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 | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR | LUCKNOW Assam: Decoding the BJP-led NDA’s shifting political dynamics Trump’s new trade gambit PERSPECTIVE When miscalculation meets asymmetry Page 8 Page 6 Page 7 Crude surges past $119, markets roil as Iran targets oil infra in Gulf states JAYANTA ROY CHOWDHURY India condemns attacks on energy installations: New Delhi, 19 March A s Tehran hit oil infrastructure in Gulf nations on Thursday in retaliation to earlier Israeli strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field, energy markets went into an overdrive with the benchmark Brent crude prices jumping to over USD 119 a barrel before settling down to around USD 114 a barrel. The Indian basket, or the average price at which India imports crude also shot up to USD 114.08 a barrel as against USD 69 a barrel last month, as desperate Indian buyers contracted purchase of crude from Russia’s shadow fleet which lies in the Baltic and in the Indian Ocean which after selling at a discount for most months last year is now trading at a premium. “Our fears of oil prices shooting up to USD 130 are now almost a reality. Gas prices have also shot up considerably from about USD 11-12 earlier to USD 19 per metric million Btu,” said Sandeep Johri, a commodities trader. With oil on the boil, India’s rupee traded at a new low of Rs 93.25 at close of Thursday’s trading against the dollar as Indian importers, faced with higher prices, bought more dollars and as nervous foreign investors sold off stock bringing the Sensex down by 2,496.89 PNG push gains pace : 1.25 lakh new connections, 5,600 shift from LPG UNITED NEWS OF INDIA New Delhi, 19 March Amid intensified efforts to ensure access to fuel, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma, on Thursday said around 1.25 lakh new domestic, commercial and industrial PNG connections have been provided over the past two weeks, while more than 5,600 LPG consumers have shifted to PNG in the last three days. During the inter-ministerial briefings held in the national capital today, the government asserted that India’s fuel supply chain remains stable and fully operational despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, even as it urged citizens to refrain from panic buying and rely only on official information. “Crude situation and refinery operation is normal. No dry out has been reported on retail pumps and all the retail outlets are operating normally,” Ms Sharma said, adding that “domestic PNG and CNG for transport, 100 per cent supply is ensured without any cut.” Ms Sharma noted that the government has stepped up efforts to ease pressure on LPG supplies by encouraging a shift towards piped natural gas (PNG). “We have been appealing to our LPG commercial operators to shift from LPG to CNG. Many companies have also announced incentives in this regard,” she said. points, falling over 3 per cent. Oil prices started shooting skywards after news spread early Thursday that Iran targeted energy infrastructure across the Gulf, including Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facility and the Habshan gas facility and Bab field in the United Arab Emirates. These attacks were apparently in retaliation to Wednesday night’s Israeli strikes on Iran’s South Pars gasfield. Qatar’s state-owned energy company, QatarEnergy, Govt launches RELIEF Scheme to support exporters amid West Asia crisis: New Delhi: Amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the Indian government on Thursday launched a new scheme named Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) aimed at supporting Indian exporters facing disruptions due to the ongoing crisis. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal (photo) said the scheme forms part of the government’s broader Export Promotion Mission and is designed to stabilise export flows during a period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Page 10 New Delhi: India on Thursday strongly condemned the attacks on energy installations in the West Asia conflict, calling them deeply disturbing and unacceptable, and said it is trying to diversify its LPG sources to reduce dependence on the region. Without directly blaming Israel or Iran for the attacks, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “Recent attacks against energy installations in different locations across this region are deeply disturbing and only serve to further destabilise an already uncertain energy scenario for the whole world. Such attacks are unacceptable and need to cease.” At his regular Press briefing, the spokesperson admitted that energy supply has been a matter of concern for New Delhi in the wake of the conflict in West Asia. “It has been a matter of concern. Energy shipping routes have been impacted. The supply of LPG is a matter of concern. Therefore, we are prioritising domestic consumption; their needs will be taken care of. Then we'll see how we supply LPG to commercial establishments. But that is a matter of concern because of the shortage of supply.’’ confirmed that several of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities were hit by missile attacks in the early hours of Thursday. No casualties were immediately reported, though emergency services were deployed to extinguish fires. • Related reports: Pgs 9, 10 Ayodhya, 19 March President Droupadi Murmu, on the first day of Navratri, worshipped Ram Lalla and then installed the Shri Ram Yantra in the Ram Darbar on the second floor of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir on Thursday. Prior to that, she toured the Ram Temple complex while CM Yogi Adityanath briefed the President on the work related to the temple construction. Later addressing the workers and devotees , President Droupadi Murmu said: "Lord Shri Ram was born in Ayodhya. It is a privilege for me to set foot on this sacred land. Lord Ram described his birthplace as greater than heaven. The city of Ayodhya is also dearest to all Ram devotees. The artistic depiction of Lord Ram returning to Ayodhya with Mother Sita and his brothers after the war is found on the pages of the Constitution. I am deeply pleased to see this image." "On the occasion of Pran-Pratishtha, I had written a letter to the Prime Minister, in which I had said that it is a matter of good fortune for all of us to witness the construction of Ram Temple," she said. The President said: "We are steadily moving forward towards building a developed nation. We will achieve our goal by 2040 or sooner." She said: "The country is moving forward in the direction of Ram Rajya, as envisioned by Tulsidas in the Ramayana. With the blessings of Lord Ram, the popularity of the Ram Temple is increasing. I pray to the Lord to continue his blessings on all our countrymen." UP Governor Anandiben Patel said that Ayodhya is a | Friday, 20 March 2026 land of faith, culture, and heritage. "Today will always be a memorable day for the countrymen. On the first day of Navratri, the Shri Ram Yantra is being installed in the Ram Temple. It is a privilege to be a part of this sacred event," she said. The Governor said that today Ayodhya has become a centre of global consciousness. Devotees from India and abroad are coming here in large numbers for darshan. India has given the world the message of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam." It has also taught that truth always triumphs. That is why today the world is looking to India for solutions to even the biggest crises. This is the new India, she said. The Governor said: "We are proud of our country. India is a land where power means creation and faith means compassion. Where Smith disappointed to miss IPL; eyes red-ball reset Page 12 PM Modi speaks to Macron, Islamic leaders, urges W Asia de-escalation STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 19 March In a diplomatic outreach amid the war in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to French President Emanuel Macron and top leaders of Oman, Jordan and Malaysia and called for de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy. In a social media post on X, after talking to Mr Macron, the PM wrote: “Spoke with my dear friend, President Emmanuel Macron, on the situation in West Asia and the urgent need for de-escalation, as well as a return to dialogue and diplomacy. We look forward to continuing our close coordination to advance peace and stability in the region and beyond.” During his conversation with Oman’s Sultan, Mr Modi condemned the violation of Oman’s sovereignty. “Had a productive conversation with my brother Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and conveyed advance Eid greetings to the people of Oman. We agreed on the need to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation and subsequent restoration of peace and stability. Reiterated India’s condemnation of the violation of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and appreciated Oman’s efforts to facilitate the safe return of thousands of people, including Indian nationals. India and Oman stand for safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz,” Mr Modi posted. He also spoke to Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim. “Spoke with my friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, and conveyed warm greetings to him and the people of Malaysia on the occasion of the upcoming festival of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. We also discussed the deeply concerning situation in West Asia and reaffirmed our shared commitment to de-escalation and the early restoration of peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy,” the PM wrote on X. Late in the evening, PM Modi also spoke to Jordan’s King Abdullah II and said attacks on energy infrastructure in the region are condemnable and can lead to avoidable escalation. “Conveyed advance Eid wishes to my brother, His Majesty King Abdullah II, the King of Jordan, over phone. We expressed concern at the evolving situation in West Asia and highlighted the need for dialogue and diplomacy for the early restoration of peace, security and stability in the region. Attacks on energy infrastructure in West Asia are condemnable and can lead to avoidable escalation. India and Jordan stand in support of unhindered transit of goods and energy. Deeply appreciated Jordan’s efforts in facilitating the safe return of Indians stranded in the region,’’ Mr Modi wrote on X. CM Mamata writes to ECI protesting ‘unilateral’ transfer of officers, calls move a ‘mockery of democracy’ STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Kolkata, 19 March The large-scale transfer of senior bureaucrats and police officers in Bengal by the Election Commission of India has drawn sharp criticism from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who on Thursday wrote a strongly worded letter to the Chief Election Commissioner alleging “arbitrary” and “biased” action that has disrupted the state’s administration. This is the second letter the Chief Minister has written to the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar within a week. “I am deeply shocked by the functioning of the Election Commission of India… which, in my view, has crossed all boundaries of decency and constitutional propriety,” Miss Banerjee wrote in her letter dated 19 March. She further alleged that over the past few days, the Commission had “most unfortunately and unilaterally, replaced several senior officers of the State,” including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and Director General of Police, along with District Magistrates, Superintendents of Police and Commissioners of Police. Describing the scale and timing of the reshuffle as unprecedented, the Chief Minister said the transfers were carried out “without any cogent reasons and in the absence of any allegation of violation of electoral rules or the Model Code of Conduct.” She added that deploying senior officials as election observers while removing them from their posts has caused “serious disruption to the administration.” Miss Banerjee also linked the transfers to the ongoing President Murmu worships Ram Lalla, installs Shri Ram Yantra STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE SILIGURI SPORTS NATION EDITORIAL PAGE | Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, noting that supplementary lists are yet to be published despite directions from the Supreme Court of India. “Transfer of numerous DEOs at this juncture appears to be driven by a clear mala fide intent… Does this not tantamount to a mockery of democracy?” she asked. Raising concerns over what she termed “contradictory” actions, Miss Banerjee pointed out that officers earlier declared ineligible for poll duties were later appointed as observers in other states. “This hastiness and unilateral allocation of duties is arbitrary, amounts to a misuse of authority and reflects a serious overreach by the ECI,” she wrote, adding that such decisions constituted “direct interference in the affairs of the State.” The Chief Minister also warned of administrative New Delhi, 19 March People used to say that this was a misguided India, but that is not the case. Today, India is showing direction to all the countries of the world. Today, people go to temples more often than outside to celebrate the New Year. I salute the devotees of Lord Ram who have sacrificed their lives for the construction of the Ram Temple." a “deliberate attempt” to create “administrative instability and disorder.” She further warned that such steps risk creating “an atmosphere akin to an emergency or indirect central rule,” undermining “the spirit of cooperative federalism.” Earlier in the day, Miss Banerjee had also taken to Facebook to publicly criticise the poll body, describing the developments as “unprecedented” and “deeply alarming.” ECI eases postal ballot access for elderly, disabled, service voters, and workers on poll duty STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE the essence of religion is to unite society." UP Chief minister Yogi Adityanath said: "Today, there is Ram Rajya in India. There is turmoil in many countries around the world, with wars raging. However, there is peace in India. We are peacefully installing the Shri Ram Yantra here." The CM further said: "This is a new and changing India. fallout, especially during the storm-prone months of March and April. “Their sudden removal at this juncture could severely hamper emergency response efforts,” she noted, cautioning that officers unfamiliar with local conditions may struggle to manage law and order, disaster response and border-related issues effectively. Miss Banerjee said she was “constrained to conclude” that the Commission’s actions were The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced special measures to enhance postal ballot accessibility for elderly citizens, persons with disabilities, service voters, and those on election duty in the forthcoming Assembly elections across Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry. This initiative aims to promote inclusivity and ease participation in the electoral process. Voters aged over 85 and persons with disabilities listed in electoral rolls can now vote from home via postal ballots under Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Eligible voters must apply using Form 12D within five days of election notification. Polling teams will collect ballots from homes following a pre-announced schedule. The facility extends to essential service personnel ~ including fire, healthcare, electricity, traffic, ambulance, aviation workers, and long-distance government transport employees ~ who can apply for postal ballots through nodal officers in their departments. Media personnel authorised for election coverage are also included as absentee voters eligible for postal ballots. Election duty personnel will vote at designated facilitation centres to ensure secrecy, receiving and submitting postal ballots onsite. Service voters, such as armed forces members and those posted abroad, will receive electronic postal ballots via the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS), free of postal charges. All postal ballots must reach Returning Officers by 8:00 ELECTION DUTY PERSONNEL WILL VOTE AT DESIGNATED FACILITATION CENTRES TO ENSURE SECRECY, RECEIVING AND SUBMITTING POSTAL BALLOTS ONSITE. SERVICE VOTERS, SUCH AS ARMED FORCES MEMBERS AND THOSE POSTED ABROAD, WILL RECEIVE ELECTRONIC POSTAL BALLOTS VIA THE ELECTRONICALLY TRANSMITTED POSTAL BALLOT SYSTEM (ETPBS), FREE OF POSTAL CHARGES. ALL POSTAL BALLOTS MUST REACH RETURNING OFFICERS BY 8:00 AM ON 4 MAY, THE COUNTING DAY. am on 4 May, the counting day. Returning Officers and District Election Officers will inform political parties and candidates about these provisions to ensure transparency and smooth operation.