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Yet Another Crack In I.N.D.I. Alliance? Tejashwi Yadav Condemns DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran’s “Hindi Speakers Clean Toilets” Remark

By
The Commune
-

An old video of DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran in which he derogates Hindi speakers has been going viral on social media.

The DMK MP while addressing a public meeting had said that people who learned Hindi work as construction workers and wash toilets in Tamil Nadu, whereas Tamilians who don’t know Hindi hold high-level positions in the IT sector.

He said, “We asked you to study Tamil and English. You studied. Look at Sundar Pichai, he is now the CEO of Google. He would have been a construction worker if he had studied Hindi. Our children hold high-level positions in IT firms and earn a good living. Look at those who studied Hindi. They work as construction workers and clean toilets.”

This other time, while speaking at a public meeting he had called north Indians and Hindi speaking people as ‘idiots’ who will vote for BJP.

The speech of Dayanidhi Maran slandering and derogating Hindi speakers has received widespread condemnation from different quarters.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, part of the Opposition’s INDIA bloc, condemned Maran’s statement. Yadav pointed out that while addressing social inequities is important, disparaging an entire population is unacceptable.

Tejashwi Yadav stated that, similar to his own party, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the DMK led by Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister MK Stalin, also upholds the principles of social justice. He expressed that it was inappropriate for a leader of such a party to make the contentious remark.

“Had the DMK MP highlighted caste iniquities, had he pointed out that only people from some social groups took up such hazardous jobs, it would have made sense. But to speak disparagingly of the entire populace of Bihar and UP is reprehensible. We condemn it. We believe that people should be respectful towards those coming from other parts of the country.”, Tejashwi Yadav said.

Tejashwi Yadav further emphasized that leaders of the DMK ought to refrain from making statements that contradict the principle of social justice.

Former Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, a prominent BJP figure from Bihar, challenged Chief Minister Nitish Kumar regarding Maran’s statement. “The continuous disrespect towards Bihar’s people must end,” Prasad stated. He added that the residents of Bihar are compelled to migrate due to the state’s situation under Kumar’s governance, who is part of the INDI alliance.

The Mahagathbandan in Bihar, comprising of the RJD and JDU along with DMK are part of the I.N.D.I. Alliance. Earlier during a meeting of the alliance in Delhi, Bihar Chief Minister and JDU head Nitish Kumar lambasted at DMK MP TR Baalu who had requested for Hindi translation of his speech.

During Nitish Kumar’s address in Hindi, DMK MP TR Baalu reportedly requested Manoj Jha to ensure translation. The request, however, seemed to irk Nitish Kumar, who responded by saying, “We live in Hindustan, Hindi is our national language, and everyone should know it.” 

The lack of protest or objection from the DMK in response to Nitish Kumar’s assertion raised eyebrows, leading to questions about the party’s stance on “Hindi imposition“.

 

“HR&CE Minister Conducting Christmas Celebrations Is Dravidian Model”: TN CM Stalin Says, BJP MLA Vanathi Hits Back

By
The Commune
-

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin participated at the Christmas celebrations organized by the DMK’s minority welfare wing at the Don Bosco School in Chennai on 22 December 2023.

Speaking at the event, MK Stalin said “I wish all my Christian brothers and sisters a Merry Christmas. Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister has organized this function remarkably. It is a Christmas function but has been organized by the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Minister Sekarbabu. This is Dravidian Model.”

He further said “This is happening as a festival of equality. India is a country where people of different religions live in harmony. Even if there are different religions, it will be among themselves and not against others. All religions preach love only. No religion preaches divisiveness. That is why an event organized by the DMK’s minority wing is being attended by believers as well.”

He went on to add “We are all bound together by the principles of unity and brotherhood. On this platform, you can observe the presence of revered individuals such as Mailam Bommapura Adheenam Sri Sivagnana Palaya Swamigal and former Justice N. Basha. But a few people are unable to accept this unity. Whoever uses politics as a communal tool is unable to accept communal harmony and unity. That’s why they don’t like DMK, as it fights to create such unity. But the fact is, no matter how many more years, that group can’t win in this soil ever.”

Criticizing the Dravidian Model, BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan said “The Dravidian Model is one where the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Minister Minister conducts a Christmas festival but cannot even greet on Hindu festivals.”

