Protests, flex wars and online battles mark Kerala Congress CM race
Supporters also marched from Martyrs’ Column to the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram carrying Satheesan’s placards. KOCHI: The delay by Congress in naming the next chief minister even four days after the UDF swept the Kerala assembly election has triggered an unprecedented show of strength by supporters of senior leaders V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala across the state. From Kozhikode to Thiruvananthapuram and Kottayam to Ernakulam, Congress workers have taken out rallies, erected giant boards and flooded social media demanding that their preferred leader be elevated to the top post. Large demonstrations backing Satheesan were organised at Muthalakulam, Koyilandy, Kuttiady and Vadakara in Kozhikode, where supporters installed towering cut-outs portraying him as ‘kingmaker’ and ‘Bahubali’. Similar marches were organised in Malappuram under the banner “Mathethara Keralam VD-ku Oppam”, while a rally titled “Secular Keralam with Satheesan” was held at Pampady. Supporters also marched from Martyrs’ Column to the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram carrying Satheesan’s placards. In some places, posters of Venugopal were reportedly torn down and replaced with Satheesan’s banners. Congress workers in Ernakulam and Kalamassery also witnessed flex-board rivalry. Meanwhile, the Congress leadership in Idukki cracked down on pro-Satheesan demonstrations. The DCC removed four office-bearers who led a march demanding Satheesan be made the CM. . Interestingly, while grassroots leaders, including booth and mandalam committee presidents, have openly joined rallies, most senior leaders have refrained from participation. Several seniors across factions are understood to be backing Venugopal internally, arguing that the CM should be selected through organisational consensus rather than public pressure. The battle has shifted online, too. Under a social media post by senior leader Rahul Gandhi thanking Kerala voters, Satheesan’s supporters urged the high command not to appoint Venugopal, arguing that choosing a sitting MP would trigger unnecessary by-elections. However, another Congress supporter countered online: “Any leader, no matter how big, who imagines that they can blackmail the party by sending fans and supporters to the streets, is mistaken. The party must take decisions within its own organisational framework and discipline.” Another widely shared post defending Venugopal questioned why so many MLAs continued to support him despite Satheesan’s strong media backing, arguing that party workers value leaders who quietly strengthen the organisation rather than build personality cults. Though relatively subdued, supporters of Chennithala too entered the online contest, circulating posters calling him the “People’s Chief Minister”, adding another layer to the Congress succession battle now spilling from party corridors onto Kerala’s streets and social media feeds. 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
‘BJP has built system to steal elections, but time will come when it will face public anger,’ says Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi alleged voter manipulation, institutional control and corruption by the BJP, claiming rising public anger will eventually challenge the ruling party. Rahul Gandhi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP, alleging that it has built a system to “steal” elections, while asserting that people have understood the situation and will respond with public anger. Addressing a gathering in Gurugram after participating in the ‘Sadbhav Yatra’ led by Haryana Congress leader Brijendra Singh, Gandhi accused the BJP of manipulating elections in Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Maharashtra, and also recently in West Bengal and Assam. “They delete lakhs of names and add lakhs of names. The ECI and bureaucracy are under their control,” he alleged, adding, “They think that their rule will not stop.” “But their time is going to come. People have understood that Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are selling the country. Airport, ports, infrastructure. Nicobar Island is being sold to Adani,” he said. Gandhi also raised concerns over the Indo-US trade deal, claiming it would hurt Indian farmers and small industries. “Our agri sector has been opened for US farmers who can now sell their produce in Indian markets,” he said. He further alleged that India would have to purchase goods from the US every year under the agreement, which he said would impact domestic industry. “And all your data, what you speak, messages you send, medical data, hospital data, all of that Modi has handed over to America. What did India get in this deal, nothing. Zero, we got nothing,” he said. Gandhi also brought up the Epstein files issue while accusing the government of compromising India’s interests under the trade deal. He intensified his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “Narendra Modi and (industrialist) Adani are one and the same.” “Though the company’s name is Adani, it should be renamed as ‘Modani’,” he said, adding, “The entire nation knows that the BJP’s financial system is Adani. US President Donald Trump also knows it…” He further alleged that Modi cannot act without approval from the US President and also claimed he was prevented from speaking in Parliament for four hours. “What was I attempting to speak about? I was about to speak about Epstein, Adani. But Narendra Modi simply got up and went out of Parliament,” he said. Before his speech, Gandhi walked about a kilometre with Brijendra Singh, Haryana Congress chief Rao Narender Singh and other leaders as part of the yatra. Leader of Opposition in Haryana Bhupinder Singh Hooda, senior leaders Randeep Singh Surjewala and B K Hariprasad were also present. “Take it in writing, Narendra Modi tick nahi payenga kyon ki janta mein itna gussa hai,” Gandhi said, adding, “No matter how many elections you have to steal you may do, but you will have to face the anger which is there in the people.” He said unemployment remains the biggest issue in Haryana and across the country, and claimed the Congress would defeat the BJP. “And then you would see what action we would take against Modi as they (BJP) have launched a direct assault on the country, democratic system and the Constitution drafted by B R Ambedkar,” he said, holding up a copy of the Constitution. “We will not forget it, come what may. This is an ideological battle. There are only two ideologies: one is of RSS’s hatred and division, and the other represented by the Congress party – of love and unity,” he added. Gandhi also said that no other party would be able to challenge the BJP and claimed that ultimately only the Congress would remain and defeat it. He referred to the Bharat Jodo Yatra, saying, “A few years ago, we undertook a journey from Kanyakumari to Kashmir’ a distance of 4,000 km. We walked from Kanyakumari all the way to Kashmir; millions of people walked alongside us, and we raised a slogan: ‘To open a shop of love in the marketplace of hate.’” “This slogan was not merely our slogan; it emerged from the crowd itself,” he said, adding that the country still needs this message today. He also praised Brijendra Singh for undertaking the Sadbhav Yatra, which began on October 5, 2025 from Danoda village in Narwana, Jind. The foot march has so far covered 85 of 90 Assembly constituencies in Haryana and over 2,700 km, according to organisers. The yatra aims to highlight issues including “vote chori”, unemployment, law and order concerns, agrarian distress, and issues faced by government employees, labourers and traders. It has been described as a continuation of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, with the slogan “Congress ka haath Bhaichara kay Saath.” Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said Gandhi has a special affection for Haryana and praised him for raising issues of farmers, labourers and women, adding that he had helped stop the BJP’s farm laws. 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
Rahul Gandhi, Congress top brass to attend Vijay’s swearing-in as Tamil Nadu CM
The development comes as Vijay appears set to assume office after securing crucial support from several political parties, including the Congress and its five MLAs, enabling TVK to cross the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly Senior Congress leaders, including Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony of TVK chief C Joseph Vijay as the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, according to Congress sources. The development comes as actor-turned-politician Vijay appears set to assume office after securing crucial support from several political parties, including the Congress and its five MLAs, enabling TVK to cross the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly, party leaders and sources said on Friday. The move follows Vijay’s meeting with Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan, where he formally staked claim to form the government after consolidating support from multiple parties in the wake of the fractured mandate delivered in the recently concluded Assembly elections. TVK leader and Tamil Nadu CM designate Joseph Vijay Vijay moves closer to forming Tamil Nadu government as Left parties extend support; VCK decision awaited TVK had emerged as the single-largest party with 108 seats, but remained short of the majority mark of 118 required to form the government on its own. The Congress later formally announced its support to TVK and Vijay in forming the next government in the state, effectively ending its alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in favour of backing the new political formation. Congress had contested the elections as part of the DMK-led alliance before extending support to TVK. With the backing of the Congress, the Communist Party of India, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Vijay’s party has crossed the majority threshold in the Assembly. The CPI, CPI(M) and VCK, which won two seats each, extended support to TVK, taking the alliance tally beyond the halfway mark along with the Congress’ five MLAs. In an official letter, the CPI(M) conveyed its support to TVK for the formation of the government in the state, while the CPI extended “conditional support” to the Vijay-led party in favour of “stable, secular and democratic governance for the people of Tamil Nadu.” 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
UoH student fined for assaulting Dalit student, ASA protests inadequate action
The Ambedkar Students’ Association is on strike against the University of Hyderabad administration, alleging institutional bias and inadequate action in a case of an alleged caste atrocity over a Dalit student, where a mere fine Rs 5,000 was imposed. Protests at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) entered their third day on Thursday, May 7, with students led by the Ambedkar Students’ Association (ASA) launching an indefinite relay hunger strike. The students are demanding the release of a fact-finding committee report into the alleged assault and casteist abuse of a Dalit student. According to the ASA, a Dalit student, Anuj Kumar, was allegedly assaulted and subjected to casteist slurs by fellow student Suryavardhan Singh Bablu following a personal dispute on December 11, 2025. After sustained student protests demanding official action, the university constituted a fact-finding committee. On May 4, Anuj was orally informed that the accused had been fined Rs 5,000, directed to issue a private apology through the Office of Anti-Discrimination, and barred from taking admission to any future course at UoH. Both students are second-year MA students. The ASA has strongly opposed the recommendations, calling them a “mockery of justice” and evidence of “institutional bias”. The student body argued that Dalit students had previously been fined ₹10,000 for minor infractions such as washing bikes near hostels, while an alleged caste assault had attracted only a ₹5,000 penalty. “The administration is effectively signalling that caste atrocities can be settled with a small fine,” the ASA said in a statement. “We demand justice and will not accept this cheap valuation of our lives and dignity.” Anuj Kumar, a second-year MA Sociology student, and his roommate Vinod were allegedly assaulted by Suryavardhan Singh Bablu, a second-year MA History student and former president of the All India Other Backward Castes Students’ Association (AIOBCSA). “He called me, ‘Dalit saale tum log naali ke keede hote ho. Tum jaison ko main apne ghutne ke niche rakhta hoon,’” Anuj told TNM. He alleged that the abuse took place in front of around seven people and that he was beaten with a thick wooden stick. The ASA had earlier protested over the issue in February and has continued to accuse the university administration of displaying “continued institutional bias” in handling the case. “After the protest, the administration addressed my complaint and formed a fact-finding committee,” Anuj said. According to him, the committee, headed by SC/ST liaison officers, submitted its report to the Vice Chancellor and Registrar, but the findings were never shared with him. Anuj alleged that despite assurances from university authorities that the matter would be resolved by April 30, he received no official communication until he emailed the Registrar on May 4. He said the Registrar directed him to meet P. Thukaram, a member of the Equal Opportunity Cell, who verbally informed him of the disciplinary action against the accused. The ASA criticised the administration for not releasing the fact-finding committee report or issuing the recommendations in writing. “They have not released the fact-finding committee report. They have only verbally communicated the recommendations of the anti-discrimination cell,” ASA president Dayanidhi told TNM. In a press release, the ASA described the recommendations as an “insult to the dignity of Dalits” that “exposes the deep-rooted Manuvadi mindset prevailing in the university”. The student body also pointed out that the university website routinely uploads details of disciplinary cases and recommendations, but claimed that Anuj’s case had not been uploaded or formally communicated. “I’m not satisfied with the verdict. I am the victim in this case,” Anuj said, adding that he wants the fact-finding report released so he can appeal the decision. “We want the university to acknowledge this as a caste atrocity. We also want the fact-finding committee report and recommendations to be made public,” Dayanidhi said. When TNM contacted university Registrar Devesh Nigam, he said the administration had acted in accordance with the committee’s recommendations. Written by:Syed Shahid Edited by:Azeefa Fathima 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
SC panel orders removal of encroachments on Dalit lands, graveyards
Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Scheduled Castes member Ravada Seetharam on Friday directed Revenue Department officials to clear encroachments on lands and graveyards belonging to Dalit communities in Cheepurupalli, Garividi, Rajam, Santakavti and other parts of Rajam constituency. He held a high-level meeting on Thursday in Rajam with Cheepurupalli Revenue Divisional Officer Sudha Rani and tahsildars of eight mandals of the district. He told the revenue officials that he had received 45 complaints from villagers of various places, and directed them to ensure justice to the petitioners after verification of the veracity in the complaints. Mr. Seetharam further directed the Rajam municipal authorities to allocate 22% works to societies belonging to the Scheduled Castes. He said that a consolidated report of the field visits and review meetings would be submitted to K. S. Jawahar, chairperson of the Commission for further follow up action on the subjects related to Scheduled Castes. The Hindu Bureau, K Srinivasa Rao 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
Tamil Nadu: A massive 67% increase in violence against Dalits, a huge gap between government claims and ground reality
A shocking 67% increase in crimes against Dalits in Tamil Nadu: NCRB and NCDHR reports expose the state’s claims of ‘social justice’. New Delhi: The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election results have created a major stir in the state’s politics. The DMK’s defeat and the TVK’s rapid rise have sparked numerous discussions. While anti-incumbency and political strategies are being blamed for this defeat, the ongoing violence against Dalits and the government’s lackadaisical response to it also point to a serious crisis. The DMK has long touted Tamil Nadu as a model of governance for social justice. However, data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and the National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR) tell a different story. A deeper analysis of these reports reveals a massive 67 percent increase in atrocities against Dalits and tribals in the state. It’s noteworthy that both the AIADMK and the DMK were in power during this period. According to the NCDHR report “Five Years of Caste-Based Atrocity,” Tamil Nadu saw a 67.9 percent increase in crimes against Dalits between 2019 and 2023, the highest in the country. Madhya Pradesh, with 55.3 percent and Odisha, with 42.9 percent, came in second and third. These figures demonstrate a wide gap between the language of social justice and the real lives of Dalits in the state. The NCRB 2023 data paints an even more alarming picture. Cases of murder of Dalits saw a 40.4 percent increase, from 52 in 2019 to 73 in 2023. Cases of grievous hurt have increased by 240 percent, while criminal intimidation cases have seen a staggering 584.8 percent jump. These figures prove that whenever Dalits raise their voices for their rights, the caste system attempts to suppress them through violence. Crimes against Dalit women and girls have also seen an alarming increase. The total number of rape cases increased from 97 in 2019 to 132 in 2023, a 36.1 percent increase. In particular, atrocities against Dalit girls have increased by 73.2 percent. These are not just individual crimes; rape is often used as a weapon of caste oppression. Attacks intended to outrage the dignity of women have also seen a 289.5 percent increase. The failure of the justice system is also exacerbating this situation. In 2023, the conviction rate for Dalit atrocity cases was only 12.2 percent, while the acquittal rate was high at 87.8 percent. The pendency rate is also 87.7 percent, primarily due to the lack of special courts. Tamil Nadu has only 20 special courts for speedy trials, which is woefully inadequate for the caseload. According to law, the State-Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee, chaired by the Chief Minister, must meet twice a year. However, these meetings have been ignored in Tamil Nadu since 2021. Only one meeting each was held in 2021, 2022, and 2023, while none was held in 2024. This reflects not an administrative lapse but the government’s priorities and attitude towards marginalized communities. Dalits are also being targeted in cases of violence in police custody. According to the 2021 Prison Statistics, 37 percent of those detained in the state were Dalits. Tamil Nadu alone accounts for 84.5 percent of India’s total Scheduled Caste prisoners. By 2023, this number was projected to rise to 42.2 percent, while Dalits constitute only around 20 percent of the state’s total population. The DMK’s electoral defeat is partly a result of growing discontent among Dalits over hollow slogans of social justice and the perceived insecurity of the state. On the other hand, the rise of the TVK is a result of cinematic influence and the search for an alternative among young people. However, celebrity culture or anti-incumbency alone cannot provide justice to marginalized communities. The TVK’s silence on issues like the recent honor killing of Dalit tech professional Kavin Selvaganesh has also raised questions. It will be important to see whether new political forces will engage in mere symbolic politics or work to ensure real protection and justice for victims by strictly enforcing the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
The Mooknayak Visual Story: NCRB data exposes the Tamil Nadu state government’s claims
There has been a massive 67% increase in atrocities against Dalits in Tamil Nadu. NCRB data exposes the state government’s claims. Learn the full ground reality. NCRB data reveals a major revelation on atrocities against Dalits in Tamil Nadu The DMK has long touted Tamil Nadu as a model of governance for social justice. However, data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and the National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR) tell a different story. A thorough analysis of these reports reveals a massive 67% increase in atrocities against Dalits and tribals in the state. It’s noteworthy that both the AIADMK and DMK have been in power during this period. According to the NCDHR report, “Five Years of Caste-Based Atrocity,” Tamil Nadu saw a 67.9 percent increase in crimes against Dalits between 2019 and 2023, the highest in the country. Madhya Pradesh, with 55.3 percent and Odisha, with 42.9 percent, came in second and third. These figures indicate a wide gap between the language of social justice and the real lives of Dalits in the state. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
A Dalit bride arrived at the Udaipur Collectorate on a horse, carrying a picture of Jyotiba Phule! Learn the full story.
People were stunned, as the Bhim Army announced, “Now, no Dalit daughter in Rajasthan will be dismounted…!” Udaipur – A unique and powerful demonstration was witnessed in the heart of Udaipur on Thursday. A newlywed woman sat on a horse, holding pictures of Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule. Hundreds of Bhim Army workers marched alongside her, chanting slogans. As the convoy moved forward, shouting, “Now, no Dalit daughter in Rajasthan will be dismounted,” traffic stopped, and people stood in awe. The entire atmosphere echoed with chants of “Jai Bhim.” This was the same bride, Pooja Meghwal, whose wedding procession was taking place a few days earlier, on the night of April 29th, in Hariav village, under the Dabok police station area. Meanwhile, about 15 villagers, including women, stopped the procession, hurling casteist slurs. The accused forcibly dismounted the bride from the horse, shut down the DJ, and attacked the wedding procession with stones, sticks, rods, and swords. Fifteen people were injured in the attack, and women’s mangalsutras were snatched. On Thursday, newlywed Pooja returned on horseback to seek justice from the authorities. She said, “I was insulted, my family was assaulted.” She becomes emotional as she speaks. Recalling that moment is a traumatic experience for her, as a wedding day is considered the happiest day in a young woman’s life, but on that very day, she and her family suffered humiliation. In protest against this humiliation and oppression, Pooja Meghwal herself rode a horseback to the District Collectorate with the Bhim Army. The rally, which began at the Town Hall, traveled through various routes to the district headquarters, where protesters submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister. Bhim Army State President Jitendra Hatwal said that the police administration should take strict action, not try to protect such criminals with a casteist mindset. The entire matter is clear and within the police administration’s knowledge: the bride was pulled off the horse, pelted with stones, and attacked with sticks and rods, resulting in numerous injuries. The administration should take strict action against such people with a casteist mindset, rather than trying to protect them. The emboldening of such casteist individuals in Rajasthan is growing, which is why such incidents are unstoppable throughout Rajasthan. Spokesperson Anil Panor warned, “If the government doesn’t take strict action against such criminals, the stone pelters of Rajasthan will be replaced by the stone pelters of Kashmir.” Bhim Army Vice President Roshan Meghwal stated that the organization demanded that only four people have been arrested, while all nine named accused should have been arrested immediately. They demanded the replacement of the investigating officer and the provision of security and compensation to the victim’s family. If their demands are not met, a Jaipur siege program will be organized soon. The rally, which began at Town Hall and traveled through various routes to the district headquarters, demanded the immediate arrest of the other perpetrators and strict action against them. A memorandum was submitted to the Chief Minister through the District Collector. Azad Samaj Party State Vice President Gopal Parmar, National Committee Member Satyawan Indsar, State Vice President Lala Meghwal, Bhim Army District President Kundan Khokawat, Dinesh Meghwal, Amrit Lal Yadav, Senior Vice President, State General Secretary Suresh Meghvanshi, social worker Ravi Meghwal, Roshan Meghwal, General Secretary Om Prakash Meghwal, Division Media Incharge Ravi Meghwal, Mewal President Shanti Lal Meghwal, Chetram Bairwa, Naresh Meghvanshi, and officials from across the Bahujan Samaj Party were present at the protest. The Bhim Army described the bride Pooja Meghwal’s participation in the protest on horseback as a “return of honor.” Activists say that the Manuwadis had dismounted her from the horse, so by remounting her, the Bhim Army has sent a message to all of Rajasthan that the disrespect of Dalit women will no longer be tolerated. This protest, which ended with chants of “Jai Bhim,” garnered considerable attention in the city of Udaipur. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Congress has no ideology, says Karnataka LoP Ashoka as party dumps DMK for Vijay’s TVK in TN
The Congress wasted no time in joining hands with TVK. TUMAKURU: Leader of Opposition R Ashoka has said that the true colour of the Congress has been revealed after it joined hands with Vijay’s TVK in Tamil Nadu, ditching its long-time ally, the DMK. “Now any party that wants to have an alliance with the Congress needs to rethink,” Ashoka said. The Congress has entered into an alliance with TVK, breaking its pre-poll alliance with the DMK. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Ashoka said, “The DMK lost the election. The Congress wasted no time in joining hands with TVK. The Congress has no ideology. Congress has broken the trust of DMK… that is why people do not trust the Congress.” Those in INDIA bloc and others who wish to join hands with the Congress now need to rethink, he said. “The Congress has backstabbed the DMK. After the betrayal, the DMK is now left alone,” the BJP leader said, adding that the Congress has now grabbed the “winning horse’s tail”. 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
Orissa HC seeks Utkal University’s response on Ombudsman appointment PIL
The petitioner highlighted the university’s alleged non-compliance with statutory requirements. CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has sought response from the registrar of Utkal University on a PIL seeking appointment of an Ombudsman at the institution, as mandated under the UGC regulations on student grievance redressal. The petition was filed by advocate and Bhubaneswar-based human rights activist Prabir Kumar Das. The matter came up for hearing on Wednesday. Appearing in person, Das presented his submissions, highlighting the university’s alleged non-compliance with statutory requirements. The two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice MS Raman issued notice to the registrar of Utkal University, seeking a response within two weeks in this connection. As per the petition, the UGC (Redressal of Grievances of Students) Regulations, 2021, mandates the constitution of a Students Grievances Redressal Committee (SGRC) under Regulation 5 to address student complaints, and appointment of Ombudsman under Regulation 6 to hear appeals against SGRC decisions. The petition pointed out that though the UGC in a letter dated April 12, 2021 had directed universities to appoint an Ombudsman within 30 days of notification, Utkal University had allegedly failed to comply. 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