Congress vote share rising in Telangana, says Revanth
Hyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Saturday termed the Congress as the soul of the country and the Gandhi family as the voice of the SCs, STs, BCs and minorities. He accused the BJP of attempting to finish off the Congress and politically wipe out the Gandhi family. Addressing district Congress committee (DCC) presidents from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Revanth alleged that parties that emerged after Independence under the Constitution framed by the Congress were now calling for a ‘Congress-mukt Bharat’. “The country and the Congress could not be separated,” he said, alleging that the BJP was conspiring not only to finish off the Congress and politically wipe out the Gandhi family, but also to change the Constitution and remove reservations. The TPCC organised a training programme for DCC presidents of the two Telugu states as part of the ‘Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan’ initiative of the AICC. Pradesh Congress committee presidents of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, B Mahesh Kumar Goud and YS Sharmila, also addressed the DCC chiefs. “The BJP is conspiring against Rahul Gandhi and is not allowing him to speak in Parliament. Members of the Gandhi family, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, are being harassed and insulted through cases foisted against them. When Rahul Gandhi was made to vacate his official residence, he did not have a house of his own to go to and stayed with his mother,” Revanth alleged. He told the DCC presidents that the 10-day training programme was being held at a time when, he alleged, there was a conspiracy to change the Constitution and remove reservations. He urged them to use the programme to learn facts and expose what he described as BJP conspiracies against the Congress, the Gandhi family, the Constitution and reservations at the doorsteps of the people. Referring to electoral performance, Revanth said the Congress vote share was 2% higher than that of the main opposition in the 2023 assembly election results, and that it increased to 4% within six months in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. He added that in the recent municipal elections in Telangana, the Congress vote share was 12% higher than that of the party that came second, attributing the performance to the hard work of party workers and the confidence reposed in the Congress govt by the people. He said 63% of BCs were elected in the recently held municipal elections and that 49.8% of BCs won sarpanch posts in panchayat elections. He added that Telangana was the first state in the country to conduct a caste survey and complete SC categorisation. Revanth appealed to DCC presidents to focus on people’s issues and stay away from lobbying for personal gains, saying there was only a merit quota in the Congress. He said DCC chiefs should work to strengthen the Congress in Andhra Pradesh and ensure that it emerged as a formidable force in the two Telugu states. Referring to YS Sharmila, he said she could have secured posts using the name of her father, former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, but was instead carving a niche for herself by working hard, fighting for the people’s welfare and strengthening the party in Andhra Pradesh. He asked the new DCC chiefs to take Sharmila and Rahul Gandhi as examples. 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, Kharge to address farmers’ convention in Bhopal on February 24
Bhopal: Lok Sabha LOP Rahul Gandhi and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge will visit Bhopal on Tuesday to address a farmers’ convention. The Congress is organising a massive farmers’ rally to protest the recent India-US interim trade deal. The decision to oppose the deal was taken at a meeting in the AICC office. On Thursday, the US Supreme Court struck down American President Donald Trump’s tariff policy. Congress argued that, if PM Narendra Modi waited for 18 days more and did not accept the interim trade deal, Indian farmers’ interests could be protected. Now Congress will protest PM Modi’s trade deal with Trump across the country, starting from Madhya Pradesh. Speaking to reporters, state Congress President Jitu Patwari said on Saturday, “The deal signed under pressure from Trump is a betrayal of farmers. A sword was placed on the throats of our farmers cultivating soyabeans, cotton, maize and other crops to sign a trade deal of compromise. The Congress’ nationwide protest against the deal will start from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.” 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
14-Year-Old Dalit Girl Dies by Suicide in Meerut After Accused Molester’s Release From Jail
A 14-year-old Dalit girl died by suicide in Lakhimpur Kheri near Meerut. Her family alleges that she was under immense stress after the man accused of molesting her was released on bail and threatened to kill her. The Incident The teenager was found hanging from the roof of her house on Wednesday afternoon. Her parents were not at home at the time, with her father working as a farm labourer and her mother collecting firewood. When they returned from work, they discovered their daughter’s body. Speaking about the circumstances leading to his daughter’s extreme step, the victim’s father recounted the traumatic events of the past month. He explained that on January 10, his daughter had gone to a nearby field to collect fodder when the accused, identified as 25-year-old Lavlesh Kumar, dragged her into the bushes and molested her. “When she raised an alarm, the accused hurled casteist slurs and fled,” the father said. Legal Action and the Accused’s Release Following the incident, the girl returned home and informed her parents about the assault. They immediately filed a police complaint, leading to the registration of a First Information Report. The accused was arrested and sent to judicial custody. However, the situation took a devastating turn after Lavlesh Kumar secured bail approximately one week ago. According to the family, his release from prison marked the beginning of fresh terror for the teenage survivor. “After getting bail, Lavlesh met my daughter when she had gone out to a nearby shop and threatened to kill her if we did not take back the case,” the grieving father told reporters. Mental