UP Elections 2027: BSP eyes Dalit strongholds, Mayawati and Akash to hold rapid public meetings in these districts
Mayawati will hold public meetings in assembly constituencies in districts with a large Scheduled Caste population. The aunt and nephew are particularly focused on Western Uttar Pradesh. Mayawati to hold rapid public meetings with Akash Anand Neha Shukla, Lucknow: Mayawati has fully entered the electoral fray for the 2027 UP elections. This time, Mayawati will be holding public meetings with her nephew Akash. For this, Mayawati is first targeting Dalit strongholds. Mayawati will hold public meetings in assembly constituencies in districts with a high Scheduled Caste (SC) population. The aunt and nephew are particularly focused on Western Uttar Pradesh. The campaign will begin on October 28th in Bulandshahr district. Following this, she is scheduled to hold public meetings in Agra, Saharanpur, Kanpur Nagar, and Ayodhya districts. During the first phase of his campaign, which began in August, Akash Anand visited several assembly constituencies in western Uttar Pradesh, including Sadabad in Hathras and Jewar in Gautam Buddha Nagar. BSP Strong in Western UP The BSP has traditionally been considered strong in western Uttar Pradesh, where Dalit voters have a significant presence. Jatav, Khatik, and Valmiki voters, in particular, constitute a decisive majority in several assembly constituencies in western Uttar Pradesh. Akash has also focused on these areas. Bulandshahr: According to the 2011 census, approximately 19.8% of the total population here belongs to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. BSP chief Mayawati’s own caste, the Jatav community, is the largest group. Agra: The district has a total of nine assembly seats, of which two seats, Agra Cantt and Agra Reserved, are reserved for SCs. Furthermore, Etmadpur, Fatehabad, Agra North, and Agra South also have a significant Dalit voter base. Saharanpur: Over 22% of the population here belongs to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. It should be noted that the BSP won the Saharanpur seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Dalits have always been the BSP’s core voter base, with the Jatavs considered among Mayawati’s staunchest supporters. Edited by: Pawan Nautiyal About the Author Pawan Nautiyal works as a consultant writer for the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand sections of the Navbharat Times. He has over 14 years of extensive journalistic experience in print, electronic, and digital media. Courtesy: Hindi News
Akhilesh Yadav’s big bet ahead of the UP elections, saying, “The D of the PDA is through Dalit saints…”
Ahead of the UP Assembly elections, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav is now working to woo Dalit saints as part of his PDA strategy. He will honor several individuals on November 5th. × In view of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the Samajwadi Party has begun to establish its influence across all sections of society. The party is working to woo Dalits, the ‘D’ in the PDA (Backward, Dalit, Minority) formula. Akhilesh Yadav has convened a major meeting of Dalit saints on November 5th. In addition to Uttar Pradesh, Dalit saints from Punjab and Haryana and representatives of organizations associated with Dalit icons will be honored. Akhilesh will also honor the saints. The SP’s strategy is not limited to the BSP’s traditional Dalit vote bank. The party is also targeting social groups associated with the ideology of Saint Ravidas, Kabirpanth, Maharishi Valmiki tradition, and Kanshi Ram-Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. The party wants to reach different castes and communities through influential saints and organizations within the Dalit community to spread its message. Akhilesh Eyes BSP Vote After the 2022 Assembly elections, Mayawati’s party, the BSP, continued to decline in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The party managed to win only one seat in the 2022 Assembly elections. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the SP-Congress alliance won 43 seats, while the BSP failed to win a single seat. Following the BSP’s weak performance, the SP sees an opportunity to expand its base in Dalit politics. Lok Sabha Gives Opportunity to Dalits Akhilesh Yadav attempted to balance social equations by fielding Dalit candidates in general constituencies like Faizabad and Meerut in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Awadhesh Prasad’s victory in Faizabad was seen as a success of this strategy, while the SP candidate lost in Meerut by a narrow margin. Reaching Out Through Institutions The SP now wants to connect influential figures within the Dalit community with its religious and social networks. The party believes that reaching out to Dalit settlements and various communities can be achieved through connections with saints, sects, and organizations. This will be an attempt to connect with voters who, despite distancing themselves from the BSP, have not yet become permanent SP voters. The BJP is also expanding its reach among the Dalit community through social harmony and saint traditions. On the occasion of the 650th birth anniversary of Saint Guru Ravidas, the BJP is running the “Shri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Samrasata Sankalp Abhiyan” from July 29, 2026, to February 20, 2027. Under this initiative, efforts are being made to strengthen its reach among the Dalit community through the Saint Contact Campaign, Harmony Yatra, Hostel Contact Campaign, and cultural programs. Written By: Nikhil Sahu About the author Nikhil Sahu has been actively involved in journalism in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, for the past eight years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He has six years of print media experience, including stints at Dainik Bhaskar, Navbharat Times, 4PM, and Swatantra Print. He has a strong understanding of digital media, with a special focus on political, crime, development, and health news. He has experience in ground-zero reporting. Courtesy: Hindi News
‘Do you eat beef’: Chennai teacher under scanner after Dalit Class X student dies by suicide
COIMBATORE: Peelamedu police have registered a case under three sections against a teacher, the headmaster of a government-aided school and two students in connection with the death by suicide of a Class X Scheduled Caste student on Wednesday night. According to the complaint, the teacher allegedly questioned the student about whether he ate beef. The headmaster was accused of failing to take action over the incident. The case has been registered against all four in connection with the student’s death. Further details about the circumstances leading to the incident and the specific sections invoked were not immediately available. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘We Won’t Let You Study’: Dalit Student Allegedly Assaulted by Classmates in Ghaziabad
Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad have registered an FIR against several students and others after a Class 11 student from a Dalit community was allegedly assaulted by his classmates and subjected to casteist abuse. The student’s father, Mahesh Kumar, 45, a mason, alleged that his son returned home with multiple injuries on October 6 after being beaten by classmates at school. He also claimed that the teenager had faced caste-based harassment for more than a month. According to The Indian Express, Kumar filed a police complaint on October 8. Police registered an FIR on Sunday under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, along with sections relating to culpable homicide, intentional insult intended to provoke a breach of peace and aggravated criminal intimidation. A senior police officer said, “We have registered an FIR and are investigating the allegations.” Father Alleges Month-Long Caste Harassment Kumar alleged that his son’s classmates repeatedly made casteist remarks against him, including comments such as, “Do you want to be Ambedkar?” and “We won’t let you study.” He claimed that on October 6, as the school day was ending, the students again abused his son before calling several others and assaulting him. “They also called five-seven friends and thrashed my son with kicks and punches and beat him with a belt,” Kumar told The Indian Express. Indianews analysis The father alleged that his son lost consciousness following the assault. Student Struggling to Return to School Kumar said his son was deeply affected by the incident and had attended school only once since the alleged assault. He said the student’s teacher had called him to collect his son after the teenager complained of pain following a couple of hours at school. Kumar also said his son had previously been irregular in attending classes, adding that the teenager had told him his classmates had been harassing him repeatedly. Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit outfit demands apology from Kumaraswamy over remarks against Priyank Kharge
The Karnataka State Scheduled Caste Right Communities Federation has condemned Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s alleged derogatory remarks against Home Minister Priyank Kharge and demanded that he tender a public apology. The Karnataka State Scheduled Caste Right Communities Federation has condemned Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s alleged derogatory remarks against Home Minister Priyank Kharge and demanded that he tender a public apology. Addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi city, the federation’s district unit president, Mahadev Mogha, alleged that Mr. Kumaraswamy had made personal remarks targeting Mr. Kharge’s caste identity and questioning the reservation system. Mr. Mogha said the remarks had hurt the sentiments of not only the Scheduled Caste communities but the wider Dalit community. Referring to the constitutional principles of equality and social justice, he said that targeting a public representative based on caste was unacceptable; the issue went beyond party politics and concerned the dignity of the community and the principles of social justice espoused by Dr B.R. Ambedkar. The federation demanded that Mr. Kumaraswamy apologise publicly and urged the authorities to initiate legal action under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, in accordance with the law. Federation members appealed to the Prime Minister to consider action against him in his capacity as Union Minister and Member of Parliament, and urged the Governor to take note of the remarks. Mr. Mogha warned that organisations representing the community would launch protests across the State if Mr. Kumaraswamy failed to apologise. Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Muzaffarpur: Violence erupts after youth’s murder, angry mob sets six houses in Dalit settlement on fire
Massive uproar erupts in Muzaffarpur after a 20-year-old man was stabbed to death. An angry mob set fire to the Dalit settlement in Pratappur, with a heavy police presence deployed in the area. Bihar: The murder of a 20-year-old man in Muzaffarpur district has sparked widespread unrest. The incident, which occurred late Saturday night, has created a tense atmosphere in the area. The deceased has been identified as Navneet Kumar, a resident of Mohammadpur Khaje village in the Karja police station area. Navneet was reportedly attending a local fair with his friend Subhash Kumar when he was stabbed at the fair, resulting in his death. When Navneet’s body arrived at his native village after the post-mortem, villagers were enraged. One of the suspects in the murder is said to be from the nearby Pratappur village (a Dalit settlement), prompting the mob to attack the settlement. The attackers not only brutally assaulted the residents of the settlement but also set at least six houses belonging to Scheduled Castes on fire. There are allegations that they fired in the air to spread terror, although the police have not confirmed the incident. Residents of the settlement had to flee to save their lives. Ganesh Ram, a resident of Pratappur village, said that the deceased Navneet had a dispute with Gajendra Ram’s son, who was involved in the illegal liquor trade. He said that a mob of more than 50 people launched a planned attack on the Dalit settlement in protest of the murder. Upon receiving information about the fire, fire engines arrived at the scene and tried to control the fire. According to Ganesh Ram, by the time the fire engines arrived, the houses had been completely destroyed. Given the seriousness of the incident, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kantesh Kumar Mishra, Rural Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajesh Singh Prabhakar, and City Superintendent of Police (SP) Mohibullah Ansari arrived at the scene to assess the situation. SSP Mishra stated that additional armed police forces have been deployed in the village to prevent any untoward incident. According to the SSP, the situation in the village is currently tense but is completely under the administration’s control. He also clarified that the deceased and the suspect belong to different castes and that the situation is being closely monitored following the murder. Issuing a stern warning to those who take the law into their own hands, the SSP said that the local police station in-charge has been instructed to take immediate action against the culprits. Currently, a special police team led by Saraiya SDPO Abhijeet Kaur is camping in the village. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
UP: Dalit youth beaten, held hostage, and threatened with death for worshipping at Ballia’s Kali temple
A shameful incident in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh: A Dalit youth was held hostage and beaten for living and performing puja at the Kali temple in Sardapur village. An FIR has been filed against two accused under the SC/ST Act. Uttar Pradesh: A shameful case of caste discrimination has come to light in Ballia district. A Dalit man was brutally beaten simply because he lived at a local Kali temple and performed daily puja there. Following this inhumane incident, the police took immediate action and filed an FIR against two accused under serious sections on Monday, October 19th. The entire incident took place in Sardapur village. The victim, Nageena Ram, is a native of the village and has been living in the Kali temple premises for a long time, performing pujas as per his faith. According to the complaint, on Sunday evening, October 18th, two young men began misbehaving with him without any provocation. It is alleged that these men hurled vulgar insults at Nagina Ram, referring to his caste, and violently assaulted him for staying in the temple. During the assault, when villagers working in nearby fields heard the noise and ran to the temple for help, the accused locked Nagina Ram inside the temple premises and held him hostage. The rampage of these miscreants did not end there. They then went straight to the victim’s home and openly threatened to kill him in front of his entire family. Given the seriousness and sensitivity of the matter, action was taken on the complaint at the Rasra police station late Sunday night. Rasra police station in-charge Sushil Kumar confirmed the incident and said that a named FIR has been registered against Vishal Singh and Ankit Singh based on Nagina Ram’s complaint. The police have registered a case against the two accused under stringent provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Station House Officer Sushil Kumar clarified that a police team is currently investigating the entire incident thoroughly and gathering evidence. He assured the victim’s family that any necessary legal action will be taken with full force and without any pressure. The administration is closely monitoring the situation to ensure peace and law and order is maintained in the village. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
No conclusion in a month, no mobile unlocked? Bhim Army Chief questions Mumbai Crime Branch’s investigation in Sahil Wakode case
Demands CBI probe from Amit Shah, also questions IIT-B administration’s statements Mumbai/New Delhi – Nagina MP and Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad has written a strongly worded letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding a CBI investigation into the suspicious death of IIT-Bombay student Sahil Wakode. In the letter, he also demanded an investigation into the alleged police brutality against students demanding justice following his death. Sahil died on September 18th. More than a month later, no conclusive results have emerged in the case, and the controversy has deepened after protesters were brutally assaulted during a demonstration called by the All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association (AIISCA) on October 18th. In his letter, Chandrashekhar Azad described Sahil’s death as “extremely serious and worrying.” He wrote that Sahil’s parents have been continuously fighting for justice since the incident, and their resorting to a hunger strike shows the pain they are going through to learn the truth about their son’s death. The letter also raises questions about the IIT-Bombay administration. According to Azad, the administration’s “irresponsible statements” have created confusion in the case. He also wrote that despite more than a month having passed, the Mumbai Crime Branch’s investigation has not reached any conclusive conclusions, and Sahil’s mobile phone has not yet been unlocked. According to the letter, this situation raises serious concerns about the progress of the investigation and the preservation of crucial evidence. He also raised serious questions about the allegations of excessive force being used against Sahil, deviating from the prescribed procedure. Azad made the following demands to the Home Minister: The investigation into Sahil’s suspicious death should be immediately handed over to the CBI. An impartial investigation should be conducted into the mobile phone, examination hall records, relevant documents of the institute, and the circumstances before and after the incident. An investigation should be conducted into the police behavior toward the protesting students on October 18th. The studies and academic future of the protesting students should not be adversely affected. The letter stated that no family should be forced to struggle for long to learn the truth about the death of a loved one. Azad also appealed for “respectful and sensitive” treatment of students demanding justice. October 18th: Action taken against ‘Justice Corner’ Since Sahil’s death, a protest site called ‘Justice Corner’ had been operating outside the student campus, where a sit-in had been ongoing for three weeks. On October 18th, this site was removed. Protesters and supporting organizations allege that the Mumbai Police forcibly removed the site and detained those protesting. Among those detained were AIISCA founder Rahul Sonpimple, secretary Deepali Salve, and several other activists and students. Sahil’s parents, Ravindra Wakode and Sonali Wakode, were also detained. They were on a hunger strike demanding justice for their son. Student organizations and social activists are deeply angered by this treatment of students peacefully demanding justice and a grieving family. Regarding the police brutality, Deepali said, “The Mumbai Police should understand that we are Dalit Panthers and the children of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. We know our history and are carrying forward his legacy. We will not remain silent on the police brutality against student activists or the brutal tearing of Babasaheb’s portrait.” The All India Lawyers Association for Justice (AILAJ) has expressed solidarity with Sahil’s family and the IIT-B students’ demand for an independent investigation. The organization strongly condemned police brutality, the detention of Sahil’s grieving parents, and peaceful protesters. AILAJ reiterated its demands to “Stop Institutional Killings” and “Implement the Rohit Act.” Laptops, Medicines, and Keys Confiscated After Protest After the protest site was removed, approximately 22 to 25 protesters moved into “Justice Corner 2.0” inside the Nandan Nilekani Main Building, near the offices of the Director and Chief Security Officer (CSO). They demanded the removal of Director Shirish Kedare and the appointment of an administrative representative for negotiations. The protesters allege that repeated emails sent to the institute received no response. The removal of the protest site has presented a new crisis for the students. They allege that their personal belongings, including laptops, chargers, hostel keys, medicines, shoes, and wallets, were confiscated and have not yet been returned. According to a Mumbai Mirror report, a student stated that his laptop has been confiscated for two days, even though an exam is scheduled for Wednesday at 11 a.m. Students claim the laptop contains documents and study materials necessary for the exam. The key crisis is also serious. It is alleged that three protesters’ hostel keys were left in their unreturned bags, preventing them from accessing their rooms. One student stated that they had to go to their rooms to shower and change, but they didn’t even have slippers. The most concerning issue is medication. One student alleges that their keys have been withheld for three days, preventing them from accessing their medications and medical records. According to the student, they take medication for severe depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The lack of medication has caused them severe anxiety and vomiting when trying to eat. They stated that they were advised to go to the hospital to show their medical records, which is impossible without the keys. Emails to the Chief Medical Officer also received no response. The students were allegedly taken to several locations in an attempt to get their belongings back. They were first sent to the main building, then to the main gate, and then to the Powai police station, where the police stated that the items were missing. When contacted, the CSO was initially told it was confidential, then told that the items were on campus but would not be returned without informing the police. The students submitted a list of missing items, but were allegedly made to wait from 3 to 3:30 p.m., yet they were unable to find them. A security guard reportedly told them that the items were locked in a storeroom. The students refused to sign the receipt without inspecting the items, so as not to
Odisha: 2 tribal rights activists arrested, HRF condemns
Police in Odisha have arrested Dr Randall Sequeira, a doctor who has worked with Adivasi communities in remote parts of the state, and Laxman Naik, a Dalit leader, in a case linked to a clash in April. Odisha: Odisha police have arrested a doctor who works with Adivasi communities and a Dalit leader of an anti-mining platform. Police say the two incited villagers to attack security personnel during a mining protest six months ago. Rights groups call the arrests an attempt to crush resistance to bauxite mining. Police in Odisha have arrested Dr Randall Sequeira, a doctor who has worked with Adivasi communities in remote parts of the state, and Laxman Naik, a Dalit leader, in a case linked to a clash in Rayagada district in April. Rights organisations have condemned the arrests as an attempt to silence the movement against bauxite mining in the Sijimali and Kutrumali hills. According to Press Trust of India (PTI), the two were picked up from their homes in Kalahandi district on the night of Friday, October 16. They have been charged with attempt to murder and rioting and booked under the Arms Act, a senior police officer said. Police say duo incited villagers South Western Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Akhileshvar Singh rejected the allegation that the arrests were aimed at foiling protests. Police claim Sequeira and Naik instigated tribal residents to attack security personnel in Kantamal village during a protest against mining activities in April. Neither was named in the First Information Report (FIR), but another officer told PTI their alleged involvement emerged during subsequent investigation. Singh told PTI on Tuesday, October 20, that the two were not innocent. “Dr Randall Sequeira was not providing medical services to the people but was engaged in instigating tribals against the state government,” he said, adding that Naik was also “misleading people”. He said many doctors work in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts, but only Sequeira has been arrested. Asked about alleged torture in custody, the DIG said the two had made no such allegations before the magistrate. Civil society groups condemn arrests The Concerned Citizens Committee, Odisha, condemned the arrests and alleged they were meant to foil the tribals’ fight for their rights over water, forest and land, or “Jal, Jangal and Jameen”. The group said Naik is a leading Dalit activist of the Maa Mati Mali Surakhya Manch and the Samajwadi Jan Parishad. It said Sequeira works with Adivasi communities in Kalahandi and Rayagada. The group alleged that state repression has been going on against tribal and Dalit communities protecting their land, forest and water, and that anti-mining activists backing people’s movements are being arrested. It urged democratic and progressive organisations to demand withdrawal of all criminal cases against those fighting for the people. HRF demands immediate release In a statement issued on Monday, October 19, the Human Rights Forum (HRF) demanded the immediate release of both men and withdrawal of the cases against them. The statement was signed by S Jeevan Kumar and VS Krishna, members of the HRF Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Coordination Committee. HRF said Sequeira is a member of the Medico Friend Circle who has spent years providing healthcare to Adivasis in remote areas. It said the two were detained at night “without basic legal safeguards” and are now booked under grave charges that also include dacoity. The forum said invoking such provisions against people linked to an anti-mining movement raises serious questions about the use of criminal law to silence dissent. The forum called Sequeira’s arrest particularly disturbing and said it sends a message to those who stand in solidarity with Adivasis and Dalits and document their difficulties that they too risk the coercive power of the State. HRF said the arrests are part of a wider pattern of repression of the movement opposing the leasing of the Sijimali and Kutrumali hills to Vedanta Ltd and the Adani Group’s Mundra Aluminium Ltd for bauxite mining. It said scores of Adivasis, Dalits and others in the movement have faced repeated arrests, serious charges and prolonged incarceration. The forum cited Lada Sikaka, an Adivasi leader implicated in around 15 cases, and Lingaraj Azad, who it said has been implicated in multiple cases despite not being named in the original FIRs. It said Hiramal Nayak was arrested again after spending six months in jail. HRF said filing fresh cases and making further arrests after activists secure bail turns criminal proceedings into an instrument of prolonged punishment, exhausting local people and disrupting their organisation. It said the constitutional protections for Adivasis cannot be subordinated to the commercial priorities of mining companies. The forum also demanded the release of all other activists and villagers jailed for taking part in the struggle and an end to what it called the criminalisation of the anti-bauxite movement. Courtesy : TSD Note: This news is originally published on https:/thesiasatdaily.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit Man Allegedly Abused With Caste Slurs, Locked Inside Kali Temple in Ballia Over Prayers
Two men have been booked for allegedly assaulting a Dalit man over his stay at a Kali temple and offering prayers there in Uttar Pradesh’s Ballia district, police said on Monday, October 19. A case was registered late Sunday night at Rasra police station against Vishal Singh and Ankit Singh under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The case was registered following a complaint by Nageena Ram, a resident of Sardaspur village. Dalit Man Allegedly Abused With Caste Slurs According to the complaint, Ram lives at the village’s Kali temple and offers prayers there. The two accused allegedly abused him with caste-based slurs and assaulted him on Sunday evening, October 18, over the issue. The complaint further alleged that when people working in a nearby field arrived at the spot, the accused locked Ram inside the temple premises. They later allegedly went to his house and threatened to kill him, the complaint stated. Police Investigation Under Way Rasra police station in-charge Sushil Kumar confirmed that a case had been registered and said an investigation was under way. “Necessary legal action would be taken in the matter,” Kumar said. Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights