3 Held For Murder of Dalit Youth in Godavarikhani
Godavarikhani ACP M. Ramesh said the accused were identified as Naveen, Alekya and Bhaskar KARIMNAGAR: Neelam Naveen, 30, his wife Alekya, 28, and her cousin Bhaskar, 28, allegedly murdered a 31-year-old Dalit youth in Godavarikhani over alleged harassment, police said. The case was registered against the three accused after the decomposed body of Joola Vamshi, a resident of Singireddypalli village in Ramagiri mandal, was found in a forest near Gadidalagandi in Manthani mandal on Sunday morning. Vamshi had been missing since April 30. Based on a complaint from his family, the Godavarikhani Two-Town police registered a missing case and began an investigation Godavarikhani ACP M. Ramesh said the accused were identified as Naveen, Alekya and Bhaskar. During questioning, Alekya allegedly confessed that Vamshi had harassed her since she was in Class 10 and continued to do so after her marriage to Naveen. Police said the accused planned the murder to stop the alleged harassment. They allegedly lured Vamshi to a secluded place, killed him and dumped the body in the Gadidalagandi forest area to destroy evidence. ACP Ramesh said all three accused were taken into custody. The body was sent for post-mortem examination. Puli Sharath Kumar Courtesy : Deccan Chronicle Note: This news is originally published on https:/deccanchronicle.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
With 3 OBCs & 2 Dalits, Cabinet rejig signals BJP’s bid to blunt SP’s PDA push ahead of 2027 Uttar Pradesh polls
PDA is a coinage used by the Samajwadi Party (SP) for ‘Pichda’ (backwards), Dalits and ‘Alpsankhyak’ (minorities), denoting the opposition party’s overtures towards communities that hold the key to power in Uttar Pradesh. Lucknow: With three OBCs and two Dalits among the six BJP leaders who took oath as ministers in the Yogi Adityanath ministry 2.0 on Sunday, the Cabinet expansion can be seen as a move by the saffron party to blunt the Samajwadi Party’s ‘PDA’ push ahead of next year’s Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. PDA is a coinage used by the Samajwadi Party (SP) for ‘Pichda’ (backwards), Dalits and ‘Alpsankhyak’ (minorities), denoting the opposition party’s overtures towards communities that hold the key to power in Uttar Pradesh. The induction of three OBC and two Dalit faces into the Cabinet made the ruling party’s focus obvious, especially on non-Yadav OBCs and non-Jatav Dalits in the state. The three new OBC faces include Bhupendra Chaudhary (Jat), Kailash Rajput (Lodh) and Hansraj Vishwakarma (Lohar), while Krishna Paswan (Pasi) and Surendra Singh Daler (Valmiki) represent the Dalit communities. The sixth minister, Manoj Kumar Pandey, is a Brahmin. Additionally, two state ministers were promoted with independent charge – Ajit Pal (Pal) and Somendra Tomar (Gurjar) – both non-Yadav OBCs. The first Cabinet expansion of the Adityanath Cabinet took place on March 5, 2024, just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, in which the BJP faced shock reverses in Uttar Pradesh with the SP-Congress alliance winning 43 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state, limiting the BJP-led-NDA to 36, down from 64 in 2019. This included the stunning loss of the Ayodhya seat to SP’s Awadhesh Prasad, the first Dalit (Pasi) to win the constituency, strengthening the SP’s belief that the PDA narrative can be a bankable option in 2027. Prasad was vocal again on Sunday. “I congratulate the new ministers. However, it is obvious that the BJP is rattled by the SP’s PDA push, and that is why we are convinced that 2027 would see the BJP’s ouster from Uttar Pradesh,” Prasad told PTI over the phone. That the saffron party was working to counter the SP’s PDA card became obvious when senior ministers, including deputy chief ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, as well as Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, positioned the BJP as the “real” party that cared for the PDA. “SP’s PDA talk is bogus. We are the real PDA,” Keshav Maurya said. The BJP considered that his Brahmin identity would be useful in aligning with this key upper caste group, which the opposition has consistently claimed was unhappy with the saffron party. After taking the oath, Pandey lost no time in targeting SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, his former political boss. “The SP and its leadership are frustrated by the BJP’s phenomenal election wins. As a BJP cadre, I will leave no stone unturned to carry out the tasks assigned to me by the party leadership,” Pandey, now the second BJP minister in the Cabinet from Rae