Muslim Girl Marries Dalit Boy in Haryana, Now Seeks Protection, Says MLA Maman Khan is Threatening Her
A Muslim girl in Haryana’s Nuh district has married a Dalit boy. Now she has released a video appealing for security. Nuh: The controversy surrounding an inter-caste marriage in a village in the Firozpur Jhirka area is deepening. The girl, Najrana, has alleged that after her inter-caste marriage, which she entered into of her own free will, the boy’s family was subjected to social boycott and forced to leave the village. In her statement, Najrana said that she married Mohit with her full consent and desire and that she is happy and safe with her husband. She clarified that she is of legal age and her statements have been recorded in court. The girl alleged that her family members presented a fake birth certificate in court, even though she is an adult. Family Forced to Leave Village Najrana says that because Mohit belongs to the Dalit community, some people in the village and allegedly MLA Maman Khan socially boycotted Mohit’s family, due to which the family had to leave the village of Patla Shahpuri. Regarding the matter, the SHO of City Police Station Firozpur Jhirka said that the girl is an adult and her statements have been recorded in court. He said that a case was registered on the complaint of the girl’s family members, but during the investigation, the girl stated that she had a court marriage and is living under police protection. Najrana has demanded that the administration provide security to Mohit and his family and resettle them safely in the village. Clarifying the allegations made by her family, the girl said that she did not bring any gold or silver with her, only her essential documents and Aadhaar card. Girl Says: MLA Maman Khan is My Relative A video of the girl, Najrana, has surfaced on social media. In this video of about one and a half minutes, the girl says that her name is Najrana, her father’s name is Junaid, and she is from Firozpur Jhirka. I want to marry Mohit, I am happy with him, and I want to live with him. I have come with Mohit of my own free will, and there is no pressure on me from Mohit or his family. In the video, the young woman, Najrana, also says that MLA Maman Khan is related to my family because he is my grandfather’s aunt’s son. My family, in collusion with Maman Khan, presented a false birth certificate in court. This certificate is completely false; I am of legal age. The young woman also alleges in the video that MLA Maman Khan is threatening and intimidating my husband Mohit’s family and trying to force them out of the village because Mohit belongs to the Dalit community. Due to the threats from MLA Maman Khan, Mohit’s family has left the village. SDM Laxmi Narayan said the entire matter is being monitored. To investigate these allegations, Tehsildar Ravi Kumar reached Padla village and spoke to the villagers. During the investigation, the women and people of the Hindu community in the village clearly stated that there is no atmosphere of social boycott or pressure in the village. According to the villagers, the young man, his father, and uncle left the village on their own in January without informing anyone, while peace prevails in the village and there is no dispute. SDM Ferozepur Jhirka, Laxmi Narayan, said that the entire matter is being monitored and necessary steps will be taken to maintain law and order. No case of migration from the village was observed. Curated by: Rahul Mahajan About the Author Rahul Mahajan is a Principal Digital Content Producer at Navbharat Times Online. He has 12 years of experience in the field of journalism. He has worked with organizations like ETV and News18 (Digital) in his journalistic career. Hindi News
Father’s nose cut off while trying to save his son: People assaulted the child during playtime, case registered against 3
In Aligarh, a dispute broke out among children playing on Tuesday evening. The accused attacked the father who went to save the children, inflicting a life-threatening knife wound. They cut off his nose. The police brought the victim to Malkhan Singh District Hospital. From there, seeing his critical condition, the doctors referred him to the medical college. Based on the victim’s complaint, the police registered a case against 3 accused late at night and started an investigation. The incident took place in Nagla Man Singh Pulia, Lane Number-4, under the Gandhi Park police station area. Rakan Singh, son of Pitambar, who lives in Lane Number-4, drives an e-rickshaw. He said that he was at home on Tuesday evening, while his children were playing with other children in the lane. A dispute arose among the children while they were playing. The other party assaulted his children. Hearing the children’s cries, he went to save them. That’s when the people from the accused party attacked him, using casteist slurs. They attacked him with a knife, cutting off his nose. He fell to the ground, bleeding profusely. The incident caused a commotion. He informed the police station. After which, the police took him to Malkhan Singh District Hospital at night for treatment and medical examination. Dr. Chirag Bajaj said that the injured person was given first aid and referred to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College. He has serious injuries to his nose and face. The bone is visible. Case registered against three accused Based on the complaint of the victim, Karan, the police registered a case against three attackers late at night. Shivam, Atul, and Baby have been named as accused in the case. All three are accused of attacking the victim with sticks and other weapons, resulting in a fracture of his nasal bone. Currently, the police are investigating the matter and working to take action against the accused. Sanjeev Pratap | Kol Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit Family Attacked in Kakori, Attempted Arson with Petrol: Two Dozen Thugs Assault Family Over Drainage Dispute, Several Injured
