Facebook Instagram X Youtube
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Facebook Instagram X Youtube
Home Blog Page 1040

From Welfare Of Alcoholics To Welfare Of Lovers: Some Moments Of Fun & Frolic In 2024 Lok Sabha Elections In Tamil Nadu

By
Satheesh
-

On the one hand, there’s a palpable intensity surrounding the upcoming elections, with parties vehemently criticizing each other and residents expressing their discontent by questioning incumbent politicians. However, on the other hand, the Lok Sabha 2024 elections offer some lighter moments.

  1. The curious case of six candidates named ‘O Paneerselvam’ vying for the Ramanathapuram constituency.
  2. The Tamil Nadu Alcohol Drinkers Awareness Association proposing an alternative to the problems of water scarcity and road accidents.
  3. A contender vying for victory in the Tirupur constituency pledges freebies that, if he is elected, men will receive free bikes, women will receive complimentary cellphones, and there will be strict no regulation on the sale of liquor in the region.
  4. Dancing rose in this scorching summer season.
  5. Lastly, the Indian Lovers Party, contesting in the South Chennai constituency, advocates for the protection of lovers who frequent beaches.

OPS Vs OPS Vs OPS Vs OPS Vs OPS Vs OPS

Intriguingly, the Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha constituency in Tamil Nadu is currently witnessing a captivating electoral phenomenon as five candidates share the name O Panneerselvam (OPS). Have you seen what kind of test they have given to the former Tamil Nadu chief minister who will also be contesting as an independent candidate? This electoral showdown holds immense importance as it signifies his first participation in the Lok Sabha elections. It’s a high-stakes struggle, akin to a battle for survival. Intuition tells us that this contest involves two Dravidian parties that have stirred calm waters into turbulence.

With his political stature at stake, OPS cannot afford to lose ground to other Panneerselvams vying for the same constituency. Even though the relief provided by the election machinery’s system to assist voters in distinguishing between candidates via photographs and individual symbols allocated to each contender, there remains a glaring test for OPS’s stature. Highlighting the stark reality of the situation, one is reminded of Prabhu’s dialogue, “Enna koduma Saravanan sir idhu!!”

Tamil Nadu Alcohol Drinkers Awareness Association

Arumugam, introduced as the Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Alcohol Drinkers Awareness Association, alongside Chellapandian, the association’s president, addressed reporters. Arumugam, contesting for the first time in the Sriperumbudur parliamentary constituency, outlined his electoral promises seriously. He shocked everyone by emphasizing to identify and prioritize government job opportunities for young widows. However, his kindness wasn’t universal; rather, it was directed specifically towards widows abandoned by alcoholics.

Arumugam passionately advocated for a nationwide restriction on liquor production, proposing that it should exclusively utilize seawater throughout India. Do you know why? It’s because his party aims to preserve fresh water for agricultural purposes and also suggested installing Syntex tank water systems for drinking purposes in all TASMAC outlets exclusively for citizens who consume liquor. Furthermore, he criticized the unfulfilled promises of both major Dravidian parties, especially targeting DMK MP Kanimozhi for her failure to follow through on commitments regarding the closure of liquor shops.

An intriguing aspect of Arumugam’s stance is his commitment to providing life insurance coverage for those affected by alcohol-related tragedies and his proposal for separate vehicle number plates for alcoholics. He questions the fairness of the government’s neglect of alcoholics while establishing TASMAC outlets, which leads to alcoholics driving to taste alcohol using their own vehicles, only to be labeled as drunkards and fined by the police, further exacerbating their situation.

Arumugam also exhibited a deep attachment to the Tamil language, suggesting the use of Tamil names for all alcohol brands and bottles. In contrast to those Dravidianists who politicize every issue, he advocates for a cultural approach that respects and celebrates Tamil heritage.

He also identified the dominant players in the Tamil Nadu political landscape as the “Bar/Bottle alliance” groups represented by the Bakthi alliance BJP and the “Rational” alliance Dravidar Kazhagam. One can’t help but wonder in Telugu, “Arey! enti ra idhi?”

 

Freebie Man Who Puts In A Lot Of Thought

He introduced himself as Sheikh Dawood, stating that he has pursued education up to the BA level. He declared his candidacy for the tenth time in the Tirupur parliamentary constituency. He expressed his commitment to empowering families, asserting that if elected as an MP, he would provide electric scooters worth ₹1,56,000 free of charge to the heads of households, showcasing his dedication to promoting e-vehicles for a progressive Bharat. Additionally, he pledged to offer cellphones valued at ₹30,000 to women heading households. Criticizing the current government’s assistance to women as insufficient, he promised to increase their monthly allowance from ₹1000 to ₹10,000. He further announced a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 for college students, regardless of their economic background or language of instruction.

