‘I stand with them’: Rahul Gandhi backs protest by Bundelkhand tribals against ‘Ken-Betwa project’
NEW DELHI: Congress leader and leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday backed tribal residents of Madhya Pradesh’s Bundelkhand region protesting against the Ken-Betwa River Link Project, saying the Congress stands with them and promising to visit the protest site to pressure the government over their demands for compensation and rehabilitation. Rahul shared a video on X featuring accounts from tribal residents affected by the project and said, “The problems, demands, struggles, and personal ordeals of the tribal brothers and sisters who are carrying out a satyagraha against the Ken-Betwa project–their own account. For years, these residents of Bundelkhand have been enduring injustice and oppression solely for their rights; they deserve respect and support,” he said. “In this fight of our tribal brothers and sisters, I and the Congress stand with them,” he said. In the video, a tribal representative claimed that the project would affect 21 tribal-dominated villages and lead to the loss of around 4.6 million trees, besides affecting the Panna Tiger Reserve. The representative also claimed that around 11,500 acres of land belonging to nearly 7,000 families would be affected. The residents urged Rahul to raise their concerns about alleged administrative harassment in Parliament and join their movement. Rahul assured them that he would visit the site and put pressure on the government. The tribal residents have been holding a Satyagraha against the project, demanding adequate compensation and dignified rehabilitation for people whose land is being acquired. Rahul had also supported the agitation earlier in July. Sharing a poem and visuals from the protest, he said the tribal residents were demanding fair compensation through non-violent means and described tribal people as the “original owners of the country”. “The tribal brothers and sisters of Madhya Pradesh had sat on a water satyagraha and hunger strike because their land was taken away for the Ken-Betwa project, but they received neither fair compensation nor dignified rehabilitation. The ‘truth’ is that tribals are the original owners of the country–the first right to water, forests, and land belongs to them alone. And their ‘satyagraha’ is because that very right is being snatched from them today.” “In their unique way, their demand is simply this: provide a proper means of livelihood–or else life is no different from a funeral pyre. But even this is unacceptable to the BJP government. Instead of listening to them, their peaceful protest is being crushed with police force. We stand with our tribal brothers and sisters. We will secure justice for them–compensation and rehabilitation will have to be provided,” he added. The Ken-Betwa Link Project is a major river-linking initiative aimed at transferring surplus water from the Ken river in Madhya Pradesh to the Betwa river through a 221-km-long link canal. The project is being implemented in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The Rs 44,605-crore project is the first river-linking project under the National Perspective Plan. According to the government, it is expected to irrigate 1.062 million hectares, provide drinking water to around 6.2 million people and generate hydropower. The project involves construction of the 77-metre-high Daudhan Dam and two tunnels in the Ken river basin in Panna. The government says the project will enable irrigation across 8.11 lakh hectares in 2,000 villages across 10 districts and benefit around seven lakh farmer families. It is also expected to provide drinking water to 44 lakh people in Madhya Pradesh and 21 lakh people in Uttar Pradesh, while generating 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar energy. 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
SP-Congress’s new plan! Dalit youth to be in charge of general constituencies as well; will the political equation change before 2027?
Political parties in Uttar Pradesh have already intensified their preparations for the 2027 assembly elections. Following the BJP, efforts to balance social equations have begun in the opposition camp as well. The Samajwadi Party and Congress have begun giving Dalit and backward class youth key organizational responsibilities. Significantly, Dalit youth are also being appointed in-charge of general assembly constituencies. Both parties are attempting to connect with youth influenced by socialist and Ambedkarite ideology. These youth are being given the responsibility of strengthening the organization in various assembly constituencies and connecting new members to the party. Dalit youth given responsibility for general seats As part of this strategy, the Samajwadi Party has appointed Dalit youth as assembly in-charges for several general seats. Manoj Paswan has been appointed in Unchahar, Shivshankar Saroj in Babaganj, and Ram Karan Nirmal in the Kaushambi-Fatehpur region. Meanwhile, Vineet Kushwaha from Madhuban and Rahul Raj from Kushinagar have also been assigned organizational responsibilities. These leaders have been primarily tasked with expanding their reach among youth, engaging new workers, and strengthening the party’s ideology. This initiative by the SP is being considered an important step towards strengthening the PDA (Backward, Dalit, and Minority) social equation. Congress also focusing on youth Congress has also planned to activate youth at the assembly level. The party has assigned the responsibility of strengthening the organization among youth to Shailendra Dhruv Yadav in Ballia, Murali Manohar in Velthara Road, Subhash Pal in Bilgram, and Tarun Patel in Gaura. The strategy of opposition parties is not limited to reconnecting with their traditional voters. They are also targeting youth who were once with the BSP or are reportedly dissatisfied with the current political situation. BSP’s focus on the old Brahmin equation On the other hand, the Bahujan Samaj Party is also trying to re-establish its old social equation for 2027. Mayawati’s party is once again eyeing the Brahmin community. However, several prominent Brahmin leaders of the BSP have left the party in recent years. Antu Mishra’s expulsion is considered the latest in this trend. Discussion of the 2007 formula is rekindled. In the 2007 assembly elections, the BSP fielded a large number of Brahmin candidates. The party gave tickets to over 80 Brahmins, of whom 41 won the elections and reached the assembly. This social equation played a key role in the BSP’s formation of a full majority government. Now, ahead of 2027, while the SP and Congress are busy strengthening the PDA through Dalit and backward youth, the BSP faces the challenge of recapturing its old Brahmin base. Consequently, social equations may play an even more important role in Uttar Pradesh’s electoral politics in the coming days. By Asha Sharma Courtesy: Hindi News
Amazing stories of the Chief Minister: The Dalit woman who became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for the first time with the support of the BJP. Learn the full story of 1995.
UP CM’s amazing kisses, Mayawati’s BJP support: Mayawati is a prominent figure in Uttar Pradesh politics. There are many stories related to her political life that are still discussed today. But there is one incident when the political equations changed in just one day and it took her to the position of Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. In 1995, after the alliance with the Samajwadi Party broke, the BJP supported Mayawati. On June 3, she took oath as Chief Minister and became the first Dalit woman Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. So, in ‘Amazing Stories of the UP CM’, read the entire fascinating story of Mayawati becoming the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for the first time with the support of the BJP. Mayawati’s First CM Story: Mayawati’s name needs no introduction in Uttar Pradesh politics. She has served as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh four times. But the most important milestone in her political journey was the year 1995, the year she became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for the first time. At that time, she was around 39 years old. Significantly, Mayawati’s government was formed with the support of the BJP. She took the oath of office as Chief Minister on June 3, 1995. With this, she became the first Dalit woman Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. This alliance between the SP and BSP had broken. Subsequently, with the support of the BJP, Mayawati’s path to power was paved. In this part of “Amazing Stories of UP CMs,” read the entire story in detail, when a Dalit woman became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh with the support of the BJP, bringing about a major change in the state’s politics. Mayawati Entered Politics with Kanshi Ram Mayawati’s political journey was not easy. During her studies and employment in Delhi, she met Kanshi Ram. Kanshi Ram inspired her to enter politics. Mayawati then entered active politics with the Bahujan Samaj Party. Kanshi Ram founded the Bahujan Samaj Party in 1984. Mayawati gradually became a prominent face of the party. She began to be recognized as a vocal leader of the Dalit community, particularly in the Dalit community. Mayawati won the Bijnor seat in the 1989 Lok Sabha elections. After this, her name began to rise rapidly in national politics. UP’s politics changed in 1993 Now the story turns to the 1993 assembly elections. At that time, the BJP had emerged as the dominant force in UP. However, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Kanshi Ram joined forces after the elections. The Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party formed a government together. Mulayam Singh Yadav became the Chief Minister, and Mayawati’s party became a partner in the government. However, this alliance between the two parties did not last long. Tensions between the two parties grew, and eventually the alliance broke. A major political turning point occurred on June 2, 1995 In 1995, a development occurred in UP politics that captured national attention. Mayawati decided to withdraw support from Mulayam Singh Yadav’s government. This completely changed the power dynamics in the state. Mayawati staked claim to form the government, but she lacked a majority on her own. This is where the BJP came into play. BJP Supports Mayawati At that time, the Bharatiya Janata Party decided to support Mayawati. With the BJP’s support, the path was cleared for Mayawati to become Chief Minister. On June 3, 1995, Mayawati was sworn in as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. She became the first Dalit woman Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. This was a historic moment in Indian politics. A Dalit woman’s rise to the top position of power in the country’s largest state was a major political event in itself. Mayawati’s first term was short. For the first time, Mayawati failed to remain Chief Minister for long. Her government, formed with the support of the BJP, lasted only about four months. In October 1995, her government fell. Following this, President’s rule was imposed in Uttar Pradesh. However, in these few months, Mayawati demonstrated such political strength that she later became one of the most prominent leaders in Uttar Pradesh politics. The Politics of the BJP and the BSP Changed From Here This experiment of 1995 was not only significant for Mayawati. It also marked the beginning of a political relationship between the BJP and the Bahujan Samaj Party. In the following years, the two parties formed several alliances. Sometimes Mayawati became Chief Minister with the support of the BJP, and sometimes the BJP supported her government. This alliance is considered one of the most interesting political events in Uttar Pradesh politics during that period. Mayawati became Chief Minister four times again After 1995, Mayawati became Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh three more times. She also became Chief Minister in 1997. After this, her government was formed with the support of the BJP in 2002. However, in 2003, the BJP withdrew its support, and her government collapsed. Subsequently, in 2007, Mayawati secured a majority on her own. This was the strongest phase of her political career. She formed a government with an absolute majority and completed a full five-year term. An alliance changed her entire political journey. Mayawati’s first Chief Ministership is also special because she came to power at a time when forming a government in Uttar Pradesh was difficult for any single party. On one hand, the Samajwadi Party and BSP alliance had broken down. On the other hand, the BJP had emerged as the most powerful political force. Meanwhile, the BJP’s support catapulted Mayawati to the position of Chief Minister. The same Mayawati, who became Chief Minister in 1995, later became a leader who surprised all political parties by forming a majority government in Uttar Pradesh in 2007. The woman who first assumed the Chief Ministership with the support of the BJP, a few years later, came to power on her own. This is the biggest and most interesting turning point in Mayawati’s political journey. Written by:Krishna.Pandey Courtesy: Hindi News
How the Matang reservation debate is reshaping Maharashtra’s Dalit politics
The Matang community is intensifying its demand for the sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes in Maharashtra to combat historical marginalisation and secure a fair share of reservation benefits Social conflict has once again erupted in Maharashtra over the demand for subcategorisation within the Scheduled Castes (SC) category. The Matang community has intensified its agitation for sub-categorisation, while legislators from various parties within the category have taken a firm stand against it. Over the past two decades, demands for reservation and the issue of sub-categorisation among various castes have remained central to political discourse in Maharashtra. Although the Supreme Court has empowered state governments to implement sub-categorisation within Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe reservations, the Maharashtra government faces opposition from legislators across party lines and various Dalit organisations regarding this decision. But how do electoral arithmetic and the politics of pressure tactics adversely affect the decentralisation of power? In the context of intra-category disparities within the Scheduled Castes and the equitable distribution of resources, how are issues such as cultural politics, caste identity, and political polarisation shaping the policy of social justice? Marginalisation of the Matang community In 2003, the then state government established the ‘Krantivir Lahuji Salve Matang Samaj Study Commission’ to consider the demands of the Matang community. The commission examined appointments to posts reserved for Scheduled Castes across various government departments. It highlighted the dominance of the Mahar and Chambhar communities in reserved positions at all levels of the administration. Available data indicates that the Matang community has lagged behind regarding government posts across all employment categories. For example, according to statistics from the Lahuji Salve Commission, based on data received from 22 municipal corporations in the state, out of 21,066 posts reserved for Scheduled Castes, the Mahar community secured 12,299 positions and the Chambhar community secured 3,578, whereas the Matang community received opportunities for administrative employment in only 1,897 posts. These figures demonstrate that both the Mahar community (which has a larger population than the Matang community) and the Chambhar community (which has a smaller population) secured greater representation. History of categorisation demand In 2003, the then Maharashtra government constituted the ‘Krantivir Lahuji Salve Matang Samaj Study Commission’. The mandate of this commission was to conduct an in-depth study of the backwardness of the Matang community and allied sub-castes in the state and to make recommendations for their comprehensive development. The study report was submitted in 2008. Based on the backwardness of the Matang community and allied subcastes, the commission recommended granting a separate 5 per cent reservation to the Matang community through a process of sub-categorisation. Since then, the Matang community has been continuously agitating across the state to press for this demand of sub-categorisation. In 2024, responding favourably to the Matang community’s demand, the state government established the ‘Justice Anant Badar Committee’, a one-member judicial commission. This commission submitted its report regarding the social and educational backwardness of the Scheduled sub-castes to the state government in March 2026. However, the report has not yet been made public, as the government has issued instructions to invite objections regarding the matter. The government is facing a dilemma, as legislators from all political parties are demanding that the report be made public immediately and that the process of sub-categorisation be halted. Despite the Supreme Court’s approval of subclassification, various Dalit organisations in the state have launched strong opposition to it. Mahar and Matang: Divergent social paths Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar belonged to the Mahar community. On October 14, 1956, at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur, he embraced Buddhism along with millions of his followers. On that day, millions of Ambedkar’s followers renounced Hinduism and embraced Buddhism. Following this historic event, hundreds of thousands of Ambedkar’s followers in Maharashtra embraced Buddhism. This was not merely a religious conversion; it marked the starting point of a new struggle for education, social equality, human dignity, and political rights. The movement instilled a sense of self-respect within the Dalit community and initiated a new wave of social transformation. During the period of Ambedkar’s conversion movement, some followers from the Matang and Chambhar communities also embraced Buddhism alongside the Mahar community. However, the extent and social scope of conversion varied across these communities. Due to their distinct historical, cultural, and spiritual legacies, significant sections of the Matang and Chambhar communities remain connected to Hindu traditions, deities, and religious practices, a fact to which the Mahar community, and indeed the Dalit movement at large, takes strong objection. Given the history of untouchability and denial of temple entry, following Ambedkar’s path of conversion, viewed as the first step toward social advancement, remains a central issue for the Dalit movement. The socio-economic structure of the landless and resource-poor Matang community has played a vital role as artists within religious and folk traditions. Consequently, the economic and cultural practices of the Matang community appear historically intertwined with various religious activities of the Hindu tradition. This leads to criticism from within the Dalit movement: that the Matang community, despite experiencing untouchability, acts as a key bearer of Hindu religious and cultural traditions. This lies at the heart of the contention. Identity crisis of Matangs Inspired by Ambedkar, his followers established the Republican Party of India (RPI) in 1957. Subsequently, the party split due to leadership disputes and organisational conflicts. However, this political movement produced several prominent Dalit leaders, such as Rajabhau Khobragade, R.S. Gavai, Ramdas Athawale, and Prakash Ambedkar. All these leaders hail from the Mahar community, highlighting the long-standing influence and role of ‘Mahar’ leadership in Dalit politics in Maharashtra. Under the leadership of Ambedkar, a comprehensive movement encompassing education, organisation, and political representation emerged within the Mahar community; this movement remains their greatest strength to this day. However, a similar process of social transformation did not take place within the Matang community. Ambedkar’s influence helped overcome the fragmentation within the Mahar community; their unity regarding social issues is a significant asset. Educational progress and political representation have accelerated the process of social development for the Mahar community. In contrast,
Allegations of discrimination against Dalit students at KGBV: They alleged caste-related abuses and forced them to clean; families filed a complaint at the District Magistrate’s office.
A case of alleged discrimination and inhumane treatment of Dalit students has come to light at the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Awasiya Vidyalaya (KGBV) in Asothar block, Fatehpur. The students and their families have accused some teachers of making caste-related remarks, not providing adequate food, and making them clean the bathrooms and other areas. At around 4:30 pm on Tuesday, the victim families reached the District Magistrate’s office and demanded an impartial investigation and action against the culprits. Geeta Devi, a resident of Sato village in Asothar block, stated that her granddaughters Kiran and Kashish, along with another student, Anjali, attend the school. According to the families, a complaint was made some time ago regarding the quality of the food at the school. This complaint was also investigated. It is alleged that the school administration became increasingly displeased with the students after this. Allegations of being threatened with expulsion for asking for food In a complaint letter submitted to the District Basic Education Officer, serious allegations have been made against teachers Parveen Bano, Aruna Gautam, and Preeti Gautam. The complaint states that female students were threatened with expulsion from the school if they asked for food. There are also allegations of assaulting older students if they protested. Allegations of caste-based humiliation and cleaning duties Families allege that female students were humiliated because of their caste. In addition to studying, they were also made to clean the school bathrooms and other areas. According to the complaint, comments were made linking the female students’ caste to cleaning duties, causing them mental distress. Demand for Fair Investigation and Security from the DM The victim families have demanded an impartial investigation from the District Magistrate. They demanded a safe and respectful environment for the female students and strict action against those responsible if the allegations are found to be true. They now await the district administration’s investigation and the action taken based on the investigation. Ram Chandra Saini | Fatehpur Courtesy: Hindi News
A Dalit student, distressed by harassment, left her studies for a year. She resumed her studies after being harassed again, and appealed to the Superintendent of Police in Amethi for justice.
In a village in the Amethi Kotwali area, a student, distressed by harassment, left her computer studies for nearly a year. The student alleges that some young men repeatedly harassed her, leading her to discontinue her studies. According to the student, when she resumed her computer studies after about a year, the accused young men began harassing her again. Distressed by the continued harassment, the student returned home and informed her family about the incident. The student then went to the Amethi Kotwali with her mother and filed a complaint with the police. It is alleged that after receiving no response at the police station, the student went to the Superintendent of Police’s office with her mother and demanded action. The Superintendent of Police took the matter seriously and directed the concerned police officers to investigate and take necessary action. The police then began questioning the student and gathering information about the case. Amethi Kotwali police station in-charge Shivakant Tripathi stated that the matter is being investigated based on the complaint. Further action will be taken based on the facts and evidence revealed in the investigation. Courtesy: Hindi News
Villagers oppose Dalit womans as anganwadi helper
Shivamogga: A controversy has arisen at Mugadthi village, located under the Heddaripura GP near Ripponpete in Hosanagara taluk of Shivamogga district, following the appointment of a Dalit woman as an anganwadi helper. Some villagers refused to send their children to the centre following her appointment. Shivamogga DC Prabhuling Kavalikatti took the matter seriously and directed the department of women and child development to inspect the location immediately. Responding to the directive, child development project officer (CDPO) Gayatri Ramachandra, along with personnel from the Ripponpete police station, visited Mugadthi on Monday and convened a meeting with the residents to address the situation. She clarified that the recruitment was carried out strictly in accordance with govt regulations and legal merit criteria. She said children must not be deprived of health and educational facilities provided at the anganwadi. Local villager Gururaj, who is also the president of Mugadthi Balamuri Ganapathi Temple, denied any caste-based discrimination or opposition in the village, stating that residents from all communities live together in harmony. He suggested the matter arose from a misunderstanding or miscommunication and assured full cooperation for the welfare of the children. 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
Top cop in Bihar’s Siwan removed amid row over use of AK-47 during student protest
SP Puran Kumar Jha, under whose command an AK-47 rifle was allegedly used during a student protest in Siwan on July 25, has been placed on the waiting list for a new posting. The Bihar government on Tuesday transferred the Superintendents of Police (SPs) of Siwan and Bhojpur districts, where police action against student protesters had triggered controversies. While Siwan SP Puran Kumar Jha has been kept at police headquarters waiting for posting, Bhojpur SP Raj has been posted as SP of neighbouring Rohtas district. Jha courted controversy after police allegedly opened fire with an AK-47 during a students’ protest in Siwan on July 25, while Raj faced sharp criticism following the alleged killing of 28-year-old Bharat Bhushan Tiwari in a fake encounter. The Siwan SP’s removal from the post came hours after the state government told the Supreme Court that constable Abhishek Kumar, who allegedly opened fire with an AK-47, has already been put under suspension. The state government told the apex court that the constable fired four rounds from his AK-47 only after he felt trapped and surrounded by protestors, and the shots were fired in the air. The state maintained that nobody was injured in the police firing. Bihar government’s response was filed before the Supreme Court in proceedings arising from petitions alleging police excesses during protests over exam paper leak. The protests were held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi by supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party-led movement. Meanwhile, Raj, who was posted as SP of Bhojpur, has been transferred to Rohtas in the same capacity. Raj faced public backlash over the alleged killing of Bharat Bhushan Tiwari in a fake police encounter. Tiwari was shot five times even after he had surrendered before police. Jha and Raj are among 18 IPS officers transferred by the Samrat Choudhary government. According to a notification issued by the state home department, Hridaya Kant has been made SP of Nalanda, the home district of former chief minister Nitish Kumar. Similarly, Vinit Kumar, Saran SP, will be replaced by Roushan Kumar, who was the SP of Rohtas. Roushan has been made SSP of Saran district, while Vinit has been posted as SP, Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). Bharat Soni has been made the new SP of Siwan. Awadhesh Dixit will take charge as SP of Bhojpur. Manish Kumar, SP, Special Branch, has been shifted to Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) in the same capacity. Senior officials, however, claimed that it was a routine transfer to improve law and order situation in the state. Ramashankar 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
‘Right way’: Rahul Gandhi lauds ‘understanding’ between Jharkhand govt, protesting students
Rahul Gandhi also vowed to change the system across the country to establish a framework that propels students forward rather than holds them back. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday praised the “understanding” reached between protesting students and the Jharkhand government, calling it the “right way” as Chief Minister Hemant Soren chose dialogue while the students exercised restraint and got their demands accepted. Gandhi also vowed to change the system across the country to establish a framework that propels students forward rather than holds them back. “An understanding has been reached between the students of Jharkhand and the state government, and the students have ended their hunger strike – it was heartening to hear this news,” Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X. “Chief Minister Hemant Soren ji and the Jharkhand government chose the path of dialogue and arrived at a solution. The students exercised restraint and made their demands accepted,” the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said. This is the right way – when students raise questions, they should get answers, he said. “We stand with every student in the country. And we will uproot and transform this recovery system, so that every student gets the full reward of their hard work and the right to fair competition,” Gandhi said. This system will change across the country, and a framework will be established that propels students forward, rather than holding them back, the former Congress chief said. Gandhi had written to Soren, urging him to personally meet representatives of the protesting students and take appropriate action to resolve the issue. He had said the students’ protest was peaceful and their demands legitimate, while asserting that the youth of India was its future and that “we owe them our solidarity and support at this moment of crisis”. The Congress is part of the ruling JMM-led government in Jharkhand. Students protesting against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations may take a call on withdrawing their demonstration on Tuesday after the state government cancelled all recruitment tests, including the JSSC-CGL exam, conducted by an outsourced agency since 2014. The announcement came after Soren chaired a marathon Cabinet meeting at the state secretariat on Monday. He also said an exam reforms committee headed by senior IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal would recommend measures to strengthen the recruitment examination process. “The government has decided to cancel the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission-Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) exam, which was one of the major demands of the protesting students. We have also decided to cancel all tests conducted by outsourced agency TSR Data Processing Pvt Ltd (TDPL) and the results published by it,” Soren had told reporters after the meeting. Student leader Devendra Mahto, who had been on hunger strike for 16 days over the alleged exam irregularities, ended his fast around midnight on Monday. Two protesters, Prem Nayak and Umme Habiba, also called off their hunger strike, while three others – Rahul Kranti, Sabita Kumari and Rupesh Pal – continued their fast. Students were seen celebrating and waving the Tricolour after the announcement. Activist Sonam Wangchuk congratulated Mahto over a video call, describing the government’s decision as a “victory for everyone”. 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
Sang same ‘Vande Mataram’ as national leaders: Kharge hits back at BJP over ‘incomplete’ charge
Kharge said if singing the version he did was a crime, cases should also be filed against the leaders who had sung it the same way. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday responded to the BJP’s criticism over his rendition of an “incomplete” ‘Vande Mataram’, saying he sang the version followed by national leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Talking to reporters in South Goa, Kharge said if singing the version he did was a crime, cases should also be filed against the leaders who had sung it the same way. The ruling BJP has alleged that the Congress chief sang an “incomplete” version of the national song during his public meeting in South Goa on Monday, and accused the grand old party of disrespecting the national song. Speaking over the controversy, Kharge said, “I sang the ‘Vande Mataram’ which Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru sang…the same song which Vallabhbhai Patel and Atal Bihari Vajpayee sang. If that is the crime, then file a case against Gandhiji, Nehru and Vallabhbhai Patel.” Kharge said the BJP was unaware of the historical decisions taken by the Congress on the national song and the national anthem. “They don’t know that before they were born, the Congress had passed the resolution to decide about the national song and the national anthem,” he said. The Congress president said he had followed the version of ‘Vande Mataram’ that had been sung for decades. “I did what has been happening for the last 80 years,” Kharge 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