A dispute over drainage water in Gwalpur village under Kakori police station area turned violent. It is alleged that on Wednesday, thugs attacked a Dalit family, barged into their house, assaulted them, and attempted to burn a young man alive by dousing him with petrol. According to the victim family, the dispute began on Sunday morning over drainage water. On the same day, Shyamu Yadav, Deepanshu Yadav, and Bauwa Yadav allegedly assaulted Chanchal Rawat. The victim had filed a complaint at the Kakori police station, but allegedly due to the negligence of the local sub-inspector, no action was taken. Taking advantage of this, the thugs attacked again on Wednesday. In Wednesday’s attack, Deepanshu Yadav, Himanshu Yadav, Shyamlal, Bhola, Bauwa, Amarnath, Gopal, and approximately two dozen others entered the Dalit family’s house with sticks and iron rods. They vandalized the property and assaulted the family members. Several people, including Shripal (80), Shiv Devi (75), Aradhya (18), Aman Rawat (20), Kartik (24), Arun (18), Chandan (16), and Prem (12), were seriously injured in the attack. Among the injured, some suffered broken hands, while others sustained serious injuries to their heads, noses, and other parts of their bodies. Kakori Police Station In-charge Inspector Satish Chandra Rathore said that a case has been registered against four named individuals and two dozen unknown persons under relevant sections based on a complaint filed by Radha, the daughter-in-law of the victim Shripal. A separate case of arson has also been registered in connection with the attempt to set fire to the grocery shop. Rathore informed that three accused have been taken into custody for questioning, and police teams have been formed to conduct raids and arrest the other accused. Mohd. Sibtain Rizvi | Kakori (Lucknow), Lucknow Courtesy: Hindi News
Fear of a strongman in Bihar’s Dalit locality, indiscriminate firing to pressure withdrawal of case
Bihar News: The viral video has raised serious questions about the police and law and order. Considering the seriousness of the matter, Bhawanipur Station House Officer Shumbh Paswan said that the video has been taken as evidence. Continuous raids are being conducted to arrest the accused. Patna: A sensational incident defying law and order has come to light in the Bhawanipur police station area of Bhagalpur, Bihar. It is alleged that a strongman in the Dalit locality of Narayanpur village spread terror in the entire area by openly firing to pressure the withdrawal of a case. A video of this entire incident is rapidly going viral on social media. In it, the accused can be seen fearlessly brandishing a weapon and firing three to four rounds continuously. Son abused, father injured in attack The victim, Rajkishore Paswan, has leveled serious allegations against Shiva Yadav of the same village. He says that the dispute started on January 27, when the accused abused his son. The matter was settled after the intervention of the villagers, but about an hour later, the accused attacked again, seriously injuring Rajkishore Paswan. Firing in Dalit locality, pressure to withdraw case A First Information Report (FIR) has already been registered at the Bhawanipur police station in this case. Now the accused is constantly threatening to kill him to force him to withdraw the case. To create this pressure, he reached the Dalit locality and fired indiscriminately. After this firing incident, the people of the Dalit locality are in deep fear. They feel unsafe. Raids to arrest the accused The viral video has raised serious questions about the police and law and order. Considering the seriousness of the matter, Bhawanipur Station House Officer Shumbh Paswan stated that the police have confirmed the incident and the viral video has been taken as evidence. Continuous raids are being conducted to apprehend the accused. The administration has assured the villagers of their safety. Local residents are demanding the immediate arrest of the accused and increased police patrolling in the village. Reported by: Alok Verma, Edited by: Shweta Gupta Courtesy: Hindi News
Swami Prasad Maurya launches a major attack on Akhilesh Yadav’s PDA, says D sometimes means Dalit and sometimes Dimple
Swami Prasad Maurya on PDA: Swami Prasad Maurya has launched a major attack on Akhilesh Yadav’s PDA. In this context, he has also targeted Dimple Yadav. Lakhimpur Kheri: Swami Prasad Maurya, the chief of Apna Janata Party, who arrived in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, has targeted Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Akhilesh Yadav has once again started sharpening his Backward, Dalit, Minority (PDA) politics ahead of the 2027 UP assembly elections. Meanwhile, Swami Prasad Maurya has targeted Akhilesh’s PDA politics. He also seems to be hinting at entering the electoral fray with his own separate political ideology. In the 2022 UP elections, Swami Prasad Maurya had left the BJP and joined the Samajwadi Party. However, at that time, Swami Prasad Maurya was not even able to save his own assembly seat. Swami Prasad Maurya targets Dimple Apna Janata Party chief Swami Prasad Maurya seems to be directly targeting Akhilesh Yadav’s PDA as well as his wife and Mainpuri MP Dimple Yadav. Swami Prasad Maurya is saying that for Akhilesh, the ‘D’ in PDA sometimes means Dalit and sometimes Dimple. Now, this issue is expected to heat up the political scene. What is the full statement? While talking to the media, Swami Prasad Maurya said that Akhilesh Yadav’s PDA is a hodgepodge. How can someone who doesn’t understand the meaning of PDA talk about PDA? Akhilesh Yadav explains the meaning of PDA according to his convenience. Sometimes he says the ‘P’ in PDA means Backward, and sometimes he calls it Pandit. The ‘D’ sometimes means Dalit and sometimes refers to Dimple Yadav. Swami Prasad Maurya further said that Akhilesh also gives different meanings to the ‘A’ in PDA. Currently, he says ‘A’ means Forward. He keeps changing the meaning of PDA according to the time and his convenience. Swami Prasad Maurya had recently attacked the upper caste community regarding the UCC law. Now he is seen targeting Akhilesh. Curated by: Rahul Parashar About the Author Rahul Parashar is a Senior Journalist at Navbharat Times Online. He has 20 years of experience covering politics, current affairs, development, bureaucracy, education, health, and ground reporting. In the early days of his career, he covered administration and civic issues. He also honed his skills in political journalism in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Courtesy: Hindi News
Report finds Adivasi, Muslim, and Dalit communities targeted through politically driven violence in Telangana
A fact-finding report released by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has concluded that recent incidents of communal violence and social tension across Telangana are not isolated events but part of a broader pattern of politically driven polarisation, institutional bias, and administrative failure, particularly affecting Adivasi, Muslim, Dalit, and other marginalised communities. Titled “Belonging, Coexistence & Fractures: Documenting State Atrocities and Fractured Coexistence in Telangana”, the report is based on field visits, survivor testimonies, interviews with local residents and activists, and an analysis of official records across multiple districts, including Hyderabad, Medchal–Malkajgiri, Narayanpet, Medak, Nizamabad, Nirmal, Adilabad, and Bhainsa. According to the report’s executive summary, many flashpoints in Telangana began as local disputes over land, religious practice, noise, interpersonal conflicts, or administrative decisions, but were subsequently escalated into communal confrontations through organised political mobilisation, misinformation campaigns, and provocative public actions. The report attributes a central role in this escalation to right-wing organisations and affiliated local networks, particularly during politically sensitive periods such as elections. A key outcome of the report is its finding that state institutions, especially the police and district administrations, have frequently failed to act impartially. In several cases documented by APCR, members of Muslim and other minority communities faced delayed police responses, excessive force, false criminal cases, custodial violence, or pressure to withdraw complaints. Oversight bodies such as the SC/ST Commission and the National Human Rights Commission were described as largely inaccessible or ineffective at the ground level, contributing to what the report terms a “climate of impunity.” The report also highlights how communal narratives are being used to divert attention from structural issues such as land alienation, unemployment, erosion of public services, and unequal access to welfare schemes. It notes that Adivasi, Dalit, and Muslim communities, despite sharing similar economic vulnerabilities, are increasingly positioned against one another through identity-based mobilisation, weakening possibilities for collective resistance. Importantly, APCR’s findings do not portray Telangana as uniformly divided. The report documents several instances where communities have resisted polarisation, continued everyday coexistence, and intervened to prevent violence. Civil society groups, women, and youth initiatives are identified as playing a critical role in supporting survivors and de-escalating tensions in the absence of effective state intervention. Concluding its assessment, the report states that communal violence in Telangana is neither inevitable nor driven primarily by grassroots hostility. Instead, it argues that such violence is increasingly “manufactured and sustained” through political strategies that benefit from social division. APCR said the report is intended to serve as a starting point for further public scrutiny, institutional accountability, and policy intervention aimed at safeguarding coexistence, dignity, and constitutional