www.thestatesman.com | FOLLOW US: India’s National Newspaper since 1818 @TheStatesmanLtd | Pages 16 8th Day | @thestatesmanltd ` 5.00 People’s Parliament, Always in Session thestatesman1875 | KOLKATA LC | NEW DELHI | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR Evolve LUCKNOW | SILIGURI | 31 May 2026 S P O RT S Kolkata emerging as a key hub for advanced neuro-rehabilitation I Love Vienna | Arne Slot fired as Liverpool manager a year after winning Premier League title Page 16 Working with Centre to rebuild Maintain a close watch on centres of Bengal across sectors: Adhikari radicalisation in border areas: Shah STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Kolkata, 30 May C hief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Saturday that Bengal needs to be rebuilt and uplifted across all sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, urban services, power and rural development, adding that the state government has already started working closely with the Centre on a series of development initiatives. Mr Adhikari was speaking after he launched the Swachha App, marking the beginning of a wider drive to improve urban cleanliness, civic services and municipal governance across the state, along with Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar, in the city. State Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul was also present at the launch. Following the programme, Mr Khattar, Mr Adhikari and Ms Paul chaired a review meeting attended by senior officials from the state urban development, municipal affairs and power departments, along with other key stakeholders. Addressing reporters after the meeting, Mr Adhikari said: “The Union Minister had called me and said that we must rebuild West Bengal. Over the past three weeks, we have held multiple virtual meetings with Union ministers. Work has already started under the National Health Mission and Ayushman Bharat.” He said the Health Department has been allotted Rs 2,103 crore under the National Health Mission, while the state has received Rs 976 crore under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. He also noted that an agreement worth Rs 39,000 crore has been finalised under the Jal Jeevan Mission. “Bengal must be rebuilt and taken forward in every sector. The BJP government is committed to ensuring the state regains its rightful place as one of the leading regions of the country in terms of development,” Mr Adhikari added. The CM held extensive discussions with Mr Khattar on strengthening the state's power infrastructure and accelerating both urban and rural development. “The Union Minister has assured us of support on a cost-sharing basis for a number of projects aimed at strengthening Bengal's development," he said. Emphasising the need for an improved mass transit infrastructure, Mr Adhikari said cities with populations exceeding three million should have city Metro rail services. He urged the Urban Development Department to prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) and long-term plans for expanding Metro connectivity in the state so that they could be cleared by the Centre. The CM also stressed the need for close coordination between the Centre and the state to tackle drainage, flooding and waterlogging during the monsoon season. “The previous regime in the state would always blame the Damodar Valley Corporation during the monsoons... This time we will work closely with the DVC to ensure that floods and waterlogging can be handled to the best of our capabilities,” Mr Adhikari said. • Related reports: Pgs. 2,3 NIKHIL VYAS New Delhi, 30 May Union Home Minister Amit Shah has asserted that border fencing, maritime border security, and the strong political will of the Gujarat government have brought about a significant transformation in the state’s security landscape and this has resulted in the complete cessation of infiltration into Gujarat and smuggling on the border. Chairing a security review meeting in Bhuj, Gujarat, focusing on security-related issues concerning the border and coastal districts of Gujarat situated along the India-Pakistan Border (IPB), the Union Home Minister emphasised that a zero-tolerance approach should be adopted towards all unauthorised encroachments within the 0-15 km belt along the international border, and efforts should be made to eliminate them. Shah also stressed the need to maintain a close watch on centres of radicalisation in border areas. The Union Home Minister stated that District Magistrates must strictly monitor and regularly report on demographic changes occurring in border districts. He said reverse migration happening in border areas due to the establishment of industrial units is a welcome development. Mr Shah said everyone ~ from police station to patwari ~ should work in unison to ensure deportation of already settled illegal infiltrators. He said the local administrations should formulate SOPs for specific challenges and requirements of each border district, to ensure identification of existing infiltrators and threats related to drones and narcotics. The Union Home Minister said Security Coordination Groups should be formed in every district, comprising the BSF, Coast Guard, Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the Lead Bank Manager. He said the responsibility for the effective enforcement of Income Tax, anti-money laundering, and Customs laws should rest with the District Magistrate (DM), Superintendent of Police (SP), and Inspector General (IG), Border Range. Mr Shah emphasised the need to maintain strict vigil over hawala transactions, financial dealings, mule accounts, shell companies, suspicious vehicles, and GST collections in border districts. He stated that agencies combating financial crimes should strictly be kept apprised regarding border areas. Mr Shah said given the proximity to the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), there is a need to prioritise coastal security and ensure effective coordination with the Indian Coast Guard. He further directed that, alongside the 'Vibrant Villages' initiative, 100 per cent saturation of every scheme must be ensured in the border villages. DK Shivakumar elected CLP leader, to take over as K’taka CM on 3 June Abhishek Banerjee attacked by mob in Sonarpur STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Kolkata, 30 May Bengaluru/New Delhi, 30 May D K Shivakumar was unanimously elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) on Saturday, formally paving the way for him to become Karnataka’s next Chief Minister and bringing to a close months of speculation over a leadership transition that had dominated the state's political landscape. The decision was taken at a CLP meeting held at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, where outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah himself proposed Mr Shivakumar’s name for the top post, signaling a smooth and coordinated transfer of power under the guidance of the Congress high command. The proposal was backed by senior party leaders, including Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, and endorsed unanimously by party legislators. Mr Shivakumar, one of the principal architects of the Congress’ resounding victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, is scheduled to take oath as the state's 25th Chief Minister on 3 June at the Glass House of Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. Following his election as CLP leader, he is expected to meet Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to formally stake claim to form the new government. The transition follows Mr Siddaramaiah’s resignation earlier this week in accordance with a leadership rotation arrangement that had long been the subject of political discussion within Congress circles. The understanding, reportedly worked out by the party’s central leadership after the 2023 Assembly victory, envisaged a transfer of power midway through the government’s tenure between Mr Siddaramaiah and Mr Shivakumar, the two tallest Congress leaders in Karnataka. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Trinamul Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly attacked by protesters while on his way to visit the family of a party worker killed in post-poll violence in Sonarpur in South 24-Parganas district on Saturday afternoon. Mr Banerjee, who chose to ride a motorcycle instead of a four-wheeler amid protests along the route, came under attack as he approached the residence of the slain TMC worker, Sanju Karmakar. According to party leaders, protesters physically assaulted Mr Banerjee, hitting him on the head, neck and body. Eggs and shoes were also thrown at him, while the buttons of his shirt were torn during the scuffle. Amid the chaos, Mr Banerjee was seen donning a cricket helmet for protection as he continued towards the victim’s residence. Protesters raised slogans of “chor, chor” (thief) and “go back” as he walked through the area. Even before Mr Banerjee’s arrival, groups of protesters had gathered at various points in Sonarpur carrying black flags and eggs. As he entered the area on a motorcycle, several people reportedly chased him, leading to physical jostling. Despite the chaos, Mr Banerjee reached the residence of Sanju Karmakar and met the bereaved family. Speaking to reporters, he alleged that there was a complete absence of police protection despite prior intimation to the district administration about his visit. “My head was saved because I was wearing a helmet. Gen Anil Chauhan demits office, leaves legacy of military reforms, tri-service integration PARWINDER SANDHU New Delhi, 30 May Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Saturday demitted office after more than four decades of distinguished military service, bringing to a close a tenure marked by major defence reforms, enhanced tri-service integration and the successful execution of Operation Sindoor. Before laying down office, General Chauhan paid homage to the nation's fallen heroes at the National War Memorial and was accorded a ceremonial Tri-Services Guard of Honour, marking the culmination of an illustrious career that began with his commissioning into the Indian Army in 1981. Reflecting on his journey in uniform, General Chauhan described the occasion as both emotional and fulfilling. “It’s a matter of great honour for me to superannuate with a tri-services guard of honour. I thank the three services and Headquarters IDS for it. With the conclusion of the guard of honour, I bid farewell to my colleagues in uniform, comrades in arms forever. I just laid the wreath at the War Memorial for the last time in uniform, as a humble tribute to those who laid down their lives in the line of duty," he said. Speaking about the transition from military service to civilian life, he added: "After the wreath laying, I was welcomed by friends, relatives and well-wishers. This is symbolic of my transition from uniform to civilian life. I had a very satisfying and excellent tenure." General Chauhan was appointed as India's second CDS on 30 September 2022, succeeding the late General Bipin Rawat. His appointment was significant as he became the first retired three-star officer to be recalled to service and entrusted with the country's highest military position. As CDS and Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs, he was tasked with advancing the government's vision of greater integration and jointness among the Army, Navy and Air Force. During his tenure, General Chauhan emerged as one of the principal architects of India's ongoing military transformation. He pushed forward the long-pending Integrated Theatre Command initiative, aimed at creating unified operational commands that would enable the three services to function in a more coordinated and efficient manner during future conflicts. Under his leadership, the framework for the proposed Northern, Western and Maritime Theatre Commands moved significantly closer to implementation. Beyond structural reforms, he championed the development of integrated logistics, common procurement systems and network-centric warfare capabilities. He consistently advocated the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cyber warfare tools, space-based assets, autonomous systems and drones. Commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles in June 1981, General Chauhan served in a wide range of operational and command appointments during his military career. He commanded the 19 Infantry Division, led the strategically important III Corps in the North-east and later served as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command, overseeing India's operational preparedness along the borders with China and Myanmar. His distinguished service earned him some of the nation's highest military honours, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal. As he demits office, General Chauhan leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond any single operation. His tenure is widely credited with accelerating the transformation of India's higher defence management architecture. Lieutenant General N. S. Raja Subramani (Retd) will assume charge as the next Chief of Defence Staff. My spectacles have been broken. I may leave, but after that these miscreants may target Sanju Karmakar’s elderly parents,” Mr Banerjee said. He asserted that he would not leave the area under pressure. “They want to attack me. Let them do it. I will not leave. I will not abandon Sanju’s elderly parents,” he said, while urging the Calcutta High Court and state Governor R N Ravi to take note of the situation. Mr Banerjee further alleged that attempts were being made to intimidate the victim’s family and claimed that no police personnel were present despite the volatile situation. He accused the state's BJP government of failing to provide security and alleged that he had been deliberately exposed to hostile protesters. Earlier in the day, Mr Banerjee had visited the family of another TMC worker, Bishwanath Pattnaik, who was killed in post-poll violence in Beliaghata. Reacting to the incident, former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in a post on X: “The ruler has turned into the killer. The BJP should be ashamed.” The BJP, however, rejected the allegations linking the party to the incident. State BJP president Samik Bhatta- charya said the party had no connection with what transpired during Mr Banerjee’s visit. “This incident is not linked to the BJP. Had the BJP wanted to retaliate for the alleged atrocities committed by the Trinamul Congress in South 24-Parganas over the past five years, Trinamul leaders would not have been able to step out of their homes. BJP workers have shown restraint,” he said. Critical anchor: Pete Hegseth on India in Indo-Pacific strategy amid China concerns UNITED NEWS OF INDIA Singapore, 30 May US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Saturday identified India as a key pillar of stability in the Indo-Pacific, as Washington sharpened its regional strategy aimed at countering China’s military expansion while pressing allies to expand defence responsibilities. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Mr Hegseth said India’s growing military capabilities and defence-industrial base made it central to maintaining a regional balance of power. He said India plays a stabilising role in South Asia and contributes to wider regional equilibrium.“In South Asia, India is a critical anchor to hold the line. A powerful India acting in its own self-interest advances our shared goal of maintaining a balance of power across the region.” He added that India’s ongoing military modernisation strengthens broader regional security efforts led by the United States and its partners. “India is modernising its military to carry its share of the security burden, particularly in the Indian Ocean.” Mr Hegseth praised India’s expanding defence manufacturing and logistics capacity, highlighting its potential role in supporting both regional operations and US forces. “It’s building out the heavy industrial and logistics capacity to sustain high-end military operations, including the ability to repair and maintain our shared platforms and support U.S. Navy vessels operating forward in the theatre.” He also pointed to growing bilateral defence cooperation, including joint production initiatives. “We’ve also committed to pursuing co-production with India to advance capabilities like Javelin anti-tank guided munitions. Real, tangible steps to improve the collective readiness of our forces.” He said such industrial collaboration was no longer long-term ambition but an immediate strategic requirement. “This kind of industrial muscle isn’t just a long-term goal, it’s an immediate operational imperative.” Mr Hegseth’s remarks came as he reiterated concerns over China’s military expansion, which he described as a central challenge to regional stability. He warned against any single power dominating the Indo-Pacific and said the United States sought to preserve a balance of power. “There is rightful alarm regarding China’s historic military buildup and the expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond.”