We seem to have lost touch with figures like Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar and his devoted followers, who once rallied behind Subhash Chandra Bose in the struggle for India’s independence. The pride Tamil families once felt when declaring their sons’ service in the “Pataalam” (Armed Forces) — expressed with a beaming smile and a proud twirl of the moustache — has faded from the public consciousness. Yet, the spirit of sacrifice endures; Tamil Nadu continues to send its brave souls to defend our nation at the most challenging borders, standing resolute against formidable enemies. However, the fervor and charm that once defined this pride have become muted in our collective memory.

Despite the prevailing Dravidianist narrative that often promotes a separatist or anti-India sentiment in Tamil Nadu, the state’s deep-rooted tradition of military service stands strong, with Tamil families proudly sending their sons and daughters to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. Throughout history, Tamil soldiers have demonstrated extraordinary valor and unwavering dedication, earning the highest military honors, including the prestigious Ashok Chakra and Param Vir Chakra. These awards symbolize not only the courage and sacrifice of individuals but also the profound patriotism that continues to resonate within Tamil society. The legacy of these Tamil heroes is a testament to the enduring spirit of unity and loyalty to India, shining brightly despite contrasting political narratives.

Param Vir Chakra Recipients

The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India’s highest military honor awarded for exceptional bravery in the face of enemy action. Established on 26 January 1950, it is awarded to personnel of the Indian Armed Forces and recognizes acts of valor that go beyond the call of duty. The medal features a circular silver design with a depiction of the Ashoka Lion and is inscribed with the words “Param Vir Chakra.” Recipients are celebrated for their courage, leadership, and commitment to their country, often making the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.

Among the 21 recipients of the Param Vir Chakra, Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran stands out as a remarkable figure from Tamil Nadu. On January 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi named 21 of the largest unnamed islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in honor of these Param Vir Chakra awardees, on the occasion of with Parakram Diwas, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran – Param Vir Chakra

Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran was born on 13 September 1946, in Bombay, Maharashtra. The son of Mr. K S Ramaswamy and Mrs. Janaki, he completed his education at SIES (South Indian Education Society) High School, Mumbai in 1963. He then graduated in science from SIES college in 1968. Subsequently, he enrolled in the OTA in Chennai and graduated on 16 June 1972. He was commissioned into the 15 Mahar of the renowned Mahar Regiment of the Indian Army and served there for eight years.

In 1981, Maj Parameswaran married Uma, a poet and writer, marking the beginning of his joyful married life. He was later reassigned to the 5 Mahar battalion in 1983. During his tenure with both the 15 Mahar and 5 Mahar battalions, Maj Parameswaran participated in numerous counter-insurgency operations in the North East region, quickly establishing a reputation for his resolute determination and unwavering leadership. Endearingly known as “Parry Sahib” by his troops, he was always at the front during the difficult missions taken on by his unit. When Op Pawan commenced, Maj Parameswaran was selected to serve with the 8 Mahar battalion, one of the initial units deployed in Sri Lanka in 1987.

Operation Pawan – 25 Nov 1987

Maj Parameswaran’s unit was part of the 54 Infantry Division assigned to oversee the execution of the Indo-Sri Lanka accord signed on 29 July 1987. Following the arrival of Indian forces in August 1987, the militants were expected to surrender; however, the notorious LTTE reneged and launched an assault against Indian forces. Late on the night of 25 Nov 1987, Maj Parameswaran was ordered to lead a group of soldiers on a reconnaissance mission in Kantharodai near Uduvil in Jaffna, the LTTE’s stronghold. As they proceeded to locate a cache of weapons hidden by the LTTE militants, they were ambushed by a group of heavily armed LTTE fighters. Maj Parameswaran and his team of approximately 30 soldiers inadvertently entered the militants’ hideout and came under heavy fire from all angles.

The militants were armed with AK-47s, grenades, explosives, and devastating HMGs (Heavy Machine Guns) that caused significant damage. The LTTE fighters had also mined the area, complicating the soldiers’ movements and placing them at a severe disadvantage. Maj Parameswaran swiftly evaluated the seriousness of the situation and resolved to initiate a counter-ambush to protect his troops. Taking 10 of his men, he advanced to put his strategy into action. Amid constant fire from HMGs, Maj Parameswaran fought valiantly and continued to encircle the militants. With disregard for his own safety, he dropped to his stomach and crawled forward through the coconut grove toward the ambush site.

Maj Parameswaran surprised the militants when they realized they were surrounded. However, a burst from an HMG fired by a sniper positioned in a coconut tree struck him on his left wrist, nearly severing his hand. Undaunted, he charged at the nearest militant, seizing his weapon and shooting him down. Just then, another HMG burst hit him in the chest. In his pocket, he had a Mini Clear pistol and ammunition intended for sending a success signal. The rounds detonated upon impact from the HMG and Maj Parameswaran fell to the ground, becoming a martyr. Though his soldiers were devastated by the loss of their determined commander, they drew inspiration from his bravery and successfully repelled the militants.

Maj Ramaswamy Parameswaran was awarded the nation’s highest honor for bravery, the “Param Vir Chakra,” in recognition of his extraordinary courage, unyielding fighting spirit, and ultimate sacrifice. He became the sole recipient of the PVC award from the IPKF operation in Sri Lanka and the first from OTA Chennai to receive this prestigious recognition.

Ashoka Chakra Recipients

The Ashoka Chakra is India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, recognizing acts of valor and self-sacrifice by military personnel. Instituted on 4th July 1952, it is awarded for courageous actions performed during peacekeeping operations and in the face of enemy attacks. The medal features a representation of the Ashoka Lion, symbolizing courage and honor. Recipients of the Ashoka Chakra are celebrated for their extraordinary bravery, commitment to duty, and contributions to the nation, often serving as inspirations for future generations.

Second Lieutenant P.M Raman – Ashoka Chakra

2nd Lt Pollur Mutthuswamy Raman was born on 4th December 1934 in the northern Arcot district of Tamil Nadu. The child of an Army officer, Maj Mutthuswamy from the Army Medical Corps and Savitri, 2nd Lt Raman was the second of seven siblings. 2nd Lt Raman received his early education in Burma and later attended Saraswati High School and Wadia College in Pune. He was a bright and gentle individual, well-liked by both teachers and peers alike.

In 1950, 2nd Lt Raman completed his SSC examination and, while in his first year of college, was selected for the National Defence Academy. He was commissioned into the Army as a 2nd Lt in 1955 at the age of 21. He joined the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment, a unit renowned for its brave soldiers and numerous battle honors. For his initial assignment, 2nd Lt Raman was posted to NEFA (North East Frontier Agency), now known as Arunachal Pradesh.

Nagaland Operation – 03 June 1956

On 02 June 1956, 2nd Lt Raman’s unit obtained intelligence regarding the presence of Naga militants in Chephema village, Nagaland. After evaluating the circumstances, it was decided to initiate an operation to apprehend the militants as soon as possible. Consequently, an assault team led by 2nd Lt Raman sprang into action in the early morning of 03 June 1956 as planned. 2nd Lt Raman and his soldiers arrived at the suspected area around 5 am. Soon, the troops identified the militants, who opened fire upon being challenged.

The militants were heavily armed, utilizing light machine guns, sten guns, and rifles. Due to the fog and darkness, identifying the militants’ positions was quite challenging. However, 2nd Lt Raman suddenly noticed movement in a nearby hut and rushed towards it. In a swift and brave maneuver, he fired and killed two militants. Meanwhile, one of the militants hurled a hand grenade at him, which fortunately did not injure him as he managed to escape just in time.

2nd Lt Raman continued to fire, taking down one more militant before he found himself encircled by militants on all sides. One of the militants threw another grenade that detonated a yard away, damaging his hat and wounding him. Undeterred, he persevered in his attack, instilling panic among the militants. Sensing imminent defeat, some of the militants began to flee, but 2nd Lt Raman pursued them and eliminated another militant. However, one of the militants emerged from hiding and shot at him, inflicting severe injuries. Even this did not stop him; he retaliated by throwing a grenade at another militant, killing him. He continued to issue orders and direct fire until he eventually fell unconscious. 2nd Lt Raman later succumbed to his wounds and was martyred before reaching the age of 22. His daring actions inspired his troops, leading them to ultimately destroy the militants’ hideout and accomplish their mission successfully.

2nd Lt P M Raman was posthumously awarded the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry honor, the “Ashok Chakra,” in recognition of his remarkable bravery, unwavering leadership, and ultimate sacrifice.

Major Dinesh Raghu Raman – Ashoka Chakra

Major Dinesh Raghu Raman was born in Kancheepuram district to SK Murthy and  Mala Murthy on 6th April 1978. He completed his primary education at Kendriya Vidyalaya, INA Colony, New Delhi. Subsequently, he enrolled in the esteemed National Defence Academy in 1996 and was commissioned into the 19th Battalion of the Jat Regiment, a unit renowned for its valiant soldiers and numerous battle accolades. Despite a brief career, he held various positions and earned high regard from his superiors for his commitment and leadership abilities. He was also honored with the Chief of Army Staff Commendation medal for his contributions to Operation Parakram in the Drass sector.

Baramulla Operation – 02 Oct 2007

Following several years of service with his unit, Maj Raman was later assigned to the 34 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion in the J & K region in 2006. In June 2007, he executed a highly successful operation “Op Narawar,” resulting in the elimination of three hardline terrorists in his operational area. On 02 October 2007, Maj Raman was tasked with initiating an operation in a village in Baramulla to root out the terrorists hiding there. At 0820 hours that day, Maj Raman deployed his company to secure the suspected area. Around 0855 hours, while approaching the suspected structures, Major Raman heard cries for help from a fellow officer who had sustained serious injuries during the ongoing firefight.

Maj Raman quickly assessed the situation and advanced towards his injured comrade. Demonstrating remarkable camaraderie and esprit-de-corps, he crawled toward the wounded officer under intense enemy fire. He successfully evacuated him and two other injured soldiers to a safer location. Maj Raman then targeted the two terrorists responsible for significant troop casualties and engaged them in a fierce close-quarter combat, ultimately killing both. However, additional terrorists concealed in a nearby house opened fire on Major Raman, creating another front in the gunfight. During the subsequent exchange, Maj Raman was seriously injured. Undaunted, he continued to lead and inspire his troops, keeping the terrorists pinned down until he lost consciousness. He was airlifted to the military hospital in Srinagar, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries. Maj Raman was a devoted soldier and an exemplary officer who sacrificed his life in the service of his country.

Major Dinesh Raghu Raman was posthumously awarded the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry honor, the “Ashok Chakra,” in recognition of his extraordinary bravery, camaraderie, fighting spirit, and ultimate sacrifice.

Colonel D. Sreeram Kumar – Ashoka Chakra

Colonel D. Sreeram Kumar, born on 11 January 1981, is a serving officer in the Indian Army, recognized for his valor with the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, in 2010. Hailing from Kovilpatti, he completed his schooling at Sainik School in Amaravathinagar, graduating in 1998, and later pursued his undergraduate studies at The American College in Madurai.

Sreeram Kumar joined the Officers Training Academy in Chennai in October 2002 and was commissioned into the 90 Medium Regiment (Artillery) on 20 March 2004, as a lieutenant. He transitioned to a regular commission on 20 March 2009, with seniority dating back to 20 October 2004. He was promoted to captain on 20 October 2006, and later served as an acting major beginning 24 August 2008, with 39 Assam Rifles during Operation Orchid in Arunachal Pradesh and Operation Hifazat in Manipur.

On 23 October 2008, Major Sreeram Kumar launched an operation against a group of 10–15 armed terrorists in Heingang Heibi Makhong, Imphal East District, based on credible intelligence. During the encounter, he and his team faced heavy automatic fire from the terrorists. Displaying remarkable courage, he engaged the attackers, killing two of them. He then directed his team to provide covering fire and, showing extraordinary bravery, crawled closer to eliminate the remaining terrorists at point-blank range. For his exceptional leadership and gallantry, he was awarded the Ashoka Chakra on 15 August 2009.

Following this recognition, Kumar continued his career as an instructor at the Indian Military Academy (IMA). He received a substantive promotion to major on 20 October 2010, and was promoted to lieutenant colonel on 20 October 2017. Most recently, he was elevated to the rank of colonel by selection on 31 January 2021, with seniority effective from 26 October 2019.

Major Mukund Varadarajan – Ashoka Chakra

Major Mukund Varadarajan was born on 12 April 1983 in the Kozhikode district of Kerala. Son of R Varadarajan and Geetha, he spent his childhood in Tamil Nadu and had two sisters, Swetha and Nithya. He earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya in Enathur, Tamil Nadu, and a diploma in journalism from Madras Christian College in Tambaram. His grandfather and two uncles had also served in the army, which inspired Maj Mukund to pursue a military career. He was selected to join the Army by passing the Combined Defence Services Examination in 2005 and attended the esteemed OTA (Officers Training Academy) in Chennai.

In 2006, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the 22 Rajput Battalion of the Rajput Regiment, an infantry unit renowned for its fearless soldiers and numerous battle achievements. After nearly three years of service, he married his long-time friend Ms Indhu Rebecca Varghese on 28 August 2009, and the couple welcomed a daughter, Ashreya, born on 17 March 2011. His service included a tenure at the Infantry School in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, as well as participation in the United Nations Mission in Lebanon. In December 2012, he was assigned to the 44 RR Battalion, deployed in J&K for counter-insurgency operations.

Qazipathri Operation (J&K) – 25 Apr 2014

In 2014, Maj Mukund’s unit, 44 RR, was stationed in the Shopian district of J&K and frequently engaged in counterinsurgency operations. The battalion, led by Col Amit Singh Dabas, operated from its headquarters at Zawora Manlo near the apple town of Shopian. After joining his unit, Maj Mukund took part in multiple counter-insurgency and counter-infiltration operations, demonstrating his capabilities on several occasions. On 25 April 2014, intelligence reports indicated the presence of dangerous terrorists, including Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Altaf Wani, in Qazipathri village in Shopian district. An operation was planned to eliminate the terrorists under Maj Mukund Varadarajan’s command. As planned, Maj Mukund acted swiftly with his troops and reached the suspected area within 30 minutes. The intelligence suggested these terrorists had also been involved in the recent killing of election officials.

At approximately 1500 hours, Maj Mukund divided his Quick Reaction Team (QRT) into six buddy pairs and established a cordon around the suspected two-story home in Qazipathri village. The house featured a large compound, an orchard, and two outbuildings. The soldiers quickly encountered the heavily armed terrorists, who opened fire on the assault team when challenged. The gunfire persisted for an hour without progress, as the terrorists were concealed and firing from advantageous positions. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Maj Mukund understood that a different tactical approach was necessary for a breakthrough. Alongside his comrade, Sep Vikram Singh, and under fire from their team, he crawled to the entrance of the house. Maj Mukund swiftly deployed an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) to blow up the entrance and charged inside with Sep Vikram Singh. In a rapid maneuver, Maj Mukund shot and eliminated one terrorist while simultaneously directing his troops’ fire.

The remaining two terrorists tossed grenades and, using the cover of the debris, escaped towards a cement outhouse. Maj Mukund and Sep Vikram Singh pursued them, throwing a grenade into the outhouse. The explosion killed one terrorist, but Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Altaf Wani survived and shot at Sep Vikram Singh, who was critically injured by two bullets to the neck and jaw. Tragically, he succumbed to his wounds and was martyred. Without hesitation for his safety, Maj Mukund charged forward, unleashing gunfire on Altaf Wani, killing him instantly. However, during the intense gunfight, Maj Mukund also sustained three gunshot wounds and soon collapsed. He was immediately taken to the Army’s 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar, but tragically lost his life en route, passing away in the arms of the regimental medical officer. Maj Mukund Varadarajan was a dedicated soldier and brave officer, who sacrificed his life at the age of 31 in the line of duty. In recognition of his extraordinary valor and ultimate sacrifice, Maj Mukund was awarded the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry honor, the “Ashok Chakra.” He became the fourth recipient of the “Ashok Chakra” from the state of Tamil Nadu, following Second Lieutenant P.M Raman of Tiruvannamalai district (1957, posthumously), Major Dinesh Raghu Raman of Kancheepuram district (2008, posthumously), and Major D Sreeram Kumar of Madurai district (2010).

(With Inputs From Honour Point – Online Memorial For Fallen Soldier)

Satheesh is a blogger.

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The post Honoring The Unsung Heroes: The Gallant Contributions Of Tamil Soldiers In India’s Defense appeared first on The Commune.

In Tamil Nadu’s shifting political landscape, the DMK has successfully and craftily portrayed the AIADMK as a BJP ally. It has capitalized on the latter’s diminishing power and portrayed its past alliances as anti-minority. Thus, the DMK has strengthened its own position amidst evolving state and central government dynamics.

“ADMK is a slave of BJP, B-Team of BJP, ADMK is run by Modi-Shah” – this is how DMK chastised the ADMK for having good relations with the BJP government in the Centre.

Fast-forward to present times. The AIADMK, once a dominant political force in Tamil Nadu that held its power for a decade, now finds itself seeing its grip on power wane, allowing the DMK to capitalize on this shift.

The exchanges between Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) about who is closer to the BJP and engaged in covert alliances are an interesting political ploy.

Political History Of Tamil Nadu

Let’s examine the state’s political history since the 1950s. Tamil Nadu’s political parties have cleverly leveraged their relationships with the central government to shape their political ambitions and influence state development. The DMK exemplifies this strategic navigation.

Until the 1960s, the Congress party dominated the state. However, by 1962, the DMK had emerged as a significant challenger, establishing itself as a serious alternative to the Congress by winning 50 constituencies. But, despite its victory and vocal opposition to Congress leader Kamaraj, the DMK’s stance was more nuanced than outright antagonism. Under M. Karunanidhi, the DMK aggressively promoted Tamil identity narrative and opposed perceived linguistic suppression. Although critical of the central government, the DMK skillfully managed its alliances, balancing criticism with cooperation.

The DMK’s strategic prowess was evident in 1969 when, following the split in Congress and the formation of Congress (New), Indira Gandhi found the friendly DMK to counter the Congress (Organisation) led by K. Kamaraj. This alliance proved successful, with the DMK-Congress partnership winning the 1971 elections and securing crucial infrastructure projects and financial aid for Tamil Nadu, reinforcing the DMK’s political strength.

However, this alliance was short-lived. As Indira Gandhi shifted support to the newly formed AIADMK, the DMK seized the opportunity to defeat the AIADMK in the 1980 Lok Sabha elections, particularly after MGR’s refusal to support Gandhi in a by-election.

AIADMK & MGR

The political landscape shifted again in 1984 when the AIADMK, with M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) at its helm, allied with Congress, aided by Indira Gandhi’s support for MGR’s medical treatment in the U.S. This alliance lasted until MGR died in 1987 and was renewed under Jayalalithaa from 1991 to 1996. The AIADMK briefly allied with the BJP in 1998, but this coalition dissolved, leading the AIADMK to re-align with Congress in 2001. The DMK, meanwhile, joined the BJP-led NDA until withdrawing in 2004, marking the start of the UPA era.

The DMK’s persistence with central government ties eventually paid off during the UPA government, as the party capitalized on its central role. Key DMK leaders, including A. Raja (Minister of Environment and Forests and later Minister of Communications and Information Technology), Dayanidhi Maran (Minister of Communications and Information Technology and later Minister of Textiles), T.R. Baalu (Minister of Road Transport and Highways), and MK Alagiri (Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers), held significant cabinet positions. These roles allowed the DMK to secure notable benefits for the DMK and its members.

Since 2014, the DMK has navigated a complex relationship with the BJP-led central government. While publicly opposing the BJP on various issues, the DMK has strategically maintained ties to avoid complete alienation, thereby securing development funds and political leverage.

On the other hand, the AIADMK, under MGR, received substantial support from the central government through its alliance with Congress, which persisted until 1987 and was renewed under Jayalalithaa. However, the AIADMK’s alliance strategy was mixed. While Jayalalithaa often expressed frustration with the central government, the party’s position shifted significantly in 2019 when Edappadi Palaniswami aligned with the BJP-led central government.

This move seems to have stirred jealousy in the DMK, which recognized the shift in power dynamics that favored the AIADMK. The DMK, perceiving this as a threat to its own legacy, strategically portrayed the AIADMK-BJP alliance as anti-minority, hoping to sway public opinion and capitalize on any resulting fallout. This strategy paid off when the AIADMK severed its ties with the BJP in 2023. Currently, the DMK is working to leverage its renewed closeness with the central government on specific issues, reflecting a reversal in roles where Palaniswami’s position resembles that of Stalin’s past approach, and Stalin’s current stance mirrors that of Palaniswami’s former position.

In contemporary Tamil Nadu politics, the focus has increasingly shifted to national issues and the influence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite its vote share of 11.24% in Tamil Nadu, the BJP has gained significant respect and influence. This shift has led to speculation about potential future alliances, though a formal DMK-BJP alliance seems unlikely given their current positions.

Conclusion

Overall, both the DMK and AIADMK have skillfully leveraged their relationships with the central government to their advantage. They have secured funding, projects, and political support through strategic alliances and negotiations, showcasing a keen understanding of the dynamics between state and central politics. However, the AIADMK has lost its political grip and now finds itself in a diminishing state. The AIADMK walked straight in to the trap laid by the DMK. By calling the EPS-OPS government as slave government of the BJP and a government that is anti-minority, the DMK successfully manipulated the AIADMK. Now, in their quest to show showcase themselves as secular, the AIADMK has lost the plot and has emerged as the biggest loser.

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The post The Shifting Political Dynamics In Tamil Nadu: How ADMK Walked Straight Into DMK’s Trap And Is Going To Be The Biggest Loser appeared first on The Commune.

Pa. Ranjith-directed “Thangalaan” is a clear example of how an impressive cast cannot salvage a film with a superficial and overplayed storyline. The film received praise only from the leftist mouthpiece The News Minute (TNM), even as noted reviewers like “Blue Sattai” Maaran and Baradwaj Rangan slammed it for its lacklustre storytelling, overbearing ideological messaging, and desperate reliance on the success of the KGF movie series.

Despite the success of Ranjith’s earlier works, such as “Madras” and “Sarpatta Parambarai,” which garnered acclaim for their engagement with Dravidian politics, “Thangalaan” was panned for its artificial elements, prolonged pacing, and overemphasis on the oppressor-oppressed narrative.

Unlike the KGF series, this film focuses less on the storyline and more on Pa Ranjith’s political and ideological views, leaving viewers disappointed and disengaged.

KGF Theme Repeated

Since the release of “KGF – Chapter 1” in 2018, which captivated audiences with its portrayal of the Kolar Gold Fields and the oppression faced by the downtrodden, the film set a high standard for gripping narratives for epic heroism and filmmaking.

Even though KGF was a “masala film” with a simple storyline, the characters, screenplay, editing, and music made it a grand visual treat. The two chapters of KGF became one of the most celebrated pan-Indian films. The film was also sans political and ideological virtue-signalling, which made it appeal to audiences across various sections of society.

This success of KGF seems to have irked Pa. Ranjith, whose desperation to peddle his stagnant narratives with the oppressor-oppressed trope set is visible in Thangalaan. Unfortunately for him, despite the star power of versatile actor Chiyaan Vikram, the film—promoted as a period action-adventure—is nothing short of torture. The film’s artificial elements and prolonged pacing left fans disappointed and bored, resulting in a lacklustre reception that failed to engage audiences as hoped.

Thangalaan Plot

During the British rule, Thangalaan, a formidable tribal leader, becomes embroiled in a conflict with a mysterious sorceress after aiding a British general in a search for gold in his village. Thangalaan and his tribe ally with Lord Clement, a British officer, to unearth gold hidden within their community. However, their pursuit incites the fury of Aarathi, a feared and enigmatic sorceress.

As misfortunes befall the villagers, local legends warn that “seeking gold here invites death.” Thangalaan resolves to confront Aarathi and end the chaos. Despite eerie tales of monsters haunting the region, the British officer remains resolute in his quest for gold. Thangalaan, believing Aarathi is the root of the disturbances, commits himself to stopping her.

The film draws inspiration from the actual historical events surrounding the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), which were exploited and plundered by the British two centuries ago, leading to the oppression of the local population.

As the movie unfolds, you can’t help but notice the parallels to Director Bala’s “Paradesi”—from the costumes, hairdos and dialogue to the shared feelings of dread. Just like in a Bala film, innocent, trusting characters are drawn into a horror-filled situation. However, the only distinction is Ranjith striped away Bala’s signature raw horror. While it may seem unfair to compare this subpar film of an average filmmaker to Bala’s masterful storytelling, it is essential to point out the magnitude of the difference.

Strong cast in a weak plot

As usual, Vikram delivers a commendable performance alongside Malavika Mohanan, Parvathy Thiruvothu, and Pasupathy, who all contribute to the narrative. Despite a strong cast, the movie falls short on thematic depth and feels artificial. It lacks emotional impact, suggesting a disconnect between its ambitious ideas and audience engagement. Characterization is underdeveloped, especially regarding Thangalaan’s connection to the folk tale, which weakens the emotional core.

Furthermore, the shifting focus between adventure, folklore, and magical realism diluted the narrative. They resulted in a less cohesive story and diminished emotional resonance. The philosophical themes of material greed and true wealth don’t resonate fully due to the mix of diverse elements, such as Malavika’s mysticism, which may clash with the film’s political aspirations. The film also struggles with pacing and length, feeling like different short stories stretched into a feature film. A 2.5-hour film feels like 2.5 decades of torment.

Pa Ranjith’s Worn-Out Rhetoric

Ranjith introduces his overused, unidimensional ideology, stretching it like an endless rubber band of oppression, suppression, exploitation, and suffering. Instead of empathizing with the sufferings onscreen, the audience suffers a little too much while watching the film.

Everyone knows Pa. Ranjith’s ideologies, which he frequently shares on social media, often igniting controversy. Yet, in his films aimed at a wider audience, his desperation to drive home his ideological and political viewpoints goes overboard the storyboard.

The ambiguity of typical characters like the Brahmin supervisor and the British supremacist creates a lack of clarity in the film’s conflict, seemingly used to critique the Brahmin caste. The usual Dravidianist stereotyping of Brahmins as vile and cunning, de-Hindufying village deities, references to the Varna system, Vishnu, Buddha, Saint Ramanuja, Christianity and Islamist tyrant Tipu Sultan, all of which seem ungrounded, leaves us puzzled about their relevance to the story. Pa. Ranjith can’t sleep without repeatedly punching the same bag.

When Telugu cinema elevated the level of VFX, Kollywood films like Thangalaan refused to catch up. The visual effects in Thangalaan are pathetic, to say the least. Pa. Ranjith fans might call it marvellous, but we can’t blame them for accepting whatever is thrown their way, as they’re clouded by bias.

Critics

Serious film critics—from Baradwaj Rangan to Blue Sattai’ Maaran—have called out the shoddy, nonsensical filmmaking in their Thangalaan reviews.

“Instead of making a film about the bloody history of KGF, Ranjith, in an attempt to portray himself as some genius, has conveyed his caste and religious stance as usual indirectly by applying lead and rolling,” Maran candidly remarked.

Baradwaj Rangan wrote, “We see these things happening, but these things don’t cross the eyes and enter the heart. This is an emotionally distant film, and we feel nothing when people die, are oppressed, or end up betrayed. Everything is generic, at the surface level.”

TNM, on the other hand, published an “unpaid” review that glorifies the film as a masterpiece, with the author simping for Pa. Ranjith.

Ranjith proved worthy of a filmmaker in ‘Madras,’ a political film that traverses the landscape of Dravidian politics. Although his other film, ‘Sarpatta Parambarai’, peddled Dravidian propaganda, it is a good film with a lucid and gripping storyline.

But to exalt an unworthy film with 5/5 stars despite so many shortcomings shows how hollow these leftists are. They expose the extent to which they go to bolster their ilk. The leftist cabal has created a halo around Pa. Ranjith, and even critiquing his film on its merits is considered taboo.

Satheesh is a political writer. 

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The post ‘Blue Sattai’ Maaran To Baradwaj Rangan Call Out Epic Failure Of Pa. Ranjith’s Thangalaan But TNM’s “Unpaid” Review Rates It 5/5, Here’s A Brutally Honest Review Of The Ludicrous Film appeared first on The Commune.

Schumy Vanna Kaviyangal (SVK) is a Tamil podcast channel that began as a lighthearted and candid discussion on various topics, including comic satire. Over time, it has evolved into an unofficial propaganda outlet for the DMK, frequently attacking opposition parties and targeting specific castes and political groups. The show’s hosts are men who use character names from the anime Naruto as their aliases.

Their worst vocabulary and most hateful messages target Hindu deities, Hindu Women and Brahmins. They also speak about Islam in derogatory terms. They also make vulgar claims about women working in films and media.

Notably, they have no comments about Christianity, the state’s second-largest religion. The only Christian they seem to have a problem with is Shalin Maria Lawrence, the Scheduled Caste activist who openly criticises casteism and misogyny in DMK ranks.

Schumy Vanna Kaviyangal – Ideological Leanings

Since their podcast began on the Spotify platform in September 2019, they have been openly critical of the BJP, frequently using abusive language under the guise of advertisements. In their debut episode, “Superhero Genre in India ft. Uchiha Madara,” they subtly reveal their anti-BJP stance and later ridicule Seeman and Hindutva.

This bias becomes evident when the host, Haashiramaa Senju, voices an ad saying, “This episode is co-sponsored by: Are you a Sanghi? Drink Cow Urine Fizz immediately. Now, with gas!” This remark indicates their opposition to BJP ideology, with “Sanghi” known to be used as a derogatory term for BJP supporters.

In the second episode, titled “Conspiracy Theory – A Perspective ft. Uchiha Madara,” another person named after a character from the Naruto series, Tobirama Senju, is introduced as a fan of ‘Paari Saalan‘. In this episode, Hashirama Senju makes a degrading remark against the Brahmin community. He uses the term “Paarpaan,” a derogatory word used by EV Ramasamy Naicker, hailed as Periyar in Tamil Nadu, to ridicule the Brahmin community.

In the third episode, guests such as YouTurn Iyan Karthikeyan, a fact-checker YouTuber who now works for the government as the Mission Director of the TN government’s “Fact Checking Unit” and who also allegedly favours the DMK, and Sarvs, a provocative speaker from the YouTube channel Plip Plip, made appearances. Their ideologies were evident from this point. A voice ad featuring Haashiramaa Senju included the remark, “If you’re a fan of Maridhas, Poda P**da,” providing another clue to their stance. In the episode, they all mocked YouTuber Maridhas for his explanation and support for the National Education Policy (NEP). From the abovementioned instances, any listener can easily infer that Schumy Vanna Kaviyangal’s inclination leaned heavily towards the Dravidian ideology.

In the first season, other episodes remained largely neutral, primarily due to the co-host, Uchiha Madara, who maintained a neutral stance and avoided aligning the show with any political affiliations, particularly with the DMK. However, this approach didn’t sit well with Haashiramaa Senju, the podcast’s protagonist. From the second season onwards, Schumy Vanna Kaviyangal fully embraced Dravidian ideologues and individuals promoting hatred against the Hindu belief and BJP as the co-hosts and guests.

Schumy Vanna Kaviyangal – Derogatory Remarks On Hinduism

In Season 2, Episode 11, titled “S.A.N.G.H.I. (Softcore Assembly of Nibbas in a Gang of Hot Ignition)”, Hashirama Senju and the hate-monger of Brahmins and Vanniyar caste, Tobirama Senju, join forces to ridicule Hindus under the guise of attacking the BJP, unleashing their long-held vehemence. In this episode, Hashirama declares that Tobirama is like a brother to him, mirroring the two characters’ relationship in the Naruto anime.

Here, they discuss various baseless allegations and lies about Hindu scriptures, inciting hatred among their followers.

Right from the start, they implant their hardcore Dravidian ideology to influence the audience’s mindset, claiming that the BJP’s efforts to unite Hindus are futile as all Hindus prioritise caste. Throughout the podcast, one can witness/hear vulgarity, the normalisation of porn, and abusive language – these are hallmarks of the podcast. Tobirama asserts there is no scientific basis for caste, but Hashirama contradicts him, stating that the caste system was initially created as a competitive spirit but later went wrong.

They then turn to attack Lord Brahma. Hashirama argues, “Brahma did not create people equally. He also created a rule book called Manu Dharma with the help of rishis, a manual for discrimination. Anyone can download it, buy it online, and read it in the original translation. The creator claimed we are not all the same. But I’m saying that a god created me, Hashirama, and Tobirama and then created others to be beneath us, with the upper two being one caste, the middle another, and the bottom two low castes. If this is creation, it’s akin to an orgy and gangbang.“

Unsurprisingly, SVK eventually directed all blame of social injustice towards the Brahmins, exploiting their vulnerability and following the narrative created by E.V. Ramasamy Naicker. Similarly, the podcast accuses the Brahmins of “exploiting the innocence of other castes” to maintain control. They perpetuate the same blatant lies as their Dravidian stalwarts, claiming that Brahmins prevented other castes from getting an education and stating that today, they were able to question Manu Dharma because they had the opportunity to study.

Thankfully, as they recorded the podcast in 2020, they did not claim, “Because of the Dravidian model, we have been able to study.”

In the narrative they set in the episode, they claim that BJP is simply against Muslims and Dalits. They justified and bolstered the concept of love jihad, questioning whether a girl who marries is unaware of her choices. They asserted that the distinctions within Muslim groups like Marakkars and Labbays or Christian denominations like Protestants and Pentecostals are not categorisations like caste in Hindus. Speaking of Kamal Haasan, they described the logo of his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam, which features six hands interlinked, as a symbol of a “circle jerk.“

Later in the Season 3, Episode 06: Godmen ft. Tobirama Senju and Kakashi Hatake speak on the Hindu epic Ramayana and discuss whether Ravana was a Brahmin. Tobirama vulgarly denigrated the revered goddess Sita, saying, “Ravana abducted Sita, Rama’s wife, and f**ked her; they call Ravana an evil character. So how could he possibly be a Brahmin?”

