‘Theft of youth’s future’: Congress slams Centre over Maharashtra TET 2026 paper leak
Priyanka Gandhi urged students to raise their voices against recurring exam irregularities, saying, “Until you raise your voice loud and clear, this terror with your future will continue unabated.” The Congress on Saturday slammed the BJP-led government over the postponement of the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET)-2026 following allegations of a paper leak, accusing it of repeatedly failing the country’s youth. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi described the development as a betrayal of young aspirants. “Another paper leak. Another exam cancelled. This time, Maharashtra’s TET. “The country’s education and examination system has been turned into a system of extortion, leaving every youngster in the country insecure,” Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X. “This is not just a paper leak, this is the theft of the youth’s future,” he added. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also expressed concern, urging students to raise their voices against recurring examination irregularities. “Youth, wake up!!! Until you raise your voice loud and clear, this terror with your future will continue unabated. You’ve been deceived once again.” she said on X. Referring to a series of examination controversies, Priyanka Gandhi said, “NEET, CBSE, SSC, CUET and now TET. This chain will only stop when you launch a movement and demonstrate your strength. Until that happens, the BJP government and the Prime Minister will have no accountability toward you. They won’t put a curb on corruption in exams, nor will they take responsibility for your future.” Congress leader Pawan Khera alleged that exam paper leaks had become a recurring feature under the current government. “It seems determined to score a shameful century. It has already presided over nearly 90 exam paper leaks. Today, another has been reported — this time in Maharashtra, where tomorrow’s TET examination has been cancelled after the paper was leaked,” Khera said in a post on X. “The so-called double-engine sarkar runs on one fuel alone: scams,” he alleged. “For this government, paper leaks have become an industry that it profits from. But for India’s youth, they mean years of hard work, sacrifice and hope being destroyed in a matter of minutes,” he added. Khera further claimed that the government had repeatedly let down young people. “It has stolen their opportunities, toyed with their aspirations and repeatedly betrayed their trust. And perhaps it will be the youth of India who ultimately consign the BJP’s political career to the doldrums. That would be poetic justice,” he asserted. The Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) postponed the TET-2026, scheduled for Sunday, after a raid in Bhiwandi in Thane district uncovered individuals allegedly in possession of several questions purportedly matching those in the examination paper. Police have registered a case against three persons in connection with the matter. In a statement, the MSCE said it remained committed to conducting examinations with complete transparency. “Given the gravity of the situation and the necessity for an in-depth probe, the exam scheduled for June 28, 2026, has been postponed,” it said. According to the Thane district administration, the suspected breach came to light in the early hours of Saturday after police acted on intelligence inputs about individuals possessing unauthorised information related to the examination paper. 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
Ram temple graft: Wayanad MP Priyanka seeks probe
“Lord Ram resides in the sacred sentiments of millions. It is with this very reverence that people bow their heads and offer donations at the temple. KALPETTA: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday demanded a transparent investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, saying those responsible had committed the “gravest sin” by betraying the faith of millions of devotees. Addressing reporters in Wayanad, Priyanka said the reported theft and misappropriation of temple offerings had shocked the country and amounted to a serious breach of public trust. “Lord Ram resides in the sacred sentiments of millions. It is with this very reverence that people bow their heads and offer donations at the temple. Those who committed theft at the Ram Temple have committed a grave sin by violating the very essence of faith and Dharma,” she said. Priyanka said the donations were not limited to contributions from large corporations but were collected from ordinary citizens across the country through a dedicated campaign. She stressed that safeguarding those funds was the responsibility of the temple administration. 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
lawyer Surendra Gadling completed eight years in prison : Bhima Koregaon
On June 6, lawyer Surendra Gadling completed eight years in prison. Arrested on this day in 2018, he was sent to the Yerawada prison in Pune, and then, in February 2020, he and other prisoners, accused in what has come to be known as the Bhima Koregaon case, were transferred to Taloja jail following the handing over of the case to the NIA. Out of the 16 accused in this case, he is the sole one still to be released. Whilst he was given bail in the Bhima Koregaon case by the Bombay High Court, he is awaiting the outcome of the plea in the Supreme Court for what has come to be known as the Surajgarh arson case. इरोनिकाल्ली, he has been held under the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA for almost a decade, considering that he is a foremost lawyer in it and other anti terror laws. He is someone whose expertise in this very field has helped secure the release of thousands of Dalits and Adivasis unfairly imprisoned as alleged Maoists. During his three decade long career before his arrest, he came to be viewed as a formidable figure in court with his ability to argue cases in TADA, POTA, UAPA, the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. His legal acumen helped in the acquittal of those held under these laws. He also took up cases of fake encounters, dowry deaths and was involved in securing justice for those who protested against the barbaric Khairlanji caste murders in 2006. Among the high profile cases he had taken up, before his own arrest, were those of Dr G N Saibaba, the wheelchair bound professor, who spent about seven years in jail before acquittal. Tragically and cruelly Saibaba died just a few months after his release. Hem Mishra , the student activist, who was also arrested along with Saibaba, recalled in a social media post how Gadling is not just his lawyer but a true People’s Lawyer. He has been a tireless champion for political prisoners taking up the cases that very few dare to do so. Growing up in the humble Dalit neighbourhood of Indora in Nagpur, Gadling became influenced by the radical politics of the seventies during his college years, recalls Sudhir Dhawale, his fellow student and also co accused in the case. Both of them played an important role in the Namantar or movement to rename the Marathwada University after Bababasaheb Ambedkar and were also witness to the huge atrocities inflicted on Dalits. They drew heavily on the cultural activism fostered by the folk forms of Maharashtra where street plays and ballads have been intertwined with resistance and revolution. It is perhaps this element of performative tactics in the courtroom that made Gadling a much admired and popular lawyer. People and juniors flock to the court whenever he argues a case. I was witness to some of his passionate and humorous arguments whilst pleading for various issues related to his own case during the proceedings. But whether it was for the right to a chair, or access to medical care, Gadling’s purpose has been clear. It is to shine a light on the conditions in jail and urgent need for reform. In Pune, in the early days of the arrests, a bunch of lawyers from Punjab turned up in court to show solidarity with him. Similar shows of solidarity have come from lawyers from Delhi, Telangana, Kerala and Kolkata. When the court in Bombay did not allow visitors because of the pandemic, it was a moving sight to see a group of lawyers standing outside the building in support of their mentor. His feisty spirit and ability to deploy the cultural forms of protest that has been an intrinsic part of his journey of resistance, was demonstrated when he was released on temporary bail in 2021. The court allowed him to conduct rituals for the first anniversary of his mother’s death. He had been denied permission by the NIA Special court to attend the funeral in 2020. Donning his lawyers’s suit he headed for the Nagpur sessions court and outside he sang a song written by co accused Ramesh Gaichor, an activist of the Kabir Kala Manch. The song ingeniously weaves in the privation in prisons and denial of basic amenities. Ek duree chhe by doh seh … the area allotted to each prisoner becomes the space for satire with the comment that this is the “aish” or comforts that prisoners enjoy in popular imagination. One of the significant features of life in Taloja jail, as narrated by the Bhima Koregaon prisoners is the way they collectively demonstrated cultural activism through poetry and special song sessions at night. The various members housed in various floors of the building would take up songs and sing in unison. A poignant illustration of how though caged the spirit sings. …. A brilliant lawyer and human rights defender has spent almost a decade in jail. The trial has not even begun. The Supreme Court must act speedily to release him as urged by hundreds of civilians, legal bodies and international human rights defenders.
A Dalit family in Balrampur has been holding the Tazia for 35 years: Three generations have carried on the tradition, a unique example of communal harmony.
A unique example of communal harmony was witnessed during Muharram in Majra Chahtwa, Gumdi Gram Panchayat, Shriduttganj Block, Balrampur. A Dalit Hindu family has been holding the Tazia with complete faith and respect for the past 35 years. This tradition has been carried on by three generations of the family: Asharam, his son Shiv Prasad, and grandson Kamal Kanaujia. This year too, the family held the Tazia with great devotion, attracting a large number of people from the village and surrounding areas. Kamal Kanaujia explained that the family began holding the Tazia after a vow of his ancestors was fulfilled. His grandfather Asharam carried on the tradition, followed by his father Shiv Prasad, and now he himself is carrying on the responsibility. According to Asharam, the family believes that keeping the Tazia (Tajiya) maintains God’s blessings, removes troubles, and brings happiness and prosperity. Shiv Prasad also said that this tradition brings prosperity to agriculture, business progress, and family well-being. Villagers say that this tradition in Chahatwa is not merely a matter of religious faith, but a living example of social harmony, mutual trust, and Hindu-Muslim brotherhood. During Muharram, people from both communities actively participate in each other’s events, further strengthening the Ganga-Jamuni culture in the village. At a time when news of divisions in society emerges, this Dalit Hindu family in Chahatwa has been sending an important message of humanity, mutual respect, and social harmony by keeping the Tazia for three generations. Aamir Hasan Siddiqui | Shriduttganj (Balrampur), Balrampur Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit youth dies during treatment: Violence over old rivalry in Ujramau village, special team formed
Shyamveer Pratap Singh alias Sonu (approximately 35 years old), a Dalit youth injured in an alleged assault over an old rivalry in Ujramau village, Rajepur police station area, died while undergoing treatment at Hallet Hospital in Kanpur. The village is mourning and outraged following the youth’s death. Given the seriousness of the case, the police have formed a special team to arrest the accused. According to a police complaint, the incident occurred on the night of June 18, 2026. Shyamveer Pratap Singh was at the home of Badal, a resident of the village, where he worked. It is alleged that Saurabh, a resident of the village, arrived there with two or three of his friends. An altercation ensued between them over an old rivalry. Family members allege that Shyamveer was assaulted with casteist slurs, leaving him seriously injured. The injured Shyamveer was initially taken to the Community Health Center in Rajepur. After first aid, he was referred to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. As his condition worsened, he was sent to Hallet Hospital in Kanpur, where he was treated for several days. He died at around 4 a.m. on June 25th. Kanpur police prepared an inquest report and conducted a post-mortem examination. Shyamveer was the third of four brothers. His untimely death has brought a great deal of grief to his family. The family is inconsolable, and there is widespread anger in the village. Rajepur police are investigating the case based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s brother, Uday Pratap Singh. Following the young man’s death, the investigation will be based on the post-mortem report, medical evidence, and other available facts. Rajepur Police Station in-charge Nagendra Singh stated that the incident has been taken seriously. A special police team has been formed to arrest the accused, and raids are being conducted at their possible hideouts. Shailendra Kumar | Rajepur (Farrukhabad), Farrukhabad Courtesy: Hindi News
AP: Human Rights organisation demands inquiry into custodial death of Dalit woman
A fact-finding team of HRF and IFTU has demanded an independent probe, alleging that police tortured Mala Gangamma to coerce a confession over her suspected role in her son’s disappearance. Human rights organisation Human Rights Forum (HRF) and the Indian Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU) have demanded an independent judicial inquiry into the death of 40-year-old Dalit woman Mala Gangamma in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, alleging that she died due to custodial torture by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the disappearance of her son, Veerendra. According to the organisations, Gangamma was allegedly tortured to force a confession over her suspected role in her son’s mysterious disappearance. In a joint statement, HRF and IFTU said a three-member fact-finding team comprising HRF state vice-president UG Srinivasulu, HRF Kurnool district president K Urukundappa and IFTU district representative Narasanna visited Badinehal village, met Gangamma’s family members and local residents, and interacted with Kowthalam police before arriving at its findings. Veerendra went missing in November 2024. Gangamma later approached the Andhra Pradesh High Court, which directed the constitution of a Special Investigation Team headed by then Guntur Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) K Supraja to investigate the case. According to the organisations, the SIT concluded that Gangamma had conspired with her partner, Malla Durgayya, to murder Veerendra, who had allegedly opposed their relationship. HRF and IFTU alleged that the SIT subjected Gangamma and Durgayya to severe custodial torture to force them to disclose the location where Veerendra’s body had been buried. Gangamma died on May 31. They claimed Gangamma died as a result of the alleged torture, while Durgayya is undergoing treatment at Kurnool Government Hospital. The organisations questioned the manner in which the investigation was conducted, alleging that the SIT relied on coercive methods. They also raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding Gangamma’s death, including her transfer to KIMS Hospital in Kurnool, the conduct of the post-mortem examination, and whether all injuries on her body were properly documented. HRF and IFTU further questioned the haste with which Gangamma’s funeral was conducted. According to them, her body was buried in her native village of Badinehal on June 1 in the presence of 20 to 30 police personnel. The organisations also disputed the police’s claim that Durgayya’s injuries were caused by a motorcycle accident, alleging that his relatives were denied access to him while he was hospitalised. While maintaining that those responsible for Veerendra’s murder should face prosecution if found guilty through due process, HRF and IFTU said custodial torture and violations of legal procedure could not be justified under any circumstances. The organisations have demanded an independent judicial or other impartial inquiry into the incident, a fresh post-mortem examination of Gangamma’s body, and the registration of criminal cases including murder charges and relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against police personnel found responsible. Courtesy : TNM Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewsminute.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit Organisations Demand Suspension of ACP Reena Suvarna,Warn of Intensified Protests
Various Dalit organisations on Friday demanded the immediate suspension of ACP Reena Suvarna,alleging serious irregularities,abuse of power and corrupt practices during her tenure. The organisations warned that they would intensify their ‘Tamate’protest if the government failed to act on their demands. Addressing a press conference,the representatives alleged that the ACP had sided with alleged rowdy elements and improperly handled cases registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. They claimed she extended protection to certain individuals in return for favours, allowing illegal activities, real estate dealings and other unlawful operations to continue within her jurisdiction. The organisations further alleged that her handling of a child murder case was aimed at weakening the investigation to benefit the accused. They claimed that even some junior police officials had expressed concerns over her decisions during the probe. The protestors criticised the police department for allegedly suspending junior officials instead of taking action against the ACP. They alleged that she continued to receive protection due to her links with senior officials and political figures. The organisations claimed to possess documentary evidence supporting their allegations and said the material would soon be submitted to the State Home Minister,seeking appropriate legal and departmental action. Warning of a larger agitation,the organisations said they would intensify their protests if the government failed to suspend the ACP and order an impartial inquiry into the allegations. The allegations have been made by the protesting organisations.There has been no official response from ACP Reena Suvarna or the police department at the time of publication. Sources said there are many complaints against this officer and if RTI is filed against her reply comes from the same officer against whom the RTI is filed by replying that information cannot be provided matter is under investigation a letter signed with the same officers attestation we request karnataka CM and Home Minister to order a high level probe into those complaints against this officer the activists demands. Martin Meenacherry Courtesy : Country and Politics Note: This news is originally published on https:/countryandpolitics.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Barabanki News: BJP prepares for Dalit damage control, eyes 25% vote
Barabanki. After losing the Barabanki seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party has signaled through a new organizational reshuffle that the Dalits in Barabanki, especially the Rawat (Pasi) community, will be the focus of its strategy for the 2027 Assembly elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. The appointment of former MP Upendra Singh Rawat as State General Secretary and former MP Priyanka Singh Rawat as State Vice President is being used as a basis for damage control. The BJP is not viewing its defeat as a simple electoral defeat, but rather as a weakening of its Dalit social base. These changes are being considered not just a distribution of positions, but a precursor to the 2027 Assembly elections and a precursor to the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. The Barabanki Lok Sabha seat is reserved for Scheduled Castes, and there are approximately 24 to 26 percent Dalit voters. They are in a position to determine the electoral outcome. Approximately 12 percent of these voters are Pasi (Rawat), whose party’s inclination increases the likelihood of victory. This is why Dalit leadership has always been central to electoral strategy in this constituency. The BJP won this seat twice in a row in 2014 and 2019, but circumstances changed in 2024. The party initially expressed confidence in Upendra Singh Rawat, but after an alleged controversial video surfaced during the election, the party had to change its ticket at the last minute and field District Panchayat President Rajrani Rawat. The BJP had hoped to retain the seat by relying on the popularity of the organization, the government, and the Prime Minister, but Tanuj Punia, the Congress-Samajwadi Party alliance candidate, won. Political analysts believe that the resentment of Dalit voters, especially a section of the Rawat community, and the confusion created by the ticket change harmed the BJP. Now, the BJP has attempted to send multiple messages simultaneously by giving Upendra Singh Rawat and Priyanka Singh Rawat, both former MPs, significant responsibilities in the state organization. Winning the trust of Dalit voters is a challenge. The BJP faces not only the challenge of winning back the seat, but also the challenge of regaining the trust of Dalit voters. Meanwhile, Congress MP Tanuj Punia is now working to strengthen his political hold in the region. He poses a significant challenge to the BJP. Courtesy: Hindi News
Eyeing Dalit outreach, Cong appoints Rajendra Pal Gautam AICC in charge for UP
Lucknow: Weeks after his futile bid to meet BSP chief Mayawati, Congress SC department chief, Rajendra Pal Gautam, was on Friday appointed the All-India Congress Committee in charge for UP. The order was issued by party general secretary KC Venugopal. Gautam replaces Avinash Pande, who took the role in Dec 2023. The appointment is being viewed as part of the grand old party’s attempt to sharpen its outreach among Dalits and other socially disadvantaged communities. A lawyer by profession, Gautam first came to prominence as an Ambedkarite activist before joining the Aam Aadmi Party in 2014. He was elected twice from Delhi’s Seemapuri Assembly constituency and served as a cabinet minister in the Arvind Kejriwal govt. In 2022, he resigned from the Delhi Cabinet following a controversy over his participation in a Buddhist conversion event. Gautam then joined the Congress and was appointed chairman of the AICC’s Scheduled Caste Department in 2025. He became a known name in UP’s political canvas in May last month when he knocked on the door of BSP President Mayawati’s residence, located at a stone’s throw distance from the UP Congress party office. But the Dalit neta refused to give an audience and left him embarrassed. A showcause notice was also issued to him thereafter. Thereafter, he picked up Dalit and Pasi leaders, academia and persons significant in the community and took them for a meeting with Rahul Gandhi. His elevation now places him at the centre of the Congress’s efforts to consolidate the non-Jatav Dalits who are crucial to the electoral caste matrix. However, some old-timers aren’t too pleased with Gautam’s elevation, calling it too fast. Stating that “Gautam’s audacity has paid him off well,” party workers said “the entire spectacle now appears to be a scripted venture to position him in UP before the 2027 state elections.” Speaking to TOI, Gautam said: “I am grateful to the party leadership for giving me this responsibility. I will work with dedication along with people from all walks of life to strengthen the organisation in Uttar Pradesh.” Outlining his priorities, Gautam said the Congress would work to bring together “people from all walks of life who have suffered under BJP govts”. Accusing the BJP of pursuing “bulldozer politics,” he alleged that its “short-sighted policies” and “ignorance of the challenges faced by common people” alienated large sections of society. 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 or Arvind Kejriwal?’ Kiren Rijiju’s ‘more apologies’ dig after Cong MP regrets remarks on Shivraj Chouhan’s son
NEW DELHI: Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday drew a parallel between Rahul Gandhi and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal after the Congress MP expressed “regret” before the Madhya Pradesh high court over his remarks on Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s son, Kartikey Singh Chouhan. In a post on X, Rijiju questioned the frequency with which the two opposition leaders have expressed regret or apologised after facing legal action over their remarks. “Who has tendered more apologies after levelling false allegations–Rahul Gandhi ji or Arvind Kejriwal ji?” Rijiju posted. Kartikeya Singh Chouhan filed a defamation case before an MP-MLA court in Bhopal, alleging that Rahul Gandhi tarnished his reputation by mentioning his name in relation to the Panama Papers scandal during a 2018 election rally in Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh. The speech was delivered ahead of the 2018 Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, when Shivraj Singh Chouhan was serving as the state’s chief minister. The MP-MLA court subsequently summoned Rahul Gandhi to appear in person, prompting the Congress leader to challenge the order before the Madhya Pradesh high court. After hearing the matter, the high court reserved its order. Counsel for Kartikey Chouhan, advocate Sankalp Kochar, told ANI, “The MP-MLA court in Bhopal issued summons to Rahul Gandhi in the defamation case filed by Kartikey Chouhan. Prima facie, the court found that the matter was fit for cognisance and that an offence was made out.” “When the hearing was held yesterday, Rahul Gandhi submitted a written statement expressing his regret. He stated that the remarks he made in 2018 were made under a misunderstanding and were based on incorrect facts. He reiterated that regret. Based on this, the court asked us to submit our written reply. In that written reply, we stated that since he himself is expressing regret and admitting his mistake of making that statement incorrectly and by mistake, we accepted his regret and expressed our intention to close the case. The court has now preserved the order in regard to the case,” Kochar added. Rijiju’s remarks come against the backdrop of previous instances in which both Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal have apologised or expressed regret in legal proceedings. In 2019, Gandhi tendered an unconditional apology before the Supreme Court over his remarks on its judgment in the Rafale fighter jet deal case. Kejriwal, meanwhile, apologised to BJP leaders Arun Jaitley and Nitin Gadkari in separate defamation cases over corruption allegations. 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