Bareli after Dinesh Pratap Singh, told PTI. Varanasi and Kannauj, too, have been fortified with additional ministers each, hinting at the BJP’s carefully crafted political agenda ahead of next year’s state polls. Hansraj Vishwakarma, BJP’s Varanasi chief who took oath as a minister of state on Sunday, became the fourth minister in the Cabinet from the holy city – the other three being Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar and two ministers of state (independent charge), Ravindra Jaiswal and Daya Shankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’. Barely 25 days back, a political controversy erupted over the alleged sexual assault and murder of a teenage girl from the Lohar community in Ghazipur, just 80 km from Varanasi. Thus, the elevation of Vishwakarma, a Lohar, is also being interpreted as an effort to assuage the community. “No doubt the BJP is desperate, and this appointment, among others, shows its desperation,” SP spokesman Anurag Bhadauria said. Sunday’s Cabinet rejig also saw Kailash Rajput become the second BJP minister from Kannauj, the Lok Sabha constituency of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, after Social Welfare Minister Asim Arun, a Dalit Courtesy : DH Note: This news is originally published on https:/deccanherald.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
A Dalit girl was raped inside her home: Incident in the Holagarh area of Prayagraj; sister beaten for protesting.
A case of rape of a Dalit girl has come to light in the Holagarh police station area of Prayagraj. It is alleged that a young man entered her home on Sunday morning and raped her. When her elder sister came to rescue her, the accused assaulted her with casteist slurs, threatened to kill her, and fled. The victim’s elder sister has filed a complaint at the police station. She stated that their parents have passed away, and the two sisters live in a mud house as laborers. On Sunday morning, while the younger sister was busy with household chores, a young man from the village entered their home. It is alleged that the young man forcibly raped her. Hearing the noise, the elder sister arrived at the scene and attempted to apprehend the accused. Upon hearing this, the accused abused her, used casteist slurs, and beat her to the ground. While fleeing, the accused threatened to kill both sisters if they told anyone about the incident. The frightened victim reported the matter to the police. Holagarh Police Station in-charge Virendra Kumar Mishra stated that he had received a complaint and the police were investigating the matter seriously. Amar Singh | Soraon Courtesy: Hindi News
High command aware of who did what, Rahul tells CM contenders
Rahul reportedly told leaders the party knew the sources behind thousands of emails sent over the leadership issue. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the Congress high command prepares to announce Kerala’s next chief minister, more details have emerged from Saturday’s deliberations in New Delhi involving senior leader Rahul Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge and the three contenders: V D Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala and K C Venugopal. Rahul is learnt to have cautioned the trio against staking any claim to the election victory, making it clear that the high command was fully aware of the role played by each of them in the campaign. “No one should stake any claim. The high command is well aware of who did what,” Rahul reportedly told the leaders during the discussions. He also warned them of strict disciplinary action if the ongoing street protests, flex-board war and social media campaigns were not brought to an immediate halt. Rahul also reportedly told the leaders that he had received thousands of emails regarding the leadership issue and that the party leadership was aware of the sources of the communication. In what is being viewed as an apparent dig at Satheesan, Rahul allegedly referred to the intervention of certain religious organisations in the Congress decision-making process. Sources said the leadership was aware of the large-scale canvassing by the Jamaat-e-Islami in favour of Satheesan. According to them, the high command made it clear that it did not require outside influence in deciding party affairs. Could The MV Hondius Hantavirus Outbreak Become The Next COVID-19_ “A senior Jamaat-e-Islami leader called for public protests if Satheesan is denied the chief minister’s post. This is the first time the party is witnessing such canvassing for the selection of its chief minister,” a senior Congress leader said. While congratulating the three