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 LC | NEW DELHI | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR | LUCKNOW | SILIGURI Putin visits China to reaffirm ties New Bengal PERSPECTIVE Strategic partnership for the Indo-Mediterranean Page 11 Page 8 BRIEFLY Jahangir Khan withdraws from bypoll race, praises CM: Kolkata: In a dramatic development ahead of the Falta Assembly by-election scheduled for 21 May, Trinamul Congress candidate Jahangir Khan on Tuesday announced his withdrawal from the contest, publicly praising Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and citing “peace and development” of the area as the reason behind his decision. The announcement came just hours before campaigning officially ended for the bypoll and has triggered sharp political reactions across party lines. Jahangir, often described as a strongman leader with considerable influence in the Diamond Harbour belt, made the declaration during a Press conference where he lauded the chief minister’s leadership and administrative approach. Page 3 ‘India, Nordic nations aligned on peace, rules-based order’ STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 19 May P that the current global climate, marked by wars and geopolitical tensions, required closer coordination among likeminded nations. “In this era of global tension and conflict, India and the Nordic countries will continue to strengthen a rules-based global order together,” he said. Referring to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, Mr Modi reiterated India’s support for peace initiatives and diplomatic solutions. “Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia, we will continue to support efforts for a swift end to conflict and for peace,” he said. Mr Modi also underlined the need for reforms in global institutions, saying existing multilateral frameworks must reflect contemporary realities. “We agree that reform of multilateral institutions is both necessary and urgent,” he said. On the issue of terrorism, the Prime Minister delivered one of the strongest messages of the summit, asserting that India and the Nordic countries shared a firm and uncompromising approach. “We have a clear and united stand on terrorism ~ no compromise, no double standards,” he said. The summit also focused heavily on economic cooperation and trade integration between India and the Nordic region. Mr Modi noted that the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement with Norway, Iceland and other members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), implemented from October 2025, had strengthened commercial ties. He also referred to the recently concluded IndiaEuropean Union Free Trade Agreement, describing it as a major step toward deeper engagement with Nordic economies including Denmark, Finland and Sweden. • Related reports: Page 5 Neymar picked for Brazil’s WC squad despite doubts on fitness Page 16 Page 9 rime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India and the Nordic nations share a united position on terrorism, global peace and strengthening a rules-based international order, as he addressed a joint Press conference following the 3rd India-Nordic Summit. Speaking alongside the leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, Mr Modi said the relationship between India and the Nordic countries was rooted in common democratic values and a shared commitment to multilateralism. “Our shared commitment to democracy, rule of law, and multilateralism makes us natural partners,” Mr Modi said, adding that cooperation in technology and sustainability was opening new opportunities for both sides. The Prime Minister stressed Wednesday, 20 May 2026 SPORTS WORLD EDITORIAL | RG Kar case: Bengal government grants prosecution sanction against Sandip Ghosh, former CM’s role under scanner STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Kolkata, 19 May The BJP government in West Bengal on Tuesday intensified its probe into the alleged irregularities surrounding the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital case, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announcing that sanction for prosecution has been granted against former RG Kar superintendent Sandip Ghosh in connection with the alleged financial corruption linked to the institution. In a post on Facebook, the chief minister said he felt “fortunate” to have been able to take the decision as head of the government. Referring to the brutal rape and murder of a woman doctor, popularly referred to as “Abhaya”, at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on 9 August 2024, Mr Adhikari said legal permission had been granted to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to proceed against Dr Ghosh in accordance with law. “Today, as Chief Minister, I feel fortunate to have taken a significant and positive step. In the brutal rape and murder case of sister Abhaya at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on 9 August 2024, sanction of prosecution has been accorded against the then superintendent of RG Kar, the notorious Sandip Ghosh, allowing the ED to take lawful action against him,” Mr Adhikari wrote. The Chief Minister further alleged that the previous Trinamul Congress government had “forcibly and unethically” delayed the investigation process for a long time. “We believe nobody is above the law. Truth cannot be suppressed forever,” he added. Mr Adhikari also said he wanted the “real culprits” behind the incident to be identified quickly and awarded the “strictest punishment”, while expressing hope that the people of Bengal would witness justice being delivered. He concluded the message by praying for eternal peace for the victim’s soul.