Latest news with #OBCs
India.com
2 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
Why Brij Bhushan Singh's Meeting With CM Yogi Has Sparked Speculations In Uttar Pradesh
In a move that has stirred political circles in Uttar Pradesh, former BJP MP and ex-Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow. The meeting, though described as a courtesy call by official sources, is being seen as politically significant, especially in the context of the evolving dynamics in eastern Uttar Pradesh (Purvanchal). Brij Bhushan, a powerful figure in UP politics and particularly influential in the Purvanchal belt, has been under scrutiny in recent years following allegations of sexual harassment by several female wrestlers. While legal proceedings and public criticism continue, this meeting with the CM suggests that the BJP might not be ready to sideline him just yet. Political analysts believe that the meeting signals the beginning of a recalibration of power in the Purvanchal region, which has played a decisive role in shaping the state's electoral outcomes. With the 2027 Assembly elections approaching, the BJP appears to be repositioning influential leaders to consolidate its voter base, particularly among Rajputs, OBCs, and other dominant regional castes. Brij Bhushan's grassroots network, dominance in several districts, and ability to mobilize support make him a potentially crucial player in the BJP's strategy. The timing of the meeting, following a period of relative political silence around Singh, has raised eyebrows and invited criticism from the opposition. Despite no official word from the Chief Minister's Office, political analysts view the meeting as more than mere courtesy. It signals Brij Bhushan's continued influence and hints at a potential strategic role for him in the BJP's future plans for Uttar Pradesh.
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Cong proposes panel with 40% OBC leaders
The Maharashtra Congress has proposed a new jumbo state executive committee with around 280 members, of which 40 per cent will be leaders from the Other Backward Classes (OBC). The move is perceived as an attempt by the party to attract OBC voters as the civic body polls in the state are expected to be held later this year. According to the sources within the state Congress, the new state executive committee under the leadership of recently appointed Maharashtra unit chief Harshvardhan Sapkal will be of almost 280 leaders. It will have around 110-115 general secretaries, 105-108 secretaries, five senior spokespersons, one media coordinator and treasurer each, around 15-20 senior vice-presidents and 35-40 vice presidents. It will have around 15 per cent women representation. The final list of the state executive has been sent to central leadership for final approval as the high command is still mulling over it. 'After the defeat in 2024 state Assembly polls, the party has decided to focus on OBCs. The Congress at national level too is working extensively to represent itself as a party which truly stands with the OBCs. In Maharashtra, it has been decided to give additional space to the OBC leadership,' said a senior state Congress leader, who is associated with the formation of the final list. During the Assembly 2024 elections, the Mahayuti had extensively worked on attracting OBC voters after its dismal performance in the Lok Sabha polls. The overwhelming support of OBCs to the BJP was cited as one of the key factors of defeat of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). With almost 40 per cent OBC leaders, the executive will have 16-17 per cent leaders from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes, 18-19 per cent minorities and 25 – 28 per cent general category leaders. The party has also attempted to give highest representation to Vidarbha, a region where it hopes to bounce back politically due to its organisation and leadership. Almost 40 per cent of the executive committee will be composed of leaders from Vidarbha, which includes both Amaravati and Nagpur divisions. Marathwada and western Maharashtra will be the next focus, followed by Konkan. 'We need to give attention to north Maharashtra where the leaders of Mahayuti have tried to destroy the party organisation at the maximum level,' the leader said.
NDTV
11 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
After Maharashtra, Rahul Gandhi's Electoral Theft In Madhya Pradesh Claim
Bhopal: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged electoral theft in Madhya Pradesh, a month after he accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating a "match-fixing" in the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections. In a fiery-charged virtual address at the Congress's Nav Sankalp Shivir in Madhya Pradesh's Mandu, Mr Gandhi also questioned the credibility of the Maharashtra elections and claimed that over one crore new voters mysteriously appeared in the voter rolls. "Let me say this without a shadow of doubt, Maharashtra's election was stolen. The Election Commission is helping the BJP in full capacity," he charged, alleging institutional bias at the highest levels. जननायक श्री @RahulGandhi जी आज मांडव में जारी नव संकल्प शिविर में वर्चुअल माध्यम से जुड़े और सभी विधायकगणों को संबोधित किया. — MP Congress (@INCMP) July 21, 2025 Drawing a parallel to his party's experience in Madhya Pradesh, Mr Gandhi added, "I believe the last Madhya Pradesh election was stolen too, not once, but repeatedly. Just like Maharashtra. We must stay vigilant." In the 2023 assembly elections, the BJP bagged 163 of the 230 seats to retain power in the central state. The Congress could manage 66 assembly segments. The BJP also swept the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh by winning all 29 seats in the state. Mr Gandhi also alleged a systemic suppression of the backward and marginalised communities. "The Congress must fight for 95% of India's population, Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs, minorities, and the poor from the general category. We must become their voice," he said. He also emphasised unity and mutual respect within the party, urging cadres to learn from the experience of senior leaders and to carry the Congress's message of caste census to every household. Reiterating the party's stand on caste-based census, he declared, "If Congress forms the government in Madhya Pradesh, we will immediately carry out a caste census. We will ensure proportional representation for Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs, and women in government jobs." He also questioned the BJP's resistance to caste-based data. "Why is the BJP afraid of data? Why does the RSS oppose the caste census? Because within that data lies the truth, the truth of exploitation of Dalits, backwards classes, and even the poor among the general category." He cited the Telangana caste survey as a model and pledged to implement similar surveys in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh when the Congress forms a government. "I've said this in Parliament, we will break down the 50% reservation wall. The RSS and BJP are scared now. They once boasted of getting 400 seats to change the Constitution. But it was Congress, through Bharat Jodo Yatra and Nyay Yatra, that forced them to talk about caste census," he said.
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Party MLAs, MPs on same page on every issue: Cong president
1 2 Ranchi: After several party lawmakers spoke up against Congress ministers in the cabinet of chief minister Hemant Soren and objected to their ways of functioning in recent weeks, state Congress president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh on Monday claimed that all its legislators and MPs are united and on the same page over issue. Mahto also reiterated that the INDIA bloc, which is helming the govt, is working in tandem and there is synergy among all its constituent parties. Mahto's claims came as several MLAs criticised various govt plans and announcements, including the Rims 2.0 project in Nagri in Ranchi district. Addressing media at party office, Mahto said, "Raising public sentiments shouldn't be dubbed as opposition to govt or its policies. It is part of the democracy. All our MLAs, MPs are united, and our alliance partners too are on same page for smooth governance." He also informed that on July 25, several workers from state unit too will take part in national convention by AICC's OBC wing at Talkatora stadium in New Dekhi. "This will mark renewed efforts by the Congress for working towards safeguarding interest of the OBC community in the country at a time when BJP led govt is trying to ignore their rights," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo He maintained the party is currently in the process of appointing new committees at district, block and divisional levels to strengthen the party at the grassroots. Reacting to AICC's OBC conclave, state BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo said, "Congress has been the largest anti-OBC party, and their upcoming national conclave is a mere eyewash. The recommendations of the Mandal Committee, which proposed 27% reservation for OBCs, were suppressed for several years between 1980 and 1989 by the central govts led by the late Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. In Jharkhand, Congress left the OBC community without leadership at the panchayat level because their coalition govt conducted elections without OBC reservation. "
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Congress pushes for graded aid in backward classes census plan
Bengaluru: As part of its campaign for a national caste census, Congress is exploring a graded internal quota system within Other Backward Classes (OBC) based on their level of backwardness. The proposal was discussed during the party's first OBC advisory council meeting in Bengaluru last week. Led by Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, Congress is advocating a caste census that captures social, educational, economic, and employment status of every individual to properly identify and empower OBCs. Alongside the census, the party aims to introduce internal categorisation among OBCs to ensure the most deprived receive a larger share of govt assistance. Anil Jaihind, national president, Congress' OBC wing, said the party intends to adopt a data-driven approach. "While the idea is not finalised, the party is considering the slogan 'Jitna Pichada, Utna Madadh', wherein the extent of backwardness of an OBC community will determine the extent of govt assistance. This is what we intend to pursue," Jaihind said. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru The Haryana-based functionary said categorisation within OBCs could range from four to six groups, with the most backward getting the highest priority in schemes and grants. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gold Is Surging in 2025 — Smart Traders Are Already In IC Markets Learn More Undo The proposal draws inspiration from Karnataka's leaked caste census, which identified a special category for the most backward classes and recommended higher internal reservation for them. The document was presented during the advisory council's discussions in Bengaluru. Jaihind also said Congress will urge Karnataka to consider the Telangana model of SEEEP (Social, Educational, Economic, Employment, Political) caste survey, which he described as quite scientific. "Everyday science and society evolve. What happened 10 years ago will not be the same today. Today, the Telangana model of SEEEP caste survey is quite good, and we would expect Karnataka to better this model," he said, noting that artificial intelligence had been used to analyse the Telangana data. The Congress-backed council also demanded that the Centre raise reservation ceiling to 75%, pointing to the inclusion of EWS quota as precedent. "The Centre, with the inclusion of EWS quota, has already breached the 50% mark, so there is no hindrance for the Centre to reach 75% in the quota system," it said.
