Bihar Election 2025: Jan Suraaj Fields Transgender Social Worker Preeti Kinnar from Bhore Assembly Seat in Bihar
Jan Suraaj Party nominates transgender social worker Preeti Kinnar from Bhore Assembly seat to showcase the party’s image of inclusivity. The Bhore Assembly constituency in Gopalganj district is emerging as one of the most closely watched seats in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Reserved for Scheduled Castes, Bhore has long been a stronghold of traditional political faces. But this time, the contest has taken a new turn with the Jan Suraaj Party fielding Preeti Kinnar, a transgender social worker, as its candidate — a move that has drawn both attention and controversy. The Bhore Constituency Bhore, located in southern Gopalganj, has a mixed voter base of Dalits, Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), and minorities. The constituency has seen tough contests in the past, with narrow victory margins. In the 2020 Assembly elections, JDU’s Sunil Kumar, who also serves as Bihar’s Education Minister, defeated CPI (ML)’s Jitendra Paswan by just 462 votes — one of the slimmest margins in the state. The tight race reflects how volatile and unpredictable Bhore’s political mood can be. This time, the entry of the Jan Suraaj Party, led by political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor, has added a new dimension. Kishor’s party has positioned itself as an alternative to Bihar’s mainstream players — JDU, RJD, and BJP — by focusing on grassroots leaders and social workers instead of established politicians. On October 9, 2025, Prashant Kishor released Jan Suraaj’s first list of 51 candidates. Among doctors, lawyers, retired bureaucrats, and community leaders, one name stood out — Preeti Kinnar. Her nomination from Bhore symbolized Kishor’s promise of giving space to people from underrepresented and marginalized groups. Who is Preeti Kinnar? Preeti is from Khap village of Sonbarsa block in Sitamarhi district. Aged 41, she has been living in Kalyanpur village of Bhore block for the past 22 years. A matriculate by education, she earns her living through singing devotional songs and animal rearing. But what defines her most is her long-standing commitment to social service. Since 2008, Preeti has been actively working for the poor, especially women and girls. She has arranged marriages for over 27 underprivileged couples and provided food and essentials to hundreds of families during the COVID-19 lockdown. During natural calamities and accidents, she has often stepped in with relief materials, using her personal funds and community donations. Preeti’s nomination has not come without controversy. Jan Suraaj leader Vijay Aman has accused her of falsely claiming Dalit status to contest from the reserved constituency. He alleges that Preeti belongs to an upper-caste family and that her Scheduled Caste certificate was obtained fraudulently. Some of Preeti Kinnar’s caste is listed as Paswan on some documents, while official records like land registries list her father’s name as Harischandra Srivastava. This is why questions are being raised about her caste. Preeti has strongly denied these allegations. According to Jan Suraaj officials, a party team had visited her village in Sitamarhi and found no grounds to doubt her caste identity. Despite the controversy, Preeti’s candidacy has been welcomed by many locals. People believe that this could be a good strategy by Jan Suraaj to showcase its inclusive image. There are only 13 transgender voters in Bhore and 67 in the entire district, but the symbolic importance of her nomination goes beyond numbers. The representation of the third-gender community in politics is still very low. For Jan Suraaj, the move signals its commitment to a politics of inclusion. For Preeti, it’s a chance to transform years of grassroots work into legislative action. [Rh] Author: Varsha Pant Courtesy : News Gram Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsgram.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Cong plans Pacgmarhi camp for dist leaders, Rahul invited
Bhopal: The State Congress is organising a ten-day training camp in Pachmarhi for the party’s newly appointed 72 organisational district presidents, starting from 2 November. State Congress President Jitu Patwari has sent an invitation to Lok Sabha LOP Rahul Gandhi to address the congregation on any day he is available during the training course. Initially, it was claimed that the Congress MP from Rae Bareli would address the Congress district presidents on 9 or 10 November after election campaigning comes to a halt in Bihar. However, sources in the state party office on Wednesday said that requests have been made for Rahul Gandhi to address the inaugural session in Pachmarhi on 2 November. But, the Lok Sabha LOP’s office has not confirmed his programme in Madhya Pradesh. PCC organisational general secretary Sanjay Kamle told TOI, “There is a possibility that the Lok Sabha LOP may come to the state either on 9 or 10 November. Campaigning in Bihar will come to an end on 8 November, after which he may come to address the training camp,” he said. Sanjay Kamle also added that the state Congress has requested the office of Rahul Gandhi to see if he can address the district presidents after campaigning stops for the first phase of Bihar elections on 3 November. State Congress vice-president Mahendra Joshi is the coordinator and in charge of the training