Dalit Teen Was Humiliated In Maharashtra’s Beed, Viral Video Sparked Public Outrage: Here’s What Happened
A minor Dalit boy was allegedly assaulted and humiliated in Maharashtra’s Beed district. After an FIR was registered, attention is now on the action police may take against those accused. A case involving the alleged assault and humiliation of a minor Dalit boy in Savargaon, Majalgaon taluka, has triggered concern in Maharashtra’s Beed district. The victim has been identified as Siddhant Avghade. According to the complaint, the minor was allegedly beaten and subjected to humiliating treatment. The incident reportedly came to wider attention after a video related to the case surfaced on social media. An FIR has been registered at Majalgaon Rural Police Station today, September 13, 2026. The case was registered under the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). What Legal Action Could The Accused Face? There are stringent laws regarding offences related to caste abuse, assault, and humiliation in the SC/ST Act. Based on the nature of the accusation and the law invoked, a guilty party may receive jail terms and fines. Arrest might be inevitable in some cases depending on the fulfilment of the requisite legal conditions. Nevertheless, the ultimate punishment shall be determined by the court based on the evidence and charge presented. It is possible that every case under the SC/ST Act may result in automatic arrest without the possibility of anticipatory bail, but this is dependent on the type of offence committed. Police Under Pressure To Act Quickly The case has gained attention after the alleged incident was discussed widely on social media. Social organisations have also reportedly demanded immediate action and the arrest of those accused. With the victim being a minor, authorities are expected to treat the matter with particular sensitivity. The investigation will determine what happened and establish the roles of those named in the case. If charges are established, the accused could face proceedings under the relevant criminal and SC/ST Act provisions. The victim and his family may also be entitled to protection and legal assistance under applicable rules. The case is now likely to remain under close public and administrative scrutiny as the investigation progresses. Published By: Sudeep Singh Rawat Courtesy : NewsX Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsx.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
UP: A new Dalit face enters state politics, Rohini Ghavri eyes Chandrashekhar’s vote bank
Rohini Ghavri: A new Dalit face is entering UP politics. After returning from Switzerland, Rohini Ghavri is preparing to become active in state politics. A new political front appears to be emerging in UP’s Dalit politics ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. After returning from Switzerland, Rohini Ghavri is preparing to become active in state politics. Her main focus is on uniting the Valmiki community and the 21 assembly seats in western Uttar Pradesh where Valmiki voters are considered crucial. Azad Samaj Party President and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar is also considered influential in these areas. Rohini is preparing to campaign in these areas, raising the issue of political representation for the Valmiki community. She says that for a long time, the Valmiki community has been viewed primarily as sanitation workers, while its share in political representation has been relatively low. She also aims to have a Chief Minister from the Valmiki community in a state within the next five years. She is eyeing 21 constituencies, including Agra Cantt, Etmadpur, Jasrana, Firozabad, Meerut Cantt, Meerut City, Ghaziabad, Loni, Lucknow’s Central, North, and West Assembly constituencies, as well as Sisamau, Aryanagar, Kidwai Nagar, Aligarh, and Khair. She is preparing to raise the issue of political representation of the Jatav and Valmiki communities in these constituencies. Rohini will visit several districts. Rohini will arrive in Meerut on September 13th. She will then meet with members of the Valmiki community in Lucknow on September 14th and 15th. She is also expected to meet with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav during this period. Rohini claims that Akhilesh has assured her support in her fight against Chandrashekhar. If her closeness with the SP grows and the party fields her in the election, new Dalit vote dynamics could emerge in Western Uttar Pradesh. Rohini has accused Chandrashekhar of exploiting her by promising marriage. She claims that despite providing financial support, Chandrashekhar severed ties with her after becoming an MP. She also alleged that an FIR was not filed on her complaint because she belonged to the Valmiki community. However, the parties’ views on these allegations are not included in this report. Jatav voters have consistently held significant influence in Dalit politics. Therefore, efforts to mobilize the Valmiki community as a distinct political force could create new dynamics in several seats in Western Uttar Pradesh in the 2027 elections. Rohini also speaks of moving forward with the entire community on board. Published by: Rohit Mishra Courtesy: Hindi News
IIT Mandi Janmashtami Poster Controversy: Inquiry Committee Says No Intent to Target Community, Students Will Now Be Counseled
The inquiry committee also concluded in its report that the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, are not applicable in this case. Mandi – The three-member inquiry committee formed to investigate the controversial caste-based poster displayed during a Janmashtami event at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has recommended counseling and sensitization training instead of disciplinary action against the students involved. The committee also stated that it found no evidence of an intent to target, insult, or offend any individual or community. The inquiry committee also concluded in its report that the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, are not applicable in this case. Following the controversy, IIT Mandi will now formulate clear rules and guidelines for student events held on campus and establish a system to monitor such events. What was the entire controversy? The controversy began with a poster displayed during a student-led Janmashtami event held on September 4th at the IIT Mandi campus. The poster was titled “Bhagavad Gita – The Timeless Wisdom.” After photos and videos of the poster surfaced on social media, it sparked strong reactions. The poster divided society into four groups: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, assigning distinct roles to them. The poster stated that Brahmins spread God’s message, Kshatriyas protect society, Vaishyas support others by running the economy, and Shudras serve the upper castes. The poster also referenced a verse from the Bhagavad Gita, which describes the four divisions of human society based on the three gunas of nature and their corresponding actions. The poster’s description of the role of Shudras as “serving the upper classes” drew the most objection, and it was considered to promote caste hierarchy. After photos and videos of the poster circulated on social media, questions arose about the role of the IIT Mandi administration. Many people expressed concerns about caste discrimination, social equality, and the dignity of students in educational institutions. Amid the controversy, IIT Mandi clarified that the event was not officially organized by the institute and that the poster was neither approved nor endorsed by the institute. Following this, on September 6, IIT Mandi Director Professor Laxmikant Behera formed a three-member inquiry committee. What did the inquiry committee find? Now that the investigation is complete, the committee has revealed several important facts related to the matter. According to the committee, the event was not organized by IIT Mandi. No officially recognized student organization of the institute was involved. No IIT Mandi funds were used for the event. The expenses were met through voluntary contributions. The controversial poster was neither viewed, approved, nor endorsed by any authority at the institute. The content of the poster reflected a student’s personal interpretation and did not represent the views or official stance of IIT Mandi. The committee found no evidence of intent to target, insult, or offend any individual or community. The student who displayed the poster was also identified during the investigation. The inquiry committee did not recommend direct disciplinary action against the students concerned. Instead, it recommended counseling and sensitivity training. According to a senior IIT faculty member, the committee found that students need to be sensitized on such issues and therefore considered counseling and sensitization appropriate steps. The committee also pointed out a significant shortcoming at the institute level. The committee found that the IIT Mandi campus lacks a clear and defined process for organizing such events. The committee considered this an institutional shortcoming that needs to be addressed on a priority basis. Based on this recommendation, IIT Mandi will now formulate rules and guidelines for organizing student events on campus and establish a mechanism to monitor such events. A key part of the inquiry report is that the committee found the provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, were not applicable in the case. The report stated that the investigation found no evidence of intent to target, insult, or offend any individual or community, and that the committee concluded that the provisions of the SC/ST Act were not applicable in this case. However, upon the poster controversy, the institute director himself acknowledged that the poster had offended members of the community and expressed regret. The institute expressed regret and sympathy to those affected and stated its commitment to equality, social justice, and a discrimination-free campus. Six members from IIT Mandi’s Reservation Cell assisted the committee in the investigation process. This allowed the committee to incorporate institutional representation related to reservation and social justice issues into the investigation. Based on the available facts and information received from relevant stakeholders, the committee concluded that the event was not an official event of the institute and that the controversial poster was not sanctioned or approved by any institute official. What’s next? Following the committee’s recommendations, IIT Mandi now has two courses of action. First, the students who displayed the controversial poster will be counseled and provided sensitivity training. Second, the institute will develop clear rules, permission procedures, and monitoring mechanisms for future student events on campus. Thus, the findings of the investigation focus more on sensitivity and institutional reform than disciplinary action against students. Overall, IIT Mandi’s investigation found the controversial poster to be at odds with the institute’s official position. Furthermore, the institute acknowledged that the poster offended community members. Counseling and sensitivity training for the concerned students, along with the development of new regulations and monitoring mechanisms for student events on campus, will now proceed. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Congress eyes 2028 polls with 10,000 Bharat Jodo youth groups
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday highlighted the initiative’s political significance, recalling the Congress’s performance in the 2023 Assembly elections. BENGALURU: With an eye on the 2028 Assembly elections, the Congress is seeking to turn its Bharat Jodo youth network into a grassroots political and organisational force, with around 7.5 lakh youngsters already enrolled across Karnataka. Under the Youth Empowerment and Sports Department, the government will form 10,000 Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas across the state and plans to expand the network by enrolling around 10 lakh youths in the coming months. The initiative covers youngsters aged 16 to 35 and the party views it as a potential platform to connect with young and first-time voters. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday highlighted the initiative’s political significance, recalling the Congress’s performance in the 2023 Assembly elections. He said the party had won seats in several areas through which Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra passed during its Karnataka leg, from Chamarajanagar to Ballari. “The Bharat Jodo Yatra was undertaken to protect the unity and integrity of the country. The Congress won in the places through which the yatra passed. The same wave will continue in 2028, and we are confident that the Congress will return to power,” he said. Each approved Bharat Jodo Yuva Sangha will have 100-250 members and focus on sports, leadership development, cultural activities and community service. The government has announced an annual grant of Rs 10 lakh for each approved Sangha, with a total outlay of Rs 1,000 crore. The Karnataka Cabinet recently approved Rs 781 crore as an allocation under the supplementary budget to fund the Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas. The initiative, however, has also attracted the attention of the Opposition. BJP MLAs have reportedly begun encouraging their loyal youth supporters to join the Sanghas, sensing the potential political advantage the Congress could derive from the network. “Though the initiative may give the Congress an edge, we have tactically involved our party’s youth in it,” two BJP MLAs told TNIE. Shivakumar also said the government was seeking to expand grassroots participation by involving people in guarantee committees. Six persons from every panchayat will get an opportunity to serve on the committees, providing around 70,000 people with a role in implementing and monitoring the government’s guarantee schemes. Shivakumar said the Congress had chalked out a plan to ensure every voter in the state was covered under one or the other government scheme, including the guarantees. He said that while the party had garnered 1.36 crore votes in the 2023 Assembly elections, the five guarantee schemes had covered 4.5 crore people, including women and students. Devaraj B Hirehalli 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
Kerala Dalit dental student suicide case: Prime accused HOD Dr Kodanda Ram granted bail
The victim’s father, Rajan V.N., filed an objection in court. He stated that his son had entered the college through merit. The HOD called him a “slumdog,” taunted him about reservations, and made comments about organ donation if his parents didn’t attend PTA meetings. Talaseri – The special court in the Kannur Dental College suicide case of Nitin Raj, a Dalit BDS student, has granted regular bail to the accused department head, Dr. M. Kodanda Ram. Judge Manoj M. of the Special SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act court in Talaseri granted bail in an order passed on September 9. City and Local Guide Nitin Raj belonged to the Hindu Cheraman community, which falls under the Scheduled Caste category. Nitin committed suicide by jumping from the second floor of the college campus on the afternoon of April 10. The Kannur Crime Branch’s Crime No. 1081/2026 alleges that the accused, including Dr. Ram, publicly humiliated, insulted, and threatened him. The prosecution alleges that this harassment, attributed to his caste, caused severe mental distress and led to the student’s suicide. The case has been registered under Section 108 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 3(1)(r) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Dr. Ram is the Head of the Dental Anatomy Department at Kannur Dental College, Anjarakandy. His anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the Special Court, the Kerala High Court, and the Supreme Court. He was released on the grounds that his first arrest violated Supreme Court guidelines. He was re-arrested on July 23rd with the court’s permission. He has since been in judicial custody for over 45 days. The court clarified in its order that a detailed analysis of evidence is not conducted at the bail stage. Citing the Supreme Court’s Shajan Skaria case regarding Section 3(1)(r) of the SC/ST Act, the court stated that mere insult or threat does not apply to the offence. The victim’s caste must be the cause of the insult. The court found that at this stage, there was no evidence that the accused publicly addressed the victim by their caste, although there were allegations of public ridicule and insult. South Asians and Migrants Dr. Ram is the Head of the Dental Anatomy Department at Kannur Dental College, Anjarakandy. His anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the Special Court, the Kerala High Court, and the Supreme Court. He was released on the grounds that the first arrest was in violation of Supreme Court guidelines. Regarding the issue of abetment to suicide (Section 108 CrPC, old Section 306 IPC), the court cited several Supreme Court decisions. These include Pawan Kumar v. State of Himachal Pradesh, M. Mohan v. State, Jaideepsinh Chavda and Ramesh Kumar. The court held that mere harassment or utterances made in anger are not sufficient to constitute abetment. Clear intent, active involvement, and actions that left the victim with no option but to commit suicide must be demonstrated. These questions will be determined at trial. Crime and Justice Based on the investigating officer’s report and the case diary, the court held that further custody was not necessary for the investigation. The police had already conducted interrogations after taking custody. The court reiterated the principle that “bail is the rule, jail is the exception” and cited the Supreme Court’s decisions in Jalaluddin Khan and Manish Sisodia. The victim’s father, Rajan V.N., filed a complaint with the court. He stated that his son had entered the college on merit. The Principal called him a “slumdog,” taunted him about reservations, and made comments about organ donation if his parents did not attend PTA meetings. The father alleges that the investigation is not being conducted impartially, and the High Court has also expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of the investigation. The former investigating officer was also suspended. The accused argued that Nitin Raj was weak in studies, was under pressure from loan apps, and the incident occurred after a consultation in the principal’s cabin on April 10th. They claimed that Dr. Ram’s last contact with them was on March 13th. The court granted bail on the following conditions: A bond of Rs. 5 lakh and two sureties (one a close relative) Court and Judiciary Appearance before the investigating officer every Wednesday from 9 to 10 am (for six months or until the charge sheet is filed) Complete prohibition on entering the Kannur Dental College campus or contacting students until the trial is over Not influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence Not committing any new crime while on bail If the condition is violated, the concerned police station officer can approach the court to revoke the bail. The case is still under investigation. The court reiterated that this order is not a final verdict on the merits. Nitin Raj’s death has rekindled questions about caste-based harassment and institutional accountability on college campuses. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
A hotel owner in Karnataka has been booked for serving drinking water to a Dalit customer in his hands instead of a glass.
A shameful video of untouchability in Raichur, Karnataka, has gone viral. Following a complaint from the Social Welfare Department, police have filed a case under the SC/ST Act. Karnataka: A shocking case of caste discrimination has come to light in Raichur district. A case has been filed against a hotel owner for allegedly serving drinking water to a Dalit customer in his hands instead of a glass. The action was taken on Wednesday after a video surfaced of the shameful incident, which allegedly clearly depicts the evil practice of untouchability. Social Welfare Department official Ravindra Uppar stated that the incident came to light when a person from the Scheduled Caste community contacted him with a complaint about caste discrimination in the village. During his visit to the village, Uppar came across the video, which is said to be about three months old. After watching the video, he immediately approached the police and filed a written complaint. Based on the officer’s complaint, the Lingsugur police immediately took strict action. The police have registered a case against hotel owner Sharanappa Hadapada and other accused under Section 3(1)(za)(D) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015, and Section 4 of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955. Morality The administration has become fully alert following this incident. Uppar stated that they, along with the Tehsildar and police officers, conducted a special survey of the village. The investigation team spoke to local residents and other hotel owners and clearly warned them that there is no place for any kind of discrimination in society. However, other hotel owners in the village have categorically denied all these allegations, stating that no such practice is observed in their area. Officer Uppar stated that the circumstances surrounding the viral video and the allegations made are yet to be thoroughly investigated. Meanwhile, Raichur Superintendent of Police (SP) Arunangshu Giri has reacted strongly to the matter. He clarified that the police have registered a case and issued notices to the accused, and the entire matter is being investigated very thoroughly. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Allegations of Dalit student being beaten by dominant students: Police sent the injured student to the hospital for treatment, investigation underway
Students from a private college on Karhela Road in Akrabad assaulted a Dalit student, leaving him seriously injured. Police have sent the injured student to the hospital for treatment. Ankush Kumar, son of Sukhveer Balmiki, a resident of Akrabad town, is a 12th-grade student at the same private inter-college on Karhela Road. After college was dismissed on Saturday, some dominant students began abusing Ankush at the college gate. When Ankush, a Dalit student, resisted the abuse, the dominant students called other students from their group. They then assaulted Ankush, leaving him seriously injured. The victim reported the incident to the police. Police immediately responded and rushed the injured student to the hospital for treatment. Sub-Inspector Nitin Yadav stated that a fight broke out between students at a private college on Karhela Road in the town, resulting in one student being injured. The police are investigating the matter and necessary action will be taken after the investigation. Zainul Abedin Khan | Akbarabad (Kol) Courtesy: Hindi News
Congress renews push to rebuild party ahead of 2027 Assembly elections in Gujarat
The statement underlines the political significance the Congress attaches to Gujarat, where the party has struggled to regain its footing against the BJP’s long-standing dominance. AHMEDABAD: Newly appointed Gujarat Congress in-charge and Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Singh Surjewala arrived in Gujarat on Saturday for his first visit since taking charge, signalling the Congress high command’s renewed push to rebuild the party ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. His arrival follows the removal of Mukul Wasnik from the Gujarat in-charge post, amid growing concerns over the party’s organisational performance. Welcomed at Ahmedabad Airport with a traditional turban ceremony and a tribal dance performance, Surjewala immediately stepped into a packed schedule of political meetings at Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan. The visit is expected to set the tone for a major organisational exercise in the Gujarat Congress. Organisation Revamp Tops Surjewala’s Agenda Throughout the day, Surjewala is scheduled to meet state office bearers, city and district Congress presidents, heads of various cells and departments, and party MLAs. The discussions will centre on strengthening the organisation, energising grassroots workers and restoring the Congress’s political momentum across Gujarat. The timing is significant because the party has yet to finalise its new organisational team, despite repeated visits by Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda to Delhi. With the organisational restructuring still pending, Surjewala’s appointment has triggered expectations of major changes in the state unit. His immediate challenge is to rebuild a party organisation capable of taking on the BJP in the 2027 Assembly elections. However, the Congress will also have to address internal weaknesses, revive worker morale and strengthen its presence at the district and booth levels. Surjewala Invokes Bapu, Sardar Patel and Congress Ideology Speaking after his arrival, Surjewala positioned Gujarat as the ideological heartland of the Congress and linked his new assignment to the party’s historical roots. “Gujarat is the land of Bapu and Sardar Patel, and the ideology of the Congress originated here. For the Gujarat Congress and the Indian National Congress, Gujarat is not merely a state but a source of inspiration. We will further strengthen the path of Gujarat’s creation, progress, development and communal harmony,” Surjewala said. The statement underlines the political significance the Congress attaches to Gujarat, where the party has struggled to regain its footing against the BJP’s long-standing dominance. Wasnik’s Exit Exposes Leadership Discontent According to Congress sources, the high command had expressed dissatisfaction with Mukul Wasnik’s working style. Sources alleged that Wasnik’s brief visits to Gujarat failed to provide the sustained leadership required to strengthen the party’s grassroots organisation. The criticism centres on an alleged routine in which Wasnik would arrive in Ahmedabad on a 2 pm flight and return to Delhi on the 7 PM flight, limiting his time for extensive organisational engagement. Congress insiders claim that this approach contributed to the weakening of the party’s ground-level network. The discontent reportedly intensified after the favourable political atmosphere generated during Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra failed to translate into electoral gains. According to party sources, local leadership’s inaction weakened the momentum, culminating in a major Congress setback in the local body elections. ‘Racehorses’ Versus ‘Wedding Horses’: Congress Plans Internal Sorting With Surjewala now at the helm, the Gujarat Congress is reportedly preparing a sharper assessment of its leaders and workers. According to Congress sources, the new in-charge has been tasked with identifying “racehorse” leaders who are committed, active and capable of delivering results while separating them from “wedding horses”, a phrase used to describe leaders who create a show but deliver little on the ground. The exercise is expected to focus on performance, grassroots commitment and electoral effectiveness. At the same time, sources claim that the high command is examining allegations of senior leaders maintaining covert political links with the BJP. However, these allegations remain unverified, and no specific leader has been officially named or accused by the party in connection with such ties. Co-In-Charges Under Scanner The organisational shake-up could extend beyond the state leadership, with Congress sources speculating that co-in-charges Suhasini Yadav and Ramkishan Ojha may also face removal. The speculation comes amid expectations that Surjewala will push for a comprehensive restructuring of the Gujarat unit. While no official announcement has confirmed their removal, the possibility reflects the wider internal churn triggered by Wasnik’s exit. For Surjewala, the task ahead is clear: transform the Gujarat Congress from an organisation battling internal drift into a politically aggressive force capable of challenging the BJP in 2027. Whether the proposed restructuring delivers that revival will depend on how decisively the party acts and how effectively its leadership reconnects with workers on the ground. Dilip Singh Kshatriya 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
Sachin Pilot to participate in major protest seeking justice for farmer Gulzar, who died by suicide in Punjab
The AAP has accused the BJP, Congress and SAD of their alleged attempt to exploit a tragic death for political gains, asserting that the bereaved family must be allowed to grieve with dignity. CHANDIGARH: Amid continuing factionalism in the Punjab Congress, Sachin Pilot will visit the State for the first time on September 15 after taking over as the general secretary in charge of the state unit. He will participate in a major protest that will focus on the demand for justice for 47-year-old Gulzar Singh, a Dalit daily wager who died by suicide. Former Member of Parliament Vijayinder Singla said that the ‘Main Bhi Gulzar’ campaign aims to urge the government to take action against whosoever is involved in Gulzar’s death. “We have launched the campaign in solidarity with the victim’s family. We have requested everyone in Sangrur and other parts of Punjab to join this initiative by putting up the ‘Main Bhi Gulzar’ display picture on their social media handles and help us amplify the family’s voice against injustice and stand in solidarity with them,” he said. Singla added that the victim’s family had alleged that they were forced by the district administration and the Sangrur police to cremate Gulzar without ensuring family traditions. Meanwhile, the AAP has accused the BJP, Congress and SAD of their alleged attempt to exploit a tragic death for political gains, asserting that the bereaved family must be allowed to grieve with dignity. In the demonstration, Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh, Raja Warring, Leader of the Opposition, Partap Singh Bajwa, Former Chief Minister and MP from Jalandhar, Charanjit Singh Channi, Former Deputy Chief Minister and MP from Gurdaspur, all other MPs, sitting and ex-MLAs and other party leaders will take part. The party plans to march towards the official residence of state finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema in Sector 3, demanding that he be booked for abetment of suicide in this case and arrested. They are also demanding his dismissal from the Bhagwant Mann-led cabinet. However, it is highly probable that the Chandigarh Police is expected to stop the Congress leadership in front of the Punjab Congress Bhawan in Sector 15 and not allow them to move forward, as has been the case in past protests. Meanwhile, Pilot has clarified that the grand old party will not project a chief ministerial candidate before the 2027 Assembly elections. Pilot is expected to come by road from Delhi, but his official schedule has not yet been made public. Till date, the rival camps led by Channi and Warring had continued to hold separate protests, meetings and outreach programmes, underlining the lack of cohesion within the state unit. Warring had been saying that party leaders would soon come together on a common platform to take on their political rivals, while Channi welcomed the appointment of Pilot. The Congress high command had replaced Bhupesh Baghel with Pilot in an apparent bid to ease tensions between the Channi and Warring camps. While both factions publicly welcomed the move, their actions on the ground indicate that differences remain unresolved. Pilot said that the Congress would contest the polls under a collective leadership model, with Rahul Gandhi leading the campaign. The statement, “No announcement on CM candidate until party secures majority in Assembly elections”, comes at a time when supporters of former CM Channi are demanding that he be declared the chief ministerial face of the party for the 2027 elections. If at all the Congress sticks to this stance, it would mark a departure from its earlier stance in the previous assembly elections, as the party had projected Capt Amarinder Singh as its chief ministerial candidate in 2012 and 2017, while in 2022 it went to the polls with then chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi as its CM face. Harpreet Bajwa 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
Congress spars with RJD on MLC seat allocations in Bihar, to field eight candidates
A day after Lalu Prasad’s RJD announced candidates for six out of the eight seats, the Congress on Saturday said that the grand old party will field its candidates on all eight seats. PATNA: Differences have emerged within Opposition Mahagathbandhan ahead of elections for eight seats in the Bihar Legislative Council (MLC). The Election Commission is set to announce the election schedule for four graduate and as many teacher constituencies soon. A day after Lalu Prasad’s RJD announced candidates for six out of the eight seats, the Congress on Saturday said that the grand old party will field its candidates on all eight seats. “Congress was not taken into confidence before releasing candidates’ list by RJD,” party leader Asit Nath Tiwary said. He accused the RJD of not following coalition dharma and said that the decision to release the names of candidates for the election was taken by the top brass of RJD. But Congress, which is an ally of Mahagathandhan, was not taken into confidence while finalising the seats it wanted to contest, Tiwary added. RJD has fielded Sanjeev Kumar Singh from the Patna teacher constituency, Dilip Kumar from the Patna graduate constituency, Nitesh Kumar from the Kosi graduate, Anil Kumar Jha from the Darbhanga graduate, and Prof. Jay Ram Yadav from Saran teacher constituency and Dr Rashmi Vinayak Gautam from Tirhut graduate constituency. While releasing the list, RJD leaders said that the two remaining seats were under consideration of the top leaders of the party. The seats are Darbhanga and Kosi teacher constituencies. Currently the seats are held by Congress leaders, including former state president Madan Mohan Jha. Jha was elected from Darbhanga teacher constituency. Congress leaders held a meeting in Patna on Saturday to finalise the list of nominees. BJP, JD(U) finalise names In the NDA camp, both the BJP and JD(U) have finalised the names of their candidates. Controversy erupted within JD(U) over the Patna graduate seat after party MLA from Mokama Anant Singh backed the candidature of Anuj Kumar against sitting MLA Neeraj Kumar. Ramashankar 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