‘Mask has come off’: Rahul flays RSS over call to drop ‘secular’ from Constitution; says ‘they want Manusmriti’
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday upped the ante against Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh after its general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale made a strong pitch to remove “socialist and secular” from the Preamble of the Constitution.The leader of opposition in Lok Sabha claimed that the Constitution irks RSS because it speaks about equality, secularism, and justice. “The mask of RSS has come off once again. The Constitution irks them because it speaks of equality, secularism, and justice,” Rahul said in a social media post on X. “RSS-BJP doesn’t want the Constitution; they want Manusmriti. They aim to strip the masses and the poor of their rights, seeking to enslave them once more. Their real agenda is to snatch away a powerful weapon like the Constitution. RSS must stop dreaming this dream – we will never let them succeed. Every patriotic Indian will defend the Constitution until their last breath,” he added. This comes a day after Hosabale proposed said that the words “Socialist” and “Secular” were forcibly added to the Constitution and should now be reconsidered. “The Emergency wasn’t just a misuse of power, but an attempt to crush civil liberties. Millions were imprisoned, and freedom of the press was suppressed. He said that those who imposed the Emergency and trampled the Constitution and democracy have never apologised.” The words “socialist”, “secular” and “integrity” were inserted into the Preamble under the 42nd constitutional amendment moved by the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi government in 1976. The amendment changed the description of India in the Preamble from a “sovereign, democratic republic” to a “sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic”. Earlier, the Supreme Court dismissed plea challenging inclusion of words “socialist”, “secular” and “integrity” to the Preamble of the Constitution. A bench of CJI Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar said amendment power of the Parliament extends to the Preamble as well and the fact that the Constitution was adopted in 1949 does not make any difference. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Crimes against women, Dalits dampen Majhi govt.’s one-year celebrations in Odisha
Since the so-called ‘double-engine’ government came to power, law and order in Odisha has collapsed, says Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with CM Mohan Majhi, arrives to address a public meeting to mark the first anniversary of the BJP government in Odisha, in Bhubaneswar on June 20. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with CM Mohan Majhi, arrives to address a public meeting to mark the first anniversary of the BJP government in Odisha, in Bhubaneswar on June 20. | Photo Credit: File Photo A spate of brutal crimes against women and a growing challenge to the rule of law by emboldened criminals have cast a long shadow over the Mohan Majhi government’s celebrations marking its first year in office in Odisha. Both the Congress and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) have intensified their attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, alleging a breakdown of law and order in Odisha. Even as preparations peaked for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit on June 20, a gang rape incident on June 15 sparked massive outrage in the State. A college student visiting Gopalpur beach in Ganjam district was allegedly gang-raped, filmed, and threatened by her attackers. Condemning the incident, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the Majhi government of failing to ensure the safety of women. Although Berhampur police arrested 10 suspects, public anger did not subside. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) constituted a fact-finding team led by senior party leader Deepa Dasmunsi to assess the situation on the ground. BJD only did politics for 24 years, our Government has ushered in new era in Odisha: CM Majhi Soon after, reports emerged of the alleged gang rape and murder of a 17-year-old tribal girl under Pandapada police station in Keonjhar district. In another incident, a woman from New Delhi was molested in Jajpur district. As the government machinery focused on milestone celebrations, reports of heinous crimes dampened the mood and raised serious questions about governance. The disturbing pattern continued when a woman in Mayurbhanj district was allegedly abducted by three motorcycle-borne assailants and gang-raped near Karanjia on Wednesday. In a separate case, a Berhampur health centre operator — reportedly linked to the BJP — was arrested for raping a minor. Photographs of the accused with senior BJP leaders, including the Chief Minister, further embarrassed the ruling party. The student and youth wings of the BJD staged protests across educational institutions on Wednesday, denouncing the rising cases of atrocities against women, particularly the Gopalpur case. Citing information published by the Home Department and presented in the State Assembly, the BJD said, “Over 3,054 rape cases were reported in the last year alone, marking a steep rise in serious crimes like rape, abduction, and murder. This points to a severely deteriorating security environment for women and children in Odisha.” ‘Poor law and order’ The party also criticised the weakening of support mechanisms. “Under the Naveen Patnaik government, more than 600 police stations had functional women and child desks. Those are now barely operational, leaving victims helpless. The government’s inefficiency has emboldened criminals,” it said. In yet another shocking incident this week, two Dalit men in Ganjam district — accused of cattle smuggling — were tonsured, forced to eat grass, and made to drink dirty water. The victims claimed they were only transporting three cows to sell in order to arrange items for a family wedding. “Since the so-called ‘double-engine’ government came to power, law and order in Odisha has collapsed,” said Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam, who led a fact-finding team to Ganjam. “Criminals act with impunity, and the Home Department is a mute spectator. Attacks on Dalits, tribals, and minorities are increasing by the day,” he said, addressing a press conference on Thursday. Satyasundar Barik Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Case of occupation of Dalit family’s land: Woman pleads for justice in Alapur, accuses opposition of forceful occupation
A Dalit woman is struggling to save her leased land in Durgupur village of Jahangirganj police station area of Ambedkar Nagar. Bhanmati wife Suresh Kumar told in the complaint letter that Sheshnath Pandey of the village is trying to forcibly occupy her land. According to the victim, the disputed land is her old garhauni. Her old house has collapsed. She has the papers of the garhauni. Sheshnath Pandey is trying to forcibly occupy the land by putting soil. On protesting, the accused threatens with sticks. The situation of dispute persists every day. The victim has lodged a complaint in the police station in this matter. Along with this, a complaint letter has also been submitted to the SDM and Tehsildar. The officials have ordered the measurement of the land. But till now the victim has not got justice. She is constantly facing troubles. Vishwanath Yadav Courtesy: Hindi News
Shameful case of caste hatred in Aligarh: Dalit youth beaten up for applying tilak in temple, FIR lodged against him
In Aligarh, Dalit youth Raju Jatav was brutally beaten up for applying tilak in Shani temple. Beaten up after asking about caste, then FIR lodged against him. Role of police under question. A shocking incident of caste discrimination and hatred has come to light in Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh. Here, a Dalit youth was brutally beaten up just because of his caste after applying tilak on his forehead in Shani temple. Victim Raju Jatav said that he had gone to worship in Shani temple and applied tilak on his forehead. After applying tilak, some people asked his caste. When Raju told that he was Jatav (Dalit), those bullies started beating him calling him a Muslim. Raju says, “I kept saying again and again that I am a Hindu, I am from Jatav community, still I was not spared.” In the fight, one of Raju’s hands was broken and he suffered serious injuries at several places on his body. The victim first pleaded for help at the police post and Khair police station, but no one listened to him. Finally, he reached the SSP office. The matter escalated further when the police, instead of taking action against the miscreants, filed an FIR against the victim Raju himself. On the complaint of the temple priest, it was alleged in the FIR that Raju had defiled the idol. Now the question is whether the right to apply tilak in Indian temples will also be decided on the basis of caste? After this incident, a tense atmosphere prevails in Aligarh and serious questions are being raised on the inaction of the police. Courtesy : Hindi News
Dalit colony will get connectivity to the main road: Foundation stone of 165 meter interlocking road laid in Bansdih, 400 families will get relief
Development work has started in the Dalit colony of Ward No. 1 located at Shivratri Pokhara in Bansdih, Ballia. Nagar Panchayat President Sunil Singh laid the foundation stone of 165 meter long and 12 meter wide interlocking road on Monday. About 400 families live in this colony. There was neither road nor drain here. People had to dig a pit at the door to drain the water of the house. Then they had to fill buckets with water and throw it in the fields. The biggest obstacle in the development work was lack of land. There was no way to reach the main road. Social worker of the city Virendra Singh donated his personal land to the Nagar Panchayat. This provided a way to connect the colony to the main road. The Nagar Panchayat President said that interlocking roads and drains will be built in all the streets of the colony. Street lights will also be installed. He said that as per the promise made during the elections, all the basic facilities will be provided to the colony. The Nagar Panchayat plans to develop this colony as an ideal colony. Courtesy : Hindi News
Dalits, Backward Castes, and Adivasis in the RSS’s Hindu Rashtra Agenda and the Etawah Incident
The incident in Etawah has shaken the entire society and has especially drawn attention to the deep-seated caste discrimination within the Hindu community. In Etawah’s Dandarpur village, two Yadav (The Yadav community is a traditionally pastoral and agricultural community, Hindus connected to the shudra varna and classified as other backward caste) “katha vachaks” (A kathavachak is a spiritual storyteller who narrates Hindu scriptures like the Ramayana or Bhagavad Gita in religious gatherings) —Mukut Mani Singh Yadav and Sant Singh Yadav—were forcibly tonsured by a group of upper-caste men after their caste was revealed during a Bhagavad Gita recitation. Also, a woman belonging to the attackers’ community sprinkled her urine on the victims. The attack, captured on video and widely shared, sparked outrage. The police acted swiftly, arresting four individuals—Ashish Tiwari, Uttam Kumar Awasthi, Nikki Awasthi, and Manu Dubey. All belong to the upper caste community. According to NCRB data, in 2022, crimes against Dalits increased by 13.1%, and crimes against Adivasis increased by 14.3% compared to 2021. Despite numerous movements against untouchability and caste hierarchy, and a whole stream of Dalit literature bringing suppressed histories to the forefront—like Omprakash Valmiki’s Joothan, Prof. Tulsiram’s Murdahiya and Manikarnika, Adam Gondvi’s Aao Le Chale Tumhe Chamaron Ki Gali Mein, and Premchand’s Thakur Ka Kuan—caste-based oppression persists. Even in cinema, this issue has been addressed in films like Damul and Mrityudand. Mrityudand also highlights the aspect of gender. These evils have existed for thousands of years. The mentality that refuses to see a human as a human is still alive. Villages are still segregated by caste. The oppression of the poor and the weak continues—only the form has changed. The social structure in which a person lives often leaves them no option. Many have even renounced religion in protest against this discrimination. We must understand that even today, in universities, many students from marginalized backgrounds remain isolated. This detachment stems from their social roots. Others in the university must take responsibility to make them feel equal, not use ancient caste systems to further isolate them. If someone is born into a so-called Shudra family, how is that their fault? Why should they alone bear the burden of a social framework imposed upon them? Which law says this is fair? I recently saw the Etawah incident, and no amount of condemnation is enough. You cannot humiliate anyone based on caste—we have a Constitution and the rule of law. This is not a Taliban-run government. As the case gained attention, people started reacting. A large section of society stood with the storyteller, and this included people from all communities. As the caste discrimination aspect began gaining traction (which has always been the reality for these communities within Hinduism—sometimes visible, sometimes hidden), a narrative shift toward a molestation claim was introduced for damage control. The idea was to divert the issue away from caste discrimination and claim a moral victory in the name of women’s dignity. The Etawah incident did not only shake the people of Uttar Pradesh but sent ripples straight to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur. It clashed with their fake agenda of creating a “Hindu Rashtra,” prompting damage control tactics. That’s when, two days later, a molestation allegation surfaced. This “Hindu Rashtra” agenda by the RSS is fake. The real question is—what will be the status of Dalits, Adivasis, and Backwards in such a nation? We will discuss that another time. On social media, self-proclaimed leaders of the Sanghi ideology resorted to verbal abuse while claiming to defend women’s honor—ironically hurling obscene abuses toward women of other communities. This abusive behavior continues today at the hands of these so-called leaders (Note: Sanghi leaders can be found in any political party). We must learn to call out what’s wrong. Gautam Buddha, Rahul Sankrityayan, and Pandit Nehru set examples of this. Today, Rahul Gandhi is leading a major national campaign against caste discrimination in the form of caste census. Learn about the backgrounds and communities these people come from. The truth is, caste is a bitter reality in India—one that was exposed yet again in Etawah. I repeat, the RSS agenda of a Hindu Rashtra was deeply hurt by the Etawah incident, which tore the veil off the facade they had created. After the incident, the Sanghi narrative claimed it was “molestation,” which exposed their casteist agenda. Society still functions on caste lines at every level. In the caste hierarchy of the Hindu community, there are Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. If such things can happen to someone from the Ahir community—a backward caste—even in 2025, imagine the suffering of those even lower in this constructed social order. Don’t fall into the Sanghi trap. What’s wrong is wrong, and must not be repeated. Let there be no hatred or bitterness among us, but compassion. The pain of those pushed to the margins for centuries won’t go away overnight. Hence, all communities must condemn the Etawah incident and fight to prevent its recurrence. This is my personal perspective on the incident. As the great philosopher Nietzsche said, There are no eternal facts, as there are no absolute truths.” By Akhilesh Yadav Akhilesh Yadav is a research scholar at the Centre for Historical Studies, JNU, and former Vice President of the Allahabad University Student Union Courtesy : Counter Currents Note: This news is originally published on https:/countercurrents.org/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
NDA engaged in garnering Dalit votes, Ramnagar minister Janak Ram on a two-day visit
Bihar Politics: West Champaran in-charge minister Janak Ram reached Ramnagar on a two-day visit, where he held a meeting with 47 Vikas Mitras under the Baba Saheb Ambedkar Vikas Yudh Abhiyan. Bagaha: Bihar government minister and West Champaran district in-charge Janak Ram reached Ramnagar today on a two-day visit. During this, he held a meeting with all 47 Vikas Mitras of Ramnagar assembly constituency under the Baba Saheb Ambedkar Vikas Yudh Abhiyan and reviewed the implementation of government schemes. The minister directed to work fast towards implementing the schemes running in Dalit and Mahadalit settlements. Edited By: Nishant Bharti | Reported By: Zee Bihar-Jharkhand Web Team Courtesy : Hindi News
Appointment of Dalit woman for mid-day meal: 21 out of 22 children got their names removed from school, administration said action will be taken against those who practice untouchability
A total of 21 students of a government school in Chamarajanagar, Karnataka withdrew their admission because a Dalit woman was appointed to prepare mid-day meal. The district administration has currently convinced the parents of 8 children to get them admitted back to the school. Further investigation is being done. 22 students were admitted to the school for the academic year 2024-25. Now when the Dalit woman was appointed in the school to cook food, the parents of 21 students have decided not to send them to school. Now only one student is left in the school. Admission taken in another school The matter is of Government Higher Primary School in Homma village of Chamarajanagar. The Dalit woman who was appointed and other kitchen staff say that out of 22, only 7 children used to eat the mid-day meal prepared in the school. It is believed that the parents of most of the children were not happy with the caste of the cook. That is why they got their children’s name struck off from the school. Many parents unhappy with the appointment of the Dalit woman have already taken their children’s transfer certificate i.e. TC from the school and got their children admitted in another school. 12 out of 21 students have taken TC and the rest have submitted application for TC. The result is that only one child studies in the school now and the school may be closed soon. 1 student, 2 teachers in the school Local people say that caste discrimination is the reason behind the removal of name from the school. Now there is only one student in the school and there are 2 teachers to teach him. The parents of the last remaining student have also submitted application for TC. After this, the whole incident went viral on social media. On Wednesday, the district administration reached Homma village and held a meeting with teachers and parents regarding this. Officials from the Education Department and Department of Social Welfare also visited this village. Those guilty of untouchability will be punished – Chamarajanagar SP SP of Chamarajanagar BT Kavitha, CEO of Zilla Panchayat Mona Rot and DDPI Ramchandra Raje Urs talked to parents and teachers in this matter. During this, the parents said that due to the poor level of education in the school, they have got their children’s name removed from there. This team of officials has also convinced the parents of 8 children to get them admitted back to the school. SP Kavitha said that it will also be investigated why some children were not eating mid-day meal in the school. If it is found that untouchability is the reason for this, then action will be taken against the people concerned. Courtesy: Hindi News
Transgenders to earn economic aid, dignity from CM Yuva scheme
Lucknow: In a landmark decision, transgenders will now be linked to the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan, through which they will receive skill-based training and financial assistance in the form of loans to pursue self-employment. Stating that a decision in this regard was taken after instructions from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, social welfare minister Asim Arun said, “The visionary initiative aims not only to uplift transgender community economically but also to restore their dignity and rightful place in society. Officials have been directed to ensure that transgender individuals were connected to relevant govt schemes in every district.” He added that following success of the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan among youth of UP, state govt had decided to extend it to the transgender community and make it more exclusive. “At the onset, each district in the state has been directed to employ at least two transgender individuals,” the minister said. With this, enterprising transgender individuals will also be encouraged to start their ventures with access to bank loans and guidance. One good option can be to establish a dedicated welfare centre for transgender community. UP is to start 100 such centres in the state. Announced by Governor Anandiben Patel, these centres are to serve as a bridge to connect transgender individuals with education, digital literacy, culinary arts, tailoring, computer training, beauty services, and more—paving way for holistic development. In line with this commitment, govt is ensuring that transgender individuals receive access to essential welfare schemes, including ration card, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and pension benefits. To facilitate this, a separate survey of transgender population is being planned to identify and eliminate any gaps in service delivery. Various departments have also been directed to run targeted awareness campaigns. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Justice Sought in Odisha: Dalit Men Assaulted on False Cattle Smuggling Accusation
Odisha Police have arrested 12 suspects, including the main accused, in the assault on two Dalit men in Ganjam district for alleged cattle smuggling. The incident sparked national outrage, leading to political intervention and a fact-finding mission. Victims claim they were transporting cattle for a wedding gift. In a significant development, Odisha Police announced the arrest of the main accused in the egregious attack on two Dalit men in Ganjam district. The accused, Rajesh Samal, 20, was apprehended alongside 11 others, including a juvenile, escalating the investigation into the physical assault and humiliation case. The victims, Babula Nayak, 54, and Bulu Nayak, were detained while transporting cattle for a wedding gift. Misconstrued as smugglers, they were subjected to severe torture by Rajesh Samal’s group, who went as far as forcing them to drink drain water. The incident incited national uproar, demanding swift justice. Political figures like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have called for strict action, while the district administration offered some financial aid to the victims amid ongoing police investigations. (With inputs from agencies.) Devdiscourse News Desk Courtesy : Devdiscourse Note: This news is originally published on https:/devdiscourse.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.