She further said “In the DMK regime, the HR&CE Minister can conduct Christmas function of Christians, Ramzan festival of Muslims, participate in ‘eradicate Sanatana Dharma aka Hinduism’ conference but can’t but can wish Hindus on Hindu festivals. This is the true face of Dravidian Model. The Chief Minister did not say this openly but this is what he would’ve thought in his mind.”

“Chief Minister Stalin attends the Christmas function and greets Christians which is to be welcomed. He has done his duty as Chief Minister. But only last month, 90% Hindus in Tamil Nadu celebrated Deepavali. As a Chief Minister for all people, not a single wish came from him. Not only for Deepavali, he did not wish for any Hindu festival be it Thaipusam and Vinayaga Chaturthi. Hating one particular religion, wanting to eradicate it, abusing it, not even wishing them for their festivals, is this the religious unity that CM Stalin speaks about? Is this religious harmony? How can there be peace and harmony when those who want to destroy only one religion are in power?”, she said in her statement.

She further said “DMK is not able to tolerate Hindus who are realizing the true face of DMK. DMK keeps insulting Hinduism for minority votes. Hindu-hating forces like DMK dislike BJP because it exposes this to people. So, stop lecturing others and respect all religions equally. Only then will there be peace and harmony.”

Busting YouTurn’s Propaganda On Rainfall Alerts Issued By IMD For South TN Rains

By
The Commune
-

On 22 December 2023, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman conducted a press conference to provide insights into the Central Government’s actions in response to the recent floods affecting Chennai and the southern districts of Tamil Nadu.

She said that the DMK government in Tamil Nadu failed to take adequate precautions steps to tackle the monsoons adding that no lessons had been learnt from the 2015 floods.

She accused the DMK government of negligence in handling the heavy rainfall situation in the southern parts of the state. According to Nirmala Sitharaman, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had provided advanced warning, but the government failed to implement precautionary measures.

Countering Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, YouTurn, a self-styled fact-checking outlet that is known for peddling Dravidianist propaganda under the garb of fact-checking, put out an X post claiming that the IMD’s statement on 12 December 2023, only indicated heavy rainfall for a few specific locations, refuting Sitharaman’s claims.

The Propaganda

“December 12: Heavy rain (6.45 to 11.5 cm) will occur at a few places on 16th. December 15: Very heavy rains from 16th to 18th. Orange Alert (11.5 to 20 cm). December 17, 1 PM: Very heavy rain on 17th. (Red Alert (above 20 cm) for very heavy rain on 18th. Orange Alert (11.5 to 20 cm).

Rainfall from 8:30 AM on December 17 to 8:30 AM on December 18:

Kayalpattinam 94.6 cm
Tiruchendur 68.9 cm
Srivaikagundam 62.1 cm
Moolaikaraipatti 61.5 cm
Manjoli 55.2 cm”
​

YouTurn claimed that the IMD had only issued a warning saying that isolated rainfall would occur in southern districts of Tamil Nadu on December 12 and 16. YouTurn claimed that there was no mention of heavy rainfall or extremely heavy rainfall.

However, YouTurn has been found peddling half-truths to peddle DMK propaganda.

The Truth

IMD typically issues rainfall alerts in four categories: Green, Yellow, Orange and Red and this is what they signify.

Green – No Advisory: A green alert signifies that while there may be a weather event in the vicinity, it does not warrant the issuance of any advisory.

Yellow – Exercise Caution: A yellow alert indicates adverse weather conditions with a likelihood of deterioration, potentially leading to disruptions in daily routines.

Orange – Get Ready: An orange alert is issued when exceptionally severe weather is anticipated, carrying the potential for disruptions in transportation, including road, rail, and air, as well as power supply interruptions.

Red – Take Immediate Action: A red alert is issued in anticipation of extremely severe weather conditions that are likely to significantly disrupt transportation, power distribution, and even pose a potential risk to life.

A Yellow Alert signifies potentially dangerous rainfall, which was given to Tamil Nadu on 12 December 2023 which should’ve made the government to brace for impact. An Orange Alert, indicative of very heavy rainfall, requires the State Disaster Response Force to implement necessary precautionary actions and be ready.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an early warning in the form of an Orange Alert for the southern regions of Tamil Nadu, indicating the likelihood of “very heavy rain,” ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm over a 24-hour period. This forecast aligns with the observed rainfall data in various areas of southern Tamil Nadu during the period from 8:30 am on 17 December 2023 to 8:30 am on 18 December 2023:

– Kayalpattinam: 94.6 cm
– Tiruchendur: 68.9 cm
– Srivaikundam: 62.1 cm
– Moolaikaraipatti: 61.5 cm
– Manjolai: 55.2 cm

The recorded rainfall in these locations substantiates the IMD’s warning, emphasizing the accuracy of the early alert regarding the potential for significant precipitation in the specified region.

A Red Alert, is declared only 12 hours before the expected time of cyclone’s landfall. The same is present in the Tamil Nadu Disaster Management Plan 2023 released by the current DMK government.

https://twitter.com/OnlyTruth2024/status/1738255368030212108

Image

State Disaster Management Plan Book

 

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“Again I’m Saying, I’m A Christian And I’m Proud To Call Myself A Christian But..”: DMK Scion Udhayanidhi Stalin Who Wanted To “Eradicate Sanatana Dharma” Says

By
The Commune
-

DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin who is also a Minister in his father MK Stalin’s government, participated at the Christmas celebrations held in Chennai’s Harbour constituency.

Seated on the dais was Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Minister PK Sekar Babu, Chennai Mayor Priya and other Christian pastors.

Addressing the audience, Udhayanidhi Stalin said “From the same platform last year, the speech I made became a big topic of discussion. I said that I’m proud to be a Christian, I studied in Don Bosco school and Loyola College. Again I’m saying, I’m a Christian and I am proud to call myself a Christian.”

Earlier in 2022, Udhayanidhi Stalin speaking at the Christmas celebrations organized in the same Harbour constituency said that he and his wife are Christians.

However this time, the DMK scion went on to play safe saying “But I am not going to stop there this time. If you call me a Christian, I’m a Christian. If you call me a Hindu, I’m a Hindu. If you call me a Muslim, I’m Muslim. I don’t have any caste or religion. I will keep telling that everybody is equal by birth. Our leaders – ‘Thanthai’ Periyar, ‘Perarignar’ Anna, ‘Muthamizharignar’ Dr. Kalaignar (Karunanidhi), our leader CM (Stalin) has taught us only this. I will keep talking about it anywhere, anytime, how many ever times. I am sure that you will agree with what I say.”

Udhayanidhi Stalin had landed himself in soup in September 2023 when he called for the ‘eradication of Sanatana Dharma’ also known as Hinduism saying “Mosquitoes, dengue, flu, malaria, corona – we should not oppose these things. They’ve to be eradicated completely. Same is the case with Santanam (Hinduism). Our first work should be to abolish/eradicate Sanatanam instead of opposing it.” This had led to a national outrage with even the I.N.D.I. allies distancing themselves from the DMK.

Coming back to the present speech at the Christmas celebrations, Udhayanidhi Stalin then went on to heap praises on HR&CE Minister saying that he is not just Sekar Babu or Seyal Babu (workman) but a ‘Super Seyal Babu’ adding that he is on the ground whenever there is a problem.

Speaking about the recent rains that lashed Chennai and the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, the DMK Minister said “Chennai received an unprecedented rainfall of 48 cm in a single day. All your houses would’ve been submerged in water. You all were angry with us for a day, I know. But none of us hid inside the house. Me, our CM, our brother Sekarbabu, brother Kavi, sister Priya, what a great Mayor. We all didn’t even go to our homes. Because even our houses were inundated, not just your house. But we did not hide inside our house. We stood with the people as people and carried out relief work. This is the difference between DMK and other parties. All the others will come at election time.”

He then went to pat himself and Sekarbabu on the back saying “Many people tell me – ‘We’re from a different constituency but we want to come to Chepauk-Tiruvallikeni because you do so many welfare programmes here.’ But when I see such events being organized here, I feel like shifting from Chepauk-Tiruvallikeni to Harbour constituency.”

He further went on to justify his comments against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman saying “Like brother Sekarbabu said, whatever I speak is exploding like a bomb. A big flood in Chennai. Our leader  requested the Union Government for funds saying that we’ve to give people relief, repair roads, and cater to the damages. Immediately, the Union Finance Minister says, ‘Are we an ATM machine to give you money when you ask for it?’. Our media friends asked me about this saying that the Union Finance Minister is saying so and so. I responded to that saying ‘Naanga enna un appan veetu kaasaya ketom? (Did we ask for your dad’s money?)’. Our Tamil Nadu people paid taxes. The taxes paid by you. The Union Government is denying the GST, tax paid by you. I spoke about that only.”

He also alleged that the Union Government was showing a step-motherly attitude towards Tamil Nadu and went on to claim that Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh which contribute less to the Central tax pool get more money.

“We have asked for ₹21,700 crore for the Chennai flood and the South District flood. But the Union Government has not paid a single rupee till now. The ₹450 crore they claim to have given is the last year’s funds that a state is required to pay whether or not a calamity strikes. They say that we have given everything. The day after the storm hit Gujarat in 2021, the Prime Minister visited his state and announced a relief fund of ₹1,000 crore. Also, from the Prime Minister’s relief fund, he gave ₹2 lakh each separately to the deceased. But when there was such a big impact in Tamil Nadu, they did not even provide the funds we asked for, and they did not even reach out to Tamil Nadu. ₹8,000 crore rupees have been given from the State Disaster Relief Fund to Gujarat, which has not suffered major calamities and has a smaller population than Tamil Nadu. If we give a tax of one rupee to the Union government, they give back just 29 paise. Tamil Nadu has paid ₹10,000 crore in GST in this month of November alone. However, we have been given a total of ₹900 crore as State Disaster Relief Fund this year. On the other hand, the state of Madhya Pradesh gave a GST of ₹3,000 crore but has been given ₹1,000 crore as State Disaster Relief Fund. Likewise, in the last 9 years, Tamil Nadu has paid ₹5 lakh crore as tax to the Union Government. We got back only ₹2 lakh crore. However, Uttar Pradesh has given ₹2 lakh crore rupees to the union government and the union government has given them ₹9 lakh crore as tax distribution.“, he said.

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Sun News Caught Spreading Misinformation Regarding Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Statements

By
The Commune
-

Sun News has come under scrutiny for disseminating fake news concerning Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s remarks during a press conference held on 22 December 2023.

The news outlet reported that Sitharaman had allegedly stated, “We cannot announce the severe flood damages in Tamil Nadu as a national disaster.”

However, the Finance Minister’s speech has been distorted to peddle propaganda.

Contrary to Sun News’ claims, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did not make any such statement during the press meet. Nirmala Sitharaman stated, “There is no practice of announcing any disaster, in any state, at any time, by any government (of India) as a National Disaster. Since there is a lot of interest in Tamil Nadu, even the Tsunami of December 2004 (UPA with partner DMK) was not declared as National Disaster.”

The misinformation has drawn sharp criticism, with Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary SG Suryah condemning the spread of fake news by Sun News.

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DMK, VCK Cast Aspersions On Madras HC Judge Who Convicted And Sentenced Ponmudi To Jail; “Fear That Judges Are Sanatanized” Says Thirumavalavan

By
The Commune
-

On 21 December 2023, the Madras High Court sentenced DMK leader K Ponmudi to three years in jail in a corruption case making him lose his position as Minister and MLA. A fine of ₹50 lakh has also been imposed on him However, he is not required to surrender immediately, as his jail term has been temporarily suspended for 30 days, providing him an opportunity to appeal his conviction in the Supreme Court.

Following the Madras High Court’s verdict, the DMK along with its ally VCK led by Thol. Thirumavalavan have been casting aspersions on the judge who delivered the verdict.

DMK MP and the party’s legal wing secretary NR Elango said “A judge is definitely above suspicion. But by law, he served as the Law Secretary during the AIADMK regime. Back then, he handled the files related to freezing of the assets in this case. This was not known when the case was happening. Ponmudi came to know about it only now. We informed this to the judge but he said that even if he had came to know of this fact earlier, he wouldn’t have recused himself from the case. We will definitely take up that issue in the Supreme Court.”

VCK head and Chidambaram MP too jumped the bandwagon. During a press meet, a reporter asked what was his view on the talks about the judge having been a law secretary during the AIADMK government to which Thirumavalavan said “There is a norm that judges and judgements cannot be criticized. But in the name of justice, be it in Ayodhya or other important cases, grave injustice has been done which cannot be refuted. Recently, the verdict that upheld the reorganization of Jammu & Kashmir and abrogation of Article 370 is not above criticism. This case too is being looked at in the same way.” adding that Ponmudi’s case was dismissed in the sessions court.

