AIADMK, under the leadership of former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), has made a significant commitment to minority rights. Following the party’s split from the BJP, AIADMK introduced a calling attention motion over the issue of releasing Muslim prisoners including those who have been convicted for the 1998 Coimbatore Bomb Blasts.
மாண்புமிகு சட்டமன்ற எதிர்கட்சித்தலைவர் புரட்சித்தமிழர் @EPSTamilNadu அவர்கள் இன்று (10.10.2023) தமிழ் நாட்டில் நீண்ட நாள் சிறையில் உள்ள இஸ்லாமிய சிறைவாசிகளை விடுதலை செய்வது குறித்து சட்டப்பேரவையில் சிறப்பு கவன ஈர்ப்பு தீர்மானம் கொண்டு வந்தார் .@AIADMKOfficial… pic.twitter.com/zsVsAPxDH3
— AIADMK IT WING – SayYesToWomenSafety&AIADMK (@AIADMKITWINGOFL) October 10, 2023
The motion called for releasing over 36 Muslim prisoners including the 16 convicts sentenced to life in the 1998 Coimbatore Blasts case on humanitarian grounds considering their long sentences served, old age and health.
The memories of the Coimbatore serial blasts of 1998 are still fresh in people’s minds. On February 14, 1998, a series of powerful bomb explosions rocked Coimbatore, resulting in a tragic loss of life and extensive injuries. The attack targeted a public rally organised by the BJP during the campaign stage of the 1998 Lok Sabha elections. These blasts comprised 12 high-intensity explosions that killed 58 people and injured over 250 individuals.
Investigations into the blasts revealed that the banned Muslim fundamentalist organisation, Al-Umma, led by SA Basha, was responsible for orchestrating this horrific act. The primary objective was to assassinate BJP leader L.K. Advani, who was scheduled to address the rally. The main accused, SA Basha, is serving a life sentence, but concerns persist about his lavish prison lifestyle and frequent paroles.
Despite the severity of the Coimbatore serial blasts and their impact on the nation’s security, they did not receive sufficient national media attention and condemnation at the time.
Responding to the overarching efforts of the AIADMK in appeasing the minorities, especially the Muslims, Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party President, K Annamalai slammed the appeasement tactics saying, “In February 1998, a bomb blast by Radical Islamic Fundamentalists in a serene city like Coimbatore led to the loss of 58 lives and injured over 200. The SC last week stuck down the bail application filed by a few convicts in this case & reiterated it as an atrocious act. Despite all this, today, the Tamil Nadu assembly discussed the release of Terrorists serving life imprisonment for their involvement in the Coimbatore bomb blast & other heinous acts.”
He further added, “While the wound of 1998 is yet to heal, last October, a suicide bombing incident shook Coimbatore again & NIA arrested 13 radicals involved in this terrorist act. Minority appeasement seems to have taken the driver’s seat for a few, and the safety of those who elected them has taken the back seat. We hope good sense prevails and the TN CM Thiru MK Stalin will stop this misadventure of releasing the radical Islamic fundamentalists involved in the Coimbatore Bomb Blast from prison.”
In February 1998, a bomb blast by Radical Islamic Fundamentalists in a serene city like Coimbatore led to the loss of 58 lives and injured over 200.
The SC last week stuck down the bail application filed by a few convicts in this case & reiterated it as an atrocious act. Despite…
In a surprising turn of events, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazagam (AIADMK) General Secretary Edappadi Palanisami seems to have launched a series of “strategic” manoeuvers, that align his party’s stance with that of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) while courting support from minority communities in Tamil Nadu.
Ondriya Arasu Terminology
In a notable twist, he employed the terminology, “Ondriya Arasu”, which was coined and used by the DMK to denote the Central government. This term carries undertones suggesting that India is a union of states rather than a single, cohesive nation.
On 9 October 2023, the DMK passed a resolution urging the central government to instruct the Congress government in Karnataka to release Cauvery water in compliance with Supreme Court directives. The AIADMK voted in favour of this resolution while the BJP walked out citing that the resolution was incomplete and that it did not mention Congress which was the ruling government in Karnataka. Speaking to the press afterward, EPS stated that the DMK’s separate resolution on Cauvery water was aimed at the “ondriya arasu” (Union government). He said, “They (DMK) have brought about a separate resolution (for Cauvery water release) in the assembly; that was only to urge the “ondriya arasu” (union government)”.
மக்களே பார்த்துட்டே இருங்க இன்னும் கொஞ்ச நாள்ல இவனுங்க திமுகவையே மிஞ்சி பாஜக/இந்து எதிர்பு அரசியல் செய்ய போறாங்க….
இந்து விரோத திமுகவுக்கு மாற்று அதிமுக என்று நினைக்கும் கோமாளிகளுக்கு இந்தப் பதிவு சமர்ப்பணம்.
