TN Dalit Student Dies by Suicide After Caste Taunts at School; Teacher Arrested
SC and ST Commission seeks report; family alleges caste-based abuse by classmates and a teacher and demands accountability COIMBATORE — A Dalit Class 11 student has died by suicide in Coimbatore after allegedly facing caste-based harassment at school, prompting police to arrest a teacher, register a case against the headmaster and two classmates, and launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. The student, identified as A Akilan, was found dead at his home in the Peelamedu area on Wednesday, after returning to school following the Puja holidays. His family alleges that repeated caste-based taunts and harassment left him distressed. According to the complaint filed by his mother, Kousalya Devi, Akilan had faced discrimination from classmates, who allegedly mocked him over his caste and eating habits. The complaint also names class teacher Vijayakumar and headmaster Arunkumar. The family alleges that Vijayakumar asked students in the classroom who ate beef. After Akilan reportedly indicated that he did, two classmates allegedly subjected him to casteist abuse and physical assault. His parents further allege that the headmaster failed to act adequately after they raised concerns about the treatment their son was experiencing. The Peelamedu police have registered a case against the teacher, headmaster and two students under provisions relating to abetment of suicide, voluntarily causing hurt and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Vijayakumar has been arrested, while the headmaster and the two students have also been named in the case. The allegations against them remain subject to investigation. Family Wants Accountability The Tamil Nadu State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has sought a report from the Coimbatore City Police Commissioner on the student’s death and the allegations of caste-based harassment. The commission took up the matter on Thursday, according to reports. The Child Welfare Committee is also conducting an inquiry into the circumstances of the death, while police continue to examine the allegations and the school’s response to the family’s complaints. Akilan’s parents and relatives protested outside the Peelamedu police station, demanding a thorough investigation and action against those they hold responsible. They also called for the headmaster to be arrested, alleging that the school authorities had failed to respond appropriately to their concerns. Akilan’s father, Ashok Kumar, said the family wanted justice for their son and alleged that the teacher and school management were responsible for what had happened. He also said Akilan had aspired to become a lawyer. According to the family’s complaint, Akilan had previously been reluctant to attend school and had told his mother that other students were unwilling to speak to him because of his caste. Reports also indicate that his parents had approached the school management over the alleged harassment. Police are investigating whether the alleged discrimination and the school’s handling of the complaints contributed to the student’s death. No final findings have been announced, and the allegations against the teacher, headmaster and students have not been established in court. The case has renewed concerns about caste-based discrimination in educational institutions and the responsibility of school authorities to respond promptly to complaints of harassment, particularly when students’ safety and well-being may be at risk. Courtesy : Clarion Note: This news is originally published on https:/clarion.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Like 1984 riots’: Sirsa accuses Rahul Gandhi of spreading anarchy ahead of INDIA bloc rally
Drawing a parallel with the planned November 1 rally, he accused Rahul Gandhi of attempting to create unrest and putting innocent people, including students, at risk for political gains. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of attempting to spread anarchy in the country, drawing a parallel with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, ahead of the INDIA bloc’s planned rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 1. Sirsa alleged that Gandhi was following the same path as his father, former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, and grandmother, former prime minister Indira Gandhi, and claimed the Congress leader was seeking to destabilise the country for political gains. “Rahul Gandhi has adopted the same modus operandi as his father and grandmother. He is following the same path of harming the country,” Sirsa said. Questioning Gandhi’s foreign visits, the Delhi minister alleged that he was taking lessons from foreign powers that, he claimed, had spread unrest in countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal and France. Referring to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Sirsa alleged that Congress leaders had targeted innocent Sikhs to gain political power following Indira Gandhi’s assassination. He named Rajiv Gandhi, Jagdish Tytler, H K L Bhagat, Sajjan Kumar, Kamal Nath and Dharam Das Shastri while alleging that they had witnessed the violence in areas where they were assigned responsibilities. Sirsa claimed that the killings of Sikhs had helped the Congress secure a sweeping victory in the 1984 Lok Sabha elections. Drawing a parallel with the planned November 