Take Modi’s ‘failures’ to every doorstep: Rahul to Cong cadre
Hyderabad: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Monday asked party cadres and functionaries to take what he termed the “failures and mistakes” of PM Narendra Modi to the doorsteps of the people. Addressing a political affairs committee (PAC) meeting attended by chief minister A Revanth Reddy, deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka, ministers, TPCC president B Mahesh Kumar Goud and senior functionaries, Rahul referred to the Epstein files and the India-US trade agreement. He said the failures and mistakes committed by PM Modi were being exposed one after another and must be highlighted before the public. Rahul, who is leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, alleged that Modi surrendered to US President Donald Trump because the US possessed the Epstein files and relevant proof in the Adani case, among others. He claimed Modi was unable to question Trump and, under pressure, signed a trade deal detrimental to India’s interests. He alleged the PM surrendered critical ‘data of India’ to the US and cautioned that while artificial intelligence was important, it was ineffective without control over data. Later, addressing newly appointed district Congress presidents from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana at the valedictory of their 10-day training camp, he said BJP practised power-driven politics while the Congress ideology was of non-violence, peace and equality. “Congress must function without caste, religion, class, gender or economic discrimination,” he said. Urging leaders to shed arrogance and serve with humility, he said the party’s strength derives from the people. Drawing a parallel between self-discipline in jiu jitsu (martial art) and politics, Rahul urged leaders to remain committed to Congress ideology and win power through the trust and confidence of the people, not by what he termed the BJP’s ‘do anything’ approach. “The party is always bigger than ego, so shed it and work to strengthen the Congress by always being among the people.” He asked DCC presidents and party workers to stand firmly with Dalits, Adivasis, women, farmers, minorities and youth, and said any attempt to do injustice to these sections should be met with strong resistance from the Congress. Former MP V Hanumanth Rao appealed to Rahul to ensure that one party MP introduced a private member bill in the Lok Sabha seeking 42% reservation for BCs. 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
Kanshi Ram emerges as rallying point of Dalit mobilisation in U.P.
With Assembly poll approaching, major political parties in Uttar Pradesh intensify outreach to Scheduled Castes around the BSP founder’s birth anniversary, signalling a renewed battle for the State’s crucial 21% Dalit vote Mobilisation focused on the Scheduled Castes (SC) has gathered momentum on Uttar Pradesh’s political chessboard ahead of the Assembly elections due early next year. The immediate trigger is the March 15 birth anniversary of Kanshi Ram, founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Dalit Shoshit Samaj Sangharsh Samiti (DS-4). With SCs constituting roughly 21% of the State’s electorate, political parties are intensifying efforts to engage the community and position themselves as staunch advocates of the marginalised community. Mayank Kumar Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit leaders allege fake signatures of MCC officials used in loan scam
Mangaluru: Dalit leaders filed a complaint with the Mangaluru City police, alleging that fake signatures of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) commissioner and health officer, along with fake salary slips, seals, and documents, were used to fraudulently obtain loans from a cooperative bank in the name of civic workers. Dalit leader Anil Kumar raised the issue during a monthly meeting for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, chaired by DCP (law and order) Mithun HN on Saturday. Anil Kumar said that when some genuine pourakarmikas applied for bank loans, it was discovered that loans were already taken out in the names of many other civic workers. Following this, Dalit leader Vishu Kumar gathered records under the RTI Act, which revealed fraudulent activity. Through fake documents, loans were facilitated in the names of some municipal staff and non-staff individuals, with commissions ranging from about Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000 taken as part of the fraud, he said. The cooperative bank manager requested salary verification for the loan applications submitted by the civic workers. However, the documents provided to the bank were fake, and the MCC commissioner clarified that such individuals were not employed as civic workers, he alleged. Vishu Kumar said that in a previous complaint to the police, it was reported that about 30 people took loans from various cooperative bank branches using the signatures of the MCC commissioner and health officer, claiming to be civic workers. “New records have now surfaced, showing that loans were taken in the names of 66 more individuals using similar fake documents. There is suspicion that loans were obtained using fake documents in the names of even more people,” he said. A Dalit leader alleged that the principal of a private ITI in Konaje took a loan from a bank using a lecturer’s salary certificate, causing harassment. DCP Mithun instructed a proper investigation. Ambedkar Circle issue: DSS warns protest DSS activist Anil Kumar said that despite the foundation stone being laid, the demand for a circle with Ambedkar’ statue at the Ambedkar Circle in the city was not fulfilled. Another activist, SP Anand, said that despite funds being allocated, the work did not commence, citing traffic issues. “If a circle can be constructed at Pumpwell, why not at Ambedkar Circle? If the demand is not met by April 14, the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, a protest will be inevitable,” said Anand. 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
0 Maternal Deaths, 3,000 Water Bodies & A Transgender Colony Named After Him | IAS Story | TamilNadu
When V. P. Jeyaseelan became District Collector of Virudhunagar district, he didn’t chase headlines — he delivered measurable change. As an IAS officer in Tamil Nadu, his governance model focused on real impact: Increased college enrollment from 65% to 95% ✔ Restored 3,000+ water bodies ✔ Achieved zero maternal deaths ✔ Empowered women, persons with disabilities, and the transgender community In a rare tribute, members of the transgender community honored him by naming their colony after him — a powerful testament to inclusive governance. This is what transformational leadership looks like. If one district can change this much under one officer, imagine the possibilities across India. V P Jeyaseelan IAS, Virudhunagar District Collector, Tamil Nadu IAS officer, Good Governance India, Zero Maternal Deaths Model, Water Body Restoration Tamil Nadu, College Enrollment Growth India, Transgender Welfare Initiatives India, Inclusive Governance Model, District Administration Success Story, Social Impact Leadership India, IAS Officer Inspiration, Bureaucracy Success Story, Public Administration India Courtesy : The Better India Note: This news is originally published on https:/thebetterindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul to visit T today, to address new DCC chiefs
Hyderabad: Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will address the valedictory session of the District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents’ training programme in Vikarabad on Monday. Chief minister A Revanth Reddy and other key leaders will receive him at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad at 9.40 am. Rahul Gandhi, along with Revanth, will fly by helicopter to Vikarabad, where the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha will address the newly appointed DCC chiefs from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The DCC chiefs underwent a 10-day training programme focused on further strengthening the party at the grassroots level and on effectively taking welfare schemes and the development agenda closer to the people. Meanwhile, a senior party leader did not rule out the possibility of Rahul Gandhi meeting some of the surrendered top Maoist leaders, as well as the family members of a Youth Congress leader from the erstwhile Mahbubnagar district who was arrested in New Delhi for protesting at the AI Summit. Revanth, along with deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka, TPCC president B Mahesh Kumar Goud and AICC leader Meenakshi Natarajan, is also expected to place before Rahul Gandhi a panel of names for the two Rajya Sabha seats from Telangana that will go to polls on March 16. The last date for filing nominations is March 5. The names being discussed in party circles for the seats include Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Justice Sudershan Reddy, AICC secretary Ch Vamshi Chand Reddy, former MP V Hanumanth Rao, party veterans Ananthula Shyam Mohan, M Kodanda Reddy and G Chinna Reddy, ex-MP Madhu Yaskhi Goud, govt advisers Mohd Ali Shabbir and Harkara Venugopal, and CM adviser Vem Narender Reddy. Sources said the CM is likely to place a panel of four names before Rahul Gandhi, which will be finalised for the two seats based on caste, social, political and other equations. Revanth and Bhatti, along with the TPCC chief, reportedly shortlisted four names on Sunday. Rahul Gandhi will leave for New Delhi in the evening, according to the CMO. 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
Karnataka Village Gets Government-Funded Salon After Barbers Refuse Services To Dalits
