Centre’s ED tactic will not cow us: Karnataka Congress leaders
KPCC president BK Hariprasad said the raids are a blatant misuse of central investigative agencies for political vendetta. BENGALURU: Extending support to PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, cabinet ministers and senior Congress leaders have launched a sharp attack on the Union government, accusing it of using central agencies, including the CBI, Income Tax Department and Enforcement Directorate (ED), as political puppets. Home Minister Priyank Kharge said the ED raids on Jarkiholi and his family were politically motivated. He pointed to the ED’s track record, stating that between 2015-16 and February 2025, it registered 193 cases against political leaders and those affiliated with opposition parties, but secured only two convictions. He questioned whether the agencies were genuinely fighting corruption or being used as political weapons. “Raids, summons, arrests, primetime headlines and political mudslinging and after nearly a decade? Just two convictions,’’ he posted on X. Minister T Raghumurthy said central investigative agencies are increasingly being weaponised against leaders of political parties opposed to the BJP. KPCC president BK Hariprasad said the raids are a blatant misuse of central investigative agencies for political vendetta. “This is nothing new for us as since 2014, targeting Congress leaders has been a regular feature of the incompetent central government. The message is clear: opposition leaders are targeted, raided and harassed, while the ruling establishment remains untouched. The ED must be an institution of law, not a puppet of the Central government,’’ he said. AICC General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala said the politically motivated witch hunt unleashed by the Modi government against Congress leaders is a stale story that will never deter or intimidate them. “Over the last three years, the list of witch hunts by a decisively decimated BJP/Janata Dal tells its own tale. There was ED raid on (Chief Minister) DK Shivakumar and his brother DK Suresh, former CM Siddaramaiah, DCM G Parameshwara, minister Zameer Ahmed, MP Tukaram, MLA NA Haris and others. All this while sanction for prosecution against Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, BJP leader MP Renukacharya and MLA Janardhan Reddy remains pending before the Governor,’’ he said. 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
Six-member guarantee panels in every gram panchayat soon: CM Shivakumar
Former PM Jawaharlal Nehru was in jail for several years, both Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi sacrificed their lives, while Sonia Gandhi sacrificed power. BENGALURU: The state government will constitute six-member guarantee committees in every gram panchayat to empower Congress workers. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said legislators have been instructed to constitute the committees by the next week. “If party workers are with us, we are ready to empower them. Around 250 people will be empowered in every taluk,” he said. Addressing party workers at a programme on Wednesday to mark the fourth anniversary of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the CM said unlike Congress workers, BJP and JDS workers cannot wear the Tricolour. “The Congress represents sacrifice, life and power. Former PM Jawaharlal Nehru was in jail for several years, both Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi sacrificed their lives, while Sonia Gandhi sacrificed power. Is there anyone who sacrificed their lives or power in BJP?’’ he said. “Let BJP members conduct their padayatra, we have the capacity to walk four steps ahead of them.” 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 flags potholed roads built under PMGSY in Rae Bareli
Rae Bareli/Lucknow: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday highlighted the poor condition of roads built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in his constituency Rae Bareli during the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting. Rahul displayed photographs of pothole-riddled roads from the city and identified specific stretches to question the officials and seek action. “He asked the officials concerned why the roads were in such condition and what was being done to repair them,” said a member who attended the meeting, adding, “The PMGSY executive engineer assured the MP that the damaged roads would be repaired.” Rahul, who was on a two-day visit of his constituency, stressed the need to identify roads according to the agencies that constructed them and maintain records so that responsibility for their maintenance could be clearly established. Rahul attended the meeting at the Collectorate along with Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma, food and civil supplies minister Manoj Kumar Pandey, horticulture miunister Dinesh Pratap Singh and other elected representatives and officials. The meeting reviewed implementation of various central govt schemes in the district. Dinesh Pratap Singh later accused the Congress MP of appearing more interested in finding faults with govt schemes than reviewing their implementation. Pandey later said 22 lakh people in Rae Bareli were receiving ration under the food security programme. On the road network, he said around 16,000 small and major roads had been constructed in the district over the past five years. After the meeting, Rahul left the collectorate without speaking to reporters. Earlier, he met Congress functionaries and representatives of various organisations at Bhuemau guest house. People from Rae Bareli, Amethi and Sultanpur also met him and raised local issues. Congress functionaries said Rahul Gandhi listened to their concerns and assured them of efforts to address them. He also handed over two ambulances to the health department and inaugurated development projects worth around Rs 3 crore. His visit coincided with a protest by Samajwadi Party MLAs Rahul Lodhi and Shyam Sundar Bhati outside the collectorate. The legislators alleged that the district panchayat was ignoring local issues and displayed placards highlighting school closures, alleged land encroachment, farmers’ problems, unemployment, false cases and poor basic amenities. Rahul had reached Rae Bareli on Tuesday evening and met traders and lawyers to discuss their concerns. 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 sanitation worker attempts suicide after alleged caste discrimination at workplace Vartha Bharati
Madurai: A 37-year-old Dalit sanitation worker in Kambur panchayat near Melur allegedly attempted suicide days after raising complaints of caste discrimination at her workplace, including allegations that Dalit workers were made to use separate disposable cups and that she was asked to carry the panchayat secretary’s footwear. The woman, identified as Sasikala, was found vomiting outside her house at around 11 am on Sunday. According to police sources cited by The Observer Post, a neighbour took her to the Melur Government Hospital, where doctors found that she had consumed pesticide. She was admitted for treatment and is reportedly in critical condition. Sasikala has been working as a sanitation worker in Kambur village for around eight years. She had recently approached Madurai district collector Nishant Krishna, seeking action over alleged caste-based discrimination and threats at her workplace. Her husband, T Prakash, alleged that panchayat secretary Roopa subjected Dalit sanitation workers to discriminatory treatment. “Dalit workers were not allowed to use the common metal tumblers for tea. They were asked to use separate disposable cups,” Prakash alleged. He claimed that the practice continued despite objections from the workers and alleged that sanitation duties were also assigned on the basis of caste. Prakash further alleged that Sasikala was made to carry the secretary’s slippers on some occasions because she belonged to the Dalit community. He also alleged that the family came under pressure after Sasikala raised complaints regarding the functioning of the panchayat. “Associates of Roopa are frequently giving us death threats and asking my wife to withdraw the police complaint,” Prakash alleged. In her representation to the district collector, Sasikala said she had previously approached local authorities and the police regarding the alleged discriminatory treatment. She also claimed that she and another sanitation worker who supported her were subsequently threatened and targeted. Sasikala sought an inquiry into the allegations and action against the panchayat secretary. The allegations have now been followed by a police case. A senior police officer was quoted by The Observer Post as saying that Kottampatti Police registered a case on September 4 under Sections 296(b) and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to obscene acts and criminal intimidation, along with relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Melur DSP Sivakumar is investigating the case. (Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.) Courtesy : Vartha Bharati Note: This news is originally published on https:/varthabharati.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit groups protest over reservation row, 8 detained
Patna: Dalit organisations intensified their protest over reservation in Patna on Tuesday with a large number of protesters gathering at Gandhi Maidan for the “Reservation Badhao, Samvidhan Bachao” (increase reservation, save the Constitution) movement. The protesters raised slogans against social injustice and marched towards Lok Bhavan but were stopped near J P Golambar. Eight protesters, including committee convener Amar Azad, were detained. The protesters demanded 65% reservation for SC, ST, OBC and EBC communities in Bihar, reservation in promotions for SC-ST employees and its implementation in the private sector, judiciary and Supreme Court. They also sought abolition of the collegium system, reservation under the Ninth Schedule, 50% reservation in govt contracts, an end to killings of dalits and justice for victims. People from different areas reached Gandhi Maidan carrying banners, flags and posters of Dr BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi. One poster read, “Implement reservation in the Supreme Court.” Protesters also raised slogans including, “Whoever clashes with Dalits will be crushed.” Police erected barricades at J P Golambar and Dak Bungalow Square to prevent the march towards Lok Bhavan. This time, barbed-wire barricades were used instead of iron sheets placed at construction sites during the previous protest. Some protesters climbed over the barricades and clashed with police, following which several were detained. Around 400 police personnel, including 23 station officers and nine ASPs and DSPs, were deployed at Dak Bungalow crossing. A water cannon was also kept ready. Amar said dalit and tribal communities continued to face caste-based discrimination and atrocities, including after reaching senior positions such as IAS and IPS officers. Gandhi Maidan SHO Akhilesh Kumar Mishra said eight people had been detained. “No force was used on the protestors, and heavy security was deployed to stop them from proceeding towards restricted area,” 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
BRS-Congress spar over alleged insult to Telangana Dalit Speaker; 2 MLCs arrested
Two BRS MLCs were arrested over alleged remarks against Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, triggering protests and demands for an apology from KCR. KTR and other party leaders were detained as the BRS accused the Congress government of suppressing the Opposition. A full-blown political war erupted in Telangana on Tuesday after police arrested two BRS MLCs over allegedly derogatory remarks against Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar. The Congress called the remarks an insult to Kumar, a Dalit leader, and demanded an apology from BRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao. Congress workers and Dalit activists also marched towards KCR’s farmhouse. The BRS accused the ruling party of using the controversy to cover up its failures and renewed its allegations of police high-handedness against its women legislators. WHAT TRIGGERED THE ROW The controversy began on Monday after the Speaker’s Officer on Special Duty accused BRS MLCs Thatha Madhusudan and N Naveen Kumar Reddy of making derogatory remarks against him. The complaint alleged that the two MLCs launched a “malicious, unprovoked and premeditated verbal tirade” targeting the Speaker’s integrity, authority and constitutional conduct. However, Madhusudan denied making any derogatory remarks and expressed regret if they had hurt the Speaker. The government also accused BRS leaders of attacking officials and removing their shirts in the presence of women officials. The BRS countered by alleging that former ministers Sabitha Indra Reddy and Sunitha Lakshma Reddy were surrounded, dragged and manhandled by the police. TWO BRS MLC ARRESTED A case was registered against Madhusudan and Reddy at the Saifabad police station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Both MLCs were arrested on Tuesday. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy described the alleged remarks as an insult to Telangana’s four crore people. Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka later met the Speaker and assured him that action would be taken against those responsible. ASSEMBLY SEEKS KCR APOLOGY The Telangana Assembly adopted a resolution condemning the alleged remarks and called on KCR to take responsibility for his party members’ conduct and tender an unconditional apology. The resolution also condemned the two MLCs for allegedly removing their T-shirts in public in the presence of women. The House decided to forward the resolution to the Legislative Council chairman for appropriate action against the two MLCs. PROTEST REACHES KCR’S FARMHOUSE The row then spilled out of the Assembly as Congress workers and Dalit activists marched towards KCR’s farmhouse at Erravelli, accusing the BRS of insulting Dalits. However, police stopped the protesters before they could reach the farmhouse. KTR and other BRS leaders left the Assembly for Erravelli but were stopped and taken into preventive custody over possible law and order concerns. He alleged that police were allowing Congress workers to approach the farmhouse while preventing BRS leaders from reaching it. He also accused the ruling party of trying to attack KCR. BRS HITS BACK AT CONGRESS The BRS Working President accused the government of using the Speaker as a shield to divert attention from its failures and silence the Opposition through arrests and police cases. He demanded an apology from the government over the alleged mistreatment of the two women BRS MLAs. The former minister also targeted the Congress over its alleged failure to fulfil election promises related to jobs, farm support, unemployment assistance and welfare benefits. Abdul Basheer Courtesy : India Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/indiatoday.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit man’s suicide: Punjab LoP says he named minister Harpal Cheema
LoP Partap Singh Bajwa slammed the Bhagwant Mann govt over the suicide of Gulzar Singh, a Dalit man from Sangrur. Bajwa alleged that Gulzar, before his death, named minister Harpal Singh Cheema as being “directly responsible” for his actions. Opposition Slams Mann Govt Over Dalit Man’s Suicide Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, on Tuesday criticised the Bhagwant Mann-led government over the alleged death by suicide of Gulzar Singh in Sangrur, who belonged to the Dalit community. Bajwa said that Gulzar Singh himself had accused Punjab minister Harpal Singh Cheema of being “directly responsible” and had also named the village sarpanch and a few others for his suicide. “…He said that Harpal Singh Cheema is directly responsible for this. He also named the village sarpanch and a few other people,” Bajwa stated. “He died late last night. An FIR has been registered on the statement of his son. An FIR has been registered against all those whose names were mentioned, against five people… The government was saying that they would work against drugs. Look at their face. They are not even allowing people to ask questions…” Background of the Incident This comes following the suicide of 46-year-old Gulzar Singh, a daily wage worker from Sangrur district who died after consuming poison shortly after publicly questioning Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema about the illicit drug trade. The incident took place in Toor Banjara village during a constituency visit by Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. Gulzar Singh, whose son is reportedly struggling with severe drug addiction, had raised concerns with the minister about the easy availability of synthetic drugs, locally known as chitta, in the area. Following the interaction, Gulzar Singh allegedly faced harassment and pressure from local leaders and panchayat members to publicly apologise for questioning the minister. He later recorded a video naming some individuals allegedly involved, and subsequently passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Ludhiana. In response to the video and the family’s statement, local police registered an FIR against five individuals under charges of abetment to suicide and relevant sections of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. Opposition leaders continue to demand strict accountability and an independent probe into the state’s drug enforcement policies and the treatment of citizens raising grievances. Congress Demands Govt Dismissal Earlier, Punjab Congress working president Raj Kumar Verka demanded the dismissal of the Bhagwant Mann government over the incident. Speaking to ANI, Verka said Gulzar Singh, a daily wager from Toor Banzara village, had died by suicide after raising questions about the drug menace in Punjab and blamed the state government for the situation. “Anyone who raises questions about the drug issue faces brutality and punishment. Just yesterday, a man in Sangrur died by suicide and blamed this very government,” Verka said. NCSC Seeks Report Meanwhile, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has sought a report from the Punjab authorities regarding the death of Sangrur resident Gulzar Singh and the serious allegations reportedly made by him in a video released on social media before his death. The Commission’s action follows a representation submitted by former MLA and Punjab BJP SC Morcha State President Sheetal Angural, who urged the NCSC to take appropriate action and ensure an impartial investigation into the allegations raised in the video. In his representation, Angural sought a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding Gulzar Singh’s death and the allegations made in the video before the incident. Taking cognisance of the matter, the NCSC has sought a detailed report from the concerned Punjab authorities. (ANI) (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Courtesy : Asianet News Note: This news is originally published on https:/asianetnews.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit groups warn of stir over DC Manna land delay
Mangaluru: The Dalit Sanghatanegala Samanvaya Samiti has warned of intensified protests if the state government fails to allot DC Manna land to eligible beneficiaries within a month. Addressing mediapersons, Samiti general convener Ramesh Kotian said that in 2017, the then Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner had proposed amendments to the 1969 Land Grant Rules and suggested introducing the Special Land Grant Rules, 2017. However, even after nine years, the government has not implemented the changes needed to address deficiencies in land allocation. Kotian said district in-charge minister U.T. Khader had assured that the issue would be discussed and necessary amendments made during the Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru. “The minister’s assurance should not remain a promise. It must be implemented,” he said. Convener Raghu K. Ekkar demanded that eligible rural families be allotted two acres of agricultural land and urban applicants receive 10 cents of land for house construction. He also urged the government to constitute a special task force to expedite the process. Stating that applications have been submitted from various taluks of Dakshina Kannada, Ekkar said thousands of applicants continue to face hardship due to delays in receiving land. The Samiti urged the government to identify available government land, prioritise allotting 50% of it to the Scheduled Caste community, and rectify all deficiencies related to DC Manna land at the Cabinet meeting. 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 girl suicide: Family seeks protection, HM yet to be arrested
Madurai: Two weeks after a 16-year-old dalit student died by suicide following an admission dispute at a Usilampatti school, her family has alleged intimidation from members of kallar community and sought police protection. “I request justice, compensation and protection for our family,” girl’s mother P Thavamani, 40, said in a petition submitted to the Madurai collector. The girl, Nishanthi, had scored 412 out of 500 in Class X and hoped to pursue nursing. On Aug 24, she lowered her mother’s folded hands when they approached Govt Higher Secondary School near Usilampatti bus stand for admission. Headmaster Vimaladevi allegedly rebuked her and ordered her out. Nishanthi died by suicide the next day. Police initially registered an unnatural death case. TOI reported on Aug 28 that relatives accused police of refusing to invoke the SC/ST Act despite their complaint alleging caste discrimination. Police later altered the FIR to add Section 108 of BNS and Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Thavamani said the family had not received compensation and urged authorities to dismiss Vimaladevi, who has been suspended by the school education department. Her petition also sought an immediate arrest of Vimaladevi, a chargesheet within two months, an expedited trial and protection for her family members. Meanwhile, Vimaladevi moved the Madurai bench of Madras high court while apprehending arrest. On Sept 3, the court directed her to surrender before the third additional district judge (PCR), Madurai, by Sept 18 and apply for bail. A notice from Vimaladevi counsel said she would surrender on Sept 10 and asked Thavamani to raise objections before the court in person or through counsel. It said the bail plea would otherwise be decided on its merits in her absence. 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
Parliament passes Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, 2026 with Rajya Sabha approving it today
Parliament has passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the Rajya Sabha approving it today. The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha yesterday by a voice vote amid an Opposition-led walkout. The bill seeks to redefine the category of transgender, removes the provision of self-perceived gender identity and excludes several socio-cultural identities as well as transmasculine individuals from its ambit. It also further defines transgender persons within a biological framework, based on intersex variations and differences in sexual development. Replying to the discussion on the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar said the government is compassionate towards the well-being of the transgender community. He said the Bill has provisions to empower the transgenders and give them dignity. The Minister said that the NDA government has taken several initiatives to bring transgender people to the mainstream and stop discrimination against them. Starting the discussion in the Upper House, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury said this bill dilutes the privacy of an individual provided under the Constitution. Opposing the Bill, Ms Chowdhury said self-identification cannot be taken away through bureaucratic certification. Criticizing the government, she said that the proposed bill undermines the fundamental rights and dignity of transgender persons. Calling such a move wrong and illegal, she argued that forcing transgender persons to provide their identity through official certificates is against the spirit of equality and dignity guaranteed by the constitution. She also questioned the government’s approach for not properly consulting with the transgender community before bringing the Bill. She also referred to the Supreme Court’s landmark NALSA judgement of 2014, which recognized the right of transgender persons to self-identify their gender. Ms Chowdhury said the proposed Bill violates the principles laid down in that judgement and fails to respect an already established legal framework. DMK MP Tiruchi Shiva also opposed the Bill, saying that even if the Bill is passed in Parliament with a majority, it will be struck down by the Supreme Court. He further added that the Bill violates Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21 of the Constitution and it deprives the community of the right to freedom, dignity and self-determination. Supporting the Bill, BJP MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni said, ” This Bill ensures justice, dignity, protection from criminalisation and legal safeguards for transgender persons. She also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing this bill with certain amendments in order to ensure that the benefits reach the deserving people in a proper manner. She said there is a need for a law that brings justice to real transgender individuals and punishes fake ones. Mrs Kulkarni said the benefits should be extended to those who are transgender by birth. She said that the amendment to extend punishment will bring down the rate of crime and forced identities. TMC’s Saket Gokhale said that 31% of Transgender people in India have attempted suicide because of the discrimination that they are facing. He alleged that now the government is going to start discriminating against them as though social discrimination were not enough. He called it unacceptable. Mr Gokhale expressed concern that gender is going to be decided by the Chief Medical Officer and a District Magistrate, and the bill does not prescribe any qualifications for the Chief Medical Officer. Sanjay Singh of AAP said the Bill is a big let-down for the transgender community. He accused the government of not doing anything for the community. RJD’s Manoj Kr Jha said that prejudices against transgender people should stop, and they should be able to live with dignity. He added that self-determination of gender should not be taken away. CPI(M)’s John Brittas said it is a black-letter day and the Bill is taking India a century back. He pleaded with the government to either withdraw the Bill or refer it to a Select Committee. Jaya Bachchan of the Samajwadi Party also questioned the government over the legislation. She sought to know what the urgency was in bringing the Bill, without examining it with the depth and care that it deserved. Courtesy : NOA Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsonair.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights