PM controls CM, wants LDF to win elections, says Rahul
Kozhikode: Lok Sabha’s opposition leader Rahul Gandhi intensified his allegation of a partnership between CPM and BJP during roadshows in Kannur and Kozhikode on Tuesday. He claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants LDF to win the elections in Kerala. Addressing a public meeting in Kannur and later campaigning in Kozhikode, Rahul said BJP wants CPM to stay in power because it believes it can control the party, unlike UDF and Congress. He alleged that just as US President Donald Trump ‘controls’ Modi, the PM controls chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. “The CM knows that Modi has the key to put him in jail right now but is not doing anything. That is why you hear Rahul Gandhi and Congress attacking Modi, but you will not hear the CM attacking Modi and you will never see Modi attacking the CM. If Modi says jump, the CM will jump and if he says lie down, the CM will lie down,” he said. Rahul added that while everyone who attacks BJP and RSS is not spared, they took no action in cases against Vijayan. “I have 36 cases against me, my house and my LS membership was taken away and ED interrogated me for 55 hours. If the CM opposes BJP, tell me why no action is taken on the corruption cases against him, explain why his children are not interrogated,” he asked. Modi’s failure to mention Sabarimala gold heist in his campaign speech is further proof of alleged collusion between CPM and BJP, he said. “CPM leaders stole gold from Sabarimala temple and replaced it with brass. No action was taken against them. The so-called defender of the faith came to Kerala and said nothing about Sabarimala because he wants LDF to win elections,” he said. Rahul said Modi has signed away India’s energy security and future by signing a trade deal with the US. “You will be amazed to know India can’t buy oil from who it wants. It must get US nod before buying oil,” he said. Touching upon the war in the Middle East, he warned of a financial earthquake and said fuel prices and inflation would rise. “You will see a financial earthquake in a month or two and then asked what the Centre, state govt did to protect the people,” he said. Rahul added that CPM and BJP are partnering because they are corporate parties. “Two veteran CPM leaders are sitting with us on the stage. They are here because what is today called the Left front is not the real Left party,” he said. Rahul addressed corner meetings at Kallachi, Perambra and travelled in a special bus to highlight UDF’s poll guarantees. 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
Manipur trans groups protest ‘regressive’ bill
Imphal: Transgender rights groups in Manipur on Sunday staged a protest against the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill 2026, terming it ‘regressive’ and contrary to the Supreme Court judgment which recognises self-identification of transgender individuals.Both Houses of parliament recently passed the bill. The protest was organised by the All Manipur Nupi Manbi Association (AMANA), Empowering Trans Ability (ETA), and the All Trans Men Association (ATMA) Manipur at the Mao Market in Imphal and Keishampat Leimajam Leikai in Imphal West. The transgender community gathered at the Mao Market in Imphal where they started the protest with a flash mob. Later, they staged a sit-in at Keishampat and burnt copies of the bill. Speaking to the media, AMANA secretary Santa Khurai said the bill undermines the landmark NALSA V/s Union of India ruling, which recognised the rights of transgender persons to self-identify their gender. “The bill is completely regressive and goes against the principle of self-identification. It attempts to pathologise transgender identity and impose restrictive definitions,” the activist said. The organisations alleged that the proposed law recognises only a limited set of identities such as Hijra, Kinnar and Jogappa, while ignoring diverse indigenous gender identities from the northeast. Santa cited identities such as Nupi Manbi and Nupa Manba in Manipur, along with similar culturally rooted identities in Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, stating that the bill risks erasing these communities from legal recognition. “India is a diverse nation, yet this bill reflects a shallow outlook that fails to acknowledge identities beyond mainland constructs,” Santa said. “We did gender affirmative surgery before the bill came. We are going to continue doing gender affirmative surgery. This is our body. This is our identity. Whether the law recognised or not, we exist,” she added. Santa maintained the organisations are preparing to file a litigation in the Supreme Court along with partner organisations and build wider momentum to oppose the bill. 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
Controversy over Registrar Appointment at Madras University: Dalit Professor Alleges Discrimination and Procedural Irregularities in Interview Process
Madras University Registrar Appointment: Allegations of Discrimination and Procedural Irregularities in Interview; SC/ST Commission Seeks Report Tamil Nadu: A 54-year-old Associate Professor belonging to the Dalit community, currently serving at a college in Chennai, has leveled serious allegations regarding the selection process adopted for the post of Registrar at the University of Madras (UoM). He claims that irregularities were committed at multiple levels during the interview held in June 2025. The professor himself was one of the candidates for this position. He expressed astonishment that, despite five out of the nine candidates being Dalits, not a single representative from this community was included in the entire selection committee. Regarding this matter, the professor approached the Madras High Court in December of last year. He has petitioned the court to direct the university to conduct a fair selection process utilizing a valid and properly constituted committee. Furthermore, he has demanded that the appointment be made strictly on the basis of