Rahul Gandhi vs Nirmala Sitharaman round 2, this time over IDBI Bank stake sale
NEW DELHI: Congress’s Rahul Gandhi and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman sparred on social media over govt’s decision to sell its stake in IDBI Bank with the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha backing protesting employees.A day after he wrote to “members of the IDBI bank family”, Rahul accused govt of selling banks in contrast to banks being established during Congress’s tenure. “During Congress’ time, IDBI was established – to build the nation’s industry. During Modi’s time, first the bidding was seen, then the price was set,” he posted on X. He also questioned the need to sell stake in the bank, which registered a profit of Rs 9,000 crore last year. Responding to him, Sitharaman accused Congress of using banks and financial institutions as “personal entities” and pressurising employees to “extend loans at their whim, bypassing prudent lending norms”. She said Modi govt inherited IDBI Bank, which was in poor shape, as Congress politicians forced it to lend money to business houses, such as Videocon, Winsome Diamond, ABG Shipyard and Kingfisher, with which they had close ties. “These turned into bad loans, causing huge losses for IDBI Bank, which we recognised.” She said with a recapitalisation of Rs 25,000 crore, Modi govt brought it back to health. “IDBI Bank is now poised for its next phase of growth,” FM said, while asserting that due process has been followed in the “strategic restructuring” of IDBI, rebutting reports of govt not following rules while finalising the transaction, which will generate over Rs 52,000 crore for Centre and LIC. “Congress-era banking had a phonebook for the powerful and a rulebook for common citizens. The era of ‘connection and setting banking’ is over. Common people now have easy access to loans, and employees are not under pressure to extend loans on the phone calls,” she said. IDBI Bank unions have called a strike on Nov 2 and 3 against govt’s move to sell its stake. Rahul backed the employees. “I stand with you in your fight today, and fully support all your legitimate demands,” he said. Rahul said he had asked a question in Parliament about the reason for the decision to sell a profitable bank. “Govt gave no reason. Now it has decided to sell IDBI Bank to Fairfax, a Canadian company,” he wrote, referring to his meeting with employees last March. 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
Man gets life term for raping Dalit minor during 2020 Covid lockdown
Bulandshahr: A Pocso court in UP’s Bulandshahr has sentenced a 24-year-old man to life imprisonment and Rs 30,000 fine for kidnapping and raping a 14-year-old Dalit girl during the Covid lockdown in 2020. The girl was burnt to death about four months after the crime. On the afternoon of Aug 14, 2020, the girl went to an orchard and when she did not return by evening, her family and villagers looked for her through the night. She was found in a cane field nearby, in an unconscious state the next evening. The girl later told her family how she was abducted, forcibly sedated and assaulted. The accused was held and an FIR was registered under IPC 363 (kidnapping), 376 (rape), 342 (wrongful confinement) along with Pocso and SC/ST acts. Special public prosecutor Bharat Sharma said, “Girl had initially testified before court. She was burnt alive a few months later. Two men were convicted in a separate murder case. The trial in the rape case continued on the basis of her father’s testimony, police investigation, medical reports and other evidence.” Pronouncing the verdict Wednesday, the additional sessions judge Shagun Panwar described the crime against the minor as “heinous” and stressed the need for strict punishment. It also ordered that 50% of the fine be paid to her dependents. 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
Tamil Nadu: Dalits gain entry into temple after 50 years, IPS Shahnaz Ilyas’s initiative in the news
In Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu, the Adi Dravidian community has been granted the right to worship in a temple after 50 years. Learn about the role of IPS Shahnaz Ilyas and her success story. Tamil Nadu. In Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu, members of the Adi Dravidian community have been granted the right to enter and worship in a temple after nearly 50 years. Following this initiative, which took place in the second week of September, the role of the district’s Superintendent of Police (SP), IPS Shahnaz Ilyas, is in the news. According to media reports, following the local administration’s initiative, the temple’s doors have been opened to members of the Adi Dravidian community. Members of the community will now be able to enter and worship. This move is being considered significant in ending long-standing social discrimination. According to reports, Kallakurichi Superintendent of Police (SP) Shahnaz Ilyas was honored by Tamil Nadu government minister Vanni Arasu for this initiative. Who is IPS Shahnaz Ilyas? Shahnaz Ilyas is a 2021 batch IPS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre. She secured the 217th rank in the 2020 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination. Notably, she prepared for the exam during her maternity leave and succeeded. Before becoming an IPS officer, she worked in the IT sector for about five years. Virendra Kumar Virendra Kumar has been in journalism since 2020. He is a sub-editor at Dalit Dastak. His interests include education, politics, and sports. Virendra has a keen interest in the camera and often works as a video journalist. Courtesy: Hindi News
UP Elections 2027: BSP’s focus will be on employment and reservation
Ahead of the 2027 UP Assembly elections, the BSP has prepared to make Dalit self-respect, reservation, and employment its primary issues. Akash Anand is actively involved in the campaign to connect with the youth. Lucknow. In view of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has intensified its political activities. The party is preparing to contest the elections by focusing on issues such as Dalit self-respect, reservation, and employment. Through this, the BSP aims to reunify its traditional Dalit voters and strengthen its hold among the youth. Akash Anand has been fielded for this purpose. The BSP’s strategy was launched by the party’s National Convenor, Akash Anand, with a workers’ conference held in Bulandshahr’s Anupshahr Assembly constituency. Starting October 28th, Akash Anand launched the party’s campaign with meetings in Bulandshahr. Issues of Dalit self-respect and reservation are being given prominence in the party’s strategy. Additionally, efforts are being made to engage youth by raising the issue of employment. The party is particularly targeting Gen-G (young voters). At the same time, efforts to engage Jat and Gurjar voters in western Uttar Pradesh are also part of the BSP’s strategy. Candidate Selection Based on Caste Equations The BSP is also considering caste-based factors when selecting candidates for the upcoming assembly elections. According to party sources, BSP chief Mayawati is reviewing the names of potential candidates for key constituencies and their winning prospects. Raj Kumar Courtesy: Hindi News
Even before independence and the formation of the Constitution, the Scindia dynasty began the upliftment of Dalits… with provisions for punishment for those who discriminated.
Before independence, the Scindia dynasty of Gwalior granted Dalits equal rights to temples, schools, wells, and public ghats. The 1945 order provided for action against those who discriminated. Before India’s independence and the formation of the Constitution, many princely states across the country undertook social reform initiatives that transcended their time and laid the foundation for equality and social justice. Among these, the Scindia dynasty of Gwalior’s contribution is particularly noteworthy. The Scindia dynasty not only took important decisions to free the Dalit community from social discrimination, but also took steps to ensure equal rights in education, entry to religious sites, and the use of public facilities. Dalits were granted equal access to temples, schools, wells, and public ghats, including the right to ride horses and palanquins, and to wear whatever clothing they desired. 11 schools and three free hostels were established for the education of tribal children, and special schemes were also launched for the upliftment of the Bhil and Bhilala communities. On May 4, 1945, the then Maharaja of Gwalior State, Jivajirao Madhavrao Scindia, issued a historic declaration explicitly recognizing the rights of the Dalit community. This declaration stated that those considered untouchables or Harijans in the then social system, like other citizens, were entitled to all the fundamental rights to which they were born. The significance of this decree is further enhanced because at that time, in many parts of the country, the Dalit community was denied basic social rights such as entry into temples, drawing water from public wells, studying in schools, and even riding a horse or palanquin. Equal rights from temples to schools, with penalties for discriminators Maharaja Jivajirao Scindia’s May 4, 1945, proclamation granted the Dalit community the freedom to wear clothing and jewelry, use modes of transportation of their choice, follow marriage customs, and access public spaces. The proclamation clarified that Dalits would be able to use wells, canals, river ghats, and state-run educational institutions. Furthermore, they were also granted the right to enter and worship in state-owned or state-managed temples, like other Hindus. The most significant aspect of this proclamation was that it provided for punitive action under existing state laws against those who obstructed the exercise of these rights. This meant that social equality was not limited to mere ideals or preaching, but rather an attempt was made to link it with administrative orders and legal action. 11 schools and three free hostels for the education of tribal children The contribution of the Scindia dynasty was not limited to Dalit upliftment. Significant efforts were also made for the education and social development of tribal communities. According to available historical records, by 1938, 11 schools and three free hostels operated for Bhil and Bhilala tribal children in the Gwalior State. In the Sheopur region, there were also schools and three free hostels for children from the Sahariya community. In addition to connecting tribal children to education, plans were also developed to teach them practical and employable skills. Initiatives were taken to train Bhil and Bhilala children in handicrafts and crafts that would improve their daily lives and livelihoods. Hostels were built for tribal children in Tanda and Bagh. A model school for tribal children was established on Pandav Gufa mountain in the Bagh area of Manawar Pargana under the supervision of the Forest Department. Scholarships were also provided to students. Furthermore, efforts were made to understand the problems of communities through tribal conferences and to establish a Panchayat system in villages. Formation of a Commission for Social Reform There is also historical mention of the formation of a commission to study the conditions of backward and disadvantaged communities in the Gwalior State. Its objective was to assess the actual circumstances, problems, and needs of these communities. The commission sought suggestions from representatives of the concerned communities and those involved in social reform work. They were invited to submit their written proposals to the Additional Secretary of the Home Department. This initiative demonstrates an effort to advance social reform at an institutional and administrative level, rather than solely through individual efforts. The Gaekwad Maharaja of Baroda assisted Baba Saheb Ambedkar in higher education. While discussing the social reforms of the Scindia dynasty, the contributions of other Maratha princely states are also noteworthy. Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad of Baroda provided significant support to social reform pioneers like Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. On April 4, 1913, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad and the young Bhimrao Ambedkar had a very close relationship. Ambedkar was provided financial assistance and scholarships for higher education. With this support, he pursued further studies at Columbia University in the United States. This support is an important example for understanding the importance of social justice and education in Indian history. The Legacy of the Maratha Princely States in the Advancement of Social Equality At various times, the princely states of Maratha rulers such as the Scindias of Gwalior, the Gaekwads of Baroda, and the Bhonsles of Kolhapur spearheaded efforts for social reform and the upliftment of marginalized communities. These initiatives must be viewed in the context of the prevailing social conditions, when caste discrimination was a significant challenge in Indian society. The 1945 declaration of the Gwalior princely state is particularly significant because it explicitly recognized the rights of Dalits in religious, educational, and public life. The provision of schools, hostels, and scholarships for tribal children also paved the way for social empowerment through education. The Indian Constitution later established equality, freedom, and social justice as the foundation of the country’s democratic structure. However, such initiatives undertaken in various princely states before independence bear witness to the growing awareness of social change even before the Constitution was enacted. This historical chapter of the Scindia dynasty not only chronicles the achievements of a dynasty, but also commemorates the efforts made during that period for social equality, education, and human dignity. Edited By: Varun Chauhan Courtesy: Scindia Research Centre
RIMS- Adilabad doctor, nurse, two constables booked for abetment of Dalit youngster’s suicide
A doctor, nurse and police constable were booked in Adilabad following the death by suicide of 26-year-old Rahul Kamble. His family alleged harassment and caste-based abuse, while a suicide note reportedly accused RIMS doctors and police of torture. Adilabad: A doctor, and nurse from RIMS and a constable were booked on charges of abetting a youngster from the town to die by suicide and abusing him using his caste name here on Thursday. Adilabad DSP L Jeevan Reddy said that a case was registered against Dr Sourabh, staff nurse Mamatha, II town head constable Fateh Singh under the Section 108 (abetment of suicide) of BNSS and relevant sections of the SC, ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, based on a complaint received from the father of Rahul Kamble (26) father on Thursday evening. Earlier in the morning on Thursday, Rahul died allegedly by suicide by hanging after feeling humiliated when he was allegedly reprimanded and harassed by doctors and police for video-recording negligence of staffers in providing treatment to him at RIMS on his mobile phone. He was admitted to RIMS after being bitten by a scorpion on Wednesday. A suicide note purportedly written by Rahul was recovered. In the suicide note, Rahul alleged that he was subjected to torture by police as per instructions of doctors from RIMS. Following his suicide, his family members and Dalit organizations staged a protest seeking justice and demanding action against the staffers and police at RIMS on Thursday. This protest prompted to register a case against those who allegedly drove the youngster to die by suicide. Courtesy : Telangana Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/telanganatoday.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi says ‘Chalo Dilli’ march a singular protest for nation; urges people to join to save democracy
In a video on X, Rahul Gandhi said it is a singular protest for the nation, urging student groups, regardless of their political affiliations, to join the march. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday urged student groups, regardless of their political affiliations, to join the INDIA bloc’s November 1 march in Delhi to save democracy, stop “vote theft” and protect the Constitution. In a video on X, Gandhi said it is a singular protest for the nation. “The ‘Chalo Delhi’ Ramlila March is a march to save democracy, to put an end to the theft of votes, and to protect the Constitution,” the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said. This is not a march for any single political party; it is a march for the very soul of India, he asserted. “To all those who are fed up with Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Gyanesh Kumar, and everyone who wishes to save democracy and defend the Constitution, I invite you all to join,” Gandhi said. Don’t worry about police, don’t worry about lathis. The BJP will not have the guts to try any of their antics, he said. “Come march with us – we will walk together to protect the Constitution, to protect the Indian nation,” he said. “I urge all student groups, regardless of your political affiliation – if you feel that India is under attack, if you feel you are under attack, your expression, your ideas, your way of thinking is under attack, come and join us,” he said. “It will be a fantastic march, and it’s a march for the soul of this country,” Gandhi said. “Looking forward to seeing all of you there,” he added. The INDIA bloc will be holding a “public impeachment” proceeding against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 30 at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s 10, Rajaji Marg residence, over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. After the public impeachment, there will be ‘Dilli Chalo March’ against “vote chori” culminating at Ramlila Maidan on November 1, and a rally will be held there. 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
“Banks were created during the Congress regime, but are sold during Modi’s rule,” Rahul Gandhi lashed out at IDBI Bank’s privatization, offering support to employees.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has targeted the central government over the privatization of IDBI Bank. He sarcastically said, “Banks were created during the Congress regime, but are sold during Modi’s rule.” He also expressed support for the bank employees’ protest and pledged his support. New Delhi: Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has targeted the Narendra Modi government over the privatization of IDBI Bank. He alleged that the government first called for bids to purchase the bank and then fixed its price. Rahul Gandhi said that during the Congress regime, banks were created for the country’s industrial development, whereas under the Modi government, public sector banks are being sold. He has pledged his support for IDBI Bank employees. On Friday, Rahul Gandhi posted on the social media platform X, writing, “IDBI was created during the Congress regime to build the country’s industry.” During Modi’s tenure, bids were first reviewed, then the price was finalized. Banks were created during Congress’s tenure. They are sold during Modi’s tenure. I stand with the employees of IDBI Bank. Rahul Gandhi writes a letter to IDBI employees Rahul Gandhi has written a letter addressing the employees of IDBI Bank. In the letter, Rahul Gandhi explained that in March last year, a delegation of bank employees met him in Parliament. The employees questioned why the government was selling the bank he had brought to profit. According to Rahul Gandhi, “He raised this issue in the Lok Sabha, asking the government why a profitable public sector bank needed to be sold and how the interests of its employees and depositors would be protected. He alleged that the government failed to provide a satisfactory answer to this question. Now, the decision has been made to sell the bank to the Canadian company Fairfax.” ‘The bank went from losses to profits of ₹9,000 crore in 7 years’ Rahul Gandhi, in his letter, highlighted IDBI Bank’s performance, saying it began as a development bank. The subsequent transition to a commercial bank wasn’t easy, but the employees overcame the challenges. He claimed that about seven years ago, IDBI Bank was incurring losses, but last year, the bank earned profits of over ₹9,000 crore. Rahul Gandhi credited the bank’s employees for this turnaround, saying it was the result of their hard work. Objection raised to the reduction of government stake The Congress MP also questioned the change in the bank’s ownership. He said that currently, the government and LIC hold approximately 95% of IDBI Bank. After privatization, this stake will be reduced to approximately 34%. Rahul Gandhi also referred to the promise made in Parliament in 2003, in which the government had pledged to retain at least a 51% stake in IDBI Bank. He said that even if this promise is not enshrined in law, a promise made in Parliament is a promise made to the people of the country. He expressed concern that reservations for SC, ST, and OBC categories could be eliminated after the bank goes into private hands. He assured IDBI Bank employees that he stands with them in their struggle and fully supports all their legitimate demands. Why is IDBI Bank in the news? The IDBI Bank privatization issue involves selling the government’s stake and transferring control of the bank to a private foreign company. The central government has approved the sale of 60.72% of IDBI Bank’s stake to Canadian company Fairfax. This deal is worth approximately ₹52,878 crore. When was IDBI Bank established? IDBI Bank was established in 1964 to boost the country’s industrial development. Its purpose was to provide loans to companies and large projects. The bank was established in 1964 when it was formerly owned by the RBI. Its ownership was transferred to the Central Government in 1976. Why are bank employees protesting? Reservation issue: Whether the reservation system for SC, ST, and OBC categories in public sector banks will continue after becoming private banks is a major question. Employees are vocal about this issue. Job security: There is a fear that service conditions, promotions, and job security will be affected after private management comes into place. Public control: Employees believe that public sector control should remain over banks built with public money. Authored by: Abhishek Pandey About the author Abhishek Pandey is a digital journalist at Navbharat Times. He joined Navbharat Times, the digital wing of the Times of India Group, in July 2025. He currently covers news for the National and Delhi desks. I have 4 years of experience in journalism, working as a reporter and on the desk. Courtesy: Hindi News
Supreme Court cancels bail of expelled JD(U) leader Anant Singh in Dularchand Yadav murder case
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday cancelled the bail granted to expelled JD(U) leader Anant Singh in the murder case of Dularchand Yadav and directed him to surrender before the authorities on or before December 1, 2026. A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PV Varale observed that the Patna high court had erred in granting bail to Singh without considering the nature of the offence and his criminal antecedents. The Supreme Court suspended the high court’s order and cancelled the bail granted to Singh, directing him to surrender within the stipulated deadline. 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
In SC, biological women oppose equal rights for transgender women
NEW DELHI: Striking a discordant note among a clutch of petitions challenging the Transgender Amendment Act for denying right to gender self-determination, an all-women NGO Wednesday appealed to the Supreme Court not to confer trans-women, biological males identifying as females, the spectrum of constitutional rights guaranteed to biological women. ‘Women’s Declaration International India’ through senior advocate Amit Sibal told a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana that “self-professed or socio-cultural gender identity or certificate or document cannot change a person’s biological sex or enable a biological male to access the entire spectrum of rights, protections and entitlements created specifically for biological females.” Differentiating between sex and gender, the petitioner said, “Sex and gender identity are distinct; gender identity concerns a person’s deeply felt internal experience, while sex is the stable immutable biological category on which numerous constitutional and statutory protections for women are premised.” SC asked Centre to respond to the petition with a comprehensive affidavit that also dealt with the other petitions challenging the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026. SG Tushar Mehta said a comprehensive affidavit is being drafted but gave an indication of what would be govt’s stand in defence of the erasure of gender self-determination clause, which was replaced by medically determined gender. He asked: “Can a transwoman be permitted to compete in a sporting event for women? Should a policewoman conduct physical search of a person with male genitals but perceives himself to be a woman? If a biologically male criminal perceives himself to be a woman, should police be barred from arresting him after sunset?” Drawing the court’s attention to a recent incident in the US relating to a transgender inmate, who perceives himself to be a woman but impregnated two women inmates, Mehta said several aspects needed to be kept in mind while adjudicating the petitions. A male becoming a trans-woman will violate affirmative measures for women under the Constitution, equal opportunity to women in employment, women’s bodily privacy and personal security in sex-segregated spaces and criminal law safeguards, the petitioner 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