BSP Chief Mayawati Backs Women’s Quota, Seeks Separate Reservation For Dalit And OBC Women
BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday supported the proposed 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies but demanded a separate quota for Dalit and OBC women. Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, she said ensuring representation of marginalised sections is crucial and reiterated her party’s long-standing demand for 50% reservation in legislatures. BSP Chief Mayawati Backs Women’s Quota, Seeks Separate Reservation For Dalit And OBC Women | Lucknow: Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Wednesday welcomed the decision to provide 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, but demanded a separate quota within it for women from Dalit and Other Backward Classes. Addressing a press conference, Mayawati said her party has consistently advocated 50 percent reservation for women in legislatures. She said that while the BSP supports the proposed 33 percent quota as a step towards improvement, it is equally important to ensure representation for marginalised sections among women. The BSP supremo also targeted the Indian National Congress, alleging that it had not taken concrete steps to introduce women’s reservation during its time in power. She accused the party of attempting to stall the reform now by raising new issues. Reiterating her party’s stand, she said the BSP supports the decision in principle but will continue to press for sub-categorisation to protect the interests of Dalit and OBC women. Referring to the birth anniversary of B. R. Ambedkar observed across the country on Monday, Mayawati said she paid tributes to the architect of the Constitution. She also criticised other political parties for what she described as attempts to woo Dalit voters by adopting symbols associated with the BSP. She said several parties have recently used the colour blue in their programmes to attract Dalits, but asserted that the community remains aligned with the BSP’s ideology and such efforts would not succeed. BISWAJEET BANERJEE 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
Dalit woman’s suicide: Anbumani demands ban on DMK’s Rs 8,000 coupon campaign
CHENNAI: A political firestorm has erupted in Tamil Nadu following the suicide of a young dalit woman at Manachanallur in Trichy, allegedly after being harassed and insulted by DMK workers. The incident has prompted PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss to demand an immediate ban on the DMK’s controversial “Rs 8,000 coupon” campaign, labelling it a fraudulent election manoeuvre. In a post on X, he said the victim, identified as Sindhuja of Manachanallur, reportedly entered into an argument with local DMK functionaries over the distribution of “model coupons” for the proposed Illatharasi (homemaker) scheme. When Sindhuja questioned why she had not received the coupon being distributed in her area, DMK workers allegedly targeted her with “obscene language” and intimidated her. Distressed by the humiliation and the verbal abuse, the young woman reportedly took her life by hanging. The scheme, a key promise in the DMK’s 2026 manifesto, pledges a Rs 8,000 coupon for non-income tax-paying households to purchase home appliances. In another post on X, he said a college student was brutally attacked with a sickle by a gang of drug addicts at her residence in Vallur village near Minjur. Anbumani while condemning the incident alleged that even women inside their homes are no longer safe under the current DMK regime. The victim, a college student, was at home preparing for her upcoming examinations. A three-member gang, allegedly under the influence of ganja, barged into her house. The gang members attempted to sexually assault the student. When she resisted and fought back, the assailants hacked her with a sickle, inflicting severe injuries. The student has been hospitalized in a critical condition. Anbumani linked the assault directly to the widespread availability of narcotics. “This horrific event is a grim testament to the uncontrollable spread of drugs like ganja under the DMK rule,” he stated. “Until now, there was a sense of fear regarding women’s safety in public spaces. But now, the situation has deteriorated to a level where women are not safe even within the four walls of their homes,” 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
Battle over Ambedkar’s political legacy: Dalit empowerment needs more than icon worship
These are challenging times. The world is being reshaped by conflict and uncertainty. The recent American–Israeli attack on Iran has shocked global opinion, reviving the specter of imperialism and colonialism. Civilians are dying, children are being killed, hospitals reduced to rubble, schools bombed—and yet there is no forum where the victims can truly complain. Even speaking out risks international alienation. The price is heavy, but it is precisely in such moments that we must recall the life and courage of Baba Saheb Ambedkar, whose 135th birth anniversary was commemorated worldwide on April 14. For millions, Ambedkar is not merely an icon but an intimate presence—remembered from dawn to dusk as guardian and forefather. For scholars, he is a prolific source whose writings fill volumes published by the Government of India. For political leaders, he is a vote bank. Yet the sudden embrace of Ambedkar is not accidental; it reflects the strength Dalits have asserted and the confidence Ambedkarism has instilled in resisting injustice. Still, his political legacy—embodied in the Republican Party of India and later the Bahujan Samaj Party—has been systematically weakened. Unlike the Dravidian