Rahul to interact with students tomorrow
Patna: In its bid to win back the dalit and extremely backward castes votes, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will participate in ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’ with the students in Darbhanga and Patna on Thursday (May 15). The other senior Congress netas will also interact with the students at 60 places in Bihar as part of the party’s ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’, NSUI national in charge Kanhaiya Kumar said on Tuesday. He said 62 national Congress netas, including Rahul, will directly communicate with the students of the state on their problems in SC, ST, OBC hostels and community halls at various places in the state under the programme. Kanhaiya alleged that the state’s education system had failed. “Nitish Kumar has been the CM for 20 years and Narendra Modi has been the PM for 12 years, but the condition of the state has gone from bad to worse,” he alleged. He further said not a single degree college has been opened in 358 blocks while there is a huge shortage of permanent teachers and a three-year degree is being completed in six years. “The student credit card scheme has pushed the youth into debt instead of employment. They have not completed their studies but debt recovery has started. The CAG’s report shows that the money of SC/ST scholarship was spent on the construction of roads and bridges, and even scholarships meant for the minority community students were stopped. Hostels for dalit, backward and minority students are either closed or on the verge of ruin. Instead of investing in education, industry and infrastructure in Bihar, the Modi-Nitish double engine govt is diverting funds towards Gujarat,” he alleged. At the press conference, student netas Triloki Kumar Manjhi, Ranjit Pandit, Bhagya Bharti and Manish Paswan raised five main demands of SC, ST, EBCs and women. Patna: In its bid to win back the dalit and extremely backward castes votes, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will participate in ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’ with the students in Darbhanga and Patna on Thursday (May 15). The other senior Congress netas will also interact with the students at 60 places in Bihar as part of the party’s ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’, NSUI national in charge Kanhaiya Kumar said on Tuesday. He said 62 national Congress netas, including Rahul, will directly communicate with the students of the state on their problems in SC, ST, OBC hostels and community halls at various places in the state under the programme. Kanhaiya alleged that the state’s education system had failed. “Nitish Kumar has been the CM for 20 years and Narendra Modi has been the PM for 12 years, but the condition of the state has gone from bad to worse,” he alleged. He further said not a single degree college has been opened in 358 blocks while there is a huge shortage of permanent teachers and a three-year degree is being completed in six years. “The student credit card scheme has pushed the youth into debt instead of employment. They have not completed their studies but debt recovery has started. The CAG’s report shows that the money of SC/ST scholarship was spent on the construction of roads and bridges, and even scholarships meant for the minority community students were stopped. Hostels for dalit, backward and minority students are either closed or on the verge of ruin. Instead of investing in education, industry and infrastructure in Bihar, the Modi-Nitish double engine govt is diverting funds towards Gujarat,” he alleged. At the press conference, student netas Triloki Kumar Manjhi, Ranjit Pandit, Bhagya Bharti and Manish Paswan raised five main demands of SC, ST, EBCs and women. 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.
Who is Justice B.R. Gavai, the new Chief Justice of India?
Justice Gavai will become only the second Dalit Chief Justice of India, after Justice KG Balakrishnan Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai is set to become the 52nd Chief Justice of India, following the retirement of CJI Sanjiv Khanna on May 13, 2025. Elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, Justice Gavai will become only the second Dalit Chief Justice of India, after Justice KG Balakrishnan, who held the post from 2007 to 2010. However, his tenure is expected to last six months, from May 14, 2025 to November 23, 2025. His appointment also comes at a critical juncture for the judiciary, as the Supreme Court faces mounting criticism over alleged judicial overreach, most notably in the Tamil Nadu Governor case, where it directed the President to adhere to a timeline for clearing Bills. The judiciary is also grappling with renewed concerns over judicial corruption following the alleged discovery of charred currency notes at the official residence of High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma. The incident has prompted 21 Supreme Court judges to publicly disclose their assets in an effort to restore public confidence. As Justice Gavai assumes office, all eyes will be on how he steers the court through these turbulent times, while upholding constitutional principles and reinforcing public trust in the institution. Script and Presentation: Aaratrika Bhaumik Editing: Zeeshan Akhtar Video: Aniket Chauhan Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https://thehindu.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Dalit Man denied temple entry in Karnataka, officials intervene after video goes viral
A 25-year-old Dalit man was barred from entering a temple in Karnataka’s Kavanadala village on May 10 by members of the dominant Vokkaliga community, sparking outrage after a video of the incident went viral. A day after a Dalit man was denied entry into a temple in Karnataka’s Kavanadala village on the basis of his caste, causing furore on social media, the district officials on May 11, ushered the victim into the temple after holding peace talks with the aggressors. A case is yet to be filed against the members of Vokkaliga community who restricted the entry of 25-year old Swaminath. On May 10, Swaminath, a resident of Kavanadala village in Madhugiri taluk, belonging to a Scheduled Caste, attempted to enter the Ramanjaneya temple on May 10 to offer prayers. However, he was stopped by members of the dominant Vokkaliga community. The next day, a video of the incident surfaced on X, triggering widespread condemnation online. A man in the video can be heard saying, “From time immemorial, your caste has not come inside the temple.” Swaminath is seen responding, “Why should I stay outside if everyone else is allowed in? Doesn’t the Constitution guarantee equal opportunity?”. The video of the incident went viral prompting the intervention of the district administration. Additional Superintendent of Police C Gopal told TNM that senior district police officials, including Tahsildar Shireen Taj, and Assistant Director of the Social Welfare Department Dinesh, visited the village to resolve the conflict. “After a peace committee meeting was held both Swaminath and the members of Vokkaliga community went inside the temple and performed a pooja,” said Manjunath, Inspector of Badavanahalli police station. The ASP clarified that no FIR has been filed against the offenders. “Swaminath has not made a decision about pressing charges. We have issued a verbal warning to residents and made it clear that barring temple access on caste lines is a punishable offence,” he said. The district police administration has said it will keep a close watch on the situation to ensure that such incidents are not repeated. Courtesy : TNM Note: This news is originally published on https://thenewsminute.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Rajputs welcome Dalit groom’s wedding procession in rare display of social harmony in Nagaur district
Jodhpur: In a rare and heartwarming display of caste harmony, members of the Rajput community in Khariya Kalan village of Nagaur district welcomed the wedding procession of a Dalit groom Tuesday with full honour—leading the horse, offering traditional turbans, and hosting the entire barat at their ancestral haveli. The wedding of Ajay Singh Sansi from Jodhpur with Nitu Sansi of Khariya Kalan became a shining example of social unity in a region where caste divides often run deep. The groom was escorted through the village by Chailu Singh Rathore, Dariyav Singh Rathore, and Narpat Singh Rathore—members of the Poonaas estate—who personally took the reins of Ajay’s horse and walked him to the wedding venue. “In most cases, Dalit grooms are forced to seek police protection just to ride a horse, and their processions take place under fear and tension. However here, the Rajput community not only welcomed us with open arms, but they also celebrated us. It felt like a cool breeze in a climate often clouded by caste-based prejudice,” said Ajay The Rajput hosts made all the arrangements for the barat’s stay, refreshments, and ceremonies. The bride, Nitu, was received with respect and affection, and women from the community offered her a traditional chunri as a mark of honour. Chailu Singh Rathore, speaking on behalf of his community, said, “Nitu is the daughter of the entire village. Her marriage is our collective duty. There is no caste-based discrimination in our village—this is our tradition, our culture. India is one family.” For Nitu, the moment was deeply emotional. “The love and warmth with which my village welcomed our barat has become the most beautiful memory of my life. This was not just a wedding—it was a message of unity.” At a time when reports of caste-based discrimination during weddings are still common, Khariya Kalan’s gesture stands out as a powerful message that equality, respect, and harmony can prevail. 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.
Justice BR Gavai Takes Oath As India’s 52nd CJI | First Buddhist and Second Dalit to Hold Office
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He succeeds Justice Sanjiv Khanna, retiring at 65. Elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019, Gavai’s tenure will last over six months until November 23. The first Buddhist Chief Justice took his oath in Hindi, pledging to uphold the Constitution. Known for bold judgments, Gavai has contributed to landmark rulings, including upholding Article 370 abrogation and electoral bonds scheme invalidation. Born in 1960, his father was a prominent Dalit leader and former Bihar Governor 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.
Rahul Gandhi will participate in ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’ in Darbhanga on 15th, 62 national leaders of Congress will interact with students
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will launch the ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’ program in Bihar this weekend, which aims to highlight the pathetic condition of the education sector in the state. Kanhaiya Kumar told that Rahul Gandhi will come to Darbhanga on May 15 and the party leaders will visit colleges, universities and interact with the students. Patna: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be in Bihar this weekend to launch the ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’ program. This public relations program is being run to highlight the pathetic condition of the education sector in the state. Senior Congress party leader and NSUI national in-charge Kanhaiya Kumar gave this information. Rahul Gandhi will come to Darbhanga on May 15 Kanhaiya Kumar told that the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha will come to Darbhanga on May 15, when more than 60 national level leaders of Congress will be in different parts of the state to start the Shiksha Nyay Yatra. Kumar, a former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Students’ Union, recently took out a state-wide ‘Palan Roko Naukri Do’ padayatra. He also clarified that unlike the previous programme, the ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvaad’ has no time limit. Congress leaders to interact with students Kanhaiya Kumar said that during the yatra, party leaders will visit colleges, universities and hostels and interact with students. Bihar students are facing delays in academic sessions, question paper leaks and state government repression for protesting against raising their voice. Feedback from students will be used to prepare Nyay Patra Kanhaiya Kumar contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from his home district Begusarai. He said that the feedback received from the students will be used to prepare Nyay Patra, which is a manifesto of promises. If the ‘India’ alliance forms the next government here, we will fulfill it in Bihar. Kanhaiya Kumar alleged that the Nitish Kumar-led state’s ‘double engine government’ has failed to benefit Bihar while Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is getting “investments and attractive projects like bullet trains.” The Congress leader also said that the party will ensure that the caste census, which the Narendra Modi government at the Center has agreed to, is done in a scientific manner, “taking inspiration from Telangana, where our government has drawn its conclusions on the basis of a comprehensive questionnaire. Assembly elections are now due in a few months in the state, which has been ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for nearly two decades. About the author Ravi Sinha Working in the Bihar-Jharkhand team of Navbharat Times Digital. Got a chance to work as Jharkhand representative in Rajasthan Patrika from December 2005 to April 2020. A journey of 17 years as a casual assistant editor in Doordarshan Ranchi and the regional news unit of Akashvani Center. Courtesy : Ravi Sinha, Hindi News
Rahul Gandhi writes to PM Modi urging Parliament Session on Operation Sindoor, ceasefire
In a letter, Rahul Gandhi noted “it is crucial for the people and their representatives to discuss” Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor, and ceasefire. Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday and reiterate the unanimous request of the Opposition to convene a special session of Parliament immediately over Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor and ceasefire. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and leader Rahul Gandhi speak to the media after attending all-party meeting regarding ‘Operation Sindoor’, at Parliament House Annexe in New Delhi on Thursday.(ANI) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and leader Rahul Gandhi speak to the media after attending all-party meeting regarding ‘Operation Sindoor’, at Parliament House Annexe in New Delhi on Thursday.(ANI) In the letter, Rahul Gandhi noted “it is crucial for the people and their representatives to discuss” the above-mentioned issues. India Pakistan news live updates “Dear Prime Minister, I reiterate the unanimous request of the Opposition to convene a special session of Parliament immediately,” the letter read. “It is crucial for the people and their representatives to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor and today’s ceasefire, first announced by U.S. President Trump. This will also be an opportunity to demonstrate our collective resolve to meet the challenges ahead. I trust that you will consider this demand seriously and swiftly,” it added. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge also raised the request, and cited a letters dated April 28, 2025, to convene a special session of both Houses of Parliament “in wake of inhuman terror attack in Pahalgam.” “In view of latest developments Leader of Opposition Lok Sabha has already written to you again conveying the unanimous request of all Opposition parties for a special session of Parliament to discuss the Pahalgam terror, Operation Sindoor and the ceasefire announcements first from Washington DC and later by the Governments of India and Pakistan,” Mallikarjun Kharge’s letter to the prime minister read. “As Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha I am writing in support of this request. I trust you will agree,” he added. India-Pakistan ceasefire After over three days of intense exchange of fire, India and Pakistan on Saturday reached an ‘understanding’ to immediately stop all firing and military action on land, air and sea. The ceasefire, which was first announced by US President Donald Trump on Saturday, was violated by Pakistan hours later with drones being intercepted over parts of Jammu, Srinagar, Punjab and Rajasthan. The military confrontation erupted after Islamabad launched drones and missiles towards the Indian territory, responding to the Operation Sindoor military strikes carried out by New Delhi on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. Operation Sindoor was launched in retaliation to the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam in which terrorists found to have links with Pakistan killed 26 civilians. Courtesy : HT Note: This news is originally published on https://hindustantimes.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Bihar will become a hot political battle ground after Operation Sindoor, Rahul Gandhi coming before PM Modi; Know the political plan
Rahul Gandhi Bihar Tour: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold an election rally in Rohtas, Bihar at the end of May. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi may also come to Bihar on May 15. Rahul Gandhi will meet workers in Gaya. In the last week of May, Prime Minister Modi will address a big rally in Bikramganj. Patna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to Bihar after Operation Sindoor. He will hold an election rally in Rohtas. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is also coming to Bihar. He will meet workers in Gaya. Modi will come at the end of May. Rahul Gandhi may come on May 15. Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal said that PM Modi will address the rally in Bikramganj. He will give a message to the world on terrorism. Rahul Gandhi will come to Bihar on May 15 According to the information, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to visit Bihar soon. This will be his first Bihar tour after Operation Sindoor. At the end of May, he will address an election rally in Rohtas. On the other hand, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is also coming to Bihar. He is likely to come to Bihar on May 15. This will be Rahul Gandhi’s fourth visit to Bihar in the last five months. This time he will meet workers in Gaya. Many big leaders of Congress can also come to Bihar with him. Date not decided yet BJP’s Bihar state president Dilip Jaiswal said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will come to Bihar in the last week of May. He will address a rally in Bikramganj of Rohtas district. Jaiswal said that Bikramganj has been chosen for the rally to be held in Shahabad area. Prime Minister Modi will address the countrymen from this platform. Dilip Jaiswal said that the Prime Minister’s visit can happen anytime between 25 and 30 May. Its date will be told in the next 4-5 days. Display of power and leadership He also said that this rally will not be just a political gathering. It will also be a display of the country’s power and leadership. Dilip Jaiswal further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the country has given a befitting reply to cross-border terrorism. He has also given a strong message to Pakistan. Similarly, PM Modi will once again roar among the people from the land of Bikramganj. His voice will reach the whole world. Political atmosphere of Bihar is hot Let us tell you that the political atmosphere in Bihar is hot. The election fervor in the state has intensified due to the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi. Both the leaders will try to garner support for their respective parties. It will be interesting to see what impact these visits have on the politics of Bihar. About the author Devendra Kashyap Principal Digital Content Producer at Navbharat Times Digital. Journey in journalism from Mahua TV, Zee News, Eenadu India, Rajasthan Patrika, ETV Bharat to Times Internet. Courtesy: Devendra Kashyap, NBT, Hindi News
Congress urges PM Modi to chair all-party meet on India-Pakistan situation
NEW DELHI: On Sunday, Congress called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. Additionally, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi and Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to the Prime Minister, urging a special session of Parliament to deliberate on the Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor, and the US-announced ceasefire. “It is crucial for the people and their representatives to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor and today’s ceasefire, first announced by US President Trump,” said Rahul Gandhi in his letter. “This will also be an opportunity to demonstrate our collective resolve to meet the challenges ahead.” Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also posed several questions to the government, including whether New Delhi has opened the doors to third party intervention between India and Pakistan. “Has New Delhi opened the doors to third-party mediation? Have diplomatic channels with Pakistan been reopened?” he asked in a post on X. His remarks came a day after India and Pakistan announced an immediate halt to all military actions—by land, air, and sea—following four days of intense cross-border missile and drone strikes. The ceasefire understanding was reportedly brokered with announcements first emerging from Washington DC, followed by confirmations from both New Delhi and Islamabad. Referring to a statement by US secretary of state Marco Rubio, who mentioned a “neutral site” for dialogue between the two countries, Ramesh asked whether this signaled a departure from the principles of the Simla Agreement, which firmly opposes third-party intervention in India-Pakistan matters. “Have we abandoned the Simla Agreement? Have we opened the doors to third-party mediation?” he asked. “The Indian National Congress would like to ask if diplomatic channels between India and Pakistan are being reopened? What commitments have we sought and got?” Ramesh cited reported remarks by two former army chiefs, V P Malik and Manoj Narwane, on the understanding reached between India and Pakistan and said that the situation demands for a response from the Prime Minister himself. “Finally, the Indian National Congress believes it is but natural for the country to recall Indira Gandhi for her extraordinarily courageous and resolute leadership in 1971,” Ramesh said. He also referenced a $5.8 billion loan to India from IMF in November, 1981 to which the US had strong objections. He added that however, Indira Gandhi was able to persuade the IMF for the loan. “On Feb 29, 1984, when Pranab Mukherjee presented the Budget she had got him to announce that India had concluded the IMF programme successfully and that it was NOT drawing about $1.3 billion of the amount approved. This is perhaps unique in the annals of IMF’s history,” Ramesh added. 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.
Government must clarify if it has accepted 3rd party mediation: Congress on ‘pause’
NEW DELHI: Congress on Sunday demanded that govt clarify its stand on whether it has accepted “third-party mediation” on Kashmir after the US made announcements on behalf of India and Pakistan on Saturday. The party also registered its strong objection to attempts to “internationalise” the Kashmir issue and “hyphenate” the two countries. It reiterated its demand for an all-party meeting “in the presence” of PM Narendra Modi and a special session of Parliament for a full discussion on the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor and ‘ceasefire announcement’ made from the US first and then by govts of India and Pakistan. Leaders of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge respectively have written to the PM, reiterating the “unanimous request of the opposition” to convene a special session of Parliament immediately. “This will be an opportunity to demonstrate our collective resolve to meet the challenges ahead,” Rahul said. Congress general secretary Sachin Pilot called the “surprise” announcement of “ceasefire” by US President Donald Trump “unprecedented” and one which gives rise to many questions. P Chidambaram on X said the timeline of ‘events/announcements’ pertaining to the “ceasefire” was “intriguing”. 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.