The Commune – The Commune https://thecommunemag.com Mainstreaming Alternate Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:13:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://thecommunemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/cropped-TC_SF-1-32x32.jpg The Commune – The Commune https://thecommunemag.com 32 32 How DMK Has Been Catering To Its Muslim Votebank https://thecommunemag.com/how-dmk-has-been-catering-to-its-muslim-votebank/ Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:13:37 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=129682 With the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections drawing near, the DMK appears to be reviving its well-worn strategy of minority appeasement. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin recently declared that the DMK has always stood by the Muslim community and will continue to protect their political rights. “If Muslims face trouble, the first political outfit that comes […]

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With the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections drawing near, the DMK appears to be reviving its well-worn strategy of minority appeasement. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin recently declared that the DMK has always stood by the Muslim community and will continue to protect their political rights. “If Muslims face trouble, the first political outfit that comes to your support is the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam,” he stated clearly positioning himself and his party as the political guardian of Tamil Nadu’s Muslim population.

The DMK’s efforts to consolidate minority votes are not new. The party has often been accused of going to great lengths, including rebranding or downplaying serious charges against individuals from Muslim communities, to maintain electoral support. As election season heats up, a fresh series of government decisions has once again brought these allegations to the forefront.

Special Privileges For Muslims And Islamic Education

1. Overseas Education Scholarship Exclusively For Muslim Students

On 4 September 2025, the DMK government issued a Government Order allocating ₹3.60 crore for a scholarship program targeting only Muslim students pursuing higher studies abroad.

Each beneficiary will receive up to ₹36 lakh, with a cap of 10 students per year. While this was introduced as a welfare measure, critics view the timing and exclusivity as an attempt to secure votes under the guise of educational support.

2. Urdu Promotion And Exemption from Learning Tamil

The DMK, which has long resisted the imposition of Hindi, seems to apply a different standard when it comes to Urdu. In 2015, during the Namakku Naame campaign, M.K. Stalin promised that if the DMK came to power, they would make Urdu compulsory in schools. Then, in 2019, Urdu linguistic minority students requested the state government to grant them an exemption from learning Tamil as a compulsory language. Members of the Urdu Protection Committee Tamil Nadu Trust, from Vaniyambadi, met with Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and submitted a memorandum, asking for the reinstatement of a rule that was in place until 2006. This rule allowed Urdu-speaking students to be exempt from learning Tamil and instead study their mother tongue, Urdu, from Class I to X.

In 2023, the state’s Education Minister Anbil Mahesh, proposed exempting Urdu-speaking students from learning Tamil, sparking widespread backlash. The DMK had earlier supported similar demands in 2019.

While the Supreme Court later ruled that students from linguistic minorities can learn their mother tongue as an optional subject, critics saw the DMK’s stand as another case of selective accommodation.

3. Tamil Nadu State Urdu Academy

the same DMK government that has long opposed Hindi and other languages, established the Tamil Nadu State Urdu Academy (TNUA) in 2000 under the leadership of Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. The objective of the Academy is to promote Urdu language and literature in Tamil Nadu, as well as to encourage Urdu scholars, poets, and students.

Since its inception, the Tamil Nadu State Urdu Academy has organized events in collaboration with the University of Madras (Department of Urdu, Arabic, and Persian) to support Urdu students, scholars, and poets. The Academy has awarded certificates, prizes, and accolades to Urdu language enthusiasts and has hosted numerous seminars and functions. In addition, the Academy has organized several Urdu Mushaires (Urdu debates and poetry sessions) in celebration of national holidays like Republic Day and Independence Day. During these events, prominent Urdu poets and scholars have been invited to perform and receive recognition for their contributions. Furthermore, the Tamil Nadu State Urdu Academy has successfully facilitated the translation of 11th and 12th-grade textbooks from English into Urdu.

4. Targeting Hindu Practices In School Textbooks

Immediately coming to power, the DMK pushed a nasty anti-Hindu bias and vicious state indoctrination of children of textbooks prepared and published by the Tamil Nadu government with 5th-grade Social Science book described traditional Hindu customs such as idol immersion, bursting crackers, and breaking pumpkins as environmentally or socially harmful practices.

In the chapter named Good Citizen, there is a box item on page 162 which says ‘breaking of white pumpkin’, ‘burning old objects’, ‘submerging idols in waterbodies’, and ‘bursting crackers’ are against the rules and values.

In Tamil Nadu, a pumpkin filled with turmeric, vermillion and few coins is broken on special occasions especially on Ayudha Pooja day during Navratri. It is also done when Hindus buy a new vehicle.

Old objects are burnt on Bhogi, a day before Pongal, the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu. Vinayagar idols are submerged in waterbodies during Vinayaka Chathurthi and crackers are burst during Deebavali.

By calling these as against ‘rules’ and ‘values’, the Tamil Nadu government seems to be insinuating hatred among children towards the Hindu faith and culture.

On the other hand, there is a pictorial representation in the same page which shows a burqa clad woman tending to a boy child and doing household chores. The boy child can also be seen wearing a skull cap. The text against the image shown is about what good hygiene and behaviour is.

Many on social media have questioned this blatant Hindumisia and minority appeasement. Some pointed out that even if one were to consider it from the perspective of environmental protection, it is outrageous to selectively target one particular religious community leaving out acts like public slaughter of animals, loud speakers that blares every day, cutting of trees, etc.

