbharta” mission. As far as the optimisation of the Budget was concerned, the Indian Navy was driving selfreliance and development of indigenous technology and it has adequate funding for all capital projects, he said. Admiral Kumar said the Navy was following the motto of being a combat-ready, credible, cohesive, and futureproof force. He also stated that the Navy has achieved a very high operational tempo in the last one year.Citing recent global events like the RussiaUkraine conflict, he said India P12 could not stay dependent on the world for its defence requirements. He added that the government has given the Navy very clear guidelines on “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. “Recent global events amply underscore that we can't remain dependent on others for our own security requirements... the government has given us very clear guidelines on Aatmanirbhar Bharat and one of the Navy's commitments to the top leadership is that we'll become an Aatmanirbhar Navy by 2047," he said. Speaking on the Agnipath Scheme, he said the first batch of 3000 “Agniveers”, including 341 women sailors, have been inducted and their training has begun at INS Chilka this month. Three persons were killed in an explosion near the ancestral residence of Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, in East Midnapore district. The explosion took place late Friday night, a few hours before Trinamul Congress’s national general secretary and party MP Abhishek Banerjee addressed a rally in Contai town, about 1.5 kilometres from the site of the explosion. The incident occurred at Trinamul Congress booth president Ramkumar Manna's house in which he also died.The other two killed in the explosion were identified as Debkumar Manna, a cousin of Rajkumar and Biswajit Gayen. Questions were being raised on lapses in the security arrangements, especially when the entire area had been cordoned off by police since Friday because of Abhishek Banerjee’s rally. Huge police contingent has not only cordoned off the area where the TMC national secretary was to hold the rally, but also the ancestral residence of the leader of the opposition, to prevent any untoward incident at the time of the rally. However, political mudslinging has started. According to the local BJP legislator from Bhagabanpur assembly constituency, Rabindranath Maiti, the blast took place because of the stocked explosives at the residence of Manna which were meant for manufacturing of crude bombs. SNS & AGENCIES Judiciary cannot become legislature or executive: V-P AGENCIES NEW DELHI , 3 DECEMBER Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday said that the judiciary cannot become the legislature or executive as any incursion by one organ into the domain of the other can upset the apple cart of governance. “Our judiciary being one of the critical institutions of governance cannot be the executive or legislature. The doctrine of separation of power is fundamental to our governance. Any incursion, howsoever subtle, in the domain of the other by one has the capacity or potential to unsettle the apple cart of governance," Dhankar said while speaking at the 8th LM Singhvi memorial lecture (in photo). He said that the power resides in the phrase "We the people" mentioned in the preamble of our constitution.“It is indicated in the preamble of our constitution - we the people. That means the power resides in the people - their mandate, their wisdom. Indian parliament reflects the minds of the people," Dhankar said, adding, "In the year 2015-16, the Parliament was dealing with a constitutional amendment act and as a matter of record the entire Lok Sabha voted unanimously. There was no abstention and no dissention. And the amendment was passed. In Rajya Sabha it was unanimous, there was one abstention. We the people - their ordainment was converted into a constitutional provision."Dhankar further said that I expect everyone to rise to the occasion and to be part of the growth story that is India. “I appeal to the people here - they constitute the judicial elite class, thinking minds, intellectuals, please find out a parallel in the world where a constitutional provision can be undone. I appeal to everyone that these are the issues that must not be viewed on partisan lines. I expect everyone to rise to the occasion and to be part of the growth story that is India," he said. Supreme Court and high court judges were also present there at the occasion. Campaign ends forII phase; CM, Hardik in fray Urban voter apathy during HP, Gujarat polls STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE AHMEDABAD, 3 DECEMBER Campaigning came to an end this evening for the second phase of polling for the Gujarat assembly elections scheduled on 5 December.Prime Minister Narendra Modi campaigned intensively in many constituencies of his home city, including holding long road shows and addressing street corner meetings. In the second phase on Monday, polling would be held in as many as 93 constituencies in north and central Gujarat comprising much of the state’s industrial hubs in Ahmedabad and Vadodara. Polling in the first phase on 1 December for 89 seats spread across Saurashtra, Kutch and southern Gujarat had recorded a turn out of 63 per cent, keeping the political parties guessing about the voters’ mood. Prominent among those in the fray for the second phase polling are Chief minister Bhupendra Patel, Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani, Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel and young OBC leader Alpesh Thakore, now a BJP nominee. Also in the fray for the second phase of elec- tions are daughter of a convict in the Naroda Patiya massacre case in which 89 people were killed during the VHP sponsored bandh to avenge the killing of 58 passengers in Sabarmati Express inferno at Godhra on 27 February 2002. Another interesting nominee who is contesting in the second phase of the Gujarat polls is C K Raulji who was instrumental in securing the premature release of the eleven rapists convicted for gang rape of Bilqis Bano after the Godhra tragedy in 2002.The ruling BJP is also facing tough fights from its rebel candidates who filed their nominations as independents following denial of party tickets this time. Several defectors from the Congress have been nominated as BJP candidates as the ruling party has envisaged winning potential in them. Counting of votes for all the 182 assembly constituencies would be taken up on 8 December. AGENCIES NEW DELHI,3 DECEMBER Voting pattern in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat has disclosed urban reluctance from Shimla to Surat. Taking note of this, the Election Commission has urged voters of Gujarat to come out in large numbers during the second phase of voting (December 5) to compensate for low voting in the first phase (December 1). Surat, Rajkot and Jamnagar have recorded lower than state average voter turnout of 63.3 per cent in the first phase of Gujarat Assembly elections. While voting percentage increased in many constituencies, the average The EC has urged voters of Gujarat to come out in large numbers during the second phase of voting (5 December) to compensate for low voting in the first phase (1 December ). voter turnout figure was dampened by urban apathy of these important districts just as during the recently concluded Himachal Pradesh assembly poll, the urban assembly constituency of Shimla recorded the lowest at 62.53 per cent (less by 13 percentage point) as against the State average of 75.6 per cent. Gujarat cities have shown the similar urban apathy trend during voting on 1st December 2022 in Assembly elections thus pulling down the percentage of voting in the first phase. Noting the voter turnout figures with concern, CEC Rajiv Kumar, on behalf of EC appealed to the voters of Gujarat to come out in large numbers during the second phase so as to compensate for low voting in 1st phase. The possibility of surpassing 2017 voting percentage now lies in their increased participation only. As per the EC, the Gandhidham AC in Kuchchh district, which has industrial establishments record- ed the lowest polling percentage of 47.86 per cent, a sharp decline of 6.34 per cent than the last election in 2017, recording a new low. The second lowest voting was in Karanj constituency of Surat, which is also 5.37 per cent lower than its own low of 55.91 per cent in 2017.Major cities or urban areas of Gujarat have not only recorded a decline in voting percentage as compared to 2017 elections, but have also voted much less than the state average of 63.3 per cent. Decline in Rajkot west is very sharp at 10.56 per cent.The voting percentage in the first phase of election in 2017 was 66.79 per cent.