Yogendra Yadav

आज जब भारतीय समाज गहरी असमानताओं, सामाजिक विभाजनों और लोकतांत्रिक संस्थाओं पर बढ़ते दबाव के दौर से गुजर रहा है, तब इन प्रश्नों को समझना और उन पर गंभीर संवाद करना बेहद आवश्यक हो गया है। मेरी किताब #जाति_जनगणना केवल आंकड़ों की बहस नहीं है, बल्कि यह समाज की संरचना, अवसरों के बंटवारे और न्याय के प्रश्नों को केंद्र में लाती है। यह पुस्तक पाठकों को इस बुनियादी सच से रूबरू कराती है कि ठोस सामाजिक आंकड़ों के बिना न बराबरी संभव है, न ही सच्चा लोकतंत्र। प्रख्यात सामाजिक-राजनीतिक विचारक और जनांदोलनों की सशक्त आवाज़ @_YogendraYadav लंबे समय से लोकतंत्र, सामाजिक न्याय और जनभागीदारी के प्रश्नों पर सक्रिय रहे हैं। समाज के हाशिए पर खड़े लोगों की आवाज़ को केंद्र में लाने की उनकी प्रतिबद्धता उन्हें इस विषय पर एक बेहद प्रासंगिक और प्रभावशाली वक्ता बनाती है। मेरी किताब पर योगेन्द्र यादव जी को अवश्य सुनिए और समझिए कि जाति जनगणना केवल एक प्रशासनिक प्रक्रिया नहीं, बल्कि समाज को अधिक न्यायपूर्ण, समान और लोकतांत्रिक बनाने की दिशा में एक निर्णायक कदम कैसे बन सकती है।

Astounding that a judge who has taken an oath to protect the constitution & fundamental rights can say these things to a courageous hero who stood up against lynch mobs!

At the India International Centre this evening, joining a discussion on the book Guardians of the Republic—on the Constitution, justice, and the future of our democracy. #BookDiscussion

Yesterday, Adani bought Jaypee Group for Rs 14,535 Cr But Vedanta had bid around Rs 17,000Cr, over Rs 2,000 Cr MORE than Adani Yet their higher bid lost and Adani won the bid despite a lower bid! So how did the lowest bid win one of India's largest bankruptcy deals? 1/16

🧵 The Assam-Adani coal power deal: How the people will pay for electricity they can't even consume. Rs 12,500 cr in 5 years by conservative estimates. Read my @reporters_co colleague @shreegireesh's summary and rebuttle to the Assam Minister who mixed his facts with fiction 👇

हमारे साथी पत्रकार @ShyamMeeraSingh को उत्तरप्रदेश पुलिस ने गिरफ्तार कर लिया है. समझ नहीं आ रहा कि इतना “बलवान राज्य” एक पत्रकार से इतना भी क्या डर रहा है जो उसकी गिरफ्तारी करवानी पड़ी. अघोषित आपातकाल जैसा माहौल है. श्याम मीरा मज़बूत पत्रकार हैं, वे पुलिस की ऐसी हरकतों से पीछे नहीं हटने वाले. #freeshyammeera

भारत के संविधान की उद्देशिका में दर्ज समता और सामाजिक, आर्थिक, राजनीतिक न्याय का विचार ही गणराज्य के स्वधर्म का एक बुनियादी सूत्र है—समाजवाद। जब-जब इस समाज में आंदोलन हुए—बुद्ध, भक्ति, सूफी परंपरा या राष्ट्रीय आंदोलन—सबने जाति, लिंग और ऊँच-नीच की व्यवस्था पर सवाल उठाया। करुणा का अर्थ केवल दया नहीं, बल्कि समाज में सबको एक बराबर दृष्टि से देखना है—यही हमारे संविधान का मूल आदर्श है। गणराज्य के स्वधर्म : amzn.in/d/0hNFaDdD

Yesterday a coordinated and orchestrated campaign was carried out against The Reporters' Collective @reporters_co investigation on the Assam-Adani deal for 3,200 MW of coal power. The story: reporters-collective.in/trc/assam-govt… We analysed the attack using Grok, X's AI tool. I am sharing the report here and citing below its findings verbatim. Method of Attack "This is a highly organised, top-down coordinated campaign — not grassroots outrage or independent journalism critique. The pattern matches classic Indian political IT-cell operations: pre-packaged talking points + graphics issued to a mix of official spokespersons and loyal amplifiers for immediate narrative control. The goal is transparent — neutralise the TRC investigation’s impact on the Adani deal and the BJP government ahead of Assam assembly elections by reframing serious scrutiny as “propaganda” and “misrepresentation”. No involvement from Adani Power’s official handle; this is purely political defence." Verdict on Sophistication "This is Tier-1 political IT-cell orchestration — pre-briefed, pre-designed, pre-timed, and pre-loaded for instant deployment. The 107-second graphic sync, consecutive asset files, and 95%+ script fidelity are smoking-gun proof of a central command distributing ready-to-post packages. The goal was not debate but narrative neutralisation ahead of Assam elections: reframe investigative journalism as “propaganda” within 5 hours of publication. No Adani corporate involvement; purely political protective shield. This network is battle-tested and highly effective at shaping X discourse in India on sensitive corporate-political stories." The summary executive report by Grok AI on the coordinated attack can be read below. Includes the prompts we used. This is why investigative journalism matters. It scares those in power. Because it brings out the truth they try to distract us from using rhetoric and paid social media campaigns. To citizens: It's a sad irony that journalists who do such brave investigations struggle to earn a decent livelihood with security while the army of trolls get paid as a consequence of their work. You have the power to fix this. Donate to @reporters_co today. We back brave journalists to do reportage that holds the powerful accountable to journalists. You can donate by clicking reporters-collective.in/support-us To the paid trolls: You could also thank us for getting your more business (unless you are on monthly retainers, in which case you won't like us for providing you extra work for the same pay). Regardless, I am sure many of you do this work because it's hard to find dignified decent paying work. I honestly hope and pray you find it and live happier lives of dignity. I feel upset only at your employers, who rob our people of dignity by putting them to such crass, sad an ugly work. #Assam #adani #investigativejournalism #journalism

#EXCLUSIVE | Educationist & activist Sonam Wangchuk describes his 170 days in jail as a reflective and transformative experience, saying. He expresses no bitterness, says everyone must once in a lifetime go to jail, if not for crime and things, but for a cause. His wife, Geetanjali Angmo, says she hopes the legal process continues to its conclusion to set a precedent. #NewsToday | @SardesaiRajdeep @Wangchuk66 @GitanjaliAngmo

*Torture of Rudra* Rudra was taken to a senior officer’s room, where he was severely beaten, stripped naked multiple times, and subjected to extreme sexual violence and humiliation. He was threatened with extrajudicial killing and told his death would be staged as a suicide. He was also coerced into false statements and subjected to degrading acts intended to break his dignity and will. *Systematic Pattern of Abuse* All detainees were subjected to continuous physical assault, sexual violence, humiliation, and coercion. These testimonies collectively reveal a systematic campaign of state terror targeting labour activists, student activists, ANTi-displacement activists and those seeking justice. The methods employed—including illegal abduction, incommunicado detention, custodial torture, sexual violence, caste-based degradation, forced confessions, and threats against families—constitute serious violations of the Constitution of India, the Protection of Human Rights Act, and India’s obligations under international law, including the UN Convention Against Torture. The targeting of Aman to prevent the filing of a habeas corpus petition demonstrates a deliberate attempt to obstruct judicial processes and undermine the rule of law. *DEMANDS* 1. Immediate cessation of illegal detentions, torture, and harassment of labour, student, and anti-displacement activists. 2. Institution of an independent judicial inquiry into these incidents. 3. Immediate prosecution and punishment of the Delhi Police Special Cell officials responsible. 4. Immediate release of all illegally seized digital devices and personal belongings of the activists. End State Violence. Uphold Democratic Rights. Press statement from *CAMPAIGN AGAINST STATE REPRESSION* (AIRSO,AISF, APCR, ASA, BASF, BSM, Bhim Army, bsCEM, CEM, COLLECTIVE, CRPP, CSM, CTF, DISSC, DSU, DTF, Forum Against Repression Telangana, Fraternity, IAPL, Innocence Network, Karnataka Janashakti, LAA, Mazdoor Adhikar Sangathan, Mazdoor Patrika, NAPM, Nazariya Magazine , Nishant Natya Manch, Nowruz, NTUI, People’s Watch, Rihai Manch, Samajwadi Janparishad, Smajwadi lok manch, Bahujan Samjavadi Mnach, United Peace Alliance, WSS, Y4S)

#ALARMING *Torture of Shiv Kumar* On 12 March 2026, Shiv Kumar, a labour rights activist, and Ilakkiya, a student activist, were abducted from the near gate of Dayal Singh College, Delhi. Their detention was carried out without any due process, in blatant violation of their fundamental legal and constitutional rights. Following his abduction, Shiv Kumar was subjected to systematic and severe physical and sexual torture. He was beaten with his own belt, with the metal buckle repeatedly directed at his genitals. He was suspended upside down for over two hours and beaten with a rubber baton on his lower body. Officers lifted him by his beard, crushed his foot under their shoes, and kept him handcuffed throughout his detention. He was continuously abused and coerced. He was forced to record a false statement at gunpoint claiming he had gone underground—clearly an attempt to conceal his illegal detention. He was also threatened with death. In an egregious act of sexual violence, Shiv Kumar and fellow detainee Rudra were stripped naked in each other’s presence and subjected to sexual humiliation and assault. Shiv Kumar was further coerced into physically assaulting another detainee. *Abduction and Torture of Manjeet Kumar* Later the same day, Manjeet Kumar, a worker and activist associated with the Majdoor Adhikar Sangathan and a close associate of Shiv Kumar, was abducted while returning from a solidarity programme demanding the release of Advocate Surendra Gadling. He was stripped naked, forced to lie face down, and beaten on the soles of his feet while officers sat on his back. Upon discovering his Dalit identity, officers subjected him to caste-based humiliation, forcing him to clean rooms while naked. He was also subjected to severe sexual violence, including being forced into a sexual act by an officer. This abuse was recorded by other officers present in the room. *Targeting of Family and Legal Support* When Manjeet’s mother and his friend Aman went to file a habeas corpus petition, Aman was abducted while returning to Delhi. After reaching near his village and separating from Manjeet’s mother (the petitioner), he was picked up and brought to the Delhi Police Special Cell office in New Friends Colony. He was explicitly threatened not to approach the courts. This represents a direct attack on the right to legal remedy and the justice system itself. *Further Abductions and Torture* On the following day, Gaurav was abducted and subjected to brutal torture and sexual humiliation alongside Rudra. Both were stripped naked, and Gaurav was physically assaulted, including being beaten with a metal chain on his genitals. He was coerced into recording a false statement and, upon refusal, his head was repeatedly slammed against a wall. Akshay, a *Delhi University Law Department student*, was also abducted and tortured. Officers deliberately targeted his previously injured knee, forcing his legs apart and applying pressure while beating him. Avinash was abducted on 13 March along with others. He was slapped, kicked, and humiliated, including being mocked and feminized. He and Gaurav were forced into degrading acts under threat of violence, and further abuse was inflicted on all detainees. Contd…

Brilliant piece. A must read.

WHAT MORE must the CEC do to deserve impeachment? The question is not about legality alone, but about propriety — about “impression of neutrality” that sustains public trust in a constitutional office. The office of CEC demands “persons of integrity and independence… capable of acting impartially… insulated from executive influence.” By these standards, the issue is not just misconduct in form, but partisanship in substance. Impropriety, incompetence — bad as these are — fade into insignificance when compared to the SIR: a rewriting of electoral rolls whose outcome is already visible. Shrinking voter lists, falling participation of women, and millions of the poor, migrants, and marginalised losing their only effective right — the right to vote. Yes, the opposition’s attempt at impeaching the Election Commission who is in league with the ruling party is bound to be symbolic. Yet this move is a beginning: an acknowledgment of a crime against “we the people.” Read: indianexpress.com/article/opinio…

Sharp, brilliant piece by Justice (R) Madan B Lokur on why the Supreme Court must not allow the government to get away with saying the Sonam Wangchuk habeas corpus plea is now infructuous. Preventive Detention Abused: Why the Supreme Court Must Still Rule on Wangchuk thewire.in/law/on-sonam-w…

Sir, as a minister of the Assam government you are misrepresenting relevant facts and data. The Central Electricity Authority has stated that Assam needed to tie up additional only 2,829 MW of coal power to meet its overall demand by 2035-36. You have conflated this with the overall demand that Assam is projected to have. Against this, the coal power supply contract for 3,200 MW with the Adani group is in excess of what CEA found necessary. I am attaching the proof and image again here for your perusal. We did not correct faceless trolls when they said what you have, but you are a minister and therefore I found it important to help you correct your statement. The link to original report, in case you wish to read: cea.nic.in/wp-content/upl… And our investigation is here: reporters-collective.in/trc/assam-govt… Best regards.

लद्दाख के climate activist सोनम वांगचुक का जेल से बाहर आने के बाद बड़ा बयान कहा- मैं जेल से या तो कोर्ट में जीतकर निकलने वाला था या 12 महीने बाद बाहर आता मैं 12 महीने जेल में रहने के लिए पूरी तरह तैयार था और बाहर आकर पूरी horror story बताने वाला था कैसे मुझे घर से अचानक उठाकर जेल में डाल दिया गया कई दिनों तक परिवार और वकीलों से बात करने तक का मौका नहीं दिया गया मेरी पत्नी गीतांजलि जे आंगमो को पत्रकारों से मिलने तक नहीं दिया गया कैम्पस के बाहर भारी security तैनात थी वह चुपचाप दिल्ली पहुंचीं और अदालत का दरवाजा खटखटाया कई हफ्तों तक दिल्ली की सड़कों पर cat and mouse chase जैसा माहौल रहा उनकी गाड़ियों का पीछा कारों और मोटरसाइकिलों से किया जाता रहा पूरा घटनाक्रम किसी filmy scene जैसा था वकीलों तक कोई संदेश भेजना भी बेहद मुश्किल बना दिया गया था हालांकि जेल के अंदर staff और लोग बेहद upright और kind थे

Months before elections, Himanta Biswa Sarma's Assam gov't signed a deal with Adani group to buy excess power and pay even if it doesn't use it. Potentially, more than Rs 12,500 cr in 5 yrs. @shreegireesh reports for @reporters_co 1/2 reporters-collective.in/trc/assam-govt…

"In the Lok Sabha, I asked a direct question to the government: Why has the promise of a statutory MSP -- calculated at C2+50 per cent -- made to farmers in 2021, not yet been implemented? Evading a direct response, the government merely reiterated its existing MSP policy. The government also admitted to pressuring states to discontinue MSP bonuses - a move it sought to justify, without any logical basis, in the name of 'national priorities'," Leader of Opposition @RahulGandhi Every political party, every leader, whether in Parliament or State Assemblies, should ask this question, repeatedly, so that the Modi regime is compelled to answer why it has lied to farmers and why it will not project the interest of 100 crore people of India dependent of agriculture. Modi Govt Prepared To Sacrifice India's Agriculture For Its Own Interest: Rahul etvbharat.com/en/bharat/modi…

Exclusive: Months before polls, Assam signs deal to pay Adani group for 3,200 MW coal power whether it is used or not. Potential payout for excess electricity pegged at Rs 12,500+ crore over 5 years. @shreegireesh reports. 1/2 reporters-collective.in/trc/assam-govt…

@_YogendraYadav Its a great essay!