5. Including Prophet Muhammad’s Teachings, But Protest Against Including Hindu Texts

At a public event commemorating Prophet Muhammad’s 1500th birth anniversary in 21 September 2025, Stalin praised the Prophet as a universal thinker who preached love, peace, and equality. He stated that his teachings were already included in the school syllabus a claim made in response to a demand by SDPI leader Nellai Mubarak.

Back in 2019, when decision was taken to include philosophy and Bhagavad Gita in its syllabus for Anna University engineering students, the MK Stalin had opposed the move and the DMK even conducted protests. “We will continue to protest until the university removes Bhagavad Gita from the syllabus. It is not a need for an engineering student,” Ezhilarasan who is now DMK MLA said.

Providing Special Privileges

6. Special Work Timing During Ramadan For Muslim Staff

In a controversial move, the Greater Chennai Corporation allowed Muslim employees to leave one hour early during the month of Ramadan from 2 March to 31 March 2025. The circular justified this by citing the need to facilitate religious observances.

On 26 February 2025, the Greater Chennai Corporation issued a circular stating, “To enable Muslim officials working in the Greater Chennai Corporation who observe fasting during Ramadan to perform the fasting related rituals, they are allowed to leave the office one hour earlier than regular office hours in the evening, instead of taking the lunch break, for a period of 30 days from 2 March 2025, to 31 March 2025.”

However, this has drawn sharp criticism from many quarters, who argue that similar religious accommodations are not made for Hindus during festivals such as Navaratri or Diwali, exposing a clear double standard in secular governance.

7. Construction Of A Second Haj House In Chennai

On 4 March 2025, the DMK government has allocated ₹65 crore to build a new Haj House in Nanganallur, despite an existing one already operating in Nungambakkam. This has raised questions about redundancy and the political motives behind the project.

Residents of the predominantly Hindu area have also expressed concerns about law and order, particularly given the area’s proximity to the airport, with some speculating about potential misuse related to smuggling activities. Critics have pointed out the stark contrast between this lavish spending and the neglected condition of many temples across the state.

8. Longstanding Policy Support For Muslims

Stalin has repeatedly emphasized the DMK’s role in granting internal reservations for Muslims, establishing the Urdu Academy, forming the Minority Welfare Board, and creating public holidays like Milad-un-Nabi. He also criticized political rivals for not standing by the Muslim community during controversies surrounding the CAA and triple talaq.

9. Proposal To Extend Quotas To Converts

In February 2024, CM Stalin announced in the Assembly that the government was open to extending reservations benefits to BCs and MBCs who had converted to Islam. This followed a similar DMK-backed 2023 resolution seeking constitutional amendments to allow quota benefits for Scheduled Castes who convert to Christianity. Critics cite a 2022 Madras High Court ruling which clearly stated that such benefits cannot be retained after religious conversion.

Opposing Laws

10. Opposition To Waqf Act Amendments

DMK leaders, including Kanimozhi and Dayanidhi Maran, voiced strong opposition to the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, which they claimed would dilute Muslim autonomy. Kanimozhi’s remarks in Parliament included accusations about an alleged conspiracy to target mosques by declaring them historical sites a claim that drew a sharp rebuke for spreading misinformation.

Thoothukkudi DMK MP Kanimozhi disapproved of the bill, stating, “(The bill) is against the constitution, against federalism, against religious minority, and against human beings. It shuns justice in every possible way, this bill violates article 25 and 26 of the constitution which says, ‘we have right to follow a religion and have rights to manage religious affairs’. The bill allows non-Muslims to be a part of Waqf Board.” She then questioned, “Will it be possible for a Muslim or a Christian to be a part of a board which manages a Hindu temple, would you allow that?”

Kanimozhi also argued that the bill infringes upon Article 30 of the constitution, said, “It is a direct violation of Article 30 which deals with minorities to administer their institutions. This bill targets a particular religious group.”

Feeling emboldened by the lack of criticism following her speech, Kanimozhi began spreading falsehoods and was met with a stern rebuke in Parliament. Kanimozhi claimed, “We know already that many old mosques are in danger today. Suddenly, there is a PIL (filed). The people and archaeologists are sent there, and they discover that there was a temple before this. Then there is hate and division, followed by these issues (arise) among the people of the country.”

Her conspiracy theory in opposition of the Waqf Bill was swiftly rejected by members of the house, who were keen to prevent her from spreading further misinformation under the guise of appeasing Muslims.

Similarly, DMK MP from Central Chennai, Dayanidhi Maran, said, “I don’t understand why they are continuously trying to irritate the Muslim community, trying to dominate them, trying to show that they are superior. This exercise looks like a land-grabbing exercise. Basically, this Government has not done anything good for the people but is trying to take revenge on the minorities.”

11. Opposing CAA-NRC

has been one of the most vocal opponents of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, calling it unconstitutional and discriminatory towards Muslims. Under his leadership, the DMK organized statewide protests and even passed a resolution in the Tamil Nadu Assembly demanding the repeal of the CAA and NRC.

Sympathizing With Terrorists

12. Downplaying Of Terror Incidents & Release Of 1998 Coimbatore Blast Convicts

Following the Coimbatore car bomb blast incident, DMK leaders initially described it as a gas cylinder explosion. While even the Jamaat acknowledged it as an act of terror, DMK figures, including Mylapore MLA Velu and IT Wing member Isai, attempted to trivialize or politicize the incident, hinting it was orchestrated by the BJP for political mileage.