(Reference Credit: SVK’s Spotify)

 Further escalating his abusive comments, Tobirama states, “In the original Ramayana, when Rama describes Sita,  ‘Her back bu**ocks are beautiful and lifted, and her breasts are swollen.‘” Kakashi then interjects, asking, “To whom is he saying this?” Tobirama replies, “He’s talking to his brother.” Kakashi continues, “He makes his brother and Hanuman sit down and then sends him (Hanuman) by identifying her.” Tobirama chimes in with a husky tone, adding, “She will be very beautiful and plump.”

At this point, the host, Haashiramaa, joins in with a double entendre, saying, “He’s saying, ‘Don’t poke her with the Gada—for that he replies the Gada is there, sir.'” (All were laughing understanding it)

Tobirama then continues, reflecting a similar sentiment to what Haashiramaa mentioned, asserting, “Now you said that the thought of Hanuman’s c*ck poking, right? You were implying that, weren’t you?” He adds, “If the writers of the scriptures, like the Noolandi (Brahmins), they might have written that, ‘Hanuman’s sperm reached the sky and rained down.’ This was just the story they chose to write about being horny, and they wrote whatever came to their minds.”

Later, Kakashi and Tobirama derided Hanuman’s portrayal as a Brahmachari by drawing a homosexual connection to Lord Ram. He says, “Now, he has sent Hanuman by saying that, ‘My wife is a super figure having her back lifted and hips well-defined,’ but when Hanuman visited Sita and showed her the signet ring (Soodamani),” 

Kakashi continues, “What Valmiki Ramayana says is that Ravana used many magic tricks to try and seduce her.” Tobirama interjects, “But she went there willingly, right?” 

Kakashi responds, “No, She was dragged by her hair unwillingly. We should speak on the original Valmiki Ramayana, not the Atlee model Kamba Ramayana version.” Further said, “He (Ravana) grabbed Sita by the hair and dragged her away. Hence, Sita suspected that Hanuman might be another of Ravana’s tricks. Immediately he (Hanuman) said, ‘No! Rama sent me. I’ve seen Rama; his p*nis is smooth and lengthy, and his balls are hanging.’ – G*tha, when did you see his? Isn’t that a bit awkward or not?” He continues, “He (Rama) came to the forest after his recent marriage, and (Ravana) carried away his wife. Meanwhile, Hanuman is muscled and has well-developed thighs from his training.”

(Reference Credit: SVK’s Spotify)

Schumy Vanna Kaviyangal – Ridiculing Hinduism On Their Social Media Handle

On the official X account of SVK, they mocked the “Surya Tilak” ceremony at Ayodhya on Ram Navami, where sunlight is directed onto Sri Ram Lalla’s forehead using an opto-mechanical system developed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA). They derisively commented, “You are playing with mirrors and shining light on a face.” 

In another post, Schumy Vanna Kaviyangal ridiculed a devotee who used her phone to call her ill mother at a Sai Baba temple, stating, “Why does Sai Baba always talk to women aged 28-35? He is always in contact with them. Why doesn’t he talk to others?”

In another post, SVK criticised women who advocate yoga for modern-day women, aiming to enhance pelvic floor strength, uterine health, and reproductive wellness. While acknowledging these exercises were traditionally part of daily routines, SVK derided them, remarking, “Bharat is evolving backwards.”

In a subsequent post shared by Schumy Vanna Kaviyangal, there is a disturbing depiction that demonstrates their susceptibility to pornography and their objectification of women. The post portrays a woman attempting to pass through a crevice in a rock, a ritual believed in some cultures to absolve unintentional sins and initiate spiritual renewal at the soul level.

For instance, in the inner sanctum of the Sri Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, individuals must traverse a passage that narrows before exiting through a small opening, symbolising a symbolic return to the maternal womb for purification and emergence with a cleansed spirit and outlook, committed to righteousness. Nonetheless, SVK chose to ridicule the woman stuck in a pornographic context, insensitively remarking, “Help me, son. I’m stuck.”

In the subsequent post, the podcast’s supporters do not like to witness the downfall of their beloved leaders, and their core belief system revolves around atheism and mockery of Hinduism. However, before the 2024 Lok Sabha election, their leader abandoned this ideology and opted to worship at a temple.

Similarly, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thirumavalavan chose to visit his hometown and pay respects to the local deity, sparking immediate public discussion. Quickly, SVK intervened, clarifying that the god he worshipped was Buddha.

Schumy Vanna Kaviyangal – Derogating The Muslim Community

Just as they ridiculed Hindus and Hindu culture, Schumy Vanna Kaviyangal podcasters, like their Dravidianist peers, enjoy ridiculing former President Abdul Kalam for reading the Bhagavad Gita. They even equated him to pigs, which are forbidden (haram) in Islam.

In a podcast, Hashirama further asserted that some Muslims ate pork when they went abroad. Hashirama replied, “One thing I don’t understand is that according to Islamic law, they shouldn’t eat pork, but if he goes abroad, some will say, ‘It’s bacon and eggs, bro.’ What is bacon and eggs? Bacon is pork meat, usually roasted. He eats this abroad but calls it haram here. He changes according to the area but still talks foul-mouthed. Son of a b*tch.”

In Season 3, Episode 6 of Godmen, featuring Tobirama Senju and Kakashi Hatake, the hosts take their ridicule to an extreme. Tobirama sarcastically asks, “Is it true that they say Allah is gay?” Kakashi responds, explaining that the Quran states Allah is neither male nor female but a transcendent figure (Aruvuruvam). He points out the contradiction in saying Allah is neither male nor female while also claiming Allah created everything, implying a male figure.

Later in the same episode, Kakashi mocks the Quranic notion that Allah grants every boon and tests one’s character. He questions, Am I just a joke to God, subjected to tests? And asks why so many imams use Islam verses to justify killing all non-believers (kafirs).

Kakashi remarked, “The Qur’an states that humans were created as civilised beings to be tested by God to prove their truthfulness, honesty, and self-control to earn a place in heaven. Work less… Do we look like Kirukku K**thi? Are we toys K*na p*nda for these tests? Is there no work for God?” Later he said, “If we speak the truth honestly, many imams now buttress to justify terrorism and boast about killing non-believers (kafirs).”

He advised Muslims to treat women with respect and dignity rather than boasting that their religion was the first to grant land rights to women. He also criticised the Jamaat’s regressive stance on women’s rights, pointing out that they wouldn’t even allow their women to speak to a panipuri seller because he wasn’t Muslim.

Then Kakashi stressed, “Like other religious leaders, these Pacha Sanghis also embezzle money. As, their activities are on a smaller scale it is less visible, they are involved in many poisonous practices.”

Later, Tobirama asserted, “If today, the Pacha Sanghi strength is 10 members and Hindus are divided by caste with strength of 30 members, then if we increase the Pacha Sanghi to 40 members, their atrocities will escalate to next level.” Kakashi also questioned the reasons behind jihad, noting that its purpose is to kill non-believers. He remarked that while Muslim Sanghis might argue that Allah didn’t command such actions and that there’s been a misunderstanding, they often remain silent in defending their fundamentalist counterparts without challenging them directly.

Previously, in Season 2, Episode 11 of the podcast S.A.N.G.H.I, Tobirama referred to former President Abdul Kalam as a “Superior Sanghi.” Hashirama explained this by saying, “Despite being a Muslim, a Sanghi still recites the Bhagavad Gita in its ideal form.” Tobirama countered by stating that if Kalam was a scientist, he should have acted as one. He criticised Kalam for allegedly being idle in his position, likening it to “sitting like pig shit.“

In the official X account of SVK, they provided a detailed explanation for their disdain towards Abdul Kalam. They criticised him for being idle (eating a mixture) during a time when Muslims were allegedly facing violence in Gujarat and when Dalits and Muslims were under attack nationwide.

SVK ridiculed Kalam’s secularism by criticising both him and the Shankaracharya, stating the post was a recommendation from the Shankaracharya and describing Kalam as politically naive for allowing the Shankaracharya to sit on the president’s seat. Then, they lamented that many educated individuals lack true intellectualism, contrasting intellectuals who prioritise the welfare of the people.

In another post, SVK ridiculed the SDPI, a Muslim political party, for aligning with the AIADMK in the Lok Sabha elections. Using a derogatory Tamil term, SVK expressed pity towards them and stated, “Thinking of this Chinna K**thiyan Bhai (the general term to call Muslims) is pity. They have put forth a convention thinking Edappadi (EPS) as a personality.”

SVK refers to Muslims who oppose the Dravidian ideology or align themselves with nationalist ideologies as “Pacha Sanghi or Pure Sanghi.” This label was exemplified with a recent post where a Dravidianist referred to TNM’s Shabbir Ahmed as a “Pacha Sanghi.”

SVK’s Perspective On Women

In a rather crude manner, Haashiramaa Senju, displaying a narrow-minded perspective, remarked in Season 2 Episode 8 on nepotism that it is a well-known fact that despite the prevalent casting couch issue, numerous women are willing to engage in casting couch favours regardless of their personal preferences. Haashiramaa Senju said, “The well-known fact that even if there is a big casting couch problem here, many women (feel) it doesn’t matter if I am prevented from acting just because of that (casting couch), there are women who are ready to participate in it without liking it.”

It’s important to highlight that the term “casting couch” refers to the practice of soliciting sexual favours from job applicants in exchange for employment, particularly in the entertainment industry, specifically for acting roles. However, in this context, the podcaster Haashiramaa Senju shamelessly claims that women in the Tamil film industry are willing to engage in such acts to secure acting opportunities.

In the official X account of Schumy Vanna Kaviyangal, they harassed Aaj Tak anchor Anjana Om Kashyap by calling her a casteist slur, “Paapathi” (derogatory word for Brahmin women) that EV Ramasamy Naicker invented.

SVK stated, “Paapathis (Brahmin women) occupy the media and thereby ensure that anti-Modi views do not reach the people. The country will be cleansed if these ‘private luxury’ Paapathis are removed from the media industry for at least 50 years.” 

SVK’s harshest criticisms have been aimed at Shalin Maria Lawrence, a Scheduled Caste activist. The sustained attacks on her can be attributed to her independent stance against political affiliations and her consistent opposition to anyone acting against Scheduled Caste interests. Despite SVK’s advocacy for Dravidian and Scheduled Caste rights, they have chosen to bolster the DMK and VCK. Consequently, SVK has subjected Shalin Maria Lawrence to relentless online bullying, often referring to her as a “Blue Sanghi,” indicating a Scheduled Caste activist aligned with the BJP.

Whenever SVK quotes Shalin Maria Lawrence, they deliberately emphasise her caste, referring to her as “Paraiyar”, denoting her background and caste.

In a recent post, SVK mocked a meeting between Shalin Maria and Airport Murthi, another Scheduled Caste leader and critic of VCK, stating, “She will criticise what VCK did for Paraiyars and claim they betrayed them…”

When activist Shalin Maria questioned the DMK government about the Kallakuruchi Hooch tragedy on 20 June 2024, which resulted in 47 reported deaths, she emphasised that all the deceased were from Scheduled Castes and called for an immediate investigation under murder charges. SVK and other Dravidianists swiftly responded to her post, alleging that her statements reflected “RSS-driven caste-based social engineering”, shielding the DMK from any criticism.

However, they often claim that EV Ramasamy Naicker educated and enlightened the “oppressed” castes, promoted respect for women, and worked for the abolition of caste. Yet, whenever they encounter someone, they label them by their caste—whether Vanniyar, Thevar, Paraiyar, Brahmin, etc. Such hypocrites conceal themselves within the ruling party’s influence and consistently propagate hatred between communities through their fabricated narratives.

Seeman, Naam Tamilar Katchi & Muthuramalinga Thevar

One episode of their podcast was entirely dedicated to criticising Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief Seeman – Episode 12 of Season 3 was titled “T.H.A.M.B.I.S (Tharudhalai Humanoids and Moolai Baathikkapatta Imbecible Sons): Oru Rollercoaster Discussion ft. Fake ID Aravind.” In this episode, Haashiramaa labelled the party cadres as an “Assortment of Idiots “, literally meaning a collection of fools espousing conspiracy theories and those who are heavily influenced by Illuminati theories. They are described as pro-Tamil but sceptical of modern science.

During the conversation, as evidenced by an incident where Haashiramaa’s friend, a Tamil nationalist (aligning with Seeman), refused modern medicine despite its mere cost, dismissing it as purely commercial. Haashiramaa also said this friend also expressed disapproval of E.V. Ramasamy Naicker, citing several reasons, such as the Manjolai massacre. Haashiramaa then asked him to suggest two alternative leaders, to which the friend mentioned MaPoSi and Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar.

Haashiramaa then discussed the history behind the death of Immanuel Sekaran, explaining that he was murdered due to caste violence rooted in his lower caste status by the Thevar community. Haashiramaa said in the podcast, “I asked him to tell me two alternative names for Periyar, he said MaPoSi okay right. Then he said another name of a leader I forgot it. Thirdly, he said another name … he said Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar (the other podcast guest laughs, and one of them says, “Take the slipper”). Then I asked, do you know Immanuel Sekaran died because of him?” the Haashiramaa continued, “The problem was because he sat before Muthuramalinga Thevar crossing one leg over the other stating, ‘You have let a low caste man sitting crossing his legs’ right?.”

Continuing further, another guest remarked that the violence was sparked simply because they did not offer him a chair to sit on, dismissing it as sheer brutality. Haashiramaa concluded the discussion by recounting how, when he explained this perspective to his friend, the friend insisted that Muthuramalinga Thevar was not responsible for instigating the murder. Consequently, Haashiramaa resolved that in the future, he would be cautious about befriending Tamil nationalists, using the derogatory term “Salli Ko**hi” to express his frustration.

Further in the podcast Haashiramaa and others ridiculed the cadres of Seeman – it is noteworthy that Seeman promotes and accepts Tamil cultures like practicing the ‘valari’ traditional weapon, primarily used by the Tamil people in war. In the episode, Tobirama Senju addresses NTK chief Seeman with a cuss word, “Chinna K**dhiyan.“

This is also evident from Schumy Vanna Kaviyangal’s (SVK) official X account, where he consistently criticises NTK and Seeman. In a recent post, SVK shared edited images depicting Premalatha (DMDK leader) and her son as men, resembling the late AIADMK leader Jayalalitha and Seeman as women. The caption ridiculously referenced Tamil nationalists post-2009, suggesting that Seeman is perceived as aligned with AIADMK, implying he is a part of their “B-team.”

In another post, SVK used slur words to mock NTK leader Seeman for forgetting to apply for the election symbol. The post questioned, “Is this chinna k**thi who couldn’t even secure election symbols going to retrieve Kaveri?” 

In another post, SVK again employed the derogatory Tamil slur against Seeman and questioned, “Has the chinna k**thi who couldn’t even secure an election symbol now gone Ooty to purchase land?”

SVK explained in another episode that NTK is a coalition where caste supremacists have united under the banner of Tamil nationalism and that their fundamental eligibility is hatred towards Dalits.

In conclusion, although Schumy Vanna Kaviyangal claims to discuss politics and various other topics, it is just a garb to spread vicious propaganda. The podcast is characterised by vulgarity, the normalisation of porn, and abusive language throughout each episode, season after season. This is the consequence of unchecked media freedom, which ensnares the younger generation in an abyss, planting the seeds of vehemence and hate ideas through unfounded claims and encouraging the worship of false heroes. The young generation being influenced by these sadist influencers, who promote an ideology of violence, is a worrying sign of societal regression.

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The post Schumy Vanna Kaviyangal: A Podcast Of Hate, Vulgarity & Divisive Propaganda appeared first on The Commune.

Actor turned politician Vijay recently made a surprising shift in his political stance during the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) programme, where he felicitated top-performing 10th and 12th grade students. Initially critical of the ruling DMK, Vijay’s change in position came starkly into focus on the second day of the event, held on 3 July 2024.

Previously, during the first phase on 28 June 2024, Vijay had launched into a critique of the DMK’s governance, particularly addressing issues like mis-administration and the prevailing drug culture. His speech was eagerly anticipated as it marked his party’s debut event following its launch earlier on February 2024. However, his stance underwent a swift transformation within a week’s time.

On 3 July 2024, Vijay resonated himself (TVK) with the DMK, expressing opposition to the NEET medical examination, advocating for education to be under state list, and adopting the DMK-coined term “Union” to refer to the central government. This abrupt shift has raised questions about Vijay’s political consistency and his willingness to challenge the ruling DMK, akin the paths taken by actors like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, who initially sought to establish their own parties but eventually aligned themselves with the DMK, particularly Kamal for a mere Rajya Sabha seat. Rajini on the other hand has allied himself along the business front by signing movies with DMK-family owned production house.

Vijay’s TVK party is now perceived akin to part-time politician Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), seen as a strategic toolkit to counter the influence of BJP, particularly under the leadership of K Annamalai, a retired IPS officer, in the upcoming Tamil Nadu legislative assembly elections in 2026. If MNM sought to divide the anti-DMK votes in 2021, Vijay may do the same in 2026 if he contests.

Immediately commencing his speech TVK chief Vijay said, “Actually, I thought I should not talk about anything today, but it didn’t seem right if I didn’t talk about an important issue. You would have guessed what it will be, Yes NEET! It’s about NEET. If you look at this NEET, it is a fact that the students in our Tamil Nadu, especially the rural areas, where the poor, the backward, the most backward and the lower class, are all affected. What I see as three problems with NEET is… first thing is this NEET is against the state rights, this is something you all know, education was in the state list before 1975. It was only after that that the Union Government added it to the concurrent  list, and as far as I know, that was the first problem. Secondly, I see one country, one syllabus, one examination as being against the purpose of education in general. The syllabus should be tailored to each state. I am not asking this only for the sake of state rights. If you look at it, my view is that different opinions, different views, perspectives should be given importance. Diversity is a strength not a weakness.”

Then showing his acumen actor Vijay asked, “After you’ve studied in the state language, studied in the state syllabus, how can you take the exam in the NCERT syllabus?”

Then quoting the NEET paper leak scam Vijay stated, “People have lost faith completely in NEET examination. We understood by the news that the nation doesn’t need NEET. What is the solution for NEET? Exemption from NEET is the only solution. I wholeheartedly welcome resolution against NEET passed in the State Assembly. I request the Union Government to respect the emotions of the people of Tamil Nadu. People should solve the issue. What is the permanent solution for this? Education should be brought under the State List from Concurrent list.”

Actor Vijay subsequently urged that if no immediate solution was viable, the constitution should be amended to establish a separate special Concurrent List, incorporating health and education.

As previously noted, Vijay’s appearance at this event following the launch of his party in February 2024 was eagerly anticipated, especially regarding his remarks on politics. Initially critical of the ruling DMK, Vijay has changed his position starkly on the second day of the event, within a week’s time. Even this time he was seen without any Hindu mark on him. This speech of TVK chief Vijay, particularly focused on the NEET exam, a longstanding political agenda in Tamil Nadu by the DMK consistently sought exemption from the exam mandated by the Supreme Court.

How He Criticized The DMK In His Maiden Speech After Political Entry

• In contrast to the DMK’s approach of stoking students’ emotions with promises like NEET bans and shortcuts, Vijay opted to advise students to explore diverse career options.
• Despite the DMK ruling for three years, Vijay hinted at a necessity for strong leadership, pointing out a perceived political vacuum in Tamil Nadu, expressing the state failed in severe administration failure like past ones.
• Expressing a desire for capable leadership, Vijay indirectly referenced political corruption which is again targeted at the ruling DMK, noting that three ministers face corruption charges and one former minister has been jailed for a year.
• He also criticized dynasty politics, suggesting that future politicians should be judged on their education and merit rather than familial ties, emphasizing the importance of making informed choices in elections.
• Regarding propagandist media, he brought attention to how a few media houses report the same news differently. This must definitely be read as to how Dravidianist journalists and media outlets such as Sun News, a mouthpiece for the DMK report half-truths and peddle propaganda. Following the Lok Sabha election results, Sun News targeted Vijay in a manner that undermined his political stature, reducing him to a mere figure known for posting congratulatory messages on social media rather than being recognized as a serious political leader.
• Initially reluctant to directly blame the ruling DMK, Vijay later criticized the prevalent drug culture in Tamil Nadu, referencing seizures of methamphetamine, ganja, and drug pills since the arrest of former DMK figure Jaffer Sadiq and the tragic hooch incidents in 2023 that claimed 22 lives initially and now 63.

Yet Another Cine-Actor Emerges As Vote-Cutter

A few actors in Kollywood suffer from what is known as the MGR complex. Every Tom, Dick and Harry having acted in a few films thinks that they’re the messiah of Tamil Nadu and they will sit on the CM chair some day. The only actor who managed to make dent was the hardworking and uncompromising Vijayakanth, who gave nightmares to both Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi when they were around.

Apart from him, there have been actors like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and currently Vijay, who intermittently align themselves with the DMK, seemingly as a strategic move to bolster the party during critical junctures. This holds true when examining the sequence of their announcements and their strategies to divide votes, specifically targeting opposition parties.

For instance, Rajinikanth, portrayed as a devout Hindu, was clearly aligned with the DMK as evidenced by his initial foray into politics in 1996, a pivotal period. This was after the death of M.G.R. in 1987, when Jayalalithaa declared herself his political successor. After overcoming opposition from M.G.R.’s widow, V.N. Janaki Ramachandran, Jayalalithaa emerged as the sole leader of the AIADMK. In 1991, she became Tamil Nadu’s youngest chief minister, known for consolidating state power among a select group of bureaucrats. Her cabinet ministers, frequently shuffled, held mostly ceremonial roles. Notably, her administration introduced the successful cradle-baby scheme, enabling anonymous adoption of newborns. Despite an official salary of just one rupee per month, Jayalalithaa displayed opulent wealth publicly. However, in the 1996 elections, the AIADMK suffered a near-total defeat, with Jayalalithaa herself losing her seat. The incoming Karunanidhi government pursued multiple corruption cases against her, leading to a period of imprisonment.

How could a leader, who had earned the trust of the people and demonstrated administrative prowess, suffer such a downfall? The answer lies partly in the influence of the so-called spiritual politician, Rajinikanth. In 1996, Rajinikanth threw his support behind G.K. Moopanar’s Congress faction, which was aligned with the DMK. Leveraging Rajinikanth’s immense popularity, they campaigned against Jayalalitha. Rajinikanth notably remarked at the time, “If Jayalalithaa is re-elected, not even god can save Tamil Nadu.”

After a long period following the death of Chief Minister Jayalalitha on 5 December 2016, in December 2017, Rajinikanth, ending years of speculation, held fan meetings and declared his entry into politics. He announced his intention to contest the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, capitalizing on a political void created by Jayalalitha’s demise and Karunanidhi’s illness. At this time, the DMK, out of power for nearly a decade, was striving to regain control in the 2021 elections.

Shortly thereafter, Kamal Haasan launched a new party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), on 21 February 2018, in Madurai. Kamal, a rival both on screen and in real life for Rajinikanth, initially positioned himself as independent from the DMK. However, during the recent Lok Sabha elections, with no imminent threat like Rajinikanth to the DMK, Kamal Haasan aligned himself with them, securing a Rajya Sabha seat. Neither Rajini nor Kamal showed the courage needed as they prioritized their interests in the film industry over taking a strong stance in politics, hence acted as a pawn in politics.

It has become evident that any actor who emerges as an opposition to the DMK ends up being perceived as a tool for the DMK. Vijay’s party, TVK, is also viewed similarly now, as his past actions resonate with DMK ideology.

• Looking back at how Vijay exposed his alignment with the Dravidian ideology, it is noteworthy that on the auspicious occasion of Tamizh Puthandu (Tamil New Year) on 14 April 2024, amidst the festive spirit engulfing Tamil Nadu, Vijay stirred controversy by refraining from extending wishes to the people for the Tamil New Year. Instead, Vijay took to social media to share greetings for Ambedkar Jayanti, which coincidentally falls on the same day. This is the same strategy employed by the DMK on the auspicious occasion of Hindu celebrations and festivals such as Vinayagar Chaturthi, Saraswathi Pooja, and other festive occasions. 
• As expected, aligning with the stance of Dravidian parties, Vijay (very ignorantly) expressed opposition to the notification of CAA. His press release read, “Any law like the Indian Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 (CAA) is not acceptable in an environment where all the people of the country are living in social harmony. The rulers should give an assurance that they will not implement this law in Tamil Nadu.”
• Currently, opposing the NEET, he once again proving allegiance to the DMK.

In the previous instance at least actor Vijay managed to navigate the political landscape effectively, balancing between various parties as the 2026 legislative assembly elections loomed large. However, his speech on NEET and usage of “Ondriya Arasu” to undermine the authority of the Union government is nothing but playing to the gallery of Dravidianists.

This development is disheartening because when a politician aims to become the chief minister but lacks the courage to challenge the ruling party, progress can stagnate indefinitely. In Tamil Nadu’s political memory, only legends like MGR and Vijayakanth who opposed DMK vehemently are remembered. Those who have now been coopted by the DMK, are now playing second fiddle to the first family in their own capacity.

Satheesh is a freelance writer.

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The post One Roll This Side, One Roll That Side: Vijay Joins The Likes Of Rajini-Kamal With No Spine To Take On The DMK And Dravidianists appeared first on The Commune.

On 28 June 2024, Actor turned politician Vijay convened his first public speech after the announcement of his party the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Even though it was not a political stage but a special meet and greet to honour students who topped in the recently held 10th and 12th-grade examinations, this event was very much anticipated by the fans and the party cadres and the event was held at the Ramachandra Convention Center in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai.

Beginning his address at the event, Vijay extended congratulations to the students and offered advice to carefully consider the career paths they are preparing to embark upon. Vijay said, “Some of you have clear picture in your mind that what are we going to become a doctor, a engineer, a pilot and some might be a bit sag or confusion in making decisions about your career. To all of them, I would like to say that all vocations are good; all that matters to be successful is choosing a field of work and giving your 100% to it, whoever be the victory is yours. So, choose on your interest; understand the options available, talk to your parents, teachers and career counsellors to help you make the decision.” 

Then actor Vijay encouraged students to aspire to leadership roles in their chosen fields, emphasizing that there are numerous career paths beyond just medicine or engineering. Vijay urged,  “Many consider only medicine or engineering as viable professional fields; in Tamil Nadu, we already have world-class doctors, engineers and lawyers in abundance. What we are currently lacking is and what we need more is good leaders. By that when I say leader, I didn’t just mean by political leaders, if you are getting into a field and achieve better you can easily climb the ladder to become a leader,” While encouraging students to dream of their future, he also suggested that politics could be a viable career option for educated youth. “Why can’t be politics an career option in the future? It is my wish that it should come like that. Should well educated people join politics or not? I’m asking you all”

After that hitting on the propagandists, Vijay said that news medias feed opinionated news hence the students fact-checking news to understand and by that they can be involved in politics “Read newspapers regularly, and you will realize how a single news is report in a news paper and the same news another news paper report in different ways. A news will be reported on a front page in headlines and the same news will not even be reported in the last page in another newspaper. Here, you will come to know about news is different from opinion. If you see now, many social media channels have become equivalent to mainstream media, creating an opinion on good and bad, if you see them carefully they can project by creating gossip convert good as a bad and bad as a good.” Continuing Vijay urged, “See all but learn to realize which is true and false, only then you will cultivate the right worldview to choose the leaders.” 

In his final remarks on friendship, Vijay emphasized that students should avoid negative influences from friends. He strongly advised youngsters against drug use, vices, and unethical behavior. This message was particularly poignant following the continuous drug busts and linkages to Tamil Nadu and the latest Kallakuruchi hooch tragedy just a week prior. Vijay concluded his speech by emphatically stating, “Say no to temporary pleasures and say no to drugs.”

Key Insights From Vijay As TVK Chief

As previously noted, Vijay’s appearance at this event following the launch of his party in February 2024 was eagerly anticipated, especially regarding his remarks on politics. While he didn’t delve extensively into politics, Vijay’s speech was laden with politics particularly targeting the DMK. Actor Vijay skillfully maneuvered through the speech, effectively hitting at the DMK by highlighting issues of mismanagement, deteriorating law and order, corruption and dynastic politics in Tamil Nadu.

Criticizing The DMK

• In contrast to the DMK’s approach of stoking students’ emotions with promises like NEET bans and shortcuts, Vijay opted to advise students to explore diverse career options.
• Despite the DMK ruling for three years, Vijay hinted at a necessity for strong leadership, pointing out a perceived political vacuum in Tamil Nadu, expressing the state failed in severe administration failure like past ones.
• Expressing a desire for capable leadership, Vijay indirectly referenced political corruption which is again targeted at the ruling DMK, noting that three ministers face corruption charges and one former minister has been jailed for a year.
• He also criticized dynasty politics, suggesting that future politicians should be judged on their education and merit rather than familial ties, emphasizing the importance of making informed choices in elections.
• Regarding propagandist media, he brought attention to how a few media houses report the same news differently. This must definitely be read as to how Dravidianist journalists and media outlets such as Sun News, a mouthpiece for the DMK report half-truths and peddle propaganda. Following the Lok Sabha election results, Sun News targeted Vijay in a manner that undermined his political stature, reducing him to a mere figure known for posting congratulatory messages on social media rather than being recognized as a serious political leader.
• Initially reluctant to directly blame the ruling DMK, Vijay later criticized the prevalent drug culture in Tamil Nadu, referencing seizures of methamphetamine, ganja, and drug pills since the arrest of former DMK figure Jaffer Sadiq and the tragic hooch incidents in 2023 that claimed 22 lives initially and now 63.

Balancing The Political Wheel With The Saffron Party BJP & AIADMK

All the above issues resonate closely to the politics played by the Tamil Nadu BJP and the AIADMK. Led by its current president K Annamalai, the BJP meticulously addressed these concerns through initiatives like the “En Mann En Makkal” campaign, bringing awareness to citizens about the prevalent mismanagement, corruption, dynasty politics, and poor law and order in the state under the current regime.

TVK chief Vijay’s resounding declaration of “Say no to drugs” was a direct attack on the DMK which was already weaponized by both the BJP and ADMK. While ADMK had made it their campaign slogan for the 2024 elections, Annamalai on the other hand had called for “Saying no to Drugs and Dravidam”.

Another intriguing aspect was the Hindu symbol, or ‘Tilak’ between Vijay’s eyebrows, which surprisingly was not in red (Kungumam) but in saffron, a rare occurrence where a women put on his head as a symbolism on his forehead, usually requiring prior approval at VIP events. The political parlance surrounding saffron and the connotations that come with it is well known and Vijay is no child to not be aware of it. He knows how people and political analysts note intricate details – what you say, what you don’t say, how you portray yourself, the colour of your shirt, and what not. When there are so-called ‘Superstars’ who have a problem with the colour saffron, the fact that Vijay has chosen to embrace the much maligned colour is welcome.

Sathish is a political writer.

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The post Reading Between The Lines Of Vijay’s First Speech After Political Entry appeared first on The Commune.

Finally, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and actor-turned-politician Vijay have both extended their greetings to the BJP, led by Narendra Modi, on his swearing-in for a third consecutive term as India’s Prime Minister. However, their congratulations were not without reservations.

Narendra Modi was sworn in as Prime Minister for the third successive term, along with his 71 ministers, on the evening of 9 June 2024. In the new coalition government, 30 Cabinet Ministers, five Ministers of State with Independent Charge, and 36 Ministers of State took the oath of secrecy and office administered by President Droupadi Murmu. Notably, Narendra Modi became the first person since former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1962 to be elected as PM for a third consecutive term.

Against this backdrop, Tamil Nadu leaders extended their wishes. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Paniswami, despite an ongoing tussle with the Tamil Nadu unit BJP and a severed alliance, extended his greetings on 7 June 2024, before the swearing-in ceremony. On his official handle, he stated, “I extend my hearty Congratulations on behalf of @AIADMKOfficial to Honourable @narendramodi avl, on assuming the office of Prime Minister of India for the third consecutive term.”

இந்திய நாட்டின் பிரதமராக மூன்றாவது முறை பதவியேற்க உள்ள மாண்புமிகு @narendramodi அவர்களுக்கு @AIADMKOfficial மற்றும் எனது
சார்பில் மனமார்ந்த வாழ்த்துகளைத் தெரிவித்துக்கொள்கிறேன்.

I extend my hearty Congratulations on behalf of @AIADMKOfficial to
Honourable @narendramodi avl,…

— Edappadi K Palaniswami-SayYEStoWomenSafety&AIADMK (@EPSTamilNadu) June 7, 2024

However, the opposition DMK in Tamil Nadu, along with proxy full-time actors turned politicians, extended their congratulations after the swearing-in ceremony. Chief Minister MK Stalin, via his official X account, stated, “Congratulations to Thiru.@narendramodi on being sworn in as Prime Minister for the third consecutive time. We hope that, as PM, you will work in the true spirit to uphold the Constitution, maintain the secular nature of our country, promote cooperative federalism, respect states’ rights, and safeguard our democracy.” However, he faced criticism from netizens for emphasizing the need to maintain the secular nature of the country, considering his selective greetings for Hindu festivals in Tamil Nadu.

Congratulations to Thiru. @narendramodi on being sworn in as Prime Minister for the third consecutive time. We hope that, as PM, you will work in the true spirit to uphold the Constitution, maintain the secular nature of our country, promote cooperative federalism, respect…

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) June 9, 2024

Only after MK Stalin extended his wishes did part-time politicians and full-time actors Kamal Haasan and Vijay offer their congratulations. Kamal Haasan, on his official X account, expressed, “Nations that harness their greatest strength – their people – shall accomplish the greatest glories. Congratulations to the Hon. Prime Minister of India, Shri @narendramodi ji, on your third term. In the spirit of national interest, unity, and patriotic duty, let the elected representatives of the 18th Lok Sabha, work together to fulfil the dream of a stronger, brighter, and more inclusive India. Jai Hind!”

Nations that harness their greatest strength – their people – shall accomplish the greatest glories. Congratulations to the Hon. Prime Minister of India, Shri @narendramodi ji, on your third term. In the spirit of national interest, unity, and patriotic duty, let the elected…

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) June 9, 2024

Actor Vijay, on his official X account, stated, “I extend my congratulations to Thiru.@narendramodi Avl on being sworn in as @PMOIndia for the third consecutive term.”

I extend my congratulations to Thiru. @narendramodi Avl on being sworn in as @PMOIndia for the third consecutive term.

— TVK Vijay (@TVKVijayHQ) June 9, 2024

While Kamal Haasan’s gesture may be understandable due to his alignment with the DMK as he has allegedly mortgaged his party to the DMK making a merger of sorts and strategically secured a Rajya Sabha seat for himself, critics suggest Vijay’s actions mirror the DMK’s strategies with his role as a proxy for the party, potentially aiming to influence the 2026 assembly elections to split opposition votes and benefit the DMK.

Is Vijay’s TVK Acting As A DMK Proxy? 

Yes, it appears that way. Critics, including political commentators, are pointing out that Vijay’s TVK party and Vijay himself are conspicuously absent from engaging in significant issues in Tamil Nadu. Instead, Vijay seems to be solely focused on issuing congratulatory messages through his social media handles.

Actor Vijay entered into politics with the formation of his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in February 2024 and this move has often been compared to fellow actor and part-time politician Kamal Haasan and his party Makkal Needhi Maiam. This parallel is evident in the strategic moves and statements made by Vijay, which align closely with the ideology of the Dravidian movement and the DMK.

The political landscape of Tamil Nadu, gearing up for the 2026 state legislative assembly elections, will also be witness to yet another cine star namely Vijay, seemingly propelled by the DMK to echo their Dravidian ideology and potentially further divide the votes in the state.

This strategy echoes the historical move where Kamal Haasan entered politics at a time when actor Rajinikanth was contemplating starting his own party, with Rajinikanth’s vision leaning towards spiritual politics. To counter this, the DMK strategically supported Kamal Haasan’s political debut to split the votes.

A notable example of Vijay’s alignment with the Dravidian ideology and the DMK is evident in his recent actions. He extended congratulations to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and its leader Chandra Babu Naidu, along with the Jana Sena Party and its leader Pawan Kalyan, for their significant victory in Andhra Pradesh.

Despite the impending oath-taking ceremony of Naidu as Chief Minister on 12 June 2024, Vijay extended his felicitations. Additionally, he congratulated the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi party and the Naam Tamilar Party for their recognition as state parties in Tamil Nadu. Although indirectly, he also acknowledged the success of the DMK alliance in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Notably absent from his remarks was any mention of the BJP’s victory at the central level, where a meeting has been convened, and the NDA alliance has unanimously chosen PM Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India for a record third time, with the oath-taking ceremony scheduled for 9 June 2024.

Congratulations to Shri @ncbn garu and @JaiTDP for the decisive victory in the assembly elections to lead #AndhraPradesh

Wishing the people of AP great progress under your visionary leadership.

Vijay,
President,
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam

— TVK Vijay (@TVKVijayHQ) June 4, 2024

Congratulations to @PawanKalyan garu on your formidable victory & for the emergence of @JanaSenaParty as 2nd largest in the assembly elections. Your endurance & dedication to serve the people of AP has been commendable. Best wishes.

Vijay,
President,
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam

— TVK Vijay (@TVKVijayHQ) June 4, 2024

மேலும் தமிழ்நாடு மற்றும் புதுச்சேரியில் இருந்து உறுப்பினர்களாகத் தேர்ந்தெடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ள அனைவருக்கும் தங்கள் பணி சிறக்க வாழ்த்துகள்.

— TVK Vijay (@TVKVijayHQ) June 7, 2024

Looking back at how Vijay exposed his alignment with the Dravidian ideology, it is noteworthy that on the auspicious occasion of Tamizh Puthandu (Tamil New Year) on 14 April 2024, amidst the festive spirit engulfing Tamil Nadu, Vijay stirred controversy by refraining from extending wishes to the people for the Tamil New Year. Instead, Vijay took to social media to share greetings for Ambedkar Jayanti, which coincidentally falls on the same day. This is the same strategy employed by the DMK on the auspicious occasion of Hindu celebrations and festivals such as Vinayagar Chaturthi, Saraswathi Pooja, and other festive occasions. 

#Ambedkar#அம்பேத்கர் pic.twitter.com/T0Ux934OZQ

— TVK Vijay (@TVKVijayHQ) April 14, 2024

As expected, aligning with the stance of Dravidian parties, Vijay (very ignorantly) expressed opposition to the notification of CAA. His press release read, “Any law like the Indian Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 (CAA) is not acceptable in an environment where all the people of the country are living in social harmony. The rulers should give an assurance that they will not implement this law in Tamil Nadu.”

#CitizenshipAmendmentAct pic.twitter.com/4iO2VqQnv4

— TVK Vijay (@TVKVijayHQ) March 11, 2024

 Based on these observations, it can be inferred that part-time politician and full-time actor Vijay is yet another emerging foster project by the DMK and embodies the principles of Dravidian ideology in Tamil Nadu.

Satheesh is a freelance writer.

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The post Actor Vijay Finally Wishes PM Modi For Becoming PM, Is TVK A DMK Proxy? appeared first on The Commune.

On the one hand, there’s a palpable intensity surrounding the upcoming elections, with parties vehemently criticizing each other and residents expressing their discontent by questioning incumbent politicians. However, on the other hand, the Lok Sabha 2024 elections offer some lighter moments.

1. The curious case of six candidates named ‘O Paneerselvam’ vying for the Ramanathapuram constituency.
2. The Tamil Nadu Alcohol Drinkers Awareness Association proposing an alternative to the problems of water scarcity and road accidents.
3. A contender vying for victory in the Tirupur constituency pledges freebies that, if he is elected, men will receive free bikes, women will receive complimentary cellphones, and there will be strict no regulation on the sale of liquor in the region.
4. Dancing rose in this scorching summer season.
5. Lastly, the Indian Lovers Party, contesting in the South Chennai constituency, advocates for the protection of lovers who frequent beaches.

OPS Vs OPS Vs OPS Vs OPS Vs OPS Vs OPS

Intriguingly, the Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha constituency in Tamil Nadu is currently witnessing a captivating electoral phenomenon as five candidates share the name O Panneerselvam (OPS). Have you seen what kind of test they have given to the former Tamil Nadu chief minister who will also be contesting as an independent candidate? This electoral showdown holds immense importance as it signifies his first participation in the Lok Sabha elections. It’s a high-stakes struggle, akin to a battle for survival. Intuition tells us that this contest involves two Dravidian parties that have stirred calm waters into turbulence.

With his political stature at stake, OPS cannot afford to lose ground to other Panneerselvams vying for the same constituency. Even though the relief provided by the election machinery’s system to assist voters in distinguishing between candidates via photographs and individual symbols allocated to each contender, there remains a glaring test for OPS’s stature. Highlighting the stark reality of the situation, one is reminded of Prabhu’s dialogue, “Enna koduma Saravanan sir idhu!!”

#JUSTIN || ஓ.பி.எஸ் என்ற பெயரில் 5ஆவது நபர் வேட்புமனு| #Ramanadhapuram | #OPS | #BJP | #OPanneerselvam | #ParliamentElection2024 | #Election2024 | #BJP | #TNElection | #Nomination | #ElectionUpdates | #TamilNadu | #PolimerNews pic.twitter.com/KaNiturBuK

— Polimer News (@polimernews) March 26, 2024

I made a collage – 6 Paneerselvams are contesting as independents from #Ramanathapuram #TamilNadu in the #LokSabhaElection2024

There's more Paneer(Selvam) in this one constituency, than one can find in a restaurant gravy! #BJP #NDA #AIADMK #DMK #india #politics pic.twitter.com/JTEMXpo8MB

— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 28, 2024

Tamil Nadu Alcohol Drinkers Awareness Association

Arumugam, introduced as the Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Alcohol Drinkers Awareness Association, alongside Chellapandian, the association’s president, addressed reporters. Arumugam, contesting for the first time in the Sriperumbudur parliamentary constituency, outlined his electoral promises seriously. He shocked everyone by emphasizing to identify and prioritize government job opportunities for young widows. However, his kindness wasn’t universal; rather, it was directed specifically towards widows abandoned by alcoholics.

Arumugam passionately advocated for a nationwide restriction on liquor production, proposing that it should exclusively utilize seawater throughout India. Do you know why? It’s because his party aims to preserve fresh water for agricultural purposes and also suggested installing Syntex tank water systems for drinking purposes in all TASMAC outlets exclusively for citizens who consume liquor. Furthermore, he criticized the unfulfilled promises of both major Dravidian parties, especially targeting DMK MP Kanimozhi for her failure to follow through on commitments regarding the closure of liquor shops.

An intriguing aspect of Arumugam’s stance is his commitment to providing life insurance coverage for those affected by alcohol-related tragedies and his proposal for separate vehicle number plates for alcoholics. He questions the fairness of the government’s neglect of alcoholics while establishing TASMAC outlets, which leads to alcoholics driving to taste alcohol using their own vehicles, only to be labeled as drunkards and fined by the police, further exacerbating their situation.

Arumugam also exhibited a deep attachment to the Tamil language, suggesting the use of Tamil names for all alcohol brands and bottles. In contrast to those Dravidianists who politicize every issue, he advocates for a cultural approach that respects and celebrates Tamil heritage.

He also identified the dominant players in the Tamil Nadu political landscape as the “Bar/Bottle alliance” groups represented by the Bakthi alliance BJP and the “Rational” alliance Dravidar Kazhagam. One can’t help but wonder in Telugu, “Arey! enti ra idhi?”

Freebie Man Who Puts In A Lot Of Thought

He introduced himself as Sheikh Dawood, stating that he has pursued education up to the BA level. He declared his candidacy for the tenth time in the Tirupur parliamentary constituency. He expressed his commitment to empowering families, asserting that if elected as an MP, he would provide electric scooters worth ₹1,56,000 free of charge to the heads of households, showcasing his dedication to promoting e-vehicles for a progressive Bharat. Additionally, he pledged to offer cellphones valued at ₹30,000 to women heading households. Criticizing the current government’s assistance to women as insufficient, he promised to increase their monthly allowance from ₹1000 to ₹10,000. He further announced a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 for college students, regardless of their economic background or language of instruction.

Dawood also criticized the DMK government’s policy of providing free bus passes exclusively to women, vowing to extend the benefit to men as well. Additionally, he addressed the issue of unemployment by pledging to ensure a government job for each household. When asked about the prevalent issue of alcohol consumption in the country, Dawood commented, “Everyone enjoys drinking, I cannot abolish liquor as it is their democratic right.” What an admirable man he is, showing respect to all, dedicated to upholding the rights of every citizen, with a particular commitment to Article 15.

நான் எம்.பி ஆனா.. 'ஆண்களுக்கு பைக் ஃபிரீ.. பெண்களுக்கு செல் ஃபோன் ஃபிரீ..' மதுவுக்கு தடையே கிடையாது.. விசித்திர வேட்பாளரின் வியக்கவைக்கும் வாக்குறுதிகள் !#Tiruppur | #LokSabhaElection2024 | #MP | #Candidate | #TNPolitics | #INDIAvsNDA | #PolimerNews pic.twitter.com/qphNsKEhBw

— Polimer News (@polimernews) March 23, 2024

Master Of Karate Kids

To file his nomination, Karate master Rangasamy arrived throwing his Karate punches here and there in the air. Like Samantha’s dialogue, ‘Your feet are not on the ground, stand first and then speak’, This Karate Master’s feet were never on the ground.

Later, addressing the reporters, he stated, “I’ve dedicated thirty years of my life to teaching karate, eleven of which have been in a government school.” and mentioned, ‘I have a passion for helping children and students in whatever way I can.'” He concluded by promising, “This is not the end; I will contest in the MLA election of 2026 as well.”

Dancing Rose Of Dindigul

Another independent candidate arrived clad in a red shirt and blue jeans to seek nomination for the 2024 Lok Sabha election. What set him apart was his unique approach throughout the nomination process: he danced to the tune of the song “Everyone is a thief” from the movie “Sigappu Manidhan.” His endurance under this scorching summer sun made the police and commoners wonder akin to Vadivelu’s dialogue “Panguni heat is baring its teeth, how can only you be so cheerful?”

"எல்லாருமே திருடங்க தான்".. பாடலை ஒலிக்கச் செய்தபடி நடனம் ஆடிக்கொண்டே வந்து வேட்புமனுத்தாக்கல் செய்த சுயேட்சை வேட்பாளர்..#Dindigul | #IndependentCandidate | #Election2024 pic.twitter.com/a4iFuJuXWT

— Polimer News (@polimernews) March 27, 2024

Indian Lovers Party

Finally, a candidate with insight – Kumar SriSai, is contesting from the Chennai South parliamentary constituency. He represents the “Indian Lovers Party.” Can you hear the background music of Gautham Vasudev Menon? Yes, that’s the vibe. To our surprise, he has contested three times from the same constituency. Shame on us for not voting for him earlier.

He promises something worthy. His focus is to protect lovers. According to him, only by contesting and winning elections, he can safeguard the rights of lovers. He emphasizes that there’s currently no support for lovers; they suffer without having anyone to listen to them. He believes that with a party like his, lovers will have the strength of knowing someone is there for them, ready to speak up and face problems on their behalf.

When reporters asked him about the issues faced by lovers in society, Kumar SriSai promptly replied that there’s a lack of protection for them. Wherever they go, they feel scrutinized. Even at beaches, they don’t feel safe. He argues that with a party backing them, there would be no disturbance.

As he was expressing his thoughts to the camera, someone called out to him, and he promptly vanished into thin air, yet his thoughts and words fill the void.

ஹே ஹே பிரபு… பீச்சுக்கு போற லவ்வர்ஸ்-க்கு பாதுகாப்பே இல்லையாம்.. அதனால தேர்தலில் போட்டியாம்.. ”யாரு சாமி இவரு”.. கட்சி பெயர் அகில இந்திய காதலர் கட்சியாம்…..#Chennai | #Lovers | #Election | #Nomination pic.twitter.com/wDqM4J1ONQ

— Polimer News (@polimernews) March 27, 2024

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The post From Welfare Of Alcoholics To Welfare Of Lovers: Some Moments Of Fun & Frolic In 2024 Lok Sabha Elections In Tamil Nadu appeared first on The Commune.

As the Lok Sabha elections draw near, political parties are gearing up, with established ones already announcing their alliances and gradually revealing their lists of candidates for various constituencies.

Discussing the distinct political landscape of Tamil Nadu, one cannot overlook the intriguing winds of change blowing through the state. These winds carry not only the fervor of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024 but also harbor aspirations for the 2026 state legislative assemblies. In the realm of Tamil Nadu’s political discourse, a common refrain among the populace often echoes the need for a third alternative apart from the entrenched Dravidian parties.

Let’s ramp up our understanding by identifying who the key contenders are in the field.

Actors Turning Into Politicians

Following the passing of prominent political figures like J Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi, many individuals have sought to fill the void, actors such as Kamal Haasan launched his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), Rajinikanth for a period of time flirted with the idea of entering politics before retracting his decision, and in February 2024 actor Vijay launched his political venture under the banner of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

Vijay’s political inclination has been a subject of conjecture, with questions arising about whether he will tread the traditional Dravidian path or carve a new ideological trajectory for himself. His stance on issues such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) are similar to the existing Dravidian parties, leaving observers pondering the true essence of his political agenda. Unlike Kamal Haasan, whose party appeared to be targeting Rajinikanth’s potential voter base for fragmentation, the MNM joined hands with the DMK in this election after the agenda concluded, reminiscent of a flock of birds returning to their mother and secured one Rajya Sabha seat. But the motivations behind Vijay’s political aspirations remain uncertain. Hope lingers that Vijay, with his insightful and logical approach, will chart a distinct course in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, diverging from the familiar paths trodden by other actors turned politicians.

Old Wine Dravidian Parties

Firstly, we have the two well-established Dravidian parties: the DMK and AIADMK. Adding an intriguing twist, the DMK has solidified its stance, prepared to enter the elections with its coalition, the I.N.D.I alliance. This alliance comprises parties such as the Congress, both factions of the Communists (CPI & M), VCK, Muslim League, and KMDK. They are set to contest under the DMK’s rising sun symbol. On the flip side, the AIADMK finds itself in a precarious position after ending its alliance with the BJP, which stood shoulder to shoulder with for four years. Unable to align with its former ally, the AIADMK is currently seeking alliances, confirmed only with the DMDK, SDPI, Puthiya Tamizhagam, and Puratchi Bharatham parties. The challenge faced by AIADMK in solidifying its party was more significant than discussions about forming alliances. Only recently the party actively demonstrating their presence realizing the upcoming elections.

Sole Contender In The North – The BJP

In the northern part of India, the BJP has solidified its position with sure-shot resounding victory for the third consecutive time, and setting the stage for the upcoming 2029 elections. Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, the presence of the BJP has surged notably ever since former IPS officer K Annamalai assumed the role of party president. His distinct approach to critique, coupled with his articulate communication of ideas, has captured significant attention among the youth and political circles in the state.

Recently, Annamalai has risen as a significant figure in the political landscape of Tamil Nadu, particularly the news media went behind him for clarity content. His “En Mann En Makkal” padayatra has traversed through all constituencies creating impact, serving as a platform to elucidate his party BJP’s stance. He emphasizes development-oriented politics and takes a firm stance against prevalent social issues such as corruption, nepotism, and drug abuse. The parties’ commendable strategy initiative, exposing DMK through the “DMK Files” series of corruption related audio recordings, revealing incriminating evidence. Additionally, a former DMK functionary, Jaffer Sadiq, was implicated in a drug scandal following a police bust , has garnered considerable attention. This well-crafted narrative has effectively shifted the focus from ‘Anti-BJP’ to ‘Anti-DMK,’ providing the DMK with a taste of its own medicine. This strategy seems to be resonating more effectively with the public sentiment on the ground.

Following the 2021 state assembly elections, where the DMK emerged victorious, the BJP strategically positioned Annamalai as the youthful face and party president for Tamil Nadu. Since then, Annamalai and the BJP have demonstrated their effectiveness as the primary opposition force against the Dravidian parties. This was evidenced by the smooth alliance formed between the TN BJP and various other parties, including the Tamil Manila Congress led by GK Vasan, AMMK led by TTV Dinakaran, New Justice Party led by AC Shanmugam, IJK led by Ravi Pachamuthu, Kamaraj People’s Party led by Tamilaruvi Manian and finally AISMK led by Sarath Kumar has merged his party with the BJP. Additionally, AISMK, headed by Sarath Kumar, has united with the BJP. Furthermore, there’s an expectation that PMK, led by Ramadoss, will soon join the coalition, although it’s important to note that the alliance isn’t yet sealed, still changes are to be expected.

Will Annamalai’s BJP Breach The Dravidian Wall?

The answer to this is yes, BJP in Tamil Nadu  is confirming the narrative set is destroying slowly in the state, has experienced a substantial surge in its electoral support according to recent opinion polls. These polls have indicated a dominant presence for the BJP in the state, with varying percentages reported by different agencies:

• Chanakya – 22%
• Times Now – 20.4%
• India Today – 15.3%
• Prashant Kishor – potentially up to 15%
• Puthiya Thalaimurai – 18.5%
• India TV CNX – projecting 5 seats
• Thanthi TV – 13%
• ABP – 11%
• Times Now ETG – 19%
• CNN News 18 – 13% with 5 seats

It’s important to note that alliances have not been finalized yet. It’s worth remembering that the BJP in Tamil Nadu only held a 3.5% share of the vote in 2019.

Updated List:

TN BJP in opinion polls Till Now:

Chanakya – 22%
Times Now – 20.4 %
India Today – 15.3 %
Prashant Kishor – up to 15%
Puthiya Thalaimurai – 18.5%
India TV CNX – 5 Seats
Thanthi TV – 13%
ABP – 10%
Times Now ETG – 19% and 2-6 seats
CNN News 18 – 13% and 5 seats…

— Indhavaainko (இந்தாவாய்ங்கோ) (@indhavaainko) March 13, 2024

4 June 2024 – the day of counting/results which is also incidentally Annamalai’s birthday will tell us whether Annamalai’s efforts did indeed help the BJP to breach the Dravidian wall.

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The post Will Annamalai’s BJP Breach The Dravidian Wall? Exploring The Political Situation In Tamil Nadu appeared first on The Commune.

“Bastar: The Naxal Story” is an upcoming Hindi-language film scheduled for theatrical release on 15 March 2024. The film is written and directed by Sudipto Sen, and production is by Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s Sunshine Pictures. Since the announcement in June 2023, the film’s title and description have stirred significant interest on social media. However, there has been commotion from some quarters, who find it unsettling.

Of course, we’re familiar with that as the movie delves into the Naxalite–Maoist insurgency in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, and with Sudipto Sen, known for his previous work on “Kerala Story,” which shed light on realities in Kerala, helms this project, who will not be frightened?

Not only has the director’s meticulous scene crafting elevated the impact to the next level, but the cast, including all actors, especially the main stars who returned for a second run with him, has also done justice to the film. The leads, Adah Sharma, Indira Tiwari, Vijay Krishna, Shilpa Shukla, Yashpal Sharma, Subrat Dutta, and Raima Sen, have done justice to the film.

The movie depicts the collaborative anti-Naxal operation involving the CRPF, Chattisgarh Police, and Salwa Judum, a state-backed civilian anti-Naxal movement between 2009 and 2013 in Chhattisgarh, as well as the Supreme Court proceedings initiated by urban Naxal Nalini Sundar to outlaw Salwa Judum and the Special Police Officer.

The plot centres around the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, serving as the headquarters of Communist Maoism. It intertwines three intriguing plotlines:

• A police officer striving to restore peace to the region.
• The aspirations of the Naxal-dominated tribal community for a tranquil life.
• The ideological struggle of leftist supporters striving to sustain Maoism and Naxalism in Bastar.

Each unique plot is interconnected like a triquetra, captivating the audience and leaving them in anticipation of what unfolds next.

The film not only presents plots but also incorporates numerous references. For instance, it delves into the concept of the Red Corridor, which sheds light on communist ideologists’ exploitation of Dalit youths in the guise of Ambedkar’s ideals to incite armed rebellion against India and portrays the true nature of the communist utopia.

It all begins with a tribal family striving for a peaceful life for their children, hoping for a better future. However, their aspirations are shattered ruthlessly. As the story unfolds, it peels away layers like an onion, revealing the political parties orchestrating the chaos and their strategies to maintain power. It also sketches how they manipulate universities, NGOs, and media outlets to shape narratives and garner support, exploiting legal loopholes along the way.

Showcases in the heart of independent India, raising the national flag is not just forbidden but punishable by death according to Maoist law in Bastar. These Maoists have wreaked havoc for decades, claiming countless lives and causing immense damage to national assets in their pursuit of communist ideals. Set in 2010, referencing institutions like INU and characters like Vanya Roy, the movie leaves audiences guessing until the end.

After “Uri: The Surgical Strike,” Bollywood’s courageous endeavour to depict the reality of Naxal-affected regions and expose the truth without distortion is praiseworthy. Every proud Indian should watch the movie in theatres to truly experience it pulsating through their veins.

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The post Bastar: The Naxal Story Elucidates How The Region Battled The Maoist Menace appeared first on The Commune.