National

Congress Seeks to Reassert Tribal Rights in Jharkhand via PESA Framework

Published

1 year ago

June 11, 2025

In a pivotal move to strengthen its outreach to tribal communities, the Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee hosted a state-level workshop on the draft PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) rules in Ranchi on Wednesday. The workshop, chaired by state Congress president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh and featuring party in-charge K. Raju as the chief guest, gathered ministers, MLAs, district presidents from notified areas, and numerous tribal leaders to discuss the draft framework.

The discussions aimed not only to refine the draft rules but also to develop a governance model that sets a national standard for the implementation of the PESA Act in Jharkhand. Raju emphasized the moment’s historical significance, stating, “It’s been thirty years since the PESA law was enacted. It’s crucial that Jharkhand creates the most progressive and inclusive rules in the country.” He invited written suggestions until June 20, after which a final committee will consolidate the feedback and proceed.

Keshav Mahto Kamlesh described the workshop as a milestone in participatory governance, asserting that the state’s PESA framework would fulfill the constitutional vision of local self-rule in tribal areas. “The rules will uphold the authority of traditional Gram Sabhas and protect tribal customs and heritage. Jharkhand’s PESA Act will set a national example,” he claimed.

The discussions maintained a balance between ideological commitment and practical considerations. Rural Development Minister Deepika Pandey Singh remarked on the government’s serious approach to implementing PESA. “The draft is available for public scrutiny to encourage constructive criticism. We will address the feedback received. We must mobilize the public to counter the BJP’s propaganda,” she stated.

Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore raised important legal and administrative questions, seeking clarity on how the rules would apply to the 2,066 notified Panchayats and whether police actions would require Gram Sabha approval. “Our focus should be on protecting democratic traditions, cultural heritage, and the rule of law. PESA must empower, not hinder,” he affirmed.

The political implications of the event were apparent, with multiple speakers accusing the BJP of undermining tribal interests. Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey stated, “The BJP falsely claims that PESA undermines tribal traditions. I’ve publicly challenged former CM Raghubar Das to debate this law. The BJP fears this Act as it threatens their commercial interests.” Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari criticized the BJP for attempts to weaken tribal land protections under CNT and SPT Acts, warning of ongoing “corporate capture” of tribal resources.

Senior leaders such as Pradeep Yadav and Rajesh Kacchap framed PESA as an essential constitutional extension of the Panchayati Raj system vital for safeguarding indigenous identity and self-governance. Congress’s national co-incharge Siribella Prasad reiterated the party’s dedication to tribal rights, forest governance, and democratic self-determination through empowered Gram Sabhas.

Overall, the workshop signaled Congress’s intent to politically and ideologically re-establish its foothold in tribal Jharkhand. The party sees PESA not only as a policy initiative but also as a means to reclaim lost political ground, merging constitutional principles with traditional governance, while countering opposing narratives and positioning Jharkhand as a leader in tribal self-rule.

Media Chairman Satish Paul Munjini extended a vote of thanks. Among the attendees were Bandhu Tirkey, Amba Prasad, Sonaram Sinku, Rama Khalkho, Dayamani Barla, Naman Vixel Kongadi, and many others. The event witnessed substantial participation from party officials, intellectuals, and grassroots representatives, indicating a strategic mobilization grounded in both policy and politics.

National

Man Allegedly Kills Wife, Children, Teen Girl and Her Family

Published

1 week ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Hyderabad: A 35-year-old man, identified as Rajkumar, allegedly killed his wife, two young sons, a 17-year-old girl who had accused him of sexual harassment, and the girl’s mother and grandmother in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district.

Police said Rajkumar first killed his wife, Parvathi Saritha (30), and their two sons at their home in Shabad on Friday night. He then allegedly kidnapped the teenage girl, murdered her, and later killed her mother and grandmother.

The accused had been arrested in May under the POCSO Act for allegedly stalking and sexually harassing the girl. He was granted anticipatory bail about a week before the murders.

After the crime, Rajkumar reportedly called his father and confessed before switching off his phone. He is currently absconding, and police have launched a manhunt. The investigation is underway.

National

Wedding celebration Dispute for Served Chicken promising Mutton

Published

1 week ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bihar: A wedding celebration in Bihar turned violent after a dispute over the food served at the reception. Around 12 people were injured in the clash.

The incident took place in Simri Bakhtiyarpur town of Saharsa district on Thursday.

According to officials, the nikah of Mohammad Abdullah alias Chand, son of Mohammad Anwar, was held with the daughter of Mohammad Javed alias Moto at around 3 pm. The wedding ceremony was completed peacefully.

The trouble began during the wedding feast. Members of the groom’s family claimed they had been promised mutton for the meal. However, they were served chicken instead.

The groom’s side objected to the change in the menu. This led to a heated argument between the two families. The argument soon turned into a physical fight.

Several people from both sides were involved in the clash. Some guests were allegedly beaten with sticks. Videos shared on social media also showed people waving swords during the violence.

Around 12 people suffered injuries in the incident. They were admitted to the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Simri Bakhtiyarpur for treatment.

Police reached the venue and brought the situation under control. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway.

National

Daughter Held for Mother’s Murder; Father’s Death Also Under Scanner?

Published

1 week ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Jaipur: A 23-year-old woman, Ayushi Sharma, who was arrested for allegedly plotting her mother’s murder to obtain a government job, is now facing fresh allegations linked to her father’s death.

Ayushi’s uncle has claimed that the death of her father, Vijay Sharma, may not have been natural. He has demanded a police investigation into the case. Police have started looking into the allegation.

According to the police, Ayushi planned the murder of her mother, Neeraj Sharma, with the help of her uncle Mohan Swaroop and her relative Balram alias Ravi. The motive was to gain control of family property and secure her mother’s government job.

Police said the accused paid Rs.7 lakh to contract killers to carry out the murder. The attackers allegedly rammed an SUV into Neeraj Sharma and tried to make it look like a road accident.

Neeraj Sharma, 45, was working as a Lower Division Clerk (LDC) in a court. On July 3, she was returning home after dropping her son at tuition when a speeding Scorpio SUV allegedly hit her near Pratap Nagar. She was thrown nearly 100 feet and died on the spot. The accused fled after the incident.

During the investigation, police examined CCTV footage from the area. They found that the incident was not an accident but a planned murder. The investigation later exposed the conspiracy.

Police have arrested seven people, including Ayushi Sharma, in connection with the case. One accused is still absconding, and efforts are underway to arrest him.

Police said Neeraj Sharma had received the government job on compassionate grounds after the death of her husband about a year ago. Investigators believe Ayushi wanted the job for herself. Police also said there had been a property dispute between the mother and daughter for the past two to three years.

During questioning, Ayushi allegedly told police that she wanted her late father’s government job. However, after his death, the job was given to her mother. She reportedly admitted that this disappointment, along with the property dispute, became the reason for planning the murder.