BJP Claims Kharge’s Comments Reflect “Anti-Dalit, Anti-Adivasi” Mindset
Speaking at a press conference, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia alleged that Kharge’s statements were not only disrespectful to the constitutional heads but also revealed the Congress party’s deep-seated bias. Kharge Called Kovind Covid, Murmu A Land Mafia’: BJP Slams Congress For ‘Insulting’ Dalit, Adivasi Presidents The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday came down heavily on Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, alleging he had used “objectionable” language for President Droupadi Murmu and former President Ram Nath Kovind. The party has sought a public apology from both Kharge and the Congress for his remarks. The controversy erupted after Kharge, during a public event in Raipur, Chhattisgarh on Monday, reportedly mispronounced the names of both leaders before correcting himself. However, it was his subsequent comments that drew sharp criticism from the BJP. “You (Kharge) talk big – you called Ram Nath Kovind ji ‘Covid’… You call ‘Murma ji’ and then called her (President Droupadi Murmu) a land mafia, alleging that she has become President to snatch away assets, forests,” Bhatia stated. He further said, “This shows the anti-Dalit, anti-Adivasi and anti-Constitution mindset of the Congress in its DNA.” “Kharge Should Step Down”: BJP Turns Up Heat Related video: “This is the mentality…” Pawan Khera hits out at BJP for Kharge’s remarks on Prez Murmu, Kovind (ANI – Video) What Congress president Malik Arjun Kargeji said is absolutely right Bhatia demanded a formal apology from Kharge and the Congress party for the “distasteful and derogatory” comments. He added that Kharge had not just insulted the two presidents but had also hurt the sentiments of Dalit and Adivasi communities. “If the Congress and Mallikarjun Kharge do not apologise, you will see every citizen (of the country) expressing their anger. This mistake will cost Congress dearly,” Bhatia warned. He also urged Congress workers to demand Kharge’s resignation as party president over the incident. “Acting at Rahul Gandhi’s Behest”: BJP Targets Leadership Targeting the Congress leadership, Bhatia described Kharge as a “remote-controlled national president” acting on instructions from Rahul Gandhi. “Entire India, Adivasi society, Dalit society and women are condemning Mallikarjun Kharge and the Congress,” the BJP spokesperson said. As of now, the Congress has not issued any official response to the BJP’s allegations. Courtesy : MSN Note: This news is originally published on https:/msn.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Punjab: Dalit youth brutalised on suspicion of helping lovers elope, paraded half naked, face shaved and blackened, video goes viral
A Dalit youth was brutally beaten up, paraded half naked with his face blackened on suspicion of helping a couple elope in Seeda village; police arrested one accused, search for others continues. New Delhi: A case of brutality against a Dalit youth has come to light in Seeda village on the border of Ludhiana. According to the police, the villagers not only beat the youth on suspicion of helping the lovers elope, but also forcibly shaved his head and beard-moustache, blackened his face and paraded him half naked in the village. According to a report in Telegraph India, the incident took place on Tuesday, but the matter gained momentum after its video went viral on social media. In the video of the incident, the accused can be clearly seen using casteist abuses and brutalising the victim. The police said that the victim has been identified as Harjot Singh. It is alleged that Harjot Singh had helped his friend and a young woman to elope and get married. Both of them got married on June 19, after which there was tension in the village. On Tuesday, Harjot was in a salon in the village when some people reached there and dragged him out. The accused beat him brutally, shaved off his beard and moustache, blackened his face, tore his clothes and paraded him around the village in a semi-nude state. According to the police, the accused also made a video of this entire act and shared it on social media. The accused have been identified as Gurpreet alias Gopa, Simranjit Singh alias Simma, Sandeep alias Sam, Rajveer and Ramdeep alias Kaka. Meharban police station in-charge Inspector Paramdeep Singh said that Simranjit Singh has been arrested, while the search for the remaining accused is on. He said, “This is not just a physical assault, but a barbaric attack on human dignity. We are investigating the matter in depth and will arrest all the culprits soon.” The police on Saturday registered an FIR under sections 115(2), 127(2), 351 of the Indian Penal Code, besides the IT Act and the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The victim’s family has demanded the strictest punishment for the accused and justice. Courtesy: Rajan Chaudhary, Hindi News
Tamil Nadu: Allegations of discrimination against Dalits in temple, priest refuses to give ‘vibhuti’
The Dalit community in Vadavalam village in Pudukottai district has made serious allegations of caste discrimination and barring from entry in the temple, demanding protection from the administration. Tamil Nadu: Dalit residents of Vadavalam panchayat in Pudukottai district have alleged that they were subjected to caste discrimination at the Kaliyuga Meyya Ayyanar temple under HR&CE. They say that the priests refused to give them holy vibhuti (ash) during a ritual held outside the temple ahead of the annual Rath Festival on July 6. According to a complaint lodged at the Sambattividuthi police station the same day, after Deeparadhana, the priest distributed vibhuti to other devotees but deliberately left out Dalits. When the Dalits questioned this, the priest reportedly said, “We cannot give vibhuti to people like you.” According to media reports, M. Paniswamy, a Dalit resident of Vadavalam, said, “This is not just a matter of one day. For generations, we have been prevented from entering the temple, participating in rituals or even sitting in the same shade.” In a letter to Collector M. Aruna on Monday, Dalits from Vadavalam and nearby villages — Echadi Annanagar, Kandangarapathi, Chinnaiya Sathiram, Chettiapathi and Kayampatti — demanded full entry into the temple. They say they are regularly prevented from carrying milk pots, performing ‘mandagapadi’ or joining processions. They are not even allowed to set up water stalls during festivals. They allege that “social distancing” is enforced if they go beyond a certain point near the temple. VCK’s Thanjavur-Pudukottai zonal secretary Thirumaravan, who accompanied the Dalit residents, appealed to the district administration to ensure their safe entry into the temple on the day of Rathyatra festival on July 8 and to permanently restore their rights. Meanwhile, the Dalits also demanded action against the priests under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and representation of Scheduled Caste people in the temple trustee board. Following the incident, a peace meeting was called by the Alangudi DSP and Pudukottai revenue officials on Monday. A senior revenue official said the Dalits were assured that they would be allowed to enter the temple during the upcoming festival and action would be taken against anyone who obstructed them. However, no decision has been taken yet on further action on the complaint lodged against priest Ganesh and Sambandham Gurukkal. Meanwhile, M. Anbuselvam, a member of the caste Hindu community who attended the peace meeting, denied any allegations. He said, “We did not stop anyone from entering. These allegations have been made for political purposes.” Courtesy : Rajan Chaudhary, Hindi News
Tamil Nadu: Dalit woman brutally murdered in Kanchipuram, body found among junk in factory
38-year-old woman working in a cardboard factory in Enathur, Tamil Nadu beaten to death with iron rod, jewellery robbery also suspected, Dalit organisations demand fair probe. Tamil Nadu: A 38-year-old Dalit woman working in a cardboard box manufacturing unit near Enathur in Kanchipuram district was found dead with serious head injuries on Saturday evening (July 5). The woman has been identified as Selvi alias Hepsi, who hailed from Andi Siruvallur village and had joined the factory just a week ago. According to the police, Selvi was killed by being beaten with an iron rod. Her jewellery weighing about six sovereigns – gold chain, earrings and thali (mangalsutra) – was found missing from the spot. Selvi left home for work on Saturday morning but did not return till late night. After this, her husband Suresh and other family members went to look for her. On reaching the factory premises, they found an employee Senthil lying outside in a highly intoxicated state. When they did not get any clear answer from him, the family members went inside the warehouse, where Selvi’s body was found hidden among the junk. After this, the Ponnerikkarai police was informed. The body was sent to Kanchipuram Government Hospital for postmortem. Initial investigation by the police has not found any clear signs of sexual assault. However, the police is investigating whether the motive behind the murder was only to loot the jewellery or there is some other reason behind it. Officials are also trying to find out whether the incident was committed by an insider or an outsider had entered the factory. Factory owner Praveen Kumar and another employee have been detained for questioning. At the same time, Senthil is reported to have absconded and his search is on. Since Selvi belonged to the Scheduled Caste community, Dalit organizations have demanded a fair and transparent investigation after this incident. CCTV footage of the area is being scanned to find out if any outsider was involved in the incident. At present, the investigation of the case is going on. Courtesy: Rajan Chaudhary, Hindi News
Tamil Nadu: Dalits refused ‘vibuthi’ at Pudukottai temple, submit plea
According to a complaint lodged at the Sambattividuthi police station, after performing the deeparadhanai, the temple priest distributed vibuthi to devotees but deliberately skipped Dalits. PUDUKOTTAI: Dalit residents of Vadavalam panchayat in Pudukottai district have alleged caste-based discrimination at HR&CE’s Kaliyuga Meyya Ayyanar Temple, claiming that priests refused to give them sacred ash during a ritual held outside the temple on July 6, ahead of the temple’s annual chariot festival. According to a complaint lodged at the Sambattividuthi police station on the same day, after performing the deeparadhanai, the temple priest distributed vibuthi to devotees but deliberately skipped Dalits. When questioned, the priest allegedly said, “We cannot give vibuthi to people like you.” “This is not just about one day,” M Paniswamy, a Dalit resident of Vadavalam told TNIE. “For generations, we have been excluded from entering the temple, taking part in rituals, or even sitting under the same shelter,” he added. In a letter to Collector M Aruna on Monday, Dalit residents from Vadavalam and neighbouring villages of Ichadi Annanagar, Kandangarapatti, Chinnaiya Sathiram, Chettiyappatti, and Kayampatti demanded that they be granted full access to the temple. They said they are routinely barred from carrying milk pots, performing ‘mandagapadi’ or joining processions. Even setting up water stalls during festivals is denied, they allege. A longstanding “social boundary” restricts them from crossing a certain point near the temple. Thirumaravan, VCK’s Thanjavur-Pudukkottai zonal secretary, who accompanied the Dalit residents, urged the district administration to escort them into the temple on July 8, the day of the temple car festival and ensure permanent access and protection. Meanwhile, the residents also sought action against the priests under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and demanded Scheduled Caste representation in the temple’s trustee board. Following the incident, a peace meeting was convened by Alangudi DSP and Pudukkottai revenue officials on Monday. A senior revenue official told TNIE that Dalits were assured they would be granted temple entry during the upcoming festival, and action would be taken against anyone obstructing it. However, no decision has been taken yet on whether to proceed with the complaint filed against priests Ganesh and Sambandham Gurukkal. However, M Anbuselvam, member of the caste Hindu community who was part of the peace meeting, denied any wrongdoing. “We did not stop anyone from entering. These allegations are politically motivated.” Courtesy : Pearson Lenekar SR, TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
VCK set to promote two non-Dalit MLAs as treasurer and general secretary
VCK is set to elevate two non-Dalit MLAs, Aloor J Mohamed Shanavas and S S Balaji, as the party’s one of the general secretaries and treasurer respectively. CHENNAI: In a move that underlines its stated intent of not getting pigeonholed as a ‘Dalit’ party, the VCK is set to elevate two non-Dalit MLAs, Aloor J Mohamed Shanavas and S S Balaji, as the party’s one of the general secretaries and treasurer respectively. According to party sources, Shanavas, currently a deputy general secretary and MLA representing Nagapattinam constituency, will fill a long-vacant slot of general secretary reserved for a non-Dalit in accordance with the party’s by-law. The post has remained unfilled since Kalaikottu Udhayam left the party to join NTK. Thiruporur MLA Balaji is expected to take over as treasurer, a position that has been vacant since the demise of former treasurer Yusuf. Party insiders said these appointments, expected to be made before the formal internal elections, are intended to signal the leadership’s commitment towards inclusivity and outreach. The elevation of a Muslim MLA as general secretary and a non-Dalit MLA as treasurer is seen as a strategic step to broaden the party’s support among religious minorities, OBCs, and other non-Dalits. The promotions are part of the party’s larger restructuring initiative by the VCK, which has expanded its district units from 144 to 234 to align with the number of Tamil Nadu’s assembly constituencies. The party – which has four MLAs – has appointed 83 senior functionaries to oversee the formation of new district teams, each comprising a district secretary, four deputy secretaries (including one woman and one non-Dalit), two executive members, and four additional office-bearers. The party has also committed to reserving 10% of district secretary posts for non-Dalits and women, and 25% for youth aged below 35. Courtesy : S Kumaresan, TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Clash over Ambedkar songs at Dalit wedding procession in Mathura; 2 hurt
Agra: A violent clash involving stone-pelting and physical assault broke out on Saturday evening in Mathura during the wedding procession of two Dalit grooms, allegedly over DJ music featuring songs dedicated to BR Ambedkar and those “glorifying” the Jatav community. Police said the incident occurred between 6:30 and 7:30 pm in Dahrua village under Jamunapar police station limits. According to the FIR filed by Devendra Kumar, cousin of the grooms Ram Kumar (22) and Saurabh Kumar (23), “In the wedding procession, the DJ was playing songs praising the Jatav community. Some members of the Thakur community objected to the songs and started pelting stones and hurling abuses.” The objection quickly escalated into a physical altercation, in which two people sustained minor injuries. Local police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Jamunapar SHO Ajay Kishore said, “An FIR has been filed in connection with the matter under BNS sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 352 (assault or criminal force), 351(3) (criminal intimidation), 125 (endangering life or personal safety of others), and relevant provisions of the SC/ST Act against three people.” DSP Sandeep Singh of Mathura’s Sadar area added, “I am investigating this case. Prima facie, we have found that the issue was with the DJ playing the songs, not with the people in the wedding procession. Two people have been detained for questioning and the probe is ongoing.” 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.
Atrocities on Dalits in Odisha Reflects Rising ‘Upper’ Caste Hostility Under the BJP Government
Shock waves spread across Odisha and indeed the country after men of the Dalit Pana community were beaten near Dharakot of Ganjam district of the state. They were forced to crawl with grass blades between their teeth and also to drink drain water. They went through that ordeal after they were falsely charged with smuggling cattle by Savarnas. According to media reports the accused have been arrested by Odisha police following a huge outcry against the inhuman treatment of Dalits. The Bharatiya Janata Party government headed by chief minister Mohan Majhi assumed office a year back. So far, the government has not done anything to stem such casteist mistreatment. This author has spoken to rural residents belonging to Dalit and Muslim communities, who believe that BJP workers in Odisha have had a role to play in making violent language against them the new normal in Odisha. Many say that this, in a society where it is not unusual to see people of all castes attending religious functions together, is a new low. Odisha had been one of the most caste conscious states in India but the relations were not marked so much by violence than widespread and structural discrimination. Growing caste hostility A campaign has been mounted by BJP functionaries, claiming that the Panas are beef eaters. The Pana community has a symbolic role to play in Hindu cultural traditions. They perform certain functions in temple ceremonies and weddings. Their skills in beating drums and playing traditional musical instruments are often priceless in Hindu rituals. People from the community collect the skins of dead cows to use them in their drums. Some are sold to shoemakers. Most are agricultural labourers and earning very little. Their temple roles are thus a source of revenue. In Ganjam district, Brahmins and Pradhan communities are usually landlords. It used to be casteist custom that Brahmins’ legs would dangle from their verandahs in such a manner that they would be above the heads of Dalit people. Similarly, Pradhans and other cultivating caste groups displayed a similar approach to Dalits who work as labourers in the agricultural fields. This special bond between Panas and cultivators fosters some kind of fictive kinship among them in rural Odisha. Changing dynamics Dharakota, the place where Pana people were subjected to the most recent atrocity, witnesses large-scale migration to Gujarat and Kerala by non-Dalits who operate a network among their communities. Panas and other Dalit workers have no option but to stay on at their respective villages and work in the lands owned by ‘upper’ caste people. There is, meanwhile, tussle here between Dalit and other backward class communities as both believe that the other is out to take their jobs. Affirmative action has meant government jobs for a section of Dalit people – leading to resentment among others. Pana people are also adept at maintaining livestock – something that leads to a degree of economic prosperity, which again is a precursor to social discontent. A new normal The spread of venomous Hindutva ideology combined with cultivated hatred against the Dalits and Panas in the name of cow protectionism has become a new normal in Odisha under the present BJP dispensation. Professor F.G. Bailey’s 1960 study Tribe Caste and Nation has shed light on the Pana people and their ties with the tribal Kandha community as a microcosm of the hatred at play. Pana people used to face stiff opposition from caste Hindus and the tribal community, both, in entering temples – an oppression that was overcome in due course. Now, Panas are elected sarpanches and play an important role in villages. But in early 2000, Hindutva politics entered into the area and recognised the Kandha as Hindus and Panas as Christians. It caused violent conflicts among them and often resulted in riots. With the coming of the BJP government the problem has been exacerbated. Caste Hindus, furious about the social mobility now enjoyed by Panas, have been pouncing on them with the ruse of cow protectionism. The heart-rending ill treatment of Panas near Dharakot is a blot not only on society and culture of Odisha but on democratic politics. Courtesy : Radha Kant Barik, The Wire Note: This news is originally published on https:/thewire.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Rectify errors in Jagananna land resurvey: Dalit farmers
The Dalit families alleged that some revenue officials, in collusion with local vested interests, had tampered with the land records. VISAKHAPATNAM: Sixteen Dalit families from Garnikam revenue village in Ravikamatham mandal of Anakapalle district have demanded that errors in land records be rectified to enable them eligible for farmer welfare schemes. They staged a protest in their village on Saturday to press for their demand. The Dalits said they were allotted 20 acres of D-Patta land by the government, where they have developed mango orchards, and have been cultivating for several years. They had also availed bank loans based on these lands. “However, during the resurvey under the Jagananna Saswitha Bhoohakku -Bhu Raksha Scheme, the cultivated D-Patta lands were marked as government land in the webland records. This error has resulted in the removal of our names from official land records, affecting our access to welfare schemes and bank credit,” they said. The Dalit families alleged that some revenue officials, in collusion with local vested interests, had tampered with the land records. ‘Banks denying us loans due to errors in records’ Despite submitting applications at two recent revenue grievance meetings held by the present coalition government, they said no corrective action has been taken so far. “Previously, we received benefits under the Rythu Bharosa scheme. Now, we find our names missing from the Annadata Sukhibhava list, and banks are denying us loans due to discrepancies in land records,” they lamented. The Dalit families urged the Anakapalle Joint Collector to visit the lands, and ensure the restoration of their land rights. K Govinda Rao, district assistant secretary of Agricultural Workers Union, and Ch Suri Babu, mandal secretary of the Committee Against Caste Discrimination, also participated in the protest. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Dalit Professors Resign from Administrative Roles at Bangalore University, Cite Discrimination
‘In-charge’ designations and denied benefits prompt walkout by ten Dalit professors Ten Dalit professors at Bangalore University have resigned from their additional administrative responsibilities, citing caste-based discrimination in the assignment of roles and denial of associated benefits. In a joint letter addressed to the Registrar (Administration), the faculty members expressed dissatisfaction over being designated merely as “in-charge” officers, a status they argue reduces their authority and excludes them from entitled benefits like earned leave. Among the signatories are Prof. C. Somashekar (Director, Ambedkar Research Centre), Prof. Nagesh P.C. (Director, Student Welfare), Prof. Sudesh V. (Coordinator, PM-USHA), and Prof. Muralidhar B.L. (Director, Distance and Online Education Centre). They stated that while they had previously handled full administrative responsibilities alongside their academic duties, their current titles as “in-charge” officials appear to be a deliberate move to restrict their influence and withhold entitlements. The letter notes that despite raising the issue with university authorities on multiple occasions, there was no response. “While giving additional administrative responsibilities, it is just mentioned as ‘in-charge’, and there is also an attempt to avoid crediting our earned leaves,” the professors wrote. In light of the university’s inaction, they collectively decided to step down from their additional roles. The resignations have brought renewed attention to concerns of systemic caste-based discrimination in Indian higher education institutions. Faculty members and observers have pointed to patterns of exclusion and a lack of institutional accountability when it comes to addressing complaints from Dalit staff. This incident is not isolated. In 2020, Dr. Ritu Singh, a Dalit assistant professor at Delhi University’s Daulat Ram College, alleged caste-based harassment and protested her termination for nearly 200 days. In 2021, Vipin P. Veetil, a Dalit postdoctoral fellow at the Indian Institute of Management-Madras, resigned citing similar reasons. Most recently, in 2024, an investigation by the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement confirmed caste-based discrimination against a Dalit associate professor at IIM Bangalore, involving denial of opportunities and public caste disclosure. These cases have raised broader concerns about the effectiveness of anti-discrimination mechanisms in academic institutions and the need for clearer, enforceable guidelines to ensure equity in administrative practices. Courtesy : Outlook India Note: This news is originally published on https:/outlookindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.