Dawood also criticized the DMK government’s policy of providing free bus passes exclusively to women, vowing to extend the benefit to men as well. Additionally, he addressed the issue of unemployment by pledging to ensure a government job for each household. When asked about the prevalent issue of alcohol consumption in the country, Dawood commented, “Everyone enjoys drinking, I cannot abolish liquor as it is their democratic right.” What an admirable man he is, showing respect to all, dedicated to upholding the rights of every citizen, with a particular commitment to Article 15.

Master Of Karate Kids

To file his nomination, Karate master Rangasamy arrived throwing his Karate punches here and there in the air. Like Samantha’s dialogue, ‘Your feet are not on the ground, stand first and then speak’, This Karate Master’s feet were never on the ground.

Later, addressing the reporters, he stated, “I’ve dedicated thirty years of my life to teaching karate, eleven of which have been in a government school.” and mentioned, ‘I have a passion for helping children and students in whatever way I can.'” He concluded by promising, “This is not the end; I will contest in the MLA election of 2026 as well.”

Dancing Rose Of Dindigul

Another independent candidate arrived clad in a red shirt and blue jeans to seek nomination for the 2024 Lok Sabha election. What set him apart was his unique approach throughout the nomination process: he danced to the tune of the song “Everyone is a thief” from the movie “Sigappu Manidhan.” His endurance under this scorching summer sun made the police and commoners wonder akin to Vadivelu’s dialogue “Panguni heat is baring its teeth, how can only you be so cheerful?”

Indian Lovers Party

Finally, a candidate with insight – Kumar SriSai, is contesting from the Chennai South parliamentary constituency. He represents the “Indian Lovers Party.” Can you hear the background music of Gautham Vasudev Menon? Yes, that’s the vibe. To our surprise, he has contested three times from the same constituency. Shame on us for not voting for him earlier.

He promises something worthy. His focus is to protect lovers. According to him, only by contesting and winning elections, he can safeguard the rights of lovers. He emphasizes that there’s currently no support for lovers; they suffer without having anyone to listen to them. He believes that with a party like his, lovers will have the strength of knowing someone is there for them, ready to speak up and face problems on their behalf.

When reporters asked him about the issues faced by lovers in society, Kumar SriSai promptly replied that there’s a lack of protection for them. Wherever they go, they feel scrutinized. Even at beaches, they don’t feel safe. He argues that with a party backing them, there would be no disturbance.

As he was expressing his thoughts to the camera, someone called out to him, and he promptly vanished into thin air, yet his thoughts and words fill the void.

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

After South Chennai DMK MP Tamizhachi Thangapandian, Dayanidhi Maran Faces Ire Of Public In His Central Chennai Constituency

By
The Commune
-

Just like the humorous analogy from a Vadivelu comedy, ‘There is a minefield everywhere you step’ the situation for the incumbent DMK MPs seeking re-elected again in their constituencies feels similarly precarious. Each time they approach voters for support in the upcoming elections, they are met with a barrage of probing questions regarding unfulfilled promises from their previous campaigns. This scrutiny is causing many MPs to shy away, realizing the challenge they face in convincing constituents amidst their unresolved commitments.

The electoral region of Chennai Central encompasses Villivakkam, Egmore, Harbour, Chepauk-Triplicane, Thousand Lights, and Anna Nagar. In the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections of 2024, the primary contenders vying for the parliamentary seat are the current Member of Parliament, Dayanidhi Maran, alongside Vinoj P Selvam representing the BJP, and Parthasarathy from the DMDK party. Notably, the Maran family has held a stronghold in this constituency for over 15 years. 

Against the backdrop of the election campaign, Dayanidhi Maran, the incumbent DMK MP seeking re-election from the same constituency, faced opposition from Lock Nagar residents. In 2019, the DMK had put out nearly 100 poll promises in their manifesto. However, whether any of those promises were fulfilled is something that was writ large on the faces of the residents of these constituencies.

Just a few days ago, the incumbent South Chennai MP was turned away by residents in Bharathi Nagar in the Mylapore locality of South Chennai constituency. This saw a repeat with DMK’s Central Chennai incumbent MP Dayanidhi Maran.

During a procession on Adams Road, residents blocked Maran’s vehicle, expressing anger over his unfulfilled promise to build housing board houses for Lock Nagar. Maran caught off guard, attempted to justify himself to a woman who questioned him over not getting houses constructed for the residents there. However, amidst the crowd, another woman expressed disbelief and frustration, remarking, “They come just to ask votes” Maran, visibly agitated, retorted sharply, singling out the woman who spoke pointed a finger at her, and stated, “Hey! Be quiet, You are speaking like a fool (Loosu), I’m talking here, she is also talking. I’m speaking for you (Singular Tone), am I speaking for myself?”.

Maran was seen speaking in circles to make the woman understand the reason for the delay in implementing the project. 

