News for 'Backward Class'

BSP chief Mayawati refers to herself as 'iron lady'

BSP chief Mayawati refers to herself as 'iron lady'

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati paid tribute to the party founder, late Kanshi Ram, on his 91st birth anniversary. She emphasized the BSP's commitment to action over words, highlighting the party's focus on the upliftment of backward classes. Mayawati also referred to herself as the "iron lady" and emphasized the importance of understanding the power of one's vote.

What Gave Birth To Maoists In Bastar

What Gave Birth To Maoists In Bastar

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The Maoists in Bastar went from one village to another with kits providing badly needed medical intervention. The medical help was one key reason why the tribals were attracted to the Maoists, points out M R Narayan Swamy.

'Caste-based politics dangerous': SC rejects plea against AIMIM

'Caste-based politics dangerous': SC rejects plea against AIMIM

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

The bench, which asked Jain to withdraw the plea filed against a Delhi high court order that dismissed a writ petition challenging the registration and recognition of the AIMIM by the Election Commission (EC), granted liberty to the petitioner to file a writ petition, wherein he may make a wider prayer for reforms in respect of political parties on different counts.

Jarange issues fresh warning to govt as he gets one more day to protest

Jarange issues fresh warning to govt as he gets one more day to protest

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

Activist Manoj Jarange has criticized the Maharashtra government for extending the permission for his hunger strike for Maratha reservation by only one day. He warned that Marathas from across the state will come to Mumbai if their quota demand is not met quickly, threatening to escalate the protest and stop taking water in the next two days.

Jarange reaches Pune, says 'right time for Fadnavis to...'

Jarange reaches Pune, says 'right time for Fadnavis to...'

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

Activist Manoj Jarange, advocating for Maratha reservation, reached Shivneri Fort with supporters en route to Mumbai for a fresh agitation. He demands a 10% quota for Marathas under the OBC category and has been granted permission to protest peacefully in Mumbai.

Amid BJP switch buzz, Bhujbal meets Fadnavis

Amid BJP switch buzz, Bhujbal meets Fadnavis

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

Bhujbal said he had an elaborate discussion with the CM on the prevailing political and social atmosphere in the state.

Day 3 of quota stir: Jarange threatens to give up water

Day 3 of quota stir: Jarange threatens to give up water

Rediff.com31 Aug 2025

Manoj Jarange's protest for Maratha quota at Mumbai's Azad Maidan enters its third day. Jarange is demanding 10% quota for Marathas and recognition as Kunbis. Maharashtra ministers suggest the community avail the existing EWS quota.

'Vacate Azad Maidan': Mumbai police notice to Jarange

'Vacate Azad Maidan': Mumbai police notice to Jarange

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

Jarange's hunger strike at the Azad Maidan in south Mumbai over the demand for Maratha quota entered the fifth day on Tuesday.

Will Cash Transfer Win Bihar For Modi?

Will Cash Transfer Win Bihar For Modi?

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

If women voters are mobilised in big numbers to the voting booths on November 6 and 11 by the Nitish Kumar-led NDA, then it will be quite difficult for the Tejashwi Yadav-led Mahagathbandhan to defeat the incumbent government, points out Sheela Bhatt.

How India's 2025 ODI streak crumbled at Perth

How India's 2025 ODI streak crumbled at Perth

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

Australia's stand-in captain Mitchell Marsh continued his fine run of form on Sunday, scoring 46 not out and leading his side to a seven-wicket triumph over India in the weather-affected first one-day international at Perth Stadium.

Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur: BJP hopes to woo 36% EBCs in Bihar

Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur: BJP hopes to woo 36% EBCs in Bihar

Rediff.com24 Jan 2024

The BJP hopes to deepen its support among backward castes, especially the Extremely Backward Classes, in Bihar following the announcement of Bharat Ratna for former chief minister Karpoori Thakur, a leader who enjoys admiration from backward satraps of various hues.

Will implement HC order on Maratha stir, says Fadnavis

Will implement HC order on Maratha stir, says Fadnavis

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assures implementation of Bombay High Court directives regarding the Maratha quota protest led by Manoj Jarange, while also exploring legal options to resolve the issue. He condemned harassment of journalists and appealed to avoid politicizing the matter.

Jarange to stop drinking water as fast enters 4th day

Jarange to stop drinking water as fast enters 4th day

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Activist Manoj Jarange vows to intensify his hunger strike for Maratha reservation under OBC, while the Maharashtra government seeks legal opinion on the issue.

Jarange begins 'final fight' for Maratha reservation

Jarange begins 'final fight' for Maratha reservation

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

The activist urged his supporters not to block Mumbai's roads. "Clear the streets in two hours and ensure Mumbaikars are not troubled. Those who want to leave the city today can do so," he said.

Modi turns 75; fortnight-long celebrations begin

Modi turns 75; fortnight-long celebrations begin

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 75 on Wednesday, with the Bharatiya Janata Party launching over a fortnight long 'Sewa Pakhwada' to mark the birthday of its preeminent leader.

SC refuses to stay Patna HC order on Bihar's 65% quota

SC refuses to stay Patna HC order on Bihar's 65% quota

Rediff.com29 Jul 2024

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices J B Pardiwla and Manoj Misra, however, agrees to hear as many as 10 petitions of the Bihar government against the Patna HC verdict.

No breakthrough in Karnataka cabinet meeting on caste census

No breakthrough in Karnataka cabinet meeting on caste census

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

A special cabinet meeting in Karnataka convened to discuss the contentious Social and Educational Survey report, popularly known as 'caste census', ended without a decision. The cabinet will reconvene on May 2 to discuss the report further and make a final decision.

Kamal Haasan's film to be banned in Karnataka if he doesn't apologise

Kamal Haasan's film to be banned in Karnataka if he doesn't apologise

Rediff.com30 May 2025

Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) said on Thursday that it will not allow the release of Kamal Haasan's film Thug Life in Karnataka unless he issues a public apology by May 30 for his controversial remark about the Kannada language.

BMC polls on as SC asks Maha to notify local elections in 4 weeks

BMC polls on as SC asks Maha to notify local elections in 4 weeks

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Maharashtra state election commission to notify local body elections in the state within four weeks. The court also ruled that the contentious issue of OBC reservation in local body polls will be as it existed prior to the 2022 Banthia Commission report. The court accepted the commission's report, which recommended a census to fix exact data on OBCs and reserve 27 per cent seats for the category in local body polls in Maharashtra. The bench on Tuesday fixed a timeline for concluding the local body polls and asked the state panel to conclude it in four months. The outcome of Maharashtra local body elections would be subject to decisions in pending petitions before the apex court.

'Bharat Is Blessed To Have Bhupen Hazarika'

'Bharat Is Blessed To Have Bhupen Hazarika'

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

'That a song can carry the weight of a people's dreams and move hearts across the world.' On Bhupen Hazarika's 99th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays rich tribute to the legendary singer and composer.

Will Nitish Kumar Spring A Surprise On Friday?

Will Nitish Kumar Spring A Surprise On Friday?

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

While it is evident that the INDIA bloc has not shut its doors on Nitish Kumar, those within the NDA are hopeful that the JD-U's support base would benefit them as well

Give constitutional status to Backward Commission: Panel

Give constitutional status to Backward Commission: Panel

Rediff.com27 Aug 2012

A Parliamentary panel has recommended amendments in Constitution to empower the National Commission for Backward Classes, observing that OBCs are still languishing behind other sections of society.

SC issues 15 guidelines to curb surging student suicides; seeks govt report

SC issues 15 guidelines to curb surging student suicides; seeks govt report

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

The bench said, given the pressing nature of the crisis, particularly in cities like Kota, Jaipur, Sikar, Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad, and Delhi, where students migrate in large numbers, immediate interim safeguards are the call of the day.

Caste census: Has BJP turned tables on Opposition?

Caste census: Has BJP turned tables on Opposition?

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The BJP's surprise announcement of a caste census in the next census has sparked political debate, particularly in Bihar where the issue of backward empowerment holds significant electoral weight. The move is seen as a strategic maneuver by the ruling party to counter opposition efforts to mobilize support among disadvantaged sections of society. The decision is also viewed as a recognition of the growing influence of OBC politics in India.

Ahead of polls, Nitish govt announces series of schemes

Ahead of polls, Nitish govt announces series of schemes

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

Another populist decision of the government was the announcement of an unemployment allowance for the youth: Rs 1,000 per month for two years for graduates and those who have completed class 12 but remain unemployed.

Patna HC strikes down Bihar's quota hike to 65%

Patna HC strikes down Bihar's quota hike to 65%

Rediff.com20 Jun 2024

A Division Bench headed by Chief Justice K Vinod Chandran passed the order on a bunch of petitions which had opposed the legislations brought by the Nitish Kumar government in November 2023.

Maha Cong chief compares BJP to 'dog', sparks row

Maha Cong chief compares BJP to 'dog', sparks row

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole has stirred controversy after he questioned OBC voters in Akola district if they would vote for the BJP, which he alleged calls them "kutta" (dog). Patole, while addressing a public meeting in Akola, accused the BJP of arrogance and said it was time to make them "kutta" (dog). The statement has drawn criticism from the BJP and sparked a political row in the state.

Cabinet reshuffle buzz in Maharashtra strengthens

Cabinet reshuffle buzz in Maharashtra strengthens

Rediff.com26 Jul 2025

The speculation about the likely cabinet reshuffle in Maharashtra strengthened on Saturday, with senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stressing that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' discretion is supreme among allies.

Is she a drug lord? SC asks police; grants bail to Puja Khedkar

Is she a drug lord? SC asks police; grants bail to Puja Khedkar

Rediff.com21 May 2025

Khedkar is accused of misrepresenting information in her application for the 2022 UPSC civil services examination for availing reservation benefits. She has refuted all the allegations against her.

Manhas is new BCCI president! His remote village erupts

Manhas is new BCCI president! His remote village erupts

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

Celebrations broke out in Mithun Manhas' ancestral village in Jammu on Sunday after the former Delhi captain's ascension to BCCI presidency, with the people terming it a moment of pride for the region.

Parliament should pass law on quota to exceed 50% cap: Congress

Parliament should pass law on quota to exceed 50% cap: Congress

Rediff.com30 Jun 2024

Ramesh said the current limit of 50 percent is not explicitly mandated by the Constitution, but has been decided through various Supreme Court decisions.

Ravi Kishan Wins An Award Not For Films!

Ravi Kishan Wins An Award Not For Films!

Rediff.com18 May 2025

BJP MP and actor Ravi Kishan has been awarded the Sansad Ratna for his outstanding performance in the Lok Sabha, becoming the first actor-turned-politician to receive the honour.

'Caste Census Will Split Hindus'

'Caste Census Will Split Hindus'

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

'It will split people and create caste clashes. Unity of people will be affected for the time being.'

'Few OBCs fielded': Cong media cell vice president quits

'Few OBCs fielded': Cong media cell vice president quits

Rediff.com15 Oct 2023

Hours after the Congress party released its first list of 144 candidates for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections, Vice President of Congress Media Department Ajay Singh Yadav resigned from his post as fewer candidates from backward classes have been fielded by the party.

BRS to join hands with BJP? 'Kavitha's letter' sparks buzz

BRS to join hands with BJP? 'Kavitha's letter' sparks buzz

Rediff.com23 May 2025

A handwritten feedback letter purportedly written by BRS leader K Kavitha to her father and former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, highlighting both the negative and positive aspects of the party's recent meeting, has sparked discussions in Telangana's political circles. While the authenticity of the letter has not been confirmed, Kavitha's letter suggests that the party might be aligning with the BJP. She also criticized KCR for his silence on key issues such as 42 per cent reservation for backward classes, Scheduled Castes categorisation, and omission of Urdu from his address at the BRS Silver Jubilee event.

Maharashtra passes 10% quota bill for Marathas, leaves OBCs untouched

Maharashtra passes 10% quota bill for Marathas, leaves OBCs untouched

Rediff.com20 Feb 2024

A substantial number of castes and groups are already placed in the reserved category, getting about 52 per cent of reservations altogether. It would be completely inequitable to place the Maratha community in the Other Backward Class (OBC) category, it said.

Deportation of Bengali migrants to B'desh sparks panic in Bengal village

Deportation of Bengali migrants to B'desh sparks panic in Bengal village

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

Families in West Bengal allege that Delhi Police illegally detained and deported their relatives, living and working in Delhi, to Bangladesh. They claim the deportations were based on the fact that they spoke Bengali.

Protocol breach: DU slams Rahul Gandhi's unannounced campus visit

Protocol breach: DU slams Rahul Gandhi's unannounced campus visit

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Delhi University has condemned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's unannounced visit to its North Campus, calling it a breach of institutional protocol and a disruption of student governance operations. Gandhi, who is also the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, interacted with students from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) at the DU's North Campus, focusing on issues of representation, equality and academic justice. The university criticised the visit for disrupting the functioning of a key student body, the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU). The RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which holds several posts in the DUSU, also issued a statement criticising Gandhi's visit.

'Money Alone Does Not Buy Trust Or Votes'

'Money Alone Does Not Buy Trust Or Votes'

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

'Bihar's voters' electoral memory is long, and their evaluations are relational; who came to the village, who followed up, who resolved a problem.'

Covid Reduced 2.6 Years Of Life Expectancy In India

Covid Reduced 2.6 Years Of Life Expectancy In India

Rediff.com20 Jul 2024

The decline in life expectancy was higher among young individuals and those aged 50 to 60.