‘Safeguarded as ‘amanat’ for years’: Family presents Feroze Gandhi’s driving licence to Rahul; he shares photo with mother
RAE BARELI: In a warm gesture, a family in Rae Bareli presented Rahul Gandhi the driving licence of his grandfather, Feroze Gandhi. Delighted to see the piece of memory, Rahul immediately clicked a picture of the document and sent it to his mother. “The document was preserved for decades by our family,” said Vikas Singh, member of the Rae Bareli Premier League cricket tournament committee. “It was safeguarded by my late father-in-law and later by my mother-in-law as an “amanat” to be returned to the Gandhi family,” 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
Modi govt insulted Bapu by renaming MGNREGA: Rahul
Rae Bareli: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused the Modi govt of seeking to centralise power and weakening welfare safeguards for India’s rural workforce. The renaming and restructuring of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is an insult to the Father of the Nation, said Rahul, who reached Rae Bareli on a two-day visit. Rahul said the G RAM G has removed the financial safeguards and protections that MGNREGA provided to marginalised workers.”BJP govt has insulted Mahatma Gandhi and is attacking the very roots of our democracy,” he said. “The scheme should be implemented at the panchayat level, with village heads accountable for financial decisions, rather than being run centrally from Delhi or Lucknow,” he said while addressing party workers and villagers at the first ‘MGNREGA Chaupal’ in his constituency. VB-G RAM G guarantees 125 days of wage employment to rural households, but Rahul alleged it shifts a significant part of the financial burden onto state govts. The Leader of Opposition said the Modi govt intends to divert funds for rural labourers to a handful of industrialists, including Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani. “While we are protecting the people, Narendra Modi is concentrating wealth in the hands of a select few. The money that should go to labourers must not end up with big corporate houses,” he said. The Congress MP warned that BJP-run states may refuse to provide their 40% share of funding under the VB-G RAM G Act, further undermining the scheme’s effectiveness. The Congress leader reiterated that MGNREGA, a panchayat-based programme, safeguarded poor workers and promoted local governance. He accused the Centre of attempting to dismantle a programme that provided wage security to millions of rural households. “This is a fight to protect the Constitution and the rights of workers. Modi and the RSS want to take India back to the pre-Independence era, where people’s land and resources could be handed over to corporate houses,” he said. He said Congress has launched a nationwide “MGNREGA Bachao Sangram” campaign (from Jan 10 to Feb 25) for the scheme’s restoration and mobilising public opinion across the country. Rahul Gandhi also inaugurated a local cricket tournament and held meetings with party office-bearers and workers, emphasising grassroots outreach alongside the broader political campaign. Earlier, he met party workers at the Bhuyemau guest house. 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
7 booked after Dalit man assaulted, tonsured in Bareilly
Meerut: A case has been registered against seven men under the SC/ST Act for allegedly assaulting a 30-year-old Dalit man from the Nawabganj area of Bareilly district, officials said on Monday. A purported video of the incident later went viral on social media, showing Pappu Diwakar being assaulted by a group of men who forcibly shaved his head, moustache and eyebrows using a razor. Following public outrage, an FIR was filed on Sunday against seven persons, including three named accused, under provisions of the SC/ST Act and BNS sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 316(2) (criminal breach of trust), 351(3) (criminal intimidation) and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace). According to the complaint filed by Diwakar, Chandra Sen, a villager known to him, had borrowed Rs 4.5 lakh a few months ago to purchase a tractor but failed to return the money despite repeated demands. He alleged that about a month ago, when he confronted Sen, the latter, along with three others, hurled casteist slurs and assaulted him. SP (rural) Mukesh Mishra said, “An FIR has been lodged and the investigation handed over to a senior officer to verify the authenticity of the video and examine the details of the incident. Chandrasen and his two sons, Pappu and Godhan, are named in the FIR and have been arrested.” Meanwhile, a police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Diwakar practised occult and had taken money from several people in return for fulfilling their desires. When they allegedly began demanding their money back, Diwakar fled the village, the officer said, adding that upon his return, he was held and tonsured, following which he filed the FIR. 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
YSRCP stages protest at DGP office over Dalit activist’s murder
Mangalagiri: YSRCP leaders staged a dharna in front of the DGP’s office after police refused to grant them an appointment to submit a complaint regarding the brutal murder of the party’s Dalit activist Manda Salman. YSRCP leaders said they were denied permission to meet director general of police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta, forcing them to protest outside the office, after which an additional DGP finally received their representation. Former minister Merugu Nagarjuna said that Salman’s killing was a “government-sponsored murder” and demanded a CBI probe. He said police not only failed to register a proper FIR on the murder but also shockingly booked a case against Salman himself. He added that leaders were initially not even allowed to see Salman’s body and that police responded only after YSRCP president and former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy said he would personally come and perform the burial. He questioned what was happening in the state, stating that even serious crimes against women and children were not being registered and that the Constitution had been replaced by a ‘Red Book rule’. Former MLA Kasu Mahesh Reddy said Andhra Pradesh had descended into lawlessness, where even after the murder of a Dalit activist, police failed to act against the attackers and instead filed cases against the deceased. He said Salman’s family was obstructed from performing the last rites according to religious customs and that authorities went to the extent of demanding Aadhaar cards even for burial. He announced that YSRCP would approach the High Court through a PIL and continue its struggle until justice is delivered to Salman’s family. Former minister T J R Sudhakar Babu said YSRCP leaders were humiliated at the DGP office and questioned whether the DGP was working for the people or acting as an agent of Chandrababu Naidu. He recalled rampant attacks on Dalits, demanded Rs 1 crore compensation to Salman’s family and called for action against MLA Yarapathineni Srinivas Rao. Former minister Vidadala Rajini accused police of abandoning their constitutional duty and serving Chandrababu Naidu and Nara Lokesh. She said that SCs, STs, BCs, and minorities have no protection, that TDP goons are committing murders, and that even common citizens cannot enter police stations without political clearance. MLC Mondithoka Arun Kumar said the killing of a Dalit activist exposed the government’s true face and called upon Dalits to unite against what he termed “barbaric rule”. Former minister Ambati Rambabu said police conduct in the case was deeply controversial, that repeated attempts to submit a complaint were ignored and that the protest was forced upon them. He demanded a high-level inquiry and immediate relief for Salman’s family. Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Bareilly Dalit Attack: Head Shaved, Mustache Cut, and Mud Smeared on Face: Dalit Man Brutalized in Bareilly for Asking for Money
Bareilly Dalit Attack: In Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, a Dalit man was brutally beaten and humiliated by three local goons for asking for the return of borrowed money. The goons allegedly shaved his head and eyebrows, cut off his mustache, and smeared mud on his face. Bareilly Dalit Attack: In Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, a Dalit man was brutally beaten and humiliated by three local goons for asking for the return of borrowed money. The goons allegedly shaved his head and eyebrows, cut off his mustache, and smeared mud on his face. In addition, the three men made a video of his humiliation and uploaded it on social media. The incident took place about a month ago. Pappu Diwakar, the victim, had been living at the house of the accused, Chandrasen, in Bareilly for the past few months. In his complaint to the local police, he stated that Chandrasen had borrowed Rs 4.5 lakh from him to buy a tractor. However, when Diwakar asked Chandrasen for the money back, Chandrasen, along with his son Pappu, friend Godhanlal, and several other associates, started verbally abusing him. The three accused allegedly used abusive language against Diwakar and hurled casteist slurs. Furthermore, they attacked Diwakar by shaving his mustache, head, and eyebrows. They recorded every moment of the attack on video and uploaded it on social media. Three Accused Arrested Based on the complaint, the local police took swift action and arrested three people involved in the alleged assault. However, the main accused in the case, Chandrasen, his son Pappu, and Godhanlal, are still absconding. Meanwhile, a separate angle has emerged during the investigation of the attack. Police have learned that several villagers had expressed their anger towards Diwakar, accusing him of practicing black magic. It is alleged that Diwakar misled them by claiming that hidden treasure was buried in their homes and instructed them to dig for it. However, despite spending a considerable amount of money on the excavation, they found nothing, which reportedly led them to attack Diwakar. TRANSLATED BY: ASHWANI KUMAR SRIVASTAVA Courtesy: Hindi News
