Parliament passes Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, 2026 with Rajya Sabha approving it today
Parliament has passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the Rajya Sabha approving it today. The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha yesterday by a voice vote amid an Opposition-led walkout. The bill seeks to redefine the category of transgender, removes the provision of self-perceived gender identity and excludes several socio-cultural identities as well as transmasculine individuals from its ambit. It also further defines transgender persons within a biological framework, based on intersex variations and differences in sexual development. Replying to the discussion on the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar said the government is compassionate towards the well-being of the transgender community. He said the Bill has provisions to empower the transgenders and give them dignity. The Minister said that the NDA government has taken several initiatives to bring transgender people to the mainstream and stop discrimination against them. Starting the discussion in the Upper House, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury said this bill dilutes the privacy of an individual provided under the Constitution. Opposing the Bill, Ms Chowdhury said self-identification cannot be taken away through bureaucratic certification. Criticizing the government, she said that the proposed bill undermines the fundamental rights and dignity of transgender persons. Calling such a move wrong and illegal, she argued that forcing transgender persons to provide their identity through official certificates is against the spirit of equality and dignity guaranteed by the constitution. She also questioned the government’s approach for not properly consulting with the transgender community before bringing the Bill. She also referred to the Supreme Court’s landmark NALSA judgement of 2014, which recognized the right of transgender persons to self-identify their gender. Ms Chowdhury said the proposed Bill violates the principles laid down in that judgement and fails to respect an already established legal framework. DMK MP Tiruchi Shiva also opposed the Bill, saying that even if the Bill is passed in Parliament with a majority, it will be struck down by the Supreme Court. He further added that the Bill violates Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21 of the Constitution and it deprives the community of the right to freedom, dignity and self-determination. Supporting the Bill, BJP MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni said, ” This Bill ensures justice, dignity, protection from criminalisation and legal safeguards for transgender persons. She also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing this bill with certain amendments in order to ensure that the benefits reach the deserving people in a proper manner. She said there is a need for a law that brings justice to real transgender individuals and punishes fake ones. Mrs Kulkarni said the benefits should be extended to those who are transgender by birth. She said that the amendment to extend punishment will bring down the rate of crime and forced identities. TMC’s Saket Gokhale said that 31% of Transgender people in India have attempted suicide because of the discrimination that they are facing. He alleged that now the government is going to start discriminating against them as though social discrimination were not enough. He called it unacceptable. Mr Gokhale expressed concern that gender is going to be decided by the Chief Medical Officer and a District Magistrate, and the bill does not prescribe any qualifications for the Chief Medical Officer. Sanjay Singh of AAP said the Bill is a big let-down for the transgender community. He accused the government of not doing anything for the community. RJD’s Manoj Kr Jha said that prejudices against transgender people should stop, and they should be able to live with dignity. He added that self-determination of gender should not be taken away. CPI(M)’s John Brittas said it is a black-letter day and the Bill is taking India a century back. He pleaded with the government to either withdraw the Bill or refer it to a Select Committee. Jaya Bachchan of the Samajwadi Party also questioned the government over the legislation. She sought to know what the urgency was in bringing the Bill, without examining it with the depth and care that it deserved. Courtesy : NOA Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsonair.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Voice sample is not required’: Rahul Gandhi’s counsel opposes plea in Savarkar defamation case
NEW DELHI: The defence counsel for leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday opposed a plea seeking his voice sample in the defamation case filed by Satyaki Savarkar, grandson of Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, in a Pune court. Congress MP’s lawyer Milind D Pawar argued that the case had not yet reached the stage where the defence would examine whether the alleged speech was actually made with a defamatory intention, and therefore a voice sample was not required at this stage. Speaking to news agency ANI, Pawar said the special MP/MLA court in Pune has directed the defence to file its formal response to the application by September 1. According to Pawar, the application was moved after Rahul’s appearance in Pune on August 22, with the complainant seeking to have his voice sampled. “A deformation case filed by Satyaki Savarkar against Rahul Gandhi. On 31st of December 2025, the chief examination of Satyaki Savarkar has been completed and thereafter on behalf of Rahul Gandhi, cross examination is going on,” Pawar said. He added, “Yesterday the complainant has filed an application that Rahul Gandhi came in Pune on 22nd of August, 2026 and therefore, he may kindly be called for voice sample.” Pawar said the court accepted his argument that the voice sample was premature. “Still we are not come on that defence