How Dalit outreach is peaking in Uttar Pradesh in run-up to 2027 polls
From the BJP restoring statues of social justice icons to Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav invoking Kanshi Ram, the politics of symbolism is hard to miss As Uttar Pradesh moves closer to next year’s assembly polls, the politics of symbolism is getting harder to miss. Statues, memorials and historical figures are once again at the heart of the messaging, and it’s not a one-party phenomenon. The ruling BJP is taking the lead. The Yogi Adityanath administration has rolled out a Rs 403 crore scheme to upgrade and maintain statues of B.R. Ambedkar and other social justice icons, such as Sant Ravidas, Sant Kabirdas, Jyotiba Phule and Maharishi Valmiki, across the state’s 403 assembly constituencies. The plan goes beyond routine upkeep and focuses on making these sites more attractive. Accordingly, funds are being allocated for lighting, landscaping, boundary walls and protective structures. Each constituency is expected to get funds for multiple statues, but there will be a cap on spending per site. While officials say the aim is to honour social reformists and improving public spaces around their memorials, the timing has a clear electoral context. Since the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, when its tally in Uttar Pradesh fell by almost half to 33 seats and the Samajwadi Party (SP)-Congress alliance made significant gains, the BJP has been looking to rebuild its social coalition in the state. That electoral shift in 2024 was visible even within reserved constituencies. Of the 17 Scheduled Caste seats, the BJP won eight while the SP won seven and the Congress one seat. The result suggested that the Dalit vote, once seen as tightly aligned, was now more open and contested. For the BJP, reinforcing its outreach within these communities has become a priority. Alongside the memorial upgrade, chief minister Adityanath has spoken about installing protective canopies over the statues of Ambedkar and other icons. The effort is seen as one to project the BJP as a party that cherishes the legacy of social justice leaders. In political terms, it is a way of countering the SP’s Pichada, Dalit, Alpasankhyak (PDA) pitch, which seeks to consolidate the backward classes, Dalits and minorities into a single bloc. The Opposition is responding with its own push. Consider SP chief Akhilesh Yadav’s moves. At his ancestral home in Etawah, a large temple complex is coming up, blending personal legacy with a broader cultural signal. For a leader often framed through a narrow political lens, it all appears designed to widen that perception. In western Uttar Pradesh, his outreach has taken another form. At a rally in Dadri, a Gurjar-dominated area, Akhilesh announced that a statue of the 9th century king Mihir Bhoj would be installed in Lucknow. The choice seemed well crafted as Bhoj is revered by both Gurjars and Rajputs. The announcement seemed to fit into a larger effort by the SP to expand its social base. All this symbolism is also tied to a deeper churn around the Dalit vote. Scheduled Castes make up roughly 21 per cent of Uttar Pradesh’s 243 million population and are spread widely across communities such as the Jatavs, Pasis and Valmikis. For decades, this base was firmly anchored with Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), but that grip has loosened in recent years. The BSP drew a blank in the parliamentary elections in Uttar Pradesh in 2024. Dalit voters have also opened up to newer faces outside the BSP, such as Chandrashekhar Azad, the Lok Sabha MP from Nagina. The legacy of Kanshi Ram too is acquiring newer political meaning. The late BSP founder, who reshaped Dalit politics in north India, is being invoked by several parties. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has described Kanshi Ram as a figure who transformed political representation for the marginalised communities. He wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram. Akhilesh too has been invoking Kanshi Ram’s legacy while recalling his party’s past alliances with the BSP. While this seeks to position the SP within that broader history of social justice politics, the party has also sharpened its PDA narrative, placing Dalits at the centre of its electoral strategy. The Dalit push from political opponents has drawn a sharp response from BSP chief Mayawati. She accused the SP and Congress of trying to appropriate Kanshi Ram for electoral gains, warning Dalit voters against such ‘opportunistic’ politics. Her argument rests on the familiar claim that the BSP alone represents the interests of Bahujan Samaj. As Dalit outreach peaks in Uttar Pradesh a year before a decisive election, no party can claim exclusive control over this vote base. Instead, it has become the site of active competition, wherein both policy and symbolism are being used to breach walls and build connections. Avaneesh Mishra, Edited By: Ashish Mukherjee Courtesy : India Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/indiatoday.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit woman’s suicide: Anbumani demands ban on DMK’s Rs 8,000 coupon campaign
CHENNAI: A political firestorm has erupted in Tamil Nadu following the suicide of a young dalit woman at Manachanallur in Trichy, allegedly after being harassed and insulted by DMK workers. The incident has prompted PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss to demand an immediate ban on the DMK’s controversial “Rs 8,000 coupon” campaign, labelling it a fraudulent election manoeuvre. In a post on X, he said the victim, identified as Sindhuja of Manachanallur, reportedly entered into an argument with local DMK functionaries over the distribution of “model coupons” for the proposed Illatharasi (homemaker) scheme. When Sindhuja questioned why she had not received the coupon being distributed in her area, DMK workers allegedly targeted her with “obscene language” and intimidated her. Distressed by the humiliation and the verbal abuse, the young woman reportedly took her life by hanging. The scheme, a key promise in the DMK’s 2026 manifesto, pledges a Rs 8,000 coupon for non-income tax-paying households to purchase home appliances. In another post on X, he said a college student was brutally attacked with a sickle by a gang of drug addicts at her residence in Vallur village near Minjur. Anbumani while condemning the incident alleged that even women inside their homes are no longer safe under the current DMK regime. The victim, a college student, was at home preparing for her upcoming examinations. A three-member gang, allegedly under the influence of ganja, barged into her house. The gang members attempted to sexually assault the student. When she resisted and fought back, the assailants hacked her with a sickle, inflicting severe injuries. The student has been hospitalized in a critical condition. Anbumani linked the assault directly to the widespread availability of narcotics. “This horrific event is a grim testament to the uncontrollable spread of drugs like ganja under the DMK rule,” he stated. “Until now, there was a sense of fear regarding women’s safety in public spaces. But now, the situation has deteriorated to a level where women are not safe even within the four walls of their homes,” he said. 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
Dalit woman dies by suicide allegedly after assault by DMK members over election gift items
A 25-year-old Dalit woman, Sindhuja, died by suicide in Tiruchirappalli after allegedly being assaulted by DMK workers who refused to give her gift items. Nine people have been booked, and six have been arrested so far. A 25-year-old Dalit woman died by suicide on April 14 following an attack allegedly by DMK members who were angered after she questioned the bias in distributing utensils as gift items. The incident took place in Valaikattai village in Tiruchirappalli district. The deceased has been identified as Sindhuja. She was married to Prashanth and is survived by her daughter. According to the police, on the night of April 13, at around 7.30 pm, local DMK workers campaigning for their candidate, S Kathiravan, were distributing gifts on behalf of the party. However, when Sindhuja requested one, the DMK members allegedly refused, stating that the gifts would be distributed only to their associates and party members, police said in a statement. Objecting to this, Sindhuja reportedly threatened to raise the issue when the DMK candidate visited the village seeking votes. Angered by her response, the accused allegedly pulled her hair and her churidar, abused her using obscene language, and assaulted her with a broomstick. According to the police, Sindhuja’s husband, Prasanth, who works as a driver, was out of town at the time of the incident. The following day, Sindhuja reportedly confronted her husband for not taking action against the accused. She then pushed him out of the house, locked the door from inside, and attempted suicide. With the help of neighbours, Prasanth broke open the door and tried to rescue her. Although she was rushed to the hospital, she was declared dead on arrival. On Wednesday, Sindhuja’s family and relatives blocked the Trichy–Lalgudi Road, demanding the arrest of the perpetrators. Subsequently, following a complaint by Sindhuja’s mother, a case was registered against nine individuals—Raja, Rajendran, Ravikumar, Rajkumar, Sureshkumar, Pushpam, Rajeswari, Karthiga, and Angumani—under Sections 296 (obscene acts), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 351 (criminal intimidation), 79 (insult to the modesty of a woman), and 108 (abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant provisions of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act and the Representation of the People Act. Among the accused, six were arrested, produced before a court, and remanded in judicial custody, while the remaining three are absconding. Superintendent of Police Selvanagarathinam stated that efforts are underway to arrest the other accused soon. Meanwhile, several political leaders condemned the incident on social media, including TVK president and actor Vijay, BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran, former BJP state president K. Annamalai, AMMK general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran, PMK leader Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, and the AIADMK IT wing. Written by:TNM Staff Courtesy : TNM Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewsminute.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Activists urge Telangana to pass resolution against Transgender Amendment Act