— Johny Bhai(அண்ணாமலையின் வார் ரூம்)🇮🇳 (@Johni_raja) October 9, 2023
Previously, the AIADMK had criticised the DMK for using “Ondriya Arasu” to address the central government and had supported the BJP. However, this recent shift indicates a significant departure from that stance especially after the AIADMK snapped ties with the BJP.
Calling For Release Of Coimbatore Blast Convicts
AIADMK, under the leadership of former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), has also made a significant commitment to minority rights. Following the party’s split from the BJP, AIADMK raised a calling attention motion over the issue of releasing Muslim prisoners including those who have been convicted for the 1998 Coimbatore Bomb Blasts.
மாண்புமிகு சட்டமன்ற எதிர்கட்சித்தலைவர் புரட்சித்தமிழர் @EPSTamilNadu அவர்கள் இன்று (10.10.2023) தமிழ் நாட்டில் நீண்ட நாள் சிறையில் உள்ள இஸ்லாமிய சிறைவாசிகளை விடுதலை செய்வது குறித்து சட்டப்பேரவையில் சிறப்பு கவன ஈர்ப்பு தீர்மானம் கொண்டு வந்தார் .@AIADMKOfficial… pic.twitter.com/zsVsAPxDH3
— AIADMK IT WING – SayYesToWomenSafety&AIADMK (@AIADMKITWINGOFL) October 10, 2023
The motion called for releasing over 36 Muslim prisoners including the 16 convicts sentenced to life in the 1998 Coimbatore Blasts case on humanitarian grounds considering their long sentences served, old age and health.
Some of the prisoners in question were arrested in connection with the 1998 Coimbatore serial blasts, which claimed 58 lives and injured many. 16 convicts, including Baasha from the Al-Umma, received life sentences. Many have spent more than 25 years behind bars, even though numerous calls have been made for their release.
Islamic parties, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) as well as DMK alliance members, including the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), have been advocating for their release. Protests and demonstrations have been ongoing in Tamil Nadu, emphasising the “plight of these prisoners”. Since the DMK came to power in 2021, the demand for their release has intensified.
This initiative aligns with the DMK government’s earlier efforts to release long-serving prisoners, especially those imprisoned for 20-25 years. The move comes as AIADMK seeks support from Muslim organisations and the broader minority community.
At the AIADMK Golden Jubilee Conference held in Madurai, the AIADMK reportedly decided to fulfill the main demand of the Muslims of Tamil Nadu to release the inmates involved in the 1998 Coimbatore Blast case who have been in jail for more than 20 years.
Seeking Alliance with Minority Parties
During a recent party gathering in Salem, Palanisami urged Muslims to support AIADMK in the upcoming general elections. A video of EPS speaking at the event went viral on social media. EPS said, “Many people from the Muslim community have come here. I would like to point out that ADMK has acted just as you wished. Similarly, you have to ensure that our candidates win the elections. I learned today that many people from the Muslim community reside in this area. You must go to each Muslim’s house and assure them that ADMK will always work towards the safety of the minority community. I am also from this region; I live in Salem, and you can meet me anytime. As far as the ADMK is concerned, just like how the eyelids protect the eyes, ADMK will be the first people to protect the minority communities.”
முஸ்லிம் மக்கள் ஆசைப்பட்டது போல அதிமுக,பாஜக கூட்டணி இல்லை. கண்ணை இமை காப்பது போல சிறுபான்மையினரை அதிமுக பாதுகாக்குமாம்- எடப்பாடி. இந்து ஓட்டு வங்கி இல்லாததால் தானே இந்த பேச்சு அதிமுகவும் திமுகவும் போட்டி போட்டு சிறுபான்மை காவலராக தன்னை அறிவிக்கிறார்கள். இந்துக்கள் உனர்வது எப்போ? pic.twitter.com/tH5RRMkha5
AIADMK’s recent moves are part of a broader strategy to secure support from minority communities, with a particular focus on forming alliances with Muslim political parties, such as the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK). Additionally, the party is exploring ties with the influential Dalit political party, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK).
The party’s alignment with DMK’s terminology and its commitment to minority rights are significant developments that may shape the state’s political dynamics in the coming months.
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The Tamil Nadu Assembly session began on 9 October 2023 with the DMK government passing a resolution urging the Central government to direct the Karnataka government to release Tamil Nadu’s fair share of Cauvery water as per the Supreme Court judgement.
During the discussion in the Assembly, Leader of Opposition and AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami raised concerns about the low water level in the Mettur dam and asked the Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan about what measures are being taken to ensure water supply in the surrounding region. He pointed out that as of now dams in the Cauvery catchment areas of Karnataka have 66 tmc of water and only 8 tmc of water is present in the Mettur dam. Palaniswami asked how is the DMK government deal with the situation when 20 districts need 4 tmc of water per month for drinking purposes while there is still a long time for the onset of the North-East Monsoon.
Responding to this question, the DMK Minister in-charge of Water Resources said “As of now 8 tmc of water is there and hence the Mettur dam will be closed. There is a barrage behind the Hon’ble Opposition Leader’s house where there is lots of water accumulated. So, it will stop but we will have to give drinking water. We will take all measures to ensure supply of drinking water. To add further, my zodiac sign is rain sign. So, surely the rains will come. Don’t worry.”
As the DMK Minister made this statement, DMK Speaker Appavu interjected in an attempt to save face saying “November-December is rainy season only right. November-December is rainy season. North-East monsoons.” to which DMK Minister sarcastically said “I am telling you my zodiac sign is rainy sign. You’re saying it is the skies. What a man sir you are! (laughs)”
It is note worthy to mention that the DMK considers itself as a “rationalist” party which doesn’t believe in astrology, zodiac sign, etc.
This comment of the DMK Minister has evoked a social media response with many questioning the DMK’s rationalist claims.
When farmers are fighting for survival without water and expecting the Govt to act, the Minister for Water Resources and Irrigation says that he is a lucky person and according to his luck we will get enough rain soon. Sad to see that people's livelihood has become a joke to the… pic.twitter.com/vRcyFBiKWz
— Vishwatma 🇮🇳 ( மோடியின் குடும்பம் ) (@HLKodo) October 9, 2023
“மழை கட்டாயம் வந்திரும்” நாங்க அதுக்கும் திராவிட மாடல் ஸ்டிக்கர் ரெடியா வச்சிருக்கோம்…ஆக… மழை ராசி… திராவிட மாடல் ஆட்சி…😂😂
A video has gone viral on social media in which a DMK executive discusses how they’ve to pretend to oppose Congress over the Cauvery issue in order to win the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu. The Congress MLA from Mayiladuthurai S. Rajakumar was also present in this meeting.
The man making the speech in the viral video is said to be DMK Nagapattinam North District Deputy Secretary Gnanavelan.
In the viral video he can be heard saying “Just like how he (Congress) is acting, what we’ve to do is, we also have to show that we’re opposed to the Congress while simultaneously deride Edappadi (Palaniswami), and finish off BJP. This should be our principle. Only if we confirm the alliance, we can win the upcoming Lok Sabha elections by a huge margin of votes. Congress giving or blocking water is secondary, but we’ve to oppose fully.”
When another person in the meeting asks “how will we oppose?“, the DMK man says “We’ve to oppose. We’ve to create an illusion that we’re opposing. (laughs). We’ve to create an illusion. The MLA Rajkumar should also speak vehemently. Only then, they will realize that the Tamilians here are united.”
He also further goes on to say “People should realize: ‘Even though he is from Congress, they’re united. All of them are united. They stand with their leader. Congress will fight no matter what.’ For that feeling to come, Rajakumar brother should speak vehemently in the rally. We’ve to show that Tamilians here have Tamil emotions just like how Karnataka people there have Kannadiga emotions. That should be the primary aim of this agitation.”
திமுகவின் டெல்டா பகுதி நிர்வாகிகள் கூட்டத்தின் காணொளி ஒன்றைக் காண நேர்ந்தது. அந்தக் காணொளியில், வரும் பாராளுமன்றத் தேர்தலில் ஜெயிக்க, கர்நாடக காங்கிரஸ் கட்சிக்கு எதிராகப் போராடுவது போல நடிக்க வேண்டும் என்று நாகை மாவட்டத் திமுக நிர்வாகி ஒருவர் பேசுகிறார். அவர், திமுக நாகை வடக்கு… pic.twitter.com/1aOI370qfL
Hitting out at the DMK, BJP Tamil Nadu President said “As far as the DMK-Congress alliance is concerned, it has a history of betraying the people of Tamil Nadu on livelihood issues. On the Cauvery issue, the DMK, which has been staging a drama day in and day out, is now going to pretend to hold a protest to deceive the people and show an illusion that they are opposing the Karnataka Congress government.”
He also added “Their real purpose is not a real solution for the people; They have admitted with their own mouth that they are only playing politics by deceiving people.“.
Many on social media called out the DMK alleging duplicity over its stance on the Cauvery issue.
This is the true nature of the dmk . The dmk member says let’s “pretend”to oppose congress in the Cauvery issue to reap electoral dividends in the upcoming elections . Deceit , diversion and pretence ! Playing with the livelihood of farmers for political gains .People should see… pic.twitter.com/IFsWI3pC7Q
The Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution on 9 October 2023 urging the Central Government to direct the Karnataka government to release water to Tamil Nadu in accordance with the orders of the Cauvery Water Management Authority.