that whether we have really given that speech where our intention is defamation that defence is not yet to be came before the court and therefore at this stage voice sample is not required,” he said. Satyaki Savarkar’s deposition brings Godse-RSS links into focus The voice sample plea came amid further cross-examination of Satyaki Savarkar, during which he made statements about the relationship between the Savarkar and Godse families and the latter family’s links with the RSS. According to the deposition cited by ANI, Satyaki said, “It is true to say that my grandfathers Gopal Godse and Nathuram Godse were active members of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.” Satyaki identified Gopal Godse as his maternal grandfather and Sindhu Godse as his maternal grandmother. His mother was Himani Savarkar. He also acknowledged that the Savarkar and Godse families were related, although he said he did not have complete information about their historical relationship or whether relevant records were available in government archives. Satyaki said his mother died in Pune in 2015 and Gopal Godse died there in 2007. He also said that both his mother and grandfather worked for the Hindu Mahasabha until their deaths. The cross-examination also touched upon the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948 and the historical roles of the people involved. Some questions concerning the RSS and Digambar Badge were objected to by the complainant’s lawyer, Sangram Kolhatkar. The court recorded that the objections would be dealt with at the time of the final decision. Case stems from Rahul’s 2023 London remarks Satyaki Savarkar, a grandson of one of V D Savarkar’s brothers, filed the defamation case against Rahul over remarks the Congress leader allegedly made about Savarkar during an Overseas Congress event in London on March 5, 2023. Satyaki subsequently approached a magistrate court in Pune in April 2023, alleging that former Congress president’s remarks were false and defamatory and had damaged the reputation of Savarkar and caused distress to his family and supporters. The case is currently at the stage of cross-examination of the complainant. Pawar said the chief examination of Satyaki had been completed on December 31, 2025, while his cross-examination by Rahul’s legal team is continuing. The proceedings were deferred to September 1, when the defence is expected to respond formally to the voice sample application. 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 Working Committee discusses Vande Mataram, firm on singing just 2 stanzas
NEW DELHI: The Congress Working Committee Wednesday directed the party’s chief ministers to come up with a concrete plan to revamp education and examination systems in their states, which the party can showcase across the country – in an imaginative bid to tap into the restive youth sentiment. Congress also decided to hold nationwide protests at the village level to highlight the Ram temple “Chanda Chori” under BJP govt.CWC demanded that Lok Sabha be frozen at the present 543 MPs for the next 25 years and women’s quota be implemented from the 2029 national elections. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy is learnt to have said that the party should declare Rahul Gandhi as the PM candidate for the 2029 polls. He also warned against allowing outfits like Cockroach Janta Party to spread on Congress turfs. The party has also decided to expand its “Chhatron ki Goonj” students’ conventions led by Rahul to 800 towns and cities. Sources said Rahul directed the CMs to revamp the education system, arguing that the party should be able to hold them up as examples in the country. The CMs have been asked to submit a plan, based on inputs from experts and students’ bodies, within a month. The CWC meeting was attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul, Sachin Pilot, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, CMs DK Shivakumar, Revanth Reddy, Sukhwinder Sukhu and VD Satheesan, among others. Rahul expressed an optimistic picture of the future, saying PM Modi has lost his sheen and the mood of the country is changing. He referred to the PM’s Independence Day speech to claim that he has lost confidence. The meeting also witnessed a discussion on the raging controversy around Vande Mataram. Kharge detailed the issue by reading the 1937 CWC resolution to argue that Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel and Subhas Chandra Bose had approved Vande Mataram on the advice of Rabindranath Tagore. Venugopal told reporters that Congress will sing only two stanzas, as approved by the Constituent Assembly and the 1937 resolution. CWC also expressed concern over reports of Chinese incursions in Arunachal Pradesh and over the E-20 ethanol policy. It called Modi govt’s foreign policy a “surrender policy”, be it with the US or China. On Ram temple “Chanda Chori”, Congress demanded an SC-monitored probe while stating the PM cannot call it a state subject after having appropriated every step leading to the temple’s construction, including the announcement of the Ram Temple Trust. 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
‘PM Modi’s political rule in final phase, successor search under way’: Rahul Gandhi at CWC meet