Trauma and the Aftermath The father described how his daughter was deeply affected by this encounter. “My daughter then told us that she was terrified and was under mental stress. But before we could do anything, she took the extreme step,” he said, his voice filled with grief and helplessness. The family maintains that the constant fear of the accused and his threats pushed the teenager to take her own life. The incident highlights the vulnerability of survivors, particularly those from marginalised communities, even after they muster the courage to report sexual crimes. Police Response and New Charges Following a fresh complaint lodged by the family, police registered a case against Lavlesh Kumar on Thursday. Circle Officer Shivam Kumar provided details about the legal action taken. An FIR has been filed under section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with abetment of suicide, and section 3(2)(v) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. “The accused was arrested and sent to jail on Friday,” Kumar confirmed. 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
DSS marks 20 years of struggle for equality
Vijayawada: Dalit Sthree Sakthi (DSS), which has been championing the rights of Dalit and Adivasi women for the past two decades, celebrated its 20-year journey here on Friday with the slogan ‘Justice, Equality and Self-Respect’. Addressing the gathering, national convener Geddam Jhansi described the occasion as a milestone in DSS’s sustained efforts to achieve social, political and economic equality for Dalits and Adivasis. She said the organisation has consistently worked to protect vulnerable communities from atrocities and to ensure access to quality education for Dalit and Adivasi children. Jhansi thanked the Social Welfare Department, the PCR Department, the Directorate of Prosecutions and the media for their continued support. She also expressed gratitude to her team members for their relentless commitment. Senior IAS officers B Rajasekhar, Kaki Sunitha and Udayalakshmi, Director of Prosecutions Byra Ramakoteswara Rao, Dr Swarajya Lakshmi, Ramadevi, Dr Tabitha, AP Transco Divisional Engineer Anuradha and the Resident Editor of ‘The Hans India’ attended the event. Ex-officio principal secretary of Agriculture B Rajasekhar lauded DSS for undertaking initiatives that often extend beyond the government’s reach and urged women to embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance employment prospects for Dalit and Adivasi youth. He also encouraged a shift towards natural farming for sustainable outcomes. Kaki Sunitha highlighted the challenges faced by vulnerable communities, noting that legal loopholes sometimes hinder justice under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. Coordinators Satyakama Jabali, Roja, Prasanna, Hemalata and Sara were also present. 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
JNU VC’s ‘Dalit Victim Card’ Statement Sparks Row On Campus, JNUSU Demands Resignation
JNU VC Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit remarked that Dalits “cannot always progress by portraying themselves as victims or playing the victim card,” leading to student protests. JNU VC Dalit Statement Controversy: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice Chancellor Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit has sparked significant controversy on campus with a statement made in a podcast. She remarked that Dalit and Black communities “cannot always progress by portraying themselves as victims or playing the victim card,” leading to student protests and calls for her resignation. The Vice Chancellor clarified that her statement had been misunderstood, noting that she herself is from the Bahujan Samaj. What is the whole matter? The statement was made in a podcast released on February 16. The Vice Chancellor was discussing the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Equity (Anti-Discrimination) Rules of 2026, aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination in higher educational institutions. However, following protests from some upper caste groups, the Supreme Court has currently stayed these rules. In the podcast, the Vice Chancellor described the UGC regulations as “unnecessary and irrational.” She mentioned that “it’s not easy to move forward by demonising someone or constantly portraying yourself as a victim. It’s like a temporary addiction.” This statement quickly went viral on social media, sparking controversy. What explanation did the Vice Chancellor give? As the controversy grew, the Vice Chancellor clarified that her statement had been misrepresented. She asserted that she did not intend to imply that the Dalit community always plays the victim card. She said that some people use such language as part of a “woke” ideology. She also expressed that unnecessary controversy had been created in this matter and that due care had not been taken in formulating the rules. She reiterated, “I myself am a Bahujan.” Protest on campus, demand for resignation The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) labelled the Vice Chancellor’s statement as “blatantly casteist.” The student union demanded her resignation and called for nationwide protests on Saturday. They argued that such statements promote caste discrimination and inequality in universities. The student union also criticised the Vice Chancellor’s affiliation with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In the podcast, she had expressed pride in her RSS affiliation, saying it provided her with insight into diverse views and diversity. Following this statement, the atmosphere on the JNU campus has become tense. Student organisations have stated that protests will continue until the Vice Chancellor apologises or resigns. Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor maintained that her words were taken out of context. The matter remains a topic of discussion within academic and political circles. Courtesy : News18 Note: This news is originally published on https:/news18.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
15-year-old Dalit in Rajasthan assaulted for entering temple bookmark_border text_fields
The complaint further alleges that the man continued to hurl casteist abuse, threatened to kill the minor if he returned to the temple, and then assaulted him by slapping, kicking and punching him. Chittorgarh: A 15-year-old Dalit boy from Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh district has alleged that he was verbally abused and physically assaulted on caste lines at the Laxmi Narayan Temple in Ghosunda village. In his complaint, Chetan Prakash Regar, the son of Mangilal Regar, said the incident took place on the morning of February 7 when he went to the temple to pray. While he was returning, an upper-caste man, identified as Shubham Sukhwal, allegedly stopped him and used caste slurs, objecting to his presence in the temple. The FIR accessed by Mooknayak states that the accused questioned how someone from the Dalit community could enter the temple and reacted aggressively when the boy asserted that the place of worship was open to everyone. The complaint further alleges that the man continued to hurl casteist abuse, threatened to kill the minor if he returned to the temple, and then assaulted him by slapping, kicking and punching him. It also names another man, Pawan, as having joined in the attack and allegedly attempted to cause serious harm, Siasat Daily reported. The boy told the police that even as he managed to escape, the accused continued issuing threats warning him and others from his community against visiting the temple in the future. The FIR also mentions the temple priest, alleging that he too used caste-based threats against the minor. Police have registered a case under sections 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 115(2) (intentionally causing harm) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (Atrocities) Act. However, the family has said no arrests have been made so far and that they feel unsafe following the incident. Chetan belongs to the Regar community. Local Dalit organisations, including the Dr Ambedkar Civil Association in Rajasthan, have submitted a memorandum to the State Human Rights Commission through the district administration, condemning the attack and calling for strict action against those accused. 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
OPSC adds 3rd gender category to OCSE application
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) added a third gender or transgender category in the online application form for the Odisha Civil Services Examination (OCSE)-2025. The commission also extended the deadline for registration and fee payment to Feb 27 up to 5 pm. Candidates who complete registration will be able to submit their final online application by March 7. In a notice issued on Feb 19, OPSC said the required change was made in the gender selection column. It also clarified that applicants choosing the third gender or transgender option must upload an identity certificate or card issued by the competent authority. They must also provide supporting documents for any name change after obtaining third gender or transgender status. The move followed recent directions from the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC), which urged the state govt to introduce a third gender or transgender option in recruitment application forms and to extend the OCSE application timeline. The OHRC’s intervention came after a petition filed by a transgender person from Cuttack, who alleged that the absence of a third gender category in the OCSE form effectively blocked transgender candidates from applying. The petitioner argued that this exclusion amounted to discrimination and violated constitutional guarantees of equality and non-discrimination. On Jan 22, after hearing the matter, the OHRC recommended that the state ensure 1% reservation for transgender candidates in recruitment examinations, including OCSE. It also advised the general administration and social security departments to take steps to include the third gender or transgender option across govt recruitment forms. The commission further recommended that all recruiting agencies and boards, including OPSC, be instructed to implement the change. Additionally, the OHRC asked the govt to extend the application deadline by at least 15 days to allow affected candidates adequate time to apply. 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 to attend Congress rally in Barnala on Feb 28
Chandigarh: The leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will attend a public rally in Barnala on Feb 28. The event will be organised by the Punjab Congress. Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said the rally would be held against the scrapping of MGNREGA and the signing of the trade deal with the United States, which, according to him, will have a devastating impact on Punjab. In an informal interaction with the reporters, the PCC president said while the new law on MGNREGA would impact the livelihood of the poor, the trade deal with the US would destroy Punjab’s farmers. He said Punjab would be among the worst-hit states since agriculture was the mainstay of its economy. Warring also warned that the trade deal might have a long-term impact and could pose multiple challenges. The Ludhiana MP said as the trade deal had the potential to destroy local agriculture once agricultural goods were allowed to be imported at a 0% tariff, there would be no work, no jobs, and no earnings for a majority of farmers in the state. They will be jobless, he said about the farmers. “We are really concerned about such a situation if that happens,” said Warring, adding that such a situation could always be exploited by enemies who were continuously trying to foment trouble in the state. He pointed out that Punjab’s youth were already falling prey to drugs smuggled from Pakistan, and the state could not afford any other risks. The Congress leader, meanwhile, refused to react to the charges levelled by expelled party leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu. “Given the state of her mind and health, I don’t think I need to react or respond to what she has been saying,” he remarked, while dismissing her charges. The PCC president noted that she was not the only one targeting him with baseless allegations and criticism. He pointed out that even chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, Bikram Majithia, and the state BJP president Sunil Jakhar also targeted him. 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
Dalits’ land in Madhapur Maujpur, Hapur: Questions raised about administrative negligence, and powerful people are issuing threats.
Hapur. A case of illegal occupation of agricultural land belonging to seven Dalit families by powerful people has come to light in Madhapur Maujpur village, within the Simbhaoli police station area of the district. The affected families allege that they are being prevented from accessing their fields and are being threatened with death. Meanwhile, the families are angry over the lack of concrete action at the administrative level to free the land from encroachment. Ceiling leases were granted in 1972 According to victim Gyan Chand, in 1972, the government allotted leases of ceiling land to seven members, including his family, for their livelihood. Since then, all the families have been cultivating these lands to support their families. He says that this land is their sole source of livelihood. Allegations of illegal occupation by a powerful man The families allege that after the formation of the Yogi Adityanath-led government in the state, Kaluram Tyagi, a local strongman, illegally occupied these leases. It is alleged that Kaluram Tyagi, in collusion with revenue officials, filed a lawsuit in the court of the Additional District Magistrate, Hapur, to have the leases cancelled. Won the case in the ADM Court The affected families say they fought a legal battle and won the case in the court of the Additional District Magistrate, Hapur, on May 31, 2025. Despite the court order, they have not been given back possession of the land. The families allege that even after losing the case, the powerful party is threatening to kill them if they enter the fields. Forced to run around officials The Dalit families say they have been making frequent rounds of the SDM Sadar and the Simbhaoli police station to free their land from encroachment, but no concrete solution has been found. They allege that they are unable to get justice due to administrative apathy at the local level. Police said the matter is revenue-related. Simbhaoli police station in-charge Suresh Kumar stated that no one can be given possession of land without the presence of a revenue department team. He explained that the matter is revenue-related and action will be taken as per the rules. Meanwhile, the state government has been making public claims that Dalits’ land will not be illegally occupied. In such a situation, this case in Madhapur Maujpur raises questions about administrative claims. Currently, the affected families are looking to the authorities for justice and the hope of getting their land back. Pitam Singh | Buxar (Garhmukteshwar), Hapur Courtesy: Hindi News
Water, electricity cut off in Dalit settlement of Odisha village
The Dalits claimed that their community was being targeted due to their caste. Bolangir: Water and electricity services were cut off in a Dalit settlement, with residents alleging caste-based discrimination in Odisha’s Balangir district. However, a village official attributed the disruption to a local feud. The settlement is located in the Dumerchuan village under the Turekela block of the district, and its residents reported that the drinking water supply in their area has been interrupted since February 12. According to local media, the settlement’s streetlights were also turned off, leaving families to struggle in the dark after sunset. The residents claimed that different areas of the village have faced no such disruption. “Houses in other parts of the village continue to receive water and electricity, but we are being deprived,” a local said. They were even stopped from drawing water from the borewell. “When we tried to draw water from the borewell, we were stopped. While commuting on village roads, we are treated as untouchables by members of other communities,” the resident said. The Dalits claimed that their community was being targeted due to their caste, since they face discrimination in other social and cultural events of the village as well. Despite alerting the officials of the issues, no steps were taken to correct the disruptions, they said. Disruption due to enmity between two local groups A village official, Padamanava Samantaray, dismissed claims of caste-based discrimination, stating that the initial investigation pointed towards a “feud.” An inquiry has been ordered, and the block development officer was directed to investigate at the ground level, Samantaray said. “Preliminary probe suggested that a few days ago, there was a feud between two groups of the village during a baraat procession. One group deliberately disrupted the water supply and electricity out of revenge,” he said. Courtesy : Scroll Note: This news is originally published on https:/scroll.in/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights