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“Politics Is Not A Hobby For Me, It’s Sacred Service For People, Learnt Lessons From My Predecessors”: Vijay’s Sly Dig At Kamal Haasan?

By
The Commune
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In a significant development, actor Vijay has formally entered the political arena by establishing the “Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam.” In a heartfelt press release issued on 2 February 2024, Vijay expressed his sincere intentions to contribute to the welfare and progress of the people of Tamil Nadu through political means.

The press release acknowledged the various welfare initiatives undertaken by the “Vijay Makkal Iyakkam” over the years. However, he emphasised the limitations of voluntary organisations in bringing about comprehensive social, economic, and political reforms, stating that political power is crucial for such transformations.

Highlighting the current political climate marked by administrative malpractices and divisive tendencies, Vijay articulated the collective yearning for a fundamental political change in Tamil Nadu. He envisions a transparent, caste-free, visionary, and corruption-free administration, firmly rooted in the principles of the Indian constitution. 

Vijay also shared his long-term intention and desire to serve the people of Tamil Nadu, which led to the establishment of the political entity. He also added that the party’s application for registration with the Chief Election Commission of India has been submitted, following the approval of the party’s constitution and bylaws in a State General Committee and Executive Committee meeting.

The actor-turned-politician outlined the party’s goals, aiming to contest and win the upcoming 2026 assembly elections to bring about the desired political change. He assured that the political journey will commence after receiving the Election Commission’s approval, with public meetings, the presentation of the party’s principles, flag, symbol, and plans for Tamil Nadu’s success.

Vijay also clarified that the party will not participate in the 2024 parliamentary elections and emphasised their non-alignment with any other political party. The press release concluded with Vijay expressing his commitment to politics as a sacred people’s work, distancing himself from the notion of politics as merely another career.

In what can be seen as an apparent dig at Kamal Haasan, Vijay said “Finally, according to me, politics is not just another job but a sacred service for people. Not just the height of politics but I also have understood the length and breadth of it by taking lessons from my predecessors and preparing myself for it mentally too. Politics is not a hobby for me. It is my deep quest. I wish to fully indulge myself in that.”

Significantly, Vijay acknowledges his decision to fulfill existing film commitments without interfering with party work and emphasised that politics was not a hobby but his deepest desire. This departure from films underscores his dedication to full-time political engagement, differentiating himself from those who juggle both acting and politics part-time.

In what can be presumed to be a subtle dig at actor Kamal Haasan, Vijay’s press release implied that his commitment to politics is unwavering and full-time, distinguishing him from those who engage in politics without leaving their primary career. 

Kamal Haasan – The Part-Time Politician

Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder Kamal Haasan in an interview back in 2018 had stated that he did not aspire to be a full-time politician. Responding to a reporter’s query, Haasan emphasised that dedicating some time to politics was sufficient, and being a full-time politician was unnecessary. He extended this sentiment to himself, stating he also did not want to pursue politics on a full-time basis. Haasan also clarified that engaging in politics did not necessitate abandoning other commitments – he compared both politics and cinema as a dual role in cinema, which he viewed as not being a full-time profession.

Staying true to his words, to this day, Kamal Haasan continues to be a part-time politician and appears in front of press reporters and meets with the public on a once-in-a-while basis.

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Tamil Nadu BJP Welcomes Actor Vijay’s Political Entry

By
The Commune
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In a significant development, Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President K Annamalai extended a warm welcome to actor Vijay as he officially entered the political arena by launching his party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam. The BJP leader, who had earlier encouragingly spoken about new entrants into politics, expressed his congratulations to Vijay.
In November 2023, Annamalai welcomed the idea of actors like Vijay entering politics, stating that individuals, including the popular actor, should present their ideologies and plans to the public. He emphasised the importance of democracy is about choices and encouraged the entry of more parties to provide diverse options for the electorate.

Fast forward to February 2024, with Vijay making his political debut by unveiling Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam, as a response to this development, Annamalai took to his official X handle to convey his happiness and extend warm wishes to the actor-turned-politician. In his post, Annamalai expressed his joy in congratulating and welcoming Vijay to the political landscape. He wrote, “I am happy to congratulate and welcome brother Mr. @actorvijay who has started a new party in the name of ‘Tamilaka Vetri Kazhagam’ to work for the people against the corrupt politics that is exploiting the people of Tamil Nadu and for a non-partisan, honest and political change.”

The BJP leader’s supportive message indicates an open-minded approach towards the entry of new political players and signals a positive reception within the political spectrum for Vijay’s endeavour. As the actor embarks on this new journey, the political landscape in Tamil Nadu is likely to witness increased dynamism with the emergence of Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam.

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“Not Anti-Hindu”: Gave Permission To 4 Out Of 288 Ram Temple Pran Prathishta Events In Tamil Nadu, TN Police Admits In Supreme Court

By
The Commune
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The Director General of Police and Chief of Police Force in Tamil Nadu has submitted a sworn statement before the Supreme Court acknowledging that it sanctioned merely 4 out of 288 applications for Ayodhya Ram Temple ‘Pran Pratishta‘ related ceremonies on January 22. This was before the intervention of the Madras High Court. The affidavit also asserts that the state government does not hold an anti-Hindu stance as portrayed by the petitioner. The submission was made in response to a plea seeking to lift the alleged prohibition on the live broadcast of the “Pran Pratishta” event. The Supreme Court had taken note of the plea and duly recorded the representation made on behalf of Tamil Nadu, clarifying that there is no prohibition on any event related to Pran Pratishta.

However, according to the affidavit filed by the DGP before the High Court’s directive, out of the total 288 applications received, only 4 were granted approval, while 146 were declined and 138 were held pending for verification. None of the 22 applications for livestreaming of the event in public spaces were accepted, as per the DGP’s submission. Among the 15 applications received for livestreaming events from Ayodhya in temples and other indoor locations in the state, 7 were refused, and 8 were kept pending for verification. Out of the 226 applications for Bhajans, Annadhanams, and special poojas in public spaces, only 4 were sanctioned while 94 were rejected.

The Madras High Court, while granting permission for the livestreaming of the event to a Hindu organization, affirmed that singing Bhajans, chanting Rama Nama, and conducting Annadhanams are not inherently prohibited or restricted. After the High Court’s directive, the DGP’s affidavit submitted before the Apex Court revealed that out of the 288 applications, only 4 were rejected while 248 were executed.

Moreover, the affidavit rebuts the portrayal of the Tamil Nadu government as anti-Hindu, branding it as “totally false and condemnable.” It also asserts that the petition has been utilized to malign the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, with certain assertions deemed derogatory against him. The DGP further clarifies that the Chief Minister did not issue any oral directive to prohibit any Pran Pratishtha-related events. “The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has not issued any such instructions to the police department. This allegation is made by the petitioner only to suit his convenience for filing this writ petition,” states the counter affidavit filed by the Director General of Police and Chief of Police Force of Tamil Nadu before the Apex Court.

On 22 January 2024, on the occasion of the Pran Pratishta of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, celebrations were held all over India. However, in Tamil Nadu, the celebrations were surrounded by controversies. The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticized the Tamil Nadu government for allegedly preventing people from celebrating the Ram Mandir Pran Prathishtha ceremony in Ayodhya by installing LED screens in temples. She accused the TN government of repressing the Hindu devotees and challenged the minister of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments to facilitate the live telecast of the ceremony in temples.

In response to the restrictions laid by the police and HR&CE, a writ petition was filed in the Madras High Court. The Madras High Court ruled that no permission is needed for live telecast of the ceremony in private enclosures. However, prior information to the police and the HR & CE Department is required for events in public spaces and temples under their control.

Despite the claims of the police and the HR&CE dept., several examples of permission denial notes, leaked audio recordings, and police interventions show how the devotees in Tamil Nadu were denied the right to celebrate the Ram Mandir consecration. The devotees in Tamil Nadu were denied the right to celebrate the Ram Mandir consecration in various ways. Devotees were also allegedly obstructed by the police while trying to do a ritual at Srirangam temple as an offering to Shri Ram and Shri Ranganatha Swamy on January 22, 2024.

(With inputs from Verdictum)

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NIA Conducts Raids At NTK Office Bearers Residences In TN Over Suspected LTTE Funding To Aid Its Revival

By
The Commune
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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) launched raids at more than 10 locations in Tamil Nadu due to concerns about the potential resurgence of funding for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a group banned in India since 1992. Among the places under scrutiny are premises linked to members of the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) party. The NIA aims to uncover any financial networks aiding the LTTE’s resurgence, designated a terrorist organization by India and other nations.

The raids are ongoing in Coimbatore, Trichy, Sivagangai and Tenkasi districts. News reports say that important documents have been confiscated from Vishnu Prathap, the Sivagangai district secretary of NTK. Another office bearer of NTK, Sattai Duraimurugan, has been issued a summons from the NIA.

Meanwhile, NTK has made an urgent appeal against the raids in the Madras High Court. The party has claimed that they were not given enough time to appear before NIA for the summons issued, and the raids are being conducted hastily.

https://twitter.com/updatenews360/status/1753301399406850177

This is not the first time that the NIA has conducted raids in relation to Sri Lankan refugees and the LTTE.

In April 2023, the NIA arrested Muhammad Iliyaz, a trader in Chennai, for having links with Sri Lankan Tamil smugglers who are allegedly trying to revive the banned LTTE through drug and arms trafficking.

In December 2022, the NIA arrested nine Sri Lankans from a refugee camp in Tamil Nadu for their alleged involvement in illegal drugs and arms trade to revive the LTTE terror group.

In October 2022, the NIA raided the residence of Vigneswaran (27) at Sivaganga, who is alleged to have links with some cadres of the now-defunct LTTE and who was working in Chennai.

In March 2022, investigated into the terror funding for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The NIA had filed a charge sheet against six people who conspired with foreign entities to siphon off money from dormant bank accounts using forged identity documents.

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Turmoil At Trichy DMK Event As Minister KN Nehru’s Son Faces Opposition From Public Over Unresolved Complaints

By
The Commune
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In a surprising turn of events at a function attended by Arun Nehru, the son of Tamil Nadu Minister for Municipal Administration, Urban and Water Supply KN Nehru, the atmosphere shifted dramatically from joy to discontent. The event, organized by DMK in North Trichy constituency as Arun Nehru’s potential entry into politics, took an unexpected turn as he faced vehement opposition from the local residents.

Despite not holding any official government post, Arun Nehru inaugurated a government bus service from Trichy to Maruthaandakurichi, sparking further discontent among the residents who criticized him for neglecting their immediate concerns. He initially arrived at the function with a cheerful demeanor, but Arun Nehru’s mood quickly soured as disgruntled locals confronted him about the unaddressed issue of a sewage canal in their constituency.

Amidst the distribution of sarees and dhotis, a group of residents approached Arun Nehru with more than 50 DMK membership cards, intending to return them in protest. Expressing their frustration with living conditions near the sewage canal and the prevalence of mosquitoes leading to mosquito bites, the group handed over the membership cards while conveying their grievances.

Efforts to reconcile the situation failed, leading to an abrupt halt of the event by Arun Nehru. As media personnel gathered to capture the unfolding drama, they were met with resistance from DMK supporters who aggressively threatened and assaulted reporters to cease recording. The atmosphere escalated as one supporter physically pushed a media person, while another threatened to break the camera and resorted to verbal abuse.

Despite Arun Nehru’s attempts to pacify the situation, the discontented residents and the aggressive response from DMK supporters left the event in disarray.

