Latest news with #BabaSahebAmbedkar
Hans India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan: When the oppressed unite, history bends towards justice, says K'taka CM Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while participating in the Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan, called for unity among backward classes, stating that when the oppressed unite, history bends towards justice. Addressing the gathering in Delhi at the Talkatora Stadium, CM Siddaramaiah said, "I call upon every OBC leader, every grassroots worker, every believer in the Constitution to, as stated by Baba Saheb Ambedkar, to educate, agitate, organise and rise. The time for waiting is over. We should build a republic where justice is not delayed, representation is not denied, and dignity is not conditional." That is the India we owe to our children, CM Siddaramaiah underlined. "Let this be the beginning of a new chapter. When the oppressed unite, history bends towards justice. When we organise, we do not just fight for our rights, we fight for the soul of India. Our dreams must be different. We must build an India where birth does not define destiny, where 'Utpadak Varg' are not forgotten, but honoured, and where justice is not delayed by design, but delivered by Constitutional Democracy," he said. "To understand the urgency of Nyay, we must confront an uncomfortable truth: India's social order was not built on justice, but was built on exclusion," he noted. The very people who built this nation through their labour, the 'Utpadak Varg', most of them from backward classes, were denied learning, land, and leadership. The hands that domesticated the animals crafted the goods, cultivated the lands, and sustained the society were chained by birth. The minds that could have imagined, governed, and led were locked out of schools, scriptures, and seats of power, he stated. This was no accident. It was a design carefully maintained by the 'Sangrahak Varg', who preserved their hold over knowledge, wealth, and privilege by declaring entire communities as unworthy, by following the inhuman principles of Manusmriti, CM Siddaramaiah stated. This caste-driven inequality is not just economic but also a socially structured violence. For centuries, millions of children never saw a classroom, not because they lacked talent, but because the system deemed them invisible, the CM said. Even today, we hear of 'merit' as if it were born in a vacuum. What chance does the child of a laundry worker have against the son of an upper-caste landlord or a crony capitalist? The game was rigged before it began, CM Siddaramaiah questioned. The BJP-RSS ideology doesn't seek to dismantle this system, instead it seeks to sanctify it. Their dream is a hierarchy where silence is loyalty and injustice is tradition, he said. The RSS-BJP's Manuvadi worldview is 'Social Darwinism' in disguise, where only the dominant deserve dignity. But our Constitution promises not survival of the fittest, but justice for the weakest. "Hence, I call for the protection of our Constitution. Only through the protection of the Constitution can we realise true social justice and equity. In independent India, our Constitution is our Dharma, it alone shields us from the cruel clutches of Manu Dharma," CM Siddaramaiah stated. He recalled that after the Supreme Court struck down caste-based reservations in State of Madras vs. Champakam Dorairajan (1951), Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, despite opposition, responded with India's First Constitutional Amendment enshrining Article 15(4) to safeguard reservations for OBCs, SCs, and STs. The Mandal Commission, formed in 1979, revealed that over 52 per cent of India were OBCs. When its recommendations were implemented in 1990, the RSS and BJP opposed it with venom, abetting riots and over 200 suicides. But the Congress government under P.V. Narasimha Rao stood firm and implemented 27 per cent reservation, showing courage in the face of cruelty, the CM said. 'Rajiv Gandhi, through the 73rd and 74th Amendments, brought backward class representation into rural and urban local bodies. Under Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji and Dr Manmohan Singh ji, the 93rd Amendment ensured 27 per cent reservation in higher education. Congress created the National Commission for Backward Classes in 1993, giving institutional voice to millions,' he stated. "I support a nationwide caste census, political reservation, proportionate which is 75 per cent representation, educational empowerment, economic opportunities, and social awareness as essential pillars for the upliftment of our backward classes," he added.
India Gazette
09-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Pawan Khera questions ECI's independence amid revision of electoral rolls in Bihar
New Delhi [India], July 9 (ANI): Congress leader Pawan Khera on Wednesday questioned the independence of the Election Commission amid revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, accusing it of acting in favour of the ruling party. This comes amid the ongoing row over the electoral roll revision in Bihar and the Opposition-led Bihar Bandh.. Taking to the social media platform X, Khera wrote, 'Baba Saheb Ambedkar on the role of 'Central Election Commission' in protecting every Indian's Right to Vote.' To support his argument, Khera, in a post on his X handle, quoted Baba Saheb Ambedkar: 'Franchise is the most fundamental thing in prevent injustice to those racially, linguistically, or culturally different from the dominant people in Province, the election machinery must be under a Central Election that no injustice may be done to any citizen in India.' Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting every Indian's right to vote by highlighting Article 326 of the Constitution, which guarantees universal adult suffrage. This move comes amid tensions over the ongoing Bihar Bandh and debates surrounding revisions to the voter list. Article 326 ensures that every Indian citizen above 18 years of age can vote unless disqualified due to non-residence, unsoundness of mind, crime, or corrupt practices. This provision underscores India's commitment to broader democratic participation and was instrumental in lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 years in 1989. The ECI has emphasised its dedication to upholding constitutional principles by adhering to Article 326 and Section 16 of the Representation of People Act, 1950. The commission has stated that it will 'scrupulously' follow these provisions during the revision of electoral rolls, ensuring that no eligible citizen is disenfranchised. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has posted an image on its 'X' account highlighting Article 326 of the Constitution of India, which mandates universal adult suffrage, ensuring every Indian citizen above 18 years of age can vote unless disqualified. 'Article 326 - Elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assemblies of States to be on the basis of adult suffrage. The elections to the House of the People and the Legislative Assembly of every State shall be on the basis of adult suffrage, that is to say, every person who is a citizen of India and who is not less than eighteen years of age on such date as may be fixed in that behalf by or under any law made by the appropriate Legislature and is not otherwise disqualified under this Constitution or any law made by the appropriate Legislature on the ground of non-residence, unsoundness of mind, crime or corrupt or illegal practice, shall be entitled to be registered as a voter at any such election,' posted by ECI on X. On June 24, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that it would begin a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the state's assembly elections. The exercise aims to revise the electoral rolls in the state to include all eligible voters and eliminate those who are ineligible from the voter list. The notification stated that the ECI would 'scrupulously' adhere to the Constitutional provisions regarding the eligibility and disqualification of voters during the revision of the electoral roll. This, the ECI said, was clearly laid down under Article 326 of the Constitution of India and Section 16 of the Representation of People Act, 1950 (RPA). Article 326 states that any person above the age of 18 is eligible to vote. Section 16 sets out the criteria for a person who is disqualified from voting. These criteria include not being a citizen of India, being of unsound mind, or being disqualified from voting under any law related to corrupt practices and other election offences. In early July, the Association for Democratic Reforms, Swaraj Party member and activist Yogendra Yadav, moved the Supreme Court under Article 32, challenging the ECI's notification. They claim that the SIR is arbitrary and violative of the universal right to adult suffrage. The petitions note that the identification process shifts the burden of proof onto individual citizens, requiring them to submit fresh applications and provide documentary evidence of citizenship by 25 July 2025. The petitions argue that the exercise excludes indicators such as Aadhaar and ration cards, and makes the proof of parents' identity mandatory. Given Bihar's high rates of poverty and migration, such requirements may disenfranchise millions. The petitions also criticise the short timeframe and absence of prior consultation, arguing that the exercise undermines democracy, equality, and the right to vote, particularly for the most vulnerable. The petitions request an immediate stay of the SIR. In the meantime, the ECI has published notices on the smooth implementation of the SIR in the State on July 4 and 5 on its official website. On July 6, the ECI issued a press release stating that the initial phase of the SIR has been completed. Notably, the release clarifies that there has been no change in the SIR process, and it will continue as per the notification released on June 24. Moreover, it carries the phrase: 'No changes made in SIR as being rumoured by some'. On July 7, 2025, the Supreme Court agreed to hear petitions challenging the SIR. The matter will be taken up on 10 July 2025. Earlier today, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, along with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, led the 'Bihar Bandh' protest in Patna against the Election Commission of India's (ECI) decision to undertake the Special Intensive Revision SIR) of the electoral rolls ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. Several senior leaders of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance INDIA) Bloc members, including CPI General Secretary D. Raja, CPI (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation leader Dipankar Bhattacharya, Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram, Kanhaiya Kumar, and Sanjay Yadav, also participated in the protest. Independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav, joined the demonstrators at the Sachiwalay Halt railway station, raising slogans such as 'Chunav Aayog hosh mein aao' (Election Commission, come to your senses). As part of the protest, Congress workers blocked the railway track at Sachiwalay Halt station, demanding a rollback of the ECI's move. (ANI)
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Namazwadi, not Samajwadi: BJP's Sudhanshu hits out at INDIA bloc over anti-Waqf protest
BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi says, "I want to ask the INDI alliance, are you thinking of implementing Sharia law in Bihar, which is bigger than Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey and ISIS?..." "These parties like RJD, Samajwadi Party, etc, who are wearing the garb of socialism, are not standing up for the rights of the poor and oppressed Muslims. Therefore, the socialism of RJD and SP cannot be called socialism at all. If it is called 'Namazvad', then it will not be an exaggeration. BJP and the NDA alliance are determined that if anyone wants to throw Baba Saheb Ambedkar's constitution, any of its provisions, into the dustbin, we will not let that happen." Show more Show less
The Print
27-06-2025
- Politics
- The Print
CPI(M) denounces RSS' call to review terms ‘socialist', ‘secular' in Preamble
Hosabale, while addressing an event on the Emergency, said on Thursday that 'the preamble of the Constitution Baba Saheb Ambedkar made never had these words.' 'During the Emergency, when fundamental rights were suspended, Parliament did not work, and judiciary became lame, then these words were added.' The RSS leader said discussions were held on this issue later but no effort was made to remove them from the Preamble. 'So whether they should remain in the Preamble should be considered,' he had added. The left party alleged the RSS' proposal exposes its 'long-standing objective of subverting the Constitution and its intent to transform India into a Hindu Rashtra'. New Delhi, Jun 27 (PTI) The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Friday denounced RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale's call to review the words 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Constitution's Preamble, saying these ideas reflect the core values for which freedom fighters sacrificed their lives. Hitting out at the RSS, the CPI(M) Politburo said the inclusion of the words 'socialism' and 'secularism' in the Preamble was not an arbitrary addition. These words reflect the core values for which freedom fighters sacrificed their lives, it said. 'The Communist Party of India (Marxist) strongly denounces the proposal made by the RSS General Secretary to remove the words 'socialist' and 'secular' from the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. 'This proposal exposes the RSS's long-standing objective of subverting the Constitution and its intent to transform India into a Hindu Rashtra in pursuit of its Hindutva project,' the Left party said. It underlined that the Indian Constitution embodies the aspirations of countless freedom fighters from various streams. 'The inclusion of 'socialism' and 'secularism' in the Preamble is not an arbitrary addition; it reflects the core values for which freedom fighters like Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh and his comrades stood and sacrificed their lives,' the party said. The CPI(M) said the ideals of the freedom fighters are embedded in every provision of the Constitution, and the insertion of these words merely affirms that legacy. 'It is the height of hypocrisy for the RSS, which played no role in the freedom movement, to now advocate for the removal of these foundational principles. It cannot tolerate the values cherished by our martyrs betrays its reactionary, anti-people, and divisive ideology,' the politburo said. 'The CPI(M) firmly opposes any attempt to alter the core values enshrined in our Constitution. We appeal to the people to remain vigilant and resolutely resist all such efforts by the RSS and its protégé BJP.' The suggestion from the RSS's second senior-most functionary to consider removing the two works from the Preamble came as he hit out at the Congress for the Emergency era 'excesses' and demanded an apology from the party. PTI AO NSD NSD This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Hindu
25-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Congress condemns atrocity against Dalit men in Odisha, seeks action against cow vigilantes
Odisha Congress has formed a five-member fact-finding team, led by Rama Chandra Kadam, leader of the Congress Legislature Party in the Odisha Assembly, to investigate into heinous incident in the Ganjam district. Two Dalit men, accused of cattle smuggling, were tonsured, forced to eat grass, and made to drink waste water. The incident occurred on the afternoon of June 22, when Babula Naik and Bulu Naik were taking three cows from Singipur village, under the jurisdiction of Gangpur police station in Ganjam district, to arrange items for a marriage ceremony. They were intercepted by a group of local youths from Jahada village, under Dharakote police limits, who were reportedly cow vigilantes. 'The miscreants demanded ₹30,000 from the two men to let them go. When the victims expressed their inability to pay, they were humiliated — their heads were forcibly shaved, they were made to eat grass, and forced to drink wastewater,' said Ganjam Superintendent of Police Suvendu Kumar Patra on Tuesday (June 24, 2025). Mr. Patra added that nine individuals, including a minor, were arrested, while three others involved in the brutal act remained absconding. Eight of the accused have been produced before a local court, and the minor before the Juvenile Justice Board. The incident sparked outrage after videos and photographs of the assault surfaced on social media. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, expressed grave concern, saying such incidents were becoming increasingly common in BJP-ruled States, where the politics of hatred and hierarchy had led to a sharp rise in atrocities against Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women — especially in Odisha. 'Every assault on the dignity of Dalits is an attack on Baba Saheb Ambedkar's Constitution — a conspiracy against the values of equality, justice, and humanity,' he said. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also voiced concern on social media, condemning the brutal assault on the two Dalit youths in Odisha as deeply shameful. 'They were forced to eat grass and crawl on their knees — an inhuman act that disgraces all of humanity. This horrific incident is not only an attack on the Dalit community but also a grave insult to the Constitution envisioned by Baba Saheb Ambedkar, which upholds the ideals of equality, justice, and human dignity. The increasing frequency of such incidents in BJP-ruled states is deeply troubling,' Ms. Vadra said, demanding swift and stringent action against the perpetrators. Odisha Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam said he would visit the victims on Wednesday (June 25, 2025) to gather firsthand information about the atrocity. According to the police, the accused have been identified as Sibasankar Mohanty, Satya Sahu, Bainath Bisoyi, Omm Gouda, Ganapati Polei, Santosh Dakua, Sankar Das, and Narayan Dakua. Another key accused, Raja Samal, is still absconding.