Speaking in the Assembly, Chief Minister Stalin spoke about the recent shortfall in water supply from Karnataka, stating that in June, Tamil Nadu received only 2.28tmc of water instead of the due 9.19tmc at Biligundalu and that Karnataka had not released the share of water for this month. The chief minister also mentioned that the state’s water resources minister had met with the union minister to seek intervention for the release of water from Karnataka. Stalin blamed the neighbour state for creating what he called an “artificial crisis” and had not released Cauvery water to TN in accordance with SC directions.
When asked for her response to whether she supported or rejected the resolution, Bharatiya Janata Party MLA, Vanathi Srinivasan pointed out the fact that the resolution was incomplete and that it did not have a permanent solution to the issue. She argued that the resolution on Cauvery water was inadequate and questioned the absence of a reference to the Congress, which is part of the DMK alliance and also currently in power in Karnataka.
Vanathi Srinivasan emphasised the need to protect farmers’ interests and questioned whether the state government, unable to secure Cauvery water, was opposing Prime Minister Modi’s efforts.
Vanathi Srinivasan accused the DMK of concealing its inability to secure Cauvery water from Karnataka, which could potentially affect the interests of farmers. During the Assembly session, Vanathi raised questions about why Chief Minister Stalin had not engaged with their alliance partner, the Congress, to resolve the Cauvery water issue. Vanathi Srinivasan said, “The Chief Minister’s resolution appears deliberate.” She questioned if it was fair for the CM to stress the central government’s involvement alone. In response, the Speaker stated, “Vanathi Srinivasan opposes the separate resolution for not releasing water from Karnataka.” However, Vanathi Srinivasan clarified that this was not her stance. Following this, BJP legislators staged a walkout and the speaker M Ayyavu declared that the resolution was passed unanimously.
Speaking with the press, Vanathi Srinivasan said, “Chief Minister Stalin has been visiting Karnataka for alliance meetings. However, using his alliance strength, friendly rapport, and influence with the alliance (party) government in Karnataka, Stalin hasn’t been able to bring Cauvery water to the state.”
Vanathi pointed out that when the Dam Safety Bill was presented in Parliament, members of the DMK opposed it, arguing against the central government’s interference in state rights. “Today, a resolution has been passed urging Centre intervention to release Cauvery water. This shows DMK’s double standards,” she said. She emphasised that such issues did not arise during the BJP’s governance in Karnataka. She accused the government of attempting to mislead the public through this resolution.
Vanathi Srinivasan emphasized the need to protect farmers’ interests and questioned whether the state government, unable to secure Cauvery water, was opposing Prime Minister Modi’s efforts.
DMK IT Wing Handle Spreads Lies
While it is very clear that BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan was requesting for changes to be made in the resolution before passing, the DMK IT Wing selectively shared a video of Vanathi Srinivasan speaking at the assembly with the caption, “BJP walkout protesting the separate resolution brought regarding the Cauvery issue and supporting Karnataka as Tamil Nadu does not need Cauvery water!”
காவிரி விவகாரம் தொடர்பாக கொண்டுவரப்பட்ட தனித் தீர்மானத்திற்கு எதிர்ப்பு தெரிவித்தும், தமிழ்நாட்டிற்கு காவிரி தண்ணீர் தர தேவையில்லை என கர்நாடகத்திற்கு ஆதரவு தெரிவித்தும் பா.ஜ.க வெளிநடப்பு! pic.twitter.com/DMxSfC6HAt
Several netizens questioned the lies spread by the handle questioning the double standards of the ruling DMK that the government in Karnataka is an INDI alliance member, they won the elections by promising that they would build the Mekedatu dam, and yet the government wants the centre to urge the Karnataka govt to release water despite a Supreme Court ruling.
கர்நாடகால ஆளும் கட்சி யாரு ? 🧐 எங்க கூட்டணி கட்சி தான்
அவுனுக்கு ஓட்டு கேட்டு ஜெயிக்கவச்சது யாரு?🧐 நாங்க தான்
தேர்தல் அறிக்கைல அணைக்கட்டுவோம்னு சொன்னது யாரு?🧐 எங்க கூட்டணி தான்
In a sweeping operation, the Income Tax (IT) Department has conducted extensive raids on over 40 locations associated with former Union Minister and DMK Member of Parliament, Jagathrakshakan, since 5 October 2023. These targeted locations include his residence in Adyar, the corporate office of Accord International School, the Bharat University office, a star hotel in TNagar, the Chengalpattu distillery, as well as the numerous educational institutions, colleges, and hospitals under his ownership.
The investigation has not been limited to Jagathrakshakan’s properties alone. On 7 October 2023, IT officials also conducted raids at the residence of one of his relatives in Anna Nagar who owns Bharani Builders, a construction company jointly operated by Balasubramaniam Jaya and the operation extended to the office premises as well. These inspections yielded a substantial cache of crucial documents. Substantial documentary evidence suggesting vast property holdings have reportedly been confiscated.
Seizures From Places Linked To Jagathrakshagan
The sleuths from the IT Department were found inspecting if there were any secret rooms or passages in Jagathrakshagan’s residence that leads to the buildings where offices of Bharath University and Balaji Medical Hospitals are located.
In a significant turn of events, the IT Department confiscated two bags from Jagathrakshakan’s residence on October 7, which were reported to contain foreign currency worth crores of rupees.
₹4.5 crore cash and 2.7 kgs gold were recovered from Jagathrakshagan’s residence.
A raid that was executed in a hotel owned by his daughter at Eekattuthangal, led to to the confiscation of 7 Audemars Piguet Swiss watches each worth ₹2.45 crores. Futher ₹2000 note bundles were also recovered.
18 Kgs Of Gold And ₹27 Crore Cash Recovered From Saveetha Raids
The IT Department’s scrutiny extended to the Saveetha Medical College & Hospital campus in Thandalam Poonamallee, where a startling discovery was made. In the mortuary of the Saveetha Medical College, a staggering 19 sacks of money were unearthed.
Further 18 kgs of gold and ₹27 crore in cash were seized from the raids at premises of Saveetha Medical College.
Sacks and sacks of Indian and foreign currencies is been recovered from the mortuary of the medical college owned by the DMK MP pic.twitter.com/gyqpWsqgYy
— Vishwatma 🇮🇳 ( மோடியின் குடும்பம் ) (@HLKodo) October 8, 2023
Not The First Time
Income Tax Department officials carried out extensive raids at 40 locations in 2016, including residences, educational institutions, and business offices, linked to S. Jagathrakshakan of the DMK. Among the properties scrutinised was Mr. Jagathrakshakan’s Adyar residence. It was reported that substantial amounts of cash, totaling millions of rupees, were seized during the raids.
Simultaneous raids were carried out at Mr. Jagathrakshakan’s residences, office premises, his five-star hotel in T. Nagar and multiple colleges under his management. Additionally, a distillery unit in Villupuram was subjected to scrutiny. Previously, he faced allegations related to the coal scam, wherein opposition parties accused him of securing coal allocations through illicit means for his company in 2007.
These developments come as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of tax evasion against Jagathrakshakan, who represents the Arakkonam Constituency as a DMK MP.
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As the world is still coming to grips with what happened in Israel after the Islamic terror group Hamas carried out one of the deadliest terror attacks, Irena Akbar who once worked as a journalist for the Indian Express came out to defend the terrorist’s actions after they had kidnapped a German Jewish woman, sexually assaulted her, mutilated her body, and paraded it all over Gaza.
Irena Akbar in her long X post wrote, “The woman, whose body was being taken in a pick-up truck, has been identified as Shani Louk, a German-Israeli dual citizen who was reportedly attending a music festival. First, this is NOT an etiquette of war in Islam to attack women, and hence this is condemnable.”
Everyone on social media was aghast when they saw the body of this young Jewish woman identified as Shani Louk, a German-Israeli dual citizen who was reportedly attending a music festival. However, according to Irena one must not blame the Hamas terrorists because Shani Louk was already in a state of undress as she had posted photos in her Instagram account where one can see she is only in her bikini.
The Islamist journalist further said, “It could be possible that when she was killed, she was wearing a bikini or other skin-exposing garment. I am writing this with DUE RESPECT TO HER, and I DON’T mean to demean her, or justify what happened to her. I am being factual here, based on evidence from her own Instagram account where she would post pictures of herself in such clothes. So, it cannot be ruled out that Shani (with all due respect to her) was wearing a bikini or other similar garment when she was killed or captured“.
Irena did not stop there and she went on to write, “…I am being factual here, based on evidence from her own Instagram account where she would post pictures of herself in such clothes. So, it cannot be ruled out that Shani (with all due respect to her) was wearing a bikini or other similar garment when she was killed or captured,”
The former Indian Express journalist who has a very vivid imagination and over the years had mastered the art of false equivalency did not stop there and tried to balance her assessment of this horrid situation. She said, “So, let’s be fair before jumping to outrage, or celebration. Also, I have a question for non-Muslims: You often share pictures of bikini-clad Iranian women on beaches before the Islamic Revolution of 1979. You lament that the women were “free and liberated” in Iran before Shariah law was adopted. You use the bikini as a symbol of freedom and liberation for Muslim women of Iran, and you contrast that with the hijab, a symbol of “oppression” under Iran’s mandatory hijab law. So, why do you have a problem when Shani Louk was possibly wearing a bikini (when she was sadly captured)? Why do you have a problem when her almost-naked body could be publicly seen? Are you again using a woman’s uncovered body to make a point against Palestinians, and Muslims? “.
