Latest news with #AmbedkarJayanti
News18
18-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Brahmins Step Up In UP: Demand Commission, Welfare Board As BJP Looks To Rebuild Caste Base
Last Updated: BJP leader Dr KC Pandey raised the twin demands with UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, the party's key Brahmin face in the Yogi Adityanath cabinet You must have heard about the Commissions for the Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST), Minorities, and even Other Backward Castes (OBC); but have you ever heard of a separate commission for the upper castes? Chances are, you haven't, because there aren't any. But with the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election two years away and the Uttar Pradesh Panchayat election scheduled for next year, the chorus is growing for a Commission for the upper castes in the state. What's more? Flexing their muscle, Brahmins — a key constituent of the upper castes — have now demanded that a Brahmin Welfare Board also be constituted. Akhil Bharatiya Brahmin Mahasabha President and BJP leader Dr KC Pandey raised both these demands with Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and the BJP's Brahmin face in the Yogi Adityanath cabinet, Brajesh Pathak. Pandey has also demanded that the BJP-led state government declare Parshuram Jayanti a state holiday, like Ambedkar Jayanti. Brahmins, particularly Bhumihar Brahmins, hold a special reverence for Parashurama, viewing him as a symbol of their dual heritage of spirituality and martial prowess. Before you dismiss this as just another fringe demand, think again. UP BJP Vice President and a prominent Brahmin face of the party in western UP, Dinesh Kumar Sharma, has come out in support of Pandey. Speaking to News18, Sharma said, 'Different commissions are being established keeping in mind the welfare of different castes. So why not an Upper Caste Commission? There is also a dire need for a Brahmin Welfare Board because Brahmins, like other castes, comprise individuals from different economic strata. Brahmins include the rich, the poor, the urban, the rural, and even those living in tribal areas. Sometimes, they are left to fend for themselves." 'Just because they belong to an 'upper caste', no one cares about their welfare. So, a welfare board for Brahmins will be a welcome step in the right direction," he added. Sources in the UP BJP say it would be 'premature" to comment definitively, but the Deputy CM has listened to the demands and will convey them to CM Adityanath for consideration. Meanwhile, Pathak has been reaching out to Brahmins in particular and upper castes in general by engaging with organisations such as the Parshuram Sena and the women's wing of the Brahmin Sabha. This week, Pathak chose to attend an event held by the Akhil Bharatiya Brahmin Mahasabha — the body that has raised the demand for an Upper Caste Commission and a Brahmin Welfare Board. Pathak has recently been tasked by the BJP with wooing the Brahmin community to consolidate the upper caste vote, especially after the result in the 2024 Lok Sabha election in Uttar Pradesh, where the party lost 29 seats, bringing its tally down from 62 to 33. In Uttar Pradesh, the 'upper caste" population is estimated to make up around 19–20 per cent of the total population. This group primarily includes Brahmins, Thakurs (Rajputs), Bhumihars, and Kayasthas. Specifically, Brahmins are estimated to form around 12 per cent of the population, while Thakurs (Rajputs) account for approximately 7–8 per cent. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
PCMC decision to reserve land for police station behind Ambedkar memorial in Pimpri draws flak
Chairperson of the PCMC's Standing Committee Seema Sawale has strongly condemned the decision of the civic body to reserve a portion of 'Bhimsrushthi Maidan' – a revered site behind Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar statue in Pimpri – for a police station, municipal use, and a bus terminus. In a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCM), Sawale said the move is a direct assault on the sentiments of Ambedkar followers and has warned of widespread public agitation if the decision is not revoked. Bhimsrushthi Maidan—centrally located in Pimpri-Chinchwad— holds immense significance for Ambedkarites, serving as a focal point for faith, inspiration, and unity. The annual Ambedkar Jayanti is held here with week-long celebrations featuring processions, lectures, and cultural programmes that draw thousands of citizens. Beyond the Jayanti celebrations, the ground is a consistent venue for various social, political, and cultural gatherings, hosting numerous prominent personalities, said Sawale. The standing committee chairperson emphasized that the ground is a living testament to the Ambedkar movement and the social fabric of Pimpri-Chinchwad. 'This is the only dedicated space in the city for Dr. Ambedkar's followers to pay homage to the great man,' said Sawale. 'The revised development plan is a conspiracy to snatch that away. Deliberately reserving land at this historical site for a police station is a gross insult to all Ambedkarites and a vile plot to prevent the celebration of Ambedkar Jayanti,' she said. Sawale has demanded the immediate cancellation of all reservations on Bhimsrushthi Maidan, proposing instead that it be officially designated as 'Bhimsrushthi Maidan' in the development plan. She warned that if the administration fails to comply, a powerful public movement will be launched pressing the PCMC to withdraw its decision.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
UoM Syndicate member resigns, cites personal reasons
Mysuru: Basavaraju C Jattihundi, member of the Syndicate, the apex body of the University of Mysore, resigned from his post. He was appointed to the Syndicate on Jan 4, 2024, for a period of three years. Basavaraju attributed personal reasons for his resignation. He submitted his resignation letter through an email dated June 15. "I am a writer. Due to my responsibilities, I was not able to concentrate on writing. So, I decided to resign," he said. However, sources in the university pointed out that in Feb 2025, during an event organised at one of the varsity departments, Basavaraju put up banners welcoming dignitaries, including CM Siddaramaiah, on the main stretch at Manasagangotri, the PG campus of the varsity. The banners were left untouched by the university authorities. However, last week, the university authorities removed the banner of national leader BR Ambedkar put up by research scholars and students to mark Ambedkar Jayanti. It led to a series of protests, including dharnas at Manasagangotri. The agitators questioned the authorities and accused them of adopting double standards. Following the agitation, the city police were stationed at the campus. After the row, the Syndicate member resigned, sources stated. University of Mysore Research Scholars Association issued a clarification stating that there was no role of any Syndicate member in the removal of Ambedkar banner at Manasagangotri on June 11. "There is no connection between this incident and the Syndicate members," Shivashankar, president of the association, said.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Time of India
HC summons principal, undersecy in professor couple's transfer case
Dehradun: The Uttarakhand HC, while hearing a case related to the transfer of a professor couple from Uttarkashi Degree College to Baluwakot Degree College in Pithoragarh district, on Wednesday directed the college principal prof Suresh Mamgai, the undersecretary of the higher education department, and the investigating officer to appear before the court at 2 PM on June 19. The bench of Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Alok Mahra also sought clarifications regarding possible contempt proceedings against the three. Earlier, the court had stayed the transfer orders and directed the investigating officer to submit a report on the petitioners' complaint. The petitioners, associate professor Dr Ramesh Singh and his wife Vinita Singh, also an associate professor, alleged that although the higher education department had instructed colleges to observe Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14, the principal held the event on April 12, to which they objected. They further alleged that the principal then compelled Dr Singh to go on extended leave, refering to two-year-old sexual harassment allegations without any formal complaint or FIR. Dr Singh challenged this action in the high court, which granted him relief. However, on April 16, the higher education department's undersecretary issued transfer orders for both Dr Singh and his wife, relocating them to Baluwakot Degree College in Pithoragarh—over 500 km away from their current posting.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Ambedkar Jayanti row: Uttarakhand high court halts transfer of professor couple
DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand HC has ordered a stay on the transfer of a professor couple from Uttarkashi Degree College to Pithoragarh Degree College and paused the departmental investigation against them. Dr Ramesh Singh and his wife Dr Vinita Singh, both associate professors at the same college, had filed a petition in the court saying Uttarkashi Degree College took retaliatory action against them for opposing the college's decision to change the date of Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations at the institute. They said the higher education department had instructed colleges to remain open and celebrate Dr B R Ambedkar's birth anniversary on April 14. But acting principal Madhu Thapliyal rescheduled the celebration to April 12. Following the couple's objection, Thapliyal placed Singh on extended leave, citing "false sexual harassment allegations from two years ago". The court fixed June 11 for the next hearing. tnn
