Transgender women wreak havoc on police in Kanpur, stripped naked and beaten, kicked in the chest; case filed after video goes viral
A video is rapidly going viral on social media, showing some transgender people assaulting a policeman. Based on the complaint of the victim, a case has been filed against the accused. A video of a policeman being assaulted in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, is rapidly going viral on social media. The video shows some transgender people assaulting a policeman. The incident caused a stir within the police department. Taking cognizance of the matter, the police have initiated action. Based on the complaint filed by the policeman, a case has been filed against the accused. The matter came to light through a viral video A video circulating on social media shows a dispute between a policeman and transgender people. As the situation escalated, scenes of transgender people assaulting the policeman have emerged. The video clearly shows transgender people arguing, then stripping naked and assaulting a police officer. Meanwhile, a transgender person is seen kicking the police officer in the chest. After the video went viral, the incident sparked widespread public discussion. However, the details of what sparked the dispute and the circumstances that led to the altercation will only be clear after a police investigation. Case Registered Based on a Report After the video surfaced, the police took the matter seriously and obtained a written complaint from the police officer involved. Based on this, a charge has been registered against the accused under relevant sections. The police are now taking further legal action in the matter, investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. ACP stated: Legal action underway Assistant Police Commissioner Ghatampur Krishnakant stated that cognizance has been taken of the video viral on social media. A case has been registered based on the written complaint submitted by the police officer concerned. Further legal action is underway in the matter as per the law. Report by Anurag Srivastava, correspondent from Kanpur Courtesy: Hindi News
Mission Uttar Pradesh: BJP is targeting Dalit votes with BSP’s cultural strategy
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced grand celebrations for Valmiki’s birth anniversary. The Valmikis, a major section of Dalits, claim descent from Maharshi Valmiki. Concentrated in towns and cities, they have produced an educated class and their goodwill towards BJP appears to be growing The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), founded by Kanshi Ram, once commanded a vast Dalit base across India, above all in Uttar Pradesh (UP). That base carried it to power in Lucknow. Mayawati, its leader, has been chief minister four times, and in 2007 she won the Assembly election outright, emerging as the single dominant force in UP politics. Over the last few elections, however, BSP’s vote share has declined steadily and the party has suffered heavy defeats. It now faces the most critical moment in its history, with no representation in either Lok Sabha or the UP Assembly. Kanshi Ram’s strategic vision had stitched together a broad Bahujan social coalition: Dalits, non-Yadav Other Backward Classes , the lower strata of Muslims and, later, Brahmins. Gradually, each of these groups grew disillusioned, and many deserted the party. Dalits, who make up roughly 21.6 per cent of UP’s population, were its core vote for decades. Among them, the Jatavs, Pasis, Koris, Sonkars, Valmikis and others became the strongest pillars of support. Kanshi Ram and Mayawati mobilised these communities through three strategies: first, a sense of dignity, by giving prominence to their identity, history, icons and heroes; second, an aspiration to a rightful share in development and politics; and third, a dream of a better future. Together, they delivered a huge Dalit vote to BSP. After 2012, though, the party’s electoral base visibly fragmented. BSP lost the Assembly election that year and today has no seat in Lok Sabha or the state Assembly, with the party’s sole MLA, Umashankar Singh, dying on August 5, 2026. Field studies suggest that, among Dalits, the party has retained its base among the Jatavs, although a section of them, too, has deserted it for various reasons. Dalit voters, then, stand at a political crossroads. Where once they had a single party, they now seek multiple choices. The most notable shift is towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and for two reasons. First, the welfare schemes led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Garib Kalyan Yojanas, have drawn Dalit and other marginalised communities to BJP. Second, the cultural politics through which BSP once mobilised Dalits has been largely appropriated by BJP strategists and reinvented. Its central plank was the forging of identity and the enhancement of dignity by celebrating Dalit cultures, histories and heroes and by honouring their saints, gurus and icons. Mayawati repeatedly said that one of the Bahujan regime’s chief achievements was the respect it accorded to these figures. BJP appears to be reinventing the same strategy with the coming Assembly election in view. Mayawati renamed Bhadohi as Sant Ravidas Nagar during an earlier tenure in 1997, honouring the revered saint worshipped widely among Dalits, especially Jatavs. Akhilesh Yadav restored the old name in 2014 after the Samajwadi Party (SP) took power in 2012. In July, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared that the district would again be Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi, winning goodwill among Dalits, most of whom in rural UP follow the Ravidas tradition. Adityanath has also announced grand celebrations for Valmiki’s birth anniversary. Sweepers and the Valmiki community, a major section of Dalits, claim descent from Maharshi Valmiki. Concentrated in towns and cities, they have produced an educated political class, and goodwill towards BJP appears to be growing among them. BJP, thus, is courting Dalits and marginalised groups through symbolic and substantive means. Cultural strategies BSP pioneered decades ago are now being deployed by BJP, alongside the economic benefits of its welfare schemes. Taken together, the two approaches may well draw Dalit voters towards BJP in the 2027 UP Assembly election. Badri Narayan (Badri Narayan is vice chancellor, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai and the author of Republic of Hindutva) Courtesy : Open Magazine Note: This news is originally published on https:/openmagazine.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
India’s opposition set to hold mega rally seeking election chief’s resignation
Tens of thousands of people are expected to gather in the Indian capital, Delhi, for a mega opposition rally, seeking the resignation of chief election commissioner and electoral reforms. The rally, called by the main opposition Congress party, will begin around noon at the famous Ramlila Maidan grounds, with leaders claiming a million people could attend. Several top leaders of the Congress-led INDIA alliance have said they would attend and the influential Gen Z-led pressure group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has also pledged support. The rally comes amid growing criticism of a voter-list revision exercise that has removed 130 million names from the draft rolls across India. The Election Commission of India (ECI) says the exercise is aimed at updating the voters’ list by purging names of people who have died or moved away from their registered addresses. But opposition parties allege that the exercise – known as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) – could benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by removing eligible voters from the rolls. They accuse the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and the BJP of “vote chori (theft)”. Both the BJP and the ECI have denied the allegations. The controversy intensified in September when The Indian Express newspaper in its investigation reported that the CEC, Gyanesh Kumar, made key decisions related to the exercise without the agreement of the two other election commissioners, who had raised objections on more than a dozen occasions. NurPhoto via Getty Images Protesters form human chains while holding placards and Indian national flags demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in voter rolls and the scrapping of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Hyderabad, India, on October 24, 2026NurPhoto via Getty Images Protests have been going on for weeks seeking CEC Kumar’s resignation and electoral reforms The Election Commission said differences of opinion were normal in any institution and did not affect its functioning. But concerns over the revision process have continued, with the opposition parties, the CJP and student groups organising a number of protests in Delhi and other Indian cities. Last month, Congress MP and leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi led tens of thousands of protesters in a march from Connaught Place in central Delhi to the Supreme Court, seeking the CEC’s resignation. “The march was just the trailer,” a party leader told the BBC, adding that “Sunday’s rally will be several times bigger than that”. Ahead of the rally, Gandhi said their protest was against “the demolition of Indian democracy”, adding that “all the opposition parties and everybody who wants to come, political or non-political, is welcome”. “There is huge anger, huge emotional pain because millions are being disenfranchised,” he said. “We are all standing together because we are defending the Constitution. We are defending the idea of India. We are defending the vote, which is the expression of all Indians.” Getty Images Protesters gather around a bus carrying Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi during a demonstration on October 12, 2026 in New DelhiGetty Images Thousands gathered for the last Congress rally in Delhi on 12 October Delhi police have given permission to hold Sunday’s rally, but it comes with several conditions. Media reports say the rally must end by 5pm, CCTV cameras must be installed at the venue and no marches will be allowed outside the designated protest site. The planned mega rally has also divided opinion among traders in Chandni Chowk, one of Delhi’s oldest and busiest markets, located less than a kilometre from Ramlila Maidan. Earlier this week, a group of traders said the protest could hurt business during the festive season, coming just a week before Diwali. But a rival group of traders said they supported Gandhi’s rally and criticised the BJP for taking out a march through the market on Thursday, saying that disrupted the festive season more. Rekha Gupta/X Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin (centre L) with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta (centre R) take part in a “Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy” protest march in New Delhi on October 28, 2026.Rekha Gupta/X Leaders of the ruling BJP party also carried out a march in Chandni Chowk market on Thursday Authorities have deployed thousands of police and paramilitary personnel across the city, including the roads leading up to Ramlila Grounds, Sunday’s protest venue. The opposition, which has been preparing for the rally for days now, has accused the government of trying to stop people from travelling to Delhi to take part in the protest. Rahul Gandhi has appealed to people to turn up in large numbers. “Don’t worry about the police, don’t worry about lathis [batons] – the BJP will not have the guts to try any of their antics,” he wrote on X. His comments come amid growing concerns about the policing of recent protests in the capital. On 10 October, thousands of security personnel were deployed and large parts of the city were shut down to thwart protests called by the CJP against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. All of the top CJP leaders were detained and many demonstrators were beaten and dragged through the streets to break up their protests. BBC reporters covering demonstrations saw police dragging away protesters and using batons on some of them. The CJP has publicly backed the INDIA bloc rally, but it is unclear whether its senior leaders will attend. Geeta Pandey and Nikita Yadav Courtesy : BBC Note: This news is originally published on https:/bbc.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
India Alliance Rally: Traders fear losses of ₹12,000 crore or gains of ₹50 crore? Rahul Gandhi has made a big move!
