Thakur, Dalit, Brahmin: Uttarakhand CM’s new Cabinet balances caste, regions
The Dhami Cabinet is now at its full strength, with 12 members. Inducting new faces into the Cabinet highlights the BJP’s strategy of balancing social and regional equations in the state ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expanded his Cabinet, inducting five new faces. The Dhami Cabinet is now at its full strength, with 12 members. Inducting new faces into the Cabinet highlights the BJP’s strategy of balancing social and regional equations in the state ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. While two ministers belong to the Thakur community, the newly-expanded Cabinet has one member each from the Dalit, Brahmin and Punjabi communities. The Garhwal region and the plains are represented by two ministers each, while the Kumaon region has a lone representative. Khajan Das hails from the Dalit community and has previously served as a minister. In the 2022 Assembly elections, the senior BJP leader won his seat by a margin of 11,163 votes. His political journey began in 2007 when he was elected from Dhanaulti. Bharat Singh Chaudhary, MLA, Rudraprayag Bharat Chaudhary (66) belongs to the Thakur community. Chaudhary is known for his strong command over Hindi, English, and Sanskrit. Before joining the BJP, he unsuccessfully contested the 2012 Assembly elections as an Independent. Ram Singh Kaida, MLA, Bhimtal (Nainital) Ram Singh Kaida, who began his political career with the Congress, contested the 2017 Assembly election as an Independent and won. Later, he gravitated toward the BJP and formally joined the party in 2021. Madan Kaushik, MLA, Haridwar Madan Kaushik is a five-time MLA. A former president of the BJP state unit, he has held various portfolios in previous state governments. Hailing from the Brahmin community, Kaushik commands a strong support base in the Haridwar region. Pradeep Batra, MLA, Roorkee A businessman with interests in hotels, retail and other sectors, Pradeep Batra is a third-term MLA from Roorkee. Batra, who won the 2012 Assembly election on a Congress ticket, joined the BJP prior to the 2022 polls. Ankit Sharma Courtesy : India Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/indiatoday.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Physics Wallah Teacher’s Shameful Casteist Remark: “It would be difficult if I looked like a ‘thief-Ch***r’…”
Community Outraged After Clip Goes Viral New Delhi—A video is rapidly going viral on social media, alleging that a teacher at Physics Wallah (PW) made derogatory casteist remarks against the Dalit community. In the video, the teacher is heard telling students, “It is a big deal that I bear some resemblance to Ravi Kishan; if I looked like a ‘thief-Ch***r,’ it would be difficult—at least now you will look at me…” During this exchange, he used offensive language, which is being perceived as an insult to the Dalit community. Physics Wallah (PW) is a popular Indian educational platform founded by Alakh Pandey, offering affordable online classes, live sessions, video lectures, study notes, and mock tests for students in grades 6–12, as well as for JEE, NEET, and other competitive examinations. Available on the Google Play Store, the platform assists students in their learning journey through interactive tools and doubt-clearing sessions. The incident reportedly involves a colleague of Alakh Pandey. Sharing the video, the ‘Dalit Voice’ account posted: “A teacher insulted the hardworking community in the classroom, going so far as to use the casteist slur ‘thief-Ch***r.’ This exposes the deep-seated prejudice present among such individuals.” Following the viral video, social media users have expressed massive outrage. Many users have demanded immediate and strict action from Physics Wallah and Alakh Pandey. One user wrote, “If a teacher is making casteist remarks, what can we expect from others? @PhysicswallahAP, please take strict action, Sir.” Other users described the incident as “regressive” and “shameful,” accusing the teacher of harboring prejudice against the community. Some users have identified the teacher as “Rishi Jain, Economics teacher (Hindi medium) at PW”; however, no official statement has been issued by Physics Wallah regarding the matter yet. As of now, there has been no news regarding the suspension or termination of the teacher. Physics Wallah has not issued any response or update regarding this matter. This incident comes at a time when protests are underway across the country concerning the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026. In January 2026, the Supreme Court stayed these regulations, terming them “too sweeping” and “vague.” The Court had scheduled a hearing for March 19, but the hearing could not take place. The next hearing is expected to be held next week. Meanwhile, Dalit organizations and student groups are demanding the implementation of these regulations, while students from the General Category have opposed them. Linking this controversy involving Physics Wallah to the dispute over the UGC equity regulations, many users have asserted that casteism still persists in educational institutions and that strict laws are needed. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Over 44 student groups oppose changes to transgender rights Bill
Over 44 student groups from law schools opposed the Transgender Rights Amendment Bill 2026, alleging it weakens self-identification rights and dilutes protections upheld by the Supreme Court. More than 44 student organisations from over 25 law schools across India on Friday condemned the proposed amendments to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill 2026, alleging that it undermines the dignity, autonomy and constitutional safeguards of transgender, intersex and genderqueer persons. The Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 13 by Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar, seeks to provide a precise definition of “transgender” while excluding “different sexual orientations and self-perceived sexual identities” from its ambit. In a joint statement, student bodies including NALSAR Queer Collective, Feminist Alliance at NLSIU, Jamia Queer Collective, and groups from Government Law College, Mumbai, and Delhi University’s Faculty of Law, said the amendment “threatens self-identification, transition, and chosen family structures”. “This bill…effectively seeks to dilute the protections recognised in NALSA v. Union of India, which affirmed the right to self-perceived gender identity, dignity, and expression. We, the undersigned, are queer and allied student groups across Indian law schools. The proposed amendment threatens…the very existence of many trans persons, while stripping away already limited benefits,” the statement said. The groups further alleged that the proposed changes echo “the dark colonial legacy” of laws such as the Criminal Tribes Act and Eunuchs Act, which historically treated transgender communities as subjects of control. The Bill states that a transgender person “shall not include, nor shall ever have been so included, persons with different sexual orientations and self-perceived sexual identities”, asserting that the law is intended to protect a specific class facing “extreme and oppressive” discrimination, not all gender identities or fluidities. However, the student organisations argued that this position contradicts existing provisions. “This explicitly goes against Section 4(2) of the Act, which the Bill seeks to omit. This provision recognised the right to self perceived gender identity,” the statement said, questioning the government’s claim of a “vague definition” without substantiating enforcement issues. They also pointed to implementation gaps, noting that only 12 states and Union Territories have constituted transgender welfare boards, attributing shortcomings to “systemic failures in resources, infrastructure, and political will”. The proposed amendment has also drawn protests from transgender rights activists, the Student Federation of India, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Anish Gawande. The Bill introduces a revised definition that includes socio-cultural identities such as kinner, hijra, aravani and jogta, as well as intersex persons and individuals with congenital variations in sex characteristics. It also includes persons allegedly compelled to assume a transgender identity through coercive means. Student groups rejected what they described as a narrowing of the definition to limited cultural identities and physiological markers. “It conflates the distinct identities of intersex and transgender peoples and excludes all trans identities that do not fall into this narrow criteria,” the statement said. They further alleged that the amendment was introduced without adequate consultation with the community and fails to address longstanding demands on issues such as sexual violence, reproductive rights and marriage equality. “It is a deep irony that a statute claiming to protect the rights of transgender persons, is now proposed to penalise ‘coercing or alluring’ people to be transgender… This shows a deeply twisted view of transgender identity as a result of compulsion and coercion, rather than a representation of a person’s autonomy and agency,” the statement added. Courtesy : NAI Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsarenaindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Delhi CM holds pre-budget meeting with transgender community
NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday interacted with members of the transgender community and sought their suggestions for the upcoming annual budget to be tabled in the assembly next week. In an X post, Gupta said she held a meaningful dialogue with members of the third gender community at the Delhi Secretariat. They welcomed the Delhi government’s decision to issue them Pink smart cards for free bus rides, she said. “They also shared suggestions and expectations. These suggestions will be incorporated into the upcoming budget, moving towards building an inclusive and developed Delhi,” she said. The chief minister has been holding a series of meetings with various sections of the society, including working women, gig workers, labourers, farmers, teachers, students, medical professionals and others ahead of the budget presentation on March 24. PTI 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
‘Now only into writing fiction’: Former Army chief Gen MM Naravane after uproar over unpublished memoir
NEW DELHI: Former Army chief General MM Naravane said that he would only write fiction now. The statement came at a book signing event on Friday. Naravane’s unreleased memoir ‘Four Stars of Destiny’ created an uproar in Parliament last month with Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi used excerpts from the book published in a magazine and accused PM Narendra Modi of “not fulfulling responsibility” during the 2020 India-China military clashes in Ladakh. “I’ve always been writing from time to time, not only military reports but also for various academic journals of the Army. I had also written a few short stories, one of which was even published in the Femina. I am now only into writing fiction,” he added. “My book ‘The Cantonment Conspiracy’ was released last year, and I’m glad to say that the book is relatively well for a first-time author who had no idea how to write. It has been an interesting journey to write this book and transition from being a soldier to being a storyteller. So I enjoyed writing it, and I’m sure all those who read it will enjoy reading it too,” he said. During the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address on February 2, the Lok Sabha saw heated exchanges after Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi attempted to quote a magazine article featuring excerpts from an unpublished memoir by Naravane. Gandhi’s remarks were interrupted by defence minister Rajnath Singh, who objected to citing material from an unauthenticated and unpublished book. Members of the ruling benches also opposed the move, intensifying the confrontation in the House. The dispute escalated further when Opposition MPs moved a no-confidence motion against Om Birla, alleging that Gandhi was not being allowed to speak. However, the motion was later defeated through a voice vote during the second phase of the Budget Session of Parliament. 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
‘Team UDF is Team Keralam, people ready for change’: Rahul Gandhi’s message ahead of Kerala polls
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Fruday pitched the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) as a unified and people-centric alliance ahead of the Kerala assembly elections, saying the coalition represents both experience and fresh leadership rooted in local realities.”Each candidate reflects the voice, the aspirations and the trust of the people of Keralam. This is a collective of experienced leaders and young change-makers – a strong team of men and women who understand the intricacies of the constituencies they represent,” Rahul said in a post on X. “For me, Keralam is home and the people of Keralam are family. I owe a great debt to the people for everything they have taught me and for the love and warmth they have embraced me with – I will always be your partner,” it added. Projecting the election as a moment of political shift, Rahul said, “The message from Keralam is clear — the people are ready for change, they seek a government that listens, understands, and delivers with honesty.” He also expressed confidence in the UDF’s prospects, saying, “Along with the coming UDF government, I will do everything to help build a better future for this beautiful state. Keralam will win. UDF will lead.” Kerala will go to the polls on April 9 to elect a new 140-member Assembly, with results scheduled for May 4. The contest has largely crystallised into a three-way battle between the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), the Congress-led UDF, and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The LDF, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is seeking a rare third consecutive term, banking on its governance record over the past decade. The BJP, under state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, is attempting to regain ground after losing its only seat in Nemom in 2021. While the outgoing Assembly was dominated by the Left with 99 seats against the UDF’s 41, the opposition is hopeful that shifting political currents and localised anti-incumbency could narrow the gap. Nearly 35 constituencies saw victory margins of less than 10,000 votes in the last election, making them key battlegrounds this time. 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
Muthukur Dalit Farmers Receive Revised Compensation
Somireddy said the revision reflects the government’s commitment to protecting farmers’ interests Nellore: In a major relief, 14 Dalit farmers from Eepuru-Mittapalem in Muthukur mandal were each given compensation cheques of ₹26.95 lakh on the occasion of Ugadi. The farmers had lost about 33 acres of assigned land, which was sold through APIIC to a private firm in 2022 at ₹9 lakh per acre, totaling ₹2.97 crore. Each farmer owned roughly 77 cents. Following their representations, Sarvepalli MLA Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy took up the issue, pressing for compensation in line with market rates. Officials subsequently revised the value to ₹42 lakh per acre, including service charges and compensation for trees and structures After deductions, the final amount was fixed at ₹35 lakh per acre, translating to ₹26.95 lakh per farmer. The MLA also directed officials to ensure that an additional ₹2 lakh paid by the company towards trees and structures is fully disbursed to the beneficiaries. The cheques were distributed at a programme in Vedayapalem, attended by Inland Waterways Authority Chairman Dr Z. Siva Prasad and local leaders. Somireddy said the revision reflects the government’s commitment to protecting farmers’ interests. Courtesy : Deccan Chronicle Note: This news is originally published on https:/deccanchronicle.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Madhya Pradesh: Alleged Attack on Dalit Family in Neemuch; Hospital Protest; Demand for Suicide Permission if Justice Denied
A grave incident has come to light in the Neemuch district of Madhya Pradesh, where a Dalit family has raised its voice against caste-based violence and alleged police negligence. The family members, injured in the attack, staged a protest right inside the district hospital, demanding justice and warning that if their grievances were not addressed, they would seek permission to commit mass suicide. The incident originated on February 26 in Dasia village, stemming from a dispute over a chickpea crop. The victim, Premchand Mogia, alleged that certain villagers assaulted his daughter and subjected her to casteist slurs. The family claims that when they attempted to file a police complaint, there was a delay in registering the FIR, compelling them to seek recourse through the Chief Minister’s Helpline. According to the victimized family, following their complaint, the accused launched a second attack on March 15, leaving Premchand, his wife, and their daughter critically injured. Currently, all three are undergoing treatment at the district hospital, where they staged a protest holding placards. These placards bore slogans such as “Stop atrocities against Dalits” and “Give us justice or let us die.” The family has accused the police of shielding the perpetrators and failing to initially invoke the relevant sections of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. Conversely, police officials have refuted these allegations, stating that a proper FIR was registered following the attack and that the necessary legal sections have since been added. The victimized family has appealed to the State Chief Minister, Mohan Yadav, demanding an impartial investigation, protection, and strict punitive action against the culprits. The family asserts that they have lost faith in the system and now look solely to justice as their only hope. Courtesy : Hindi News
SC status sought for Dalit Christians in A.P.
Dalit Christians continue to face untouchability, social exclusion and economic backwardness, says former DGP Purnachandra Rao Addressing the media, former DGP J. Purnachandra Rao alleged that successive governments headed by Chief Ministers from dominant communities, including Kamma and Reddy leadership, for decades had not made adequate efforts to secure a favourable decision from the Centre. Despite having political influence at the national level, the issue was not accorded a priority, he alleged. Pointing to the implementation of the reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), he said political leadership had acted with speed and coordination to extend benefits to the dominant communities, while the long-pending demand of Dalit Christians had not received with similar urgency. “If governments could move swiftly to ensure EWS reservations for the Kammas and Reddies, why has there been no comparable effort to secure SC status for Dalit Christians for over seven decades?” he asked. Mr. Rao said that Dalit Christians continued to face untouchability, social exclusion and economic backwardness, but were denied SC status solely on the basis of religion. He argued that this amounted to ‘discrimination’ and called for corrective action in line with constitutional principles. Former IAS officer Samuel Anand Kumar, CCC president Ashok Kumar and others demanded the repeal of Paragraph 3 of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, and the granting of SC status to Dalit Christians. Later, the leasders submitted a representation addressed to the President of India to the NTR district Collector. 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
Dalit collective hits out at Congress over denied tickets; alleges RSS-NSS pressure in candidate selection
Speaking to media in Kottayam on Thursday, Dalit Samudaya Munnani leaders alleged that Congress denied the candidature for Sunny under the pressure from the RSS and NSS. KOTTAYAM: Amid ongoing challenges over the candidate selection for the assembly elections, the Congress encountered another jolt after dalit collective came out against it for reneging promised candidatures for dalit activist Sunny M Kapikad and tribal leader C K Janu. Speaking to media in Kottayam on Thursday, Dalit Samudaya Munnani leaders alleged that Congress denied the candidature for Sunny under the pressure from the RSS and NSS. They also warned that Congress’ decision to abandon the inclusive politics put forward by national leaders Mallikarjuna Kharge and Rahul Gandhi at the Raipur plenum will lead to a change in the political climate, which was favourable to the UDF. “RSS-Sangh Parivar leaders such as R V Babu and Sasikala were the first to oppose Sunny’s candidacy. It is evident that some Congress leaders were reluctant to challenge the RSS’s stance. The influence and pressure from the NSS on key Congress leaders in candidate selection highlight the oligarchic tendencies within the party,” said P A Prasad, organisation’s state general secretary. 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