1 rally, he accused Rahul Gandhi of attempting to create unrest and putting innocent people, including students, at risk for political gains. “Now, again on November 1, Rahul Gandhi is spreading anarchy in the country, making innocent children and their mothers his victims in the greed for power,” Sirsa alleged. He also questioned Gandhi’s alleged remarks about bringing “regime change” and claimed that attempts to destabilise elected governments could involve foreign funding, without providing evidence to substantiate the allegation. “We condemn this and protest against this. You are putting salt on the wounds of the 1984 Sikh victims. You are choosing the same day, November 1, to set the country on fire and break it,” Sirsa said. At a meeting in Delhi on September 29, INDIA bloc parties announced a series of protests demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The programme includes a rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1, to which the Delhi Police has issued a No Objection Certificate. The rally is also expected to involve student organisations and civil society groups, demanding Kumar’s resignation. 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
Raihan Vadra’s protest photos spark political row, Congress alleges censorship, BJP hits back – all you need to know
NEW DELHI: The Bikaner House Management Society on Thursday defended its request to remove certain photographs from visual artist Raihan Vadra’s exhibition, saying they were “found to be inconsistent” with its policy, as the dispute over the removal of images documenting student protests and photographs of the national flag escalated into a political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP. Vadra, son of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and businessman Robert Vadra, alleged that the administration asked him to remove 70 of the 105 photographs displayed at his exhibition, No Idea Is Final, in New Delhi. He questioned the restrictions on political expression at an art institution, while several Congress leaders criticised the decision as censorship. The BJP, meanwhile, accused the Gandhi family of using the controversy for political purposes. Bikaner House says photographs were inconsistent with its policy In a statement on Thursday, the Bikaner House Management Society said certain photographs displayed at the exhibition were found to be inconsistent with its policy and their removal was requested. It added that the photographs considered consistent with its policy continued to be displayed. “Bikaner House is a public cultural institution dedicated to the promotion of art and culture. The exhibition and associated activities must comply with Bikaner House Management Society policy,” the statement said. The clarification came a day after Vadra alleged that the administration had asked him to remove several photographs documenting protests in Delhi, including images of the national flag, ahead of the exhibition’s scheduled opening on Wednesday evening. In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Vadra said, “Five hours ago, the Bikaner House Management forced me to remove the bulk of the artworks displayed in my show “No Idea Is Final”, which opens this evening at 7 pm. The photos were of the youth protests in Delhi. Apparently, the content is “objectionable”. They also directed me to remove two photos of the Tiranga. I have refused. I will not take down a picture of the Indian flag.” He said the exhibition would proceed with the remaining works and that he would consider another venue if necessary to display the complete collection of protest photographs. Raihan Vadra questions restrictions on political art Speaking to PTI Videos, Vadra said he had been informed about potential objections to some photographs a day before the exhibition and had asked the management to communicate its concerns in writing. “My show, ‘No Idea Is Final’, was supposed to start at 7 pm yesterday at Bikaner House. Twenty-four hours before the opening, I was approached by the Bikaner House management and told that some of the pictures might be objectionable or against their policy. I said that I did not believe they are, but I am happy to discuss the matter and asked them to get back to me in writing as to what are the objections,” he said. According to Vadra, the management did not respond until the following morning, when its team inspected the exhibition. He said he was subsequently told to remove 70 of the 105 photographs. “I did not hear from them till 11 am next day when their team came, saw the exhibit and left, they even complimented me on some of the photographs. Then, around 12.30 pm, we received a call from the deputy resident commissioner saying that you have to remove 70 of the 105 photographs in the exhibition because they are against the policy,” he said. Vadra said he had already removed some photographs containing overtly political slogans after reviewing the venue’s policy and was willing to discuss concerns over images featuring flags and political leaders. The management later insisted that the remaining photographs considered objectionable be removed, he alleged. Vadra said he asked officials to put their objections in writing, particularly regarding the photographs of the national flag. “So, we took them down except two photographs of the Indian flag which also they asked me to remove. I said, ‘But they are just pictures of the Indian flag. I do not think there is anything in your policy that says photographs of the Indian flag have to be removed’. At that point, I firmly told them to put their demand in writing if they wanted me to remove the photographs of the Indian flag,” Vadra said. He alleged that although the management did not provide a written demand, officials removed one of the two photographs while he was away. Vadra questioned the restriction on political expression at an art institution, saying, “I mean, most art is political, right? You cannot function as an artistic institution and then say that political content is not allowed,” he said. He also alleged that he had shared a layout of the exhibition with the management a week earlier, but was later told that officials had not been able to review it. Priyanka Gandhi backs son, Robert Vadra says family will find another venue Priyanka Gandhi Vadra backed her son on Thursday, expressing support for his decision to stand by his work. In a post on X, she wrote, “When someone with power becomes afraid of the expression of another, he doesn’t know it, but he has already lost the very power he is trying to protect. You stand for what is true and everything beautiful will find its way to you. I am proud of you, always will be.” Robert Vadra also expressed pride in his son and said the family would find another venue if necessary. Speaking to ANI, he said, “I am very proud of Raihan. He has seen what the whole family goes through and has gone through, and what his father has gone through. So, he is a very strong person, a very strong-headed person. He will find another location, and we will do it at another location.” He said Raihan had attended the recent protests, documenting them through photographs before deciding to organise an exhibition on the subject. According to Robert Vadra, his son had submitted a PDF of the proposed exhibition to the
Caste survey open for corrections, govt will rectify errors: Revanth
Hyderabad: The state govt is willing to correct any anomalies in the Socio-Economic, Education, Employment, Political and Caste (SEEEPC) Survey-2024 and ensure social justice for all communities, chief minister A Revanth Reddy said on Thursday, inviting caste associations that dispute the survey findings to submit data supporting their population claims. He announced that the govt would reconstitute a cabinet sub-committee to examine the issue and the cabinet will discuss the issue in the next meeting. “Elders and caste associations of Gouds, Mudirajs, Gangaputra, Yadavs and even Padmashalis have made claims over their population figures and contradicted the SEEEPC survey. The state govt has an open mind on this. Our intention is not to reduce the number of castes. Even my community (Reddy) people have doubts about the 25 lakh figure. We can rectify any anomalies or mistakes in population and include in the caste census, and social justice will be delivered to all castes,” Revanth said. The chief minister said the govt would seek reports from officials and consult legal experts before taking a final view on the matter. He added that the long-pending demand for reclassification of the Mudiraj community from the BC-D category to BC-A could not be considered so far because of the lack of accurate population data and that the reconstituted sub-committee would also examine the issue. Addressing the birth anniversary celebrations of Pandaga Sayanna Mudiraj, Revanth said the govt had earlier constituted a cabinet sub-committee headed by minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy and would now expand it by including ministers such as Ponnam Prabhakar and Vakiti Srihari. He also announced that statues of Doddi Komaraiah and Pandaga Sayanna would be installed on Tank Bund. Seeking to reassure Backward Class communities, the chief minister said the Congress govt is committed to their political empowerment and adequate representation. “It is my responsibility to ensure the Mudiraj community is made a partner in the govt,” he said. Shifting to national politics, Revanth described the next general election as crucial for the country and appealed for support to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He said the interests of the country’s Bahujan communities would be better protected if Rahul Gandhi becomes Prime Minister. He said the administration is strengthening the existing welfare programmes. “We are already doubling the welfare initiatives undertaken by the previous govt and building Indiramma houses in every village. The welfare schemes launched by NTR, Chandrababu Naidu, YSR and KCR are being continued,” he claimed. He said that while NTR had introduced Rs 2-a-kg rice, the present govt is supplying fine rice to 3.48 crore beneficiaries. Revanth said the govt had also taken steps to strengthen Telangana’s distinct identity, including officially adopting a state song after the formation of Telangana. 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
US top court nixes Trump admin’s bid to restrict medical care for transgender inmates
The US Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to let President Donald Trump’s administration immediately enforce restrictions on medical care for transgender inmates, leaving in place a lower-court order that allows treatments to continue while a legal challenge proceeds. The brief order did not explain the court’s reasoning. Conservative Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented, saying they would have allowed the policy to take effect as the case moved through the lower courts. The policy followed an executive order by Trump, a Republican who has taken several steps to roll back transgender rights during his second term. It directs the Bureau of Prisons to revise its medical care rules so that federal funds are not spent “for the purpose of conforming an inmate’s appearance to that of the opposite sex.” Under the policy, prisons would halt gender-affirming surgeries, gradually withdraw hormone therapy and end social accommodations such as makeup and wigs. Mental health services would continue to be available. Transgender inmates challenged the restrictions in court. US District Judge Royce Lamberth ordered that their treatments continue. Lamberth, who was nominated by Republican President Ronald Reagan, noted that untreated gender dysphoria can cause severe side effects, including depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. The Trump administration appealed, arguing that the treatments raised security concerns and “could no longer be justified”. A divided appeals court panel declined to lift the block, prompting the administration to approach the Supreme Court. About 600 inmates were receiving hormone therapy in 2025, according to court records cited by the Bureau of Prisons. Lawyers for the inmates argued that withdrawing treatment would have significant effects on their bodies and mental health. They also said the government had not presented evidence of security problems linked to hormone therapy for transgender inmates during the 30 years it had been provided. The Supreme Court has previously allowed other Trump administration policies affecting transgender people to take effect while legal challenges continued. These include restrictions on military service and passport sex markers. The conservative-majority court has also upheld state laws banning certain medical treatments for transgender minors and restricting transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports. 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
UP: Four convicted in Dalit woman’s murder case sentenced to life imprisonment
Kaushambi, A court in Kaushambi district of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday convicted four accused and sentenced them to life imprisonment in the 2009 kidnapping and murder of a Dalit woman. The court also imposed a fine of ₹1.31 lakh on each of the accused. Additional District Government Advocate (Criminal) Pankaj Sonkar said that the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge and Special Judge (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act) Amit Malviya delivered the verdict after considering the prosecution’s arguments, witness statements, and evidence. He said that the accused have been identified as Arvesh Tiwari, Sarvesh Tiwari, Ramkant Dubey, and Shivkant Dubey. The court sentenced all four to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹1.31 lakh each. According to Sonkar, on October 7, 2009, the father of a woman named Kunti Devi filed a complaint at the Sarai Akil police station, alleging that the four accused lured his daughter away and later murdered her. Based on the complaint, the police registered a case under sections 363 (kidnapping), 364 (kidnapping with intent to murder), 368 (wrongful confinement or wrongful confinement of a person abducted), 302 (murder), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and 34 (acts done with common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). A case was also registered against the accused under Section 3(2)(5) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. According to the prosecution, the police filed a charge sheet against the accused after completing the investigation. The prosecution said that after considering the available evidence and the arguments of the prosecution, the court convicted all four accused and sentenced them. Courtesy: Hindi News
UP Elections 2027: BSP eyes Dalit strongholds, Mayawati and Akash to hold rapid public meetings in these districts
Mayawati will hold public meetings in assembly constituencies in districts with a large Scheduled Caste population. The aunt and nephew are particularly focused on Western Uttar Pradesh. Mayawati to hold rapid public meetings with Akash Anand Neha Shukla, Lucknow: Mayawati has fully entered the electoral fray for the 2027 UP elections. This time, Mayawati will be holding public meetings with her nephew Akash. For this, Mayawati is first targeting Dalit strongholds. Mayawati will hold public meetings in assembly constituencies in districts with a high Scheduled Caste (SC) population. The aunt and nephew are particularly focused on Western Uttar Pradesh. The campaign will begin on October 28th in Bulandshahr district. Following this, she is scheduled to hold public meetings in Agra, Saharanpur, Kanpur Nagar, and Ayodhya districts. During the first phase of his campaign, which began in August, Akash Anand visited several assembly constituencies in western Uttar Pradesh, including Sadabad in Hathras and Jewar in Gautam Buddha Nagar. BSP Strong in Western UP The BSP has traditionally been considered strong in western Uttar Pradesh, where Dalit voters have a significant presence. Jatav, Khatik, and Valmiki voters, in particular, constitute a decisive majority in several assembly constituencies in western Uttar Pradesh. Akash has also focused on these areas. Bulandshahr: According to the 2011 census, approximately 19.8% of the total population here belongs to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. BSP chief Mayawati’s own caste, the Jatav community, is the largest group. Agra: The district has a total of nine assembly seats, of which two seats, Agra Cantt and Agra Reserved, are reserved for SCs. Furthermore, Etmadpur, Fatehabad, Agra North, and Agra South also have a significant Dalit voter base. Saharanpur: Over 22% of the population here belongs to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. It should be noted that the BSP won the Saharanpur seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Dalits have always been the BSP’s core voter base, with the Jatavs considered among Mayawati’s staunchest supporters. Edited by: Pawan Nautiyal About the Author Pawan Nautiyal works as a consultant writer for the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand sections of the Navbharat Times. He has over 14 years of extensive journalistic experience in print, electronic, and digital media. Courtesy: Hindi News
Akhilesh Yadav’s big bet ahead of the UP elections, saying, “The D of the PDA is through Dalit saints…”
Ahead of the UP Assembly elections, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav is now working to woo Dalit saints as part of his PDA strategy. He will honor several individuals on November 5th. × In view of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the Samajwadi Party has begun to establish its influence across all sections of society. The party is working to woo Dalits, the ‘D’ in the PDA (Backward, Dalit, Minority) formula. Akhilesh Yadav has convened a major meeting of Dalit saints on November 5th. In addition to Uttar Pradesh, Dalit saints from Punjab and Haryana and representatives of organizations associated with Dalit icons will be honored. Akhilesh will also honor the saints. The SP’s strategy is not limited to the BSP’s traditional Dalit vote bank. The party is also targeting social groups associated with the ideology of Saint Ravidas, Kabirpanth, Maharishi Valmiki tradition, and Kanshi Ram-Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. The party wants to reach different castes and communities through influential saints and organizations within the Dalit community to spread its message. Akhilesh Eyes BSP Vote After the 2022 Assembly elections, Mayawati’s party, the BSP, continued to decline in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The party managed to win only one seat in the 2022 Assembly elections. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the SP-Congress alliance won 43 seats, while the BSP failed to win a single seat. Following the BSP’s weak performance, the SP sees an opportunity to expand its base in Dalit politics. Lok Sabha Gives Opportunity to Dalits Akhilesh Yadav attempted to balance social equations by fielding Dalit candidates in general constituencies like Faizabad and Meerut in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Awadhesh Prasad’s victory in Faizabad was seen as a success of this strategy, while the SP candidate lost in Meerut by a narrow margin. Reaching Out Through Institutions The SP now wants to connect influential figures within the Dalit community with its religious and social networks. The party believes that reaching out to Dalit settlements and various communities can be achieved through connections with saints, sects, and organizations. This will be an attempt to connect with voters who, despite distancing themselves from the BSP, have not yet become permanent SP voters. The BJP is also expanding its reach among the Dalit community through social harmony and saint traditions. On the occasion of the 650th birth anniversary of Saint Guru Ravidas, the BJP is running the “Shri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Samrasata Sankalp Abhiyan” from July 29, 2026, to February 20, 2027. Under this initiative, efforts are being made to strengthen its reach among the Dalit community through the Saint Contact Campaign, Harmony Yatra, Hostel Contact Campaign, and cultural programs. Written By: Nikhil Sahu About the author Nikhil Sahu has been actively involved in journalism in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, for the past eight years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He has six years of print media experience, including stints at Dainik Bhaskar, Navbharat Times, 4PM, and Swatantra Print. He has a strong understanding of digital media, with a special focus on political, crime, development, and health news. He has experience in ground-zero reporting. Courtesy: Hindi News
‘Do you eat beef’: Chennai teacher under scanner after Dalit Class X student dies by suicide
COIMBATORE: Peelamedu police have registered a case under three sections against a teacher, the headmaster of a government-aided school and two students in connection with the death by suicide of a Class X Scheduled Caste student on Wednesday night. According to the complaint, the teacher allegedly questioned the student about whether he ate beef. The headmaster was accused of failing to take action over the incident. The case has been registered against all four in connection with the student’s death. Further details about the circumstances leading to the incident and the specific sections invoked were not immediately available. 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
INDIA bloc huddle: Leaders to meet virtually on CEC row; SIR irregularities on agenda
NEW DELHI: Leaders of the INDIA bloc will meet through video conferencing on Thursday evening to discuss their strategy over the ongoing row involving chief election commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, sources cited by news agency ANI said, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge set to chair the meeting. The meeting comes as Opposition parties continue their campaign against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demand accountability from the Election Commission of India (ECI). The opposition has accused the poll panel of facilitating the deletion of eligible voters from electoral rolls and has sought Kumar’s resignation. The Election Commission has maintained that it follows established procedures and defended its role in conducting elections. Opposition steps up campaign against Election Commission The INDIA bloc had earlier announced a joint action plan under its “Save Democracy” campaign. The proposed programme included protests, a march towards the Election Commission headquarters and a rally in New Delhi on November 1. On October 6, INDIA bloc MPs led by Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi marched towards Nirvachan Sadan, the Election Commission’s headquarters, seeking a meeting with the poll panel. Delhi Police stopped the march amid heavy barricading and detained several opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. They were later released. Following the protest, the ECI said Delhi Police had informed it that a delegation of around 240 MPs wanted to meet the Election Commissioners and submit a memorandum at the Parliament House Annexe. The poll panel described the proposed venue and manner of seeking the meeting as “unusual” under its established protocol. Delhi Police said the march had not been granted permission and cited prohibitory orders to explain its action against the protesters. The opposition subsequently approached President Droupadi Murmu. An INDIA bloc delegation, including Rahul Gandhi, Kharge, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and Samajwadi Party representatives, submitted a memorandum outlining its demands on October 9. The memorandum sought Kumar’s resignation, suspension of the SIR exercise, restoration of voters allegedly deleted from electoral rolls and a return to paper ballots. The opposition also called for the repeal of the 2023 law granting immunity to the chief election commissioner and other election commissioners for official duties. Kharge targets immunity law, EVMs On Wednesday, Kharge accused the BJP-led government of undermining democratic institutions and shielding election officials from accountability. He said the opposition’s campaign was aimed at protecting the Constitution and democracy rather than securing electoral gains for any particular party. Kharge criticised Section 16 of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, which grants legal immunity to current and former Election Commissioners for official duties. He argued that the provision protected election officials from accountability and demanded its repeal. “We are asking the BJP to repeal that law. Because you are giving protection to the Election Commissioner and letting him make mistakes. And whatever mistakes have happened today, they happened through Gyanesh Kumar. Why did you give him immunity? It was given so that you can make mistakes through him just by telling him to do so, and forgive him. The Chief Justice doesn’t have immunity. The President of India doesn’t have it. An Election Commissioner does,” Kharge said. He also called for Kumar’s removal, the scrapping of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and a return to paper ballots, while demanding stricter checks on changes to voter lists. “Follow the constitutional system, and remove Gyanesh Kumar, whom you have appointed today. Along with removing him, change the system too. Bring the previous law back, get rid of the EVMs, bring back ballot papers, and the software that sits in one place and controls the whole country. Stop using BLOs to make changes to the voter list,” he said. Kharge also criticised the government’s response to opposition concerns, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah were using ministers and constitutional officials to avoid directly addressing the issues raised by the opposition. INDIA bloc challenges SIR, Jantar Mantar decision At a meeting on October 13, INDIA bloc leaders reiterated their resolve to continue the campaign and said they would challenge the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Kharge, have also approached the Supreme Court challenging aspects of the SIR exercise. On October 15, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Election Commission, Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi on petitions challenging aspects of the revision exercise. The court also agreed to examine the denotification of Jantar Mantar and directed Delhi Police to preserve CCTV footage of the protests amid allegations of excessive force. Thursday’s meeting is expected to focus on the opposition’s strategy in the continuing dispute with the Election Commission, including its demands over the SIR exercise and accountability of the poll panel. 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