Vote ‘chori’ row: EC repeats ‘sign declaration or apologise’ dare; adds ‘Rahul still has time’
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission, following notices from the chief electoral officers (CEOs) of Karnataka and Haryana, has reiterated that Rahul Gandhi “still has time” he should either submit a formal declaration supporting his “vote theft” allegations or “apologise to the country.” The Karnataka CEO has asked the Congress MP to submit documents to support his “vote theft” allegations against the Election Commission of India. In a letter dated August 10, the Karnataka CEO noted that Rahul Gandhi, during his August 7 press conference, claimed to have presented documents from ECI records alleging that a voter, Shakun Rani, voted twice based on data shown by a polling officer. The polling body said that in a preliminary inquiry, Shakun Rani denied voting twice, and the tick-marked document displayed by Rahul Gandhi was not issued by the polling officer, raising doubts about its authenticity. The Karnataka CEO has asked Rahul Gandhi to “provide the relevant documents” forming the basis of his allegation so that a detailed investigation can be carried out by the state’s electoral authorities. On August 7, citing internal analysis, the Leader of the Opposition said Congress had expected to win 16 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka but secured only nine. He said the party investigated seven unexpected losses, focusing on Mahadevapura, where he alleged vote theft involving 100,250 votes. “We found 100,250 votes stolen in five different ways. Duplicate voters, fake and invalid addresses, and bulk voters in a single address, in a building with 50–60 people living. But when we go there, there is no record of those people living there. One family living in that house,” Rahul Gandhi said. The ECI, on Saturday, again asked the Congress MP to either give a declaration in line with the rules or apologise to the country for what it called “false” allegations about voter lists. 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.
SIR row: High drama at opposition MPs’ march to EC; Akhilesh Yadav jumps barricade; Rahul Gandhi detained – Key points
NEW DELHI: Opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc, including senior leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Sharad Pawar, were stopped by Delhi Police on Monday as they marched from Parliament to the Election Commission headquarters. The demonstration was held against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and allegations of “voter fraud” during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Wearing white caps marked with a red cross over the words “SIR” and “vote chori”, the leaders raised slogans and carried placards accusing the Election Commission of collusion with the government. The march began at Parliament’s Makar Dwar with the national anthem but was halted at Transport Bhawan, where police had set up heavy barricading. Here’s the latest developments: Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka detained Delhi Police detained several senior leaders of the INDIA bloc — including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sanjay Raut, and Sagarika Ghose — during the protest march. Speaking during the protest, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “Dare hue hai. Sarkaar kaayar hai (They are scared. This government is cowardly).” Akhilesh Yadav jumps barricades Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the authorities of using police to suppress dissent. “They are using the police to stop us,” he said, before sitting down in protest. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also physically jumped over a barricade as MPs were blocked from proceeding towards the EC. Several other leaders followed suit, climbing the barriers to chant slogans against the SIR exercise. Senior leaders join in protest Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, NCP’s Sharad Pawar, and other top opposition figures walked alongside MPs from the DMK, TMC, RJD, and Left parties. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra led chants as the group accused the EC of “murdering democracy” through voter list manipulation. Banners reading “SIR + Vote Theft = Murder of Democracy” and “SIR – Loktantra Par Vaar” were prominently displayed. Shashi Tharoor calls for credible answers Congress MP Shashi Tharoor backed Rahul Gandhi’s allegations, saying, “The Election Commission not only has a responsibility to the nation, but it has a responsibility to itself… Our democracy is too precious to be jeopardised by doubts about whether there is duplicate voting… Those answers must be provided credibly.” Don’t need permission to walk on the streets of Delhi: SP MP SP MP Ramgopal Yadav said MPs “don’t need permission to walk on the streets of Delhi”, questioning the need for such police restrictions. RJD’s Manoj Jha called the SIR “a fraud” and accused the EC of ignoring Supreme Court directions. SP’s Dimple Yadav alleged booth capturing and vote theft in UP by-elections, questioning why no action was taken. BJP defends Election Commission BJP MP Jagdambika Pal criticised the opposition for disrupting Parliament and reiterated the EC’s challenge to Rahul Gandhi to provide proof for his “vote theft” allegations. “If you have any proof, show it,” Pal said. Security clampdown in central Delhi Ahead of the march, security was tightened around Transport Bhawan with multiple barricades placed to prevent movement towards the EC headquarters. Police used loudspeakers to instruct MPs to stop, insisting the group could not proceed further. 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.
Third Pride rally held in Agartala, organisers say government needs to create more awareness about transgender rights
Sneha Gupta Roy of Swabhiman – Tripura LGBTQIA+ Collective says transgender protection cells were being formed in different districts of the state. Swabhiman – Tripura LGBTQIA+ Collective organised the third Pride rally of the state on Saturday. Swabhiman, the first registered queer society in the state, had also taken out Tripura’s first Pride rally in September 2022. On Saturday, the rally started from the Umakanta Academy grounds and ended at the same spot after traversing important locations in Agartala. Speaking to reporters, Sneha Gupta Roy, one of the rally organisers, said, “We have held Pride rallies in the past. We had a gap of a year in between; this is our third Pride. Pride rallies are held in all states. Members of the queer community and our supporters joined the rally.” “Our message in this Pride is that we are equally a part of this society like everyone else. We face the same problems others do. So, we have tried to portray problems of different sections of society, including environmental pollution, and women’s education…” Gupta Roy added. Gupta Roy, who is a member of the Tripura Transgender Board, said transgender protection cells were being formed in different districts. “Once these cells are formed, it will be easier for LGBTQIA+ persons to be involved in discussions (with the government) about our issues,” she added. Swabhiman leader Gupta Roy also commented that the Indian society was still “backward” and there was a need for the government to create greater awareness on transgender rights. Saturday’s rally was joined by hundreds of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other queer individuals waving rainbow flags and placards. Written by Debraj Deb 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.
Deadly attack on Dalit youth: Goons attacked due to old enmity, youth injured due to head injury
A Dalit youth was attacked by goons late Friday night in Pasia Bazaar of Raebareli district. The youth has suffered serious head injury in this attack due to old enmity. The victim Abhishek somehow saved his life by running away and recognized the attackers. He immediately informed the police about the incident. The police reached the spot and brought the injured youth to the police station. Abhishek told that he is a resident of Pasia Bazaar village and he has a bicycle store there. The accused also has a hotel in the same village. There is an old enmity between the two. According to the victim, the accused had beaten him last year too, a case of which was registered in Unchahar police station. Abhishek alleged that the accused and his companion attacked him with a potato sowing hoe. On the other hand, Vipin says that he has no quarrel with the accused. He alleged that the accused is trying to implicate him in a false case and is taking advantage of his belonging to the Scheduled Caste. On this matter, Unchahar Kotwali in-charge Sanjay Kumar said that a case of assault has come to light. Complaints have been received from both the parties. At present, the police have challaned both the parties under section 151. The matter is being investigated and further legal action will be taken after the investigation. Doctors have refused to do a normal medical after seeing the injury on the youth’s head, from which the severity of the injury can be estimated. Mehtab Ahmed | Dinshah Gaura, Courtesy: Hindi News
Mangaluru: Attack on media personnel in Dharmasthala condemned by Dalit Sangharsha Samiti
Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada district unit of the Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (DSS) has strongly condemned the assault on media personnel, including YouTubers and private TV reporters, during the ongoing SIT-led excavation and investigation in Dharmasthala village following an anonymous complaint. Addressing a press conference at the city’s Press Club on Saturday, district leader S.P. Anand said that Abhishek, a cameraman from a private channel who belongs to the Dalit community, was among those attacked. He demanded strict legal action against those involved and called for a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to be registered. “This is not merely an attack on individuals; it is an attempt to undermine the democratic process of bringing the truth to light. Violence against those who question and present facts to the public undermines transparency and accountability. The SIT must be allowed to complete its investigation so that the truth can emerge,” Anand stated. He added that halting the SIT probe midway would only increase suspicion about the accused. Referring to a video in which one of the attackers used the word “Dhani” (Boss) while threatening the YouTubers, Anand urged police to investigate who was behind such acts of intimidation and rowdy behaviour. DSS leaders Anil Kumar, Taluk Convener Satish Moodbidri, and members Naveen Moodbidri, Sujith Moodbidri, and Suresh Moodbidri were also present at the press conference. Get all the latest, breaking news from Mangaluru and Dakshina Kannada in a single click. CLICK HERE to get all the latest news from Mangaluru. Courtesy : Vartha Bharati Note: This news is originally published on https:/varthabharati.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Dalit basti stuck between two gram sabhas: 500 people from 60 houses deprived of government schemes in Azamgarh
A Dalit basti located between Mohammadpur and Rani ki Sarai blocks in Nizamabad area of Azamgarh is deprived of development. Located between Aseelpur and Fariha gram sabhas, this basti has 500 people living in about 60 houses. Local people know it as Aseelpur Dalit basti. Being between two different gram sabhas, this basti is unable to avail the benefits of government schemes. Aseelpur gram sabha has 40 houses and Fariha gram sabha has 20 houses. The biggest problem of the basti is the lack of drains. Due to the absence of drains, people have made arrangements for the drainage of dirty water by digging pits in front of their houses. Aseelpur Pradhan Rajinder Yadav has constructed only twenty meters of drain. This drain is completely blocked and due to the absence of drains ahead, water accumulates on the road. The one kilometre long Khadanja from Lucknow-Ballia road to Sharda Sahayak Khand 32 was built 20 years ago. Now it has become dilapidated and it is difficult to walk on it. Village residents Suresh, Tilak, Rajkumar Ram, Sharda Devi, Saroji, Rajesh, Ram Milan, Santosh and Akhilesh said that due to lack of drainage during the rainy season, they have to stay awake all night and remove the water accumulated in the houses. They also told that only a few rich people have got the benefit of the housing scheme. Villagers have applied online several times for the construction of toilets. They also met the Pradhan and requested, but no action has been taken so far. Thus, this Dalit colony is deprived of development work by being trapped between two blocks and two Gram Sabhas. Shah Alam Courtesy: Hindi News
Raksha Bandhan celebrated with 100 families of Dalit community: Youth Congress District President tied Rakhi to sisters in Amethi
Youth Congress District President Shubham Singh celebrated this festival with more than 100 sisters of Dalit community in Amethi on Saturday. He assured all the sisters that he will stand with them in every situation in their happiness and sorrow. Shubham said that it is his resolution to reach the person standing in the last row of the society and understand their feelings. Youth Congress District President said that Raksha Bandhan is not just a thread. It is a symbol of trust, love and security. He said that the belongingness and blessings received by celebrating this festival among the deprived class is the biggest honor for him. Many workers including Rinku Kumar, Pawan Verma, Dinesh Kori, Ravi Maurya were present in the program. Everyone together made this special day memorable. Arun Kumar Gupta Courtesy : Hindi News
Dalit woman rape case: Police arrested the accused in Etah, sections increased after the statement of the victim
Awagarh police station of Etah district has arrested a person and sent him to jail on the charge of raping a 48-year-old Dalit woman. Earlier, a case of molestation was registered against the accused in Awagarh Kotwali. The victim had accused the accused of forcefully raping her and biting her face. After the statement of the victim was recorded before the magistrate, the section of rape was added in the case. The incident took place on Wednesday when the victim was returning home with grass. During this time, the accused Hanif, who was already naked, raped the woman. When the victim informed her family about the incident, they caught the accused and admitted him to the hospital. The police arrested the accused Hanif on August 9 at around 12:10 pm. The accused has been charged under sections 64(1), 352, 351(3), 115(2) B.N.S. And a case is registered under 3(2)va SC ST Act. 42-year-old Hanif son of Noor Mohammad is a resident of Jinawali village. After the arrest, necessary legal action is being taken at the police station. Etah Police Captain Shyam Narayan Singh has issued strict instructions to maintain law and order. Continuous action is being taken against the criminals. The police team that made the arrest included Sub-Inspector Vijay Singh, Head Constable Omveer Singh and Head Constable Ramtej Singh. According to police officials, such action against criminals will continue so that law and order is maintained in the area. Nand Kumar Courtesy : Hindi News
Dalit forum condemns attack on YouTubers
Mangaluru: The Karnataka Dalit Horata Samiti condemned the attack on YouTubers and a reporter from a private Kannada news channel in Dharmasthala recently. Samiti district leader SP Anand told reporters on Saturday, that while the Dakshina Kannada police arrested one person in connection with the incident, around 50-60 individuals were involved in the attack. “All those responsible must be arrested and booked under stringent laws,” he demanded. Anand pointed out that one of the injured, cameraman Abhishek, belongs to the Dalit community. “The FIR should also include provisions of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, along with sections related to robbery,” he said. The Samiti plans to petition the DK superintendent of police and home minister on the matter. According to Anand, the miscreants alleged that false propaganda was being spread on social media about Dharmasthala’s sacred place. “We too respect Dharmasthala and are not against it. We only want the police to identify those who orchestrated the attacks,” he said. He welcomed the Special Investigation Team’s probe into the alleged mass burial case in Dharmasthala and urged it to bring out the truth. “It is an attack on the democratic process, which is aimed at uncovering the truth,” he said. Samiti leader Anil Kumar alleged that the assault was a deliberate conspiracy to suppress facts. “All wrongdoers must be punished. Law is equal for all in this country,” he asserted. 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.
Officials demolish wall denying Dalits access to government land in Tamil Nadu
Ahead of the wall’s demolition, a contingent of around 200 personnel led by District SP K Josh Thangaiah took position at the spot. KARUR: Two days after issuing eviction notice to the caste Hindu residents, revenue authorities amid tight police security on Saturday demolished a wall, allegedly constructed to restrict Dalits from accessing a parcel of government land, at Muthuladampatti in the district. Ahead of the wall’s demolition, a contingent of around 200 personnel led by District SP K Josh Thangaiah took position at the spot. Noticing this, caste Hindu women in the locality surrounded the wall in a bid to prevent its demolition. Following this, the police held peace talks with members of both communities, who reside in separate settlements in Muthuladampatti, at the office of the Karur RDO. After officials assured that the concerns of both sides would be addressed, the wall was demolished, officials said. It may be noted that the Dalit residents alleged that the caste Hindus raised the wall on the parcel of poramboke land to restrict their access to it as well as the locality where the latter reside. Refuting the allegations, the caste Hindu residents claimed that the wall was constructed to protect the government land they have been “occupying for decades from miscreants”. The “untouchability wall” came under opposition from several quarters, including the Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front, whose members on Friday threatened to demolish it themselves if official orders were not complied with. 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.