After the unsuccessful conclusion of the event, a resident approached members of the media to share the challenges resulting from uncleared sewage canals. However, the individual’s attempt to communicate was disrupted by DMK workers who verbally abused him.

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TN Congress Leader Mocks Reclamation Of Ancient Hindu Temples, Her Husband Was Earlier Disturbed By ‘Jai Sri Ram’ Kolams In Their Apartments On Ram Mandir Consecration Day

By
The Commune
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Tamil Nadu Congress General Secretary and TNCC Committee Spokesperson, Lakshmi Ramachandran, is once again in the news. Earlier it was her posting a video of her husband ranting about the 22 January 2024 Pran Prathishta related celebrations at their society. This time she posted a meme on her X handle ridiculing Hindus trying to reclaim temples to uphold her ‘secular’ credentials. In a meme template using the popular Tamil comedian Koundamani, the ‘joke’ which is a conversation between a tenant and the house owner, reads as:

Tenant (to house owner): “What?! You are hiking the rent by ₹1000 from next month? Wait, I will inform the ASI that there is a Hanuman temple beneath the house.”

This is with reference to the recent developments in the Gyanvapi mosque land dispute issue. The ASI report definitively indicates that there was a Hindu temple beneath the mosque and the mosque had been constructed upon it. The ASI report included clear pictures of the Hindu Gods Ganesha, Hanuman, Nandi and the Yonipatta of Shivaling. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who represents the Hindu side, said that the ASI report proves that a grand Hindu temple, Adivishwara, was demolished by Aurangzeb in the 17th century to build the mosque. Akhlaq Ahmed, who represents the Anjuman Anjamiya Masjid Committee, as dismissing the Hindu side’s claims as unfounded and lacking expert validation. He questions the authenticity and age of the idols and stones found by the ASI. Following this development, the Varanasi court permitted for puja to be conducted at the mosque’s basement and today the puja ceremony had started.

‘Secular’ politicians like Lakshmi are trying to trivialise the matter and make mockery of Hindu sentiments by making jokes about discovering Hindu temple ruins under mosques. However, this is not the first time that Lakshmi has proudly displayed her ‘secular’ colours by speaking against the Hindu sentiments or making a mockery of Hindus.

In the video Lakshmi had posted regarding the Pran Prathishta ceremony (mentioned above), Swaminathan, her husband, claimed that the ceremony was a divisive event that stemmed from the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid. He urged the Hindu residents not to pass on their wrong values to their children and to respect the feelings of the Muslim and minority community members. The video sparked widespread condemnation online, with many criticising Swaminathan’s remarks as insensitive and divisive. Some also questioned the political agenda behind the video and the credibility of the speaker.

In September 2023, when TN Sports Minister Udhayanidhi made the controversial “Sanathana Dharma should be eradicated” statement, several Congress leaders in Tamil Nadu, who are allies of the DMK, came to the support of Udhayanidhi Stalin and tried to justify his remarks by differentiating between Hinduism and Hindutva, and claiming that Sanathana Dharma was a casteist and oppressive ideology. Lakshmi Ramachandran, the General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, claimed that Sanathanam is another name for the hate-mongering, casteist Hindutva which has its origins in the North.

In October 2022, she targeted the TN BJP chief Annamalai, misinterpreting his statements about Christian missionaries and accused him of spreading hatred and resentment against Christian missionaries and Christians in the state. Annamalai had claimed that Tamil Nadu ADGP (Intelligence) Davidson Devasirvatham had links with Christian missionaries and was working to promote his religion in south Tamil Nadu.

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“They Made Your Children Miserable, Even Then You Continue Voting For Them Just Out Of Fear Of The BJP”, Says Political Strategist Prashant Kishor To Muslim Community

By
The Commune
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After poll strategist Prashant Kishor’s India Today interview with Rajdeep Sardesai went viral where he predicted that the Bharatiya Janata Party would garner 7-15% voteshare, yet another video of him speaking to an audience started making the rounds on social media platforms.

