‘Opposition Raising Dalit CM Slogan To Cover Shortcomings,’ Says Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara; Cabinet To Decide On Student Union Elections
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara accused opposition parties of using the Dalit Chief Minister issue to cover their shortcomings, stating Congress decides on such appointments. He said student elections will be decided by the Cabinet and declined to comment on the dispute between Siddaramaiah and H.D. Kumaraswamy over caste politics. Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday accused the opposition parties of raising the slogan of a Dalit Chief Minister to cover up their own shortcoming, asserting that it is the Congress party that makes Dalits Chief Minister and only the High Command decides on the timing of such an appointment. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Parameshwara also addressed the ongoing discussion regarding conducting student elections in colleges and regarding the war of words between former CM Siddaramaiah and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy over caste politics. On the discussion around the Dalit Chef Minister, Parameshwara dismissed it as an opposition move to cover up their own shortcomings. “This is all the handiwork of the opposition parties. To cover up their own shortcomings, the opposition has raised the slogan of a Dalit Chief Minister. Isn’t our Chief Minister governing? Isn’t the administration functioning? It is the opposition that is unnecessarily bringing in the Dalit CM factor,” Parameshwara said. He further emphasized that it is congress party that provides opportunities to Dalits to become chief ministers. “It is the Congress party that makes Dalits the Chief Minister — who else does it? The High Command will decide when a Dalit Chief Minister should be appointed,” Parameshwara said. On the question regarding conducting student elections in colleges, Parameshwara said the decision will be taken in the Cabinet. “Earlier, when K.H. Ranganath was the Higher Education Minister, clashes took place in some colleges and universities. At that time, elections to student unions were stopped. When I was the Higher Education Minister, we had banned syndicate elections. Now, there is again a discussion about conducting student union elections. We have to see what decision will be taken in the Cabinet,” Parameshwara said. Regarding the war of words between CM Siddaramaiah and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy over caste politics, Parameshwara declines to respond, citing their past association. “I cannot respond to this. Siddaramaiah was earlier in the JD(S) and was its president. Later, he was expelled from the party. We do not know what all issues exist between them. I cannot comment on the exchange of words between the two,” Parameshwara said. (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.) Courtesy : TFPJ Note: This news is originally published on https:/thefreepressjournal.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit newlyweds denied temple entry in Karnataka’s Tumakuru:Accused tells couple to worship at home
A Dalit couple was stopped from entering a temple in Tumakuru district, Karnataka. The young couple had recently married. When they arrived at the temple, a man named Narayanappa prevented them from entering. He told them that Dalit people should worship at home and not come to the temple. The incident occurred on 21 February at the Arasamma temple in Tumakuru village. The couple filed a police complaint against five people. They said that Narayanappa had publicly threatened them, and others present at the temple had supported him. Following the complaint, police arrested the main accused, Narayanappa. The other accused are still absconding, and police say the search for them is ongoing. A dispute broke out between people of Hindu and Muslim communities during Shivaji Jayanti in Bagalkot. A dispute broke out between people of Hindu and Muslim communities during Shivaji Jayanti in Bagalkot. February 20: Hindu-Muslim dispute erupted on Shivaji Jayanti A Shivaji Jayanti procession was held in Bagalkot on Thursday night around 10 PM. When it passed the Panka Mosque area, stones and slippers were thrown at the procession. Bagalkot SP Siddharth Goyal said a policeman was injured in the stone-pelting. The SP said police are reviewing CCTV footage. Action will be taken against the culprits once the footage is examined. Section 163 of BNS will remain in force in the area until midnight on 24 February. The situation is under control. Eyewitness Umesh said the incident occurred near the mosque during the procession. Around 8–10 people threw stones and slippers. No arrests have been made yet. Meanwhile, police confirmed that on 20 February, during the Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti procession in Bagalkot district, shoes, slippers, and stones were thrown at the procession near a mosque. Courtesy : Bhaskar English Note: This news is originally published on https:/bhaskarenglish.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Infant dies in Nagar Kurnool after caste-based temple assault
