Rajasthan Dangavas massacre: 40 accused acquitted after 11 years, Dalit community shocked; ‘Who killed our five people?’
Speaking to The Mooknayak, Dalit thinker and writer Bhanwar Meghvanshi said, “The acquittal of all the accused in the Dangawas massacre case is not just the end of a case, but a serious question mark on the right to justice for Dalits.” Nagaur – The memory of the brutal incident that occurred on May 14, 2015, in Dangawas village of Nagaur district due to a land dispute, in which six people were brutally murdered by being crushed by a tractor and attacked with sharp weapons, still haunts the Dalit community. These included five members of the Dalit Meghwal family. On Wednesday, August 5, the SC-ST Special Court in Merta acquitted all 40 accused named by the CBI in this case. A large crowd gathered outside the court premises when the verdict was announced. While the faces of the accused were filled with joy, the families of the victims were clearly filled with despair. This decision has come as a shock to the Dalit community. There is a wave of deep despair and grief. The victim’s family is asking, “When all the accused were acquitted, who killed our five people? We will go to the High Court.” Judge Ashish Bijaranian of the Merta SC-ST Special Court delivered the verdict, acquitting all 40 accused. According to Advocate Mahipal Latiyal, the plaintiff presented eight witnesses, while the prosecution presented 82 witnesses. After a lengthy trial, the court acquitted the accused. What was the dispute? This case involved a nearly 40-year-old land dispute. A dispute was ongoing between Jat and Dalit (Meghwal) families over 3.77 hectares of land in Dangavas village. The Dalit family claimed that they had borrowed 1,500 rupees from a Jat family about 40 years ago, giving them the right to cultivate the land. When they returned the money, they were not given back the land. Under Section 42 of the Rajasthan Tenancy Act, 1955, Scheduled Caste land cannot be sold or transferred to a non-SC person. The dispute reached a head when Ratnaram Meghwal began building a house on the same land in May 2015. May 14 In 2015, more than 200 members of the Jat community allegedly attacked with sticks, sharp weapons, and tractors. Dalit women were molested, men were severely beaten, and several were crushed by tractors. Ratanaram Meghwal, Pokharram Meghwal, Pancharam Meghwal, Khemaram Meghwal, Ganpatram Meghwal, and Rampal Gosain were killed in the attack. A total of six people, including five Dalits, were killed. Given the gravity of the case, the Rajasthan government first handed over the investigation to the CID and then to the CBI. The CBI filed a charge sheet. In 2019, the Rajasthan High Court took a tough stand and ordered a three-month stay on the trial to apprehend the absconding accused. Subsequently, special police teams raided the premises, arrested all 40 accused, and sent them to jail. The trial had been ongoing in the Merta court since January 2018. When six people were brutally murdered, the entire country witnessed the brutality. For years, the victim families ran from court to court, hoping for justice. But ultimately, if no one is convicted, it signals a failure not just of the prosecution, but of the entire judicial process. – Bhanwar Meghwanshi, Dalit thinker The victim’s family has expressed deep sorrow over the verdict. They ask, “If all the accused were acquitted, who killed our five people?” They are preparing to challenge the verdict in the High Court. Dalit thinker and writer Bhanwar Meghwanshi, speaking to The Mooknayak, said, “The acquittal of all the accused in the Dangavas massacre is not just the end of a trial, but a serious question mark on the right to justice for Dalits. The question is simple: were those six innocent people not killed by anyone? Did they die on their own? When six people were brutally murdered, the entire country witnessed that brutality. For years, the victim’s families ran to the courts, hoping for justice. But ultimately, if no one is convicted, it signals a failure not just of the prosecution, but of the entire judicial process.” If the accused in such cases are acquitted in the absence of a fair investigation, bold evidence, and a fair trial, the biggest message it sends is that justice is becoming increasingly difficult for Dalits. This undermines the trust of marginalized communities in the judiciary. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was intended to provide effective justice to victims, but if convictions fail even in such heinous cases, it raises serious questions about the implementation of the law. The victims of Dangavas did not receive justice. This is not only a defeat for the victim families, but also a defeat of the promise of Indian democracy that the law is equal for all. This verdict forces us to introspect: where does justice lie for Dalits? This verdict reminds us of the many cases where victims of caste violence are denied justice even after a long wait. The wound of Dangavas has now been reopened. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Uproar over high-tension line in Banda! Allegations of the line being laid over a Dalit settlement, complaint to DM
A dispute has escalated over an 11,000-volt high-tension line in Parsaunda village, Banda. Villagers allege that the line is being laid over the houses of the Dalit settlement. A memorandum has been submitted to the DM demanding a rerouting. 4PM News Network: A controversy has erupted over the proposed 11,000-volt high-tension line during road widening in the Gram Panchayat Parsaunda, located in the Tindwari block of Banda district. Villagers allege that the electricity department is preparing to lay the high-voltage line over the houses of the Scheduled Caste settlement. Regarding this, residents have submitted a memorandum to the District Magistrate demanding a rerouting of the line. Villagers ask, “Why is the line over a populated area despite vacant land?” Residents of Pradhan Ka Purwa (a Scheduled Caste settlement) say that there is ample vacant land available on the other side of the road, yet plans are being made to lay the power line over the populated area. Villagers say that if a high-tension line passes over their homes, there will be a risk of serious accidents in the future. They say that the line’s route should be changed, prioritizing public interest and safety. Memorandum submitted to DM, administrative action awaited Villagers submitted a memorandum to the District Magistrate demanding that the proposed 11 kV power line be rerouted to the other side of the road. The memorandum bears the signatures and thumbprints of several villagers. Currently, no official statement has been issued by the administration or the electricity department on this matter. Locals are now watching the administration’s decision following the complaint. Report – Iqbal Khan, Banda Courtesy: Hindi News
High Court Takes Major Action in Basti’s High-profile Dalit Girl Case, Commission Issues Notice to DM, SP
The Allahabad High Court has taken a tough stand in the highly publicized case of the alleged rape and murder of a five-year-old Dalit girl in Siddhnath village, under the Lalganj police station area. A press release issued by the Bhim Yuva Vahini organization claims that the High Court’s double bench has directed the Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh to personally monitor the case and ensure necessary action. According to the press release, the organization alleges that the local administration failed to take effective action against the accused in this incident, which occurred approximately 14 months ago. The organization states that after persistent advocacy and efforts in the court, the High Court took cognizance of the matter and issued directives to the DGP on July 30, 2026. The release states that the High Court has directed the DGP to take appropriate action against the concerned officials, if necessary, and to file an affidavit within three weeks. The organization also claims that the case is being monitored under the supervision of its national president, Sonu Rao, and senior advocate, Hanuman Deen Verma. According to a press release, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (Government of India) has also issued a notice to the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, Basti, directing them to submit a report on the action taken in the case to the Commission within 15 days. Sonu Rao, National President of the Bhim Yuva Vahini, welcomed the action taken by the High Court and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and expressed hope for justice. By Vikas Kumar Courtesy: Hindi News
5 juveniles held for gang-raping 9-year-old Dalit girl in UP
The accused are being questioned in the presence of their guardians, police said. Lucknow: Five minors have been booked for allegedly gang-raping a nine-year-old Dalit girl in a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur, police said on Saturday, August 1. Circle Officer (Tilhar) Vidush Saxena told PTI that the incident took place on July 31 evening when the girl was playing with other children on a school ground, and the minors, aged between 10 and 14 years, allegedly took her to a nearby field. Citing the first information report (FIR) registered in the case, Saxena said the girl’s family alleged that the accused gang-raped her in the field and fled after the owner of the field spotted them there. The girl later reached home and informed her mother about the incident, following which a complaint was lodged and a case was registered late on Friday night, the CO said. “All five minors have been held and will be produced before the Juvenile Justice Board for further legal proceedings,” the station house officer said. Police have registered a case of gang rape under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. MS Degree College Admissions Admissions 2026-27 The accused are being questioned in the presence of their guardians, police said, adding that the rape survivor has been sent for medical examination. 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
The rampage of a controversial Milak police inspector: Caste-related abuses against a Dalit youth, causing a stir as the audio goes viral
A Milak police inspector has been accused of violating the law by hurling caste-related abuses at a Dalit youth. Correspondent, Milak (Rampur). The law enforcers themselves are accused of breaking the law. The way an inspector, disregarding his oath of office, has once again put the police’s image in the dock. An inspector, who was transferred from Milak police station on July 7th, has been accused of using abusive language, caste-related abuses, and threatening to implicate him in a false case. After the audio of the conversation between the victim and the inspector went viral, questions have been raised about the police’s functioning. The victim has now filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission and the National Scheduled Caste Commission seeking justice against this harassment. According to Ajay Singh, a resident of Bhaisodi in the area, a minor dispute over a transaction of two thousand rupees was resolved amicably on August 2nd. However, the very next day, a sub-inspector posted at Milak police station called him on his mobile phone and created a ruckus. It is alleged that the uniformed man immediately began abusing him without any investigation. The victim alleges that the sub-inspector used casteist slurs and other abusive language, which violated his social dignity. When the victim attempted to express his views and stated that he was recording the conversation, the sub-inspector’s true nature was revealed. The sub-inspector threatened to file a false case. This incident raises a serious question about the police’s working style. While the police claim to serve and protect the public, caste discrimination and threats are being perpetrated under the guise of uniform. The sub-inspector has already been embroiled in controversy. One of the two sub-inspectors placed on the line on July 7th has previously been embroiled in controversy. He had previously been involved in disputes with another inspector posted on the same beat. They would pass the buck to each other in cases that offered no financial gain, and would fight to gain access to the areas where they expected to earn money. In this case, Superintendent of Police Somendra Meena had placed both of them under suspension. BY ANIL KUMAR AWASTHIEDITED BY: ANSHUL BHARTARIYA Courtesy: Hindi News
‘Anti-poor, anti-Dalit’: Chennai hunger strikers demand NEET abolition
A group of hunger strikers in Chennai are on an indefinite fast, demanding a complete ban on the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and demanding that education be moved from the concurrent list to the state list. The protest, led by S Manirathinam — brother of the late S Anitha — is taking place at Thiruvaliur Illam in Koyambedu, even as nationwide student protests that forced the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan have been called off. The Ban NEET Movement – Tamil Nadu released an official statement hailing Pradhan’s resignation on July 25 as “the triumph of the people and the principles of democracy over an autocratic government.” The movement, which describes itself as fighting for a “deeply unequal and corrupt education system,” acknowledged the symbolic weight of the resignation but warned that it brings “no concrete change” for students. The context for this achievement was a remarkable wave of student protests led by the self-styled “Cockroach Janata Party” (CJP), sparked by the leak of the 2026 NEET medical entrance exam paper. The movement forced an unprecedented political concession in India: Dharmendra Pradhan became the first cabinet minister to resign due to social protests in recent history. In his resignation letter, Pradhan stated he stepped down “considering the situation” and to ensure that “anti-national forces should not take advantage,” urging students to focus on their studies. Despite the victory in Delhi, the Ban NEET Movement insists the struggle is far from over. Their statement expresses deep disappointment that protests were dispersed before concrete policy changes were enacted. They have now escalated their campaign with an indefinite hunger strike, which began on August 1. The movement states, “We have two demands. 1) The union government must ban NEET and allow states to evaluate medical college entrances on the basis of 12th standard/plus two marks. 2) The union government must move education from the concurrent list to the state list, allowing states to shape their own education policy. The strike will continue until these demands are met.” The movement also invokes the memory of S Anitha, a student who died by suicide in 2017 after failing to secure a medical seat under the NEET system, a tragedy that has become a rallying cry for opponents of the exam. The hunger strikers are drawing attention to the findings of the Justice AK Rajan Committee, a government-commissioned body in Tamil Nadu that studied the impact of NEET. According to the movement’s statement, the 2021 report provides “abundant proof” that NEET has had a devastating effect in the state. The movement alleges that NEET reduces access for students from poor, rural backgrounds and those educated in government schools, drastically reduces access for SC, ST, and OBC students, has led to the suicide of almost 100 young Indians (most of them Dalits) who dreamed of becoming doctors, and forces students to depend on a “new ecosystem of costly private coaching centres,” making wealth a barrier to education. The AK Rajan Committee, as reported by The Hindu, concluded that NEET is “anti-poor, anti-social justice and favoured students from affluent families” and those who could afford expensive coaching. The movement has framed its struggle as a constitutional and federalist issue. They argue that NEET “prevents states of the Indian union from deciding how their own educational institutions are run and therefore stands in violation of the principle of federalism.” This echoes the long-standing position of the Tamil Nadu government, which has consistently sought an exemption from NEET. The activists’ second demand — moving education from the concurrent list to the state list — is a fundamental restructuring of India’s federal system that would grant states the sole power to shape their education policies. In their statement, the Ban NEET Movement is urgently reaching out to “all movements, political parties, unions, student organizations and individuals interested in protecting our democracy” to join them. They are calling for supporters to come to the protest site at Thiruvaliur Illam in Koyambedu, spread the word through social media, and organize solidarity protests across the country. As the hunger strike continues, the movement’s stance poses a fundamental challenge to the Indian government. While the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan is a major victory for the youth protest movement, the activists in Tamil Nadu insist that until NEET itself is abolished and states gain full control over education, the fight for a “democratic” and “equal” education system is not over. By A Representative Courtesy : Counterview Note: This news is originally published on https:/counterview.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
17 booked over threat to kill Dalits for refusing to dig burial pit in Yadgir district
A Dalit family was intercepted, physically assaulted, caste-abused, and threatened with death, on August 1 in Shakhapur (SH) village The Shorapur police in Yadgir district, in Karnataka, have booked 17 individuals after a Dalit family was intercepted, physically assaulted, caste-abused, and threatened with death, on August 1 in Shakhapur (SH) village. The alleged incident followed a dispute involving the digging of a burial pit. According to the FIR, on July 25, a woman from the Valmiki community passed away. The complainant, Devappa Shivappa Talwar—a Dalit originally from Kadyapur (Kalaburagi district) now residing in Shakhapur (SH) — was summoned along with his relative to dig a burial pit. But, they refused to dig a pit due to illness. Following the refusal, the accused individuals confronted Devappa at a local borewell on August 1 when he had gone to draw water, according to the FIR. Later that same day, Devappa, his wife Lalita, and relatives Bhimavva, Siddamma, and Gangamma were allegedly intercepted by the accused on their way to work in the fields. The group was allegedly assaulted with sticks, kicked, insulted using abusive words, and threatened with death if they continued to refuse digging burial pits, according to the FIR. All injured victims received medical treatment at the taluk hospital. Later, they lodged a police complaint. Following Devappa’s complaint, the Shorapur police registered a case under Sections 189(2), 191(2), 191(3), 115(2), 118(1), 74, 352, and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita (BNS)-2023, and Sections 3(1)(5), 3(1)(2), and 3(2)(v-a) of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Caste (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. According to the FIR, the accused individual are Siddappa Shivaraya Devadurga Nagappa Mariyappa Masali Malappa Mudukappa Pujari Huligeppagouda Yallayyagouda Police Patil Mariyappa Basanagouda Maligouda Gangappa Narayanappa Policegouda Bheemanagouda Ninganagouda Malipatil Mallesh Ningappa Maligoudar Nagappa Huligeppa Policegoudar Bheemanna Ramangouda Police Patil Hanumanth Bheemanna Bhairamaddi Mounesh Bhimappa Bhimanna Bhimanna Paner Mallappa Ramanagouda Police Patil Devamma Hanumanth Malipatil Bhimavva Mareppa Malipatil Parashuram Eshappa Sugur Nagappa belongs to the Ediga community and Malappa to the Kuruba community. All others belong to the Valmiki community. Superintendent of Police Pruthvik Shankar informed that an investigation is underway. Police personnel have been deployed in Shakhapur (SH) village to maintain law and order, and ensure protection for local Dalits. The Deputy Superintendent of Police (Shorapur) and officials from the Social Welfare Department visited the village. 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
Dalit influencer files doxxing complaint against Hindutva creator
“Radical Ajay” alleged that TD Rakesh Sharma had subjected him to a sustained campaign of online harassment for his political views on PM Modi and AP Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan. Hyderabad: Dalit social media influencer and political commentator Dara Ajay Kumar, popularly known as “Radical Ajay,” has filed a police complaint at the Punjagutta Police Station alleging online harassment, doxxing and criminal intimidation by right-wing Hindutva content creator TD Rakesh Sharma. Ajay, an Ambedkarite, alleged that Sharma had subjected him to a sustained campaign of online harassment across multiple Instagram reels for his political views on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, which culminated in the public disclosure of his personal information, including his residential address and mobile phone number. According to the complaint, filed on August 1, Ajay approached the police after Sharma uploaded a series of reels targeting him. In his written complaint, Ajay stated that an Instagram user had shared his personal information online without his consent and was using the handle to threaten and intimidate him. He has asked the police to take legal action, remove the offending videos and suspend the account. In a statement to the media on Monday, August 3, Ajay said that over the previous three days, Sharma had uploaded multiple videos spreading false information about him. He alleged that Sharma disclosed details about his educational background, falsely claimed his mother was a former Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) member, threatened to reveal his residential address and then did so, and later published his mobile phone number online — after which he began receiving numerous calls from unknown individuals. Ajay said Sharma also made false claims about his personal life, including allegations about his relationships, his religious conversion and a claim that his brother’s employment was owed to reservation. He described the videos as part of a sustained campaign of harassment, doxxing, intimidation and defamation that had placed his privacy and safety at serious risk. Doxxing refers to the practice of publishing a person’s private information, such as their address or phone number, online without their consent, often to expose them to harassment or harm. According to the complaint and a review of the Instagram reels by Siasat.com, Sharma uploaded multiple reels targeting Ajay. Across the reels, Sharma spoke in a raised voice and adopted an aggressive, confrontational tone, directing personal attacks at Ajay. On August 1, Sharma posted a reel in which he said he was not concerned about the police complaint Ajay had filed against him. In the same reel, he warned that he would publicly “expose” Ajay’s residential address. According to Ajay, Sharma then carried out that threat, publishing his residential address and other personal details in a later reel. His content included calls for a Hindu Rashtra and opposition to the word “secular” in the Constitution. A review of his reels showed that his criticism of Ajay stems from the latter’s political views. In his videos, Sharma objected to Ajay’s criticism of Prime Minister Modi and Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Kalyan and took issue with the Dalit influencer’s expressed support for activist Umar Khalid. He casted these positions as evidence that Ajay is “anti-Hindu.” In one reel, Sharma said that criticising Modi is “definitely anti-Hindu.” The reels also carried remarks warning that Ajay had angered supporters of Modi and Kalyan, with Sharma claiming that people would find Ajay no matter where he stayed in Hyderabad. In the same videos, Sharma repeated that he is unconcerned about any legal action, including the complaint filed against him. Other targets of Sharma The reels reviewed by Siasat.com showed Sharma targeting other public figures beyond Ajay, including some which included Islamophobic and anti-Christian remarks. Sharma targeted independent journalist Thulasi Chandu, referring to her as “Catherine.” He made a series of claims about her professional work, sources of funding, religious identity and personal life. He accused her of falsely presenting herself as a journalist, alleged that she was associated with Christian organisations and an “anti-Hindu” network and claimed she was part of a group promoting certain individuals and narratives in exchange for money. He also made personal remarks about her attire, family and reputation, using derogatory and misogynistic language. Sharma further promised to produce what he described as evidence that Chandu is a Christian. As part of these claims, he questioned her attire and appearance, commenting on the absence of a mangalsutra and mettelu – traditional Telugu toe rings commonly worn by many married women in Telugu communities – and referred to a video from Chandu’s visit to Kerala in which she spoke about a church. Chandu had previously addressed similar allegations in a video, saying that false information was being circulated about her religious identity and the funding of her journalism. She has also said she has repeatedly been accused by right-wing social media users of being “anti-Hindu” and of being a Christian. In a separate reel, Sharma targeted Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor Vijay’s latest release, Jana Nayagan, alleging that the film insulted Hindus. He claimed that the climax, which reportedly lasts 30 minutes, contained content that hurt Hindu sentiments. Sharma called on Telugu audiences to boycott the film and urged everyone to share his video and back his call. In another reel, Sharma targeted Tollywood actor Bellamkonda Sreenivas for visiting a dargah, accusing the actor of “being secular.” In several reels, Sharma targeted actor Prakash Raj for his political opposition to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and PM Modi. Sharma also targeted Joseph Bachalakuri, alias YouTuber Prashna Ravan, a political commentator and critic of Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister. Ravan was arrested multiple times in mid-2026 over his remarks against Kalyan and later booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Sharma ended several of the reels reviewed by Siasat.com with the slogans “Jai Shri Ram,” “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” Sharma’s public social media posts point to his support for Goshamahal MLA T Raja Singh, a controversial figure in
“Those who laid the foundation stone of the Ram Temple were Dalits…” Arun Bharti’s major attack
Arun Bharti in Ayodhya: Arun Bharti launched a scathing attack on the opposition over the recent controversy surrounding the Ram Temple, the opposition’s protests in Parliament, and their comments on Sanatan Dharma. He labeled the opposition as anti-Dalit. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) MP from Jamui, Arun Bharti, arrived in Ayodhya on Sunday (August 2). He first performed puja at Hanumangarhi and then visited Ram Lalla at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex. Speaking to the media after the darshan, Arun Bharti launched a scathing attack on the opposition over the recent controversy surrounding the Ram Temple, the opposition’s protests in Parliament, and their comments on Sanatan Dharma. During this visit, he called the opposition anti-Dalit for not visiting the Ram Temple. He said, “They didn’t go because a Dalit, Kameshwar Chaupal, laid the foundation stone for the temple. They were Dalits, so they didn’t go for darshan.” He further questioned, “Will you further defame the name of Mata Shabari? The descendants of Mata Shabari will protect their faith and honor and will take whatever steps are necessary.” What did Arun Bharti say after visiting the Ram Temple? After visiting Ram Lalla, Arun Bharti said that he, his family, and his party have always received the blessings of Lord Ram and the saints of Ayodhya. He said that it is his privilege and duty to come to Ayodhya to seek the saints’ blessings, express his gratitude, and bow at their feet. Regarding the recent controversy surrounding the Ram Temple, the MP said that the investigation report does not allege any priest, saint, or Mahant. According to him, the allegations are only against the contractor’s employees. He alleged that the same people who previously opposed the temple’s construction and consecration are trying to defame Lord Ram and the Ram Temple. Accused the opposition of having an anti-Dalit mentality Arun Bharti also accused the opposition of having an anti-Dalit mentality. He said that Kameshwar Chaupal, who laid the foundation stone of the Ram Temple, is being insulted. Referring to Mata Shabari, he said that the opposition is constantly questioning the Sanatan faith and its associated symbols. Responding to the opposition’s protest in Parliament, Arun Bharti said that insulting Sanatan, God, and saints will not be tolerated at any cost. He said that this is not just a question of the faith of saints and sages, but of the entire Sanatan society, and that the Dalit community will always stand up to protect its faith and honor. Written By: Shivendra Dwivedi, Ayodhya | Edited By: Fayaz Ul Mustafa About the author Shivendra Dwivedi is associated with ABP News from Ayodhya. With four years of experience, he keeps a close eye on religious, social, and administrative news. Courtesy: Hindi News
Eyeing Dalit votes, BJP begins Kalash Yatras across Punjab
The BJP on Sunday launched statewide Kalash Yatras to distribute soil brought from Varanasi among temples dedicated to Guru Ravidas. The soil has been brought by senior Punjab BJP leaders from Seer Goverdhan near Varanasi, universally acknowledged as the birthplace of Guru Ravidas.South Asians & Diaspora The yatras that will continue till August 6 are being seen as the party’s move to expand its footprint among the Dalits, who constitute around one-third of the state’s population. The Kalash Yatras are being held as part of the BJP’s Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan to commemorate the 650th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas. The Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan was launched on July 29, coinciding with the festival of Guru Purnima. According to party insiders, presidents of all districts were called for a meeting at Guru Ravidas Bhawan in Sector 7, Chandigarh, on Saturday. Each of them was handed over a ceremonial pitcher containing the sacred soil. The meeting was held under the leadership of state BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon. Anil Vasudeva, a former Mayor of Pathankot, said the soil would be mixed with Tulsi plants that hold deep cultural and spiritual value. “It will then be distributed among Ravidas temples in Punjab,” he said. A party leader said, “We have been asked to do anything and everything to make sure the party forms the government in Punjab (in the Assembly poll scheduled for early next year).” Saini slams AAP over drugs Faridkot: Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini launched a sharp political attack on the ruling AAP, questioning its sincerity in tackling Punjab’s drug menace. “How can those who allegedly consumed drugs inside the Assembly ever make Punjab drug-free?” he said. Saini inducted several local figures into the BJP. At a Denotified Tribes community conference in Sadiq, he promised that job reservation for the community, withdrawn by the Punjab Government, would be restored if the BJP came to power in 2027. Courtesy : The Tribune Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetribune.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights