‘Double-ghulami govt’: Priyanka Gandhi calls PM ‘slave’ of US, Assam CM Himanta that of Modi
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Priyanka Vadra on Wednesday took a swipe at the BJP-led central and state government, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of running a “government of double-slavery” in Assam. Addressing a rally in Nazira, Priyanka targeted the BJP’s central campaign pitch, saying it had failed to deliver on its promises. She further said that PM has become a slave to America and CM Hemanta is that of Modi. “They had spoken of a double-engine government. Didn’t they say so in the last election? Modi ji used to come and say that now they will run a double-engine government. But they have run a government of double-slavery. Modi ji has become a slave to America and because of his policies today the entire country is in crisis. And Hemanta ji is Modi ji’s slave. And on top of that, they want this government of double-slavery to make the people of this beautiful and self-respecting state of Assam slaves, keep them suppressed,” she said. “They only work for you when they see some benefit in it for themselves. This has not been the tradition of this country. Even today, we want a government in Assam which doesn’t scare you, doesn’t threaten you, doesn’t serve its own selfish interests, but serves you, works honestly for you, advances and strengthens your culture and your civilisation,” she added. She further alleged that the BJP government in Assam was functioning through intimidation and corruption, claiming that public resources were being misused. “It is not just that one leader is prospering. The biggest thing that happens due to corruption is that your money is snatched away. This money is meant to be used for you—schools, hospitals, roads, taps—but instead it is being used to build palaces and enrich families,” she said. Targeting the state leadership, Priyanka claimed that “only one family is looting everything in Assam,” while ordinary citizens continue to struggle. She also accused the BJP of failing to fulfil key promises, including raising wages for tea garden workers and granting Scheduled Tribe status to several communities. “Various tribal communities have been demanding ST status for years. The BJP had promised to accord ST status to them, but they failed to give it,” she said. Raising concerns about governance, the Congress MP alleged that people were being coerced into attending rallies. “PM Modi and CM Himanta are ruling the country and state with fear and threats. Our fight is against that fear, and for protecting Assam’s culture and civilisation,” she said. Highlighting Congress’ promises, Priyanka outlined welfare measures her party would implement if voted to power. “If you want such an Assam, then choose the Congress government. Our first guarantee is that for women, if you want to start some small work or business, you will be given Rs 50,000. Whatever scheme we bring for women, its cash will be transferred directly to the bank accounts of women,” she said. “You will get health insurance up to Rs 25 lakh. The government will provide free treatment up to Rs 25 lakh for whatever disease you have. Our government has already shown this in Rajasthan,” she added. Priyanka also raised the issue of justice for Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, asserting that it was a legitimate public concern. “The Congress government wants Zubeen Garg ji to get justice. Within 100 days, as soon as our government is formed, we will get him justice,” she said. Further rejecting accusations of politicising the issue, she said, “I honestly don’t believe that such things should be politicised. But I think that when there is a demand among the public that somebody who they revered and respected is not getting justice, then, as politicians, isn’t it our duty to say that yes, we are going to make every effort to give justice? How is that politicisation?” Calling for a political change, she urged voters to envision a “new Assam.” “Raise your heads, puff out your chests, and make up your mind that with the new government, a new Assam will come. Your Assam, that Assam which was Zubeen Garg ji’s dream, that Assam which is in your hearts, that Assam which is everyone’s dream, in which your children’s future becomes bright, in which this corruption stops,” she said. Congress is anti-development: PM Modi Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mounted a strong counterattack on Congress during his rallies in the state. Addressing a gathering in Biswanath, he accused the party of being “the root cause” of corruption in independent India. “The entire country knows that Congress is anti-development and has been the root of corruption in independent India. In Assam, Congress committed acts that the people are well aware of. Congress has played with Assam’s identity, pride, and security. Since independence, it compromised Assamese identity for the sake of power and repeatedly neglected Assam’s interests,” he said. He further alleged that Congress had encouraged illegal infiltration for political gains. “They (Congress) have compromised with Assam’s ‘aatma’ (soul), ‘shaan’ (pride), ‘pehchan’ (identity) and ‘suraksha’ (security),” Modi said, adding that the BJP government had taken steps to remove encroachments and protect local identity. The Prime Minister also reiterated the BJP’s governance record, stating that the party’s “double-engine government” had ushered in development and stability. “The BJP’s 10-year rule heralded a new dawn of ‘seva’ (service) and ‘sushasan’ (good governance) in Assam,” he said. Modi further promised key policy measures if the BJP returns to power, including implementation of the Uniform Civil Code and protection of tribal rights under the Sixth Schedule. He also expressed confidence in securing a third consecutive term in the state. The political exchange comes as Assam heads into a high-stakes assembly election, with polling for all 126 constituencies scheduled for April 9 and counting set for May 4. The contest is expected to be a direct fight between the ruling BJP-led NDA and the Congress, with both sides intensifying their campaigns and sharpening their attacks in the final stretch. Courtesy :
Andhra Pradesh: TDP-RSS call for building Rama temple leads to tensions with Dalits
The violence in Akividu traces back to a March 7 visit by Andhra Pradesh Deputy Speaker Raghu Rama Krishna Raju, who, along with RSS members, announced plans to construct a Ramalayam at the site. Tensions broke out between Dalit residents of an Andhra Pradesh village and leaders and workers of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on March 27, over a dispute regarding the construction of a Rama temple at a structure that houses a local deity. The incident took place in Akividu in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari. According to a fact-finding report published by the Human Rights Forum (HRF), alleged illegal attempts were made to convert a Gonthenamma temple into a Ramalayam (Rama temple) in the Pedapeta area of Akividu. Gonethenamma is a deity of the Mala community (Scheduled Caste), the HRF report said. The move was statedly led by TDP MLA and Assembly Deputy Speaker K Raghu Rama Krishnam Raju, along with the RSS. According to HRF, the structure housing the Gonthenamma idol is not a temple in the conventional sense. Instead, it is a choultry (inn) where the idol was also placed. A few decades ago, idols of Rama and Sita were also placed in the building, with the assent of the Gonthenamma temple caretaker, the HRF fact-finding report noted. It is the allegedly “dilapidated condition” of this structure that gave rise to the RSS demand for a Ramalayam. The plan faced pushback from the Dalit residents of Akividu, who opposed the plans to demolish the place of worship of their local deity. Groups led by Deputy Speaker K Raghu Rama Krishnam Raju visited the region twice — first on March 7 and then on March 27, the festival of Sree Rama Navami. The proposal was opposed by a section of villagers, leading to repeated confrontations that escalated further after objectionable social media posts. Speaking at Akivudu on March 7, Raghu Rama Krishna Raju said, “In this Scheduled Caste (SC) colony, how many Hindus are there and how many Christians? Is there no Hindu here?” he asked, allegedly ridiculing their Christian identity. In a separate interview with a Telugu channel, Raghu Rama Raju said that they are all “Hindus at the end of the day.” Following a scuffle that broke out on the first visit on March 7, cases were booked against both sides. However, in the aftermath of the violence that broke out on March 27, only the Dalits were charged with cases. The police booked 58 Dalit persons, of whom 27 were arrested and remanded to judicial custody, the HRF report said. Three days after violence broke out on March 27 in Akividu in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district, representatives of civil rights group Human Rights Forum (HRF) on Monday, March 30, published a fact finding report. The violence broke out on March 27 during Srirama Navami celebrations, leaving three persons injured. The renovation proposal has also been backed by Union Minister of State Bhupathiraju Srinivas Varma. “No matter who comes together or not. We will build a Ram temple in Akividu,” he said. Former Amalapuram MP GV Harsha Kumar on Monday, March 31, proposed a compromise—developing a temple that accommodates both Lord Ram and the local deity—while urging authorities to first consult residents and constitute a committee to address concerns. HRF has urged the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) led Andhra Pradesh government to conduct an impartial inquiry and fix accountability for the clashes. Courtesy : TNM Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewsminute.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Nepal to issue formal apology to Dalits within 15 days
