BL Santosh asks BJP-MLAs, ‘How will you win in 2027?’:Why did we lose 2024 LS polls, what is the solution; MPs, MLAs told not to fight each other
The BJP’s concern has grown in Uttar Pradesh as Dalit votes have shifted towards the Samajwadi Party. The party will now launch a campaign to reconnect with Dalits. On Saturday, national general secretary (organisation) BL Santosh held a four-hour meeting with MPs, MLAs and district presidents from the Kanpur division. BL Santosh asked the MLAs, How many votes did the BJP candidate receive in your Assembly constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha election? What was the reason for the defeat wherever the BJP lost? How will you make up for this in 2027, and how will you win the election? The MLAs said that in 2017 and 2019, a large number of Dalit votes that had moved away from the Bahujan Samaj Party came to the BJP. The BJP also received a substantial share of Dalit votes in 2022. However, in 2024, Dalit voters became alienated because of narratives such as the Constitution being changed and reservations being scrapped, and shifted towards the Samajwadi Party. Party leaders acknowledged that the Dalit vote is still shifting towards the Samajwadi Party. This could pose a major challenge for the BJP in the 2027 election. BL Santosh and Dharampal Singh urged party leaders to remain united and fight the Assembly election together. They said there should be no conflict between MLAs and MPs or between MLAs and district presidents. Read BL Santosh’s three key points 1- People no longer like VIP culture B.L. Santosh said that people no longer like VIP culture. Convoys of vehicles, sirens and getting tolls waived send the wrong message. This harms the party as well as MPs, MLAs and district presidents. Launch campaigns to bring members of the Dalit community and Dalit leaders into the party. Implement the Ambedkar statue scheme. Organise Sant Ravidas Jayanti programmes effectively and use them to bring Dalits closer to the BJP. 2- Do not limit social media to a photo album B.L. Santosh said that social media is now the biggest political tool. Do not limit it to photographs and albums. Make full use of it in preparing for the elections. It can be used to convey the party’s message to the public quickly and effectively. However, social media must not be misused. The meeting continued from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. BJP office-bearers from Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, Etawah, Kannauj, Auraiya and Farrukhabad attended it. The meeting continued from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. BJP office-bearers from Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, Etawah, Kannauj, Auraiya and Farrukhabad attended it. 3- Get the names of women deleted during SIR reinstated L. Santosh said that the names of a large number of voters had been deleted during SIR. This included voters who support the BJP ideology. B. L. Santosh said that the process of adding names was still under way. He directed party workers to have the names of those whose names had been deleted added again. He also raised the issue of the low gender ratio among women voters. He said that after marriage, the names of many women are deleted from the voter lists in their maternal homes but are not added to the lists in their marital homes. He directed party workers to have the names of such women added to the voter list, as women are a major vote bank for the BJP. Meeting lasted 4 hours, defeated candidates were also consulted The meeting lasted from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. BJP office-bearers from Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, Etawah, Kannauj, Auraiya and Farrukhabad attended it. State General Secretary Shankar Lal Lodhi and Kanpur Regional President Ram Kishore Sahu were also present. BL Santosh also spoke to candidates who had lost the 2022 election. He asked them how many votes they had received and by how many votes the victory or defeat was decided. Courtesy : Bhaskar English Note: This news is originally published on https:/bhaskarenglish.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
Dalit House Demolished After Inter-Caste Marriage
“Strict action must be taken against the accused who demolished the house of Dalits,” the team said. Hyderabad:A fact-finding team comprising the Dalit Bahujan Front, Human Rights Forum and Ambedkar Students’ Association on Saturday demanded action against those involved in the demolition of a Dalit family’s house in Repalle village, Gadwal district, following an intercaste marriage. Six people have been arrested, the team said. A Madiga man and a Boya woman married at Arya Samaj in Hyderabad on Sept. 9 and later sought protection from Masab Tank police. According to the team, around 15 family members reached Repalle at 2 pm on Sept. 10 and demolished the house using crowbars, a tractor and other tools. An FIR was registered the same day. “Strict action must be taken against the accused who demolished the house of Dalits,” the team said. DBF national secretary P. Shankar, HRF activist Sanjeev, ASA spokesperson and High Court advocate Eddu Divakar and social activist Bhaskar visited the village. DSP Mogulaiah also inspected the site on Saturday. The team demanded arrests of all participants and alleged instigators, inclusion of property-damage provisions in the FIR, and compensation under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to rebuild the house. They also sought that the accused be kept away from the village and urged visits by the district collector and SP. Courtesy : Deccan Chronicle Note: This news is originally published on https:/deccanchronicle.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
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
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
‘Merely adopting blue colour doesn’t make anyone Ambedkarite’: Mayawati on SP’s student wing uniform
Akhilesh Yadav wearing a blue scarf around his neck during a press conference on August 21 has triggered a political row in Uttar Pradesh over Dalit interest. LUCKNOW: With the UP Assembly election inching closer, the colour blue is buzzing as the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) are engaging in verbal spats over it. It may be recalled that Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had launched the blue uniform for the Samajwadi Party’s student wing (SP Chhatra Sabha) recently. Moreover, three days before the launch of the uniform, Akhilesh Yadav had arrived wearing a blue scarf around his neck during a press conference. The move laid the path to a common belief that SP was seeking to woo Dalit voters through it. Meanwhile, BSP supremo Mayawati hit out at Akhilesh Yadav. Without naming him, she said on Friday that adopting the BSP’s blue colour, wearing a blue scarf around the neck, dressing in blue clothes or putting blue fabric on a stage would not change a party’s casteist mindset. Taking to social media platform X, Mayawati wrote: “If you genuinely care about the poor, Dalits, tribals, backward classes and other neglected sections, then all opposition parties, including the SP and Congress, must first cleanse their hearts and minds. Merely adopting the colour blue does not make anyone an Ambedkarite.” On the purported offer to Mayawati’s nephew Akash Anand to join the Congress, Mayawati said: “Congress is like a sinking ship. Why would anyone put their political future in darkness by joining it?” After Akash was expelled from the BSP, Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam had said that the doors of the Congress were open to Akash and that he would receive due respect. At a press conference in Lucknow on Thursday, when asked whether Akash Anand could join the SP, Akhilesh Yadav said: “You are a journalist; you tell him to come, and we will take him.” Similarly, BJP ally Nishad Party president Sanjay Nishad said, “Akash Anand should join us. He will be given full respect and a major responsibility. He could even be made national president. The dream of Ambedkar and Kanshi Ram remains incomplete, and we can all work together to fulfil it.” Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai had said, “Akash Anand was speaking about his people, which Mayawati did not like.” Congress leaders also believe that decisions taken by the party have played a major role in damaging Akash Anand’s political career. Meanwhile, hitting out at the political rivals, Mayawati said: “Opposition parties have continuously changed their colours on issues concerning backward classes and Dalits. These parties say one thing and do exactly the opposite.” Questioning the Samajwadi Party’s PDA slogan, referring to backward classes, Dalits and minorities, she said the BSP was the only party working for the cause of the Bahujan Samaj. She described the BSP as the only well-wisher of Bahujan Samaj and the only Ambedkarite party. Mayawati added that those who were expelled from the BSP had switched parties several times. “This is a reflection of their selfish and opportunistic politics. Such people cannot do good for any party,” posted the BSP chief. She said a few expelled leaders, while acting at the behest of other parties, even go on to form small parties and organisations. Mayawati said: “SP and Congress cannot even contest elections without alliances. At the same time, when a major party forms the government, they cannot stay away from joining it.” Referring to Dr BR Ambedkar, Mayawati said that during his lifetime, he had warned members of the Bahujan Samaj to maintain distance from the Congress. She said it was important for the people associated with the BSP and its movement to understand those lines in the current political circumstances. Namita Bajpai 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
Man gets life term for crushing 2 Dalit women with car & trying to abduct girl
Bulandshahr: A special SC/ST court in UP’s Bulandshahr has sentenced a man to life imprisonment for the deaths of two Dalit women — in their 50s — who were deliberately run over by a car during a wedding in 2019. The court also imposed a Rs 51,000 fine on the convict. According to prosecution, the incident took place on June 25 when a marriage ceremony was underway and the bride’s kin were standing by the roadside. The accused, Nakul Thakur, arrived in a car with co-accused Omendra alias Oga. Thakur first tried to abduct a girl, a Dalit, from the venue and then used abusive and casteist remarks when she resisted. The accused also threatened the girl’s kin when they objected. He then drove away only to return with the vehicle at high speed. They mowed down some of the ‘baraatis’ waiting outside as a result of which two women were crushed to death. Two men were also critically hurt. The incident sparked angry protests in the area, following which police registered an FIR against Thakur and Omendra. Special public prosecutor Vipul Raghav told the court that the case was registered on June 25, 2019, on the complaint of Dharmendra Singh of Chandpur village. Police arrested the accused and after completing the investigation, filed the charge-sheet on Aug 28, that year. The case was heard before the special SC/ST Act court. During the proceedings, prosecution presented evidence and witnesses to establish the gruesome crime. Main accused Thakur died during trial on Feb 17, 2024. On Thursday, special judge Om Prakash Verma held co-accused Omendra guilty and sentenced him to life in prison. 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
Class 8 Dalit Student Alleges Caste Discrimination by Teacher at UP Government School
A Class 8 student at a government upper primary school in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri district has alleged caste-based discrimination by a teacher. The student, identified as Krishna, belongs to the Valmiki community, which is listed as a Scheduled Caste. He has accused a woman teacher at Government Upper Primary School Patrasi in Nakaha block of allegedly stopping him from sitting in class and refusing to teach him. According to the student’s account, the teacher allegedly told him to stay away from her. He also claimed that she said she would not remain in the school if he came to her class. Krishna has said that his only “fault” was being born into the Valmiki community. He said the alleged treatment has affected his studies and morale. Student Alleges Untouchability The allegations have raised concerns over caste discrimination and untouchability in a government school. People who have spoken about the matter have called for an impartial inquiry and action if the allegations are found to be true. They said such treatment could affect the child’s right to education and equality. The allegations have not been independently verified, and there is no official confirmation available so far about the teacher’s response. Call for Police and Education Department Probe Ashmit Soni, media in charge of the Bharatiya Adivasi Party in Rajasthan, shared a video related to the allegations and tagged Uttar Pradesh Police, seeking an investigation. Soni said discrimination should not be tolerated and referred to social media claims that the student was allegedly removed from the classroom after caste based remarks. He urged the police to examine the matter and take strict action if the allegations are established. There is currently no confirmed information about an FIR or a departmental inquiry into the allegations. What the Law Says Caste based discrimination against children in schools is prohibited under India’s constitutional framework and education laws. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, provides for a child’s right to education without discrimination. If an alleged act is found to amount to an offence against a Scheduled Caste student, provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act may also be considered, depending on the facts. A formal inquiry by the education authorities and, where required, the police would be needed to establish what happened. The priority, residents have said, should be to ensure that the student’s education is not disrupted while the allegations are investigated. 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
With eye on poll, BJP to begin ‘drug-free Punjab’ drive amid row over Dalit villager’s death
The campaign comes close on the heels of a row that erupted following the death of a Dalit villager, who was reportedly under pressure to apologise for questioning Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema over the supply of ‘chitta (synthetic drugs)’ in the State. With an eye on the 2027 Assembly poll, the BJP on Friday (September 11, 2026) announced the launch of ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatras’ from September 18 to “highlight the drug menace” in the State. State BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon said the yatras will cover all 117 Assembly constituencies and turn the fight against drugs into a mass movement. He was addressing a press conference along with party national vice-president Manpreet Badal and former State chief Sunil Jakhar. Rahul Gandhi, Bhagwant spar over the alleged suicide of a Dalit man in Punjab The campaign comes close on the heels of a row that erupted following the alleged death by suicide of a Dalit villager, who was reportedly under pressure to apologise for questioning Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema over the supply of ‘chitta (synthetic drugs)’ in the State. Mr. Dhillon alleged that three major challenges are confronting Punjab – growing drugs menace, deteriorating law and order situation, and corruption. “The yatras are not merely an anti-drug awareness campaign, but an attempt to confront the grave threat that it poses to Punjabiyat, our culture, values and the proud identity of the land of the gurus. The drug crisis is tearing families apart, pushing Punjab’s youth, traditionally known for their contribution to the armed forces, sports and nation-building, towards violence and gang-related activities. It is also imposing a heavy financial burden on families forced into debt or to sell their land and assets for treatment,” he said. Punjab govt treats over 90,000 drug victims in rehabilitation centres Mr. Dhillon said BJP president Nitin Nabin will flag off the first yatra on September 18 from Pathankot district. It will be followed by marches from Fatehgarh Sahib (September 19), Fazilka (September 20) and Talwandi Sabo (September 21). In March, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had sought a chance to form the next government, promising that the BJP will free the State from the scourge of drugs within two years. (Those in distress can contact Tele MANAS at 14416 to seek help) The Hindu Bureau 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