leaders on the UDF’s landslide victory, Rahul also apparently told them that the high command recognised their leadership roles in securing the mandate. However, he cautioned them that the high command had a clear picture of the role played by each and reminded them that the campaign had been carried out under the direct monitoring of the party leadership. “Hence, staking claim to the victory is unacceptable and disappointing,” Rahul said. “The credit for the victory belongs to the Congress leadership and the UDF constituents. The high command has a complete picture of what happened on the ground,” he added. Dig at Satheesan In what is being viewed as an apparent dig at Satheesan, Rahul allegedly referred to the intervention of certain religious organisations in the decision-making process. Sources said the leadership was aware of the large-scale canvassing by the Jamaat-e-Islami in favour of Satheesan 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
Veteran politician to 29-year-old doctor: Here is a look at Vijay’s Cabinet, a mix of youth and experienced
Vijay’s cabinet of ministers is a mix of veteran politicians like KA Sengottaiyan and N Anand and freshers like Aadhav Arjuna and S Keerthana. TVK chief Joseph C Vijay on Sunday took oath as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, along with nine other ministers, including freshers who made their electoral debut in the recently concluded Assembly elections. Here is a look at the profiles of the TVK ministers. KA Sengottaiyan: From his early days as a leader of Kullapalayam Panchayat in Coimbatore during the 1970s, Sengottaiyan has carved out a storied 50-year career in Tamil Nadu politics. His journey from a grassroots party worker to a 10-time legislator stands as a testament to his political endurance. Born in 1948, Sengottaiyan’s ascent began when he was just 29 years old. His tireless work earned him his first MLA seat from the Sathyamangalam assembly constituency in 1977, when the AIADMK first rose to power under its legendary founder M G Ramachandran, who was fondly called MGR. After MGR’s passing, Sengottaiyan emerged as a staunch loyalist of J Jayalalithaa. Throughout AIADMK’s various terms in power, he held several key portfolios, most notably serving as the Revenue Minister. His influence continued in the administration of Edappadi K Palaniswami, where he served as the School Education Minister. In this role, he was credited with introducing ambitious reforms. He was expelled from the AIADMK in November 2025 after a series of public disagreements with Palaniswami, and he soon joined the Vijay-led TVK, where his decades of political experience proved invaluable. Aadhav Arjuna: Perhaps TVK’s most visible face, Aadhav Arjuna is a basketball player and is currently the president of Basketball Federation of India. A political strategist, he briefly served as Deputy General Secretary for Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) before parting ways with its chief Thol Thirumavalavan. The Villivakkam MLA-elect is the son-in-law of ‘lottery king’ Santiago Martin and has been credited for TVK’s growth. N Anand: Also known as ‘Bussy’ Anand, he is recognized as one of the closest political associates of TVK president Vijay. He played a key organizational role during the formation and growth of the party, helping build its ground network and campaign machinery across Tamil Nadu. He earned his nickname ‘Bussy’ after winning the election from the Bussy constituency in Puducherry in 2006 in Puducherry Munnetra Congress. Anand will have the distinction of serving the 17th Tamil Nadu Assembly, after having previously been MLA in Puducherry. He is known for doing voluntary services in his assembly segment ensuring a garbage free area. S Keerthana: TVK MLA-elect from the Sivakasi constituency, S Keerthana has been making headlines after the 29-year-old became the first woman MLA to achieve victory in the constituency, putting an end to nearly seven decades of male domination. Born in 1996 in Virudhunagar, Keerthana studied in a Tamil-medium government school before building a career in political consulting. She completed her BSc in Mathematics from a college affiliated with Madurai Kamaraj University and later pursued MSc in Statistics from Puducherry University in 2019. Before entering active politics, Keerthana worked as a political consultant and digital campaign strategist with Showtime Consulting and IPAC. She was also involved in election campaigns for the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Over the years, she worked with former CMs Stalin, Mamata Banerjee and incumbent AP CM Chandrababu Naidu. KG