The family claims they were barred from entering the temple, beaten by organizers, and denied police help Hyderabad: A two-month-old infant succumbed to injuries from an alleged castedriven attack at the Kummera Mallanna Jathara in Nagar Kurnool mandal on February 21. The family claims they were barred from entering the temple, beaten by organizers, and denied police help. Chakali Chandrakala, her son Ganesh, daughter-in-law, and daughter arrived for Mallanna darshan during the jathara. Organizers—including village sarpanch Tukaram Reddy, Undyala Srinivas Reddy, Srikant Reddy, Satish Reddy Kannireddy, and Kufender Reddy—allegedly stopped them at the gate. When Chandrakala protested, the group reportedly hurled caste-based abuses and assaulted the family, ignoring pleas to halt due to the infant’s presence. The family alleges one assailant kicked the two-month-old child, who fell critically ill and was rushed to a hospital. Despite treatment, the infant died. They attribute the denial of temple entry to their backward caste status. Approaching Nagarkurnool Police Station for justice, the family says officers threatened them and refused to file a report. Victims claim the organizers, from an upper caste and linked to the Congress party, used their clout to evade accountability. The family now seeks protection, a thorough probe, and severe punishment for those responsible. Courtesy : Madhyamam Note: This news is originally published on https:/madhyamam.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
UP govt teacher assaults 10yo Dalit girl for refusing toclean toilet, threatens to strike her name off school
Agra: A govt primary school teacher at a village in Aligarh allegedly threatened to strike a 10-year-old Dalit girl’s name off the rolls if she did not clean the toilet. When the Class 5 student still refused, citing ill health and her father’s objection to do such work, she was allegedly thrashed by the 40-year-old woman teacher. The incident took place at Aligarh’s Karsua village in Lodha area on Thursday, and came to light after a local villager recorded a video of the girl’s experience at school and uploaded it online, triggering public outrage and a police inquiry. In the short video, the girl could be heard saying the teacher asked her to clean the toilet and fill buckets with water. When she refused, the teacher became angry and started beating her, she alleged. She also claimed that other children at the school were routinely made to clean furniture and perform chores. “The teacher sometimes even asks the students to massage her feet,” the student says in the video clip. Later when the 10-year-old’s father, Joginder Singh, a daily wager, confronted the teacher in school, the latter called her brother, who then allegedly assaulted him on its premises. “The teacher thrashed my daughter and the teacher’s brother thrashed me; so I decided to approach the cops. When some elderly villagers requested me to withdraw my complaint, I agreed to do so, only in my case. But, I won’t compromise in my daughter’s case,” the father said on Saturday. He added: “A sub-inspector visited my house on Saturday and asked me to file a fresh police complaint.” DSP (Gabhana) Dhananjay Singh said that they had taken note of the video, and local cops had initiated an inquiry and were in touch with the family. “We’re exploring the necessary legal steps in this matter. We’re also corresponding with the education department,” Singh added. SHO (Lodha), Hemant Mavi, said that a case will be registered under relevant sections once they receive a written complaint. 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
JNU VC’s remarks on Dalits sparks criticism from legal fraternity
Senior advocate Jayaraju says such statements undermine JNU’s cherished legacy as a bastion of academic freedom, inclusivity, pluralism, and social justice Kurnool: Senior Advocate Y Jaya raju has sharply condemned recent remarks by Jawaharlal Nehru University Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, who stated that ‘Dalits and Blacks cannot progress by being permanently a victim or playing the victim card.’ In an interview with The Hans India on Saturday, Raju called the comments deeply disturbing, casteist, and antithetical to constitutional principles. He argued that labeling Dalit assertion as mere ‘victimhood’ trivialises the enduring realities of structural oppression faced by historically marginalized communities. Such statements, he said, undermine JNU’s cherished legacy as a bastion of academic freedom, inclusivity, pluralism, and social justice. The advocate emphasised that social justice is a core constitutional imperative, not sentiment. He invoked key provisions of Indian Constitution—guaranteeing equality (Article 14), abolishing untouchability (Article 17), and providing for affirmative action for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Articles 15, 16, 46)—as evidence of the State’s recognition of systemic injustice and its duty to implement corrective measures. He also highlighted a troubling pattern during Pandit’s tenure, including her reported opposition to UGC equity regulations aimed at curbing caste discrimination, perceived alignment with RSS-affiliated student groups, and statements perceived to downplay caste-based bias. These, he noted, have fuelled concerns among faculty and students about eroding democratic spaces, ideological bias, and inconsistent application of disciplinary norms—contrary to JNU’s tradition of robust, open debate. Drawing on BR Ambedkar’s vision, Raju stressed that constitutional morality must supersede entrenched social hierarchies. He urged the Vice-Chancellor to issue a public apology, recommit to equity policies, bolster anti-discrimination mechanisms, and ensure institutional neutrality. Raju framed the issue as transcending party politics: safeguarding Dalit dignity is integral to upholding Indian democracy itself. Failure to address such remarks, he warned, risks further eroding public trust in premier institutions. By V Narendra Kumar 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
Kanpur clash turns violent: Tractor dispute leaves 5 seriously injured, Dalit family’s hut burned
The attackers went further, setting fire to a hut outside the house of a Dalit family. The hut was completely destroyed, leaving the family with significant loss. In Sargaon village of Ghatampur, a minor disagreement over moving a tractor escalated into a violent clash between two groups. What began as a heated argument quickly turned into a physical fight involving sticks, rods, and even axes. At least five people were reported seriously injured in the incident. The attackers went further, setting fire to a hut outside the house of a Dalit family. The hut was completely destroyed, leaving the family with significant loss. The police rushed to the scene after receiving information about the incident and managed to control the situation. The injured were first admitted to the community health center (CHC) in Ghatampur and later referred to a major hospital in Kanpur for advanced treatment. MLA Saroj Kuril visits victims Upon learning about the attack, Saroj Kuril, MLA of Ghatampur, visited the hospital to meet the victims and inquire about their condition. The injured told the MLA that the attack was carried out by the son of the Sargaon village head along with his associates. According to the Dalit family, the attackers used sticks, rods, and other weapons, pulling hair and physically assaulting them. The family claims that the tractor dispute was only an excuse, and the attack was premeditated. The hut being set on fire destroyed all their belongings, causing severe financial and emotional loss. MLA Saroj Kuril condemned the incident. She said she was informed while attending a wedding ceremony and immediately rushed to the hospital upon learning about the atrocities and the fire. She spoke to DCP South, Deependra Nath Chaudhary, demanding strict action against the perpetrators. The MLA also instructed the officer in charge of Sajeti police station to take immediate steps. The DCP assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted and the guilty would be arrested and punished. Police investigation underway The police confirmed that the case falls under the jurisdiction of Sajeti Police Station. Complaints from both parties are being recorded, and an investigation is ongoing. Initial findings suggest that the clash may be linked to an old rivalry between the groups. With inputs from Anurag Srivastav Edited By: Isha Bhandari Courtesy : India TV Note: This news is originally published on https:/indiatv.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Karnataka man held for shooing away Dalit couple from temple
The accused pretended as if he was possessed by a deity, Arasamma, and drove the Dalit couple, Pankaja and Puneeth, out of the temple. TUMAKURU: Police arrested a man for allegedly ousting a newly-wed Dalit couple from a temple at Goni Tumakuru village in Turuvekere taluk. The police booked the accused Narayanappa under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Six other persons in the village who had allegedly backed the accused in practising untouchability against the couple were also booked. The accused pretended as if he was possessed by a deity, Arasamma, and drove the Dalit couple, Pankaja and Puneeth, out of the temple. A video in which the accused is seen yelling at the couple saying that Dalits are not allowed to enter the temple went viral on social media. Perform rituals elsewhere, go away, says the accused in the video. The priest was found performing the pooja while the accused created the scene. Upset by the behavior of the accused and other villagers, the younger brother of Pankaja, Jagadish, had lodged a complaint with the Turuvekere police. An FIR was filed against Narayanappa, Prabha, Kanthanna, Amulya, Puttegowda, Padma and others. Police are on the lookout for the remaining accused. Meanwhile, tahasildar NA Kunhi Ahmed and DySP Omprakash held a peace meeting involving the Dalits and other members of the village in the temple premises on Friday evening to create awareness about untouchability which is an offense. 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
AIADMK MLA’s son, Dalit leader’s daughter among new TVK joinees
Logesh was AIADMK’s candidate from Nilgiris constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, contesting against DMK’s A Raja, but failed to sceure a victory. CHENNAI: Son of former assembly speaker and AIADMK MLA P Dhanapal, Logesh Tamilselvan, was among the three who joined TVK on Saturday in the presence of actor-turned politician Vijay. Chackravarthy, grandson of civil rights activist Immanuel Sekaran, and Catherine, daughter of Dalit leader Ezhumalai, also joined the party. Logesh was AIADMK’s candidate from Nilgiris constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, contesting against DMK’s A Raja, but failed to sceure a victory. In a post on X, addressed to party cadre, Vijay named general secretary N Anand, former minister and head coordinator of the party’s executive committee KA Sengottaiyan, and general secretary for election campaign management Aadhav Arjuna as principal observers for the Assembly election. At the district level, former MLA JCD Prabhakar has been appointed for Tiruvallur; former MP Sathyabama will oversee Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode and Tiruppur districts; former IRS officer KG Arun Raj has been assigned Salem and Namakkal, while CTR Nirmal Kumar will monitor Madurai, Theni and Dindigul. Other functionaries have been appointed for the remaining districts. 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
Transgenders, sexual minorities should be judges: Justice Bhuyan
Hyderabad: Justice Ujjal Bhuyan of the Supreme Court said on Saturday that the judiciary must be an inclusive “rainbow institution” that reflected India’s diversity, moving beyond being a bastion of a single gender or dominant communities. Delivering the keynote address on constitutional morality and the role of the district judiciary at the Telangana Judicial Academy in Hyderabad, he said he wanted to see transgenders and sexual minorities serving as judges. He recalled his tenure as Telangana Chief Justice, where he and Justice CV Bhaskar Reddy declared the Telangana Eunuchs Act unconstitutional in 2023, asserting that constitutional morality must supersede cultural prejudices. The 1919 Act ordered eunuchs to register with the authorities and provide details such as residence, for they were “reasonably suspected of kidnapping boys”. It allowed transgender people to be arrested without a warrant. Justice Bhuyan further noted that LGBT individuals had been stereotyped and prejudiced. “Constitutional morality does not permit such discrimination and must supersede cultural morality,” he told judicial officers from across the state. He emphasised that the district judiciary was the backbone of the system and the primary interface with citizens. He described Article 227 as a “shield, not a sword”, positioning the high court as a mentor rather than a mere court of appeal. He noted that justice must not only be done but be seen to be done. To illustrate societal fault lines, he cited a 2025 incident in Delhi where his daughter’s friend, a PhD student, was denied housing due to her community, and a recent protest in Odisha against a Dalit woman preparing midday meals.”This is the tip of the iceberg showing the societal fault lines that persist even after 75 years of Independence,” he said. Justice Bhuyan highlighted icons who began in trial courts, including Justices Hansraj Khanna, AM Ahmadi, and M Fathima Beevi. He made special mention of Kanya Nathan, who topped the Kerala civil judge exam despite visual impairment, following a 2025 Supreme Court ruling that impairment is not a disqualification. Finally, he urged the judiciary to address “metaphorical distance” caused by high fees and legal illiteracy, noting the common confusion between the granting of bail and acquittal. Calling Hyderabad his second home, he thanked the fraternity for their openness. Judges of the Telangana High Court, members of the Telangana Judges’ Association, and the Academy Board of Governors also participated in the event. 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 Gandhi appears before Bhiwandi court in defamation case
BHIWANDI: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi appeared before a court here on Saturday in connection with a criminal defamation case stemming from remarks made during the 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign.Sources said Gandhi’s personal appearance was largely procedural and necessitated by the recent demise of his former surety, Shivraj Patil Chakurkar, who had stood guarantee for his bail. With the earlier surety holder passing away last month, fresh surety formalities were required to be completed before the court. The case dates back to a public rally in Sonale village in Bhiwandi taluka during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, where Gandhi allegedly stated that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was responsible for the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Following the speech, RSS office-bearer Rajesh Kunte filed a private complaint under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, accusing Gandhi of defaming the organisation. Advocate Narayan Iyer, representing Gandhi, said the appearance was mandated due to the submission of a new surety. “Gandhi was required to be present as a new surety has been furnished following the demise of his earlier surety. The hearing was primarily procedural,” Iyer told TOI. On Gandhi’s behalf, Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal was presented as the new surety before the court.Iyer said that after Sapkal’s surety was submitted, Gandhi signed the bond. Iyer added that the matter has reached an advanced stage. “The chief examination and cross-examination of the complainant, Rajesh Kunte, have been concluded. The trial is progressing,” he said. In view of Gandhi’s visit, Thane Police had deployed additional personnel around the court premises to manage crowds and ensure law and order. 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