Dalit youth dies during treatment: Violence over old rivalry in Ujramau village, special team formed
Shyamveer Pratap Singh alias Sonu (approximately 35 years old), a Dalit youth injured in an alleged assault over an old rivalry in Ujramau village, Rajepur police station area, died while undergoing treatment at Hallet Hospital in Kanpur. The village is mourning and outraged following the youth’s death. Given the seriousness of the case, the police have formed a special team to arrest the accused. According to a police complaint, the incident occurred on the night of June 18, 2026. Shyamveer Pratap Singh was at the home of Badal, a resident of the village, where he worked. It is alleged that Saurabh, a resident of the village, arrived there with two or three of his friends. An altercation ensued between them over an old rivalry. Family members allege that Shyamveer was assaulted with casteist slurs, leaving him seriously injured. The injured Shyamveer was initially taken to the Community Health Center in Rajepur. After first aid, he was referred to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. As his condition worsened, he was sent to Hallet Hospital in Kanpur, where he was treated for several days. He died at around 4 a.m. on June 25th. Kanpur police prepared an inquest report and conducted a post-mortem examination. Shyamveer was the third of four brothers. His untimely death has brought a great deal of grief to his family. The family is inconsolable, and there is widespread anger in the village. Rajepur police are investigating the case based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s brother, Uday Pratap Singh. Following the young man’s death, the investigation will be based on the post-mortem report, medical evidence, and other available facts. Rajepur Police Station in-charge Nagendra Singh stated that the incident has been taken seriously. A special police team has been formed to arrest the accused, and raids are being conducted at their possible hideouts. Shailendra Kumar | Rajepur (Farrukhabad), Farrukhabad Courtesy: Hindi News
AP: Human Rights organisation demands inquiry into custodial death of Dalit woman
A fact-finding team of HRF and IFTU has demanded an independent probe, alleging that police tortured Mala Gangamma to coerce a confession over her suspected role in her son’s disappearance. Human rights organisation Human Rights Forum (HRF) and the Indian Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU) have demanded an independent judicial inquiry into the death of 40-year-old Dalit woman Mala Gangamma in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, alleging that she died due to custodial torture by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the disappearance of her son, Veerendra. According to the organisations, Gangamma was allegedly tortured to force a confession over her suspected role in her son’s mysterious disappearance. In a joint statement, HRF and IFTU said a three-member fact-finding team comprising HRF state vice-president UG Srinivasulu, HRF Kurnool district president K Urukundappa and IFTU district representative Narasanna visited Badinehal village, met Gangamma’s family members and local residents, and interacted with Kowthalam police before arriving at its findings. Veerendra went missing in November 2024. Gangamma later approached the Andhra Pradesh High Court, which directed the constitution of a Special Investigation Team headed by then Guntur Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) K Supraja to investigate the case. According to the organisations, the SIT concluded that Gangamma had conspired with her partner, Malla Durgayya, to murder Veerendra, who had allegedly opposed their relationship. HRF and IFTU alleged that the SIT subjected Gangamma and Durgayya to severe custodial torture to force them to disclose the location where Veerendra’s body had been buried. Gangamma died on May 31. They claimed Gangamma died as a result of the alleged torture, while Durgayya is undergoing treatment at Kurnool Government Hospital. The organisations questioned the manner in which the investigation was conducted, alleging that the SIT relied on coercive methods. They also raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding Gangamma’s death, including her transfer to KIMS Hospital in Kurnool, the conduct of the post-mortem examination, and whether all injuries on her body were properly documented. HRF and IFTU further questioned the haste with which Gangamma’s funeral was conducted. According to them, her body was buried in her native village of Badinehal on June 1 in the presence of 20 to 30 police personnel. The organisations also disputed the police’s claim that Durgayya’s injuries were caused by a motorcycle accident, alleging that his relatives were denied access to him while he was hospitalised. While maintaining that those responsible for Veerendra’s murder should face prosecution if found guilty through due process, HRF and IFTU said custodial torture and violations of legal procedure could not be justified under any circumstances. The organisations have demanded an independent judicial or other impartial inquiry into the incident, a fresh post-mortem examination of Gangamma’s body, and the registration of criminal cases including murder charges and relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against police personnel found responsible. Courtesy : TNM Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewsminute.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit Organisations Demand Suspension of ACP Reena Suvarna,Warn of Intensified Protests
Various Dalit organisations on Friday demanded the immediate suspension of ACP Reena Suvarna,alleging serious irregularities,abuse of power and corrupt practices during her tenure. The organisations warned that they would intensify their ‘Tamate’protest if the government failed to act on their demands. Addressing a press conference,the representatives alleged that the ACP had sided with alleged rowdy elements and improperly handled cases registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. They claimed she extended protection to certain individuals in return for favours, allowing illegal activities, real estate dealings and other unlawful operations to continue within her jurisdiction. The organisations further alleged that her handling of a child murder case was aimed at weakening the investigation to benefit the accused. They claimed that even some junior police officials had expressed concerns over her decisions during the probe. The protestors criticised the police department for allegedly suspending junior officials instead of taking action against the ACP. They alleged that she continued to receive protection due to her links with senior officials and political figures. The organisations claimed to possess documentary evidence supporting their allegations and said the material would soon be submitted to the State Home Minister,seeking appropriate legal and departmental action. Warning of a larger agitation,the organisations said they would intensify their protests if the government failed to suspend the ACP and order an impartial inquiry into the allegations. The allegations have been made by the protesting organisations.There has been no official response from ACP Reena Suvarna or the police department at the time of publication. Sources said there are many complaints against this officer and if RTI is filed against her reply comes from the same officer against whom the RTI is filed by replying that information cannot be provided matter is under investigation a letter signed with the same officers attestation we request karnataka CM and Home Minister to order a high level probe into those complaints against this officer the activists demands. Martin Meenacherry Courtesy : Country and Politics Note: This news is originally published on https:/countryandpolitics.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Barabanki News: BJP prepares for Dalit damage control, eyes 25% vote
Barabanki. After losing the Barabanki seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party has signaled through a new organizational reshuffle that the Dalits in Barabanki, especially the Rawat (Pasi) community, will be the focus of its strategy for the 2027 Assembly elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. The appointment of former MP Upendra Singh Rawat as State General Secretary and former MP Priyanka Singh Rawat as State Vice President is being used as a basis for damage control. The BJP is not viewing its defeat as a simple electoral defeat, but rather as a weakening of its Dalit social base. These changes are being considered not just a distribution of positions, but a precursor to the 2027 Assembly elections and a precursor to the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. The Barabanki Lok Sabha seat is reserved for Scheduled Castes, and there are approximately 24 to 26 percent Dalit voters. They are in a position to determine the electoral outcome. Approximately 12 percent of these voters are Pasi (Rawat), whose party’s inclination increases the likelihood of victory. This is why Dalit leadership has always been central to electoral strategy in this constituency. The BJP won this seat twice in a row in 2014 and 2019, but circumstances changed in 2024. The party initially expressed confidence in Upendra Singh Rawat, but after an alleged controversial video surfaced during the election, the party had to change its ticket at the last minute and field District Panchayat President Rajrani Rawat. The BJP had hoped to retain the seat by relying on the popularity of the organization, the government, and the Prime Minister, but Tanuj Punia, the Congress-Samajwadi Party alliance candidate, won. Political analysts believe that the resentment of Dalit voters, especially a section of the Rawat community, and the confusion created by the ticket change harmed the BJP. Now, the BJP has attempted to send multiple messages simultaneously by giving Upendra Singh Rawat and Priyanka Singh Rawat, both former MPs, significant responsibilities in the state organization. Winning the trust of Dalit voters is a challenge. The BJP faces not only the challenge of winning back the seat, but also the challenge of regaining the trust of Dalit voters. Meanwhile, Congress MP Tanuj Punia is now working to strengthen his political hold in the region. He poses a significant challenge to the BJP. Courtesy: Hindi News
Eyeing Dalit outreach, Cong appoints Rajendra Pal Gautam AICC in charge for UP
Lucknow: Weeks after his futile bid to meet BSP chief Mayawati, Congress SC department chief, Rajendra Pal Gautam, was on Friday appointed the All-India Congress Committee in charge for UP. The order was issued by party general secretary KC Venugopal. Gautam replaces Avinash Pande, who took the role in Dec 2023. The appointment is being viewed as part of the grand old party’s attempt to sharpen its outreach among Dalits and other socially disadvantaged communities. A lawyer by profession, Gautam first came to prominence as an Ambedkarite activist before joining the Aam Aadmi Party in 2014. He was elected twice from Delhi’s Seemapuri Assembly constituency and served as a cabinet minister in the Arvind Kejriwal govt. In 2022, he resigned from the Delhi Cabinet following a controversy over his participation in a Buddhist conversion event. Gautam then joined the Congress and was appointed chairman of the AICC’s Scheduled Caste Department in 2025. He became a known name in UP’s political canvas in May last month when he knocked on the door of BSP President Mayawati’s residence, located at a stone’s throw distance from the UP Congress party office. But the Dalit neta refused to give an audience and left him embarrassed. A showcause notice was also issued to him thereafter. Thereafter, he picked up Dalit and Pasi leaders, academia and persons significant in the community and took them for a meeting with Rahul Gandhi. His elevation now places him at the centre of the Congress’s efforts to consolidate the non-Jatav Dalits who are crucial to the electoral caste matrix. However, some old-timers aren’t too pleased with Gautam’s elevation, calling it too fast. Stating that “Gautam’s audacity has paid him off well,” party workers said “the entire spectacle now appears to be a scripted venture to position him in UP before the 2027 state elections.” Speaking to TOI, Gautam said: “I am grateful to the party leadership for giving me this responsibility. I will work with dedication along with people from all walks of life to strengthen the organisation in Uttar Pradesh.” Outlining his priorities, Gautam said the Congress would work to bring together “people from all walks of life who have suffered under BJP govts”. Accusing the BJP of pursuing “bulldozer politics,” he alleged that its “short-sighted policies” and “ignorance of the challenges faced by common people” alienated large sections of 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
‘Rahul Gandhi or Arvind Kejriwal?’ Kiren Rijiju’s ‘more apologies’ dig after Cong MP regrets remarks on Shivraj Chouhan’s son
NEW DELHI: Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday drew a parallel between Rahul Gandhi and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal after the Congress MP expressed “regret” before the Madhya Pradesh high court over his remarks on Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s son, Kartikey Singh Chouhan. In a post on X, Rijiju questioned the frequency with which the two opposition leaders have expressed regret or apologised after facing legal action over their remarks. “Who has tendered more apologies after levelling false allegations–Rahul Gandhi ji or Arvind Kejriwal ji?” Rijiju posted. Kartikeya Singh Chouhan filed a defamation case before an MP-MLA court in Bhopal, alleging that Rahul Gandhi tarnished his reputation by mentioning his name in relation to the Panama Papers scandal during a 2018 election rally in Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh. The speech was delivered ahead of the 2018 Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, when Shivraj Singh Chouhan was serving as the state’s chief minister. The MP-MLA court subsequently summoned Rahul Gandhi to appear in person, prompting the Congress leader to challenge the order before the Madhya Pradesh high court. After hearing the matter, the high court reserved its order. Counsel for Kartikey Chouhan, advocate Sankalp Kochar, told ANI, “The MP-MLA court in Bhopal issued summons to Rahul Gandhi in the defamation case filed by Kartikey Chouhan. Prima facie, the court found that the matter was fit for cognisance and that an offence was made out.” “When the hearing was held yesterday, Rahul Gandhi submitted a written statement expressing his regret. He stated that the remarks he made in 2018 were made under a misunderstanding and were based on incorrect facts. He reiterated that regret. Based on this, the court asked us to submit our written reply. In that written reply, we stated that since he himself is expressing regret and admitting his mistake of making that statement incorrectly and by mistake, we accepted his regret and expressed our intention to close the case. The court has now preserved the order in regard to the case,” Kochar added. Rijiju’s remarks come against the backdrop of previous instances in which both Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal have apologised or expressed regret in legal proceedings. In 2019, Gandhi tendered an unconditional apology before the Supreme Court over his remarks on its judgment in the Rafale fighter jet deal case. Kejriwal, meanwhile, apologised to BJP leaders Arun Jaitley and Nitin Gadkari in separate defamation cases over corruption allegations. 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
‘Aren’t you ashamed to call us terrorists’: CJP’s Dipke slams Pradhan; appears before MeitY over blocking of X account
