Kerala Assembly polls: UDF eyes Dalit thinker Sunny M. Kapikad to challenge LDF hold in Vaikom
When contacted, Kapikad confirmed that informal discussions have taken place regarding his possible candidature, though he said no formal communication has been received from the UDF leadership As discussions on candidate selection gather momentum among the coalitions for the upcoming Assembly elections in Kerala, speculations are rife over the United Democratic Front (UDF) looking to field Dalit thinker Sunny M. Kapikad in the Vaikom constituency. When contacted, Mr. Kapikad confirmed that informal discussions have taken place regarding his possible candidature, though he said no formal communication has been received from the UDF leadership. “The UDF has openly acknowledged its commitment to expand its base by bringing in different sections of society. I am therefore inclined to support any proposal that aligns with the interests of the Dalit community,” he said. Vaikom, a long time stronghold of the Left Democratic Front (LDF), last witnessed a Congress victory in the 1991 Assembly elections, when K. K. Balakrishnan won by a narrow margin of 376 votes. Banking on its success in wresting the Velloor district panchayat division, which falls within the Vaikom Assembly segment, during the recent local body elections, the UDF is now keen to reclaim the constituency. The coalition is exploring whether the influence wielded by Mr. Kapikad, who is also a voter in the Assembly segment, among Dalit voters in the region, would be sufficient to secure a victory. Mr. Kapikad, a well known Dalit thinker and social critic, was among the early activists of the Adivasi Gothra Mahasabha led by C.K. Janu and M. Geethanandan and has played a key role in several Adivasi Dalit movements in the State. The UDF has already inducted the Janadhipathya Rashtriya Sabha, led by Ms. Janu, as an associate member of the coalition. Meanwhile, debates over his possible candidature has sparked a major discussion in social media. Leaders of Dalit organisations say they are receiving enthusiastic support from various parts of the state in favour of his candidature. The sitting MLA from Vaikom is CPI leader C.K. Asha, who has held the seat for two consecutive terms. In the 2016 Assembly election, she secured 61,997 votes, while Congress candidate A. Saneesh Kumar polled 37,413 votes. In 2021, Ms. Asha retained the seat with 71,388 votes, compared to 42,266 votes secured by UDF candidate P.R. Sona. Her vote share in the 2021 election stood at 55.96%. The Hindu Bureau Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Punjab Congress in damage control mode after Channi’s Dalit representation demand
Days after Congress leader and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi called for greater Dalit representation in the party, which had brought the internal party discord into public view, the State unit on Tuesday (January 20, 2026) moved into damage control mode. Cracks appear in Punjab Congress over calls for Dalit representation in party by Channi Denying that there was any factionalism in the State Congress, Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said the Congress does not practice caste or communal politics, even as he asserted that there may are some minor differences among the leaders. Talking to media persons here during an informal interaction, he said, “Unlike the BJP, the Congress does not believe in polarising and dividing people in the name of caste or religion. Punjab in particular never believed in caste or sectarian divisions.” Responding to a question on factionalism in the Punjab Congress, he said, the party was completely united in the State. He added, “May be there are some minor differences among the leaders which are part of every organisation and even a family. But tell me where our leaders have worked on cross purposes against each other or against the party?” he quipped. He said even though there are 34 assembly seats reserved for the Scheduled Castes in Punjab, in case there are more deserving candidates from the SC community, they can still be accommodated. “If there are fifty deserving SC candidates, they will all get the tickets irrespective of the fact that only 34 are reserved for the SCs”, he said. To a question about the recent remarks made by Mr. Channi, the State president said he would not like to comment on that, pointing out that “Channi was made the Chief Minister after the removal of an upper caste Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and earlier he was made the Congress Legislature Party leader after the removal of an upper caste leader Sunil Jakhar.” “Channi was specially picked up to be the Chief Minister of Punjab in 2021 when no party MLA had supported him. Despite that, every leader and legislator welcomed the party’s decision,” he said. Recently, speaking during a meeting of the party’s SC wing, Mr. Channi stated, “In Punjab, if you accept that there is a 35-38% population of Dalits, which is there, then why are we not getting representation. Punjab Congress president is from upper caste, CLP leader is from upper caste, women wing of Punjab Congress from upper caste, Punjab Congress general secretary is from upper caste? Where do we go? Where will these people go?” said Mr. Channi, who is currently a Lok Sabha MP from Jalandhar. The Hindu Bureau Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.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
Bareilly Dalit Assaulted, Head Shaved and Mud-Smeared in Alleged Caste-Based Attack
In Bareilly district’s Nawabganj area, a Dalit man, Pappu Diwakar, was allegedly subjected to caste-based assault and public humiliation over a financial dispute on Saturday. According to his complaint to the police, Diwakar had lent ₹4.5 lakh to Chandrasen, a resident of Geltanda village, to buy a tractor. When he asked for the repayment, he was allegedly attacked by Chandrasen, his son Pappu, Godhan Lal, and several others. The accused are said to have beaten him, abused him using caste-based slurs, forcibly shaved his head, cut his moustache and eyebrows, and smeared mud on his face in front of villagers to humiliate him. Following the complaint, Nawabganj police registered a case under relevant sections of the BNS and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Chandrasen and Godhan Lal have been taken into custody, while efforts are underway to arrest the third-named accused. Police also noted village claims that Diwakar practises occult rituals and allegedly misled people about buried treasure, which are being examined as part of the investigation. SHO Arun Kumar Srivastava confirmed that a thorough investigation is ongoing. Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit teenage girl molested in Hathras: Accused stopped her on the way while she was going to the toilet, fled after she raised an alarm, arrested
A case of molestation of a Dalit teenage girl has come to light in a village under the Hathras Junction police station area in Hathras. The police took swift action and arrested the accused youth, and a case has been registered against him. According to the information, the 14-year-old girl was going to the toilet when a young man from the same village stopped her on the way and started molesting her. The accused fled from the spot after the girl raised an alarm. Upon receiving information about the incident, the police reached the spot and started investigating the matter. The police questioned the people there. Based on the complaint filed by the girl’s father, the police registered a case against the accused under the relevant sections. The police promptly arrested the accused youth, Vinod. Further legal action is underway. Courtesy: Hindi News