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Cash Distribution At Virudhunagar Constituency Campaign Event For Congress Candidate Manickam Tagore

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Accusations regarding the distribution of cash gained attention following the emergence of a video depicting cash being handed out to attendees of the campaign event for Manickam Tagore, the Congress candidate in Virudhunagar. In the video, a woman can be heard expressing dissatisfaction over the small amount of money being offered.

Amidst the enthusiastic gathering, a woman stepped forward to voice her discontent, claiming that attendees were only receiving meager sums of ₹50 or ₹100, reminiscent of the “old days.” She lamented that the candidate had amassed so much wealth that he had several cars but was showing miserliness in handing out money to the women attendants.

“It’s like the old days when they used to give us ₹100,” she remarked, expressing disappointment.

Adding fuel to the fire, another woman present at the event was heard advising her counterpart to conceal the money received, hinting at potential repercussions if the cash distribution came under scrutiny.

A few days ago, Congress candidate and incumbent Sivaganga constituency MP Karti Chidambaram conducted a campaign event in the Manamadurai constituency. Following Karti Chidambaram’s departure, it was reported widely that the DMK panchayat president of Idaikattur distributed money to the women attendees ₹50 each. This action, which took place in violation of election conduct rules, drew attention to the ongoing issue of monetary inducements in the electoral process.

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“Only Those Who Have Worked Before In Life Would Know” Central Chennai BJP Candidate Vinoj P Selvam Hits Back At DMK’s Dayanidhi Maran

Central Chennai BJP candidate Vinoj P Selvam, took a swipe at his opponent, DMK’s Dayanidhi Maran, accusing him of peddling false information and accusations during a recent interview.

In the interview, Dayanidhi Maran is heard boasting, “You want everyone to do their father’s occupation. If your father is a plumber, he should be a plumber. Whereas if I am an upper caste, I will become a doctor or any other thing, is that wrong? Here we want equality.”

Responding to Dayanidhi Maran’s comments, Vinoj P Selvam took to social media platform X to express his disapproval, stating, “Looks like the Chennai heat is getting to Dayanidhi Maran. It is the DMK that wants the downtrodden to remain the same whereas the ruling class of DMK continues to offer plum posts and party tickets to their offspring.” Selvam further emphasized the importance of not discriminating against any job, asserting, “Only those who have worked before in life would know all that.”

The contest for Central Chennai constituency is said to be a very close fight with several people showing their dissatisfaction with the incumbent DMK MP at his election campaigns. Dayanidhi Maran faced opposition from Lock Nagar residents where he was campaigning earlier this month over unfulfilled poll promises.

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“If BJP Comes To Power Again, They Will Ban Goat & Rooster Sacrifice In Rural Temples” Sivanganga Congress Candidate Karti Chidambaram Peddles Fake News

Sivaganga’s parliamentary Congress candidate, Karti Chidambaram, encountered a barrage of inquiries from women as he arrived to gather votes, leaving him unable to offer satisfactory responses. His reaction, standing frozen with a smile, sparked considerable commotion.

During his campaign on 8 April 2024 in the Sakkottai area of the Sivaganga Lok Sabha Constituency, Karti Chidambaram was approached by a group of women, among whom an elderly lady was particularly vocal. Touched by her fervor, Karti approached her with a smiling gesture. The woman, however, promptly rebuked him, stating that she had been a loyal voter of Karunanidhi’s DMK since childhood, and it was his alliance that she was now associated with. She further criticized the Congress, cautioning against their lofty promises of ₹1 lakh per year to the poor, and threw this admonition at Karti before he departed with a smile, assuring he would handle matters.

Subsequently, during his visit to Mithiravayal, Karti stated, “20 years ago in ADMK regime, they banned slaughtering of goats and votive offering of roosters, do you remember? Similarly, if BJP comes to power they will ban slaughtering goats, so if you want to have our rural customs then vote for our hand symbol. Similarly, the chief minister’s assistance comes to ₹1,000 per month, girls get ₹1,000 to go to college, bus (travel) is free, and children get tiffin at school. If you want this project to continue, you should vote for the hand symbol.” Women who had initially welcomed him turned confrontational, demanding accountability for his actions regarding the constituency’s welfare. In response, Karti Chidambaram’s supporters resorted to intimidation tactics against the women raising questions, further fueling tensions.

The shocking revelation was that the parliamentary candidate from Sivagangai, who is also the incumbent Congress MP, appears to believe in the social media misinformation circulating as news cards from reputed news channels like Thanthi TV and Puthiya Thalaimurai TV. Despite the repeated debunking of these news items, a misconception persists that the Tamil Nadu BJP president stated that the slaughter of goats and roosters goes against Sanatana Dharma and that if the BJP gains power, it will be banned.

Critics suggest that rather than resorting to fear-mongering tactics and manipulating the trust of rural communities for votes, Members of Parliament should focus on genuinely representing their accomplishments within the constituency. Additionally, they argue that outlining their plans for the future, if elected, would be a more appropriate approach.

(with inputs from Kumudam)

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Dravidian Model: Pregnant Tribal Woman Carried In Makeshift Cradle Through Hilly Region To Reach Hospital, Lack Of Roads Plagues Tribal Communities In Udumalaipet

The lack of roads in a remote hilly area near Udumalaipet has resulted in a distressing situation where a tribal family had to transport a pregnant woman in an improvised cloth cradle through the forest for three kilometers to reach the nearest village. From there, they traveled to a health center in the plains on 8 April 2024.

Reports indicate that the husband and relatives of the eight-month-pregnant woman constructed a cradle attached to bamboo poles to carry her when she began experiencing pain. They traversed through the forest for several hours until they reached the foothills, where they arranged for transportation.

Nagammal, a 22-year-old resident of Kuzhi Patti hamlet, experienced labor pains persisting for two days. On 8 April 2024, her family decided to transport her to either the Udumalaipet GH or PHC in Erisanampatti for medical assistance. However, the nearest village with available transportation was Kurumalai, situated 3.5 kilometers away, yet hindered by muddy roads. To overcome this obstacle, the family devised a plan to reach Thirumoorthy Hill settlement, approximately 15 kilometers away from the PHC in Erisanampatti, where they could arrange transportation. They opted for a forest route, traversing mountain slopes, covering about seven kilometers through Ponnan Amman Solai. In a resourceful effort, they crafted a makeshift cradle using four sarees and large sticks, which relatives carried. Despite the challenging terrain, the men persevered, navigating the rough landscape for over three hours. Eventually, they arrived at the Udumalaipet Government Hospital around 6 pm.

Speaking to The New Indian Express, N Manikandan, the Treasurer of the Tamil Nadu Hill Tribes Association, highlighted the challenges faced by the tribal communities in Udumalaipet taluk. He noted that over 3,000 individuals reside in 15 tribal settlements in the area, yet access to medical facilities is hindered by the lack of proper roads. Specifically, he pointed out the plight of the 170 families in Kuzhi Patti, all belonging to the Malai Pulaiya community.

Murugan, a member of the tribal community, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the absence of road connectivity among the settlements in Udumalaipet. He explained that much of the terrain falls within the Anamalai tiger reserve, making road construction challenging. Furthermore, existing pathways are riddled with rocks and potholes, rendering them impassable for both ambulances and motorcycles.

An official from the Tiruppur district administration revealed that a proposal has been sanctioned by Dhali Town Panchayat to construct a road linking Kurumalai and Thirumoorthy Malai settlements, at a cost of ₹49 lakh. Despite ongoing efforts to level rocks and improve accessibility, many tribes still resort to using mountain routes to reach the primary healthcare center in Erichanampatti. The administration assured that they are closely monitoring the situation.

