Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to seek Congress top brass nod for cabinet rejig during Delhi visit
The proposed rejig is expected to address long-pending demands for better representation and performance-based changes within the government. BENGALURU/NEW DELHI: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to travel to New Delhi on May 26 for high-level deliberations with the Congress high command— Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal— a visit that is being viewed as significant for the state’s political future. Sources indicate that the CM will primarily seek the party leadership’s nod for a much-anticipated reshuffle of his cabinet and this will the first big reshuffle. The proposed rejig is expected to address long-pending demands for better representation and performance-based changes within the government. Apart from the ministerial reshuffle, names of three candidates for Rajya Sabha elections and nominations for the Legislative Council are also likely to be discussed. After the MLC election, the Congress will be the biggest party in the Upper House and the next chairman is expected to be from the party. These appointments are seen as critical for strengthening the party’s presence in the Council and rewarding loyalists ahead of key electoral battles. While there has been speculation in some quarters that the broader question of leadership in Karnataka Congress could come up during the visit, a senior party leader dismissed such talk as “wishful thinking”. The leadership issue, according to the leader, is not on the agenda and remains settled in favour of the current arrangement. The Delhi trip is also expected to cover the Congress’ strategy for the upcoming GBA and other local and assembly-level elections. With the party aiming to consolidate its position in urban and rural pockets of Karnataka, fine-tuning campaign strategies and candidate selection processes will be key focus areas. Political observers note that the outcome of this visit could have a bearing on the stability and direction of the Congress government in Karnataka, especially as the party looks to maintain momentum after its victory in the 2023 Assembly elections. The Chief Minister’s Office has not issued an official statement on the itinerary or the specific agenda, but party insiders confirm that Siddaramaiah will hold meetings with top Congress leadership, and other central observers. Bansy Kalappa 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 budget on June 19, to focus on economy, infrastructure: Satheesan
Satheesan said the budget will include major announcements in health, education and infrastructure, stressing development is more than just buildings. KOCHI: Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Sunday said the state budget will be presented on June 19, with economic revival as the government’s primary focus. He was addressing a reception organised by Ernakulam Pouravali. “Handling the finance portfolio was a major responsibility as the treasury and the wealth belong to the people. The wealth generated through development will be distributed equitably among all sections of society. Several dream projects, including plans to transform Kerala into a ‘port and aviation hub,’ will become a reality in the state,” the chief minister said. Additionally, he said the budget would carry major announcements in the health, education and infrastructure sectors. Emphasising the government’s development vision, Satheesan said development was not limited to constructing large buildings and infrastructure projects. “Real development is reflected in progressive changes that improve the living standards of ordinary people. Despite the challenges, the government has a clear vision to overcome them and transform Kerala,” he added. 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
Kelkar takes charge as Kerala CM’s secretary, opposition cries foul
CPM alleges the appointment mirrors a West Bengal controversy and hints at a Congress–Election Commission “deal”, calling for a probe. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid a political storm, Rathan U Kelkar assumed office as the secretary to Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Sunday. Though it was a holiday, he took charge on the day reportedly on the instructions of the chief minister. The appointment of Kelkar, who had been serving as Kerala’s chief electoral officer, as the chief minister’s secretary has triggered sharp criticism from the opposition. The CPM alleged that the appointment was similar to a controversial move in West Bengal and hinted at a possible “deal” between the Election Commission and the Congress, demanding a probe into it. CPM state secretary M V Govindan said the appointment had put the Congress national leadership in a difficult position. He pointed out that the Congress had strongly opposed the appointment of Manoj Agarwal, the-then chief electoral officer in West Bengal, as chief secretary by the BJP government in the state. Govindan noted that Rahul Gandhi himself had criticised the Bengal appointment, but the Congress was now unable to take a similar stand in Kerala. Calling it a decision taken solely with the knowledge of the chief minister, Govindan said the Congress was in no position either to justify or oppose the move. He also alleged that details regarding any “deal” behind the appointment would emerge soon. When Agarwal was appointed the chief secretary, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had said in an X post: “In the BJP-EC’s ‘chor bazaar’, the bigger the theft, the bigger the reward.” Referring to the comment, the CPM and the BJP asked Rahul to clarify if his views were the same following Kelkar’s appointment. LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan described the appointment as “highly mysterious”. Meanwhile, BJP legislator and former Union Minister V Muraleedharan accused the Congress of “double standards”. Muraleedharan, the new Kazhakkoottam MLA, termed the move “suspicious” and asked whether the administrative appointment was a “favour returned” for assisting the UDF in winning 100 seats in the state assembly. “When the BJP wins, Congress alleges vote theft and EVM manipulation. But when Congress wins, the chief electoral officer becomes an efficient official. People of Kerala should recognise this double standard,” he told reporters at the BJP state headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. Describing the appointment as another example of Congress’ “opportunistic politics”, he claimed that people in Thiruvananthapuram view recent postings as rewards based on personal interests. BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya questioned Rahul’s silence on the issue. Referring to the West Bengal controversy, Malviya said Rahul had earlier termed such appointments as part of “vote theft”, but was now remaining silent. Malviya also alleged that Kelkar continues to hold the post of chief electoral officer, a position that is expected to function impartially. He questioned whether Rahul’s “moral outrage” depended only on which party was in power. “If Rahul did not view Kelkar’s appointment similar to Agarwal’s, the Congress leader should apologise to the people and the chief minister of West Bengal,” Muraleedharan said. He also referred to Satheesan’s remarks before the elections that he would go into political exile if the UDF failed to win more than 100 seats. “Does that mean he had assurances of support from those conducting the elections, including regarding the number of seats,” he asked. ‘Double standards’ Opposition calls out Congress’ criticism of similar appointment in West Bengal Leaders, including M V Govindan, T P Ramakrishnan, and V Muraleedharan expressed dissent 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
Orissa HC dismisses BJP leader’s petition challenging Jaleswar MLA’s election
The court ruled that appointing a panchayat samiti chairman as an election agent did not violate any statutory provision or materially affect the poll outcome. CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has dismissed the election petition filed by BJP leader Brajamohan Pradhan challenging the election of BJD MLA Aswini Kumar Patra from the Jaleswar Assembly constituency in the 2024 elections. Pradhan had lost the election by a narrow margin of 319 votes. In his petition, Pradhan alleged that Patra had illegally appointed Manas Jena, chairman of Jaleswar panchayat samiti, as his election and counting agent during the polls. He stated that Election Commission guidelines prohibit persons holding such public offices from functioning as election, polling or counting agents. He contended that despite the alleged restriction, the returning officer accepted Jena’s appointment, thereby vitiating the election process. Rejecting the contention, the High Court observed that neither the Constitution nor the Representation of the People Act, 1951 imposed any statutory disqualification on Manas Jena from acting as an election or counting agent. Justice Sashikanta Mishra held that the objection raised by the petitioner was based only on executive instructions contained in the Handbook for Candidates, which do not possess statutory force. He observed that no such evidence or material particulars had been placed on record by the petitioner. “In absence of any statutory prohibition and further in absence of any pleading or proof of material effect on the election result, the contention advanced cannot be accepted,” Justice Mishra ruled and dismissed the petition as devoid of merit. 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
Major reshuffle of IAS officers in Kerala
Govt has initiated a shake-up in bureaucratic strata, transferring 15 IAS officers, 6 collectors THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In its first major reshuffle after assuming office, the UDF government has initiated a major shake-up in bureaucratic strata transferring 15 IAS officers, including six district collectors. GST commissioner Patil Ajit Bhagwatrao has been appointed as secretary, Finance (Resources) Department, while Transport special secretary PB Nooh has been posted as GST commissioner. Six districts got new collectors. Alappuzha collector Inbasekar K has been posted as Kerala Water Authority managing director, with additional charge of joint project director, KERA (Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernization Project). Cochin Smart Mission CEO Shaji V Nair will be the new Alappuzha collector. In a mutual transfer industries director Vishnuraj P will take over as Kannur collector, while incumbent Arun K Vijayan has been posted as industries director, with additional charge of MD, KSIDC. Kollam collector Devidas N was appointed Director, KILA. He will have additional charge of MD, Impact Kerala Ltd. Incumbent KILA director Nizamudeen A would be the new Pathanamthitta collector in place of Prem Krishnan S who was appointed as joint secretary and OSD, health department. Industries joint secretary and OSD Anie Jula Thomas will be the new Kollam collector. Palakkad collector Madhavikutty M S has been posted as collector, Kozhikode while incumbent Snehil Kumar Singh was appointed as collegiate education director, with additional charge of entrance commissioner. Collegiate education director Sudhir K will be the new Palakkad collector. Incumbent entrance commissioner Arun S Nair has been appointed as director, social justice department. He will have additional charge of executive director, Kerala Social Security Mission Limited; CEO Cochin Smart Mission and CEO Kochi Metropolitan Transport Authority. New collectors have been instructed to take charge on Monday. Alappuzha sub-collector Sameer Kishan has also been posted as Industries department deputy secretary, with additional charge of coir department director. 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
UP Congress chief booked in Mahoba for derogatory remarks against PM Modi
The UPCC chief was accused of spreading enmity, accumulating a crowd without administration’s permission, obstructing government work and creating a road blockade. LUCKNOW: An FIR was lodged against Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ajay Rai in Mahoba district on Saturday for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The FIR was based on the police complaint by the BJP’s district executive member Neeraj Rawat. Rai and 30 of his unidentified accomplices have been named in the FIR. The UPCC chief was accused of spreading enmity, accumulating a crowd without administration’s permission, obstructing government work and creating a road blockade. Significantly, Rai’s remarks escalated a war of words between the BJP and the Congress. The alleged abusive words used by Rai against Modi drew strong reaction from the BJP camp, including UP CM Yogi Adityanath and the entire BJP leadership after a purported video of Rai went viral on social media platforms. While the UPCC chief called it a fake video, accusing the BJP camp of fabricating it and claiming that he would lodge a police complaint in that connection, CM Yogi attributed the abusive language to Rai’s mental bankruptcy, reflecting his party’s frustration after facing back-to-back electoral defeats. In a post on X, Yogi said the comments made against the PM reflected the “political misconduct and poor culture” of the Congress. Rai’s indecent, unparliamentary and inexcusable remarks against PM expose the political values of Congress,” wrote the UP CM. Targeting the Congress leadership further, he said that even the party’s “Yuvraj” (read: Rahul Gandhi) had previously displayed similar political behaviour. “Congress has now reached the highest level of despair, frustration, and mental bankruptcy. They are no longer even in a position to apologise to the people of the country,” he added. The remarks came amid escalating political confrontation between the BJP and Congress after Rai’s recent comment on the Prime Minister. 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
TM Exclusive: Uproar over Minister Pratima Bagri’s caste: Dalit or Rajput? A full investigation into Congress’s allegations
Congress SC Department President Pradeep Ahirwar claims “the Rajput Bagri community received Scheduled Caste benefits unfairly,” prompting action after High Court rebuke Bhopal. The controversy surrounding the caste certificate of Madhya Pradesh Minister of State Pratima Bagri appears to be reaching a decisive turning point. On Wednesday, State President of the Scheduled Castes Congress Department Pradeep Ahirwar appeared before the state-level inquiry committee investigating the validity of the caste certificate with evidence and documents, calling Minister Pratima Bagri’s Scheduled Caste certificate “fake,” and demanding its immediate cancellation. Following the High Court’s intervention in the matter and directing a decision within 60 days, administrative activity has intensified. The Mooknayak investigation has revealed that this controversy isn’t limited to a single individual’s caste certificate, but rather is linked to a long-standing dispute over the use of the surname “Bagri” and Scheduled Caste eligibility in the Bundelkhand, Vindhya, and Mahakaushal regions of Madhya Pradesh. Congress leader Ahirwar claims that caste certificates were issued for years without distinguishing between the actual Scheduled Caste Bagri community and the Rajput-Thakur communities using the surname Bagri, impacting the reservation system. The Bagris of the Bundelkhand and Vindhya regions are Rajput (General). Documents submitted to the committee During the hearing held at Vallabh Bhavan in the ministry on Wednesday, Pradeep Ahirwar presented detailed documents to Principal Secretary E. Ramesh Kumar and other committee officials. He stated that when the list of Scheduled Castes was first compiled in 1950 and after the country’s independence, only those castes associated with social untouchability, untouchability, and lower social functions were included in it. According to him, the Bagri community living in the Central India region was classified as a Scheduled Caste under special circumstances, but the Rajput Bagri community living in the Vindhya and Bundelkhand regions was never recognized as a Scheduled Caste. In a conversation with The Mooknayak, Pradeep Ahirwar stated that the Bagri community living in Satna and Panna districts was not listed as a Scheduled Caste in the 1961 caste census. He also stated that after the formation of Madhya Pradesh in 1956, the districts where the Bagri community was granted Scheduled Caste status were primarily those in the Central India region, including Bhind, Morena, Shivpuri, Guna, Ujjain, Ratlam, Mandsaur, Indore, Dewas, Dhar, Jhabua, and Neemuch. After the regional restrictions were lifted in 1976, members of the Rajput-Thakur Bagri community in the Vindhya and Bundelkhand regions