The Cockroach Janta Party founder’s remarks came a day after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan described the outfit as the “B-team of terrorists”. As the Cockroach Janta Party( CJP) protest entered its fifth day at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, its founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that the government officials refuse to disclose the order behind the blocking of the group’s social media accounts, citing confidentiality. Dipke appeared before a Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) committee reviewing the withholding of the group’s X account. He claimed officials did not provide any explanation for the action. Questioning the government’s stance on confidentiality, Dipke said, “Everything is confidential; you should have kept the NEET paper confidential as well. Why did that leak? These suicides would not have happened.” Alleging an attempt to silence the group, he said officials told them their social media accounts were being followed by users in Pakistan. His remarks came a day after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan described the outfit as the “B-team of terrorists”. Responding to the charge, Dipke said, “Are we asking for votes? We are asking for justice. We are taxpayers, our parents are taxpayers, and you call us terrorists. Are you not ashamed?” He further slammed the government’s use of the term, saying, “You called farmers and doctors terrorists. Who is left?” Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dipke said, “PM cannot take a resignation and claims to have stopped the Russia-Ukraine war. Can he stop paper leaks?” Holding the education minister accountable for the fallout from alleged examination irregularities, he said, “Who is responsible for the suicides? It is Dharmendra Pradhan.” Asked about Congress leader Jairam Ramesh’s remark that established political parties would ultimately have to take forward issues raised by the CJP, Dipke said, “Political parties can do what they want. We are not here for votes, nor are we here for a political rally. We are here to demand justice.” Dipke reiterated that the group remains open to talks with the government, provided Pradhan resigns, but claimed no outreach had been made so far. “They are calling us terrorists instead,” he quipped. The protest, led by Dipke, seeks Pradhan’s resignation over alleged irregularities in examinations and the NEET paper-leak controversy. He has refused to leave the protest site. The CJP gained traction on social media following its launch on May 16 amid a controversy over remarks attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, which were widely interpreted as comparing unemployed youth to “cockroaches”. The group’s original X account was withheld in India on May 21. It later returned to the platform through a new handle, ‘Cockroach is Back’. 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
‘Did PM spare a thought?’: Rahul Gandhi on Modi’s birthday wish to Dharmendra Pradhan, cites NEET-linked student deaths
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday message for Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan by asking whether the prime minister had “spared a thought” for aspirants whose deaths by suicide were linked to the NEET-UG paper leak. “Each name on this list was a child with a dream, a family, a future — all destroyed by a broken system and a government that refuses to learn or take accountability. Remember these students. Every one of them,” the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha wrote on X while responding to a post by fellow Congress leader Pawan Khera, who shared the names of 14 such aspirants. “When PM Modi praised Dharmendra Pradhan ji on his birthday, did he even spare a thought for these children?” Rahul Gandhi added. The Rae Bareli MP has repeatedly targeted the Centre over the NEET-UG paper leak and related issues. His remarks came after PM Modi wished Pradhan on his 57th birthday, praising his “commendable efforts” in implementing the National Education Policy. “Birthday wishes to Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji. He is making commendable efforts towards the implementation of the National Education Policy, which seeks to make India a hub for knowledge, learning and innovation. Praying for his long and healthy life,” Modi wrote on X. Student groups and opposition parties have been demanding Pradhan’s resignation, or that he be removed from the Union Cabinet, over the NEET-UG paper leak fiasco. Over 22 lakh students appeared for the medical entrance examination on May 3. However, the exam was cancelled on May 12. The NEET-UG re-exam was held on June 21. 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
Lucknow: Caste hierarchies & contract labour exploitation among sanitation workers
Sanitation accused their supervisor of coercion, wage manipulation and caste-based abuse, alleging that workers are being pressured to surrender a recently approved ₹2,000 wage increase while being denied entitled leave. The allegations reflect the broader vulnerabilities faced by sanitation workers in Uttar Pradesh, which has recorded the highest number of sewer and septic tank deaths in India since 2017 Sanitation workers in Lucknow’s Ward 66 or Chinhat II have been protesting against their area supervisor, Avinash Rajput, alleging coercion, wage manipulation, and caste-based abuse. Under a recent directive, workers employed by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) are entitled to an additional ₹2000 in wages and four days of leave each month. However, several workers claim that Rajput has been pressuring them to hand over the additional amount while simultaneously denying them their entitled leave. According to data presented in Lok Sabha during March, at least 622 sanitation workers died in sewers and septic tank incidents across India since 2017 with Uttar Pradesh recording the highest fatalities at 86. This highlights the structural risks and vulnerabilities faced by sanitation