FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 16 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR | LUCKNOW | SILIGURI India-Oman CEPA to boost trade, investment: Goyal Failed US-Iran talks in Pak raise questions about fragile ceasefire PERSPECTIVE Ambedkar Jayanti is a moment to rethink power Page 12 Page 9 Page 13 India poised for landmark step in women’s empowerment: PM STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi , 13 April P rime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that India is on the verge of making a historic decision regarding women’s political representation, describing the upcoming women’s reservation legislation as one of the most significant moves toward gender equality this century. Speaking at the Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan in Delhi, Modi highlighted the bill’s potential to transform India’s governance by firmly embedding social justice and elevating women’s roles in decision-making. “Our Parliament is about to create new history,” Modi declared, emphasizing that this legislation will realize longstanding visions and promises, fostering an India where equality and justice become tangible realities rather than mere rhetoric. He acknowledged the groundbreaking contributions of Indian women across various fields, noting that “Nari Shakti has made immense contributions” and continues to break new ground in sectors traditionally dominated by men. Modi pointed to grassroots governance as a shining example of women’s leadership, citing Panchayati Raj institutions where women Tuesday, 14 April 2026 SPORTS WORLD BUSINESS | have played a decisive role in local development and governance. “Women today are excelling even in areas once considered male domains. Their hard work, courage, and confidence have propelled India’s Nari Shakti to new heights,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting women throughout all phases of life. Acknowledging the long political journey that led to this moment, the Prime Minister noted that the demand for women’s reservation has been part of India’s national discourse for nearly four decades, with contributions from every political party and generation. With Parliament set to begin comprehensive discussions from April 16, Modi expressed hope that political differences would be set aside to ensure the bill’s passage. “With collective efforts, the dignity of the entire House will be elevated. Every woman in the country will take pride in seeing all parties rise above politics to champion this crucial cause,” he stated. The proposed legislation, linked to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, aims to reserve seats for women in legislative bodies, a reform widely regarded as a historic correction of their underrepresentation. The government plans to align its implementation with broader electoral and administrative timelines, including delimitation. CSK look to build momentum against winless Knight Riders’ Page 16 Shah alleges gundaraj in Bengal, vows crackdown if BJP voted to power STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Kolkata , 13 April Union home minister Amit Shah launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamul Congress during his campaign in Birbhum on Monday, accusing it of fostering “gundaraj” and corruption, and asserting that a BJP government after 4 May would take strict action against offenders. Addressing a rally at Bolpur, Shah alleged that after the 2021 election, BJP workers in the region faced severe atrocities. He urged voters to “bid goodbye” to Mamata Banerjee’s government and promised that those involved in syndicates and cut-money practices would be dealt with strictly. “We will straighten them by hanging them upside down,” he said, adding that a “double-engine government” would usher in a new era of development in the state. He warned alleged miscreants to stay indoors on 23 April, the polling day, or face arrest after 5 May. “People of West Bengal will give answers to bombs with ballots and respond to fear with trust,” Shah said, urging voters in Birbhum to press the lotus symbol on voting machines. Raising allegations of corruption, Shah claimed that funds under central schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission had not reached beneficiaries. Over 9 lakh Indians return from West Asia since 28 Feb: New Delhi: The MEA on Monday informed that over 9 lakh passengers have returned to India from West Asia since 28 February. In view of the evolving situation in West Asia, the Government of India is closely monitoring developments and undertaking coordinated measures to ensure preparedness across critical sectors. Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing in the national capital on recent developments in West Asia, Additional Secretary (Gulf), MEA, Aseem R Mahajan, said, “The Government continues to closely monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia region and since 28 February, around 9 lakh 27 thousand passengers have travelled from the region to India.” Page 3 Iran threatens ports in Persian Gulf and Bengal SIR: Apex court flags concerns over voter Gulf of Oman as USA declares blockade exclusion, calls for robust appellate mechanism UNITED NEWS OF INDIA Tehran , 13 April The Unified Command of the Iranian Armed Forces on Monday issued a stark warning in response to the US naval blockade, declaring that the security of ports across the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman is under direct threat. Tehran stressed that any aggression toward Iranian ports could trigger regional instability, declaring these strategic waters are “either for everyone or for no one.” “The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran consider defending the legal rights of our country a natural and legal duty, and accordingly, exercising the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the territorial waters of our country is the natural right of the Iranian nation,” IRIB cited Iran’s forces as stating. “Enemy-affiliated vessels” will not have the right to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, while other vessels will be allowed passage, subject to regulations by Tehran, said the statement. “The criminal US’s imposition of restrictions on the movement of vessels in international waters is an illegal act and amounts to piracy”. It stated that if the security of the ports is threatened, no port in the region “will be safe.” State broadcaster IRIB highlighted what