FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 12 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR A gift that addresses global challenges BRIEFLY V/Adm Sadhu takes over as Controller of Warship Production: Trump: Venezuelan airspace should be viewed as closed EDITORIAL Page 6 Page 12 EOW files FIR against Sonia, Rahul in National Herald case Cong accuses Modi, Shah of vendetta STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 30 November T New Delhi: Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, a veteran officer who played a key role in the modernisation and acquisition of aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya from Russia, has assumed charge as the Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition. Prior to assuming charge as CWP&A, the Flag Officer served as the Programme Director, Advanced Technology Vessel Programme at New Delhi. KKR star Andre Russell announces IPL retirement Centenary Spotlight Page 9 Page 7 Monday, 01 December 2025 SPORTS WORLD PERSPECTIVE | he Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Delhi has registered a fresh FIR based on a complaint from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others, alleging a criminal conspiracy and money laundering scheme amounting to approximately Rs 988 crore in the National Herald case. The FIR stems from an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). According to the ED’s complaint, the accused, including Young Indian (YI) ~ a private company ~ orchestrated a scheme to take over the assets of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publisher of the National Herald newspaper, valued at over Rs 2000 crore, for a mere Rs 50 lakh. The ED alleges that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, who together hold 76 per cent of Young Indian’s shares, were the ultimate beneficiaries of this takeover. The central allegation is that in 2010, a criminal conspiracy was hatched wherein the All India Congress Committee (AICC) assigned its right to recover a loan of Rs 90.21 crore from AJL to Young Indian for Rs 50 lakh. Subsequently, AJL converted this outstanding loan into equity shares, issuing over 9 crore shares to Young Indian, effectively granting it 99 per cent ownership of AJL and its valuable real estate assets. The ED’s investigation has further uncovered additional alleged offences, including the collection of Rs 18.12 crore in bogus donations by Young Indian to pay off a tax demand and the generation of Rs 38.41 crore in fake advance rents by AJL from various entities without any actual rental agreements. The probe also questions the legitimacy of Rs 29.45 crore in advertising revenue claimed by AJL’s newspapers. New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Sunday condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing them of waging a “mischievous politics of harassment, intimidation, and vendetta” against the party’s leadership in connection with the National Herald money laundering case. Mr Ramesh dismissed the case as “completely bogus” and alleged, “Those who threaten are themselves insecure and afraid. Justice will ultimately triumph. Satyameva Jayate,” he posted on X., He reiterated Congress’s defence, stating AJL had 700 shareholders and the conversion of a Rs 90-crore loan into equity of Young Indian was done with shareholder consent. • Details on Page 5 Kohli’s still got it India's Virat Kohli rolled back the years as he scored his 52nd ODI and 83rd international century, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record (51 Test centuries) of most centuries by a batter in a single format of the game, during the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday. Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s 136-run partnership helped India post a massive 349/8. South Africa were bowled out for 332 in their chase. India won by 17 runs. AGENCIES (Earlier report: Page 12) In a truncated Winter Session, heavy legislative load awaits Parliament VIBHA SHARMA New Delhi, 30 November The 2025 Winter Session of Parliament is coming close on the heels of the Bihar Assembly elections, in which the opposition INDIA bloc was decimated ~ a situation that only adds to the political tensions and undercurrents of the proceedings beginning Monday. The outcome of the Bihar polls has emboldened the ruling BJP-led NDA and intensified the anxiety of the opposition. The government and the opposition are entering the truncated' 15-day sitting with sharply divergent viewpoints, be it symbolic or political. While the Centre has framed the session as a crucial window to push long-pending reforms, opposition parties argue that the unusually short duration is meant to curtail scrutiny on issues. Then there is this massive controversy around the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in several states and Union Territories ~ a major flashpoint for the session. Opposition parties on Sunday demanded a discussion on SIR and national security at an all-party meeting, with the government saying that it will engage with everyone to ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament. But will that be sufficient to ensure the smooth functioning of the two Houses? The Election Commission on Sunday extended by one week the entire schedule of the ongoing SIR in nine states and three Union Territories amid allegations by opposition parties that “tight timelines” were creating problems for people and ground-level poll officials, but opposition parties want more than that. Parties like Congress, Trinamool Congress, the DMK, and Samajwadi Party will escalate their opposition during the session. Another flashpoint could be the latest FIR filed against the Gandhis in the National Herald case. Just ahead of the Winter Session, the Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing filed a fresh FIR against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others, charging them with criminal conspiracy and cheating related to the alleged fraudulent acquisition of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), which published the National Herald newspaper. The ruling BJP uses the issue to portray the Congress leadership as corrupt, while Congress leaders label it a vendetta by the Narendra Modi government. There is talk about a “full-day discussion” on the national song Vande Mataram in the session that is already being criticised for being one of the shortest Winter Sessions. According to critics, the move is aimed at diverting attention from issues like inflation, unemployment, pollution, and national security concerns. Opposition parties seek debate as govt holds all-party meeting before Winter Session New Delhi: Ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament beginning Monday, the Opposition has called for detailed discussions on several pressing national issues, setting a challenging tone for the 15-day session. The government on Sunday convened a crucial all-party meeting at the Parliament House Annexe to finalise the legislative agenda and seek cooperation for smooth proceedings. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the meeting, attended by key figures including Rajya Sabha Leader of the House JP Nadda, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Ministers of State Arjun Ram Meghwal and L Murugan, along with senior leaders from the Congress, DMK, TMC, Samajwadi Party, JD-U, TDP, CPI(M) and Shiv Sena. The Opposition pressed for debates on national security following the recent blast in Delhi, the contentious Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, escalating air pollution, farmers’ concerns, the safeguarding of democratic institutions, and foreign policy developments. They questioned the government’s handling of these issues and demanded thorough parliamentary scrutiny. Mr Kiren Rijiju later described the atmosphere of the meeting as positive and reiterated the government’s call for constructive engagement throughout the session, which will conclude on 19 December. He assured that discussions would adhere to parliamentary rules and emphasised the government’s openness to debating critical matters. ECI extends SIR exercise by one week across 12 states, UTs STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 30 November The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a one-week extension to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 12 states and Union Territories. With 1 January 2026 set as the qualifying date, the exercise aims to ensure comprehensive updates to voter lists for maximum inclusion and accuracy ahead of State Assembly elections, the Commission stated on Sunday. The SIR is a periodic exercise designed to cleanse the electoral database, enabling all citizens who turn 18 on or before the qualifying date to be registered as voters. The extension provides Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and field staff additional time to complete ground-level enumeration and rationalisation of polling stations effectively. The revised key deadlines scheduled as follows: Enumeration Period: Extended until 11 December 2025 (Thursday) Rationalisation of Polling Stations: By 11 December 2025 (Thursday) Updation of Control Table and Preparation of Draft Roll: 12 to 15 December 2025 Publication of Draft Electoral Roll: 16 December 2025 (Tuesday) Period for Filing Claims and Objections: 16 December 2025, to 15 January 2026 Notice Phase (Issuance, Hearing, Verification), Decision on Enumeration Forms, and Disposal of Claims and Objections: 16 December 2025, to 7 February 2026 Checking of Health Parameters of Electoral Rolls and Obtaining Permission for Final Publication: By 10 February 2026 Final Publication of Electoral Roll: 14 February 2026 (Saturday). PM charts future of policing at DG-IG conference PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ celebrates India’s SHISHIR ROY CHOWDHURY Raipur, 30 November Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 60th All India Conference of Directors General and Inspectors General of Police at the Indian Institute of Management, Raipur on Sunday, calling for a far-reaching transformation in policing practices to meet the aspirations of a developing nation moving toward Viksit Bharat. The three - day annual conference, held this year under the theme “Viksit Bharat: Security Dimensions, brought together the country’s top police leadership to deliberate on emerging security challenges and long-term policy direction. In his address, the prime minister underlined the need to reshape public perception of the police, especially among young citizens. He emphasised professionalism, sensitivity and community engagement as the foundation for building public trust. Strengthening urban policing, revitalising tourist police systems and expanding awareness of the recently enacted Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, and Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita were highlighted as immediate priorities. Calling for deeper technological integration, he urged police forces to make full use of NATGRID linked databases and to deploy Artificial Intelligence to generate actionable intelligence. He encouraged universities and academic institutions to undertake case studies on forensic-led investigation, noting that wider use of scientific evidence is essential to improve conviction rates and reinforce the integrity of the justice system. Mr Modi also stressed the need for regular monitoring of banned organisations and the sustained development of regions freed from Left Wing Extremism. He called for innovative solutions to strengthen coastal security and reiterated that combating drug abuse requires a coordinated, whole of government approach that balances enforcement with rehabilitation and community intervention. The conference featured detailed deliberations on a broad range of national security priorities, including the policing roadmap for Vision 2047, emerging trends in counter terrorism, measures to enhance women’s safety through technology, strategies for tracking fugitives abroad, and strengthening forensic capabilities to support effective prosecution. spirit of unity, innovation, and triumph STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 30 November In the 128th episode of his monthly radio address ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wove a powerful narrative of India’s progress and resilience, drawing inspiration from recent national celebrations, scientific breakthroughs, and cultural milestones. Reflecting on November’s many sources of motivation, PM Modi highlighted India’s rich heritage and the collective resolve propelling the nation forward. “The month of November brought along many inspirations,” PM Modi said, recalling the grand programmes held on Constitution Day at the Central Hall, the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram, the hoisting of the ‘Dharma Dhwaja’ atop the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, and the inauguration of the Panchajanya Memorial at Jyotisar, Kurukshetra ~ symbols of India’s enduring unity and cultural pride. He praised India’s strides in science and technology, spotlighting the inauguration of the world’s largest aircraft engine maintenance facility in Hyderabad, the induction of INS Mahe into the Indian Navy, and the launch of Skyroot’s ‘Infinity Campus’, epitomising India’s youthful innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. “Our progress is driven by the dedication of our youth, who are propelling India towards self-reliance and global leadership,” he said. Turning to agriculture, PM Modi announced a historic milestone: “India has set a record with foodgrain production of 357 million tonnes ~ an increase of 100 million tonnes compared to a decade ago.” He also celebrated India’s sporting achievements, from hosting the Commonwealth Games to landmark victories by the women’s cricket and boxing teams, calling these “achievements that belong to the country.” Celebrating youth innovation, PM Modi recounted a unique ISRO-organised drone competition where India’s Gen Z faced Mars-like conditions without GPS, relying on onboard technology. “Despite repeated crashes, a team from Pune succeeded in flying their drone in the Martian environment, showcasing resilience much like our Chandrayaan-3 mission,” the Prime Minister remarked. “Every time I see the dedication of our youth and the spirit of our scientists, my heart fills with enthusiasm. This is one of the greatest strengths of Viksit Bharat.”