“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
YSRCP Alur MLA Virupakshi, son arrested following ‘attack’ on Dalit family
Tension prevailed at Sangala and Nemakallu villages of Chippagiri mandal following the clash and also at the Chippagiri police station with the YSRCP leaders staging a protest demanding the release of the arrested MLA YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) legislator from Alur B. Virupakshi and his followers were arrested in the early hours of Sunday for their alleged involvement in the attack on a Dalit family following a clash between the followers of the YSRCP and TDP activists. Tension prevailed at Sangala and Nemakallu villages of Chippagiri mandal following the clash and also at the Chippagiri police station with the YSRCP leaders staging a protest demanding the release of the arrested MLA. According to information reaching here, an argument allegedly broke out between a TDP activist from Nemakallu and a YSRCP activist from Sangala on some issue over phone. The issue allegedly escalated with Mr. Virupakshi visiting Nemakallu in support of his follower. This led to attacks and counter attacks, with the TDP alleging that the MLA and his followers entered the house of a party SC activist, Nagaraju, and attacked him and his wife. It was alleged that the clothes of Mr. Nagarajau’s wife were torn by the mob. Tension prevailed for some time as the two groups attacked each other. The vehicles of Mr. Virupakshi and TDP leader Purusotham were damaged. Mr. Virupakshi’s brother suffered an injury on his hand. The police reached the village and brought the situation under control. Well past midnight, the police reached the residence of Mr. Virupaksha and picked him and his son Chandrasekhar from their residence at Chippagiri. Fourteen YSRCP activists were also arrested. TDP Alur Assembly incharge Vaikuntam Jyothi held the YSRCP responsible for the clashes and alleged that the followers of the MLA attacked Mr. Purushotham, TDP mandal convener, and damaged his car. YSRCP leaders condemned the midnight arrest of Mr. Virupakshi, describing it as blatant misuse of police machinery. They claimed that the MLA rushed to Chippagiri only after receiving a distress call from YSRCP activist Giri, whose life, they said, was under threat. Instead of protecting the victim, the TDP workers attacked the MLA and his brother with stones and sticks, they alleged. The police registered attempt-to-murder and SC/ST cases against the victims, they added. YSRCP leaders also condemned the manner of the arrest, stating that the police broke open the doors of the MLA’s residence at around 3 a.m., seized CCTV hard disks, and forcibly took away the MLA and his son without allowing them to even change their clothes. Hareesh P 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
DMK slams Congress for ‘trading trust for berths’
NEW DELHI: DMK Sunday mounted a furious pushback against Rahul Gandhi’s describing any support to govt’s widely speculated move to revive the bill to increase Lok Sabha’s strength, coupled with delimitation of constituencies, as a betrayal of Tamil Nadu amid buzz in political circles that the regional party may come around to backing the measure. A day after Rahul, during his visit to Tamil Nadu, said any party supporting the constitution amendment bill in Parliament will be a 21st century Ettappan, a historical figure reviled for treachery, senior DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran came out with a blistering retort. “These are the people who traded our trust in them for mere ministerial berths,” he said, lashing out at “poisonous snakes” which sell trust to “buy” power, a reference to Congress’s decision to snap ties with DMK and TVK. Maran’s strongly worded rejoinder captured the lingering sense of betrayal within the Dravidian party over Congress’s swift embrace of its rival after the national party went to the poll as DMK’s ally and was fully backed by the latter on all key issues, including Rahul’s leadership, in national politics through its years in office. BJP is hopeful that DMK’s bubbling anger with Congress will help its bid to win over the party’s support for its key legislative measures, especially delimitation, in Parliament, even though govt has so far not taken any official step to revive the bill that was defeated by a united Opposition in the last session. DMK has anyway indicated its openness over the issue, saying it will take a call after studying the bill and insisting that the proposed law should not harm south India’s interests. Rahul’s comments are also a nod to the acknowledgement in Opposition camp of the possibility of DMK revising its stand on a bill which, opposition parties have alleged, will allow BJP-led governing alliance to reconfigure constituencies to its advantage for the 2029 Lok Sabha poll. Targeting Rahul, Maran added, “Those who come to Tamil Nadu and stay silent about Cauvery rights are traitors. Those who only talk about irregularities in the exam, rather than insisting on completely abolishing NEET are traitors. Those who condemn BJP’s horse-trading but ignore TVK’s disgusting horse-trading are merely continuing that betrayal.” 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