it portrayed as inconsistent U.S. positions on the Strait of Hormuz: “America on odd days: We don’t use the Strait of Hormuz. We don’t care. Let others keep it open! America on even days: If Iran doesn’t keep the Strait of Hormuz open, we’ll respond harshly!” The statement from Iran’s Armed Forces Central Headquarters concluded: “Security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is either for everyone or for NO ONE. If Iran’s ports are threatened, NO PORT in the region— including those in Oman and other Gulf countries — will be safe.” Speculation is rising about the possibility of a broader naval standoff, with observers questioning whether other key maritime chokepoints, such as the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, could face similar tensions. • Related reports: Page 12 PARMOD KUMAR New Delhi, 13 April The Supreme Court on Monday observed that if a candidate wins by a margin of 2 per cent and 15 per cent of voters are unable to vote due to their exclusion from the electoral rolls, it would be a matter of Asha Bhosle laid to rest with Arrest me if you can: full state honours in Mumbai Bengal CM challenges Central agencies STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Mumbai , 13 April The curtains came down on one of Indian cinema’s most iconic voices as legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle was laid to rest with full state honours at Shivaji Park Crematorium in Mumbai on Monday. The cremation, held at 4 pm, marked the conclusion of her extraordinary eightdecade career that left an indelible mark on Hindi film music and beyond, as the nation collectively mourned the loss of a cultural icon. The last rites were conducted in the presence of prominent dignitaries and members of the film industry. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar attended the ceremony, alongside film personalities including Aamir Khan, Anu Malik, Vicky Kaushal and Shaan. The crematorium had earlier witnessed the final rites of her sister Lata Mangeshkar in 2022. The KANCHAN SIDDIQUI Durgapur, 13 April final rites were held under tight security as grief-stricken fans gathered in large numbers. Asha Bhosle passed away on April 12, 2026, at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai due to multi-organ failure, following complications arising from a chest infection and extreme exhaustion. She was 92. She had been admitted to the hospital on April 11, after suffering respiratory and cardiac distress. Hospital authorities, including Dr Pratit Samdani, confirmed the cause of death, bringing clarity to the circumstances surrounding her final hours. Her son, Anand Bhosle, announced her passing and shared details of the funeral arrangements outside the hospital. Members of the public were allowed to pay their respects during the Antim Darshan held at her residence, Casa Grande in Lower Parel, between 11 am and 2:30 pm. Despite space limitations highlighted by the family, thousands of admirers gathered to catch a final glimpse of the legendary singer. Her mortal remains were later taken in a solemn procession to Shivaji Park Crematorium in Dadar, where crowds lined the streets, showering flowers and offering emotional tributes as the cortege passed. West Bengal chief minister and Trinamul Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee on Sunday claimed that the BJP had entered into understandings with various parties in other states where elections were recently held, depending on political convenience. Addressing a poll rally in Durgapur, she also criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI) and issued instructions to counting agents. “Guard the EVMs carefully. If any machine malfunctions, do not allow voting on it. Ask for a replacement, and before permitting voting, ensure a mock count from 1 to 1,000,” she said. She further cautioned them against accepting food from unknown sources, alleging the possibility of being drugged. Ms Banerjee accused the ECI of targeting West Bengal, stating: “The ECI has singled out Bengal.” Speaking at a well-attended rally held at the Chaturanga fairground in City Centre for party candidates Pradip Majumdar (Durgapur Purba) and Kabi Dutta (Durgapur Paschim), she launched a sharp attack on the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Mr Modi does not have a majority in Parliament. By relying on the support of two parties and using agencies such as the ED and CBI, they are running the government, which will collapse by the end of the year,” she alleged, reiterating a claim she had earlier made on 26 March at a rally in Pandaveswar. Taking a dig at the BJP over the recent Assembly elections in four states, Ms Banerjee alleged that the party had reached tacit understandings with rivals. “In those states, elections were conducted with full understanding ~ sometimes with the Congress, sometimes with the CPI-M, and sometimes with others,” she said. concern and may require closer scrutiny. The Court also noted that voters in West Bengal appeared to be “sandwiched” between two constitutional authorities — the State government and the Election Commission of India (ECI) — due to a “trust deficit.” A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing pleas arising out of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal and the functioning of the Appellate Tribunals, which are tasked with deciding over 34 lakh appeals, with the first phase of polling scheduled for next week. Justice Bagchi underlined that the Court’s primary concern was to ensure the inclusion of eligible voters while maintaining the purity of the electoral process. “The fundamental right of a citizen to be on the electoral roll and the duty of the Election Commission must be balanced,” he observed. Highlighting the potential impact on electoral outcomes, Justice Bagchi said, “If 10 per cent of the electorate does not vote and the winning margin is more than 10 per cent… what will happen? Suppose the margin is 2 per cent and 15 per cent of the electorate who are mapped could not vote—then maybe, we are not expressing any opinion, but we would definitely have to apply our minds.” The Court also took note of deviations in the conduct of the SIR in West Bengal as compared to other states, particularly Bihar. Justice Bagchi pointed out that the introduction of a “logical discrepancy” category — affecting over 60 lakh voters—was unique to West Bengal. “Logical discrepancy was not a category in any other state except West Bengal,” he said.