rights in Telangana. Speaking to Maktoob, Nadeem Khan, national secretary of APCR, said, “Our findings show that communal violence in Telangana is not spontaneous or inevitable. In most cases, local disputes are deliberately escalated through political mobilisation, misinformation, and selective state action.” He added, “What we repeatedly observed on the ground was the manufacture of communal flashpoints—small, resolvable issues being transformed into large-scale tensions through organised intervention by right-wing groups.” He further said, attributing this to the report, “Adivasi, Muslim, Dalit, and other marginalised communities are being pitted against one another, despite sharing the same vulnerabilities—land insecurity, unemployment, and weak access to welfare,” and that “instead of acting as neutral protectors, state institutions often became part of the problem. Delayed responses, biased policing, and false cases against victims were recurring patterns across districts.” “Communal violence in Telangana today is better understood as a political strategy than a social reality. Division benefits those in power, while ordinary people bear the cost,” Khan told Maktoob. The report calls for independent investigations into cases of custodial deaths and alleged fake encounters, accountability for hate speech and inflammatory mobilisation, protection of land and housing rights, and reforms to ensure equal treatment of all communities by law enforcement and administrative authorities. Ghazala Ahmad Courtesy : Maktoob Media Note: This news is originally published on https:/maktoobmedia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
UP: Dalit Youth Playing ‘Ravana’ in Ramlila Loses Eye, FIR Filed Against Youth Playing ‘Rama’
Incident during Ramlila in Sonbhadra: ‘Rama’ shot sharp arrows into ‘Ravana’s’ eye from a distance of 5 feet, savings exhausted on treatment, now receiving death threats Sonbhadra: A shocking and disturbing incident has come to light from Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh. Here, during a Ramlila performance, the interplay of faith and acting turned into lifelong darkness for a Dalit youth. The right eye of 35-year-old Sunil Kumar, who was playing the role of ‘Ravana’ on stage, was completely damaged by an arrow shot by the youth playing the character of ‘Lord Rama’. The victim alleges that this was not merely an accident, but a deliberate attack. Several months after the incident, an FIR was registered at Shahganj police station on Thursday. What is the whole matter? According to the complaint filed with the police, the incident took place on November 13 last year, on the concluding day of the Ramlila festival. The victim, Sunil Kumar, who had been playing the role of Ravana for the past eight years, was busy with his performance on stage. This year, the character of Lord Rama was being played by 22-year-old Naithik Pandey, for whom this was his first year. Sunil Kumar told the Indian Express, “I have been associated with Ramlila for many years. According to the script, on the last day, Rama has to shoot a wooden arrow at Ravana. The instructions were clear that the arrow would only be aimed at the crown placed on Ravana’s head. But Naithik Pandey did not use the arrow provided by the Ramlila organizing committee.” It is alleged that Naithik had brought a special sharp arrow made of hardwood with him. During the scene, he was supposed to shoot only one arrow, but he fired several arrows one after another from a very short distance of about 5 feet. One of these arrows hit Sunil directly in his right eye. Savings exhausted in treatment, job also lost Sunil Kumar, who worked on contract with the municipal corporation, has had his life completely changed after this incident. As soon as the arrow struck, blood started flowing from his eye, and people present at the scene immediately took him to the hospital. Sharing his pain, Sunil said, “Since the incident, I have undergone two surgeries, but my eyesight has not returned. My treatment is ongoing at a private hospital in Varanasi, which has consumed a large part of my savings. Due to this accident, I have also lost my job. Now, I, my wife, and my three-month-old child are completely dependent on my three brothers for financial support.” Casteist abuses and death threats The victim’s brother, Shivam Lal Kumar, has also named Ram Snehi Singh, the Ramlila organizer, as a co-accused in his complaint. The complaint states that the day after the incident, when the victim’s family went to Ram Snehi Singh’s house and said that since the artists were working under his supervision, he should bear the cost of the treatment, they were mistreated. It is alleged that Ram Snehi Singh and Naitik Pandey not only refused to pay for the treatment but also used “filthy and casteist abuses” against them and threatened to kill them. The victim’s family says that they went to the police immediately after the incident, but due to prioritizing Sunil’s treatment, they could not pursue the case at that time. Recently, when his brother contacted the police again, the case was finally registered. Police action Shahganj police station in-charge (SHO) Ram Singhasan informed that the investigation of the case has been handed over to Circle Officer (CO) Rahul Pandey. Currently, no arrests have been made in this case. The police have registered a case against the accused under sections 125 (endangering the life or personal safety of others), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). In addition, the accused have also been charged under various sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Interview | Atrocities against Dalits rising amid growth of communal forces in Tamil Nadu: VCK’s Ravikumar
There is no denying that atrocities against Dalits are on the rise. This trend is closely linked to the growing presence of communal forces in the state. The government also has a responsibility to contain this situation. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), led by Thol Thirumavalavan, is a constituent of the ruling DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu. Originally formed as the Dalit Panthers Iyakkam (DPI), inspired by the Dalit Panthers movement in Maharashtra, the organisation underwent a significant transformation over the years. Thirumavalavan, who was earlier associated with the DMK’s student wing, assumed leadership following the death of the DPI’s founder, M. Malalchami, in 1989. After the disintegration of the Dalit Panthers movement in Maharashtra, Thirumavalavan reconstituted the organisation as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the VCK won four of the six seats allotted to it as part of the DMK-led front. As the state gears up for the 2026 polls, Thirumavalavan has indicated that the party will seek a larger share of seats from its ally. He has also made it clear that the VCK will not be part of any alliance that includes the BJP or the PMK. In this context, Online Desk of The New Indian Express (TNIE) spoke to VCK MP (Villupuram) and noted writer D. Ravikumar to understand the party’s political stance, its future course, and to respond to some of the allegations levelled against it. What do you perceive as the most serious political threat or challenge Tamil Nadu is facing in the run-up to the 2026 State elections? Our primary concern is the growing influence of communal forces. These divisive elements are deliberately raising issues to polarise people along communal lines. This strategy is not new; it has been consistently employed by such forces. The Thiruparankundram lamp lighting issue is a clear example. Tamil Nadu must be protected from these divisive forces that threaten its social harmony. How is the VCK shaping its strategy for the upcoming polls? We are part of a strong anti-BJP coalition. The BJP’s politics pose a direct threat to the Constitution of India. Our campaign will centre on safeguarding the Constitution, as any dilution of constitutional values would leave Dalits and minorities without protection. We will also highlight key issues such as increasing the percentage of Dalit reservation and extending reservation to the private sector. There is a perception that some allies, including the Communist parties and the VCK, have been relatively silent on major issues such as the alleged deterioration of law and order under the DMK government. How do you respond? First of all, Tamil Nadu is far better placed than many other states—especially those ruled by the BJP—when it comes to law and order. The fact that Tamil Nadu consistently ranks among the top states and remains a premier destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) demonstrates that the law-and-order situation is not as dire as opposition parties claim. Social media has also played a role in bringing crimes to public attention more rapidly, which is actually a positive development. It is ironic, and frankly ridiculous, that BJP leaders speak about women’s safety when their own governance record raises serious questions. What are the key issues Dalits in Tamil Nadu face today? There is no denying that atrocities against Dalits are on the rise. This trend is closely linked to the growing presence of communal forces in the state. The government also has a responsibility to contain this situation. While the state government has constituted a commission to make recommendations on laws against honour killings and caste-based hate crimes, we are not fully satisfied with this approach. Our consistent demand has been for a comprehensive and enforceable law. We are also deeply concerned about the increasing landlessness among Dalits. The Agricultural Census indicates a decline in Dalit landholdings in Tamil Nadu. We therefore demand the meaningful inclusion of Dalits in the economic development of the state. How would you respond to criticism that your party’s strategy has been more alliance-focused than issue-focused? That criticism is unfounded. The VCK stands firmly for the annihilation of caste and the pursuit of social justice. We go beyond narrow caste identities and follow the Ambedkarite path. Dr B.R. Ambedkar emphasised transcending caste identity as the true route to liberation and equality, and that remains our guiding principle. There are reports that some Dalit voters and activists are dissatisfied with the performance of the VCK. Do you acknowledge these sentiments? This perception is not accurate. Every political party has supporters from the Dalit community. There are also certain outfits representing Dalit sub-sects that operate primarily for personal or sectional gains. Such groups should not be mistaken as representative of the broader Dalit political sentiment. Your views on actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)? It is deeply concerning that people continue to support Vijay even after the Karur stampede, which claimed the lives of 41 of his fans. He did not visit the site and instead flew directly to Chennai. The kind of mob frenzy witnessed around Vijay is alarming. Fascism often evolves from the ground up, and such unchecked mass adulation is dangerous. Gladwin Emmanuel Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Meerut Dalit family under ‘house arrest’: Family alleges police pressure in kidnapping case
Paras Som and Sunil Som, both belonging to the Rajput community, had allegedly hacked to death 50-year-old Sunita Devi and kidnapped her 20-year-old daughter on January 8 The family members of the Dalit girl who was kidnapped after the murder of her mother at Kapsad village in Meerut district early this month have claimed that they were under house arrest and the police were pressuring them not to pursue the case against the accused. Paras Som and Sunil Som, both belonging to the Rajput community, had allegedly hacked to death 50-year-old Sunita Devi and kidnapped her 20-year-old daughter on January 8. The police arrested Sunil from Meerut and Paras from Haridwar and recovered the girl. Sunita’s husband Satyendra Kumar told reporters near his house on Saturday that the police had put them under house arrest. “We are not allowed even to meet our lawyers. Our family members who had come here to see us were not allowed to enter the house. We suspect that they are also recording our phone calls.” He claimed some cops warned them against pursuing the case against Paras. Piyush Srivastava Courtesy : The Telegraph Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetelegraph.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
PM Modi isn’t renaming Adampur Airport after Sant Ravidas without reason; it’s a major move in Dalit politics, here’s how.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is arriving in Punjab on Sunday on the occasion of the 649th birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas. PM Modi will arrive at Adampur Airport at approximately 3:45 PM, where he will unveil the airport’s new name, ‘Shri Guru Ravidas Ji Airport, Adampur’. He will also inaugurate the terminal building at Halwara Airport in Ludhiana, Punjab. Adampur Airport’s name is changing Chandigarh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is arriving in Punjab on Sunday. He will rename the Adampur airport after Sant Ravidas, who is revered especially among Dalits. He will also visit Dera Sachkhand Ballan, the headquarters of the Ravidassia community. This visit is part of his continued efforts to reach out to his followers, who are present in large numbers not only in Punjab but also in several other states. PM Modi’s decision to rename this airport as Shri Guru Ravidas Ji Airport comes on the occasion of the saint’s 649th birth anniversary, a demand that had been pending for a long time. By associating himself with this occasion and scheduling a visit to the Dera, PM Modi will send a strong message to the Dalit community. Focus on Sant Ravidas from Varanasi to Sagar The PM is emphasizing that he wants to nurture the community that is important for the BJP not only in terms of politics but also in terms of a broader cultural agenda. He has launched projects over the past few years for the development of the birthplace of the Bhakti movement poet-saint Ravidas. Born in Varanasi, he has also launched projects for building a memorial for him in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, and has paid tributes at Ravidas temples. Meeting with Niranjan Das During his visit, Modi will participate in a public event and interact with the Dera’s spiritual head, Niranjan Das. Niranjan Das was also awarded the Padma Shri on the eve of this Republic Day. Punjab has the highest number of Dalits This Dera is located in Jalandhar, which is part of the Doaba region, where the Scheduled Caste population is higher than in the rest of the state. Dalits constitute approximately 32% of the population in Punjab, which is higher than in any other state, while in the Doaba region, this figure is around 42%. BJP’s focus on Punjab through Dalits Dalits in Punjab are divided into several sub-groups, with the Ravidasia community, which comprises 10-12% of the population, being a major sub-group, and Ravidas is a revered figure among the Scheduled Castes. Reaching out to members of marginalized castes has been a crucial part of the BJP’s Hindu unity agenda. This has helped the party’s growth. The Punjab Assembly elections are scheduled for early next year. Following the rapid rise of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the rift in relations between the BJP and the Akali Dal, four parties, including the Congress, are in the political race in the state. Curated by: Shashi Pandey Mishra About the Author Shashi Pandey Mishra is a Senior Journalist at Navbharat Times Online. She writes on politics, crime, health, and human interest stories. She also enjoys writing on issues related to women and children. She also writes ground reports and interesting stories. She has 18 years of experience in journalism. Courtesy: Hindi News