merit, while also ensuring that his own candidature is duly considered. Applications for the post of Registrar were invited in May of last year, as the then-Registrar, S. Elumalai, was scheduled to step down from his position in June. Initially, a total of 15 individuals applied; of these, four were declared ineligible, and two candidates failed to appear for the interview. Consequently, a total of nine candidates appeared for the interview on June 24. The Associate Professor—who possesses over 24 years of experience in the fields of teaching and research—stated in an interview that the majority of the candidates did not perceive the process as fair. He asserted that not everyone was accorded equal opportunities and that the entire exercise appeared to be nothing more than a mere eyewash. He alleged that it seemed as though the selection committee had already pre-determined the current Registrar, Rita John, as the chosen candidate for the post. Another candidate—a 55-year-old professor from Madras University itself who appeared for the interview—also raised questions regarding the allocation of time during the process. He stated that while all other candidates were allotted only 10 to 15 minutes, the incumbent Registrar was evaluated for a full 46 minutes. He further alleged that Rita John already shared a close acquaintance with several members of the committee. According to the rules, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) is supposed to preside over this interview. In the VC’s absence, this responsibility typically falls to a Syndicate Committee constituted under the Secretary of the Higher Education Department. However, in this instance, the responsibility was entrusted to J. Innocent Divya—the then Commissioner of the Directorate of Technical Education (DoTE)—a move that casts a shadow of doubt over the entire process. According to departmental sources, Divya was appointed by the former Higher Education Secretary, C. Samayamoorthy. Samayamoorthy was transferred on June 23, and the interviews were scheduled for the very next day, June 24. Candidates are now questioning why the interviews were conducted with such haste—specifically, before the new Secretary, P. Shankar, could assume charge. The professor further questioned why the process was not deferred until the arrival of the new Secretary, Shankar, given that there is no provision allowing anyone other than the designated selection committee members to conduct such proceedings. Notably, the former Secretary, Samayamoorthy himself, had appeared for an interview for the post of Registrar at Bharathiar University just one week prior to the interviews held at the University of Madras. Candidates have also expressed strong objections regarding the lack of Dalit representation within the committee. They argue that, in accordance with UGC regulations, representation from the Dalit community is mandatory within such committees and cannot be compromised under any circumstances. In light of this, a member has lodged a complaint regarding these irregularities with the SC/ST Commission. Consequently, the Commission has issued stern directives to the Higher Education Department, mandating the submission of a comprehensive report on the entire interview process by the first week of April. Responding to these allegations, a senior administrative official at the University of Madras presented the institution’s stance. He asserted that the interviews were conducted in a completely impartial manner and that the position was awarded strictly on the basis of merit. The official clarified that this appointment does not involve any form of bribery, pressure, or irregularity. The official also informed that, since assuming the post of Registrar, Rita John has relinquished her previous positions as a Syndicate member and Head of the Department (HoD) of Theoretical Physics. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
BSP’s strength benefits Dalits, OBCs, minorities, says Mayawati
Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Sunday said that whenever and wherever her party has strengthened its hold, Dalits, tribals, OBCs and minority communities have benefitted immensely. In a statement, Mayawati said that it is necessary to take the master key of power into our own hands to properly implement the legal and constitutional rights given by Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar for the benefit, welfare, upliftment of the bahujan across the country and for enabling them to live in an egalitarian society with self-respect. The BSP founder, Kanshi Ram, dedicated his entire life to this cause. His unfinished mission is now being pursued with enthusiasm by Mayawati, the statement said. “The need of the hour is to work diligently to achieve the missionary objectives of security, respect and identity for the bahujan, and achieve electoral success,” said Mayawati. Whenever and wherever BSP has strengthened, Dalits, tribals, OBCs and minority communities have benefitted immensely,” Mayawati said in the statement. In the meeting of BSP State committee members of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh with Mayawati held on Sunday, guidelines given in the last All India meeting were reviewed in detail. Courtesy : The Pioneer Note: This news is originally published on https:/thepioneer.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Atrocities on Dalits still continue in rural India: Athawale
Pune: Union minister Ramdas Athawale on Sunday said atrocities against Dalits remain a concern in rural parts of the country, urging state govts and political leaders to take concrete steps to address the issue. Speaking at a press conference in Pune, Athawale noted that next year will mark 100 years of the historic movement led by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in Mahad, Raigad, which fought for Dalits’ right to access water from a public tank. “Next year marks the centenary of the movement against untouchability. While a lot has changed over the past century and there has been progress, Dalits still face atrocities in rural areas. It is important for state govts, political parties and local NGOs to work together to ensure such incidents do not occur,” he said. Athawale added that he and his party are working at the national level to address the issue. “We are striving to bring Dalits and other communities, including Savarnas, OBCs, Marathas and minorities, together. This was Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision, and we are moving in that direction,” he said. Commenting on the upcoming assembly elections in four states, Athawale said his party would not contest in West Bengal and would instead support the BJP. “In Kerala, we will contest 10–12 seats; in Tamil Nadu, 20–25 seats; and in Assam, 15–20 seats. Wherever we contest, it will be on our party symbol. In constituencies where we do not field candidates, we will support the BJP,” Athawale 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
Punjab police drag Dalit woman by hair, assault her in broad daylight
Incident came to light after CCTV footage of the incident went viral on social media. Chandigarh: In an alleged case of police brutality, a Dalit woman was assaulted and dragged by her hair in Punjab’s Jalandhar by a police officer on Friday, March 20. The incident came to light after CCTV footage of the incident went viral on social media. The victim, Mamta Bhagat, claimed that she was trying to protect her son from the assault when the Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) attacked her. He reportedly used extreme force and treated her with cruelty while dragging her out of the house. “The ASI crossed all limits. When he came, there was no woman police personnel with him. My sons were asleep at that time. I tried to talk to him, but instead he grabbed me by my hair and also entered into scuffle with my sons,” Mamta told reporters. The CCTV footage shows police officers beating half-clothed young men in the middle of the road. Mamta sustained severe head injuries and was seen with a bandage around her forehead. The issue escalated when Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress leaders from Jalandhar West demanded action against the officer responsible for the attack. Former MLA Sheetal Angural, councillor Tarsem Lakhotra and former councillor Vipan Kumar were among those who staged a protest at Bhargo Camp Chowk. The protestors later arrived at the police station with the victim seeking action against the ASI. “We will not relent till the victim gets justice. We have been told that action is being mulled against the ASI concerned. We will also take the matter to the state commission for women and for SCs tomorrow,” Sheetal Angural said. Courtesy : TSD Note: This news is originally published on https:/thesiasatdaily.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Kerala Assembly polls 2026: Adivasi, Dalit outfits extend support to UDF, flag exclusion in candidate selection
Independent candidature plan scrapped to consolidate anti-LDF votes Various Dalit and Adivasi organisations, including the Adivasi Gothra Mahasabha (AGMS) and the Ambedkarite Democratic Front (ADF), have decided to support United Democratic Front (UDF) candidates in all three constituencies in Wayanad district and across the State in the upcoming Assembly elections. Addressing a press conference at Kalpetta on Monday, M. Geethanandan, State coordinator, AGMS; Sreejith P. Sasi, State council member, ADF; Manikandan C and Mary Lydia of the Adi Shakti Summer School said they had submitted a charter of demands on Dalit and Adivasi issues to the UDF leadership, which had assured that the concerns would be considered. However, they expressed strong protest over the exclusion of eligible candidates from Adivasi communities such as the Paniya, Adiya, Kattunayaka and Vettakuruma in the selection of Scheduled Tribe candidates in Wayanad district by both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the UDF. The collective said that the denial of social justice in candidate selection in Wayanad for over 60 years had been brought to the attention of Rahul Gandhi, former MP of the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the current MP. The issue was also communicated to the Congress State leadership, but to no avail, Mr. Geethanandan said. They further alleged that neither Mr. Gandhi during his tenure nor Ms. Vadra at present were willing to directly engage with Adivasi communities to understand their issues. In response, the group announced plans to form a “political agitation committee” to bring the matter to national attention. The committee will be officially announced at an Adivasi manifesto convention to be held in Wayanad after the Assembly election results are declared. The organisations had earlier decided to field an independent candidate from the Paniya community in the Mananthavady constituency in protest against the sidelining of marginalised communities by major political fronts. However, they withdrew the decision due to the early announcement of the election schedule and the lack of adequate preparation. They also said they did not want to miss the opportunity to politically challenge the continuation of the LDF government, which had “undermined Dalit and Adivasi rights”. The collective alleged that ₹7,411 crore of SC/ST development funds had been wasted during the decade of Left rule. Despite adequate budget allocations, the government disrupted the distribution of e-grants for students, forcing many to drop out of their studies. Around 500 Adivasi families displaced by landslides and floods are yet to be rehabilitated, they said. While a township was inaugurated for victims of the Mundakkai disaster, no rehabilitation package was provided for tribal communities, the organisations added. They further alleged that instead of rehabilitating the landless, the government had illegally handed over Adivasi land to the Centre for a museum project. They also claimed that reservation policies were being undermined and that backdoor appointments were being made to benefit insiders. The group said that O. R. Kelu, Minister for the Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes, should respond to these issues as he seeks re-election from Mananthavady. 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
Samiti seeks probe into SCs population data in Nagamohan Das report
There are discrepancies in data used in the Nagamohan Das Commission report on internal reservation among Scheduled Castes, says S.R. Kollur Stating that there are discrepancies in population data used in the Nagamohan Das Commission report on internal reservation among Scheduled Castes, State coordinator of the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (Ambedkarite) S.R. Kollur has sought a high-level inquiry to determine accurate figures of various communities coming under the Scheduled Castes. Addressing a press conference here on Monday, Mr. Kollur said that, according to the 1951 State Census, the population of the Dalit right communities was higher than that of the Dalit left communities. However, the commission’s report shows that the Dalit left population is higher, while indicating a decline in the population of Dalit right communities, he said. He said that the reported decline in the Dalit right community population over the years raises questions. He also pointed to differences in the district-wise data of the 2011 Census, particularly in Chitradurga district, where the Dalit right population has been shown to be in very low numbers. Mr. Kollur stated that several Scheduled Castes communities are seeking internal reservation based on their population and any errors in data can result in injustice. He said that higher population figures shown for the Dalit left community have given them priority in the A category, affecting the interests of the Dalit right communities and others. He urged the Siddaramaiah-led State government to order a comprehensive inquiry to determine the exact population of Scheduled Castes and to continue the recruitment process as per the earlier roster system until the issue is resolved. 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
Dalit Woman Attacked in Gadaganj; FIR Filed After 6 Days: Accused Also Beat Husband and Mother-in-Law; Previous Case Under SC/ST Act Also Registered
In Bishun Das Pur village, located within the Gadaganj police station area of Raebareli district, Shanti Devi—a woman belonging to a Scheduled Caste—along with her husband, Ranjit Kumar, and mother-in-law, Rajkumari, were subjected to a life-threatening assault. The attackers dragged them out of their home and beat them, resulting in a severe head injury to Shanti Devi. She required nine stitches on her head and sustained serious injuries to her hands, legs, and waist. In an unconscious state, Shanti Devi was rushed to the Dinshah Gaura Community Health Center. After receiving primary treatment, she was referred to the District Hospital; subsequently, as her condition failed to improve, she was admitted to AIIMS. Following six days of treatment, her condition has shown some signs of improvement. On Monday, March 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM, Shanti Devi’s husband, Ranjit Kumar, lodged a formal complaint at the Gadaganj police station. He has accused fellow villagers—Ghanshyam, Deshraj, Aman, Mrs. Kamlesh, and Soni Surat—of assault and verbal abuse. Station House Officer (SHO) Dayanand Tiwari stated that a case has been registered against the accused under the relevant sections of the law, and the police have initiated an investigation into the matter. The SHO further revealed that just three months prior, another case involving assault and charges under the SC/ST Act had been registered against these very same individuals. Premchandra Srivastava | Jalalpur Dhai (Dalmau), Raebareli Courtesy: Hindi News
POCSO Court Sentences Accused to 10 Years: ₹30,000 Fine Imposed in Case of Abduction and Rape of Dalit Minor
In Firozabad, a Special POCSO Court has sentenced an accused individual to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment in a case involving the abduction and rape of a minor Dalit girl. The court also imposed a fine of ₹30,000 on him. This verdict was delivered by Special POCSO Court Judge Mumtaz Ali. This conviction was made possible due to the effective legal advocacy by the police and the prosecution, carried out under “Operation Conviction”—an initiative launched under the directives of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Saurabh. The case pertains to Garhi Harray village, located within the jurisdiction of the Pachokhara Police Station. On July 26, 2021, Mangal Singh—son of Anganlal and a resident of Dokeli under the Matsena Police Station area—was accused of enticing and abducting the complainant’s minor daughter. In connection with this incident, the victim’s father filed a complaint at the Pachokhara Police Station on July 28, 2021, based on which a First Information Report (FIR) was registered against an unidentified person. During the investigation, based on the evidence gathered, relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)—specifically Section 366 (Abduction) and Section 376 (Rape)—along with applicable sections of the POCSO Act, were added to the case. Furthermore, since the victim belonged to the Dalit community, Section 3(2)(5) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was also invoked in the matter. The Investigating Officer filed the charge sheet in court on October 30, 2021—94 days after the incident took place. The roles played by the police and the prosecution were pivotal in this case. The prosecution’s lead counsel, Devprakash; the police team from Pachokhara Police Station; and the Monitoring Cell played a crucial role in ensuring effective legal representation and the robust presentation of evidence before the court. This verdict by the court has sent a clear message to society that strict legal action will be taken against those who commit such heinous crimes, and they will face severe punishment. Arun Kumar Rawat Courtesy : Hindi News