Karnataka: Amid demands for a Dalit CM, SC/ST ministers stage a major “show of strength,” preparing for “Dalit Ekta Samavesh” next month.
Is a show of strength being planned under the guise of “Dalit Ekta Samavesh”? Ministers united under G. Parameshwara’s leadership, with all eyes on the high command’s response. Bengaluru: A major development is taking place in Karnataka politics. Ministers from the state’s Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, led by Home Minister G. Parameshwara, have revived plans to hold a major community conference next month. The conference, dubbed “Dalit Ekta Samavesh,” is expected to be held in Chitradurga or Davangere. This proposed rally, seen as a potential “show of strength,” has created a stir in political circles. This move comes amid heightened debate over the possibility of a transfer of power from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to his Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar. Additionally, the demand for a Dalit Chief Minister in the state is gaining momentum again. This isn’t the first time such a rally has been planned. Previous attempts to organize such a rally had been made, but had to be shelved after the party high command didn’t approve. At that time, it was believed that Shivakumar’s supporters opposed the event, seeing it as an attempt by the Siddaramaiah camp to undermine the informal power-sharing arrangement between the two senior leaders. However, this time, Dalit ministers are moving forward with renewed determination. After a meeting in Bengaluru with cabinet colleague H.C. Mahadevappa, Parameshwara said, “Dalit voters wholeheartedly supported the Congress in the elections, and it is our duty to express our gratitude.” He added, “We must inform them about the series of schemes implemented for them by our government and explain future plans.” Parameshwara, Mahadevappa, KH Muniyappa, RB Thimmapur, and Satish Jarkiholi (from the ST community) have regrouped to form an internal pressure group within the government. Former ministers KN Rajanna and B Nagendra (both from the Valmiki community) were also part of this group before being dropped from the cabinet. This group previously attracted attention by highlighting its role in the Congress’s landslide victory in the 2023 assembly elections. Significantly, Congress won 31 of the 36 SC-reserved seats and 14 of the 15 ST-reserved seats. The discussion about a Dalit Chief Minister has further fueled speculation. This debate was reignited when Siddaramaiah’s son and MLC Yatindra Siddaramaiah described Jarkiholi as his father’s “political successor.” Recently, party workers in Kolar raised slogans in support of Muniyappa for the top post. Parameshwara also openly supported Muniyappa, citing his long political career. But Muniyappa offered a measured response. He said, “Parameshwara is one of our most respected members. He has the distinction of serving as KPCC president for eight years, the longest tenure, and has also served as deputy CM. When we talk about a Dalit CM, Parameshwara will naturally be considered based on merit.” However, he added, “But now is not the time to discuss a CM change. Siddaramaiah will continue his full five-year term.” Regarding the proposed rally, Muniyappa said, “We are awaiting the high command’s approval.” Parameshwara maintained that there was nothing wrong with demanding a Dalit CM or holding a Dalit convention. He added, “We should listen to their (the community’s) demands and assure them of the future.” Jarkiholi, on the other hand, took a cautious stance, saying, “We should patiently wait for our turn. Whatever we plan to do is in the best interest of the party.” Political analysts say the Congress high command’s response will be closely watched, especially given that AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and his ministerial son, Priyank Kharge, both come from the Dalit community. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Minor Dalit girl assaulted, plea for justice: Victim appeals to SP and DM for alleged assault against bullies in Gurubakshganj police station area
A case of assault on a minor Dalit girl from Jhabra Majra Korihar, under the Gurubakshganj police station area of Rae Bareli district, has come to light. The victim alleges that bullies kicked and punched her and hurled casteist slurs at her. Accusing the police of inaction, she has appealed to the Superintendent of Police and District Magistrate’s offices for justice. The victim stated that she was grazing goats in her field when a group of rivals attacked her. They grabbed her hair and threw her to the ground, after which the mother and son assaulted her and abused her using casteist slurs. According to the victim, she filed a written complaint about the incident at the local Gurubakshganj police station. However, the police have yet to take any action in the matter. She also alleges that she is being threatened by the police themselves after filing the complaint. Failing to receive justice, the victim today appealed to the Superintendent of Police and District Magistrate’s offices for justice. Ashish Prajapati Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit teenager kidnapped, forcibly converted, then married… Victim recovered from Jabalpur, MP; Talib and Shadab arrested
Abducted on October 5th and taken to Jabalpur, MP; recovered on October 26th. The accused have been charged with several serious sections, including the POCSO Act and the SC/ST Act. Muzaffarnagar/Uttar Pradesh. Police have arrested two young men on serious charges of allegedly kidnapping, forcibly converting, and then marrying a Dalit minor girl. Officials revealed the case on Wednesday. Police made the arrests on Tuesday, although the incident occurred earlier this month. Case filed under these serious sections Budhana Circle Officer (CO) Gajendra Pal Singh stated that a case has been filed against the main accused, Talib (25), and his accomplice, Shadab (23), under several serious sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Additionally, action has been taken against the accused under the provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021. The CO stated that, given the gravity of the case, the accused have also been charged under Section 3 of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and Sections 3 and 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Brother Filed FIR According to the FIR filed by the victim’s brother, Talib, with the help of his friend Shadab, kidnapped his minor sister on October 5th. The FIR alleges that they abducted the girl and took her to Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. There, the girl was allegedly pressured to convert to Islam and later forcibly married to the main accused, Talib. The complaint also alleges that the accused sexually assaulted her during her captivity. Victim recovered from Jabalpur Taking action in the case, police safely recovered the teenager from Jabalpur on October 26 and brought her back to Muzaffarnagar. Following the victim’s recovery, police arrested both named accused from the Budhana area on Tuesday. Police officials say a detailed investigation is underway. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
MP: Dalit youth thrown onto garbage at midnight, then set on fire… Mother who came to rescue him after witnessing the brutality in Sagar was also attacked…
Shameful incident in Sagar’s Chandpur village. The victim’s mother alleges casteist abuse and threats to burn him alive. Sagar (Madhya Pradesh): A shameful and horrific incident has come to light in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh, where some miscreants are accused of dragging a Dalit youth onto a roadside garbage heap and burning him alive. When the youth’s mother intervened to extinguish the fire, the accused also mistreated her. The victim was taken to the district hospital in critical condition, where his condition is currently stable. What is the whole matter? According to a report in the Free Press Journal, police reported the incident on Wednesday. The incident occurred in Chandpur village in the Rahli area of Sagar district. According to reports, the Dalit youth was allegedly set on fire in the middle of the market. According to the police, the victim, identified as Hemraj Ahirwar, sustained severe burn injuries in the fire. The victim’s 62-year-old mother, Kesrani Ahirwar, has filed a complaint at the Rahli police station, demanding strict action against the accused. The incident is said to have occurred a few days ago. It is reported that the police only took action after news of the incident went viral on social media. What did the mother say in the complaint? Kesrani stated in her complaint that at around 12 a.m. on October 11th, her son, Hemraj, was lying in an intoxicated state near a shop. Two men, identified as Hemraj, son of Kalu Ahirwar, and Naresh, son of Lachhu Sahu, arrived. It is alleged that they first collected garbage near Hemraj (the victim) and then set him on fire. Hearing her son’s cries, Kesrani ran to his rescue and managed to extinguish the fire. However, during this time, the two accused also mistreated her, hurled casteist slurs at her, and threatened to burn her alive. Frightened by this horrific incident, the mother mustered courage and first rushed her injured son to the hospital. She then contacted the police. Kesrani also alleged that these accused have previously been involved in serious crimes and now pose a threat to the lives of her entire family. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit Youth Assault Case- Gurugram Police arrest eight, apprehended a minor
The Gurugram Police arrested eight people and apprehended a minor for allegedly assaulting a Dalit youth and hurling casteist abuse at him. The accused had allegedly fought with the youth over bursting firecrackers during Diwali in Jatola village, Farrukhnagar. The victim, Kartik, 21, was sitting outside his house when a group of seven to eight people, including arrived on a motorcycle. They allegedly assaulted him and allegedly made caste remarks. Kartik fled to his house, but the group followed, attacked him again, and threatened to kill him and his family. He later lodged a complaint with police. The accused have been identified as Ankit, 20; Himanshu, 21; Ansu, 19; Pawan, 23; Abhay, 20; all residents of Jatola; Yogesh, 22; from Farrukhnagar; Rachit, 21, from Kawali village in Rewari; and Anshu, 20, from Khol, Rewari, along with a minor aged 16. According to the police, the accused wanted to take revenge following an argument over firecrackers on October 20 (Diwali), which led to the assault. The police recovered a motorcycle used in the crime. The minor has been included in the investigation as per legal procedures, while the other eight accused were produced in court on October 25 and sent to judicial custody. Courtesy : BW Police World Note: This news is originally published on https:/bwpoliceworld.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Harish insulted Dalits with comments on Cabinet: Telangana minister Adluri
Speaking to the media at Jubilee Hills Ministers Quarters, he accused the BRS of running a “Bandipotu politics” (politics of dacoits) for a decade. HYDERABAD: SC, ST and Minority Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar on Monday slammed BRS leader T Harish Rao for calling the state Cabinet a “Dandupalyam batch” (criminal gang). Terming the BRS leader’s remarks “disrespectful and shameful”, Laxman Kumar demanded an open apology from the former for insulting ministers who belong to Dalit communities and weaker sections. Speaking to the media at Jubilee Hills Ministers Quarters, he accused the BRS of running a “Bandipotu politics” (politics of dacoits) for a decade. Stating that the Congress government, under the leadership of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, was ensuring inclusive governance, he said: “When I challenged Harish Rao to an open debate, he backed off. If he has courage, he should come forward and discuss these issues before the people.” Koppula arrested BRS leader and former minister Koppula Eshwar and his party colleague Korukanit Chander were arrested from the 125-feet Ambedkar statue here on Monday, when they reached there for a debate with SC, ST and Minority Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar. Eshwar dared Laxman to a debate on welfare schemes but the latter wanted to debate with former minister T Harish Rao. Police took both Eshwar and Chander into custody and shifted them to a police station. Laxman had earlier challenged BRS working president KT Rama Rao or Harish Rao to a debate. 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
From oral histories to digital archives: How Gauri Gupta is fighting caste discrimination
Gupta’s work goes beyond awareness and education. The People’s Collectives regularly brings Dalit and Tribal leaders together with government officials including panchayat representatives Gauri Gupta, a 17-year-old woman, is quietly shaking up the social landscape in India. Caste discrimination and atrocities still shape lives across the country. And, this young activist has taken it upon herself to amplify long-ignored voices. Through her organisation, The People’s Collectives, Gupta is combining oral histories, digital innovation, education and legal reform to create real change for Dalit and Tribal communities. “Our goal is to decentralise caste power and return agency to people whose voices have been silenced for generations,” Gupta explains. Already, her work spans four states: Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Recording lives, not just numbers At the core of The People’s Collectives is a participatory oral history project. So far, over 350 testimonies from Dalit and Tribal communities have been collected. Some team members are focused on migrant labourers working in construction, brick kilns, and agriculture; sectors where Dalit and Adivasi voices are rarely heard. “The stories we document are archives of resistance. They refuse to be erased,” Gupta says. A virtual museum against untouchability Taking her mission online, Gupta is building a digital Untouchability Museum, the first of its kind in India. The museum will showcase 56 objects connected to caste discrimination such as segregated brooms, pots, and tin plates each paired with firsthand accounts. The museum is a tool for learning. By combining history with digital storytelling, Gupta hopes to turn memory into public education, helping young people understand the lived realities of caste-based oppression. The People’s Collectives has launched Caste Consciousness Clubs in 83 schools across India. These student-led groups use a caste sensitivity curriculum to cultivate empathy and critical thinking from a young age. Beyond schools, the organisation has created a rights-based multilingual toolkit for over 2,600 members of Dalit-Bahujan communities. The toolkit explains legal rights, safety measures, and education entitlements in simple language. Gupta’s work goes beyond awareness and education. The People’s Collectives regularly brings Dalit and Tribal leaders together with government officials including panchayat representatives in rural Rajasthan, to discuss policy and reforms. The organisation has also run legal aid camps in partnership with universities, helping 65 families file FIRs under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. A special initiative called Tribal Vikas has registered 1000 members from denotified tribes giving them access to healthcare, education, and housing programs. “These legal recognitions are not just paperwork,” Gupta says. “They are identity, dignity, and access, the first steps toward justice.” Supporting economic independence The People’s Collectives also promotes financial empowerment. About 90 Dalit youth have received micro-grants for vocational training in areas. These include tailoring, beauty, and computer skills. Many have used this support to achieve financial independence and build sustainable community projects. Strategic partnerships and CSR funding have allowed Gupta to expand her programs, securing over $25,000 from different organisations. Her team also mobilised youth collectives across multiple districts to campaign for transparency and equity. Gauri Gupta’s unique approach is all about insistence on community-led action. She combines archival research with digital tools and grassroots organising. This makes Dalit and Tribal people the narrators and decision-makers of their own stories, rather than saviours occupying their spaces. Courtesy : The Statesman Note: This news is originally published on https:/thestatesman.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Odisha Continues to Face Severity of Dalit Oppression
The state had the sixth highest cases of incidents of Dalit oppression over the past four years (NCRB data), including acts of bestial violence, social boycotts, and judicial discrimination. The people of Odisha must be undergoing fatigue built on almost years and years of perpetuation of atrocities on Dalits in the state, which remains the sixth highest in incidents of oppression on Dalits in India. This is contrary to the notional assumption that the people of Odisha are God-fearing and their faith rests on the premises of Lord Jagannath, who, in essence, is believed to be a tribal deity, his origin dating back to over thousands of years. The deity is said to be the Patitapavan, which in essence connotes that He is for the Patits (the most oppressed). Leaving aside the legends, numerous incidents of Dalit oppression have been reported in Odisha over the past four years, including acts of bestial violence, social boycotts, and judicial discrimination. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, Odisha has the sixth highest cases of atrocities on Dalits. In 2020, there were 2,046 incidents, in 2021, the incidents reported stood at 2,327, in 2022, there were 2,902 incidents and in 2023, the reported incidents were 2,696, taking the total to 9,971 incidents in the past four years. Activists cite “poor implementation of protective laws and low conviction rate for atrocities as factors the help perpetuating the problem”, Biswapriya Kanungo, an advocate and social activist fighting for the oppressed, told this writer. What about people from the upper strata who fuel such acts of oppression? Kanungo says “this trend has exacerbated in the past one decade when the political system has shown an attitude of acquiescence to the practice of oppression of people from the lower strata or Dalits.” Reports and case studies from 2020 to 2025 document several incidents of Dalit oppression in Odisha, including brutal public humiliation, social boycotts, and denial of basic rights. “Regardless of legal protection, that are so ineffective, a deep-seated caste-based discrimination persists, particularly in rural areas, where the incidents never come to light or rather get buried in obscurity”, laments Kanungo. Most instances of Dalit oppression in Odisha are marked by physical violence and systemic discrimination. While there are laws in place to prevent such atrocities, Dalits have been facing persistent exploitation and social exclusion, especially in the rural interiors. This is compounded by an ineffective justice system that fails to protect victims. In June 2025, two Dalit men from Pana community were subjected to public humiliation coupled with physical assault by a mob in Kharigumma village in Ganjam district. They were falsely accused of cattle smuggling whereas they were transporting three cows for a wedding dowry. They were forced to drink drain water and crawl on their knees. The incident sparked widespread outrage. An incident that the National Human Rights Commission took suo motu cognisance of. In 2012, in another cruel incident in Lothra area in Bolangir district, an upper-caste mob set fire to the houses of 30 Dalit families for a reason that cannot be condoned in any society. Intolerance Toward Assertiveness After setting the houses on fire, the mob blocked the roads preventing the police and fire brigade from entering the village. This violence was reportedly a backlash against the growing economic and political assertiveness of Dalits in the region. In 2012, the NHRC issued a notice to the Odisha government regarding the social boycott of 13 Dalit families in Ganjam district. The families were denied access to shops, water sources, temples, and irrigation, and were also forced to wash clothes for a pittance. Kanungo recollects that it was in 2008, when the upper-caste majority virtually massacred Dalits and tribals in a riot that claimed over 17 lives and rendered thousands homeless, Many families were forced to take shelter in camps worse than ghettoes, while a sizable population of the tribals remained holed up in the deep woods without anything for sustenance. That incident created a global ripple and panic. The entire gamut of the social turmoil was allegedly created by the hands of Right-wing elements from the state and from Delhi who helped fuel the fire with hate-speeches and propaganda. That brought a turning point politically, when the then Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik broke his party, Biju Janata Dal’s (BJD) nine-year-long political alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the grounds of inciting communal unrest. Systemic and Institutional Discrimination In many parts of rural Odisha, Dalits are frequently denied access to public amenities, including temples, hotels, tea stalls, and public wells till date. During a 2016 incident in Nayagarh, upper-caste villagers refused water from a tanker because it had first served a Dalit hamlet. In 2025, courts in Odisha drew criticism for imposing caste-discriminatory bail conditions, such as ordering Dalit men to perform manual scavenging work. This practice, which links bail to traditionally stigmatised occupations, has been condemned by legal experts everywhere in India. Yet, this practice is still followed, as we see people getting into in filthy septic/sewer tanks digging out dirty sediments in neck deep toxic human waste. Even with advancements, untouchability continues in many subtle and overt forms in the state. In some villages, Dalits are not served by village barbers or washermen. During the 2021 Cyclone, Yaas, Dalit communities in rural areas were reportedly ostracised and denied access to rehabilitation facilities, added Kanungo. Inner Conflicts Some Dalit sub-castes in Odisha, like the Doba and Kaibarta, have been found to practice discriminatory behaviour against lower-ranked Dalits, such as the Ganda community. This promotes perpetuation of the cycles of oppression within the marginalised community itself. Isolation in Death An 80-year-old woman faced social isolation in death in Deogarh district, simply because five decades ago, she had married outside her caste. Her body was left abandoned till some local volunteers dared the oppressors and arranged her last rights with full respect. The act of compassion and courage shown by the volunteers drew appreciation from various quarters. To top
Dalit CM for Karnataka: Muniyappa, Jarkiholi backed by supporters amidst speculation
The call for a Dalit Chief Minister in Karnataka is gaining momentum amidst leadership change buzz, with names like K.H. Muniyappa and Satish Jarkiholi in contention Amid political buzz over a leadership change in Karnataka, the call for a Dalit Chief Minister is getting louder. Several Dalit organisations and senior ministers are raising the demand, with supporters of ministers of M H Muniyappa stating that Karnataka deserves a Dalit CM. Not just Muniyappa, even the names of ministers Dr. G. Parameshwar, Satish Jarkiholi, and former minister K.N. Rajanna are doing the rounds. This is amidst Jarkiholi already stating that discussions for a Dalit Chief Minister in Karnataka is currently not under discussion and has been put on a pause. Despite Jarkiholi being in contention for the post of CM, if a leadership change happens, many leaders are already openly discussing the idea. According to Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara, there is nothing wrong with Muniyappa becoming the Chief Minister. “He is capable and has the qualifications. I will be happy if he becomes the Chief Minister. I will be happy that our class has got an opportunity,” Parameshwara was quoted by Asianet Suvarna. A seven-time MP, Muniyappa is a senior member and was a former Union Minister. However, Parameshwara said it was the High Command that had to take the final call. Former Minister K N Rajanna too spoke in support of a Dalit Chief Minister. “What is wrong with the demand for a Dalit Chief Minister? A Dalit Chief Minister should be happy. But the high command will decide who should be the chief minister,” he added. In the background, a state is also being set for a show of strength through a Dalit conference. Speculations are that Parameshwara, HC Mahadevappa, and Jarkiholi are holding a meeting soon to discuss the outline. The conference will likely be held in Chitradurga or Davangere with the aim of highlighting to the High Command the contributions made by the community for the party. Preliminary discussions have already taken place, and a meeting will be held soon to discuss the final outline. That said, there is still no confirmation that Siddaramaiah would be removed. The Chief Minister himself has given no hints about stepping down and has rubbished all talks of his political retirement. As for the Congress party, it needs a leader like Siddaramaiah who has the ability to bring 25 percent of the votes to the Congress party. He has control of all the districts of the state. Courtesy : TW Note: This news is originally published on https:/theweek.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit members protest ‘police inaction’ after assault on local leader in Roorkee
ROORKEE: Dalit community members gheraoed Roorkee police station on Sunday, protesting against the alleged police inaction in arresting those accused of assaulting a local leader from Shankerpuri in full public view on Friday. The injured Dalit leader was initially admitted to a local hospital, but due to severe head injuries, he was later shifted to a facility in Dehradun. The victim, Yogesh Kumar, 40, was attacked with sticks and iron rods by over 10 men when he was returning to his village from Haridwar in a car with four friends. The attackers allegedly dragged him out of his vehicle and brutally beat him. Reason behind the attack was personal enmity, locals said. Police, meanwhile, said multiple teams have been deployed to trace the culprits. An FIR was registered on the complaint of Kumar under BNS sections related to rioting and assault. “We have arrested two accused and have also seized the vehicle used in the crime. The remaining accused will be arrested soon,” said SP (rural) SC Suyal. Members of the victim’s group staged a protest at the police station on Sunday, accusing the police of inaction. “Yogesh Kumar was attacked. His life remains in danger as the perpetrators are roaming free. Police should have arrested all of them by now. We have given a 48-hour ultimatum; if all arrests are not made, we will hold a massive protest,” said a protester. Earlier this week, Yogesh and his associates reportedly clashed with the accused over a car parking dispute. Enraged by that incident and allegedly seeking revenge, the accused are said to have carried out the attack. Members of the victim’s group staged a protest at the police station on Sunday, accusing the police of inaction. “Yogesh Kumar was attacked with an intent to kill. His life remains in danger as the accused are still roaming free. The police should have arrested all of them by now. We have given a 48-hour ultimatum; if all arrests are not made, we will hold a massive protest,” said Lokesh Katariya. Police, however, said that multiple teams have been deployed to trace the culprits and that they are closing in on all the accused. “We have arrested two accused in the case and have also recovered the vehicle used in the crime. The remaining accused will be arrested soon,” said SP (rural) SC Suyal. 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