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

Thirumavalavan Who Made Anti-Hindu Speeches Visits His Ancestral Temple Before Nomination

By
The Commune
-

The Tamil Nadu elections always bring unexpected twists, and this time was no different. People were surprised to witness Thirumavalavan, the leader of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), offering prayers at a temple before officially filing his nomination for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The VCK, a member of the I.N.D.I coalition led by the DMK in Tamil Nadu, has been allocated two constituencies, Chidambaram and Villupuram, where it has already established a presence and secured victories in previous elections. Thirumavalavan, the leader of VCK, is poised to contest in the Chidambaram constituency.

Following this, on 27 March 2024, Thirumavalavan personally visited the Mayavan temple, the deity of his clan, in his native village of Anganur in Ariyalur district. During this visit, the temple priest welcomed Thirumavalavan by garlanding him and performing a ceremonial ritual of tying headgear (Thalaipagai) on his head. After completing special worship at the temple, Thirumavalavan submitted his nomination papers to Ariyalur District Collector and Election Conducting Officer Annie Mary Swarna, accompanied by Ministers Sivashankar and Panneerselvam. This action took place before the formal filing of his nomination papers.

What captivated the general populace was the sight of Thirumavalavan, known for his outspoken criticism of Sanathana Dharma and his stance on Hinduism perpetuating caste divisions, and said temples features sculptures of nude figures only, has now earnestly engaging in worship at temples.

In this context, an older video featuring Thirumavalavan has gained traction on social media. In the video, he addresses a gathering, expressing opposition to educational policies based on Sanatana Dharma and humorously criticizes Hindu temples in front of the audience that, ““if the building has a dome, it is a mosque. If it is tall and straight, it is a church. And if it has dirty figurines, it is a temple”.

https://twitter.com/Muthuhere3/status/1772928107965448550

In 2017, Thirumavalavan said, “Destroy all hindu temples and in it place build Buddhist Viharas“. Addressing a gathering convened in Perambalur, VCK Chief Thirumavalavan, asserted that areas housing Shiva and Perumal temples were originally sites of Buddhist monasteries. He contended that these Buddhist structures were replaced by the construction of Shiva and Perumal temples, advocating for their demolition to pave the way for the erection of Buddhist temples in their stead. Furthermore, he proposed the establishment of Buddhist temples at the purported sites of Lord Thiruvaranganathar’s presence and the Kanji Kamachi Amman Temple.

In another occurrence during a webinar hosted by Periyarist groups, Thirumavalavan referred to women adhering to the Sanatana tradition as prostitutes. A particular excerpt from his speech circulating on social media highlights, “how are women valued in Sanatana Dharma, how are they treated? From time immemorial, how they have been oppressed and exploited… what does Sanatana Dharma say about women? Basically, women are created as prostitutes by God. All women are prostitutes as per Hindu Dharma…Manu Dharma… All women are prostitutes… that’s how they were created by God… they’re of a status lower than men. It applies to Brahmin women as well as to other women”.

In a book release event held in Chennai, Thirumavalavan said, “Building a temple is a business. I am not joking. Building temples, unlike any other business, is the most profitable and provides the highest income. Which other business is more profitable than the income generated by the Tirupati temple? What are the temple’s income and expenditure? People donate money to the Tirupathi temple. People pour money into the Ayyappan temple.”

On International Women’s Day (8 March 2024), a special symposium took place at Chennai Ambedkar Thital, with Thirumavalavan as the chief guest discussing “Revolutionary Ambedkar and Women’s Rights.” He said, “Take Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, or any other religion, the core fundamental philosophy of it would be fraternity i.e brotherhood. There is one religion in the world that denies brotherhood completely, they are asking do you know what is Sanatana Dharma?  Sanatana Dharma is a dharma that says there should not be brotherhood, they say that we have understood it wrongly. Today a women judge in High Court has said that Sanatana Dharma is different from rituals, yes that’s correct, as we say, rituals and principles are different, but this Sanatana Dharma’s particular principle defines hierarchy based on birth and no one can deny it.”

He also took part in the September 2023 Eradicate Sanatana Dharma conference where Udhayanidhi Stalin had compared Sanatana Dharma to mosquito and dengue and said that it had to be eradicated. In the same conference, Thirumavalavan had said “Sanatana Dharma can be destroyed when we turn OBC against FC (Forward Caste).”

He also insulted Hinduism at a Christian book launch event in December 2022.

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

RPF Crackdown Ganja Smuggling In Chennai, Journalist Arrested With 10Kg Ganja

By
The Commune
-

Based on intelligence gathered by the Railway Protection Force (RPF), it has come to light that several clandestine groups are trafficking various narcotics, including substances like ganja and gutka, from multiple northern states of India to southern regions. To counter this illicit activity, both State railway police and railway protection force have intensified surveillance efforts at the central railway station.

Amidst these efforts, alarming reports emerged of the arrest of a female journalist for attempting to smuggle 10 kg of ganja bundles during rigorous monitoring and raids conducted at Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Chennai Central railway station.

The Poonamallee Prohibition Enforcement Division received confidential information pertaining to ganja smuggling at Chennai Central Railway Station. Consequently, they implemented extensive surveillance measures. During one such operation, a young woman arriving from Odisha on the Dhanbad express train was intercepted and subjected to a search, leading to the discovery of 10 kg of ganja concealed in bundles.

Subsequently, the police seized the contraband and detained the young woman involved in the smuggling operation for interrogation. Identified as Jyotika Das (25) from Odisha, she claimed to work as a journalist for a newspaper in her home state. The apprehension of a female journalist in connection with the transportation of 10 kg of ganja via train has elicited considerable astonishment.

Three days ago, M Dolikhatum and H Pooja Kumari Dass were detained by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) at a Central Railway Station for attempting to smuggle 14 kg of ganja on the Mangalore Express. The illegal substance was concealed within their luggage. Both suspects, originating from West Bengal, have been taken into custody, and inquiries are currently ongoing.

Prior to this, two individuals, Jayasurya, aged 24, residing in Kolathur, and Kishok Lal, aged 25, hailing from Anna Nagar, were apprehended near Ambattur railway station for smuggling ganja from Kolkata to Chennai. Following a tip-off, the police inspected the leather bags they were carrying and discovered 13.2 kg of ganja concealed beneath their clothing. During questioning, the suspects admitted to transporting the illegal substance from Kolkata through Andhra Pradesh by train, with their journey culminating at Tiruvallur before boarding an EMU train to Ambattur. Subsequently, the police presented them in court, leading to their remand in Puzhal prison.

(with inputs from Asianet News)

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

Satellite Spectrum “Scam”: Debunking TNM’s “Expose” On Bharti Airtel Electoral Bond Donation, Attempt To Weave A ‘2G Scam’-Type Story Shredded To Pieces

By
The Commune
-

The decision of the Supreme Court to make public the details of the Electoral bonds made the likes of left-leaning “news” portals” such as The News Minute and its jingbang go on a tizzy. Right from the get-go, they have been trying relentlessly to prove that the Electoral Bonds are a scam. They have persistently attempted to paint the BJP-led central government as the primary/biggest beneficiary and the alleged orchestrator of the scam.

They tried to link Future Gaming’s Lottery Martin with the BJP but it turned out that the DMK was the biggest recipient of their funds and that narrative fell flat – however The News Minute did not establish quid pro quo, one wonders why. Over the past weeks, they claim that a 25-member team is working on the details of the Electoral Bonds and matching them with all things possible to establish a scam. 

The latest entrant in this “scam conspiracy theory” is Bharti Airtel’s donation via electoral bonds to the BJP as a return “favour” for the satellite rights. The News Minute is trying to make a story along the lines of the 2G Spectrum scam! 

Their article titled “Bharti group’s ₹150 crore bond donation to BJP coincided with Modi government’s telecom U-turn” is entirely based on assumptions and the misunderstanding that satellite and telecom are the same. 

First, let us understand a little bit about the satellite spectrum:

Satellite spectrum refers to the range of radio frequencies allocated for communication between satellites in space and ground-based stations on Earth. These frequencies are managed and regulated by international organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Satellite spectrum is essential for various satellite-based services, including telecommunications, broadcasting, navigation, and Earth observation. It enables satellites to transmit signals to and receive signals from Earth, facilitating a wide range of applications and services that rely on satellite technology.

Most countries allocate terrestrial spectrum through auctions, while satellite spectrum is typically assigned administratively due to its unique challenges. Unlike terrestrial networks, satellite systems require coordination to avoid fragmentation of the spectrum, crucial for maximizing capacity. Despite this, satellite operators prefer spectrum sharing to maintain capacity and avoid competition. Regulators, like the FCC, refine rules to balance existing operators’ investments with new entrants’ competition. Coordination at both ITU and national levels ensures fair spectrum use. In India, TRAI recommends the coexistence of satellite and 5G services in certain bands, suggesting auctions only for overlapping frequencies to mitigate conflicts. Flexible spectrum use, including shared satellite and 5G services, can optimize spectrum efficiency while addressing industry needs and regulatory concerns. 

Why Is An Auction Not Conducted For Satellite Spectrum?

Here are some reasons a telecom expert put forth when questioned why an auction was not conducted for satellite spectrums:

  • Auctioning all satellite spectrums reduces overall data throughput capacities.
  • For 27.5 to 28.5 GHz, auctioning is viable as it won’t reduce satellite capacities due to limited overlapping frequencies.
  • Only two satellite players overlap with this band, preserving satellite network capacities.
  • Gateways remain unaffected and retain full spectrum access.
  • Advantages include uninterrupted satellite services, 5G deployment in economically viable bands, efficient spectrum usage, government revenue generation, and simplified coordination rules.
  • Overall, it’s a win-win situation for all stakeholders.

