After US visa order, Rahul Gandhi calls Modi ‘weak PM’
NEW DELHI: With the US imposing one lakh dollar fee on H-1B visas, Congress neta Rahul Gandhi called Narendra Modi a “weak Prime Minister”, exhuming a 2017 tweet in which he had used the same epithet on the issue concerning the US visas for highly skilled workers. Taking potshots at Trump’s recent phone call to wish Modi on his birthday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, “Indians are pained by the return gifts you have received after the birthday call” – listing the gifts from “Abki Baar, Trump Sarkar” Govt as $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas, 50% tariff, HIRE Act targeting Indian outsourcing, lifting of waiver for Chabahar port, and exhorting the EU to impose 100% tariff on Indian goods. Congress lamented Modi’s “strategic silences” and “loud optics” have become liability for the country, adding that bear hugs, hollow slogans, concerts, getting people to chant ‘Modi, Modi’, and superficial bravado is not foreign policy. Posting a news report that said India has 71% of H-IB visas and would be hit the hardest by the levying of steep US fees, Rahul posted on X, “I repeat, India has a weak PM.” In the same message, he reposted his 2017 tweet when he had reacted to Modi not raising the visa issue with President Donald Trump with the remark, “India has a weak PM”. In fact, Rahul’s 2017 tweet, highlighting the repetition of the H-1B issue with the US under the same India PM and US President, became the Congress handle to attack the Modi govt. AICC spokesman Pawan Khera said “8 years later, Rahul Gandhi is vindicated yet again. He called it out back in 2017 and nothing has changed. India is still stuck with a weak PM.” 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
Grand Alliance to contest polls after naming CM face: Tejashwi
Patna: RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Saturday said the Grand Alliance would not contest the forthcoming state assembly polls without declaring a chief ministerial candidate. A section of leaders in ally Congress remains hesitant to endorse him as the CM face. “Are we the BJP that we do not have leaders for the post of the chief minister? We will contest the assembly elections only after projecting a leader as the chief ministerial face,” Tejashwi told reporters in response to questions about the Grand Alliance’s leadership in Bihar. On Saturday, Tejashwi returned to Patna after covering 11 districts during his ‘Bihar Adhikar Yatra,’ launched from Jehanabad on Sept 16 to highlight unemployment, rising crime and other issues ahead of the assembly elections. The yatra concluded in Vaishali district. His solo campaign came soon after the high-profile ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra,’ which featured all Mahagathbandhan leaders and was led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Although Tejashwi participated, the spotlight largely fell on Rahul, who has been spearheading a national campaign against alleged vote theft and accusing the Election Commission of favouring the BJP. The RJD clarified that Tejashwi’s yatra was designed to cover only those districts not included in the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra.’ Yet, its timing, amid ongoing debate over the opposition’s CM face and unresolved seat-sharing talks, has fuelled speculation about whether Tejashwi has additional political objectives in mind. Recently, at a rally in Muzaffarpur, he startled many by saying, “And this time, Tejashwi will contest all 243 seats, whether it is Muzaffarpur, Kanti or Bochahan.” Observers interpreted the remarks as an attempt to underline his authority as the opposition alliance’s undisputed leader. Later, he clarified there was “no confusion” regarding the CM face and that the name would be announced at the “right time.” Tejashwi’s insistence on an early declaration stems from the RJD’s strength within the alliance. In the last assembly polls, it secured 75 seats, the highest tally and one more than the BJP. However, the Congress has so far refused to formally back him as the CM candidate. During the ‘Voter Adhikaar Yatra,’ Rahul Gandhi sidestepped direct questions on the matter, merely emphasising the “good understanding” among partners. This, despite Tejashwi previously declaring that Rahul would become PM once the opposition secured victory in the next Lok Sabha elections. 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
Cong launches signature campaign against ‘vote stealing’
Udupi: Congress MLC Ivan D’Souza said that the ‘Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod’ campaign launched by opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi has evoked a huge response from the people. He told reporters that a signature campaign to support the initiative will be launched in Udupi district. He said 100 signatures will be collected from each of the 1,111 booths in Udupi district, with a target to achieve 1,11,100 signatures during the campaign. The campaign, which has already commenced, will continue for 15 days, he said, criticising the BJP. “The BJP came to power by stealing votes. The main aim of this campaign is to send a strong message to draw the attention of the Election Commission. People will be given an opportunity to express their anger,” he said. Despite Rahul Gandhi producing evidence to substantiate his claims, no measures were taken to check the election malpractice, he alleged. He alleged that the stealing of votes takes place continuously. People should participate in the campaign to ensure that the central govt and Election Commission respond and investigate the matter. “The govt not accepting criticisms and suggestions of the people is a threat to democracy. Those who were elected and secured power through election malpractices should be sent out of power,” he added. Udupi District Congress Committee president Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, former minister K Jayaprakash Hegde, and former MLA Gopal Poojary were present. 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
Mau: Dalit girl raped on pretext of marriage, accused who threatened her absconds
Mau: A case of rape of a Dalit girl on the pretext of marriage has come to light in the Doharighat police station area of Mau district, Uttar Pradesh. The victim alleges that a young man from the same village had been having physical relations with her for the past three to four years, promising to marry her. According to the woman, when she pressured the accused to marry her, he began to evade the proposal. Furthermore, when the victim reached the accused’s home, he used casteist slurs and threatened to kill her. Station in-charge Rajkumar Singh stated that based on the victim’s complaint, a case has been registered against the accused under sections of rape, intimidation, and the SC/ST Act. Police teams are searching for the accused, and an arrest is expected soon. Noida: Police in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, arrested three cyber criminals on Thursday for defrauding a retired officer from the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry of ₹1.7 crore (17 million rupees) by digitally arresting him for three days. Meanwhile, the Cyber Crime Branch of the police has frozen Rs 17,48,000 of the fraud amount. Edited By Ramkesh, Courtesy: Hindi News
Rajasthan News: Dalit youth beaten to death in Kuchaman, sparking widespread anger and tension
Rajasthan News: A heartbreaking incident unfolded on Wednesday night in the Kuchaman City area of Nagaur district, Rajasthan. Ashok Meghwal (25), a Dalit youth returning from work, was attacked by miscreants on the road. It is alleged that a youth named Rakesh Amla stopped him and brutally beat him with slippers. He then called his friends and attacked him with sticks. The accused also filmed the entire incident, in which Ashok is seen sitting on the ground while the attackers continue to beat him. Condition deteriorated while being taken to the hospital After suffering serious injuries, Ashok’s family rushed him to the government hospital in Kuchaman late Thursday night. As his condition worsened, doctors referred him to JLN Hospital in Ajmer. Ashok succumbed to his injuries there. Family protests over the body As soon as news of Ashok’s death spread, family and villagers became enraged. The villagers began protesting, placing the body there to make it clear that they would not conduct the post-mortem or cremation until all the accused were arrested. The family warned the police administration that the culprits must be arrested immediately and the case investigated impartially. Police Action and Situation According to sources, the Makrana police have detained Rakesh, the main accused seen in the video. The search for the remaining accused is ongoing. A tense atmosphere prevails in the area, as a result of which the police and administration are constantly on the scene and trying to pacify the villagers. Anger in the Dalit Community, Demand for Investigation Ashok’s death has angered the Dalit community. Sanjeev Khinchi, Vice President of the Akhil Meghvansh Meghwal Mahasabha, stated that the post-mortem and cremation will not be conducted until a high-level and impartial investigation is conducted. The organization has warned that if the culprits are not severely punished, the agitation will be intensified. Courtesy: Hindi News
Faridabad News: Transgender community participates in Swachhata Hi Seva program
Faridabad. Under Seva Pakhwada-2025, the Zila Parishad organized a special Swachhata Pakhwada program. The primary objective of this program was to raise awareness about the importance of cleanliness in the community and to take concrete steps towards environmental protection. The active presence of transgender self-help groups and the transgender community not only enhanced the program’s prestige but also sent a powerful message of unity, inclusion, and cooperation in society. The program began by highlighting the importance of the Swachhata Abhiyan. Speakers emphasized that cleanliness is not just an individual habit, but a collective responsibility. A clean and healthy environment is difficult to imagine unless every segment of society actively participates. The presence of children, youth, women, senior citizens, as well as the transgender community, on this occasion conveyed the message that the Swachhata Abhiyan is for everyone, and everyone has an equal role to play. Courtesy: Hindi News
Why LGBTQIA+ community is battling India’s blanket ban on blood donation
