Politics

Development or dispossession? 1,188 days of defiance against forced land acquisition in Devanahalli, Karnataka

As Karnataka’s government inches forward with plans to acquire 1,777 acres of fertile farmland for a Defence and Aerospace Park, farmers from 13 villages in Devanahalli, now backed by workers’ unions, Dalit and Muslim groups, intellectuals and scientists, dig in for the final battle. With promises broken and livelihoods at stake, the countdown to July 15 marks a watershed moment in Karnataka’s agrarian history

Following executive order from government, X asked to block 8000 accounts in India

Social media platform ‘X’ (former Twitter) informed on its Global Affairs account that, “we have begun that process, however, we disagree with the government’s demands, blocking entire accounts is not only unnecessary—it amounts to censorship of both existing and future content,” X acknowledged the decision wasn’t easy but “keeping the platform accessible in India is vital to Indians' ability to access information,” X also added it had received no evidence or justification for the sweeping block order, in a controversial move, even X’s own @GlobalAffairs account was temporarily withheld in India—though later restored

Pahalgam: Voices of peace and reason in times of war

This piece written before India’s air strikes on its neighbour, Pakistan on May 7 remains relevant today

Poonch Victims: Civilians as targets of shelling

Four minors fell victim to the shelling while a hymn singer, tabla player, shopkeeper and homemaker were also killed and a gurdwara was also struck and suffered damage to its wall; hasty irresponsible reportage included slurring of an innocent civilian killed as a ‘terrorist’; preliminary reportage has counted the victims in Poonch alone to be 15 though numbers are expected to rise further

‘Reforms’: Sachar Committee, the 2013 Amendments and the motive behind the proposed changes in the Waqf Regime

While, like instant triple talaq and Uniform Civil Code (UCC), more stringent regulations on Waqf properties have figured in the BJP’s electoral manifestos in 1998 and 2009; the specific amendments have the potential to be the means for property grab and control of what has historically and legally been established as minority land holdings 

Madrasi Camp Demolition: CPI(M) Delhi Demands Halt to Evictions, Rehab Within 5 Km

Reminding BJP of its promise of “Jahan Jhuggi, Wahaan Makaan”, the CPI(M) said over 400 working-class families in the 60-year-old slum cluster were evicted despite valid documents.

Maharashtra’s Special Public Security Bill, 2024 faces massive pushback, receives record 12,750 objections

The Maharashtra government’s proposed bill, allegedly aimed at enhancing public security, has sparked unprecedented opposition, with rights groups and citizens raising serious concerns over its impact on civil liberties, democracy, and dissent

Modi Govt’s Coal Reform Policy Quashed Over Environmental Concerns

NGT rules coal source changes need fresh environmental clearances; criticises dilution of regulatory oversight through office memoranda.

India’s Free Speech Crisis Deepens: 329 violations recorded in just four months of 2025

From murdered journalists to banned films, the first quarter of 2025 marks a disturbing escalation in censorship, intimidation, and law fare—highlighted by the Free Speech Collective's latest findings

BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya apologises amid uproar over Mosque protest in Jaipur

A protest led by BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya against the Pahalgam terror attack escalated into a communal flashpoint outside Jaipur’s Jama Masjid, sparked outrage after alleged controversial slogans outside mosque, while Acharya apologised and called for unity, Muslim leaders condemned the timing and manner of the protest, an FIR was filed against the MLA for hurting religious sentiments

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Development or dispossession? 1,188 days of defiance against forced land acquisition in Devanahalli, Karnataka

As Karnataka’s government inches forward with plans to acquire 1,777 acres of fertile farmland for a Defence and Aerospace Park, farmers from 13 villages in Devanahalli, now backed by workers’ unions, Dalit and Muslim groups, intellectuals and scientists, dig in for the final battle. With promises broken and livelihoods at stake, the countdown to July 15 marks a watershed moment in Karnataka’s agrarian history

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