movement, which safeguarded Periyar’s legacy through strong parties like DMK and AIADMK, Ambedkarite parties have been undermined, leaving his thought vulnerable to appropriation. Respecting Ambedkar is welcome, but empowerment cannot be reduced to symbolic gestures. Without strong political organizations rooted in Ambedkarite ideology, Dalits risk losing their collective voice. The future of the BSP, particularly in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections, will be critical. The challenges of our time demand that Ambedkarites expand their agenda. Caste discrimination and untouchability remain central, but silence on issues such as privatization, monopolies, communalism, climate change, environmental degradation, and the struggles of farmers, Adivasis, and industrial workers is untenable. These are Bahujan issues, and they must be confronted. Misinterpretations of Ambedkar’s thought are spreading quietly, reducing him to ritual rather than radical critique. We must ask: what would Ambedkar say about today’s economic policies, education system, agrarian distress, industrial unrest, or the resurgence of imperialism? He would not have remained silent. He was a man of intellect and conviction, willing to stand alone against the tide of power. Ambedkar was indeed pragmatic, but his pragmatism was never opportunism. He sought the best for India’s marginalized while holding firm to core values. He understood that political empowerment must be accompanied by cultural renaissance to humanize society. To celebrate Ambedkar is to speak uncomfortable truths, build alliances with like-minded forces, and never abandon the vision of a socialist state. As long as caste inequality, hunger, poor healthcare, and inadequate education persist, the promise of democracy remains hollow. The Western capitalist model, once held up as success, now stands exposed. The state must be held accountable for ensuring equality in health, education, and welfare. Abdication of responsibility will only deepen caste divisions and inequality. It is time to re-read Ambedkar—not as ritual, but as guide—to ask the right questions of those who seek our votes. His idea of India remains our compass. By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* Courtesy : Counterview Note: This news is originally published on https:/counterview.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit woman dies by suicide allegedly after assault by DMK members over election gift items
A 25-year-old Dalit woman, Sindhuja, died by suicide in Tiruchirappalli after allegedly being assaulted by DMK workers who refused to give her gift items. Nine people have been booked, and six have been arrested so far. A 25-year-old Dalit woman died by suicide on April 14 following an attack allegedly by DMK members who were angered after she questioned the bias in distributing utensils as gift items. The incident took place in Valaikattai village in Tiruchirappalli district. The deceased has been identified as Sindhuja. She was married to Prashanth and is survived by her daughter. According to the police, on the night of April 13, at around 7.30 pm, local DMK workers campaigning for their candidate, S Kathiravan, were distributing gifts on behalf of the party. However, when Sindhuja requested one, the DMK members allegedly refused, stating that the gifts would be distributed only to their associates and party members, police said in a statement. Objecting to this, Sindhuja reportedly threatened to raise the issue when the DMK candidate visited the village seeking votes. Angered by her response, the accused allegedly pulled her hair and her churidar, abused her using obscene language, and assaulted her with a broomstick. According to the police, Sindhuja’s husband, Prasanth, who works as a driver, was out of town at the time of the incident. The following day, Sindhuja reportedly confronted her husband for not taking action against the accused. She then pushed him out of the house, locked the door from inside, and attempted suicide. With the help of neighbours, Prasanth broke open the door and tried to rescue her. Although she was rushed to the hospital, she was declared dead on arrival. On Wednesday, Sindhuja’s family and relatives blocked the Trichy–Lalgudi Road, demanding the arrest of the perpetrators. Subsequently, following a complaint by Sindhuja’s mother, a case was registered against nine individuals—Raja, Rajendran, Ravikumar, Rajkumar, Sureshkumar, Pushpam, Rajeswari, Karthiga, and Angumani—under Sections 296 (obscene acts), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 351 (criminal intimidation), 79 (insult to the modesty of a woman), and 108 (abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant provisions of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act and the Representation of the People Act. Among the accused, six were arrested, produced before a court, and remanded in judicial custody, while the remaining three are absconding. Superintendent of Police Selvanagarathinam stated that efforts are underway to arrest the other accused soon. Meanwhile, several political leaders condemned the incident on social media, including TVK president and actor Vijay, BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran, former BJP state president K. Annamalai, AMMK general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran, PMK leader Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, and the AIADMK IT wing. Written by:TNM Staff 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
Activists urge Telangana to pass resolution against Transgender Amendment Act
They also called on Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to hold back from operationalising the 2026 Amendment Act and to continue implementing the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. Synopsis: Over 200 activists have written to A Revanth Reddy, asking the state to pass a resolution against the Centre’s Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, and to hold back its implementation. They said the law replaces self-identified gender with medical certification, reversing a right recognised by the Supreme Court of India, and warned of loss of legal recognition, welfare access and protections. Over 200 transgender rights and social activists from across India have written to A Revanth Reddy, demanding that the Telangana legislature pass a resolution against the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026. They called the legislation a threat to the constitutional rights of lakhs of transgender and gender-diverse persons. The letter, sent on Wednesday, 15 April, marks two dates activists consider significant: Ambedkar Jayanti on 14 April and the anniversary of the NALSA judgment on 15 April 2014, which recognised the right to self-perceived gender identity as a fundamental right under Article 21. The signatories urged the Telangana government to hold back from operationalising the 2026 Amendment Act and to continue implementing the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, along with the directions in the NALSA judgment. Earlier this week, the activists had conveyed their concerns in person to Meenakshi Natarajan, the All India Congress Committee Telangana in-charge. She told them she would take up the matter with the chief minister. They also called on the chief minister to instruct officials to process all 811 pending applications for transgender identity cards in the state. Of the 2,824 applicants who applied for certificates and ID cards in Telangana, 2,013 have received cards, leaving over 800 cases unresolved. Law undoes NALSA-backed right to self-identification The 2026 Amendment Act replaces self-perceived gender identity with a system of medical certification and administrative verification. Activists say this reverses a right the Supreme Court of India declared fundamental over a decade ago. “The 2026 Amendment Act poses a threat to the rights and protection of transgender persons, including loss of legal recognition, exclusion from welfare entitlements, denial of healthcare, loss of employment and livelihoods, and withdrawal of protections under criminal law,” the letter states. The signatories also raised concerns about what they said is a lack of consultation. They pointed out that the Union government passed the amendment within two weeks without seeking input from state governments, even though the changes cover entries on the state and concurrent legislative lists. “The state governments were not consulted, violating the principles of federalism and co-operative governance,” the letter said. Activists said the Amendment Act contains retrospective references that create uncertainty over the fate of 32,000 transgender certificates issued under the 2019 Act. They also noted that the constitutionality of the law is under challenge before the Supreme Court of India and multiple High Courts, including in Delhi, Karnataka and Kerala. The letter says Telangana must not implement the Amendment Act until courts resolve these constitutional questions. The signatories include all members of the Transgender Welfare Board constituted by the previous state government in 2022, including Vyjayanti Vasanta Mogli, Rachana Mudraboyina and Meera Sanghamitra. Lawyers, academics, feminist activists, and environmental and farmers’ rights campaigners also added their names. Sumit Jha Courtesy : SF Note: This news is originally published on https:/southfirst.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Transgender representatives attend CM swearing-in
Patna: In a first for Bihar, the Raj Bhavan invited members of the transgender community to the swearing-in ceremony of the new chief minister, Samrat Choudhary. Rajan Singh of the state’s Transgender Board and Suraiya Nayak represented the community at the event, marking the first time the group was formally included in a cabinet induction at the governor’s residence. The community members characterised the invitation as a significant milestone for the community’s social recognition and involvement in official state proceedings. Singh, the acting vice-chairperson of the board, said that “Previously, we have never been invited to such things because our community did not have any representation at the state level. However, under former CM Nitish Kumar, this welfare board for transgenders was built, and now we have been made a part of such a ceremony.” He added that this invitation is just the first step. As Bihar for the first time has a BJP CM, who has thought about including the ‘lowest, most ignored strata of the society’ in the oath ceremony, Singh believes that the newly formed govt will work for increased inclusivity and representation of the trans community in Bihar. 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
Aadhav Arjuna interview: TVK was never interested in aligning with AIADMK, BJP
There were no direct or indirect talks with AIADMK and BJP, says TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna in an interview. “Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke to Vijay on how Congress wanted to bring back Kamaraj rule and how DMK spoiled Congress growth,” he says. Excerpts: AICC functionary Praveen Chakravarty says he, along with another functionary, met Vijay multiple times with the approval of the relevant Congress leadership. What were the meetings about? Praveen is a good friend. We have a long friendship and the same mindset on secular and social justice ideologies. I know people in Rahul Gandhi’s close network. This wasn’t alliance talks, but a friendly exchange of views. Rahul Gandhi called our leader, and our leader interacted with him when the meetings with Praveen were on. This was not meant to cement an alliance. They spoke about how Congress wanted to bring back Kamaraj rule, how DMK spoiled Congress growth, and how DMK’s first family controlled Congress second-level leaders. Vijay and Rahul Gandhi are still good friends. You said Vijay was offered 90 assembly seats and the CM post for two and a half years, but he refused. Who offered it, and why didn’t Vijay accept it? I don’t want to give the party’s name. AIADMK openly invited us to join their alliance, and so did BJP. If our focus is only on money, we can align with AIADMK and BJP. We want to set our party’s ideology. We are a strong secular and social justice force. Tamil Nadu is synonymous with Annadurai and Periyar. Everyone says TVK has no alliance. If TVK wanted, it could have created a big alliance. We believe we can win on our own. We believe in our own party, our leader. We believe our candidates and the public support us. We respect what people expect from us. AIADMK and BJP invited TVK to join the alliance. Would it not have been possible for all of you to consolidate against DMK? No chance. People believe in us. The real AIADMK vote bank has moved to TVK. The fight now is between TVK and DMK. TVK is going to win. We have a tall and charismatic leader. We are already in the number one position. There is no chance of us aligning with any other leader. Piyush Goyal denied BJP approached TVK for alliance talks and said EPS would not risk leadership for someone unlikely to win more than a few seats. I don’t know what Piyush Goyal is saying. For BJP leaders, it is like vacation time. They are taking holiday tours in TN during the election. Their leaders in Delhi do not understand Tamil Nadu politics. There is not even a 1% chance of a national party winning in Tamil Nadu. Soon after TVK was launched, did you reach out to AIADMK for an alliance? We never reached out to any party. We never formed an alliance committee. There were no direct or indirect talks with AIADMK. They are all rumours. They kept saying TVK will come, TVK will join. We focused on 234 seats. On May 4, we will get a majority. An actor who accompanied Vijay to a wedding event appears to have upset a section of voters. Is it likely to affect Vijay’s prospects? DMK always targets women, including Jayalalithaa, using nasty and undemocratic words. They targeted her personal life. See, even in MGR’s time, Karunanidhi attacked aggressively. But people do not bother about such things. They act against those indulging in character assassination. Do you see the Karur stampede impacting TVK’s prospects? After Karur, we are devastated. An inquiry is underway, and we want justice. The era of DMK’s family rule is over. Only Rahul Gandhi reached out to Vijay. Will Vijay campaign in Karur? We are still working on campaigning in second- and third-tier cities. We are awaiting permissions based on public safety. Let’s see how it will work out. What are TVK’s chances in this assembly election? How many constituencies can you win? DMK claims it will win 200 seats. The DMK alliance includes more than 24 parties. It is not like 2021. This is a discordant alliance. It is not an alliance built around the cadres’ interests. Congress cadres and office-bearers want to align with TVK. That is the ground reality. But one or two leaders insisted on aligning with DMK for their own interests. Rahul Gandhi loyalists have left the campaign. There is a perception that Vijay is skipping some scheduled campaign programmes. Is that true? For our leader’s rallies, we need SPs, DSPs, commissioners and DIGs on duty, along with detailed permissions. Unlike the CM’s or Udhayanidhi’s events, our crowds are much larger, usually more than one lakh for Vijay. In many second-tier districts, the roads are too narrow for this kind of crowd. That’s why we skipped places such as Cuddalore. We’re choosing venues with wider roads such as Kanyakumari and Tirupur. 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: TMC paving way for BJP through dictatorship raj
Kolkata/Malda/Behrampore: Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused Trinamool of ushering in a “dictatorship raj” in Bengal and paving the way for BJP, saying people in the state were “stuck” between an “anti-people” TMC and a “hate-spreading” BJP. Addressing a rally at Shamsherganj in Murshidabad, the Congress neta alleged governance failure under CM Mamata Banerjee. “There is complete dictatorship raj in Bengal. Teachers’ jobs are being sold, factories are closed and women are being tortured in Bengal. There is no accountability in the state,” he said. Rahul, who addressed three rallies across North Dinajpur, Malda and Murshidabad, reiterated his 2016 charge of “dictatorial” functioning, drawing parallels between Banerjee and PM Narendra Modi. “Five years back, the CM (Mamata Banerjee) had promised five lakh jobs. The reality is that 84 lakh youths have filed applications for unemployment allowance now,” he said. Blaming TMC for the dismal condition of industries in the state, Rahul said, “They have shut down factories and spread hatred. Unemployment is the highest in Bengal and the state has broken all records of corruption. 17 lakh investors were cheated in the Saradha scam and nobody got a penny from Rs 1,900 crore looted from people. Rose Valley has duped 31 lakh investors.” He alleged that industries in Bengal face a “double blow” — with Banerjee closing factories in the state while Modi was “destroying the broader industrial sector”. Rahul also came down heavily on BJP, saying, “BJP and RSS have deleted the names of lakhs of voters from the electoral roll. We will ensure that everyone’s name is included in the voter list again. They are stealing votes in the name of SIR.” Claiming Congress to be the only “challenger”, he said: “BJP knows that Trinamool cannot challenge them nationally. It is only Congress which can stop them.” 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 Athlete Injured in Attack in Muzaffarnagar; Career Jeopardized: Misses Railway Physical Test, Rod Inserted in Leg; No Justice Even After a Month
The case involving an attack on a Dalit family in Muzaffarnagar is no longer limited merely to an incident of physical assault; it is now evolving into a narrative of “delayed justice” and “the ruined career of a budding athlete.” Nearly a month after the incident, the lack of concrete action against the accused has raised serious questions regarding the conduct of the police. In this incident, which occurred on March 19 in the Rampuri locality under the City Kotwali police station area, a young man named Satyam sustained severe injuries. According to his family members, Satyam is an athlete who has even won medals for the country. However, this attack has put his entire career in jeopardy. He suffered such severe injuries to his leg during the attack that he had to be hospitalized, where he underwent treatment for approximately 10 days. His condition was such that a metal rod had to be surgically inserted into his leg. This injury proved to be the biggest setback for him, as it prevented him from participating in his physical trials for the Railways—a crucial opportunity that could have given a new direction to his career. The victim’s family alleges that, following a minor verbal altercation, local strongmen stormed their home and targeted the entire family with sticks and clubs. Several people were injured during the assault. Most disturbingly, even a month after the incident, the victim has yet to receive justice. The family states that the accused are roaming freely and are continuously issuing death threats, while the police have, thus far, failed to take any strict action against them. On Wednesday, the victimized athlete—displaying dozens of medals he has won—met with the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) along with his family to appeal for justice in the matter. The family unequivocally asserts that had timely action been taken, their son might not have been sidelined from the race of his dreams today. Varun Kumar Sharma | Muzaffarnagar Courtesy: Hindi News
BSP Supports Women’s Reservation; Demand for Separate Quota for Dalit and OBC Women Intensifies
SC/ST/OBC Reservation: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Supremo Mayawati has welcomed the decision to grant 33 percent reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies; however, she has simultaneously raised a demand for a separate reservation quota specifically for women belonging to the Dalit and OBC communities. Lucknow News: BSP Supremo Mayawati has welcomed the decision to grant 33 percent reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, while simultaneously demanding a separate reservation quota for women from the Dalit and OBC communities. Addressing a press conference, she stated that her party has long advocated for granting 50 percent reservation to women; however, for the time being, the party views the current 33 percent reservation as a positive step and therefore extends its support to it. **Get the Full Details** Mayawati explicitly stated that a general reservation for women alone would not fully achieve the objective of social justice. She emphasized that it is imperative to provide a separate reservation quota for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) to ensure their equal participation in the political sphere. According to her, this measure would prove instrumental in empowering the marginalized sections of society. **What She Said About the Congress** During the press conference, the BSP chief also launched a scathing attack on the Congress party. She remarked that when the Indian National Congress was in power, it failed to take any serious initiative regarding women’s reservation. Now that steps are finally being taken in this direction, the Congress is attempting to interfere with this reform. She alleged that the Congress’s stance is opportunistic and that the party is merely playing politics over this issue. **Tribute Paid to Dr. Ambedkar** Additionally, Mayawati made reference to the birth anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar. She noted that tributes were paid to the architect of the Constitution, Dr. Ambedkar, across the country, and she herself offered her homage to him. She further observed that in recent times, several political parties have begun incorporating the color blue into their programs in an attempt to woo Dalit voters; however, she asserted that the true significance and impact of this symbolism remain inextricably linked solely with the BSP. In conclusion, Mayawati stated that the BSP would continue to relentlessly struggle for social justice, equality, and the rights of marginalized sections of society. She expressed confidence that only her party’s policies could truly empower the Dalit and backward communities. Stay tuned to Zee News for the latest updates from Uttar Pradesh! Read UP News here and get real-time information. Every news story from Uttar Pradesh reaches you first, because we keep you prepared for every moment. Stay connected with us and stay updated! Courtesy : Hindi News