Warring downplays pro-Channi slogans, accuses AAP of politicising Congress events
Seeking to end the controversy, Warring himself raised the slogan, “Charanjit Singh Channi Zindabad.” Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring on Sunday brushed aside the pro-Charanjit Singh Channi slogans raised at Congress programmes over the past two days, accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of blowing the issue out of proportion and television channels of focusing only on the sloganeering. The remarks came after supporters of Jalandhar MP and former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi interrupted the Congress’ “Har Booth, Congress Mazboot” programme in Barnala with pro-Channi slogans in the presence of AICC general secretary in-charge of Punjab, Bhupesh Baghel. Similar slogans were raised at party events in Patiala and Sangrur on Saturday. Interacting with reporters in Barnala, Warring said, “The current (AAP) government is presenting the slogans raised in favour of Charanjit Singh Channi as if they were chanted in favour of Pakistan.” He also criticised television channels for highlighting only the sloganeering while ignoring other developments at the party’s outreach events. “No television channel is showing that a leader from Shutrana joined the Congress on Saturday, or that 40-50 AAP MLAs are likely to switch sides,” he alleged. “I gave a speech, and everybody listened to it. The party workers clapped. But no TV channel is showing it,” Warring said, questioning the attention given to the slogans. “What happens if a slogan is raised? Channi had been our chief minister. I myself had raised the slogan ‘Ghar Ghar Challi Gal, Channi Karda Masle Hal’ (Go from house to house and say, Channi does resolve problems). I had raised slogans in favour of Partap Singh Bajwa also,” he said. Seeking to end the controversy, Warring himself raised the slogan, “Charanjit Singh Channi Zindabad.” The episode has once again drawn attention to the Congress’ internal factionalism in Punjab, despite the party leadership’s repeated claims of working towards organisational unity ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The leadership tussle resurfaced after the Congress high command on July 1 retained Warring as the Punjab Congress chief while appointing Channi as the chairperson of the party’s campaign committee. 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
Can BJP crack Punjab? Inside its strategy to challenge AAP and Congress in 2027
NEW DELHI: When it comes to BJP’s election playbook, there is always a method to the madness. Punjab, which votes early next year, appears to be following the same script. All these headlines, when looked at in isolation, appear to be one-off political developments separated in time. But one look at them together in the context of a wider long-term objective, they appear not just connected but also planned with a purpose. This is a perfect example of the BJP election playbook in action. The BJP, which over the years played second fiddle to the Akalis in Punjab, contested the 2022 elections alone after snapping ties with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). However, it could win only 2 seats with a vote share of 6.6%. Even the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were a huge disappointment. The BJP polled 18.65% of votes but could not win any seat. However, the BJP appears determined not to let the past numbers dictate its future strategy. And that explains the aggression with which the party has gone for the kill in Punjab. Punjab, which over the years alternated between the Congress and the Akalis, broke the duopoly in 2022 when it overwhelmingly voted for Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP. And that perhaps gives BJP its biggest hope as it marshals its resources. Now, let’s analyze all these headlines as a part of one story to understand how the BJP is gearing up to add another state to its ever-expanding kitty. The Ravidassia outreach When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Punjab on February 1 this year, the BJP’s election playbook was already in action. The visit was part of a well thought-out and planned outreach that could increase the party’s base and presence in the state. The occasion was the 649th Birth Anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji. The Ravidassia community form an important electoral bloc of Punjab’s Scheduled Caste population, especially in the Doaba region. A slew of announcements were made, including renaming of Adampur Airport after Guru Ravidas and the launch of the Shri Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj Express between Jalandhar and Varanasi. It was the start of a planned outreach. That outreach has continued with the Punjab BJP launching the statewide implementation of the ‘Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan’ from July 29, the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, to commemorate the 650th birth anniversary year of Guru Ravidas Maharaj. Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon said the nationwide campaign will continue till February 20 (Magha Purnima) under the guidance of the BJP national leadership and aims to spread Guru Ravidas’s timeless message of equality, dignity, social harmony and social justice across Punjab. Targeted political acquisition The BJP, enriched by its experience from victories in states like West Bengal and Odisha, perhaps knows the importance of organisational strength in winning states. So in Punjab, after breaking its alliance with the Akalis, the BJP has been on an overdrive to build a strong local leadership. After the 2022 elections, several prominent Congress leaders had joined the BJP. And now in the run up to the 2027 electoral battle, seven AAP members of Rajya Sabha from the state are already a part of the party. And this acquisition includes Raghav Chaddha, once the most trusted associate of AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal. Chadha has a good understanding of the electoral thinking of AAP that rules Punjab now and can help the BJP capitalise on its weaknesses. As the elections approach, we could see Raghav Chaddha play a greater role in crafting and implementing BJP’s Punjab campaign. The ‘Dhillon’ signal When the BJP replaced one Congress export Sunil Jakhar with another Kewal Singh Dhillon as its state chief, the change was aimed to send across a message. Dhillon, who is a seasoned politician and a prominent industrialist, became the first Jat Sikh to head the BJP in the state. The purpose was clear: outreach among Sikh voters to help increase the acceptability of the party after its Akali alliance ended. The BJP would hope that Dhillon could help the party expand its rural footprint. Besides Dhillon’s political base is in Barnala, which falls in the Sangrur-Malwa region. This region is considered a stronghold of Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party. Ravneet Singh Bittu and Punjab focus Ravneet Singh Bittu, who joined the BJP in March 2024 ahead of the general elections after ending his long association with the Congress, seems to have an important role in the saffron party’s blueprint for Punjab. During the 2024 campaign, Bittu was projected as an important Sikh face for the BJP by none other than Amit Shah. For those who remember, the entire BJP had rallied in support of Bittu after Rahul Gandhi had referred to him as “traitor”. The BJP made Bittu a minister in the Modi government and a member of Rajya Sabha despite his Lok Sabha election loss from Ludhiana in 2024 to showcase his importance. But after his RS tenure ended in June this year, he quit as minister amid hints that he will play a key role in BJP’s Punjab plans. According to reports, in June, Bittu had expressed his desire to work for Punjab in the Vidhan Sabha after spending nearly 17 years in Parliament. Bittu had then said that the BJP made him the minister even though he had lost the 2024 parliamentary elections. “People of Punjab are fed up (with other parties). People are very much aware of development and progress taking place in other (BJP-ruled) states and they want prosperity in Punjab as well,” Bittu had then said. Ravneet Singh Bittu is the grandson of former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh, who was assassinated in 1995. During his political career in the Congress, he was elected MP thrice and also served as the grand-old-party’s leader in the Lok Sabha and as its whip in the Lower House. PM Modi’s ‘double-engine’ promise When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Punjab for the second time on July 17, his focus was on development, youth
UP horror: 9-year-old dalit girl ‘gang-raped’ by 5 minors near school ground
SHAHJAHANPUR: 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. Circle officer (Tilhar) Vidush Saxena told PTI that the incident occurred on Friday evening when the girl was playing with other children at a school ground. The accused minors, aged between 10 and 14 years, allegedly took her to a nearby field. Citing the FIR, Saxena said the girl’s family alleged that the accused minors gang-raped her in the field and fled after being spotted by the field owner. The girl later returned home and informed her mother about the incident, following which a complaint was filed and a case was registered late on Friday night, the officer said. Police have booked the accused under relevant sections of 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. The accused minors are being questioned in the presence of their guardians, while the survivor has been sent for a medical examination, police said. (The victim’s identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault) 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
Karnataka: Dalits prevented from entering temple, allowed entry in presence of police and administration
Allegations of attack on Dalits entering temple. Complaint filed against 42 people. Entry into temple led by officials. Davanagere (Karnataka): An allegation of Dalits being prevented from entering a temple has surfaced in Davanagere, Karnataka. The incident reportedly occurred in the Channagiri taluk of the district on Friday night. Three Dalits filed a complaint at the Basavapatna police station, alleging that a group of 20 people attacked them while they were entering the temple. As soon as the incident came to light, Tehsildar Nagaraj, AC Dr. Channappa, SP H.T. Shekhar, and police force visited Malalakere village. They inspected the area and escorted the Dalits inside the temple. Following this, they held a meeting with leaders of both communities in the village and instructed them to live in harmony. According to the police, the victims told them that the ‘Ajji Habba’ festival was being celebrated on Friday. While returning from the festival, they were attacked by 20 people on their way to the temple. They were not allowed inside. Meanwhile, a leader from the other community denied these allegations. He said, “They were trying to enter the temple after consuming alcohol, so they were stopped.” PSI Imtiaz of Basavapatna police station said, “Last night, there was a minor clash between two groups. Dalits alleged that they were not allowed to enter the temple, while the other group claimed they were drunk. A peace meeting was held in the presence of members of both groups and officials.” A complaint has been filed against a total of 42 people at the Basavapatna police station. Channagiri Assistant Commissioner (AC) Channappa said, “A case of SC-ST atrocities has been registered at the Basavapatna police station. We will take action against the culprits.” He further said that the youths who were attacked are being treated at the Chigateri District Hospital. Channappa said, “The police are investigating the matter. The truth will emerge only after the investigation. No one should take the law into their own hands. We have resolved this dispute by allowing the Dalits to enter the temple and perform puja.” Courtesy: Hindi News
Explainer: Why Dalits are marginalized in Punjab despite having the largest population, marginalized in politics
Despite constituting a third of Punjab’s population, why is Dalit politics weak? Let’s explore the reasons… In states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Dalit politics has always held sway. Whether it’s previous generation leaders like Kanshi Ram, Ram Vilas Paswan, and Mayawati, or newer leaders like Chandrashekhar Azad and Chirag Paswan, these leaders have a strong appeal, and this has led to significant Dalit votes in Bihar. However, this is not the case in Punjab, one of the country’s leading states in terms of Dalit population. It has been a matter of curiosity for people across the country as to why this community is not at the center of politics in a state with a 32 percent Dalit population. Not only this, Dalits are also in a weak position in terms of education, social influence, and economic status. Their participation in the Punjab government’s cabinet has also been low. 96.6 percent of Dalits in Punjab do not own any agricultural land. Nearly 60 percent of these people follow the Sikh faith, yet they are considered untouchables and face discrimination. The state has a total of 117 assembly seats, and 34 of these seats are reserved for Dalits. The number of Dalit MLAs in the assembly is crucial for any government. Yet, they have never ruled Punjab. This is because their population is divided among various castes, and there is also a divide between Hindus and Sikhs. While Dalit votes are divided, Jat Sikhs have a strong hold on the social system in Punjab. This is because they control most of the agricultural land. They also have a strong hold on various institutions and rural systems, including gurdwaras. Bhagwant Mann’s cabinet includes five Dalit leaders: Harpal Singh Cheema, Dr. Baljit Kaur, Lalchand Kataruchak, Ravjot Singh, and Mohinder Bhagat. This figure represents 27 percent