NEW DELHI: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, during the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Wednesday, reportedly said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political rule is in its “final phase” and that a search for his successor is already underway. “Narendra Modi ka siyasi ant ho chuka hai. Inka waqt khatam ho gaya hai. Modi ka shasan aakhiri daur mein hai. Inke uttaradhikari ki talash chal rahi hai (Narendra Modi’s political end has come. His time is over. Modi’s rule is in its final phase. A search for his successor is underway),” sources quoted the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha as saying. Rahul Gandhi also described the government as being “completely on the back foot” and urged Congress leaders to adopt a more aggressive approach in taking on the government. The remarks were made during the CWC meeting at the Congress headquarters, Indira Bhawan, in Delhi, where senior party leaders discussed the political situation in the country and the party’s strategy on key issues. Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who also addressed the meeting, alleged that the Centre had “devastated the future of the youth” over the past 12 years. He claimed that 94,000 schools had shut down in recent years and called for a clear, comprehensive and time-bound “Education-to-Employment Roadmap” for young people. Kharge also questioned the money, gold and other donations received by the Ram Mandir trust. He said people had the right to know how the donations were being accounted for and used, and called for any financial wrongdoing to be properly investigated and those responsible to be held accountable. The CWC meeting was attended by Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, among other senior party leaders. 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
Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event in Pune gets nod with 30 conditions; CM Fadnavis reacts
NEW DELHI: Police have granted permission for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s August 22 ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event in Pune, subject to 30 conditions, including a ban on “objectionable” banners and images. The police have also directed organisers to ensure that religious sentiments are not hurt during the event. The event, billed as the ‘voice of students’, is dedicated to female students and will focus on education, safety, equality, competitive exams and career opportunities. According to the permission order issued on Wednesday, the programme will be held from 4.30 pm to 9.30 pm at the SSPMS College ground near RTO Chowk. Police expect 8,000 to 10,000 people to attend. Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, reacting to the campaign, said the event appeared to be a “monologue” rather than a dialogue with students. The CM told PTI, “Whether it is ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme or Rahul Gandhi is trying to find his political ground, I cannot say. But from what I understand, if they had held an open event of this kind, perhaps it would have been a dialogue with students.” Fadnavis alleged that entry to the event would be restricted to registered girls from Congress-affiliated educational institutions. “An attempt is being made to ensure that only people who subscribe to their ideology attend the event,” he said, adding, “Therefore, we may call it ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’, but at the same time, I would say that, with those who have been invited through Congress, this is more of a monologue than a dialogue.” Meanwhile, among the conditions, organisers have been told not to display “objectionable images, pictures or banners”. They will also be responsible for any untoward incident that results in a law-and-order situation, the order said. “No one’s religious sentiments should be hurt during the programme and responsibility for ensuring this will be on the organisers,” it stated, according to news agency PTI. Maharashtra congress vice president Mohan Joshi confirmed that permission had been granted and said the organisers would comply with all 30 conditions. Police have also directed organisers to provide adequate security, separate arrangements for men and women, sufficient entry and exit gates, drinking water, toilets, fire-safety equipment and parking facilities. Private security personnel, including women guards, and volunteers, particularly women, are to be deployed. CCTV cameras covering the venue must remain operational during the day and night. The organisers have also been directed to comply with Supreme Court directions on permissible noise levels, as well as the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Drones have been prohibited for photography at the venue, while emergency access for police, medical and fire services must remain available. The permission is subject to a no-objection certificate from the traffic department and can be cancelled if any illegal activity affecting law and order is detected, police said. Any dispute over the venue will also lead to immediate cancellation of the permission. The restrictions come as Pune police have imposed 14-day prohibitory orders across the city from Tuesday until August 31, citing security concerns linked to upcoming festivals and protests. Congress leader Pawan Khera has alleged that the restrictions were imposed to disrupt Gandhi’s programme. Police, however, have cited security requirements. Gandhi launched the student-focused campaign in Kota on June 17 and later addressed its second and third segments in Dehradun and Prayagraj on July 17 and August 8. 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
‘I stand with them’: Rahul Gandhi backs protest by Bundelkhand tribals against ‘Ken-Betwa project’
NEW DELHI: Congress leader and leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday backed tribal residents of Madhya Pradesh’s Bundelkhand region protesting against the Ken-Betwa River Link Project, saying the Congress stands with them and promising to visit the protest site to pressure the government over their demands for compensation and rehabilitation. Rahul shared a video on X featuring accounts from tribal residents affected by the project and said, “The problems, demands, struggles, and personal ordeals of the tribal brothers and sisters who are carrying out a satyagraha against the Ken-Betwa project–their own account. For years, these residents of Bundelkhand have been enduring injustice and oppression solely for their rights; they deserve respect and support,” he said. “In this fight of our tribal brothers and sisters, I and the Congress stand with them,” he said. In the video, a tribal representative claimed that the project would affect 21 tribal-dominated villages and lead to the loss of around 4.6 million trees, besides affecting the Panna Tiger Reserve. The representative also claimed that around 11,500 acres of land belonging to nearly 7,000 families would be affected. The residents urged Rahul to raise their concerns about alleged administrative harassment in Parliament and join their movement. Rahul assured them that he would visit the site and put pressure on the government. The tribal residents have been holding a Satyagraha against the project, demanding adequate compensation and dignified rehabilitation for people whose land is being acquired. Rahul had also supported the agitation earlier in July. Sharing a poem and visuals from the protest, he said the tribal residents were demanding fair compensation through non-violent means and described tribal people as the “original owners of the country”. “The tribal brothers and sisters of Madhya Pradesh had sat on a water satyagraha and hunger strike because their land was taken away for the Ken-Betwa project, but they received neither fair compensation nor dignified rehabilitation. The ‘truth’ is that tribals are the original owners of the country–the first right to water, forests, and land belongs to them alone. And their ‘satyagraha’ is because that very right is being snatched from them today.” “In their unique way, their demand is simply this: provide a proper means of livelihood–or else life is no different from a funeral pyre. But even this is unacceptable to the BJP government. Instead of listening to them, their peaceful protest is being crushed with police force. We stand with our tribal brothers and sisters. We will secure justice for them–compensation and rehabilitation will have to be provided,” he added. The Ken-Betwa Link Project is a major river-linking initiative aimed at transferring surplus water from the Ken river in Madhya Pradesh to the Betwa river through a 221-km-long link canal. The project is being implemented in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The Rs 44,605-crore project is the first river-linking project under the National Perspective Plan. According to the government, it is expected to irrigate 1.062 million hectares, provide drinking water to around 6.2 million people and generate hydropower. The project involves construction of the 77-metre-high Daudhan Dam and two tunnels in the Ken river basin in Panna. The government says the project will enable irrigation across 8.11 lakh hectares in 2,000 villages across 10 districts and benefit around seven lakh farmer families. It is also expected to provide drinking water to 44 lakh people in Madhya Pradesh and 21 lakh people in Uttar Pradesh, while generating 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar energy. 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
SP-Congress’s new plan! Dalit youth to be in charge of general constituencies as well; will the political equation change before 2027?
Political parties in Uttar Pradesh have already intensified their preparations for the 2027 assembly elections. Following the BJP, efforts to balance social equations have begun in the opposition camp as well. The Samajwadi Party and Congress have begun giving Dalit and backward class youth key organizational responsibilities. Significantly, Dalit youth are also being appointed in-charge of general assembly constituencies. Both parties are attempting to connect with youth influenced by socialist and Ambedkarite ideology. These youth are being given the responsibility of strengthening the organization in various assembly constituencies and connecting new members to the party. Dalit youth given responsibility for general seats As part of this strategy, the Samajwadi Party has appointed Dalit youth as assembly in-charges for several general seats. Manoj Paswan has been appointed in Unchahar, Shivshankar Saroj in Babaganj, and Ram Karan Nirmal in the Kaushambi-Fatehpur region. Meanwhile, Vineet Kushwaha from Madhuban and Rahul Raj from Kushinagar have also been assigned organizational responsibilities. These leaders have been primarily tasked with expanding their reach among youth, engaging new workers, and strengthening the party’s ideology. This initiative by the SP is being considered an important step towards strengthening the PDA (Backward, Dalit, and Minority) social equation. Congress also focusing on youth Congress has also planned to activate youth at the assembly level. The party has assigned the responsibility of strengthening the organization among youth to Shailendra Dhruv Yadav in Ballia, Murali Manohar in Velthara Road, Subhash Pal in Bilgram, and Tarun Patel in Gaura. The strategy of opposition parties is not limited to reconnecting with their traditional voters. They are also targeting youth who were once with the BSP or are reportedly dissatisfied with the current political situation. BSP’s focus on the old Brahmin equation On the other hand, the Bahujan Samaj Party is also trying to re-establish its old social equation for 2027. Mayawati’s party is once again eyeing the Brahmin community. However, several prominent Brahmin leaders of the BSP have left the party in recent years. Antu Mishra’s expulsion is considered the latest in this trend. Discussion of the 2007 formula is rekindled. In the 2007 assembly elections, the BSP fielded a large number of Brahmin candidates. The party gave tickets to over 80 Brahmins, of whom 41 won the elections and reached the assembly. This social equation played a key role in the BSP’s formation of a full majority government. Now, ahead of 2027, while the SP and Congress are busy strengthening the PDA through Dalit and backward youth, the BSP faces the challenge of recapturing its old Brahmin base. Consequently, social equations may play an even more important role in Uttar Pradesh’s electoral politics in the coming days. By Asha Sharma Courtesy: Hindi News
Amazing stories of the Chief Minister: The Dalit woman who became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for the first time with the support of the BJP. Learn the full story of 1995.
UP CM’s amazing kisses, Mayawati’s BJP support: Mayawati is a prominent figure in Uttar Pradesh politics. There are many stories related to her political life that are still discussed today. But there is one incident when the political equations changed in just one day and it took her to the position of Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. In 1995, after the alliance with the Samajwadi Party broke, the BJP supported Mayawati. On June 3, she took oath as Chief Minister and became the first Dalit woman Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. So, in ‘Amazing Stories of the UP CM’, read the entire fascinating story of Mayawati becoming the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for the first time with the support of the BJP. Mayawati’s First CM Story: Mayawati’s name needs no introduction in Uttar Pradesh politics. She has served as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh four times. But the most important milestone in her political journey was the year 1995, the year she became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for the first time. At that time, she was around 39 years old. Significantly, Mayawati’s government was formed with the support of the BJP. She took the oath of office as Chief Minister on June 3, 1995. With this, she became the first Dalit woman Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. This alliance between the SP and BSP had broken. Subsequently, with the support of the BJP, Mayawati’s path to power was paved. In this part of “Amazing Stories of UP CMs,” read the entire story in detail, when a Dalit woman became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh with the support of the BJP, bringing about a major change in the state’s politics. Mayawati Entered Politics with Kanshi Ram Mayawati’s political journey was not easy. During her studies and employment in Delhi, she met Kanshi Ram. Kanshi Ram inspired her to enter politics. Mayawati then entered active politics with the Bahujan Samaj Party. Kanshi Ram founded the Bahujan Samaj Party in 1984. Mayawati gradually became a prominent face of the party. She began to be recognized as a vocal leader of the Dalit community, particularly in the Dalit community. Mayawati won the Bijnor seat in the 1989 Lok Sabha elections. After this, her name began to rise rapidly in national politics. UP’s politics changed in 1993 Now the story turns to the 1993 assembly elections. At that time, the BJP had emerged as the dominant force in UP. However, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Kanshi Ram joined forces after the elections. The Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party formed a government together. Mulayam Singh Yadav became the Chief Minister, and Mayawati’s party became a partner in the government. However, this alliance between the two parties did not last long. Tensions between the two parties grew, and eventually the alliance broke. A major political turning point occurred on June 2, 1995 In 1995, a development occurred in UP politics that captured national attention. Mayawati decided to withdraw support from Mulayam Singh Yadav’s government. This completely changed the power dynamics in the state. Mayawati staked claim to form the government, but she lacked a majority on her own. This is where the BJP came into play. BJP Supports Mayawati At that time, the Bharatiya Janata Party decided to support Mayawati. With the BJP’s support, the path was cleared for Mayawati to become Chief Minister. On June 3, 1995, Mayawati was sworn in as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. She became the first Dalit woman Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. This was a historic moment in Indian politics. A Dalit woman’s rise to the top position of power in the country’s largest state was a major political event in itself. Mayawati’s first term was short. For the first time, Mayawati failed to remain Chief Minister for long. Her government, formed with the support of the BJP, lasted only about four months. In October 1995, her government fell. Following this, President’s rule was imposed in Uttar Pradesh. However, in these few months, Mayawati demonstrated such political strength that she later became one of the most prominent leaders in Uttar Pradesh politics. The Politics of the BJP and the BSP Changed From Here This experiment of 1995 was not only significant for Mayawati. It also marked the beginning of a political relationship between the BJP and the Bahujan Samaj Party. In the following years, the two parties formed several alliances. Sometimes Mayawati became Chief Minister with the support of the BJP, and sometimes the BJP supported her government. This alliance is considered one of the most interesting political events in Uttar Pradesh politics during that period. Mayawati became Chief Minister four times again After 1995, Mayawati became Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh three more times. She also became Chief Minister in 1997. After this, her government was formed with the support of the BJP in 2002. However, in 2003, the BJP withdrew its support, and her government collapsed. Subsequently, in 2007, Mayawati secured a majority on her own. This was the strongest phase of her political career. She