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 Dripping oil and blood Putin meets Trump’s envoys, Kremlin links Ukraine deal to territory Page 6 Page 9 BRIEFLY Rupee sinks to all-time low against USD: SATURDAY INTERVIEW ‘Students must be employable’ Page 7 Mamata mounts fresh attack on Centre, ECI STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Kolkata, 23 January Mumbai: The Indian rupee fell to a record low on Friday and posted its steepest weekly decline in six months, weighed by sustained foreign outflows and hedging by importers. The rupee came within a hair's breadth of the 92.00 level on Friday, slipping to an all-time low of 91.965. The currency then settled at 91.94, down 0.34 per cent on the day, taking its losses to 1.18 per cent for the week and 2.3 per cent for the month. The rupee’s underperformance this week was all the more telling considering that most Asian peers managed to post a modest advance against a weakening dollar index amid U.S. President Donald Trump issuing threats over Greenland and later walking them back. Page 10 C hief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday again trained her guns on the BJP-led Central government for systematically insulting Bengal and the Bengali language, even as she slammed the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in the state. She was addressing a gathering after garlanding the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on Red Road on his 129th birth anniversary. “Can we sleep quietly and peacefully when Bengal and the Bengali language are being systematically insulted by some people? The time has come to protest against this evil. It is a fight against the Kauravas who are determined to destroy our beloved country,” she said. Miss Banerjee also alleged Saturday, 24 January 2026 SPORTS WORLD EDITORIAL PAGE | that attempts were being made to re-write India’s history, where the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Baba Saheb Ambedkar, and Sardar Patel are undermined. “We must protest against this evil move,” she remarked. She added: “Bengal produced the highest number of revolutionaries who laid down their lives to free India. Now, people are being abused and even killed for speaking the Bengali language. How can we tolerate this?” Miss Banerjee said: “They are spreading hate and dividing the country. They are trying to dictate what food we should eat, what clothes we should wear, and with whom we should associate. They are attempting to curtail our freedom.” Coming down heavily on the ECI, she said: “In the name of SIR, they are trying to snatch away the fundamental rights In the name of SIR, they are trying to snatch away the fundamental rights of the people. In the name of logical discrepancy, they have harassed citizens. Had Netaji been alive, the ECI might even have summoned him to appear before a hearing. MAMATA BANERJEE, BENGAL CHIEF MINISTER of the people. In the name of logical discrepancy, they have harassed citizens. Had Netaji been alive, the ECI might even have summoned him to appear before a hearing.” ICC to contemplate strict action if B’desh refuses to travel to India: Sources Page 12 Those behind Sabarimala gold loot will be jailed: PM Modi STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Thiruvananthapuram, 23 January Prime Minister Narendra Modi, holding the LDF government in Kerala responsible for the gold heist at the Sabarimala temple, said on Friday that if the BJP comes to power in the upcoming Assembly elections, all those involved in the gold looting would be sent to jail. Addressing a public rally at Putharikandam Maidan here on Friday, Prime Minister Modi said the BJP would ensure a thorough investigation into the Sabarimala gold loot “This is Modi's guarantee. The Lord's gold was looted and if the BJP comes to power in Kerala, all those involved in the gold looting will be jailed,” Mr Modi said. Accusing the LDF of not sparing any attempt to denigrate the beliefs and customs of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, Mr Modi said the CPM was involved in the theft of gold belonging to the deity. The Prime Minister, who began his speech with a greeting in Malayalam, “Namaskaram Thiruvananthapuram”, called it his good fortune to come to the land of Lord Padmanabha Swamy. Launching a scathing attack on both the ruling CPM-led LDF and Opposition Congressled UDF, he said both these fronts are wrecking Kerala in collusion with each other for the past many decades. The time has now come for a transformation in the state by electing an NDA government that stands for development and good governance, he said. “If you want to save Kerala, you have to break the LDFUDF nexus and bring transformation. The flags and symbols of LDF and UDF are different, but they follow the same agenda,” Mr Modi said. Describing the BJP assuming power in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation as historic and unprecedented, he said its reverberation was heard not only in Kerala but across India. Interim regime has plunged B’desh into anarchy, Bangladesh govt rules out playing T20 WC in India democracy in grave danger: Sheikh Hasina JAYANTA ROY CHOUDHURY New Delhi, 23 January The nation must rise united to overthrow this puppet regime in Bangladesh, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Friday, accusing the interim authorities in Dhaka of plunging the country into anarchy and placing democracy in grave danger.She was speaking through an audio link to a Press conference being held here. Sheikh Hasina said: “The entire nation must rise, united to overthrow this puppet regime led by Mohammad Yunus. Let all forces who support the 1971 spirit confront the treacherous designs of Yunus regime.” She also called for restoration of a non-partisan government, ending daily violence and lawlessness, to ensure safety of minorities and women and to stop “politically motivated acts against Press and Opposition.” Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted by a student-led revolt in August 2024, alleged that Bangladesh was facing a “treacherous plot” aimed at “bartering away the country’s territory,”warning that the sovereignty and unity of the nation were under threat. “Bangladesh today is a nation which is bleeding,” she said, describing the prevailing situation as one of fear, repression and economic distress. The Awami League chief said that since her removal from office on 5 August 2024, the country had descended into lawlessness. “Militants and Mohammad Yunus forcibly ousted me. From that day, the nation has been plunged into anarchy,” Hasina alleged, claiming that democratic institutions had been systematically undermined. Hasina described presentday Bangladesh as “a vast prison,” where ordinary people were struggling to survive amid daily violence, insecurity and economic hardship. She warned that democracy was in peril and alleged a sharp rise in assaults against women and minorities under the current dispensation. Outlining the Awami League’s demands, Hasina said her party was calling for the restoration of a non-partisan government, an immediate end to violence and lawlessness, and the proper functioning of civic and administrative services. She also urged the authorities to ensure the safety of minorities and women, end politically motivated actions against the Press and opposition parties, and restore the independence of the judiciary. The former Prime Minister further called for the United Nations to be invited to investigate the violence and human rights violations that have taken place over the past year, arguing that international scrutiny was essential to restore accountability and public confidence. The interim authorities in Dhaka have not responded to Hasina’s allegations. UNITED NEWS OF INDIA Dhaka, 23 January Bangladesh has officially ruled out travelling to India for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, citing what it described as a “genuine security risk” arising from the prevailing regional political situation. The decision was confirmed by Bangladesh’s Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul, who said the safety of players, officials, fans and journalists was non-negotiable and that the call had been taken at the highest level of government. He asserted that the decision rested solely with the Bangladesh government and could not be dictated by any external body. Mr Nazrul’s statement came even as the Bangladesh Cricket Board wrote to the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) of ICC requesting it to overturn the governing body's decision to hold the national men's team's T20 World Cup games in India. However, it is understood its appeal won't be heard as it is outside the remit of the sub-committee. It has been made clear to the BCB that the DRC cannot interfere with mandates made by the ICC Board of Directors, media reports said. Addressing concerns over possible financial penalties and sporting consequences, the Sports Adviser said national dignity and human safety outweighed all other considerations. The ICC had earlier warned that Bangladesh could be replaced if it refused to travel to India, with Scotland named as the potential replacement. During a board meeting on Wednesday, the ICC voted by majority to proceed with contingency plans should Bangladesh not comply with the original schedule. The meeting was attended by representatives of all full member nations, including ICC Chair Jay Shah, BCB President Aminul Islam and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The Bangladesh Cricket Board was given a final 24hour window to consult with the government and confirm its position. However, the government’s announcement has now made Bangladesh’s stance clear. Despite the hard position, Mr Nazrul said Bangladesh remained hopeful of a diplomatic resolution, including the possibility of a venue change. He reiterated the country’s demand to host its matches at a neutral venue such as Sri Lanka, pointing to past precedents where international matches were relocated due to security concerns. The standoff centres on Bangladesh’s refusal to play its group matches in Indian cities such as Kolkata and Mumbai, citing political instability and safety issues. The Pakistan Cricket Board has formally backed Bangladesh’s concerns, writing to the ICC in support of its position. With the ICC deadline approaching, uncertainty continues over Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament, even as Dhaka maintains that player safety will not be compromised under any circumstances. • More reports: Page 12 Five BJP women corporators emerge as Is BJP deliberately trying to create rift between Rahul and Priyanka? information. He doesn’t family ~ allegations the Priyanka has been growing frontrunners in race for Mumbai Mayor want to disturb K C Congress has consistently with a section of leaders STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Mumbai, 