Grand Alliance to contest polls after naming CM face: Tejashwi
Patna: RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Saturday said the Grand Alliance would not contest the forthcoming state assembly polls without declaring a chief ministerial candidate. A section of leaders in ally Congress remains hesitant to endorse him as the CM face. “Are we the BJP that we do not have leaders for the post of the chief minister? We will contest the assembly elections only after projecting a leader as the chief ministerial face,” Tejashwi told reporters in response to questions about the Grand Alliance’s leadership in Bihar. On Saturday, Tejashwi returned to Patna after covering 11 districts during his ‘Bihar Adhikar Yatra,’ launched from Jehanabad on Sept 16 to highlight unemployment, rising crime and other issues ahead of the assembly elections. The yatra concluded in Vaishali district. His solo campaign came soon after the high-profile ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra,’ which featured all Mahagathbandhan leaders and was led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Although Tejashwi participated, the spotlight largely fell on Rahul, who has been spearheading a national campaign against alleged vote theft and accusing the Election Commission of favouring the BJP. The RJD clarified that Tejashwi’s yatra was designed to cover only those districts not included in the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra.’ Yet, its timing, amid ongoing debate over the opposition’s CM face and unresolved seat-sharing talks, has fuelled speculation about whether Tejashwi has additional political objectives in mind. Recently, at a rally in Muzaffarpur, he startled many by saying, “And this time, Tejashwi will contest all 243 seats, whether it is Muzaffarpur, Kanti or Bochahan.” Observers interpreted the remarks as an attempt to underline his authority as the opposition alliance’s undisputed leader. Later, he clarified there was “no confusion” regarding the CM face and that the name would be announced at the “right time.” Tejashwi’s insistence on an early declaration stems from the RJD’s strength within the alliance. In the last assembly polls, it secured 75 seats, the highest tally and one more than the BJP. However, the Congress has so far refused to formally back him as the CM candidate. During the ‘Voter Adhikaar Yatra,’ Rahul Gandhi sidestepped direct questions on the matter, merely emphasising the “good understanding” among partners. This, despite Tejashwi previously declaring that Rahul would become PM once the opposition secured victory in the next Lok Sabha elections. 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
Cong launches signature campaign against ‘vote stealing’
Udupi: Congress MLC Ivan D’Souza said that the ‘Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod’ campaign launched by opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi has evoked a huge response from the people. He told reporters that a signature campaign to support the initiative will be launched in Udupi district. He said 100 signatures will be collected from each of the 1,111 booths in Udupi district, with a target to achieve 1,11,100 signatures during the campaign. The campaign, which has already commenced, will continue for 15 days, he said, criticising the BJP. “The BJP came to power by stealing votes. The main aim of this campaign is to send a strong message to draw the attention of the Election Commission. People will be given an opportunity to express their anger,” he said. Despite Rahul Gandhi producing evidence to substantiate his claims, no measures were taken to check the election malpractice, he alleged. He alleged that the stealing of votes takes place continuously. People should participate in the campaign to ensure that the central govt and Election Commission respond and investigate the matter. “The govt not accepting criticisms and suggestions of the people is a threat to democracy. Those who were elected and secured power through election malpractices should be sent out of power,” he added. Udupi District Congress Committee president Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, former minister K Jayaprakash Hegde, and former MLA Gopal Poojary were present. 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
Mau: Dalit girl raped on pretext of marriage, accused who threatened her absconds
Mau: A case of rape of a Dalit girl on the pretext of marriage has come to light in the Doharighat police station area of Mau district, Uttar Pradesh. The victim alleges that a young man from the same village had been having physical relations with her for the past three to four years, promising to marry her. According to the woman, when she pressured the accused to marry her, he began to evade the proposal. Furthermore, when the victim reached the accused’s home, he used casteist slurs and threatened to kill her. Station in-charge Rajkumar Singh stated that based on the victim’s complaint, a case has been registered against the accused under sections of rape, intimidation, and the SC/ST Act. Police teams are searching for the accused, and an arrest is expected soon. Noida: Police in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, arrested three cyber criminals on Thursday for defrauding a retired officer from the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry of ₹1.7 crore (17 million rupees) by digitally arresting him for three days. Meanwhile, the Cyber Crime Branch of the police has frozen Rs 17,48,000 of the fraud amount. Edited By Ramkesh, Courtesy: Hindi News
Rajasthan News: Dalit youth beaten to death in Kuchaman, sparking widespread anger and tension
Rajasthan News: A heartbreaking incident unfolded on Wednesday night in the Kuchaman City area of Nagaur district, Rajasthan. Ashok Meghwal (25), a Dalit youth returning from work, was attacked by miscreants on the road. It is alleged that a youth named Rakesh Amla stopped him and brutally beat him with slippers. He then called his friends and attacked him with sticks. The accused also filmed the entire incident, in which Ashok is seen sitting on the ground while the attackers continue to beat him. Condition deteriorated while being taken to the hospital After suffering serious injuries, Ashok’s family rushed him to the government hospital in Kuchaman late Thursday night. As his condition worsened, doctors referred him to JLN Hospital in Ajmer. Ashok succumbed to his injuries there. Family protests over the body As soon as news of Ashok’s death spread, family and villagers became enraged. The villagers began protesting, placing the body there to make it clear that they would not conduct the post-mortem or cremation until all the accused were arrested. The family warned the police administration that the culprits must be arrested immediately and the case investigated impartially. Police Action and Situation According to sources, the Makrana police have detained Rakesh, the main accused seen in the video. The search for the remaining accused is ongoing. A tense atmosphere prevails in the area, as a result of which the police and administration are constantly on the scene and trying to pacify the villagers. Anger in the Dalit Community, Demand for Investigation Ashok’s death has angered the Dalit community. Sanjeev Khinchi, Vice President of the Akhil Meghvansh Meghwal Mahasabha, stated that the post-mortem and cremation will not be conducted until a high-level and impartial investigation is conducted. The organization has warned that if the culprits are not severely punished, the agitation will be intensified. Courtesy: Hindi News
Faridabad News: Transgender community participates in Swachhata Hi Seva program
Faridabad. Under Seva Pakhwada-2025, the Zila Parishad organized a special Swachhata Pakhwada program. The primary objective of this program was to raise awareness about the importance of cleanliness in the community and to take concrete steps towards environmental protection. The active presence of transgender self-help groups and the transgender community not only enhanced the program’s prestige but also sent a powerful message of unity, inclusion, and cooperation in society. The program began by highlighting the importance of the Swachhata Abhiyan. Speakers emphasized that cleanliness is not just an individual habit, but a collective responsibility. A clean and healthy environment is difficult to imagine unless every segment of society actively participates. The presence of children, youth, women, senior citizens, as well as the transgender community, on this occasion conveyed the message that the Swachhata Abhiyan is for everyone, and everyone has an equal role to play. Courtesy: Hindi News
Karnataka MLA Yatnal booked for remarks against Dalit women
Dalit activist Mallikarjun Pujar filed a complaint, following which the police registered an FIR under sections relating to derogatory comments against women and promoting enmity. Karnataka MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal has been booked by the local police over his statement that Dalit women must refrain from offering floral tributes to Goddess Chamundeshwari, stating that only women of the “Sanatan religion” are allowed to do that. Yatnal had made the remarks on Monday at Koppal; however, the video emerged on Wednesday, September 17, and has since been widely shared across social media platforms. “Those who offer floral tributes to Mother Chamundi should be from the Sanatan religion. Even ordinary Dalit women are not allowed to do so,” Yatnal is heard saying in the video. He also condemned Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah’s decision to allow Booker Prize winner Banu Mustaq to inaugurate Dasara festivities in Mysuru this year. He was booked under the provisions of the SC/ST Act for derogatory remarks against women and incitement of enmity, reported Makoob Media. Dalit activist Mallikarjun Pujar filed a complaint, following which the police registered an FIR under sections relating to derogatory comments against women and promoting enmity. Following a row over the comments, Yatnal, who was previously expelled from the BJP in March, has called the video doctored and politically motivated, meant to mislead people. Karnataka Information Technology Minister Priyank Kharge, a Dalit leader, denounced Yatnal’s derogatory statement. Accusing the BJP leaders of staying silent in a post on X, he stated, “What greatness do you seek in Hinduism when you paint a religious colour in the social system and look down on a particular class of people? Do you exclude Dalits when you say we are all Hindus, we are all one? Why are the BJP leaders, who were vocal when Shri Siddaramaiah said that there is inequality in Hinduism, silent?” Police are yet to make arrests as the investigation is underway. Edited by Syeda Faiza Kirmani Courtesy : The Siasat Daily Note: This news is originally published on https:/thesiasatdaily.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
SP, BSP gear up for 2027 UP polls, eye non-Yadav OBC and Dalit voters
The outreach strategy of the SP, in particular, is to focus towards non-Yadav OBC communities, especially those that have distanced themselves from the BJP in 2024 or where the saffron party’s grip has loosened in recent years. ith more than a year and a half to go before the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have begun early preparations to consolidate their voter base. Both parties are targeting non-Yadav OBCs and Dalit communities, aiming to replicate and build upon their performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The outreach strategy of the SP, in particular, is to focus towards non-Yadav OBC communities, especially those that have distanced themselves from the BJP in 2024 or where the saffron party’s grip has loosened in recent years. A senior SP leader and former MP confirmed that the party held a key meeting this week with OBC office-bearers from the Saini, Kushwaha, and Shakya communities. These representatives have been tasked with organizing PDA Chaupals (outreach meetings) to bolster support for the party. The meeting was attended by a legislator from the Saini community in western UP, a Kushwaha MP from eastern UP, and a Shakya MP from western UP. Following the success of these grassroots initiatives, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav is expected to address dedicated rallies for these communities in the coming months. According to insiders, communities such as Gujjars, Kushwahas, and Pasis have increasingly shown signs of drifting away from the BJP since the 2022 Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Notable examples include Pallavi Patel’s victory from Sirathu (Kaushambi) on an SP ticket, Babu Singh Kushwaha’s win as SP MP from Jaunpur, and Awadhesh Prasad’s election from Faizabad (Ayodhya). Beyond its traditional Yadav voter base, the SP’s electoral strategy now includes outreach programme to woo other OBC castes as well as Dalit castes like Jatavs and Pasis. Buoyed by its PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) coalition, which helped the party win 38 Lok Sabha seats, SP leaders believe the time is ripe to expand their influence among marginalized communities, particularly amid BSP’s declining electoral fortunes. Meanwhile, in view of its recent electoral setbacks, the BSP has also started preparing for the battle ahead. The party is particularly concerned about SP’s outreach to Dalits and its growing proximity with Congress, a trend evident in the Lok Sabha polls and expected to continue in 2027. BSP supremo Mayawati is scheduled to address a major rally of block-level workers in Lucknow on October 9, commemorating the death anniversary of party founder Kanshi Ram. A BSP source told ‘ The Statesman’ that Mayawati has decided to reorganize workers with a sharp focus on consolidating Dalit votes. Interestingly, she may also consider re-inducting leaders who had left the party earlier, with attention on figures like Swami Prasad Maurya, once her close aide. To ensure the success of the October 9 rally, BSP has arranged at least one bus per four Assembly constituencies, while party workers are tasked with organizing transport to bring supporters to the venue. 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
Amid issues in Congress district unit, Rahul and Sonia Gandhi arrive in Wayanad
Kozhikode: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi arrived in Wayanad for a two-day visit on Friday. While KPCC leadership described it as a private visit, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, who accompanied the Gandhis from New Delhi, attended a district leadership meeting during the day in a bid to reportedly sort out the issues plaguing the party’s district unit. The DCC leadership meeting, convened on Venugopal’s direction, assumed significance as the Wayanad unit of Congress has been facing factionalism and controversy, particularly in connection with the deaths by suicide of former DCC treasurer N M Vijayan and his son in Dec 2024, followed by the suicide of Jose Nelledam, a grama panchayat member in Mullankolly on Sept 12 this year, and the suicide attempt by Vijayan’s daughter-in-law Padmaja Vijesh last week. The developments had even cast a shadow over Priyanka Gandhi’s week-long tour of the constituency, with CPM questioning why she did not visit Nelledam’s family. At the DCC leadership meeting, which was attended by block level leaders, Venugopal issued a stern warning to district leaders to end infighting and resolve issues immediately. He said the party would closely monitor developments in Wayanad and take strict action against those who fuel disputes. “The incidents in Wayanad were unfortunate. The party will ensure that such situations do not recur. Anyone responsible for creating problems will not be recognized, and the leadership will take the matter seriously,” Venugopal said. According to party sources, a change in the party’s district leadership would likely see N D Appachan replaced as DCC president. Meanwhile, KPCC president Sunny Joseph said that Irikkur MLA Sajeev Joseph and KPCC general secretary Jameela Alipatta have been assigned to hold discussions and resolve the issues in Mullankolly. Both have been directed to complete necessary discussions within two days and submit recommendations for a solution, after which appropriate organizational steps will be taken. He said the party would address the financial liabilities of Vijayan and the Sultan Bathery Urban Bank. Rahul and Sonia Gandhi landed at Calicut International Airport at 10am and reached Wayanad by helicopter. Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, who has been in the constituency since Sept 11, received them at the Padinjarathara helipad. They later moved to a resort near Banasura Islands. Sonia and Priyanka Gandhi visited Regional Coffee Research Station, where they met coffee farmers and officials. They also visited MS Swaminathan Research Foundation’s (MSSRF) Community Agrobiodiversity Centre (CAbC) at Puthurvayal. They interacted with foundation chairperson Soumya Swaminathan over video conferencing. Meanwhile, Priyanka raked up the vote theft issue in a video message. “I urge all of you to join our vote chori (vote theft) signature campaign. Just as every vote counts, every signature counts. Every one of you standing up for democracy, standing up for the constitutional values counts,” she 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
The false lure of sheep herding: Two tribal children from Rajasthan were trapped in a trap of advance money, with the plan to take them abroad and force them into forced labor!
On the initiative of Gayatri Seva Sansthan, a total of five children were freed from bonded labor this month. Shepherds were forcing young children from tribal areas to work. Udaipur/Salumbar – The case of child labor involving tribal children under the false lure of sheep herding has once again come to light. In Salumber district, Rajasthan, two innocent children were rescued from the clutches of shepherds who were being forced to graze sheep in bondage for advance money. Acting on information from the local voluntary organization, Gayatri Seva Sansthan, the police took major action against child labor and human trafficking, filing a case against two accused. The rescued children have been placed in a safe place under the supervision of the Child Welfare Committee. In a major action against child labor and human trafficking in Salumber district, two tribal children were rescued from the clutches of shepherds through the ingenuity of the local voluntary organization, Gayatri Seva Sansthan. A case was registered against two individuals under the Jawar Mines police station on Thursday. It is noteworthy that a few years ago, upon receiving a similar complaint, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Government of India, and the Rajasthan Child Commission, Government of Rajasthan, took it seriously and formed an investigation team to take action. Various organizations associated with Rebari, Raika, and shepherds were also appealed to identify those who employ child labor. Since then, such incidents have not been seen or heard of. In this direction, the then Chairman of the National Child Commission, Government of India, Priyank Kanoongo, and Rajasthan Child Commission member, Dr. Shailendra Pandya, also interacted with over 2,000 representatives of this community in the Bali Panchayat Samiti of Pali in the state. Payal Kenaria, Salumber District Coordinator of Gayatri Seva Sansthan, reported that Ravi Joshi, a conscious citizen of the society, had called the helpline. It was reported that three groups of shepherds were herding