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 | Monday, 05 January 2026 SPORTS PERSPECTIVE Somnath: 1,000 years of unbroken faith NATION EDITORIAL It’s raining cash and freebies in poll-bound Tamil Nadu Page 4 Urban Disconnect Page 7 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 4 January I India avoided any comment on Saturday and merely issued an advisory asking Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela in view of recent developments there. “All Indians who are in Venezuela for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with Embassy of India in Caracas through their email id: cons.caracas@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +58-412-9584288 (also for WhatsApp calls),’’ the MEA Page 12 Page 6 India expresses deep concern over developments in Venezuela n its first reaction to the US action in Venezuela, India on Sunday expressed deep concern over the developments in the South American nation and called for addressing issues through dialogue and ensuring peace in the region. The Ministry of External Affairs said: “Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation.’’ New Delhi said India reaffirms its support to the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela. “We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region,’’ it added. The MEA said the Embassy of India in Caracas is in contact with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance. Root, Brook steady England at SCG said in a statement. Official sources said India is still assessing all facts relating to the security situation in Venezuela arising from pre-dawn US airstrikes targeting key military installations, including the Fuerte Tiuna military complex in Caracas. US President Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed that American forces had conducted a “large-scale strike” and announced the capture and removal of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. It is learnt that India is weighing its options against the backdrop of the strain in its ties with the USA and its consistent support for a rules-based global order, respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of every country. The Opposition Congress, meanwhile, expressed “very grave concern” over the US actions, warning that unilateral measures violate international law and pose a threat to global stability. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the developments were “deeply troubling” and underscored the dangers of bypassing multilateral norms. The Left parties issued a joint statement strongly condemning what they described as US military aggression against Venezuela and the “kidnapping” of President Maduro and his wife, calling it a blatant violation of international law and an attack on the sovereignty of a nation. Captured Maduro, wife arrive in New York by plane Washington: A plane carrying Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were captured in an audacious US military strike on Venezuela early Saturday morning, has arrived at a New York military base, according to local media. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, meanwhile, demanded the “immediate release” of the couple at a session of the National Defense Council broadcast by a state television channel. Mr Maduro is “the only president” of Venezuela, she said. Ms Rodiguez was on Sunday directed by her country’s Supreme Court to assume the role of acting President. • More reports: Page 9 Mamata flags ‘harassment’ in SIR process in third letter to CEC STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Kolkata, 4 January Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has once again raised serious objections to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the process, undertaken without adequate preparation, is causing widespread harassment to ordinary voters. In a strongly worded four-page letter to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, the Chief Minister has detailed what she described as “grave and avoidable difficulties” being faced by the public. This is the third time she has written to the CEC on the issue. Expressing clear dissatisfaction with the Election Commission of India’s functioning, Miss Banerjee questioned why Booth Level Agents (BLAs), who were actively involved from the very beginning of the SIR exercise, are now being excluded during the crucial hearing phase. She pointed out that BLAs from various political parties worked tirelessly alongside Booth Level Officers (BLOs), assisting voters with enumeration forms and facilitating the revision process on the Commission’s behalf. However, during hearings, BLAs are reportedly being denied entry to hearing centres, a move she termed unjustified and arbitrary. The CM also highlighted the severe hardship being faced by elderly and ailing voters. According to her letter, senior citizens, including individuals aged 79 and even 104 years, are being compelled to travel long distances to hearing centres to produce documents to establish their citizenship. She described this as inhumane and unnecessary, especially for people with health issues and limited mobility. Assembly elections are due in West Bengal within the next two to three months. Against this backdrop, the ECI launched the SIR exercise in the state and 12 other poll-bound states from the last week of October 2025. The ruling Trinamul Congress has, from the outset, alleged that the timing and manner of the exercise were politically motivated and could influence the electoral process.