Facebook Instagram X Youtube
Sunday, May 31, 2026
Facebook Instagram X Youtube
Home Blog Page 1034

“TN Guv Is A Lunatic, He Needs Mental Treatment”, TN Congress MLA EVKS Elangovan Abuses Governor RN Ravi

By
The Commune
-

Senior Congress leader EVKS Elangovan spoke to the press on 20 November 2023 on multiple issues and gave a shocking revelation. Despite being a senior leader, apparently, he was not aware of what was happening with the Tamil Nadu Congress and said that he came to know of any news within the party by reading newspapers. 

When asked about the Kaveri issue, he said, “As far as the Kaveri issue is concerned, the problem is the same for both states – the problem of hunger and thirst. So it is better that the issue be resolved amicably. The resolution is in process and if it doesn’t happen Durai Murugan has said that they will knock on the doors of the SC.”

On the topic of the Tamil Nadu Governor, he said, “Basically there are some issues with respect to the Governor. I think he is mind is not ok, I think. He does things on a whim. He puts janeu on people and if some days pass, he will tie the thread around the waist(Aranakayiru) and if some more days pass, he will also tie the thali (mangalsutra) around someone’s neck. He seems to be a man of unsound mind, so he should spend time in Kutrallam (Courtallam). He keeps changing his decisions. First, he needs to become a human. He is a lunatic and needs treatment, he needs mental treatment, and he has to get it done in Kutrallam.”

When asked about the Goondas Act invoked and filed prostitution cases on farmers protesting the land acquisition for SIPCOT, he said, “They have released them, right?” The journalist continues asking him about prostitution cases filed against them. He replies saying, “It seems one of them is not a good person, except him they have released everyone else. You might have heard and you surely will know whether all of them are indeed farmers or not. One or two of them are known to cause law and order problems in that region. They tried to disturb the peace there so the government has taken action on them and prevented it. They have arrested some farmers under the Goondas Act and they have rectified it by releasing them.”

When asked about TN Congress, he said, “I honestly do not know what is happening in TN Congress. If there is a meeting like this, they usually would call us. Today they conducted a meeting without calling anyone. I don’t know what is the mystery behind that meeting. I will enquire about what happened and let you know.”

When a journalist questioned as to why he is not aware of what is happening with the party despite being a senior leader, EVKS Elangovan said, “I don’t know anything. That there was a meeting yesterday was not known to me. I came to know about that meeting only after reading today’s newspaper. Neither I know of it nor does Thangabalu nor Thirunavukkarasu knows of it. I am not saying that senior leaders are being boycotted. First, they said former leaders, then they said senior leaders, and now they are saying, dead/failed leaders.”

It is noteworthy that EVKS Elangovan won the Erode East bypoll that was marred by cash-for-votes allegations in 2023. He was caught speaking to DMK Minister KN Nehru who was recorded discussing strategies to influence the Erode East bypoll using money and gifts. The conversation, accidentally captured while another leader spoke, revealed plans to distribute funds and provide watches and biryani to polling officials, aiming for the DMK-led alliance’s favour. 

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

TN BJP Head Annamalai Slams DMK Milk Minister Mano Thangaraj Claims On Aavin’s Fat Content, Questions Discontinuance Of ‘Green Magic’

By
The Commune
-

In a startling revelation, Aavin’s iconic standardised milk variant, Green Magic, is set to be discontinued to cut costs, sending shockwaves through Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party chief, K Annamalai, took to social media platform X, exposing discrepancies in the Premium milk variant (Orange cover), which was purported to contain 6% fat but was found to have only 4.79% fat. Annamalai backed his claim with test results obtained and published for public scrutiny.

Aavin’s decision to halt the sale of the long-standing green packet milk, a household staple for four decades, has triggered widespread condemnation. The move to replace it with purple packet milk, boasting 3.5% fat content, has been labelled as an act of deceit against the public.

Annamalai’s revelation, based on a study conducted by a Food Safety and Standardization Authority (FSSAI) approved laboratory, alleges a significant shortfall in the fat content of the Orange packet milk. The reported 4.79% fat content falls considerably short of the promised 6%. 

Accusing the DMK government of jeopardising the health of children dependent on Aavin’s milk by intentionally reducing fat content, Annamalai urged the Tamil Nadu government to cease such practices. He called for transparency, demanding an immediate halt to deceptive practices that compromise milk quality without a corresponding reduction in prices.