23 January Five corporators from the BJP have emerged as frontrunners to be appointed as the Mayor of Mumbai, party sources said here on Friday, after the reservation lottery that took place on Thursday allotted the post to women from the general category. No party has crossed the 114 seat majority mark in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election, but the BJP has emerged as the single largest party, winning 89 out of 227 seats, while the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 29 seats. The Shinde-led Sena has already staked claim to the post of Mumbai mayor, claiming that its rank and file would like to see a Shiv Sena Mayor in Mumbai on the occasion of the birth anniversary of late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray which was celebrated on Friday, 23 January. The five BJP frontrunners for the post are Ritu Tawade, Alka Kerkar, Tejasvi Ghosalkar, Rajshree Shirwadkar and Sheetal Gambhir. Ritu Tawade won the municipal corporation election for the second time from Ghatkopar (Ward 132) from a Gujarati-majority area and within the BJP, she is considered as a strong contender to be Mayor of Mumbai. Alka Kerkar who got elected from Ward 98 (Bandra-KharSantacruz West), is all set to serve her fourth term as a corporator and she has previously served as a deputy mayor. Tejasvi Ghosalkar who got elected from Dahisar with a margin of 10,755 votes, is another potential Mayor of Mumbai candidate, who also happens to be the wife of the late Abhishek Ghosalkar and the daughter-in-law of former MLA Vinod Ghosalkar. Other BJP corporators whose names are being discussed within the party for the post of Mayor of Mumbai are Rajshree Shirwadkar, who is known to be an experienced party workers and Sheetal Gambhir who possesses considerable political experience. Besides Mumbai's BMC, the BJP and its allies also scored decisive victories in the municipal corporations in Pune, Thane and Nagpur. In P une, the BJP's frontrunners for the mayor's post include Varsha Tapkir, who scored a hat-trick winning from Khadakwasla; Swarada Bapat, the daughter-in-law of the late BJP leader Girish Bapat; Ranjana Tilekar, who is mother of MLA Yogesh Tilekar and a five -time corporator; as well as Manjusha Nagpure, who commands considerable weight in the Pune BJP. Also in the race to be Pune's mayor are BJP's Mansi Deshpande and Nivedita Ekbote, sources said. VIBHA SHARMA New Delhi, 23 January According to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi did not want his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Kerala, which is why she was given a role in poll-bound Assam. Priyanka, incidentally, is the Congress MP from Wayanad in poll-bound Kerala. Signalling a high-stakes push in the key north-eastern state, she was recently appointed Chairperson of the Screening Committee for Assam—a state also due for polls along with Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry in 2026. Mr Sarma was quoted as saying in Davos: “Rahul doesn’t want Priyanka in Kerala. I was in the Congress for 22 years and have some inner Venugopal and his axis, and Priyanka is an outsider to that axis. That’s why he transferred her to Assam. An MP from Kerala has not been assigned responsibility in Kerala. How else do you interpret this?” The Assam Chief Minister, who spent over two decades in the Congress before joining the BJP, also described the Gandhis as the “world’s biggest flop family”, claiming that his own family, which grew up struggling, was better than theirs. Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel dismissed Mr Sarma’s remarks, saying the Assam CM was “scared” of Priyanka. Interestingly, Mr Sarma also claimed that he himself was a “victim” of a “rift”: between Rahul and Priyanka during his time in the Congress. But he is not the first BJP leader to suggest internal friction within the Gandhi dismissed as speculative and politically motivated. Earlier, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, another former Congress leader, too, claimed a “rift” between the siblings, alleging that Rahul Gandhi’s sudden trip to Germany during the 2025 Winter Session of Parliament was prompted by his discomfort over comparisons between his and Priyanka’s speeches in the Lok Sabha. During that session, Priyanka led the Congress charge in the House while Rahul, the Leader of the Opposition, was abroad. Her interventions, particularly during the Vande Mataram debate, drew praise from party colleagues. Of late, she has been drawing attention by raising concerns in UP, including alleged “destruction” of the centuries-old Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi. Of late, buzz around within the party viewing her as a more effective and relatable figure than brother Rahul. Supporters cite her natural connection with people, command over Hindi, sharp sense of humour, and conversational speaking style. The grand old party is also believed to be preparing her for a larger role ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. BJP leaders also contrast Priyanka’s political style with Rahul’s, framing her rise as a response to his perceived leadership shortcomings, which Congress leaders see as an attempt to create a narrative of internal competition within the Gandhi family. Rahul and Priyanka, however, have consistently projected unity, backing each other while Congress spokespersons describe such claims as “wild, mischievous and diversionary”.