CBSE ignored Globarena track record in Telangana: KT Rama Rao
Expressing support for Class 12 students protesting the marks fiasco, Rama Rao said students and parents had every right to seek transparency and fairness in the evaluation process. HYDERABAD: Pointing out that Globarena, the company at the centre of the ongoing CBSE marks controversy, was the same firm responsible for the Telangana Intermediate results debacle in 2019, BRS working president KT Rama Rao on Saturday accused the CBSE authorities of ignoring warning signs despite its track record. “It is unfortunate that Globarena, the same company that botched the Telangana Intermediate results in 2019, appears to have merely changed its name and gone on to secure an even bigger contract from the CBSE, only to create much larger chaos affecting students across the country,” he said. Expressing support for Class 12 students protesting the marks fiasco, Rama Rao said students and parents had every right to seek transparency and fairness in the evaluation process. Recalling the 2019 Intermediate results controversy, he said the then BRS government had constituted a three-member committee, removed officials concerned and initiated legal action against Globarena based on the panel’s findings. Rama Rao further alleged that despite its controversial history, the CBSE Board continued to accommodate the company. Meanwhile, the BRS working president also accused the Congress government of failing to fulfil promises made to unemployed youth and students under its ‘Youth Declaration’ and urged them to question the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, over the unfulfilled assurances. Addressing party functionaries in the Musheerabad Assembly constituency, Rama Rao alleged that promises of jobs, a job calendar and support for youth facing injustice remained unfulfilled even after the Congress came to power. He also asked party workers to remain alert during the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls in Telangana, warning of possible irregularities in voter registration and verification by the Congress and BJP. 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
‘A chat with anti-national Soros agents’: Rahul Gandhi’s dig at BJP as he meets CBSE students
NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday took a swipe at the BJP-led central government as he met CBSE class 12 students, who were labelled “anti-national”, “Pakistani” and “Soros agents” on social media after they raised concern over incorrect answer sheets. A massive uproar erupted after a student claimed that an answer sheet uploaded by CBSE under his roll number did not belong to him, which later prompted the board to acknowledge an error and intensified scrutiny of its evaluation process. The remarks come days after the Central Board of Secondary Education acknowledged that an incorrect Physics answer sheet had been uploaded under Vedant’s roll number and subsequently shared the correct answer book with him. Sharing a video of his interaction with Class 12 student Vedant Shrivastava and his friends, Rahul Gandhi criticised those who had targeted the student online after he raised concerns about discrepancies in his CBSE Physics answer sheet. “A revealing chat with my fellow “anti-national Soros agents.” Vedant and his friends are brilliant, brave young Indians who asked CBSE and the Modi government simple questions – but got insults instead of answers. They deserve a bright and secure future. We will make sure they get it,” Rahul Gandhi wrote in a post on X. The remarks come days after the Central Board of Secondary Education acknowledged that an incorrect Physics answer sheet had been uploaded under Vedant’s roll number and subsequently shared the correct answer book with him. In the video shared by Rahul Gandhi, Vedant recalled the backlash he faced after publicly raising the issue. “They started calling us anti national and Pakistani,” the student said. He added that some people believed “that we are some deep state agents that are trying to create a rest in India.” Responding to the student’s account, Rahul Gandhi criticised the attacks directed at him. “And your students, I mean, you’ve got nothing to do with anything. You’re asking for your answer sheet, that’s all. Now suddenly you become anti nationals. You have to accept the problem if you want to solve the problem,” Rahul Gandhi said. “You’re just refusing to accept that the problem. You’re blaming the poor kids and saying, you know, you’re deep state, you’re spies or terrorists,” he added. The controversy began after Vedant claimed that the Physics answer sheet uploaded by CBSE under his roll number did not belong to him. His posts on social media gained widespread attention, triggering a debate over the board’s newly introduced On-Screen Marking (OSM) system and the process for accessing evaluated answer books. Following a review, CBSE acknowledged the error and informed the student that the correct answer sheet had been sent to his registered email address. The board also said that steps were being taken to update his result, if required. 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
We want you to help make Rahul PM: Venugopal tells Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru: Congress party high command used Saturday’s legislature party (CLP) meeting at Vidhana Soudha, where DK Shivakumar was chosen as the next CM, to send the message that outgoing CM Siddaramaiah’s political innings is far from over. At a subdued CLP meeting, KC Venugopal, Congress general secretary (organisation), reassured Siddaramaiah’s supporters that the 77-year-old veteran would continue to play a key role in both state and national politics. Addressing legislators and MPs, Venugopal praised Siddaramaiah’s contribution to the state and told him: “We will not allow you to rest. Congress needs your services in Karnataka and at the national level. You all must think about 2029. We all need Siddaramaiah in our team to make Rahul Gandhi, our leader, prime minister.” Legislators present said Siddaramaiah appeared emotional while reflecting on his tenure. He highlighted the implementation of the guarantee schemes and their impact on people in the state. “He said BJP at the Centre had treated Karnataka shabbily and that Congress under his governance had managed the financial burden with prudence,” an MP said. The CLP adopted a resolution thanking Siddaramaiah for his guidance during his two terms as CM from 2013 to 2018 and from 2023 to 2026. The resolution credited him with welfare programmes, social justice measures, administrative reforms, and development initiatives that helped strengthen the party’s support base. The process of selecting the new CLP leader began with Siddaramaiah moving a one-line resolution authorising the party high command to choose his successor. The proposal, seconded by home minister G Parameshwara, was unanimously approved. After a brief consultation involving Siddaramaiah, Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, Congress general secretary in charge of Karnataka, Shivakumar’s name was formally announced. Following his election, Shivakumar moved a resolution appreciating Siddaramaiah’s service and appealed for unity. “He said that the party needs to work towards ensuring Congress return to the helm in 2028 and urged every legislator to lend their full support under his tenure,” a legislator 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
Rahul Gandhi called me’: Mamata says LoP offered to fly Abhishek Banerjee to Hyderabad for treatment
NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee claimed that Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had personally reached out to her following the alleged attack on TMC national general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee in West Bengal. Addressing reporters late on Saturday night, Mamata said Rahul Gandhi had offered assistance for her nephew Abhishek Banerjee’s medical treatment and assured support if required. “Rahul Gandhi called me and told me if anything is needed, I can tell him, and he can take Abhishek Banerjee to Hyderabad or anywhere else for the treatment,” Mamata said. The remarks come after Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly attacked during a visit to Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas district, where he had gone to meet families affected by post-poll violence. Videos from the scene showed stones, eggs and shoes being hurled as protesters shouted slogans against the TMC leader. Visuals also showed Banerjee being escorted away by security personnel with his shirt torn during the scuffle. Mamata Banerjee further alleged that there was pressure on hospitals and doctors regarding Abhishek Banerjee’s treatment after the incident. “Those who are in power are threatening all the hospitals and the maximum authorities not to admit Abhishek Banerjee because they don’t want him to be treated,” she alleged. “When I was sitting with the hospital administrator, he told me that he was getting threat calls from the police. Doctors are sad, but they are pressured,” she added. Also Read | ‘Rulers have become killers’: Mamata fumes over attack on nephew Abhishek Banerjee; BJP hits back Rahul Gandhi had strongly condemned the attack and described it as an assault on democracy. In a post on X, Rahul wrote: “The attack on MP Abhishek Banerjee in Sonarpur is utterly reprehensible. An attack on a Member of Parliament is not merely an assault on one individual—it is an assault on the very people who elected him, and on the democracy that is our shared legacy. This is the ugly face of the BJP’s politics of revenge. Political differences can never justify violence.” “The central government and the West Bengal government—both must take immediate action against the perpetrators, and ensure that no public representative, regardless of their party, ever has to worry about their safety. Abhishek ji, my thoughts are with you and your family. Wishing you a speedy recovery,” he further wrote. The attack has triggered a political storm, with several Opposition leaders rallying behind Abhishek Banerjee. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the incident and questioned the alleged lack of adequate security, while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav termed it a ‘major conspiracy’ and accused the BJP of promoting violent politics. The TMC has alleged that BJP-backed supporters were behind the attack. In a statement, the party claimed Abhishek Banerjee continued with his visit despite what it described as a ‘vicious attack by BJP-backed miscreants’ while meeting families of party workers allegedly targeted in post-poll violence. BJP leaders, however, denied any involvement. West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya condemned the incident but said the party had no role in it, suggesting that local anger against the TMC may have led to the confrontation. Union minister Sukanta Majumdar also condemned the violence and appealed for peace, while urging people not to take law and order into their own hands. Following the attack, Abhishek Banerjee alleged that the incident was pre-planned and questioned the absence of adequate police deployment at the site. “Look what they have done to me. This was pre-planned. There is no police in the area. They want to kill me,” he had 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
Dalit experience in Punjab, felt and seen
‘Gangrene — Punjabi Dalit Short Stories’ is a ready compendium to understand the psyche of both Punjabi Dalits and their oppressors The works of poets such as Kabir, Ravidas and Namdev have resonated for centuries, but it is only recently that Dalit literature has come to occupy centre stage. With the rise of subaltern studies, literature has developed many a niche segment, where hitherto invisible or suppressed groups have asserted their literary presence. Dalit writing, particularly under the influence of Marathi pioneers like Babasaheb Ambedkar and Namdeo Dhasal, started showing its prowess some 60 years ago, and has now become an irrepressible voice in almost all states of the country. Punjab has a very large presence of Dalits and an equally large body of Punjabi Dalit literature, yet not much has been translated so far to give it readership beyond Punjabi. The anthology ‘Gangrene’ offers for the first time a set of 12 stories in English to fill that gap. Translated by Akshaya Kumar and Navdeep Singh, the book comes with an elaborate introduction that gives an insight into the development of Punjabi Dalit writings as well as the dynamics of Dalit narratives of exploitation, discrimination and oppression. The translators claim that in contrast to progressive writers’ narratives of the poor and the underprivileged, these stories by Dalits themselves explore more authentically their lived experience. Veracity apart, the stories in the collection stand out for the diversity of experience, both in terms of physical and mental trauma, as perceived by Dalits and as enacted by their oppressors. If there are stories like ‘Cry of the Sky’, ‘My Story’, and ‘Everybody’s Story’, in which crimes like rape and violence against Dalits are portrayed, then there are also stories like ‘Doomsday’, ‘Cancer’ and ‘Cactus’, where the dominant caste characters have been shown to harbour deep-seated hatred, but not without giving us a peep into their mental and emotional conflict. The stories are equally divided between rural and urban settings. If the vehra (Dalit colony in a village) is the site of open disdain and exploitation by Jats and other village heads, then the city is an equally inhospitable place where Dalits, even after education and economic progress, cannot live without hiding their identity. A cobbler’s son will remain a cobbler’s son and a Dalit rising up to become a landlord will find trust and strength only in his own community, as in the story ‘Gaurjan’. Religion, the much-touted causa prima of the caste divide, figures in three stories — ‘Gangrene’, ‘Doomsday’ and ‘Roots’. Though Hindu Brahmins’ attitude towards Dalits is well known, in these stories, even Dalits who converted to religions like Sikhism and Buddhism find no respite. One muted theme that runs through almost all the stories is that for a Dalit, there is no escape from being a Dalit. Even if they try to override it with professional progress, pecuniary leap or physical prowess, the Dalit identity does not leave them. It will continue to lead them to misery and humiliation. I particularly liked two stories: ‘Bathloo’ and ‘Aatu Khoji’. Both are proud and professionally skilful workers, yet one ends up dead because of his sense of internalised lowliness, and the other in an effort to save Dalit honour. The book is a ready compendium to understand the psyche of both Punjabi Dalits and their oppressors. At times, it also portrays the Dalit reaction where violence and highhandedness of the dominant caste are met with equal aggression. But the stories largely remain clueless about how the conflict can be reduced or resolved. The book is translated well despite the usual intrusion of local terms here and there. It is going to prove to be a good resource material for comparing the Punjabi Dalit experience with other regional writings, particularly in Marathi and South Indian languages. Article_Author Gurupdesh Singh Courtesy : The Tribune Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetribune.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Attacks on Dalits in Tenkasi-Tirunelveli have escalated tensions in southern Tamil Nadu; learn about the full story.
In the past five months, there have been eight incidents against the Dalit community in Tenkasi district. Chennai/Tenkasi—Anti-Dalit violence has once again sparked political turmoil in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu. Seven Scheduled Caste (SC) members were severely injured with sickles in two separate attacks in Tenkasi and Tirunelveli districts within the past 48 hours. This incident has brought back memories of the brutality that occurred in Perumpattu village two to three months ago, where two innocent Dalits were murdered. PMK leader and former Union Minister Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss criticized the state government, calling it a failure and warning that such a situation must not be allowed to reoccur, threatening to escalate social unrest in the tense southern districts. What happened in two districts Nine masked miscreants arrived on three two-wheelers on Mathakovil Street in Nethur village, near Alangulam in Tenkasi district, between 5:30 and 6:00 pm on Friday. The miscreants’ vehicles did not have number plates. Without any provocation, they took out sickles and indiscriminately attacked people standing on the street. Most of the residents on this street belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC-Christian) community. Six people from Nethur village and one from Ayikudi town were injured in the attack. One injured person was treated at a local hospital, while five others were referred to Alangulam Government Hospital and then to Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital in critical condition. According to doctors, two of the injured remain in critical condition. A similar attack occurred in Mannarkovil village, near Ambasamudram in Tirunelveli district. Here, an armed gang attacked a young man named Manikandan, belonging to the Scheduled Caste, with sickles. Manikandan has been hospitalized in critical condition. Locals allege that the police have yet to take any concrete action in the case. Social tension is prevalent in the southern districts, including Nellai and Tenkasi. Even minor disputes can escalate into violent violence. Keeping this in mind, the Tamil Nadu government should ensure that no social conflict or tension arises in the southern districts. – Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss Perumpattu Massacre: A Three-Month-Old Brutality Revisited It is noteworthy that on March 2nd, a gang of nine drunken individuals committed inhumane violence in Perumpattu village near Nanguneri in Tirunelveli district. The gang brutally murdered two innocent people and seriously injured six others. At that time, the incident sparked widespread outrage across the state and prolonged tension in the southern districts. Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss said in an official statement, “Reports of seven people being seriously injured in separate attacks on Scheduled Caste people by armed gangs in Nethur village in Tenkasi district and Mannarkovil village near Ambasamudram in Tirunelveli district are extremely shocking. The government’s failure to prevent such violence in these tense southern districts is condemnable.” Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss said, “The government should have learned a lesson after what happened in Perumpattu two or three months ago. But today the same situation is arising again. The government must now prevent a recurrence of such violence.” He further said, “The government should not allow any social unrest to fester. Even minor disputes in the southern districts can escalate into major tragedies. The state government and district administrations must restore normalcy in the attacked villages with immediate effect.” In addition to Dr. Ramadoss, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) also strongly condemned the incident. Party state secretary P. Shanmugam alleged that eight incidents against the Dalit community have occurred in Tenkasi district in the past five months. He said, “It is extremely shocking that such a brutal and deadly attack was carried out on Dalit youth in Tenkasi. The police have not taken any action so far, but have instead tried to suppress the matter through their traditional mediation.” Meanwhile, Ambedkarite organizations have begun protests demanding immediate arrests. They say that if the culprits are not punished soon, they will launch a statewide movement. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Bihar government suspends two senior IAS officers in connection with tender scam
The ED had conducted an inquiry against the IAS officers and subsequently wrote to SVU to recommend further action. PATNA: The Bihar government on Saturday suspended two senior IAS officers in connection with a tender scam, allegedly orchestrated by a high-profile contractor, Rishu Ranjan Sinha alias Rishu Shree. The suspended officers are 2017-batch IAS officer Yogesh Kumar Sagar and 2014-batch IAS officer Abhilasha Kumari Sharma. They are facing allegations of money laundering. Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) had arrested Rishu Shree in connection with a tender fraud and money laundering case on May 28. Both suspended IAS officers have been accused of receiving favours from the contractor Rishu Shree. The ED had conducted an inquiry against them and subsequently wrote to SVU to recommend further action. Rishu Shree reportedly sponsored a trip to Europe for Yogesh Kumar Sagar and eight of his relatives. During the tour, which took place from June 22, 2024, to June 30, 2024, Yogesh and his family members visited the Austrian cities of Vienna, Salzburg, and Wolfgang. They stayed in luxury hotels, and a total of Rs 21.92 lakh was spent on air travel and accommodation. The bills of these foreign hotels, as well as other expenses, were allegedly borne by Rishu Shree. Yogesh Kumar Sagar was posted in the state social welfare department. Originally from Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, Yogesh completed his MBBS degree in 2012 from King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow. Meanwhile, Abhilasha Sharma is currently holding the post of additional CEO and deputy secretary in the state rural development department. According to reports, SVU officials summoned Rishu Shree on the pretext that his signature was required on certain important documents. However, upon his arrival at the SVU office in Patna, he was detained and subjected to questioning regarding various aspects of the case. Sources within the investigating agency claimed that as the investigation progresses, the roles of several senior administrative officials may also come under scrutiny. The agency is attempting to ascertain the extent to which influence was exerted during the tender processes within government departments, and which officials allegedly facilitated such actions. A case of money laundering has already been registered against Rishu Shree under PMLA. Facing accusations of acting as an illegal middleman, he allegedly manipulated state tenders to benefit his firm and extended undue luxuries—such as financing multi-lakh foreign trips to Europe and Australia—for high-ranking Bihar IAS officers in exchange for lucrative government contracts. The SVU’s action was based on a case registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PC Act) against him. The agency suspects that Rishu Shree colluded with several senior officials and engineers to secure benefits for his company, “Reliable Infra Services,” by fixing tenders in government departments. During the search of his house, cash amounting to Rs. 2.5 lakh and jewellery worth Rs. two crore were recovered by SVU. Rishu Shree lived in an apartment located near Mithapur in the state capital. Ramashankar 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
Allahabad HC seeks State’s response on plea of Journalist held for inciting Noida workers’ protest
It was alleged that journalist Verma had an important role to play in the violence, arson and spread of disorder during the Noida workers’ protest. LUCKNOW: The Allahabad High Court asked the Uttar Pradesh government to file its reply on a petition concerning journalist Satyam Verma, who was arrested last month on allegations of instigating workers to carry out violence during the Noida labour protests. A division bench, comprising Justice Salil Kumar Rai and Justice Devendra Singh, after hearing Senior Advocate SFA Naqvi, along with Advocates Shashwat Anand and Ankur Azad, appearing for Verma, on the illegality of his arrest and continued custody, issued notice to the State authorities and granted time to file a Counter Affidavit on the habeas corpus writ petition. Verma was separately booked under the National Security Act (NSA) on May 13. The petition filed on behalf of Verma by his wife challenges his arrest, detention and remand. The petition alleges serious procedural irregularities in the arrest and custodial transfer process and has accordingly sought his release along with preservation of electronic and documentary evidence relating to the detention. Verma was arrested in Lucknow on April 17. It was alleged that Verma had an important role to play in the violence, arson and spread of disorder during the workers’ protest, as he attempted to disrupt public order by provoking people in various areas. It may be recalled that the workers of the textile sector were protesting for a hike in their wages and improved working conditions across Noida since April 10. On April 13, the protestors turned violent, indulging in vandalism and arson. They set vehicles afire, resorted to trespassing and stone pelting at a few places, following which police resorted to lathi-charge and detained hundreds of workers and seven activists involved in the protest. The Court further directed that the petitioner would be at liberty to file a Rejoinder Affidavit thereafter and posted the matter for the next hearing on July 13. Earlier, on May 20, a division bench of Justice Siddharth and Justice Vinai Kumar Kumar Dwivedi recused from hearing the present Habeas Corpus plea. Namita Bajpai 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
Power politics peaks in Karnataka, Dalits want Dy CM post for Muniyappa; Lingayat seer pitches for Eshwar Khandre
BENGALURU: Leaders from the Dalit community staged a protest at the Kempegowda International Airport on Saturday, urging the Congress party to appoint former minister K H Muniyappa as Deputy Chief Minister. Leaders of the Madara Mahasabha and various Dalit organizations held posters and urged the Congress leadership to grant the DCM post to Muniyappa. The protesters had gathered to submit a memorandum to AICC Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, who was arriving in the state. The demonstration at Terminal 1 of the airport drew significant attention for several hours. The protesters expressed anger that the Madiga community has never been given key positions such as Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, or KPCC President, and insisted that the community should be represented with a DCM post this time. They warned that denying the DCM position could politically hurt the Congress party and said the community would teach the party a lesson if it was ignored. The protests come even as top brass of the Congress including General Secretaries KC Venugopal and Randeep Surjewala arrived at the Shangri La Hotel in the city. The leaders are expected to hold a meeting prior to the Legislature party meet later this evening. Speaking on the Karnataka Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting, Muniyappa said, “Some are proposing, some are seconding. This is the procedure, and we cannot say anything beyond that. But the process will be completed by this evening”. The pressure on the Congress leadership for top posts also came from the Lingayat community. Guru Basava Pattadevaru and his supporters demanded the Deputy CM Chair for senior leader Ishwar Khandre. Guru Basava said, “If Eshwar Khandre is not given the post of DCM, then the Lingayat community will teach the Congress party a lesson in the next assembly elections,” the Swamiji added. The Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) meeting is scheduled at the Vidhana Soudha later in the day. It is expected that DK Shivakumar will be chosen as the CM while at least two Deputy CMs are likely to be named. Courtesy : Public TV English Note: This news is originally published on https:/publictvenglish.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Seven Dalits injured in attacks by gang in Tenkasi, Tirunelveli districts
A nine-member masked gang came to Nettur village in Tenkasi district on two-wheelers and attacked the people indiscriminately with sickles. CHENNAI: Seven Dalits were injured after being allegedly attacked by masked men in Tenkasi and Tirunelveli districts, police said on Saturday. A nine-member masked gang came to Nettur village in Tenkasi district on two-wheelers and attacked the people indiscriminately with sickles. One person was injured in a similar attack in Tirunelveli district. The assailants fled the spot immediately after the assaults. A total of seven people were injured and admitted to the government hospital. A case has been registered, and investigation is on, police said. Expressing shock over the attack on Dalits, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss on Saturday alleged that the Tamil Nadu government has “failed to prevent” such violence. “These incidents have left the southern districts in a prolonged state of fear”, he said adding “such an incident must not be allowed to recur.” He demanded that the district administrations take immediate steps to restore normalcy in the affected villages. Courtesy : DT Next Note: This news is originally published on https:/dtnext.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights