Not invited to ‘dhwaj arohan’ because I am a Dalit, says Faizabad (Ayodhya) MP Awadhesh Prasad
PM Modi said the ceremony marks the completion of a centuries-long resolve, describing the ‘dharma-dhwaj’ (saffron flag) at the ‘shikhar’ of the Ram Temple as “resurgence of Indian civilisation.” Samajwadi Party Member of Parliament from Faizabad (Ayodhya), Awadhesh Prasad, on Tuesday claimed that he was not invited to the ‘dhwaj arohan’ ceremony—the hoisting of a saffron flag atop the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple—in Ayodhya because he was a Dalit. “The reason I was not invited to the ‘dharm dwaj’ ceremony is that I belong to the Dalit community. This is not in accordance with Ram’s values; it reflects someone else’s narrow mindset. Ram belongs to everyone. My fight is not for any position or invitation, but for dignity, equality, and the honour of the Constitution,” Prasad posted in Hindi on X after Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the flag, marking the formal completion of the temple at Ayodhya—BJP’s electoral promise for decades. PM Modi said the ceremony marks the completion of a centuries-long resolve, describing the ‘dharma-dhwaj’ (saffron flag) at the ‘shikhar’ of the Ram Temple as “resurgence of Indian civilisation.” Faizabad (Ayodhya) constituency is one of the 80 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh and includes the adjoining Ayodhya and Faizabad cities. Though the district was officially renamed from Faizabad to Ayodhya in November 2018, the name of the Lok Sabha constituency remains Faizabad. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Prasad defeated sitting BJP MP Lallu Singh by more than 50,000 votes, marking it as one of the biggest upsets for the saffron party. His post after the victory reads “Ayodhya is not anyone’s ancestral property it is the land of Lord Shri Ram We are the true devotees of Lord Ram, there can be no bigger Rambhakt than us. The god-like people of Ayodhya have defeated the arrogant people.” Prasad’s victory was important because of Ayodhya and the Ram Temple—the consecration of which had happened just a couple of months back. The Ram Mandir consecration or ‘Pran Pratishtha’ for the main Ram Lalla idol was held on January 22, 2024, in a grand ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other dignitaries. However, in the elections that followed, the BJP failed to win the seat. Analysts credited Prasad’s win to the failure of the BJP’s ‘Abki Baar 400 Paar’ slogan and the Samajwadi Party’s strategy of leveraging social politics by aligning OBCs, Dalits, and Muslims. Other reasons attributed to the BJP’s shocking setback in the temple town also included resentment among locals for not getting compensation for their land taken over for the development of Ayodhya, though a section also linked the loss to tension between the party’s Delhi and Lucknow leaderships. Courtesy : The Statesman Note: This news is originally published on https:/thestatesman.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Call for special force for protection of Dalits
BRS general secretary R.S. Praveen Kumar demanded that an SC, ST Atrocities case be registered against the police officers allegedly responsible for the death of Dalit youth K. Rajesh in police lock-up. Speaking after visiting the bereaved family of Rajesh in Kodad on Tuesday, he alleged that the atrocities against SCs and STs were going on unabated across the State despite the Cabinet having four Ministers from the SC community — Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, C. Damodar Rajanarsimha, G. Vivek and A. Laxman. He alleged that another Dalit youth, Yerra Shekhar, was killed in the presence of police officers in Shadnagar recently, but no action was initiated against those responsible for the two deaths so far. The former police officer demanded that the government establish a special force on the lines of Greyhounds for the safety and protection of SC, ST communities. 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
Chaos in Ratlam over stopping a Dalit bride’s Bindoli: Rituals completed under police protection, 5 people booked under the SC-ST Act
“Miscreants said, ‘The Bindoli will not pass through the village,’ police ensured the ceremony was completed under a security cover; Bhim Army raised its voice.” Ratlam. A serious case of social discrimination has come to light in Lakhmakhedi village, Ratlam district, Madhya Pradesh, where an attempt was made to disrupt the happiness of a Dalit family. Some miscreants from the village stopped the bride’s Bindoli (procession) during a wedding ceremony. However, the police acted promptly, ensuring the ceremony was completed in their presence and taking strict action against the accused. What is the whole matter? The incident is reported to have taken place on Monday night. Suresh Kataria, a vegetable vendor, was performing the wedding rituals for his elder daughter. The wedding is scheduled for November 26th. In this connection, the bride’s procession was being taken out around 9:30 pm on Monday night. According to the bride’s father, Suresh Kataria, when the procession reached the homes of members of the Rajput community in the village, some people present there blocked the way. They allegedly threatened and said, “Your procession will not pass through this village.” Allegations of indecent behavior and casteist slurs The victims allege that as the procession approached Bapu Singh’s house, Bapu Singh and Badri Singh came out and began questioning the procession. Kushal Singh, Kuldeep Singh, and Govind Singh Bhanej also arrived. It is alleged that these people began abusing the Dalit family using casteist slurs and blocked the road. The procession was carried out under police protection Upon receiving information about the dispute, Barawad Police Station in-charge Swaraj Dabi immediately arrived at the scene with the police force. They controlled the situation and ensured that the procession was conducted peacefully under police protection. A case has been registered against these five people. Acting swiftly on the complaint, the police have registered a case against five named accused. The accused have been identified as residents of Lakhmakhedi: Bapu Singh (father Parvat Singh Sondhia) Badri Singh (father Bheru Singh) Kushal Singh (father Chander Singh) Kuldeep Singh (father Lal Singh) Govind Singh Bhanej Police have registered a case against all of them under Section 176 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and various sections of the SC-ST Act. Bhim Army demands strict action The Bhim Army and the Azad Samaj Party have strongly protested the incident. Former Azad Samaj Party state president Sunil Astey and district president Gopal Vaghela have demanded the administration take the strictest possible action against the accused. Sunil Astey released a video message appealing to the state Chief Minister, Dr. Mohan Yadav, to intervene. He said, “Stopping a Dalit girl’s Binauli horse-drawn carriage at a Dalit wedding in Lakhmakhedi village, Barawad police station, Ratlam, isn’t just rudeness—it’s Manuwadi hooliganism! Those who believe a Dalit girl’s Binauli will be stopped—their thinking will be crushed. Those who disrespect daughters don’t belong in society, but directly in jail. @SP_RATLAM_MP should immediately identify the accused and the police should take immediate action, or there will be a street protest. The Bhim Army team has reached the village. They are standing with the family and the bride for security.” Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Telangana: Tension mounts over death of Dalit youth in police custody, RS Praveen Kumar alleges ‘custodial murder’
Former IPS officer claims police tortured him to death after 5 days; makes serious allegations against Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, demands ₹1 crore compensation for family Suryapet/Kodad: The death of a Dalit youth in Telangana’s Suryapet district is heating up. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) state general secretary and former IPS officer RS Praveen Kumar has leveled serious allegations against the police, calling it a ‘custodial murder’. He alleges that 32-year-old Dalit youth, Karla Rajesh, was brutally tortured at the Chilkur police station, leading to his death. Demands filing of murder case against DSP and police personnel After reaching Kodad on Tuesday and meeting and consoling the victim’s family, Praveen Kumar made strong demands to the government and administration. He demanded that a murder case be immediately registered against DSP Sridhar Reddy and other police officers involved in the case. He also stipulated that a second autopsy be conducted only after the FIR is filed. ‘1 Crore Compensation and a Government Job’ The BRS leader demanded substantial compensation from the state government to secure the future of the deceased’s family. He stated that the government should immediately provide an ex-gratia amount of ₹1 crore to the victim’s family. In addition, compensation should include a double-bedroom house, five acres of cultivable land, and a government job for a family member. Accused Minister and MLA of Protecting the DSP Speaking to the media, Praveen Kumar launched a scathing attack on Civil Supplies Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy and local MLA Padmavati. He alleged that these leaders were protecting DSP Sridhar Reddy, under whose leadership the youth was allegedly tortured. The former IPS officer claimed that the DSP’s transfer and posting were done at the local minister’s behest, “to ensure the plundering continued.” What is the whole matter? RS Praveen Kumar alleged that Rajesh was held in police custody for five days and brutally tortured. He says this was done to cover up the corruption and fraud of ruling party leaders. According to the BRS leader, Rajesh was falsely implicated in a 2022 CMRF check fraud case involving Congress workers. The police pressured Rajesh to name former BRS MLA Mallaiah Yadav and tortured him. In violation of Supreme Court guidelines and Article 21 of the Constitution, Rajesh was denied medical assistance despite his deteriorating health. Taking aim at CM Revanth Reddy Praveen Kumar criticized Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, saying he had completely failed as Home Minister and was protecting criminals. He warned that the BRS, along with other caste organizations and civil society groups, would continue its struggle until Rajesh’s family received justice. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Third trans protesterdies of burn injuries
Hyderabad: A third transgender individual, who took part in the mass self-immolation protest against another transgender person named Monalisa, died at Gandhi Hospital on Tuesday, days after two others succumbed to their burns. The deceased, 24-year-old Navneetha, was among a group of around 40 transgender persons who set themselves on fire during the protest, alleging harassment by Monalisa, whom they accused of harassment and forcing them into prostitution. Eight members of the group sustained burns and were rushed to Gandhi Hospital. Among them were Afsana and Heena, who died on Nov 20 and 23. Police said five of the remaining six injured protesters recovered and were discharged three days ago, but Navneetha could not be saved. 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
Transgender wins gold in nat’l ice stock meet
Bhilwara: Transgender player from Tonk district, Ritika Singh, won the gold medal at the national Summer Ice Stock Championship 2025, held from Nov 21 to 23 in a rural setting at Bichpuri in Agra. More than 200 participants from 15 states competed, including 25 members of the Rajasthan team, among whom three were transgender athletes. Ice Stock is an indoor sport played at sub-zero temperatures, traditionally dominated by competitors from colder countries. The event not only offered Indian athletes a national platform but also boosted interest in this emerging sport at the local level. Singh, 22, began her sporting career three years ago. In 2024 she won one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals at a national competition in Gulmarg, Kashmir. Her victory in Agra brought her total medal count in the sport to five. Talking to TOI, Singh said, “I want to represent the country at the international level. I want to say to my transgender sisters across the country that even though we are from a marginalised class, if we commit to our work, we can definitely do something. People look at transgenders in a wrong way, and society doesn’t give them much importance, but we must not lose courage. Being transgender may have been considered as a curse for me, but I will prove this to be a blessing through the strength of sports.” 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
‘No plans to meet Rahul Gandhi’: In Karnataka power tussle, CM Siddaramaiah appeals to party to ‘end transition confusion’
BENAGLURU: Chief minister Siddaramaiah, in Bengaluru, on Tuesday appealed to the party to “end the transition confusion” and clarified that the final word must come from the central brass. He further added that he has no plans to meet party leader Rahul Gandhi in the near term. Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, meanwhile, fueled political speculation by confirming that “a confidential understanding on leadership transition among five-six leaders” exists, shortly after Congress’ landslide victory in 2023. Speaking in his home constituency of Kanakapura, Shivakumar referred directly to the alleged power pact but declined to share details. “This is confidential. I don’t want to speak publicly on this,” he said. Amid the political buzz, Sadhus from Varanasi visited Bengaluru on Monday and extended their blessings to Shivakumar, conveying prayers for the welfare of the people of Karnataka. “We have come from Kashi. We gave him our blessings,” one of the sadhus said. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, addressing reporters outside his residence, reiterated that the high command will decide on the CM face. “I have nothing to say. You have been standing here for three days straight. There is nothing to say about the developments happening here. Whatever happens, the high command will do it. It is not required to worry too much about it,” he said. Meanwhile, home minister G Parameshwara hinted that he also remains in the CM race. Speaking about a recent dinner hosted by Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi for Dalit community leaders, Parameshwara said the gathering included discussions on political and departmental issues. “We are all like-minded. The fight over internal reservation is over. Should we not discuss our problems?” he asked. He added that he has consistently been in the CM race and recalled his tenure as KPCC president in 2013. Earlier, Siddaramaiah downplayed speculation about a leadership change, calling it an “unnecessary debate” linked to discussions on a cabinet reshuffle. The CM said senior party leadership would make final decisions, with two of the 34 ministerial posts still vacant. 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
Dalit voices rally behind Kharge for Karnataka CM, write to Sonia
Shivakumar, a prominent Vokkaliga leader credited with bringing Congress to power, is viewed as the frontrunner to succeed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. BENGALURU: IN a political drama unfolding within the Karnataka Congress, the DK Shivakumar camp is lobbying hard in New Delhi for their leader to occupy the CM’s chair, while he is receiving endorsements from Naga Sadhus. Yet, in the middle of all this, another interesting development has surprised many. A group of Congress leaders is rallying behind AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, considered by many as a beacon of Dalit empowerment, to occupy the top chair. The high command now has to manage a delicate balancing act — one that could either consolidate the party’s diverse base or fracture it further, handing BJP and JDS an opportunity in the 2028 Assembly elections in the state. In an open letter to former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, influential voices, including KPCC office-bearers, former legislators, journalists, intelligentsia, social activists, and citizens, have made an appeal for Kharge’s appointment as CM. Dated November 22 and circulated widely in Delhi and Bengaluru, the letter states that this leadership vacuum is a historic moment to rectify decades of under-representation of Dalits. The letter laments the absence of a Dalit CM since Karnataka’s formation in 1956, despite “the community’s unwavering loyalty to Congress”. “Kharge stands out as a capable leader for this role. His long experience, integrity, and deep connection with the people of Karnataka make him uniquely suited to guide the state at this moment,” the signatories assert. Shivakumar, a prominent Vokkaliga leader credited with bringing Congress to power, is viewed as the frontrunner to succeed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. On Saturday, a group of Naga Sadhus visited Shivakumar at his residence, blessing him and urging him to ascend the CM seat. At the heart of this frenzy lies a pivotal question: Has Shivakumar’s surge positioned Kharge as the ultimate winner? As the first Dalit president of Congress in its 139-year history, Kharge has remained above the fray, issuing measured statements on the cabinet reshuffle or change in CM’s post. His recent remark urging party unity amid turmoil was interpreted by some as a subtle rebuke to Shivakumar’s overtures, but it also amplified calls for him to return to state politics as CM. Meanwhile, Shivakumar’s supporters, including a handful of MLAs like HC Balakrishna (Magadi), Nayana Motamma (Mudigere) and other MLAs, flew to Delhi. Sources close to the Shivakumar camp described the meetings as “consultations”. Meanwhile, BJP MP Lahar Singh Siroya lambasted Kharge’s recent comments on the reshuffle, alleging that Congress is suffering from dynastic rot. “Kharge ji is the party president, but who is this high command? This shows there is dynastic politics. He must be considering Rahul Gandhi as the high command,” Siroya remarked. “I hope they find a solution soon, as it is not good for both Congress and the state. Given the current conduct of Congress, it is clear that it will be in a much worse state in the coming elections. I don’t know what is happening in that party, but it is certainly affecting Karnataka,” he said. Former Congress MLC Mohan Kondajji said, “I am not a signatory to the letter, but I am aware of it. My only concern is that Congress should come out as the winner. With Kharge’s tremendous experience, he will be able to take everyone along.” 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
Include Dalits as Shankaracharyas then we’ll end reservation: Pappu Yadav on Rambhadracharya’s SC/ST Act remark
New Delhi: A political storm erupted on Tuesday after Jagadguru Rambhadracharya called for the repeal of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, drawing sharp and contrasting reactions from leaders across the political spectrum with Purnia MP Pappu Yadav saying, “let all Shankaracharyas include Dalits among them, and we will immediately end reservation.” Speaking to IANS, Yadav said, “I would request the Shankaracharya, let all Shankaracharyas include Dalits, SC and STs among them, and we will immediately end reservation.” Jagadguru Rambhadracharya had earlier stated, “The SC/ST Act should be repealed. The Vedas do not mention Avarnas or Savarnas, these political leaders have initiated this system… I would say that there should be no reservation based on caste.” His remarks reignited the debate over affirmative action and legal protections for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Responding sharply, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit challenged the feasibility of Rambhadracharya’s demand. He said, “Win a two-thirds majority, come to Parliament, form the government and change the laws. Or do you think PM Modi will listen to you just because you are part of his group, then you can ask your ministers to remove the reservation?…” Dikshit’s response underscores the political sensitivities surrounding reservation policies and the legal structures that protect marginalized communities. In contrast, Minister Lakhendra Kumar Raushan backed Rambhadracharya’s position. “I support the remarks made by Rambhadracharya. For a long time, the caste system, and the division of society on the basis of varna, has played a major role in weakening this country…” he said, aligning himself with the call to revisit existing caste-based frameworks. The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, is a central law aimed at preventing atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, establishing Special Courts, ensuring stricter punishments, and safeguarding victims’ rights. Any suggestion of its repeal has historically drawn strong reactions from both community representatives and political leadership. Rambhadracharya’s remark that “there should be no reservation based on caste” has now amplified discussions at a time when caste census debates, social justice policies, and electoral strategies dominate political conversations in multiple states and many parts of the country still witness atrocities against Dalits. 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
RSS must realise that permissions come from constitutional provisions, not from shouting Jai Shri Ram, says Dalit Sangharsha Samiti
For the first time in its 100-year history, the RSS had to follow the Constitution and the law when its route march was allowed in Chittapur on November 16, 2025, as per court directions Criticising the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Dalit Sangharsha Samiti alleged that the organisation is consistently working against the spirit of the Indian Constitution and democratic values, but was forced to follow the Constitution during its patha sanchalana (route march) held at Chittapur town in Kalaburagi district of Karnataka on November 16. Addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on November 24, Samiti State Convener Arjun Bhadre said that, for the first time in its 100-year history, the RSS had to follow the Constitution and the law when its route march was allowed in Chittapur on November 16, 2025, as per court directions. He stated that the organisation must realise that permissions come from constitutional provisions, not from raising slogans such as ‘Jai Shri Ram’. He took exception to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent clarification on the organisation’s registration status, accusing him of making disparaging and irresponsible comments that undermined the Constitution. Bhadre said that India’s constitutional framework is built on tolerance, pluralism and equality, but these values are being weakened by communal forces aligned with the RSS, he alleged. Mr. Bhadre said the RSS continues to support caste divisions and spread harmful ideas that threaten social harmony and democracy. “Recently a group of Maoist members in Maharashtra gave up their weapons. They accepted the Constitution and the national flag during a government rehabilitation programme. If armed rebels can follow the Constitution, why can’t the RSS?” 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