Annamalai wrote, “Tamil Nadu Government’s Aavin Milk Company has decided to stop the sale of green packet milk, which has been in use for the last forty years, is strongly condemned. The decision to stop the sale of green packet milk with 4.5% fat content and to sell purple packet milk with 3.5% fat content is an act of cheating the public. Orange packet milk, which should already contain 6% fat content, has 4.79% fat content, according to a study conducted by a Food Safety and Standardization Authority (FSSAI) approved laboratory. We have attached this test report for the Minister’s consideration. This corrupt DMK government is deliberately playing with the development of children who depend on Aavin company’s milk by reducing the fat content. Also, I urge the Tamil Nadu government to immediately stop deceiving the public by reducing the fat content of milk and not reducing the price, and provide quality milk at the price paid by the public.”

Responding to these allegations, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government’s Minister of Milk and Dairy Development of Tamil Nadu, Mano Thangaraj, contested the authenticity of the test report. He argued that the report did not specify its association with Aavin milk and highlighted that the sample was not presented in packet format; instead, a PET container was used.

He wrote, “Annamalai, Addressing your recent tweet on Aavin Milk’s fat content, we are dismayed by the deliberate spread of misinformation. The referenced test report fails to specify it pertains to Aavin Milk. Aavin exclusively packages in packets, not PET containers as suggested, casting doubt on the sample’s authenticity. Testing samples without original packaging compromises accuracy. It’s a fundamental practice to ensure reliable results, seemingly overlooked here. We’re deeply concerned your statements may mislead and create unnecessary doubt. Aavin has an impeccable reputation, and we stand by the integrity of our processes. Regrettably, your actions appear to damage Tamil Nadu’s reputation for political gains. Discouraging support for locally produced Aavin products, vital to our farmers, raises questions about your motives. We suspect these actions for personal gain, possibly seeking benefits from companies outside our state, at the expense of our farmers – a disgraceful move. Refrain from baseless political maneuvers. We’re committed to transparency, upholding product standards, and won’t tolerate false claims undermining our state’s farmers.” 

In a counter-response, Annamalai pointed fingers at the government, alleging a deliberate campaign against Aavin. He stated that successive administrations, including his predecessor, played a role in the decline of Aavin by incessantly increasing prices, manipulating product composition, hindering health mix production, and intentionally reducing milk procurement from farmers. Annamalai wrote, “Thiru Mano Thangaraj, leased answers wouldn’t help hide the sorry state of affairs under the Corrupt DMK govt. The report is a reality check of how the state-run milk cooperative under the DMK govt has been converted to an extortion unit by charging more & delivering less. A minister should have known that samples are always given in pet bottles for testing, and what is important is whether the samples were handed over in good condition, which is affirmed in the report. Be it your predecessor or you now, you’ve ensured the downfall of Aavin with the constant increases in prices, deliberate manipulation of the composition of the product, deprived Aavin of the opportunity of producing the health mix and, most importantly, purposely decreased procurement of milk from farmers compared to the previous regime. Your baseless arguments wouldn’t help increase fat% in Aavin orange variety milk, but you acting as a Minister & carrying out your duty would.”

Earlier this month, Ponnusamy, the head of the TN Milk Dealers Association, had raised concerns about a potential scam within Aavin. The ongoing controversy raises questions about the quality of Aavin’s milk and the practices employed by the Tamil Nadu government in managing this crucial resource. As public scrutiny intensifies, all eyes are on the authorities to address these allegations and ensure the integrity of Tamil Nadu’s dairy industry.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Power Cut During Electricity Minister’s Speech Provides Fodder For Opposition To Target ‘Dravidian Model’

By
The Commune
-

During the All India Cooperative Society Week function in Tirunelveli, the Minister in charge of the electricity department, Thangam Thennarasu, found himself in the dark, both literally and figuratively. The incident happened on 16 November 2023, casting a spotlight on the persistent issue of power cuts in the state.

The 70th All India Cooperative Society Week was held at Nehru Kalaiarangam in Palayankottai. DMK Minister Thangam Thennarasu who holds the portfolio of electricity and finance, along with Tirunelveli DMK MP Abdul Wahab, DMK MLA Gnanathiraviyam attended the event.

As Minister Thennarasu was lauding the achievements of the DMK government and speaking about the need for being self-reliant, the power suddenly went off, plunging the venue into darkness.

“When our country became independent, our national leaders got together to plan on how to take the country to the next level. They created with the 5-year plans. As they were engaged in propelling the country forward with each five-year plan, they realized that education, public health, infrastructure can be developed in a country only through the cooperative society model and making people self-reliant.”, spoke Minister Thangam Thennarasu when the power got cut.

The abrupt blackout drew claps of dissatisfaction from the audience, who have grown accustomed to nocturnal power cuts becoming a routine of late.

During the power cut, the DMK Electricity Minister went on to suggest that someone deliberately orchestrated the power cut to provide content for the media.

For a few minutes, Minister Thennarasu, grappled with the unexpected power outage. When the electricity was finally restored, the DMK Minister took it in his stride saying that the episode has provided content for the press.

“While speaking I was wondering what content to give for the media. That’s okay. Tomorrow, the press people have got good content. ‘Power cut during Electricity Minister’s speech’ – you’ve a good headline for tomorrow“, he said.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

From Getting Convicted For Rape To Getting Slammed For Disgusting Remarks On Tamannah And Trisha: The Many Controversies Of Mansoor Ali Khan

By
The Commune
-

Kollywood actor Mansoor Ali Khan spoke to the press recently and made a highly inappropriate comment about Trisha, expressing remorse for missing an opportunity for an intimate scene with her and referencing his involvement in ‘rape’ scenes.

While discussing his experience shooting for Vijay-starrer Leo, Mansoor Ali Khan stated, “When I heard that I was acting with Trisha, I thought there would be a bedroom scene in the film. I thought that I could carry her to the bedroom just like I did with other actresses in my earlier movies. I have done so many rape scenes in a number of movies and it’s not new to me. But these guys didn’t even show Trisha to me on the sets during the Kashmir schedule.”

Trisha Response

Actor Trisha condemned the statement saying, “A recent video has come to my notice where Mr.Mansoor Ali Khan has spoken about me in a vile and disgusting manner.I strongly condemn this and find it sexist,disrespectful,misogynistic,repulsive and in bad taste.He can keep wishing but I am grateful never to have shared screen space with someone as pathetic as him and I will make sure it never happens for the rest of my film career as well. People like him bring a bad name to mankind.”

NCW Response

The National Commission for Women took cognisance of the matter and directed the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) to book the actor. They posted on their X handle, “The National Commission for Women is deeply concerned about the derogatory remarks made by actor Mansoor Ali Khan towards actress Trisha Krishna. We’re taking suo motu in this matter directing the DGP to invoke IPC Section 509 B and other relevant laws. Such remarks normalize violence against women and must be condemned.”

Previous Controversies

Mansoor Ali Khan has been convicted of rape and sentenced to jail for 7 years. According to a Times of India report, Mansoor Ali Khan was arrested on 11 December 1998 based on a complaint by a woman named Sneha Sharma. In 2001, he received a seven-year rigorous imprisonment sentence after being convicted by the Principal Sessions Court in the alleged rape case. According to the chargesheet, Khan advertised in newspapers for a woman secretary for his real estate business, with Sneha Sharma applying for the position.

On 8 December 1996, Khan took her to a hotel in Vadapalani, Tamil Nadu, where he drugged her drink, causing her to lose consciousness. Subsequently, he committed the act of rape. Despite this, Khan later appointed her as his secretary and engaged in a sexual relationship with her, all the while promising marriage. When Sneha Sharma became pregnant and urged him to fulfill his promise, he responded with threats to her life. Judge Kumar not only imposed a seven-year sentence on Khan but also levied a fine of ₹3 lakhs. This amount is mandated to be paid to the victim, covering her maintenance and the child born as a result of the accused’s actions. However, the Madras High Court set aside his jail sentence but ordered him to pay ₹3.25 lakh to the woman and ₹7 lakh for the child. His appeal against the Madras High Court order was dismissed by Supreme Court. 

However, in 2012, Mansoor Ali Khan proved in the Madras High Court that the accusations made by the women were false. Subsequently, the court directed the woman to pay ₹50 lakh as compensation to Mansoor Ali Khan.

However, in the same year, he encountered another legal issue, this time related to allegations of land-grabbing. The charges implicated him in the unauthorized construction of a 16-storey building in Arumbakkam, Chennai, leading to his arrest.

