With BSP in decline, can Congress become the new voice for dalits in UP?
By appointing dalit leader Rajendra Pal Gautam and reaffirming its commitment to the PDA plank, Congress aims to attract a major portion of the dalit vote, capitalising on the perceived decline of the BSP ON SAMAJWADI PARTY chief Akhilesh Yadav’s birthday on July 1, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi did more than post a greeting on X. In his message, he reaffirmed the Congress’s commitment to the PDA plank—comprising pichda (backward), dalit and alpsankhyak (minority) communities—signalling a shared direction for the two parties and cementing the alliance ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls. The Congress had already sent a political message to the PDA four days earlier by appointing dalit leader Rajendra Pal Gautam as its Uttar Pradesh in-charge. Although the state unit president heads the party organisation, Gautam—born in Delhi but with roots in UP—has stepped beyond his role and begun directly reaching out to dalits, who account for about 22 per cent of the state’s population, the state’s largest social group. Muslims make up around 19 per cent and Yadavs roughly 13 per cent, both traditionally the Samajwadi Party’s core support base. About 95 per cent of Muslims and 82 per cent of Yadavs reportedly voted for the SP-Congress alliance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The alliance’s challenge is to expand beyond this Muslim-Yadav base, and the most promising constituency seems to be the dalits. In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, around 40 per cent of dalits voted for the INDIA bloc, while the remaining votes were evenly split between the BJP and the Bahujan Samaj Party. With Mayawati’s declining electoral fortunes and increasingly limited political engagement, the opposition believes a vacuum has opened in dalit politics. Political observers say many dalits shifted to the INDIA bloc in 2024 because the BSP was not perceived as effectively voicing their concerns, while the Congress successfully campaigned around the allegation that the BJP was trying to change the Constitution and weaken reservations for backward communities. The Congress now hopes for a repeat of 2024. The Constitution campaign helped the SPCongress alliance win 43 of Uttar Pradesh’s 80 Lok Sabha seats. This time, with the 2027 assembly elections heading towards a bipolar contest, the Congress believes dalit mobilisation can convert parliamentary gains into assembly seats. According to political analyst Aditya Rathi, if the Congress is able to establish itself as the party of dalits, many non-Jatav dalits, who make up around 50 per cent of the dalit population, and a significant section of Jatavs could shift towards the party. It is this possibility that the Congress believes Gautam can help unlock. Gautam belongs to the Jatav community, which accounts for nearly half of the state’s dalit population. While he may not be a widely recognisable dalit face, Congress leaders say his appointment has generated interest on the ground. “Dalits know his name because he has earlier been an activist for their cause,” said a Congress leader. If the Congress is able to strengthen its organisational structure and communication strategy, it believes it can strengthen the alliance’s position in nearly 100 assembly seats where dalits form more than 30 per cent of the population. The SP’s core Muslim-Yadav base enabled it to win 111 assembly seats in 2022. A broader dalit-Muslim-Yadav consolidation could push it beyond the majority mark of 202 seats in the 403-member assembly. The SP’s outreach has broadened to include non-Yadav OBC communities as well, apart from dalits. It is not overtly focusing on Thakurs, the community to which Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath belongs. Akhilesh is seeking to expand the coalition rather than rely solely on the Muslim-Yadav bloc that has defined SP for decades. “UP is a mini India,” Gautam said. “Dalits, Muslims and Other Backward Classes account for more than 60 per cent of the state’s population and want a proportionate share, but right now only a few communities helm the affairs. Dalits have suffered for centuries.” The Congress, Gautam said, wanted to strengthen the alliance. “There is clarity that the INDIA bloc will contest together. The struggle of dalits that is going on right now can only be taken up by a national party. There is a need to take up their issues; if we won’t, then who will?” The Congress is hoping to secure at least half of the dalit vote this time. Until the early 1980s, dalits—alongside Muslims and Brahmins—were the Congress’s core vote bank in the state. The rise of Kanshi Ram and Mayawati’s Bahujan movement gradually shifted dalits to the BSP, while Muslim and Brahmin votes got dispersed among regional parties and the BJP, leaving the Congress marginalised in the state. According to Verender Guddu, former general secretary of the party’s state unit, the Congress still had a committed base that continued to support it. “In almost every assembly seat, there are 2,000 to 5,000 votes that people will give to the Congress on its name. In some seats, that number will be more than 10,000,” he said. Once dalits return to the party, the Congress believes it could attract Muslims and sections of Brahmins. That possibility presents its own challenge, though. A stronger Congress could make the SP wary of conceding too much space during seat-sharing negotiations. Santosh Bhartiya, political analyst and former Lok Sabha member, said the Congress currently lacked an organisational structure or grassroots presence to contest alone. “The party’s real focus is not 2027, but the 2029 Lok Sabha elections,” Bhartiya said. “From this perspective, whether Akhilesh wins or loses in 2027 serves the Congress’s long-term strategy, as it aims to rebuild its social coalition by bringing Muslims, a significant section of dalits and other communities into its fold.” Badar Bashir Courtesy : The Week Note: This news is originally published on https:/theweek.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Mayawati alleges Opposition using Dalit organisations to mislead Bahujan society
Congress party hit back adding the BSP chief is reading out from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) playbook and weakening the Bahujan and marginalized cause The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Saturday (July 12, 2026) alleged that Opposition parties are engaged in misleading and misguiding the Dalit and other sections of the Bahujan society in various ways by putting forward some Dalit organizations and misleading the public through baseless promises and claims and false propaganda. Ms. Mayawati dubbed the demonstration and road blockade as political and electoral gimmicks. “As is well known that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), unlike other parties, does not believe in demonstrations, road blockade, uproar, vandalism of government and private properties and other violent incidents and misleading the public through baseless promises and claims and false propaganda etc., to achieve its political and electoral interests. The BSP, the only Ambedkarite party in the country that is completely free from all such political and electoral gimmicks and is dedicated to the welfare and well-being of the entire society, especially the poor, laborers, exploited, oppressed and neglected, following the principle and policy of ‘Sarvajana Hitaya and Sarvajana Sukhaya’, and the living proof of this is the comprehensive public interest, welfare and development of the BSP-led government in Uttar Pradesh for four times, and the ‘rule of law by law’ in matters of crime control and law and order,” wrote Ms. Mayawati, on X. The BSP president further added, “Apart from providing an ideal constitutional government in a vast state like U.P., it is also crystal clear that unlike the opposition parties and the Dalit organisations and parties working at their behest, the BSP does not indulge in politics of deceit and fraud, nor does it shed crocodile tears for them, nor does it change its colour like a chameleon for narrow selfish interests. Rather, for the real benefit and welfare of crores of Dalits, tribals, backward classes, Muslims and other religious minorities, as well as the poor of the upper caste society, it wants to achieve the great goal of ‘social change and economic upliftment’ primarily through the master key of power by following the path shown by the great saints, gurus and great men born from time to time in the ‘Bahujan Samaj’, especially Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Shri Narayana Guru, Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj, the most revered Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and the Bahujan leader, Honorable Shri Kanshi Ram.” Ms. Mayawati alleged that with the elections approaching, the Opposition parties, using tactics, want to further their political interests by putting guns on the shoulders of Dalit organisations and people with a slave mentality, and by opposing the BSP and Baba Saheb’s movement. “Therefore, people from all sections of society, especially Dalits and all those from the ‘Bahujan Samaj’, need to be extremely vigilant and cautious so that the evil intentions of the opponents do not succeed,” she cautioned, adding the BSP’s real concern in this regard is that the poor, laborers, unemployed youth, etc., as well as the exploited, oppressed, and other neglected people of society, should not become victims of government hatred, oppression, and terror when they take to the streets to raise their issues. Ms. Mayawati’s comment came in the wake of the murder of Lalita Gautam, a final-year BA student, aged 20. Days later her body was recovered from a sugarcane field in the Rohta area of Meerut district. Police arrested the victim’s alleged boyfriend, Ankush, in connection with the murder. He was later released on bail. Dalit groups and the victim’s family alleged involvement of more accused in the case protested outside the Collectorate on July 8 and 9, demanding for a renewed investigation. This demonstration escalated into confrontations between the protesters and law enforcement. The police used lathi charge to break up the gathering and took seven individuals into custody, and filed cases against approximately 50 unidentified persons for unlawful assembly and attacking police personnel, among other charges, in connection with the protest. Nagina MP and Azad Samaj Party (ASP) chief Chandra Shekhar Aazad and Congress delegation attempted to meet the deceased’s family and victims of police action. Ms. Mayawati’s comment is directed at the incident. Congress party hit back, adding that the BSP chief is reading out from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) playbook and weakening the Bahujan and marginalised cause. “It seems the BSP leader is taking lessons from feudal forces. In any democratic framework, people have the right to protest publicly to raise their concerns. It is well-known that the atrocities against marginalised sections have peaked under the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh; people from marginalised sections have to take to the streets for justice. To call it wrong is illogical and shows an anti-people mentality. Congress will continue its fight for justice against any form of injustice on any group of society and people,” said Shahnawaz Alam, National Secretary, Congress. Mayank Kumar 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
Viral video from Ganjam sparks outrage; Dalit youth alleges 3 days of illegal confinement and brutal assault
A disturbing video purportedly showing a youth being brutally assaulted inside a locked room has gone viral from Odisha’s Ganjam district, once again raising concerns over alleged vigilante-style violence. A disturbing video purportedly showing a youth being brutally assaulted inside a locked room has gone viral from Odisha’s Ganjam district, once again raising concerns over alleged vigilante-style violence. The incident is reported to have taken place under the jurisdiction of Berhampur Sadar Police Station. As per the allegations, the victim is a Dalit youth from the Sadar police station area. He was allegedly confined illegally in a locked room for nearly three days, during which he was physically assaulted and subjected to severe torture. The viral video allegedly shows the youth being mercilessly beaten inside the room. Four individuals can reportedly be seen in the footage, while one of them is seen assaulting the victim. The authenticity of the video, however, has not yet been independently verified. Along with the video, a written complaint naming the alleged attackers has also surfaced on social media. In the letter, the youth claimed that his life was under threat and stated that he had submitted written petitions to the President of India, the Prime Minister, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Director General of Police (DGP), and the Ganjam district administration, seeking immediate intervention. In the complaint, the youth alleged that he was pressured to participate in illegal activities. He claimed that after refusing to comply, he was beaten, unlawfully confined for nearly three days, and deprived of food and water during the period of his alleged captivity. The allegations contained in the viral complaint and video have triggered widespread concern, with many demanding a thorough investigation into the incident. As of now, there has been no official confirmation from the police regarding the authenticity of the video or the allegations made in the complaint. Further investigation in connection with the viral video and allegations is awaited. Author Vikash Sharma Courtesy : Odisha TV Note: This news is originally published on https:/odishatv.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Moradabad: A Dalit woman was forced to convert at gunpoint; Muslim couple arrested following complaint
In Moradabad, a Dalit woman was held hostage by a Muslim couple, a cleric, and two unidentified accused and forced to convert. It is being reported that the accused husband had been harboring an evil eye on her for a long time. Police in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, have arrested a Muslim couple for allegedly forcibly converting a Dalit woman by holding her hostage. Acting swiftly on the victim’s complaint, the police filed a case against the main accused, a Muslim couple and a cleric, and arrested and sent them to jail. The cleric and two unidentified accused involved in the incident are being sought. The accused forced the woman to convert at gunpoint. The incident is reported to have occurred in the Majhola police station area. According to the FIR lodged, the victim, a resident of Prakash Nagar, had close and familial relations with the family of the accused, Sultan Salahuddin, and his wife, Mehnaz (Mehraj Begum), for the past three years. Both families celebrated all festivals together. The woman had no idea that Sultan Salahuddin had an evil eye on her. It is alleged that on February 6th, Mehraj Begum lured the victim to her home. As soon as she arrived, Sultan Salahuddin, his wife Mehnaz, a cleric, and two unidentified men took her hostage. The accused then held their licensed pistols to her head and, threatening to kill her, forced her to convert to Islam in front of the cleric. The victim told the police that after the conversion, she was put under intense pressure to marry. When the woman strongly protested, the cleric present at the scene declared the forced marriage illegal, calling it against Islam and Sharia. The main accused, Sultan Salahuddin, refused to budge and shouted, “I will keep her as my wife.” Police filed a case against the accused couple and the cleric under 10 sections. When she resisted, the accused used casteist slurs, abused her, and held her captive in their house for several days. The victim alleges that Sultan Salahuddin subjected her to obscene acts and molestation during her captivity. The victim, who somehow managed to escape, was threatened with death if she complained. It is reported that the accused, Sultan Salahuddin, has a criminal history and has previously been charged with attempted murder in Badaun district. Given the sensitivity and seriousness of the case, Moradabad police took immediate action. Police have filed a case against the accused couple, Sultan Salahuddin, Mehnaz, the cleric, and two unidentified individuals under 10 serious sections, including kidnapping, molestation, threats to kill, the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act (forced conversion), and the SC/ST Act. Both main accused arrested, search continues for the cleric and two other unidentified individuals. Providing information about the case, Moradabad SP City Kumar Ranvijay Singh said that yesterday (July 11), a complaint was received at Majhola police station from a woman living in Prakash Nagar. The victim alleges that an acquaintance, Sultan Salahuddin, and his wife invited her to their home, where she was abused, molested, illegally held captive, and forced to convert to Islam. Considering the seriousness of the matter, the police have immediately registered a case under relevant sections. The two main accused, Sultan Salahuddin and his wife Mehnaz, have been arrested and are being sent to jail. Teams have been formed to arrest the cleric and two other unidentified individuals involved in the incident; they will also be sent behind bars soon. Written By: Obaidur Rahman About the author Ubaidur Rahman is a senior and active TV journalist and ground reporter for ABP News. For the past 20 years, he has been covering political, criminal, wildlife, social, cultural, and investigative news in the Moradabad division of western Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Prior to ABP News, he worked at several prominent organizations. After a Bachelor of Science, he earned a Diploma in TV Journalism and Broadcasting and an Adeeb-e-Kamil from Jamia Urdu University, Aligarh. Courtesy: Hindi News
Government cannot be formed in TN without Congress’s support: TNCC president Manickam Tagore
The Congress meeting on Saturday was organised to condemn the BJP-led government over the NEET issue. Tagore said five students have died this year due to the medical entrance test. COIMBATORE: Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president B Manickam Tagore said even if the party had won five seats in the Assembly elections, it has now reached a position where a government in Tamil Nadu could not be formed without its support. “We are in a position where we are the key to the lock. This is the time for us to be magnanimous,” he said, while speaking at a Congress party meeting held at Puliyakulam on Saturday. Tagore said the functioning of the Congress party in Tamil Nadu needs to change and that a clear ideology and truth must be taken to the people. “After Vijay assumed charge as chief minister, the situation where votes could be bought with money has changed,” he said, highlighting that this is the time for Congress and the party would progress with everyone’s trust and hard work. The parliamentarian also said that the party cadre are pleased that two Congress ministers are part of the state cabinet. The Congress meeting on Saturday was organised to condemn the BJP-led government over the NEET issue. Tagore said five students have died this year due to the medical entrance test. “The level of uproar witnessed when NEET aspirant Anitha died was not seen when student Keerthana ended her life recently in Coimbatore. We are just letting it pass by unnoticed,” he said, accusing the union government of moving on as if nothing had happened. He said three parliamentarians, on behalf of the TNCC, would visit the families of students who died. He said, “We will also visit the house of Keerthana and the party will provide financial assistance.” Further, Tagore alleged that NEET question papers were leaked at 90 locations across the northern states and accused the BJP and RSS of doing it in an organised manner. He said, “NEET paper leaks occur only in BJP-ruling states, not in Tamil Nadu. If an education system pushes our children to the point of suicide, we must question it. Only if Rahul Gandhi becomes the prime minister in 2029 can NEET be cancelled,” claiming that no other party in Tamil Nadu has been voicing against the BJP in the NEET issue, out of fear. Tagore also said the BJP and RSS continue to lose in Tamil Nadu as they have no understanding of the state. “BJP thought it could win by changing the person in charge, which did not work out. Now, someone else is going to enter under the name of a different organisation,” he said, in a veiled reference to former BJP state president K Annamalai. Meanwhile, a commotion broke out at the entrance of the meeting hall after party members from the Nilgiris demanded the removal of Nagaraj, an office-bearer in the Nilgiris district party, from his post. 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
Delimitation on agenda: Revanth to brief Rahul, Kharge on T’s seat surge
Hyderabad: With the Centre expected to revive key political reforms, including delimitation and women’s reservation, chief minister A Revanth Reddy is set to hold crucial discussions with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi during the upcoming Parliament session. The meeting is expected to focus on Telangana’s political roadmap, particularly the likely increase in assembly and Lok Sabha constituencies following delimitation. The monsoon session of Parliament is scheduled from July 20 to Aug 13, and Revanth is expected to meet the Congress leadership during this period. According to sources, the chief minister will discuss the likely expansion of constituencies across the country, with a special focus on Telangana. The state is expected to see a significant increase in representation, with assembly seats projected to rise from 119 to 182 and Lok Sabha constituencies from 17 to 26. The discussions are also likely to focus on the Congress party’s electoral strategy in Telangana in the event of delimitation being taken up by the Centre. Revanth has already sought to position Telangana at the centre of the party’s national plans. Addressing a public meeting in Khammam district on Friday, he declared that he would deliver 20 Lok Sabha seats from Telangana to the Congress and help Rahul Gandhi emerge as Prime Minister. The chief minister had also played a key role in mobilising support from several opposition parties against the BJP govt’s attempt to link the implementation of 33% women’s reservation with delimitation, a move that triggered widespread political debate. Apart from political issues, Revanth is expected to brief the Congress leadership on the performance of the Telangana govt over the past 30 months. “He is expected to share with them his plans for the remaining tenure of the Congress govt in Telangana on welfare, development, economic growth, investment fronts and also on the status of the Congress’s electoral promises,” said a source close to him. During his Delhi visit, the chief minister is also expected to meet Union ministers, subject to appointments. He is likely to take up issues related to Telangana’s infrastructure and urban transport requirements, including the Hyderabad Metro Rail expansion plans. Meetings with Union ministers Manohar Lal Khattar and Ashwini Vaishnaw are expected to focus on the proposed takeover of the metro rail project and its second phase expansion. While aspirants for cabinet berths are hopeful that the Congress high command may push for filling the two vacancies in the state cabinet, sources in the chief minister’s office indicated that Revanth is not inclined to undertake a cabinet expansion or reshuffle at this stage. 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
6 years later, UP man gets life term for murdering Dalit youth over love affair
MAHARAJGANJ: A court in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj district has sentenced a 60-year-old man to rigorous life imprisonment for murdering a Dalit youth in 2019 over an alleged love affair, officials said on Friday. Special public prosecutor Fanindra Kumar Tripathi said Special Judge (SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act) Abid Shamim pronounced the verdict on Thursday, holding Ram Prasad Prajapati guilty of murder. Along with the life sentence, the court imposed a fine of Rs 40,000 on the convict. Failure to pay the amount would result in an additional six months of imprisonment, Tripathi said. According to the prosecution, Prajapati was booked under charges of murder and relevant provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for killing 19-year-old Achhelal. Tripathi said the accused allegedly attacked the youth with a stick and a sharp-edged weapon following a dispute linked to an alleged love affair. Police had registered a case against Prajapati after the incident, and the court has now convicted him six years later. 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
Protest over Dalit student murder: NHRC seeks report from UP DGP, home secy as Meerut turns into fortress
Meerut: Two days after alleged police high-handedness on protesting members of the Dalit community over a case involving the killing of a college student — Lalita Gautam, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday sought a detailed action-taken report from the UP DGP and the home secretary within 15 days. Police action also kicked up a political storm, evoking response from Opposition parties, prompting cops to turn Meerut into a fortress as a “precautionary step” and “sealing off” the student’s village. In the letter, accessed by TOI, NHRC bench has asked the UP top brass to furnish a report in reply to allegations by complainant Sunil Ahirwar of Jan Kalyan Samiti that, “police (Meerut) unleashed an unprovoked, brutal baton-charge inflicting severe injuries on many protesters.” The letter added that, “there is also video evidence that clearly depicts senior police officers committing custodial torture by mercilessly beating defenceless individuals while they were already in custody.” Ahirwar of Bhopal filed the complaint under section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. On Thursday, police registered a case against 63 protesters under stringent BNS sections of “attempt to murder” and “assault on women with an intention to outrage modesty” for the alleged assault on female police personnel. Seven of them were later arrested. The thrashing of a Noida-based lawyer — Ravi Gautam — inside a police van on Wednesday also did not go down well within the advocate fraternity. Angry lawyers from the Meerut Bar Association submitted a memorandum at the Collectorate. Meanwhile, SSP Avinash Pandey issued a fresh statement: “Our Constitution starts with — We the People of India. It does not start with caste, creed or any community. Whatever action was taken, it was against criminals and we have justification of all the actions along with the proof.” Reacting to an alleged audio threat, SSP Pandey appealed to all his “supporters and opposers to plant trees in the forthcoming ‘Vriksharopan Mahotsav’ (plantation drive)… They must use their anger and energy on the betterment of the environment and society.” From early Friday, heavy police force was deployed at the city’s Commissionary Park, the protest venue. It was personally supervised by SSP Pandey. The district’s borders were sealed and the political leaders, including MP from Nagina Lok Sabha constituency, Chandrashekhar Azad, were stopped at the outskirts along with hundreds of his supporters. Addressing the public, Azad said, “If the Constitution has given the citizens the right to protest, then which are the sections under which the peaceful agitators were attacked, I want to know. I have come to Meerut to get the answer and also to meet the victim’s family.” Poonam Pandit, a Congress functionary, was allegedly detained at her house in Bulandshahr in the early hours of Friday. She was scheduled to meet the student’s family. She asked: “Is it a crime to meet the aggrieved family, to share their grief? The best answer to why I have been put under house arrest lies with the state govt.” Notably, people from the community, including various outfits, had joined Lalita’s parents in regular protests against the “shoddy probe” by local police after the body of the 20-year-old BA final-year student from Meerut was found in a sugarcane field. The Dalit student went missing on May 15, 2026, after leaving her home for an exam. Police arrested her alleged boyfriend, Ankush Kumar, claiming he killed her following an argument. However, her family questioned the police investigation, demanding a fair and comprehensive probe into the case. 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
The word ‘Dalit’ has been banned from Rajasthan Police records. What is the reason?
The Rajasthan Police has issued a circular stating that the word ‘Dalit’ will no longer be used in all official documents, certificates, and FIRs. The use of the word ‘Dalit’ has now been banned in Rajasthan Police records. The Rajasthan Police Headquarters has issued a circular stating that the word ‘Dalit’ will no longer be used in official documents, certificates, and FIRs. From now on, the term ‘Scheduled Caste’ will be used instead of ‘Dalit’ in all government documents. The Rajasthan Police has issued this rule in accordance with the directives of the Supreme Court and the Central Government. This change is said to have a positive impact on society. Now, the question arises: which Supreme Court directive has the Police Headquarters cited in making this change? Citing Supreme Court Directives Rajasthan Police Headquarters stated in a circular that this decision was based on the Supreme Court’s 2015 directives. On March 15, 2015, the Supreme Court directed that the use of the word “Dalit” be avoided in all official documents. Instead, the constitutional term “Scheduled Caste” be used. Rajasthan Police Headquarters clearly stated in its letter that the word “Dalit” will not be used not only in Hindi and English, but also in documents in regional languages. Strict Instructions to Police Stations and Officers This order was issued on July 2, 2026, and subsequently sent to all Superintendents of Police and Deputy Commissioners of Police in Rajasthan, ensuring that all officers enforce this rule in all police stations in their respective areas. Instructions have been given to implement this rule with immediate effect in police stations in other districts, including Jaipur. What will be the impact on the general public? This decision will bring legal sanctity and sensitivity to police operations. Furthermore, more constitutional language will be used in communications and written work conducted at police stations, thereby respecting the constitutional rights and dignity of ordinary citizens. Courtesy: Hindi News
Akhilesh Yadav met the family of Dalit student Lalita Gautam, saying, “We are with you.” Pinky Bhaiya announced a march to Meerut.
Dalit Student Murder Case: The murder of Lalita Gautam, a BA student from Meerut, has sparked an uproar across Uttar Pradesh. Following the murder of the 20-year-old Dalit student, the main accused has been arrested and sent to jail. Meanwhile, caste-based protests have intensified in connection with the case. The Samajwadi Party chief also met with the victim’s family. Meerut: The political and social atmosphere is becoming increasingly heated following the murder of Lalita Gautam, a BA student in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. On one hand, Hindu Raksha Dal national president Pinky Bhaiya has announced a march to Meerut today. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav visited Lalita’s accusers. He pledged to stand with them in their fight for justice and appealed to the BJP government to fulfill all the family’s demands. Lalita Gautam, a 20-year-old BA student, lived with her family in Gagan Enclave, TP Nagar, Meerut. She left home on May 15th to take an exam, but when she did not return until late in the evening, her family began searching for her. However, no trace of her was found, after which the accused filed a missing person report at the TP Nagar police station. Police began an investigation and examined CCTV footage from nearby areas. CCTV footage showed Lalita with a young man named Ankush, a resident of Kalyanpur village. Following this, the police expanded the investigation and formed several teams to search for the accused. During the police investigation, the accused, Ankush, was taken into custody. During interrogation, he confessed to killing Lalita. According to the police, Ankush and Lalita were in a love relationship. They were together on the day of the incident. During this time, the accused saw some photos and chats on Lalita’s mobile phone, which led him to suspect that she was having an affair with another man. Due to this suspicion and dispute, Akhilesh murdered Lalita and dumped her body in a sugarcane field in the Upasiya forest in the Rohta police station area of Meerut. Police later recovered the body from there. The main accused in the case has been arrested and sent to jail, while investigations into other cases are ongoing. Akhilesh Yadav met with the victims and accused in the murder of Dalit student Lalita Gautam in Meerut. He pledged to stand with them in their fight for justice. He also urged the BJP government to fulfill all demands of the victim’s family and ensure justice for the deceased daughter. What did Pinky Bhaiya say? Pinky Bhaiya, National President of the Hindu Raksha Dal, has announced a march to Meerut on July 11, 2026. Speaking in support of Meerut accused Avinash Pandey, Pinky Bhaiya stated that strict action should be taken against those who used slogans like “Jai Bhim” and “Jai Mim” to divide the accused, and that Lalita Gautam’s daughters should receive justice. The government and administration at every level stand with the victim’s family and strict action should be taken against the perpetrators. Following his announcement of the march to Meerut, all eyes are focused on the events of July 11. Meanwhile, the administration has also gone into full alert mode. Meerut now scouts sports talent from schools and colleges, a united campaign Reporter: Alauddin Panwar Editor: Kavya Mishra About the Author Kavya Mishra works as a Senior Sub-Editor in the Regional Section (Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh) with News18 Hindi. She has been active in journalism for over 7 years. Courtesy: Hindi News