KATHMANDU: Nepal’s new govt said it would issue a “formal state apology” to Dalits and other historically excluded communities within 15 days under prime minister Balendra Shah’s 100-point reform agenda, in what activists described as a historic acknowledgment of generations of caste-based discrimination, exclusion and denial of opportunity. The proposed apology is to be accompanied by measures on social justice, inclusive restoration and historical reconciliation. The agenda said: “We will formally acknowledge the injustice, discrimination and deprivation of opportunities inflicted on Dalits and historically marginalised communities by the state, society and policy structures, and prepare the basis for social justice, inclusive restoration and historical reconciliation.” It added that a reform-oriented programme would be announced too. The promise has drawn attention in a country where Dalits make up about 13-14% of the population but continue to face entrenched exclusion despite constitutional guarantees and laws against caste-based discrimination and untouchability. Activists said nearly 42% of Dalits lived below the poverty line, literacy remained below the national average, and representation in key institutions stayed disproportionately low. For many, the issue remained deeply personal. Saraswati Nepali, president of the Dalit Society Development Forum in Baitadi, recalled that as a child she was not allowed to drink from the same water jar as her classmates and had to walk home for water because she was Dalit. “The state’s official apology will be like a balm for our wounds,” she said. “But for it to heal entirely, govt must effectively ensure all our guaranteed rights. That would give us justice and ensure our dignity.” Dalit activist Hira Lal Bishwakarma welcomed the announcement, but said its meaning would depend on implementation. “The current decision is honourable, but there is fear that it will only be lip service like in the past,” he said. “After announcing such programmes, policies, budgets, and structures are needed. Without them, it is good to show such announcements externally, but the Dalit community does not get justice.” Amrita Ban, 23, a Gen Z activist, told TOI the move had raised expectations among young voters. “A state apology to a community that has faced discrimination for generations is historic and a positive beginning. I strongly welcome the decision…I am hopeful it will also bring concrete measures to end discrimination at its roots.” Rakshya Bam, 26, said, “If govt backs this with budgets, enforcement and accountability, it could mark a significant shift in Nepal’s response to caste injustice. Without that, the apology could become a powerful acknowledgment of the past, but fall short of changing the present.” 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
Rape Convict Sentenced to 10 Years in Sonbhadra: Court Imposes Fine of ₹55,000 in Case Involving Rape Under False Pretext of Marriage
In a significant verdict delivered on Tuesday, the court of Special Judge (SC/ST Act) Abid Shamim in Sonbhadra convicted Dhanesh—alias ‘Stander’ Patel—of rape and sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. The court also imposed a monetary fine of ₹55,000 on the convict. The court clarified that in the event of non-payment of the fine, the convict would be required to undergo an additional six months of imprisonment. The period already spent in judicial custody will be adjusted against the sentence. Half of the imposed fine amount is to be awarded to the victim. This case dates back approximately five years, when a young Dalit woman from the Karma police station area filed a complaint. The woman alleged that Dhanesh—alias ‘Stander’ Patel (son of Rajkumar Raja Patel, a resident of Khairpur Sirsiya Thakurai, under Karma Police Station, District Sonbhadra)—had engaged in sexual relations with her on multiple occasions under the false pretext of marriage. According to the victim, when Dhanesh announced his intention to marry a girl from his own caste community and was confronted about it, he verbally abused her and issued death threats. Subsequently, on May 17, 2021, the Karma police registered an FIR against him under various sections, including those pertaining to rape and the SC/ST Act. The Circle Officer (CO) investigated the matter and, based on sufficient evidence, filed a chargesheet in the court. The court heard the arguments presented by the counsels for both the prosecution and the defense, recorded the statements of seven witnesses, and conducted a thorough examination of the case records. Based on all these facts, Dhanesh—alias ‘Stander’ Patel—was found guilty. Government Counsel C. Shashank Shekhar Katyayan represented the prosecution during the arguments. Manoj Kumar Verma | Sonbhadra Courtesy: Hindi News
CPI meet calls for review of SC verdict
Vijayawada: Around-table organised by the CPI state committee here on Tuesday demanded that Dalit Christians be recognised as Scheduled Castes and called for a review of the recent Supreme Court verdict denying them SC status. The meeting, held at Dasari Bhavan under the chairmanship of CPI state secretary G Eswaraiah, brought together leaders from Left parties, Congress, and various Dalit, labour, women, youth, student, minority and Christian organisations. Speakers expressed concern over what they termed as growing ideological influence on institutions, alleging that such trends were impacting policy decisions and judicial pronouncements. Moving a resolution, Eswaraiah said the Supreme Court’s March 24 judgment reiterated that SC status does not extend to Dalit Christians. He stressed that Paragraph 3 of the 1950 Presidential Order must be removed to enable their inclusion and noted that several petitions on the issue are pending before the apex court.Despite religious conversion, Dalits continue to face social and economic discrimination, he said, adding that denial of SC status deprives Dalit Christians of reservations in education and employment, as well as protections under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. He also stated that the judgment violates the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution and urged the Centre to seek a review before a full bench of the Supreme Court. AP Congress president YS Sharmila criticised the verdict, stating that it goes against the spirit of the Constitution and fails to adequately consider Articles 14, 15, and 25. She pointed out that the social and economic conditions of Dalits do not change even after religious conversion, making the denial of SC status unjust. She termed it discriminatory that conversion does not affect other castes in the same manner and warned that injustice to nearly 80 lakh Dalit Christians in the state would amount to a serious social concern. Former Union Minister JD Seelam said efforts were made during the Congress regime to address the issue, but remained incomplete due to the government’s tenure ending. CPI national secretary K Ramakrishna said caste discrimination persists from birth to death and cannot be eliminated through religious conversion. He demanded a nationwide caste census and questioned why Dalit Christians should be denied SC reservations when discrimination continues. CPM state secretary V Srinivasa Rao said the Supreme Court verdict is not justified, explaining that caste is a social construct and does not change with religion. He suggested that the issue be examined by a Constitutional bench. YSRCP state spokesperson and former MLC Jupudi Prabhakar Rao recalled Dr B R Ambedkar’s view that the State has no religion and said the verdict would cause irreparable loss to Dalit Christians.The meeting unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Centre to seek a review of the judgment and called upon the Andhra Pradesh Assembly to pass a similar resolution. 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 History Month | Students Complete All Formalities, Yet Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University Denies Permission to Screen ‘Ulgulan’!
Despite the completion of all formalities, students have yet to receive permission to use the auditorium for this event, which is scheduled for April 3. The students are disheartened regarding the screening of the film on Birsa Munda. Wardha — The screening of the feature film *Ulgulan: Ek Kranti* (Ulgulan: A Revolution)—based on the life of freedom fighter Birsa Munda and organized by students from Jharkhand at the Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University—has stalled due to administrative confusion and the bureaucratic shuffling of files from one department to another. Despite having completed all necessary formalities, the students have not yet received permission to use the auditorium for this event, which is scheduled for April 3. Rahul Kumar, a resident of Jharkhand’s Garhwa district and a student in the Department of Mass Communication, told *The Mooknayak* that on March 20, he submitted a formal application to the university administration seeking permission to screen the film at the Ghalib Auditorium, located within the Tulsi Bhawan complex. According to the regulations established by the university, it is mandatory to submit such applications at least 10 days prior to the scheduled event—a requirement the student duly fulfilled. The application was forwarded by the Head of the Department, Dr. Sandeep Kumar Verma. On the very same day, the Dean of Student Welfare, Dr. Awadhesh Kumar Shukla, also approved the application and forwarded it to the Registrar, Qader Nawaz Khan. A situation of administrative delay and uncertainty continues to prevail at the Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University regarding the screening of the feature film *Ulgulan: Ek Kranti*—based on the life of freedom fighter Birsa Munda—which is being organized by students hailing from Jharkhand. Subsequently, on March 23, the file reached the Registrar’s office; however, from there, it was sent back to the office of the Dean of Student Welfare. The file was then forwarded to the Cultural Committee, where the review and certification of the film were completed by March 26. Despite the completion of all necessary formalities, the students have not yet been granted final permission. The administration has now deferred the matter to a meeting scheduled for April 1, a delay that has left the students feeling deeply disappointed. University Regulations Regarding Programs With a view to ensuring that the various programs organized by students are conducted in a systematic, disciplined, and orderly manner—and in alignment with the objectives of the University—the following set of regulations has been established. According to a circular issued by the Registrar, Kader Nawaz Khan, on January 19, 2026: The program must be academic in nature and consistent with the objectives of the University. Applications related to a program must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office at least 10 (ten) days prior to the scheduled date of the program. With the exception of special occasions—such as the birth or death anniversaries of eminent personalities—programs shall be organized exclusively on working days. Applications must be forwarded through the respective Head of the Department. The organization of the program must be conducted under the supervision of the concerned Head of the Department or a committee of faculty members nominated by them. Permission shall not be granted for any student-organized program on days when a program is being organized by the University