workers. At a press conference organised by the Dalit Adivasi Shakti Adhikar Manch (DASAM) in New Delhi in May 2026, they revealed that at least 36 sanitation workers died while cleaning sewers, septic tanks, drains and sewage chambers between March and May 2026. Referring to the data presented in Parliament, DASAM said that out of the 622 deaths, 317 occurred between 2021 and 2025. Most of the workers belonged to Valmiki communities, other historically marginalised caste groups, or migrant labour background. [1] Most sanitation workers in Ward 66 belong to the Balmiki caste, historically associated with sanitation labour and among the most marginalised Dalit communities. Many of these workers live in clustered settlements and are employed, directly or indirectly, by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC), reflecting the enduring link between caste and sanitation work. Workers further allege that Rajput used casteist slurs for the workers, even threatening termination for non-compliance. Such allegations also raise questions under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, which criminalises caste-based abuse and intimidation. Altogether, these accusations point to potential violations of legal protections against caste-based discrimination. Despite these allegations, the supervisor continues to remain in his position, raising questions about accountability and enforcement of existing laws. While sanitation workers employed by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) are issued formal joining letters outlining the terms and conditions to their employment, access to these documents is not always guaranteed. A 25-year-old worker, who wished to remain anonymous, said he has been working with the LMC for nearly a year, yet his joining letter has been withheld. He alleges that requests for the document have been met with derogatory remarks about his caste and class, along with threats of termination. “What are we supposed to show when we get into an accident?” questioned one of the workers. The workers expressed their dissatisfaction by gathering on June 10, 2026 to protest and demand their additional Rs. 2000 and four days of holidays, while giving the authorities 3 days to act. They allege that authorities at Lucknow Swachhata Abhiyan (LSA) had stated they will be firing Avinash, but they are yet to hear back, despite three days already having passed by. The allegations against Rajput, however, are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern within the sanitation system in Lucknow. One where accountability is inconsistent and often remains unchecked. “The mayor, Sushma Kharakwa, had already fired him once. We are not sure why he came back,” said another worker. While ward 66 is struggling to call out the corruption and discrimination, workers say that such situations are far from unique. Across all wards, Sweepers working with LMC are expected to also clean the sewers or pick up animal carcasses if asked. Many of these workers, often in their 20s, say they are required to descend up to five feet into sewers to carry out manual cleaning. For deeper drains, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) deploys mechanised equipment, though workers allege this is not always consistently implemented. Cost considerations often shape these decisions, with workers revealing that bringing in machinery to clean the sewer becomes expensive. The cost adds up with fuel, travel and hiring operators. This is where private contractors come in with the hopes of saving money that would otherwise be spent on the machinery. “thekedaars allegedly take Rs. 5000-6000 and give their workers 500-600. A government employed sanitation worker would get around Rs. 1000.” While law is framed to safeguard Scheduled castes, sanitation workers in Lucknow are still fighting for lawful existence. On June 6, 2026 Lalaram, a 28-year-old sanitation worker went into a manhole with only a rope as instructed by his supervisor on scene, Akash Kumar. He soon lost consciousness and was rushed to a hospital, his supervisor. Initially being taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS), Akash diverted him to a private hospital. Lalaram died before receiving medical care and Akash Kumar fled the scene. The ward’s corporator is Arun Rai, a representative of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). When contacted, he refused to be interviewed on the topic. The incident drew responses from city authorities. Mayor Sushma Kharakwa and Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Kumar announced action against the contractor, including blacklisting the firm and initiating an FIR. Financial assistance was also promised to the family. Workers remain sceptical, questioning whether meaningful change will follow. Many say that the response to the incident has been driven largely by media attention and local political support, which may ensure compensation for the family. However, the larger concern around the safety of sanitation workers continues to persist. “Usually, the supervisors of these private contractors run away after such incidents, and then nothing ends up happening,” said one of the workers. With Lucknow ranking the third cleanest city in 2024-2025. The irony remains, with regular derogatory comments and a clear spatial hostility moving fluidly between the private and government employees for sanitation
Congress to build another round of ‘Constitution khatre mein hai’ narrative to take on BJP?
