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 | LUCKNOW | MUMBAI | SPORTS WORLD RS: 19 MPs take oath; Nitish’s oath-taking on 10 April BRIEFLY SC directs NIA to investigate Judges’ gherao during West Bengal SIR: Kolkata: The Supreme Court on Monday handed over the investigation into the gherao of seven judicial officers, including three women judges engaged in the SIR of electoral rolls in the State - on the evening of April 1, 2026, to the NIA. It directed the West Bengal Police to immediately transfer all FIRs, investigation records so far, and the custody of two accused to the central agency. Reiterating that the gherao of judicial officers was a “motivated, preplanned and calculated” act that required investigation to its roots, a Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi entrusted the probe to the NIA by invoking its plenary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, as the incident did not fall within the scheduled offences under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008. Page 9 Modi flags political violence in Bengal UNITED NEWS OF INDIA Kolkata, 6 April P rime Minister Narendra Modi addressed party workers virtually on the occasion of the BJP Foundation Day on Monday, sharply criticising past Congress rule while highlighting the rise and expansion of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) across the country. In his speech, Modi alleged that West Bengal is increasingly becoming a hub of political violence, especially in the run-up to the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026. Without naming the ruling Trinamool Congress, he accused the state’s political culture of normalising violence. He claimed that several BJP workers have been attacked and even killed, and paid tribute to those who lost their lives. “Our workers have been attacked repeatedly, but we have neither stopped nor stepped back. We have continued the fight,” he said. Modi also targeted the Indian National Congress, blaming its period in power for creating multiple challenges in the country. He contrasted that era with the BJP’s rise, stating that the party has earned widespread public support due to the tireless efforts of its workers. Emphasising organisational strength, the Prime Minister said BJP workers have internalised the party’s ideology, helping transform it into a strong political force. He underscored the Decoding Congress’ rumblings: Genuine veteran unease or justified generational shift VIBHA SHARMA New Delhi, 6 April Recent remarks by senior Congress leaders Anand Sharma and Kamal Nath, praising the Narendra Modi government’s handling of the West Asia crisis and domestic fuel supply, have exposed fault lines within the party, in turn raising a larger question — is the Congress unraveling, or undergoing a deliberate generational shift? Sharma described the government’s foreign policy as “mature and skilful,” urging national unity during the West Asia crisis. Nath dismissed concerns over fuel shortages, suggesting that panic was being unnecessarily created. Their views diverged from the official party line led by Rahul Gandhi, who has been critical of the government’s approach. Interestingly, however, the statements came after both Sharma and Nath were denied Rajya Sabha nominations for the 2026 biennial elections. Once considered automatic choices, their exclusion signals a significant shift in the party’s Page 12 NATION Current year likely to be more challenging: FM Page 10 In-form Rajasthan Royals look to extend strong start against MI Page 5 Trump issues new threat against Iran BUSINESS Tuesday, 07 April 2026 internal dynamics. Observers interpreted this as a calculated move by Rahul Gandhi and the party leadership to reshape the Congress. “By sidelining the old guard, the party appears to be creating space for a younger, more ideologically aligned second line of leadership that is ready to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Gandhi does, they said. The strategy, to an extent, also mirrors the BJP’s approach of promoting younger leaders capable of taking on political opponents more aggressively. For instance, in Himachal Pradesh, the party preferred a district-level leader, reinforcing the message that organisational loyalty and grassroots work now outweigh seniority. The shift has triggered visible disquiet. Sharma publicly remarked that “speaking the truth has become a punishable political crime,” reflecting frustration among veterans who feel sidelined. Some critics also argue that consolidation of decision-making power around Rahul Gandhi is moving away the Congress from its traditional ways where senior leaders mattered. At the same time, however, such moves are also being seen as Gandhi’s genuine attempt to recast the party’s image. His outreach to younger voters and emphasis on “Gen Z” engagement signal an effort to make the Congress more relevant to a changing electorate. In those terms, the 2026 nominations also reflect a push for social justice, with candidates from diverse and underrepresented communities being prioritised. “However, this transition is not without risks. Senior leaders bring experience, networks, and credibility—assets that cannot be easily replaced. Their alienation could weaken the party in