They also called on Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to hold back from operationalising the 2026 Amendment Act and to continue implementing the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. Synopsis: Over 200 activists have written to A Revanth Reddy, asking the state to pass a resolution against the Centre’s Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, and to hold back its implementation. They said the law replaces self-identified gender with medical certification, reversing a right recognised by the Supreme Court of India, and warned of loss of legal recognition, welfare access and protections. Over 200 transgender rights and social activists from across India have written to A Revanth Reddy, demanding that the Telangana legislature pass a resolution against the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026. They called the legislation a threat to the constitutional rights of lakhs of transgender and gender-diverse persons. The letter, sent on Wednesday, 15 April, marks two dates activists consider significant: Ambedkar Jayanti on 14 April and the anniversary of the NALSA judgment on 15 April 2014, which recognised the right to self-perceived gender identity as a fundamental right under Article 21. The signatories urged the Telangana government to hold back from operationalising the 2026 Amendment Act and to continue implementing the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, along with the directions in the NALSA judgment. Earlier this week, the activists had conveyed their concerns in person to Meenakshi Natarajan, the All India Congress Committee Telangana in-charge. She told them she would take up the matter with the chief minister. They also called on the chief minister to instruct officials to process all 811 pending applications for transgender identity cards in the state. Of the 2,824 applicants who applied for certificates and ID cards in Telangana, 2,013 have received cards, leaving over 800 cases unresolved. Law undoes NALSA-backed right to self-identification The 2026 Amendment Act replaces self-perceived gender identity with a system of medical certification and administrative verification. Activists say this reverses a right the Supreme Court of India declared fundamental over a decade ago. “The 2026 Amendment Act poses a threat to the rights and protection of transgender persons, including loss of legal recognition, exclusion from welfare entitlements, denial of healthcare, loss of employment and livelihoods, and withdrawal of protections under criminal law,” the letter states. The signatories also raised concerns about what they said is a lack of consultation. They pointed out that the Union government passed the amendment within two weeks without seeking input from state governments, even though the changes cover entries on the state and concurrent legislative lists. “The state governments were not consulted, violating the principles of federalism and co-operative governance,” the letter said. Activists said the Amendment Act contains retrospective references that create uncertainty over the fate of 32,000 transgender certificates issued under the 2019 Act. They also noted that the constitutionality of the law is under challenge before the Supreme Court of India and multiple High Courts, including in Delhi, Karnataka and Kerala. The letter says Telangana must not implement the Amendment Act until courts resolve these constitutional questions. The signatories include all members of the Transgender Welfare Board constituted by the previous state government in 2022, including Vyjayanti Vasanta Mogli, Rachana Mudraboyina and Meera Sanghamitra. Lawyers, academics, feminist activists, and environmental and farmers’ rights campaigners also added their names. Sumit Jha Courtesy : SF Note: This news is originally published on https:/southfirst.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul: TMC paving way for BJP through dictatorship raj
Kolkata/Malda/Behrampore: Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused Trinamool of ushering in a “dictatorship raj” in Bengal and paving the way for BJP, saying people in the state were “stuck” between an “anti-people” TMC and a “hate-spreading” BJP. Addressing a rally at Shamsherganj in Murshidabad, the Congress neta alleged governance failure under CM Mamata Banerjee. “There is complete dictatorship raj in Bengal. Teachers’ jobs are being sold, factories are closed and women are being tortured in Bengal. There is no accountability in the state,” he said. Rahul, who addressed three rallies across North Dinajpur, Malda and Murshidabad, reiterated his 2016 charge of “dictatorial” functioning, drawing parallels between Banerjee and PM Narendra Modi. “Five years back, the CM (Mamata Banerjee) had promised five lakh jobs. The reality is that 84 lakh youths have filed applications for unemployment allowance now,” he said. Blaming TMC for the dismal condition of industries in the state, Rahul said, “They have shut down factories and spread hatred. Unemployment is the highest in Bengal and the state has broken all records of corruption. 17 lakh investors were cheated in the Saradha scam and nobody got a penny from Rs 1,900 crore looted from people. Rose Valley has duped 31 lakh investors.” He alleged that industries in Bengal face a “double blow” — with Banerjee closing factories in the state while Modi was “destroying the broader industrial sector”. Rahul also came down heavily on BJP, saying, “BJP and RSS have deleted the names of lakhs of voters from the electoral roll. We will ensure that everyone’s name is included in the voter list again. They are stealing votes in the name of SIR.” Claiming Congress to be the only “challenger”, he said: “BJP knows that Trinamool cannot challenge them nationally. It is only Congress which can stop them.” 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
Dalit Athlete Injured in Attack in Muzaffarnagar; Career Jeopardized: Misses Railway Physical Test, Rod Inserted in Leg; No Justice Even After a Month
The case involving an attack on a Dalit family in Muzaffarnagar is no longer limited merely to an incident of physical assault; it is now evolving into a narrative of “delayed justice” and “the ruined career of a budding athlete.” Nearly a month after the incident, the lack of concrete action against the accused has raised serious questions regarding the conduct of the police. In this incident, which occurred on March 19 in the Rampuri locality under the City Kotwali police station area, a young man named Satyam sustained severe injuries. According to his family members, Satyam is an athlete who has even won medals for the country. However, this attack has put his entire career in jeopardy. He suffered such severe injuries to his leg during the attack that he had to be hospitalized, where he underwent treatment for approximately 10 days. His condition was such that a metal rod had to be surgically inserted into his leg. This injury proved to be the biggest setback for him, as it prevented him from participating in his physical trials for the Railways—a crucial opportunity that could have given a new direction to his career. The victim’s family alleges that, following a minor verbal altercation, local strongmen stormed their home and targeted the entire family with sticks and clubs. Several people were injured during the assault. Most disturbingly, even a month after the incident, the victim has yet to receive justice. The family states that the accused are roaming freely and are continuously issuing death threats, while the police have, thus far, failed to take any strict action against them. On Wednesday, the victimized athlete—displaying dozens of medals he has won—met with the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) along with his family to appeal for justice in the matter. The family unequivocally asserts that had timely action been taken, their son might not have been sidelined from the race of his dreams today. Varun Kumar Sharma | Muzaffarnagar Courtesy: Hindi News
Noida traffic advisory: Traffic diversions announced in Noida for Ambedkar Jayanti Event at Dalit Prerna Sthal
The traffic police in Gautam Buddh Nagar have issued a detailed traffic advisory ahead of a major public event scheduled on April 14, 2026, at Dalit Prerna Sthal in Sector 95, Noida. The programme is being organised to mark the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, and is expected to draw a significant number of visitors, prompting authorities to implement temporary traffic diversions and parking arrangements across key routes in the city. According to the advisory posted by the official handle of Noida Traffic Police (@Noidatraffic) on X, traffic congestion is anticipated particularly along the Noida–Greater Noida Expressway and adjoining sectors, which serve as major access points to the event location. For those commuting from Greater Noida to Noida via the Noida–Greater Noida Expressway, traffic diversions may be implemented if congestion builds up near Dalit Prerna Sthal. In such situations, vehicles will be redirected at the Mahamaya Flyover towards Sector 37, after which commuters can proceed through Atta Peer Chowk, Rajnigandha Chowk, and Sector 15 Golchakkar to reach their destinations. 04 of the Dalit Prerna Sthal, traffic will be diverted from the Film City Flyover towards Sector 18. Vehicles will then be able to proceed through Rajnigandha Chowk, Sector 15 Golchakkar, or use the Sector 18 underpass and elevated road network for onward travel. Traffic movement from Noida towards Greater Noida will also be affected. In the event of congestion near the DND Flyway or Film City Flyover, vehicles will be redirected from the Sector 14A Flyover towards Sector 15 Golchakkar. From this point, commuters can take the route via Rajnigandha Chowk, Atta Peer Chowk, and Sector 37 to continue towards their destination. In addition to traffic diversions, authorities have outlined specific parking arrangements for attendees arriving from different directions. Light vehicles coming from Pari Chowk, Sector 37, and Greater Noida West will be accommodated inside Gate No. 01 of the Dalit Prerna Sthal premises. Vehicles approaching from Delhi will be directed to use the designated multi-level parking facility within Film City. For travelers coming from the Kalindi Kunj end, provision of parking space has been made at the underground parking adjacent to the Sector 95 nala (Ganda Nala), near the Dalit Prerna Sthal. This has been done to ease vehicular management and prevent crowding on the roads. Further, the notice states that ambulances, fire engines, and other emergency vehicles will not be hindered by the traffic diversion and will have free access to all points during the period. The traffic police will manage traffic at important intersections and help commuters where required. It is requested that the citizens follow the traffic management plan and use alternate routes to reduce traffic. In case of any problem or help, they can call the traffic helpline number at 9971009001. Given the massive attendance expected for Ambedkar Jayanti, it becomes essential that citizens follow the notice strictly. 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
How Do Memorials Empower Dalits? BJP Launches Campaign on Ambedkar Jayanti; Strategy to be Based on Feedback
UP BJP Campaign News: Addressing the question of how memorials serve to empower Dalits, the UP BJP has launched a major campaign. Through this initiative, the party aims to deepen its outreach and influence within the Dalit population. Lucknow: To what extent has—or will—the construction or renovation of Dalit memorials in Uttar Pradesh empowered the Scheduled Caste (SC) community? This will serve as a key metric for feedback during an ambitious public outreach campaign currently being conducted by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the occasion of the 135th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution. To this end, the party launched the ‘Basti Sampark Abhiyan’ (Settlement Outreach Campaign) today—Wednesday. Its objective extends beyond merely commemorating Ambedkar’s legacy. As part of this campaign, the UP BJP will also systematically gather ground-level feedback regarding the effectiveness of various welfare schemes and government initiatives currently being implemented for marginalized communities. This initiative comes on the heels of a decision by the Yogi Adityanath government to allocate ₹1 crore for the renovation of Dalit memorials in each of the state’s 403 Assembly constituencies. Part of BJP’s Strategy Chief Minister Yogi’s move is viewed as an integral part of the BJP’s broader strategy to further consolidate its outreach among SC voters. Additionally, one of its key objectives is to counter the ‘PDA’ (Backward Classes, Dalits, and Minorities) narrative championed by the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance ahead of the crucial Assembly elections scheduled for next year. According to party sources, the BJP’s SC Morcha (wing) has been entrusted with the responsibility of spearheading this campaign, with a specific emphasis on engaging directly with people at the booth level. Sources further revealed that teams—comprising leaders from both the ‘Savarna’ (upper-caste) and SC communities—will tour various districts to visit Dalit-dominated localities. These teams will engage in direct interactions with the residents of these areas. **SC Morcha Chief Provides Details** Ram Chandra Kannaujia, Chief of the BJP State SC Morcha, stated that this campaign will definitively assess whether the renovation of Dalit monuments has truly had any impact on socially deprived sections of society—and if so, to what extent. He further added that party workers would also seek public feedback on local issues and identify additional measures necessary for the welfare of the community. This emphasis being placed on the construction and renovation of monuments signals a shift in the BJP’s approach. Such symbolic politics has traditionally been associated with BSP Chief Mayawati. During her tenure as Chief Minister, she prioritized the construction of statues, parks, and monuments as a means to establish Dalit identity and psychologically empower the community. **District-Level Workshops** As part of this campaign, workshops will also be organized at the district level. The objective of these workshops will be to raise awareness regarding the various welfare schemes currently being implemented for marginalized groups. By linking the redressal of grievances with the dissemination of information about these schemes, the BJP is attempting to transform its welfare initiatives into political capital. Party insiders revealed that the primary aim of this initiative is to counter the opposition at the grassroots level, while simultaneously accelerating organizational preparations ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Viewed as a calculated blend of symbolism and grassroots mobilization, this campaign underscores the BJP’s broader strategy: to acknowledge and validate identity, while simultaneously consolidating its support base among SC voters by integrating these efforts with its development-centric messaging. Reported by: Pankaj Shah • Curated by: Rahul Parashar Courtesy: Hindi News
Tamil Nadu elections 2026: Kejriwal to campaign for Stalin; Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi to also hold rallies
NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to visit Tamil Nadu on April 20, where he will address election rallies in support of the DMK and chief minister MK Stalin on April 20 and 21, the party said on Tuesday. AAP has not fielded any candidates in the Assembly elections and has extended support to the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA). Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Congress in-Charge Girish Chodankar said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, along with Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy and Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, is expected to campaign in the state. The Congress is part of the DMK-led SPA. Chodankar said an official announcement regarding Rahul Gandhi’s visit would be made soon and that Priyanka Gandhi is also expected to participate in the campaign. He added that Rahul Gandhi and MK Stalin are likely to campaign together. “Rahul Gandhi will come and campaign for the Tamil Nadu elections, and all our leaders will come. All our leaders will start campaigning when the campaigning becomes very aggressive. We have already appointed party cadres and formed special committees in all 234 assembly constituencies so that we can help all the allied parties’ candidates with whatever forces we have in each assembly constituency, ” he added. He reiterated that an announcement regarding Rahul Gandhi’s visit would be made within the next two to three days. Separately, chief minister and DMK candidate from Kolathur, MK Stalin, conducted a door-to-door campaign in Vellore. Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. The main contest is expected to be between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, which includes the Indian National Congress, DMDK and VCK, and the National Democratic Alliance led by the AIADMK, with the BJP and PMK as allies. Actor-turned-politician Vijay is also set to make his electoral debut with his party, TVK, which could make the contest triangular. 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
Rahul: TMC paving way for BJP through dictatorship raj
Kolkata/Malda/Behrampore: Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused Trinamool of ushering in a “dictatorship raj” in Bengal and paving the way for BJP, saying people in the state were “stuck” between an “anti-people” TMC and a “hate-spreading” BJP. Addressing a rally at Shamsherganj in Murshidabad, the Congress neta alleged governance failure under CM Mamata Banerjee. “There is complete dictatorship raj in Bengal. Teachers’ jobs are being sold, factories are closed and women are being tortured in Bengal. There is no accountability in the state,” he said. Rahul, who addressed three rallies across North Dinajpur, Malda and Murshidabad, reiterated his 2016 charge of “dictatorial” functioning, drawing parallels between Banerjee and PM Narendra Modi. “Five years back, the CM (Mamata Banerjee) had promised five lakh jobs. The reality is that 84 lakh youths have filed applications for unemployment allowance now,” he said. Blaming TMC for the dismal condition of industries in the state, Rahul said, “They have shut down factories and spread hatred. Unemployment is the highest in Bengal and the state has broken all records of corruption. 17 lakh investors were cheated in the Saradha scam and nobody got a penny from Rs 1,900 crore looted from people. Rose Valley has duped 31 lakh investors.” He alleged that industries in Bengal face a “double blow” — with Banerjee closing factories in the state while Modi was “destroying the broader industrial sector”. Rahul also came down heavily on BJP, saying, “BJP and RSS have deleted the names of lakhs of voters from the electoral roll. We will ensure that everyone’s name is included in the voter list again. They are stealing votes in the name of SIR.” Claiming Congress to be the only “challenger”, he said: “BJP knows that Trinamool cannot challenge them nationally. It is only Congress which can stop them.” 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