Bhopal News: Tribals And Dalits Abused, Land Grabbed In Anandpur Dham; Congress
One woman allegedly was forced into sexual relations, and when she complained, the video evidence was deleted, and she was coerced into signing documents. Ahirwar also accused Dham officials of encroaching on Dalit, Tribal, and government land and singled out one member for hooliganism and land grabbing. Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Congress has accused Anandpur Dham authorities of sexually abusing tribal and Dalit residents and seizing their land. Pradeep Ahirwar, state president of the Congress Scheduled Caste Cell, made the allegations to media on Monday, citing repeated complaints ignored by local authorities. Earlier on April 11, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had paid a visit to the Dham and participated in a religious programme. Ahirwar said victims who spoke out faced job termination, threats to their reputation and death threats. One woman allegedly was forced into sexual relations, and when she complained, the video evidence was deleted, and she was coerced into signing documents. Ahirwar also accused Dham officials of encroaching on Dalit, Tribal, and government land and singled out one member for hooliganism and land grabbing. Despite complaints filed with local government and CM Helpline, Ahirwar said no action was taken. Congress demanded a CBI enquiry, warning that local police of Ashoknagar or Guna might be under pressure. Courtesy : TFPJ Note: This news is originally published on https:/thefreepressjournal.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Why I think burning Manusmriti, breaking idols are justified acts of Dalit resistance
Rajiv Shah, who is among those esteemed journalist friends who have stood by the issues of the Dalit and oppressed communities, has raised a question regarding our 1972 protest in a recent blog, “Would breaking idols, burning books annihilate caste? Recalling a 1972 Dalit protest” (Counterview, January 9, 2026): Why did Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar feel the need to burn the Manusmriti? Why did Periyar lead a procession crowning the idol of Rama with a garland of footwear? Why did Jyotiba Phule write so harshly against Rama, Krishna, the Gita, and Varnashrama in his book Gulamgiri? And why did we feel the need to break the idol of Krishna? A similar question was asked of Gandhiji during the freedom struggle when he called upon the people to spin the takli (spindle). He was asked: “Will the British leave the country just by spinning yarn? Will walking to Dandi for a fistful of salt bring independence?” In 1935, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar declared, “I was born a Hindu because it was not in my hands, but I will not die a Hindu.” Twenty years later, in 1955, along with eight lakh Dalits, he embraced Buddhism. At that time, Dr. Ambedkar administered 22 vows. The initial vows were purposefully negative: – I shall have no faith in Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, nor shall I worship them. – I shall not regard Rama and Krishna as Gods. – I shall not believe in Gauri, Ganpati, or any other gods and goddesses of Hinduism, nor shall I worship them. – I do not believe that God has taken any incarnation. – I shall believe that the propaganda that Buddha was an incarnation of Vishnu is false and mischievous. – I shall not perform Shraddha or Pind-daan. – I shall not follow any rituals or ceremonies that are inconsistent with Buddhism. – I shall not allow any ceremonies to be performed by Brahmins. The question remains: Why did Dr. Ambedkar find it necessary to make people take these negative vows against Hinduism? There is a need to understand the reasons for burning the Manusmriti or breaking idols by reading an interview with Gandhiji conducted by a curious journalist. The answers Gandhiji gave reveal the rigidity of the system we fight: Journalist: We cannot understand why you emphasize Varnadharma. Do you consider current caste distinctions appropriate? What is your definition of Varna? Gandhiji: Varna is the pre-determination of a person’s choice of occupation. Following the ancestral occupation for livelihood is called Varnadharma. Every child naturally follows the father’s Varna. Therefore, Varna is a law of heredity. It was not imposed; it was a law discovered by those responsible for the welfare of the Hindu race. It is an immutable law of nature. Journalist: If a man performs an occupation other than the one he was born into, what is his Varna? Gandhiji: According to Hindu belief, he still belongs to the Varna of his birth. But by not living according to his Varna, he causes his own destruction and falls—he becomes “fallen” (patit). Journalist: If a Shudra performs the work of a Brahmin, does he become fallen? Gandhiji: A Shudra has as much right to knowledge as a Brahmin. But if he tries to earn his “livelihood” through “teaching,” he becomes “fallen” from Varnadharma. A hundred years ago, a carpenter’s son never dreamed of becoming a lawyer. Today he does, because he sees it as an easy way to make money. Journalist: Is a man not free to follow the profession of his choice? Gandhiji: His ancestral calling should be his only choice. There is nobility in it. Today, society has become disorganized. Journalist: If a Shudra possesses all the qualities of a Brahmin, can he be called a Brahmin? Gandhiji: He cannot be called a Brahmin in this birth. It is better for him not to assume a Varna into which he was not born. That is a sign of true humility. Journalist: But you follow the Bhagavad Gita, which says Varna is decided by qualities (Guna) and actions (Karma). Why do you bring in birth? Gandhiji: I follow the Gita because it presents principles and leaves the practice to us. The Gita says Varna follows Guna and Karma, but these are inherited at birth. When Lord Krishna says, “Chaturvarnya maya srishtam” (The four-fold order was created by Me), I interpret that as being by birth. If Varnadharma is not by birth, it has no meaning. Journalist: Do you not see people with qualities different from their families? Gandhiji: That is a difficult question. We don’t know the individual’s entire past. If my father is a trader and I have the qualities of a warrior, I may serve the country as a soldier without pay, but I must satisfy myself by earning my “livelihood” only from trade. I have verified that Gandhiji did not change these views on the Varna system until he died. It is clear: in Hindu scriptures, Varna is birth-based and cannot be changed by action. Education is reserved for Brahmins, arms for Kshatriyas, trade for Vaishyas, and the Shudras (SC/ST/OBC)—who make up 85% of the country—are left with labor and service. Gandhiji even suggests that if a Shudra’s son becomes a doctor, he should still earn his living by his ancestral sweeping work, using his medical knowledge only for free service. Today, we see a resurgence of “Satyug” (Brahminism). Should such a system not be stopped? Inequality and exploitation have been fought globally. Karl Marx showed a path through Das Kapital, yet Marxism struggled in India. I believe if Marx were born in India, his book would have looked different. He would have talked not just about Class struggle, but the intersection of Varna (Caste) and Class. In India, Varna struggle is the primary necessity. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar noted that political revolutions are always preceded by religious and social ones—whether it was Luther in Europe, Puritanism in England and America, or Prophet Muhammad in the Arab world. Even in India, the political
Punjab Congress embroiled in Jat Sikh vs. Dalit conflict, BJP sees an opportunity and offers Channi a deal
Former CM Channi is known as a prominent leader of the Dalit community in Punjab. The meeting was also attended by Rajendra Gautam, chairman of the Congress’s Scheduled Caste department. Currently, top positions in the Punjab Congress unit are held by Jat Sikh leaders. Internal strife has once again surfaced within the Punjab Congress. The matter is related to the Jat Sikh versus Dalit leadership dispute in the Punjab Congress. The issue escalated when a video of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi went viral. In the video, which went viral on social media, Channi can be heard demanding representation for Dalits in the party. The MP from Jalandhar also clarified that he did not speak about any particular caste or community and that he was a victim of malicious propaganda on social media. During his address at a meeting of the party’s Scheduled Caste (SC) wing on Saturday, Channi had said, “If you accept that the Dalit population in Punjab is 35 to 38 percent, which it actually is, then why are we not getting proper representation?” What Channi said about Dalits He further added, “The Punjab (Congress) president is from an upper caste, the leader of the legislative party is from an upper caste, the head of the Punjab Congress women’s wing is from an upper caste, the Punjab (Congress) general secretary is from an upper caste? So where do we go? Where will these people go?” Another video of him has also gone viral in which Channi is seen appealing to people not to record videos before he speaks. The Punjab Assembly elections are about two years away and are scheduled for 2027. Channi is known as a prominent leader of the Dalit community in Punjab. The meeting was also attended by Rajendra Gautam, chairman of the Congress’s Scheduled Caste department. However, the truth is that currently, top positions in the Punjab Congress unit are held by Jat Sikh leaders. The president of the Punjab Congress unit is Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and the Leader of the Opposition is Pratap Singh Bajwa. What did former CM Channi say about the controversy? Earlier, when Channi was asked about this, he said, “I didn’t say anything like that in the meeting.” He had called the whole matter propaganda, but now Channi’s speech in the meeting has revealed the truth behind the ongoing Jat Sikh versus Dalit leadership dispute in Punjab Congress. However, the Congress party has also become alert after this matter came to light. According to a party source, this issue is likely to be discussed in the meeting of state-level leaders called by the party high command on January 23. Congress in turmoil, BJP targets the party Amidst this development, BJP leader Kewal Singh Dhillon on Monday urged Channi to join the BJP, saying that he would get due respect in the party. Dhillon said in a post on X, “Channi ji, as a proud Punjabi, I believe that your stance on Dalit representation reflects leadership and secular values. In the Punjab unit of the BJP, you will get respect, dignity and a real opportunity to serve every community. Let’s work together for the future of Punjab.” Mohit Malhotra Courtesy: Hindi News
Sultanpur: Rahul Gandhi given final chance in defamation case, must appear in MP-MLA court on February 20
Rahul Gandhi Defamation Case: The MP-MLA court in Sultanpur has given Congress leader Rahul Gandhi a final opportunity in the defamation case. Sultanpur: The MP-MLA court has given Congress leader and Raebareli MP Rahul Gandhi a final chance in the defamation case. The court has ordered Rahul Gandhi to appear in person and record his statement on February 20. The case was heard on Monday. During the previous hearing, the witness in the case, Ramchandra Dubey, had recorded his statement. Following this, cross-examination was conducted by the lawyers. However, Rahul Gandhi could not be present in court during this hearing. Rahul Gandhi’s lawyer stated that Rahul Gandhi will appear in the MP-MLA court on February 20. This case is related to a statement made almost eight years ago during the Karnataka assembly elections. It is alleged that Rahul Gandhi made objectionable remarks about the current Home Minister Amit Shah at that time. BJP leader Vijay Mishra, feeling aggrieved by this remark, had filed a complaint against Rahul Gandhi. Currently, the case is being heard in the MP-MLA court. Rahul Gandhi has already recorded his statement and is currently out on bail. Curated by: Devesh Pandey About the Author Devesh Pandey is a consultant at Navbharat Times Online. He has 8 years of experience working in TV channels and digital media. He has experience and interest in politics and sports. He covered several IPL matches and the World Cup 2023 in Lucknow. In politics, he also covered the 2017 and 2022 UP elections. Courtesy: Hindi News
On two-day visit to Rae Bareli, Rahul to lead save MGNREGA campaign
Lucknow: Congress MP and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will begin a two-day visit to his parliamentary constituency Rae Bareli from Tuesday where he is scheduled to address an “MGNREGA Chaupal” as part of the party’s nationwide campaign, ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’. On Tuesday, he is expected to address the ‘chaupal’ in Unchahar area, where the Congress plans to highlight issues related to rural employment and livelihoods. The outreach comes against the backdrop of the BJP govt repealing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and introducing the Viksit Bharat — Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G Act). According to party sources, Gandhi will also visit villages in his constituency to interact with residents and discuss local issues, including concerns surrounding the new legislation. Later in the day, he will inaugurate a cricket tournament at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, where former India cricketer RP Singh, a Rae Bareli native, is expected to be present. On Jan 21, Gandhi is scheduled to hold meetings with party officials and workers from Rae Bareli and neighbouring Amethi. Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma will also attend the interactions, party leaders said.The Congress organised sit-ins, protests and panchayat-level outreach programmes across Uttar Pradesh under the ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’. Last week, the party members staged protests in Varanasi led by state unit chief Ajay Rai, including a symbolic fast, followed by a protest march by NSUI workers.Earlier this month, the Congress announced a year-long protest plan – the first phase being from Jan 10 to Feb 25 . 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