‘Online voter deletion not possible’: EC refutes Rahul Gandhi’s claim; cites law and due process
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Friday refuted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s charges, claiming that “no deletion of votes can be done online by any member of the public.” The poll body, in a point-wise statement, said that the no name is deleted from the roll without issuing a notice to the affected person. “No Deletion of any vote can be done online by any member of the public. No wrongful deletion of electors in Aland; an FIR was registered by the authority of ECI itself in 2023 against suspicious attempts of deletions,” it said.”Although the Elector of the constituency can fill Form 7 online to apply for deletion of an entry from that particular constituency, it does not mean that the entry gets automatically deleted merely by submitting the Form 7. As per Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, no name is deleted from the roll without issuing a notice to the affected person and giving him an opportunity of being heard,” it added. It further said that the poll body only accepted 24 applications of deletion and 5,994 incorrect applications were rejected ahead of the assembly election in Aland. It also said a inquiry was conducted & subsequently an FIR was registered by Electoral Registration Officer, Aland “In the case of Aland, Karnataka, 6,018 applications in Form 7 for deletion were submitted online. On verification, only 24 applications were found to be genuine, while 5,994 were found to be incorrect. Accordingly, 24 applications were accepted, and the 5,994 incorrect applications were rejected,” it said. “Suspecting the genuineness of such a large number of applications for deletion, an inquiry was conducted & subsequently an FIR (No. 26/2023, Aland Police Station, dated 21.02.2023) was registered,” it added. This comes a day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reiterated his “vote chori” allegations and took a swipe at the Election Commission, calling it an “election watchman” who “stayed awake, watched the theft, and protected the thieves”. Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of shielding “vote chors” and systematically deleting Congress supporters’ names from voter rolls. He claimed a centralized software-driven method was being used to impersonate voters and erase names, mainly targeting Dalits, OBCs, Adivasis, minorities, and other opposition-leaning communities. Displaying Aland data, he asserted he had “100% proof” of vote manipulation. “In Aland, Karnataka, 6018 votes, somebody tried to delete these votes. We don’t know the total number of votes deleted in the 2023 elections, but somebody got caught. It was caught, by most crimes, by coincidence. What happened was that the Booth Level officer noticed that her uncle’s vote had been deleted. When she checked, she saw that her neighbour had deleted the vote,” Gandhi said during the press conference. 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
Amid issues in Congress district unit, Rahul and Sonia Gandhi arrive in Wayanad
Kozhikode: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi arrived in Wayanad for a two-day visit on Friday. While KPCC leadership described it as a private visit, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, who accompanied the Gandhis from New Delhi, attended a district leadership meeting during the day in a bid to reportedly sort out the issues plaguing the party’s district unit. The DCC leadership meeting, convened on Venugopal’s direction, assumed significance as the Wayanad unit of Congress has been facing factionalism and controversy, particularly in connection with the deaths by suicide of former DCC treasurer N M Vijayan and his son in Dec 2024, followed by the suicide of Jose Nelledam, a grama panchayat member in Mullankolly on Sept 12 this year, and the suicide attempt by Vijayan’s daughter-in-law Padmaja Vijesh last week. The developments had even cast a shadow over Priyanka Gandhi’s week-long tour of the constituency, with CPM questioning why she did not visit Nelledam’s family. At the DCC leadership meeting, which was attended by block level leaders, Venugopal issued a stern warning to district leaders to end infighting and resolve issues immediately. He said the party would closely monitor developments in Wayanad and take strict action against those who fuel disputes. “The incidents in Wayanad were unfortunate. The party will ensure that such situations do not recur. Anyone responsible for creating problems will not be recognized, and the leadership will take the matter seriously,” Venugopal said. According to party sources, a change in the party’s district leadership would likely see N D Appachan replaced as DCC president. Meanwhile, KPCC president Sunny Joseph said that Irikkur MLA Sajeev Joseph and KPCC general secretary Jameela Alipatta have been assigned to hold discussions and resolve the issues in Mullankolly. Both have been directed to complete necessary discussions within two days and submit recommendations for a solution, after which appropriate organizational steps will be taken. He said the party would address the financial liabilities of Vijayan and the Sultan Bathery Urban Bank. Rahul and Sonia Gandhi landed at Calicut International Airport at 10am and reached Wayanad by helicopter. Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, who has been in the constituency since Sept 11, received them at the Padinjarathara helipad. They later moved to a resort near Banasura Islands. Sonia and Priyanka Gandhi visited Regional Coffee Research Station, where they met coffee farmers and officials. They also visited MS Swaminathan Research Foundation’s (MSSRF) Community Agrobiodiversity Centre (CAbC) at Puthurvayal. They interacted with foundation chairperson Soumya Swaminathan over video conferencing. Meanwhile, Priyanka raked up the vote theft issue in a video message. “I urge all of you to join our vote chori (vote theft) signature campaign. Just as every vote counts, every signature counts. Every one of you standing up for democracy, standing up for the constitutional values counts,” she 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
The false lure of sheep herding: Two tribal children from Rajasthan were trapped in a trap of advance money, with the plan to take them abroad and force them into forced labor!
On the initiative of Gayatri Seva Sansthan, a total of five children were freed from bonded labor this month. Shepherds were forcing young children from tribal areas to work. Udaipur/Salumbar – The case of child labor involving tribal children under the false lure of sheep herding has once again come to light. In Salumber district, Rajasthan, two innocent children were rescued from the clutches of shepherds who were being forced to graze sheep in bondage for advance money. Acting on information from the local voluntary organization, Gayatri Seva Sansthan, the police took major action against child labor and human trafficking, filing a case against two accused. The rescued children have been placed in a safe place under the supervision of the Child Welfare Committee. In a major action against child labor and human trafficking in Salumber district, two tribal children were rescued from the clutches of shepherds through the ingenuity of the local voluntary organization, Gayatri Seva Sansthan. A case was registered against two individuals under the Jawar Mines police station on Thursday. It is noteworthy that a few years ago, upon receiving a similar complaint, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Government of India, and the Rajasthan Child Commission, Government of Rajasthan, took it seriously and formed an investigation team to take action. Various organizations associated with Rebari, Raika, and shepherds were also appealed to identify those who employ child labor. Since then, such incidents have not been seen or heard of. In this direction, the then Chairman of the National Child Commission, Government of India, Priyank Kanoongo, and Rajasthan Child Commission member, Dr. Shailendra Pandya, also interacted with over 2,000 representatives of this community in the Bali Panchayat Samiti of Pali in the state. Payal Kenaria, Salumber District Coordinator of Gayatri Seva Sansthan, reported that Ravi Joshi, a conscious citizen of the society, had called the helpline. It was reported that three groups of shepherds were herding sheep on the Udaipur-Salumbar road, being attended to by two young children. The children were in critical condition, with their parents unaccompanied. Considering the seriousness of the information, the organization immediately informed Yashoda Paniya, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, Udaipur, and the Jawar Mines Police Station. Investigation revealed that the children belonged to the Bhil community in the tribal region of Sirohi district, who were forced into bonded labor by paying them advance payments. Acting on the organization’s report, the police filed a case against Jaiparam Gadaria and Asaram Gadaria under serious sections of various laws. The accused are accused of luring children to work by promising them money and food, and then planning to take them out of the state for forced labor. The children rescued from the scene were handed over to the Child Welfare Committee, Udaipur, where they were sheltered. On this occasion, child rights expert and former member of the Rajasthan Child Commission, Dr. Shailendra Pandya, stated that the police have registered a case against the accused under sections 75, 79 of the Juvenile Justice Act, sections 16, 17, and 18 of the Bonded Labor Abolition Act, 1976, and various sections of the Indian Penal Code and have initiated an investigation. Previous cases of child labor by shepherds were reported in Banswara, Dungarpur, Udaipur, and Pali districts. Prominent members of society are strongly against child labor, but some individuals are still actively exploiting children’s childhood for greed. Strict action against them and better rehabilitation of the children is absolutely necessary. Amit Rao of the organization stated that the Gayatri Seva Sansthan is continuously working to eradicate social evils like child labor, child marriage, and human trafficking. A few days ago, the organization also freed three children from Pratapgarh district in a similar case. So far, a total of five children have been freed from bonded labor this month. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Priyanka Gandhi ventured into the dense forests of Wayanad at the call of tribals, revealing shocking facts.
Priyanka met with the Cholanayakan community in the dense forests of Karulai, discussed their demands with officials, and also reviewed development projects such as roads and railways. Malappuram, Kerala: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra continued her campaign to connect with people at the grassroots level in her parliamentary constituency, Wayanad. On Wednesday, she took a long walk through the dense forests of Karulai in Kerala’s Malappuram district and met with the Cholanayakan tribal community, which is on the verge of extinction. During the visit, she listened attentively to the community’s concerns and assured them of all possible support. Priyanka Gandhi has been touring her Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency since September 11. According to a party release, her forest visit came at the request of C. Vinod, a member of the tribal community. Vinod, who is pursuing a PhD in tribal economics, had informed Priyanka about the serious problems facing his community during the election campaign. During her visit to the forest, Vinod also briefed her on the conditions and challenges there. After meeting with the people in the tribal settlement, the Congress MP brought some of their representatives to the Forest Department’s inspection bungalow. There, she held a detailed meeting with Forest Department officials and community representatives regarding the community’s key demands, such as housing and a bridge. She also met with social activists working for the development of the tribal community. During her busy tour, Priyanka Gandhi visited the famous Nilambur Teak Depot after meeting the Cholanayakan community. She inspected the entire depot premises and eagerly inquired about the activities of the museum located there. Earlier in the day, Priyanka also reviewed the infrastructure development in the area. She visited the Nilambur Railway Station and reviewed the ongoing development work there. According to the release, she also held important discussions on the Vaniyambalam Railway Flyover, the renovation of Nilambur Station, and other railway-related needs in the area. Priyanka Gandhi shared a video on the social media platform ‘X’, detailing her visit to the construction site of the proposed Padinjarathara-Poozhithodu road in Kottiyambayal, Wayanad district. In her post, she wrote, “Visited the proposed Padinjarathara-Poozhithodu road site in Kottiyambayal along with the District Collector, District Forest Officer, and Executive Engineers of the Public Works Department (PWD). This new road will make a huge difference by providing an alternative route to the Thamarassery Ghat Road, improving connectivity in Wayanad district.” Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit man dies in police custody: Allahabad High Court seeks response from Yogi government, demands ₹25 lakh compensation
Nawabganj Police Station death case: Petitioners demand ₹25 lakh compensation for the family and a High Court-monitored investigation. Prayagraj: Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking an investigation into the death of a Dalit man in police custody at Nawabganj police station in Prayagraj, the Allahabad High Court has directed the state government to file its reply (counter affidavit) within two weeks. The petitioners have also demanded compensation of ₹25 lakh for the deceased’s family members. The family has alleged that the man died due to custodial torture within the police station premises, while the police claim he died of a heart attack. Hearing a PIL filed by the Advocates Forum and two others, a division bench of Justice Siddhartha and Justice Santosh Rai, in its order on Wednesday, directed the PIL to be listed before the appropriate court for further hearing on October 10. According to the petitioner’s lawyer, Charlie Prakash, on May 27, the police picked up Hira Lal, a laborer, from his home in connection with a theft case in which no one was named. It is alleged that no member of Hira Lal’s family was allowed to meet him, and the police later informed him that he had died. Family members were asked to go to the mortuary at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital. The PIL alleges that Hira Lal’s body was not handed over to his family members, and the police cremated him at Daraganj Ghat in Prayagraj. The petitioner’s lawyer, Charlie Prakash, argued, “This is a case of brutal custodial death and murder by the police within the police station premises, in violation of Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty).” He demanded the formation of a high-level, independent, and impartial committee headed by a retired High Court judge to investigate the illegal detention, custodial torture, and custodial death of Hira Lal, a resident of Narrepar village, Budauna, under the jurisdiction of the Nawabganj police station. The PIL also states, “The investigation should be conducted under the supervision of the High Court and should submit its report within a stipulated time.” Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit girl raped in Mau on the pretext of marriage: Threatened to kill, case filed against accused
A case of rape of a Dalit girl under the pretext of marriage has come to light in the Doharighat police station area of Mau. The girl has alleged that when she pressured him to marry her, the accused used casteist slurs and threatened to kill her. Police have registered a case in this matter and have begun searching for the accused. The victim, a resident of a village in the Doharighat police station area, stated in her complaint to the police that a young man from her village had been raping her for the past three to four years under the pretext of marriage. When she began pressuring him to marry her, he began to evade the allegations. According to the victim, when she went to the accused’s house, he used casteist slurs and threatened to kill her. Station in-charge Rajkumar Singh stated that based on the victim’s complaint, police have registered a case against the accused under relevant sections and further action is being taken. Mithilesh Kumar Rai Courtesy: Hindi News
Supreme Court adjourns plea on horizontal reservation for transgender doctors in NEET-PG admissions
The plea contends that the absence of horizontal reservation contravenes the Supreme Court’s NALSA ruling, which mandated affirmative action for transgender persons in education and public employment The Supreme Court on Thursday (September 18, 2025) adjourned till next week the hearing of a plea by three transgender doctors seeking implementation of one per cent horizontal reservation for transgender candidates in postgraduate medical admissions under NEET-PG 2025–26. The examination was held on August 3, and the results were declared on August 19. Senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for the petitioners, urged a Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran to pass an “innocuous order” earmarking two seats under the all India quota and two under the State quota for transgender candidates. The Chief Justice said such a direction could create uncertainty in the admission process. “We cannot keep seats everywhere in limbo. You are asking for two seats in the all India quota, two in the State quota,” he remarked. The Bench also noted the submission of the National Medical Commission counsel that counselling had not yet begun for the postgraduate medical courses and that no immediate urgency warranted such an order. “Counselling has not started. We will keep this matter for next week high on board,” the CJI said. The plea relies on the Supreme Court’s 2014 landmark ruling in NALSA v. Union of India, which recognised transgender persons as a “third gender” and mandated their inclusion through affirmative action in education and public employment. During the proceedings, Ms. Jaising informed the court that petitioner Kiran A.R. had withdrawn from the case and that only petitioners 2 and 3, from the OBC and general categories respectively, would continue with the plea. Appearing for the Union government and medical authorities, Additional Solicitor General Archana Pathak Dave submitted that Solicitor General Tushar Mehta wished to personally address the broader issue of reservation for transgender persons. The Bench then posted the matter for hearing on September 23. The top court had earlier observed that if there was a judicial direction mandating a quota for transgender persons, it ought to be implemented. Addressing the Solicitor General, the Chief Justice had remarked, “If the 2014 judgment requires reservation to be provided, you have to comply. Why don’t you implement it within the 15% quota?” Notably, 85% of seats in government medical colleges are reserved under the State quota, while the remaining 15% fall within the all India quota. Affirmative action The petitioners have also challenged the April 16 notice and April 17 information bulletin issued by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, contending that the omission of such a quota contravenes the court’s 2014 ruling, which mandated affirmative action and reasonable accommodation for transgender persons in education and public employment. “As a result of the impugned notice, the petitioners are left with a right without remedy, whereby there are now no reservations for transgender persons in postgraduate medical education despite the binding declaration of the law by this court,” said the plea, filed through advocate Paras Nath Singh. The plea argued that in the absence of horizontal reservation, transgender students would be deprived of equal opportunity, as no specific reservation is currently extended to them to ensure representation in postgraduate medical education, despite the community facing entrenched social barriers. It added that the 2014 verdict had recognised the fundamental rights of transgender persons under the Constitution, including the right to self-determination of gender identity. In March 2023, a Supreme Court Bench led by then Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud had refused to entertain an application seeking clarification on whether the NALSA judgment mandated horizontal reservation. Aaratrika Bhaumik 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
MU syndicate proposes PhD in Tulu, opportunities for transgender candidates
Mangaluru: The Mangalore University (MU) syndicate has proposed introducing PhD in the Tulu language and providing opportunities for transgender individuals to pursue doctoral studies. Additionally, the syndicate resolved to appoint eligible lecturers as PhD guides in several colleges under the university’s jurisdiction. These proposals were discussed during the past syndicate meetings and are currently awaiting a detailed response from the university. Raghuraj, a syndicate member who tabled the agenda on three proposals, told TOI that although MU is located in a region where Tulu is widely spoken and celebrated, there are limited academic research opportunities available at the university. He observed that the Tulu MA programme has only a limited number of students. “The proposal for a PhD is aimed at enabling those interested in research to pursue it, which will also benefit the growth of the local language. We have urged Mangalore University to introduce a PhD in Tulu, and officials have been asked to clarify whether this can be implemented under the statutes,” Raghuraj said. The second proposal calls for allowing members of the transgender community to pursue PhDs. “Education is the right of every individual, including transgender community. I have suggested that interested candidates from the community be given the opportunity to enrol in PhD programmes, based on their academic eligibility. The university statutes also provide scope to facilitate this,” he added. MU’s campus in Konaje is recognised as a postgraduate and research centre. However, with the majority of senior professors retiring, the campus lacks sufficient PhD guides. This shortage has deprived many PhD aspirants of opportunities. “With the help of the university, we are trying to reach out to experienced faculty from aided and private institutions and are also considering allowing eligible institutions to become research centres to guide PhD aspirants,” Raghuraj pointed out. 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
