Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to seek Congress top brass nod for cabinet rejig during Delhi visit
The proposed rejig is expected to address long-pending demands for better representation and performance-based changes within the government. BENGALURU/NEW DELHI: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to travel to New Delhi on May 26 for high-level deliberations with the Congress high command— Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal— a visit that is being viewed as significant for the state’s political future. Sources indicate that the CM will primarily seek the party leadership’s nod for a much-anticipated reshuffle of his cabinet and this will the first big reshuffle. The proposed rejig is expected to address long-pending demands for better representation and performance-based changes within the government. Apart from the ministerial reshuffle, names of three candidates for Rajya Sabha elections and nominations for the Legislative Council are also likely to be discussed. After the MLC election, the Congress will be the biggest party in the Upper House and the next chairman is expected to be from the party. These appointments are seen as critical for strengthening the party’s presence in the Council and rewarding loyalists ahead of key electoral battles. While there has been speculation in some quarters that the broader question of leadership in Karnataka Congress could come up during the visit, a senior party leader dismissed such talk as “wishful thinking”. The leadership issue, according to the leader, is not on the agenda and remains settled in favour of the current arrangement. The Delhi trip is also expected to cover the Congress’ strategy for the upcoming GBA and other local and assembly-level elections. With the party aiming to consolidate its position in urban and rural pockets of Karnataka, fine-tuning campaign strategies and candidate selection processes will be key focus areas. Political observers note that the outcome of this visit could have a bearing on the stability and direction of the Congress government in Karnataka, especially as the party looks to maintain momentum after its victory in the 2023 Assembly elections. The Chief Minister’s Office has not issued an official statement on the itinerary or the specific agenda, but party insiders confirm that Siddaramaiah will hold meetings with top Congress leadership, and other central observers. Bansy Kalappa 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
Kerala budget on June 19, to focus on economy, infrastructure: Satheesan
Satheesan said the budget will include major announcements in health, education and infrastructure, stressing development is more than just buildings. KOCHI: Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Sunday said the state budget will be presented on June 19, with economic revival as the government’s primary focus. He was addressing a reception organised by Ernakulam Pouravali. “Handling the finance portfolio was a major responsibility as the treasury and the wealth belong to the people. The wealth generated through development will be distributed equitably among all sections of society. Several dream projects, including plans to transform Kerala into a ‘port and aviation hub,’ will become a reality in the state,” the chief minister said. Additionally, he said the budget would carry major announcements in the health, education and infrastructure sectors. Emphasising the government’s development vision, Satheesan said development was not limited to constructing large buildings and infrastructure projects. “Real development is reflected in progressive changes that improve the living standards of ordinary people. Despite the challenges, the government has a clear vision to overcome them and transform Kerala,” he added. 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
Kelkar takes charge as Kerala CM’s secretary, opposition cries foul
CPM alleges the appointment mirrors a West Bengal controversy and hints at a Congress–Election Commission “deal”, calling for a probe. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid a political storm, Rathan U Kelkar assumed office as the secretary to Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Sunday. Though it was a holiday, he took charge on the day reportedly on the instructions of the chief minister. The appointment of Kelkar, who had been serving as Kerala’s chief electoral officer, as the chief minister’s secretary has triggered sharp criticism from the opposition. The CPM alleged that the appointment was similar to a controversial move in West Bengal and hinted at a possible “deal” between the Election Commission and the Congress, demanding a probe into it. CPM state secretary M V Govindan said the appointment had put the Congress national leadership in a difficult position. He pointed out that the Congress had strongly opposed the appointment of Manoj Agarwal, the-then chief electoral officer in West Bengal, as chief secretary by the BJP government in the state. Govindan noted that Rahul Gandhi himself had criticised the Bengal appointment, but the Congress was now unable to take a similar stand in Kerala. Calling it a decision taken solely with the knowledge of the chief minister, Govindan said the Congress was in no position either to justify or oppose the move. He also alleged that details regarding any “deal” behind the appointment would emerge soon. When Agarwal was appointed the chief secretary, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had said in an X post: “In the BJP-EC’s ‘chor bazaar’, the bigger the theft, the bigger the reward.” Referring to the comment, the CPM and the BJP asked Rahul to clarify if his views were the same following Kelkar’s appointment. LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan described the appointment as “highly mysterious”. Meanwhile, BJP legislator and former Union Minister V Muraleedharan accused the Congress of “double standards”. Muraleedharan, the new Kazhakkoottam MLA, termed the move “suspicious” and asked whether the administrative appointment was a “favour returned” for assisting the UDF in winning 100 seats in the state assembly. “When the BJP wins, Congress alleges vote theft and EVM manipulation. But when Congress wins, the chief electoral officer becomes an efficient official. People of Kerala should recognise this double standard,” he told reporters at the BJP state headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. Describing the appointment as another example of Congress’ “opportunistic politics”, he claimed that people in Thiruvananthapuram view recent postings as rewards based on personal interests. BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya questioned Rahul’s silence on the issue. Referring to the West Bengal controversy, Malviya said Rahul had earlier termed such appointments as part of “vote theft”, but was now remaining silent. Malviya also alleged that Kelkar continues to hold the post of chief electoral officer, a position that is expected to function impartially. He questioned whether Rahul’s “moral outrage” depended only on which party was in power. “If Rahul did not view Kelkar’s appointment similar to Agarwal’s, the Congress leader should apologise to the people and the chief minister of West Bengal,” Muraleedharan said. He also referred to Satheesan’s remarks before the elections that he would go into political exile if the UDF failed to win more than 100 seats. “Does that mean he had assurances of support from those conducting the elections, including regarding the number of seats,” he asked. ‘Double standards’ Opposition calls out Congress’ criticism of similar appointment in West Bengal Leaders, including M V Govindan, T P Ramakrishnan, and V Muraleedharan expressed dissent 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
Orissa HC dismisses BJP leader’s petition challenging Jaleswar MLA’s election
The court ruled that appointing a panchayat samiti chairman as an election agent did not violate any statutory provision or materially affect the poll outcome. CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has dismissed the election petition filed by BJP leader Brajamohan Pradhan challenging the election of BJD MLA Aswini Kumar Patra from the Jaleswar Assembly constituency in the 2024 elections. Pradhan had lost the election by a narrow margin of 319 votes. In his petition, Pradhan alleged that Patra had illegally appointed Manas Jena, chairman of Jaleswar panchayat samiti, as his election and counting agent during the polls. He stated that Election Commission guidelines prohibit persons holding such public offices from functioning as election, polling or counting agents. He contended that despite the alleged restriction, the returning officer accepted Jena’s appointment, thereby vitiating the election process. Rejecting the contention, the High Court observed that neither the Constitution nor the Representation of the People Act, 1951 imposed any statutory disqualification on Manas Jena from acting as an election or counting agent. Justice Sashikanta Mishra held that the objection raised by the petitioner was based only on executive instructions contained in the Handbook for Candidates, which do not possess statutory force. He observed that no such evidence or material particulars had been placed on record by the petitioner. “In absence of any statutory prohibition and further in absence of any pleading or proof of material effect on the election result, the contention advanced cannot be accepted,” Justice Mishra ruled and dismissed the petition as devoid of merit. 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
6-Year-Old Dalit Boy Allegedly Stripped And Beaten For Drinking Water In Kanpur
A 16-year-old Dalit boy in Kanpur was allegedly stripped and beaten for drinking water from a public handpump. Here is what happened. A bucket of water allegedly became the reason for a caste-based assault in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur district. According to the NCRB report, Uttar Pradesh recorded over 14,000 cases of atrocities against Dalits in 2024, the highest in the country. The latest case from Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur district shows how brutal that reality can still be. On 2 May, A 16-year-old Dalit boy was allegedly assaulted after drinking water from a public handpump in his village. What allegedly happened next, according to the FIR, raised fresh questions about caste discrimination that still exists in everyday spaces. A Drink Of Water Became A Trigger On May 2, a Dalit minor was reportedly working in fields near his village in Kanpur’s Sachendi area when he stopped to drink water from a public handpump in Jhakhra-Sambharpur village. He used a mug kept inside a nearby bucket. That moment allegedly triggered the assault. The FIR states that four men confronted the teenager and hurled casteist abuses at him, accusing him of “polluting” the bucket because he belonged to a Dalit community. What followed, according to police records and local reports, lasted nearly 30 minutes. The accused allegedly beat him with sticks, kicked and punched him, stripped him and forced him to lick a shoe after spitting on it. Reports also state that water was poured into the shoe and the teenager was allegedly forced to drink from it. The boy reportedly suffered a fractured arm during the assault. When his father, a farm labourer, rushed to help him, he too was allegedly attacked. According to The Times of India, the father suffered broken ribs. Then Came The “Purification” One detail from the case has especially disturbed people online. After the assault, the accused allegedly sprinkled Ganga water around the handpump area to “purify” it because the Dalit boy had touched the bucket. That act reflects a form of untouchability that India’s Constitution outlawed decades ago. The Police Case Took Time Although the assault took place on 2 May, the FIR was reportedly registered only on 17 May. The family spent days recovering in hospital before gathering the courage to approach the police. According to The Times Of India, Police have now registered a case against four accused identified as Sanjay, Deepak, Sagar and Patiya under relevant sections, including the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Assistant Commissioner of Police Manoj Kumar Singh said the matter is under investigation and action will be taken based on evidence. Vageesha Shrivastava Courtesy : Brut. Note: This news is originally published on https:/brut.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
NCW seeks report from Delhi Police within 7 days on Dalit woman’s ‘forced conversion’
New Delhi: The National Commission for Women (NCW) sought a report within seven days from the Delhi Police Commissioner over the alleged abduction, gang-rape, and forced religious conversion of a Dalit woman in Jamia Nagar, an official said on Saturday. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote to Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha after taking suo motu cognizance of media reports regarding the alleged incident. The survivor had alleged that she was held captive for several days and subjected to repeated sexual assault by multiple individuals. Rahatkar wrote to the Delhi Police Commissioner, directing immediate, stringent, and time-bound action in the matter. The Commission also sought a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within seven days. The ATR has been sought on the FIR registered in the matter, provisions invoked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and SC/ST Act, arrest of all accused persons, medical and forensic examination conducted, recording of the survivor’s statement before the Magistrate, and measures taken to ensure her safety, confidentiality, protection, counselling, and rehabilitation, said a statement. The Commission stated that allegations involving gang-rape, caste-based violence, and forced religious coercion are extremely grave in nature and must be investigated with utmost sensitivity, objectivity, and urgency. The NCW condemned the incident and stated that crimes against women involving sexual violence, coercion, and intimidation are unacceptable and must invite the strictest action under law. In a separate matter, the NCW took suo motu cognizance of “deeply disturbing” media reports regarding an alleged acid attack and extreme domestic cruelty against a woman in Pune. The case involves a man who allegedly poured floor-cleaning acid on his wife’s private parts over suspicion of an extramarital affair, confined her inside the house for several days, and denied her medical treatment, according to the Commission. Rahatkar wrote to the Director General of Police, Maharashtra, “directing immediate, stringent, and time-bound action in the matter”. The Commission also sought a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within seven days. Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit woman attacked, casteist slurs, and land grabbing allegations: FIR filed under SC/ST Act at Baba Bazar police station in Ayodhya
A case of assault, casteist slurs, and attempted land grabbing against a Dalit woman has come to light in the Baba Bazar police station area of Ayodhya. Based on the victim’s complaint, Baba Bazar police have registered a case under various serious sections and initiated an investigation. Phooljhara Devi, wife of Sundar Lal, a resident of Poore Pandit Purwa Majra Ratanpur village, has alleged that some villagers were repeatedly threatening her with the intention of seizing her inhabited land. When she resisted, the accused allegedly used casteist slurs and attacked her with a sharp weapon, leaving her seriously injured. The victim also alleges that the accused were already trying to seize her land through pressure and were threatening to kill her. The woman somehow managed to escape and hid in her house, after which she complained to the police. FIR number 0116/2026 has been filed at Baba Bazar police station. A case has been registered under sections 115(2), 118(1), 351(3) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 3(2)(va) of the SC/ST Act. Police have launched a detailed investigation. Ahmed Ilyas | Chandramau (Rudauli), Ayodhya Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit youth assaulted for demanding wages: FIR filed for casteist slur
A Dalit youth has been assaulted in the Shahi police station area of Bareilly for demanding his outstanding wages. It is alleged that he was also subjected to casteist slurs. Based on the victim’s complaint, the police have registered a case against the accused and initiated an investigation. Rajesh, son of Hiralal, a resident of village Bagrau, told the police that he was working at the Lal Kuan bus stand. He asked for his outstanding wages from Muzaffar, son of Jafar Hussain, a resident of Vikrampur. According to the complaint, upon demanding his wages, the accused became enraged and began abusing Rajesh. When Rajesh protested, he allegedly insulted him using casteist slurs. It is alleged that Muzaffar then beat Rajesh with sticks, kicks, and punches. Hearing the commotion, people from the vicinity arrived at the scene, after which the accused threatened to kill him and fled. Following the incident, the victim, Rajesh, reached the Shahi police station and demanded action. Considering the seriousness of the case, the police have registered an FIR under relevant sections. CO Mirganj, Ajay Kumar, is investigating the case. He stated that based on the investigation, strict legal action will be taken against the accused. Sunny Goswami | Mirganj Courtesy: Hindi News
NHRC seeks inclusion of distinct categories like ‘Intersex’, ‘Transmen’ & ‘Transwomen’ in upcoming Census
NEW DELHI: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the govt to consider including distinct categories such as ‘Intersex,’ ‘Transmen,’ and ‘Transwomen’ in Census 2027. In an advisory on ensuring welfare of transgender persons issued last week, the Commission has also asked the govt to reconsider changes made to the definition of transgender persons under recent amendments to the law, which have been challenged through multiple petitions in the Supreme Court. During enumeration of Census 2011, for the first time provided the option to people to identify as “other” besides male and female. At that time the Census exercise did not collect any data specifically on ‘transgender’. Thus, the category of ‘other’ would not only include ‘transgender’ but also any person who desired to record sex under the category of ‘other’. The population of ‘other’ as per Census 2011 was recorded at 4,87,803.Meanwhile, NHRC which had also issued an advisory on ensuring welfare of transgender persons in 2023, has said the second advisory aims to complement the earlier one in view of “evolving needs and aspirations of transgender persons”. The advisory is addressed to secretaries of 11 ministries, Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner and chief secretaries and administrators of all states and Union territories. It states that efforts should be made to ensure that intersex persons are explicitly recognised in all data collection processes and not automatically subsumed under the ‘transgender persons’ category. “This inclusion must be accompanied by comprehensive sensitisation and training of enumerators to ensure accurate and respectful data collection,” the advisory says. Asking the govt to consider including distinct categories such as ‘Intersex,’ ‘Transmen,’ and ‘Transwomen’ in the upcoming Census, NHRC has also recommended that a similar framework be adopted across other national data collection mechanisms — such as National Family Health Survey (NFHS), Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) and Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+). On definition of transgender persons, the Commission said, “The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act 2026 revises the definition of transgender persons, shifting the earlier model based on self-perceived gender identification to a more medicalised framework. This development has led to concerns among certain sections of the community, particularly regarding its implications for recognition and rights. “In this context, it may be appropriate for the authorities to consider revisiting these concerns with a view to ensuring that the framework remains inclusive, rights-affirming, and sensitive to diverse lived experiences,” it added. NHRC also called for review of laws, including Registration of Births and Deaths Act, Juvenile Justice Act and succession laws, to ensure recognition of self-identified gender and protection of rights of transgender and intersex persons. It has also sought simplifying the documentation process and enabling self-identification-based enrolment for elderly transgender persons in welfare schemes, and establishing transgender-inclusive old-age homes and community shelters, ensuring privacy, healthcare access, social interaction and emotional well-being. 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
Transgenders protest over proposed amendment bill
Mangaluru: A coalition of community-based organisations in Mangaluru has strongly condemned the proposed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, introduced by the Union govt in March. The coalition includes the Coalition of Sex Workers’, Sexual & Gender Minority Rights (CSGMR), Sarathya Karnataka State Level Federation of Unique Sexuality community-based organisations, and Navasahaja Samudaya Sanghatane, Mangaluru. Addressing mediapersons on Saturday, the groups alleged that the amendment could seriously harm the rights of transgender and gender-diverse communities, and weaken existing protections related to equality, dignity, and identity. They said it undermines the right to self-identification affirmed by the Supreme Court in the NALSA vs Union of India (2014) judgment, which recognised transgender persons and upheld every individual’s fundamental right to determine their gender identity. Nikila, president of Navasahaja Samudaya Sanghatane, said the proposed bill would require medical examination to prove a person is transgender. She questioned the need for such procedures, and urged the Centre to reconsider the amendment, examine it properly, and ensure it supports the community. According to the groups, the bill seeks to make gender recognition dependent on medical examinations and certification, contradicting the Supreme Court’s position that gender identity should not require medical or administrative approval. The organisations argued that mandatory medical certification would violate human rights and could infringe constitutional guarantees under articles 14, 19, and 21. Christyraj from Bengaluru said the 2019 law recognised a wider range of identities, such as trans men, trans women, kothi, arvani, jogta, and kinnar, but the proposed 2026 amendment identifies only six categories and limits recognition giving them only “trans” label. The organisations claimed this definition could exclude many gender-diverse identities. The groups also warned that the amendment could increase surveillance and control over transgender persons. It also stated that the term ‘transgender’ is wrongly defined in the bill. Activists compared the proposed framework to the colonial-era Criminal Tribes Act of 1871, alleging it introduces a similarly regulatory and discriminatory approach toward marginalised communities. The organisation urged the Union govt and Parliament to withdraw the amendment bill immediately. It also urged for protection of the right to self-determination of gender identity and meaningful consultations with transgender and gender-diverse communities at every stage of policymaking. The groups also called for laws and policies to go with constitutional values and international human rights standards, reiterating that every individual has the right to live with dignity, liberty, and equal opportunity. The groups also protested near the clock tower in the city on Saturday, and submitted a memorandum to the Dakshina Kannada DC. 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