In this context, the president of the BJP in Tamil Nadu, K Annamalai, has openly criticized and mocked the DMK government led by MK Stalin. He released a statement via his official X handle, stating, “It is shocking to see the video of a pregnant woman being carried to the hospital by tying a dolly with cloth in a hilly village in Udumalaipet area of Tirupur district due to a lack of road facilities. In the year 2000, through the then Prime Minister of India Vajpayee’s Rural Roads Scheme, funds worth thousands of crores were allocated to Tamil Nadu, but the fact that the people in the hilly villages including Tirupur and Vellore still did not have access to road facilities is evidence of the plight of the regimes in Tamil Nadu over the years.

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Stalin, who is only keen on changing the name of the central government projects, stops those projects for a day’s publicity, with a mere notification, and does not execute them. Chief Minister Mr. Stalin should make it clear what kind of model it is to not provide even the basic facilities required for the people?”

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“Had I Been In Manipur, I Would Have Taken A Knife & Killed Them All” DMK’s Vellore Candidate Kathir Anand Makes Speech Violating MCC

Once again we see news reports on the behaviour and attitude of Kathir Anand, the DMK candidate representing I.N.D.I Alliance and vying for the Vellore constituency in the parliamentary elections 2024 violating electoral conduct rules. He took to the campaign trail on 8 April 2024, reaching out to voters in various areas including Tirupattur district, Madanur, Vadaputhupattu, Kilimurungai, Solur, Periyanguppam, Nachar Kuppam, Vinnamangalam, and Minnur.

During a recent address, Kathir Anand began by attributing blame to the current surge in gold prices, comparing it to the intense heat of the sun and highlighting how over the past decade, the price of gold has risen dramatically, making it increasingly unaffordable for many, particularly in terms of purchasing jewelry. Then he warned that if the Modi regime continues its policies, the price of gold may soon reach an exorbitant milestone of ₹1 lakh.

He lamented the plight of the common middle class, grappling with the escalating prices across the board. He drew attention to the recent farmers’ protests in Delhi, where farmers resorted to extreme measures, protesting in the nude, and blatantly lied that farmers didn’t get an audience with Modi. “If there is a problem in this town, the councilors will come running, won’t they come when called? They would come running to you whether it is something good or bad. But one lakh farmers protested in India, sat on the road and protested for almost three months, do you know what they asked? They said Mr. Modi give us an appointment, we want to come and see you, tell our grievances, please listen to our grievances and solve them, nothing else was asked. He did not give them an appointment for three months, but he is going to the same town for the wedding of an actress, he goes and attends the reception. Let me tell you one more thing, men protested naked, farmers protested against the Modi government without even a patch of cloth on their bodies. 500 men stood and protested without even a single piece of cloth on their body, they left all shame, honour and pride and to see Modi, but Modi did not even look at them and didn’t come to meet them. Women, women stood half naked, said we will let go of our shame, give us permission to see Modi, but Modi did not meet them.

Later, Kathir Anand spoke about the instances of sexual assault in Manipur. He underscored Modi’s perceived lack of concern towards these crises. During his speech, Kathir Anand attempted to evoke sympathy by discussing the issues in Manipur, aiming to sway voters’ emotions. “In Manipur, your sisters, my sisters-in-law were raped and ruined. If I was there, I would have taken my knife and cut them all. Won’t the blood have boiled, everyone’s blood would have boiled, but Modi did not look back.”

In a previous rally held in Vellore, Kathir Anand made derogatory comments about women, suggesting that their radiant appearance was solely attributed to financial assistance of ₹1,000 from the DMK government’s Women’s Basic Income scheme. hence the woman use of fairness cream and powder, thereby insulting their dignity. He also questioned if they had already received ₹1,000, possibly alluding to the state’s financial assistance scheme for homemakers. Anand’s comments have stirred controversy and received widespread criticism. Women across the state expressed feeling insulted by his derogatory remarks, stating that many hadn’t even received the promised money.

Manipulating emotions to garner votes and fostering the notion that transgressions and violence are acceptable methods for addressing concerns seems have become a common strategy in DMK’s political campaigning. However, despite the explicit guidelines outlined in the model code of conduct which emphasize restricting criticism of rival political parties to their policies, past performance, and personnel without resorting to unfounded allegations or distortion, and explicitly prohibit the exploitation of caste or communal sentiments for electoral gain, it is disheartening to observe that such comments continue to permeate election campaigns in Tamil Nadu.

(with inputs from ETVBharat)

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Ex-Idol Wing Officer Ponn Manickavel Files Complaint About Misappropriation Of Temple Funds By HR&CE Officials In Pattukottai Arulmigu Naadi Amman Temple

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Former Inspector General of Police (Idol Wing Officer), A.G. Ponn Manickavel, has brought forward allegations of misappropriation of temple funds against officials of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department in Tamil Nadu. In a detailed written complaint submitted to the Officer-in-charge of the Pattukottai Police Station, Manickavel outlines a series of cognizable offenses allegedly committed by N. Ravichandran, the former Executive Officer of Arulmigu Naadi Amman Koil in Pattukottai, along with the then Joint Commissioner of HR&CE, Thanjavur District.

The complaint, dated 8 April 2024, meticulously lays out the legal obligations under Section 154(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.PC) for registering such cognizable offenses. It asserts that the alleged crimes, including criminal breach of trust and dishonest misappropriation, were committed on 25 February 2020, and have only recently come to light through information obtained via Right to Information (RTI) requests.

Manickavel highlights that temple funds, legally entrusted to the control of executive officers like Ravichandran, are meant solely for the maintenance and expenses of the respective temples.

He wrote, “Every “TEMPLE FUND” of every Temple in Tamil Nadu is a property of that Temple. Such Temple Property i.e. it’s “TEMPLE FUND” should be used only for the expenses of the Temple or for the expenses of the Idols of Deities in that Temple. Any other use of the Temple Property i.e., it’s “TEMPLE FUND” by any authority in the HRCE department including HRCE Commissioner or HRCE Minister, is a malversation of the Temple Property and, if dishonest, it would amount to criminal misappropriation. This is what the Judgement in “Gadgayya Vs Guru Sidhesvar” (1897) unrep Cr.C 919.”

However, it is alleged that Ravichandran illegally withdrew and misappropriated ₹6648 from the temple fund of Arulmigu Naadi Amman Koil for personal expenses purportedly incurred by the then HR&CE Commissioner in February 2020. Any diversion of temple funds for personal use constitutes malversation of temple property, punishable under the Indian Penal Code.

The documentary evidence, including an RTI Act reply dated January 2021, indicates that Mr. N. Ravichandran, as Executive Officer of Arulmighu Naadiamman Koil, Pattukottai, drew 6648/- from the temple fund for personal expenses of the HRCE Commissioner in Feb-2020. This act constitutes illegal misappropriation and breach of trust. The RTI response and voucher confirm the amount and purpose of the withdrawal. Despite potential explanations, drawing temple funds for personal use remains unlawful. Mr. Ravichandran’s denial of involvement is untenable, given his authorship and signature on the RTI reply.

He elaborated on the funds in the HR&CE Dept. He wrote, “There is a Fund in HRCE Dept. called “HR&CE Administration Fund” which has been legally created U/s 92 of HR&CE Act 1959 and maintained in the HR&CE Dept for the purpose of meeting all the administrative and Official expenses including Salary and pension of HR&CE employees from the rank of Sanitary worker to HR&CE Commissioner, stationeries, vehicle fuel, computer accessories, purchase of all software applications, power point applications, repair works in the Offices of the HRCE Commissioner, Additional Commissioners, Joint Commissioners and Name Boards of the Offices of HRCE Department and purchase of Computer Accessories, Computers, Laptop, Software Applications, Water Cans, Water Tanker loads, wages/ salaries to
temporary staff such as Computer operator/ Typist, Asst Engineer, Surveyor, Legal Assistant, Security Staff etc. and expenses incurred in all legal proceedings U/s 93 and 102 HR&CE Act 1959. 

As per S.92, HRCE Act 1959, HR&CE Assistant Commissioners assess each and every Temple under HR&CE Dept in Tamil Nadu for the purpose of levying and collecting “Administration charges” and “Audit charges” from each and every Temple in Tamil Nadu whose annual income is above 5000/- per year in order to remit the money so collected into the “HR&CE Administration Fund”.

These Administration Charges and Audit Charges are levied and collected from the “TEMPLE FUNDS” of all the Hindu Temples in Tamil Nadu whose annual income is above 5,000/- and remitted into the GOVERNMENT FUND by the HR&CE Assistant Commrs. and credited into this “HR&CE Administration Fund”.

This “HR&CE ADMINISTRATION FUND” is not created out of the tax payers money in Tamil Nadu. This had been created out of the money collected from the “TEMPLE FUNDS” of all the Hindu Temples in Tamil Nadu whose annual income is above 5,000/-“

Furthermore, the complaint accuses HR&CE officials of negligence and complicity by failing to report the offenses to the police station despite being legally obligated to do so under Section 39 of the Cr.PC. It alleges that even after receiving RTI responses confirming the misappropriation, no action was taken against the accused, suggesting an intentional cover-up. He wrote, “Till yesterday this information of commission of dishonest misappropriation and criminal breach of trust was not reported to the Pattukottai Police Station. i.e. even after 3
years. The reason is that the officer responsible for the commission of these offences of dishonest misappropriation of ₹6648/- and criminal breach of trust are HRCE Officials themselves. The subsequent HRCE Officials (Joint Commissioners) also omitted to report this information of commission of these offences to the jurisdiction Pattukottai Police Station in spite of their knowledge that they are under
legal obligation to report as per the provisions of S 39 Cr.PC and in spite of their knowledge that not reporting the information of commission of these cognisable offences to the police station, per se, is an offence punishable under S 176/202 IPC.”

Manickavel emphasizes the importance of a thorough investigation and suggests that the failure of HR&CE officials to report offences may constitute a willful act, subject to penalties under the law. 

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Vallalar International Centre: Hindu Munnani Warns Of Potential Naxalite Infiltration In Public Protests, Calls For Immediate Construction Halt

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Kadeshwara Subramaniam, the state president of the Hindu Munnani in Tamil Nadu, cautioned the state government about the possibility of Naxalite infiltration during public protests opposing the Vallalar International Centre.

In his statement, “The Sathya Gnana Sabha Peruveli holds deep significance as the place where Arutperunjothi Vallalar Perumanar Ramalinga Swamigal attained Tirupatham. Every year, during the Thai Poosam day, devotees gather in large numbers to witness the divine manifestation of Vallalar merging with Lord Vallalar in the form of Jyoti. For centuries, Vallalar’s wish has been to provide nourishment to these devotees, which has become a source of pride for Tamil Nadu. However, the Hindu Munnani has vehemently opposed the Tamil Nadu government’s decision, going against Vallalar’s intentions and the Peruvazhi philosophy. They have even initiated a signature campaign among devotees to voice their dissent.”

He added, “He proposal for the Vallalar International Centre by the government should adhere to a government-owned location. This center should serve to highlight the spiritual miracles that occurred throughout Vallal Perumaganar’s life journey. Recently, villagers protested by spontaneously descending into the pits dug for the International Centre. The Hindu Munnani stands with the will of the people, urging the government to acknowledge the just demands of Vallalar’s devotees and the public.”

He urged the Tamil Nadu government, “Concerns have also been raised about the potential infiltration of separatist groups like the communist Naxalites, which could escalate peaceful protests into violence, akin to the Jallikattu protests. Hence, the Tamil Nadu government must exercise vigilance and halt the planned construction in Sathya Gnana Sabha Peruveli, respecting the wishes of Vallalar’s devotees. Hindu Munnani appeals to the DMK rulers to refrain from dictatorial actions and instead heed the voice of the people.”

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Parrot Astrologers Who Predicted PMK Candidate Thangar Bacchan’s Winning Arrested And Parakeets Seized, Released Later

An 81-year-old fortune-teller in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, found himself in hot water after predicting a definite victory for PMK’s candidate for the Cuddalore Parliamentary constituency, Thangar Bacchan. The soothsayer, identified as Selvaraj, was taken into custody by officials of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.

The controversy arose when a video surfaced on social media platforms, showing Selvaraj using a parakeet. The officials not only apprehended Selvaraj but also seized his cage containing two parakeets, claiming that he had violated the Wildlife Protection Act by utilizing the birds to read the fortunes of the PMK candidate.

Thangar Bachan, a film director turned politician, had visited the Azhagu Muthu Ayyanar temple at Thennampakkam near Cuddalore, where he sought the services of the fortune-teller.

During the consultation, the parakeet reportedly picked a card depicting the image of the presiding deity, Azhagu Muthu Ayyanar. Selvaraj interpreted this as a positive sign, assuring PMK candidate Thangar Bacchan of an unquestionable victory in the polls.

PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss questioned whether all fortune-tellers using parakeets would be subject to arrest, asserting that people’s faith should not be disrupted.

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When Kamal Lamented About India’s Nuclear Test Spoiling His Marudhanayagam Film

Did you know? The full-time actor and part-time politician Kamal Haasan, whose Makkal Needhi Maiam has aligned with the DMK for the Lok Sabha elections had once bemoaned about his Marudhanayagam film getting shelved because of the Indian government ensuring its nuclear security.

In a revelation that sheds new light on the fate of one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious projects, actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan recently lamented the impact of India’s Pokhran nuclear tests on his dream venture, Marudhanayagam. The project, which garnered attention for its grand scale and international aspirations, faced a setback due to the unforeseen consequences of the nuclear tests conducted in 1998.

Kamal Haasan revealed that in 1998, he had secured commitments from U.S. investors to fund Marudhanayagam, a film envisioned not just for Indian audiences but for global viewership. However, the trajectory of the project took an unexpected turn on 11 May 1998, when India conducted a series of nuclear tests under the codename Operation Shakti, led by eminent scientist Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

The nuclear tests, while showcasing India’s technological prowess, triggered a seismic shift in international relations, prompting widespread condemnation and sanctions from various countries, including the United States. These sanctions, imposed by then-U.S. President Bill Clinton, included the termination of U.S. credit and credit guarantees to India, effectively cutting off Kamal Haasan’s source of funding for Marudhanayagam.

Speaking to NDTV on their programme called Talking Heads in February 2000, Kamal Haasan in response to a question on why Marudhanayagam had stopped suddenly, said, “No it was not stopped suddenly. Thanks to a nuclear bomb, it stopped. It exactly stopped because of that. No one will believe it till I say so. I have got a fax from America which says sorry, we pull out of the project. We were almost, pen was poised over the document and I was in London. I would be flying the next day to America to sign the document, everything was falling in place. Everything was accepted. 6-4 million dollars was the discussion and the Pokhran blasts, and they pulled and I was already committed. Now they say, yeah now that it’s all straight, the sanctions are off, but then what happened at that time, stalls a film. I lost something like about 70 lakhs which I had given as advances to European actors. There is a pay-or-play contract, so they didn’t play, they got paid.”

The fallout from the nuclear tests dealt a “blow” to Kamal Haasan’s ambitious project, leaving it without the financial backing necessary to proceed. Kamal Haasan seemed to be more worried about his own financial status rather than feeling happy for a country that successfully carried out its nuclear tests. 

Speculation had previously swirled around the reasons behind Marudhanayagam’s failure to materialize, with some attributing it to Kamal Haasan’s alleged failure to repay an unsecured loan from the Royapettah Benefit Fund (RBF). 

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Udhayanidhi Stalin Peddles Fake News That Canadian PM Justin Was Impressed By DMK Govt’s Morning Breakfast Scheme

The 2024 Lok Sabha campaign of the DMK appears to be woven from the fabric of a fairy tale realm. As their leaders speak, they unabashedly fabricate their accomplishments, aiming to sway the uninformed masses. This time around, the DMK scion and Minister of Youth Welfare and Sports Development boldly asserted that Canada had adopted their morning breakfast scheme, attributing its success to his father MK Stalin. Furthermore, he claimed that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had recognized their endeavors.

DMK scion Udayanidhi Stalin, while campaigning in Omalur on 7 April 2024, in support of DMK candidate TM Selvaganapathi, highlighted several key achievements of DMK and made political observations on the opposition parties.

During his address at Omalur Bus Station, Udayanidhi emphasized the implementation of a breakfast program in government schools across Tamil Nadu, which has garnered attention and emulation from neighboring states like Karnataka and Telangana. Notably, he mentioned that even Canada, a wealthy nation, has taken note of and plans to adopt this initiative pioneered by the Dravidian model.

Udayanidhi said, “For the first time in India, a breakfast program has been introduced in government schools in Tamil Nadu. Seeing this, it has been introduced in the neighboring states of Karnataka and Telangana. There is a country called Canada, It is one of the wealthiest countries next to the US, Canada. The name of the prime minister of that country is Mr. Justin Trudeau, he is giving an interview on television four days ago, what does he say in it? In India, ‘There is a food program called the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Program in Tamil Nadu so that more children come to school, this program that gives importance to education, like the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Program in Tamil Nadu, I am going to introduce and expand this program in Canada’, like that they are introducing this program in Canada. This is called Dravidian Model Government. Not only Tamil Nadu, not only in the states of India, but all countries in the world, our Tamil Nadu government, Dravidian model government and our Tamil Nadu Chief Minister should be an example.

 

This incident attracted significant interest and went viral on social media platforms, as DMK scion and minister Udhayanidhi Stalin was misleading the public. Contrary to Udhayanidhi’s claims during his speeches and interviews, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau never specifically mentioned Tamil Nadu or credited the DMK or MK Stalin government. Instead, the official Canadian PM’s account stated that,”PM Justin Trudeau just announced the new National School Food Program to ensure kids, especially vulnerable kids, have access to healthy meals.”

Another falsehood circulated was the claim that the breakfast scheme originated under the leadership of MK Stalin’s DMK government in Tamil Nadu. However, this assertion proved to be untrue, as it was actually a recommendation put forth by Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, stemming from the New Education Policy report submitted as early as 31 May 2019.

In contrast to the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020 put forth by the Kasturirangan committee, the CM Breakfast scheme of Tamil Nadu, introduced by Stalin in the state assembly only in May 2022, commenced in Madurai on September 15 of the same year, coinciding with the birth anniversary of DMK founder CN Annadurai. The statewide expansion of this initiative was initiated later in Tirukuvalai, the birthplace of DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi, on 25 August 2023. It’s worth noting that the Liberal government in Canada had pledged to implement a similar program in 2021. The Breakfast Club of Canada, a non-profit organization, has been advocating for such a scheme for over 30 years. Therefore, there is no direct association between Tamil Nadu’s breakfast scheme and Canada’s, nor is the DMK government’s initiative regarded solely as its own innovation.

This mirrors a similar misinformation spread by the DMK regarding the authorship of the mid-day meal scheme, wrongly attributed to former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi instead of former Chief Minister K Kamaraj.

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