of the total 18 ministers in the cabinet. The previous Congress government had three ministers. However, it is also a fact that Charanjit Singh Channi was made the Chief Minister, becoming the state’s first Dalit Chief Minister. The Akali-BJP government that lasted until 2017 also had three Dalit ministers. Channi was subsequently appointed Chief Minister by the Congress in 2022, but this failed to significantly bolster the Dalit vote. He received only 31 percent of Dalit votes, while the AAP secured 38 percent. Punjab lost the Congress under the leadership of Charanjit Singh Channi, the only Dalit Chief Minister, and even now, he is in no position to be considered the leader of the Punjab Congress in the upcoming elections. While the Jat community constitutes only 22 percent of the population in Punjab, they have a significant representation. Interestingly, the BSP originated in Punjab, and Kanshi Ram was also a native of the state. However, the BSP has never been very strong in Punjab. Dalits here have primarily voted for different parties. These include the Congress, the Akali Dal, and now the Aam Aadmi Party. The BSP received less than 2% of the vote here in 2022. Why Dalits lack political dominance despite constituting 32% of the population? Although the Dalit population in Punjab is 32%, they own only 3.5% of the total land. According to the Punjab Village Common Land Act of 1964, one-third of the land belonging to the village community is reserved for Dalits. However, this provision remains only on paper and has not been properly implemented on the ground. Due to landlessness, the development of Dalits has been hampered. 73% of Dalits living in villages are landless. Furthermore, due to lack of land, their income is low, and unlike other communities, their children are not able to go abroad. This is because they have limited means of earning. It is also true that while the Sikh faith advocates equality, casteism is a reality here as well. They are denied entry into Gurudwaras established by Jat Sikhs or other upper castes. According to a study, Dalits who converted to Sikhism have established 10,000 Gurudwaras and Ravidas Deras. This is to ensure autonomy, at least in religious matters. Furthermore, a large number of Dalits are also converting to Christianity. Dalits in Doaba are a different story, with children also migrating abroad. While the situation of Dalits is weak in most parts of Punjab, the situation in the Doaba region is different. There are many villages here where the Dalit population ranges from 40 to 65 percent. Exposure to urban life and employment have strengthened their position. Furthermore, a significant number of Dalits from here have migrated abroad. This has allowed them to maintain a strong position despite the decline in farming. However, this has little impact on electoral politics, as the Dalit community is divided along caste and religion lines. Courtesy: Hindi News
Karnataka Cabinet expansion, KCV to arrive with final list
The names of PM Narendraswamy, Basavanthappa, Sharath Bachegowda, Kaneez Fathima Zameer Ahmed and Tanvir Sait too are doing the rounds. BENGALURU: AS cabinet expansion is most likely on Monday, AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal is expected to arrive here from Kerala on Sunday evening with the list of twenty legislators to be inducted as ministers. The swearing-in ceremony at Lok Bhavan is likely at 4 pm. Ministerial aspirants made last-ditch efforts by meeting former CM Siddaramaiah at his Cauvery residence on Saturday. MLAs Yashwant Rayagouda Patil, Appaji Nadagouda, Rizwan Arshad, Vijayananda Kashappanavar, AS Ponnanna, Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan, Appaji C S Nadagouda, Yashwant Rayagouda Patil and Ashok S Pattan were among them. Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh also met Siddaramaiah. The list of probable include, Ajay Dharam Singh – Kalaburagi (Rajput), Yashwantrayagouda Patil – Indi (Lingayat), T Raghumurthy – Challakere (Valmiki), B Nagendra – Bellary Rural (Valmiki), Shivaraj Tangadagi – Kanakagiri (Bovi Dalit), Salim Ahmed – MLC (Muslim), NS Bosa Raju – MLC (Raju Kshatriya), Santosh Lad – Kalaghatagi (Maratha), SS Mallikarjun – Davanagere (Lingayat), Vijayanand Kashappanavar – Bagalkot (Lingayat), Puttaranga Shetty – Chamarajanagar (Uppara), AS Ponnanna – Virajpet (Kodava), N Cheluvarayaswamy – Nagamangala (Vokkaliga), Shivalingegowda – Arasikere (Vokkaliga), Basavaraj Shivannavar – Byadagi (Kuruba), Laxman Savadi(Lingayat), Laxmi Hebbalkar (Lingayat), Dr Arathi Krishna (Vokkaliga), Annapoorna E Tukaram (ST), and Anekal Shivanna (SC). The names of PM Narendraswamy, Basavanthappa, Sharath Bachegowda, Kaneez Fathima Zameer Ahmed and Tanvir Sait too are doing the rounds. 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