Arunraj: A former Indian Revenue Service officer and a medical doctor by profession, Arunraj was sworn in as a minister in Vijay’s cabinet on Sunday. Kottaipalayam Ganesan Arunraj, aged 46 now, gave up his prestigious government job and joined Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. He served as its general secretary, policy and propaganda, before becoming the minister of the first-ever TVK cabinet under Vijay. Arunraj had won from Tiruchengode Assembly constituency in Namakkal district, securing 79,500 votes and trounced his nearest rival SRMT Sekar of the AIADMK by a margin of 28,172 votes. He earned his MBBS from Madras Medical College and had served as government medical officer at the primary health centre in Krishnagiri. He completed his schooling in Salem district. R Nirmal Kumar: A prominent leader of TVK, who played a crucial role in post-poll negotiations in meeting the left party leaders and securing their support for government formation, Nirmal Kumar had headed the IT and social media unit of the TVK. He won from the Thirupparankundram Assembly constituency in Madurai. He was with the BJP initially heading its IT and social media wing and following a brief stint with the AIADMK. Nirmal Kumar joined the TVK in 2025. He became a key strategist for the TVK and is credited with building the digital presence for the TVK while serving as deputy general secretary of IT and social media wing. He holds degrees in engineering and law. A Rajmohan: Rajmohan, an actor, stand-up comedian, television anchor, and director who took the oath of office as a minister, was TVK’s propaganda secretary. He won from Egmore Assembly constituency. P Venkataramanan: TVK treasurer P Venkataramanan who assumed charge as minister, is a practicing advocate and he won from Mylapore Assembly constituency. He is the Brahmin face of TVK. In October 2024, at the first state conference of TVK he had administered the oath to thousands of party activists. Dr K T Prabhu: Dr Prabhu, another newly inducted minister in Vijay’s Cabinet, is a dentist by profession. He won from Karaikudi constituency in Sivaganga district, defeating NTK founder, and actor-director Seeman. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Thol Thirumavalavan’s VCK: The Dalit Political Party That Emerged As Kingmaker In Tamil Nadu
(As Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the single largest party in Tamil Nadu Assembly election 2026, scrambles to find numbers to stake claim to form the government, it is Thol Thirumavalavan’s Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) that has emerged as the kingmaker. So far, the TVK has managed to earn the support letters from the Congress, the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) – CPI(M). Even with the support of three parties, the TVK remains short of a seat.Politics But there is speculation that the TVK is eyeing a plum post, including the Deputy chief minister post. Not just this, TVK also hopes that Thirumalavalan should be fielded from the Tiruchirapalli East constituency in the event of TVK founder Vijay vacating it. People also ask AI powered insights from this story .5 QUESTIONS1What is the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK)?⌵ The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) is a Dalit political party in Tamil Nadu founded in 1982. It is dedicated to the liberation of the working class, advocating for the annihilation of caste, social justice, and secularism. 2How did VCK become a kingmaker in Tamil Nadu?⌵ VCK emerged as a kingmaker in Tamil Nadu when the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the single largest party after the 2026 Assembly election, needed support to form the government. VCK’s two seats were crucial for TVK to reach the majority mark. 3What are VCK’s political goals?⌵ VCK strives to bring Dalits and the marginalized into the political mainstream. The party aims to unite all people to transform society through social empowerment and political authority. 4What is the history of VCK’s electoral participation?⌵ VCK first entered the electoral arena in September 1999, contesting in the Chidambaram Parliamentary constituency. R Thirumavalavan was elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from the Mangalore constituency in 2001. 5What role did VCK play in the 2026 Tamil Nadu government formation?⌵ VCK discussed a share in power, including key posts like the Deputy Chief Minister’s post for Thol Thirumavalavan, with TVK. The party’s support was essential for TVK to form the government. Vijay, who won from two constituencies, has to vacate one and is likely to retain Perambur in Chennai. A source, quoted by PTI, said the VCK discussed a share in power, including two or three key posts for the VCK at the virtual meeting chaired by Thirumavalavan on Friday evening. It deliberated on seeking deputy chief minister’s post for Thirumavalavan and a Cabinet post for its newly elected members. The party won two seats in the April 23 Assembly election. Justifying the demands, VCK deputy general secretary Vanni Arasu told reporters that the party’s stance on a share in power reflected the people’s feelings. As the VCK now emerges as the kingmaker in the Tamil Nadu politics, here is everything you need to know about the party. According to the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi website, the party is dedicated to the“liberation of the working class.”It says,“Our movement is built on the unwavering pillars of Annihilation of Caste, Social Justice, and Secularism.” “We strive to bring Dalits and the marginalized into the heart of the political mainstream, uniting all people to transform society through true Social Empowerment and political authority,” it says. Formerly known as Dalit Panthers Iyyakkam, the party was founded in 1982 by M Malalchami aiming to protect Dalits from caste-based violence. In September 1999, VCK entered the electoral arena for the first time. Contesting in the Chidambaram Parliamentary constituency in alliance with TMC (Moopanar), Thiru R. Thirumavalavan (Thol) secured a remarkable 2,25,768 votes. In 2001, R Thirumavalavan was elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from the Mangalore constituency. In 2006, VCK joined the AIADMK alliance to contest the Assembly General Elections. In 2013, the party expanded and launched the movement in Andhra Pradesh under ‘Vimuktha Chiruthalu’. It also has an official channel ‘Velicham TV’. Courtesy : MenaFN Note: This news is originally published on https:/menafn.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Two-thirds of the BJP’s first government in Bengal is comprised of Dalits, tribals, and backward classes: Only two of the six ministers, including the Chief Minister, are upper castes, as the party strikes a balance in social relations.
The BJP’s first government in West Bengal has prominently featured Dalits, tribals, and backward classes, with only two of the six ministers being upper castes. KOLKATA: On May 9, 2026, a historic Bharatiya Janata Party government was formed in West Bengal. Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the state’s first BJP Chief Minister. Five other cabinet ministers were sworn in alongside him. The BJP has carefully attempted to strike social balance based on caste and region in its first cabinet in Bengal. The party won 207 seats in the 2026 assembly elections, ending the 15-year rule of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Today, it formed a new government, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and five ministers sworn in. The new cabinet is prominently representing ethnic and social groups. Key faces in the cabinet and their social alignment Suvendu Adhikari (Chief Minister): Suvendu comes from the Bengali Brahmin community. The party projected Adhikari, who joined the BJP from the TMC, as a “giant killer.” His appointment to the Chief Minister’s post will strengthen the party in coastal Bengal. A longtime TMC strategist, Suvendu will also be responsible for eliminating Mamata Banerjee’s remaining strength. Dilip Ghosh: Dilip Ghosh, who has been sworn in as a minister in the Suvendu Adhikari government, is the former state president of the party and has been elected as an MLA from Kharagpur. He is considered the OBC face of the BJP in Bengal. His role will be crucial in appeasing the party’s long-time workers and Hindutva base. Agnimitra Paul: Agnimitra Paul was elected as an MLA from Asansol South. She represents the Kayastha community, which holds a significant position in Bengal politics. Additionally, Agnimitra, as a female face, is part of the BJP’s strategy to expand its reach to women voters. Ashok Kirtania: Elected MLA from the Bongaon North Assembly constituency, Ashok Kirtania belongs to the Dalit Matua community. The Matua vote bank has been a major strength for the BJP in the North 24 Parganas and Nadia regions of Bengal. The Matua community’s vote is decisive in approximately 24 seats in West Bengal, directly influencing election results. Khudiram Tudu: Khudiram Tudu, a Scheduled Tribe (Santhal) member, was elected MLA from Ranibandh in Bankura district. Tribal voters play a decisive role in the Jhargram-Jangalmahal region of Bengal. The BJP has secured a strong electoral lead in this region. Khudiram Tudu has been appointed minister to further strengthen the BJP’s hold on the tribal community and Jangalmahal. He took oath as minister today wearing traditional tribal attire. Nisith Pramanik: Former Union Minister of State, Nisith Pramanik, was elected MLA from Mathabhanga this time and was appointed a minister today. He is considered a prominent leader of the Rajbanshi community in North Bengal. The Rajbanshi caste is the largest Scheduled Caste community in Bengal. Nisith Pramanik has been appointed a minister to strengthen the BJP in North Bengal along with the Rajbanshi community. What is the BJP’s strategy? In West Bengal, the BJP has long worked on polarizing Hindu votes and social alignment. In contrast to the TMC’s Muslim-centric politics, the BJP attempted to bring together groups such as the upper castes (Brahmins and Kayasthas), OBCs, Dalits (Matuas), tribals, and Rajbanshis, and achieved significant electoral success. In the BJP’s first cabinet, representation was given to South Bengal, North Bengal, and Jangalmahal to maintain regional balance. For social inclusion, Brahmins, Kayasthas, OBCs, Matuas, tribals, and Rajbanshis received representation. Women were also represented through Agnimitra Paul. Political analysts believe this cabinet represents a reflection of social arithmetic. While retaining long-standing organizational leaders, the party is also prioritizing new faces and the backward, Dalit, and tribal communities. The Suvendu Adhikari government now has to focus on issues such as development, law and order, and the CAA-NRC. It remains to be seen how sustainable this caste-regional balance will be and how it will manage Bengal’s traditional cultural diversity. However, this is just a first step. Further changes will become clearer in the full cabinet expansion. Mukesh Srivastava Courtesy: Hindi News
Chaos at wedding! Dalit bride removed from horse in Udaipur, protest march again on horse
Udaipur Mare Bride Removal Controversy: The case of Dalit bride Pooja Meghwal being removed from a horse during her wedding in Hariyau village of Udaipur is gaining momentum. The family alleges that some people, protesting, forced the bride to dismount and even assaulted her. Following the incident, the Dalit community and various organizations protested in Udaipur. During the protest, Pooja Meghwal arrived again riding a horse. The protesters demanded a fair investigation and strict action against the accused. The police have registered a case and arrested four accused so far. Udaipur. A wedding in Hariyau village of Udaipur district, Rajasthan, sparked controversy and protest when the incident of removing a Dalit bride from a horse came to light. The joy of the bride Pooja Meghwal’s wedding quickly turned into tension, and now the matter has spread beyond the village and become a topic of discussion across the state. Following the incident, anger grew among the Dalit community and various organizations, leading to protests in Udaipur. It is reported that on April 29, in Hariau village, under the Dabok police station area, Pooja Meghwal rode a horse during her wedding ceremony. Some villagers objected and allegedly forced her to dismount. The family alleges that they were assaulted for protesting. The incident left the bride and her family traumatized. This is not a family issue, but a social issue. Pooja Meghwal alleged that she was treated disrespectfully on a special occasion like her wedding. She says this is not just a family issue, but a social issue. Following the incident, tension prevailed in the village, and the matter gradually spread on social media. Many people reacted to the incident and expressed concern about such incidents. BSP and Dalit community protested against the incident. On Thursday, members of the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Dalit community marched to the Udaipur District Collectorate to protest the incident. Notably, Pooja Meghwal again joined the protest, riding a mare. The protesters raised slogans against the administration and submitted a memorandum to the Governor, demanding a fair investigation. Only four people have been arrested. Protesters allege that nearly a dozen people, including women, were involved in the incident, but only four have been arrested so far. They also questioned the impartiality of the investigation and demanded that a different officer handle the case. Bhim Army state president Jitendra Hatwal said that if strict action is not taken against the accused, a major protest will be held in Jaipur. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Police stated that a case has been registered at the Dabok police station and the investigation is ongoing. Police have arrested four accused so far. The administration is closely monitoring the situation to ensure peace and order in the area. Edited by: Deep Ranjan About the Author Deep Ranjan Singh has been working in media since 2016. He has worked for Hindustan, Dainik Bhaskar, ETV Bharat, and Dailyhunt. He has been working for News18 Hindi since 2022. Courtesy : Hindi News
Nandyal MP assures TDP support towards Dalits, Christians
Byreddy Shabari says she will bring the legitimate demands of Dalits and Christians to the notice of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and get them resolved during a rally in Nandyal Nandyal MP Byreddy Shabari claimed that protection and justice for Dalits and Christians are ensured only under Telugu Desam Party (TDP) rule. She assured that she would bring the legitimate demands of Dalits and Christians to the notice of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and get them resolved during the State-level ‘Dalit and Christian Garjana’ rally held in Nandyal on Saturday. Ms. Shabari said that the founder of TDP and former Chief Minister, late Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, strove to eradicate untouchability and provided Dalits with permanent housing and agricultural land. Ms. Shabari emphasised that the credit for establishing the SC Commission to safeguard the interests of Dalits belongs solely to TDP government. “Both in united Andhra Pradesh and after the State’s bifurcation, Mr. Naidu has been working with unwavering dedication towards the upliftment of Dalits and Christians,” the MP said. Meanwhile, Ms. Shabari participated in the consecration ceremonies of the flagstaffs and idols at Sri Abhayanjaneya Swamy temples in Murvakonda and Nehru Nagar. The events took place in Nehru Nagar village of Pagidyala mandal within Nandikotkur constituency in Nandyal district, where she also inaugurated cement roads constructed at a cost of ₹25 lakhs. Speaking on the occasion, she expressed happiness over the cement roads, check dams, and water tanks that were constructed during her father, Byreddy Rajasekhara Reddy’s tenure as an MLA, continue to benefit the people to this day. She asserted that comprehensive development is possible only through the leadership of Mr Naidu. 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
Thol Thirumavalavan: Champion of Dalit liberation and kingmaker of Tamil Nadu politics
From forensic scientist to the political king maker, the VCK founder’s journey reflects a lifelong commitment to Dalit emancipation and Tamil identity In the aftermath of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Thol Thirumavalavan and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) emerged as a pivotal force in government formation. Recognizing the importance of upholding the people’s mandate and preventing a constitutional crisis, Thirumavalavan announced VCK’s decision to extend unconditional support to Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which had fallen short of a simple majority. Demonstrating strategic foresight, he coordinated closely with allied Left parties to ensure a long-term vision for the state while maintaining VCK’s continued association with the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. By placing the public interest above short-term political calculations, Thirumavalavan positioned his party as a kingmaker, ensuring that the mandate of the electorate was respected. With the support of VCK’s two MLAs, along with backing from the IUML and other allies, TVK crossed the 118-seat threshold, securing the numbers necessary to form a stable government. Thirumavalavan emphasized that his party’s intervention was aimed at preventing President’s rule and safeguarding democratic norms, reflecting his enduring commitment to both Dalit empowerment and broader state governance. Thol Thirumavalavan, born Tholkappiyan Thirumavalavan on August 17, 1962, in Anganur, Tamil Nadu, is a scholar, social reformer, and one of the most prominent Dalit leaders in India. He is the founder and president of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and currently serves as a Member of Parliament representing the Chidambaram constituency. Known for his unflinching advocacy for social justice, Thirumavalavan has been a pivotal figure in Tamil Nadu politics for over three decades. Thirumavalavan completed his early schooling in his hometown before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Presidency College, Chennai, followed by a Master’s in Criminology in 1988. He initially worked as a