CM’s ‘Gen Z’ push sparks buzz over young faces in Telangana Cabinet
Some believe Revanth is keen to give greater representation to young legislators, while others think move is aimed at enhancing Cong appeal HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s recent remarks on “Gen Z” have set off speculation within the Congress over the possible induction of younger MLAs into the state Cabinet during the impending expansion or reshuffle. Party leaders said the discussion has gained momentum, with many believing that Revanth is keen to give greater representation to younger legislators. The move is also being seen as an effort to strengthen the Congress’ appeal among young voters, not only in Telangana but across the country. According to senior party leaders, if the proposal goes ahead, one or two young MLAs could find a place in the Cabinet. They say the move would reflect Revanth’s political style while helping the party connect better with younger voters. Sources said Revanth is likely to take up the proposal with the Congress high command, arguing that projecting younger ministers could work in the party’s favour ahead of the next electoral cycle. The speculation has also led to some nervousness among sitting ministers, as any Cabinet expansion or reshuffle could change the existing political equations. According to party sources, the Cabinet expansion or reshuffle is expected in August. They said discussions on the Karnataka Cabinet expansion are almost complete at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) level, after which the focus is likely to shift to Telangana. Young aspirants Following the chief minister’s remarks that Gen Z leaders should become ministers, the names of some of the Assembly’s youngest MLAs, including Mamidala Yashaswini Reddy, Mynampally Rohith Rao and Chittem Parnika Reddy, have begun doing the rounds in Congress circles. Party sources said there is a fair chance that one or two young legislators could be accommodated in the Cabinet. At the same time, there is also talk that up to three senior ministers could be dropped and given organisational responsibilities, either in the state unit of the party or at the national level. Congress leaders expect Revanth to discuss the issue with Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, who has consistently encouraged greater participation by young people in politics. They believe the induction of younger ministers could send a message beyond Telangana and help the party strike a chord with young voters across the country. Leaders familiar with the chief minister’s political thinking also believe he is likely to give more tickets to younger candidates in the next Assembly elections, particularly if the proposed delimitation exercise increases the number of Assembly constituencies. They say this would fit in with Revanth’s long-term political strategy in both Telangana and the Congress. Party leaders also point out that several first-time legislators are relatively young. They mention MPs Chamala Kiran Reddy, Kadiyam Kavya, K Raghuveer Reddy, Gaddam Vamshi Krishna and Anil Kumar Yadav, along with MLC Balmoor Venkat, as part of the younger leadership, even if they do not fall within the Gen Z age group. Senior Congress leaders also expect the party to field a larger number of candidates in the 40-45 age bracket at the next Assembly elections, especially if the number of constituencies increases from the present 119 to 182 following delimitation. Ireddy Srinivas Reddy 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
Rahul Gandhi’s statement, “A person who defends rapists has been appointed Education Minister,” sparked uproar in the Lok Sabha.
The ruling party strongly objected to Priyanka Gandhi’s statement in the Lok Sabha, calling it baseless and offensive against the Education Minister. Several ministers, including Kiren Rijiju, demanded an apology and action, while Priyanka Gandhi stated that she would verify her allegations through appropriate channels. New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that after youth protests demanding reforms in the education system, PM Modi appointed a person who “defends rapists” as the country’s Education Minister. Rahul Gandhi targeted Education Minister Prahlad Joshi in the Lok Sabha following remarks made by party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Priyanka had made some comments about Joshi in the Lok Sabha, citing a newspaper report about the accused in the Bilkis Bano case being granted bail, which were expunged from the House proceedings. Following this, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi said in Parliament, “After protests by young people demanding reforms to the education system in the country, the BJP has appointed a person who defends rapists as the country’s Education Minister. There can be nothing more shameful than someone who advocates for the protection of rapists becoming the country’s Education Minister.” Taking aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, “The Prime Minister’s move is strange. He has so many people in his cabinet; he could have appointed anyone as Education Minister, but he chose someone who defends rapists.” Later, Rahul Gandhi posted on X, “No one can be more despicable than someone who defends rapists. Prahlad Joshi is an insult to our education system and every student. Now, the institutions where millions of young women study will be under his supervision.” He emphasized that the women of India will never accept Prime Minister Modi’s new Education Minister. Uproar over Priyanka’s statement When Priyanka Gandhi mentioned this issue in the Lok Sabha, ruling party members objected, calling it a baseless and offensive remark against the Education Minister. The House witnessed a brief uproar over the issue. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju objected, stating that the comments made regarding the new Education Minister were character assassination and that it was inappropriate to make such allegations without verification. Demand for an apology from Priyanka Gandhi He said that if Priyanka Gandhi cannot verify her allegations, she should apologize to the House. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that such statements should not be made in the House without facts. Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Prahlad Joshi said that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra cannot get away with making such allegations. He demanded that the Congress MP apologize to the House and action be taken against her. Priyanka Gandhi said that she would verify her statement in the House through appropriate channels. Edited by: Ashok Upadhyay About the Author Ashok Upadhyay is a Senior Digital Content Producer at Navbharat Times Online. He has 12 years of field reporting and desk work experience. He began his journalism career with Navbharat Times Hindi newspaper in 2014. He has extensive experience reporting on the political and crime beats. He also worked on the central desk at Amar Ujala Dehradun and has done ground reporting for several elections. He has been working on the news desk at NBT Digital for the last six years. Courtesy: Hindi News
Congress, BJP spar over Pralhad Joshi’s pick as education minister
NEW DELHI: Congress and BJP sparred over the choice of Union minister Pralhad Joshi being given the charge of the education ministry, with leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi accusing him of defending rapists and BJP’s chief spokesperson Anil Baluni hitting back by accusing Rahul of distorting facts for an individual’s character assassination. Rahul alleged that Joshi had, in a TV interview a few years ago, justified the release of those convicted of the gang rape of Bilkis Bano during the 2002 Gujarat riots, and dubbed the Union minister a “filthy man”. The charge, made after Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had expunged remarks by Rahul’s sister, Wayanad MP and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, drew a fierce response from Baluni, “This is unfortunate, deplorable and unacceptable.” Accusing Rahul of making “misleading and factually incorrect” statements about Joshi’s TV interview, the Pauri Garhwal MP said, “Joshi never tried to defend anybody. He was commenting on the process of remission and made no comment on the merits of the case.” Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Rahul said, “After all these young people protesting about the education system and so many girls protesting and being beaten and thrashed, BJP has given the charge of the ministry to a man who is a defender of rapists. There can be no filthier man than somebody who says rapists need protection. That is the education minister of India today.” He added, “It is strange. It’s a strange reaction from the Prime Minister. There are so many people in his cabinet. He could have chosen any one of them. But he chooses a person who protects rapists. It’s quite amazing.” Coming down hard on the Gandhi siblings, Baluni, head of BJP media cell, said the two should try to get their facts right and understand them. “They twist facts to suit what is convenient for them. They always make baseless charges to mislead people,” he said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Delulu opposition thinks youth are with it, Rahul suffering from FOMO: NDA
NEW DELHI: BJP and its allies Tuesday lauded govt’s engagement with protesting students, asserted the youth believe in PM Narendra Modi’s ability to root out the menace of paper leaks and turned to Gen Z’s lingo to mock leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi as they mounted a sharp counterattack on the opposition in Lok Sabha. “I will tell you in Gen Z language. Because of this issue (protest), opposition thinks the youth are with them. There is no bigger ‘delulu’ than it. Gen Z knows if any govt is working, then it is Modi govt,” BJP MP Tejasvi Surya said, accusing rivals of spreading cynicism and anarchy, while Modi has used the crisis to launch root-and-branch reforms in the education system. Another party MP Anurag Thakur hit out at opposition parties for using students for their political gains and cited numerous incidents of paper leaks when they were in office in different states. When SP was in office in UP, the state service commission served the interest of one caste, and its chairperson Anil Yadav’s appointment was struck down by HC, he said, amid noisy protest by SP members. Thakur’s attack followed govt’s robust defence from another party MP Bansuri Swaraj, who was the first speaker from the alliance, as she accused the opposition of “selective outrage” over paper leaks, saying such incidents frequently happened during the Congress-led UPA’s term in office. Amid opposition’s jibes, she said it was not about whataboutery but calling out the opposition. Targeting Congress, NDA members were prompt in sympathising with the concerns expressed by protesting students, asserting govt has heard them and offering suggestions to govt. Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Shinde targeted Rahul over his protests, saying he sat on a dharna outside Modi’s residence as he thought he was “MIA” (missing in action) and suffered from ‘FOMO’ (fear of missing out), but no student joined his demonstration. TDP’s Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu suggested govt reform the burgeoning coaching system, suggesting it preyed on students’ aspirations. Its market is around Rs 56,000 crore and will zoom to Rs 1 lakh crore in 6-7 years, he said, adding education should not be profit-driven, a point backed by Shinde too. Alleging that opposition sent anti-social elements to the student protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar who used filthy language and abuses for Modi, the Shiv Sena member said the engagement with protesters underscored govt’s democratic commitment. “We did not confine ourselves to condemnation but took up the task of cleaning the system. Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on moral grounds and not because of you (opposition),” he said, praising a series of measures taken by govt to reform the examination system. 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
Section 2(k) Transgender Persons Amendment Act 2026: Supreme Court Issues Notice on Fresh Plea, Tags With Pending Batch
Petition by transgender advocate challenges the proviso to Section 2(k) of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, alleging it violates the Supreme Court’s NALSA ruling and threatens legal recognition based on self-identification. The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Union government on a fresh writ petition challenging the constitutional validity of the proviso to Section 2(k) of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026. The proviso to Section 2(k) of the Act provides that the term “transgender person” does not include, and has never included, persons with different sexual orientations and self-perceived sexual identities. A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana tagged the petition with the batch of pending cases challenging the 2026 amendment to the Act. The petition has been filed by Ankani Biswas, a transgender advocate practising before the Calcutta High Court. What does the petition challenge? The petition assails the proviso to Section 2(k) of the amended Act, which states that the definition of a transgender person “shall not include, nor shall ever have been so included, persons with different sexual orientations and self-perceived sexual identities”. According to the petitioner, the provision is unconstitutional because it departs from the Supreme Court’s landmark 2014 judgment in National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) v. Union of India (2014), which recognised self-identification as the basis of legal gender recognition. Why has the petitioner approached the court? The petitioner, who was assigned female at birth but later identified as a trans-masculine person, obtained a Transgender Identity Card in 2023 recognising them as a third-gender person. The petition argues that the amended provision creates uncertainty by suggesting that the legislature never intended to include persons with self-perceived identities within the definition of transgender persons. As a result, it raises concerns over the continued legal recognition of individuals who have already been issued transgender identity cards under the earlier legal framework. Concerns over professional identity The petitioner has also highlighted the practical consequences of the amendment, stating that they are an empanelled legal services counsel and one of the few advocates in West Bengal who regularly assist members of the transgender community. According to the plea, any uncertainty over the petitioner’s legal identity could affect professional records, undermine dignity and restrict access to justice for members of the community who seek legal assistance. Reliefs sought Apart from seeking to strike down the proviso as unconstitutional, the petitioner has sought an alternative direction that the amendment should not affect the rights of persons already recognised under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. In the alternative, the plea seeks a clarification from the Central government on whether the amended provision has any impact on existing holders of transgender identity cards. The present petition comes amid a batch of constitutional challenges pending before the Supreme Court against the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026. On May 3, while issuing notice on the lead petitions, the top court declined to stay the operation of the amended law but agreed to examine the challenge, observing that the issues raised required consideration by a larger Bench. The matter was subsequently referred to a three-judge Bench. Subsequently, the Centre moved the Supreme Court seeking transfer of similar petitions pending before the Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka and Rajasthan high courts. On June 15, the apex court stayed all proceedings before the high courts on challenges to the amendment and directed that the constitutional validity of the law be decided by the Supreme Court itself to avoid conflicting decisions. By – Salil Tiwari Courtesy : Law Beat Note: This news is originally published on https:/lawbeat.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
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
Farmers protest in Syana, serious allegations against accountant: Indefinite sit-in protest against indecency and illegal extortion of Dalit woman
