Andhra Pradesh: TDP-RSS call for building Rama temple leads to tensions with Dalits
The violence in Akividu traces back to a March 7 visit by Andhra Pradesh Deputy Speaker Raghu Rama Krishna Raju, who, along with RSS members, announced plans to construct a Ramalayam at the site. Tensions broke out between Dalit residents of an Andhra Pradesh village and leaders and workers of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on March 27, over a dispute regarding the construction of a Rama temple at a structure that houses a local deity. The incident took place in Akividu in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari. According to a fact-finding report published by the Human Rights Forum (HRF), alleged illegal attempts were made to convert a Gonthenamma temple into a Ramalayam (Rama temple) in the Pedapeta area of Akividu. Gonethenamma is a deity of the Mala community (Scheduled Caste), the HRF report said. The move was statedly led by TDP MLA and Assembly Deputy Speaker K Raghu Rama Krishnam Raju, along with the RSS. According to HRF, the structure housing the Gonthenamma idol is not a temple in the conventional sense. Instead, it is a choultry (inn) where the idol was also placed. A few decades ago, idols of Rama and Sita were also placed in the building, with the assent of the Gonthenamma temple caretaker, the HRF fact-finding report noted. It is the allegedly “dilapidated condition” of this structure that gave rise to the RSS demand for a Ramalayam. The plan faced pushback from the Dalit residents of Akividu, who opposed the plans to demolish the place of worship of their local deity. Groups led by Deputy Speaker K Raghu Rama Krishnam Raju visited the region twice — first on March 7 and then on March 27, the festival of Sree Rama Navami. The proposal was opposed by a section of villagers, leading to repeated confrontations that escalated further after objectionable social media posts. Speaking at Akivudu on March 7, Raghu Rama Krishna Raju said, “In this Scheduled Caste (SC) colony, how many Hindus are there and how many Christians? Is there no Hindu here?” he asked, allegedly ridiculing their Christian identity. In a separate interview with a Telugu channel, Raghu Rama Raju said that they are all “Hindus at the end of the day.” Following a scuffle that broke out on the first visit on March 7, cases were booked against both sides. However, in the aftermath of the violence that broke out on March 27, only the Dalits were charged with cases. The police booked 58 Dalit persons, of whom 27 were arrested and remanded to judicial custody, the HRF report said. Three days after violence broke out on March 27 in Akividu in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district, representatives of civil rights group Human Rights Forum (HRF) on Monday, March 30, published a fact finding report. The violence broke out on March 27 during Srirama Navami celebrations, leaving three persons injured. The renovation proposal has also been backed by Union Minister of State Bhupathiraju Srinivas Varma. “No matter who comes together or not. We will build a Ram temple in Akividu,” he said. Former Amalapuram MP GV Harsha Kumar on Monday, March 31, proposed a compromise—developing a temple that accommodates both Lord Ram and the local deity—while urging authorities to first consult residents and constitute a committee to address concerns. HRF has urged the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) led Andhra Pradesh government to conduct an impartial inquiry and fix accountability for the clashes. 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
Rape Convict Sentenced to 10 Years in Sonbhadra: Court Imposes Fine of ₹55,000 in Case Involving Rape Under False Pretext of Marriage
In a significant verdict delivered on Tuesday, the court of Special Judge (SC/ST Act) Abid Shamim in Sonbhadra convicted Dhanesh—alias ‘Stander’ Patel—of rape and sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. The court also imposed a monetary fine of ₹55,000 on the convict. The court clarified that in the event of non-payment of the fine, the convict would be required to undergo an additional six months of imprisonment. The period already spent in judicial custody will be adjusted against the sentence. Half of the imposed fine amount is to be awarded to the victim. This case dates back approximately five years, when a young Dalit woman from the Karma police station area filed a complaint. The woman alleged that Dhanesh—alias ‘Stander’ Patel (son of Rajkumar Raja Patel, a resident of Khairpur Sirsiya Thakurai, under Karma Police Station, District Sonbhadra)—had engaged in sexual relations with her on multiple occasions under the false pretext of marriage. According to the victim, when Dhanesh announced his intention to marry a girl from his own caste community and was confronted about it, he verbally abused her and issued death threats. Subsequently, on May 17, 2021, the Karma police registered an FIR against him under various sections, including those pertaining to rape and the SC/ST Act. The Circle Officer (CO) investigated the matter and, based on sufficient evidence, filed a chargesheet in the court. The court heard the arguments presented by the counsels for both the prosecution and the defense, recorded the statements of seven witnesses, and conducted a thorough examination of the case records. Based on all these facts, Dhanesh—alias ‘Stander’ Patel—was found guilty. Government Counsel C. Shashank Shekhar Katyayan represented the prosecution during the arguments. Manoj Kumar Verma | Sonbhadra Courtesy: Hindi News
CPI meet calls for review of SC verdict
Vijayawada: Around-table organised by the CPI state committee here on Tuesday demanded that Dalit Christians be recognised as Scheduled Castes and called for a review of the recent Supreme Court verdict denying them SC status. The meeting, held at Dasari Bhavan under the chairmanship of CPI state secretary G Eswaraiah, brought together leaders from Left parties, Congress, and various Dalit, labour, women, youth, student, minority and Christian organisations. Speakers expressed concern over what they termed as growing ideological influence on institutions, alleging that such trends were impacting policy decisions and judicial pronouncements. Moving a resolution, Eswaraiah said the Supreme Court’s March 24 judgment reiterated that SC status does not extend to Dalit Christians. He stressed that Paragraph 3 of the 1950 Presidential Order must be removed to enable their inclusion and noted that several petitions on the issue are pending before the apex court.Despite religious conversion, Dalits continue to face social and economic discrimination, he said, adding that denial of SC status deprives Dalit Christians of reservations in education and employment, as well as protections under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. He also stated that the judgment violates the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution and urged the Centre to seek a review before a full bench of the Supreme Court. AP Congress president YS Sharmila criticised the verdict, stating that it goes against the spirit of the Constitution and fails to adequately consider Articles 14, 15, and 25. She pointed out that the social and economic conditions of Dalits do not change even after religious conversion, making the denial of SC status unjust. She termed it discriminatory that conversion does not affect other castes in the same manner and warned that injustice to nearly 80 lakh Dalit Christians in the state would amount to a serious social concern. Former Union Minister JD Seelam said efforts were made during the Congress regime to address the issue, but remained incomplete due to the government’s tenure ending. CPI national secretary K Ramakrishna said caste discrimination persists from birth to death and cannot be eliminated through religious conversion. He demanded a nationwide caste census and questioned why Dalit Christians should be denied SC reservations when discrimination continues. CPM state secretary V Srinivasa Rao said the Supreme Court verdict is not justified, explaining that caste is a social construct and does not change with religion. He suggested that the issue be examined by a Constitutional bench. YSRCP state spokesperson and former MLC Jupudi Prabhakar Rao recalled Dr B R Ambedkar’s view that the State has no religion and said the verdict would cause irreparable loss to Dalit Christians.The meeting unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Centre to seek a review of the judgment and called upon the Andhra Pradesh Assembly to pass a similar resolution. Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit History Month | Students Complete All Formalities, Yet Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University Denies Permission to Screen ‘Ulgulan’!
Despite the completion of all formalities, students have yet to receive permission to use the auditorium for this event, which is scheduled for April 3. The students are disheartened regarding the screening of the film on Birsa Munda. Wardha — The screening of the feature film *Ulgulan: Ek Kranti* (Ulgulan: A Revolution)—based on the life of freedom fighter Birsa Munda and organized by students from Jharkhand at the Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University—has stalled due to administrative confusion and the bureaucratic shuffling of files from one department to another. Despite having completed all necessary formalities, the students have not yet received permission to use the auditorium for this event, which is scheduled for April 3. Rahul Kumar, a resident of Jharkhand’s Garhwa district and a student in the Department of Mass Communication, told *The Mooknayak* that on March 20, he submitted a formal application to the university administration seeking permission to screen the film at the Ghalib Auditorium, located within the Tulsi Bhawan complex. According to the regulations established by the university, it is mandatory to submit such applications at least 10 days prior to the scheduled event—a requirement the student duly fulfilled. The application was forwarded by the Head of the Department, Dr. Sandeep Kumar Verma. On the very same day, the Dean of Student Welfare, Dr. Awadhesh Kumar Shukla, also approved the application and forwarded it to the Registrar, Qader Nawaz Khan. A situation of administrative delay and uncertainty continues to prevail at the Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University regarding the screening of the feature film *Ulgulan: Ek Kranti*—based on the life of freedom fighter Birsa Munda—which is being organized by students hailing from Jharkhand. Subsequently, on March 23, the file reached the Registrar’s office; however, from there, it was sent back to the office of the Dean of Student Welfare. The file was then forwarded to the Cultural Committee, where the review and certification of the film were completed by March 26. Despite the completion of all necessary formalities, the students have not yet been granted final permission. The administration has now deferred the matter to a meeting scheduled for April 1, a delay that has left the students feeling deeply disappointed. University Regulations Regarding Programs With a view to ensuring that the various programs organized by students are conducted in a systematic, disciplined, and orderly manner—and in alignment with the objectives of the University—the following set of regulations has been established. According to a circular issued by the Registrar, Kader Nawaz Khan, on January 19, 2026: The program must be academic in nature and consistent with the objectives of the University. Applications related to a program must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office at least 10 (ten) days prior to the scheduled date of the program. With the exception of special occasions—such as the birth or death anniversaries of eminent personalities—programs shall be organized exclusively on working days. Applications must be forwarded through the respective Head of the Department. The organization of the program must be conducted under the supervision of the concerned Head of the Department or a committee of faculty members nominated by them. Permission shall not be granted for any student-organized program on days when a program is being organized by the University itself. It is mandatory to attach the subject matter and detailed description of the program along with the application. The application form must be accompanied by a list containing the names of at least 10 students (or, in departments with fewer than 10 students, the names of all enrolled students), along with their department names, mobile numbers, and email addresses. Additionally, the name of the hostel and the respective room numbers must be specified. The resources available within the auditorium must be utilized responsibly. In the event of any damage, the cost of repairs or replacement must be borne by the program coordinator or the organizing team of research scholars/students. Pasting posters, banners, or similar materials on the walls within the University campus is strictly prohibited. The auditorium shall be allocated exclusively to the specific organizing team that applied for it; this allocation is non-transferable and cannot be altered. Posters and banners may be displayed only at the specific venue of the program and at locations designated by the University. The display of posters and banners at any location other than those designated is prohibited. The organizing team must submit an Undertaking (Declaration of Compliance) regarding adherence to the regulations governing the event, forwarded through their respective Head of the Department. 13. The duration of the program shall not exceed two hours, and permission for the program shall be valid until 9:00 PM. Apart from the auditorium and the resources currently available, the university will not provide any additional resources. The organizers themselves must make arrangements for these. Students state that for the past 10 days, they have been continuously making rounds of various offices seeking permission to use an auditorium, yet they have received no clear response. Student Rahul Kumar remarks, “We submitted our application on March 20. The regulations stipulate that permission should be granted within 10 days; however, we are facing nothing but stalling tactics. The file is simply being shuffled from one department to another.” The students have also raised the pertinent question: given that the film has already received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification and all administrative formalities have been completed, why is there such a delay in granting permission? They allege that the deliberate shuffling of the file between departments is a calculated attempt to postpone the event. It is noteworthy that this event had already been announced during the screening of another documentary. Consequently, the failure to secure permission at the eleventh hour casts a shadow of doubt over the students’ efforts and has completely sapped their enthusiasm for organizing the event. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
BJP Finalizes Plan to Woo Dalit Vote Bank on Ambedkar Jayanti: Know the Full Strategy
Ahead of the Panchayat and urban local body elections scheduled for this year in the state, the BJP is attempting to make inroads into the Congress party’s traditional Dalit vote bank. Jaipur: The BJP has intensified its preparations for the upcoming Panchayat and urban local body elections in the state. Before entering the electoral fray, the party has now actively begun working towards balancing social equations. In this context, the BJP has devised a strategy to penetrate the Congress party’s traditional Dalit vote bank, which accounts for 17 percent of the electorate. To achieve this, the birth anniversary of the architect of the Constitution, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, is being utilized as a primary vehicle. In the politics of Rajasthan, the role of the Dalit—or Scheduled Caste—vote bank is considered pivotal. The Dalit community is estimated to constitute approximately 17 percent of the state’s total population, translating to a numerical strength of around 1.20 crore people. This is precisely why, in every election—whether for the Legislative Assembly, the Lok Sabha, or the Panchayat and local bodies—courting this demographic remains a top priority for political parties. Although this segment has traditionally been considered a Congress stronghold, the BJP has significantly strengthened its grip on this vote bank over the last few years. Dr. Ambedkar remains the most prominent leader of the Dalit community; consequently, the BJP is executing its strategy by placing Ambedkar at the very center of its efforts. On April 14th, the BJP intends to celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti as a grand festival. The party is planning to organize a week-long series of large-scale events to mark the occasion. Through these initiatives, the party aims to expand its outreach within the Dalit community and prominently highlight their issues. Congress Insulted ‘Baba Saheb’: BJP State President Madan Rathore stated that the Congress party has exploited the Dalit community by treating them merely as a traditional vote bank, thereby keeping them deprived of development. He noted that there is now a palpable desire for change within the Dalit community. Keeping this sentiment in mind, the BJP has outlined a series of programs for Ambedkar Jayanti. The party intends to expose the true character of the Congress party before the Dalit community. This year, the Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations on April 14th will be observed as a week-long event. Through seminars and discussions focusing on the life and legacy of Dr. Ambedkar, the party will inform the public about how ‘Baba Saheb’ championed the cause of justice during the drafting of the Constitution, and how it is the BJP that has truly accorded him the respect he deserves. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, sites ranging from Ambedkar’s birthplace to his places of education and *Nirvana* (final resting place) have been developed as “Panch Teerth” (Five Pilgrimage Sites). Several historic initiatives, including the observance of Constitution Day, have been undertaken in his honor. Rathore alleged that the Congress party had hindered Ambedkar’s rise. **Special Focus on the Dalit Community** The BJP will conduct a mega public outreach campaign across the state between April 7 and April 14. Party workers will remain active from the booth level right up to the state level. They will engage in door-to-door interactions to publicize government schemes and the party’s ideology. They will strengthen their outreach in every village and settlement. The campaign will focus primarily on rural areas and Dalit settlements. Workers will visit villages to organize “Chaupal” (community gathering) programs. They will engage in direct dialogue with the people to listen to their grievances. They will highlight Ambedkar’s ideas and his contributions to the Constitution. Cleanliness and public awareness programs will be conducted. Cleanliness drives will be organized at public places. Senior party leaders will be felicitated. Seminars and discussion sessions will be held at the *Mandal*, booth, and *Shakti Kendra* levels. BJP leaders will expound upon Ambedkar’s biography and life story. **Read:** Rajasthan Government’s Major Decision: The Gift of the “Panch Teerth Yatra”—Free Travel to Sites Associated with Baba Saheb Ambedkar. **Door-to-Door and Ward-to-Ward Campaigning:** Under this campaign, BJP workers—as explained by the campaign’s convener and State General Secretary, Pintu Saini—will go from village to village and ward to ward to convey Ambedkar’s ideas, his contributions to the Constitution, and the message of social justice to the people. They will conduct dialogues, meetings, and awareness rallies within Dalit settlements. Party leaders have been instructed to establish contact with influential members of society at the local level and apprise them of the party’s policies. The BJP’s strategy is not limited merely to organizing events; rather, changes are also being implemented at the organizational level. Responsibilities are being assigned to party workers belonging to the Dalit community so that they can effectively convey the party’s message within their own communities. Special emphasis will also be placed on ensuring that government schemes and benefits reach the Dalit community. Party MPs, MLAs, and other elected representatives will also join these gatherings and take Ambedkar’s ideas to the masses. Courtesy: Hindi News
As TG bill becomes law, community uncertain about status of 32000 TG certificates issued on basis of ‘self-perceived identity’
NEW DELHI: With the Transgender Person (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 becoming law with President of India Droupadi Murmu’s assent on Monday, all eyes are now on the way forward as the amendments do away with the provisions in the 2019 law that allowed “self-perceived gender identity” to be the basis for self-determination and identification for approval for transgender certificate by the district magistrate. The amended definition of “transgender persons” makes it clear that it will not include persons with “different sexual orientations and self-perceived sexual identities”. A medical board headed by the chief medical officer has been introduced. Going forward the district magistrate will issue a certificate of transgender identity, after examining the recommendation of the medical board cited as “authority” to be constituted by the central or state governments. Moreover, the DM will also have the option to seek assistance from medical experts. While the TG community members are exploring the legal route to challenge the enacted amendments in Court, they wonder what will be the fate of the over 32,000 TG certificates issued so far based on self-perceived identity and those pending approval. Member of the National Council for Transgender Persons Abhina Aher told TOI that the community was planning to take legal recourse as the Bill violates the landmark NALSA judgement of 2014 that affirmed the right to self-determination of transgender persons. A visit to the National Portal for Transgender Persons linked to the website of the ministry of social justice and empowerment shows that the total number of applications received stands at 37362. The portal puts the number of TG certificates issued so far at 32660, and of these, TG identity cards have been issued to 32630 persons. As many as 5833 applicants have not been found eligible, and 4794 applications were pending approval as of Tuesday. In this backdrop, youth like Akash (name changed) are a worried lot. A transman from Haryana’s Charkhi Dadri who is currently in Delhi for coaching as he aspires to sit for the civil services examination, Akash says he is fearful of what lies ahead. “ I got my TG certificate on March 18 but will this certificate stay valid? The amendments don’t even mention transman or transwoman in the definition and take away the right to self-perceived identification. So, what happens to me and others in the same situation? Who will stand up to secure our rights and protect us from exploitation?” Akash asked. The amended definition of “transgender person” lays down that it includes a person having such socio-cultural identities as kinner, hijra, aravani and jogta, or eunuch, or a person with intersex variations specified below or a person who, at birth, has a congenital variation in one or more of the following sex characteristics as compared to male or female development. –primary sexual characteristics –external genitalia –chromosomal patterns –gonadal development –endogenous hormone production or response, or such other medical conditions. The definition also includes “any person or child who has been, by force, allurement, inducement, deceit or undue influence, either with or without consent, compelled to assume, adopt, or outwardly present a transgender identity, by mutilation, emasculation, castration, amputation, or any surgical, chemical, or hormonal procedure or otherwise.” 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
New Bill wants to make us invisible: Kol trans community on Transgender Day of Visibility
Kolkata: As the world celebrated Transgender Day of Visibility (TDV) on Tuesday, the community in Kolkata voiced their concern about the proposed Transgender Amendment Bill 2026. March 31 is observed as TDV worldwide to celebrate accomplishments by transgender people while raising awareness about the discrimination they face. The community anticipates that this bill would push them to invisibility. However, they plan to protest for their rights. The proposed amendment removes the recognition of self-identified gender, which the community argues is a principle affirmed by the SC in the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) vs. Union of India. The bill introduces a screening committee that could enforce surgical gatekeeping and biomedical surveillance, which the community has strongly opposed. Members of the city’s transgender community and their allies gathered in front of Ranu Chhaya Mancha to voice their protest and demand withdrawal of the bill. Activists argue the legislation, which mandates a medical board’s approval for gender identity certification, fundamentally undermines the right to self-identification, upheld by the landmark NALSA judgment. Santosh Giri, a gender rights activist and transgender (TG) person, said the community is being forced back to the beginning of their struggle. “We will follow what was given to us before after so much hard work,” Giri said. At present, a person can get a TG certificate by applying to the DM. This certificate allows them to change their gender in official documents in addition to giving them access to govt welfare schemes. The new bill requires applications to be scrutinised by a screening or medical committee before approval by the DM. “We thought the BJP govt was sensitive to this community when it started Garima Greh, a shelter home for TGs. Now the amendment bill says a medical board will certify who is TG and who is not. One govt cannot have two opposite policies for the community,” said Ranjita Sinha, a TG and founder director of Association of Transgender and Hijra in Bengal. A panel discussion was held on the amendment bill by Gokhale Road Bandhan on Tuesday. “Our protest is against the systemic erasure of trans and non-binary identities,” said Souvik Ghosh, a gender rights activist. Anurag Maitreyi, an activist, called it an attempt to weaken their collective bargaining power and strength. Rights and mental health worker Debdutta Biswas said, “TG certificates gave us our identity according to the previous bill. According to the new definition, that identity doesn’t exist. Who will decide that — the govt? Self-gender identity is my right.” Lawyer and women’s rights activist Bharati Mutsuddi called the amendment insensitive. 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
LGBTQIA+ community members protest against Transgender Act, term it regressive and demand withdrawal
Pune: Members of the LGBTQIA+ community on Tuesday staged a protest march at the district collector’s office against the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, which recently came into force after the Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament and receiving Presidential assent on Monday. The protest coincided with International Transgender Visibility Day, observed globally on March 31. Activists and community members from across the city and state gathered with placards, alleging that the Act was passed sans consultation with stakeholders or members of the transgender community. Protesters raised strong objections to several provisions, claiming they violate privacy and roll back hard-earned rights. Disha Shaikh, a transwoman and spokesperson of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), said, “Whatever we achieved through years of struggle has been lost with this Act. It feels like we have been pushed back 30 years.” She termed certain provisions “regressive” and alleged that the law criminalises aspects of identity in a manner reminiscent of colonial-era policies. Under the new Act, the provision for self-identification has been removed, making medical board approval mandatory before issuance of a gender identity certificate by the district magistrate. It also criminalises attempts to forcibly convert individuals into the transgender community. Manasvi Goilkar, a member of the community, said protests will be intensified across Maharashtra. “We have formed a state-level group to organise district-wise protests and submit our objections to authorities,” she said, adding that to fight their battle on legal front, a petition is also being prepared which will soon be filed in the court. “We are not seeking amendments — we want the Act withdrawn entirely.” Goilkar said that the Act completely ignores some categories of the transgender community. For instance, transmen and transwomen are not mentioned in the new Act, and the focus is mostly shifted to sociocultural groups like hijra, kinner and others. Shaikh alleged that safeguards recognised under the 2014 NALSA vs Union of India landmark SC judgment have been diluted. She questioned the alleged partiality against the transgender community by govt. “When schemes like Ladki Bahin or Mahila Samman Yojana were introduced, women were not asked to undergo medical tests. Why is the transgender community being subjected to this?” she asked, stating that self-declaration of gender should be allowed for them. Activists also expressed concern over the provision criminalising forced conversion, stating it could be misused. They fear it may lead to false allegations, including claims of child abduction — a narrative they say has surfaced in rural areas in the past. Dr Kanchan Pawar, a healthcare professional, who has been working with the transgender community for over 15 years, said the new Act raises several concerns. “The law appears discriminatory in many ways, particularly due to its narrow definitions and the lack of clarity on the process for certification,” she said. She also expressed concern over provisions requiring medical practitioners to report gender-affirming procedures. “This raises serious issues around doctor-patient confidentiality and privacy. Many in the medical fraternity are uncertain and anxious about the medico-legal implications of these amendments,” she added. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar, Randeep Surjewala slam Centre over soaring prices, LPG shortage
BENGALURU: Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar and Congress state in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala on Tuesday held a joint press conference at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee headquarters, sharply criticising the Centre over soaring prices of essential commodities and alleged rollback of welfare benefits. Shivakumar said citizens are “suffering due to rising prices,” blaming government mistakes and international conflicts for straining households. He highlighted shortages in LPG supply, electricity unreliability, rising firewood dependence, and a Rs 60 hike in cylinder prices. Targeting the Centre’s Ujjwala LPG scheme, he said, “Ujjwala is gone, and they have started the firewood scheme. People now depend on firewood instead of gas. Power and railway fares have also increased.” The deputy CM accused the central government of waging a “price-rise war on ordinary people,” while presenting the Congress-led Karnataka government’s welfare measures as a counter. “Through our five guarantee schemes, we are directly supporting citizens. The Centre blames wars for inflation, but our programmes help people cope with rising costs,” he asserted. Shivakumar alleged the Modi government collected Rs 43 lakh crore in petroleum taxes over 11 years, terming it “brazen loot,” and claimed these funds contributed to high prices. In contrast, he said, Karnataka’s Congress model allocates Rs 1,18,000 crore for direct benefits to citizens. “Two models exist: Karnataka’s guarantees transfer Rs 1,18,000 crore directly to people to protect them from BJP-led inflation, while the Modi government continues to extract taxes and hike prices, looting citizens,” he said. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the rupee’s fall, stock market crash, job losses, and economic hardships, calling PM Modi “compromised” in a social media post. “Rupee: Rs 95 + 100 Stocks: Crashing Economy: Collapsed Jobs: Gone Income: Falling Savings: Wiped out Cylinders: Unavailable. Why? PM Compromised,” Rahul Gandhi wrote, adding that the Prime Minister is “desperate to protect himself and his financial structure, but 140 crore Indians know India’s future has been surrendered.” 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
BJP can only win in Kerala with Congress support, says Govindan
Thrissur: CPM state secretary M V Govindan on Tuesday said if at all BJP wins any assembly seat in Kerala, it would be at the expense of Congress. Addressing a news conference in Thrissur, Govindan said BJP had earlier won Nemom assembly seat and Thrissur parliament seat by cutting into Congress vote base. Asked whether CPM foresaw the possibilities of Congress supporting BJP in any constituency, Govindan said this would be known only after the elections. Countering the charges levelled by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi that CPM leaders were involved in the Sabarimala gold theft case, Govindan alleged that it was AICC general secretary K C Venugopal who first took the controversial figure Unnikrishnan Potti to Sabarimala, when he was the devaswom minister. He also alleged that UDF convenor Adoor Prakash and Anto Antony, MP, had taken Potti and Bellary-based gold dealer Govardhan to the house of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, several times. Rahul must explain the true purpose of those visits, the CPM state secretary said. Govindan claimed that LDF has no alliance with SDPI. He, however, did not rule out the possibility of accepting SDPI votes. “Let Congress first say they will not accept the votes of Jamaat-e-Islami, then we will answer the question as to whether we will accept the votes of SDPI,” CPM secretary said. Meanwhile, CPM politburo member Brinda Karat said Rahul has shot a ‘self-goal’ by raking up Sabarimala issue during his election campaign. Rahul was asking who had stolen gold from Sabarimala, but he should have asked who had taken Potti to Sonia, Brinda told a news conference here. 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