Activists condemn exclusion of transgender women and gay men from donating blood, calling it unscientific, discriminatory, and out of step with global standards Despite strides in transgender and gay rights, India has latched on to a rather archaic and discriminatory policy, stemming from a fearful mindset, when it comes to the rights of homosexuals and transgender individuals in donating blood. Activists, medical experts, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, who echo these sentiments, have slammed the Centre’s recent decision refusing to alter a long-standing ban on blood donation by transgender women and gay men. They say the ban is discriminatory, unscientific, and ignores advances in blood screening technology that make transfusions over 99 per cent safe. The government’s order has come even though the Supreme Court, in May this year, while hearing a petition on the matter, asked whether an entire identity group needs to be stigmatised when medical science has advanced to screen blood for infection. The issue in short ♦ India upholds blood donation ban on trans women, gay men ♦ Supreme Court questions rationale behind identity-based exclusions ♦ Activists call policy outdated, discriminatory, and unscientific ♦ Global shift favours behaviour-based screening over blanket bans ♦ Experts say modern tests ensure over 99% blood safety ♦ Queer community urges inclusive reforms, cites systemic healthcare bias “Why should an entire community be deemed unsafe when modern medical science can effectively screen blood for infection? This discourages willing donors and denies life-saving blood. Such prejudice is appalling,” Ujan, a transwoman from West Bengal, told The Federal. What does the law say? Clauses 12 and 51 under the Guidelines on Blood Donor Selection and Referral tag transgender individuals, homosexual and bisexual men, and female sex workers as “high-risk” groups and bar them from donating blood irrespective of their lifestyle, health conditions, or sexual practices. The guidelines were drafted in 2017 by the National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC) and the National AIDS Control Organisation as a precaution during a time of declining HIV/AIDS incidence. It, however, continues to exclude entire communities without scientific justification, say activists. Santa Khurai, a transgender activist from Manipur, founder of the community organisation AMANA, and a petitioner in a 2021 case challenging this policy, noted, “The Supreme Court of India questioned the government’s stigmatising response to our petition in May 2025.” It was Khurai’s petition that the Supreme Court had referred to while posing the question to the Centre in May this year. Status in other countries Activists say the continuation of the ban in India is unfortunate, even though many countries, including the US, the UK, Canada, Brazil, and Australia, have replaced such blanket bans with behaviour-based risk assessments. “The US Public Health Service initially implemented a lifetime ban on men who have sex with men (MSM) donating blood in 1983, in response to the emerging HIV/AIDS epidemic. However, in 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration revised these guidelines to adopt a gender-inclusive, behaviour-based screening process,” Naveenraj, a queer activist and trainer based in Tamil Nadu, told The Federal. He emphasised that this modern approach prioritises individual risk factors over blanket bans based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Many countries, including Brazil, the UK, Canada, Australia, France, Spain, Italy, Argentina, and Chile, have already scrapped such discriminatory policies. Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court, for instance, ruled the ban unconstitutional and highlighted the efficiency of modern blood screening technologies. “India’s Supreme Court should similarly lift the ban, in keeping with its commitment to equality, dignity, and inclusion,” Naveenraj added. ‘Flawed science guides policy’ Medical professionals are also calling out the “flawed science” underpinning the policy. Umang, an undergraduate medical student in Pune, remarked, “Heterosexual and homosexual individuals can both transmit HIV. It’s practically impossible to determine someone’s sexual orientation during blood donation. With current methods, HIV detection in India is over 99.5 per cent accurate, so targeting MSMs is not about safety—it’s about exclusion.” This sense of injustice resonates deeply within the queer community. “Whether or not it’s a fundamental right, denying a minority group the chance to donate blood is dehumanising. India must take progressive steps, like the EU, Canada, and Australia, where donor eligibility is assessed based on behaviour, not identity,” Srini, a volunteer with Good As You, a Bengaluru-based queer support group, told The Federal Echoing this sentiment, Jayant Iyer, founder of Queer Nilayam in Bengaluru, called the government’s continued enforcement of the ban “disappointing, outdated, discriminatory, and unscientific.” He shared personal frustration: “I’ve been denied the chance to donate blood multiple times despite being healthy and willing. Even during shortages, prejudice trumps science and compassion.” ‘Structural transphobia’ For many, the policy reflects broader systemic bias. “Can the Indian government ban cisgender heterosexual people based on their gender or sexuality?” asked Rudrani Rajkumari, a transgender activist and founder of Xomonnoy in Guwahati. “This is not about protection; it’s about discrimination. Rather than investing in quality testing, the system excludes LGBTQIA+ people from saving lives.” From a global perspective, the issue strikes a chord with transgender communities elsewhere. “The Indian government’s stance wrongly associates LGBTQI+ identities with risk,” said Mandy Jovial, a South Africa-based transgender activist. “This is more than a blood ban—it’s structural transphobia. Fortunately, in South Africa, policies aren’t based on sexual orientation or gender identity, even though stigma persists.” What India needs Even within India, trans individuals raise questions about the logic of such exclusion. Vaidehi, a trans woman from Mysuru, asked, “How would anyone know someone’s SOGIESC [sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics] unless disclosed? Assuming trans or homosexual persons have HIV is discriminatory. Anyone can have HIV. Besides, trans persons on hormone replacement therapy should consult a doctor before donating, but that’s a medical concern— not a reason to ban an entire community.” Medical experts agree that the government’s approach is flawed and misleading. “One data point doesn’t scientifically justify a ban,” said Dr Swathi SB, a public health practitioner and HIV physician in Karnataka. “Equating identity with sexual behaviour is dangerously reductionist. We need
Karnataka MLA Yatnal booked for remarks against Dalit women
Dalit activist Mallikarjun Pujar filed a complaint, following which the police registered an FIR under sections relating to derogatory comments against women and promoting enmity. Karnataka MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal has been booked by the local police over his statement that Dalit women must refrain from offering floral tributes to Goddess Chamundeshwari, stating that only women of the “Sanatan religion” are allowed to do that. Yatnal had made the remarks on Monday at Koppal; however, the video emerged on Wednesday, September 17, and has since been widely shared across social media platforms. “Those who offer floral tributes to Mother Chamundi should be from the Sanatan religion. Even ordinary Dalit women are not allowed to do so,” Yatnal is heard saying in the video. He also condemned Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah’s decision to allow Booker Prize winner Banu Mustaq to inaugurate Dasara festivities in Mysuru this year. He was booked under the provisions of the SC/ST Act for derogatory remarks against women and incitement of enmity, reported Makoob Media. Dalit activist Mallikarjun Pujar filed a complaint, following which the police registered an FIR under sections relating to derogatory comments against women and promoting enmity. Following a row over the comments, Yatnal, who was previously expelled from the BJP in March, has called the video doctored and politically motivated, meant to mislead people. Karnataka Information Technology Minister Priyank Kharge, a Dalit leader, denounced Yatnal’s derogatory statement. Accusing the BJP leaders of staying silent in a post on X, he stated, “What greatness do you seek in Hinduism when you paint a religious colour in the social system and look down on a particular class of people? Do you exclude Dalits when you say we are all Hindus, we are all one? Why are the BJP leaders, who were vocal when Shri Siddaramaiah said that there is inequality in Hinduism, silent?” Police are yet to make arrests as the investigation is underway. Edited by Syeda Faiza Kirmani Courtesy : The Siasat Daily Note: This news is originally published on https:/thesiasatdaily.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
SP, BSP gear up for 2027 UP polls, eye non-Yadav OBC and Dalit voters
The outreach strategy of the SP, in particular, is to focus towards non-Yadav OBC communities, especially those that have distanced themselves from the BJP in 2024 or where the saffron party’s grip has loosened in recent years. ith more than a year and a half to go before the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have begun early preparations to consolidate their voter base. Both parties are targeting non-Yadav OBCs and Dalit communities, aiming to replicate and build upon their performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The outreach strategy of the SP, in particular, is to focus towards non-Yadav OBC communities, especially those that have distanced themselves from the BJP in 2024 or where the saffron party’s grip has loosened in recent years. A senior SP leader and former MP confirmed that the party held a key meeting this week with OBC office-bearers from the Saini, Kushwaha, and Shakya communities. These representatives have been tasked with organizing PDA Chaupals (outreach meetings) to bolster support for the party. The meeting was attended by a legislator from the Saini community in western UP, a Kushwaha MP from eastern UP, and a Shakya MP from western UP. Following the success of these grassroots initiatives, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav is expected to address dedicated rallies for these communities in the coming months. According to insiders, communities such as Gujjars, Kushwahas, and Pasis have increasingly shown signs of drifting away from the BJP since the 2022 Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Notable examples include Pallavi Patel’s victory from Sirathu (Kaushambi) on an SP ticket, Babu Singh Kushwaha’s win as SP MP from Jaunpur, and Awadhesh Prasad’s election from Faizabad (Ayodhya). Beyond its traditional Yadav voter base, the SP’s electoral strategy now includes outreach programme to woo other OBC castes as well as Dalit castes like Jatavs and Pasis. Buoyed by its PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) coalition, which helped the party win 38 Lok Sabha seats, SP leaders believe the time is ripe to expand their influence among marginalized communities, particularly amid BSP’s declining electoral fortunes. Meanwhile, in view of its recent electoral setbacks, the BSP has also started preparing for the battle ahead. The party is particularly concerned about SP’s outreach to Dalits and its growing proximity with Congress, a trend evident in the Lok Sabha polls and expected to continue in 2027. BSP supremo Mayawati is scheduled to address a major rally of block-level workers in Lucknow on October 9, commemorating the death anniversary of party founder Kanshi Ram. A BSP source told ‘ The Statesman’ that Mayawati has decided to reorganize workers with a sharp focus on consolidating Dalit votes. Interestingly, she may also consider re-inducting leaders who had left the party earlier, with attention on figures like Swami Prasad Maurya, once her close aide. To ensure the success of the October 9 rally, BSP has arranged at least one bus per four Assembly constituencies, while party workers are tasked with organizing transport to bring supporters to the venue. Courtesy : The Statesman Note: This news is originally published on https:/thestatesman.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Meant to emphasise shared history’: Congress Sam Pitroda clarifies his ‘felt at home in Pak’ remark, says aim was ‘never to belittle anyone’s suffering’
NEW DELHI: Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda on Friday clarified his remarks about feeling “at home” in Pakistan, saying his comments were intended to highlight “shared history” and people-to-people bonds, not to play down terrorism or geopolitical tensions. In a post on X, Pitroda said, “If my words have caused confusion or hurt, I want to clarify that my aim was never to belittle anyone’s suffering or undermine legitimate concerns – but to foster honest conversation, empathy, and a more grounded and responsible approach to how India sees itself – and is seen – by others.” — sampitroda (@sampitroda) Additionally Pitroda said, “In light of recent discussions, I wish to clarify my remarks and put them in the full context of my IANS/AP7AM interview. My intention has always been to call attention to the realities we face: concerns about the electoral process, the importance of civil society and youth, and India’s role – both in its neighborhood and globally. Likewise, when I challenged the “Vishwaguru” narrative and said that it’s a myth that India is always on everyone’s mind, I was cautioning against overconfidence in image over substance. Foreign policy must be based on real influence, mutual trust, peace, and regional stability – not bravado or optics. “We need to defend democracy: ensuring free, fair elections; strengthening institutions; empowering youth; protecting minority rights; resisting polarization. These are not partisan issues – they go to the heart of what and who we are as a nation. If my words have caused confusion or hurt, I want to clarify that my aim was never to belittle anyone’s suffering or undermine legitimate concerns – but to foster honest conversation, empathy, and a more grounded and responsible approach to how India sees itself – and is seen – by others. Moving forward, I remain committed to transparency, respectful dialogue, and working towards a future where we strengthen institutions, civil society, safety, and security, so our actions truly live up to our ideals,” he added. Pitroda had sparked controversy earlier today with statements advocating a neighbourhood-first policy. He told IANS, “I’ve been to Pakistan, and I must tell you, I felt at home. I’ve been to Bangladesh, I’ve been to Nepal, and I feel at home. I don’t feel like I’m in a foreign country. They look like me, they talk like me, they like my songs, they eat my food. So, I must learn to live with them in peace and harmony. That’s my first priority.” BJP leaders reacted sharply, with national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari calling Pitroda “Pakistan’s favourite” and questioning his proximity to a “terror nation,” especially after the Pahalgam terror attack. Bhandari said, “We all know that Pahalgam terror attack was carried out by Pakistan. Our armed forces gave terror nation Pakistan a befitting reply through Operation Sindoor. I want to ask you people that can any patriot ever say that terror nation Pakistan is like a home… But Rahul Gandhi’s close aide, a person who defines strategies of Rahul Gandhi and Congress, says that terror nation Pakistan is like home for him.” Pitroda, a longtime aide of the Gandhi family and chairman of the Overseas Indian Congress, has frequently been at the centre of controversies. Earlier this year, his comments on China forced the Congress to publicly distance itself. In June 2024, during the Lok Sabha campaign, he stepped down temporarily after remarks on inheritance tax and comparisons of Indians’ physical features with Africans, Arabs, and Chinese drew criticism. He was later reinstated after assuring no repeat of such controversies. 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