SIR an attempt to institutionalise ‘vote chori’: Rahul
Bhopal: Loading his ‘vote chori’ (vote theft) jibe as fresh ammunition to gun for the BJP-led NDA, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said the ruling party at the Centre was working in collusion with the Election Commission (EC) to destroy the country’s democratic framework while also inflicting wounds on the soul of the ‘Constitution.’ Amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) the Congress leader alleged that the enumeration exercise was a cover for ‘institutionalising vote chori’. “This is an attack on our democracy and the Constitution as conceived by Dr Ambedkar. PM Modi, Amit Shah and CEC Gyanesh Kumar are working in collusion to damage Bharat Mata,” Rahul alleged. In his parting address at Pachmarhi where he had arrived on Saturday to attend a training camp organised for District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents there, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha said, “The main issue facing the country today is vote chori. As you must have seen during my presentation on Haryana (assembly polls), there were 25 lakh fake voters, which means that one in every eight voters was fake. After going through the data on Haryana (polls), I am sure ‘vote chori’ happened in MP, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh as well.” Asked if he had evidence of vote theft in MP as well, Rahul responded, “Yes, we have a lot of information from different places. We shall present all information and evidence before the country in due course of time. This is just the beginning.” he said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Issue fresh documents to trans persons after transition surgery, High Court tells UP education department
PRAYAGRAJ: In a landmark order upholding the rights of transgender persons, Allahabad HC has directed UP education department to issue fresh marksheets and certificates with the required changes to a petitioner who underwent gender transition surgery. Justice Saurabh Shyam Shamshery allowed the petition filed by Sharad Roshan Singh and set aside the order dated April 8, passed by the regional secretary of Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad, Bareilly, which had rejected his plea for a name change. The rejection was on the ground that the relevant provisions and govt orders did not provide a procedure for name correction in educational documents at a belated stage. Authorities had also stated that provisions of Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, read with the Rules, 2020, were not applicable to him. However, the district magistrate concerned had, under Section 6 of the 2019 Act, already issued a certificate of identity, officially recognising Sharad’s gender transition after surgery. Subsequently, he requested modification of his educational certificates to reflect his new name and gender. However, the regional secretary rejected his application on April 8, 2025. In its judgment delivered on Thursday, the court observed, “Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 is a special Act. Section 20 of the Act provides that its provisions shall be in addition to, and not in derogation of, any other law for the time being in force. Therefore, the concerned respondents (education authorities of the state) committed a legal error by not applying the provisions of the Act of 2019 in favour of the petitioner.” Appearing for the petitioner, senior advocates HR Mishra and Chitrangada Narayan cited verdicts of SC and HCs to assert petitioner’s right to have his name changed after gender reassignment. 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
HC to edu dept: Issue fresh documentsto transgender after transition surgery
Prayagraj: In a landmark order to uphold the rights of transgenders to change their genders and also get their names changed accordingly, the Allahabad high court has directed the Uttar Pradesh education department authorities to make the required change in documents of a petitioner. The court ordered the education dept officials to issue fresh marks sheet certificates after the petitioner underwent a gender transition surgery, from female to male. Allowing a writ petition filed by one Sharad Roshan Singh, Justice Saurabh Shyam Shamshery set aside an order dated April 8, 2025 passed by regional secretary, Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad, Bareilly, by which the application of the petitioner for the change of name after the gender change was rejected on the ground that that relevant provisions and government order did not provide any procedure for correction of name in educational documents at a very belated stage. The order also said that provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 read with Rules, 2020 were not applicable on him. The petitioner was recognized as transgender person under the aforesaid Act of 2019. The district magistrate concerned in terms of section 6 of the Act of 2019 had issued a certificate of identity. Sharad had also obtained official recognition of his gender change from the DM after undergoing the transition surgery. Subsequently, he requested the modification of his educational certificates to reflect his new name and gender. However, regional secretary, Madhyamik Siksha Parishad, rejected his application on the aforesaid grounds on April 8, 2025. Appearing on behalf of the petitioner, senior advocate HR Mishra and Chitrangada Narayan relied on various judgments of apex court and high courts of the other state to assert the right of the petitioner to get his name changed after gender change. The court held that the Board and government authorities had violated Section 20 of Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 Act. This section provides a special legal framework granting priority over other laws. Under Rule 5(3) and Annexure-1 of the Act, transgender persons can modify all official documents. This includes educational certificates, which can be updated to reflect their correct name, gender, and photograph. In his judgment on Nov 6, the court said, “The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 is a special Act. Section 20 of the Act, 2019 provides that provisions of this Act shall be in addition to, and not in derogation of, any other law for the time being in force. Therefore, the concerned respondents (education authorities of the state) have committed a legal error by not applying the provisions of the Act of 2029 in favour of the petitioner.” 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
BJP bets big on Dalits, Mahadalits as Bihar gears up for Phase 2 polls
For the second phase, the BJP has put its focus on consolidating Dalit and Mahadalit votes, which account for 18% of Bihar’s electorate. This bloc wields considerable influence on more than 100 assembly seats As Bihar gears up for the second phase of assembly elections, the BJP has put its focus on consolidating Dalit and Mahadalit votes, which together account for around 18% of the state’s electorate. This bloc wields considerable influence on more than 100 assembly seats, and its voting pattern holds the key as to which side will form the next government. Leading up to November 11, the BJP has centred its campaign on constituencies bordering Uttar Pradesh — particularly in the districts of West Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Bhojpur, Buxar, and Kaimur. These districts are adjacent to UP’s Deoria, Kushinagar, Maharajganj, Ghazipur, Chandauli, Ballia, and Sonbhadra. UNITING MAHADALIT AND PASWAN VOTERS The BJP estimates that Mahadalits constitute about 13% and Paswan voters around 5% of Bihar’s electorate. In the 2020 assembly election, the votes got split after Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) contested separately. This time, Chirag Paswan is in the NDA fold, and the BJP is determined to prevent that split. The BJP estimates that former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM will help secure nearly 2.5% of the Musahar votes, while Chirag Paswan will ensure that about 5% of Paswan votes end in the NDA’s kitty. EYE ON MAYAWATI FACTOR The BJP is also closely monitoring Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). While Mayawati initially announced candidates for all 243 seats, only about 190 are in the fray after some nominations were cancelled. At a recent rally in Kaimur’s Bhabua, Mayawati attempted to consolidate the Ravidas community, a significant Dalit sub-group. BJP believes Mayawati’s party may secure up to 5% of Ravidas votes. A split will only indirectly benefit the NDA. In the last Assembly polls, the BSP fielded candidates on 78 seats and secured 2.37% of the total votes. It won one seat, Chainpur, whose MLA later joined the JD(U). The party has a relatively strong base in western Bihar, especially in districts like Kaimur, Rohtas, Ara, and Buxar. NDA’S CANDIDATE MATH To appeal to the Dalit community, the NDA has fielded 39 candidates from the Scheduled Castes. The NDA has also attempted to maintain a careful caste balance within Dalit and Mahadalit sub-groups, ensuring representation for Ravidas, Musahar, Pasi, Bhuiya, Dhobi, Dom, Nat, Bhogta, and Kanjhar communities. For the second phase, the BJP’s mission is clear: prevent the fragmentation of Dalit and Mahadalit votes like the 2020 polls. It remains to be seen if the BJP’s intricate social engineering pays off. Himanshu Mishra Courtesy : India Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/indiatoday.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
“Faith cannot be fenced by caste”: Madras HC allows temple chariot to pass through Dalit neighbourhood
The Madras High Court has ordered that temple chariot of Muthu Kolakki Amman Temple be allowed to pass through a Dalit neighbourhood, observing that “faith cannot be fenced by caste or creed,” while hearing a plea by a Dalit man seeking permission to pass through the Dalit colony for his community to enter the Temple and participate in its rituals amid opposition from upper-caste residents,” the Live law reported. “Faith cannot be fenced by caste or creed and divinity cannot be confined by human prejudice. God does not reside in certain streets alone. No street is unworthy of the chariot or the god it carries. God never discriminates. So discrimination cannot be wrapped in the sanctity of tradition,” Justice PB Balaji remarked. The court was hearing a petition filed by a man belonging to the Scheduled Caste community, directed authorities to allow the Muthu Kolakki Amman temple car to pass through the Dalit colony and ensure peaceful conduct of the procession. The petitioner had approached the court seeking directions to the Kancheepuram District Collector, Superintendent of Police, HR&CE Joint Commissioner, Tahsildar, and others to permit his community to enter the temple and participate in its rituals and car festival. He alleged that upper-caste residents had long resisted their participation, despite the temple being managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, and that representations to officials had gone unanswered. The court observed that through Article 17 of the Constitution, untouchability was abolished “not just in physical form but in true letter and spirit,” stressing that no one could dictate “who is entitled to stand before the deity and worship.” It further noted that all respondents had affirmed there was no bar on anyone entering the temple or participating in its festivals. The District Collector informed the court that a field inspection revealed no restriction preventing Scheduled Caste members from entering the temple or taking part in the car festival. Although private respondents opposed altering the traditional chariot route, citing decades of custom and possible complications, the Collector found that the requested extension was feasible without disrupting the festival’s historic character. Taking note of this report, the court directed the Collector to implement the proposed integrated route during both the trial and main processions, ensuring that the event proceeds smoothly with adequate police protection. Reiterating that “faith cannot be fenced by caste or creed,” the court held that “discrimination cannot be wrapped in the sanctity of tradition.” Many believe that despite constituting around 16.6% of India’s population, Dalits continue to face deep-rooted social stigma, exclusion, and violence. From being denied entry into temples to facing social boycotts and even brutal assaults for asserting their identity, caste-based discrimination remains pervasive. Earlier in 2024, Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvannamalai district, the village of Thenmudiyanur, became a site of struggle for Dalit dignity when upper-caste Hindus boycotted a temple after Dalits were granted entry. Courtesy : Maktoob Media Note: This news is originally published on https:/maktoobmedia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Mahagathbandhan fighting Mahatma’s battle’: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra targets PM Modi; calls for ‘change’ in Bihar
NEW DELHI: Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday said the opposition Mahagathbandhan alliance, of which her party is a part, is fighting the same battle in Bihar today that Mahatma Gandhi fought during India’s freedom struggle. Addressing an election rally in Kadwa, Katihar district, ahead of the second and final phase of polling on November 11, she likened the Congress and Mahagathbandhan’s campaign to a fight for citizens’ rights and democracy. “The battle that the Congress Party and the Mahagathbandhan are fighting today is the same battle that Mahatma Gandhi fought back then. Even today, we are fighting for your rights, for the truth, against an empire — and that is the empire of Narendra Modi. Today, he is running this country in the same way, by suppressing people,” the Wayanad MP remarked. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also accused the BJP of attempting to “weaken” the Constitution and “undermine” the democratic process. “The rights Mahatma Gandhi fought for are at risk. One of the most essential rights is the right to vote. The BJP has tried its best to weaken the Constitution — they have even started stealing votes,” she alleged. Her comments come amid ongoing opposition claims of electoral manipulation. Her brother and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has addressed three press conferences since August — including one on Wednesday, the eve of the first phase of voting — alleging that the Election Commission and the ruling BJP “colluded” to “steal” votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and state polls before and after. Both the BJP and the Election Commission have dismissed the accusations. The first phase of polling in Bihar covered 121 assembly constituencies, while the second phase will be held across the remaining 122 seats on November 11. Counting of votes for all 243 constituencies will take place on November 14. 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 calls for district-level action, to target all households before 2028
Bhopal: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is on a two-day visit to Pachmarhi where he held an in-depth session with state party seniors and then held a marathon meeting with newly appointed district presidents. Rahul Gandhi arrived by a special plane from Delhi on Saturday afternoon and then headed for Pachmarhi in a chopper. Just before boarding the special flight to Bhopal, Rahul Gandhi took to X and posted a video of children eating their mid-day meal on fragments on newspapers and not plates. “I am going to Madhya Pradesh today,”@RahulGandhi wrote. “And ever since I saw this news that children are being served mid-day meals on newspapers, my heart has broken.” Reacting to this tweet, the state BJP said that it is an old video, and action was taken after the news surfaced. “The self-help group responsible for this was blacklisted,” the state BJP tweeted. Upon reaching Pachmarhi, Rahul Gandhi addressed senior state party leaders on decentralisation of the state unit – how to make the district offices strong and take district-based decisions there. Sources said that Rahul Gandhi instructed that strengthening of district units will enable the party to reach the villages. The target is to reach every household before the 2028 assembly elections. In a state where the party has been out of power since Dec 2003, except for the 15-month Kamal Nath govt, the Congress wants to return to power through the districts. The party so far has been unable to match the organisational strength of the ruling BJP. On June 3, Rahul Gandhi launched the Sangathan Srajan Abhiyan in the state with the goal of strengthening the organisation at the districts to panchayat levels. These newly elected district presidents were appointed under that campaign – some of whom are popular faces like Jaivardhan Singh, son of former chief minister Digvijaya Singh, former ministers Omkar Singh Markam, Priyavrat Singh and former NSUI state chief Vipin Wankhede. Those present in the hour-long senior leaders’ meeting included former chief minister Digvijaya Singh, former LoPs Ajay Singh and Dr Govind Singh, PCC chief Jitu Patwari, LoP Umang Singhar, Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha, former Union ministers Kantilal Bhuria, Arun Yadav and others. However, former chief minister Kamal Nath could not come to Pachmarhi because of medical reasons. After the meeting, leaders who spoke to reporters emphasised that Rahul Gandhi wants action and hard work in the field. Former LoP Ajay Singh refused to divulge the instructions given to the party top-brass, but said, “If anybody does not work, whether at the district or state level, the person will now be held accountable. Inactivity means that the person will be changed.” This was confirmed by former minister and party veteran Govind Singh, “Work review will be done. And inactivity means that you can be removed.” Later, he addressed the 72 organisational district presidents who were seated on the floor of a metal roofed hall with Rahul Gandhi walking in the centre and speaking to them. Family members including children of the district presidents were invited to Pachmarhi to have dinner with Rahul Gandhi. Rahul halted the night in Pachmarhi. He is scheduled to hold a small meeting with Congress leaders on Sunday morning before leaving around 10:30 am for the campaign in Bihar. 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
Bihar polls: AP minister Lokesh steps onto national stage, urges voters to support NDA
Vijayawada: By participating in the Bihar election campaign, the TDP national general secretary and minister for ITEC&HRD, Nara Lokesh, not only made his presence felt at the national level but also hinted at the leadership transition in the party. In the recent past, Lokesh made several whirlwind tours to the national capital, Mumbai, and also abroad, a trademark working style of his father and chief minister, N Chandrababu Naidu. Lokesh took on the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, who has been levelling allegations of vote chori. “On one hand, he alleges vote chori, and on the other hand, he fights against SIR, which is meant to correct the mistakes in voter lists. He should stick to one thing as both cannot be possible at once,” Lokesh said, adding that the voter list is one thing which every political party monitors very closely. “I am quite surprised Rahul Gandhi realised the importance of the voter list now,” he said. Lokesh stressed the continuation of the govt and appealed to the people of Bihar to continue the NDA govt for the continuation of development. He said that in Andhra Pradesh, people voted for change once but paid a heavy price. Now, they have voted for NDA again with a 94% strike rate. He said that a double engine sarkar will help the state to grow at a faster rate. The TDP national general secretary further said that while NDA is talking about empowering people by promoting one entrepreneur in every house, the opposition is promoting dependence by promising one govt job in every house, which is an impossible task. He appealed to the people of Bihar to choose wisely between the political parties. Before leaving for Patna, Lokesh participated in a meeting in Kalyandurg marking the 538th birth anniversary of Bhakta Kanakadasa and unveiled a statue of the saint. Lokesh said the TDP has been a party for the Backward Classes since its formation and that BCs have stood by the party throughout. He said the govt is committed to the empowerment of BC communities and announced that Kanakadasa Jayanthi would be celebrated as a state festival. He said Kanakadasa’s life and teachings continue to guide society. 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
Mathura News: Powerful people encroach upon Dalit’s land
Nauhjheel. A Scheduled Caste farmer from the village of Managarhi in the town has written to the Prime Minister, accusing powerful people of encroaching upon his land. The victim alleges that despite complaints to the District Magistrate and the Public Hearing Portal, his grievances are still unheard. Farmer Satpal, a resident of Managarhi village, wrote in his letter to the Prime Minister that the previous government had allotted approximately six bighas of land to his elders because they were a landless family. Currently, Jogendra and Premchand, who are disabled since birth, are co-owners of the land. However, named powerful people from the village have encroached upon approximately one and a half bighas of his land. These powerful people constantly threaten him. Deputy Tehsildar Rakesh Upadhyay stated that the matter is under consideration. Saturday has already been scheduled for the repossession. Courtesy: Hindi News
Madhya Pradesh: Court issues major decision in Dalit forced urine case, accused to remain behind bars
A major decision has been reached in the Bhind Dalit case. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has rejected the bail plea of the accused. A Dalit youth was beaten and forced to drink urine in Surpura, Bhind district. Police arrested three accused and took action under the SC-ST Act. Madhya Pradesh Bhind Peshab Kand News: A major court decision has been reached in the highly publicized case of a Dalit youth being forced to drink urine in Bhind district, Madhya Pradesh. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has rejected the bail plea of the accused. Now, the accused will remain behind bars. A Dalit youth was beaten in the Surpura area of Bhind district. It is alleged that he was then forced to drink urine. The Bhind District Court had already rejected the bail plea in this case. Now, the Gwalior bench of the High Court has also denied bail. Senior advocate Anil Mishra represented the accused, Alok Sharma. It should be noted that on October 20, 2025, Gyan Singh Jatav, a Dalit, was beaten and forced to drink urine in Bhind district. Acting swiftly in response to the harassment, Bhind police registered a case under various sections of the SC/ST Act, including assault, kidnapping, and the SC/ST Act, and arrested the accused, Sonu Barua, Alok Sharma, and Chhotu. The entire story of the Dalit youth being forced to drink urine in Bhind is that Gyan Singh is a driver by profession. He claims that on October 18, Sonu Barua, a villager, asked him to work as a driver on his vehicle. In a media interview, Gyan Singh stated that these individuals were criminal in nature, so he refused to drive their vehicle. They then abducted him from his home at gunpoint, assaulted him, and forced him to drink urine. A major decision has been reached in the Bhind Dalit case. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has rejected the accused’s bail plea. The incident of a Dalit youth being beaten and forced to drink urine occurred in Surpura, Bhind district. Police arrested three accused and took action under the SC-ST Act. Reported by: Dev Shrimali, Edited by: Vishwanath Saini Courtesy: Hindi News