In 2018, incarcerated in Salem Central prison, he staged a day-long fast to protest the Salem–Chennai green corridor project and the dismissal of his bail application by an Omalur court. The Theevattipatti police had arrested the actor earlier for delivering defamatory speeches in villages around Kaamalapuram in May of that year. During these speeches, he threatened to attack authorities if they attempted to acquire farmland for an eight-lane road project. Later the Omalur judicial magistrate court denied the actor’s bail request. Khan initiated the fast in the morning but terminated it in the evening following intervention by prison officials, according to sources. Around this time, he had also stated that for Naam Tamizhar Katchi, going to jail is akin to visiting a temple.

Earlier this year, he spoke derogatorily about Tamannah’s dance moves for the song Kavaalaa in the film Jailer. Discussing the censorship situation in Tamil Nadu concerning his film Saraku, Khan voiced his dissatisfaction with the edits and alterations mandated by the Censor Board. Mansoor raised the issue of Kaavaalaa, questioning the approval of the song and expressing disdain for its quality. Mansoor brought up Kaavaalaa and questioned how the song was permitted, adding that the song was awful. Speaking to the press he said, “In a song called Kavaalaa, they stretch their legs like this and show their hands like this and take them all the way down. Kavala, Ra, Ra. I didn’t take anything sexy like that. They won’t listen. They are all manifestations of slavery. It is a very bad movement. It looks like they are putting their hands in their pockets and pushing them down.”

Mansoor Ali Khan indulged in fear-mongering by spreading vaccine misinformation by associating actor Vivek’s death with the COVID-19 vaccine. Alleging that local authorities and governments were collectively involved in ‘murder’ through vaccine administration, he spread fear about the vaccination process. In response, the Madras High Court instructed the Tamil film supporting actor to pay a fine of ₹2 lakh to the state government for disseminating false information about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Rising Caste Violence In TN: 3-Day Black Badge Protest Announced By Adi Dravidar & Tribal Welfare Association

By
The Commune
-

The Confederation of Adi Dravida and Tribal Welfare Teachers’ Guardian Unions has declared a three-day black badge protest to draw the government’s attention and demand an end to the escalating caste oppression in Tamil Nadu.

Recent months have seen an alarming rise in caste-based brutality and heinous acts against marginalised communities in Tamil Nadu. Earlier this month a gang of six individuals assaulted and humiliated two Dalit youths by stripping them publicly after they had a bath in the Thamirabarani River.

In October 2023, a Scheduled Caste family residing in the Vidathilampatti hills within the Manapparai municipality faced threats from a dominant Urali Gounder family, experiencing verbal abuse, urine poured on the son, stoning of their house, and physical assault.

The Vengaivayal incident remains fresh in memory, where human waste was found dumped in a water tank used by Dalits in Vengaivayal village of Pudukottai district. 

The Nanguneri incident in August 2023 involved the brutal assault of a Class 12 Scheduled Caste student and his younger sister with sickles in their own home.

On 12 November 2023, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa fame SC singer, and his cousin were verbally abused with casteist slurs before being attacked with glass bottles and stones by MBC youth. 

In response to these atrocities, activists and concerned citizens have decided to protest against caste-based violence. The General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Teachers’ Protection Association, Vivek, issued a statement highlighting the increasing levels of violence and untouchability faced by Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes in Tamil Nadu. The issue extends from students in schools to the contamination of water tanks and drinking bottles, mirroring the rising trend of brutality and untouchability, comparable to the spread of the coronavirus.

In the southern districts, attacks and killings of Scheduled Castes continue to be widespread. The SC and ST Commission, along with the government-appointed police, are expected to intervene and prevent such inhumane attacks. However, there seems to be a selective oversight and a lack of action on their part. This caste discrimination also persists in government offices and the Adi Dravida and tribal welfare sector, where Asians form the majority. Despite numerous complaints, the government has failed to address injustices in actions such as discriminatory practices, fund allocations, job transfers, promotions, and appointments, and denying basic rights.

This neglect by the government fosters suspicion and fear. Caste discrimination against Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes has persisted not only under the AIADMK regime but also during the subsequent DMK regime. To emphasize the importance of ensuring the safety, education, employment, and economic status of oppressed communities, various associations in the Adi Dravida and tribal welfare sector will join together for a three-day black badge protest from 20 November to 22 November 2023. The protest aims to bring attention to the pressing concerns and demands for justice for the oppressed communities in Tamil Nadu.

(With inputs from Savukku Media)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram and WhatsApp and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Aavin Announces Discontinuation Of Its Most Popular Standardised Milk (Green Magic) Variant To “Cut Costs”

By
The Commune
-

In a “cost-cutting” move, the state-owned Aavin has decided to halt the sale of standardised milk (green packets) across the state from 25 November 2023. The green pack also referred to as Green Magic, a popular variant for over 40 years, holds a 40% market share in Chennai, with Aavin supplying 14.75 lakh litres.

As part of this change, retail consumers and cardholders will now receive Delite milk (purple pack), featuring a lower fat content of 3.5% compared to the 4.5% in the Green Magic category, according to an official directive released on 17 November 2023. Both Delite and Green Magic variants will be priced at a maximum retail price of ₹44 per litre, while other private brands in this category range from ₹54 to ₹56 per litre.

V Alin Suneja, GM (Marketing) at Aavin, mentioned that milk cardholders would receive Delite milk at the same price (₹42/litre) as Green Magic, effective from 1 December 2023.

Starting December 1, Aavin will implement Delite milk card sales and initiate distribution from 16 December 2023. Standardised milk (SM) cardholders will be required to transition to one of the three other variants—toned, Delite, and full cream milk—offered by Aavin from 1  December 2023, as per an official communication.

Aavin milk cards are typically sold between the 1st and 15th of each month, facilitating milk supply from the 16th to the 15th of the following month. Although retail market sales will cease from 25 November 2023, current SM cardholders will continue to receive Green Magic packets until 15 December 2023.

As reported by The New Indian Express, official documents accessed by them revealed that Aavin incurs a monthly expenditure of ₹65-70 crore to purchase butter for reconstituting its milk, maintaining lower fat content compared to private brands, in adherence to FSSAI standards. Toned milk should contain 3% fat, standardised milk 4.5%, and full cream milk 6%.

Consumers speaking to TNIE express concerns, stating that by replacing Green Magic with Delite, they are indirectly increasing the price of milk. Industry insiders told TNIE that Aavin holding about 20% of the dairy market share in the state, should not discontinue milk variants that have existed for years. Some argue that the government’s hesitation to adjust milk procurement and selling prices may lead consumers to opt for pricier full-cream milk or private brands.

Earlier this month The Commune had reported about the press meet of TN milk dealers association head Ponnusamy who had levelled allegations of a scam against DMK Minister Mano Thangaraj regarding the same issue. Speaking to the media, he said that the Green Magic variant had been largely removed from circulation across most parts of Tamil Nadu and substituted with the Delite variant. Additionally, he raised concerns about the decrease in fat content in the milk, alleging that the DMK government was indirectly hiking the price of milk through this measure.

Aavin has been consistently making headlines since the DMK assumed power. These include the reduction in milk procurement, price hikes across all products, and the alleged employment of child labourers at Aavin factories.

(with inputs from The New Indian Express)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram and WhatsApp and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

13 Jeeva Samadhis Of Siddha Temple Allegedly Demolished In Tiruvannamalai To Make Space For Car Parking

By
The Commune
-

In a shocking turn of events, the revered Kattu Siva Siddha Viddha Abhyaasa Temple in Tiruvannamalai witnessed the overnight demolition of 13 sacred tombs and the closure of a perennial well, creating a wave of distress among devotees. It is alleged that the land was levelled to create space for car parking.

The temple, known for its spiritual significance and monthly gatherings, was dedicated to the memory of Kattu Siva Siddhar and his disciples. The sacred space, located on 6 acres and 81 cents of land, had been a site for meditation, prayer, and monthly rituals performed in honour of Kattu Siva and the 13 disciples, whose Jeeva Samadhi (burial site) had been erected there.

According to historical accounts, Kattu Siva, a Siddhar known for his mystical abilities, performed penance in the forests near the hill close to Tiruvannamalai’s Girivalam route. Devotees believed in his power to manifest and disappear at will, appearing only to those who sought his presence. A cave in the forest and a pond, named after him, served as markers of his spiritual practices.

From 1957 to 2019, samadhis of 13 people – ‘Vellore’ Krishnasamy, his wife Rajalakshmi, Govindasamy, Krishnananda, Santhammal, Mani, Thanakkotti, Karadibaskar, another Govindasamy, Suresh, Pazhani, Nithyanandar, Sivananda – were raised at this site.

A foundation was established there under the name of Kattu Siva Siddha Viddha Abhyaasa Temple and every month on the occasion of Kattu Siva Siddha’s birth star Kiruthigai, special poojas are performed and annadanam (free food) is served.

The controversy arose when revenue officials allegedly levelled the sacred site for a car parking space for the upcoming Karthigai Deepam festival. Shocked administrators of the Kattu Siva Siddha Vidha Abhyasa Temple expressed their dismay, claiming that the demolition was carried out without their knowledge or consent.

Speaking to Thanthi TV, one of the administrators said, “This is a property owned by Kattu Sivasamy. There are 13 Samadhis of disciples of the lineage of Kattu Sivasamy from 1974 to 2021. Every month, we rebuild these Samadhis and pray/meditate here. We offer Annadanam to all the people who come here every month. There was a big well in the corner and we used the water from that well. Last night, the well was removed and 13 Samadhis were destroyed. Those 13 Samadis represented our Gurus who blessed us, we pray to them to fulfill our needs.”

He further added “Every month, atleast 70-80 people from all over Tamil Nadu would gather here and meditate, we would do this without any hubbub. We would even take away the shamiana we hoist. Today, those 13 Samadhis are missing and so is the well. Please take this request of ours to the government to help us reestablish this Samadhi so that we can carry out our monthly duties here. We request that we are able to continue our meditation activities on the Samadhis of the 13 disciples of our Guru Swami Sivananda Paramahamsa. They have destroyed the 13 Samadhis, this place looks like a levelled ground now. The locals here say that government officials have done this overnight. We request the government to help us find out who did this.”

The administrators stated that they had maintained the land for the Jeeva Samadhi, emphasising the spiritual significance of the 13 disciples’ resting places. They pleaded with the government to allow the reconstruction of the Samadhis, highlighting the cultural and religious importance of the site.

Devotees, deeply connected to the spiritual rituals performed at the temple, voiced their anguish over the sudden destruction of the tombs and the well, which had been a vital resource for the community. Monthly gatherings, meditation sessions, and Annadanam (charitable food distribution) were regular practices at the sacred site.

Devotees and administrators are seeking answers and urging authorities to facilitate the reconstruction of the Jeeva Samadhi and the preservation of the spiritual practices that have been disrupted by shocking events.

(with inputs Thanthi TV from Agni Murasu)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

“There Is No Mistake In Arul’s Name,” Farmer Devan’s Father Reveals Debunking DMK Min EV Velu’s Claims Of “Outsiders Creating Trouble”

By
The Commune
-

In response to widespread criticism for invoking the Goondas Act against farmers protesting the land acquisition for the SIPCOT project in Melma, Cheyyar taluk, Tiruvannamalai district, Chief Minister MK Stalin announced the revocation of the decision on 17 November 2023.

The Chief Minister clarified in his statement that the detention law was initially invoked due to allegations that the accused had obstructed government officials from performing their duties, disrupted public order by blocking roads, and prevented farmers from willingly giving away their land for the SIPCOT project.

Six of the seven persons who were detained were released after their family members met with Cheyyar MLA and Minister for Public Works, Highways, and Minor Ports, E V Velu, and requested their release, as mentioned in the Chief Minister’s statement.

However, the decision to invoke the Goondas Act against environmental activist Arul Arumugam has not been rescinded. Arumugam gained prominence for his opposition to the Chennai-Salem eight-lane highway project during the previous AIADMK regime.

Earlier on the same day, various political parties, including the AIADMK and the BJP, called on the DMK government to reconsider the detention of the farmers under the Goondas Act.

EV Velu Statement

Addressing reporters, E V Velu defended the government’s intention to provide jobs for the educated youth in the district, accusing “outsiders” of creating trouble. Velu claimed that one of the detained individuals, Devan, did not own any land and labelled Arul from Krishnagiri as the chief instigator behind the protest, alleging a pre-planned hindrance to development work.

Contradicting these claims, Devan’s father stated he did not support the protest, while Devan’s wife, D Kalaiselvi, mentioned that some DMK members intimidated the family and coerced her father-in-law to speak against his son. 

In a video shared by activist group Arappor Iyakkam, Devan’s father is seen saying, “Sir, I am Devan’s father speaking. Yesterday around 2, 10 people from the DMK came to my house and called my daughter-in-law to come to the Taluk office and sign the papers. She was scared and said she wouldn’t go. So they called my wife, and she also refused to go. Then they forced me to go with them. I went and sat in the car, they took me to Cheyyar. We went with MLA Jyothi. On the way, they asked to say this and that. I listened to everything and told the same to Minister Velu. I don’t know anything else. But no one instigated anything. Neither Arul nor anyone else instigated us on this. Arul didn’t call my son. My son went on his own. There was no mistake in Arul’s name.”

In a show of solidarity, more than 2,000 residents across 10 village panchayats in Melma hoisted black flags in front of their homes on 17 November 2023 to protest what they perceived as the state’s highhandedness. The DMK government plans to acquire 3,300 acres of agricultural land for the Cheyyar SIPCOT project.

(with inputs from The New Indian Express)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram and WhatsApp and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

BJP Tamil Nadu’s Muslim Leader Prevented From Participating In RSS Route March

By
The Commune
-

Tiruchi witnessed heightened security measures as members of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) undertook route march on 19 November 2023. The police reported that the route march commenced at Nachiyarkoil in Woraipur police station limits in Tiruchi around 4 pm, passing through Main Guard Gate, Chathiram Bus Stand, Karur Bypass, and concluding at Annamalai Nagar at 5 pm, with the participation of several hundred RSS Swayamsevaks.

Amidst this, Bharatiya Janata Party’s minority wing national secretary, Syed Ibrahim, also known as Vellore Ibrahim and seven others were arrested by the police as a preventive measure near the BJP office.

In response to the arrests, Ibrahim expressed his discontent, stating, “No sir, we are just going to shower petals there. Is there no safe place in this Tiruchi city? The route march is about 4 km long; now you can let us gather near a temple or a Hindu majority area and let us shower petals. You are scared that if we gather near a Muslim-dominated area, then some terrorist or extremist attacks can occur. Okay, let’s not gather there; let’s go near a temple or a church. Why are you wasting your time arresting me? Allow us to go; don’t oppress us. Is being a nationalist a sin?”

In another video, Vellore Ibrahim can be seen indulging in a sit-in protest outside the district headquarters of the party. Police is seen entering the party office and this was resisted by Ibrahim. Following this he was arrested.

Speaking to the press later, Ibrahim said, “The party high command has given me the duty of propagating the awareness of the schemes brought in by the BJP government headed by PM Narendra Modi and also to ensure religious harmony among all Hindus, Muslims and Christians, that they are united as children of Bharat Mata.”

He added, “In TN, I have been speaking about religious harmony everywhere. Muslims and Christians have understood this. DMK, DK, VCK’s Thirumavalavan and dangerous fascist forces are continuing to peddle mistruths about RSS among Muslims and Christians and portraying them as a terrorist organisation. They are also spreading lies that RSS was formed to eradicate Muslims – the people spreading this lie include Stalin, Thirumavalavan, that’s why Christians and Muslims are living in fear about RSS. Whether it was the tsunami or corona pandemic, RSS was at the forefront of helping others sacrificing their lives and served the people. I have attended all the programmes conducted by RSS. All that they propagate is that we are all children of Bharat Mata, there should be no religious discord among us, we must fight against the atheist propaganda. TN CM and DMK leader Stalin is spreading lies about these marches that they are dangerous for Muslims and Christians. Whenever we asked for permission, they would petition that if the marches are conducted, there will be riots and other problems. Even SC has permitted the marches. I have participated in these marches. Last year it was in Madurai, this year I have been given the responsibility of Tiruchi. When I was going to participate in the programme, police stopped me and tried to arrest me. When I asked them the reason, they said, there was “pressure” from the higher ups. Whether it is the Commissioner or the IG, they say the same thing. Where is the pressure coming from? The TN CM Stalin who is holding the reins of the TN Police. He is the one pressurising them. People are watching who is responsible for the deteriorating law and order situation here. When Muslims and Christians participate in the marches, people who watch the news will be aware of the truth, what will Hindus understand from this, that everything is alright here, they will be forced to question the government which stopped the RSS marches. To prevent this, Vellore Ibrahim and others have to be arrested and not allowed to participate in the march. The police is also giving me another reason, that if I participate, there will be riots, there will be an extremist attack on me. How many days will police keep saying this? If they are aware of such a thing, why are they not taking action or is their security so bad? Will your intelligence agencies not protect me? I condemn the CM Stalin for making the police department hang their heads in shame because of inefficiency. At least let us stand on the side of the road when the march goes past us so we can shower flowers on the swayamsevaks. They are not allowing even that but instead are arresting me. We are not afraid of arrests.”

Police claim that the arrested individuals attempted to participate in the route march without providing any prior notification to the authorities. The arrested persons were temporarily held in a private hall and subsequently released after a few hours.

It is noteworthy that on 16 October 2023, in response to a writ petition initiated by an RSS member seeking permission to conduct a procession, Justice G. Jayachandran’s bench deemed the justifications presented by the Advocate General on behalf of the state as “lame”.

“The chart provided by the learned Advocate General, which annexed to the judgment, are lame reasons, to say the least. The State to circumvent or defy the mandate of Hon’ble Supreme Court order to deny permission to the Organization to conduct a rally in a democratic manner had listed out reasons and it only exposes the inability of the State machinery“, the Court held in the Judgment.

The Court further declared that the State’s rejection orders did not align with the principles of secular and democratic governance.

Specifically, the Court addressed the DMK government’s objection concerning the presence of Mosques and Churches along the procession route, stating, “The rejection of the RSS’s procession and public meeting request based on the existence of these structures, places of worship of different religions, or offices of organizations with differing ideologies is inconsistent with the fundamental principle of Secularism, upon which the Indian Constitution is built.”

Following the Court’s order, permission was granted for the RSS to hold route marches across Tamil Nadu on 19 November 2023.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Actress Trisha Slams Mansoor Ali Khan For Disgusting Remarks About Not Being Able To Shoot ‘Bedroom Scene’ With Her, Khan Says His Statements Have Been Misrepresented

By
The Commune
-

In a recent media interaction, Mansoor Ali Khan made a highly objectionable comment about Trisha, expressing regret over missing an opportunity for an intimate scene with her and mentioning his involvement in ‘rape scenes.’

Mansoor Ali Khan speaking about his shooting experience in Vijay-starrer Leo said “When I heard that I was acting with Trisha, I thought there would be a bedroom scene in the film. I thought that I could carry her to the bedroom just like I did with other actresses in my earlier movies. I have done so many rape scenes in a number of movies and it’s not new to me. But these guys didn’t even show Trisha to me on the sets during the Kashmir schedule.”

Trisha and the Leo’ director Lokesh Kanagaraj, responded with strong criticism.

Khushbu Sundar’s Intervention

Bharatiya Janata Party leader and National Commission for Women (NCW) member Khushbu Sundar promptly intervened in the controversy. She announced her involvement in addressing the alleged derogatory remarks made by Mansoor Ali Khan about Trisha Krishnan. Khushbu expressed unequivocal support for Trisha and declared her commitment to taking action against Khan. In a post on social media, she decried individuals with a “filthy mind” and emphasized her stand against a sexist and disgusting mindset that degrades women. Khushbu underscored the ongoing fight to protect women and their dignity, condemning such individuals as detrimental to society.

Vanathi Srinivasan Condemns Mansoor

BJP National Women’s Wing President and Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan condemned Mansoor Ali Khan for his remarks.

“Police department should take appropriate action against Mansoor Alikhan who spoke disparagingly about actress Trisha.“, she said.

Mansoor’s Clarification

Mansoor Ali Khan’s statement aimed to set the record straight. He expressed surprise at the news circulating about his alleged mistreatment of Trisha, asserting that, in reality, he had complimented her during the press conference. Drawing an analogy between Trisha’s role in the movie Leo and Hanuman moving Chiranjeevi’s mountain, Khan insisted that his comment was made in a light-hearted manner. Lamenting the deliberate slicing and alternative presentation of his words, Khan affirmed that he was unafraid of the ensuing controversy.

The actor highlighted the diverse collaborations he had experienced, even with politicians in prominent positions, emphasizing the respectful relationships he maintained with heroines who had gone on to settle down and marry wealthy businessmen. Khan mentioned his daughter Dil Rupa’s admiration for Trisha and the aspirations of his other daughters to get married, underlining his commitment to supporting them. He concluded by urging everyone to focus on their work, stressing the importance of addressing broader issues in the world.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

1...1,0331,0341,035...1,879Page 1,034 of 1,879
TheCommune
The Commune is a news and views portal focusing on social and political issues of the southern part of India with a focus on Tamil Nadu.
Contact us: thecommune.news@gmail.com
Facebook Instagram X Youtube

NATIONAL NEWS

Pakistan's Islamic Identity Is Non-Negotiable, But India's Is, For Leftist Rag The Wire’s Arfa Khanum Sherwani

Pakistan’s Islamic Identity Is Non-Negotiable, But India’s Is, For Leftist Rag...

The Commune - 0
In a recent video, leftist rag The Wire journalist Arfa Khanum Sherwani strongly argued that Pakistan cannot and should not recognise Israel. Her reasoning...
© The Commune 2025. All Rights Reserved.