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
UP: Dalit student raped during treatment, Deputy Chief Minister Pathak orders hospital seal
Lucknow, A Dalit student has accused a doctor at a private hospital in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, of raping her after administering an anaesthetic during treatment, police said. They said the accused doctor has been detained and the police have begun an investigation. Taking cognizance of the incident, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, in charge of the Health Department, has ordered the hospital to be sealed and the medical license of the accused doctor, Vijay Giri, to be immediately suspended. Police said the student was admitted to a private hospital in the BKT area on May 18 due to health issues. She alleged that during treatment, the doctor took her to the operation theatre and sent the female staff and the student’s father out. Police quoted the student as saying that the doctor then administered an anaesthetic, causing her to become unconscious. According to the police, upon regaining consciousness, the student realized she had been raped, prompting her family to file a police complaint. Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Twinkle Jain stated that the victim has been sent for a medical examination, and further action will be taken based on the report. She added that the police have registered a case under relevant sections and have inspected the hospital premises and are questioning staff. Officials say that all aspects of the case are being investigated thoroughly, and strict legal action will be taken if anyone is found guilty. Taking a tough stance on the incident, Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Brajesh Pathak has ordered the sealing of Tejas Hospital located at Bakshi Ka Talab and the immediate suspension of the medical license of the accused doctor, Vijay Giri. He posted on “X” that in the case of the rape of a 12th-grade student at Tejas Hospital located at Bakshi Ka Talab (Indorabag), Lucknow, instructions have been given to seal the hospital and immediately suspend the medical license of the hospital operator, accused Dr. Vijay Giri. He said that the accused doctor will never be able to perform any medical duties in the future. The Deputy Chief Minister said, “The Uttar Pradesh government stands with the victim and her family. I assure you that the accused doctor will be punished severely.” Zafar Anand Rajkumar This story was auto-fed from Bhasha news agency. Courtesy : Hindi News
Karnataka Cabinet Withdraws 52 Cases Against Kannada Activists, Farmers and Dalit Groups
The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday approved the withdrawal of 52 criminal cases registered across the state against pro-Kannada activists, farmers’ organisations, Dalit groups and other protesters , Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil announced after the Cabinet meeting. According to official sources, the withdrawn cases include nearly ten cases against Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj, many of them linked to protests, demonstrations and Kannada language-related agitations . The Cabinet also cleared the withdrawal of seven cases connected to the 2022 communal violence at Ladle Mushtaq Dargah in Kalaburagi district. Sources said several of the cases involved charges related to unlawful assembly, road blockades, protest actions and clashes during demonstrations organised by pro-Kannada outfits, farmers’ unions and Dalit activists. Apart from the legal decisions, the Cabinet approved multiple infrastructure and welfare projects. These include Rs 90 crore for new machinery in 32 Government Tool Room and Training Centres (GTTCs), and Rs 100 crore for a new 200-bed super-speciality hospital building at Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences. The Cabinet also sanctioned Rs 15 crore for a weir across the Kabini River near Srikanteshwara Temple in Mysuru district and approved the purchase of oil spill response equipment worth Rs 13 crore for Karwar Port. In the education sector, the government approved a Rs 15 crore residential coaching programme for 500 meritorious backward-class students from government schools preparing for NEET, JEE and CET examinations . 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
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
Karnataka Congress MLAs set 15-day deadline for party top brass on Cabinet reshuffle decision
Sagar MLA Gopalakrishna Belur said that if no decision is taken in 15 days, the MLAs will take “aggressive steps”. SHIVAMOGGA: Congress MLA Gopalakrishna Belur on Friday said a group of 30-35 legislators is planning to visit Delhi by May 28 or 29 to press for decisions related to Cabinet expansion and reshuffle in Karnataka. He also said that if no decision is taken in 15 days, the MLAs will take “aggressive steps”. Gopalakrishna represents Sagar in the Assembly. Speaking to reporters, Gopalakrishna said the visit was initially scheduled after the selection of the Kerala Chief Minister and that the legislators would hold a meeting within the next few days before heading to the national capital. “We have taken a firm stand this time. Nearly three years have passed, but no concrete action has been taken on the issue,” he said. Referring to discussions around cabinet expansion, Gopalakrishna said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had recently indicated that around 15 legislators could be accommodated, but the group was demanding opportunities for more than 20 MLAs. “Many leaders have already enjoyed positions of power for three years. Opportunities should now be given to others if the Congress has to become stronger in Karnataka,” the MLA said. Gopalakrishna said around 25 legislators had travelled to Delhi earlier and that the number was now expected to rise to over 35. When asked about a possible Cabinet reshuffle, he said party legislators were strongly seeking one. “We are not asking only for newcomers to be inducted. We are asking for changes in the existing structure as well,” he said. On speculation over a possible change in the CM, Gopalakrishna said such decisions rest with the party’s national leadership. “The chief minister issue is not in our hands. We are demanding what we believe is our right,” he said. He also indicated that legislators seeking Cabinet positions expected clarity within the next 15 days and hinted at further steps if their demands were not addressed. “If we are not given an opportunity, we will discuss our future course of action and take a decision,” he said. Krishna Byre Gowda, 4 other MLAs in Delhi Amid speculation over a possible change in leadership in Karnataka, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda and four other MLAs visited New Delhi on Friday. They are expected to meet the Congress high command leaders, including AICC General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal. Speculation is rife as to whether Gowda will meet Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi before the latter embarks on a 10-day foreign trip from May 24. Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad, Shiggaon MLA Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan, Hangal MLA Srinivas Mane, and Kalaburagi North MLA Kaneez Fatima have accompanied Gowda. After May 26, Chief Whip in the Assembly Ashok Pattan is likely to coordinate a group of MLAs for a Delhi visit to insist on the cabinet reshuffle. In a similar exercise in the recent past, Pattan had led 25 MLAs to the top brass. 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
CM VD Satheesan to meet top Congress leaders in Delhi on May 23
“Efforts are on to get an appointment with the prime minister. However, there’s no confirmation yet,” an official with the Chief Minister’s Office said. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In his first visit to the national capital after assuming office, Chief Minister V D Satheesan is set to meet senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Saturday. Though there are reports that Satheesan will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources said there is no confirmation on the same. “Efforts are on to get an appointment with the prime minister. However, there’s no confirmation yet,” an official with the Chief Minister’s Office said. Satheesan, who left the state capital on Friday night, is scheduled to stay at the Kerala House. He will meet Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi as well. However, no official programme has been charted for the Kerala chief minister in Delhi during this visit. He is expected to return to Kochi later in the day. Though Satheesan planned to meet the Congress’ central leadership soon after taking oath as the chief minister, the prolonged discussions on cabinet formation and portfolio allocation delayed his visit to Delhi. In his meeting with the top party leaders, the chief minister is expected to discuss about the future plans for the state. 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
Vijay expands TN cabinet with 23 ministers; Congress joins state government after 60
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has executed a massive Cabinet expansion and portfolio reshuffle, inducting 23 new ministers. In a politically historic move, the Congress party makes a comeback to the TN Cabinet after nearly six decades. The expansion also signals a futuristic administrative reset with the creation of a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) ministry under R Kumar. Watch the video for a complete breakdown of the major shifts, including N Marie Wilson taking over Finance from senior leader K. A. Sengottaiyan, new portfolios retained by CM Vijay, and updates on alliance partners like IUML and VCK joining the government. 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
Hope for justice and ruin Homes: Dalits being evicted from land in Kerala express anger, FIR filed against 50
Massive protests erupt in a Dalit settlement in Ernakulam, Kerala, over a land dispute. FIR filed against 50 people for obstructing police action. A Dalit settlement in Kerala’s Ernakulam district witnessed a massive uproar during an eviction drive. Police announced on Thursday that a case has been filed against approximately 50 identified individuals for obstructing government work during the drive. The incident occurred in the Pariyathukavu area, where a long-standing dispute has been ongoing over the ownership of a piece of land. Residents prevented the police and the accompanying Advocate Commission from carrying out the eviction proceedings. This action stems from a property dispute in which a private individual has legally established ownership of the land where these Dalit families have lived for many years. An officer from the Thadiyittaparambu police station stated that a case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for obstructing a public servant from performing his official duty, taking a tough stand against the protesters. Amid this tense situation, political activity has also intensified. The CPI(M) has formed a special protection committee to ensure the safety of families in the area from any potential police action. Subject to a visit to the affected area, senior CPI(M) leader P. Rajeev spoke to reporters. He clarified that the previous LDF government intended to grant land rights to the residents in accordance with the rules after the survey work was completed. Rajeev stated that the government in the state changed before the survey process was completed, leading to the administration’s use of force, which is highly condemnable. He stated that a protection committee has been formed to address this situation. The CPI(M) leader also claimed that while they could have protected these people without a committee, the situation has now changed and only a public protest can provide security to these families. He urged the state government to take the necessary steps to complete the survey process as soon as possible. He also demanded that no other punitive action be taken regarding the disputed land until the survey is completed. This eviction drive in Pariyathukavu has been a contentious issue for several years. According to reports, the administration has made several attempts to clear the area in the past, but all were unsuccessful. On Wednesday, the dispute turned violent when protesters began threatening suicide. They completely blocked the path of the heavily deployed police personnel equipped with anti-riot equipment. Given the presence of women and children at the protest, State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala immediately intervened. To prevent the situation from getting out of control, he ordered the police to withdraw from the area. Meanwhile, the affected Dalit families have repeatedly approached the courts against their eviction. However, their appeals have been dismissed each time. These families have consistently claimed that the land they live on is government property and not owned by any private individual. On the other hand, the Supreme Court has upheld the ownership rights of the private individual in the legal battle. In light of this decision, the Kerala High Court directed the enforcement of the private individual’s rights, forcing the administration to launch the eviction drive. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Karnataka: Caste-Based Insults at Madeeshwara Temple Festival; Shobha Yatra Denied Entry to Dalit Settlement Despite Receiving Donations!
The Dalit community alleges that they face such disrespectful treatment every year. The procession never enters their settlement, and if they do visit the temple, they are forced to stand at a distance. Members of the Dalit community in Machalli, a remote village in Krishnaraja Nagar taluk of Mysuru district, have alleged severe untouchability and caste discrimination surrounding the Madeeshwara Temple and the deity’s Shobha Yatra. According to local residents, it is a long-standing tradition in the village that during the annual festival of Lord Madeeshwara, the bull procession is taken to every home and every settlement. This tradition was not followed in the Dalit settlement during last week’s festival. The Dalit community alleges that they are forced to perform puja in a humiliating and unequal manner. As soon as their festival is over, the idol is immediately removed and taken away, depriving them of the opportunity to worship the deity. Residents of the Dalit neighborhood reported waiting for two to three hours, but no arrangements were made for their worship. The temple doors were closed, and people left. One member said, “This is happening even in the 21st century, which is very sad.” The community alleges that this happens every year. The procession never comes to their settlement, and if they go to the temple, they are forced to stand at a distance. According to the Dalit community, this time the village elders had agreed in a public meeting and promised that full arrangements would be made for the worship in the Dalit settlement as well. Trusting this promise, every Dalit family contributed thousands of rupees for the worship. But when the deity’s procession reached the Dalit settlement, the situation suddenly changed. Within just two minutes, the idol was snatched away, and the worship was not performed. Following this, some elders and young people of the village gathered and openly declared, “They only have 15 houses, what can they do?” Members of the Dalit community allege that they were subjected to severe abuse, death threats, and other atrocities. Dalit residents also stated that they pay taxes and volunteer for public and religious events in the village, yet they are not allowed to enter the temple’s sanctum sanctorum, touch the deity, or worship on an equal footing. The village is home to approximately 60 Dalit families, most of whom are agricultural laborers. Following this incident, members of the Dalit community have protested in the village, demanding immediate action from the district administration and equal rights in the temple. They have also accused the Social Welfare Department and local authorities of failing to reach the village despite repeated complaints. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindu News