EPS slams CM Stalin over ‘poor L&O’, says Dalits under repeated attacks
TVK president Vijay expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. TIRUNELVELI: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the DMK government over the sickle attack carried out by a nine-member gang at Perumpathu near Nanguneri on Monday night, in which two persons were killed and several others injured. In a statement on X handle, Palaniswami said Chief Minister MK Stalin had spent the past five years in a lethargic manner, as if law and order was not a priority. He charged that the government has been focusing only on promotional campaigns while violence continued across the state. Referring to the incident, Palaniswami said residents belonging to the Scheduled Caste community in the area were staging protests claiming that they were being repeatedly targeted. “Does the government intend to keep Tamil Nadu in constant fear and tension,” he asked. TVK president Vijay expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. He questioned whether there was any guarantee for the safety of people. BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran alleged that the growing use of drugs and liquor had contributed to such incidents. TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai demanded stringent action against those responsible. NTK chief Seeman, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss and former BJP state president K Annamalai also condemned the government. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rajasthan’s Churu Professors Abuse Dalit Law Student, Say “You Are Chamari”
Jaipur: A Dalit LL.B student in the third semester at Government Law College in Churu, Rajasthan, has filed a FIR under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, alleging caste-based abuse, threats, and discriminatory marking by two professors. According to The Observer Post, the complaint was filed at the Kotwali Police Station on February 27, in which the complainant, Meena Meghwal, 30, has accused Professor Apoorva Sharma and Professor Anil of making insulting caste remarks, threatening to fail her, and deliberately awarding her low grades. Police at Kotwali station in Churu filed a case under Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the SC/ST Act and initiated further investigation. The case has been forwarded to Deputy Superintendent of Police Sunil Kumar Jhajharia, Circle Churu. In her written complaint, Meghwal, Toruram Meghwal’s daughter and a native of Kharia village in Jhunjhunu district, revealed that the alleged incident occurred during a college function in December 2025 and that Professor Sharma grew irritated when she raised a question during the programme. According to the complaint, the professor allegedly used casteist slurs in front of other students and told her, “You are chamari, you are from a lower caste. You cannot do LL.B. It is not your job,” and also threatened to fail her. The student also named classmates Akash Deep, Akash Mishra, Himanshu and Prem Prakash as being present at the time. Meghwal further alleged that after the December incident, she continued to face humiliation, claiming that in her practical exams, she was given six marks out of 20, while in other subjects, she earned 12 to 13 points from other instructors. On February 21, when she sought a reason for the low marks, she alleged that Professor Sharma told her, “It is my wish. I did it. You people are low caste.” The student said she submitted a written complaint to the college administration but no action followed. After the FIR became public, Naveen Kumar Nandan, a journalist associated with BAMCEF, shared a copy of the complaint on social media platform X and wrote, “It is very dangerous if the allegations are true.” Some local sources cited by The Observer Post claimed that there had been earlier complaints regarding the behaviour of the accused professor. Few students have also claimed that during examinations, Scheduled Caste students were targeted and treated discriminatorily. Students have reportedly expressed reluctance to talk publicly due to fears over low attendance or practical marks. These reports have not been independently verified. Courtesy : Vartha Bharati Note: This news is originally published on https:/varthabharati.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Kishan Reddy seeks white paper on Telangana finances
Hyderabad: With the budget session set to begin on March 16, Union coal minister G Kishan Reddy has written to chief minister A Revanth Reddy, urging the state govt to release a white paper on Telangana’s financial position. In his letter, Kishan Reddy referred to the Congress party’s election promises and recalled the CM’s remark that the “state treasury is empty like mud pots instead of treasure.” He also cited a recent comment suggesting that ₹1,000 crore could go to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi’s family and the Congress, calling the statements contradictory. The Union minister said Telangana, which began as a surplus state, is now facing rising per capita debt and increasing dependence on borrowings for routine expenditure. He urged the govt to present facts through the white paper before the budget session. Kishan Reddy said that the NDA govt led by PM Modi has extended about ₹12 lakh crore to Telangana over 12 years through tax devolution, infrastructure allocations, welfare schemes, farm support, institutional lending and interest-free loans for key infrastructure projects. 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: A major initiative against untouchability; the government opened a salon after a barber refused to cut the hair of Dalits.
Following the high-handedness of barbers in Gadag, Karnataka, the government launched a historic initiative, opening a “government salon” in a village to eradicate untouchability and caste discrimination. Karnataka: The Karnataka government has taken a significant step towards eradicating caste discrimination. After local barbers in Singatalur village, Gadag district, refused to provide services to Dalits, the government opened a new salon in the village at its own expense. This is likely the first government initiative of its kind in the state. This government salon has been built on government land near the village bus stand. Several officials from the Social Welfare Department and the Gram Panchayat were present at the inauguration. Constructed at a cost of ₹1.2 lakh The Social Welfare Department spent approximately ₹1.2 lakh on the construction and necessary equipment for this tin-framed shop. Initially, a barber from Mundargi was specially called in to run this salon. What was the whole controversy? According to officials, the Hadapada family, traditionally engaged in barbering, had been refusing to cut the hair of Dalits in the village for several years, citing religious beliefs. An official explained that the Hadapada family are devotees of the village deity, Veerbhadreshwar. They believe that the deity visits their homes during a specific time of the year, and therefore, they cannot provide services to Dalits during that time. The matter escalated when Dalit youth began demanding their legal right to receive services at the village’s only barber shop. They approached the district administration, stating that denying service based on caste is completely illegal. Administrative Strictness and New Solution As the controversy escalated, the old shop was closed. Subsequently, the district administration held several meetings with the villagers and the barber community. They were persuaded to reopen the shop and offer services to all sections of society. When negotiations failed, notices were issued threatening legal action, but the problem remained unresolved. Finally, with no other option left, officials decided to establish a separate government salon to ensure equal rights for all. At the administration’s request, Devu Hadapada, the state president of the Hadapada Annappa Samaj, agreed to send his brother (who is also a barber) to run the new shop. A Step Towards Social Change Devou Hadapada supported the move, saying, “It’s very sad that the sick mentality of looking down on the backward classes still exists in society. But we have extended our full support to the government to end such practices. This shop is now open to all communities.” Mundargi Taluka Panchayat Executive Officer Vishwanath Hosamani explained that the problem had been ongoing for nearly two years. He added, “Now, with the coordination and efforts of all concerned departments, we have been able to find a peaceful solution to the issue.” Villagers heave a sigh of relief Villagers have wholeheartedly welcomed the administration’s move. Mariyazza, a resident of Singatalur, expressed hope that this initiative will help eliminate discriminatory practices. She said, “This step has given us hope that this evil practice of untouchability will now end forever.” Officials also believe that this unique initiative could serve as a role model for addressing such discrimination elsewhere in the state. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
The suffering of the SC/ST/OBC community in India is unique in the world: Why did senior IRS officer Netra Pal call it more serious than America’s ‘Black Victimhood’?
“Approximately 50 million SC, ST, and OBC students will be affected by the UGC Regulations 2026; demanding rights cannot be called victimhood.” New Delhi – In a recent Science Journey podcast, senior IRS officer Netra Pal sharply criticized the controversial statement made by Jawaharlal Nehru University Vice Chancellor Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit. He stated that Madam is saying that Dalits have become addicted to victimhood, playing the victim by claiming they haven’t had water for centuries. Netra Pal called this clear bias and prejudice and pointed out that the person making this statement is the head of an institution with a very high number of SC, ST, and OBC students. He emphasized that approximately 90 million SC, ST, and OBC students are studying in universities across India, which is a very large number, yet displaying such a mindset exposes prejudice. Presenting comparative data, Netrapal explained that Harvard University, which is among the top 10 universities in the world, states in its 2023 Diversity Report that faculty of color, i.e., non-White faculty, represent 22 percent, of which 232 include Black, Hispanic, and other faculty. Meanwhile, SC, ST, and OBC faculty representation at IITs is only 1.92 percent, while at IIMs it is less than 0.8 percent. This is data from five or six years ago, and while there may have been some slight improvement, the difference is not significant. He said that while the Black community has been oppressed in the United States for centuries, their representation is still good due to affirmative action. In India, the problems of Dalit, OBC, and tribal communities are unique in the world and even more serious than Black victimhood. This community, which constitutes over 85 percent of the population, lacks even 2 percent representation in institutions like IITs and IIMs. He emphasized that this comparison is incorrect, as there is no affirmative action even in the private sector in India. Right now, the UGC will form an equity committee, but who will head it? The Vice-Chancellor. What will happen if SC/ST/OBC victims approach the Vice-Chancellor? They will say they are victims, so how will they rule in their favor and deliver justice? In the podcast, Netrapal also deeply analyzed the controversy surrounding the UGC 2026 Regulation. He explained that those opposing the regulation are claiming that it will divide Hindu society and that OBCs were included for political reasons. However, the truth is that the 2012 UGC Regulation was only for SCs and STs, and OBCs were added later on the recommendation of a parliamentary committee. A 31-member parliamentary committee, majority upper-caste, reviewed the data, acknowledged the atrocities against OBCs, and recommended their inclusion. Following the Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi suicide cases, the Supreme Court also mandated proper implementation of the 2012 regulations. Netrapal clarified that while OBC reservations were implemented in 2006, they were implemented in universities only in 2013, and in medical education only in 2021. He also cited historical evidence that during the British era, Shudras were not admitted to institutions like Hindu College; only some Kayasthas were exempted because their social status was comparable to that of the upper castes. From the 1901 caste census to current data, 50-70 percent of OBCs are extremely backward, denied access to higher education and government jobs. Netrapal said that SCs and STs received reservations after 1947, but OBCs had to fight until 1990 and wait until 2012 for university admissions, ruining generations. Education data revealed that the general category’s representation at the primary level is only 11.85 percent, which rises to 50 percent in higher education. While SC, ST, and OBC students are higher in primary education, their enrollment declines due to increased dropout rates. SCs’ primary enrollment falls from 21 percent in primary education to 14.82 percent in secondary education and 4.72 percent in engineering. The situation is similar among OBCs. Dropout and suicide rates at IITs are higher among SCs, STs, and OBCs, while at institutions like Anna University, this is not the case, proving institutional discrimination. OBC professors in central universities are only 1.1 percent, compared to 33 percent in state universities. Muslims are represented as high as 45 percent because they have separate institutions. “SCs, STs, and OBCs are automatically a minority in universities because there are no members of this class in all the top faculty positions. At IITs, there are 1-2%, a maximum of 10%, and even in the administration, there are very few non-faculty cadres. Here, SCs, STs, and OBCs are a significant minority. There are many more outside. That’s why they are backward, right? We’re not getting higher education so easily. So what’s the situation here? We’re the ones facing discrimination.” The most shocking statistic is the vacancies for faculty positions. In central universities, 95.5 percent of OBC professor positions are vacant, 91.95 percent of associate professor positions are vacant, while 78 percent of SC positions are vacant. There are no SC/ST principal positions at Delhi University. Netrapal stated that this is institutional discrimination, where low interview marks, NFS, and vacancies are deliberately created. The conviction rate for SC/ST atrocity cases in Uttar Pradesh is 70-80 percent, far higher than murder and rape, yet the case is often called a fake one. At the end of the podcast, Netrapal concluded that approximately 50 million SC, ST, and OBC students will be affected by this regulation. Education is their only weapon, so discrimination cannot be tolerated. Demanding rights cannot be labeled victimhood. He also suggested opening a Buddhist minority university. The podcast stated that data never lies and the Bahujan community should spread this information to ensure equality and justice. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
SCSP-TSP fund diversion BJP plans major offensive, Congress govt uncomfortable
While the government has defended the move, arguing that many beneficiaries of the guarantees belong to SC and ST communities, the issue has triggered dissent among Dalit legislators within Congress. BENGALURU: Even as tensions continue to simmer within Congress over the alleged diversion of funds under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP), BJP is preparing a strategy to corner the state government ahead of the budget. It is said that funds earmarked exclusively for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) welfare are being redirected to finance the five guarantees. While the Siddaramaiah government has defended the move, arguing that many beneficiaries of the guarantees belong to SC and ST communities, the issue has triggered dissent among Dalit legislators within Congress. Sensing an opportunity, BJP has stepped up its political campaign. A pre-budget round table has been convened in Bengaluru at noon on Tuesday at the Legislators’ House Auditorium. The event, organised by the Reservation Protection Forum for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Karnataka, is aimed at mobilising public opinion against what the opposition terms as “diversion” of constitutionally mandated funds. Senior BJP leaders, including Council Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, former Union minister A Narayanaswamy and others, are expected to attend, and they could use the platform to highlight what the party calls a betrayal of Dalit and tribal interests by the Congress government. Within Congress, the issue has reportedly been raised during Legislature Party meetings with some Dalit MLAs expressing concern over reallocation of funds. The discontent could complicate budget preparations if not addressed decisively, party insiders say. BJP is likely to intensify its outreach to SC/STs in the coming weeks, framing the issue as one of social justice and financial accountability. Political observers said this could be a flashpoint during the budget session, as the opposition is poised to mount pressure inside and outside the Houses. It is said that the Congress government has diverted Rs 27,000 crore over two year as against an allocation of around Rs 81,000 crore. BJP claims that this violates the law under 7(c), which allows diversion of funds for education, health and child labour, whereas the guarantees have no relevance to these categories One Dalit legislator said, ‘Congress which justified diversion under 7(c) has not read this provisions properly.’’ Bansy Kalappa 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
“You Are Low Caste… LLB Is Not for You”: Dalit Student Files FIR Against Churu Professor
An LL.B student of Government Law College, Churu, files FIR under SC/ST Act alleging caste abuse, threats and discrimination by two professors.AI generated image A third-semester Dalit LL.B student of Government Law College in Churu, Rajasthan, has filed a police complaint alleging caste-based abuse, threats and discrimination by two professors. The police have registered an FIR under relevant sections of the SC ST Prevention of Atrocities Act and started an investigation. According to the complaint filed at Kotwali Police Station in Churu on February 27, Meena Meghwal, 30, has accused Professor Apoorva Sharma and Professor Anil of using derogatory caste remarks, threatening to fail her and deliberately giving her low marks. Police have registered FIR number 44 2025 under sections 3 (1) (r) and 3 (1) (s) of the SC ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. The case has been forwarded to RPS Sunil Kumar Jhajharia of Circle Churu for further investigation. Student Alleges Public Caste Abuse in College Event In her written complaint, Meena Meghwal, daughter of Toruram Meghwal and a resident of Kharia village in Jhunjhunu district, stated that the alleged incident first took place during a college event in December 2025. She said that Professor Apoorva Sharma became angry when she asked a question during the event. According to the complaint, the professor allegedly used casteist slurs in front of other students. She claimed that the professor said, “You are chamari, you are from a lower caste. You cannot do LL.B. It is not your job,” and also threatened to fail her. The student stated that several classmates, including Akash Deep, Akash Mishra, Himanshu and Prem Prakash, were present at the time. Allegation of Deliberate Failure in Practical Exam Meena Meghwal further alleged that after the December incident, the professor continued to humiliate her. She claimed that in her practical examination, she was given only 6 marks out of 20, while in other subjects, she received 12 to 13 marks from different professors. On February 21, when she asked the reason for the low marks, she alleged that Professor Apoorva Sharma told her, “It is my wish. I did it. You people are low caste.” The student said she submitted a written complaint to the college administration, but no action was taken. Local Reaction and Social Media Discussion After the matter became public, it sparked discussion at the local level. Naveen Kumar Nandan, a journalist associated with BAMCEF, shared a copy of the FIR on social media platform X and wrote, “It is very dangerous if the allegations are true.” Some local sources claimed that there were earlier complaints about the behaviour of the accused professor. It has also been alleged by some students that during examinations, Scheduled Caste students felt targeted and faced discriminatory treatment. However, these claims have not been independently verified. Students reportedly expressed fear about speaking openly, saying they are worried about attendance shortages or low marks in practical exams. No Official Response Yet So far, there has been no official statement from Government Law College Churu or from the accused professors. The police investigation is ongoing. The incident has once again brought attention to the issue of caste discrimination in higher education institutions in Rajasthan. Authorities have said that further action will depend on the findings of the investigation. Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Take it or leave it’: DMK makes 25-seat offer to Congress for assembly polls, party holds out for 41; alliance talks in limbo
CHENNAI: Seat-sharing talks between DMK and Congress have hit a dead end with DMK making a virtual ‘take it or leave it’ offer of 25 seats and a Rajya Sabha seat. Congress, which demanded 41 assembly seats and two RS seats, has conveyed that it cannot accept the alliance leader’s offer. DMK organisation secretary and seat-sharing panel member R S Bharathi told TOI that the party’s offer was “clearly communicated” during the talks with Congress representatives. “Now they have to take it or reject it,” he said. “There will be no change in our offer.” He, however, added that his party has not set any deadline. AICC leader Girish Chodankar said the negotiation panel has submitted a report to party president Mallikarjun Kharge, conveying that DMK has not acceded to their demand. Sources told TOI that Chodankar has reported to the leadership that the talks have hit a dead end as DMK did not respond positively to the demand for power-sharing and more seats. Sources said seat-sharing did not come up during the short conversation when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called up DMK chief M K Stalin on Sunday evening to convey his birthday wishes to the CM. Later that night, Congress high command reached out to party MLAs in Tamil Nadu to seek feedback on alliance options. “AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and a few others reached out to MLAs here,” said a TNCC leader. “Most favoured continuing in the DMK alliance, while a small number said the party could consider TVK if DMK does not offer more seats.” TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai struck a conciliatory note, saying there was no confusion or crisis in the alliance. “Negotiations happen in every election. Every party asks for more seats, and a settlement is eventually reached. The same will happen here. We are asking for a few more seats, and talks are continuing,” he said. Selvaperunthagai denied any talks with TVK or any directive from the high command to explore alternative alliances. “There is no backdoor politics,” he said. TVK functionaries also said no discussions took place between their party and AICC leaders. Responding to reporters’ questions on whether TVK could align with Congress, C T R Nirmal Kumar, joint general secretary of TVK, said alliances can change even at the last minute. 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
Nation needs Rahul as PM more than ever: Revanth
Hyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday said the country and its people need Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Minister more than ever. He called upon the newly appointed district Congress committee (DCC) presidents and party workers to work towards making Rahul the nation’s leader. ‘Roadmap for party’ Revanth made the remarks at the concluding session of a training camp for DCC presidents from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in Vikarabad. Rahul, the chief guest, had a photo session with all DCC chiefs and their families and later addressed them, providing a roadmap for party work. Speaking to the gathering, Revanth said Rahul must become PM in the interest of the country. “Rahul Gandhi does not seek the post because his grandfather, grandmother, and father served as Prime Ministers of India. He is challenging Modi and striving to keep India united by connecting with people like a common citizen. Given the present situation, everyone should work hard to make him PM,” the CM said. The meeting was held in-camera, and some details were later shared by the Congress party. It stated that Rahul nodded in agreement to Revanth’s assertion that current circumstances make him essential as PM to serve the people and maintain national unity. Revanth added, “We came to power in Telangana in Dec 2023 in the name of Sonia Gandhi. Rahul is fighting against injustices faced by SCs, STs, BCs, minorities, women farmers, and against attempts to alter reservations and amend the Constitution. He is addressing multiple issues in the interest of the country.” ‘Raise public issues’ The CM also shared his political journey with the DCC presidents, from becoming a ZPTC 19 years ago to MLC, MLA, MP, and now as CM. “This is possible for all of you if you raise public issues, listen to people’s grievances, work to solve them, and avoid mistakes. Many cases were filed against me; I was even jailed, and faced defamation suits, yet I continued to raise people’s concerns,” he said. Earlier, Rahul and Revanth briefly discussed Rajya Sabha candidates for the two Telangana seats. The TPCC chief said no names had been finalised, and decisions are expected in a day or two. 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
Take Modi’s ‘failures’ to every doorstep: Rahul to Cong cadre
Hyderabad: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Monday asked party cadres and functionaries to take what he termed the “failures and mistakes” of PM Narendra Modi to the doorsteps of the people. Addressing a political affairs committee (PAC) meeting attended by chief minister A Revanth Reddy, deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka, ministers, TPCC president B Mahesh Kumar Goud and senior functionaries, Rahul referred to the Epstein files and the India-US trade agreement. He said the failures and mistakes committed by PM Modi were being exposed one after another and must be highlighted before the public. Rahul, who is leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, alleged that Modi surrendered to US President Donald Trump because the US possessed the Epstein files and relevant proof in the Adani case, among others. He claimed Modi was unable to question Trump and, under pressure, signed a trade deal detrimental to India’s interests. He alleged the PM surrendered critical ‘data of India’ to the US and cautioned that while artificial intelligence was important, it was ineffective without control over data. Later, addressing newly appointed district Congress presidents from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana at the valedictory of their 10-day training camp, he said BJP practised power-driven politics while the Congress ideology was of non-violence, peace and equality. “Congress must function without caste, religion, class, gender or economic discrimination,” he said. Urging leaders to shed arrogance and serve with humility, he said the party’s strength derives from the people. Drawing a parallel between self-discipline in jiu jitsu (martial art) and politics, Rahul urged leaders to remain committed to Congress ideology and win power through the trust and confidence of the people, not by what he termed the BJP’s ‘do anything’ approach. “The party is always bigger than ego, so shed it and work to strengthen the Congress by always being among the people.” He asked DCC presidents and party workers to stand firmly with Dalits, Adivasis, women, farmers, minorities and youth, and said any attempt to do injustice to these sections should be met with strong resistance from the Congress. Former MP V Hanumanth Rao appealed to Rahul to ensure that one party MP introduced a private member bill in the Lok Sabha seeking 42% reservation for BCs. 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