But what this secular journalist conveniently forgets to mention as she tries to justify what terrorists did to German tourist Shani Louk is that Shani’s dead body is on the back of truck with her clothes torn off. Her body seems to have been mutilated with terrorists spitting on her and also chanting Allah-hu-Akbar.
This is not the first time that Irena Akbar has made controversial comments espousing her Islamist views.
In April 2021, Irena Akbar caused controversy by attributing the Coronavirus pandemic to Allah’s will. She stated that her intention was not to express gratitude for the virus, which had tragically affected her family, including the loss of her aunt and her father’s ICU admission, as well as causing suffering in many households. Instead, she emphasized that while some individuals with fascist intentions were making their plans, she believed that God had His own plans.
Credits: OpIndia
She described the situation for Indian Muslims as being caught between two difficult choices. On one hand, they faced the threat of COVID-19 and the fear it brought, while on the other hand, they lived in fear of state-sponsored anti-Muslim violence. She noted that the former was not specifically targeting Muslims, and she believed that eventually, the public would question the government’s actions. In contrast, she feared that in the latter scenario, the public might welcome such violence.
In February 2020, she asserted that the Muslim community should not trust Dalits. She argued that during communal riots in Gujarat in 2002, which followed the Godhra train carnage orchestrated by a Muslim mob, Dalits played a role she described as “foot soldiers” in acts of violence against Muslims, including gang rapes and killings. She expressed distrust in Dalits, citing their mistreatment by their upper-caste Hindu counterparts rather than by Muslims. She also advocated for boycotting businesses run by Hindus.
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After a span of more than forty years, Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka are poised to reconnect via a maritime route with the launch of a passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai on 10 October 2023.
This significant development is aimed at enhancing the people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Operated by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), the ferry service will traverse a distance of 60 nautical miles, linking Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu with Kankesanthurai, situated near Jaffna, the capital of northern Sri Lanka.
The journey is expected to last approximately three hours and will be serviced by a high-speed vessel named Cheriyapani.
The SCI has highlighted that this service presents a valuable opportunity for the people of India and Sri Lanka to undertake cost-effective trips to Jaffna and Tamil Nadu, further solidifying the longstanding ties between the two nations.
According to a report from the Deccan Herald, the one-way fare for this ferry service is projected to be approximately Rs 7,500, and passengers will be granted a generous baggage allowance of 40 kg.
This development follows an agreement reached between the two countries to resume passenger ferry services between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai, along with efforts to promptly restart ferry services between Rameswaram and Talaimannar.
These decisions were made during the visit of Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe in July of this year.
The passenger ferry service between Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and Talaimannar in northern Sri Lanka was discontinued in 1982 due to the civil war in Sri Lanka. However, a ferry service between Thoothukudi and Colombo was briefly initiated during the UPA-II government but lasted only five months.
The revival of the passenger ferry service to northern Sri Lanka after decades will offer an alternative mode of transportation for those traveling from Tamil Nadu to Jaffna.
Jaffna and Chennai share close geographical, historical, and cultural ties, and the availability of both direct flights and ferry services will be beneficial for the Sri Lankan diaspora in India, as it eliminates the need to transit through Colombo, which can be time-consuming.
Currently, Air India operates a direct flight service between Chennai and Jaffna. However, the ferry service is expected to boost tourism in the Jaffna peninsula.
Engineering colleges, medical colleges, hospitals, universities, breweries, hotels, marriage halls, mining, cements, you name a business, this man has his venture thriving in each of the business. This one man from the DMK is probably one of the richest man in India and is one of the important financers for the DMK. The name is Jagathrakshakan.
Jagathrakshakan is in the news lately owing to the IT raids occuring at his home and offices and it is not new for him. In fact, this time when the sleuths came, he had served them with tender coconut water.
So who is this DMK member that the authorities are investigating?
Jagathrakshakan’s name is synonymous with both political influence and business prowess; he has captured the imagination of many with his meteoric rise. Hailing from the small village of Kalingamalai in Vizhupuram district, Jagathrakshakan’s journey is a tale of determination, strategic alliances, and extraordinary achievements.
Jagathrakshakan’s early years were marked by a penchant for business rather than a strong academic inclination, he completed his education only until the 10th grade. He aspired to wield political power from a young age, setting his sights on a future in politics. He showed poor interest in studies and was keen on establishing a business early on in life.
The Turning Point: Friendship With MGR
It was his friendship with the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) that catalysed Jagathrakshakan’s journey into the world of business and politics. This association proved transformative as he began to shine both in business and political circles. In 1980, a significant opportunity came his way when he contested in the Uthiramerur constituency MLA election, thanks to MGR’s support. Until then he was a Class-D employee with the TNEB. Once elected as an MLA, Jagathrakshakan nurtured aspirations to become a Member of Parliament (MP). He was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1984 from Chengalpattu constituency and he served as the leader of ADMK parliamentary Party. This was also the time he established the Bharath Institute of Science and Technology.
A Shift In Allegiance
Following the demise of MGR, he chose not to continue his political journey with J. Jayalalithaa and instead joined R.M. Veerappan to form a new party. Jagathrakshakan founded the Veera Vanniyar Peravai and the Jananayaka Munnetra Kazhagam (JMK Party).
Intriguingly, his path led him to a close association with DMK’s stalwart, M. Karunanidhi. Jagathrakshakan’s remarkable oratory skills, intellectual acumen, and affinity for the Tamil language impressed Karunanidhi, earning him the title “Alwar.” This connection eventually led to Jagathrakshakan’s victory in the 2009 parliamentary elections, representing the Arakkonam constituency under the DMK banner.
Building An Empire
Even before his political successes, Jagathrakshakan had embarked on an extraordinary journey in the business world. His portfolio included a multitude of institutions and factories, ranging from colleges, hospitals, and liquor factories to coal plants and electricity generation. This expansion extended beyond Indian borders, solidifying his status as a prominent businessman. He served as Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting and later as Minister of Commerce.
In 2014, he faced electoral defeat, but in 2019, he made a triumphant return as an MP. His declared assets in 2019 were estimated at 115 crores, but startling reports now suggest his net worth exceeds a staggering 50,000 crores. Income tax raids are currently underway, examining his extensive empire with branches spanning multiple countries.
Jagathrakshakan’s vast portfolio includes over 50 educational institutions including Bharath University, Jagath University, Bharath Medical College, Balaji Medical College, Tagore Medical College, and numerous others, over 6 star hotels such as Accord Hotel and Kaldan Samudhra – a Rajasthan-themed luxury hotel in ECR, coal mines, power generation stations, distilleries such as Elite Distilleries, Fortune Distilleries, and AM Breweries, and a myriad of other businesses. Three of these medical colleges constituted 950 medical seats. All these educational institutions allow him a chance to connect with politicians, industrialists, and people in power. Here is a list of some of the properties and businesses he and his family own:
Universities
Bharath University – built on an area spanning 350 acres in Chennai
Jagath University – Dehradun
Medical Colleges
Bharath Medical College and Hospital (BMCH), Chennai
Sree Balaji College of Nursing, Chennai
Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital (SBMCH), Chennai
Sree Balaji College of Physiotherapy
Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences (SLIMS), Puducherry
Tagore Medical College, Chennai
Bharat Dental College, Chennai
Tagore Dental College, Chennai
Engineering Colleges
Bharath Institute of Science and Technology,Chennai
Balaji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chennai
Tagore Engineering College, Chennai
Jerusalem Engineering College, Chennai
Lakshmi Ammal Engineering College, Chennai
Sri Ramanujar Engineering College, Chennai
Bharath Institute of Law, Chennai
Bharath Agriculture College, Chennai
Bharath School of Architecture, Chennai
Bharath School of Arts and Science, Chennai
Tagore College Of Arts And Science, Chennai
Balaji Women’s Arts and Science College, Chennai
Bharath Institute of Management, Chennai
Bharath Polytechnic College, Chennai
Sri Balaji Polytechnic College, Chennai
Lakshmi Ammal Polytechnic College, Chennai
Bharath Institute of Catering Technology & Hotel Management, Chennai
Sree Balaji College Of Hotel Management & Catering, Chennai
Bharath College of Nursing, Chennai
Sree Balaji College of Nursing, Chennai
Tagore Nursing College, Chennai
Bharath School of Physiotherapy, Chennai
Sree Balaji College of Physiotherapy, Chennai
Tagore College of Physiotherapy
Balaji College of Pharmacy, Chennai
Tagore College Of Pharmacy, Chennai
Bharath Institute of Education
Balaji College of Education, Chennai
Balaji Teacher Training Institute
Kilton Teacher Training Institute, Chennai
Lakshmi Ammal Memorial Matriculation HSS, Chennai
Kilton Matriculation HSS, Chennai
Bharath Vidyaashram, Chennai (CBSE)
Bharath Vidyaashram, Puduchery (CBSE)
Madras Vocational Training Institute, Chennai
Tagore Institute of Allied Health Sciences
Bharath College of Allied Health Sciences
Five-Star Hotels
The Accord Metropolitan, Chennai
The Accord Metropolitan Ltd, Puducherry
Accord Highlands, Ooty
J Hotels Pvt Ltd, Chennai
J Hotels Pvt Ltd, Puducherry
JAM Hotels & Resorts, Bengaluru
Kalden Samudra – Resort in ECR
Breweries/Distilleries
Elite Distilleries, Chennai
AM Breweries, Chennai
Fortune Distilleries, Goa
Coal Companies
JR Coal Mines, Madhya Pradesh
JR Coal Mines, Odisha
Power Generation Companies
JR Power Gen Pvt Ltd, Madhya Pradesh
JR Power Gen Pvt Ltd, Odisha
Accord Energy Corporation India Pvt Ltd
KSK Companies – Mines & Electricity
Investments Abroad
Oil company worth 23000 crores in Sri Lanka
Silver Park International Pvt Ltd, an investment vehicle owned by Accord Group
It is alleged that in Chrompet area of Chennai, 100 acres of land where a company named Chrome used to function is said to have been bought by Jagathrakshakan and that is where most of the colleges have been built. He is also said to own 56 houses/properties in Chennai.
ஜெகத்ரட்சகன் சொத்துக்களை பார்த்து மிரண்ட அதிகாரிகள்.. அந்த லிஸ்ட்ட படிக்கிறதுக்கே சாட்டை டயர்ட் ஆய்ட்டான் .. இந்த திருட்டு திராவிட கும்பல் தான் எதுக்கெடுத்தாலும் அம்பானி, அதானினு தூக்கிட்டு வர்றவனுங்க…#திருட்டு_திமுக#திருட்டு_திராவிடம்pic.twitter.com/p4wmaw0gd0
— Johny Bhai(அண்ணாமலையின் வார் ரூம்)🇮🇳 (@Johni_raja) October 9, 2023
Allegations Of Misuse Of Authority
Reports suggest that Jagathrakshakan may have misused his authority during his tenure as an MLA, MP, and minister. His influence reportedly extends to the supply of liquor to TASMAC, with 85-90% of the liquor supplied coming from his distilleries irrespective of whether the DMK or AIADMK is in power. His empire also encompasses hospitals such as Anusha Hospital, Shri Royal Blue Hospital, Jagath Super Speciality Hospital, and JR Super Speciality Hospital, pharmaceutical manufacturing firms for cancer drugs, cement factories, a sugar mill, and even a rumoured (in the works) private airline venture.
Jagathrakshakan’s dream reportedly includes aspirations of becoming the Chief Minister of Puducherry. It has been reported that he neither owns nor uses a cell phone. Those wishing to contact him must rely on his home landline or his assistant’s number.
As the income tax raids continue and investigations unfold, Jagathrakshakan’s legacy which is said to have grown owing to his misuse of authority and power, now faces scrutiny and potential legal challenges.
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Tensions flared up in Shivamogga, Karnataka, on 1 October 2023, due to a procession organized by members of the minority community. During the procession, there were reports of stones being thrown, resulting in injuries to four individuals. In response, the police imposed Section 144 in the Ragigudda area of the city.
Retired teachers residing in the neighborhood shared their harrowing experience, expressing relief that they were not at home when the stone-throwing incident occurred. One of them described feeling betrayed by their own former students, saying, “God saved us.”
State BJP leaders, as part of a fact-finding mission, visited the area, including BJP state chief Nalin Kumar Kateel and other senior leaders like former deputy chief minister K S Eshwarappa, Malleshwaram MLA Dr. C N Ashwath Narayan, former ministers Araga Janendra, MP B Y Raghavendra, and more.
This man was a secular, his wife used to teach Urdu & when violence started in #Shivamogga during Eid, they were shocked to see their own students attacked their house & assaulted family members.
During their visit to the Ragi Gudda area of Shivamogga on October 5th, the fact-finding team met with families affected by the violence. An elderly couple who had dedicated their lives to teaching in local schools for many years broke down while sharing their pain. They lamented that their own students had pelted stones at their homes, students they had taught for decades. The husband emphasized how they never viewed anyone through the lens of religion and expressed hope that their former students would reconsider their actions and lead normal lives.
The wife of the couple had taught Kannada to students at a local higher primary school, where she had to learn Urdu to communicate with students who spoke Urdu at home.
Additionally, a viral video on social media featured a woman affected by the violence questioning whether Hindus had a place to live and if women had a role in society.
The root of the turmoil began when a portrait of Tipu Sultan was erected in Raggigudda-Shantinagar on the outskirts of the city. Some groups objected to the image, claiming it depicted Tipu Sultan killing warriors dressed in saffron. Social media also circulated images glorifying Aurangzeb for establishing a Muslim empire in India. These displays carried historical significance, as Tipu Sultan is known to have forcefully converted and killed thousands of Hindus during his rule.
In another instance, a mother reveals how mobs unleashed terror and struck their homes. She revealed that she had to switch off all lights and sit put inside with the baby crying while the mob kept knocking and pushing the door.
