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Moye Moye Max: Congress Prints Fake URL Of ‘Donate For Desh’ On Its Official Doc, Money Of Supporters Went To Scamsters

In yet another fiasco of its fundraising campaigning, the Congress party had shared the link to the wrong/fake website which resembled the original one.

Media reports state that lakhs of money sent by supporters have gone to scamsters because of this.

The Indian National Congress (INC) recently initiated an online crowdfunding campaign named “Donate for Desh,” which literally means “Donate for the country” announced on 16 December 2023, and officially launched on 18 December 2023, by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.

Kharge emphasized that these funds are pivotal for the party’s efforts in shaping a better India. Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s historic Tilak Swaraj Fund of 1920-21, this initiative aims to empower the party in fostering an India marked by fair resource distribution and opportunities. Kharge has urged citizens to contribute varying amounts, such as ₹138, ₹1380, and ₹13800, to the Congress account.

 

However, there seems to be a noticeable setback for the Congress party, evident in both fundraising and digital strategy, where in it showed indicating a level of incompetence.

Moye Moye 1: Failed To Register Domain

Interestingly, the links provided by the Congress for crowdfunding campaign inadvertently directed donors to the BJP’s donation page. This situation arose because the Congress party initiated the crowdfunding campaign without securing the relevant domain names which were tactfully secured and registered by the BJP.

Following this crowdfunding mishap, netizens criticized the Congress, questioning why the party commenced the campaign prematurely without registering the necessary domain names.

 

 

 

After the jibe Congress established an alternative domain to collect donations and also disseminated information on the online donation process.

Moye Moye 2: Publishes Fake URL In Official Document

When the Congress was fighting itself with its embarrassment on the ongoing ‘Donate for Desh’ campaign, which has been active for the past month. This time another embarrassment took a more serious turn as the party unintentionally promoted a fake website that closely mimics the official campaign site. Unfortunately, funds directed to this site end up benefiting someone else rather than the Congress party.

On 10 January 2024, the Indian National Congress distributed its pamphlet on Rahul Gandhi’s upcoming event ‘Bharat Nyay Yatra’ which had a QR code and URL for the ‘Donate for Desh’ website, which was again inaccurately presented. Instead of donateinc.in, the pamphlet mistakenly printed donateinc.co.in and the same erroneous URL was incorporated into the QR code.

As the QR code and URL were provided by the Congress party in an official pamphlet document, users were unlikely to suspect the website’s authenticity given its close imitation of the official site.

It was only during the transaction completion stage one could find an odd name “Roj cash” under the banner Indian National Congress and the funds are being redirected elsewhere. While it cannot be definitively stated with certainty that the congress supporters were deceived but it is an outright scam, resulting in financial losses for numerous Congress supporters.

Curiously, the Congress party has not conveyed any level of distress and discontent regarding the issue. Despite this blatant case of intentional deception, the party has refrained from publicly declaring any intention to file a police complaint against those orchestrating the scam. Moreover, the resolution strategy the party intends to adopt for addressing the issue remains unclear.

(With inputs from OpIndia)

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DMK Govt To Name Jallikattu Stadium In Alanganallur After Karunanidhi, Tamil Orgs Want It To Be Named After Pandya King Nedunchezhiyan

The decision to rename the Kilambakkam Bus Terminus in honor of the late Chief Minister Kalaingar Karunanidhi initially faced criticism, particularly from political circles. However, the recent proposal to rename the Jallikattu stadium in Madurai after Karunanidhi has encountered significant opposition, both from the general public and Tamil activists.

Jallikattu, a traditional sport involving the embracing of bulls, is traditionally practiced in Tamil Nadu during the Pongal harvest festival in the second week of January. The newly constructed Jallikattu arena, located in Keelakarai village near Alanganallur in Madurai, is set to be inaugurated by CM MK Stalin soon.

Minister of Public Works EV Velu, speaking to reporters after participating in the Muhurthakal function at Alanganallur village, emphasized that the stadium, built in just 10 months at a cost of ₹61.38 crore, is designed to accommodate around 4,500 spectators across three decks. It also features a museum showcasing the rich tradition of the valiant sport. The proposed area includes VIP seating, two museums, a bull shed, primary health centers, and a veterinary hospital for prompt first-aid. It will also provide facilities for bull catchers, spectators, and the media, along with a modern gate for releasing bulls during the event.

Addressing the debate over naming the stadium after Kalaignar, DMK Minister Velu remarked, “What’s there to object about the christening of the stadium after Kalaignar? It’s M Karunanidhi, the five-time chief minister, who played an instrumental role in the struggle to resume Jallikattu.” Regarding the opening date, he stated, “After this inspection and consideration, we will submit a complete report. The chief minister will announce the date within this month and inaugurate the function.

On 18 May 2023, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court upheld amendments made by the legislatures of Tamil Nadu to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. These amendments allowed for the continuation of traditional bull-taming sport in Tamil Nadu.

In this context, a petition is urging the Madurai Collector to name the newly built Jallikattu ground in Keelakarai after Tamil king Pandiya Nedunchezhiyan, sparking a debate on cultural heritage and political interests. There are concerns that the introduction of the new stadium could overshadow the traditional Alanganallur, putting the iconic vadivasal at risk. Another point of contention emerges over the reluctance to name the Jallikattu venue after the late Kalaignar Karunanidhi.

A coalition of 23 Tamil organizations has entered the discourse, submitting a memorandum to the Madurai Collector. Their stance is clear: naming the Jallikattu ground after politicians is deemed inappropriate. Instead, they propose honoring the traditional sport of Tamils, a symbol of valor, by naming it after Pandiya Nedunchezhiyan. As the buzz around the new Jallikattu ground intensifies, preparations for the Alanganallur Jallikattu competition are in full swing. The muhurthakal for the event was recently initiated at the customary vadisasal, showcasing the continued cultural significance of this age-old tradition.

As the narrative unfolds, the decision on the nomenclature of the Jallikattu ground remains a focal point, reflecting the delicate balance between preserving tradition, honoring history, and navigating contemporary political sensitivities.

In this regard Tamil nadu State BJP President Annamalai condemened that “People will not accept christening the newly built jallikattu stadium after former chief minister M Karunanidhi in Madurai. The stadium construction is nearing the final stages at Keelakarai village near Alanganallur in Madurai district“.

(Inputs from Vikatan)

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NHRC Issues Notice To Southern Railway After AP Villagers File Petition Over Disrupted Access Due to Underbridge Construction

Residents of Ontimitta village in Andhra Pradesh have submitted a petition to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) seeking redress for the disruption caused by the construction of an underbridge by the Southern Railway Department. The petition, addressed to the Honourable Chairman of the NHRC, outlined the grievances faced by the villagers due to the incomplete underbridge construction.

In the petition, residents stated that the railway gate (LC: 60 at KM 114/13-15) near their village, serving as a vital transportation link, was closed a few months ago. The Southern Railway Department initiated the construction of an underbridge through a private contractor to facilitate the movement of people, pedestrians, and vehicles. However, despite the ongoing construction, the existing railway gate was closed, and the pathway was demolished, severely impacting the villagers’ access to essential services. The incomplete underbridge, particularly during the rainy season, led to waterlogging, causing significant inconvenience and preventing villagers from reaching nearby towns, especially during medical emergencies.

During a recent cyclone, the under-bridge experienced heavy waterlogging, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the villagers. Pregnant women from the village were reportedly unable to access hospitals due to the inundated underbridge. 

The villagers stated that the Southern Railway Department had not handed over the completed underbridge from the private contractor, exacerbating the issues faced by the community. They said that the underbridges constructed in nearby villages were equipped with permanent electric motors and electric lamps, while theirs appears to be neglected.

Repeated complaints to the Divisional Engineer, Southern Railway, Chennai, and the Public Grievances section were said to be ignored, prompting the villagers to file the petition with the NHRC. In response to one of their complaints, the Public Relations Officer for the Chief Project Manager/Gati Shakti, Chennai Division, claimed that water was being pumped out using a diesel engine when needed.

However, the villagers contended that although there was an electric motor to pump out water, the railway department had not appointed any workers for this task. Individuals from the private contractor reportedly managed the activity at their convenience.

Residents of the area alleged that the existing railway gate was destroyed before taking over the newly constructed Railway Underway from the private contractor. They say that it’s been nearly 9 months and add that even though the Contractor is ready to handover it and continuously requesting the railway department there has been no response from Railway.

The petition sought the NHRC’s intervention to issue notices to the Additional General Manager and Director (Public Grievances) of the Southern Railway Department. 

Following this, the NHRC issued a notice to GM, Southern Rail, Chennai, directing him to take necessary action in the matter. . 

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Book Review: Gumnami Baba – A Case History By Adheer Som Unravels The Enigma Of Gumnami Baba And/Or Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Mystery

History is replete with episodes of intrigue, mystery, and unresolved topics that intrigue the minds of mystery hunters, and history enthusiasts galore. Some topics transcend the barriers of being confined to a community and become a much larger topic of interest. One such topic is the case of Gumnami Baba, whose mystery has haunted a larger populace for the better part of 3 decades. When a book about this intriguing yet mysterious personality is released, it is bound to excite the reading community. Gumnami Baba was believed to be Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the charismatic leader of the Indian Independence movement, who even today evokes a strong nationalistic, patriotic fervour in the minds of young and old alike. The enigmatic character was believed to have been killed in an air crash. Soon, there were many sightings of Bose reported across the world which ranged from simplified versions to outlandish, yet every single account was yet another riddle to solve. In this book, the author tries to unravel the mystery of Gumnami Baba through various reports, books, and articles. While the knots are untangled one by one, we are also witness to the enigmatic character of Bose, some of which is not known in popular lore.

The book can clearly be bifurcated into 2 separate sections viz., the first 5 chapters giving an insight into the personality and life of Gumnami Baba, whereas the rest cover the legal tussle and wrangle that followed.

In the first chapter of the book, the author tries to provide an insight into the huge repository of resources that were researched and referenced to create this book. The author doesn’t try to establish Netaji’s credentials and expects the users to have a prior understanding of the same. In the same chapter, the author draws attention to the burial site of Gumnami Baba inside Faizabad Cantonment and draws parallels with the widely worshipped, hugely respected Sri Rama who also took his Jala Samadhi in a similar location. By the end of the first chapter, the reader has a clear doubt in the mind about Netaji’s death, while a growing feeling about the strong similarities between Gumnami Baba and Netaji.

The common perception of Bose is that of a well-educated, highly qualified person who transitions from being a Congress president to one who gave wings to the armed struggle for India’s Independence. Patriotism and Valour are two words that come to mind when his name is mentioned. However, if one were to say that he had a very deep spiritual bent of mind, an expected response would be “Impossible”, which coincidentally is the name of the second chapter of the book. Chapters 2 – 5 provide a detailed insight into the spiritual side of Bose with his interests ranging from Mantra to Tantra along with the deep spiritual connection with Maa Kaali. One of the spine-chilling episodes relates to a potential Tantra application to harm Bose. The game of cat and mouse with the ruling dispensation, and the opportunistic behaviour of erstwhile followers are some of the political intrigues that were part of this era. However, what does stand out is the steadfast dedication and devotion of his most loyal followers till the very end. Maintaining the need for secrecy, swearing, and walking over fire for the same are hallmarks of these very fine humans who are no short role models themselves. The demise of Gumnami Baba is a bit heartbreaking considering the enigmatic personality he was supposed to be. When a case is filed to identify the unknown saint, it captures the whole wide world’s attention. However, yet another instance of divine providence comes into play wherein another case overshadows this one: The opening of the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi case. One can’t help but marvel at the turn of events in the book.

Chapter 6 is the entire court case judgment in verbatim which is detailed for enthusiasts, but a serious hindrance for the normal reader. One doesn’t with to wrangle with the legal terminologies. A simple summary with the gist could have served the book better with a reference to the original document. Chapter 7 is another detailed chapter with all the things left behind by Gumnami Baba with very specific details. In between the details, there are some very interesting paranormal episodes related to Gumnami Baba. However, there are some sections which are repeated from chapters 2-4. Cross references could have made the book more crispier. The stand-out feature of these articles is the meticulous notes and commentaries on various topics including current affairs. Gumnami Baba was clearly abreast of the ongoings within the country and had a sharp mind with his own inferences on the latest events.

Chapter 8 deals with various theories about who exactly Gumnami Baba was and tries to address the various perspectives presented. However, the lack of scientific DNA testing and other related analyses keeps this question hanging in the air. The same points are repeated in the next chapter too wherein Mission Netaji (MN) team is introduced to the reader. The interview with Sidhhartha Sarabhai is quite illuminating and interesting, opening up newer potential scenarios about the role of Gumnami Baba. The rest of the interviews give the account of various stakeholders interested and invested in the truth of Gumnami Baba coming out. The interview of Mrs. Bannerjee who had direct access to Baba is quite revealing and direct. She is quite affirmative that Baba was indeed none other than Subhas Chandra Bose. The 2 reports at the end of the book provide more comprehensive data points into who Gumnami Baba was. The pictures from Gumnami Baba’s collection are quite interesting and open up quite a few questions. A must-watch for all Bose fans and lovers of history.

Errors in the book:

The author does make a factual error in terming Sri Rama as the eighth avatar of Vishnu, whereas the more common understanding is that Sri Rama is the seventh incarnation of Maha Vishnu.

Summary

Overall, the book is quite a fascinating and scintillating read with a lot of spiritual and metaphysical elements. The book could have been crispier with some editing and referencing. Whoever Gumnami Baba was, it is quite clear that he was a very enlightened soul, who had mastered various facets of tantra too. For those who are relentlessly on Bose hunt, this is a good book to get more insights into the man and person that Subhas Chandra Bose was. 

Final Verdict: Recommended Read

Gee Vee is an engineer and avid fan of itihasas, puranas and books.

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Hindu Munnani Files Cybercrime Complaint Against DMK-Supporting Dravidianist For Abusing Lord Ram

Hindu Munnani has lodged a formal complaint with cybercrime authorities under provocative speech against an individual identified as Aravind Raja, using the handle name (AravindRajaOff). The complaint alleges that the user has engaged in an indecent hate campaign on a popular social media platform, targeting Hindu gods and their ideology.

Dr. Aravind Raja, a rabid anti-Hindu X handle known for peddling DMK propaganda had made vile comments against Lord Ram. Here’s a translation of the post.

Sri Raman: Hey, hey, do you know who I am, do you know what my range is in the North?
Tamil Nadu: Who are you? You are a murderer, right? I just saw your case details… You beheaded Sambhukan, who was
doing penance, giving caste as a reason and committed manslaughter.
To prove her chastity, you threw your own wife Sita into the fire and killed her.
At the behest of some monkeys, you burnt down a beautiful country called Sri Lanka that belonged to the Tamilians. 
You have murder, attempted murder, women harassment, public property damage cases on your head, go sit in the corner.

The above post shows a slanderous image of Lord Ram and reads as follows:

“They said that Ramayana is a biography madam. And so I bought and read and in the opening itself this guy’s father Dasarathan has 16,000 wives madam. But this guy’s father and one horse…”, he wrote abusing Lord Ram.

According to the complaint, the handle in question is purportedly affiliated with the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and has been consistently disseminating abusive content against Hindu deities. The nature of the posts has reportedly raised concerns within the Hindu Munnani organization, prompting them to take legal action.

This handle has also been involved in targeting Carnatic singer and performer Sivasri Skandaprasad by making casteist abuses and sharing pictures of her in western clothes.

He also peddled hate against North Indians after BJP’s victory in the Hindi heartland.

 

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Congress Skipping Ayodhya Ram Mandir Ceremony – Another Page Added To Congress’ Minority Appeasement History

As 22 January 2024 approaches, a multitude of dignitaries and individuals from diverse backgrounds eagerly anticipating to witness the historic moment of Ayodhya’s Ram temple inauguration. However, the Congress party has announced its decision to abstain from participating in the grand inauguration ceremony.

Surprisingly on 10 January 2024, the venerable political party and its key figures, including party leader Mallikarjun Kharge, former leader Sonia Gandhi, and Lok Sabha leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, announced that they are turning down the invitation, labeling it as a ‘political initiative’ orchestrated by the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

The Congress party’s objection stems from its perception of the event as a political maneuver, rather than a purely religious affair. Senior leader Jairam Ramesh emphasized the party’s commitment to abide by the 2019 Supreme Court judgment while simultaneously expressing reservations about the political implications of the temple’s inauguration.

In an official statement from Jairam Ramesh, who serves as the General Secretary for Communications in the Indian National Congress stated  “Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya. The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has been obviously brought forward for electoral gain. While abiding by the 2019 Supreme Court judgment and honoring the sentiments of millions who revere Lord Ram, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have respectfully declined the invitation to what is clearly an RSS/BJP event”.

The BJP, in response, condemned the Congress party’s decision, accusing it of being anti-Hindu. This criticism is not unfounded, considering the party’s historical positions on various issues related to Hindu sentiments.

The Congress Party’s Minority Appeasement History

The echoes of history reverberate in the Congress party’s stance on religious matters. One notable instance is Jawaharlal Nehru’s opposition to the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple. Despite the temple’s tragic destruction in 1665 CE and subsequent abandonment, Nehru labeled its reconstruction as ‘Hindu Revivalism,’ showcasing the party’s historical skepticism towards overt religious symbolism.

Another significant episode in Congress’s history is the Shah Bano case during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure. The party’s decision to overturn the Supreme Court’s judgment in 1986, succumbing to pressure from Muslim hardliners, exemplifies its approach of prioritizing minority appeasement over judicial decisions, setting a controversial precedent.

Moreover, instances of Congress leaders mocking Hindu deities and downplaying the significance of the Ram Temple have fueled perceptions of the party’s insensitivity towards Hindu sentiments. From Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ being compared to Lord Ram’s journey to derogatory comments about Lord Ram’s birth as a myth by I.N.D.I ally DMK leaders like TKS Elangovan, the party has faced severe criticism for its dismissive attitude.

The Congress party’s engagement with the ‘Saffron Terror’ narrative, as highlighted in Wikileaks tapes 2009, and its proposed communal violence bill, which selectively labeled only Hindus as potential perpetrators, further underscores its complex relationship with Hinduism.

The controversy surrounding ‘The Kashmir Files’ in 2022 exposed the Congress party’s reluctance to acknowledge the genocide of Kashmiri Hindus. Senior leader Jairam Ramesh not only questioned the veracity of the genocide but also cast doubt on the filmmakers’ intentions, reflecting a pattern of discrediting Hindus.

While the Congress attempts to balance public displays of ‘soft Hindutva’ with minority appeasement and covert caste politics, instances of open disdain for Hindu beliefs have strained its relationship with the majority community. The party’s treacherous history concerning Hindus, from divisive tactics to questioning historical events, has contributed to the perception of the Congress party as harboring anti-Hindu leanings.

In conclusion, the Congress party’s approach to religious and historical narratives is marked by a complex interplay of political considerations, minority appeasement, and instances of open disregard for Hindu sentiments. As the nation witnesses the Ayodhya Ram Temple inauguration, the Congress party’s absence serves as a reminder of its nuanced relationship with religious and cultural identity.

(Inputs with OpIndia)

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The Commune Impact: FIR Filed Against Dravidian Propaganda Film Annapoorani, Film Removed From Netflix, Zee Issues Apology For Hurting Sentiments Of Hindus

In a significant development, the Hindu Seva Parishad in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the entire cast of the film “Annapoorani” at the Omati police station. The FIR includes the director, producer, actors, and four others associated with the controversial propaganda film. The film has also been removed from Netflix.

The criminal case, registered by the Hindu Seva Parishad, alleges that Annapoorani contains scenes with inappropriate comments on Lord Rama, hurting the sentiments of Hindus. Furthermore, the organisation claims that the film portrays Love Jihad, a term used to describe the campaign to convert Hindu women to Islam through promise of marriage.

The spokesperson for the Hindu Seva Parishad elaborated on the film’s content, asserting that it includes scenes where derogatory remarks are made about Hindu deities, specifically targeting Lord Rama. Additionally, the spokesperson expressed concern over the film’s alleged depiction of Lord Rama killing animals and consuming meat during His exile, terming it as false propaganda that has deeply hurt the sentiments of Hindus.

The controversy surrounding the film gained momentum on social media, with several individuals and groups expressing their discontent.

X handle, @GemsOfBollywood that has been constantly exposing the Islamist appeasement tendencies of Bollywood also picked up the matter and brought attention to the issue.

The Commune had published an article exposing inaccuracies and called out the propaganda peddled in the film. The article shed light on the portrayal of a Tamil Hindu Brahmin girl rejecting her family’s vegetarian lifestyle and cooking Biryani by performing Namaz. The FIR against the film comes in the wake of increasing scrutiny of the film’s content by The Commune and other social media handles like Gems of Bollywood, Tamil Labs, Maridhas, etc.

Interestingly, Zee Studios issued an apology to Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) for hurting Hindu religious sentiments in their film.

The film has triggered a passionate response from various quarters, raising questions about the responsibility of filmmakers in handling sensitive religious themes and the potential consequences when those boundaries are crossed.

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Case Filed Against TN BJP Head Annamalai In Dharmapuri Church Mother Mary Garlanding Issue, DMK-Affiliated Man Had Created Ruckus

Legal action is being taken against K Annamalai, the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu, following a dispute with a group of Christian youth during his ‘En Mann En Makkal’ yatra near St. Lourdes Church in Bommidi, close to Paapireddipatty. The Bommidi police have filed a case against Annamalai under three sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The conflict unfolded when Annamalai attempted to enter the St. Lourdes Church to garland the statue of Mary. This led to a confrontation with young members from a Roman Catholic church in B Pallipatty, Dharmapuri district, on 9 January 2024. The youths protested, objecting to his entry into the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, where he had planned to garland the statue.

Tensions escalated as the youth raised slogans against Annamalai, resulting in a heated exchange of words between the protestors and the state BJP chief. A video capturing the altercation went viral, showing Annamalai attempting to pacify the agitated youth by emphasising the right of everyone to worship at a church.

During the confrontation, the youth questioned Annamalai about the Manipur riots, accusing the BJP of being responsible for the killing of Christians. Annamalai clarified that the conflict in Manipur was a tribal dispute, and religion played no role. However, the youth insisted that the BJP, being in power in the state, failed to prevent the killing of Christians. Annamalai urged them not to adopt a stance similar to the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and asserted his right to enter the church. Police intervened, removing the angry youth and allowing Annamalai to enter and garland the idol.

Following the incident, a complaint was lodged against the BJP president by a 28-year-old named Karthik from B Pallipatty. Acting on the complaint, the police registered cases under three Sections of the IPC, namely 153(a), 504, and 505(2). These sections pertain to promoting enmity between religions, provocation to public peace, and committing ill-will between classes of people in a place of worship.

In response to the incident, the state BJP unit alleged that the people opposing Annamalai’s entrance into the church were affiliated with the ruling party, DMK. The party further criticised the DMK government for initiating legal proceedings against Annamalai.

Background checks conducted by the BJP IT wing have confirmed the protester’s association with DMK’s Udhayanidhi Stalin and Anbil Mahesh. Additionally, he shared social media posts expressing affection for the DMK, and there are photographic records of him garlanding Karunanidhi.

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Chaos Ensues As Temporary Drivers Grapple With TNSTC Strike Fallout, Unions Call Off Strike Till Jan 19 In Public Interest

Following unsuccessful negotiations with transport authorities on 8 January 2024, transport union representatives announced that they would proceed with the indefinite strike.

The strike, led by workers associated with prominent unions such as the Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), and Anna Thozhir Sanga Peravai (ATSP), among others, is fueled by a range of demands.

In the wake of strike by Tamil Nadu transport workers unions, the DMK government’s decision to appoint temporary bus drivers has sparked chaos and raised concerns about passenger safety.

One such incident unfolded when a temporary bus driver, assigned to operate a government bus from Kallakurichi to Ulundhurpettai, demonstrated a lack of proficiency in handling the vehicle. Witnesses reported that the driver struggled to change gears and navigate turns, resulting in an agonizingly slow and precarious journey.

The situation escalated when the overwhelmed temporary driver abruptly stopped the bus midway, declaring, “If it were a Tata vehicle, I would have operated it much better. Operating a government bus is tough, so leave me alone,” before hastily abandoning the bus.

Similar mishaps occurred in Aaralvaaimoli, Kanyakumari, where another temporary bus driver inadvertently damaged a petty shop while attempting a turn.

In Kanyakumari, an accident involving a government bus operated by temporary drivers occurred.

In Kallakurichi,  a different temporary driver struggled to maneuver a bus out of the bus stand, prompting onlookers to jestingly comment, “Apprentice, take the bus.” A skilled driver stepped in, emphasizing, “It’s not a rented cycle for everyone to operate; it’s a government bus,” underlining the need for experienced hands in control.

Chaos also unfolded in Chennai as passengers were unceremoniously forced to disembark midway, citing purported bus repairs.

Here are some more incidents:

Meanwhile, the transport union has notified the Madras High Court about the temporary halt of the strike until January 19, when the next round of conciliation discussions with the government is scheduled to happen.

 

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“We Are The First State To Have ₹8 Lakh Crore As Debt,” Says TN BJP Head Annamalai

Annamalai To Return Chennai On 23 November

Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party leader K Annamalai met with the press on 9 January 2023 at the BJP headquarters in Chennai. Beginning the meeting, he shared his observations from the En Mann En Makkal Yatra, that many districts in Tamil Nadu are grappling with a shortage of job opportunities. Specifically, Chengelpet, Chennai, Kanchipuram, and Coimbatore, comprising only four districts, collectively contribute to 34% of Tamil Nadu’s economic output. In contrast, Dharmapuri registers a mere 1.7%, Karur a modest 1.3%, and several others fall below the 1% mark. The southern regions of Tamil Nadu appear to face challenges in development and growth, with a conspicuous absence of significant job opportunities.

Annamalai added that thanks to Prime Minister Modi, India stands as an appealing destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), holding the position of either the second or third most attractive globally. The expectation is that Tamil Nadu will receive investments totalling up to ₹10 lakh crores. Reflecting on past events, he said, “In February 2023, Uttar Pradesh had conducted a similar meet and signed MoUs worth over 33 lakh crore, five times greater than what Tamil Nadu has now attracted. Even Karnataka in February 2022 had attracted investments worth over 9 lakh crore. The state government should stop boasting about the investments they have received and work harder to be better than the other states.” Notably, even one of the less developed districts, Purvanchal Bundelkhand, attracted a substantial ₹9 lakh 50 thousand crores. Meanwhile, in Gujarat’s investment summit held in January 2024, a pre-signing phase already secured ₹7 lakh crores, with the final figure expected to be revealed after the summit concludes.

During the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024, a total of 631 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were inked, reflecting a substantial commitment from investors. The pledged investment amounted to ₹6,64,180 crore, with a promise to generate 26,90,657 jobs.

Annamalai added that Tamil Nadu must set higher targets to generate job opportunities in regions like Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, and Dharmapuri. Despite previous derogatory remarks about Adani’s alleged connections with the BJP, today, DMK leaders are praising him as the state welcomes a substantial investment of ₹42,762 crores. Additionally, Ambani’s investment stands at ₹35,000 crores, and the Tata group has contributed ₹83,212 crores.

Annamalai revealed that following the implementation of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme by Prime Minister Modi, investments have seen a notable increase. The PLI initiative aims to encourage investments in sectors such as battery manufacturing, solar energy, textile, mobile manufacturing, food processing, telecom, white goods, IT hardware, and medical devices. Investors in these industries can claim incentives totaling up to ₹1,97,000 crores. Presently, ₹95,000 crores have already been claimed under this scheme. He said, “We (BJP) welcome the recent investments. But for this, DMK should refrain from boasting. These investments did not come for the DMK. These investments were inspired by PM Modi’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. The Centre is providing an incentive of 1.97 lakh crores for investments. Due to this, companies are coming forward to invest in the states,” 

On Alliance With ADMK

When asked about the potential alliance with the AIADMK in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, Annamalai stated, “The BJP is not hesitant to air its views on the AIADMK but the decision to forge an alliance with AIADMK will be taken by the BJP parliamentary board, but the board has not met even once for the 2024 Lok Sabha election. We (BJP) have not started discussions on the Lok Sabha election officially, and I do not have the authority to speak about it”.

This came after AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami’s declaration that their party would not ally with the saffron party in the forthcoming Lok Sabha and 2026 Assembly polls. Annamalai remarked, 

“The central party leadership is yet to start talking about the elections. I have been saying whatever I could as the state president. Whoever accepts Modi as the Prime Ministerial candidate is with us. The 2024 election is very important for us.” 

Annamalai also said that a significant shift in the state’s ground dynamics, emphasising the undeniable influence of religion and caste in Tamil Nadu. He added, “However if someone thinks that traditional voting patterns will continue, the same won’t happen because unlike the previous Lok Sabha elections, when who would emerge victorious was a major concern, this time everyone knows that Narendra Modi will become the Prime Minister for the third time and hence, the voting pattern will differ.”

Criticising the DMK government for their criticism towards Adani, Annamalai said, “DMK badmouthed Adani group during the election but they are now lauding Adani after receiving an investment of 42,768 crore from the conglomerate. Similarly, Ambani has invested 35,000 crore and Tata has invested 83,212 crore. These, beyond politics, build that some parties should strive only for the progress of Tamil Nadu.”

Further, Annamalai flayed the ruling DMK government over the bus strike and said“Whatever the state government holds the talks with the transport unions, neither the Transport minister nor the government has the power to resolve it. Tamil Nadu’s financial burden is high. Impact of the debt burden will be visible in the next two years.” 

He added, “TN government has a debt of 8 lakh 23000 crores. This year’s projected debt is an additional 25000 crores. Both Shivashankar and the CM know that this discussion is just an illusion. They don’t have anything in hand to give their commitment to. According to me, if they agree to the 6 demands, they will have to spend 8500 crore rupees to fulfill them. That’s because you have to pay the old arrears, hire a specific number of people, and their salaries have to be paid. Now they are overdoing their shifts. Even the Transport Unions are smart, they are playing a patient game. TN govt knows whatever it says, will never happen, even the Unions know this. Except for the old age pension, the other 5 demands are justified. But when the current financial situation is down in the trenches, what right does Shivashankar have to commit to this? They are offering free bus passes to children and collegegoers. But who will pay for the maintenance, and spare parts, to pay the interest for the purchases? We are going to bring forth the financial situation of the government. How it affects each individual is that each ration card has a debt of 3,61,000. As the debt increases, the weight of the interest will also increase. We are the first state to take so much loan. Today, we have 87 years to repay this debt. TN government has reached an impossible stage. Whether they can handle this, whether the finance minister is competent enough to deal with this. You can see for yourselves, in two years they will go to the central government asking for a grant-in-aid of 2-3 lakh crores to save the state.” 

On The Maldives

Discussing the historical ties between India and the Maldives, Annamalai highlighted that an Indian contingent has been stationed in the island nation since the attempted coup in 1988. He noted that India traditionally holds the position of National Security Advisor (NSA) for the Maldives, with an Indian IPS officer serving as the nation’s NSA.

Despite the customary first visit of a Maldivian PM to India, the newly elected PM broke tradition by visiting Turkey and China, garnering support from the latter, as evidenced by an official press statement. Notably, a significant portion, about 25%, of the Maldives’ tourism revenue comes from India. In contrast, Lakshadweep receives only 25,000 Indian visitors. Annamalai mentioned that the PM actively promoted an Indian destination as a tourist hotspot.

Recalling contentious tweets from Maldivian ministers, Annamalai drew a comparison, stating that the workforce in a single company like TCS surpasses the entire population of the Maldives. He expressed satisfaction in witnessing Indians uniting to defend the country amid such developments.

On Hindi

In response to actor Vijay Sethupathi’s statement that the people of Tamil Nadu are merely advocating against the imposition of Hindi, not opposing the idea of learning the language, Annamalai remarked“Vijay Sethupathi has every right to make whatever comment he wishes to and act in whichever language he wants to. But one has to understand that such comments garner all types of comments.”

He added, “Many north Indian companies are recruiting across the country and many native Hindi speakers prefer Bengaluru (in Karnataka) over Tamil Nadu because here, they need to communicate in Tamil. We are getting fewer investments because of this.”

“As far as I am concerned, people who wish to learn Hindi can learn and the rest can ignore. What we propose is a three-language policy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi never forced anybody to learn Hindi. One definitely needs to learn Tamil, English and a third language is optional — it could be anything. People near Hosur learn Kannada, in Coimbatore people learn Malayalam and many people here learn Telugu. We cannot stop them from studying that. Learn whatever you wish, this is BJP’s stand,” Annamalai said.

Annamalai voiced criticism against Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for turning down a proposal from the Public Works Department (PWD) to desilt the Mettur dam for increased water storage. He raised concerns about the government’s priorities, pointing out that the rejection was attributed to financial constraints.

On Sports & Athletics

In the realm of sports, Annamalai lauded TRB Rajaa’s daughter for her achievements in rifle shooting and expressed a desire to see more emerging athletes from Tamil Nadu. He also urged DMK Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin to take additional measures to enable underprivileged children to access sports like rifle shooting and equestrian, typically considered affluent pursuits.

On A Possible Alliance With The DMDK

Addressing the speculation surrounding the alliance with the DMDK and the tribute paid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to late actor Vijayakant, Annamalai clarified that the tribute was a gesture of genuine affection for the DMDK leader and devoid of any political motives. He said, “The decision on alliance with DMDK will be taken by the party leadership in Delhi and by DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakant.” 

He dismissed any political implications, emphasising that Prime Minister Modi’s homage to Captain Vijayakant is a reflection of the widespread admiration for the late leader’s innocence. He added, “Captain’s innocence is loved by many and there is no politics in the PM’s tribute to him. Similarly, the visit of Union Minister Piyush Goyal to Captain’s house is because of the closeness that the Union Minister had with him.”

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