Dalit student assaulted, abused in schoolover water pipe; teacher, official booked
Agra: A Class VIII student of a school in UP was allegedly brutally assaulted and abused by the class teacher and a school official after the boy was blamed for a broken pipe. The 14-year-old, a Dalit, suffered injury marks on his back and limbs and “is now finding it difficult to walk”. He was also told by the accused to “stay away from the school”. The incident took place in Mainpuri’s Kurawali area on Friday. SHO Lalit Bhati of the local thana said on Sunday that an FIR under SC/ST Act has been registered against school committee member Rajeev Verma and class teacher Sukhbir Singh. In his statement, the boy said, “I was feeling thirsty, so I went to drink water and noticed that the pipe of the water tank was broken. I was blamed for breaking the pipe. I kept on pleading that I did not break the pipe, but nobody listened to me. I was beaten, abused with casteist slurs, and threatened with death if seen again on the school’s premises.” A police complaint was filed by his elder brother against the accused of the private school later that day in Kurawali. Police subsequently registered an FIR under BNS sections 115-2 (voluntarily causing hurt), 352 (intentional insult designed to provoke breach of peace) and 351-3 (criminal intimidation) along with the SC/ST Act. The boy’s family claimed that the pipe was damaged by another boy and their son was unfairly targeted. Dismissing the allegations, school committee member Rajeev Verma told TOI: “This is a false case against me. I wasn’t even there. The class teacher could be present. I’m not aware. I’ll soon meet the police officers, and I hope there’ll be a fair probe.” 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
Will restore glory of Parkal: Revuri
Hanumakonda: Parkal MLA Revuri Prakash Reddy stated that he would bring back the past glory of the historic town of Parkal and that Dalit settlements would be developed as model colonies. Reddy attended the Padmashali community cordial meeting in Parkal centre on Sunday, and the Madiga community cordial meeting. Prior to the programmes, he paid floral tributes to the portraits of Sri Bhakta Markandeya and Konda Laxman Bapuji. Addressing the gatherings separately, he said Dalits have always stood with the Congress and that the government gives top priority to their welfare. They played a significant role in the party’s victories in the Assembly and Parliament elections. He assured that Dalit settlements would be developed as model colonies with all basic facilities. Reddy alleged that the BRS cheated Dalits, stating that KCR had promised to make a Dalit the CM and claimed he would be a “protector of Telangana.” He emphasised that Sonia Gandhi’s contribution to State formation is unforgettable and that uplift and welfare of Dalits is the primary objective of the party. He said the Madiga and Padmashali communities played an active role in ensuring his victory. He appealed to the Madiga and Padmashali brothers who supported the party in the last elections to extend the same cooperation in the upcoming municipal polls and work for victory of Congress candidates. He called upon party workers to ensure the party wins all 22 wards in the municipal elections and to hoist the Congress flag on Parkal soil. He stated that drinking water supply, CC roads and drainage are being established under a special DPR system. Parkal would be developed as an educational centre; as part of this initiative, Young India International School, skill development centres, and TASK Centres are being set up. 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
Guru Ravidas for all, especially Dalits
The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Dera Sach Khand Ballan un Punjab on February 1, 2026, to commemorate Ravidas Jayanti as well as the Padma Sri awarded to its patron saint Niranjan Das and all the attention has reinforced the contemporary relevance of Guru Ravidas, said Prof. Kumool Abbi. The unerring focus references the crystallisation of Dalit identity and the continuing patronage of various pilgrimage sites associated with Guru Ravidas. The most significant role in spreading the universal message of Guru Ravidas has been played by the Dera Sach Khand Ballan, in Punjab, which is a site of revitalised Dalit faith and continues to have a deep influence on Dalit lives across the globe. The building in Seer Govardhanpur in Benares has now become a very important pilgrimage site as well as a rallying point for the Dalits. Sri Guru Ravidas Janmasthan Mandir attracts visitors from across the world to commemorate his birth anniversary. A pilgrimage to the magnificent temple is consummate: it is where one goes for religious, political and social awakening. Guru Ravidas, a 15-16 Century bhakti poet, regarded as a contemporary of Kabir, is also said to have met Guru Nanak. Guru Ravidas firmly and steadfastly stood up for those on the marginalised sections of society and fought against Brahminical hegemony, dogma, ostentation, oppression, superstition and ritualism. He tried to reform the casteist and discriminatory practices dominant in that period. He was a voice of the oppressed and the subaltern. Born in a family of leather tanners, a profession he nobly practised and considered his Keerat (vocation), loftily continuing it all his life. His thoughts, poetry and life in practice, reflected his constant struggle to bring about social change by stirring the consciousness of the masses. He was consumed by the love of the divine. As he elucidates, “meri preet Gobind sio ji na ghatah, main mol mehngi lai jia satah (my love for the Lord of the universe does not decrease, I paid for it dearly in exchange for my soul)”. Forty-one shabdas of Ravidas bani have been included in the Guru Granth Sahib in the form of different ragas. Similarly, the Panchvani texts of the Dadupanthi tradition have incorporated some of Ravidas’ texts. His works contain the common thread of unflinching devotion to God who is projected in an abstract form as Nirguna (without attributes). It is believed Meera Bai, Queen Jhallan Bai of Chittorgarh and Raja Nagar Mel of Benares were his devotees. Guru Ravidas’ teachings and bani resonate across modern-day Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, among others. He is regarded as the personification of Dalit identity and its subsequent assertion and expression. An icon of progressiveness and activism, Guru Ravidas visualised an ideal society of Begumpura, where no sorrow, discrimination, differences and oppression would exist. 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
Swami Prasad Maurya launches a major attack on Akhilesh Yadav’s PDA, says D sometimes means Dalit and sometimes Dimple
Swami Prasad Maurya on PDA: Swami Prasad Maurya has launched a major attack on Akhilesh Yadav’s PDA. In this context, he has also targeted Dimple Yadav. Lakhimpur Kheri: Swami Prasad Maurya, the chief of Apna Janata Party, who arrived in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, has targeted Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Akhilesh Yadav has once again started sharpening his Backward, Dalit, Minority (PDA) politics ahead of the 2027 UP assembly elections. Meanwhile, Swami Prasad Maurya has targeted Akhilesh’s PDA politics. He also seems to be hinting at entering the electoral fray with his own separate political ideology. In the 2022 UP elections, Swami Prasad Maurya had left the BJP and joined the Samajwadi Party. However, at that time, Swami Prasad Maurya was not even able to save his own assembly seat. Swami Prasad Maurya targets Dimple Apna Janata Party chief Swami Prasad Maurya seems to be directly targeting Akhilesh Yadav’s PDA as well as his wife and Mainpuri MP Dimple Yadav. Swami Prasad Maurya is saying that for Akhilesh, the ‘D’ in PDA sometimes means Dalit and sometimes Dimple. Now, this issue is expected to heat up the political scene. What is the full statement? While talking to the media, Swami Prasad Maurya said that Akhilesh Yadav’s PDA is a hodgepodge. How can someone who doesn’t understand the meaning of PDA talk about PDA? Akhilesh Yadav explains the meaning of PDA according to his convenience. Sometimes he says the ‘P’ in PDA means Backward, and sometimes he calls it Pandit. The ‘D’ sometimes means Dalit and sometimes refers to Dimple Yadav. Swami Prasad Maurya further said that Akhilesh also gives different meanings to the ‘A’ in PDA. Currently, he says ‘A’ means Forward. He keeps changing the meaning of PDA according to the time and his convenience. Swami Prasad Maurya had recently attacked the upper caste community regarding the UCC law. Now he is seen targeting Akhilesh. Curated by: Rahul Parashar About the Author Rahul Parashar is a Senior Journalist at Navbharat Times Online. He has 20 years of experience covering politics, current affairs, development, bureaucracy, education, health, and ground reporting. In the early days of his career, he covered administration and civic issues. He also honed his skills in political journalism in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Courtesy: Hindi News
‘Blind to India’s real crises’: Rahul Gandhi hits out at Centre after Union Budget
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabh Rahul Gandhi on Sunday slammed the Union Budget 2026-27, calling it “blind to India’s real crises” and accusing the government of ignoring deep economic distress faced by ordinary citizens. In a post on X, the Leader of the Opposition laid out what he described as the country’s pressing problems: “Youth without jobs. Falling manufacturing. Investors pulling out capital. Household savings plummeting. Farmers in distress. Looming global shocks – all ignored.” He added that it was “a Budget that refuses course correction, blind to India’s real crises.” Gandhi’s remarks came soon after finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive Budget, in which she raised the capital expenditure target to Rs 12.2 lakh crore for FY27, up from Rs 11.2 lakh crore in the current fiscal. The Budget also outlined infrastructure measures, including projects in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, against a backdrop of global uncertainty, trade frictions and slowing exports. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also slammed the budget, arguing that the government lacked both ideas and direction. “The Modi Government has run out of ideas. Budget2026 does not provide a single solution to India’s many economic, social, and political challenges,” he wrote. In another post, Kharge said, “‘Mission Mode’ is now ‘Challenge Route’. Reform Express rarely stops at any ‘Reform’ Junction. Net result: NO policy vision, NO political will.” He also pointed to rural distress and inequality. “Our Annadata Farmers still await meaningful welfare support or an income security plan. Inequality has surpassed the levels seen under the British Raj, but the Budget does not even mention it,” Kharge said, adding that states under financial stress had not been offered relief and that “Federalism has become a casualty”. 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
‘Talks with DMK to resume soon’
Chennai: TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai said on Sunday the talks with the DMK will resume in ‘two or three days.’ He reiterated the Congress was holding alliance talks only with DMK. “We commenced our talks with DMK two months ago. After the recent meeting of DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi with our party leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi, DMK informed us that alliance talks will resume in another two to three days,” Selvaperunthagai told reporters in Chennai. When asked about AICC in-charge for Tamil Nadu, Girish Chodankar’s statement that even new parties are interested in allying with Congress, Selvaperunthagai said Girish just meant that Congress was strong. His remarks do not mean that Congress was holding talks with new parties, he said. Earlier, Congress’ panel for alliance talks held a meeting here. The meeting was to discuss resuming talks with DMK and to plan the TN visit of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi in Feb end. 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
‘Alternative govt’: Shashi Tharoor on his vision of Congress’ role; dismisses rift rumours
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday dismissed speculation of a rift within the party, asserting that he is on the same page with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. The statement comes after a recent closed-door meeting with the party’s top leadership. Referring to his meeting with Rahul Gandhi and Kharge, the Thiruvananthapuram MP said, “We’re on the same page. We’re moving forward determinately. I think it’s extremely important, both at the state level and at the national level, that Congress must represent not just an opposition party, but an alternative government.” Emphasising the party’s readiness to govern, Tharoor added, “An alternative government is what the people want to see, whether at the centre or the state. We need to stay together, work together and move forward together, and we’re doing that.” Tharoor’s remarks come after weeks of speculation about internal unease following his perceived sidelining at a Congress event in Kochi last month and his subsequent absence from a key Kerala strategy meeting chaired by Kharge. The tensions had triggered concerns within the party that the issue could snowball into a larger messaging problem ahead of the high-stakes Kerala elections. After weeks of visible discomfort, Kharge and Rahul Gandhi met Tharoor on Thursday in a detailed “redressal” meeting. The meeting, held in Kharge’s chamber in the Parliament House complex, lasted over an hour and forty-five minutes. Emerging from the meeting, Tharoor struck a conciliatory tone. Speaking to reporters, he said, “We had a discussion with my two party leaders, the LoP and the Congress president. We had a very good, constructive, positive discussion. All is good and we are moving together on the same page.” Sources told PTI that the discussion was “comprehensive”, covering a wide range of issues, with the leadership making time for a thorough exchange. Tharoor later reinforced the truce on social media, thanking Kharge and Gandhi for a “warm and constructive discussion” and reiterating that they were “all on the same page” as the party moves forward “in the service of the people of India”. Addressing speculation over the Congress’ chief ministerial face in Kerala, Tharoor categorically denied any such ambition. “That was never the issue. I am not interested in being the candidate for anything. At the moment I am already an MP, that is my job,” he said. The Congress leader also dismissed reports suggesting he might quit the party. “I can say that I am going to be in the Congress and that I am not going anywhere,” he said, adding that he would campaign extensively across Kerala’s 140 Assembly constituencies for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). Tharoor highlighted that he had campaigned in 56 constituencies in the last Assembly elections and hoped to cover even more this time. “It is very important that we send the right message to voters and have an opportunity to make a significant impact on people’s lives,” he said. Rejecting reports of discord, Tharoor described them as “exaggerated” and maintained that discussions within the party were healthy. “I see it in a positive way that one has an opportunity to discuss all issues very cordially and constructively in the spirit of camaraderie,” he said. The Congress is seeking to wrest power from the Left Democratic Front after a decade in opposition in Kerala. Party leaders acknowledge that unity will be critical as the BJP also looks to expand its footprint in the state. 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
Report finds Adivasi, Muslim, and Dalit communities targeted through politically driven violence in Telangana
A fact-finding report released by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has concluded that recent incidents of communal violence and social tension across Telangana are not isolated events but part of a broader pattern of politically driven polarisation, institutional bias, and administrative failure, particularly affecting Adivasi, Muslim, Dalit, and other marginalised communities. Titled “Belonging, Coexistence & Fractures: Documenting State Atrocities and Fractured Coexistence in Telangana”, the report is based on field visits, survivor testimonies, interviews with local residents and activists, and an analysis of official records across multiple districts, including Hyderabad, Medchal–Malkajgiri, Narayanpet, Medak, Nizamabad, Nirmal, Adilabad, and Bhainsa. According to the report’s executive summary, many flashpoints in Telangana began as local disputes over land, religious practice, noise, interpersonal conflicts, or administrative decisions, but were subsequently escalated into communal confrontations through organised political mobilisation, misinformation campaigns, and provocative public actions. The report attributes a central role in this escalation to right-wing organisations and affiliated local networks, particularly during politically sensitive periods such as elections. A key outcome of the report is its finding that state institutions, especially the police and district administrations, have frequently failed to act impartially. In several cases documented by APCR, members of Muslim and other minority communities faced delayed police responses, excessive force, false criminal cases, custodial violence, or pressure to withdraw complaints. Oversight bodies such as the SC/ST Commission and the National Human Rights Commission were described as largely inaccessible or ineffective at the ground level, contributing to what the report terms a “climate of impunity.” The report also highlights how communal narratives are being used to divert attention from structural issues such as land alienation, unemployment, erosion of public services, and unequal access to welfare schemes. It notes that Adivasi, Dalit, and Muslim communities, despite sharing similar economic vulnerabilities, are increasingly positioned against one another through identity-based mobilisation, weakening possibilities for collective resistance. Importantly, APCR’s findings do not portray Telangana as uniformly divided. The report documents several instances where communities have resisted polarisation, continued everyday coexistence, and intervened to prevent violence. Civil society groups, women, and youth initiatives are identified as playing a critical role in supporting survivors and de-escalating tensions in the absence of effective state intervention. Concluding its assessment, the report states that communal violence in Telangana is neither inevitable nor driven primarily by grassroots hostility. Instead, it argues that such violence is increasingly “manufactured and sustained” through political strategies that benefit from social division. APCR said the report is intended to serve as a starting point for further public scrutiny, institutional accountability, and policy intervention aimed at safeguarding coexistence, dignity, and constitutional rights in Telangana. Speaking to Maktoob, Nadeem Khan, national secretary of APCR, said, “Our findings show that communal violence in Telangana is not spontaneous or inevitable. In most cases, local disputes are deliberately escalated through political mobilisation, misinformation, and selective state action.” He added, “What we repeatedly observed on the ground was the manufacture of communal flashpoints—small, resolvable issues being transformed into large-scale tensions through organised intervention by right-wing groups.” He further said, attributing this to the report, “Adivasi, Muslim, Dalit, and other marginalised communities are being pitted against one another, despite sharing the same vulnerabilities—land insecurity, unemployment, and weak access to welfare,” and that “instead of acting as neutral protectors, state institutions often became part of the problem. Delayed responses, biased policing, and false cases against victims were recurring patterns across districts.” “Communal violence in Telangana today is better understood as a political strategy than a social reality. Division benefits those in power, while ordinary people bear the cost,” Khan told Maktoob. The report calls for independent investigations into cases of custodial deaths and alleged fake encounters, accountability for hate speech and inflammatory mobilisation, protection of land and housing rights, and reforms to ensure equal treatment of all communities by law enforcement and administrative authorities. Ghazala Ahmad Courtesy : Maktoob Media Note: This news is originally published on https:/maktoobmedia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
UP: Dalit Youth Playing ‘Ravana’ in Ramlila Loses Eye, FIR Filed Against Youth Playing ‘Rama’
Incident during Ramlila in Sonbhadra: ‘Rama’ shot sharp arrows into ‘Ravana’s’ eye from a distance of 5 feet, savings exhausted on treatment, now receiving death threats Sonbhadra: A shocking and disturbing incident has come to light from Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh. Here, during a Ramlila performance, the interplay of faith and acting turned into lifelong darkness for a Dalit youth. The right eye of 35-year-old Sunil Kumar, who was playing the role of ‘Ravana’ on stage, was completely damaged by an arrow shot by the youth playing the character of ‘Lord Rama’. The victim alleges that this was not merely an accident, but a deliberate attack. Several months after the incident, an FIR was registered at Shahganj police station on Thursday. What is the whole matter? According to the complaint filed with the police, the incident took place on November 13 last year, on the concluding day of the Ramlila festival. The victim, Sunil Kumar, who had been playing the role of Ravana for the past eight years, was busy with his performance on stage. This year, the character of Lord Rama was being played by 22-year-old Naithik Pandey, for whom this was his first year. Sunil Kumar told the Indian Express, “I have been associated with Ramlila for many years. According to the script, on the last day, Rama has to shoot a wooden arrow at Ravana. The instructions were clear that the arrow would only be aimed at the crown placed on Ravana’s head. But Naithik Pandey did not use the arrow provided by the Ramlila organizing committee.” It is alleged that Naithik had brought a special sharp arrow made of hardwood with him. During the scene, he was supposed to shoot only one arrow, but he fired several arrows one after another from a very short distance of about 5 feet. One of these arrows hit Sunil directly in his right eye. Savings exhausted in treatment, job also lost Sunil Kumar, who worked on contract with the municipal corporation, has had his life completely changed after this incident. As soon as the arrow struck, blood started flowing from his eye, and people present at the scene immediately took him to the hospital. Sharing his pain, Sunil said, “Since the incident, I have undergone two surgeries, but my eyesight has not returned. My treatment is ongoing at a private hospital in Varanasi, which has consumed a large part of my savings. Due to this accident, I have also lost my job. Now, I, my wife, and my three-month-old child are completely dependent on my three brothers for financial support.” Casteist abuses and death threats The victim’s brother, Shivam Lal Kumar, has also named Ram Snehi Singh, the Ramlila organizer, as a co-accused in his complaint. The complaint states that the day after the incident, when the victim’s family went to Ram Snehi Singh’s house and said that since the artists were working under his supervision, he should bear the cost of the treatment, they were mistreated. It is alleged that Ram Snehi Singh and Naitik Pandey not only refused to pay for the treatment but also used “filthy and casteist abuses” against them and threatened to kill them. The victim’s family says that they went to the police immediately after the incident, but due to prioritizing Sunil’s treatment, they could not pursue the case at that time. Recently, when his brother contacted the police again, the case was finally registered. Police action Shahganj police station in-charge (SHO) Ram Singhasan informed that the investigation of the case has been handed over to Circle Officer (CO) Rahul Pandey. Currently, no arrests have been made in this case. The police have registered a case against the accused under sections 125 (endangering the life or personal safety of others), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). In addition, the accused have also been charged under various sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Interview | Atrocities against Dalits rising amid growth of communal forces in Tamil Nadu: VCK’s Ravikumar
There is no denying that atrocities against Dalits are on the rise. This trend is closely linked to the growing presence of communal forces in the state. The government also has a responsibility to contain this situation. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), led by Thol Thirumavalavan, is a constituent of the ruling DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu. Originally formed as the Dalit Panthers Iyakkam (DPI), inspired by the Dalit Panthers movement in Maharashtra, the organisation underwent a significant transformation over the years. Thirumavalavan, who was earlier associated with the DMK’s student wing, assumed leadership following the death of the DPI’s founder, M. Malalchami, in 1989. After the disintegration of the Dalit Panthers movement in Maharashtra, Thirumavalavan reconstituted the organisation as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the VCK won four of the six seats allotted to it as part of the DMK-led front. As the state gears up for the 2026 polls, Thirumavalavan has indicated that the party will seek a larger share of seats from its ally. He has also made it clear that the VCK will not be part of any alliance that includes the BJP or the PMK. In this context, Online Desk of The New Indian Express (TNIE) spoke to VCK MP (Villupuram) and noted writer D. Ravikumar to understand the party’s political stance, its future course, and to respond to some of the allegations levelled against it. What do you perceive as the most serious political threat or challenge Tamil Nadu is facing in the run-up to the 2026 State elections? Our primary concern is the growing influence of communal forces. These divisive elements are deliberately raising issues to polarise people along communal lines. This strategy is not new; it has been consistently employed by such forces. The Thiruparankundram lamp lighting issue is a clear example. Tamil Nadu must be protected from these divisive forces that threaten its social harmony. How is the VCK shaping its strategy for the upcoming polls? We are part of a strong anti-BJP coalition. The BJP’s politics pose a direct threat to the Constitution of India. Our campaign will centre on safeguarding the Constitution, as any dilution of constitutional values would leave Dalits and minorities without protection. We will also highlight key issues such as increasing the percentage of Dalit reservation and extending reservation to the private sector. There is a perception that some allies, including the Communist parties and the VCK, have been relatively silent on major issues such as the alleged deterioration of law and order under the DMK government. How do you respond? First of all, Tamil Nadu is far better placed than many other states—especially those ruled by the BJP—when it comes to law and order. The fact that Tamil Nadu consistently ranks among the top states and remains a premier destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) demonstrates that the law-and-order situation is not as dire as opposition parties claim. Social media has also played a role in bringing crimes to public attention more rapidly, which is actually a positive development. It is ironic, and frankly ridiculous, that BJP leaders speak about women’s safety when their own governance record raises serious questions. What are the key issues Dalits in Tamil Nadu face today? There is no denying that atrocities against Dalits are on the rise. This trend is closely linked to the growing presence of communal forces in the state. The government also has a responsibility to contain this situation. While the state government has constituted a commission to make recommendations on laws against honour killings and caste-based hate crimes, we are not fully satisfied with this approach. Our consistent demand has been for a comprehensive and enforceable law. We are also deeply concerned about the increasing landlessness among Dalits. The Agricultural Census indicates a decline in Dalit landholdings in Tamil Nadu. We therefore demand the meaningful inclusion of Dalits in the economic development of the state. How would you respond to criticism that your party’s strategy has been more alliance-focused than issue-focused? That criticism is unfounded. The VCK stands firmly for the annihilation of caste and the pursuit of social justice. We go beyond narrow caste identities and follow the Ambedkarite path. Dr B.R. Ambedkar emphasised transcending caste identity as the true route to liberation and equality, and that remains our guiding principle. There are reports that some Dalit voters and activists are dissatisfied with the performance of the VCK. Do you acknowledge these sentiments? This perception is not accurate. Every political party has supporters from the Dalit community. There are also certain outfits representing Dalit sub-sects that operate primarily for personal or sectional gains. Such groups should not be mistaken as representative of the broader Dalit political sentiment. Your views on actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)? It is deeply concerning that people continue to support Vijay even after the Karur stampede, which claimed the lives of 41 of his fans. He did not visit the site and instead flew directly to Chennai. The kind of mob frenzy witnessed around Vijay is alarming. Fascism often evolves from the ground up, and such unchecked mass adulation is dangerous. Gladwin Emmanuel 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