the short term, even as it attempts long-term renewal,” say critics The contrasting responses within the party also highlight its current crossroads. While leaders like Jairam Ramesh have defended the dissent as a sign of internal democracy, others have warned of deeper fractures. On Sharma praising India’s diplomatic handling of the West Asia crisis, Ramesh called it “another example that clearly demonstrates that in our country there is a mature democratic party—the Indian National Congress” and likewise on Nath’s remark that there is “no gas or LPG shortage.” BJP leaders, including Jyotiraditya Scindia, seized these opportunities to target the Congress. According to a Congress leader, “ultimately, whether these developments represent decline or transformation, only the future can tell. What is clear is that the Congress is in the midst of a structural shift by prioritising youth and new energy and social representation for the betterment of the party and the country.” importance of grassroots workers in strengthening the party’s foundation. Highlighting key decisions taken by his government, Modi referred to the abrogation of Article 370, implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act, legal reforms related to marriage, and the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. He said that the issues which were once considered to be impossible was made possible by the BJP government in the centre. He also reiterated future goals such as “One Nation, One Election” and the introduction of a Uniform Civil Code are the priority of the government. “Serious discussions are going on and we hope that these issues will also be resolved,” the Prime Minister said. On foreign policy, Modi said India’s global standing has significantly improved, with stronger ties being built with countries worldwide compared to earlier years. Concluding his address, he extended greetings to party workers and noted that the BJP is moving towards its 50th year. He described the milestone as both a moment of achievement and an opportunity to set new goals, urging workers to adapt to rapid technological changes. Overall, the Prime Minister’s speech combined criticism of the past, assertions of present achievements, and a roadmap for the future, while delivering a strong political message ahead of key elections. Man crashes into Delhi Assembly high-security zone, under scanner for mental instability STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 6 April In a major security breach, a 40-year-old man, said to be mentally unstable, on Monday afternoon forcibly entered the high-security complex of the Delhi Assembly by crashing through the main iron gate and boom barrier in his SUV bearing UP number plate. He was later caught along with two of his associates by the Delhi Police. The incident took place at around 2 pm when the intruder drove a white Tata Sierra SUV through Gate No. 2, an entry point reserved strictly for VIPs. After breaching security, the accused, identified as Sarabjit Singh, stepped out of the vehicle, placed a bouquet near the porch close to Speaker Vijender Gupta’s car, and quickly escaped in the same vehicle. The incident sent panic in the entire area with the situation in the Delhi assembly becoming chaotic. A ‘High Alert’ was immediately issued for the entire capital. Soon after the breach, bomb disposal squads and Crime Branch teams were rushed to the spot. However, no suspicious or explosive material was recovered. Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golchha, Special CP (Special Cell) Anil Shukla, and Special CP (Law & Order) Ravindra Yadav reached the Assembly complex. Delhi CP also spoke to Vijender Gupta about the incident. According to the information received, Sarabjit Singh himself was driving the car. He had travelled all the way from Pilibhit to Delhi in search of his cousin. When Singh entered the Delhi Assembly illegally, security personnel and Delhi Police officials rushed to check the situation. Following commotion, Singh left the car and vanished from the scene but was later caught by security personnel before he could do anything further. Source said that Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta was present in his office when the incident took place. "Prior to this incident, at around 1:30 pm, Gupta visited the Education Department office within the Assembly premises and went to his office before the incident took place," added the source. An FIR has been lodged in the case and the Delhi Police are looking into the matter. Following the incident, additional security personnel were deployed outside the Delhi Assembly. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta over the phone for details about the incident. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police arrested the Accused Sarabjit on charges of attempt to murder and trespass under Section 3 of the prevention of damage to Public Property-North Delhi Police. B’desh foreign minister arrives on Tuesday to mend ties ASHOK TUTEJA New Delhi, 6 April With India and Bangladesh seeking to reset ties after a strain of nearly one and half years, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is arriving in New Delhi on Tuesday on a crucial visit to meet top Indian ministers and chalk out the roadmap for normalising relations between the two South Asian neighbours. This will be the first high-level visit from Bangladesh after the Tarique Rahman-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government assumed office in Dhaka. The Bangladesh minister will be in New Delhi en-route to Mauritius to attend an Indian Ocean conference on 11-12 April. He will be accompanied by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s adviser on foreign affairs Humayun Kabir and other senior officials, clearly reflecting the importance the new government in Dhaka attaches to ties with New Delhi India is very optimistic about the upcoming visit with senior officials quite sure that it will put the bilateral relationship back on the track after it witnessed downslide when the Muhammad Yunus led caretaker regime was at the helm in Dhaka following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024. During his visit here, the Bangladeshi minister is expected to hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Sources said Rahman could also call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, depending upon the availability of the Indian leader, who is busy with campaigning for the coming Assembly elections. The visit will provide an opportunity to both sides to get a better understanding of each other’s commitment to bilateral ties, notwithstanding differences on certain issues. Ahead of the Bangladesh minister’s visit to New Delhi, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Kumar Verma met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka today and discussed ‘’bilateral engagement with focus on people-centric cooperation in multiple domains aligned with the national development priorities of the two countries.’’ The Indian envoy conveyed to the Bangladesh PM India’s intent to work together with the government and people of Bangladesh by adopting a positive, constructive and forward-looking approach based on mutual interest and mutual benefit, the Indian High Commission said. Ever since the new government assumed office in Dhaka, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India M. Riaz Hamidullah has also been quietly engaged in some high-profile diplomacy with the Indian leadership. He has done a considerable amount of spadework to ensure the success of his minister’s visit. Local media, meanwhile, quoted the Bangladesh minister as saying that he will meet Jaishankar and several other important government representatives in New Delhi. The discussions, he said, will focus on the future of relations between the two countries. ‘’We want a normal relationship with India, based on mutual respect, dignity and interests,’’ he said. Tamil Nadu custodial death: Nine policemen get death penalty in verdict STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Chennai, 6 april It was a spine chilling and horrific brutal torture resulting in the ghastly custody death of a father-son duo which sent shock waves across the country and nearly six years after the incident, a trial court in Madurai on Monday found guilty all the 9 police personnel accused of the crime and convicted them. Pronouncing the verdict, First Additional District and Sessions Judge G Muthukumaran, found the nine police personnel guilty of causing the death of Jayaraj (59) and his son Bennix (31), running a mobile shop at Sathankulam in Thoothukudi district. The quantum of punishment will be pronounced on March 30, the judge said and directed the Union and State governments to submit details of the health condition of the nine accused and their salary statements along with the details of their assets. On June 19, 2020, the father-son duo was picked up by the police for allegedly keeping their shop after 9 pm in violation of Covid norms. At the police station they were brutally assaulted and tortured before being remanded at the Kovilpatti sub-jail the following day. While Bennix succumbed to the injuries on June 22, Jayaraj died the next day. Their deaths due to police torture in custody created public outrage and a caswe was registered against the police personnel. Taking suo motu cognizance of the case, the Madurai bench of Madras High Court transferred it to the CBI-CID. Then, the AIADMK government of Edappadi K Palaniswami transferred it to the CBI, bowing to public pressure. While finding the 9 cops guilty, the judge affirmed the key findings of the CBI, noting the injuries on the deceased were ‘contrary to natural causes’ and indicated custodial torture. The court also recorded that the duo’s hands were tied up while being repeatedly assaulted with third degree torture at 10-minute interval at the station. The court also noted that, as per the CBI, the duo had not violated the lockdown norms and a case was foisted on them. Terming the incident as one of the most disturbing case of police brutality in recent Indian history, the judge underscored the need for police reforms. The nine police personnel convicted are the then Inspector S. Sridhar, whose bail plea had already been rejected by the Madurai Bench, Sub-Inspectors P. Raghu Ganesh and K. Balakrishnan, head constables S. Murugan and A. Saamidurai, and constables M. Muthuraj, S. Chelladurai, X. Thomas Francis, and S. Velumuthu.