JNU VC’s ‘Dalit Victim Card’ Statement Sparks Row On Campus, JNUSU Demands Resignation
JNU VC Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit remarked that Dalits “cannot always progress by portraying themselves as victims or playing the victim card,” leading to student protests. JNU VC Dalit Statement Controversy: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice Chancellor Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit has sparked significant controversy on campus with a statement made in a podcast. She remarked that Dalit and Black communities “cannot always progress by portraying themselves as victims or playing the victim card,” leading to student protests and calls for her resignation. The Vice Chancellor clarified that her statement had been misunderstood, noting that she herself is from the Bahujan Samaj. What is the whole matter? The statement was made in a podcast released on February 16. The Vice Chancellor was discussing the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Equity (Anti-Discrimination) Rules of 2026, aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination in higher educational institutions. However, following protests from some upper caste groups, the Supreme Court has currently stayed these rules. In the podcast, the Vice Chancellor described the UGC regulations as “unnecessary and irrational.” She mentioned that “it’s not easy to move forward by demonising someone or constantly portraying yourself as a victim. It’s like a temporary addiction.” This statement quickly went viral on social media, sparking controversy. What explanation did the Vice Chancellor give? As the controversy grew, the Vice Chancellor clarified that her statement had been misrepresented. She asserted that she did not intend to imply that the Dalit community always plays the victim card. She said that some people use such language as part of a “woke” ideology. She also expressed that unnecessary controversy had been created in this matter and that due care had not been taken in formulating the rules. She reiterated, “I myself am a Bahujan.” Protest on campus, demand for resignation The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) labelled the Vice Chancellor’s statement as “blatantly casteist.” The student union demanded her resignation and called for nationwide protests on Saturday. They argued that such statements promote caste discrimination and inequality in universities. The student union also criticised the Vice Chancellor’s affiliation with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In the podcast, she had expressed pride in her RSS affiliation, saying it provided her with insight into diverse views and diversity. Following this statement, the atmosphere on the JNU campus has become tense. Student organisations have stated that protests will continue until the Vice Chancellor apologises or resigns. Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor maintained that her words were taken out of context. The matter remains a topic of discussion within academic and political circles. Courtesy : News18 Note: This news is originally published on https:/news18.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
15-year-old Dalit in Rajasthan assaulted for entering temple bookmark_border text_fields
The complaint further alleges that the man continued to hurl casteist abuse, threatened to kill the minor if he returned to the temple, and then assaulted him by slapping, kicking and punching him. Chittorgarh: A 15-year-old Dalit boy from Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh district has alleged that he was verbally abused and physically assaulted on caste lines at the Laxmi Narayan Temple in Ghosunda village. In his complaint, Chetan Prakash Regar, the son of Mangilal Regar, said the incident took place on the morning of February 7 when he went to the temple to pray. While he was returning, an upper-caste man, identified as Shubham Sukhwal, allegedly stopped him and used caste slurs, objecting to his presence in the temple. The FIR accessed by Mooknayak states that the accused questioned how someone from the Dalit community could enter the temple and reacted aggressively when the boy asserted that the place of worship was open to everyone. The complaint further alleges that the man continued to hurl casteist abuse, threatened to kill the minor if he returned to the temple, and then assaulted him by slapping, kicking and punching him. It also names another man, Pawan, as having joined in the attack and allegedly attempted to cause serious harm, Siasat Daily reported. The boy told the police that even as he managed to escape, the accused continued issuing threats warning him and others from his community against visiting the temple in the future. The FIR also mentions the temple priest, alleging that he too used caste-based threats against the minor. Police have registered a case under sections 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 115(2) (intentionally causing harm) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (Atrocities) Act. However, the family has said no arrests have been made so far and that they feel unsafe following the incident. Chetan belongs to the Regar community. Local Dalit organisations, including the Dr Ambedkar Civil Association in Rajasthan, have submitted a memorandum to the State Human Rights Commission through the district administration, condemning the attack and calling for strict action against those accused. Courtesy : Madhyamam Note: This news is originally published on https:/madhyamam.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
OPSC adds 3rd gender category to OCSE application
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) added a third gender or transgender category in the online application form for the Odisha Civil Services Examination (OCSE)-2025. The commission also extended the deadline for registration and fee payment to Feb 27 up to 5 pm. Candidates who complete registration will be able to submit their final online application by March 7. In a notice issued on Feb 19, OPSC said the required change was made in the gender selection column. It also clarified that applicants choosing the third gender or transgender option must upload an identity certificate or card issued by the competent authority. They must also provide supporting documents for any name change after obtaining third gender or transgender status. The move followed recent directions from the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC), which urged the state govt to introduce a third gender or transgender option in recruitment application forms and to extend the OCSE application timeline. The OHRC’s intervention came after a petition filed by a transgender person from Cuttack, who alleged that the absence of a third gender category in the OCSE form effectively blocked transgender candidates from applying. The petitioner argued that this exclusion amounted to discrimination and violated constitutional guarantees of equality and non-discrimination. On Jan 22, after hearing the matter, the OHRC recommended that the state ensure 1% reservation for transgender candidates in recruitment examinations, including OCSE. It also advised the general administration and social security departments to take steps to include the third gender or transgender option across govt recruitment forms. The commission further recommended that all recruiting agencies and boards, including OPSC, be instructed to implement the change. Additionally, the OHRC asked the govt to extend the application deadline by at least 15 days to allow affected candidates adequate time to apply. 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
BJP shows black flag to Rahul Gandhi after Congress’ shirtless protests at AI Summit
NEW DELHI: BJP workers showed black flags to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Mumbai on Saturday after Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers protested at the AI Summit in New Delhi. Video from the incident showed the workers shouting, “Rahul Gandhi haye haye.” The leader of opposition in Lok Sabha arrived in Mumbai to appear before the Bhiwandi Additional Sessions Court in the 2014 RSS defamation case. Ahead of his appearance, the local administration in Bhiwandi has tightened security arrangements. Meanwhile, BJP’s Yuva Morcha also held a protest against the Congress in New Delhi. Around 10 IYC workers were detained Friday after they tricked their way into Bharat Mandapam and briefly raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, police said. The protesters had marched into the venue wearing or holding white T-shirts with images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, along with slogans such as “India-US Trade Deal” and “PM is compromised,” leading to heated exchanges with some attendees. Officials said those detained are being identified, and appropriate legal action is being taken. The Indian Youth Congress defended the protest, calling it the “voice of millions of angry unemployed youth” aimed at the “compromised” Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The youth wing added that they are “not against the AI Summit” and “will no longer sit quietly.” The “topless” nature of the protest drew sharp reactions, with BJP leaders accusing the Congress and Rahul Gandhi of orchestrating the disruption. The BJP also called the protest a “topless, brainless and shameless” ruckus and alleged it was planned at Rahul Gandhi’s residence. 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
Defamation case: Rahul Gandhi records statement in Sultanpur court over remarks on Amit Shah
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday appeared before the MP MLA court in Sultanpur and recorded his statement in connection with a 2018 criminal defamation case linked to his alleged remarks about Union home minister Amit Shah. He later left the court premises after attending the hearing. Next hearing for the case is scheduled for March 9. The case stems from statements Gandhi allegedly made during the 2018 Karnataka Assembly election campaign. A complaint was filed on August 4, 2018, by Vijay Mishra, a BJP leader in Sultanpur, alleging that Gandhi made objectionable and defamatory remarks against Amit Shah at an election rally in Bengaluru. According to the complaint, Rahul Gandhi had said that while the BJP claims to believe in honest and clean politics, it is led by a “party president who is an accused in a murder case”. At the time, Amit Shah was serving as the BJP national president. The remarks referred to the 2005 Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. However, in 2014, a special CBI court in Mumbai had discharged Shah in the matter when he was Gujarat’s home minister. The complainant contended that Gandhi’s statement was defamatory and harmed Shah’s reputation. The Sultanpur MP MLA court later took cognisance of the complaint. In December last year, the court issued a warrant against Gandhi after he failed to appear in person. On February 20, 2024, Gandhi appeared before the court, surrendered and was granted bail. His counsel moved an application seeking bail, which was allowed after two sureties of Rs 25,000 each were submitted. The court subsequently fixed March 2 for the next hearing. In July 2024, Gandhi recorded his first statement before the court, denying the allegations and terming the case politically motivated. Following the cross examination of the complainant and witnesses, the court in January 2026 directed Gandhi to appear personally for examination under Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. This stage allows the accused to explain the evidence presented against him. His appearance on Friday was in compliance with that directive. The case is among several defamation matters filed against the Congress leader over remarks made during political campaigns. Gandhi has maintained that such cases are politically driven, while Congress leaders have said they have faith in the judiciary. Further proceedings in the matter are expected as the court continues to examine the evidence and hear arguments from both sides. 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 to attend Congress rally in Barnala on Feb 28
Chandigarh: The leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will attend a public rally in Barnala on Feb 28. The event will be organised by the Punjab Congress. Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said the rally would be held against the scrapping of MGNREGA and the signing of the trade deal with the United States, which, according to him, will have a devastating impact on Punjab. In an informal interaction with the reporters, the PCC president said while the new law on MGNREGA would impact the livelihood of the poor, the trade deal with the US would destroy Punjab’s farmers. He said Punjab would be among the worst-hit states since agriculture was the mainstay of its economy. Warring also warned that the trade deal might have a long-term impact and could pose multiple challenges. The Ludhiana MP said as the trade deal had the potential to destroy local agriculture once agricultural goods were allowed to be imported at a 0% tariff, there would be no work, no jobs, and no earnings for a majority of farmers in the state. They will be jobless, he said about the farmers. “We are really concerned about such a situation if that happens,” said Warring, adding that such a situation could always be exploited by enemies who were continuously trying to foment trouble in the state. He pointed out that Punjab’s youth were already falling prey to drugs smuggled from Pakistan, and the state could not afford any other risks. The Congress leader, meanwhile, refused to react to the charges levelled by expelled party leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu. “Given the state of her mind and health, I don’t think I need to react or respond to what she has been saying,” he remarked, while dismissing her charges. The PCC president noted that she was not the only one targeting him with baseless allegations and criticism. He pointed out that even chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, Bikram Majithia, and the state BJP president Sunil Jakhar also targeted him. 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
Dalits’ land in Madhapur Maujpur, Hapur: Questions raised about administrative negligence, and powerful people are issuing threats.
Hapur. A case of illegal occupation of agricultural land belonging to seven Dalit families by powerful people has come to light in Madhapur Maujpur village, within the Simbhaoli police station area of the district. The affected families allege that they are being prevented from accessing their fields and are being threatened with death. Meanwhile, the families are angry over the lack of concrete action at the administrative level to free the land from encroachment. Ceiling leases were granted in 1972 According to victim Gyan Chand, in 1972, the government allotted leases of ceiling land to seven members, including his family, for their livelihood. Since then, all the families have been cultivating these lands to support their families. He says that this land is their sole source of livelihood. Allegations of illegal occupation by a powerful man The families allege that after the formation of the Yogi Adityanath-led government in the state, Kaluram Tyagi, a local strongman, illegally occupied these leases. It is alleged that Kaluram Tyagi, in collusion with revenue officials, filed a lawsuit in the court of the Additional District Magistrate, Hapur, to have the leases cancelled. Won the case in the ADM Court The affected families say they fought a legal battle and won the case in the court of the Additional District Magistrate, Hapur, on May 31, 2025. Despite the court order, they have not been given back possession of the land. The families allege that even after losing the case, the powerful party is threatening to kill them if they enter the fields. Forced to run around officials The Dalit families say they have been making frequent rounds of the SDM Sadar and the Simbhaoli police station to free their land from encroachment, but no concrete solution has been found. They allege that they are unable to get justice due to administrative apathy at the local level. Police said the matter is revenue-related. Simbhaoli police station in-charge Suresh Kumar stated that no one can be given possession of land without the presence of a revenue department team. He explained that the matter is revenue-related and action will be taken as per the rules. Meanwhile, the state government has been making public claims that Dalits’ land will not be illegally occupied. In such a situation, this case in Madhapur Maujpur raises questions about administrative claims. Currently, the affected families are looking to the authorities for justice and the hope of getting their land back. Pitam Singh | Buxar (Garhmukteshwar), Hapur Courtesy: Hindi News
Water, electricity cut off in Dalit settlement of Odisha village
The Dalits claimed that their community was being targeted due to their caste. Bolangir: Water and electricity services were cut off in a Dalit settlement, with residents alleging caste-based discrimination in Odisha’s Balangir district. However, a village official attributed the disruption to a local feud. The settlement is located in the Dumerchuan village under the Turekela block of the district, and its residents reported that the drinking water supply in their area has been interrupted since February 12. According to local media, the settlement’s streetlights were also turned off, leaving families to struggle in the dark after sunset. The residents claimed that different areas of the village have faced no such disruption. “Houses in other parts of the village continue to receive water and electricity, but we are being deprived,” a local said. They were even stopped from drawing water from the borewell. “When we tried to draw water from the borewell, we were stopped. While commuting on village roads, we are treated as untouchables by members of other communities,” the resident said. The Dalits claimed that their community was being targeted due to their caste, since they face discrimination in other social and cultural events of the village as well. Despite alerting the officials of the issues, no steps were taken to correct the disruptions, they said. Disruption due to enmity between two local groups A village official, Padamanava Samantaray, dismissed claims of caste-based discrimination, stating that the initial investigation pointed towards a “feud.” An inquiry has been ordered, and the block development officer was directed to investigate at the ground level, Samantaray said. “Preliminary probe suggested that a few days ago, there was a feud between two groups of the village during a baraat procession. One group deliberately disrupted the water supply and electricity out of revenge,” he said. Courtesy : Scroll Note: This news is originally published on https:/scroll.in/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
India News | BRS Alleges Telangana Govt Attempting to Grab Dalit Land in Warangal; Approaches THRC
Get latest articles and stories on India at LatestLY. BRS Party on Thursday approached the Telangana State Human Rights Commission, alleging that the state government is trying to grab land belonging to Dalit families near Badrakali Temple in Warangal district. Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], (ANI): A delegation from the Bharatiya Rashtriya Samiti (BRS) members on Thursday approached the Telangana State Human Rights Commission, alleging that the state government is trying to “grab land belonging to Dalit families” near Badrakali Temple in Warangal district. BRS MLC Dasoju Sravan Kumar, while being part of the delegation, said that around 155 Dalit families, who have been living there for 70 years with proper civic amenities and legal documents, are facing eviction in the name of a development project, without following the Land Acquisition Act or the due legal process. Speaking to ANI, Kumar said, “Near the Badrakali Temple in Warangal district, approximately 155 Dalit families have been living for the past 70 years. The areas where these houses are built have civic amenities. All houses have legal drinking water connections and electricity connections. All the Dalit families living there have Aadhaar cards with the same address. They also have ration cards. They also have voter ID cards with the same address.” “And in the recent elections, they were asked to vote for the ruling party. Despite this, in the name of a development project, the ruling government is trying to forcibly evict them and grab their land without following the principles of the Land Acquisition Act or any due process under the law, which we strongly condemn,” he added. Earlier on Sunday, BRS working President KT Rama Rao said that their goal is to prevent the ongoing exploitation in Singareni. Keeping the interests of Singareni workers in mind, BRS announced its support for CPI in Kothagudem. BRS Working President KTR alleged that both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress are acting in collusion to exploit Singareni, functioning in a manner that directly harms the organisation. Speaking to the media, he stated that since the CPI and Congress are already in an alliance, sharing the Kothagudem Mayor’s post comes as no surprise. However, he questioned why the CPI-affiliated AITUC agreed to this alliance, noting that he could not comment on the specific pressures that may have influenced the decision. KTR made it clear that regardless of whether other parties join hands, the BRS will continue to fight for Singareni’s interests and the rights of its workers, as it has in the past. (ANI) (The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia’s leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY) Courtesy : LatestLY Note: This news is originally published on https:/latestly.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Gujarat: Unit to monitor atrocities against Dalits faces 18 vacancies
Crucially, while the unit carries a sanctioned strength of 76 posts, only 58 are filled, leaving 18 vacancies that directly dilute field oversight, data tracking, and policy responsiveness across districts. AHMEDABAD: In a candid admission on the floor of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, the Social Justice and Empowerment Minister disclosed that the specialised civic unit set up under the Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare Department to monitor atrocities remains structurally understaffed thereby weakening the very surveillance mechanism meant to safeguard vulnerable communities. The sanctioned cadre strength of the unit includes: 3 posts of Joint Director (Vigilance), 1 post of Deputy Director (Citizen Cell), 5 posts of Social Welfare Officer (P.K.S), 42 posts of Assistant Social Welfare Officer (Project Officer), 6 posts of Social Welfare Inspector, 4 posts of Senior Clerk, 8 posts of Junior Clerk, 1 post of Research Officer, 3 posts of Research Assistant and 3 posts of Statistical Assistant, taking the total sanctioned strength to 76 posts. Crucially, while the unit carries a sanctioned strength of 76 posts, only 58 are filled, leaving 18 vacancies that directly dilute field oversight, data tracking, and policy responsiveness across districts. Out of 3 sanctioned posts of Joint Director (Vigilance), only 1 post is filled while 2 posts are vacant, both lying vacant for a period of one to three years. The post of Deputy Director (Citizen Cell) is filled. But the most alarming void surfaces in the Social Welfare Officer (P.K.S) cadre, all 5 sanctioned posts of Social Welfare Officer (P.K.S) are vacant. Of these, 2 posts have been vacant for less than one year and 3 posts have remained vacant for one to three years. Although operational cadres appear comparatively staffed 37 of 42 Assistant Social Welfare Officer posts filled the five vacancies here still mean fewer boots on the ground, weakening grassroots incident reporting and timely intervention. Even analytical backbones are missing: all three Statistical Assistant posts remain vacant for over three years, signalling a long-term data vacuum that can distort policy calibration and trend analysis. The absence of statistical and research personnel implies that incident pattern mapping, predictive risk alerts, and evaluation of preventive schemes may be operating on incomplete datasets. Without robust analytics, monitoring risks becoming reactive rather than preventive, undercutting the unit’s foundational mandate of evidence-driven vigilance under the Scheduled Caste Welfare framework. Overall, the data confirms: Total Posts 76; Filled Posts 58; Vacant Posts 18. Of these vacancies, 8 are within one year, 7 are pending for one to three years, and 3 have remained vacant for more than three years. Responding to the vacancy crisis, the minister informed the House that recruitment actions are underway through multiple channels. Requisitions have been sent to the Gujarat Public Service Commission for Social Welfare Officers, while Research Assistant and Statistical Assistant posts are to be filled via the General Administration Department. Vigilance-level posts remain “under consideration,” indicating procedural movement but no definitive timelines. Dilip Singh Kshatriya 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