In the one-minute video clip, Prashant Kishor is seen saying, “I am saying it on your face that there is no other community that is as scared as you in this country, you are so scared of the BJP, that even in your sleep you are thinking of the BJP only. Those parties who make your children miserable, a laborer, those who drank their blood – you continue voting for them just out of fear of the BJP. You say you do not fear them, in your community, your Prophet said that if there is no awareness, you cannot achieve anything. Today’s muslim does not want to be aware. I have seen this across the country, no Muslim wants to wake up/be aware. Muslims worry a lot, they are concerned but do not think/contemplate. For 5 years you keep thinking, who will defeat the BJP, who will defeat BJP? And at the time of the elections, you get on the bandwagon of whoever you think will defeat the BJP.”

Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party State Vice President – Social Media Cell, Karthik Gopinath, in his official X handle, shared this video and wrote, “The Dravidian parties kept them as political pawns by telling them that BJP is the enemy of Islam, scare them, deceiving them. If the Muslims are truly aware, the Dravidian parties, Congress, and some doted allied parties will have to roll up the mat and leave.- Listen to Prashant Kishore’s speech.!!”.

This post comes against the backdrop of heightened tension between two Dravidian party leaders, engaged in a sharp exchange asserting themselves as the true protectors of Muslims, a significant development unfolded on 31 January 2024. Both DMK President and current Chief Minister MK Stalin and AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisami shared posts on their official X handles blaming each other for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Stalin accused Edappadi of being responsible for the Bill becoming an Act, pointing out that only the AIADMK supported it. He argued that as a result, the act adversely affects Sri Lankan Tamils and Muslims. Edappadi countered his argument back and forth. However, it’s worth noting that both the act itself and the Home Ministry have unequivocally stated that it does not pose any threat to Indian Muslims.

During the Pran Prathishta ceremony, every major political party declined the invitation to attend the function. Various reasons were cited, including claims of leg pain by Edappadi and claims that the temple was not fully constructed. These refusals were primarily seen as a strategic move in preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, demonstrating solidarity towards securing votes from minority communities.

In the past, there has been a pattern where both political parties take turns ruling the state and consistently advocate for the release of Muslim prisoners. In doing so, they overlook the severity of the actions committed, focusing instead on appeasement and securing votes for their respective vote banks. The committees will be formed, and reports will be presented; however, in the event of an unfavorable outcome, the blame will simply be shifted to the governor.

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“Is This The Respect You Give To A Woman Minister?”: BJP Slams TN Congress Leader KS Alagiri For Derogatorily Calling Union Fin Min Nirmala Sitharaman In Singular

By
The Commune
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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has been a target of attacks from Dravidianists in Tamil Nadu because of her Brahmin woman identity.

In the latest instance, joining the bandwagon of DMK and Dravidianists is Tamil Nadu Congress Committee head KS Alagiri.

Commenting on the interim budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Tamil Nadu Congress head KS Alagiri while addressing the media, said “Kadan vaangi enna senja? Yen avlo kadan vaangina? Delhi lendhu vara Nirmala Sitharaman kekudhu, 4000 kodi neenga saakada kattineengala? Andha kanaku enga nu kekudhu.. Kanaka on kita kaatanuma?” which translates to “What did you do taking debt? Why did you take so much debt? The Nirmala Sitharaman who comes from Delhi is asking, you built drainage for 4000 crores, where is the accounting for it? Why should we show you the accounts?”

The Congress leader’s comments against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was not just derogatory as he addressed her in singular but also reeked of sexism and misogyny.

Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary Dr. SG Suryah condemned the language used, calling it an “utterly disrespectful way to address the Woman Finance Minister” in a tweet directed at Alagiri. He tweeted, “Utterly disrespectful way to address the Woman Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman by TN Congress President foulmouth KS Alagiri! Following the footsteps of useless Pappu Rahul Gandhi? Shameful..”

This is not the first time that Nirmala Sitharaman has been attacked by Dravidianists and DMK supporters.

Very recently, a Dravidianist political group named Pudhugai Boopalam caricatured Nirmala Sitharaman offensively commenting on her inspection at a Perumal Temple in Sri Vaikuntam. The DMK supporting Dravidian Stockists have unleashed vile casteist abuses at Nirmala Sitharaman invoking her Brahmin identity earlier on the same incident.

YouTube beautician turned DMK IT Wing’s State Deputy Secretary, Padma Priya shared a video on her X handle in which a hijab-clad woman invoked her Brahmin identity to mock her press conference in which the Minister condemned Udhayanidhi Stalin’s crude language about her family.

DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran too had taken casteist jibes at Nirmala Sitharaman. He called her a ‘Mami’, which is used as a slur and in derogatory fashion especially by Dravidian ideologues when addressing Tamil Brahmin women in Tamil Nadu.

Prior to that retired Justice Chandru who was hailed as a hero in Surya-starrer Jai Bhim had called her a ‘Oorga Amaiyar‘.

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Publisher Badri Seshadri Challenges His Arrest Alleging Political Motivation, To Sue TN Govt Demanding ₹1 Cr As Damages

By
The Commune
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In a recent development, Badri Seshadri, publisher of several quality books through the publishing house ‘Kizhakku Pathippagam’ wrote to The Home Secretary of The Government of Tamil Nadu, The Director General of Police, Chennai, The Superintendent of Police, Perambalur, The Inspector of Police, Kunnam about the legality of his arrest.  The details of the letter, accessed by The Commune, are summarised below.

The letter challenges the legality and validity of his arrest on 29 July 2023 based on a complaint filed by an advocate alleging that he had mocked and insulted the Chief Justice of India and instigated communal violence in Manipur in a YouTube interview. It further claims that his arrest was politically motivated, malicious, and violative of his fundamental rights, the Supreme Court’s guidelines, and the due process of law. He also alleges that he was harassed, detained, and denied access to his lawyer and the grounds of arrest.

The letter demands that the State of Tamil Nadu furnish the copy of the enquiry report about the circumstances leading to his arrest, pay him a compensation of ₹1,00,00,000/- for the damages and suffering he endured, and take criminal law action against the responsible and delinquent officials. He also calls upon the Director General of Police to implement the directions of the Supreme Court regarding the arrest of people. He warns that he will take legal action if his demands are not met within 15 days.

Even before his arrest, Dravidianists were training their guns on Badri Seshadri for some time. In Oct 2022, in a controversial tweet, he said that CN Annadurai, the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK founder, was an idiot for allegedly saying that Hindi had nothing to learn from. Seshadri’s tweet provoked angry reactions from DMK supporters and Dravidian activists, who harassed him online and demanded his removal from the advisory committee of the Tamil Virtual Academy. A fringe Dravidian leader, Suba Veerapandian, made a hate speech against Brahmins and threatened to cut their sacred threads (poonool) if they continued to insult Annadurai. He also claimed that he had influenced the DMK government to sack Seshadri from the advisory committee, which eventually happened.

In July 2023, he was arrested by the Tamil Nadu police for his comments on the Manipur issue and the Chief Justice of India in a YouTube interview. He was charged with sections 153, 153 A and 505 of the Indian Penal Code, based on a complaint given by an advocate named Kaviyarasu. It is presumed that the arrest was influenced by the DMK government, which is opposed to his views and has targeted him before for his tweet about the DMK founder CN Annadurai.

In August 2023, he was granted bail by the Kunnam Magistrate Court with some conditions.

In September 2023, the Madras High Court dismissed the case filed against writer and commentator Badri Seshadri for his remarks on the Manipur issue and the Chief Justice of India in a YouTube interview.

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The Wire Columnist Ajai Shukla Publishes Fake Report On US Drone Sale To India Linking It To Pannun “Assassination Conspiracy”, Lies Busted By US State Dept

By
The Commune
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Leftist pro-Congress propaganda news outlet The Wire, has once again garnered attention for its involvement in propagating false information. This time, it was exposed for disseminating false information concerning the anticipated US Drone deal. Ironically, this fake news was later copied by Pakistani outlets like Pakistan Today and presented as newsworthy. This situation raises significant concerns.

In their defence segment, they presented a narrative titled “US Halts $3-Billion Drone Sale to India Thorough Pending Comprehensive Investigation of Pannun Assassination Conspiracy.” Referring to a Washington source, the story repeatedly underscored the call for a meaningful investigation into the US-based Khalistani terrorist Pannun “assassination conspiracy”, suggesting that the US, dissatisfied with the situation, is postponing the delivery of 31 MQ-9A Sea Guardian and Sky Guardian drones to India. The narrative propagated the idea that the delay is linked to concerns among US lawmakers, especially those of Indian-American descent, who are troubled by the “assassination” plot and the indictment of Nikhil Gupta. Gupta was charged with conspiring to kill Pannun. The story highlighted Indian-American lawmakers’ insistence on a thorough investigation by India to hold those responsible accountable and prevent potential harm to the US-India partnership. Additionally, it reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi downplayed the impact on Indo-US ties, emphasizing robust bipartisan support for the relationship. Their narrative seemed aimed at appeasing and satisfying unknown entities opined critics.

Ironically, this article was written by Col Ajai Shukla who was associated with NDTV and is known for his conspiracy theories. The most famous one among them was the one where he claimed that the Pulwama attacks were orchestrated by Pakistan Army and ISI with the aim of securing Modi’s re-election. He alleged that the perpetrators believed that a continued Modi leadership would strategically weaken India, thereby strengthening the position of the Pakistan Army within its own borders.

The Hindustan Times reported that the US State Department has informed General Atomics, the manufacturer of Predator Drones, that the US Congress has approved the ‘tiered review’ of the proposed sale of 31 MQ9B drones to India. General Atomics has conveyed this information to the Indian Government, including the national security establishment. Verification from sources in Washington confirms the impending notification for the sale of 31 MQ9B Predator armed drones to India. Among these drones, the Indian Navy is set to receive 15, while the Indian Army and Indian Air Force are each slated to acquire eight high-altitude, long-endurance drones from the US.

US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller stated, “Generally, the US-India Defence Partnership has seen significant growth over the past decade. The drone deal is a proposed sale that was announced during Prime Minister Modi’s visit last year. We believe it offers significant potential to further advance strategic technology cooperation with India and military cooperation in the region. Congress plays an important role in the US arms transfer process. We routinely consult with the members of Congress on the Foreign Affairs Committees before our formal notification so we can address questions that they might have.”

Responding to the India-US drone deal Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs said,“This specific issue pertains to the United States. They have established internal procedures, and we acknowledge and respect that.”

MQ-9B SeaGuardian

The MQ-9B SeaGuardian is a drone designed with a focus on maritime applications created by General Atomics, this drone has the capability to operate through satellite connectivity for more than 30 hours, regardless of diverse weather conditions. The drone is engineered to “safely integrate into civil airspace, enabling to deliver real-time situational awareness anywhere in the maritime domain day or night.” Equipped with features such as an integrated wide-area maritime radar, an automatic identification system, electronic support measures, and a self-contained anti-submarine warfare kit, the drone is designed to provide comprehensive capabilities in maritime environments.

The Indian Navy currently operates two unarmed Predator drones leased from the US at the Rajali air base in Tamil Nadu. These drones have notably bolstered Indian maritime domain awareness, particularly in dealing with challenges like Houthi missiles and Somali Pirates in the Red Sea.

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