Mylai DMK MLA Velu downplayed the explosion in his post responding to Annamalai, said, ”Why these needless words. Those who incited the crime should be punished first, rather than the perpetrators. Entire Tamil Nadu knows who is the reason for this (alleged “cylinder blast”). Go to the butcher shop and put your head in there. Tamil Nadu will be peaceful.”

Similar to him, Isai, the State Deputy Secretary of DMK IT Wing, had shared a clip from Tamil movie Kadhalan in which the antagonist discusses with another man about creating a law and order situation through bomb blasts in order to topple the government.

This clip was shared by the DMK IT Wing leader suggesting that the Coimbatore blasts was a handiwork of the BJP. The tweet by Isai was retweeted by Mannargudi DMK MLA and the party’s IT Wing head TRB Rajaa.

Similar to the incident, the DMK government released three convicts involved in the 1998 Coimbatore blasts, shortly before the attack’s anniversary. The decision was perceived as another gesture aimed at appeasement rather than justice.

13. Permitting A Lavish Funeral For Al Umma Terrorist SA Basha

Thousands of Muslims, including Islamist Mobs, gathered in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu for the funeral of the 84-year-old Syed Abdul Basha, the mastermind of the Coimbatore bomb blasts of 1998, at his funeral after he died on 16 December 2024. 

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]]> Rowling Responds Sharply To Emma Watson’s Comments On Trans Rights, Rekindling Longstanding Rift https://thecommunemag.com/rowling-responds-sharply-to-emma-watsons-comments-on-trans-rights-rekindling-longstanding-rift/ Wed, 01 Oct 2025 04:20:36 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=130322 Author J.K. Rowling has delivered a sharp rebuttal to Emma Watson following the actor’s recent remarks about their differing views on transgender rights. Watson, who portrayed Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, expressed her support for trans rights in a recent podcast while also acknowledging her respect for Rowling prompting the author to respond […]

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Author J.K. Rowling has delivered a sharp rebuttal to Emma Watson following the actor’s recent remarks about their differing views on transgender rights. Watson, who portrayed Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, expressed her support for trans rights in a recent podcast while also acknowledging her respect for Rowling prompting the author to respond via a lengthy post on social media platform X.

In her post, Rowling described Watson as being “ignorant of how ignorant she is.” The author, who has long drawn criticism for her views on gender and identity, accused the actress of exacerbating tensions during a period when Rowling was facing serious personal threats.

Critiquing Watson’s understanding of the issue, Rowling wrote, “Like other people who’ve never experienced adult life uncushioned by wealth and fame, Emma has so little experience of real life she’s ignorant of how ignorant she is.”

She continued, “I’m not owed eternal agreement from any actor who once played a character I created. The idea is as ludicrous as me checking with the boss I had when I was twenty-one for what opinions I should hold these days.” Rowling also mentioned her long history with Watson, admitting it had once been difficult to let go of her protective feelings toward the actress she had known since childhood.

Reflecting on a pivotal moment, Rowling pointed to the 2022 BAFTA Awards, during which Watson made a public statement supporting the trans community. Rowling recalled, “Until quite recently, I hadn’t managed to throw off the memory of children who needed to be gently coaxed through their dialogue in a big scary film studio.” She noted that Watson later sent her a message saying, “I’m so sorry for what you’re going through,” which Rowling found more hurtful than the speech itself.

The author described the period as one marked by “death, rape and torture threats” that had forced her to tighten security for herself and her family. She expressed disappointment in Watson, stating, “Emma had just publicly poured more petrol on the flames, yet thought a one line expression of concern from her would reassure me of her fundamental sympathy and kindness.”

Rowling also took aim at what she sees as Watson’s lack of personal exposure to the realities many women face, particularly regarding single-sex spaces. “Emma was ‘never likely to need’ to use the types of single-sex spaces she has campaigned against trans people having access to, such as changing rooms and public toilets,” Rowling wrote.

Expanding on her criticism, Rowling added, “She’ll never need a homeless shelter. She’s never going to be placed on a mixed sex public hospital ward. I’d be astounded if she’s been in a high street changing room since childhood. Her ‘public bathroom’ is single occupancy and comes with a security man standing guard outside the door. Has she had to strip off in a newly mixed-sex changing room at a council-run swimming pool? Is she ever likely to need a state-run rape crisis centre that refuses to guarantee an all-female service? To find herself sharing a prison cell with a male rapist who’s identified into the women’s prison?”

Rowling contrasted her own early life with Watson’s privileged upbringing, asserting, “I wasn’t a multimillionaire at fourteen. I lived in poverty while writing the book that made Emma famous,” and emphasized her belief that Watson’s stance on trans issues shows a disconnect from the lived experiences of vulnerable women. “I therefore understand from my own life experience what the trashing of women’s rights in which Emma has so enthusiastically participated means to women and girls without her privileges.”

During her podcast appearance, Watson shared her thoughts on navigating ideological differences. “It’s my deepest wish that I hope people who don’t agree with my opinion will love me, and I hope I can keep loving people who I don’t necessarily share the same opinion with.” She reaffirmed her support for trans rights, saying, “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are.”

Rowling, responding to Watson’s recent tone, claimed it seemed calculated. “A change of tack I suspect she’s adopted because she’s noticed full-throated condemnation of me is no longer quite as fashionable as it was.”

She added, “Adults can’t expect to cosy up to an activist movement that regularly calls for a friend’s assassination, then assert their right to the former friend’s love, as though the friend was in fact their mother. Emma is rightly free to disagree with me and indeed to discuss her feelings about me in public but I have the same right, and I’ve finally decided to exercise it.”

Despite their differences, Watson spoke warmly of Rowling during the interview. “There’s just no world in which I could ever cancel her out, or cancel that out, for anything,” she said, adding, “It has to remain true. It is true.” She concluded with a message of hope: “I just don’t know what else to do other than hold these two seemingly incompatible things together at the same time and just hope maybe they will one day resolve or co-join themselves, and maybe accept that they never will, but that they can both still be true.”

Both Watson and fellow Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe have previously taken public stances contrary to Rowling’s views on gender identity, which have drawn both criticism and support. Rowling has consistently rejected claims of transphobia, stating that her concerns lie with the protection of women’s rights particularly in single-sex spaces.

(With Inputs From India Today)

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]]> Karur TVK Stampede: Eyewitness Says Knife-Wielding “Outsiders” Infiltrated Vijay’s Rally, Caused Stampede https://thecommunemag.com/eyewitness-alleges-to-nda-panel-knife-wielding-outsiders-infiltrated-vijays-rally-caused-stampede/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:49:18 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=130310 Disturbing eyewitness accounts related to the Karur stampede incident have emerged, with claims that unidentified individuals infiltrated the rally and that some miscreants allegedly used knives to injure attendees. These shocking revelations were presented to an eight-member National Democratic Alliance (NDA) parliamentary committee, constituted by BJP National President JP Nadda and headed by BJP MP […]

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Disturbing eyewitness accounts related to the Karur stampede incident have emerged, with claims that unidentified individuals infiltrated the rally and that some miscreants allegedly used knives to injure attendees. These shocking revelations were presented to an eight-member National Democratic Alliance (NDA) parliamentary committee, constituted by BJP National President JP Nadda and headed by BJP MP Hema Malini.

On 30 September 2025, BJP Tamil Nadu President Nainar Nagendran, accompanied by senior leaders including K. Annamalai, met with the NDA panel to present their findings and testimonies related to the tragic incident.

During the meeting, Annamalai introduced a female eyewitness who had been present at the rally and gave a harrowing account of the chaos that unfolded.

Annamalai questioned her, asking, “How long did this issue last after Vijay came? Half an hour, one hour, 40 minutes. How long were the people in this commotion?”

The woman responded, “He spoke for only about four minutes. Before that, everyone here fainted and fell. I don’t know why they fainted. It’s because of the crammed. I don’t know why it became a crammed. But at the last entry, an ambulance came and stopped unnecessarily. The minute the ambulance stopped, there was a stampede. When the ambulance stopped there, they started to move us aside and when everyone started pushing it created a commotion.”

Further questioning by Annamalai followed: “For how long did this last? After you fell into the ditch, half an hour, one hour, how long?” The witness replied, “It would be one hour. Everyone fainted and fell, and the ambulance going away, it took one hour for all this to clear up.”

When asked, “Then when did Vijay leave?” she said, “Within four minutes, they knew there was a commotion here and started fainting. They threw about 10 bottles of water for them. Before they could get the water, the next minute he left. It’s not just that. It didn’t even take two seconds. The moment the current was cut, they moved.”

Annamalai then asked whether she felt outsiders were present among the crowd. The woman replied, “Sir, definitely there is.” She further explained, “Because we are normal people. Now there are so many of us, we are all normal. But it is clear that they were not normal. Because with a beard, a certain kind of face, they should be normal, right? They were not normal.”

She also revealed that during the chaos, some individuals wielded knives and injured people who were standing on the opposite side. Four acquaintances and friends standing on the opposite side were slashed and admitted to the Government Hospital.

The NDA committee, formed to probe the events leading up to the September 27 stampede, includes BJP MPs Anurag Thakur, Tejasvi Surya, Braj Lal, Aprajita Sarangi, Rekha Sharma, as well as Shrikant Shinde from Shiv Sena, and Putta Mahesh Kumar from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

The delegation’s objective is to conduct an on-ground investigation, speak with the victims and families of those affected, and prepare a detailed report on the causes and lapses that contributed to the tragic event.

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]]> Authorities Crack Down On Crypto-Missionary Conversion Rackets In UP’s Lucknow & Gorakhpur https://thecommunemag.com/authorities-crack-down-on-crypto-missionary-conversion-rackets-in-ups-lucknow-gorakhpur/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 11:21:14 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=130286 Uttar Pradesh has seen a noticeable increase in Christian missionary-led conversion activities, raising concerns about religious manipulation through so-called “healing” events, temporary prayer halls, and community gatherings. These programs, often operating under the guise of offering medical help, financial support, or social upliftment, primarily target economically and socially vulnerable Hindu communities. Recent cases in cities […]

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Uttar Pradesh has seen a noticeable increase in Christian missionary-led conversion activities, raising concerns about religious manipulation through so-called “healing” events, temporary prayer halls, and community gatherings.

These programs, often operating under the guise of offering medical help, financial support, or social upliftment, primarily target economically and socially vulnerable Hindu communities.

Recent cases in cities like Lucknow and Gorakhpur have shed light on the growing use of deceptive tactics by individuals who secretly converted to Christianity commonly referred to as crypto-converts and are now involved in orchestrating mass religious conversions.

Widespread Exposure of Missionary Activities Across India

Similar to earlier reports concerning Islamic missionary work, Christian conversion campaigns appear to be expanding, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions of Uttar Pradesh. The state is now home to numerous Changai Sabhas (healing prayer sessions), temporary churches, and door-to-door outreach led by newly converted Christians who often conceal their religious identity.

These events frequently make promises of healing, improved livelihoods, better job prospects, or even marriage to encourage participation and eventual conversion. However, under Uttar Pradesh’s stringent anti-conversion laws namely the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act and applicable sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) several individuals have already been arrested and charged.

Lucknow Man Arrested for Converting Over 50 Hindus

In a major case from Lucknow, a man formerly known as Malkhan, now going by the name Mathew, was arrested for allegedly converting more than 50 Hindus. According to the complaint filed by local activist Dharmendra Sharma, Mathew had converted around ten years ago and began holding bi-monthly “healing sessions” at a makeshift venue built on his farmland in Bakhtaurikheda Mehndauli village.

During these gatherings, he reportedly, sprinkled “holy water”, read from the Bible, showed videos of churches and missionary sermons via projector, made claims of curing illnesses such as arthritis, epilepsy, and respiratory conditions and discouraged devotion to Hindu deities and promoted Christianity

An FIR (No. 186/2025) was registered at Nigoha Police Station on September 28. Following the complaint, a team led by ACP Rajneesh Verma and supervised by DCP Nipun Agarwal arrested Mathew and seized Bibles and promotional content from his residence.

Authorities are now investigating the financial sources backing his activities, including a probe into the bank accounts of his family members. Police have confirmed that he also conducted baptism ceremonies, particularly focusing on Scheduled Caste families. The arresting team was rewarded ₹25,000 for their swift action.

Over 100 Villagers Attend Suspected Conversion Event in Gorakhpur

Another case surfaced in Gorakhpur on the same day. A religious gathering held at the residence of Lakshmi Yadav in Bhagaura village, Sahjanwa area, was allegedly part of a conversion campaign. The event, attended by over 100 villagers mostly women was disrupted after members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) intervened.

Saurabh Jaiswal, VHP’s district vice-president, filed a formal complaint (FIR No. 509/2025) at Sahjanwa Police Station, accusing Lakshmi and unidentified accomplices of attempting to convert attendees by claiming that prayer sessions could cure illnesses.

Lakshmi, whose husband left her years ago, stated during questioning that she began turning to prayer after struggling with kidney stones. She said a person in Bahraich had introduced her to a religious text and daily prayer practices, after which she started hosting weekly prayer sessions under the pretense of offering healing.

She and three others are currently being interrogated. Authorities have confirmed that four people were taken into custody for further investigation.

Broader Pattern Emerging Across the State

These incidents are not isolated. Reports of faith-based conversion attempts disguised as welfare or healing programs are becoming increasingly frequent in Uttar Pradesh. The enforcement of anti-conversion laws has intensified, and many are now watching to see whether the judicial system will deliver strict penalties to those found guilty.

Moreover, these developments have reignited the ongoing debate about the misuse of affirmative action and reservation benefits. Many individuals from Dalit and tribal communities who have converted to Christianity allegedly continue to claim Scheduled Caste benefits that are reserved for Hindus. This has led to growing demands for a policy reassessment, with some suggesting that caste-based benefits should be limited to those who remain within the Hindu fold.

Critics argue that such conversions, often induced through financial incentives or emotional manipulation, dilute the spirit of social justice and divert resources away from those who genuinely need them.

(With inputs from Organiser)

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]]> Rahul Gandhi Speaks To Vijay After Karur Stampede, Aadhav Arjuna Puts Anarchist Tweet Instigating Youth And Gen-Z To Hit The Streets Like In Nepal, Sri Lanka; Deletes It Later https://thecommunemag.com/rahul-gandhi-speaks-to-vijay-after-karur-stampede-aadhav-arjuna-puts-anarchist-tweet-instigating-youth-and-gen-z-to-hit-the-streets-like-in-nepal-sri-lanka/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:48:49 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=130274 Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)’s Election Management General Secretary, Aadhav Arjuna, has sparked widespread controversy after a now-deleted post on X was accused of inciting youth violence against the state in the aftermath of the Karur stampede that took place during party chief Vijay’s rally on 27 September 2025. In the original post, Arjuna reportedly stated […]

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Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)’s Election Management General Secretary, Aadhav Arjuna, has sparked widespread controversy after a now-deleted post on X was accused of inciting youth violence against the state in the aftermath of the Karur stampede that took place during party chief Vijay’s rally on 27 September 2025.

In the original post, Arjuna reportedly stated that if the police were acting as agents of the ruling elite, then a “youth revolution” would be the only way to restore justice. He referenced recent youth-led uprisings in Sri Lanka and Nepal, suggesting that a similar movement could take shape in Tamil Nadu. “Just as the youth and Gen Z in Sri Lanka and Nepal rose up against the establishment, a similar uprising will emerge here. That revolution will pave the way for regime change and bring an end to state oppression,” the post read.

His full post read, “A baton charge just for walking on the road… Arrest for posting opinion on social media… If the police force transforms into mere lackeys for the ruling class like this, the only path to redemption is a revolution led by the youth. Just as the youth and the Gen Z united in Sri Lanka and Nepal to create a revolution against the establishment, a similar youth uprising will happen here. That uprising will be the foundation for a change in government and the final curtain for state terrorism. If a ghoul reigns, the scriptures will eat the corpse!” 

Although Arjuna quickly edited the post to remove direct references to Nepal and Sri Lanka, he eventually deleted it altogether. However, screenshots of the post spread rapidly across social media platforms, triggering intense backlash and calls for legal action against him.

Critics claim that the statement was inflammatory and could potentially incite unrest, especially in a politically sensitive atmosphere following the tragic stampede that claimed 41 lives, including those of women and children.

This incident unfolded shortly after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reached out to TVK president Vijay via a phone call to express his condolences over the Karur tragedy.

Rahul Gandhi himself has faced criticism in the past for allegedly making statements that encouraging resistance against the establishment. In a post dated 18 September 2025, he wrote, “The youth of the country, the students of the country, the Gen Z of the country will save the Constitution, protect democracy, and stop vote theft. I always stand with them. Jai Hind!”

There is also widespread speculation that the Congress party is preparing to form an alliance with the TVK, reportedly offering the party 62 seats as part of the deal. The negotiations, said to be led by K.C. Venugopal under the direction of Rahul Gandhi, have added a new layer of political intrigue to an already tense situation following the Karur stampede tragedy.

Arjuna’s controversial remarks and the subsequent public response come at a time of heightened political sensitivity in Tamil Nadu, as questions continue to mount over the administration’s handling of the Karur rally and the broader political implications of the tragedy.

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]]> Karur Stampede Turns Against Stalin As Opposition Parties Allege Conspiracy By DMK To Curtail Vijay’s TVK https://thecommunemag.com/karur-stampede-turns-against-stalin-as-opposition-parties-alleged-conspiracy-by-dmk-to-curtail-vijays-tvk/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:20:16 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=130256 After the tragic stampede that took place on 27 September 2025 at a political gathering organized by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Karur, where at least 40 people lost their lives, has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who are blaming the ruling DMK government for serious administrative failures. On 28 September 2025, AIADMK General […]

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After the tragic stampede that took place on 27 September 2025 at a political gathering organized by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Karur, where at least 40 people lost their lives, has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who are blaming the ruling DMK government for serious administrative failures.

On 28 September 2025, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) raised serious concerns about the role of the police and the state administration in managing the large-scale event held by actor and TVK chief Vijay. Addressing reporters after meeting with victims and their families, Palaniswami remarked, “Thirty-nine people lost their lives. We were informed that the stampede occurred because of an electric current. Such a campaign was previously held in four districts, and the police should have provided adequate security. I don’t think that was done.”

EPS alleged a double standard in how security is deployed, accusing the police of favoring events held by the ruling DMK. “Even at AIADMK rallies, we’ve seen a lack of security. But for DMK events, thousands of police personnel are assigned. This kind of bias should not exist in a democracy,” he said.

He also emphasized that event organizers share responsibility. “If proper safety measures had been in place, this tragedy could have been avoided. The party leadership must be held accountable for crowd control and emergency readiness.”

Questioning the effectiveness of the state administration, EPS asked, “If the Government and police had worked well, such lives would not have been lost,” and expressed doubt over the inquiry ordered by the government. “They’ve appointed a single-person commission to investigate, but many questions remain. For instance, Vijay mentioned an ambulance arriving during the middle of his speech. That raises serious concerns.”

Calling the incident one of the worst political rally disasters in Tamil Nadu’s history, he said, “We’ve never witnessed a stampede of this scale at a campaign event in the state.”

The deadly incident was reportedly caused by overcrowding and panic at the venue. The Tamil Nadu government has since announced a formal investigation into what went wrong.

BJP’s Annamalai Also Slams DMK Over Negligence

Former Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai also expressed deep concern over the tragedy, describing it as “deeply disturbing.” He directly blamed the DMK government for failing to ensure public safety at the high-profile political event.

“It is extremely painful to hear that around 40 people, including children, died in a stampede during a rally attended by TVK leader Vijay. This level of carelessness is unacceptable,” Annamalai stated.

He argued that it was the duty of the police and administration to properly assess the expected turnout, select a suitable venue, and deploy adequate security forces. “It’s the government’s job to plan for crowd safety. That clearly didn’t happen here,” he said.

Annamalai also referred to reports of a power outage during Vijay’s speech, noting that the disruption only heightened the chaos and confusion. “The Tamil Nadu government and the police acting with such negligence is highly condemnable,” he added.

He further urged that the ongoing investigation must determine whether the stampede resulted from poor planning, insufficient police deployment, or the reported power cut. “Those responsible for this negligence must face strict action,” he concluded.

(With inputs from TOI & India Today)

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]]> Congress Joins Hands With BBC To Target India’s Electoral Democracy https://thecommunemag.com/congress-joins-hands-with-bbc-to-target-indias-electoral-democracy/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 08:39:46 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=130186 Following allegations of voter list irregularities in the Aland constituency of Karnataka, a new political narrative is being aggressively promoted. The Indian National Congress, which initially raised these concerns – led by Rahul Gandhi, is now leveraging a report from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to amplify its claims. This collaboration seeks to project the […]

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Following allegations of voter list irregularities in the Aland constituency of Karnataka, a new political narrative is being aggressively promoted. The Indian National Congress, which initially raised these concerns – led by Rahul Gandhi, is now leveraging a report from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to amplify its claims. This collaboration seeks to project the BBC’s investigation as definitive validation of its position, using it to launch a broadside against the integrity of India’s electoral institutions, including the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the ruling party at the center.

The Core Allegations in Aland

The controversy stems from the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, where Congress MLA B.R. Patil alleged a conspiracy to delete legitimate voters. The claims, later echoed by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, suggested that thousands of voters, particularly from specific communities, were fraudulently removed using Form 7 applications submitted without their knowledge. Anecdotal evidence from villagers in the constituency described receiving calls from Booth Level Officers (BLOs) about deletions they never applied for, with applications linked to phone numbers from outside Karnataka and unknown individuals.

The BBC’s Entry and Immediate Congress Endorsement

A BBC report subsequently investigated these allegations, providing a platform for the individuals claiming to be victims. The Congress party swiftly seized upon this international media coverage, framing it as absolute and independent confirmation of Rahul Gandhi’s earlier warnings. Party spokespersons and supporters have actively disseminated the BBC’s findings, presenting them as irrefutable proof of a systematic plot to manipulate the electoral process in Aland, thereby shifting the discourse from a local electoral issue to a national controversy.

Weaponizing Narrative Against Democratic Institutions

The strategic use of the BBC report goes beyond the specific allegations. The Congress and its allies are employing it to accuse the Election Commission of India (ECI) of complicity and deliberate inaction. Claims that the ECI is “stalling the investigation” and “refusing to hand over IP addresses” are amplified to paint a picture of institutional failure and bias. This narrative directly challenges the credibility of India’s primary democratic custodian, suggesting a concerted effort to undermine public trust in the entire electoral system.

Nothing But A Coordinated Assault on Electoral Integrity

The Aland constituency issue has evolved from a disputed local election result into a wider political campaign. By aligning with the BBC and leveraging its international stature, the Congress party is attempting to lend global credibility to its allegations of “vote chorī” (vote theft). This partnership is not merely about seeking accountability for a single event but represents a coordinated effort to cast doubt on the integrity of India’s electoral democracy itself, targeting both political opponents and independent constitutional bodies in a bid to shape public perception.

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]]> TVK Functionary Commits Suicide Blaming DMK Leader Senthil Balaji For Karur Stampede https://thecommunemag.com/tvk-functionary-commits-suicide-blaming-dmk-leader-senthil-balaji-for-karur-stampede/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 05:28:02 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=130238 In a shocking turn of events, a TVK functionary died by suicide after accusing former DMK minister Senthil Balaji of being responsible for the tragic stampede at a political rally in Karur, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, which claimed the lives of 41 people. The incident occurred as a massive crowd gathered to catch a glimpse […]

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In a shocking turn of events, a TVK functionary died by suicide after accusing former DMK minister Senthil Balaji of being responsible for the tragic stampede at a political rally in Karur, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, which claimed the lives of 41 people.

The incident occurred as a massive crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of the actor with many attendees reportedly waiting for hours under the scorching sun. Inadequate crowd control and lack of sufficient police presence are being cited as major contributing factors.

In response to the disaster, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin visited Karur via a private aircraft and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹10 lakh to each of the affected families. Condolences poured in from national leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Allegations Against Senthil Balaji

Following the incident, several TVK members pointed fingers at former minister Senthil Balaji, accusing him of playing a role in the tragic outcome. According to party sources, their request to hold the event at the more suitable Karur Bus Stand Roundabout was denied by authorities, allegedly due to Balaji’s interference. Instead, the event was held at Veluswamypuram, a location considered unsafe due to its limited space.

What further fueled speculation was Balaji’s swift arrival at the accident site and the immediate release of casualty details, prompting heated debates on social media. Some users questioned whether the incident involved mere coincidence or something more sinister.

TVK Member’s Suicide Raises Tensions

Amidst the controversy, a TVK functionary from Vallam Union in Viluppuram district reportedly died by suicide, leaving behind a note that has intensified political tensions. In the note, the individual blamed Senthil Balaji for the Karur tragedy, citing insufficient police arrangements for Vijay’s visit and pressure exerted by Balaji and others as contributing factors. The letter called for Balaji’s arrest and held him, along with police authorities, accountable for the incident. This development has added a deeply emotional layer to the ongoing political storm surrounding the Karur stampede, further complicating the situation for all involved.

(With inputs from Asianet News Tamil)

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]]> DMK Govt Arrests Tamil YouTuber Felix Gerald For Allegedly Spreading ‘Misinformation’ On Karur TVK Rally Stampede https://thecommunemag.com/tamil-youtuber-felix-gerald-arrested-for-allegedly-spreading-misinformation-on-karur-tvk-rally-stampede/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:55:53 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=130232 Felix Gerald, a Tamil YouTuber who runs the RedPix channel, has been arrested by the Cyber Crime Division for allegedly circulating false information related to the Karur stampede, which occurred during a political campaign by actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay. The tragic incident led to the deaths of 41 people. Authorities stated […]

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Felix Gerald, a Tamil YouTuber who runs the RedPix channel, has been arrested by the Cyber Crime Division for allegedly circulating false information related to the Karur stampede, which occurred during a political campaign by actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay. The tragic incident led to the deaths of 41 people.

Authorities stated that Gerald uploaded misleading content concerning the stampede, prompting legal action. On 29 September 2025, Chennai Police filed cases against 25 individuals for reportedly sharing provocative posts on social media that could potentially incite unrest. These individuals are likely to face arrest soon.

Officials emphasized that the crackdown is part of efforts to maintain public order, as the shared content was deemed capable of creating social tension.

In a related development, Tamil Nadu Police arrested Mathiazhagan, TVK’s district secretary from Karur, in connection with the same stampede incident. The rally, held on a Saturday night and addressed by Vijay, left 41 dead and over 60 injured.

Mathiazhagan has been identified as the main accused in the First Information Report (FIR). Although Vijay himself was not named in the FIR, three senior party members were, Mathiazhagan (Karur district secretary), Bussy N Anand (state general secretary), and CTR Nirmal Kumar (state joint secretary). The FIR also noted that Vijay conducted unauthorized roadshows before arriving at Velusamypuram, where his vehicle drew a massive crowd, leading to chaos.

According to police, the charges filed against the party leaders fall under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), Section 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), Section 125 (endangering life), and Section 223 (disobeying official orders). They also face charges under Section 3 of the Tamil Nadu Public Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act, 1992.

(With inputs from India Today)

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]]> Ambulance Politics: DMK’s Dirty Tricks To Sabotage Opposition Rallies? https://thecommunemag.com/ambulance-politics-dmks-dirty-tricks-to-sabotage-opposition-rallies/ Mon, 29 Sep 2025 17:15:41 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=130192 In politics, strategic moves are often aimed at outmaneuvering opponents and gaining the upper hand. While Indian political culture has traditionally maintained a certain level of decorum, recent developments under the DMK government have raised concerns about a significant erosion of that standard. The latest controversy surrounds what critics are calling “ambulance politics” — a […]

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In politics, strategic moves are often aimed at outmaneuvering opponents and gaining the upper hand. While Indian political culture has traditionally maintained a certain level of decorum, recent developments under the DMK government have raised concerns about a significant erosion of that standard. The latest controversy surrounds what critics are calling “ambulance politics” — a tactic allegedly used to disrupt opposition rallies by sending ambulances through crowded gatherings during speeches.

At first, the presence of ambulances during political events was seen as a genuine medical necessity. Political leaders, including those from the AIADMK, were respectful and allowed them to pass without objection. However, repeated incidents during AIADMK campaign events have raised suspicions that the emergency vehicles were being used intentionally to cause disruption. Each passing ambulance forced interruptions in speeches, created confusion among the crowd, and hindered the momentum of the events — drawing sharp criticism from the opposition.

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has publicly alleged that the ruling DMK orchestrated these incidents to derail his campaign. He claimed that ambulances crossed his rallies on at least 30 occasions, disrupting his speeches and distracting the crowd. During a rally in Anaicut, Vellore district, tensions escalated when party cadres confronted an ambulance driver trying to pass through the gathering.

“This is not accidental. I’ve seen empty ambulances entering my rallies around 30 times,” EPS alleged. “This is a deliberate attempt to interfere with our campaign. If this continues, the ambulance may have to take the driver in as a patient,” he said, expressing his frustration over what he believes is a calculated strategy.

A similar incident occurred on 13 September during actor Vijay’s first campaign rally in Trichy under his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). An ambulance entered the rally space mid-speech, forcing Vijay to pause and momentarily throwing the event into disarray. The unexpected entry drew comparisons with the disturbances faced by AIADMK and fueled speculation about a coordinated pattern.

During his campaign rally in Nagapattinam on 20 September, Vijay raised concerns about the DMK government’s alleged attempts to sabotage his events by assigning him cramped and overcrowded venues. He criticized saying, “What great thing did we ask for? A place where the public can stand and watch in peace and freely. We select that place and ask for permission for it. But what are you people doing? You leave all those places and choose a place where people will stand in a crowd, in congestion, and give us that. What exactly is your intention, sir?”

Further controversy arose during TVK’s rally in Karur on 27 September 2025 — a tragic event that ended in a stampede claiming 39 lives. Reports indicated that several ambulances were seen arriving at the venue before and during the chaos, although an exact count remains unconfirmed. Vijay himself acknowledged the presence of at least one ambulance bearing a TVK flag, but no official figures have been provided.

From the official Live stream from the TVK page shows two ambulance crossing the rally in that narrow stretch filled with thousand of cadres.

(Narrow venue Vijay Campaign)

(Two ambulance crossing back to back)

While Palaniswami’s claim of 30 ambulance-related disruptions has not been independently verified, the recurring nature of such incidents across major campaign events has triggered widespread debate. The use of ambulances whether deliberate or coincidental to interrupt political rallies has been condemned by critics as cheap attempts to foil Opposition rallies.

The repeated intrusion of ambulances into opposition rallies is more than a series of coincidences — it is a chilling display of how the DMK government appears willing to weaponize even emergency services for political gain. What should be sacred spaces of public engagement and democratic debate have instead become arenas for calculated disruption, leaving party workers and citizens alike frustrated, endangered, and disillusioned. When ambulances — symbols of care and urgency — are turned into instruments of obstruction, it exposes a governance culture that values political theatrics over public safety, and manipulation over decency. If politics in Tamil Nadu continues down this path, the lines between democracy and farce will blur entirely, and the citizens, not the parties, will pay the highest price.

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