GHATAL FLOODS NEW INTERPRETATION OF THE MAHABHARATA 03 AUGUST 2025 ‘COULDN’T HAVE ASKED ANYTHING MORE FROM HIM’ www.thestatesman.com X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 PAGE 16 SINCE 1818 PAGES 16 |` 5.00 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR GENERALLY CLOUDY SKY. A FEW SPELLS OF LIGHT TO MODERATE RAIN/THUNDERSHOWERS. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 32 AND 25 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. PM Modi lashes out at Oppn over Op Sindoor RAINFALL: 004.6 Mm RELATIVE HUMIDITY MANOJ BHADRA WEATHER PM launches 52 projects worth around Rs 2,200 cr during Varanasi visit Max. 92% Min. 66% VARANASI, 2 AUGUST Max: 33.7°C (-0.7) SUN RISES 05:45 hrs MOON RISES 14:25 hrs Min: 25.7°C (-1.4) SUN SETS 19:11 hrs MOON SETS 00:42 hrs P TEMPERATURE THUMBNAILS A vendor arranges tricolours ahead of Independence Day celebrations in Kolkata on Friday. ANI 5 heavily armed terrorists killed in Kulgam encounter: In a major anti-terror operation, five terrorists of Lashkar-eTaiba (LeT) were killed on Saturday in an overnight gunfight with security forces in the Akhal area of South Kashmir's Kulgam, reports said. The joint operation by the Army, CRPF and J&K Police broke out on Friday evening. Official details of the encounter are awaited. One local terrorist killed in the encounter has been identified as Nazir Dar, resident of Pulwama. (P3) rime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lashed out at the Congress and the Samajwadi Party for their ''negative attitude'' to Operation Sindoor, and called upon the people to use only 'Make in India' products, in an indirect response to US President Donald Trump's decision to slap 25 per cent tariff on Indian products. Calling upon the nation to adopt the mantra of “Vocal for Local”, PM Modi said every new item entering our homes must be Swadeshi, and this responsibility must be embraced by every Indian. PM Modi said Lord Shiva represents welfare, but assumes a fierce form when faced with terror and injustice. “The world witnessed this fierce form of India during Operation Sindoor,” he said, warning that “whoever attacks India will not survive—even in hell.” Issuing a stern warning, he declared: “If Pakistan dares to repeat its mistakes, missiles made in UP will wipe out terrorists.” Addressing a massive public gathering at Banauli village in Sevapuri on Saturday, he dedicated the success of Operation Sindoor to Lord Mahadev, asserting that the mission succeeded only with Lord Mahadev’s blessings. On the occasion, PM Modi inaugurated and laid 52 projects worth around Rs 2200 crores and also released the instalment of Kisan Samman Nidhi to around 9.5 crore farmers in the country. Recalling the 22 April terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent lives, PM Modi said the grief of the victims’ families, especially their daughters and children, deeply moved him. He shared that he had prayed to Baba Vishwanath for strength for the bereaved families and had vowed before the people of Kashi to avenge their pain—“the sindoor of our daughters”—a vow he now considers fulfilled. During his address, PM Modi also hit out at the Congress and Samajwadi Party for their "baseless statements" on the operation, asserting that such actions only strengthen the resolve of a united and self-reliant India. He credited the success of Operation Sindoor to the unity of 140 crore Indians, calling it the foundation of India’s strength. “This unity sparks a new consciousness each time,” he said, asking the crowd if they weren’t proud of India’s might and the operation’s success. He highlighted the precision strikes by Indian drones and missiles that reduced terror hideouts to rubble, adding that many of Pakistan’s airbases “are still in the ICU.” Launching a sharp attack on the opposition, he said, “The Congress, its allies, and friends cannot digest that India destroyed Pakistan’s terror bases. Pakistan’s sorrow is understandable ~ but why are Congress and SP sharing their grief?” he asked. He added: “On one side, the king of terror cries; on the other, Congress and SP weep over the condition of terrorists.” Accusing Congress of insulting the armed forces, he said the party is calling Operation Sindoor a “tamasha” (gimmick). “Tell me ~ can sindoor ever be a tamasha? Calling our army’s valour and our daughters’ honour a spectacle is shameful and will not be tolerated,” he asserted. India continues to source oil from Russia, say govt sources, counters Donald Trump’s claim STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 2 AUGUST Indian oil refiners will continue to purchase oil from Russia and the decision is guided by several economic factors, including price, grade of crude, and logistics among others, government sources said on Saturday. The clarification came hours after US President Donald Trump claimed that he has heard that India will not purchase Russian crude oil. "Indian oil refiners continue to source oil from Russian suppliers. Their supply decisions are guided by price, grade of crude, inventories, logistics and other economic factors," news agency ANI quoted sources as saying. The government sources further explained the rationale behind India’s continued oil purchases from Russia, saying the country is the world’s second-largest crude producer with an output of about 9.5 million barrels per day (nearly 10 per cent of global demand) and is also the secondlargest exporter, supplying roughly 4.5 million barrels per day of crude and 2.3 million barrels per day of refined products. The sources, as quoted by the agency, further noted that concerns over the potential exit of Russian oil from global markets and the resulting disruption in traditional trade routes had driven Brent crude prices to spike to $137 per barrel in March 2022. "In such a challenging scenario, India ~ the world’s third-largest energy consumer with an 85% dependence on crude oil imports ~ adjusted its sourcing strategy to secure energy at affordable prices, while fully complying with international regulations," they added. Earlier on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had also clarified that India source its energy requirements on the basis on price and the global situation at that time. "As far as sourcing India’s energy requirements is concerned, we take decisions based on the price at which oil is available in the international market and depending on the global situation at that time,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly press briefing. He, however, denied knowledge when asked about Mr Trump’s claim. The US President, while speaking to reporters, had said: "Well, I understand India no longer is going to be buying oil from Russia. That's what I heard. I don't know if that's right or not, but that's a good step. We'll see what happens." Rahul Gandhi accuses government of Tejashwi alleges name missing from intimidation, Jaitley’s son rebuts claims Bihar voter list; sparks political storm STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 2 AUGUST Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has made a serious allegation against the government, claiming that the late Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was sent to intimidate him during the farmers' protest. However, Jaitley's son, Rohan Jaitley, strongly denied the claim. Mr Gandhi made these allegations while speaking at the Annual Legal Conclave 2025, organised by the AICC Law, Human Rights and RTI Department. He expressed concerns over the government's approach towards constitutional institutions and alleged that the ruling party is undermining democracy. Mr Gandhi claimed that Arun Jaitley was sent to threaten him during the farm laws protest, telling him to stop opposing the government. "Arun Jaitley ji was sent to me to threaten me. He told me 'if you carry on opposing the government, fighting the farm laws, we will have to act against you'," Mr Gandhi alleged. Rohan Jaitley countered Mr Gandhi's allegations, stating that his father would never have been involved in such activities. This would not have been the first time Rahul Gandhi and Arun Jaitley clashed, with Jaitley previously criticising Mr Gandhi's knowledge and expertise. While speaking at the Annual Legal Conclave today Mr Gandhi alleged that the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, were rigged to favour the Bharatiya Janata Party. It was during his speech that Mr Gandhi alleged that former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was sent to threaten him during the farm laws protest. He further claimed that Jaitley's threat was an attempt to intimidate him into stopping his opposition to the government's policies. During the speech Mr Gandhi pointed to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP won with a slim majority. He said: “If 15 seats were (not) rigged, he (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) would not have been the Prime Minister of India." He also highlighted the significant number of new voters who appeared during the Maharashtra assembly polls, alleging that those votes were largely in favour of the BJP. Mr Gandhi reiterated that his party has "open-andshut proof" of electoral malpractice, which it will reveal soon. "We are going to prove to you in the coming few days how a Lok Sabha election can be rigged and was rigged," he stated. The Congress leader equated the potential impact of this evidence to an "atom bomb" that would expose the Election Commission of India's involvement in vote theft. The Election Commission of India has dismissed Gandhi's allegations as "baseless" and "irresponsible." The poll body stated that its officials should continue working impartially and transparently, unaffected by daily threats or false statements. IMRAN MOJIB PATNA, 2 AUGUST Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav stirred a political controversy on Saturday by claiming that his name was missing from the draft electoral roll uploaded by the Election Commission on its website. However, the Election Commission promptly responded with a copy of the draft voter list showing the RJD leader’s name included. Later, Mr Yadav rejected the Election Commission’s claim arguing that the EPIC Number mentioned in the list shared by the Election Commission – RAB0456228 – does not match with the one printed on his existing Election Photo Identity Card - RAB 2916120. He insisted that EPIC Numbers are unique and cannot be changed. Nuns granted bail in Chhattisgarh conversion-trafficking case, walk free STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE RAIPUR, 2 AUGUST A special NIA court in Bilaspur on Saturday granted conditional bail to two Catholic nuns and a tribal youth arrested in a high-profile case of alleged religious conversion and human trafficking. The court observed that the accused had no prior criminal history and ordered their release on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 each, subject to strict conditions, including surrendering their passports and not leaving the country without prior court approval. The accused, Sisters Preeti Mary and Vandana Francis, walked out of the Central Jail in Durg, Chhattisgarh, at 3.40 p.m. on Saturday, after spending eight days in custody. The two, along with a youth, Sukhman Mandavi, were taken into custody on 25 July at Durg railway station following a complaint by Bajrang Dal members. The latter had alleged that the three were coercing tribal girls from Narayanpur into converting to Christianity and were attempting to transport them out of the state under false pretenses. Initially detained by the Railway Protection Force in Durg, the case was referred to the National Investigation Agency after the Durg Sessions Court declined to proceed, citing lack of territorial jurisdiction. The matter was then transferred to the special NIA court in Bilaspur. Mr Mandavi also walked out free on Saturday evening. During the hearing, defence counsel Amrito Das argued that the girls were neither kidnapped nor coerced, and that they belonged to Christian families who had willingly permitted them to travel. Consent letters from the girls’ parents were submitted to the court, affirming that the decision to travel was voluntary. “Both nuns are social workers with clean records. The case has been distorted to serve political agendas,” said Das. Special Judge Sirajuddin Qureshi, while granting bail, noted that no strong evidence of force or induce- ment had emerged in the preliminary probe. The two nuns looked tired but had smiles on their faces when they emerged from the jail and hugged their colleagues. Among those who were waiting outside were Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, lawmakers from Kerala, including Jose K. Mani, John Brittas, Santhosh Kumar, Roji M. John, Anwar Sadath, Chandy Oommen, and a few colleagues of the two nuns. Congress state president Deepak Baij welcomed the verdict, calling it “a victory of justice over propaganda.” He added: “The girls have confirmed they travelled with the consent of their families. The BJP is using conversion politics to divert attention from governance failures.” Congress MLA from Bilaspur, Atal Shrivastava, accused right-wing groups of inciting communal tension. “This is a clear attempt to manufacture hate and divide communities under the garb of religion. We trust the judiciary, and today's decision restores that faith,” he said. Reacting to a video circulating on social media, which purportedly shows a local Hindu activist, Jyoti Sharma, threatening the accused at the railway station, Mr Shrivastava said: “I don't know who Jyoti Sharma is, but such behaviour is characteristic of the BJP ecosystem.” Senior CPI(M) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Brinda Karat also condemned the arrests in a sharply worded statement. “This case is part of a larger pattern where organisations like the BJP, RSS, Bajrang Dal, and Durga Vahini weaponise false FIRs against minorities and tribal communities engaged in faithbased service,” she said. “The Christian community, along with democratic forces, will legally challenge every falsehood. We demand the immediate withdrawal of the case and will continue the fight until justice is achieved.” He also said that if EPIC Numbers can be changed arbitrarily by the Election Commission, it will lead to widespread confusion. Earlier, during a press conference in Patna, Tejashwi Yadav had attempted to check his name in the draft voter list on Election Commission of India’s website under his EPIC number RAB 2916120, but the site returned a “Not Found” result. He said: “If the Election Commission’s website is not showing my name, it means the Commission is operating a fraudulent website. One can imagine the kind of difficulties faced by those living outside Bihar. The Election Commission is repeatedly violating its own guidelines and rules. There is a larger conspiracy to undermine democracy.” Responding to the allegation, the Patna District Administration posted a full page of the draft voter list on 'X' which also shows Tejashwi Yadav’s name on it. Tejashwi’s statement drew strong criticism from the ruling parties in Bihar. Minister of Bihar Samrat Chaudhary said: “Lalu Yadav's family considers democracy a joke. When they are losing elections, they make new excuses. Rahul Gandhi will soon drop a ‘bomb,’ everyone is waiting.” JanataDal(U)labelledTejashwi “a political fraud” and demanded a public apology. JD(U chief state spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said that Tejashwi’s name appears in the revised voter list as a voter from the Digha constituency. His polling booth is located at the Bihar Veterinary University Library Building, and his EPIC number is RAB0456228. Mr Kumar alleged that if the RJD leader claims that his EPIC Number is RAB 2916120, it implies dual registration which is a political fraud. Prajwal Revanna sentenced to life imprisonment AGENCIES BENGALURU, 2 AUGUST A Special Court for MPs/MLAs in Bengaluru sentenced Prajwal Revanna to life imprisonment till death and imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on Saturday in connection with an obscene video and rape case involving a 47-year-old woman. Prajwal Revanna is the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. Judge Santosh Gajanana Bhat announced the verdict. The court sentenced Prajwal Revanna to life imprisonment till death under IPC Section 376 (2) (N) for repeated rape and a Rs 5 lakh fine. The court further awarded life imprisonment and another Rs 5 lakh fine under the IPC Section 376 (2) (k) for committing rape on a woman while being in a position of control or dominance over such woman. The court has directed that Rs 7 lakh from the fine amount collected from Prajwal Revanna be provided to the victim. Prajwal Revanna stood before the court, joining both his hands, when the quantum of punishment was pronounced. The court, after pronouncing him as guilty, recorded the final statements of Revanna, the Special Public Prosecutors and counsel for Revanna earlier in the day. Prajwal Revanna was convicted under IPC Sections 376 (2) (N) for the offence of committing rape repeatedly on the same woman and being a public servant committing rape on a woman in custody, 376 (2) (K) for the offence of committing rape on such woman over whom he is in a position of control or dominance, 354 (B) for use of criminal force to a woman with the intent to disrobe her, 354 (C) for the offence of voyeurism, watching, capturing images of woman and IT Act 66 (E) for violation of privacy. Revanna faces three more cases of a similar nature. The Special Public Prosecutors, during their final statement on the quantum of punishment on Saturday, urged the Special Court to award the maximum sentence - life imprisonment - to former MP and convict Prajwal Revanna in the obscene video and rape case. They argued that such a sentence would send a strong message to society and serve as a deterrent to others committing similar crimes.