sheep on the Udaipur-Salumbar road, being attended to by two young children. The children were in critical condition, with their parents unaccompanied. Considering the seriousness of the information, the organization immediately informed Yashoda Paniya, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, Udaipur, and the Jawar Mines Police Station. Investigation revealed that the children belonged to the Bhil community in the tribal region of Sirohi district, who were forced into bonded labor by paying them advance payments. Acting on the organization’s report, the police filed a case against Jaiparam Gadaria and Asaram Gadaria under serious sections of various laws. The accused are accused of luring children to work by promising them money and food, and then planning to take them out of the state for forced labor. The children rescued from the scene were handed over to the Child Welfare Committee, Udaipur, where they were sheltered. On this occasion, child rights expert and former member of the Rajasthan Child Commission, Dr. Shailendra Pandya, stated that the police have registered a case against the accused under sections 75, 79 of the Juvenile Justice Act, sections 16, 17, and 18 of the Bonded Labor Abolition Act, 1976, and various sections of the Indian Penal Code and have initiated an investigation. Previous cases of child labor by shepherds were reported in Banswara, Dungarpur, Udaipur, and Pali districts. Prominent members of society are strongly against child labor, but some individuals are still actively exploiting children’s childhood for greed. Strict action against them and better rehabilitation of the children is absolutely necessary. Amit Rao of the organization stated that the Gayatri Seva Sansthan is continuously working to eradicate social evils like child labor, child marriage, and human trafficking. A few days ago, the organization also freed three children from Pratapgarh district in a similar case. So far, a total of five children have been freed from bonded labor this month. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Priyanka Gandhi ventured into the dense forests of Wayanad at the call of tribals, revealing shocking facts.
Priyanka met with the Cholanayakan community in the dense forests of Karulai, discussed their demands with officials, and also reviewed development projects such as roads and railways. Malappuram, Kerala: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra continued her campaign to connect with people at the grassroots level in her parliamentary constituency, Wayanad. On Wednesday, she took a long walk through the dense forests of Karulai in Kerala’s Malappuram district and met with the Cholanayakan tribal community, which is on the verge of extinction. During the visit, she listened attentively to the community’s concerns and assured them of all possible support. Priyanka Gandhi has been touring her Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency since September 11. According to a party release, her forest visit came at the request of C. Vinod, a member of the tribal community. Vinod, who is pursuing a PhD in tribal economics, had informed Priyanka about the serious problems facing his community during the election campaign. During her visit to the forest, Vinod also briefed her on the conditions and challenges there. After meeting with the people in the tribal settlement, the Congress MP brought some of their representatives to the Forest Department’s inspection bungalow. There, she held a detailed meeting with Forest Department officials and community representatives regarding the community’s key demands, such as housing and a bridge. She also met with social activists working for the development of the tribal community. During her busy tour, Priyanka Gandhi visited the famous Nilambur Teak Depot after meeting the Cholanayakan community. She inspected the entire depot premises and eagerly inquired about the activities of the museum located there. Earlier in the day, Priyanka also reviewed the infrastructure development in the area. She visited the Nilambur Railway Station and reviewed the ongoing development work there. According to the release, she also held important discussions on the Vaniyambalam Railway Flyover, the renovation of Nilambur Station, and other railway-related needs in the area. Priyanka Gandhi shared a video on the social media platform ‘X’, detailing her visit to the construction site of the proposed Padinjarathara-Poozhithodu road in Kottiyambayal, Wayanad district. In her post, she wrote, “Visited the proposed Padinjarathara-Poozhithodu road site in Kottiyambayal along with the District Collector, District Forest Officer, and Executive Engineers of the Public Works Department (PWD). This new road will make a huge difference by providing an alternative route to the Thamarassery Ghat Road, improving connectivity in Wayanad district.” Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News