On Monday, dozens of farmers, led by State Vice President of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Bhanu), Sunil Singh, staged a strong protest at the tehsil premises in Syana, Bulandshahr. They raised slogans and launched an indefinite sit-in, leveling serious allegations against a clerk posted at the tehsil. The farmers allege that the clerk misbehaved with a Dalit woman in Rukhi village. Furthermore, he is accused of illegally occupying the lands of dozens of farmers in the village and making illegal extortions from them on a daily basis. The protesters also alleged that the clerk is negligent in his official duties. Speaking to the media, State Vice President of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Bhanu), Sunil Singh, said, “This accountant is involved in corruption. He is disrespecting women and encroaching on the lands of poor farmers. Our indefinite sit-in will continue until this accountant is immediately transferred and a case is filed against him and strict action is taken.” The protesting farmers raised slogans against the administration in the tehsil premises. Farmer leaders demanded that the administration conduct a high-level investigation into the matter, take departmental action against the guilty accountant, and provide justice to the victim. They warned that if their demands were not met soon, the agitation would be intensified and a demonstration would be held at the district headquarters. Aman Tyagi | Syana (Bulandshahr), Bulandshahr Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit Youth Assaulted for Drinking Water From Public Pot in Rajasthan; FIR Registered After Court Order
Police in Rajasthan’s Balotra district have registered an FIR against a man accused of assaulting and abusing a Dalit youth with casteist slurs after he allegedly drank water from a public earthen pot outside a grocery shop. The case was registered at Gida Police Station following directions from an SC/ST court after the complainant alleged that police had failed to act on his earlier complaints. Victim alleges assault after drinking water According to the FIR, the incident took place on June 11 at around 7 pm near a bus stand in Khokhsar village under the Gida police station area. The complainant alleged that he was waiting for a bus to Chaba when, due to the heat, he drank water from a public earthen pot kept outside the grocery shop of the accused, identified as Rajuram Nai. He claimed the accused became angry, allegedly abused him using caste-based slurs and demanded money for drinking the water. When the complainant said he had no money, the accused allegedly slapped and punched him. The assault stopped only after local residents intervened, according to the complaint. The complainant further alleged that the accused later threatened to break his arms and legs and kill him if he pursued any action. Police registered case after court order The complainant said he reported the incident at Gida Police Station the following day and later sent a written complaint to the Balotra Superintendent of Police. However, alleging that no action was taken, he approached the SC/ST court. Following the court’s directions, Gida Police registered an FIR against the accused. Investigation underway Police said the case has been registered under Sections 115(2) and 126(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human ri
Special Court Decision: Five Convicts in Narsinghpur Murder of Dalit Middle-Aged Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on March 14, 2025. Nitesh Mehra, a resident of Umaria village in the Gotegaon area, was called by accused Kamlesh Prajapati and abused… Read More Special Court Decision. Naidunia Representative, Narsinghpur. The court of Special Judge (Scheduled Castes/Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act) Manoj Kumar Ladhiya, delivering swift justice in a serious case of murder and caste-based atrocity, convicted five accused from the same family and sentenced them to life imprisonment. The Special Court convicted the accused, Kamlesh Prajapati (28), Annilal Prajapati (50), Akhilesh Prajapati (24), Chhotu alias Umesh (22), and Savita Bai (47) (all residents of Umaria village, Gotegaon police station) under sections 103(1)/190 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the SC/ST Act and sentenced them to life imprisonment and a fine. According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on March 14, 2025. Nitesh Mehra, a resident of Umaria village in the Gotegaon area, received a call from the accused, Kamlesh Prajapati, abusing him, and informing him that they were assaulting his father, Sukhlal Mehra. Nitesh immediately rushed to the scene (a gram field) and saw the accused brutally beating his father with sticks and kicks. Sukhlal suffered serious injuries due to a minor dispute (over leaving straw) and caste-based hatred. Sukhlal was later declared dead on the way to the hospital. Court Verdict and Sentence On behalf of the prosecution, ADPO Amit Kumar Rai presented strong evidence and oral arguments. The court agreed with the prosecution’s arguments and sentenced the five accused to life imprisonment and a fine of 2,000 rupees each under Section 103(1) of the IPC for murder. Kamlesh, Annilal, and Akhilesh were sentenced to 2 years’ rigorous imprisonment and a fine of 500 rupees each for rioting and other charges. Chhotu and Savita Bai were sentenced to 1 year’s rigorous imprisonment and a fine of 500 rupees each. BY VARIJ BAJPAIEDITED BY: NAVODIT SAKTAWAT Courtesy: Hindi News
Hathras Student Molested: Neighboring Youth Arrested, Police File Case
A case has been registered in Hathras Kotwali Sadar for the molestation of a Dalit girl. Police arrested the accused this afternoon. The incident occurred on the morning of July 20th, when a 17-year-old Dalit girl was on her way to computer coaching. In her complaint, the girl stated that Rizwan alias Nahna, son of Shamshad, who lived in a colony on Jalesar Road in the Kotwali Sadar area, stopped her on the way. The accused held her hand and made obscene remarks. The accused belongs to another community. When the girl protested, Rizwan abused her and used casteist slurs. As he left, he also threatened to kill her father. The girl returned home and informed her family about the incident. Acting on the complaint, the accused, Rizwan alias Nahna, has been arrested. Courtesy: Hindi News