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State / RegionUttar Pradesh
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GOVERNANCE· 1d ago
Dalit girl's murder sparks protests, political debates over handling: Mayawati urges peace, Aazad criticizes
In the lead-up to Uttar Pradesh's 2027 elections, BJP and SP, along with other parties like BSP, ASP(KR), and Congress, are intensifying efforts to gain Dalit support. The BJP launched a Rs 403-crore scheme for Ambedkar statues while the SP plans to give tickets to Dalits in 14 general seats. Protests over a Dalit girl's murder have sparked political debates on handling such issues, with Mayawati urging peaceful protests and Aazad criticizing her stance.
GOVERNANCE· 12 Jul
Mayawati Accuses Opposition of Misleading Dalits with False Propaganda Ahead of Elections
On July 12, 2026, Mayawati, chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), accused opposition parties of misleading Dalits and other marginalized groups through false propaganda ahead of elections. She criticized recent demonstrations and road blockades as political gimmicks following Lalita Gautam's murder in Meerut district, which led to protests and police action. The Congress party responded by accusing Mayawati of mimicking the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) playbook and opposing legitimate public protests for justice.
GOVERNANCE· 4 Jul
Congress Demands 150 Seats, Sparking Seat-Sharing Battle With SP
Rajendra Pal Gautam, the new Congress in-charge for Uttar Pradesh, has demanded an "equal partnership" in seat-sharing with the Samajwadi Party (SP), potentially complicating negotiations. Gautam's demand comes after reports that the Congress might seek 150 seats while the SP is willing to concede no more than 70-80. This strategy aims to pressure the SP and could influence the future of opposition unity in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the assembly elections. The outcome of these negotiations will likely determine the political landscape for the upcoming election.
GOVERNANCE· 30 Jun
⚑ ALERT: POWER ABUSE· Allegations of embezzlement from a religious institution raise serious concerns about potential abuse of trust.
Embezzlement charges extremely serious and concerning, says Mayawati
Mayawati, president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), expressed concern over allegations of embezzlement and misappropriation of offerings from the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya. She stated that such individuals should not be spared but cautioned against politicising the issue. She also suggested following existing systems for accounting offerings in other temples to resolve the matter promptly.
GOVERNANCE· 27 Jun
The Subtext Behind Congress's New UP Incharge Rajendra Pal Gautam On Equal Seat-Sharing
Rajendra Pal Gautam, the newly appointed Congress in-charge for Uttar Pradesh, has requested an equal seat-sharing arrangement with the Samajwadi Party for the upcoming assembly elections. Gautam emphasized his desire for an "equal share" of seats and urged Mayawati, the BSP chief, to join forces against the current government. While initial talks between the parties have not begun, Gautam believes a strong alliance can be beneficial for both parties, especially in securing votes from Dalit and Brahmin communities. Gautam's request comes amidst growing tensions between the two parties over seat allocation and influence within the upcoming alliance.
GOVERNANCE· 22 Jun
Madhya Pradesh Uniform Code Draft Likely Next Month, Issues Remain
The Madhya Pradesh UCC committee held a seven-hour consultation with stakeholders in Bhopal, where representatives from various political parties and organizations shared their suggestions. The committee indicated that the draft UCC is expected to be ready by the first week of July. Despite being invited, major opposition parties like Congress, BSP, SP, and AAP did not attend the meeting. Notably, Muslim religious leaders strongly criticized the proposed law, arguing it excludes tribals and should be implemented nationally after a thorough debate in Parliament. The committee member, Shatrughan Singh, stated that both the consultation report and draft UCC will be submitted to the state government by June-end or early July.
GOVERNANCE· 14 Jun
Another Tie-Up For UP Polls? Congress, Samajwadi Party Leaders Look Ahead
BJP and the Opposition camps are preparing for the upcoming assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, with Yogi Adityanath's cabinet reshuffled and both the Samajwadi Party and Congress considering an alliance. The SP argues that their previous alliance yielded positive results in the 2024 Lok Sabha election and believes continuing it is logical. However, friction between the parties remains due to past disagreements over seat allocation and the Congress's perceived lack of strength in the state. The potential alliance could be further complicated by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi contesting the elections, potentially splitting the Muslim vote.
JUSTICE· 31 May
⚑ ALERT: POWER ABUSE· Police encounter killing raises concerns about extrajudicial justice.
Ghaziabad murder news, Key Accused Asad In Ghaziabad Teen Surya Pratap Chauhan Murder on bakrid Killed In Encounter With Cops
Asad, the main accused in the stabbing of 17-year-old Surya Pratap Chauhan, was shot dead during a police encounter on Saturday. He had been carrying a Rs 50,000 reward for his arrest and sustained gunshot injuries during retaliatory firing after he opened fire on police officers. Surya Pratap Chauhan was stabbed in the Khoda area of Ghaziabad on May 28th, the day of Bakrid, triggering outrage and protests. Police have arrested three of the five individuals named as accused in the case. The incident has prompted calls for similar action against other suspects involved.
GENERAL· 16 May
Mayawati demands extensive relief for storm victims in Uttar Pradesh
Mayawati, president of the Bahujan Samaj Party, called on the Uttar Pradesh government to provide extensive support to families affected by recent storms and heavy rain that have caused at least 111 deaths. She urged the government to help people rebuild their lives after the destruction of property and loss of life.
GOVERNANCE· 15 May
Mayawati slams Akhilesh Yadav over Samajwadi Party spokesperson's 'anti-Brahmin remark'
Mayawati, chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party, criticized Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Samajwadi Party, for remaining silent on alleged derogatory remarks made by an SP spokesperson, Rajkumar Bhati, against Brahmins. She argued that the silence is escalating the situation and urged Yadav to take action and apologize. The police in Ghaziabad have booked Bhati under Section 196(1) of the Indian Penal Code for promoting enmity between groups on grounds of religion.
GOVERNANCE· 21 Mar
Kanshi Ram returns
Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party are marking the birth anniversary of Kanshi Ram, a Dalit icon who founded the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), to gain support from Dalit voters. The BSP's legacy is being invoked by various political parties across India, including the Samajwadi Party, which has adopted the slogan "PDA Diwas" in honor of Kanshi Ram. The BSP, under Mayawati's leadership, formed governments with the BJP in Uttar Pradesh and continues to be a significant force in Dalit politics. The legacy of Kanshi Ram is being re-examined by political parties seeking to appeal to marginalized communities.
GOVERNANCE· 21 Mar
PM Modi, President Murmu extend Id-ul-Fitr greetings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and other leaders across India extended Eid greetings on Saturday, March 21, 2026. They emphasized the importance of brotherhood, kindness, and self-control during the holy month of Ramadan. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, and Mayawati, among others, also offered their well wishes to Muslims in India.
GOVERNANCE· 15 Mar
As Rahul Gandhi eyes Dalit consolidation through Kanshi Ram in U.P., BSP gets unsettled, political slugfest intensified
Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Lok Sabha's Opposition, is aiming to mobilize Dalits in Uttar Pradesh for the Congress party. He seeks to strengthen the party’s social justice narrative by demanding the Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram, founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). This move has unsettled the BSP and its leader Mayawati, while the Congress party in U.P. is enthusiastic about Gandhi's efforts, hoping to consolidate Dalit support in favor of the Congress ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Gandhi’s outreach towards Dalits has been evident in recent days. He addressed a ‘Samvidhan Sammelan’ program on March 13th organized by the state Congress in Lucknow, marking Kanshi Ram’s birth anniversary. He claimed that if his great-grandfather, India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, were alive at the time of Kanshi Ram's rise, he would have been made Chief Minister from the Congress. He acknowledged past shortcomings by the Congress in fulfilling its responsibilities, which led to leaders like Kanshi Ram charting their own political path. On Kanshi Ram’s birth anniversary on Sunday (March 15, 2026), Gandhi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding the highest civilian honor for him. The outreach is a renewed effort to engage with Dalits, a large social group comprising roughly 21% of the total electorate in U.P., positioning the Congress as staunch advocates for issues faced by marginalized communities. The BSP, founded by Kanshi Ram, has accused the Congress of constantly trying to weaken it through various tactics. The Samajwadi Party (SP), while not directly reacting to Gandhi's attempts, signals that all demands are already raised by the U.P.-centric party. Analysts point out that bold assertions by Gandhi need to translate into action on the ground to shift a sizeable Dalit support in favor of the Congress.
GOVERNANCE· 15 Mar
Rahul writes to PM Modi, seeks Bharat Ratna for BSP founder Kanshi Ram
## Congress Leader Calls for Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to posthumously award the Bharat Ratna to Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) founder Kanshi Ram. In a letter, Gandhi highlighted Kanshi Ram's impact on Indian politics and his dedication to empowering marginalized communities. He argues that Kanshi Ram transformed political awareness among Dalits and the poor, making them feel their voices mattered. Gandhi emphasizes that Kanshi Ram's legacy of social justice and constitutional rights is worthy of national recognition. He cites widespread support for this honor from Dalit intellectuals and activists.
GOVERNANCE· 14 Mar
Mayawati accuses Congress of misusing Kanshi Ram's name for political gains
Mayawati, the BSP chief, criticized the Congress for its alleged attempts to use the legacy of Kanshi Ram for political gain. She questioned the Congress's proposal to confer the Bharat Ratna on Kanshi Ram if voted to power, claiming that the party has never honored Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution, and failed to acknowledge his contributions. Mayawati urged BSP supporters to remain vigilant against such tactics and ensure the success of programs commemorating Kanshi Ram's birth anniversary.
GOVERNANCE· 8 Mar
'Lapses' at Prez event: Mayawati urges respect for President's office
Mayawati, BSP chief, criticized the recent events surrounding President Droupadi Murmu's visit to West Bengal, urging respect for constitutional positions and avoiding politicisation. President Murmu expressed disappointment over low attendance at a tribal community event and questioned the venue change from Bidhannagar. Mayawati also voiced concern about the increasing politicisation of the Speaker position and called for maintaining respect for constitutional offices above party politics.
GOVERNANCE· 1 Mar
Kanshi Ram emerges as rallying point of Dalit mobilisation in U.P.
Political parties in Uttar Pradesh are intensifying efforts to engage the Scheduled Castes (SC) community ahead of the Assembly elections. The Samajwadi Party (SP), seeking to consolidate its gains among Dalit voters, has announced March 15 as "PDA Diwas" and will observe it with a focus on unity within the broader PDA community. The BSP, led by Mayawati, has accused the SP of being anti-Dalit and anti-BSP, while the BJP is marking Kanshi Ram's birth anniversary through district-level programs and official state functions. Other parties, including the Congress, are also expected to organize events on March 15 in honor of Dalit icons.
GOVERNANCE· 22 Feb
BSP striving to obtain ‘master key of power’ through democratic means, says Mayawati at all-India meet
Mayawati, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief, presided over a national meeting in Lucknow to discuss organizational strengthening and political developments. The meeting addressed concerns about trade agreements with foreign nations, particularly the U.S., and the party's efforts to safeguard the interests of farmers and Bahujans. Mayawati emphasized the need for India to uphold its own terms in such agreements and praised party workers for their dedication despite challenges from rival parties.
GOVERNANCE· 21 Feb
BJP holds nationwide demonstrations, political parties denounce Youth Congress protest at AI summit
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organized protests across India against the Indian Youth Congress (IYC)'s "shirts-off" demonstration at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the Congress party of committing a "grave crime," while other political parties, including the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), BRS, TDP, and YSRCP, condemned the incident as disrespectful to India's progress and image on the global stage. Leaders from these parties expressed concern over the IYC's actions and called for a more responsible approach to political dissent.
GOVERNANCE· 20 Feb
J. Sivashanmugam Pillai: a tall leader of Tamil Nadu belonging to what was once known Depressed Classes
Despite being the second-largest Scheduled Caste group in Tamil Nadu, the community has yet to have a Scheduled Caste Chief Minister. While other states have had Dalit Chief Ministers, Tamil Nadu's highest position held by a SC leader was Home Minister during the 1960s. The release of the Tamil film "Maamannan" brought attention to the lack of representation and sparked conversations about historical figures like J. Sivashanmugam Pillai, who became the first Dalit Mayor in Chennai in 1937. Pillai's achievements as a leader included advocating for economic independence for SCs and serving as Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
GOVERNANCE· 19 Feb
A tall leader of Tamil Nadu belonging to what was once known Depressed Classes
Tamil Nadu, despite being a frontrunner in human development indicators, has yet to have a Scheduled Caste Chief Minister. While other states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Punjab have had Dalit Chief Ministers, Tamil Nadu's highest position reached by a SC leader was Home Minister, held by P. Kakkan during 1963-67. The release of the film "Maamannan" featuring veteran actor Vadivel and Udhayanidhi Stalin, who is now the Deputy Chief Minister, has brought attention to the lack of representation for Scheduled Castes in political leadership positions. The article highlights the historical significance of J. Sivashanmugam Pillai, the first Dalit Mayor of Chennai, and his contributions as a Congressman advocating for economic independence for the SCs and their rights.
GOVERNANCE· 15 Feb
Former Congress leader Nasimuddin Siddiqui joins Samajwadi Party
Nasimuddin Siddiqui, former Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister and Congress member, joined the Samajwadi Party (SP) on Sunday. Joining him were former BSP MLA Anees Ahmed Khan alias Phool Babu, former Apna Dal (Sonelal) MLA Rajkumar Pal, former MLA Dinanath Kushwaha, and Danish Khan. Akhilesh Yadav, SP president, welcomed the new members, stating their experience will strengthen the social justice movement in the state.
GOVERNANCE· 10 Feb
Caste cauldron bubbles in Uttar Pradesh a year ahead of polls
Mayawati, leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), has endorsed a Supreme Court stay on the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations on equity. This move echoes her past "sarv samaj" push in the mid-2000s and reflects her attempts to regain political influence after years of decline. Kalraj Mishra, former Union minister and retired governor, also voiced opposition to the regulations, highlighting concerns within the BJP about their impact on general category students and Brahmins. His intervention suggests a lack of Brahmin leadership within the party and underscores the need for alternative voices to address these anxieties.
GOVERNANCE· 9 Feb
U.P. Budget Session: Opposition disrupts Governor’s address
The Uttar Pradesh Budget Session began with a protest from Samajwadi Party legislators who raised concerns about electoral rolls, UGC regulations, inflation, and unemployment. Governor Anandiben Patel delivered her address before Finance Minister Suresh Khanna presented the government’s Economic Survey outlining an investment-led growth strategy. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called for constructive discussions to ensure a smooth session, while Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati criticized the government's policies and urged the Governor to address concerns about people's safety and well-being.
GOVERNANCE· 7 Feb
Governments fostering political interests in guise of caste, religion: Mayawati
Mayawati, chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party, criticized Centre and most state governments for prioritizing political interests over public issues. She stated that both ruling and opposition parties are engaged in infighting, neglecting national and public interest issues during the ongoing Parliament session. Ms. Mayawati emphasized the need for party members to be aware of these tactics and conspiracies as the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections approach.
GOVERNANCE· 24 Jan
Practice of linking religion with politics fraught with dangers: Mayawati on Shankracharya row
Mayawati, president of the Bahujan Samaj Party, urged against linking religion and politics for narrow political interests, citing an ongoing dispute in Prayagraj over ritual bathing at the Magh Mela. She emphasized that such interference is creating new disputes and tensions, and called for resolving the situation through mutual consensus. Mayawati also reminded that the Constitution recognizes actions focused on public welfare as the true national duty, keeping religion separate from politics.
GOVERNANCE· 15 Jan
BSP to contest all elections alone, including 2027 U.P. Assembly polls: Mayawati
Mayawati, the president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), announced that her party will contest all upcoming elections in India, including the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, independently. She stated that while the BSP is open to potential alliances with parties that can effectively transfer votes from upper castes to the BSP, this decision would not be made immediately. Mayawati expressed confidence in the party's ability to form a government with a full majority in Uttar Pradesh and vowed to give a fitting reply to other "caste-based" parties.
JUSTICE· 10 Jan
⚑ ALERT: POWER ABUSE· The article reports a horrific crime against a Dalit woman, highlighting potential caste-based violence.
Dalit woman murdered, daughter abducted in U.P.'s Meerut
A 22-year-old man, Paras, allegedly murdered a Dalit woman and abducted her daughter in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh on Thursday (January 8, 2026). The incident sparked tension and protests, prompting the deployment of additional police forces. Mayawati, chief of the BSP, condemned the act and demanded swift action against the perpetrators. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vipin Tada assured the family that a case has been registered under stringent provisions and assured them of the arrest of the accused. The family, however, refused to perform the deceased's last rites until the daughter is recovered.
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WORLD· 25 Dec
⚑ ALERT: POWER ABUSE· Reports of violence against minorities and potential abuse of power warrant urgent attention.
Mayawati expresses concern over 'anti-India and anti-Hindu incidents' in Bangladesh
Mayawati, president of the BSP, expressed concern over "anti-India and anti-Hindu incidents" in Bangladesh, urging the Centre to take more effective steps. She highlighted the harassment and violence faced by Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, including the recent killing of a Dalit youth, which has sparked public anger in India. Mayawati emphasized that concerns over minority conditions in neighboring countries remain constant and urged the government to address this issue with greater urgency.
GOVERNANCE· 1 Dec
Mayawati calls for smooth Winter Session of Parliament to address key public issues
Mayawati, chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), urged both the ruling and opposition parties to ensure a smooth Winter Session of Parliament. She expressed concern over anticipated uproar during the session and highlighted the need for meaningful discussion on crucial issues like air pollution in Delhi and electoral roll revisions. Mayawati emphasized that addressing practical difficulties and objections related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process is essential, urging political parties to prioritize national interest over self-interest.
