CPM demands action over custodial death of dalit youth
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has condemned the alleged custodial death of a 26-year-old Scheduled Caste youth in Sivaganga district and demanded strict action against the police personnel involved. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has condemned the alleged custodial death of a 26-year-old Scheduled Caste youth in Sivaganga district and demanded strict action against the police personnel involved. CPM state secretary P. Shanmugam said the death of Akash, a resident of Krishnarajapuram in Manamadurai, appeared to be a “brutal lock-up killing”. He alleged that the youth had been subjected to severe torture while in police custody. Shanmugam demanded that a murder case be registered against the police personnel involved and that they be immediately arrested. The party also urged the government to provide relief to Akash’s family under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, including a government job for one of the family members. According to the CPM statement, Akash and four others had a quarrel with two men, Jayakumar and Alagar, in Krishnarajapuram on March 5. Later that night, the five youths allegedly attacked the two men with sharp weapons near Zion Nagar in Manamadurai. The injured men were admitted to the Government Hospital in Manamadurai. Police arrested Akash and the four others on March 6 but allegedly did not inform the family about where they were being held. On the night of March 7, police informed Akash’s parents that he had been admitted to Government Rajaji Hospital. When the family reached the hospital, they reportedly found that Akash’s leg was fractured. According to them, Akash said the injury was caused after police dropped a large stone on his leg during custody. Police later informed the family on the morning of March 8 that Akash had died. The four others arrested in connection with the case have been lodged in Ramanathapuram prison. Courtesy : News Today Note: This news is originally published on https:/newstoday.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
CPI’s Candidate Conundrum: Dalit MLA Mukundan Sparks Election Drama
The CPI faces internal strife as sitting Dalit MLA C C Mukundan from Nattika vows to run independently after being denied a party ticket for the upcoming Assembly elections. Mukundan claims party infighting and financial issues as reasons, while his potential replacement, Geetha Gopi, remains unfazed by allegations. The Communist Party of India (CPI) is grappling with internal challenges as the party’s candidate selection process encounters turbulence. Sitting Dalit MLA C C Mukundan from Nattika declared he would run independently after being denied a party ticket for the approaching Assembly elections. Mukundan, known for his clean image in the constituency, attributes the decision to intra-party infighting and financial reasons. He questioned the party’s choice to field former MLA Geetha Gopi, whom he accused of facing several allegations, suggesting that financial considerations played a role in her selection. Despite Mukundan’s allegations and decision, Gopi remains committed to the party’s directive. The CPI has yet to respond officially to Mukundan’s claims, but the unfolding situation has sparked political intrigue, impacting the dynamics in the reserved constituency of Nattika in Thrissur district. Courtesy : Devdiscourse Note: This news is originally published on https:/devdiscourse.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Sickening’: Meghalaya CM condemns assault on Manipur woman, Assam transgender person in Delhi park
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on March 9 strongly condemned an alleged racial assault on two people from the Northeast in New Delhi, describing the incident as “sickening” and urging authorities to take stringent action against the perpetrators. The alleged attack took place near the Saket District Court Complex in the Malviya Nagar area on Sunday evening, where a young woman from Manipur and a transgender person from Assam were reportedly assaulted by a group of men in a park, raising fresh concerns over the safety of Northeastern residents in the national capital. Reacting to the incident, Sangma said he was angered by the repeated attacks on people from the Northeast living in mainland India. “The physical attack on two of our people from Manipur and Assam near Saket Court, Delhi is sickening. Racial bullying should not be accepted as the new normal and we must act against it. Urge the authorities to take stringent action,” the chief minister wrote on social media. According to preliminary accounts, the victims were taking a walk in the park near the court complex when a group of youths allegedly began passing racially derogatory remarks at them. When the woman objected to the comments, the situation reportedly escalated into a confrontation. The victims alleged that the group then physically assaulted them, punching them and striking them with belts while hurling abusive slurs. One of the assailants allegedly used derogatory terms during the altercation. Sources also indicated that the victims had faced similar verbal harassment in the locality on earlier occasions. In a statement, the Delhi Police confirmed that a team responded to information about an alleged assault near the Saket court complex. According to the police, the woman from Manipur and her friend were walking in the park when a group of men passed remarks at them, leading to an argument. “When one of the girls objected to the comments, the situation escalated and she was reportedly assaulted by the accused,” police said. The injured woman was later taken to Safdarjung Hospital for medical examination and treatment. Authorities said that, according to preliminary reports, she is in stable condition and has suffered minor injuries. Police officials said they are in constant touch with the victims and assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible. The matter is currently under investigation. The incident comes just days after another case of racial abuse in the capital sparked widespread outrage. In that case, a Delhi resident, Harsh Singh, was booked for allegedly racially abusing three women from Arunachal Pradesh following a dispute over repair work at their rented apartment. The back-to-back incidents have renewed concerns about racial discrimination faced by people from Northeast India in metropolitan cities and prompted calls for stronger enforcement of laws against hate crimes and harassment. Courtesy : India Today NE Note: This news is originally published on https:/indiatodayne.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul silent when homes of minorities demolished, acting like BJP’s agent: Industries minister
Kochi: Opposition leader in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi often acts like BJP’s agent and was its pawn when AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal was imprisoned, alleged industries minister P Rajeeve on Sunday. Rajeeve was responding to Congress leader Gandhi’s attack on CPM during the concluding ceremony of Puthu Yuga Yatra in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday. The minister criticised Gandhi for neglecting his political responsibilities to the people and country during crucial times by going abroad for celebrations. He said people wouldn’t take Gandhi’s declarations seriously. “Gandhi should act with an understanding of the current situation in India. However, govt led by his party in Telangana and Karnataka demolished homes of minorities with bulldozers, but he remained silent. The govts there are acting against minorities just as BJP does,” Rajeeve alleged. Earlier, Gandhi was upset about central agencies not imprisoning chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and now it is about not filing new cases, Rajeeve said. “Everything was scrutinised to file cases against the chief minister, with Congress providing the necessary support, essentially working for BJP. UDF’s announcement of five guarantees was made to counter state’s achievements, but no one will take it seriously based on their experience. The memories of the past will come to mind for those who hear it,” he said. “During LDF govt’s tenure, remarkable achievements were made such as realising the Wayanad township, which no other govt could accomplish, and inaugurating Wayanad tunnel road. As part of inclusivity, Perumbalam Bridge was realised and the first phase of Chellanam tetrapod sea wall project was completed, with the second phase on the way,” he added. 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
I grew up in a family where women were bosses: Rahul Gandhi
NEW DELHI: “I grew up in a family where women were the bosses,” Congress’ Rahul Gandhi told students during an interaction over lunch in Kerala, and mentioned, “the boss of my family was my grandmother and I have always in my family, like on this table, been outnumbered by women”. He added, “Women are generally more intelligent than men. Men are in a hurry and get blinded by silly things. Women think long term, and don’t apply direct power, which is effective.” In a post, Rahul said, “I was deeply impressed by each student’s dreams, curiosity, and confidence. Such conversations remind us that when women recognise their potential and move forward with an open mind, they can bring about extraordinary change.” He said, “Every woman is unique. Their sensitivity, understanding, and emotional intelligence provide balance and direction to society. Women wield power in their own unique ways – with patience, long-term vision, and empathy.” Meanwhile, Congress MP from Kerala, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, posted on X, “On this Women’s Day, may every woman realise her strength…” TNN 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
Pattas for 2BHK houses handed over to Dalit slum dwellers
Hyderabad: Ina significant development for the Dalit slum dwellers of Vivekananda Nagar in Gandhinagar division under Musheerabad Assembly, double bedroom house pattas were allotted on Saturday with the support of Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and at the initiative of MP Dr K Laxman.Geographic Reference The allotment comes in the wake of the demolition of houses in the locality, which had left many families displaced. Rajya Sabha member Dr. K Laxman has been continuously fighting for justice for the affected families, bringing the issue to the attention of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in Delhi and pursuing a political struggle against the state government. The distribution of pattas marks a major relief for the Dalit families, ensuring them secure housing and recognition of their rights. The program was attended by several prominent leaders including Musheerabad MLA Mutha Gopal, Rajya Sabha member Anil Kumar Yadav, and former Gandhinagar corporator Pavani Vinay Kumar, alongside Dr. Laxman. The leaders expressed solidarity with the residents and assured them of continued support in safeguarding their welfare. The move is seen as a step towards addressing long-standing housing issues faced by marginalised communities in Hyderabad. Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindiaindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalits, backward classes lose out to SP’s core voter constituencies in Uttar Pradesh
About 70% of SP’s 97 district and metropolitan presidents belong to Yadav and Muslim communities, raising questions over the enforcement of PDA slogan within the party organisation. LUCKNOW: When Samajwadi Party (SP) bagged 37 of 80 Lok Sabha seats in UP in 2024 polls by playing out its PDA (Pichhda, Dalit and Alpsankhyak) narrative, it was expected that leaders from backward classes, Dalits and Muslims would get wider representation in the party structure. However, the current organizational structure reflects the dominance of SP’s core M-Y (Muslim-Yadav) combination. About 70% of the party’s 97 district and metropolitan presidents belong to Yadav and Muslim communities, raising questions over the enforcement of the PDA slogan within the party organisation. Though the Yadav population in the state is estimated to be 8-9%, this core vote bank dominates the SP’s organisation. As many as 42 district president posts have gone to Yadavs. Muslims come second with 24 positions. Only seven people from the general category have been made district chiefs. “SP had achieved success in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with PDA slogan. Akhilesh Yadav went to the Lok Sabha from Kannauj vacating his Karhal assembly seat. He had the opportunity to field a person from PDA category in Karhal bypoll, but he fielded his nephew Tej Pratap Yadav. SP’s PDA narrative now stands exposed,” a BSP leader said. BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said SP’s PDA model was a facade. “Outside the family, they will not give major responsibility to anyone. In the organization too, they don’t look beyond the M-Y equation,” he said. SP spokesperson Udayveer Singh said district presidents are chosen based on people’s opinion. “In the state committee, it is ensured that every section of society gets a place,” he said. Namita Bajpai 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
In rejig, UP BJP to strike balance in upperCaste and OBC-Dalit representation
Lucknow: With assembly elections due early next year, the much-anticipated organisational rejig in the UP BJP, expected later this month, is likely to swing the spotlight back on party’s bid to strike a balance between the upper caste and the OBC-Dalit combo. Facing the heat over the controversy around UGC equity regulations and the face-off with Swami Avimukteshvaranand Saraswati during the Magh Mela, the BJP leadership is learnt to be treading a cautious path while making moves to consolidate the upper caste, which was the backbone of the party’s electoral success since the early 1990s. The party relayed initial hints recently when it released the fresh list of 11 district presidents, of which six were from the upper caste (three Brahmins and one each from the Thakur, Vaishya and Kayastha community), three were OBC and two were from the Dalit community. The distribution indicated that the party was unwilling to abandon its traditional base while simultaneously ensuring representation of backward and marginalised groups. All eyes are now on the new UP BJP state executive, which will steer the party’s organisational machinery in the election year. Changes are expected to be affected across the state leadership, which has a domination of the upper caste. Of the 18 vice-presidents, 10 are from the upper caste, five are OBC and three are Dalit. Likewise, of the seven state general secretaries, three are from the upper caste, three are OBC and one is SC. Similarly, of the 16 state secretaries, nine are from the upper caste, three are OBC and four are Dalits. As a matter of fact, while CM Yogi Adityanath is a Thakur, UP BJP president Pankaj Chaudhary and state general secretary (organisation) Dharam Pal Singh are OBC. At the same time, the BJP seeks a measured and accelerated outreach to the non-Yadav OBC and non-Jatav Dalit to augment its social coalition that formed the launch pad of its electoral success under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi in 2014. The OBC-Dalit combo has become all the more important for the BJP even as it faces a resurgent opposition and its Piccha Dalit Alpsankhyak (PDA) poll narrative, which is said to have dented the saffron brigade in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections when its tally came down from 62 to 33. Sources said that the UP BJP leadership was coordinating closely with the RSS, the party’s organisational fountainhead, while constituting a new team. The BJP-RSS coordination meetings have already been held in various organisational regions to draw up a formal blueprint of the organisational set-up. A senior UP BJP leader said that besides the caste balance, the party aims to bring in equitable representation of all six regions. Currently, the balance is tilted in favour of the Gorakhpur region, which happens to be the political backyard of not only Adityanath but also Chaudhary. Not surprisingly, the focus is expected to be on five other regions: Kashi, Braj, Awadh, West UP and Kanpur-Bundelkhand. “The party’s foremost priority was to give balanced representation to all castes, communities and regions based on the winnability factor. This would be factored in prominently when the new team is announced,” said UP BJP spokesperson Hero Bajpai. A senior UP BJP leader said that the party is expected to focus on the deployment of youth and women functionaries, the two key electoral blocs, in an attempt to cut across the caste spectrum. Analysts said that while young voters form a large share of UP’s electorate, women voters increasingly determine electoral outcomes. 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
Ernakulam district panchayat to train transgender persons in cosmetology
The initiatives focus on ensuring equitable access to basic needs such as employment and healthcare support, thereby creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for the community In an effort to make panchayats more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the transgender community, the Ernakulam district panchayat will implement projects to promote their welfare, dignity, and empowerment. The initiatives focus on ensuring equitable access to basic needs such as employment and healthcare support, thereby creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for the community. Discussions have already been held with members of the community. “One of their major concerns is finding a safe and secure workplace. The stigma they face from society, including in workplaces, needs to be addressed. We must ensure their holistic well-being so that they can lead a more dignified life,” said district panchayat president K.G. Radhakrishnan. As a pilot initiative, focus will be given to training individuals interested in starting their own entrepreneurial ventures. “A large section of the community have expressed interest in cosmetology. Training in cosmetology will be provided free of cost, while a subsidy will be provided to set up business ventures. Some are interested in setting up cafes. We will look at individual interests and formulate a programme,” he said. In the healthcare sector, the panchayat will go ahead with the ‘Marivillu’ programme, but starting this year, medicines will be offered through transgender clinics. Post-operative and hormonal medicines will be provided free of cost. The civic body is also planning to bring the members of the community under one umbrella. A challenge faced by the community is that a significant percentage of the them are living without disclosing their identities. “They are a highly scattered group. Most of them have arrived from different districts and have settled in Ernakulam. We can only include those residents belonging to our panchayats under our welfare schemes. We are considering how to address this,” he added 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
Rahul promises free travel for all women
T’puram: Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched the UDF’s campaign for the assembly elections by announcing five guarantees if it comes to power. Addressing a rally in the state capital, Gandhi promised free bus travel for women in KSRTC buses, a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000 for college-going girl students and an increase in monthly welfare pensions to Rs 3,000. He also announced a new health insurance scheme named after former chief minister Oommen Chandy, offering coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh for every household and the creation of a dedicated ministry for senior citizens. The UDF also promised interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh for young entrepreneurs. Rahul also cautioned UDF leaders to remain united in the runup to the elections. Saying that this message came from the people of Kerala, he urged leaders of the alliance to work together if they wanted to return to power. Using the analogy of a group dance performance, he called on leaders to “dance together” to defeat what he termed the “corrupt” LDF govt and ensure a better future for the people of Kerala. He also expressed gratitude to the people of the state for their support during politically challenging times. The Congress leader also accused the Centre of selectively targeting opposition leaders through central agencies while sparing leaders of the ruling front in Kerala. He questioned why agencies such as the ED took action against opposition leaders but not against chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan or his family. Gandhi alleged that the BJP and the CPM indirectly worked together in the state. He said a UDF govt would focus on generating employment by supporting small and medium enterprises and creating new opportunities in the state. Earlier, Puthu Yuga Yatra led by opposition leader V D Satheesan concluded in Thiruvananthapuram. Addressing a rally, Satheesan said the people embraced the march as their own and described it as a strong endorsement of the new Kerala model proposed by the UDF. Expressing confidence about the alliance’s prospects in the upcoming elections, he said the UDF would form the govt with more than 100 seats and pledged to rebuild the state. Attacks Modi over US deal Rahul launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of “betraying the country” by signing a deal with the US that he claimed would harm India’s farmers, small traders and national interests. Rahul said India’s vast data resources, generated by its 1.4 billion people through medical records, communications and mobility patterns, were among the country’s most valuable assets. He alleged that the deal would allow such data to be accessed by the US, which could have implications for India’s future in artificial intelligence and digital technology. This data was sold to the US as per the deal, he said. Addressing a UDF rally in the state capital, Rahul alleged that the agreement would open India’s agricultural sector to large American mechanised firms, putting small farmers in the country at a disadvantage. He said such a move was not undertaken by previous prime ministers and warned that Indian crops and agricultural livelihoods could be affected. Rahul also raised concerns about India’s energy security, claiming that the deal would force India to buy oil only from countries approved by the US. He alleged that this would limit India’s ability to independently procure oil, including from Russia. Rahul further alleged that imports from the US worth around Rs 9 lakh crore could enter India under the agreement, adding that no previous prime minister signed such a deal. Rahul claimed that several documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case were yet to be made public and alleged that individuals close to Modi, including industrialist Anil Ambani and Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri, were mentioned in them. Rahul further referred to legal issues in the US involving industrialist Gautam Adani and alleged that the prime minister feared financial links connected to the BJP could be exposed. Rahul claimed that due to such pressures, Modi hurriedly agreed to the deal with the US and alleged that the US President publicly threatened to damage Modi’s political career. Hence, Modi was compromised, he added. 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