On 28 February 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled and laid the foundation for numerous developmental projects valued at approximately Rs 17,300 crore in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. Speaking to the public which comprised of cadre of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Prime Minister Modi attacked the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam led-Tamil Nadu state government hinting at their control over media.
Enumerating the welfare initiatives, such as rail infrastructure and other infrastructural developmental work implemented by the BJP-led central government in Tamil Nadu, Modi pointed out how this is enabling ease of living in Tamil Nadu.
Modi emphasized the BJP’s commitment to Tamil Nadu’s growth, asserting that the party had contributed more to the state in the last decade. Despite not being in power in the state, the BJP has garnered support from the people because of the developmental projects implemented by the central government.
He attributed the spread of falsehoods, confusion, and division to those who had exploited Tamil Nadu for years and were now desperate to cling to power. Modi asserted that their deceptive tactics had been exposed, and their corruption was being revealed through ongoing investigations, alluding to corruption cases involving DMK ministers.
Subsequently, when discussing Tamil Nadu’s media and its political alignments with ruling DMK government, he explicitly criticized the partiality of the media in the state and said, “My friends, I am obliged and willing to place an ideal before you. What I am addressing here, all the ideas that I am conveying to you, is not the ideology of a political party or my personal ideology, it is the ideology of development, the idea of development and progress. Yes, when I say this, newspapers here in Tamil Nadu will not publish these. Because the government here will not allow the news to be published. ” Immediately the crowd responded with enthusiasm, cheering and applauding Modi, Modi. He continued, “However, despite all these obstacles, the development journey and development plan for Tamil Nadu will be implemented by the central government.”
RSB Media: We will complain to Modi about Annamalai’s ruthless handling of the RSB Media
The University of Madras is grappling with a severe financial crisis, impacting its day-to-day operations, salaries, and other crucial expenses, income tax issues, lack of government grants, and alleged government neglect. This fate came to the varsity primarily due to an alleged failure to pay income tax and subsequent freezing of bank accounts by the Income Tax (I-T) department.
The university is currently under the leadership of a four-member convenor committee, with the higher education secretary serving as the chairman in the absence of a vice-chancellor and is facing a substantial income tax liability of ₹424 crore for the period from 2017-18 to 2021-22. The I-T department has frozen 37 bank accounts due to alleged nonpayment of tax dues. The university is required to pay ₹20 crore immediately to lift the freeze, an amount it cannot afford.
The university is reportedly incurring monthly expenditures of ₹20 crore, with a major portion allocated to salaries and pensions. Despite the total expenses being around ₹240 crore and revenue reaching around ₹100 crore, the state government has allocated only a small amount annually since 2015-16, citing audit objections. The frozen accounts are causing financial strain, leading to bounced cheques and the potential risk of a complete power outage if electricity bills are not paid. The financial crisis is affecting salaries, pensions, fellowship, and scholarship dues, impacting employees, pensioners, and students.
The university, which is supposed to be exempt from income tax if it receives over 51% of its revenue as grants from the state or central government, has not received grants from the Tamil Nadu government since 2017. Consequently, the I-T department considers it a private institution and imposes a hefty tax.
University officials attribute the financial crisis to government neglect and corruption over the years. Audit objections have hampered the university’s ability to secure grants, and the absence of a full-time auditor worsens the situation. The Joint Action Committee of the University of Madras Professors and Officials Welfare Associations is expressing concern and organizing protests, including a one-day token hunger strike, to draw government attention to the issue. They highlight the state government’s significant funding cuts, leading to a severe financial crisis.
Against this backdrop, TNIE reported that the state government has declined to offer direct financial aid and is considering seeking legal counsel to provide an undertaking to the Income Tax (I-T) Department in an attempt to unfreeze the bank accounts of the University.
On 27 February 2024, an urgent meeting was called by the state government to address the financial crisis at the University of Madras. Following their participation in the meeting, representatives from the joint action committee, which includes teaching and non-teaching staff, stated that the state government rejected immediate financial assistance. Instead, the government suggested that the university appeal the I-T department’s demand to pay ₹424 crore in dues. The university’s financial situation worsened as ₹12.5 crore was deducted from its frozen accounts.
After deliberations during the meeting, university sources expressed their intention to seek legal guidance on providing an undertaking to the I-T department. This involves proposing to pay 20% of the demanded amount in installments. A committee member disclosed that I-T officials had requested the university to commit to paying 20% of the demanded tax amount in subsequent months to unfreeze the accounts.
Subsequently, the university would be able to file an appeal against the payment demand. Despite the joint action committee’s plea for the government to cover salaries due in the next two to three days, there are reports that the state government has refused to provide financial assistance. If the state government continues to withhold funds, the university may be forced to tap into its corpus (once unfrozen), which holds over ₹300 crore, generating interest used for pensions. However, relying on the corpus fund is considered a temporary solution, and the university would only be able to manage for a limited period with the available amount.
Ensuring the university’s long-term financial stability will undoubtedly require support from the state government. Despite current audit objections amounting to approximately ₹6 to ₹7 crore, sources allege that the state government has been reducing funding by over 75% in recent years.
Officials from the higher education department disclosed that the primary focus of the meeting was deciding how to disburse this month’s salary. They anticipate making decisions on the university’s financial situation in the next two to three days.
In the meantime, educators are urgently calling on the state government to intervene. Prince Gajendra Babu, the general secretary of the State Platform for Common School System, has launched an online campaign urging the higher education minister to announce grants to “Save the University of Madras.” Founded 166 years ago, the University of Madras, renowned for nurturing six former Presidents and two Nobel Laureates, currently finds itself in a dire financial predicament.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Tamil Nadu inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for various projects in the region, amounting to a total investment of over ₹17,000 crore.
Among the initiatives, PM Modi is laying the foundation stone for the upcoming ISRO launch complex at Kulasekarapattinam, Thoothukudi district, valued at approximately ₹986 crore. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to support 24 launches annually and encompasses 35 facilities. Notably, it incorporates a mobile launch structure (MLS) equipped with checkout computers, signifying a substantial advancement in space exploration capabilities.
How The DMK Goofed This Up
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu posted full-page advertisements in Tamil newspapers intimating readers of PM Modi’s arrival in the state to inaugurate the facility. However, the advertisement shows multiple foreign rockets including Chinese rockets, and not a single Indian rocket or a flag anywhere in the advertisement.
The text in the advertisement glorifies Thoothukudi district DMK MP Kanimozhi (sister of MK Stalin) for having “voiced this out in the Parliament and continued to insist for the completion of the project.”
Netizens criticised the advert and questioned the “loyalties” of the DMK government while also ridiculing the idea of the imagery.
Tamil Nadu govt DIPR is filled with a bundle of fools and semi literates. They are congratulating the PM for coming up with the rocket launch site at Kulasekara Pattinam in all news papers with the backdrop of a Chinese rocket with Chinese flag. 😂 pic.twitter.com/qmTda6273R
WION reporter Sidharth pointed out that in reality, the newly inaugurated spaceport was specifically intended for launching smaller-class rockets, including ISRO’s SSLV and those developed by Indian startups. Contrary to the depictions in the advertisement, which showcase mega-size heavy-lift rockets, Sidharth wrote that the facility was tailored for the safety and optimal performance of smaller-scale launches. Launching large rockets from Kulasekarapattinam would pose a safety hazard.
In reality, this spaceport is meant for smaller class of rockets… such as #isro SSLV and those built by 🇮🇳 startups etc.
All those depicted in the ad are mega-size heavy-lift rockets 🙈
It would be a safety hazard to launch large rockets from Kulasekarapattinam https://t.co/bXTBdSmW3Z
It is noteworthy that in the late 1960s, a DMK minister, Mathiyazhagan, reportedly behaved inappropriately towards Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the visionary founder of the Indian space programme, when he approached for land to establish a spaceport in TamilNadu. Andhra Pradesh extended a warm welcome to Sarabhai, offering a vast expanse of 44,000 acres at Sriharikota.
Irony is, in the late 1960s an @arivalayam minister misbehaved with Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, founder of Indian space programme, when he came requesting for spaceport land in #TamilNadu#AndhraPradesh welcomed Sarabhai with 44,000acres at Sriharikota.. Rest is history.. https://t.co/bXTBdSmW3Z
Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party president K Annamalai called out the DMK’s commitment to China and disregard for India’s sovereignty. He wrote on his X handle, “This advertisement by DMK Minister Thiru Anita Radhakrishnan to leading Tamil dailies today is a manifestation of DMK’s commitment to China & their total disregard for our country’s sovereignty. DMK, a party flighing high on corruption, has been desperate to paste stickers ever since the announcement of ISRO’s second launch pad in Kulasekarapatinam was released. The amount of desperation only proves their attempt to bury their past misdeeds, but we must remind them that DMK was why the Satish Dhawan Space Centre is today in Andhra Pradesh & not Tamil Nadu. When the 1st launch pad of ISRO was conceptualised, TN was the first choice of ISRO. TN CM Thiru Annadurai, who could not attend the meeting because of severe shoulder pain, deputed Mathiyazhagan, one of his ministers, for the meeting. ISRO officials were kept waiting for a long, and Mathiyazhagan was finally brought to the meeting in an “inebriated state” & was incoherent throughout the meeting. And, this was the treatment our country’s space programme received 60 years ago. DMK hasn’t changed much & has only become worse!”
This advertisement by DMK Minister Thiru Anita Radhakrishnan to leading Tamil dailies today is a manifestation of DMK’s commitment to China & their total disregard for our country’s sovereignty.
DMK, a party flighing high on corruption, has been desperate to paste stickers ever… pic.twitter.com/g6CeTzd9TZ
On 26 February 2024, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin officially unveiled the refurbished memorial dedicated to the founder of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), C N Annadurai, along with a new memorial erected in honor of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on the Marina beach.
சென்னை, மெரினா கடற்கரையில், தமிழ்ச் சமுதாயத்தின் தன்னிகரில்லா தலைவர்களாக திகழும் பேரறிஞர் அண்ணா அவர்களின் புதுப்பிக்கப்பட்ட நினைவிடத்தையும், புதிதாக அமைக்கப்பட்டுள்ள முத்தமிழறிஞர் கலைஞர் அவர்களின் நினைவிடத்தையும் மாண்புமிகு முதலமைச்சர் @mkstalin அவர்கள் திறந்து வைத்தார். pic.twitter.com/atQLaFOeYB
The memorial dedicated to the former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi incorporates an underground digital museum that displays his tenure through touchscreen exhibits. In addition to this, the sea-facing Karunanidhi memorial, built on 8.57 acres of land at the Anna complex on Kamarajar Salai at a cost of ₹39 crore, features a library and selfie points. Positioned in proximity, the memorial for former Chief Minister C N Annadurai stands in front of Karunanidhi’s memorial.
While the unveiling of the refurbished memorial was unexpected, Chief Minister Stalin announced in the state legislative assembly that the inauguration would take place on February 26. In response to a query from DMK MLA N Ezhilan, Stalin clarified, “I am addressing this here because the state government has not issued any invitations for the inauguration. We have chosen to conduct the memorial’s inauguration as an event rather than a formal function. I extend an invitation to all MLAs, whether from opposition parties or those in alliance with us, through the assembly speaker.”
During the event, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin was accompanied by his Cabinet minister, various leaders, and Tamil film star Rajinikanth, who wore a black shirt as a symbol of support. Surprisingly, the Congress was the only party absent from the gathering. Following the tribute to Annadurai’s statue, the Chief Minister revealed a sculpture commemorating his father, the former DMK president, Karunanidhi.
When questioned by reporters about his participation in the event, actor Rajinikanth responded, “Yes sir, have seen all the mausoleums, it is amazing, charming, more like a Kalaingar’s Taj Mahal than a kalaingar’s mausoleums.”
However, netizens expressed discontent, asserting that Tamil Nadu has been excessively focused on statues and memorials. They questioned the allocation of funds for the new memorial and strongly criticized the government. They pointed out that the ruling state government had previously raised similar concerns about the central government, emphasizing the extravagant spending of taxpayers’ money.
An online user queried the memorial by referencing the video of the memorial and Rajini’s speech, posing the question, “Who is spending for this, DMK or taxpayers?”
Another online user conveyed their frustration, questioning “Why are we suddenly falling in love with memorials? I am against turning Marina Beach into a graveyard“
And why are we suddenly falling in love with memorials? I am against turning Marina beach into a graveyard. Only a man like @annamalai_k Anna can bring it into law now. Enough is enough.
Another online user conveyed their frustration, stating, “This is really too much. I don’t know whose father’s house money this is. Not a martyr of freedom struggle, Have not done anything for the country. It is as if they will usurp the whole of Chennai.”
This is really too much எவன் அப்பன் வீட்டு காசுனு தெரியல சுதந்திர போராட்ட தியாகி யும் கிடையாது நாட்டுக்காக ஒரு மண்ணும் பண்ணினது இல்லை சென்னை முழுவதையும் இவனுங்களே அபகரிப்பு பண்ணிருவானுங்க போல
Another online user recalled occasions when advocates of Dravidian ideology suggested that instead of constructing a Ram temple, resources could be utilized to build schools, libraries, and hospitals. The user expressed, “Come and stand in line who said that the cost of building a Ram temple can be built, a school and a hospital can be built.”
ராமர் கோவில் கட்டுவதற்கு ஆகும் செலவை, பள்ளி, ஆஸ்பத்திரி கட்டலாம்னு சொன்ன நாரா வாயெல்லாம் வந்து லைன்ல நில்லுங்க…
It is to be noted that the late former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, who passed away, was laid to rest with full state honors at Marina Beach, alongside his mentor and DMK founder Annadurai. Memorials for both leaders were previously built at the Marina Beach site in Chennai.
About Karunanidhi
Born as Dakshinamurthy, Karunanidhi went on to become the DMK president after CN Annadurai. Karunanidhi has made several controversial statements regarding Hindus and Hinduism. One such remark in 2002, Karunanidhi referred to Hindus as ‘thieves’.
At that time, Karunanidhi argued that all he said was that even those who supported the Hindu religion interpret the word Hindu as thief. “Maybe it means someone who steals the heart.”, he had said during the controversy.
In 2007 the plan Sethusamudram project was withdrawn due to technical difficulties of shallow water. At the backdrop, Karunanidhi rhetorically asked, “Who is this Raman? In which engineering college did he study and become a civil engineer? When did he build this so-called bridge? Is there any evidence for this?“.
Karunanidhi has also written short stories and sometimes employed Hindu deities as characters in his stories, often distorting and misrepresenting them to fictionalize his sexual perversion.
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Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is in the middle of strong allegations. A group of civil contractors in the city has raised concerns about the stormwater drain project on OMR, alleging irregularities. The contractors’ association has filed a complaint with the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), asserting that tenders for the ₹738 crore project funded by the KfW German Bank were allocated to specific contractors through cartels.
Commenting on the complaint, R Rama Rao, president of GCCWA, said the corporation restricted entry of contractors by revising tender conditions by fixing contractors’ financial turn over from 50% of tender value to 120%. “This restricted the participation of contractors for…
Several weeks following the impact of Cyclone Michaung, the GCC had initiated an extensive stormwater drain initiative valued at ₹738 crore. This mega project was dedicated to address the flood-affected regions of ECR, OMR, Perungudi, and Pallikaranai in South Chennai. With a project timeline set at 18 months, the comprehensive plan spans a length of 122 km. The construction involves the establishment of a direct channel from Semmencherry to Buckingham Canal, and the majority of other drains will persist in draining into the Pallikaranai marshland.
Against the backdrop of this situation, the Greater Chennai Contractors Welfare Association, comprising 259 contractors in a complaint to DVAC claimed that tenders for the project funded by the KfW German Bank were ‘allocated’ by cartels in exchange for ‘kickbacks’ to Chennai Corporation officials and politicians and pointed out longstanding corrupt practices and claimed that when questioned, the superintending engineer justified his actions, citing instructions from higher authorities. They urged the DVAC to conduct an investigation, emphasizing the potential loss to the GCC.
The complaint also included a list of ‘dummy contractors,’ alleging that the GCC orchestrated competition in tenders mentioned packages of No.13 to No.21. While Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) guidelines specify a turnover rate of 40% of the project cost for eligible contractors in competitive bidding, and the same was mentioned in the pre-mid meeting, the conditions were reportedly changed for the OMR-SWD project, prompting widespread questioning.
The association members asserted that the selection of the lowest bidders was predetermined even before the technical evaluation, financial bidding, and negotiations occurred. They alleged that, before the tender due date, influential contractors were awarded tenders by GCC officials, including the superintending engineer responsible for inviting tenders, and politicians seeking kickbacks.
In a communication to the DVAC, the association revealed that, when questioned, the superintendent justified his actions by stating that he was following instructions from higher authorities. GCC commissioner J Radhakrishnan assured that appropriate action would be taken if any irregularities were uncovered.
Regarding the list of allocated contractors mentioned in the DVAC complaint, Superintending Engineer S Bhaskaran clarified that he may have indicated consulting higher authorities in response to the contractors’ representation.
R Rama Rao, president of the Greater Chennai Contractors Welfare Association, criticized the corporation for restricting contractor entry by revising tender conditions. He claimed that the financial turnover requirement was increased from 50% to 120% of the tender value, limiting competitive bidding. Rao alleged that despite having successfully bid for various stormwater drain projects at a negative cost, recent contracts were awarded at higher costs without a significant increase in material expenses.
Fencing athlete siblings from Tamil Nadu have raised alarming allegations, claiming that the fencing association is coercing them to pay a commission ranging from 15% to 25% from the scholarship they receive. In response to this issue, the duo petitioned to Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Minister of Youth Welfare and Sports Development in Tamil Nadu.
The allegations came to light during an event organized by the Department of Youth Welfare and Sports Development in Chennai, which aimed to recognize and reward athletes for their achievements in the International, National, and Khelo India Youth Games. At the award ceremony, siblings Godwin and Jeferlin presented a petition letter on stage and later spoke to news reporters, revealing their grievances. Additionally, they released three audio recordings containing conversations between themselves and members of the Kanyakumari district association, as well as the coach.
In a conversation with news reporters, fencing athlete Godwin said, “The district secretary, our coach from the Kanyakumari Fencing Club’s coach, and the convener Karunamurthy sir in the state association are mentally torturing us by saying that we must give money or else we will not be allowed to play and we will not be allowed to progress in anything.“
Female athlete Jeferlin expressed that she faced mental pressure before the competition, stating, “They are pressurizing us mentally before the competition, and threatening us if we raise any questions, they are threatening saying we will not let you play fencing for Tamil Nadu, asking what will you achieve, we will end your career and demanded percentage of 25%, 50% on any scholarship that we get, I want, the association wants, should give to the minister, to give here and there.”
In the revealed first audio recording, the Secretary of the Kanyakumari District Fencing Association, Amritaraj, is heard pressuring the fencing athlete Godwin regarding a commission. Amritaraj mentions an amount of twenty lakhs and urges Godwin to be resilient despite financial difficulties. The conversation suggests that Godwin is being compelled to pay ten lakhs for him and another ten lakhs for her sister, and Amritaraj implies potential repercussions if the athlete fails to comply.
Amritaraj inquired, “Did you put twenty?” Athlete Godwin responded, “Twenty is hard for now, sir” In a stern tone, Amritaraj retorted, “Okay you don’t spend so much, remain in the hardship, I will take care of that hardship okay.” He persisted, insinuating, “It seems other children are not suffering you are the only one suffering.” Athlete Godwin explained, “No sir, they said do not have in my home.” Amritaraj, in a desperate tone, issued a threat, stating, “Even for her, your home does not have ten lakh rupees, you too… I will not let you do anything. You cannot play for Tamil Nadu okay, I will not allow you to, others will play but not you, they will cut your name” Athlete Godwin asked “How much should I pay sir”, Amritaraj angrily said “You do not need to pay, I will not let you play, you will not play for Tamil Nadu.”
In the released second audio, a conversation unfolded between the coach Selva Kumar and female fencing athlete Jeferlin. During the dialogue, the coach subjected her to repeated verbal abuse, using derogatory language. He made indecent allegations by comparing her to male friends and issued threats, stating that she would be stripped of all the medals she had earned. This mistreatment was allegedly linked to the coach seeking a commission. Notably, even when Jeferlin mentioned recording the conversation, the coach displayed arrogance and remained unafraid, possibly due to his influential position and support.
In the last and concluding audio disclosure, Nagappan, the former secretary of the TN Fencing Association, engaged in a conversation with the mother of the athletes. Expressing frustration over not receiving a commission, Nagappan criticized the mother for not informing the association about her siblings’ participation in an international event in Bahrain. Despite the mother’s denial and explanation that she was unaware of the need to inform the association, the audio also captured her mentioning that she had already given a commission of ten lakhs, which Nagappan acknowledged. Later in the conversation, she discloses the coach’s prejudice, indicating that the coach perceives her daughter as an adversary, leading to her daughter experiencing emotional distress as well.
Despite the state possessing considerable talent, its performance in national and international events falls short. This is attributed to the unwarranted interference of political influence and corruption in sports, creating an environment that hinders athletes from achieving their full potential and causes mental distress.
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Once more, the contentious DMK member Sivaji Krishnamurthy is embroiled in controversy due to his inflammatory and hate-driven speech during a recent DMK meeting, which has gained widespread attention on social media. Despite facing significant backlash, including criticism from social media, political parties, and commentators, and having been suspended and later reinstated in the DMK party several times, he appears unapologetic. Without expressing any remorse, he has resumed delivering speeches laden with offensive language especially directed at opposition figures.
This time, Sivaji Krishnamurthy’s focus was on figures from the BJP, including VP Duraisamy, Nainar Nagendran, Pon Radhakrishnan, H Raja, PM Narendra Modi, and former ADMK minister Jayakumar. In a previous effort to calm the situation, Dravidian media on YouTube sought to portray Krishnamurthy as a hero through slow-motion videos, impactful dialogues, and solemn background music. However, in a new tactic, instead of condemning derogatory language, these media outlets chose to add beep sounds in some instances and mute certain parts to convey their disapproval.
Sivaji Krishnamurthy, began his speech regarding the BJP by expressing, “There is a person called VP Duraisamy, we welcomed him here with garland at Arivalayam and gave him sit a General Secretary post, but he goes there (to BJP), stands and says, Sir Sir to Annamalai, begging for a chance to speak. He goes to Karunagarajan and says, Sir, can I speak? He also goes away saying “poda *Beep*(mayire)”, VP Duraisamy is an example of what will happen if you leave the place where you have respect and go to the place where you have no respect, you will be beaten to death with chappals.”
Krishnamurthy questions the authenticity within the BJP, questioning who among them is genuinely original. He asserts that Nainar Nagendran was allegedly acquired from the AIADMK. If we ask they are saying “In assembly you said BJP cant enter, four members have entered” Following this statement, he promptly exclaimed, “Poda Porambokku,” and justified the entry by asserting that it happened because they sought the support of Kalaignar in 2011.
Swiftly rationalizing dynastic politics, he explained the defeat of Pon Radhakrishnan in Kanyakumari, losing the election to Vasantha Kumar and his son. Regarding this, he remarked, “He received slipper shots from both father and son.” In the context of H Raja, he abuses him with the Tamil word, “Echakalai“. H Raja contested against the father-son duo Chidambaram and Karthik Chidambaram, he again used the same expression, stating, “He experienced slipper shots from both father and son.”
While speaking about PM Narendra Modi’s administration he said, “Our Modiji is there, in 21 states we have plucked administration and planted hairs, Amit shaji is there” He fabricated a false narrative, suggesting that if Vajpayee were not the prime minister, Amit Shah would have been confined to the position of Gujarat’s minister. He claimed that Vajpayee explicitly ordered the removal of Amit Shah from his Gujarat post after Muslims were burnt in a train, and it was Advani who protected him. Later went on saying as the Chief Minister, he bowed at the feet of Advani, and later, during his nomination for the PM position in Delhi, he sought Advani’s support by holding his hands. However, after winning, he distanced himself from Advani, likening the situation to a character “Amavasai” in a Satyaraj movie. He went on to label the Prime Minister as a “thief and traitor.”
He is illustrating with an example involving ADMK, stating, “ADMK stands as the epitome of infidelity. MGR betrayed Kalaingar, Jayalalithaa betrayed MGR, Sasikala betrayed Jayalalithaa, and EPS & OPS betrayed Sasikala. Therefore, ADMK symbolizes the epitome of betrayal.” Drawing a parallel, he compares it to Modi betraying Advani, asserting that Modi came with the intention to destroy India and calling him a scoundrel.
While addressing the issue, he endorsed the action of Stalin taking his wife along on a foreign trip. Krishnamurthy questioned whether it was inappropriate, stating that Stalin only took his own wife and not another man’s wife or an item (prostitute), emphasizing that such an action would be deemed wrong.
While conversing with Jayakumar, Krishnamurthy used offensive language like “Lavade Kabal,” “Baadu,” and “Pottai,” leveling numerous accusations against the ex-minister. Allegedly, Krishnamurthy claimed that a girl named Sindhu, who sought employment from Jayakumar, was made pregnant. Additionally, he asserted that in Palaverkaadu, Jayakumar is maintaining another girl named Sumithra, who has become a two-time councilor. Furthermore, he completed the narrative by stating that in Royapuram, a woman named Nagamma he concluded the matter under the guise of securing her councilor seat.
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In what comes across as shocking, the 2024 Kerala University youth festival has been named ‘Intifada,’ a term historically associated with militant groups like Hamas in Palestine. The choice of the name has sparked concerns about the potential promotion of Islamism and anti-Semitism, particularly due to its connection with the violent activities of Hamas against Israel.
Intifada has been a term used by Palestinian terror groups, including Hamas, to describe their campaigns of violence against Israel. The festival’s adoption of this name has raised eyebrows, questioning the appropriateness of associating an event with a term linked to terrorism.
The poster designed for the event also hints at Palestine/Hamas – the scarf pattern embedded on the Palestine map. The words also read “Against Invasion”, “Defence of Art”
🚨 Shocking News 🔔
The 2024 Kerala University youth festival is named 'Intifada,' a term associated with terror groups like Hamas.
Intifada is the name used by terror groups in Palestine including Hamas for its attacks on Israel.
The Communist Party’s apparent involvement in the festival has added another layer of concern. Critics argue that such a choice by a political party could be perceived as endorsing or glorifying Islamic terrorism. The festival, scheduled to take place from 7 March to 11 March 2024, is now under scrutiny for the potential political and ideological implications tied to its nomenclature. The event will be held at Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram.
The term “Intifada,” originating from Arabic, translates to “uprising” or “shaking off.” Historically, it has been employed to characterize phases of fervent Palestinian protests against Israel, often manifesting in acts of violent terrorism. Two notable instances include the First Intifada, spanning from 1987 to 1990, and the Second Intifada, which occurred between 2000 and 2005.
The naming of an event after a term widely recognized for its connection to violent activities raises questions about the appropriateness of such choices, especially in an academic and cultural setting. The Kerala University youth festival website is not updated and hence does not provide more information on the topic.
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The upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu are poised for significant changes, as indicated by The Federal-Puthiyathalaimurai-Apt Pre-Poll Survey. This extensive survey focused intensely on Tamil Nadu and aimed to assess the electoral sentiments in the state’s five regions: north, south, west, central, and Chennai.
The survey suggests that the DMK, led by MK Stalin and currently in power, is likely to maintain its lead in vote share in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. However, there is an anticipated decline in the DMK’s vote share compared to the 2019 elections. Conversely, the AIADMK is projected to maintain a vote share similar to that of 2019. Notably, the BJP is emerging as a surprise contender, with a vote share comparable to the AIADMK, despite the alliance dissolution last year.
Overall, according to the survey, Tamil Nadu is expected to contribute over 38% of the vote share to the DMK, significantly lower than the 53.3% secured in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP follows closely with an 18.5% vote share, marking a substantial increase from the 3.7% it obtained in 2019.
The survey predicts that out of the 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu, the DMK is poised to secure a sweeping victory with 29 seats, while rivals BJP and AIADMK are anticipated to win 4-6 seats each, according to the survey.
Reaction From Journalists & Opposition Members
Journalists like Shabbir Ahmed of The News Minute rubbished the survey and questioned how BJP could jump from a mere 3% to a whopping 18% vote share.
The News Minute which reported on the survey added a paragraph trying to point out that Parivendar Pachamuthu, MP and president of the Indiya Jananayaka Katchi (IJK), who owns the SRM group of institutions (that also runs Puthiya Thalaimurai), that his party is in alliance with the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections to colour the survey results.
Speaking to Puthiya Thalaimurai’s anchor, Shabbir Ahmed stated, “The DMK alliance numbers seem true and could have been taken from the survey in TN. But the BJP has a 15% jump from 3%. These numbers are probably from MP. This jump seems impossible. If that were to happen, there must be a wave, a pro-BJP mindset. There can be a marginal increase in vote share. BJP has been in power for the past 10 years so there will be a natural impact. A 6-8% increase is still reasonable. But a 15% jump especially after pushing ADMK to the 3rd place is questionable. ADMK has its resources, cadre, and booth workers and BJP has half or less than half of what it has. Looking at the remaining numbers, there is about 5% support for other parties and about 6% are still undecided. So whose opinion is this, are they creating a narrative that the BJP is growing rapidly by showcasing these numbers? If these are the actual numbers, why is the BJP asking parties to join their alliance? Vasan alone has joined their alliance, even if you don’t invite him, he’d have joined.”
Finally someone said the truth and slapped on PuthiyaThalaimurai.👏
இது எடுக்கப்பட்ட கருத்துக்கணிப்பு மாறி தெரியல, திணிக்கபட்ட கருத்துக்கணிப்பு!
ADMK cadre, upset with the results of the survey supported Shabbir for his views and stated that a few people were manipulating surveys and spoiling the name of surveys in general.
In reality, this number is not far from what other surveys predicted. Poll strategist Prashant Kishore had also predicted an 8-15% vote share for the BJP, Times Now Matrize Survey predicted a 20% vote share for the BJP in Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Channel #PuthiyaThalaimurai’s Opinion Polls give 18.48% votes to BJP in the Lok Sabha Elections making #BJP No.2 Party in Tamil Nadu in vote share %.
In India, Punjab stands out as a drug hotspot due to its border with Pakistan, known for engaging in drug smuggling. However, in the last three years, there has been a surge in the supply of synthetic drugs in Chennai with some of the most significant drug seizures. Drug trafficking serves both international and domestic demands. It is alleged that politicians might be implicated in this extensive drug smuggling network. The primary factor linking politicians to this scandal is the notable rise of Chennai as a drug hotspot in the three years since the DMK came to power.
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is actively pursuing AR Jaffer Sadiq, a Tamil film producer, and DMK NRI wing office-bearer, suspected to be the kingpin in a multinational drug cartel.
The investigation stems from the arrest of three individuals in Tamil Nadu, revealing the dispatch of 45 pseudoephedrine shipments valued at over ₹2,000 crore in the past three years. The NCB seeks Sadiq to trace the origin of pseudoephedrine, a precursor for making methamphetamine. The DMK swiftly dismissed Sadiq after the revelation. Pseudoephedrine, a controlled substance in India, holds global demand and sells for approximately ₹1.5 crore per kg in Australia and New Zealand.
Lately, there has been a trend of exporting powdered forms of fruits and vegetables to nations like Australia and New Zealand. Concealed within these seemingly innocuous “powders,” Pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient for methamphetamine narcotics production, is falsely labeled as a natural substance and exported.
This illicit activity has been ongoing for the last three years according to reports. Law enforcement has pinpointed significant shipments, each purportedly weighing between 50 to 100 kilograms, that have been exported.
In April 2023, Abu Bahad was apprehended in Ramanathapuram, employing a similar modus operandi to smuggle drugs, disguising them as medicines and chemicals destined for Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and other locations. Following his arrest, there are indications that the nature of this illicit activity underwent a transformation.
The revelation of a significant drug seizure linked to Tamil film producer Jaffer Sadiq has stirred considerable concern within the state. Currently evading authorities, Sadiq’s affiliations with the DMK’s first family and his membership in the party are now subjects of investigation.
Who Is Jaffer Sadiq? Are His Companies Real Or A Facade For Drug Trafficking?
Delving into the now-expelled DMK functionary Jaffer Sadiq’s background reveals a network of his family’s involvement in diverse businesses. Notably, two companies, Zoya Deliveries LLP and Rush Deliveries LLP, registered in 2021, are engaged in “delivery services” throughout Chennai.
Additionally, there are two tour and travel agencies facilitating the movement of goods. The ventures extend to the seafood industry, with JSM Sea Foods India Pvt Ltd, alongside the establishment of restaurants and a peculiarly named pharmaceutical company, J Square.
It is noteworthy that the delivery companies, the production house, and the seafood company were incorporated in 2021, the year the DMK came to power. Rush Deliveries LLP and JSM Sea Foods India Pvt Ltd were established in July 2021 and September 2021 respectively.
This comprehensive array of enterprises paints a detailed picture of the interconnected network surrounding Jaffer Sadiq.
This intricate network is suspected to have orchestrated shipments worth ₹2000-2500 crores exclusively to Australia over the past three years. The extent of movement within India or to other nations remains unclear. Overall, the comprehensive scandal is estimated to involve approximately ₹12000-15000 crores worth of drug trafficking.
This is how this network is suspected to be working – For the transportation of drugs, they utilize their proprietary delivery company. To facilitate the bulk movement of drugs, they employ their tours and travels with the drugs transported under the guise of either medicines or food items.
Jaffer’s Connection With Ameer And Dravidianwood
Director Ameer and Jaffer Sadiq launched a coffee shop named 4AMCoffee and Kitchen under the Mahyan Pvt Ltd incorporation at ECR near Chennai. The managing director of this organisation, Abdul Basith, is also a director of Zuko Overseas Pvt Ltd along with Jaffer Sadiq. Interestingly, Ameer Sulthan aka director Ameer is also a director of Zuko Overseas Pvt Ltd.
For the launch of the coffee shop, director Vetrimaran and actor Soori were present. Another coffee shop named Law Cafe was opened at Radhakrishnan Salai under the Mahyan Group of Companies banner run by Ameer and Sadiq.
Just like how Heisenberg in Breaking Bad produces methamphetamine at the basement of a laundry and launders the ill-gotten money through a car wash garage, it is suspected that Jaffer Sadiq seems to have used his “food production” and “delivery” business for producing and moving drugs while laundering the ill-gotten money by producing films and cafes. Only a thorough investigation will reveal the modus operandi.
Upon receiving the news of the drug haul, Ameer seems to have washed his hands off Jaffer Sadiq as he published a press release claiming ignorance.
Actor Vijay Sethupathi was the chief guest at the launch of Law Cafe coffee shop. In this video, you can see Ameer, Sadiq and Sethupathi. Other people from the industry who can be seen in the video include rabid Dravidianist director Karu Palaniappan.
Ameer, Vetrimaran, and Jaffer Sadiq have been photographed frequently establishing the closeness of directors in the Tamil film industry with so-called producers.
வெற்றிமாறன் அமீர் சமுத்திரம்கனி இவனுக மேல ஒரு சின்ன doubt இருந்தது இப்ப clear ஆகிருச்சு
ராஜன் வைகரானு #Vijay fans இவனுக்களுக்கு build up வேற குடுத்தானுக
— பூரியார் ¶¶¶|||•• செவிட்டு தவளை ••|||¶¶¶ (@Imtweetygoose) February 25, 2024
Some of the films that Jaffer Sadiq has produced include Ameer’s Iraivan Miga Periyavan, Mangai, and Indira. These films were produced under the JSM Pictures banner. Interestingly, Sadiq’s X handle’s cover pic has 4 posters – the three mentioned above and a film named Maayavalai which is produced by Ameer’s own production house and co-produced by Vetrimaran’s Grass Root Film along with Jaffer Sadiq. This establishes their thick friendship more than ever.
It is noteworthy that DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s wife Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi was the chief guest at the launch of a single from the film Mangai.
Jaffer Sadiq has also been seen with other film personalities frequently along with Ameer.
With Yuvan Shankar Raja
With Karu Palaniappan at Iraivan Miga Periyavan Press Meet
With Vetrimaran at Iraivan Miga Periyavan Press Meet
All the three individuals seen above – Yuvan Shankar Raja, Karu Palaniappan and Vetrimaaran have peddled propaganda in favour of the DMK at various times.
Karu Palaniappan, who hosts the show Tamizha Tamizha and supposedly provided inputs for Udhayanidhi Stalin’s “Eradicate Sanatana Dharma” speech, is also vying to get a ticket for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 according to political commentator ‘Savukku’ Shankar.
Ameer and Sadiq have been seen frequently with the Chief Minister MK Stalin.
அப்பறம் எந்த படம் இயக்காம எந்த படமும் நடிக்கமா 10 லட்சம் நிவாரண நிதி அப்பறம் சென்னயில் caffee cafe வைக்க இயக்குனர் #Ameer க்கு எப்படி காசு வந்ததுனு இப்ப clear ஆகிருச்சு pic.twitter.com/v9IODMlfFu
— பூரியார் ¶¶¶|||•• செவிட்டு தவளை ••|||¶¶¶ (@Imtweetygoose) February 25, 2024
While Ameer has attempted to distance himself from Jaffer Sadiq trying to portray as no more than a director-producer relationship, it is evident from the above instances as to how thick as thieves both Ameer and Jaffer Sadiq are.
How The First Family Is Reacting
DMK’s crown prince Udhayanidhi Stalin, previously photographed alongside Sadiq contributing to the CM relief fund, has been silently removing social media posts associated with Sadiq. Following the rapid dissemination of the news of the cartel, the party leadership issued a statement within hours, officially dismissing him.
Ironically, Kiruthiga, who passionately shares thoughts on spirituality and values on social media, had released the single of the film produced by Sadiq. Notably, Red Giant Movies is headed by her husband Udhayanidhi Stalin, albeit not on paper anymore.
Mangai film produced by SadiqAmeer seen with Sadiq for Mangai film promo
Dravidianist Mindset Of Vetrimaaran & Ameer
It is a known fact that Kollywood or rather Dravidianwood as the name suggests peddles the Dravidianist propaganda through films. Vetrimaran and Ameer, part of the industry, play a major role in enabling that. Here is an example of Ameer’s opinion on Ram mandir. In an interview about the Ram mandir, he says, “Rama is not even a God in Tamil Nadu. How many temples of Rama are there? I am also from TN – do we have as many temples like Murugan, Mariyamman for Rama? Tamils never celebrated Rama Navami like they celebrated Vinayaka Chathurthi or Thai Poosam. It is not a part of our culture. Nobody asked for Ram Mandir not to be built, we only asked to not destroy a masjid and construct a temple on that site. Still, they did it. Nobody got angry also for this (hinting at tolerance).”
Director Ameer makes outrageous claims: "Rama is not even a God in Thamizhagam.
How many temples of Rama are there? I am also from TN – do we have as many temples like Murugan, Mariyamman for Rama?
Tamils never celebrated Rama Navami like they celebrated Vinayaka Chadurthi or… pic.twitter.com/gbzGPGCr5t
Vetrimaran also does his bit to whitewash Dravidianist crimes. For example, as a known supporter of the DMK, in his movie ‘Asuran’, a movie based on Keezhvenmani incident, Vetrimaran attempted to project that members of the Dravidar Kazhagam were with the Dalits during the massacre, when the truth is quite different.
Another instance where he showed his loyalty to the DMK government was just days after the victory of the DMK in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, a section of ’eminent personalities’ and various organisations in the state wrote to the then Chief Minister-designate M K Stalin requesting to withdraw the permission for the reopening of the Vedanta copper unit and to scrap the Chennai-Salem eight-lane expressway project. Among those who wrote the letter were director Vetrimaran, actor Vijay Sethupathi, and former Madras High Court judge (retd) D Hariparanthaman. All of them also asked the DMK chief to cancel the Adani port expansion at Kattupalli, the Kanniyakumari International Container Terminal, and the Chittoor-Thachur 6-lane expressway. Interesting to note that Vijay Sethupathi’s name (who was seen at the opening of Ameer’s Law Cafe features here too.