formed a government with an absolute majority and completed a full five-year term. An alliance changed her entire political journey. Mayawati’s first Chief Ministership is also special because she came to power at a time when forming a government in Uttar Pradesh was difficult for any single party. On one hand, the Samajwadi Party and BSP alliance had broken down. On the other hand, the BJP had emerged as the most powerful political force. Meanwhile, the BJP’s support catapulted Mayawati to the position of Chief Minister. The same Mayawati, who became Chief Minister in 1995, later became a leader who surprised all political parties by forming a majority government in Uttar Pradesh in 2007. The woman who first assumed the Chief Ministership with the support of the BJP, a few years later, came to power on her own. This is the biggest and most interesting turning point in Mayawati’s political journey. Written by:Krishna.Pandey Courtesy: Hindi News
How the Matang reservation debate is reshaping Maharashtra’s Dalit politics
The Matang community is intensifying its demand for the sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes in Maharashtra to combat historical marginalisation and secure a fair share of reservation benefits Social conflict has once again erupted in Maharashtra over the demand for subcategorisation within the Scheduled Castes (SC) category. The Matang community has intensified its agitation for sub-categorisation, while legislators from various parties within the category have taken a firm stand against it. Over the past two decades, demands for reservation and the issue of sub-categorisation among various castes have remained central to political discourse in Maharashtra. Although the Supreme Court has empowered state governments to implement sub-categorisation within Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe reservations, the Maharashtra government faces opposition from legislators across party lines and various Dalit organisations regarding this decision. But how do electoral arithmetic and the politics of pressure tactics adversely affect the decentralisation of power? In the context of intra-category disparities within the Scheduled Castes and the equitable distribution of resources, how are issues such as cultural politics, caste identity, and political polarisation shaping the policy of social justice? Marginalisation of the Matang community In 2003, the then state government established the ‘Krantivir Lahuji Salve Matang Samaj Study Commission’ to consider the demands of the Matang community. The commission examined appointments to posts reserved for Scheduled Castes across various government departments. It highlighted the dominance of the Mahar and Chambhar communities in reserved positions at all levels of the administration. Available data indicates that the Matang community has lagged behind regarding government posts across all employment categories. For example, according to statistics from the Lahuji Salve Commission, based on data received from 22 municipal corporations in the state, out of 21,066 posts reserved for Scheduled Castes, the Mahar community secured 12,299 positions and the Chambhar community secured 3,578, whereas the Matang community received opportunities for administrative employment in only 1,897 posts. These figures demonstrate that both the Mahar community (which has a larger population than the Matang community) and the Chambhar community (which has a smaller population) secured greater representation. History of categorisation demand In 2003, the then Maharashtra government constituted the ‘Krantivir Lahuji Salve Matang Samaj Study Commission’. The mandate of this commission was to conduct an in-depth study of the backwardness of the Matang community and allied sub-castes in the state and to make recommendations for their comprehensive development. The study report was submitted in 2008. Based on the backwardness of the Matang community and allied subcastes, the commission recommended granting a separate 5 per cent reservation to the Matang community through a process of sub-categorisation. Since then, the Matang community has been continuously agitating across the state to press for this demand of sub-categorisation. In 2024, responding favourably to the Matang community’s demand, the state government established the ‘Justice Anant Badar Committee’, a one-member judicial commission. This commission submitted its report regarding the social and educational backwardness of the Scheduled sub-castes to the state government in March 2026. However, the report has not yet been made public, as the government has issued instructions to invite objections regarding the matter. The government is facing a dilemma, as legislators from all political parties are demanding that the report be made public immediately and that the process of sub-categorisation be halted. Despite the Supreme Court’s approval of subclassification, various Dalit organisations in the state have launched strong opposition to it. Mahar and Matang: Divergent social paths Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar belonged to the Mahar community. On October 14, 1956, at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur, he embraced Buddhism along with millions of his followers. On that day, millions of Ambedkar’s followers renounced Hinduism and embraced Buddhism. Following this historic event, hundreds of thousands of Ambedkar’s followers in Maharashtra embraced Buddhism. This was not merely a religious conversion; it marked the starting point of a new struggle for education, social equality, human dignity, and political rights. The movement instilled a sense of self-respect within the Dalit community and initiated a new wave of social transformation. During the period of Ambedkar’s conversion movement, some followers from the Matang and Chambhar communities also embraced Buddhism alongside the Mahar community. However, the extent and social scope of conversion varied across these communities. Due to their distinct historical, cultural, and spiritual legacies, significant sections of the Matang and Chambhar communities remain connected to Hindu traditions, deities, and religious practices, a fact to which the Mahar community, and indeed the Dalit movement at large, takes strong objection. Given the history of untouchability and denial of temple entry, following Ambedkar’s path of conversion, viewed as the first step toward social advancement, remains a central issue for the Dalit movement. The socio-economic structure of the landless and resource-poor Matang community has played a vital role as artists within religious and folk traditions. Consequently, the economic and cultural practices of the Matang community appear historically intertwined with various religious activities of the Hindu tradition. This leads to criticism from within the Dalit movement: that the Matang community, despite experiencing untouchability, acts as a key bearer of Hindu religious and cultural traditions. This lies at the heart of the contention. Identity crisis of Matangs Inspired by Ambedkar, his followers established the Republican Party of India (RPI) in 1957. Subsequently, the party split due to leadership disputes and organisational conflicts. However, this political movement produced several prominent Dalit leaders, such as Rajabhau Khobragade, R.S. Gavai, Ramdas Athawale, and Prakash Ambedkar. All these leaders hail from the Mahar community, highlighting the long-standing influence and role of ‘Mahar’ leadership in Dalit politics in Maharashtra. Under the leadership of Ambedkar, a comprehensive movement encompassing education, organisation, and political representation emerged within the Mahar community; this movement remains their greatest strength to this day. However, a similar process of social transformation did not take place within the Matang community. Ambedkar’s influence helped overcome the fragmentation within the Mahar community; their unity regarding social issues is a significant asset. Educational progress and political representation have accelerated the process of social development for the Mahar community. In contrast,
Allegations of discrimination against Dalit students at KGBV: They alleged caste-related abuses and forced them to clean; families filed a complaint at the District Magistrate’s office.
A case of alleged discrimination and inhumane treatment of Dalit students has come to light at the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Awasiya Vidyalaya (KGBV) in Asothar block, Fatehpur. The students and their families have accused some teachers of making caste-related remarks, not providing adequate food, and making them clean the bathrooms and other areas. At around 4:30 pm on Tuesday, the victim families reached the District Magistrate’s office and demanded an impartial investigation and action against the culprits. Geeta Devi, a resident of Sato village in Asothar block, stated that her granddaughters Kiran and Kashish, along with another student, Anjali, attend the school. According to the families, a complaint was made some time ago regarding the quality of the food at the school. This complaint was also investigated. It is alleged that the school administration became increasingly displeased with the students after this. Allegations of being threatened with expulsion for asking for food In a complaint letter submitted to the District Basic Education Officer, serious allegations have been made against teachers Parveen Bano, Aruna Gautam, and Preeti Gautam. The complaint states that female students were threatened with expulsion from the school if they asked for food. There are also allegations of assaulting older students if they protested. Allegations of caste-based humiliation and cleaning duties Families allege that female students were humiliated because of their caste. In addition to studying, they were also made to clean the school bathrooms and other areas. According to the complaint, comments were made linking the female students’ caste to cleaning duties, causing them mental distress. Demand for Fair Investigation and Security from the DM The victim families have demanded an impartial investigation from the District Magistrate. They demanded a safe and respectful environment for the female students and strict action against those responsible if the allegations are found to be true. They now await the district administration’s investigation and the action taken based on the investigation. Ram Chandra Saini | Fatehpur Courtesy: Hindi News