The Opposition successfully leveraged a narrative that the BJP intended to amend the Constitution, which resonated strongly with Dalit voters and significantly impacted the 2024 Lok Sabha election results. It is now being repurposed by the Congress for the upcoming 2027 assembly elections There is one narrative that worked widely for the Opposition during the Lok Sabha elections, and it is something almost every Opposition politician points to. It was how the Opposition pushed the argument that the BJP would demolish the Constitution if it came to power with a special majority. This reportedly alarmed Dalits, who moved towards the anti-BJP formation. The biggest impact of it was seen in Uttar Pradesh, where the Congress-SP alliance unexpectedly won 43 of the state’s 80 seats, reducing the BJP to a number 33 short of a 273 majority in the Lok Sabha. Dalits constitute around 18 per cent of India’s population, and the Congress has been trying to weave together a combination of Dalits, minorities and OBCs. Now, the latest revival of this narrative comes in view of the next round of assembly elections scheduled for 2027, with Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Gujarat and Manipur up for grabs. Following the BJP’s aggressive posturing of breaking leaders from other parties like the TMC and Shiv Sena (UBT) and stitching these legislators into the NDA fold, the Congress has brought such activities to the fore, portraying them as part of a pursuit of a supermajority that could eventually be used to alter the Constitution. In an interview with PTI, Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh said, “The single cause for this is the humiliation that the self-styled Chanakya of Indian politics suffered on the 17th of April in the Lok Sabha. He promised the prime minister that he would get the three delimitation bills passed. He could not muster more than 298 votes in the Lok Sabha.” “I think he decided to take revenge on that day for the humiliation he had been forced to suffer, and now he is busy with the ‘todh-phod ki rajniti’. He broke the TMC, he is breaking the Shiv Sena, all in his search for a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha — you are seeing the truth of our 2024 campaign. They were asking for ‘400 paar’ so that they can amend the Constitution to finish off the reservation,” the Congress general secretary in-charge of communications said. “That was the whole logic of ‘400 paar’, and now you are seeing why he is splitting all these parties. He is splitting up parties in his search for a two-thirds majority to amend the Constitution,” Ramesh claimed. According to political analysts, this narrative may have traction in Uttar Pradesh, as the state has around 21 per cent Dalit population, many of whom in 2024 broke away from different parties and voted for the anti-BJP formation of the SP and Congress. The Congress hopes the same could transpire again in the upcoming assembly elections. The Congress is also focusing on Muslims and Dalits in Uttar Pradesh, for which the party is considering appointing a Dalit state unit president. There have been discussions that the party may replace the current state unit president with a Dalit leader. Since the CongressSP combine would be able to attract Yadav and Muslim voters (traditional voters of the two parties contesting together), who together constitute around 33 per cent of the electorate in the state. If they can also gain the support of 21 per cent Dalits in Uttar Pradesh, especially as the decline of Mayawati has left a void in Dalit leadership, the alliance would be looking at a comfortable win. Badar Bashir Courtesy : The Week Note: This news is originally published on https:/theweek.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights