Kerala local body polls: UDF retains Kannur corporation, increases tally
Kannur: Congress-led UDF retained the Kannur corporation with a comfortable majority by winning 36 of the total 56 seats. Moreover, the UDF managed to improve its tally from the last elections in 2020 by securing two more seats. On the other hand, the CPM-led LDF’s strength fell from 19 to 15 with many of its prominent leaders facing defeat. The BJP-led NDA, meanwhile, saw its tally increase from one to four. In 2020, BJP won only the Pallikkunnu ward. This time, the saffron party managed to retain the seat and captured the Temple and Thulichery divisions from Congress and Kokkenpara from CPM. Notably, Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) opened its account in the civic body by winning the Arakkal ward. Sameera K defeated IUML councillor K M Sabira by 54 votes. In the same division, LDF ally Indian National League (INL) managed to secure only 364 votes as compared to 921 in the previous election. Meanwhile, Congress rebel P K Ragesh, who caused a major headache for UDF in the run up to the polls, suffered defeat from Panikkara division. Three other UDF rebels — K N Bindu from Payyambalam division, K V Riyas from Varam division, V Muhammadali from Adikadalayi division — also lost the elections. All the rebels lost to UDF candidates. Among LDF leaders who lost their wards was former state sports council president O K Vineesh who lost from the Thalikkavu division. LDF retains urban local bodies in Kannur Despite the UDF’s sweeping victory in the local body elections across the state, the LDF managed to retain control in rural local bodies in its stronghold Kannur. While UDF retained control of the Kannur corporation, the majority of municipalities were won by the LDF. The Left front secured wins in five of the eight municipalities in the district, proving its dominance in its bastion. LDF also maintained its dominance in of rural civic bodies getting an upper hand across district, block and grama panchayats. 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
GOAT India Tour: Lionel Messi meets Rahul Gandhi; presents signed Argentina jersey
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met Argentine footballer Lionel Messi in Hyderabad on Saturday during the second leg of the GOAT India Tour of Argentininan football greay. Messi presented a signed jersey to the Congress MP, and the two spoke briefly at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium. Addressing fans in Hyderabad, Messi said, “for the love I’ve received today and always”. Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy was also present at the venue and, before Gandhi arrived, spent some time with Messi on the ground, where they were seen casually kicking a football. Messi reached Hyderabad on Saturday evening, a few hours after disorder marked the opening leg of his India tour in Kolkata. Around 50,000 spectators at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, many of whom paid between Rs 4,000 and Rs 12,000 — and in some cases up to Rs 20,000 in the black market — were left upset as politicians, VVIPs, security personnel and others surrounded Messi, leaving fans unable to get a clear view. The situation escalated when angry spectators threw bottles, which are banned inside sports venues. Questions were raised over how such items, including food packets, were allowed into the stadium. Chairs were later pulled out and thrown. Fibreglass seats were found damaged across the field and the synthetic track. 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 to protest at Ramlila Maidan today over the issue of vote theft; Rahul Gandhi will also be present
The Congress party is going to hold a massive protest today at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, which will be attended by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. New Delhi: The Congress party will protest today at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi over the issue of vote theft. All Congress MLAs from Karnataka and more than 1,000 party workers will participate in this protest. This protest by the Congress is important in many ways, as the party has been consistently raising the issue of vote theft. Vote theft and SIR are very big issues – Congress At the Congress rally at Ramlila Maidan against SIR, Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das said that vote theft and SIR are very big issues. This is a democracy. How do we elect the government? How are leaders chosen?… The people choose, but now you are choosing who will vote and who will not? Who gave you this right? This right was given to you by the people for their welfare, not to snatch away their rights. Regarding the letter of former Odisha Congress MLA Mohammad Moquim, he said that those who are associated with the BJP should go to the BJP. Mallikarjun Kharge has traveled such a journey in his life that these people would not have seen even 0.1% of it. No one can guide like such a senior leader. Objective is to focus on electoral reforms The Congress party says that the purpose of this protest is to draw national attention to the alleged irregularities in the electoral process and to hold officials accountable for the removal of voters’ names. The party leadership has said that this movement is part of a broader campaign to protect democracy and ensure free and fair elections across the country. The issue of voter list raised Speaking on the ‘vote theft’ issue, DK Shivakumar alleged that the names of minority voters have been removed from the voter list across the country. He said, “Our leader, Rahul Gandhi, has raised this issue. They have not answered our questions; instead, they are asking us to provide information. Information is not being provided under the Right to Information Act (RTI).” I also requested the information, but it was not provided. Karnataka CM also arrives in Delhi Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar arrived in Delhi on December 14 to participate in the ‘vote theft’ protest held at Ramlila Maidan. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is also scheduled to arrive in Delhi on Sunday to join the movement. Kharge to lead the campaign D.K. Shivakumar said that even after losing the election, party leader Rahul Gandhi had organized a similar program to create awareness among the people. He said that AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge is also leading this movement. We are all joining to support this campaign. One thousand workers from Karnataka More than 1,000 party workers from Karnataka have already arrived in Delhi. Party leaders have arrived in Delhi from all parts of the state by train and flight. More than 100 MLAs and MLCs will participate in this program. Shivakumar clarified that he too will join them in the protest. D.K. Shivakumar will also be present Karnataka Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that this will strengthen the protest led by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. Shivakumar said that the ‘vote theft’ campaign in our state started with a large convention at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. Another big program will be held at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on Sunday. Written By: NBT NEWS DESK Courtesy: Hindi News
Telangana: Dalit Woman Sets Example by Becoming Unopposed Sarpanch from General Seat in Maratha-Majority Village
A unique example of social harmony in a Maratha-majority village, SHG member Gangubai elected from a general seat. Kamareddy/Hyderabad: A new dawn has broken in the backward Jukkal mandal of Kamareddy district in Telangana. 40-year-old Waghmare Gangubai of Bijjalwadi village has made history. An active member of a Self-Help Group (SHG), Gangubai has set a powerful example for society by becoming the first Dalit woman to be elected unopposed as Sarpanch from a general seat. Geographical and Social Dynamics Located 190 kilometers from the state capital and 112 kilometers from the district headquarters of Kamareddy, Bijjalwadi Gram Panchayat is situated near the Maharashtra border. Looking at the social dynamics of this village, there are a total of 931 voters, of which only 230 are Dalit voters. The remaining population mainly comprises influential Maratha, Hatkar, and Lingayat communities, along with some Muslim, Gowda, and other backward class (OBC) families. Traditionally, the politics and leadership of this village have been decided by the influential Maratha residents, but this time the tide turned. MLA’s Initiative and Social Justice Congress MLA from Jukkal, Thota Laxmikanth Rao, explained that the Maratha community dominates the village and owns most of the agricultural land. He said, “I wanted to instill a new level of confidence in the people. I planned this experiment and held several gram sabhas (village meetings). We educated and explained to both Scheduled Castes (SC) and upper castes that by giving a chance to a deserving SC person, an ideal example could be set for others.” The MLA’s idea worked. Bijjalwadi elected its first Dalit woman Sarpanch unopposed from the general category seat. Villagers say that electing a Dalit as Sarpanch from a general seat reflects their commitment to social justice and harmony. Gangubai’s Emotional Reaction Ms. Gangubai, who has no formal education and was elected Sarpanch, is still overwhelmed by her new responsibility and the honor bestowed upon her. Her interaction with the outside world had so far been limited to her role as a member of the village’s Self-Help Group (SHG). When her name was announced as the Sarpanch, tears of joy welled up in her eyes. Expressing her emotions, she said, “This is something I never expected in my life. I have been helping women with childbirth for so many years, taking them to nurses and hospitals, but I never thought that one day I would become a Sarpanch.” A Wave of Development and Change The Jukkal MLA stated that 25 candidates supported by the ruling party in this constituency have been elected unopposed as Sarpanches. He attributed this to the development and welfare programs of the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government. Mr. Laxmikant Rao said that he ensured that deserving candidates from poor and underprivileged communities got the opportunity to contest even from general seats. He said, “The response was mixed. Not everyone appreciated it immediately, but I managed to bring them together and convince them.” Incentives for Development The MLA announced that the Gram Panchayats elected unanimously would be given a grant of ₹10 lakh as announced by the government. In addition, extra funds would be provided from the MLA’s fund to ensure their comprehensive development. He also appealed to the voters to elect Congress-supported candidates with a huge majority in the elections. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit Community Protests Against Chandrashekhar Azad, Levels Serious Allegations
Members of the Dalit community protested against Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad in the capital on Friday. The protest was led by former councilor Chhattar Singh Rachhoya from Nangloi. The protesters carried banners and placards. During the protest, they chanted “Jai Bhim” slogans. The protesters demanded the cancellation of Azad Samaj Party president Chandrashekhar Azad’s party and his membership of Parliament. The protesters accused Chandrashekhar Azad of exploiting Dalits and spreading misinformation. Protest organizer Chhattar Singh Rachhoya said that MP Chandrashekhar Azad is a fraud. He also demanded an investigation into the allegations leveled against Chandrashekhar by Rohini Ghavari. Protester Sonu said that Chandrashekhar Azad is not fit to represent Dalits. He should be expelled from Parliament. He said that Chandrashekhar Azad no longer stands with the Dalit community. Meanwhile, protester Priya claimed that Chandrashekhar Azad is a fake. She said that there is no proof of his marriage or even his name. People from all sections of society participated in this protest. Finally, the protesters demanded action against Chandrashekhar Azad for exploiting Dalits. Rahul Tiwari Courtesy: Hindi News
UP News: Uproar at Minister’s House in Muzaffarnagar, Protest Over Missing Dalit Girl; Hindu Organizations to Hold Mahapanchayat Tomorrow
Uttar Pradesh News: The news of a Dalit teenager’s disappearance in Muzaffarnagar is gaining momentum. Angry over the police’s lax response, Hindu organizations staged a major protest on Friday. The enraged crowd surrounded the house of State Minister Kapil Dev Agarwal. The protesters staged a sit-in on the road and raised slogans against the police administration. The ASP arrived at the scene, calmed the crowd, and assured them that the girl would be found soon. 11th Grade Student Missing Since December 5 A Dalit girl from Mimlana village in the city police station area went missing on December 5. She is an 11th-grade student. Despite several days passing, the police have made no progress. This news has caused deep resentment among the local people. Driven by this anger, activists under the banner of the United Hindu Front reached the minister’s residence in Gandhinagar. Minister Kapil Dev Agarwal was not in the city, so the protesters could not meet him. The people camped there and demanded immediate action. Allegations of Love Jihad and Police Claims Upon receiving information about the commotion, CO City ASP Siddharth Mishra arrived at the scene with a large police force. The police stated that a case has been registered based on the girl’s father’s complaint. The accused is a young man from another community, and a search is underway for him. Meanwhile, Hindu organizations have termed it a case of ‘love jihad’. Leaders alleged that the police are deliberately delaying the matter. This news has become a topic of discussion throughout the district. Mahapanchayat to be Held on December 13 United Hindu Front president Manoj Saini and VHP leader Lalit Maheshwari have warned the police. They said that the organizations themselves will now take to the streets to ensure the safety of Hindu girls. In this regard, Swami Yashveer Maharaj has announced a panchayat in Mimlana village on December 13. Several office-bearers of Shiv Sena, Hindu Jagran Manch, and VHP participated in the protest. All of them demanded the immediate arrest of the accused from the administration. Poonam Sharma Courtesy: Hindi News
UP News: Khaki uniform shamed, constable rapes Dalit woman after mixing drugs in her food; case registered on court order
Uttar Pradesh News: A very shameful incident has come to light from Ambedkarnagar district. Here, the protector became the perpetrator. In Akbarpur, a police constable drugged a Dalit woman and raped her. The landlady also supported the accused in this heinous act. This UP News has created a stir in the police department. When the police did not listen, the victim approached the court. Now, on the orders of the court, a case has been registered against the accused constable and the landlady under serious sections. Lust fulfilled by drugging the woman The victim woman and the accused constable Rajesh Yadav lived in the same rented house in Johardih locality of Akbarpur. The woman is a resident of Jalalpur and studies here. It is alleged that the constable obtained the student’s number with the help of the landlady. He started harassing her by sending lewd messages. One day, the constable mixed drugs in her food and gave it to her. When she became unconscious, he raped her. When she regained consciousness, the victim found herself without clothes. The accused threatened to tell her husband if she revealed anything. Husband abandoned her, police ignored her plea The accused constable continued to physically exploit the woman for several months by blackmailing her. When the victim protested, the accused told everything to her husband. After this, the husband also abandoned the woman. The victim appealed for justice from the police station to the SP office. But the police did not take any action against their own department’s employee. This UP News has raised serious questions about the functioning of the police. The accused continuously hurled casteist abuses at her and pressured her for a compromise. Case registered on court order Disappointed by the police, the victim sought refuge in the court. After the strict orders of the court, the Akbarpur Kotwali police have registered a case. A case has been registered against constable Rajesh Yadav and the landlady under the SC/ST Act and sections related to rape. Station house officer Srinivas Pandey said that an FIR has been registered on the court’s direction and the matter is being investigated. Poonam Sharma Courtesy: Hindi News
Crime News: Dalit Youth Murdered and Dismembered, Body Hidden in House for 80 Days; People Demand Death Penalty for Killers
Jharkhand News: A shocking crime has come to light in Ramgarh. People’s anger has erupted over the brutal murder of Sonu Kumar Ram. On Friday, family members and local residents staged a massive protest at Subhash Chowk. The protesters are demanding the death penalty for the killers. The brutality of this murder has shaken the entire city. The crowd has appealed to the administration for swift justice. Body Hidden in House for 80 Days The truth behind this crime is extremely horrific. Former Congress District President Munna Paswan said that the Dalit youth was brutally murdered. The accused dismembered the body into several pieces. In a shocking act of cruelty, the accused kept the body hidden in his house for about 80 days. Later, he disposed of the body parts in different locations. People have described it as an inhuman and cruel crime. Trial in Fast Track Court Former Cantonment Board Vice President Sardar Anmol Singh also participated in the protest. He said that this is a heinous crime. It seems unlikely that only one person was involved. He demanded that the police immediately arrest all the accused. Anmol Singh said that the case should be tried in a fast-track court. The culprits should be given a harsh punishment as soon as possible. Demand for Compensation and Job The protesters demanded rehabilitation for the victim’s family from the district administration. They appealed to the SDO and Deputy Superintendent of Police to intervene. People have demanded that the deceased’s family be given land for a house. They also demanded compensation and benefits under the family welfare scheme as per government rules. In addition, the demand for a contractual job in the municipal council was also prominently raised. Poonam Sharma Courtesy: Hindi News
UP News: Doctor performs kidney stone surgery on Dalit woman after watching YouTube video, intoxicated doctor causes death; Case registered under SC-ST Act
Uttar Pradesh News: A shocking incident that has brought shame to the medical profession has come to light from Barabanki district. Here, a quack doctor performed surgery on a woman after watching a YouTube video. Due to this negligence, the woman died a painful death. This UP News has become a topic of discussion throughout the region. It is being said that the doctor was heavily intoxicated with alcohol at the time of the operation. The clinic owner and his associate have been absconding since the incident. The police have registered a case of culpable homicide and under the SC/ST Act. The deal was settled for 20,000 rupees The incident took place in the Kothi police station area of Barabanki. Munishra Rawat, wife of Fateh Bahadur, a resident of Dafrapur, complained of stomach pain. Her husband took her to ‘Shri Damodar Aushadhalaya’ in Kothi market. Here, Gyan Prakash Mishra and Vivek Mishra diagnosed her with kidney stones after an examination. The surgery was agreed upon for 20,000 rupees. It is alleged that after receiving the money, Gyan Prakash consumed alcohol. After that, he started the surgery while watching YouTube videos on his mobile phone. Notice pasted on the hospital Upon receiving the information, the police and health department team reached the spot. The body has been sent for post-mortem. Assistant Chief Medical Officer Dr. L.B. Gupta inspected the illegal hospital. A notice has been pasted there, and a reply has been sought within a week. Station House Officer Amit Singh Bhadauria said that teams have been formed to arrest the accused. Since the woman belonged to the Dalit community, sections of the SC/ST Act have also been added to the case. Poonam Sharma Courtesy: Hindi News
Sajjanar warns of strict action against extortion by sections of transgender community
Hyderabad: Amid a surge in extortion complaints, Hyderabad police commissioner VC Sajjanar on Friday issued a stern warning to sections of the transgender community, stating that police would take firm legal action against anyone involved in harassment or forced collection of money. Sajjanar delivered the warning at a meeting organised by Hyderabad police in coordination with the Crime Investigation Department and Hyderabad collectorate, attended by around 250 members of the transgender community. “There have been several complaints from the public regarding groups of transgender persons descending on households during auspicious occasions and demanding huge money. Harassing residents and forcing them to give money is unacceptable,” he said. The commissioner also raised concerns about internal conflicts within the community, driven by attempts to dominate specific areas, which he said was contributing to law and order issues. He referred to a recent incident in which a transgender person died during such disputes. “Police would deal strictly with violators and at the same time, the department would always stand by those seeking to live respectfully,” he said. Additional director general of police, CID, Charu Sinha urged community members to make use of ‘Pride Place’, a system established under the women safety wing to address their concerns and support their integration into society with dignity. Jobs for transgenders Hyderabad district additional director (transgender welfare) Rajender said efforts are underway to help transgender persons secure employment in corporate companies. Telangana is home to nearly 50,000 members of the community, he said. “We advised the community members to obtain identity cards issued by the central govt to avail themselves of reservations and welfare schemes,” Rajender said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights