Peoples Telangana

Unveiling the "Real Majority": Divya Dwivedi’s Critique of the Hindu Majority Narrative * In contemporary Indian discourse, the notion of a "Hindu majority" is often taken as an unassailable fact, with official statistics frequently citing approximately 80% of India’s population as Hindu. This framing shapes political campaigns, cultural narratives, and even national identity. However, philosopher and professor at IIT Delhi, Divya Dwivedi, challenges this narrative in her provocative and incisive work, arguing that the "Hindu majority" is a constructed myth that obscures the true social composition of India. For Dwivedi, the "real majority" comprises the lower-caste communities—historically marginalized and oppressed under the caste system—who form the numerical and social backbone of the nation. Her critique, developed in collaboration with philosopher Shaj Mohan, offers a radical rethinking of Indian society, exposing the mechanisms of power t...

The CNBC TV 18 report highlights significant disparities in per capita income growth across Indian states from 2014-15 to 2024-25. India’s overall per capita net income at constant prices grew by 57.5%, from ₹72,805 to ₹1,14,710. However, growth rates varied widely: Slowest Growth : Uttarakhand (33.5%), Punjab (41.3%), Rajasthan (49.8%), and Chhattisgarh (52.4%) recorded the lowest per capita income growth. West Bengal (51.8%) and Maharashtra (53.6%) also saw modest increases. Highest Growth : Southern and eastern states like Odisha (96.7%), Karnataka (93.6%), Telangana (85.3%), and Tamil Nadu (83.3%) nearly doubled their per capita incomes. Data Gaps : States like Uttar Pradesh (47.9% growth as of FY24), Bihar, Goa, Delhi, and Jharkhand did not report FY25 figures. This uneven growth underscores regional economic disparities in India over the decade.

In 2024, global foreign direct investment (FDI) rose modestly to $1.51 trillion, continuing a gradual post-pandemic recovery but still far below the $2.2 trillion peak of 2015, with Egypt’s inflows growing more than 370% year-on-year. The United States, Singapore, and China remained the top destinations, drawing over $538 billion combined. Capital flows continued to concentrate, with just 10 countries accounting for 63% of global FDI. Among them, the standout was Egypt, which climbed to 8th place globally with $46.6 billion, outperforming larger economies like the United Arab Emirates and Mexico.  This dramatic leap, driven by a $35 billion UAE-backed megaproject in Ras El-Hekma and sweeping domestic reforms, marks a rare moment where an African country disrupts the global investment hierarchy.

MOHAN GURUSWAMY: Naga Crisis: Modiji, where is your “creative solution?” Speaking at a meeting in August 2017 in Dimapur with six Naga groups, including breakaway factions of the NSCN, the governments then interlocutor RN Ravi said: “The government of India is an abstract body and remains government of India. Its character depends on the personality of the leader who is heading it… Its character will change with the change in leadership. The Prime Minister, who is taking so much interest, keeps asking me (about the progress of the talks). I can see the urgency on his part. We must not waste time.” Ravi, was also chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC), had been negotiating with only the NSCN (IM) since August 2014. He alluded to a possible solution that will be “of 100 per cent satisfaction to all” assured that the Naga issue will be settled on the principle of equality and mutual respect. Interestingly enough Ravi was appointed Governor of  Nagaland, lending credence to...

By T.Chiranjeevulu, IAS (Ret)  The film industry is not merely a source of entertainment but a powerful tool that influences people's thinking. It has a profound impact on the masses. For decades, the film industry in India, particularly in the Telugu states, has become a gateway to politics. We have seen numerous instances where popular film heroes have entered politics and gained power. In the Telugu film industry, most leading heroes belong to dominant castes. Despite lacking political experience, they leverage their economic strength, social support, and cinematic fame for political purposes. Through their on-screen image and roles, they create a perception among audiences that they are "saviors," paving the way for their political journey.   In the Telugu states, N.T. Rama Rao (NTR) stands as a prime example. After gaining immense popularity as an actor, he founded the Telugu Desam Party in 1982 and became Chief Minister within months. His cinematic fame and the emot...

By T.Chiranjeevulu, IAS (Ret). The Plight of Bahujans in Telugu Cinema – A Bitter Portrayal (Dedicated to Fish Venkat – In response to an artist’s pain)   Today, some newspapers reported that the children of the late actor Fish Venkat lamented the Telugu film industry’s inadequate response to his death. It’s true—the Telugu cinema industry is a domain captive to the dominance of upper-caste groups like Kammas, Reddys, Rajus, Kapus, and, in recent times, Velamas. Why would they care when a Backward Caste (BC) or Bahujan artist passes away? The film industry is a field rife with rampant caste discrimination at every step.   Cinema is not just a medium for entertainment; it is a powerful platform for social consciousness and change. Many Bahujans have embodied artistry in their way of life, through songs, dramas, folk arts, and stage plays—forming the backbone of these traditions. However, in the very film industry that thrives on this artistic legacy, Bahujans are deni...

Nitin Pai’s argument against a caste census hinges on the fear that it will entrench caste identities, undermine fraternity, and divert India from development. While his concerns about caste consciousness are valid, his position overlooks the practical realities of India’s social structure and the necessity of data-driven policies to achieve the very constitutional values—liberty, equality, and fraternity—that he champions. A caste census, far from being a divisive tool, can be a critical step toward dismantling systemic inequalities and fostering a more inclusive national identity. 1. A Caste Census Does Not Inherently Reinforce Caste Consciousness Pai argues that counting castes will deepen divisions, citing historical British enumerations and social science evidence of group identity formation. However, this assumes that caste identities are dormant and only activated by enumeration. In reality, caste remains a pervasive force in Indian society, shaping access to resources, educat...

Modi out to mis-use his power as PM, out to target RSS ? Has the war begin ... As Narendra Modi’s grip on the BJP weakens, a new political crisis brews,  not from the opposition, but from within his own ideological family: the RSS. At the heart of this unfolding power struggle is Modi’s desperate attempt to safeguard his PM chair, even if it means turning against the very organization that created him. The Trigger: BJP’s Next Party President The upcoming appointment of the BJP National President has turned into a battlefield. For the first time since Modi rose to power, the choice may slip out of his control. Names in serious contention include: Sanjay Joshi - Modi’s long-time rival. Shivraj Singh Chauhan - A mass leader with independent standing. Vasundhara Raje Scindia - A royal with her own power base. Nitin Gadkari - Credible, blunt, and no puppet of Modi. Modi’s own suggestions for a loyalist president have reportedly been rejected , both by the RSS and senior BJP leadership. ...

A recent critique has raised alarms about a proposed caste census in India, arguing it risks diverting the nation from development and undermining the Constitution’s foundational values. The claim suggests that such a census would entrench caste divisions, reinforcing their salience in society. However, this perspective is misguided. Far from being a threat, a caste census is a vital tool for advancing India’s development and upholding the Constitution’s commitment to equality and social justice. Aligning with Constitutional Mandates India’s Constitution is a transformative document, explicitly designed to address historical injustices and promote equality. Articles 15, 16, and 46 mandate affirmative action to uplift marginalized groups, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. These provisions recognize that caste has historically shaped access to resources, opportunities, and dignity. However, effective implementation of these constitutional guarantee...

ఈరోజు రాష్ట్ర క్యాబినెట్ పంచాయతీ రాజ్ ఎన్నికల్లో బీసీలకు 42 శాతం రిజర్వేషన్ కల్పించాలన్న ఉద్దేశంతో పంచాయతీరాజ్ చట్టాన్ని సవరించేందుకు ఆర్డినెన్స్ తీసుకురావాలని నిర్ణయించినట్టు వార్తలు వస్తున్నాయి. ఈ నేపథ్యంలో బీసీ ప్రజలు ఒక్కసారి చరిత్రను పునఃసమీక్షించాలి. 2018లో రాష్ట్ర ప్రభుత్వం నూతన పంచాయతీరాజ్ చట్టాన్ని తీసుకువచ్చింది. ఇందులో సెక్షన్ 9 ప్రకారం బీసీలకు 34% రిజర్వేషన్ కల్పించింది. ఆ తర్వాత జూన్ 2018లో జీఓ నం.396 జారీ చేసి స్థానిక సంస్థలన్నింటిలోనూ బీసీలకు 34 శాతం రిజర్వేషన్ అమలుచేయాలనింది. అయితే దీనిపై హైకోర్టు మొత్తం రిజర్వేషన్లు 50 శాతాన్ని మించి పోతున్నాయని పేర్కొంటూ ఈ జీఓను కొట్టేసింది. దీనిపై అప్పట్లో రాష్ట్ర ప్రభుత్వం సుప్రీంకోర్టుకు అప్పీల్ కు వెళ్లింది. అయితే సుప్రీంకోర్టు ఆమోదించకపోవడంతో రాష్ట్ర ప్రభుత్వం అప్పీల్ వెనక్కి తీసుకుని, ఆర్డినెన్స్ 2/2018 జారీ చేసి బీసీలకు 22% రిజర్వేషన్ మాత్రమే కల్పించి పంచాయతీ ఎన్నికలు నిర్వహించింది. ఇప్పుడు మళ్లీ అదే ప్రయోగాన్ని మరోసారి చేయాలని ప్రభుత్వం యత్నిస్తుంది. కానీ ఈ 42% రిజర్వేషన్ నిర్ణయం పునర్విచారణకు లోనవుతుంది. గత అనుభవాల ప్రకారం, ఇ...

MOHAN GURUSWAMY:  The truth is now staring us in the face. The latest breakdown of sectoral contribution to growth is out. Get ready for this. Public Administration, which somewhat perversely is classified as part of services, has now grown by 7% over the previous quarter making it the biggest driver of growth in India. Very simply this means as you keep paying government employees more the GDP will keep growing ever faster till one day you run out of breath and cash. In the Q3 of 2018, Public Administration added contributed 17.3% towards growth. In Q4 of 2018 it has grown to 22.4% making is a fraction smaller than the contribution of manufacturing at 22.7%.  But hold your breath. Not satisfied with the 7th Pay Commission’s across the board hike of 23%, government employees are hopeful that the Prime Minister on August 15 will make an announcement fulfilling the promise made by the Finance Minister to give central government employees a pay hike beyond the recommendations of ...

Mohan Guruswamy  We now have a cow problem, particularly in Ram Rajya, where fallow cows and discarded bull calves have become feral and a major threat to crops. But with cow slaughter banned and with lynch mobs self appointed Hindu vigilante groups enforcing the law, the problem is becoming even more acute. Before the advent of Ram Rajya there was some slaughter of feral and fallow cows carried out with local protection. One beef export company even had a leading RSS activist as a director. There was also a lively cows on hooves export to Bangladesh making a BSF posting on the eastern borders a lucrative one.  Hindu obscurantists now have come to rule the roost in the new Ram Rajya. In the Ram Rajya of yore ritual cow slaughter used to be routinely performed to propitiate the gods. Offerings to gods is just a mumbo-jumbo figleaf for self consumption as prasad. Typically they have created a problem of a necessity. Cows have to be culled. Like where good sense has prevailed wil...

The RSS-BJP Supports the Emergency   G Ramachandram  22 Jul 2024 Source :  https://www.indiancurrents.org/article-the-rssbjp-supports-the-emergency-g-ramachandram-2199.php The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) keeps harping on the National Emergency declared by Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975, as per its convenience. In the just constituted 18th Lok Sabha (House of the People), Speaker Om Birla, going out of his duty, got a Resolution passed condemning the Emergency when it was not a part of the House business agenda. On July 12, 2024, the Modi government issued a Gazette Notification declaring June 25 as the Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas (The Day to mourn the murder of the Constitution). These are the divertive tactics to buttress its own record of undermining Constitutional democracy and stiffing the independent institutions during the past 10 years of its authoritarian regime under an 'undeclared emergency.' How could there be Samvidhaan Hatya when the Emergency was proclai...

RSS: MAPPING THE SUBTERRANEAN  The RSS has no official registration. No requirement to declare its income. No public records of who belongs to it. And yet, for a hundred years, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has reshaped the political and cultural life of India.  In the CARAVAN July cover story, Amrita Singh uncovers how the RSS operates from the shadows—expanding its reach through an intricate web of front organisations, proxy institutions and legal loopholes. Keshav Kunj—its newly constructed Delhi headquarters, whose land and finance records Singh digs into—is the perfect metaphor for what the RSS is today: immense in scale and ambition, but built to evade scrutiny. From its early admiration of Mussolini and Nazi Germany to its modern-day role in building temples, rewriting history, and influencing elections, the RSS has always worked through quiet capture—not open confrontation. “The RSS is a ghost,” one observer told Singh. “It can do anything. We know nothing about it.”...

Tamil Nadu’s Iron Legacy Dates Back Over 5,000 Years, Suggest Archaeological Findings Kavitha Muralidharan https://m.thewire.in/article/society/history/tamil-nadus-iron-legacy-dates-back-over-5000-years-suggest-archaeological-findings Jan 31 2025 While iron artifacts from other regions of India, like Uttar Pradesh and Telangana, have been dated to around 2,200 BCE, the discoveries in Tamil Nadu appear to predate these, offering a new perspective on the region’s historical role in metallurgy. Cover image of the report “Antiquity of Iron” shared by Department of Archaeology, Govt of Tamil Nadu. Photo: Arranged by the author Chennai:  Iron has shaped Tamil civilisation for over five millennia – far longer than recorded history suggests. Recent archaeological discoveries in Tamil Nadu, particularly from Adichanallur and Sivakalai, push the region’s mastery of iron-smelting as far back as 3,345 BCE. This places Tamil Nadu among the world’s earliest hubs of iron technology, predating eve...