In Janjgir Champa, a reserved constituency in Chhattisgarh, fear and discontent are brewing among Dalits and marginalized communities. Rumors about changes to the Constitution and the abolition of reservation have spread through WhatsApp and YouTube, fueling concerns among voters. The BJP’s carefully crafted balance between Dalits and other backward classes appears to be shifting, and the Congress is making inroads in the area.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has come under fire for making comments that critics say targeted the country’s Muslim population. At a weekend rally, Modi accused the opposition of wanting to take Hindus’ money and give it to “infiltrators,” a term often used to refer to Bangladeshi Muslims. The opposition Congress Party has lodged an official election complaint, calling Modi’s speech a “blatant and direct violation of election laws.” Modi is seeking his third term in office and is accused of using religion as a wedge issue.
Devotees gathered in Tiruchi to participate in the annual Chithirai car festival of the Rockfort Arulmigu Thayumanaswami temple. The festival commenced on April 13 and culminated with the car festival on Monday. Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi participated in the event, pulling the temple car alongside devotees.