He further added “This is not a case which was appealed by petitioners. Justice Jeyachandran himself on suo moto heard the case. He was a Law Secretary during the AIADMK government. He was also involved in foisting the case against him (Ponmudi). He was involved in collecting the documents related to the case. It was pointed out in the court too. That time too he said that even if it had been pointed out earlier, he wouldn’t have recused himself from the case. Hence, it is clear from these facts that the judge has ulterior motives. All this will be heard in the Supreme Court I believe.”

Adding further, Thirumavalavan said “The courts are acting biased based on the information we get. The verdict given doesn’t show that it was delivered with honesty. He hearing the case suo motu, the fact that he was involved in collecting the necessary documents regarding the case is now out in the open.”

He further said “Nowadays, there’s a fear that even judges too are being ‘Sanatanized'”.

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DMK Youth Wing Leader Arrested For Smuggling Ganja In Thiruvarur District

By
The Commune
-

Ramana, the son of DMK councillor Rajini Chinna alias Chinna Veeran, currently serving as the Thiruvarur District DMK Youth Wing co-convener, has been apprehended by the police for his alleged involvement in smuggling cannabis.

The arrest, which took place amid a surge in concerns over the flourishing cannabis trade in Thiruvarur district, has raised eyebrows about the purported connections between the DMK and the illicit drug market. Ramana, hailing from the 24th ward of the municipality, was taken into custody in connection with the illegal transportation and sale of cannabis.

Locals in the region have long been vocal in accusing a gang with purportedly connected to the DMK of actively facilitating the distribution of cannabis throughout Thiruvarur district. Allegations have surfaced indicating that this faction, allegedly led by Ramana’s father, has been instrumental in thwarting police efforts to crack down on cannabis trade.

The authorities are intensifying their efforts to dismantle the gang involved in the sale of cannabis.

BJP Tamil Nadu State Secretary SG Suryah criticized the DMK saying “The DMK is responsible for the rampant sale of ganja in Tiruvarur district.”

(With inputs from Janam Tamil)

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“Can We Say He’s Enjoying Power Because Of His Dad’s Assets?”: Nirmala Sitharaman Attacks DMK Scion Udhayanidhi Stalin’s ‘Are We Asking Your Dad’s Money’ Remark

By
The Commune
-

On 22 December 2023, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman conducted a press conference to provide insights into the Central Government’s actions in response to the recent floods affecting Chennai and the southern districts of Tamil Nadu.

She said that the Centre has disbursed ₹900 crore in two installments for Tamil Nadu in the current fiscal year.

Commenting on the DMK government’s to give ₹6000 as relief amount, Sitharaman expressed her concern over the mode of payment, questioning why the funds were being disbursed in cash rather than through direct benefit transfer. She asserted, “This is government money, not my father’s money or your father’s money.”

The Finance Minister’s comments came in response to a remark made by DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin who had said “Are we asking their father’s money? We’re asking to give back our money”.

Sitharaman retaliated, accusing Udhayanidhi of consistently using derogatory language. Drawing parallels to a previous controversy about eradication of Sanatana Dharma, she said, “This is the pattern of their language; even during the Sanatana dharma controversy, he employed similar expressions.

“Those asking ‘Is it your dad’s money?’, can we similarly say he is enjoying power because of his dad’s assets? Can we ask like that? He has ben elected by the people and we give him the due respect for that. These talks like ‘unga appan, unga aatha’ (derogatory way of saying your father, your mother), these kind of talks are not good in politics. He wishes to progress further in politics right? That family is also aspiring right? The language they use. His grandfather was such a big Tamil scholar. The words that come through the tongue should be measured in accordance with the position they hold.“, she said.

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Over 1 Cr Ayushman Cards Created Under Ongoing Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra

By
The Commune
-

In a significant milestone demonstrating strengthening of the country’s health infrastructure and propelling healthcare excellence in India, India has achieved a commendable landmark. 1,02,23,619 Ayushman cards have been created during Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.

Under the ongoing Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, the cumulative footfall has reached 1,31,66,365 in 79,487 Health camps conducted in 3,462 Gram Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies, till date.

The following activities are being carried out in the Health Camps:

Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): Under the flagship scheme of MoHFW for the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, Ayushman cards are being created using the Ayushman app and physical cards are being distributed to the beneficiaries. Till date, more than 23,83,473 physical cards have been distributed.

A total of 6,34,168 Ayushman cards have been created at the health camps held yesterday.

Tuberculosis (TB): Screening of patients for TB is carried out by screening for symptoms, sputum testing, and using NAAT machines wherever available. Case suspected to have TB are referred to higher facilities. By the end of Day 36, more than 49, 17,356 people have been screened out of which more than 3,41,499 were referred to higher Public Health Facilities.

Under Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMA), consent is being taken for patients suffering from TB for receiving assistance from Nikshay Mitras. Attendees willing to be Nikshay Mitras are also being provided on-spot registration. More than 1,17,734 patients have given consent under PMTBMBA and more than 39,819 new Nikshay Mitras were registered.

Under Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY), monetary assistance is provided to TB patients through Direct benefit Transfer. For this purpose, details of bank account of the pending beneficiaries are being collected and accounts are being Aadhaar seeded. Details of 30,093 such beneficiaries have been collected.

Sickle Cell Disease: In areas with predominant tribal population, screening of eligible population (up to 40 years of age) is being done for the detection of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) through the Point of Care (PoC) tests for SCD or through Solubility Test. Cases testing positive are being referred to higher centers for management. More than 5,08,701 people have been screened so far, out of which 21,793 were found to be positive and referred to higher public health facilities.

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Screening of eligible population (30 years and above) is being done for Hypertension and Diabetes and cases suspected to be positive are being referred to higher centers. Around 10,297,809 people have been screened for Hypertension and Diabetes. More than 4,82,667 people were suspected to be positive for Hypertension and more than 3,45,898 were suspected to have Diabetes and more than 7,59,451 people were referred to higher public health facilities.

Background:

The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on November 15 from Khunti, Jharkhand to saturate the benefits of central government schemes across the nation. As a part of on-spot services under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, Health Camps are being organized at the places of halt of the IEC Van in the Gram Panchayats.

(Published form PIB)

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“When Disaster Struck TN, CM Was Sitting In I.N.D.I. Meeting”: Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman Hits Back At MK Stalin

By
The Commune
-

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed a press conference on Friday (22 December 2023) to brief about the Central Government’s response to the recent floods that struck Chennai and southern districts of Tamil Nadu.

Addressing the media in New Delhi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Centre has disbursed ₹900 crore in two installments for Tamil Nadu in the current fiscal year.

She said that the DMK government in Tamil Nadu failed to take adequate precautions steps to tackle the monsoons adding that no lessons had been learnt from the 2015 floods.

Sitharaman emphasized the advanced capabilities of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai, including three dopplers, which accurately predicted heavy rainfall in specified districts.

She refuted claims by DMK Minister Mano Thangaraj regarding delayed weather updates, asserting that the Centre’s assistance in 2015 should have been effectively utilized by the Tamil Nadu government.

“Initially, a minister said 92% of ₹4,000 crore given for Chennai basin deveopment was spent. After the floods, the government says only 42% has been spen so far. If the funds were utilised properly, the rain impact would not have turned this bad.“, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.

Sitharaman clarified that there is no official term “National disaster” and highlighted the absence of such declarations even for Uttarakhand, emphasizing the need for states to follow disaster announcement guidelines.

Responding to Stalin’s allegations of inadequate relief funds, she countered that the state government is using its own funds for relief work. She also hit back at CM MK Stalin saying that when disaster struck the southern districts of Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi, he was in Delhi to participate in the I.N.D.I. Alliance meeting.

“Despite us giving warning 5 days ago on 12 December 2023, and saying they would’ve done a great job if accurate forecasts with cm-wise data were given, the same Chief Minister, the same Hon’ble Chief Minister.. We were sending NDRF teams then. Where was the Hon’ble CM? Unprecedented historic rains in 4 districts of the state. People are suffering. Instead of being on the ground and demanding the Centre to send NDRF teams, he was in Delhi. After 3 days he is visiting Tirunelveli and speaking, we will respectfully listen to it. But he was here for the whole day for the meeting (I.N.D.I. Alliance) and seeks time to meet the PM just on the go, and the PM had obliged to his request despite being late at night. I can understand what his (Stalin’s) priorities are.” she took a jibe at MK Stalin.

“At a time when disaster struck, CM was sitting with I.N.D.I Alliance.”, Nirmala Sitharaman hit back.

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