Barack Obama's mention of Mahatma Gandhi as the man who made his presidency possible and his invocation of "a dalit", Ambedkar, as the author of the Constitution had the MPs in audience gushing that his words could boost the struggle for social justice like few statements can. PL Punia, chairman of the National Commission for SCs, said that "Obama identified himself with champions of dalit rights" which was unheard of for...

There are 139 candidates who have criminal charges pending against them in the 35 assembly constituencies going to poll in the fifth phase on November 9 in Bihar. This fact was found out after examining 441 affidavits of the candidates, Kumar Anjesh, state coordinator of an NGO 'National Watch,' told reporters in Patna. Of 139 such aspirants, 75 were facing serious criminal charges like murder and attempt to murder, he said. Stating that...

As many as 139 candidates figuring in the fifth phase of Bihar assembly elections have criminal charges pending against them. 35 assembly constituencies will go to poll in the fifth phase on November nine. This was found after examining 441 affidavits of the candidates, Kumar Anjesh, state coordinator of NGO 'National Watch,' told reporters here. Of 139 contestants, 75 were facing serious criminal charges like murder and attempt to murder, he said. Claiming that...

It was an achievement that Uttar Pradesh’s Majhwara village cherished, calling it a victory of ballot over bullet. A day after the cremation of her husband — revenue inspector Ram Kumar Yadav — Kamla Yadav won the election for the post of the pradhan of this village in Sultanpur district. Ram Kumar was kidnapped and murdered after the October 11 polling. He was targetted — allegedly by BSP legislator Chandrabhadra Singh alias...

Panchayat elections in Uttar Pradesh this time have seen unusual candidates jumping into the fray. There are teachers, shopkeepers, businessmen, relatives of politicians and even wives of BSP ministers. Some of them took leave from their normal work and some even sold their properties to take part in the polls. All claim they want to serve their village, block or district, but it is alleged that the lure of money pouring...