itself. It is mandatory to attach the subject matter and detailed description of the program along with the application. The application form must be accompanied by a list containing the names of at least 10 students (or, in departments with fewer than 10 students, the names of all enrolled students), along with their department names, mobile numbers, and email addresses. Additionally, the name of the hostel and the respective room numbers must be specified. The resources available within the auditorium must be utilized responsibly. In the event of any damage, the cost of repairs or replacement must be borne by the program coordinator or the organizing team of research scholars/students. Pasting posters, banners, or similar materials on the walls within the University campus is strictly prohibited. The auditorium shall be allocated exclusively to the specific organizing team that applied for it; this allocation is non-transferable and cannot be altered. Posters and banners may be displayed only at the specific venue of the program and at locations designated by the University. The display of posters and banners at any location other than those designated is prohibited. The organizing team must submit an Undertaking (Declaration of Compliance) regarding adherence to the regulations governing the event, forwarded through their respective Head of the Department. 13. The duration of the program shall not exceed two hours, and permission for the program shall be valid until 9:00 PM. Apart from the auditorium and the resources currently available, the university will not provide any additional resources. The organizers themselves must make arrangements for these. Students state that for the past 10 days, they have been continuously making rounds of various offices seeking permission to use an auditorium, yet they have received no clear response. Student Rahul Kumar remarks, “We submitted our application on March 20. The regulations stipulate that permission should be granted within 10 days; however, we are facing nothing but stalling tactics. The file is simply being shuffled from one department to another.” The students have also raised the pertinent question: given that the film has already received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification and all administrative formalities have been completed, why is there such a delay in granting permission? They allege that the deliberate shuffling of the file between departments is a calculated attempt to postpone the event. It is noteworthy that this event had already been announced during the screening of another documentary. Consequently, the failure to secure permission at the eleventh hour casts a shadow of doubt over the students’ efforts and has completely sapped their enthusiasm for organizing the event. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
BJP Finalizes Plan to Woo Dalit Vote Bank on Ambedkar Jayanti: Know the Full Strategy
Ahead of the Panchayat and urban local body elections scheduled for this year in the state, the BJP is attempting to make inroads into the Congress party’s traditional Dalit vote bank. Jaipur: The BJP has intensified its preparations for the upcoming Panchayat and urban local body elections in the state. Before entering the electoral fray, the party has now actively begun working towards balancing social equations. In this context, the BJP has devised a strategy to penetrate the Congress party’s traditional Dalit vote bank, which accounts for 17 percent of the electorate. To achieve this, the birth anniversary of the architect of the Constitution, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, is being utilized as a primary vehicle. In the politics of Rajasthan, the role of the Dalit—or Scheduled Caste—vote bank is considered pivotal. The Dalit community is estimated to constitute approximately 17 percent of the state’s total population, translating to a numerical strength of around 1.20 crore people. This is precisely why, in every election—whether for the Legislative Assembly, the Lok Sabha, or the Panchayat and local bodies—courting this demographic remains a top priority for political parties. Although this segment has traditionally been considered a Congress stronghold, the BJP has significantly strengthened its grip on this vote bank over the last few years. Dr. Ambedkar remains the most prominent leader of the Dalit community; consequently, the BJP is executing its strategy by placing Ambedkar at the very center of its efforts. On April 14th, the BJP intends to celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti as a grand festival. The party is planning to organize a week-long series of large-scale events to mark the occasion. Through these initiatives, the party aims to expand its outreach within the Dalit community and prominently highlight their issues. Congress Insulted ‘Baba Saheb’: BJP State President Madan Rathore stated that the Congress party has exploited the Dalit community by treating them merely as a traditional vote bank, thereby keeping them deprived of development. He noted that there is now a palpable desire for change within the Dalit community. Keeping this sentiment in mind, the BJP has outlined a series of programs for Ambedkar Jayanti. The party intends to expose the true character of the Congress party before the Dalit community. This year, the Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations on April 14th will be observed as a week-long event. Through seminars and discussions focusing on the life and legacy of Dr. Ambedkar, the party will inform the public about how ‘Baba Saheb’ championed the cause of justice during the drafting of the Constitution, and how it is the BJP that has truly accorded him the respect he deserves. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, sites ranging from Ambedkar’s birthplace to his places of education and *Nirvana* (final resting place) have been developed as “Panch Teerth” (Five Pilgrimage Sites). Several historic initiatives, including the observance of Constitution Day, have been undertaken in his honor. Rathore alleged that the Congress party had hindered Ambedkar’s rise. **Special Focus on the Dalit Community** The BJP will conduct a mega public outreach campaign across the state between April 7 and April 14. Party workers will remain active from the booth level right up to the state level. They will engage in door-to-door interactions to publicize government schemes and the party’s ideology. They will strengthen their outreach in every village and settlement. The campaign will focus primarily on rural areas and Dalit settlements. Workers will visit villages to organize “Chaupal” (community gathering) programs. They will engage in direct dialogue with the people to listen to their grievances. They will highlight Ambedkar’s ideas and his contributions to the Constitution. Cleanliness and public awareness programs will be conducted. Cleanliness drives will be organized at public places. Senior party leaders will be felicitated. Seminars and discussion sessions will be held at the *Mandal*, booth, and *Shakti Kendra* levels. BJP leaders will expound upon Ambedkar’s biography and life story. **Read:** Rajasthan Government’s Major Decision: The Gift of the “Panch Teerth Yatra”—Free Travel to Sites Associated with Baba Saheb Ambedkar. **Door-to-Door and Ward-to-Ward Campaigning:** Under this campaign, BJP workers—as explained by the campaign’s convener and State General Secretary, Pintu Saini—will go from village to village and ward to ward to convey Ambedkar’s ideas, his contributions to the Constitution, and the message of social justice to the people. They will conduct dialogues, meetings, and awareness rallies within Dalit settlements. Party leaders have been instructed to establish contact with influential members of society at the local level and apprise them of the party’s policies. The BJP’s strategy is not limited merely to organizing events; rather, changes are also being implemented at the organizational level. Responsibilities are being assigned to party workers belonging to the Dalit community so that they can effectively convey the party’s message within their own communities. Special emphasis will also be placed on ensuring that government schemes and benefits reach the Dalit community. Party MPs, MLAs, and other elected representatives will also join these gatherings and take Ambedkar’s ideas to the masses. Courtesy: Hindi News
Identity on trial: Why India’s new transgender law is facing backlash
‘Cause shade never made anybody less gay’ – Taylor Swift, You Need to Calm Down Last week, two contrasting developments related to the LGBTQ+ community made global headlines. One, in the German city of Munich, Dominik Krause was elected mayor, the first openly gay man to hold a constitutional office in the European country. Second, at the same time Krause was celebrating his victory with his partner and the public, in India, Parliament passed a legislation – The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment bill, 2026 – striking away the statute of self-determination. That translates to taking away the individual’s right to self identification, a Constitutional guarantee, and liberty over one’s own body. Cause shade never made anybody less gay (X) On Monday, March 30, President Droupadi Murmu assented to the bill, making the proposed legislation the law and bringing it into effect. Ironically, the ‘rights’ of the very community it claims to ‘protect’ have since risen in protest, taking to the streets to vociferously and legally push back against the proposed propositions challenging it. Not just that, the passage of the controversial bill itself created a massive uproar in both Houses of Parliament. In Lok Sabha, it was taken up March 24, stopping the discussion on the Finance bill midway with Union Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju insisting the bill needed to be passed the very day. And it did, with a voice vote amidst the din in the House, opposition walking out and an exhaustive two-minute-long reply by the concerned minister for social justice and empowerment Virendra Kumar. — Drvirendrakum13 (@Drvirendrakum13) The story was no different the next day in the Upper House, the proposed legislation passed while the opposition demanded that it be sent to the select committee. Fauzia Khan in Parliament Speaking on bill, NCP(SP) MP Fauzia Khan said “Viksit Bharat slogan shouldn’t be about ‘selective’ Bharat.” Replying to which Kumar argued, every person’s emancipation and empowerment, asserting that the amendment will ensure that transgender persons continue to get legal recognition and protection. But, with a caveat, that a ‘magistrate’ and a ‘medical board’ would somehow determine if you are a trans person and qualify for rights, and that they would be protected. — DrFauziaKhanNCP (@DrFauziaKhanNCP) Anish Gwande, LGBTQ+ rights activist and national spokesperson of NCP(SP), also first openly gay person to hold such office for a major political party in India, speaking to TOI described the bill as “illegal, unconstitutional and illogical” adding “it is unfortunate that the bill was passed by both houses of Parliament without any substantive discussion within 24 hours.” He went on to question the timing of the bill, “It is bizarre to see governments focus on amendments to the trans bill, instead of war in West Asia, on LPG crisis in the country, on the depreciating Rupee.” The gender question For many the world exists in two colours – ‘black and white’, but it still leaves a population embracing the ‘greys’. The greys believe in facets of being agathokakological – the in-between areas, complexity, nuance, mixed feelings, or situations that aren’t purely one thing. A concept alien to the binaries. Similarly, what and how an individual feels about their ‘own’ body, nobody else can understand or tell but that particular individual. To understand this, it becomes essential to distinguish between sex and gender, terms often used interchangeably but conceptually distinct. Protest against Transgender Persons bill (PTI) Biological sex typically refers to physical attributes such as chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive anatomy, usually categorised as male or female. Gender, however, is understood in scholarly literature as a social and psychological construct that encompasses identity, roles, expressions, and lived experience. As philosopher Judith Butler argues, gender is not something one simply is, but something one does – a continuous process shaped by social norms and personal agency. Similarly, the World Health Organization defines gender as the characteristics of women, men, girls and boys that are socially constructed, including norms, behaviours, and roles associated with being a particular gender. This understanding moves beyond rigid binaries and acknowledges that gender exists along a spectrum. The American Psychological Association further recognises gender identity as a deeply felt, inherent sense of being male, female, a blend of both, or neither, an internal experience that may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth. In this context, the idea of the ‘greys’ is not merely poetic but empirically grounded. Contemporary gender studies consistently affirm that human identity resists strict categorisation. What appears as ambiguity to the binary lens is, in fact, a legitimate and lived reality for many. Thus, gender is not a fixed endpoint but an evolving narrative, one that is deeply personal, socially mediated, and often negotiated within structures that struggle to accommodate its fluidity. The Transgender persons (protection of rights) amendments Act 2026 What the Act entails The legislation introduces changes across four key areas: Definition of transgender persons Process of identity certification Offences and penalties Composition and functioning of institutional bodies The government’s Statement of Objects and Reasons argues that the earlier definition was “vague” and made it difficult to identify “genuine oppressed persons.” It further clarifies that protections should not extend to “self-perceived identity” or what it terms “acquirable characteristics.” 2019 Act vs 2026 Amendment This framing signals a shift in legislative intent, from recognising identity as self-determined to one that is externally verified. Key changes in the provisions A narrower definition The Act replaces the broader 2019 definition with a more restrictive one. It identifies transgender persons under two categories: Those belonging to specific socio-cultural groups, such as kinner, hijra, aravani and jogta, or individuals with congenital variations in sexual characteristics, including differences in chromosomes, genitalia, hormones or gonadal development. It also includes a category of persons who have allegedly been compelled, “by force, allurement, inducement, deceit or undue influence, either with or without consent”, to assume or present a transgender identity, reeking of the underlying premise of the Act. Notably, it excludes persons with “self-perceived gender identity” and
As TG bill becomes law, community uncertain about status of 32000 TG certificates issued on basis of ‘self-perceived identity’
NEW DELHI: With the Transgender Person (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 becoming law with President of India Droupadi Murmu’s assent on Monday, all eyes are now on the way forward as the amendments do away with the provisions in the 2019 law that allowed “self-perceived gender identity” to be the basis for self-determination and identification for approval for transgender certificate by the district magistrate. The amended definition of “transgender persons” makes it clear that it will not include persons with “different sexual orientations and self-perceived sexual identities”. A medical board headed by the chief medical officer has been introduced. Going forward the district magistrate will issue a certificate of transgender identity, after examining the recommendation of the medical board cited as “authority” to be constituted by the central or state governments. Moreover, the DM will also have the option to seek assistance from medical experts. While the TG community members are exploring the legal route to challenge the enacted amendments in Court, they wonder what will be the fate of the over 32,000 TG certificates issued so far based on self-perceived identity and those pending approval. Member of the National Council for Transgender Persons Abhina Aher told TOI that the community was planning to take legal recourse as the Bill violates the landmark NALSA judgement of 2014 that affirmed the right to self-determination of transgender persons. A visit to the National Portal for Transgender Persons linked to the website of the ministry of social justice and empowerment shows that the total number of applications received stands at 37362. The portal puts the number of TG certificates issued so far at 32660, and of these, TG identity cards have been issued to 32630 persons. As many as 5833 applicants have not been found eligible, and 4794 applications were pending approval as of Tuesday. In this backdrop, youth like Akash (name changed) are a worried lot. A transman from Haryana’s Charkhi Dadri who is currently in Delhi for coaching as he aspires to sit for the civil services examination, Akash says he is fearful of what lies ahead. “ I got my TG certificate on March 18 but will this certificate stay valid? The amendments don’t even mention transman or transwoman in the definition and take away the right to self-perceived identification. So, what happens to me and others in the same situation? Who will stand up to secure our rights and protect us from exploitation?” Akash asked. The amended definition of “transgender person” lays down that it includes a person having such socio-cultural identities as kinner, hijra, aravani and jogta, or eunuch, or a person with intersex variations specified below or a person who, at birth, has a congenital variation in one or more of the following sex characteristics as compared to male or female development. –primary sexual characteristics –external genitalia –chromosomal patterns –gonadal development –endogenous hormone production or response, or such other medical conditions. The definition also includes “any person or child who has been, by force, allurement, inducement, deceit or undue influence, either with or without consent, compelled to assume, adopt, or outwardly present a transgender identity, by mutilation, emasculation, castration, amputation, or any surgical, chemical, or hormonal procedure or otherwise.” 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
New Bill wants to make us invisible: Kol trans community on Transgender Day of Visibility
Kolkata: As the world celebrated Transgender Day of Visibility (TDV) on Tuesday, the community in Kolkata voiced their concern about the proposed Transgender Amendment Bill 2026. March 31 is observed as TDV worldwide to celebrate accomplishments by transgender people while raising awareness about the discrimination they face. The community anticipates that this bill would push them to invisibility. However, they plan to protest for their rights. The proposed amendment removes the recognition of self-identified gender, which the community argues is a principle affirmed by the SC in the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) vs. Union of India. The bill introduces a screening committee that could enforce surgical gatekeeping and biomedical surveillance, which the community has strongly opposed. Members of the city’s transgender community and their allies gathered in front of Ranu Chhaya Mancha to voice their protest and demand withdrawal of the bill. Activists argue the legislation, which mandates a medical board’s approval for gender identity certification, fundamentally undermines the right to self-identification, upheld by the landmark NALSA judgment. Santosh Giri, a gender rights activist and transgender (TG) person, said the community is being forced back to the beginning of their struggle. “We will follow what was given to us before after so much hard work,” Giri said. At present, a person can get a TG certificate by applying to the DM. This certificate allows them to change their gender in official documents in addition to giving them access to govt welfare schemes. The new bill requires applications to be scrutinised by a screening or medical committee before approval by the DM. “We thought the BJP govt was sensitive to this community when it started Garima Greh, a shelter home for TGs. Now the amendment bill says a medical board will certify who is TG and who is not. One govt cannot have two opposite policies for the community,” said Ranjita Sinha, a TG and founder director of Association of Transgender and Hijra in Bengal. A panel discussion was held on the amendment bill by Gokhale Road Bandhan on Tuesday. “Our protest is against the systemic erasure of trans and non-binary identities,” said Souvik Ghosh, a gender rights activist. Anurag Maitreyi, an activist, called it an attempt to weaken their collective bargaining power and strength. Rights and mental health worker Debdutta Biswas said, “TG certificates gave us our identity according to the previous bill. According to the new definition, that identity doesn’t exist. Who will decide that — the govt? Self-gender identity is my right.” Lawyer and women’s rights activist Bharati Mutsuddi called the amendment insensitive. 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