A salon in Singatalur village in Gadag district has been opened after Hadapada families (barbers) in the village denied haircuts to Dalits over the years Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has opened a salon in Singatalur village in Gadag district after the local barber shop refused service to customers from Dalit communities. The salon, believed to be the state’s first government-funded facility, was set up near the bus stop on government property in the presence of officials from the social welfare department and the gram panchayat. While the social welfare department has provided the shop made of tin sheets and the equipment required for a salon, the barber was brought from Mundaragi town. The government was forced to open a salon after Hadapada families (barbers) in the village denied haircuts to Dalits over the years, citing a religious tradition. “Hadapada families are devotees of the village deity Veerabhadreshwara. Every year, the deity visits their houses during a particular time. The barbers claimed that they cannot serve Dalits during that period,” according to the officials. The lone barber shop in the village recently shut down after Dalit youths started insisting on their right to service at the salon. They argued that it was illegal on the part of the barbers to deny service to people from a particular community, while taking the matter to the district administration. As the matter escalated, the district administration reached out to the villagers and held several rounds of meetings to persuade barbers to open the shop and offer services to all communities. When they did not relent, notices were issued warning of legal action. Even notices fail to deter them. Left with no option, officials decided to open a barber shop, spending Rs 1.2 lakh from the social welfare department and appointing a barber from outside. Following a request by the administration, Devu Hadapad, state president of Hadapada Annappa Samaja, agreed to send his brother, who is also a barber, to run the shop. After which, the shop was set up. “It is unfortunate that an unhealthy mindset of looking down upon backward communities still exists in society. But we have extended full cooperation to the government to eliminate such practices. This shop is now open for all communities,” says Devu Hadapada. Vishwanath Hosamani, Executive Officer, Mundaragi Taluk Panchayat, said the issue related barber services had existed in the village for the past two years. “Now with the coordinated efforts of all departments concerned, we are able to find an amicable solution to this,” he added. People of the villagers also expressed happiness over the development. “This (development) has instilled a hope in us that the practice of untouchability will be stopped once and for all,” says Mariyajja, a villager. Courtesy : ETV Bharat Note: This news is originally published on https:/etvbharat.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit leaders allege fake signatures of MCC officials used in loan scam
Mangaluru: Dalit leaders filed a complaint with the Mangaluru City police, alleging that fake signatures of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) commissioner and health officer, along with fake salary slips, seals, and documents, were used to fraudulently obtain loans from a cooperative bank in the name of civic workers. Dalit leader Anil Kumar raised the issue during a monthly meeting for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, chaired by DCP (law and order) Mithun HN on Saturday. Anil Kumar said that when some genuine pourakarmikas applied for bank loans, it was discovered that loans were already taken out in the names of many other civic workers. Following this, Dalit leader Vishu Kumar gathered records under the RTI Act, which revealed fraudulent activity. Through fake documents, loans were facilitated in the names of some municipal staff and non-staff individuals, with commissions ranging from about Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000 taken as part of the fraud, he said. The cooperative bank manager requested salary verification for the loan applications submitted by the civic workers. However, the documents provided to the bank were fake, and the MCC commissioner clarified that such individuals were not employed as civic workers, he alleged. Vishu Kumar said that in a previous complaint to the police, it was reported that about 30 people took loans from various cooperative bank branches using the signatures of the MCC commissioner and health officer, claiming to be civic workers. “New records have now surfaced, showing that loans were taken in the names of 66 more individuals using similar fake documents. There is suspicion that loans were obtained using fake documents in the names of even more people,” he said. A Dalit leader alleged that the principal of a private ITI in Konaje took a loan from a bank using a lecturer’s salary certificate, causing harassment. DCP Mithun instructed a proper investigation. Ambedkar Circle issue: DSS warns protest DSS activist Anil Kumar said that despite the foundation stone being laid, the demand for a circle with Ambedkar’ statue at the Ambedkar Circle in the city was not fulfilled. Another activist, SP Anand, said that despite funds being allocated, the work did not commence, citing traffic issues. “If a circle can be constructed at Pumpwell, why not at Ambedkar Circle? If the demand is not met by April 14, the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, a protest will be inevitable,” said Anand. 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
Transgender found hanging in West Champaran
Bettiah: A 30-year-old transgender was found hanging inside a rented room under suspicious circumstances in Dumwaliya locality of Bagaha town in West Champaran district on Saturday morning. The deceased was identified as Renu Devi, a native of Maharajganj district. She had been living alone in rented accommodation for the past 2 to 3 months. According to locals, the door of the room remained closed for a long time on Saturday morning. Despite repeated knocks and calls by neighbours, there was no response from inside. Suspecting something amiss, they alerted Dial 112. A police team arrived at the spot and informed Patkhauli police station. Patkhauli SHO Hridayanand Singh said that upon receiving the information, a police team rushed to the spot. “The room was locked from inside. When the door was forced open, the body was found hanging,” he said. Senior officials, including Superintendent of Police Ramanand Kumar Kaushal, were informed immediately. A forensic science laboratory (FSL) team later visited the site and collected evidence. The body was sent to the subdivisional hospital for post-mortem examination. Police said preliminary investigation suggests that the deceased was originally from Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh and had been staying in the house of a local resident. Another transgender person, identified as Laila, lives in a nearby room and is being questioned as part of the investigation. Police have taken the house owner into custody for questioning. While the case appears to be one of suicide at first glance, police said the exact cause of death would be ascertained only after the post-mortem report is received. Further investigation is under way, considering all possible angles. Meanwhile, Bablu Kinnar, associated with a local transgender group, said that the deceased was not affiliated with their community. Our group members live in their own houses under the guidance of our guru Hemlata. 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
Jakhar mocks Rahul Gandhi’s Barnala rally call for unity in Punjab Cong
Chandigarh: Following Rahul Gandhi’s call for unity in the faction-ridden Punjab Congress at a rally in Barnala, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Saturday mocked the Congress leadership, claiming the event was aimed at reprimanding the party’s state leaders rather than addressing public issues. The remarks came in response to Gandhi’s address at the Barnala rally, where he stressed the need for unity among Punjab Congress leaders and warned that factionalism within the party would not be tolerated. Referring to Gandhi’s remark, “No matter how big you are, be a team player; otherwise, Kharge ji and I will set you right,” Jakhar said the statement itself summed up the purpose of the rally. In a post on social media, Jakhar alleged that the Congress gathering had neither an agenda for Punjab nor any discussion on issues concerning farmers and labourers. Instead, he said, it appeared to be “a desperate attempt” by Gandhi, on behalf of the Congress high command, to publicly reprimand the party’s divided state leadership and compel them to unite through what he described as a warning. He further claimed that, in doing so, Gandhi exposed the internal divisions within the Punjab Congress before the public and, at the same time, raised questions about his own leadership ability. Jakhar also targeted the Congress leadership at the Centre, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, alleging that the high command failed to provide direction to the party in Punjab. 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
‘Death warrant for farmers’: Rahul Gandhi attacks PM Modi at Punjab rally; questions Indo-US trade deal
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the timing of the Indo-US interim trade deal. Addressing the Mazdoor Kissan Maha Rally in Barnala, Punjab, Rahul said the deal had been stalled for four months due to disagreements over opening the agriculture sector. “So the question arises, the work which PM did not do for four months, why did he do it within 15 minutes?” he asked. “What was the pressure that the prime minister of India signed a death warrant for our country there. He signed a death warrant for our farmers. He gave away our data. He signed a death warrant for our small and medium industries,” he alleged. Rahul further said that the prime minister gave a guarantee to US president Donald Trump that India would buy US products worth Rs 9 lakh crore every year. He said opening the agricultural sector would allow American goods to enter the Indian market and harm farmers in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. “Narendra Modi has opened the door of the agricultural sector. American goods will flow in, and our farmers will be ruined,” he said. “No prime minister of India, whether from the Congress Party, the BJP, or any other party, can open the agricultural sector. No prime minister can.” Rahul further claimed he was not allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha after the president’s address because he wanted to refer to an unpublished book by former army chief general Manoj Naravane (retd). He alleged that the memoir described a lack of response from the political leadership during Chinese troop movements near the border. “Only the prime minister of the country can give the order to fire upon the Chinese army. Neither the army chief nor the defence minister can give it. Naravane ji asked the prime minister whether we can fire and stop them. There was no response for 2 hours. After that, Naravane ji gets the order to do whatever he deems appropriate,” 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