Satellite spectrum licensing differs from traditional telecom spectrum auctions. Instead of auctioning the spectrum, licenses are granted to companies with existing infrastructure. For instance, OneWeb’s established satellite infrastructure enabled them to secure a license. Bharti Airtel’s partnership with OneWeb facilitated their license acquisition. Similarly, Reliance Jio and Starlink await approval for their applications. Unlike regular spectrum, governments only license and regulate satellite spectrum usage, as satellites are owned by private entities like OneWeb. The government assigns frequency ranges, and the Department of Telecom (DoT) determines licensing fees and grants operating licenses accordingly.

With its own constellation of both GEO (geostationary) and LEO (low earth orbit) satellites, OneWeb has established readiness far ahead of its rivals. In contrast, Jio had to collaborate with Luxembourg SES Satellites, trailing behind in infrastructure. This readiness positions OneWeb to offer uninterrupted services to the public. Unlike the 2G spectrum, which was allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis at a fixed price of ₹2800 crores for a band of 2G, subsequent auctions saw significantly reduced allocations.

The government is yet to decide on spectrum allocation, whether through auction or administrative decision. It is noteworthy that Airtel has received clearance from IN-SPACe but is still awaiting spectrum allocation. A subsidiary of Ambani’s company has contributed over ₹400 crores to the BJP but is still awaiting approval. Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has not received approval due to his company Verizon Communications’ shareholding in firms associated with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The article talks of a “hurried new telecom law” which was passed in December 2023 in Parliament that allowed satellite spectrum to be assigned through an administrative order. If the whole thing was a scam, why would the government go to the Supreme Court seeking judicial approval?

Then they bring in the “Draconian” telecommunications bill which has powers for internet suspension and surveillance to make the law look suspicious and sow the seeds of doubt among the readers.

What is the global scenario with respect to the satellite spectrum, one might wonder – as mentioned above and also concurred by the Telecom minister Ashwani Vaishnaw in Parliament, across the world, satellite spectrum has been allocated administratively, and nowhere has it been auctioned. 

The article attempts to draw connections by presenting coincidences, implying a correlation between Bharti Airtel’s license acquisition and their purchase of electoral bonds totaling ₹100 crores. Allegedly, the BJP cashed these bonds just four days later. Subsequently, on 21 November 2024, OneWeb received satellite authorisation. Following these events, a telecom bill was passed, “coinciding” with Bharti Airtel’s additional purchase of electoral bonds worth ₹50 crores, later encashed by the BJP. 

Despite efforts to link the BJP with corporate entities, the said portals seem not to be interested in investigating potential connections such as Lottery Martin’s purchase of DMK electoral bonds or that of the TMC. Is this because of conflicting agendas?

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

Congress MP Candidate Sasikanth Senthil Peddles False Narrative About Annamalai’s Remarks On Quota

By
The Commune
-

Two former civil servants hailing from the Karnataka cadre, K Annamalai of the Indian Police Service (IPS) and Sasikanth Senthil of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), decided to step down from their positions in 2019 and enter the political arena. Annamalai aligned himself with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while Senthil chose the Congress, owing to their differing ideologies. Both are now poised to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in their home state of Tamil Nadu. Annamalai is vying for the Coimbatore parliamentary constituency, while Senthil is eyeing the Thiruvallur reserved constituency.

Having served in various capacities across Karnataka for about a decade, Annamalai, a member of the 2011 IPS batch, and Senthil, who belongs to the 2009 IAS batch, decided to leave their bureaucratic roles due to their dissatisfaction with the system. Senthil, who resigned as deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district in September 2019, cited the compromise of national values as his reason for leaving. He subsequently joined the Congress in Tamil Nadu and actively participated in movements against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Much to everyone’s surprise, the remarks made by former bureaucrat Sasikanth Senthil, who has been nominated as a candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, are truly startling. While it’s not uncommon for politicians to engage in actions to enhance their public image and garner popularity, the direct and unabashed statements from a former IAS officer are quite unexpected. Aligning with the stance of their alliance, the DMK, Congress candidate Senthil has asserted in a press statement that Annamalai is opposed to the quota system, suggesting that his views could potentially sway others to oppose it as well.

Sasikanth Senthil speaking to reporters said, “Rather than how I see it, we know what kind of a mentality he is showing. As everyone know, in Tamil Nadu we created quota system for backward classes since 1960. Many of those who are here today have come with that (quota). You can see to what extent that dominant mentality, ‘I am superior, you are inferior’ concept, is displayed when he speaks forgetting the path he travelled and why he has come here. If you see today, if many grassroots people influenced by this ideology, they will also say that we don’t need all this, ‘we are a superior caste, caste pride, we all are ruling lineage’, all this is the thought process that comes from that mentality. It reflects his thought process.”