Scientific Assistant in the Government Forensic Science Department until 1999. Later, he pursued law at Madras Law College and earned a Ph.D. from Manonmanium Sundaranar University in 2019, focusing on the religious conversion of Meenakshipuram Dalits. His political journey began in 1982 when he joined the Dalit Panthers Iyyakam (DPI) in Tamil Nadu, inspired by the Dalit Panthers of India and the Black Panther Party in the United States. Mentored by A. Malaichamy, he coordinated student protests for Eelam Tamils and organized campaigns for Dalit rights. Following Malaichamy’s death in 1989, Thirumavalavan became the state organizer of DPI, later renaming the organization Viduthalai Chiruthaigal. Influenced by the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka and the Tamil identity struggle, the organization formally became the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) in 1990, marking its transition into a political party. Thirumavalavan initially avoided electoral politics, focusing on raising awareness about caste discrimination. However, in 1999, he resigned from his government position to contest his first Lok Sabha elections from Perambalur in alliance with the Tamil Maanila Congress, securing over 2.25 lakh votes despite losing. In 2001, he won his first Assembly seat from Mangaloree constituency (later dissolved), and in 2009, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Chidambaram with a victory margin of over 1 lakh votes. Since then, he has contested multiple elections, winning significant victories and establishing VCK as a recognized state party with the permanent election symbol of a “Pot.” Under Thirumavalavan’s leadership, VCK has become a powerful political force in Tamil Nadu, forming alliances with both major Dravidian parties and unexpected partners such as the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), reflecting a pragmatic approach to electoral politics. His slogans and speeches, such as the 1996 call to “Refuse to be subdued, Transgress, Rise vehemently, Retaliate,” have inspired generations of Dalit youth to challenge systemic oppression and assert their rights. Ideologically, Thirumavalavan draws from a rich tapestry of thinkers and movements. He combines Ambedkarite principles of social justice and Dalit empowerment, Periyar’s rationalist and anti-caste philosophy, and Marxist critiques of capitalism, while also embracing the revolutionary activism of the Black Panthers. VCK’s core principles include the abolition of the caste system, opposition to social exclusion, protection of Tamil culture and language, advocacy for women’s liberation, and support for the working class. His influences range from Gautama Buddha and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to Thanthai Periyar and Velupillai Prabhakaran. Beyond politics, Thirumavalavan has engaged in cultural and social initiatives. He has acted in Tamil films like Anputhozhi and Kalagam, HE HAS authored several books and launched the VCK’s television channel, Velicham TV, in 2016. He has promoted Tamil naming conventions to eliminate caste and religious identifiers and spearheaded environmental projects, including planting 1 lakh palm seeds across Tamil Nadu in 2018. Thirumavalavan’s career has not been without controversy. He has faced criticism for remarks on Manusmriti, Hindu deities, differently-abled persons, and LGBTQ+ issues. Legal cases have been filed against him, ranging from alleged incitement during public speeches to bus-burning incidents in 1999, although he has often successfully contested these charges in court. He has also been accused by former associates of receiving funds from Christian missionary organizations, a claim he has consistently denied. Despite such controversies, Thirumavalavan’s commitment to Dalit emancipation and social reform remains unwavering. Thirumavalavan has received multiple awards for his social and political contributions, including the Icon of Social Liberation Award (2025), the Quaid-e-Milleth Award for probity in public life (2019), and recognition as one of the best-performing MPs (2024). VCK under his leadership also honors social activists through awards such as the Ambedkar Sudar Award and Periyar Oli Award. As a lifelong bachelor, Thirumavalavan has dedicated his life to the upliftment of marginalized communities, blending scholarship, activism, and political strategy. From grassroots organizing to becoming a kingmaker in state politics, he has shaped Tamil Nadu’s political landscape while consistently advocating for equality, justice, and Tamil identity. 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