BRS leader KT Rama Rao urges people to prepare for another movement
Recalling that the BRS always contested and won polls on its own and without any alliances, he said that the party’s defeat in the 2023 polls was due to the vicious campaign carried out by the Congress. HYDERABAD: BRS working president KT Rama Rao and other party leaders on Tuesday called upon the people to prepare for another movement to protect Telangana. Addressing the Telangana Formation Day celebrations held at Telangana Bhavan, Rama Rao said that the BRS was not fighting for the sake of power but for the development and separate identity of Telangana, which was achieved after a prolonged struggle. He alleged that the Congress came to power by giving false assurances and launching a vicious campaign against BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao and the then BRS government. The former minister alleged that the Congress “polluted” the state politics. “Though the entire country rejected the Congress, it came to power in the state,” he lamented. Recalling that the BRS always contested and won polls on its own and without any alliances, he said that the party’s defeat in the 2023 polls was due to the vicious campaign carried out by the Congress. Alleging that the Congress government “pushed the state backwards by 25 years”, he said: “Though half of its term is over, this government did nothing for the state.” “Farmers, youth and all other sections are unhappy under the Congress rule,” he said and wondered what Rahul Gandhi was doing when the government failed to keep its assurance of providing a large number of government jobs to unemployed youth. He dared Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Rahul Gandhi to visit the Chikkadapally library and answer the questions of the unemployed youth. 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
Will continue to work with sincerity, commitment: DK Shivakumar
Shivakumar stated that the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has been a constant source of guidance and inspiration. BENGALURU: Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader DK Shivakumar, who will take oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, said he will continue to work with sincerity and commitment to build a progressive, inclusive, and prosperous Karnataka that reflects the values they collectively stand for. Taking to social media platform X, the CM-designate stated that under the leadership of the Gandhi family and with the blessings of the people of Karnataka, he will continue to work with sincerity and commitment. He said the Gandhi family has played a defining role in his political journey, not merely through leadership, but through the faith they placed in him at different stages of his life. Earlier, speaking to a news agency in New Delhi, Shivakumar said, “The faith and confidence the people of this country have shown me, I am very much obliged, and I have to do a lot of hard work and deliver. I know the roads will not be so easy. It will be difficult, but still I have to manage things. I hope the people of Karnataka have confidence in me. I have to do my job. I’ll do it very sincerely and with a lot of dedication.” “I often reflect on Shri Rajiv Gandhi avaru, who saw potential in a young worker even before I could see it in myself. His encouragement gave me the confidence to dream bigger and dedicate myself to public service. The greatest leaders are those who identify possibilities in others and inspire them to rise beyond their own expectations. Rajiv Gandhi did exactly that for me,” he posted on X. He said he was aware of the challenges ahead as “the world is seeing India through Bengaluru and Karnataka… I will have to take every section of the society together: from the farmer to the woman, to the youth…and a new ‘Yuva Yuga’ will start.” Shivakumar said senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi taught him another important lesson in leadership: true leaders do not stand by you only during moments of success; they stand beside you during your most difficult times, offering strength, encouragement, and unwavering support. Shivakumar stated that the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has been a constant source of guidance and inspiration. “His willingness to listen, his conviction in democratic values, and his vision for a more inclusive and compassionate India continue to motivate leaders like me. His support has been a strong pillar throughout my public life,” he stated. He said Priyanka Gandhi’s guidance and encouragement have always been valued. “For me, the Gandhi family represents different dimensions of leadership, recognising potential, standing by people in difficult times, listening with empathy, and inspiring others through conviction and service. As someone who began as a grassroots worker and has been entrusted today with the responsibility of leading Karnataka, I remain profoundly grateful for their trust and encouragement,” he stated. 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
‘Tender investigator’: Rahul Gandhi meets 17-year-old student who exposed CBSE-OSM anomalies