However, what BJP President Annamalai conveyed on that occasion was that the opposition candidate nominated by the AIADMK, Singai Ramachandran, came from a political lineage, which granted him certain advantages and secured him the MP ticket easily. Regarding educational background, Annamalai noted that Singai Ramachandran’s father, a former MLA, wielded influence and secured a seat in PSG Tech College through the MLA quota. In contrast, Annamalai, hailing from an agricultural background, did not have such privileges. However, the Tamil Nadu news channels sensationalized the narrative with sensational headlines. Subsequently, the DMK initiated propaganda with a similar stance, prompting the former bureaucrat Sasikanth Senthil, a candidate of the alliance, to echo the same rhetoric, which is regrettable considering his background as a former bureaucrat.

Annamalai, addressing reporters in Coimbatore on 25 March 2024, remarked, “In 2002, he (ADMK candidate Singai Ramachandran) didn’t know his father being an MLA got him a seat to study in the college using the quota benefit. AIADMK’s candidate father is an MLA, it’s dynasty politics, Govindaraj. He has come to politics using quota. I came to Coimbatore for the first time in 2002. I was wearing trousers, my father wearing a veshti, we brought two tin boxes from the village, took three buses and came to Coimbatore in 2002.

That was 22 years ago. My age was 17 years. I took a town bus from Gandhipuram bus stand and got down to Peelamedu with two tin boxes. I mean in 2002, my father and I stood in front of PSG Engineering College in Peelamedu with two tin boxes. Then I asked my father, will this town be kind to us? We all come from the village.. 40 houses in total. We reached Coimbatore by boarding three different buses. It is a big city. Will I be able to survive in this city? 

Because I got an opportunity to study in PSG College of Engineering. I was not privileged, I did not get a seat through MLA quota. I came to Coimbatore in 2002 with 2 tin boxes, just as you all work hard as individuals and are in this land. I studied in PSG College of Engineering for 5 years. My wife studied in the same college and was a year junior to me. She studied in PSG College and we both got married and settled in Coimbatore. You have to understand one thing, Annamalai didn’t come in quota system. Vanathi didn’t come in through quota system, Modi did not come here through quota system, no one here achieved all this through quota system.”

In Tamil Nadu, there’s a prevailing expectation among the populace for a highly educated and elite individual to lead and manage administrative affairs. People warmly embrace those from educated backgrounds, viewing them as fitting leaders. With Annamalai’s ascension to the presidency of the BJP in Tamil Nadu, his capabilities have been recognized, bolstering both his own image and that of the party throughout the region. However, Sasikanth Senthil, who has primarily been involved in war room experiences in Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Delhi, is yet to establish himself in Tamil Nadu. Despite his reputation as a soft-spoken administrator, some have critiqued his transition into politics, arguing that merely skimming news headlines without full context is inadequate for someone with his bureaucratic background. Fielded by the I.N.D.I alliance in the Thiruvallur constituency, Senthil still has a long way to go in proving himself to the electorate.

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

“If EPS Ruled For 4 Years, It Was Safeguarded By Modi”: TTV Dhinakaran Hits Out At ADMK

By
The Commune
-

In the electoral fray of Theni Parliamentary Constituency, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has nominated TTV Dhinakaran, the General Secretary of Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), as its candidate. Interestingly, the DMK has put forward Thanga Tamilselvan, who was once a colleague of Dhinakaran in the same constituency. Additionally, the AIADMK has selected V T Narayanasamy. This sets the stage for a compelling Lok Sabha election constituency, with former colleagues now competing closely against each other.

Subsequently, a consultative meeting of NDA activists convened in Andipatti. During this gathering, TTV Dhinakaran, asserted that Narendra Modi stands as the prime ministerial nominee for the NDA. Contrastingly, questioned the identity of the prime ministerial candidate within the DMK alliance, emphasizing the relative obscurity of Stalin beyond Tamil Nadu’s borders.

Later taking on ADMK, he criticized Edappadi Palaniswami’s use of the double leaf symbol, historically associated with MGR, insinuating its deployment to undermine the DMK while ostensibly supporting it. Dhinakaran accused Palaniswami of clandestinely bolstering the DMK’s interests, effectively operating as its surrogate.

While speaking about Edappadi Palaniswami, Dhinakaran stated, “Betraying former chief minister OPS, and betraying Delhi that wanted to save Amma’s regime and safeguarded them for four and a half years. Otherwise we would have blown up this regime that very day, that is the truth. Palaniswami thought we are holding them by positions and with money. Nothing like that”

Then he highlighted the Tamil Nadu electorate’s awareness of this alleged deception, suggesting a shift in support towards the NDA. Drawing upon the legacies of MGR and Jayalalithaa, Dhinakaran stressed the imperative of eradicating the DMK. He underscored the ideological alignment towards making Narendra Modi the Prime Minister once again, transcending the mere distribution of electoral tickets.

(With Inputs From Daily Thanthi)

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

Why VCK Was Rejected The Pot Symbol – Here’s What The VCK and Dravidianist Media Won’t Tell You

By
The Commune
-

In a recent development, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has not been allotted the pot symbol as a common symbol, a request they had fervently pursued. The decision, detailed in an order document from the Secretariat of the Election Commission of India, cites several key reasons for the denial.

Firstly, the Commission highlighted that the VCK’s application was incomplete as the party had failed to furnish a crucial component: the list of Parliamentary constituencies where it intended to field its candidates. Additionally, at the time of application, there were no authorized office bearers listed for the party, according to the Commission’s records.

Moreover, the VCK had not provided essential financial documents, including contribution statements, annual audit reports for the last three financial years, and election expenditure statements for the last two elections in which the party contested.

The Commission also noted that the VCK had availed of concessions on two previous occasions. However, to be eligible for further concessions, the party must fulfill certain criteria, including securing at least 1% of the total valid votes polled in the state during the previous election. Unfortunately for the VCK, they did not meet this requirement in the elections they contested.

 

Previously, during simultaneous general elections to the legislative assemblies of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the party had been allotted the ring symbol as its common emblem. Similarly, in the 2019 general elections, the VCK was allocated the pot and stool symbols in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

However, due to the party’s failure to meet the minimum vote threshold of 1% in the states where they contested, the Commission rejected their request for the allocation of a common symbol for the upcoming general elections in 2024 in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala.

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

Incumbent South Chennai DMK MP Tamizhachi Thangapandian Turned Away By Residents Over Neglect And Disarray Of Their Homes

By
The Commune
-

In South Chennai, a competitive race unfolds as BJP’s Tamilisai Soundararajan, AIADMK’s candidate Dr. J Jayavarthan, and the incumbent South Chennai MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian of the DMK contest against each other. The South Chennai Parliamentary Constituency comprises six constituencies: Virugambakkam, Saidapet, Thiagaraya Nagar, Mylapore, Velachery, and Sholinganallur. With the nomination process concluded, they have all embarked on roadshows across South Chennai, engaging with constituents, and garnering support for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Against this backdrop, Thamizhachi Thangapandian, vying for her second term from the DMK in the South Chennai constituency, faced a challenging situation. A commotion erupted in Mylapore as the public expressed their grievances, alleging that the MP was only visible during elections and remained oblivious to ongoing issues otherwise. The campaign vehicle of Thamizhachi Thangapandian on her 2nd day campaign was obstructed by agitated residents who bombarded her with questions. They accused her of neglecting the damaged Bharathidasan Nagar Housing Board despite assurances to rectify the situation over an extended period. Residents voiced their frustration, shouting, “Go, come next time, go away now,” while women questioned if her visits were merely to ascertain their well-being. Others angrily pointed out the significance of their votes, emphasizing the MP’s self-serving motives and questioning who suffered the consequences. The demand for the prompt repair of the damaged housing board intensified, causing a stir that prompted the MP to alter her course.

The housing units in Bharathidasan Nagar Housing Board were built over 50 years ago, and their present condition is in an extremely bad shape. The ceilings show significant wear and tear, with exposed cement and iron grills visible. The stairs are broken, and there are holes present in it. Residents recount an incident where a balcony collapsed, resulting in one resident losing three fingers. Similar concerns extend to the interiors, where ceilings occasionally collapse, posing significant risks to residents’ safety. Another female resident expressed her frustration, stating, “You’re claiming you don’t need the votes from this constituency. Do you really think you’ll win?” Thamizhachi replied affirmatively and left. Residents pointed out the lack of access to clean drinking water and the issue of contaminated water affecting them. Another resident criticized the DMK government, highlighting their failure to fulfill promises such as the construction of new housing boards after demolishing existing ones. They expressed concerns about potential displacement and the financial burden of finding alternative accommodation, particularly for low-income daily wage earners.

Previously Thangapandian said that over the past five years, she has been actively sharing her activities and contributions to the constituency through social media. Many of the issues highlighted during this period have been addressed, although some minor concerns still persist. Thangapandian assured that these remaining issues would also be addressed promptly. The statement was made in the presence of Mylapore Assembly member D. Velu, representatives from alliance parties, and members of the DMK during the vote collection event.

It can be said that Chennai serves as a bastion for the DMK, as the party consistently emerges victorious in this region. The DMK alliance secured victory in all constituencies within the Chennai city during the 2021 assembly elections. And the commotion by the residents is seen a setback.

