Latest News Update: Nov 28, 2011

Monday, November 28, 2011

[ZESTCaste] From Deekshabhoomi to Delhi: Congress march to woo Dalits

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/From-Deekshabhoomi-to-Delhi-Congress-march-to-woo-Dalits/articleshow/10913047.cms

From Deekshabhoomi to Delhi: Congress march to woo Dalits
TNN | Nov 29, 2011, 05.32AM IST

NAGPUR: The Congress is planning a 1000 km march from Deekshabhoomi in
Nagpur to Rajghat in New Delhi next month. The long march cutting
across half the country could be an answer to the 'rathyatra' taken
out recently by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veteran LK Advani.

But unlike the issue of corruption that Advani tackled in his 'Jan
Chetana yatra' that culminated in Delhi earlier this month after
covering most of the country, the Congress march would aim at wooing
back Dalits and backward classes who form the core mainstay of the
party.

"We are contemplating such a march. But it is too early to talk about
it. We are seeking consent of the state units for the support
required. Nothing is final as yet," said Maharashtra Pradesh Congress
Committee president Manikrao Thakre.

Party sources said that the state unit, which initiated the idea, had
planned to launch the 'padyatra' from December 6, the death
anniversary of Dalit icon Babasaheb Ambedkar. For the right appeal,
Deekshabhoomi was chosen as the starting point. It was here that
Ambedkar created history and set a rolling for a social transformation
by leading a peaceful religious conversion of lakhs of downtrodden
people to Buddhism.

Passing through Madhya Pradesh and other Northern states, the march
would culminate at Rajghat, memorial for Father of the Nation, on
January 30, the death anniversary of the Mahatma.

The MPCC is keen on the padyatra to mark the ongoing 'Samajik Samata
year'. The move is also driven by the fact that large chunks of the
Dalits have deserted the Congress in recent years. Significantly, a
faction of the Republican Party of India led by Ramdas Athavale, which
was ally of the Congress and the NCP for decades, took a bold decision
to join the saffron combine of the Shiv Sena and the BJP in
Maharashtra.

The march would also be in time to neutralize the shift of the RPI and
to woo Dalits back for the municipal corporation elections in 10
cities of the state scheduled in February.

While the MPCC is rearing to go ahead with the padyatra, the problem
is with the dates. December 6 though an important date is too close to
the all-important December 8 poll for 196 municipal councils in the
state.

"Most of the party workers will be busy as the civic body poll
campaign will be at its peak. But after a soft launch of the padyatra,
we can give it a momentum provided other state units make the
necessary arrangements for the march," said a party functionary.

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[ZESTCaste] Dalit’s house torched in Kanpur, four children hospitalised

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/dalits-house-torched-in-kanpur-four-children-hospitalised/881870/

Dalit's house torched in Kanpur, four children hospitalised
Express news service Posted: Nov 29, 2011 at 0435 hrs
Lucknow A dalit's house was allegedly set on fire, leaving four of his
teenaged children critically injured, in Kanpur while another dalit
was allegedly burnt to death in Kannauj district, on Monday. Both
incidents were reported to be fallout of the land disputes.

In Kanpur, DIG Rajesh Kumar Rai said a fire broke out in Hari Ram
Gautam's house at Sidhhanath Nagar locality early this morning when
three of his daughters - Maya (23) Mamta (19) and Sunita (17) - and
son Babu (22) were asleep inside. Gautam's wife Elaichi Devi, who was
sleeping outside the house, woke up after hearing screams of her
children and raised an alarm.

The locals somehow doused the flames, but the children had suffered
extensive burns by then. They were rushed to the Ursala Hospital where
the doctors confirmed that Maya had suffered over 70 per cent burns
and was critical. Elaichi Devi lodged a complaint with the Chakeri
police station alleging that Pappu Jaiswal of the same locality had
torched her house following a dispute over land.

Kanpur SP (City) East Kushahar said Gautam and Pappu, both, claimed
possession over a small piece of land, but neither had legal document
to prove ownership. Gautam lives separately in another house in the
same locality while his wife and children were staying at his parental
house.

Pappu, who was arrested, denied his involvement in the incident. The
police is investigating Elaichi Devi's claim that she had seen Pappu
and his associates running away after torching her house, Kushahar
added.

In Kannauj district, 75-year-old Ram Kishun Kori was burnt to death
after a fire broke out in his hutment in Thathia area this morning.

Kannauj Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajender Singh said Kori's
nephew Ahibaran has lodged a complaint alleging that his neighbour
Shiv Narain and latter's family members Akhilesh, Awadhesh and Ram
Shanker set his uncle's hutment on fire when he was asleep, causing
his death. The SP also said that Kori used to live alone since his
wife died about 10 years ago. He had no child and his nephew used to
look after him. Kori had two bighas of land and a dispute with
Ahibaran over the land was pending in court.

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[ZESTCaste] Manda Krishna Madiga comments on Kishenji dead :TV9

http://www.mirchi9.com/news/2011/11/25/manda-krishna-madiga-comments-on-kishenji-dead-tv9/

Manda Krishna Madiga comments on Kishenji dead :TV9

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[ZESTCaste] Mayawati Exploiting Dalit Sentiments: Bharti

http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=742809

Mayawati Exploiting Dalit Sentiments: Bharti
PTI | Lucknow | Nov 28, 2011

BJP leader Uma Bharti today alleged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and
BSP supremo Mayawati is the biggest exploiter of sentiments of dalits
and backwards.

"Mayawati, who is ruling with a feudal mindset, has exploited and
misused sentiments of dalits oppressed from centuries," she told
reporters here.

Bharti said Mayawati at a rally yesterday had affirmed that her
elephant (BSP's party symbol) would crush opposition parties.

"I want to say that Mayawati's elephant is that of stone which cannot
move. This elephant has no sentiments," she said.

The BJP leader alleged the BSP government was the most insensitive
government in the history of the country.

"It is insensitive towards the interest of the people and the CM is
not available to the public," she said.

She alleged maximum atrocities are being committed against women in
Uttar Pradesh.

Referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks on UP migrants,
Bharti said "a person, who considers the people of UP as beggars, has
no right to step in the state."

Bharti said her party would launch "Pradesh Bachchao, BJP Lao"
campaign from December one during which around 50 meetings would be
held in each assembly segment.

On FDI in retail, she said at personal level she was always against
the Foreign Direct Investment.
Filed On: Nov 28, 2011 16:36 IST

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[ZESTCaste] Mayawati could be jailed for corruption: Uma Bharti

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/mayawati-could-be-jailed-for-corruption-uma-bharti/articleshow/10904506.cms

28 Nov, 2011, 03.07PM IST, IANS
Mayawati could be jailed for corruption: Uma Bharti

LUCKNOW: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Uma Bharti Monday
reiterated her controversial threat to "set afire Walmart outlets",
but said she has nothing in common with "corrupt" Uttar Pradesh Chief
Minister Mayawati who has also protested Foreign Direct Investment
(FDI) in retail.

"While I could be in jail for torching Walmart stores, Mayawati could
be jailed for misuse of public funds and other corrupt practices,"
Bharti told a press conference here.

"So, in a way there's a possibility we both can share the same barrack
for different causes - one for helping the poor and the other for
cheating them," added Bharti. She accused Mayawati of merely
projecting herself as a "saviour" of the poor and downtrodden with her
"false protest" against FDI in multibrand retail.

"Her protest is just an eyewash...She (Mayawati) herself is being
controlled by capitalists and involved in looting the poor people of
the state...Don't draw a similarity in our protest against FDI...We
could only come on a same platform in the jail barrack," said Bharti.

"Setting Walmart stores on fire would be the last option...It's wrong
to say by giving such a statement I don't believe in a democratic
system. I firmly believe in the democratic system. Even partners of
the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) are against FDI in multibrand
retail," said Bharti.

She declined to accept that her controversial statement could be
linked with any kind of violence. "I am among those who doesn't kill
even an ant...It (the statement) should not be linked with violence,"
she added.

Terming Mayawati as an "enemy" of Dalits and OBCs (Other Backward
Castes), Bharti said, "Despite claiming to be the custodian of Dalits'
rights, she has failed to work for the people of her community and
OBCs. Mayawati has even failed to deliver justice to Dalit women, who
have been particularly targeted in her regime."

"Mayawati government is the most insensitive government...Like a
static elephant (BSP's poll symbol), which cannot move, she also shows
no sentiments for the poor and underprivileged," said Bharti.

Attacking Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi for his "ventilator"
remark against the BJP, Bharti said, "As the entire country is curious
to know the prime ministerial candidate from the BJP, it indicates our
party would be forming the next government at the centre. In such a
situation, there's no question of BJP being on a ventilator."

"Rahul Gandhi must enlighten himself by reading newspapers before
giving such a statement. In fact, a person like him (Rahul Gandhi) who
had termed the people of Uttar Pradesh beggars has no right to come to
the state," said Bharti.

Asked whether she would be in the race to become chief minister of
Uttar Pradesh, Bharti said, "I don't think of chief ministership or
prime ministership...I just want to do my work properly...I will
continue to work as per the instructions of BJP president Nitin
Gadkari."

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[ZESTCaste] Mayawati hits out at Rahul Gandhi in rally, says Congress is scared of BSP

http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/mayawati-to-hold-massive-dalit-rally-in-lucknow-today-153269

Mayawati hits out at Rahul Gandhi in rally, says Congress is scared of BSP

NDTV Correspondent, Updated: November 28, 2011 01:16 IST

Lucknow: Marching ahead for the coming elections, Uttar Pradesh Chief
Minister Mayawati has gone back to the basics. In a signal to her core
strength, she indicated that the BSP may need the Brahmins and the
minorities, but the battle can't be won without the Dalits.

"For the next 15-20 years, a Dalit will be chosen by the BSP to be the
Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh," she said while addressing a Dalit
rally in Lucknow on Sunday.

If at the recent Brahmin rally Mayawati had showcased SC Mishra, today
it was Swamy Prasad Maurya - a leader from the weaker sections.

The key reason for the shift and promise is her tormentor - Rahul
Gandhi - who has dined with Dalits, stayed at their homes and attacked
her for doing nothing beyond lip service for Dalits.

At her rally for UP's most marginalised, Mayawati followed up on full
page advertisements, listing what she has done to change their lives -
and virtually rebutting Mr Gandhi's charges.

The battlelines are clearly drawn - on one side of the trenches is
Mayawati and on the other side Rahul Gandhi. The threat from Mr Gandhi
was palpable; Mayawati's rebuttal to every allegation made by the
Congress general secretary was vicious.

With the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister focussing on him, Rahul Gandhi
can smile. His attacks on Mayawati have propelled the Congress - with
just 19 seats in UP assembly - as a visibly key rival to the BSP.

"There is an elephant sitting in Lucknow and this elephant is eating
your money. This time UP has decided to throw away this elephant," Mr
Gandhi had said during a rally on Friday.

"The Congress is getting nightmares about BSP's election symbol
elephant driving them away," Mayawati retorted on Sunday.

The focus of Mayawati's next rally in Lucknow on December 18 will be
of Muslims, Rajputs and Baniyas. The underline perhaps is that poll
slogans may speak of development, but in UP, elections mean castes and
their chemistry.

Clearly, the political battle for 2012 will intensify in the days ahead.

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[ZESTCaste] Mayawati denies promoting her family, says Congress having nightmare of 'trampling elephant'

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Mayawati-denies-promoting-her-family-says-Congress-having-nightmare-of-trampling-elephant/articleshow/10892788.cms

Mayawati denies promoting her family, says Congress having nightmare
of 'trampling elephant'
Ashish Tripathi, TNN | Nov 27, 2011, 03.59PM IST

Lucknow: Announcing formal launch of campaign for UP assembly
elections due in next four months, UP chief minister and BSP supremo
on Sunday called upon the dalits and backward classes to vote BSP to
power again because it is the only party which can safeguard their
interests. She denied allegations of promoting her family and said
Congress is scared of BSP.

"Election can take place anytime and I want you people to gear up for
the event," said Mayawati, while addressing about two lakh people
assembled at Rama Bai Rally Sthal for BSP's dalit and most backward
classes (MBCs) workers rally. She said that the Opposition - Congress,
BJP and SP - have tacit understanding. They may bring dalit and MBC
face to contest elections but real power will be in the hands of
anti-dalit and anti-MBC forces.

Scoffing at Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi's poll promise
that Congress, if voted to power, will transform UP into a developed
state in ten years, Mayawati said that Congress ruled UP for over 40
years after independence but did little for the state. Also, Congress
remained in power at the Centre for over 60 years but could not
develop UP, she said. As a result of which people from UP migrated in
large number to other states for livelihood, she added.

"These migrants are today being ill-treated and exploited in Congress
ruled states. And, Congress's yuvraj ( Rahul Gandhi) calls them
beggar, which is an insult for entire UP," she said.

Responding to Rahul's remark that "There is an elephant (BSP's
election symbol) sitting in Lucknow and this elephant is eating money
sent by Central government to UP for welfare schemes", Mayawati
retorted that the "Congress is having nightmares of elephant trampling
all over them. The panic in Congress can be gauged from the fact that
Rahul skipped Parliament session and toured UP."

Reacting to allegations that she has been promoting her family,
Mayawati said that she has taken inspiration from BSP founder
Kanshiram and pledged not to allow her family members to contest
election on BSP ticket and be minister in BSP government. She said
that she has decided not to marry because she considers dalit,
backward claases and poor of all castes and faith her family.

Mayawati also denied allegations of corruption in implementation of
MNREGA levelled by union rural development minister Jairam Ramesh. She
said that her government has taken action wherever anomalies have been
reported. She accused Congress leaders of misleading people on MNREGA.
She said MNREGA is not Congress's property but a legislation passed in
the parliament with the support of all the parties. She said that tax
collected in states is source of revenue for the Centre, hence states
have right to receive funds for development. Mayawati said that if her
party will come to power at the Centre in future. It will amend MNREGA
and provide employment all the year round and not for 100 days as it
is today. She also said that Centre is not releasing funds for UP on
time and is giving less in comparison to Congress ruled states

Mayawati said that while she has been taking action on her against her
party leaders whose names figured in criminal and corruption cases,
Congress led government at the Centre acted against its corrupt
ministers only aftet intervention of the law courts. Similarly, she
said, BJP governments in various states have been reluctant to take
action against corrupt party leaders.

Mayawati described BJP and SP as communal and feudal parties which
survive on polarisation of votes on caste and communal lines.

Mayawati justified her proposal of division of UP saying "I have
proposed it because of huge size and population of UP. Small states
can be managed in a better way". "The BSP government has sent the
proposal of reorganization of UP after getting it approved in state
assembly. The ball is now in Centre's court," she said. In a bid to
woo other castes, she also said that if four states are created, she
will make leaders from other castes chief minister, if voted to power.

Mayawati also raised question of misuse of CBI by Congress government
at the centre. She alleged that while CBI has shown promptness in
filing a fabricated cases against her, it does not seems to be keen to
probe food grain scam under Mulayam rule.

Referring to Congress led UPA government's decision to allow FDI in
retail sector, Mayawati called upon the BSP workers not to allow
Congress come to power, it will sell the state to foreign powers.

Over 2 lakh people attended the rally. Over 20,000 vehicles, including
buses, tractors and SUVs were deployed to bring people from all over
the state. About 2000 police personnel and home gaurds were deployed
for security and traffic management. Police force was also called from
districts adjoining Lucknow. All roads leading to venue were bedecked
with BSP flags, banners and hoardings. Makeshift gateways with massive
cut outs of Mayawati and dalit icons were nstalled all over the city.

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[ZESTCaste] Plan commission pushes for Dalit empowerment

http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Plan-commission-pushes-for-Dalit-empowerment/Article1-774848.aspx

Plan commission pushes for Dalit empowerment
Prasad Nichenametla, Hindustan Times
New Delhi, November 27, 2011

As the Congress scion Rahul Gandhi campaigns in Mayawati' s bastion
asking UP's downtrodden to think big, a planning commission panel has
shown the UPA government how to walk the talk.
A working group on welfare of the Schedule Castes (SCs) has asked the
government to set up a
National Bank for Inclusive Development to support businessmen from
the backward sections.

The move is to encourage Dalits and other weaker sections with
entrepreneurial skills to realise their business potential rather than
depend on reservations or other government doles.

The initiative will come at a price tag of Rs 2,000 crore, proposed as
a share capital from the government. The 12th plan working group
mentioned no upper limit, but loans could be up to or more than Rs 1
crore. http://www.hindustantimes.com/Images/HTEditImages/Images/28-11-pg08a.jpg

The government might act a guarantor for such loans to build medium to
large-scale enterprises - an area where Dalits foothold is said to be
minimal.

The panel also recommended financial assistance to one lakh SC youth
for acquiring land/ built up space to set up industries etc.

The move would mark advancement from the present support to Dalits
limited to setting up of small businesses like a retail store or
self-help avenues like sheep or sewing machines.

It is also based on reports that flow of credit to SCs through banks
is not commensurate with their population and requirement.

There are an estimated 19.5 crore SCs in the country forming over 16%
of total population. At present, the National Scheduled Castes Finance
and Development Corporation established two decades back, provides
loans for income activities but is limited to SCs living below double
the poverty line.

"Development paradigm from 12th plan should be such that the SCs do
not remain passive recipients of schemes … the goal is to empower SCs
to participate in society and nation building on an equal basis with
others," the group headed by secretary, ministry of social justice and
empowerment with other department and state secretaries said.

The report setting the road map for SC empowerment in next five years,
also recommended that all surplus government land be allotted to
landless among the SC, STs and other priority groups.

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[ZESTCaste] Dalits, backwards must unite toensure BSP's win, says Maya

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Dalits-backwards-must-unite-toensure-BSPs-win-says-Maya/articleshow/10898304.cms

Dalits, backwards must unite toensure BSP's win, says Maya
Ashish Tripathi, TNN | Nov 28, 2011, 02.09AM IST

LUCKNOW: Recognising caste realities in UP politics, chief minister
and BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday sounded the election bugle, exhorting
Dalits and backwards to bury differences and join hands to bring the
party back to power in 2012. She denied allegation of promoting her
family and accused rivals of harbouring anti-dalit mindset.

"Even if you (Dalit and backwards) don't want to have 'roti our beti
ka rishta' but the master key to socio-economic and political
empowerment is political power, which can be grabbed only when Dalits
and backward are united," said Mayawati while addressing a gathering
of over two lakhs at a Dalit-backward convention. The message was loud
and clear: though Dalits and backwards don't have social ties when it
comes to sharing food, or having matrimonial ties, they must unite to
vote BSP to power and ensure their uplift.

Quoting Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, Mayawati said that the
socio-economic status of Dalits and backwards, who have been
suppressed for ages, is almost the same in the entire country. "It is
because of the Constitutional provisions made by Babasaheb, Dalits and
backwards are getting reservation benefit," the BSP chief said.

Significantly, at Brahmin convention on November 13, Maya had tried to
cash in on age-old rivalry between Brahmins and Thakurs by claiming
that Congress and BJP would make a Thakur chief minister if voted to
power, whereas now she wants Dalits and backwards to forget rivalry
inherited from ancestors and remain united.

Keeping caste equations in mind, Maya said that the focus of her
government has been on Dalits and backwards. "I have asked Centre for
scheduled caste status to 13 backward classes including Kewat, Kahar,
Kashyap, Mallah, Nishad, Lonia, Kumhar, Dheevar, Bind, Machhiara,
Lohia-Chauhan, Nonia and Dhangar," she said.

The BSP chief even went on to say that for development of Dalits and
backwards, it is necessary for UP to have a Dalit or a backward as
chief minister (CM). Hinting that in case she moves to Centre, a Dalit
or a backward will get chief ministership, she also assured that if UP
is divided into four states, the CM post will be got to Dalits and
backwards.

A combination of Dalits, backwards, Muslims and Brahmins helped BSP
grab power with absolute majority in 2007. Dalits constitute 21% of
UP's population, backward are about 29%, Muslim 20%, Brahmins 12%,
Thakurs 8% and other castes 10%. Among backward classes, most backward
such as Nishad, Rajbhar etc constitute 60%.

Out of 403 assembly seats in UP, Dalits play crucial role in 35%
seats, backwards in 30%, Muslims in 15% and upper castes in 20%.
Post-Mandal, the SP used to get lion's share of backward votes but
Yadav dominance has gradually alienated non-Yadav backwards from the
party. Mayawati has grabbed these non-Yadavs backwards.

Maya also said "Election can take place in UP anytime and I want BSP
workers to pull up their socks." Claiming that Congress, BJP and SP
have entered into tacit understanding, she claimed that these parties
might bring Dalit and backward face to woo voters in elections but
real power will be in the hands of anti-dalit forces.

The BSP chief also assured that she would distribute tickets for
assembly elections keeping in mind the contribution of various castes
and classes in building BSP movement. She announced that on December
18, BSP would hold a convention for Muslims, Thakur and Vaishya
communities.

Training her guns at opposition parties, Maya described the previous
Samajwadi Party rule in UP as 'Goonda raj' and BJP rule as 'communal'.
She said that SP and BJP survived on polarization of votes on communal
and caste lines. However, the better part of her speech was devoted to
Congress-bashing and highlighting work done by her government.

Maya rebutted allegations of corruption in implementation of MNREGA
but also recognized the importance of the scheme for the poor. She
said that she has taken action wherever anomalies in MNREGA were
reported. She also added that the MNREGA is not Congress's property as
it was passed with the support of all the parties.

Further, while exhibiting her prime ministerial ambitions again, UP
chief minister said that whenever BSP would form the government at the
Centre, it would amend the MNREGA to provide employment round-the-year
and not 100 days as per the existing provisions. "100 days employment
in a year is not enough for poor," she added.

Mayawati also accused Congress leaders of misleading people on the
MNREGA issue. "Instead of releasing the funds for MNREGA twice a year
- April and September - as per the rules, the Centre gives fund to UP
at the end of financial year, making it difficult for the state
government to implement the scheme," she claimed, accusing the Central
government of giving more funds to Congress-ruled states.

Scoffing at Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi's promise that if
voted to power, Congress would transform UP into a developed state in
10 years, the BSP chief said that the Congress ruled UP for over 40
years after independence but did little for the state, resulting in
large-scale migration of people to other states for livelihood.

"The migrants are today being ill-treated and exploited, particularly
in Congress-ruled states. And, Congress's 'yuvraj' ( Rahul Gandhi)
calls them beggar, which is an insult to entire UP," she said. Denying
Rahul's allegations of being casetist, she pointed out that she had
asked for quota benefit for poor among upper castes and Muslims.

Responding to Rahul's remark "An elephant (BSP's election symbol) is
eating money sent by Centre for UP's development", Maya retorted that
the "Congress is having nightmares of elephant trampling all over
them. The panic in Congress can be gauged from the fact that Rahul
skipped Parliament session for touring UP."

Reacting to allegations that she had been promoting her family,
Mayawati said that inspired by her mentor, BSP founder Kanshiram, she
has taken pledge not to marry and serve the people. "My association
with my parents and family will end the day they will ask ticket to
contest election or seek ministership," she said.

Accusing UPA government of misusing the CBI, Maya said that the agency
has been pursuing 'fabricated" disproportionate assets case against
her but has done little in foodgrain scam under SP rule. "National
Commissions have been hyperactive in UP, overlooking atrocities on
Dalits and women in Congress-ruled states," she said.

Justifying her move to split UP, Maya said "The ball is now in
Centre's court." She also said that she has taken action against her
party leaders caught in corruption and criminal cases, whereas
Congress and BJP have been reluctant in doing so in the states ruled
by them.

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[ZESTCaste] Mayawati plays caste card to the hilt

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2665286.ece

Lucknow, November 27, 2011
Mayawati plays caste card to the hilt
Atiq Khan

The Congress and its general secretary Rahul Gandhi again topped Uttar
Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati's agenda on Sunday. She alleged that
the party had given a raw deal to Dalits and OBCs in the country in
general, and Uttar Pradesh in particular. She charged Mr. Gandhi with
"misleading the people" on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

Ms. Mayawati was addressing a Dalit/OBCs BSP workers' convention at
the Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan here. It also marked the formal launch of
the Bahujan Samaj Party's campaign for the next year Assembly polls.

Playing the caste card to the hilt, the Chief Minister claimed that
the interests of Dalits and the OBCs were best served under her
party's rule.

The Chief Minister of the State would either be a Dalit or an OBC
"till their socio-economic and educational status fully improved."
"Members of the 'sarv samaj' [Muslims and upper castes] would have to
wait for 15 to 20 years, but the waiting period can be shortened if
the BSP comes to power at the Centre," she said.

During her 65-minute address, she only made a passing reference to the
Samajwadi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The Congress ruled Uttar Pradesh and the Centre for 40 years. Yet in
these four decades, the State was pushed backwards and Dalits and the
OBCs were forced to migrate to other States in search of livelihood.
"This segment of society was exploited in the Congress-ruled States,"
she said.

The Chief Minister slammed Mr. Gandhi for his "beggar" remark. "It is
an insult to the people of the State and is highly objectionable."

(At a rally in Phulpur, Mr. Gandhi had said: "People of Uttar Pradesh
are appreciated for their hard work, wherever they go in search of
job....How long will you beg in Maharashtra [for work]? How long will
you work as labourer in Punjab?")

Mr. Gandhi's statement at his recent road show in the State that U.P.
would be the number one State if the Congress is voted to power in the
Assembly polls also came in for criticism by Ms. Mayawati. Dismissing
it as "hawaai bayanbaazi" (hollow statement), she said: "If U.P. could
not become the number one State in the four decades of Congress rule,
how can it become one in 10 years."

On the MGNREGS, she said the Congress was behaving as though the rural
job scheme belonged to it, notwithstanding the fact that it was
implemented under a Central government Act. Funds allotted to the
States were derived from the tax revenue of the States, she noted.

'Jobs all through year'

If the BSP formed a government at the Centre, changes would be brought
in the MGNREGS wherein rural jobless people would be given employment
all the 365 days in a year, she claimed.

Ms. Mayawati referred to her spinster status, saying she did not marry
in the interests of the BSP.

Next on Mayawati's agenda is a Muslim, Kshatriya and Vaish BSP
workers' convention at the same venue on December 18.

------------------------------------

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[ZESTCaste] Dalit activists complainof delay in investigation

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/article2667747.ece

MANGALORE, November 28, 2011
Dalit activists complainof delay in investigation
Staff Correspondent

Representatives of Dalit organisations on Sunday expressed their
displeasure over the delay by the police in investigating their
complaints.

"We have not come here to just have tea and biscuits. We want our
grievances addressed properly and in a time-bound manner. We can't be
asking the same questions every time," Shekar, an activist, said at a
meeting at the office of the Police Commissioner to hear grievances of
the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Mr. Suresh was referring to the delay by the Konaje police in tracing
40-year-old Sunita who has been missing for 90 days. Although the
police had been informed about the person, who had allegedly taken
away the woman, action had not been taken to arrest him and trace
Sunita.

The jurisdictional police officer said the police had watched the
movement of the person accused of taking away Sunita.

"But there is something else to this incident. We are investigating
into it," the official said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Mutturaya and other
police officers participated in the meeting.

Another activist said the Mulky police were yet to take action against
persons involved in harassing Sajini although the case was reported in
September.

The perpetrators, including a former Mayor, had continued to harass
the complainants and denied them water, electricity, and other basic
facilities. "I do not know how police is sitting silent on this
issue," he said.

Mr. Mutturaya said he would shortly call the Assistant Commissioner of
Police, who was on leave and take action. "There is no question of
buckling under pressure," he said.

Sukumar from Shaktinagar complained about attempts being made in their
locality by some Bajrang Dal activists to convert Dalits into
Hinduism. He complained about nuisance caused by a bar in the locality
that was kept open beyond 11 p.m.

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[ZESTCaste] Scavenging rocks grievance meet

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/article2667614.ece

MANGALORE, November 28, 2011
Scavenging rocks grievance meet

Dalit factions say the practice continues despite the ban in Dakshina Kannada

Various factions of the Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (DSS) on Sunday
alleged at a meeting called to hear grievances of the Scheduled Castes
and Scheduled Tribes at the Police Commissioner's office that the
practice of manual scavenging had continued in the city despite the
ban.

DSS (Bheemavada) activist P. Keshav said 30 people were engaged in
manual scavenging on contract basis.

"These people have to enter the tank and clear the blocks as the
machines used by the Mangalore City Corporation only suck out the
liquid." He said these workers worked without any protective gear and
were paid a meagre sum.

"In the event of accident, the corporation washes off its hands saying
they are not its workers." Mr. Keshav said services of these workers
should be made permanent. DSS (Ambedkarwada) District Convener S.P.
Anand said there were only two machines available with the corporation
for clearing septic tanks. Of the two, only one was working, he said.

Corporation Commissioner Harish Kumar toldThe Hinduthat there were
three machines used for cleaning sceptic tanks and all three were in
working condition. Mr. Kumar said there was no question of allowing
manual scavenging in the city. "I held a meeting of officials and
reiterated the Government's policy of using machines for cleaning
septic tanks."

On Friday's incident, in which a corporation contractor had allegedly
employed a person for cleaning a septic tank on Azizuddin Road, Mr.
Kumar said show-cause notice had been issued to the Executive
Engineer, the Assistant Executive Engineer, and the Junior Engineer.
Based on their reply and the factual report by the Joint Commissioner,
he would take disciplinary action against the officials. He would send
a separate report to the Deputy Commissioner in the next three days.

Their inquiry would be separately carried out in addition to the one
being done by the police, Mr. Kumar said. Deputy Commissioner N.S.
Channappa Gowda rejected the demand for regularising the services of
the 30 workers who cleaned the septic tanks. "That is a banned
practice and we cannot make them permanent. But the Government is
ready to help them if these people want to take up any other
occupation to earn their living," he toldThe Hindu.

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