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday met Jharkhand student Sarthak Sidhant, the teenager who recently presented his findings on alleged irregularities in the CBSE’s online marking system before a parliamentary panel. Sharing photographs of the meeting on social media, Gandhi praised the student and wrote, “Sarthak, stand firm on your principles. #TenderInvestigator”. The meeting came hours after Sidhant, who appeared for the CBSE Class 12 examinations this year, briefed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports about alleged anomalies in the tendering process used to select vendors for the board’s On-Screen Marking (OSM) system. Sidhant presented a seven-page document before the committee, chaired by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh, outlining what he described as irregularities in the vendor selection process and raising a series of questions for CBSE officials. His presentation was made in the presence of CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh, School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar and other senior officials from the Ministry of Education. The parliamentary panel had summoned CBSE and education ministry officials amid growing concerns over the OSM system, which has been at the centre of complaints from students regarding technical glitches, evaluation discrepancies and difficulties during the post-result verification process. During the meeting, members also questioned the board’s preparedness before introducing online marking, including concerns over system testing and teacher training. Some MPs reportedly sought accountability for the problems faced by students and suggested measures such as compensation through grace marks or faster evaluation. CBSE officials told the committee that technical issues affecting the system had been rectified and that students would continue to have until June 6 to apply for re-evaluation of their answer sheets. The board also submitted a report outlining its position on the controversy. After the meeting, Digvijaya Singh said the committee’s focus remained on addressing students’ concerns. Asked whether he was satisfied with the CBSE’s responses, he replied, “That is for the committee to decide.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesodindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Diljit Dosanjh’s Aroma song leaves bitter aftertaste with use of transgender slur
Diljit Dosanjh has come under fire for using a transgender slur in his song Aroma. The row gained momentum at the start of Pride Month, with many questioning the message and implications of the lyric. Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh is facing criticism over a lyric in his song Aroma. Listeners have accused the track of casually using the term ‘chakka’ – widely considered a slur for transgender and gender-nonconforming people, while framing it in contrast to an ideal of ‘real’ masculinity. The debate gained traction on June 1, the start of Pride Month, as social media users questioned the message conveyed by the line and argued that it reinforces harmful stereotypes about gender and masculinity. Aroma, a collaboration between Diljit, Raj Ranjodh and music producer Tru-Skool, was released on April 23. The verse at the centre of the controversy reads: “Oh mardaan di gall hundi yakkyaan di nai… Jurrataan di talk hundi chakkyaan di nai.” According to translations shared by listeners on social media, the lines roughly mean: “This is the talk of men, not weaklings. This is the talk of courage, not of chhakke (cowardice)’.” Users have said the lyric uses a term widely regarded as derogatory and appears to equate courage and masculinity while belittling gender-nonconforming identities. The backlash centres on the use of the word ‘chhakka’, which is often used as a slur against transgender people. Critics have said the lyric uses offensive language and also reinforces outdated ideas about masculinity by setting strength and courage against gender-nonconforming identities. Social media users said the verse appeared to demean and marginalise the queer community. A month after the song’s release, several listeners said they had been hearing the track without understanding the meaning of the lyrics. They said they only realised what the verse appeared to mean after translations began circulating online. Actor Manish Poonam was among those who criticised the song. In an Instagram Story, he wrote, “Courage and men don’t go along each other. Hoping this move would make you more of a man. Shame.” Another Instagram user wrote, “He is working in the entertainment industry, which is built, shaped and sustained by countless queer people. I am so confused, why did nobody question it before its release. Did no one stop to think about the message it sends. And I hope there is an explanation to this (sic).” Reacting to the video, an X user wrote , “Bruh Diljit Dosanjh straight up used a transphobic slur with no filter in his latest song I can’t do this anymore I thought he was a good person (sic).” Here are few comments posted on YouTube’s comments section: Another post said, “Amazing, like in a country where people are just fighting to get their mere share of equality, their huge figures like this use words casually without thinking about anyone’s sentiments. We are evolving day by day. Happy Pride Month.” The discussion around Aroma continued on social media as users highlighted the reach and influence of major artists. Diljit Dosanjh has not publicly addressed the controversy so far. The criticism over Aroma comes weeks after Diljit Dosanjh was drawn into a controversy surrounding his citizenship. A report by The Indian Express claimed that the singer-actor has been travelling on a US passport since 2022, sparking debate on social media. Courtesy : India Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/indiatoday.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Hard work, not sycophancy, will help Congress reconnect with people at grassroots level’: Rahul Gandhi tells party leaders
NEW DELHI: In a bid to revive Congress organisational strength, party leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday told district presidents that hard work and direct public engagement, rather than sycophancy, will help the party grow, as he urged party leaders to reconnect with people at the grassroots level, party sources said. While addressing the concluding session of a 10-day training camp for Congress district presidents from Rajasthan and Delhi in Pushkar, Gandhi praised coordination among Rajasthan Congress leaders and described the working relationship between the Pradesh Congress Committee leadership and the Leader of Opposition as a positive example for the party, according to Congress leaders, PTI reported. He described Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Dotasra and Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Tikaram Jully as a “Jai-Veeru ki jodi”.The Congress had witnessed internal infighting in Rajasthan involving the camps of Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot before its defeat in the 2023 Assembly elections. The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said party workers must remain connected to public issues and stand with the poor and marginalised in cases of injustice. He spent more than five hours at the camp and held interactive sessions on organisational strengthening, teamwork, ideology and public outreach, the sources said. Gandhi urged district presidents not to limit themselves to organisational roles but to build direct contact with citizens. He said rebuilding public trust was essential for strengthening the Congress and expanding its support base. He added that growth within the party should be based on commitment and service rather than personal loyalty to senior leaders. Gandhi also called for focus on issue-based politics and stronger engagement with people to counter what he described as the BJP’s narrative. Rajasthan Congress president Govind Dotasra gave a presentation on organisational work and efforts to strengthen the party at the grassroots level. Leader of opposition Tikaram Jully said the 10-day camp under the “Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan” would infuse new energy into the organisation in Rajasthan. The training camp was attended by district presidents and senior Congress leaders from Rajasthan and Delhi. 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
Congress leader Shanimol Usman elected as Kerala Deputy Speaker
Shanimol, who contested for the ruling UDF, defeated CPI’s Pattambi MLA Mohammed Muhsin, who was opposition LDF’s pick for deputy speaker. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Congress leader Shanimol Usman has been elected as the Deputy Speaker of the 16th Kerala Assembly. It’s after close to three-a-half-decades after that the assembly is getting a woman deputy speaker. The Aroor MLA was elected at the election held in the assembly on Tuesday (June 2,2026). Shanimol, who contested for the ruling UDF, defeated CPI’s Pattambi MLA Mohammed Muhsin, who was opposition LDF’s pick for deputy speaker. While Shanimol polled 99 votes, Muhsin got 34 votes. While the three BJP legislators abstained from voting, three MLAs – two from UDF and one from LDF – were absent from the House on Tuesday. Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan chose not to cast his vote. 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
TMC panchayat chief found dead at home in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas
The deceased, identified as Jahidul Haque Baidya, was the chief of Jadurhati Uttar Gram Panchayat in the Baduria area. KOLKATA: A Trinamool Congress (TMC) panchayat chief was found dead at his residence in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district on Tuesday, police said. The deceased, identified as Jahidul Haque Baidya, was the chief of Jadurhati Uttar Gram Panchayat in the Baduria area. According to police, Baidya’s body was discovered hanging from the ceiling of a room in his house on Tuesday morning. The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination. An officer from Baduria police station said an investigation is under way to determine whether the death was a case of suicide or if any other circumstances were involved. The incident has caused concern in the locality, where Baidya had recently faced allegations of corruption and misappropriation of public funds. On 31 May, local residents staged a protest outside his residence, alleging that a battery-operated waste collection vehicle procured under the Swachh Bharat Mission had been sold and the proceeds misused. The protesters had demanded his arrest and called for a thorough investigation into the allegations. Police said all possible angles are being examined and further inquiries are continuing. 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
‘Saw potential in a young worker’: DK Shivakumar thanks Gandhi family ahead of Karnataka CM swearing-in
NEW DELHI: Karnataka chief minister-designate DK Shivakumar on Tuesday expressed gratitude to the Gandhi family for playing a defining role in his political journey and vowed to continue working with sincerity and commitment to build a progressive, inclusive and prosperous state. In a post on X, Shivakumar wrote,”The Gandhi family has played a defining role in my political journey, not merely through leadership, but through the faith they placed in me at different stages of my life.” His remarks come as he is set to take oath as Karnataka’s next chief minister tomorrow after the resignation of Siddaramaiah on May 28. Reflecting on former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s role in his early political career, Shivakumar said he often thinks about how Rajiv Gandhi recognised his potential when he was still a young party worker. “I often reflect on Shri Rajiv Gandhi avaru, who saw potential in a young worker even before I could see it in myself. His encouragement gave me the confidence to dream bigger and dedicate myself to public service. The greatest leaders are those who identify possibilities in others and inspire them to rise beyond their own expectations. Rajiv Gandhi did exactly that for me,” he wrote. The Karnataka Congress leader also credited former Congress president Sonia Gandhi for standing by him during difficult phases of his political journey and said she taught him an important lesson about leadership. “Smt. Sonia Gandhi avaru taught me another important lesson in leadership. True leaders do not stand by you only during moments of success; they stand beside you during your most difficult times, offering strength, encouragement and unwavering support. Her faith in me during challenging phases of my journey is something I will always cherish,” Shivakumar said. Praising Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shivakumar described him as a constant source of inspiration and guidance who has motivated leaders through his commitment to democratic values and inclusive politics. “Shri Rahul Gandhi avaru has been a constant source of guidance and inspiration. His willingness to listen, his conviction in democratic values, and his vision for a more inclusive and compassionate India continue to motivate leaders like me. His support has been a strong pillar throughout my public life,” he wrote. Shivakumar also acknowledged Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, saying her approachable nature and encouragement had always been deeply valued. “Smt. Priyanka Gandhi avaru has always been approachable, warm and encouraging. She has treated every worker with respect and dignity, reminding us that politics is ultimately about connecting with people and understanding their aspirations. Her guidance and encouragement have always been deeply valued,” he said. “As someone who began as a grassroots worker and has been entrusted today with the responsibility of leading Karnataka, I remain profoundly grateful for their trust and encouragement. Under their leadership and with the blessings of the people of Karnataka, I will continue to work with sincerity and commitment to build a progressive, inclusive and prosperous Karnataka that reflects the values we collectively stand for,” he added. Shivakumar is scheduled to take oath as Karnataka chief minister on Wednesday at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan. Karnataka Congress working president G C Chandrashekhar recently confirmed that the swearing-in ceremony would be held in a simple manner. 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
Indecent remarks against Dalit woman chairperson: Women protest, demand action
In Shivgarh, Rae Bareli, a case of indecent remarks against a Dalit woman chairperson of the Nagar Panchayat has surfaced. There has been widespread outrage in the area over this incident. The Nagar Panchayat chairperson, councilors, and women protested and filed a complaint at the police station, demanding legal action. Former MLA Ramlal Akela strongly condemned the remarks at a press conference held in the Nagar Panchayat auditorium, Shivgarh. In the presence of Chairperson Suman Gautam, councilors, and women, he stated that women have been given equal status in the BJP. Calling the publicly elected Dalit woman chairperson Suman Gautam a “maid” is an insult not only to her but to all voters and residents of the Nagar Panchayat. He also strongly condemned the insults directed at former MLC Raja Rakesh Pratap Singh on social media. During the press conference, everyone present in the auditorium raised their hands in support of filing an FIR. The angry women, led by Chairperson Suman Gautam, protested, demanding strict action against the culprits from the administration. Councilors Anil Kumar, Kripa Shankar, Santosh Kumari, Mamta Verma, Arvind Kumar, Kalavati, Pushpa, Shivdevi, and Tinu Chandra, along with many others, were present. Amit Srivastava | Shivgarh Bhawanigarh (Maharajganj), Rae Bareli Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit woman’s land grab attempt: Violent men brutally beat her for protesting in Chitrakoot
A Dalit woman was attacked in Chitrakoot district for protesting against illegal land grabbing. The incident occurred in Dhobi Purwa, a hamlet of Kalwara Buzurg village in the Pahadi police station area. According to the victim, Anju, some people were attempting to forcibly occupy her land by dumping soil on it at around 12 a.m. last night. When the woman resisted to protect her land, they allegedly attacked her. Anju alleged that the attackers brutally beat her with sticks and an axe. She said she was strangled and beaten until she lost consciousness. The victim also alleged that the attackers tore her clothes, used casteist slurs, and snatched a mangalsutra worth approximately 25,000 rupees from her neck. Upon receiving information about the incident, police and an ambulance arrived at the scene. The injured woman was admitted to the Pahadi Community Health Center. The victim alleges that despite a case being filed against the accused under serious sections and the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (SC/ST) Act, they have been released. The woman’s husband lives abroad, and she is alone at home with her two young children. Anju says the accused are constantly threatening to kill her, leaving her entire family terrified. She has appealed to the Superintendent of Police of Chitrakoot for justice and protection. Police stated that the investigation has been completed and presented to the court. The case is currently pending in court. Jitendra Kumar | Chitrakoot Courtesy: Hindi News