TUESDAY 22 JULY, 2025 epaper.morningstandard.in facebook.com/TheMorningStandard X.com/TheMornStandard GAZA 25 NATIONS SLAM ISRAEL OFFENSIVE As many as 25 countries issued a joint statement on Monday saying the war in Gaza “must end now” and Israel must comply with international law. PAGE 9 A CAPITAL VIEW OF NEWS  NEW DELHI  J8.00  PAGES 12 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 discussed. 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? I U M L l e a d e r Ku t t y Ahammed Kutty who shared a , warm rapport 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 Con, gress 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 under- scores 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. H e d i d n’ t w a n t t h at t o 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 follow- ing 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 its intrinsic roots in the quirkiness of modern-day factional- ism in the party. His 1996 defeat in the Marxist bastion of Mararikulam, was a turning 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. VS ACHUTHANANDAN | 20 OCT 1923 - 21 JULY 2025 He devoted many years of his life to public service and Kerala’s progress. I recall our interactions A champion of the poor, he upheld the values of principled politics through bold decisions A glorious era of revolutionary will and persistence comes to an end with the passing of our beloved comrade Prime Minister Narendra Modi Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader 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 E E T H A 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 AIR INDIA Delhi-Kolkata flight aborted just before take-off S L A L I T H A @ New Delhi AN Air India flight carrying over 160 passengers from Delhi to Kolkata was returned to its starting point just before takeoff on Monday evening owing to a technical glitch. Flight No AI 2403 was taxiing for take-off from Terminal 3’s runway at 5.51 pm when the incident happened. The flight, an Airbus 321 Neo, model was running 20 minutes behind its scheduled time. According to an airport source, “The flight rejected take-off — which means the pilot decided to vacate the runway after the pushback – due to some technical issue. Air India in a statement said, “Flight AI2403 operating from Delhi to Kolkata on 21 July has been rescheduled to depart later this evening, necessitated by a technical issue detected during the take-off roll. The cockpit crew decided to discontinue the take-off, following SoPs. All passengers have disembarked and our ground colleagues in Delhi are extending support to them.” P8 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. CHILDREN KILLED AS B'DESH AIR FORCE JET CRASHES INTO SCHOOL 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 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 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 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 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 S U D H I R 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- 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. P7 ED crossing all limits, need guidelines: CJI S U C H I T R A K A LYA N M O H A N T Y @ New Delhi THE Enforcement Directorate is “crossing all limits”, the Superme Court observed on Monday while hearing a case on the , probe agency summoning advocates who offered legal opinion or represented parties. “Communication between lawyers and clients is privileged. How can notices be issued against them... they (ED) are crossing all limits,” Chief Justice of India B R Gavai said, and suggested the need for d r aw i n g u p guidelines. The bench, also comprising Justice K Vinod Chandran, had on July 8 taken B R Gavai, Chief Justice of India suo motu cognisance of the ED summoning senior lawyers Arvind Datar and Pratap Venugopal. The ED later withdrew its summons. Attorney General R Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also agreed that lawyers can’t be summoned. The ED was in the line of fire in another case too, where the bench upheld the Karnataka HC’s decision to quash the case against CM Siddaramaiah’s wife B M Parvati in the MUDA case. EXPRESS READ ECI defends Bihar rolls revision in SC Five staffers booked after student suicide NISAR satellite launch on July 30 The ECI on Monday late evening filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court defending the Bihar SIR (Special Intensive Revision) exercise, saying that it was done to restore the public confidence. The poll body filed the counter affidavit, duly complying with the SC’s July 10 order, asking it to file the counter affidavit by July 21. The matter will likely come up for hearing again on July 28. | P7 Five faculty members of the dental school of Sharda University in Greater Noida have been named in the FIR related to the ‘suicide’ of a second-year student. This follows a police complaint filed by the victim’s father. The victim, believably, took the extreme step after days of jibes by faculty for allegedly forging a signature. In the suicide note, the deceased alleged harassment by two staffers. | P4 After the Axiom-4 mission, the next space mission all space scientists and enthusiasts were waiting for—NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar)—will launch on July 30. The satellite is scheduled for launch at 5.40 pm from Sriharikota. The ISRO’s GSLV-F16 will launch the 2,392 kg NISAR satellite into a 743 km sun-synchronous orbit | P5