camp. Speaking to TOI, he said, “The training camp will be for the district party presidents appointed during the Sangathan Srajan Abhiyan inaugurated by Rahul Gandhi in June. There are 72 organisational districts, including some city offices like Bhopal and Indore, which have one district president for rural areas and another for the city.” Joshi said that the district Congress presidents will be trained in various political aspects, social situations, organisational views, electoral rolls, the communalism factor, “false promises made by the ruling BJP and how to expose them to the people.” “After the training is completed, the district presidents will return to their work areas and utilise what they have been taught to train the grassroots workers at the district, assembly constituencies, blocks, mandal, sector, and panchayat levels,” Joshi said. “The focus of the training will be on how Congress workers can face the challenges of voter list manipulation by the rival political party, misinformation spread by them via technology, and how to make people aware of such tactics so they know the truth,” Mahendra Joshi argued. “Empowering our workers to spread information among people can come only with training,” he said. The district Congress presidents will be trained by party functionaries from Delhi and Bhopal, as well as political and academic experts. 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
CM Yogi: Rahul’s entry in campaign is guarantee of NDA’s victory in Bihar
Lucknow: Taking potshots at Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said the Congress MP’s joining Bihar poll campaigning itself would ensure NDA’s victory. “Rahul Gandhi’s entry has happened in Bihar elections. This itself is the guarantee of BJP and NDA candidates’ victory. Whenever he campaigns, NDA’s victory becomes certain. He is the biggest guarantee of BJP and NDA’s victory,” he said during his three public meetings. At Siwan, Yogi warned people against the attempt by a mafia family to regain power in Bihar, giving the example of UP where he used the bulldozer to crush the mafia. “I came to Raghunathpur earlier because a dynastic mafia wants to capture power there again. In UP, we have crushed such mafiosos with bulldozers. No Marich and Subahu should be able to raise their heads again on the land of our Sita Maiya,” he said. He added that people across the world have acknowledged the intelligence and talent of Bihar’s youth which has been nurtured by the Nitish Kumar govt over the last 20 years. Promising that NDA would bring back the glory days of Chandragupta and Chanakya, the CM said during that era, India’s contribution to the world economy was 40% and the country was seen as a golden bird. “Foreign invaders destroyed Nalanda University, and their current descendants are using political Islam to obstruct development. The British forced the craftsmen, artisans and farmers to starve to death. As their heirs, Congress first created a crisis in Bihar and then obstructed development. Whatever was left to destroy, RJD completed it,” Yogi said. In Bhojpur, the CM hit out against Naxalism and said chants of ‘Lal Salaam’ would be replaced by ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and that communists were being wiped out not just in India but across the world. During a rally in Vaishali, he said if the Congress-RJD alliance was allowed to come to power, the era of mafia raj, loot and kidnapping would return to Bihar. “The INDIA bloc has come here to rob poor people’s rations. They are experienced in this kind of loot. They also stole fodder for cattle. These people will talk about the poor and will work to suppress them. They won’t give jobs but will grab land. They will force farmers to migrate. The mafia raj will create a crisis of identity and security,” he said. Targeting the Opposition, Yogi said RJD, CPI(ML) and Congress were birds of the same feather. They supported slavery, opposed India’s heritage, opposed the Ram temple in Ayodhya, opposed Sita’s temple in Sitamarhi, divided Indians, and tried to create riots before festivals. “Earlier, the road to Kashi Vishwanath temple was very narrow, but now 50,000 people can have darshan together. More than 10 lakh devotees have darshan together in Kashi and Ayodhya. Congress used to say that Ram never existed. RJD used to stop Ram temple’s chariot. SP people used to fire on Ram devotees and communists think about some other world. Those who do not accept Ram are of no use to us. Those opposing Ram are opposing the nation. Those opposing the nation are of no use to us. They need to be shown the way out of the nation,” the CM 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
‘It was raining …’: Congress recalls Indira Gandhi’s 1977 Bihar visit; posts pics of her on elephant
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on the 41st anniversary of Indira Gandhi’s assassination remembered the former prime minister’s “uncommon grit, courage, perseverance, and resilience,” recalling her 1977 visit to Belchhi in Bihar. Ramesh, in a post on X, said, “Today, the nation recalls the indomitable Indira Gandhi and pays tribute on the 41st anniversary of her martyrdom. She was a person of uncommon grit, courage, perseverance, and resilience.” He recounted how on a rainy August 13, 1977, Gandhi travelled through difficult terrain — “first by car, jeep, and tractor and then rode on an elephant to the remote village of Belchhi” — to meet families devastated by caste atrocities. Calling it an “extraordinary and spontaneous outreach,” Ramesh wrote that the visit “marked her political revival.” Belchhi, in Nalanda district, had witnessed one of Bihar’s worst caste massacres earlier that year, and Gandhi’s visit to console the Dalit victims was widely seen as a turning point that reignited her connection with the masses after her electoral defeat in 1977. Ramesh added that a day later, Gandhi met her “then-bitterest political critic and adversary Jayaprakash Narayan in Patna,” recalling their “deep personal association over a period of four decades.” He also shared archival images of Gandhi riding the elephant through muddy fields to reach Belchhi. At Delhi’s Shakti Sthal, Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge paid floral tributes to the former prime minister. “India’s Indira – Fearless, resolute, and steadfast in the face of every power,” Rahul Gandhi wrote on X, saying her “courage, compassion, and patriotism” continue to inspire him. Kharge described her as the “Iron Lady of India” and said her “resolute commitment to India’s progress and unity remains in our hearts and minds.” Indira Gandhi, India’s first woman prime minister, served from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination on October 31, 1984. She was born on November 19, 1917. 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 organisation threatens protest seeking Bajpe road repair
Several two-wheeler riders have sustained injury after falling off from their vehicles while trying to avoid potholes on the stretch The Karnataka Dalit Sangarsha Samiti (B.Krishnappa Stapita) has threatened of protest if authorities fail to repair the pothole filled State Highway stretch from Kinnigoli to Mangaluru, via Bajpe and Kavoor. Talking to reporters in Mangaluru on Thursday, Samiti’s Organisational Convenors Raghu Yekkar and D. Krishnananda said the stretch was filled with potholes for a long time and it has become difficult for people to come to the city using this stretch. This stretch was being used by those from Mulky and Belman to reach the Mangaluru International Airport. Motorists use this road to reach the popular Kateel Durgaparameshwari temple. Several two-wheeler riders have sustained injury after falling off from their vehicles while trying to avoid potholes on the stretch. The two said authorities should taken action within the next 15 days to fill potholes on the stretch. If officials fail to take any action, the DSS will be forced to hold a protest, Mr. Yekkar and Mr. Krishnananda said. The Hindu Bureau 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
MP News: Firing, Arson Reported In Bhind; 9 Booked After Dalit Killing
Tension prevailed in Riniya village under Daboh police station limits after a violent attack followed the murder of a Dalit youth, Ali alias Rudra Pratap Singh Jatav on Saturday night. Bhind (Madhya Pradesh): Tension prevailed in Riniya village under Daboh police station limits after a violent attack followed the murder of a Dalit youth, Ali alias Rudra Pratap Singh Jatav on Saturday night. Police have registered a case against seven named and two unidentified accused for firing, vandalism and arson, which caused losses estimated at Rs 15–20 lakh. According to the complaint by Meherban Singh alias Bunty Kaurav, the incident occurred around 10:30 pm on October 25 when 8–10 armed men from Raipura No 2, including Shailendra, Ashok, Ramkesh, Bhaiyalal, Satendra, Captain, Jabar and Darshan Jatav, attacked his home. The assailants reportedly fired shots, broke the main gate and damaged household items such as the TV, fridge, cooler and sofa. Ashok was armed with a 12-bore gun, Bhaiyalal with a pistol, Satendra with a sword and Captain carried a Mauser. The attackers allegedly set the house and a car on fire after vandalism. The family fled the village in fear but later returned when police forces were deployed. An FIR was registered under various sections of BNS for arson, assault and unlawful assembly. Police have begun an investigation and are searching for the remaining unidentified accused. Courtesy : TFPJ Note: This news is originally published on https:/thefreepressjournal.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
TDP MLA flays YSRCP for ‘twisting’ Bhagavad Gita remark
The remarks, which went viral recently, sparked outrage among Hindutva groups. VIJAYAWADA/ANANTAPUR: TDP MLA and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board member MS Raju on Thursday tendered an apology if his recent comments on the Bhagavad Gita hurt sentiments, while strongly condemning YSRCP-affiliated social media and YouTube channels for allegedly twisting his words to portray him as disrespecting the Hindu scripture. In a selfie video released to the media, the Madakasira MLA clarified that during a public meeting in Begarlapalli village on October 28 — while unveiling statues of Dr BR Ambedkar and Babu Jagjivan Ram — he had emphasised that the living standards of Dalits improved due to the Indian Constitution drafted by Ambedkar, not religious texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Quran, or the Bible. “I am a Hindu Dalit with full faith in the Bhagavad Gita and a devotee of Lord Venkateswara. I never denigrated any scripture,” Raju asserted. He accused the YSRCP’s social media wing of launching a malicious campaign to divert public attention from Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s effective cyclone relief efforts. “They are spreading lies to undermine the good work in affected areas,” he said, adding that Naidu appointed him to the TTD Board precisely because of his Hindu Dalit identity. Raju also took a dig at YSRCP leader Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, alleging the latter “practises Christianity at home but acts like a Hindu outside for political gains.” He invited critics to verify his family’s credentials in their village. The remarks, which went viral recently, sparked outrage among Hindutva groups. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders demanded Raju’s immediate removal from the TTD Board, threatening large-scale protests if their demand was ignored. 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
Legal clinic for dalit, adivasi women victims held
Vijayawada: Dalit Sthree Sakthi (DSS) conducted a legal clinic here on Thursday to address issues faced by Dalit and Adivasi women and girls, who have been victims of violence. A distinguished jury comprising Director of Prosecutions Byra Koteswara Rao, CID PCR official K Srinivas, SC Corporation Chairman Vijay Kumar, former Information Commissioner Ambati Subba Rao, SC Association Secretary Ratna Pradeep, and High Court advocate Abhijna reviewed the cases presented during the session. Presiding over the clinic, DSS National Convener Geddam Jhansi presented 33 cases involving violent incidents against Dalit and Adivasi women and girls. These included cases of sexual assault, murder, physical violence, caste-based abuse, deception in the name of love, and sexual exploitation of minors. Jhansi elaborated on each case before the jury, detailing the gravity of the offences and the challenges faced by the victims in pursuing justice. Responding to the presentations, the jury members pledged to work towards ensuring ex gratia payments and compensation for the victims. They expressed concern that such atrocities continue despite stringent legal protections for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The panel assured that they would take up the matter with the Minister for Social Welfare to ensure justice for the victims. The jury also stressed the importance of conducting state-wide legal awareness and support camps to empower women victims of violence. 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
IndiaDalit Elder Assaulted and Threatened with Pistol for Sitting Inside Temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur
In Madnapur village in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur district, a Dalit elder was allegedly beaten and humiliated for sitting inside a temple. According to reports, the victim, 70-year-old Nanhuku Jatav, a man from the same village asked him to get up from his place at the temple. When he refused, the accused reportedly attacked him, slapped him, and hit him with shoes. Jatav said the man also hurled caste-based abuses at him and even threatened to shoot him while brandishing a pistol. “He waved the pistol at me and said he would kill me. I somehow ran home to save my life,” Jatav told police. Following the assault, Nanhuku Jatav, accompanied by his wife, reached the Madnapur police station and filed a complaint. He told the police that he feared for his life and requested protection from the accused. Locals in the area alleged that such incidents of atrocities against Dalits have been rising in Madnapur. They claimed that despite several complaints, the police have failed to take strict action in earlier cases. Members of the Dalit community have expressed anger over the attack and demanded immediate arrest of the accused. Station Officer (SO) Vishwa Jeet Pratap Singh said, “We have received the complaint, and necessary action will be taken after a proper investigation.” Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit Youth Beaten and Forced Into ‘Murga’ Position on Road in UP’s Etawah
In Bharthana town in Uttar Pradesh’s Etawah district, a Dalit youth was publicly humiliated and brutally beaten by a group of men. The attackers allegedly forced the youth to sit in a humiliating “murga” position in the middle of the road, thrashed him, and recorded the incident on video, which later went viral on social media. The incident took place in Rani Nagar locality of Bharthana. The victim, Sumit Diwakar, lodged a complaint at the local police station, stating that three men. Nandan Gupta, Laddu Gupta, and Satyendra Kumar, residents of Purana Bharthana Mohalla, stopped him on the road, hurled caste-based slurs at him, and then beat him mercilessly. He also alleged that the accused threatened to kill him. The assault reportedly took place on October 8 but drew attention again after the video surfaced online. Following the complaint, police registered a case against the three accused under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and other relevant sections. Officials said the video is being examined and that strict action will be taken against those found guilty. Superintendent of Police (Rural) Shree Chandra said, “As soon as the complaint was received, we took the matter seriously and registered a case. Some misleading information is being spread on social media, but our investigation has found no evidence of any other related incident. We urge people not to believe in rumors and to verify facts before sharing anything.” Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights