Latest news with #MintaDevi
The Hindu
8 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Gender agenda newsletter: Minta Devi had no idea
Minta Devi had no idea If I had woken up one morning to find my face on a T-shirt outside Parliament, I wouldn't have been happy. The first few stories tracking down Minta Devi, the woman from Bihar's Siwan, who was recorded in the electoral rolls as 124 years, simply spoke about who she was, and how old she actually was (35). Reporters did not immediately ask her what she thought about her face being the symbol of alleged irregularities with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) that Bihar has undergone. 'I do not know what is going on in Parliament...' said Devi, adding that she didn't check the date on her voter ID card when it was delivered. On August 12, several Opposition members wore tees with her photograph, with the tag line '124 not out'. It is easy to use photographs of people — especially women with seemingly less agency — without their consent. Women in Bihar already have it rough. Their life expectancy is lower than that of the men in the State (68.3 years to 69.6 years in 2015-19), they are highly vulnerable to violence and insecurity after natural disasters, and there are still 100 maternal deaths for every 100,000 births (2020-2022; the national average is 93). Now, with the SIR, more women than men have been deleted from the rolls. On the same day, at Delhi's Constitution Club, Jaya Bachchan pushed away a man who attempted to get too close to her and take a selfie. I doubt anyone would have put her face on a tee sans consent. Class, in India, is sometimes more pronounced than caste. There is an 'us' and 'them': 'we' the educated English-speaking, 'they' the illiterate poor. Class unites women and men in the same social bracket. Until there is abuse. Then, the women are drawn into a circle of sisterhood that men, even as allies, might not be able to penetrate. Two days after Minta Devi's picture appeared everywhere and Jaya Bachchan pushed away a man who lifted his phone with entitlement, Kolkata came together again to Reclaim the Night. It was the first death anniversary of the medico who had been assaulted and killed, and women across the city seemed to say: we remember. We also remember when the Supreme Court passes a judgment that 'sets a dangerous precedent for both criminal justice and gender equality'. We know the issues that cut across class: gender-based violence, access to justice, and taking women for granted. Toolkit Breakthrough, the non-profit that works in the gender-based violence space, is hosting its annual symposium called ReFrame, which will touch upon health, education, and work for women, along with brainstorming sessions on how to make men and boys allies. On September 3 and 4, 2025 in New Delhi. Wordsworth Vaginal microbiome The ecosystem of the vaginal area (the tube between the external genitals and the lower end of the uterus) that has colonies of bacteria and other organisms, all contributing to the health of this part of the reproductive anatomy. Generally, a Lactobacillus-dominated vagina is considered healthy. Earlier this month, the Gates Foundation committed $2.5 billion until 2030 to research and development around women's health. Among its 'areas of breakthrough potential' was the vaginal microbiome, along with therapeutics for preeclampsia and non-hormonal contraception. Ouch! People consider [the code for Gaya airport, GAY] socially and culturally offensive and uncomfortable. Could it be replaced with something more respectful and culturally appropriate Rajya Sabha MP Bhim Singh, in Parliament Woman we met Vijaya Harish Jethwa, 55, has a shop in Dharavi's Kumbharwada area of potters, on Mumbai's 90 Feet Road. She runs it with her husband and two sons, and is so busy preparing for Janmashtami that she continues to paint pots as she speaks. 'Women are born to work,' she says, adding that she does everything from fixing taps on pots to decorating them. She does not know any woman in her community who doesn't work at home and in a shop, she says. It is the regular way of living. She has been at it for about 30 years now, ever since she got married — sitting outside her shop, waiting for customers. But her husband says she is a housewife who helps him. She says she sells pots from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.
Hans India
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Stagnant politics, fresh chaos – Opposition's I-Day gift to the nation
The Rahul Gandhi-led INDIA bloc's 'Vote Chori' storm is political theatre, masking fear of a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) that could expose fake voters, including illegal migrants. Their obstruction in Parliament, petty vendettas, intolerance to dissent, and hollow cries of 'Save Democracy' reveal a deeper aim — to pre-empt electoral defeat. While ignoring vital debates on defence, GST reforms, and governance, they chase headlines with stunts like exploiting Minta Devi without consent. The Election Commission must ignore such noise, conduct a transparent nationwide SIR, and protect electoral integrity. True democracy needs facts, not theatrics — and the voters, not politicians, will have the final say. One may like or dislike Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but there are lessons to learn from him. Ignore those unwilling to change. Give no quarter to peddlers of false narratives. And do not dignify Congress and the Rahul Gandhi-led INDIA bloc's 'Vote Chori' drama — a spectacle more about theatrics than truth — with endless rebuttals. Their posturing on electoral integrity rings hollow, given the glaring irregularities during their own 54 years in power. Modi chooses to counter the Opposition from appropriate platforms, connecting directly with people rather than indulging in endless 'Tu Tu Mein Mein.' By contrast, the Opposition shamelessly held Parliament hostage for 19 days, recycling the same accusations, staging protests inside and outside, refusing debates — and then claiming democracy is under threat. This isn't about saving democracy. It's about saving political careers. The Opposition refuses to shed its stale, failed narrative — the same approach that buried the Left — and treats Parliament as enemy territory. This obstructionism is itself becoming a threat to democracy. Consider the GST reforms bill, which could be a genuine Diwali gift to the citizens. Or the Sudarshan Chakra defence system — a multi-layered shield using advanced technology to protect strategic sites. These are serious matters worthy of debate. Instead, the Opposition fixates on the SIR (Special Intensive Revision) of electoral rolls, fearing it will expose bogus voters — particularly ahead of the Bihar elections. On Agni veers too, their politics is petty. Agni veers played a vital role in Operation Sindoor. Yet Rahul Gandhi declared in Parliament, 'We will do away with Agni veers.' Which means we will allow the enemy to get strengthened. His stance echoes Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy's destructive vendetta politics in Andhra Pradesh — undoing the good solely to spite political rivals. The Leader of Opposition in utter disregard for parliamentary practices prefers addressing fellow Opposition MPs as if at a CWC meeting, instead of addressing the Chair. True leaders refine policies for better results. But here are politicians who dismantle useful schemes, grant the government a free run, and then claim credit for 'exposing' it. Their hypocrisy is breathtaking. They allege their freedom of speech is curtailed but will not tolerate dissent within their own ranks. Rahul forced Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to sack minister K N Rajanna for pointing out that the voter rolls Rahul questioned were prepared when Congress was in power and questioning bluntly, 'Why was everyone silent back then.' This exposed the hollowness of Rahul who alleged that over a lakh bogus voters existed in Mahadevpura, which cost the Congress the seat while the fact is that it has been a traditional BJP stronghold. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav showed similar intolerance by expelling MLA Pooja Pal for praising Yogi Adityanath's role in bringing mafia don Atiq Ahmed to justice for murdering her husband on the ninth day of her marriage. Unable to admit the real reason for fear of losing minority votes, Akhilesh cited a year-old whip violation. Pal's words were clear: 'I am a victim first… All people in Prayagraj disturbed by Atiq Ahmed have been given justice by the CM. I stand by my statement.' I have been saying this from day 1, even when I was in the party. I have been expelled only today, she added. She said perhaps her party could not hear the women in Prayagraj who were even more worried than her. 'But I am their voice, I have been elected as an MLA and sent to the Assembly. I am the voice of mothers and sisters who have lost their loved ones. The INDIA bloc's pettiness extends to objecting to the Operation Sindhoor logo on Independence Day invitations, and to three lady officers — Colonel Sophia Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Commander Prerna Deosthalee — appearing on Kaun Banega Crorepati. It may be a commercial show, but it violates no military ethics. These officers will inspire young Indians, especially women, just as doctors used the platform during Covid-19. For Congress, Independence Day seems to be about celebrating itself — as if only it delivered freedom. While Congress played a central and indispensable role in India's fight for independence, many groups and individuals contributed to the freedom struggle. Another example of lack of strategy is Rahul Gandhi's refusal to authenticate the so-called 'atom bomb' voter list document is telling. His excuse — that he needn't sign because he has already taken an MP's oath — is laughable. Rule 389 of the Lok Sabha's Rules of Procedure is clear: when a member quotes a document, the Speaker can demand authentication. An oath is no licence to bypass verification — just as a court wouldn't accept 'I took an oath once' instead of a signed affidavit. The Opposition fears the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) as it fears that they will lose the votes of illegal Bangladeshi migrants and the like. Fake voter entries and deletion of genuine ones are not new. The Election Commission of India (ECI) must seize this golden opportunity to rise above the political noise and conduct a transparent nationwide SIR. The process should be free from distractions, as political cry-babies will always cry, but voters deserve accuracy and integrity in the rolls that decide their future. But the opposition believes only in theaatrics. On August 12, they paraded in T-shirts reading 'Minta Devi 124 Not Out.' But Minta Devi herself spoiled the show, saying her voter details were already being corrected, and objecting to her photo being used without consent. This was political self-sabotage at its finest. Will they apologise? Unlikely. For Rahul, removing stray dogs from streets is 'inhuman' — but exploiting a poor woman for political gain is acceptable. Now the INDIA bloc plans a nationwide 'Vote Chori' agitation and signature campaign, even demanding Lok Sabha's dissolution. Yet will they explain why Sonia Gandhi's name appeared on voter rolls in 1980 when she was still an Italian citizen? Most damning, in the past 12 days, not one booth-level or block-level agent from these parties has filed a complaint with the ECI about bogus voting. They've found nothing wrong in practice — yet they howl in public. This is no longer petty politics; it's a deliberate attempt to undermine faith in India's elections so that when defeat comes — as it has repeatedly over the past decade — they can cry foul at the referee. From 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' to 'Vote Chori,' Rahul Gandhi's playbook is the same: make a headline-grabbing allegation, milk it in the media, avoid proof, and quietly drop it when facts fail to fit. In the process, they corrode the very institutions they claim to defend. The ECI must now move fast: clean the rolls, strengthen verification, ensure absolute transparency — and refuse to be distracted by political drama. This is about protecting democracy, not from imaginary 'vote thieves' but from those who cry 'Save Democracy' while undermining it. And perhaps the INDIA bloc's real panic is simpler: they can already see defeat looming in Bihar. The voters, as always, will deliver the final verdict. (The author is former Chief Editor of The Hans India)
The Hindu
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Dead Voters and Democracy's Farce in Bihar's SIR
Published : Aug 15, 2025 16:51 IST - 4 MINS READ Dear readers, Politics has always been a spectacle—drama, melodrama, suspense, and the odd twist that makes you wonder if you're watching the news or a bad soap. But the events around the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR)—a term many point out the Election Commission has never used before—have outdone even the most overcooked political potboiler. Surreal. Sordid. On August 13, Rahul Gandhi had tea with seven 'dead' voters from Raghopur, the Assembly constituency of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav in Bihar, and thanked the Election Commission with sugar-laced sarcasm. 'There have been many interesting experiences in life, but I never got the chance to have tea with dead people. For this unique experience, thank you, Election Commission!' Gandhi posted on X. Was he thinking of the 1995 American crime drama Dead Man Walking, or the rock supergroup of (almost) the same name that toured the UK, Ireland, and the US? I like to think these 'dead men walking' staged an exclusive presentation for Rahul, who, in true Main Hoon Na style, promised to fight for their rights. It brought to mind Kaagaz (2021), the story of Lal Bihari 'Mritak', a middle-class man from Uttar Pradesh declared dead in government records, whose 18-year battle to prove he was alive led him to found the Uttar Pradesh Association of Dead People. Or Unwanted (2019), about an autistic boy, Mangal Azad, who must prove he is alive after being declared dead. Reel life is one thing. In real life, it's less entertaining when your own government says you no longer exist. Meanwhile, the actor Kay Kay Menon objected to the Congress using a clip from his web series Special Ops promotions in its 'Vote Chori' campaign—without permission. The ad caption read: 'Himmat Singh kuch keh rahe hain, jaldi se kar aao! Band karo (Himmat Singh is saying something, go quickly! Stop it).' Soon came Menon's dry rejoinder: 'Please note I have not acted in this ad.' Still, nothing could outshine the absurdity of Rahul Gandhi's tea party with the certified-dead—a ready-made masala script. In a four-minute clip he shared, the 'deceased' joked about sightseeing in Delhi and wondered how a dead man buys a ticket to the monuments. Many only discovered their official deaths after checking the electoral rolls, despite filing all the paperwork for inclusion. Before this séance in Delhi came the case of Minta Devi, listed in Bihar's voter rolls as 124 years old, making her older than Ethel Caterham, the world's oldest living person at 115. Priyanka Gandhi and other Congress women MPs wore T-shirts with Minta Devi's photo to mock the SIR's absurdities. The BJP pounced, accusing the Congress of violating privacy, as Minta Devi herself demanded to know who gave permission to plaster her Election Card publicly. But in politics, privacy is an optional extra. Then came Mintu Paswan, produced in the Supreme Court by the activist Yogendra Yadav—another 'dead' man, despite having voted in the last four Lok Sabha elections. His crime? Someone told an official he was dead. The farce has spread beyond Bihar. Aaditya Thackeray cited a Varanasi man who fathered 34 children in 16 years, a Palghar woman with five voter cards, and an unmarried seer listed as the father of 50 voters. The hits keep coming: 269 voters at one Muzaffarpur address, 247 at another in Jamui. The list of absurdities could double as the sequel to Kaagaz. Rahul Gandhi now plans a 16-day 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar from August 17, which the Congress calls a decisive battle for democracy and one-person-one-vote. The march will start in Sasaram, once represented by Meira Kumar and her father, the late Jagjivan Ram. And in case you thought the scriptwriters had clocked out, there was that earlier incident where someone filed an online application for a residence certificate in Donald Trump's name in Samastipur, just days after the Bihar administration issued one to 'Dog Babu'. Until the next newsletter, SIR and madam, I remain Yours truly, Anand Mishra | Political Editor, Frontline We hope you've been enjoying our newsletters featuring a selection of articles that we believe will be of interest to a cross-section of our readers. Tell us if you like what you read. And also, what you don't like! Mail us at frontline@
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
First-time voter at 124: How a typo turned Minta Devi into Bihar's most famous voter
First-time voter at 124: How a typo turned Minta Devi into Bihar's most famous voter Team TOI Plus Aug 15, 2025, 15:55 IST IST What started as a clerical error in Bihar's voter rolls has snowballed into a Parliament flashpoint, opposition protests, and an unlikely dose of fame for a 35-year-old homemaker At 35, she's a homemaker and a mother of three. But according to the Election Commission of India , the e-rickshaw driver's wife is 124 and voting for the first time. When the draft electoral rolls in Bihar came out this month, Minta Devi of Siwan didn't expect her name to make headlines. But there it was — a supercentenarian 'first-time voter' born before World War I. 'The Election Commission has made me a grandma,' she laughed.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Applied for voter card to avail loan for children's education: Minta Devi, at centre of ‘age 124' row
Minta Devi's three sons completed classes 5, 4 and 1 in March. But when it came time to enrol them for the next academic year, the family could not muster their collective fees of Rs 5,000 at the local private school they attended in Bihar's Siwan district. 'Paisa ka abhi dikkat jyada ho gaya hai (Our financial difficulties have worsened lately),' says Minta Devi's husband Dhananjay Kumar Singh (38). Minta Devi (35) tried applying for a personal loan in April to cover the fees. However, she says, she was told to produce a voter card, which she didn't have at the time. That's when the mother of three young boys decided to apply for a voter card. A clerical error would later see Minta Devi being listed in the draft electoral roll, published amid the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, as a 124-year-old. Amid the political tussle over the SIR, the eye-catching error in her age gave further ammunition to the Opposition as they raised the issue in Parliament. On Tuesday, MPs from the INDIA bloc staged a protest in the Parliament complex against alleged irregularities in the process, wearing white T-shirts emblazoned with Minta Devi's name and photo — the same photo she had given for her voter card. The back of the T-shirts was printed with '124 Not Out'. The date of birth on the 35-year-old's new voter card was engraved '15-07-1900', which would have made her the oldest woman alive, until the Siwan district administration clarified that the date was a clerical error made during the online application process. Her correct date of birth is July 15, 1990, according to her Aadhaar card. 'While applying for the voter card through the cyber cafe, I had attached my Aadhaar card as the supporting document. I don't know how the date got changed, but it is not due to any fault of mine,' Minta says. After she got the voter card, Minta says she didn't notice the error in the date of birth until the issue attracted attention. She is registered as a first-time voter in Bihar's Daraundha Assembly seat, under Siwan Lok Sabha constituency, at the Kanya Utkramit Madhya Vidyalaya polling booth in Arjaanipur. She was far from thrilled about the attention the error in her voter card has garnered, saying she only wanted to have her year of birth corrected from 1900 to 1990. 'Even with my enumeration form, I had submitted my Aadhaar, which had my correct age. I am not sure how the mistake regarding my age was made,' she says. On Tuesday, as the error gained countrywide attention, Siwan officials said, 'The BLO (booth level officer) has said that her age was entered as 124 by mistake during the process of filling the new form (Form-06). After the publication of the draft roll, the BLO pointed out the error in the electoral roll and contacted Minta Devi, who, as part of the correction process, submitted an application for rectification of the error in her electoral roll details through Form-08 on August 10. The claim will be processed within the prescribed time limit as per rules.' Minta currently lives in Chapra with her husband and children in a rented house. While she looks after the children, Dhananjay works as an e-rickshaw driver. 'My husband somehow manages to earn around Rs 15,000 a month,' she says. The family took loans of around Rs 2.5 lakh in the last one and a half years in Minta's name. 'Most of our earnings go into the repayment of that loan. The remaining money is spent on rent and household necessities,' Minta says. The family has since dropped the idea of taking another loan to fund the children's private school fees, deciding instead to focus on repaying the existing loan. 'We can't afford to pay their school fees in our current situation, but we haven't stopped their education completely. We have been giving our children home tuition through a private teacher, who charges Rs 1,000 a month,' Minta says.