EC rejects charges, cites action it took for Karnataka seat
NEW DELHI: EC rejected Rahul Gandhi’s allegations regarding deletion of electors in Aland in 2023, saying that it had on its own authority filed an FIR at the time against “certain unsuccessful attempts” at deletions, after which the Karnataka chief electoral officer shared all relevant information pertaining to the case with the state police. The Karnataka CEO posted on X that all information available with EC was handed over to Kalaburagi, SP on Sept 6, 2023 itself. The shared information included the objector’s name, EPIC number and mobile number used for login, Form 7 reference number, mobile number provided by the objector for processing software application medium, IP address, applicant’s place, form submission date and time, and user creation date. “Basically, the information that Rahul has asked EC to provide in a week was shared by the Karnataka CEO with the state CID two years ago,” said an EC functionary, while contrasting this with Rahul refusing to submit a signed affidavit in support of his allegations regarding roll irregularities in Mahadevapura, for which CEC Gyanesh Kumar had set him a similar deadline. As regards Rahul’s allegations regarding addition of fake voters in Maharashtra’s Rajoura constituency, the electoral registration officer of Rajoura said that between Oct 1 and 17, 2024, the constituency had received 7,592 applications for new voter enrolment. “On scrutiny by booth level officers, 6,861 applications were found invalid. These included fictitious identities, invalid photographs, documents and incorrect addresses. These applications were rejected,” the ERO said, stressing that no fake names were added to the roll. He added that taking cognisance of the irregularities, the district election officer had directed a comprehensive probe and criminal action. 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
Maha ‘Vote Chori’ In Chandrapur’s Rajura, Says Rahul, questions EC over deletion of 6,800 voters after Cong plea
Nagpur/Chandrapur: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Election Commission of India (ECI) of ignoring large-scale voter rigging in the Rajura assembly constituency of Chandrapur district during last year’s assembly polls in Maharashtra. Gandhi took cue from the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee’s accusations of manipulation in the Rajura voter list, 10 days ago. In Delhi, Gandhi alleged “over 6,800 fake voters were deleted quietly” after Congress lodged a complaint with ECI, but no accountability followed. In the fiercely fought Rajura contest, Congress district president Subhash Dhote lost to BJP’s Devrao Bhongle by a margin of 3,050 votes. Gandhi claimed the numbers raise questions, with deletions almost doubling the margin of defeat. “This is not a small irregularity, it is a deliberate attempt to tilt the balance,” he claimed. “The Karnataka modus operandi was followed in Rajura. In the last presentation, I explained how the system operates. You will see the name of voters as YUH and address as ‘JW’, which is just copy and paste. The same system was also used in elections in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, Karnataka and Maharashtra,” he added. Hours after Gandhi’s diatribe, the electoral registration officer (ERO) of Rajura clarified that prompt administrative action had prevented bogus voter registrations from entering rolls. Between October 1-17, 2024, the constituency received 7,592 applications for new voter enrolment. “On scrutiny by booth level officers, 6,861 applications were found invalid. These included fictitious identities, invalid photographs, documents and incorrect addresses. These applications were rejected,” the ERO said, ensuring no fake names were added to the rolls. He added that taking cognisance of irregularities, the district election officer directed a comprehensive probe and criminal action under Representation of the People Act, 1950, and Information Technology Act, 2000. On September 9, Congress chief spokesperson Atul Londhe and Dhote had made similar allegations against the ECI in Mumbai. Both claimed large-scale voter manipulation in Rajura was comparable to the Mahadevapura case in Karnataka during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which Gandhi had earlier highlighted. “In just five months between the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, Rajura’s voter count jumped by 55,000,” they said. “Between October 1-15, 2024, over 11,600 bogus voters were registered online. Following our complaint, 6,861 entries were deleted, and an FIR was lodged.” According to them, despite an FIR lodged nearly 11 months ago, officials are yet to investigate the matter, prompting the party to threaten legal recourse. Both Londhe and Dhote had threatened to move court if ECI failed to take remedial steps. They also accused BJP of colluding with EC to manipulate voter registrations. “Still, authorities have not provided access to IP addresses, email IDs, or mobile numbers linked to these fake registrations,” both had said. The duo accused police and administration of withholding this information, preventing identification of the perpetrators. They also pointed out that the victorious BJP candidate was caught with materials, including Rs 61 lakh in cash and election equipment, were seized by EC’s team, and an FIR was registered at Gadchandur police station, but no further action was taken. BJP MLA Bhongale, however, refuted the charges, stating there is a natural rise in the number of voters between Lok Sabha and assembly elections due to Election Commission’s special registration drive. “In Rajura, thousands of new voters were added, which is in line with the trend in other constituencies. It was BJP that first raised concerns about the sudden spike in voter numbers here. Following our complaint, a detailed investigation was conducted, and 6,861 bogus voters were struck off the rolls. I demand a thorough probe,” he 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