‘Women have equal rights in our country’: Rahul Gandhi slams PM Modi over Taliban presser; oppn flags empty Nari Shakti slogans
NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi on Saturday led a wave of opposition outrage after women journalists were barred from a Taliban press conference in New Delhi. Taking direct aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress MP addressed PM Modi and said, “you are telling every woman in India that you are too weak to stand up for them.” The remark came as several opposition leaders condemned the government for allowing such an event, calling it a shameful affront to women’s rights and democratic values. Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, voiced his disappointment over the incident and criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, writing on X, “Mr. Modi, when you allow the exclusion of women journalists from a public forum, you are telling every woman in India that you are too weak to stand up for them.” He added, “In our country, women have the right to equal participation in every space. Your silence in the face of such discrimination exposes the emptiness of your slogans on Nari Shakti.” — RahulGandhi (@RahulGandhi) BJP hits back at Rahul BJP responded sharply to Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the Taliban press conference, denying the allegations and linking him to Pakistan, while calling Congress the “best friend of Pakistan.” BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said, “Yet again Rahul Gandhi is batting for Pakistan by spreading fake news!” He also fact-checked Rahul on X, noting, “Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 Article 22 declares embassy land as ‘inviolable’ and belonging to the embassy.” — pradip103 (@pradip103) Oppn slams Centre It was not just Rahul Gandhi, but several other opposition leaders also targeted PM and Centre. Lok Sabha member Priyanka Gandhi also addressed the issue, asking the prime minister to clarify the government’s position. She wrote on X, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, please clarify your position on the removal of female journalists from the press conference of the representative of the Taliban on his visit to India.” — priyankagandhi (@priyankagandhi) Priyanka added, “If your recognition of women’s rights isn’t just convenient posturing from one election to the other, then how has this insult to some of India’s most competent women been allowed in our country, a country whose women are its backbone and its pride.” Former home minister P Chidambaram expressed shock over the exclusion, writing, “I am shocked that women journalists were excluded from the press conference addressed by Mr Amir Khan Muttaqi of Afghanistan. In my personal view, the men journalists should have walked out when they found that their women colleagues were excluded (or not invited).” — PChidambaram_IN (@PChidambaram_IN) TMC MP Mahua Moitra also targeted the Modi-led government, saying, “The government has dishonoured every single Indian woman by allowing Taliban minister to exclude women journalists from presser. Shameful bunch of spineless hypocrites.” — MahuaMoitra (@MahuaMoitra) She added in another post on X, “How dare our government allow Taliban foreign minister Amir Muttaqi to exclude women journalists & hold a ‘male-only’ news conference on Indian soil with full protocol? How dare EAM Jaishankar agree to this? & why did our emasculated spineless male journos remain in room?” — MahuaMoitra (@MahuaMoitra) Taliban presser in New Delhi The press conference was held at the Afghanistan embassy hours after Taliban FM talks with external affairs minister S Jaishankar, where women journalists were barred from entry. The forum was only opened to a few male journalists, reflecting the Taliban’s ongoing record of gender discrimination. Sources say the decision on journalist invitations was made by Taliban officials accompanying Muttaqi. The Taliban government in Kabul has faced sustained global condemnation, including from the United Nations, for its restrictions on women’s rights, education, and participation in public life. Amid backlash, the ministry of external affairs clarified to ANI that India had “no involvement” in the press interaction held by Muttaqi. When asked about the condition of women in Afghanistan, Muttaqi sidestepped the question, saying, “Every country has its own customs, laws and principles, and there should be respect for them.” He claimed Afghanistan’s situation had improved since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, contrasting current conditions with previous years. “Some 200 to 400 people died in Afghanistan every day before Taliban started ruling the country,” 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
A man disguised himself as Anil and raped a tribal woman, then said, “I will marry you if you change your religion.”
Amir, posing as Anil, raped a tribal woman and pressured her to convert. A young man from Deoband was arrested. Dhar, Madhya Pradesh: A very serious case has come to light in Dhar district. A man from Deoband, Uttar Pradesh, has been accused of befriending a tribal woman by concealing his true identity, raping her, and then pressuring her to convert. Based on the complaint, police registered a case late Thursday night and arrested the accused. What is the whole matter? According to Amjhera police station in-charge Raju Makwana, the 26-year-old victim is married and has two children. She worked with her husband in a construction company in Surat. There, she met a young man named Anil, with whom she developed a love affair. When the woman’s husband learned of the relationship, he left her at her parents’ home in Padampura village, near Dasai in Dhar district. Subsequently, Anil, with the woman’s consent, picked her up in Padampura and took her to Kanwan. There, they stayed at a dharamshala, where the accused allegedly raped her on Wednesday and Thursday. How the Truth Was Revealed In her statement to the police, the woman revealed that Anil revealed his true name to her around 4 p.m. on Thursday. He said his real name was not Anil, but Aamir Sheikh, and that he was from Deoband, Uttar Pradesh. Aamir told the woman that since her husband had abandoned her, she should convert to Islam so that he could marry her. Police Action Upon learning of the accused’s true identity and intentions, the woman immediately informed the police. A police team arrived at the scene and detained both Aamir Sheikh and the woman. After recording the woman’s statement, she was handed over to her parents. A case was registered against the accused, Aamir Sheikh, under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Religious Freedom Act, 2021. He was produced in court on Friday and sent to jail. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Police dismiss constable over Dalit woman’s death
Gadwal: Followingthe death of a Dalit woman named Priyanaka, police constable Raghu Nath Goud was remanded and suspended from police duty in connection with the incident. According to police reports, Goud, a resident of Chinnoni Palli village in Gattu mandal, exploited Priyanka under the pretext of love and failed to marry her. Following Priyanka’s death by suicide, District SP T Srinivasa Rao has confirmed that Raghu Nath Goud will be permanently dismissed from his post as a police constable, ensuring that no one will be shielded by their position. A case has been registered and investigation is underway. The SP reiterated that strict legal action will be taken against all those responsible, sending a strong message that justice will be served. The young woman belonging to the Dalit community from Khammam district reportedly took her own life after being allegedly deceived in a relationship by the constable. According to reports, Priyanka had been in a romantic relationship with Raghu for several years. She had approached him with the intention of marriage, but the constable allegedly refused. Following repeated emotional distress, Priyanka had approached Gadwal police two months ago, resulting in the filing of a cheating case against the constable. Raghu was reportedly jailed and was recently released. Since then, Priyanka had been staying at the constable’s residence. On Friday, distraught over his continued refusal to marry, Priyanka allegedly consumed insecticide. She was admitted to Gadwal Government Hospital for treatment but succumbed to her injuries on Saturday morning after returning to her village. Meanwhile, on Saturday, Telangana Mal Mahanadu state leaders condemned the incident, demanding justice for Priyanka. Courtesy : The Hans India Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Odisha Cabinet approves 10-hour shifts; allows night shifts for women
The overtime work limit has been increased from 115 hours to 144 hours every financial quarter. The Odisha government on Monday (September 29, 2025) increased the daily working hours to 10 hours, subject to a 48-hour weekly cap. It also allowed women in private establishments to work night shifts subject to their written consent. The Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, approved an amendment to the Factories Act, 1948, aimed at promoting industrial investment and creating more employment opportunities. “The State government has extended the total number of hours of work without an interval to six hours and increased the spread over up to 12 hours inclusive of intervals for rest,” read the official statement. “Where a worker works for more than the prescribed hours, they would be entitled to wages at the rate of twice their ordinary rate of wages for overtime work,” it added. Moreover, the overtime work limit has been increased from 115 hours to 144 hours every financial quarter. “Women can be employed in all factories for all types of work. They may also be employed before 6 a.m. and beyond 7 p.m. with their written consent,” the government said. These reforms are expected to attract new investments, enable factories to meet peak demand and increase productivity, the government said. Development of model schools In another significant decision, the Cabinet approved the development of model schools under the Godabarisha Adarsha Vidyalaya (GAV) scheme at the gram panchayat level, with a focus on inclusive and quality education. Aligning with the objectives of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, the GAV scheme aims to ensure equal access to education and holistic development of the student community. “This initiative is in line with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 and the NIPUN Odisha scheme, and places a special focus on enhancing foundational literacy and numeracy skills to empower children socially and educationally,” the statement added. In the first phase, spanning three years (2025-26 to 2027-28), a total of 2,200 model schools will be constructed with an estimated outlay of ₹12,000 crore. Satyasundar Barik 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
Priyanka promises respect & social justice for women
Patna/Motihari: Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday urged the women of Bihar not to be swayed by the incentives being offered by the NDA govt in the state. She accused the BJP-led coalition of being “interested only in your votes,” while asserting that the Congress aimed to provide women with “respect.” Addressing a ‘Mahila Samvad’ at Sadaquat Ashram, the Congress state headquarters, Priyanka encouraged women to discern the “true intentions” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and CM Nitish Kumar, suggesting they “deserved to be taught a lesson” in the upcoming assembly elections.Referring to the transfer on Friday of Rs 7,500 crore among 75 lakh women beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana (MMRY), she said, “Now that elections are near, Rs 10,000 is being offered by the govt. But, take note, they are not promising that the dole will continue every month.” She added, “Women have the capacity to sense people’s true intentions (neeyat). They make use of this faculty while looking for a match for their daughters. You must, similarly, realise the true intentions of Modi, Shah, and Nitish.” Priyanka criticised the timing of the financial offers, claiming it revealed a focus solely on securing votes. “They cannot understand your need for respect. They will not address your need for safety. I think crimes against women must have risen ten-fold in the last 10 years,” she alleged. Outlining her party’s commitments, she said, “Our party wants to give women the respect that is their due. We have promised lands to the landless families. We propose that such parcels of land be registered in the name of a woman member.” She added, “My brother Rahul Gandhi has been fighting for social justice, an essential component of which is the uplift of women. In the elections, you must discern who is really interested in your welfare and who is just after your votes.” Highlighting the medical insurance scheme introduced in Rajasthan, she promised to replicate it in Bihar if the INDIA bloc came to power. “We promise to bring similar benefits in Bihar,” she said. Later, addressing a rally at Motihari, Priyanka praised Rahul Gandhi as a “real patriot” for his 4,000-km Bharat Jodo Yatra to connect with the people. She accused the NDA of focusing only on winning elections at any cost, saying they exploited caste and religious divides and resorted to “vote theft.” 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
Huge win for Riley Gaines as court rules in her favor against transgender athletes in women’s sports
Riley Gaines, the former collegiate swimmer and outspoken conservative activist, has scored a major legal victory in her ongoing fight to prevent biological men from competing in women’s sports. A federal judge in Atlanta ruled Thursday that the Title IX claims against the NCAA can move forward, marking a critical milestone for Gaines and a group of 19 current and former female athletes. The lawsuit challenges NCAA policies that allowed transgender athletes to compete in women’s competitions, including the high-profile 2022 NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships. Riley Gaines leads high-profile legal battle Riley Gaines has emerged as a prominent voice in the debate over transgender participation in women’s sports. The lawsuit she leads initially included Georgia officials and the Georgia Tech Athletic Association, but the court has since dismissed them, leaving the NCAA as the primary defendant. The case now focuses solely on whether the NCAA, which receives federal funding, can be held accountable under Title IX for policies that allowed biological males to compete against women. — icons_women (@icons_women) The controversy began at the 2022 Championships, where Lia Thomas, a biological male, competed in women’s events and used women’s locker rooms and facilities. Gaines described the experience to Fox News, saying, “[Thomas] was full naked and, of course, full intact inches away from where we, 18-, 19-, 20-year-old girls, were fully undressed.” Her attorney, Bill Bock of the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS), praised the court’s decision, stating, “Judge Johnson’s ruling is a significant step forward for Plaintiffs in this lawsuit. We will now move on to the discovery phase and look forward to proving that the NCAA is fully accountable under Title IX.” What this means for women’s sports The ruling is being seen as a landmark moment in the ongoing national debate over fairness in women’s athletics. The NCAA maintains that its policies align with federal directives, noting that it continues to invest in women’s sports and promote Title IX compliance. Meanwhile, Gaines’ case shines a spotlight on questions of competitive equity, safety, and privacy in women’s sports at all levels. As the lawsuit progresses, Gaines remains the de facto spokesperson for female athletes challenging the status quo, and the coming months will be critical in determining the legal and cultural direction of transgender participation in college 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
Dalit women in India fight caste discrimination with farming
In rural Tamil Nadu, an initiative of Dalit women are turning wasteland into not just crops, but a movement against social exclusion in India. In Tamil Nadu’s Pallur village, a stunning change is underway. A group of Dalit women—historically marginalized and landless—are transforming barren land into thriving farms. Led by community organizer Shakila Kalaiselvan, these women are not just cultivating crops, but also challenging deep-rooted caste and gender discrimination. Their initiative began with courage and sisterhood, as Shakila went door to door rallying support for a shared dream of self-reliance. Breaking Ground: Dalit Women Reclaim Land and Dignity Turning unused land into productive farms was no easy feat. For women who typically survive on daily wages, waiting months for a harvest was extremely challenging. Yet, they persisted. Today, eighty women work in teams, sharing labor and resources. Their success has brought more than food—it’s brought change in many areas. As Burnad Fathima Natesan, a Dalit women’s rights activist, explains, these women no longer endure abuse while working on dominant-caste farms. Now, they grow mangoes in their own gardens, reclaiming both dignity and independence. Sowing Seeds of Social Change The movement is about more than farming. It’s about building a sustainable village with equal access to water, education, and healthcare—services long denied to Dalit communities. Shakila Kalaiselvan points out the stark inequality: essential services are located in dominant-caste areas, leaving Dalit communities with nothing. These women aim to dismantle the structures that exclude them. As they gain financial freedom and assets, they are also experiencing less domestic violence and greater respect. Their journey is a powerful example of how grassroots action can bring real transformation. Madhan Kumar U S Courtesy : DW Note: This news is originally published on https:/dw.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit women assaulted in Mainpuri: They were beaten by goons while watering their fields; disappointed at the police station, they went to the Chief Minister’s court.
A case of assault on Dalit women has come to light in the Kishani police station area of Mainpuri. Pooja Jatav of Kudra village went to water her fields at 11 a.m. on August 12th. Ramakant and his father, Ashok Shakya, of Samadpur village, stopped her from doing so. When she protested, the accused hurled casteist slurs at her and assaulted her. Pooja’s mother, Nirmala Devi, was also not spared. The accused threatened to kill her. They said they would shoot her if she crossed the road behind their house. The victim said the accused had an illegal pistol. The incident was reported to 112, but no action was taken. On August 13th, when Nirmala Devi went to water her fields again, the accused attacked her with a shovel. She narrowly escaped. Police Station Accused of Not Hearing When she filed a complaint at Kishani Police Station, the police officers stated that it was not a crime. They stated that FIRs are only filed for molestation, rape, and murder. The victim stated that if they are not heard here, they will go to the Captain. Regarding this, the female police officer took the victim to SHO Lalit Mati and said, “These people are saying that if they are not heard at the police station, they will go to the Captain.” Upon hearing this, the SHO declared that only the Captain will hear their case; nothing will happen at the police station. He took the complaint with him and let the victim out of the station. This can be confirmed by CCTV camera footage installed at the police station. The victim filed an online IGRs complaint against the police and the accused. She was summoned to the CO’s office in Bhogaon to record her statement. The statement was recorded, but no action was taken. When no action was taken, she went to the Chief Minister’s Janta Darbar, where officials investigated and assured action. Ashish Kumar 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
Dalit Woman Gang-Raped in Odisha’s Puri Nation
Ex-CM Naveen Patnaik expresses shock, slams BJP govt’s failure on women’s safety. Bhubaneswar: A 20-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly gang-raped near the Maa Baliharachandi temple in Puri district, about 50 km from the state capital, after she and her male friend were filmed and blackmailed by a group of men. The incident, which took place on September 13, has sparked outrage across Odisha. According to police sources, the woman and her friend had visited the temple and later headed to a nearby beach, where they were followed by the accused. The men secretly filmed the couple and demanded extortion money, forcing them to transfer Rs 2,500 via mobile and pay Rs 1,000 in cash. When the duo refused to give more, the miscreants thrashed the man and then took turns to rape the woman in front of him. The couple was later abandoned in a nearby forest area. The survivor managed to narrate her ordeal to locals, who immediately informed the police. Three accused were taken into custody immediately while the main suspect, identified as Shiv Prasad Sahu, was arrested on Tuesday afternoon before fleeing to Andhra Pradesh. The police has seized the mobile phones used in the crime. Reacting strongly to the incident, BJD president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said he was “deeply shocked and anguished” to learn about the crime “It is heart-rending to witness such horrifying patterns of violence against women reported across Odisha,” Patnaik said, adding that the BJP-led state government had “miserably failed to create confidence in the system where our daughters feel safe, valued and heard.” He accused the ruling dispensation of making “theatrical displays of concern” while crimes against women continue unabated. Referring to similar incidents in Gopalpur, Balasore and Balanga, he said many victims and their families were still waiting for justice. “If such a crime happens near a popular tourist spot often thronged by visitors from across the world, it will not only devastate the survivor but also tarnish Odisha’s image nationally and internationally,” Patnaik warned. He urged the BJP government to take the “strongest possible action” to restore women’s faith in the justice system. Akshay Kumar Sahoo Courtesy : Deccan Chronicle Note: This news is originally published on https:/deccanchronicle.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights