CHENNAI ■ MADURAI ■ VIJAYAWADA BENGALURU ■ KOCHI ■ HYDERABAD ■ VISAKHAPATNAM ■ COIMBATORE ■ KOZHIKODE ■ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ■ BELAGAVI ■ BHUBANESWAR ■ SHIVAMOgGA ■ MANGALURU ■ TIRUPATI ■ TIRUCHY ■ TIRUNELVELI ■ SAMBALPUR ■ HUBBALLI ■ DHARMAPURI ■ KOTTAYAM ■ KANNUR ■ VILLUPURAM ■ KOLLAM ■ TADEPALLIGUDEM ■ NAGAPATTINAM ■ THRISSUR ■ KALABURAGI ■ ■ HYDERABAD l tuesday l july 22, 2025 l `9.00 l PAGES 16 l late city EDITION Last of the old-school Marxists A N I L S @ T’Puram E nd of 1990s. The E K Nayanar-led Left government was in power in Kerala. It was around the time Pinarayi Vijayan was set for his first tenure as CPM state secretary A . section of leaders were eyeing a new political combine — to get the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) into the LDF fold, with an eye on cementing a long-term rule for the Left front in the state. Informal talks were held at varying levels between senior leaders. Several possibilities were dis- cussed. But one question kept bothering them — who would tell VS, the LDF convener and the most powerful leader who called the shots in the front? IUML leader Kutty Ahammed Kutty who shared a warm rap, port with VS, was handed the task. Kutty conveyed the idea to VS, who heard him through. And, without batting an eyelid, VS said something that is now part of the state’s political lore: “Kutty it is not yet time for the , Congress to die in Kerala!” A deeply insightful statement especially relevant in the current political scenario. Ignoring short-term political gains, the far-sighted leader batted for a line that till date underscores how both the Left and the Congress remain relevant in their fight against the saffron front in Kerala’s political landscape. To VS, it was simple logic: UDF minus the IUML would naturally weaken the Congress and Hindutva forces would rush in to take its space. He didn’t want that to happen. Ve l i k k a k at h S a n k a r a n Achuthanandan, who passed away on Monday, remains an unparallelled Communist, the biggest crowd puller in recent times, last of the old-school Marxists, and one of the greatest mass leaders Kerala has ever seen. The 101-year-old, who was incapacitated following a stroke in 2019, was undergoing treatment at a private hospital following a cardiac arrest on June 23. A founding leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), VS began his political career as a trade unionist and was later seen at the forefront of land struggles. The Communist movement in Kerala, since its inception in 1939, evolved with VS. He was the last among the 32 leaders who walked out of the historic CPI national council meet in 1964 to form the CPI (M). In many ways, the influence wielded by VS in the CPM has He devoted many years of his life to public service and Kerala’s progress. I recall our interactions Prime Minister Narendra Modi VS Achuthanandan | 20 Oct 1923 - 21 July 2025 its intrinsic roots in the quirkiness of modern-day factionalism in the party His 1996 defeat . in the Marxist bastion of Mararikulam, was a tur ning point. The simmering resentment brought out the vengeful politician in VS, leading to the historic 1998 Vettinirathal—a total elimination of the CITU lobby in the party Then began . the murkiest and most spiteful episode—VS vs Pinarayi—that lasted for two decades. VS transformed himself into a popular leader by taking up people’s issues and advocating for environmental protection and women safety His de. liberate makeover through careful interventions in social issues shaped up the mass leader he became. A champion of the poor, he upheld the values of principled politics through bold decisions Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader A glorious era of revolutionary will and persistence comes to an end with the passing of our beloved comrade Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan 16-hour discussion in LS Dhankhar springs surprise, quits as V-P on Op Sindoor next week RAJESH KUMAR THAKUR Third vice president to put In his papers In an unexpected development that sparked intense speculation, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar put in his papers on Monday evening, citing medical advice. His resignation stirred the already turbulent political waters, particularly because there was no hint of it right through the day. He continued to perform his parliamentary duties as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and had fixed a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee on Tuesday at 1 pm. Dhankhar, 74, had assumed office in August 2022 and his tenure was till August 2027. Citing the necessity to adh e re t o m e d i c a l a dv i c e, Dhankhar became the third Vice President of India after V V Giri and R Venkataraman to resign before completing their tenure. Both Giri and Venkataraman had resigned so as to contest the presidential election @ New Delhi Cong agrees to proposal since PM will be abroad from June 23-26 P r eetha N a i r @ New Delhi Even as the first day of the Monsoon session of Parliament witnessed ruckus and adjournments, the government agreed to hold a 16-hour discussion on the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor in the Lok Sabha next week. The decision was taken at the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee. Though the Opposition initially objected to the timing of the debate, the Congress said that it will abide by the proposal of the government. While the government’s floor managers pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be abroad from June 23-26, the Opposition insisted that the discussion should start immediately followed by the PM’s reply . Later in the evening, at a meeting of floor leaders, the Congress decided that it will wait until Modi’s return for the discussions on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor to take place. “We will ask the betting app ads ED summons Rana, Prakash Raj, Deverakonda E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Hyderabad The Hyderabad Zonal Unit of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned several film personalities in connection with the alleged promotion of betting apps. According to ED sources, Rana Daggubati has been asked to appear before the ED on July 23, Prakash Raj on July 30, Vijay Deverakonda on August 6 and Manchu Lakshmi on August 13. The summons are linked to an ongoing investigation into apps that were allegedly promoted in the state despite being banned. Sources said the ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) last month based on FIRs filed by Hyderabad and Cyberabad police. The apps in question reportedly operated from both India and abroad. The ED is examining possible financial transactions between these actors and the betting app operators. Officials suspect that the companies may be involved in money laundering by collecting funds digitally and diverting them to other entities. The agency is also looking into how the apps were advertised and the mode of payments made to those endorsing them. 3-day debate, not under specific rule The special discussion on Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor and Pahalgam terror attack will be spread over three days and will not be under any specific rule, said a source who attended the BAC meeting government to hold the discussions as soon as the PM returns from the trip,” said a leader who attended the meeting. The leader told this paper that the party will hold a meeting with the floor leaders of INDIA bloc leaders on Tuesday and will take a final call. At the BAC meeting, Opposition members protested that the government’s agenda for the week did not mention their demand on Operation Sindoor. Some Opposition members also called for a debate on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar and the situation in Manipur. Earlier, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha proceedings were 17 adjourned for the day amid noisy protests by the Opposition, which demanded a discussion on Operation Sindoor and other issues. The Lok Sabha saw four adjournments. Defence minister Rajnath Singh assured the opposition MPs that the government is ready to have a long discussion on all issues the Speaker agrees to. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju appealed to the Opposition to place their demand during the BAC meeting. “The government is ready to reply to all the issues that the Speaker agrees to at the BAC meeting. But to raise slogans and not let the House function on the first day of the Monsoon session is unacceptable,” Rijiju said in the House. The Rajya Sabha, too, saw continuous disruptions despite Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar’s request to the Opposition to allow the House to function. “The government is ready for a discussion. I will meet the leaders and settle for a discussion. And I will ensure full-fledged discussion for as much time as you want,” said Dhankhar. Bumrah Bombay High Court to play in manchester acquits all accused in 7/11 train blasts India pacer Mohammed Siraj confirmed on Monday that Jasprit Bumrah will play the fourth Test beginning on Wednesday. Focus was on all-rounder Anshul Kamoboj during nets | P11 Pilot too killed; at least 50 others critically injured Plane crashed in front of classrooms for students of classes 3 and 4 The Bangladesh’s Air Force training jet that crashed into a school in Dhaka | AFP ED overstepping, crossing all limits: CJI The Enforcement Directorate is “crossing all limits”, observed Supreme Court Chief Justice B R Gavai on Monday while hearing a case , on the probe agency summoning advocates who offered legal opinion or represented parties under investigation. “Communication between lawyers and clients is privileged. How can notices be issued against them... they (the ED) are crossing all limits,” he said, and suggested the need for drawing up guidelines. “Any communication between a lawyer and the clients, even if it is wrong, is privileged communication. How can notices be issued against them?” the CJI asked. The bench, also comprising Justice K Vinod Chandran, had on July 8 taken suo motu cognisance of the ED summoning senior lawyers Arvind Datar and Pratap Venugopal for offering legal opinions or representing clients under investigation. Both Attorney General R Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta agreed S U D H IR S U R YA W A N S H I @ Mumbai THE Bombay High Court on Monday acquitted all 12 accused in the 2006 train blast case as it set aside the special MCOCA court’s order handing death sentence to five and life term to seven accused, saying it was “hard to believe” they committed the crime. Nineteen years ago, on July 11, 2006, seven bombs ripped through Mumbai’s local trains killing 189 and maiming 820 t r ave l l e r s . T h e bombs were timed to go off during the evening rush to inflict maximum pain. In the order, a bench of Justices Anil Kilor and Shyam Chandak cited several reasons for overturning the 2015 verdict of the special court. The bench noted that the evidence was not properly collected and presented. The first arrest was made on July 20, 2006 followed by continuous arrests. However, the test identifica- At least 20 killed, 17 of them children, 171 other injured as a F-7 BGI crashes into Milestone School and College in Dhaka | P9 @ New Delhi Article 68 of the Constitution, an election to fill the V-P vacancy occurring due to his death, resignation or removal, or otherwise will be held as soon as possible. Till the time of filing this report, the President had not accepted the resignation. In his letter, Dhankhar wrote: “To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice-President Weak evidence children killed as B'desh Air Force jet crashes into school S U C H I T R A K A LYA N M O H A N T Y Dhankhar submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu. The timing of the resignation — on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament — was odd. The opposition found it inexplicable, saying there was far more to his unexpected resignation than meets the eye. It also led to speculation on his possible successor. As per that lawyers cannot be summoned for rendering legal opinions. But Mehta said there were attempts to malign institutions based on some interviews and YouTube channels by creating false narratives. The bench said its actions are not influenced by ‘media narratives’. “Have you seen any of judgment authored by us in which the decision is not based on the facts of the case? Name one judgment,” the CJI said. Earlier, the same bench upheld the Karnataka HC’s decision to quash the case against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife, BM Parvati, in the MUDA case. INSIDE tion parade was not done for four months. Besides, some witnesses were also the witnesses in the 2002 Ghatkopar bomb blast case and their testimonies were shattered in cross examinations. The appellants shall be released from jail if they are not required to be detained in any other case by giving a bond of `25,000 each. The MCOCA court had sentenced Kamal Ansari (now dead), Mohammad Faisal Shaikh, Ehtesham Siddiqui, N ave e d H u s s a i n Khan, and Asif Khan to death. Tanveer Ahmed Ibrahim Ansari, Mohammed Majid Shafi, Shaikh Mohammed, Mohammed Sajid Margub Ansari, Muzammil Ataur Rahman Shaikh, Suhail Mehmood Shaikh, and Zameer Ahmed Shaikh were handed life term. Maharashtra’s Anti-Terrorist Squad, which investigated the case, said it would challenge the Bombay high court’s order in the Supreme Court. of India, effective immediately , in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution.” Expressing his gratitude to the President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the council of ministers, he wrote, “Prime Minister’s cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office... As I leave this esteemed office, I am filled with pride in Bharat’s global rise and phenomenal achievement and hold unwavering confidence in her brilliant future.” Dhankhar’s resignation came days before the departure of Modi on a two-nation visit. Sources revealed that he had hinted at his decision to resign during the latter half of Monday, reportedly taking the PM by surprise. CM asks CS for daily reports on collectors E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Hyderabad Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday asked district collectors to carry out field inspections and monitor the implementation of government schemes. He directed Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao to submit daily reports on the performance of district collectors. In a videoconference with collectors, the chief minister said that fertiliser stocks in the state were adequate and instructed officials to install display boards at all fertiliser shops showing available stock. He also asked for two police personnel and one revenue official to be deployed at each outlet to monitor operations. Revanth directed that criminal cases be filed against those diverting subsidised urea for non-agricultural purposes. He said Union Minister for Fertilisers JP Nadda had informed him that 20–25% of subsidised urea was being used in diesel vehicles to reduce smoke. “This diversion must be curbed,” the chief minister said.  continued on P5 dasarthi award goes to state government places Annavaram devender I P2 GO 49 in abeyance I P2 Thieves steal 18 kg gold from jeweller E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Suryapet In a late-night burglary, unidentified persons stole around 18 kilograms of gold ornaments and `22 lakh in cash from Sai Santoshi Jewellers in Suryapet town, according to the complaint. However, police sources said that only 3 kg gold ornaments were missing. According to police, the thieves gained entry by smashing a hole in the shop’s rear bathroom wall before using a gas cutter to open the back shutter. The theft came to light when the owner arrived to open the shop on Monday morning and found the valuables missing. A complaint was lodged. Superintendent of Police K Narasimha visited the spot. He told reporters that the break-in occurred late on Sunday night. Police are scouring the CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators. Five special teams have been formed to trace the accused. The SP said that the shop did not have adequate security arrangements despite the high value of the stock. A case has been registered and investigation is underway .