began obtaining Scheduled Caste certificates. Pradeep Ahirwar also argued before the committee that the Regaon Assembly seat in Satna district is reserved for the Scheduled Caste category, and that Pratima Bagri contested the election based on this certificate, became an MLA, and later rose to the position of minister. He alleged that if the certificate was issued contrary to the rules, it is not merely a personal matter but a serious question concerning the reservation system and constitutional rights. The Government of India amended the 2007 amendment. The complainant also cited orders issued by the state government in 2003. According to him, anthropological studies conducted by the state government and the Madhya Pradesh Tribal Research Institute (TRI) clarified that families with the surname “Bagri” living in Bundelkhand, Mahakaushal, and the Vindhya region actually belong to the Rajput-Thakur community and should not be issued Scheduled Caste certificates. According to the TRI report, these Bagri Rajputs are landlords of the Vindhya region. Based on the similarity in their caste names, they began obtaining SC caste certificates and began taking advantage of them. The Scrutiny Committee Did Not Issue Instructions Instructions in this regard were issued to all collectors on February 25, 2003, and July 14, 2003. A high-level scrutiny committee later upheld the government’s decision. An important point in this matter is the 2007 amendment. The central government had clarified at that time that the “Bagri/Bagri” community would be classified as a Scheduled Caste, but those from the Rajput and Thakur sub-castes who use only the surname “Bagri” would not receive this benefit. Ahirwar says that despite this, caste certificates continued to be issued at the local level without adequate scrutiny. Speaking to The Mooknayak, State President of the Scheduled Caste Congress, Pradeep Ahirwar, alleged that Minister Pratima Bagri and her family have been creating confusion about their caste identity for years. He said that Pratima Bagri’s side can submit land records and revenue documents dating back to 1950, which show her family’s surname as “Bagri.” But merely having the surname “Baghari” does not make a person eligible for the Scheduled Caste category. According to Ahirwar, the Rajput Bagri community of the Vindhya and Bundelkhand regions did not receive Scheduled Caste status in the constitutional Scheduled Caste list implemented in 1950. He claimed that the family did not register itself as a Scheduled Caste in the 1956 and 1961 documents and caste records because they belong to the Rajput (General) category. He stated that the Bagri surname in revenue records cannot be considered evidence of their Scheduled Caste status. Pradeep Ahirwar further stated that the Bagri caste is recognized as a Scheduled Caste only in the Central India region. And Minister Pratima’s family succeeded in obtaining the certificate by taking advantage of the similarity of the caste name with the same “Bagri” community. He expressed apprehension that attempts may be made to create confusion before the scrutiny committee based on old documents. Ahirwar claims that the documents in which the family’s surname “Bagri” is recorded actually belong to the Rajput Bagri community, not the Scheduled Caste category. The Bagri caste has not faced untouchability. The complaint also states that the Bagri families of the Vindhya and Bundelkhand regions have been known as an economically and socially influential farming community. The documents claim that these families have owned large tracts of agricultural land since before independence and have never faced social discrimination. Citing gazetteers and old administrative documents from the British era, the complainant states that the Rajput Bagri community of Seoni district is mentioned as a major farming community and has had marital relations
CJP becomes the world’s largest digital party with over 20 million followers; founder’s Dalit identity sparks outrage from right-wing groups; casteist slurs hurled at him
As soon as CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke revealed his “Dalit” identity on social media, right-wing and casteist trolls unleashed a barrage of vile abuses and memes against the young leader, who leads 20 million young people. New Delhi: India’s digital and political history has rarely seen such a seismic storm. Born out of a controversial remark by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the “Cockroach Janata Party” (CJP) is no longer just a social media trend. Leaving the world’s largest political party BJP far behind, CJP’s Instagram following has surpassed an incredible 20.6 million (20.6 million). But amid this historic and unprecedented digital revolution, a deeply disturbing and bitter truth about Indian society has been completely exposed. As soon as CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, who is pursuing a Master’s in Public Relations from the prestigious Boston University in the US, revealed his “Dalit” identity on social media, the right-wing and a certain upper-caste ecosystem erupted. Those who had been enjoying the party’s sharp satire against the establishment until yesterday, in a flash, began demeaning Abhijeet and hurling casteist slurs at him. The entire controversy began on the social media platform X when an account called “Shut Up Counsel” questioned the CJP’s Bahujan agenda. The user asked, “Given the party’s continued support from numerous Brahminist and casteist accounts, do CJP and its founder support social justice, reservation, and Dalit rights?” Abhijeet Dipke’s forthright response to this direct question created a storm on the internet. Abhijeet wrote just one line, “I am a Dalit myself. I hope this answers all your questions.” This candid response from Abhijeet spread like wildfire within hours, garnering over 2 million views. But this single truth exposed the casteists on social media. As soon as his Dalit identity was revealed, a well-orchestrated hate campaign began against Abhijeet. Accounts steeped in the arrogance of upper-caste superiority immediately launched a flood of memes and abusive comments against him. One user used the blue symbols of Babasaheb Ambedkar and a picture of Harpic (toilet cleaner) to make a vulgar and offensive mockery of Dalit identity. Another account with nearly 20,000 followers shared an offensive photo of a man urinating and wrote, “Bhimta spotted, party rejected.” Mumbai-based writer Anuradha Tiwari also jumped into this hate mob. Taking aim at Abhijeet, he wrote, “So this self-proclaimed Gen Z leader is against merit. Anyone who supports a zero-cutoff is anti-development.” Other users also targeted Abhijeet, making a flurry of cheap and caste-based comments like, “The D (Dalit) card is here!” and “Will cockroaches get reservation now?” This entire incident has proven that when a Bahujan or Dalit youth confronts the system and leads over 20 million young people, a large section of society forgets their abilities and begins to judge them solely by their caste. This is the same Cockroach Janata Party, which was born out of massive outrage against the Chief Justice of India calling unemployed youth “cockroaches” and “parasites.” The strength of this movement today can be gauged from the fact that in just a few days, 20.6 million young people have joined this party on Instagram. CJP is no longer just a humor or meme page, but has become a unique amalgamation of Gen-Z and Bahujan consciousness, a phenomenon that even the establishment has feared. This is why the party’s account on X in India has already been suspended following a legal notice from the government. But despite digital censorship and the now-emerging caste hatred, the growing wave of the Cockroach Janata Party shows no signs of stopping. This digital mob of over 20 million young people has now become a reality of Indian politics, one that cannot be suppressed by either the casteist slurs of the right-wing or the digital bans of the establishment. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Tamil Nadu Gets ‘Rainbow Ministry’ as Vijay Adds Dalit, Minority Representatives to Cabinet
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Friday completed his Cabinet expansion by inducting two more MLAs, marking a further consolidation of what is being described as a coalition-based “rainbow ministry” in the state. The new inductees include Vanni Arasu of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and A M Shahjahan of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy at a simple ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, in the presence of the Chief Minister and senior officials. The induction has triggered political friction, with the DMK , a former ally in the opposition alliance, objecting to the inclusion. Senior DMK leader A Raja made remarks on social media, later deleted, which were widely interpreted as criticism of the VCK and IUML joining the Vijay-led Cabinet. His comments, including a “bent coconut tree” metaphor, sparked a war of words between parties. VCK and TVK leaders strongly condemned the remarks, with Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna demanding an apology from the DMK leadership. Amid escalating tensions, DMK president M K Stalin intervened, urging restraint and asking party cadres to avoid harsh language. The Cabinet expansion is being viewed as a major political shift, with increased representation from Dalit and minority communities. The new ministry reportedly includes eight Dalit ministers , two Brahmin ministers , and multiple representatives from minority communities, making it one of the most diverse Cabinets in the state’s recent history. VCK leader Vanni Arasu described his induction as a “dream come true,” calling it a step towards coalition governance, while IUML leader Shahjahan called it a historic moment for his party. The Cabinet strength now stands at 35 ministers, including the Chief Minister , the constitutional maximum. Laaheerie P Courtesy : TMV Note: This news is originally published on https:/themorningvoice.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Ratan Kelkar appointed as Kerala chief minister’s secretary
The 2003 batch Kerala cadre official, a native of Maharashtra, has earlier held different key positions in the state government. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major development, senior IAS officer Ratan U Kelkar has been appointed as the chief minister’s secretary. Notably, he’s being appointed to the crucial post while serving as the chief electoral officer, Kerala. The 2003 batch Kerala cadre official, a native of Maharashtra, has earlier held different key positions in the state government. The government order appointing him as secretary to CM V D Satheean will be issued on Saturday. Sreekumar T, a retired additional secretary, has been appointed special private secretary of the CM. The team also includes Siji G S as press secretary and Roy Mathews as media secretary. Thilakan K P K and Mohanachandran M S have been named additional private secretaries, while Padmakumar M, Abimon P A, Manojkumar P N, Jafarkhan S, Jayachandran A and Prakash O T will serve as assistant secretaries. 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