Congress Protest in Delhi: Traders fear losses due to Rahul Gandhi’s rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan. According to trade organizations, business could be affected by up to ₹12,000 crore. However, markets are also expecting business worth up to ₹50 crore due to Rahul Gandhi’s appeal. Will the opposition rally benefit or harm Delhi’s traders? New Delhi: A major rally by the Congress and India Alliance is scheduled to be held today, November 1, 2026, at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan. Congress and opposition parties have organized this protest against alleged irregularities in the voter list and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and leaders from several opposition parties are expected to attend the rally. The opposition alliance has claimed that around 1 million people will attend the rally. Meanwhile, Delhi’s business organizations and the BJP have raised questions about the impact of this rally on business. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi has also posted a business-related post on Instagram. He appealed to the millions of people attending the rally, “It’s the festival season. It’s the time of Diwali, Chhath, and Bhai Dooj. I want the millions of people coming to Delhi from outside to help the local businesses. Protest, march, rally, and do some shopping as well—it will benefit the businesses.” Some estimates suggest that people coming to Delhi from other states for rallies or other purposes often buy something. If Rahul Gandhi’s appeal works, Delhi’s businesses could benefit significantly from this rally. What are the businesses worried about? This rally, scheduled to be held at Ramlila Maidan, is expected to impact business in approximately 20 major markets in the capital. Business organizations claim that this could impact business worth between ₹10,000 and ₹12,000 crore per day. According to the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), the rally is expected to disrupt business in major markets like Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Chawri Bazaar, Khari Baoli, Connaught Place, and Daryaganj. These markets typically see a large crowd of customers during Diwali. Traffic jams, road closures, and police restrictions could make it difficult for customers to reach the shops. 1 million people expected to gather According to trade organizations, approximately 1 million people are expected to attend the rally. Additionally, 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles are expected. The large number of people and vehicles could cause heavy traffic jams in central Delhi. This could impact the movement of goods and services. Markets to remain open on Sundays Generally, major markets in Delhi, such as Sadar Bazaar, Chawri Bazaar, and Chandni Chowk, are closed on Sundays. Since it’s Diwali season, most shops in the markets are expected to remain open on Sundays. Because of this, it’s been said that the rally will impact business on Sunday. However, most big businesses keep their shops closed on Sundays. Benefits or losses from the rally? While the Congress rally is said to cause losses to businesses, another aspect also emerges. Whenever someone comes to Delhi from another state, they usually buy something. Since 1 million people are expected to attend the rally, if Rahul Gandhi’s appeal impacts the rally’s attendees, businesses could see substantial profits. Assuming an average person spends ₹500 on shopping, food, and drinks, then 1 million people will spend approximately ₹50 crore. This means that this amount will go into the pockets of Delhi’s businesses. How accurate is the claim of a loss of ₹12,000 crore? Business organizations claim that the rally could impact business by up to ₹12,000 crore. This figure could be significantly lower on Sunday. Major markets in Delhi typically see higher business volumes from Monday to Saturday. Sundays are closed, which reduces business. Therefore, traders can benefit from the purchases made by rally-goers during Sunday’s market hours. This means the rally will not significantly impact business due to the Sunday market closure. A chance for significant shopping in many places As festivals like Diwali, Bhai Dooj, and Chhath are approaching, and the cold has also arrived in a significant way, rally-goers may be interested in purchasing festival-related items, warm clothing, shoes, cosmetics, and makeup items. The wedding season is also about to begin, which could lead to increased business for these businesses. Curated by: Rajesh Bharti About the Author Rajesh Bharti is an Assistant News Editor at Navbharat Times (Digital). He joined Navbharat Times, the digital wing of the Times of India Group, in July 2024. Rajesh Bharti works on the Business Desk at NBT Digital. Courtesy: Hindi News
Opinion | Dalit Vote In Uttar Pradesh: From BSP Monopoly To A Three-Way Fight
As the 2027 election approaches, Dalits, who make up about one in five voters, could decide who governs India’s most populous state. Uttar Pradesh’s politics has long run on caste arithmetic, and no bloc has been more consequential or more contested in recent years than the Dalits. Scheduled Castes (SCs) account for about 21% of the state’s population. For decades, they were seen as the private preserve of Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). That is no longer true. Ahead of the 2027 assembly election, the BJP, the Samajwadi Party (SP)-Congress alliance, and newer outfits like Azad Samaj Party are all courting Dalit voters, and their outcome could shape the next government. A vote that reaches far The Dalit population is not evenly spread. Kaushambi, Sitapur, Hardoi, Rae Bareli, and Unnao districts each have SC populations above 30%. At the other end, Shamli, Baghpat, Moradabad, Bareilly, and Balrampur districts sit between 11% and 13%. Eight assembly seats have an SC population above 40%, while 144 seats have less than 10%. It matters most in the 122 seats where SCs make up 20-30% of the population. Across 148 of the state’s 403 seats, the Dalit share exceeds the state average, and these are the seats where the community can most influence the result. Latest and Breaking News on NDTV Two communities, not one The Dalit electorate is not monolithic. Jatavs, about 12% of voters, are the BSP’s traditional core. Non-Jatav SCs, about 9%, are a more fragmented group, and the BSP was never as dominant among them. Its support there ran between 44% and 54% through 2017. Jatavs stayed loyal for two decades. BSP support in the community ranged from 60% to 87%, and it held firm even in 2022, when the party won a single seat. The break came only in 2024, when the BSP’s Jatav share fell to 44%. Non-Jatavs moved first The non-Jatavs left first. The BJP’s share among them jumped from 7% to 33% in 2017, a gain of 26 points, and reached 40% in 2022. This “non-Jatav SC consolidation” was central to the party’s 2017 sweep. The BJP exploited the differences between the two Dalit groups and built a coalition of upper castes, non-Yadav OBCs, and non-Jatav SCs that accounted for roughly 60% of the population. Meanwhile, the BSP’s non-Jatav support fell to 27% in 2022 and 15% in 2024. The BJP’s Jatav numbers stayed in single digits until 2017, then rose to 20% in 2022 and 24% in 2024. 2024: the reversal The 2024 general election broke the pattern. Non-Jatav SC support for the SP and its ally, the Congress, together constituents of the “INDIA bloc”, rose from 23% in 2022 to 56%. The BJP’s share among non-Jatavs dropped from 40% to 29%. The presence of the Congress in the alliance helped, as did the campaign warning that the Constitution and reservations were in danger. Latest and Breaking News on NDTV Jatavs moved too. Their support for the SP+ nearly tripled from 9% to 25%, matching the BJP among the community for the first time. The BSP’s lost votes did not go to one place. Non-Jatavs went mostly to the SP+, while Jatavs split between the SP+ and the BJP. The loss of the non-Jatav bloc cost the BJP a crucial 9% support gained by the SP+. Projected onto assembly segments, the SP+ led in about 225 seats and the BJP+ in 174, against a simple majority mark of 202 largely on account of this movement. The seat-level story The shifts show up clearly in the 148 seats with above-average Dalit populations: 2012: The SP dominated with 91 seats, the BSP had 34 and the BJP just 8. 2017: The BJP won 118 of the 148, and the SP fell to 14. 2022: The BJP held 93, the SP recovered to 43 and the BSP won none. 2024 (assembly segments): The SP+ led in about 94 segments, a gain of 51, while the BJP led in 44, a loss of 49. The BSP has gone from 34 seats in these constituencies to zero. Even where its base is most concentrated, it is no longer the force it was, and it may not even play spoiler. A weakened Mayawati, a growing challenger The BSP’s decline has hurt the party’s standing beyond arithmetic. Mayawati is seen as less active and less forceful than in her prime, and the “B-team of the BJP” label has stuck to her, feeding the perception that the BSP splits opposition votes to the ruling party’s benefit. New players are trying to fill the space. Chandrashekhar Azad “Ravan” of the Azad Samaj Party (ASP) is gaining some traction among Dalit youth, having won the Nagina Lok Sabha seat, though his party’s reach is still limited. Aakash Anand, Mayawati’s nephew, who was reappointed as national coordinator on October 5, just 25 days after being expelled on September 10, is trying to revive the BSP vote base. The parties’ strategies Each major party is tailoring its pitch. The SP is planning to field SC candidates even in general, unreserved seats. The tactic worked in 2024, when the party won Faizabad (Ayodhya) with a Dalit candidate. It is also reportedly adopting blue, the colour associated with Dalit identity and Ambedkarite politics, for the dress of its student wing, the Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha. The BJP faces a more delicate task. It hopes to win back non-Jatavs through welfare schemes and to attract Jatavs through political representation. Having built its rise on non-Jatav support, it cannot afford to lose that base for good. The BSP is attempting to revive its SC votebank through Aakash, who is decently popular amongst youth and is Mayawati’s counter to Ravan. He addressed his first post-reinstatement public rally in Bulandshahr on October 28, pledging his loyalty to Mayawati and urging workers to prepare for the elections. Who benefits from the BSP’s fall? The BSP’s decline has so far helped the SP more than the BJP, in both 2022 and 2024. That matters for
Koyyala Ruth becomes India’s first Dalit transgender doctor; Dr. Ambedkar becomes an inspiration
Ruth says that Dr. Ambedkar advocated for the dignity of every human being, not just men and women. As a Dalit transgender woman, Ruth was deeply inspired by Babasaheb Ambedkar’s struggle against caste discrimination and his zeal for education. On one hand, the dream of becoming a doctor, on the other, a long battle for her identity and dignity. But fighting this battle, 31-year-old Dr. Koyyala Ruth John Paul has made history. Ruth is one of the first Dalit transgender women in India to earn an MD degree in Emergency Medicine. She has since treated patients at the ESIC Hospital in Hyderabad. Now, her dream is to become a doctor and treat people in a government hospital. The story begins in Khammam, Telangana. Ruth, the daughter of a mother who became a daily wage laborer after her father died of a heart attack in 2006, would have lost her courage if any other child had been in Ruth’s place. But Ruth learned to fight, and in this fight, Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar became her inspiration. Her mother raised her three children in extremely difficult circumstances. Despite these difficult circumstances, Ruth continued her studies, passed her 10th and 12th grade exams with good marks, and dreamed of becoming a doctor. In Nikhila Henry’s report published in the Indian Express, Ruth says that Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s thoughts and struggle have had a profound influence on her life. She says that Dr. Ambedkar always advocated for basic human dignity. He spoke of respect for every human being, not just men or women. As a Dalit transgender woman, Ruth was deeply inspired by Babasaheb Ambedkar’s struggle against caste discrimination and his zeal for education. But the greatest of all challenges was accepting her gender identity. For Ruth, this struggle began from childhood. She enrolled in medical school with the female gender she was assigned at birth. However, in her third year of medical college, she revealed her transgender identity to her family. According to Ruth, her family couldn’t accept this truth. She was beaten and thrown out of the house. At that time, she faced extremely difficult circumstances for livelihood. She had the option of begging or sex work, paths often forced upon the transgender community. But Ruth didn’t give up. During this difficult time, she met Hyderabad-based transgender activists Rachana Mudraboyina and Vaijayanti Vasantha Mogli, who helped Ruth. They recognized her talent and gave her a chance to progress. Thanks to this support, she completed her MBBS from a medical college in Hyderabad in 2019. And as often happens, after Ruth’s success, her family has also accepted her. But the struggle continued. The path to further education after MBBS was not easy. Ruth appeared for and passed the NEET-PG exam three times between 2021 and 2023. While she was allowed to register as a SC transwoman in the application form, she was included in the female category during counseling. Ruth appealed to the Telangana High Court in 2021, demanding recognition as a transgender woman from a Scheduled Caste. In 2022, the National Medical Commission (NMC) wrote to her, stating that there was no precedent for including her under the transgender category in counseling. Therefore, her case was separate. The legal battle in this matter continues. Meanwhile, in 2023, the Telangana High Court issued an interim order allowing her admission to the medical program, but under the female category. Ruth argues that as a Dalit transgender woman, the Constitution entitles her to reservations under both the Scheduled Caste and transgender categories. However, the NMC places her among female candidates. Despite this, Ruth continued her studies and finally passed the MD exam on October 9th. However, Ruth’s exam was still pending. Even after completing her MBBS, Ruth faced difficulties finding a job as a doctor. For a while, she worked as a temporary doctor at the Mitra Transgender Clinic. However, she finally secured a position as a doctor at the ESIC Hospital in Hyderabad. Getting an MD degree is a major achievement for Dr. Ruth. But her dream doesn’t end there. She wants to work in a government hospital to provide better treatment not only to members of her community but also to those in need who cannot afford private hospitals. Ruth continues to pursue this dream. Dr. Ruth’s story isn’t just about earning a medical degree. It’s also about the struggle for caste-based discrimination, gender identity, education, and respect. A story that demonstrates that despite difficult circumstances and discrimination, when a great leader like Dr. Ambedkar is considered a role model, paths can be forged through education and determination. Dr. Pooja Rai Dr. Pooja Rai is a teacher by profession. She has a keen interest in women’s issues and humanitarian news. Her books, “Aadhi Aabadi Ka Dard” and “Sapno Ke Pankh” (Faces of Dreams), were very popular. Courtesy: Hindi News
Tamil Nadu: Dalits gain entry into temple after 50 years, IPS Shahnaz Ilyas’s initiative in the news
In Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu, the Adi Dravidian community has been granted the right to worship in a temple after 50 years. Learn about the role of IPS Shahnaz Ilyas and her success story. Tamil Nadu. In Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu, members of the Adi Dravidian community have been granted the right to enter and worship in a temple after nearly 50 years. Following this initiative, which took place in the second week of September, the role of the district’s Superintendent of Police (SP), IPS Shahnaz Ilyas, is in the news. According to media reports, following the local administration’s initiative, the temple’s doors have been opened to members of the Adi Dravidian community. Members of the community will now be able to enter and worship. This move is being considered significant in ending long-standing social discrimination. According to reports, Kallakurichi Superintendent of Police (SP) Shahnaz Ilyas was honored by Tamil Nadu government minister Vanni Arasu for this initiative. Who is IPS Shahnaz Ilyas? Shahnaz Ilyas is a 2021 batch IPS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre. She secured the 217th rank in the 2020 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination. Notably, she prepared for the exam during her maternity leave and succeeded. Before becoming an IPS officer, she worked in the IT sector for about five years. Virendra Kumar Virendra Kumar has been in journalism since 2020. He is a sub-editor at Dalit Dastak. His interests include education, politics, and sports. Virendra has a keen interest in the camera and often works as a video journalist. Courtesy: Hindi News
UP Elections 2027: BSP’s focus will be on employment and reservation
Ahead of the 2027 UP Assembly elections, the BSP has prepared to make Dalit self-respect, reservation, and employment its primary issues. Akash Anand is actively involved in the campaign to connect with the youth. Lucknow. In view of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has intensified its political activities. The party is preparing to contest the elections by focusing on issues such as Dalit self-respect, reservation, and employment. Through this, the BSP aims to reunify its traditional Dalit voters and strengthen its hold among the youth. Akash Anand has been fielded for this purpose. The BSP’s strategy was launched by the party’s National Convenor, Akash Anand, with a workers’ conference held in Bulandshahr’s Anupshahr Assembly constituency. Starting October 28th, Akash Anand launched the party’s campaign with meetings in Bulandshahr. Issues of Dalit self-respect and reservation are being given prominence in the party’s strategy. Additionally, efforts are being made to engage youth by raising the issue of employment. The party is particularly targeting Gen-G (young voters). At the same time, efforts to engage Jat and Gurjar voters in western Uttar Pradesh are also part of the BSP’s strategy. Candidate Selection Based on Caste Equations The BSP is also considering caste-based factors when selecting candidates for the upcoming assembly elections. According to party sources, BSP chief Mayawati is reviewing the names of potential candidates for key constituencies and their winning prospects. Raj Kumar Courtesy: Hindi News
Even before independence and the formation of the Constitution, the Scindia dynasty began the upliftment of Dalits… with provisions for punishment for those who discriminated.
Before independence, the Scindia dynasty of Gwalior granted Dalits equal rights to temples, schools, wells, and public ghats. The 1945 order provided for action against those who discriminated. Before India’s independence and the formation of the Constitution, many princely states across the country undertook social reform initiatives that transcended their time and laid the foundation for equality and social justice. Among these, the Scindia dynasty of Gwalior’s contribution is particularly noteworthy. The Scindia dynasty not only took important decisions to free the Dalit community from social discrimination, but also took steps to ensure equal rights in education, entry to religious sites, and the use of public facilities. Dalits were granted equal access to temples, schools, wells, and public ghats, including the right to ride horses and palanquins, and to wear whatever clothing they desired. 11 schools and three free hostels were established for the education of tribal children, and special schemes were also launched for the upliftment of the Bhil and Bhilala communities. On May 4, 1945, the then Maharaja of Gwalior State, Jivajirao Madhavrao Scindia, issued a historic declaration explicitly recognizing the rights of the Dalit community. This declaration stated that those considered untouchables or Harijans in the then social system, like other citizens, were entitled to all the fundamental rights to which they were born. The significance of this decree is further enhanced because at that time, in many parts of the country, the Dalit community was denied basic social rights such as entry into temples, drawing water from public wells, studying in schools, and even riding a horse or palanquin. Equal rights from temples to schools, with penalties for discriminators Maharaja Jivajirao Scindia’s May 4, 1945, proclamation granted the Dalit community the freedom to wear clothing and jewelry, use modes of transportation of their choice, follow marriage customs, and access public spaces. The proclamation clarified that Dalits would be able to use wells, canals, river ghats, and state-run educational institutions. Furthermore, they were also granted the right to enter and worship in state-owned or state-managed temples, like other Hindus. The most significant aspect of this proclamation was that it provided for punitive action under existing state laws against those who obstructed the exercise of these rights. This meant that social equality was not limited to mere ideals or preaching, but rather an attempt was made to link it with administrative orders and legal action. 11 schools and three free hostels for the education of tribal children The contribution of the Scindia dynasty was not limited to Dalit upliftment. Significant efforts were also made for the education and social development of tribal communities. According to available historical records, by 1938, 11 schools and three free hostels operated for Bhil and Bhilala tribal children in the Gwalior State. In the Sheopur region, there were also schools and three free hostels for children from the Sahariya community. In addition to connecting tribal children to education, plans were also developed to teach them practical and employable skills. Initiatives were taken to train Bhil and Bhilala children in handicrafts and crafts that would improve their daily lives and livelihoods. Hostels were built for tribal children in Tanda and Bagh. A model school for tribal children was established on Pandav Gufa mountain in the Bagh area of Manawar Pargana under the supervision of the Forest Department. Scholarships were also provided to students. Furthermore, efforts were made to understand the problems of communities through tribal conferences and to establish a Panchayat system in villages. Formation of a Commission for Social Reform There is also historical mention of the formation of a commission to study the conditions of backward and disadvantaged communities in the Gwalior State. Its objective was to assess the actual circumstances, problems, and needs of these communities. The commission sought suggestions from representatives of the concerned communities and those involved in social reform work. They were invited to submit their written proposals to the Additional Secretary of the Home Department. This initiative demonstrates an effort to advance social reform at an institutional and administrative level, rather than solely through individual efforts. The Gaekwad Maharaja of Baroda assisted Baba Saheb Ambedkar in higher education. While discussing the social reforms of the Scindia dynasty, the contributions of other Maratha princely states are also noteworthy. Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad of Baroda provided significant support to social reform pioneers like Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. On April 4, 1913, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad and the young Bhimrao Ambedkar had a very close relationship. Ambedkar was provided financial assistance and scholarships for higher education. With this support, he pursued further studies at Columbia University in the United States. This support is an important example for understanding the importance of social justice and education in Indian history. The Legacy of the Maratha Princely States in the Advancement of Social Equality At various times, the princely states of Maratha rulers such as the Scindias of Gwalior, the Gaekwads of Baroda, and the Bhonsles of Kolhapur spearheaded efforts for social reform and the upliftment of marginalized communities. These initiatives must be viewed in the context of the prevailing social conditions, when caste discrimination was a significant challenge in Indian society. The 1945 declaration of the Gwalior princely state is particularly significant because it explicitly recognized the rights of Dalits in religious, educational, and public life. The provision of schools, hostels, and scholarships for tribal children also paved the way for social empowerment through education. The Indian Constitution later established equality, freedom, and social justice as the foundation of the country’s democratic structure. However, such initiatives undertaken in various princely states before independence bear witness to the growing awareness of social change even before the Constitution was enacted. This historical chapter of the Scindia dynasty not only chronicles the achievements of a dynasty, but also commemorates the efforts made during that period for social equality, education, and human dignity. Edited By: Varun Chauhan Courtesy: Scindia Research Centre
“Banks were created during the Congress regime, but are sold during Modi’s rule,” Rahul Gandhi lashed out at IDBI Bank’s privatization, offering support to employees.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has targeted the central government over the privatization of IDBI Bank. He sarcastically said, “Banks were created during the Congress regime, but are sold during Modi’s rule.” He also expressed support for the bank employees’ protest and pledged his support. New Delhi: Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has targeted the Narendra Modi government over the privatization of IDBI Bank. He alleged that the government first called for bids to purchase the bank and then fixed its price. Rahul Gandhi said that during the Congress regime, banks were created for the country’s industrial development, whereas under the Modi government, public sector banks are being sold. He has pledged his support for IDBI Bank employees. On Friday, Rahul Gandhi posted on the social media platform X, writing, “IDBI was created during the Congress regime to build the country’s industry.” During Modi’s tenure, bids were first reviewed, then the price was finalized. Banks were created during Congress’s tenure. They are sold during Modi’s tenure. I stand with the employees of IDBI Bank. Rahul Gandhi writes a letter to IDBI employees Rahul Gandhi has written a letter addressing the employees of IDBI Bank. In the letter, Rahul Gandhi explained that in March last year, a delegation of bank employees met him in Parliament. The employees questioned why the government was selling the bank he had brought to profit. According to Rahul Gandhi, “He raised this issue in the Lok Sabha, asking the government why a profitable public sector bank needed to be sold and how the interests of its employees and depositors would be protected. He alleged that the government failed to provide a satisfactory answer to this question. Now, the decision has been made to sell the bank to the Canadian company Fairfax.” ‘The bank went from losses to profits of ₹9,000 crore in 7 years’ Rahul Gandhi, in his letter, highlighted IDBI Bank’s performance, saying it began as a development bank. The subsequent transition to a commercial bank wasn’t easy, but the employees overcame the challenges. He claimed that about seven years ago, IDBI Bank was incurring losses, but last year, the bank earned profits of over ₹9,000 crore. Rahul Gandhi credited the bank’s employees for this turnaround, saying it was the result of their hard work. Objection raised to the reduction of government stake The Congress MP also questioned the change in the bank’s ownership. He said that currently, the government and LIC hold approximately 95% of IDBI Bank. After privatization, this stake will be reduced to approximately 34%. Rahul Gandhi also referred to the promise made in Parliament in 2003, in which the government had pledged to retain at least a 51% stake in IDBI Bank. He said that even if this promise is not enshrined in law, a promise made in Parliament is a promise made to the people of the country. He expressed concern that reservations for SC, ST, and OBC categories could be eliminated after the bank goes into private hands. He assured IDBI Bank employees that he stands with them in their struggle and fully supports all their legitimate demands. Why is IDBI Bank in the news? The IDBI Bank privatization issue involves selling the government’s stake and transferring control of the bank to a private foreign company. The central government has approved the sale of 60.72% of IDBI Bank’s stake to Canadian company Fairfax. This deal is worth approximately ₹52,878 crore. When was IDBI Bank established? IDBI Bank was established in 1964 to boost the country’s industrial development. Its purpose was to provide loans to companies and large projects. The bank was established in 1964 when it was formerly owned by the RBI. Its ownership was transferred to the Central Government in 1976. Why are bank employees protesting? Reservation issue: Whether the reservation system for SC, ST, and OBC categories in public sector banks will continue after becoming private banks is a major question. Employees are vocal about this issue. Job security: There is a fear that service conditions, promotions, and job security will be affected after private management comes into place. Public control: Employees believe that public sector control should remain over banks built with public money. Authored by: Abhishek Pandey About the author Abhishek Pandey is a digital journalist at Navbharat Times. He joined Navbharat Times, the digital wing of the Times of India Group, in July 2025. He currently covers news for the National and Delhi desks. I have 4 years of experience in journalism, working as a reporter and on the desk. Courtesy: Hindi News