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

“No, BJP Didn’t Win Because Of Alms Given By ADMK”: BJP’s SG Suryah Slams ADMK’s C.Ve Shanmugam With Data

By
The Commune
-

As the election draws closer, tensions between political parties have escalated, with party leaders resorting to rhetoric on their respective platforms. One notable instance occurred when former ADMK minister CV Shanmugam, addressing an their party candidate’s introductory meeting, lambasted the BJP for its failure to expand in Tamil Nadu. He attributed the BJP’s success of securing four MLA seats solely to the alliance with his party, dismissing the BJP’s independent growth in the state.

The Villupuram AIADMK organized an introductory meeting for their candidate for the Villupuram Parliamentary Constituency, Pakyaraj, at a private wedding hall in Villupuram. Former Minister CV Shanmugam chaired the meeting. Addressing the gathering and introducing the candidate, CV Shanmugam expressed concerns about the current state of affairs. He criticized the DMK government for neglecting the state’s welfare and accused the BJP government of disregarding the people’s needs. Shanmugam warned against the BJP’s ‘divisive politics’, suggesting that the country is approaching a critical juncture. He countered BJP’s slogan of “Modi again” with their own stance of “No Modi, No Modi,” citing potential threats to Indian democracy if the BJP were to come to power again. Shanmugam highlighted the challenges faced by businesses, alleging that government agencies like the CBI, Enforcement Department, and Income Tax Department target opposition to the BJP.

While lamenting the influence of BJP’s alliance parties in Tamil Nadu despite the BJP not yet holding power there. Shanmugam emphasized the importance of the upcoming election, noting the significance of AIADMK’s stance during this crucial period. He stated, “Is everyone in BJP, a Gandhi? Today, the BJP has not even come to power in Tamil Nadu. By our grace, with our ‘alms’, they got 4 MLAs. But what do you see everywhere in the news? All companies are being threatened and collected money from them. Even in Villupuram, because Annamalai is coming, did they leave out a shop or a businessman? They collected money from everyone.”

In swift retaliation to the derogatory remarks made about the Tamil Nadu BJP by former AIADMK minister CV Shanmugam, SG Suryah, the state secretary of the Tamil Nadu BJP, highlighted six constituencies from the 2021 elections where the alliance between the BJP and AIADMK contributed significantly to their victory margin. Additionally, he juxtaposed this with the BJP’s performance in the 2016 elections when the party contested alone, emphasizing the impact of the BJP on electoral outcomes.

For instance, let’s consider the Kavundampalayam constituency in Coimbatore. In the 2016 elections, AIADMK secured victory with a a mere margin of 8,025 votes. However, if it had competed independently in the 2021 elections without the BJP alliance which had 8.4% vote share in 2016, AIADMK would have lost the MLA seat in this constituency. This scenario is applicable to the remaining five constituencies as well, as elucidated by SG Suruyah.

With a tone of utmost civility, SG Suyah conveyed through his official X handle directed towards CV Shanmugam that, “Minimum civility should be followed in politics Mr.@CVShanmugamofl. Alliance comes today, goes tomorrow. We can also call these 6 constituencies and many constituencies as ” ***ai” (Alms) given to BJP in 2021 elections. But, we won’t…”

Constituency2021 (ADMK + BJP) Votes

Victory Margin (2021)

BJP Votes (2016)
Coimbatore North4,00116,741
Kavundampalayam9,77622,444
Singanallur10,85416,605
Mettupalayam2,45611,036
Kinathukadavu1,09511,354
Pollachi1,7255,363

And also the victory of the four constituency suggests the following:

  • In Tirunelveli, the winner was Nainar Nagendran from BJP, securing 92,282 votes, which is 46.70% of the total votes with a margin of 23,107 votes.
  • In Nagercoil, the winner was M.R. Gandhi from BJP, receiving 88,804 votes, representing 48.21% of the total votes with a margin of 11,669 votes.
  • In Modakkurichi, the winner was Dr. C.K. Saraswathi from BJP, securing 78,125 votes, which accounts for 42.96% of the total votes.
  • In Coimbatore (South), the winner was Vanathi Srinivasan from BJP, receiving 53,209 votes, which represents 34.38% of the total votes.

Therefore, the BJP secured victory primarily due to its own effectiveness, say BJP supporters on social media.

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

1...1,0391,0401,041...1,969Page 1,040 of 1,969
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

Aam Aadmi Party Then, Cockroach Party Now: The Ecosystem That Pushed Pfizer And Questioned Covaxin

Aam Aadmi Party Then, Cockroach Party Now: The Ecosystem That Pushed...

The Commune - 0
Today, they operate within the Cockroach ecosystem. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the same voices were associated with, aligned with, or amplified by...
© The Commune 2025. All Rights Reserved.