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“Censor Board Was Fair & Democratic”: Pro-DMK Propaganda Film ‘Parasakthi’ Director Sudha Kongara Says Amid TVK & Congress Crying Foul Over Jana Nayagan’s Censor Certificate Delay

By
The Commune
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The postponement of Vijay’s Jana Nayagan has triggered widespread anger and disappointment among fans, with the delay increasingly being framed as a censorship battle rather than a routine production setback. The issue has also reignited debates around selective outrage, especially after filmmaker Sudha Kongara publicly praised the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for its “democratic” approach to censoring her upcoming film Parasakthi.

Speaking about her experience with the CBFC’s revising committee, Sudha Kongara said the censor board had been fair, democratic, and respectful of the filmmaking process. She stated that the questions raised and reservations expressed by the board were reasonable and that the film was allowed to “live and breathe.” She also described the CBFC head who oversaw the revising committee as a filmmaker himself and said she thanked him for being democratic. Kongara added that she considered her entire life’s struggle to be centred around democracy and said she became agitated when democracy was throttled.

She said, “… mostly you can cut it off. But even with the censor board, when we went for the revising committee, there was this censor board head who was so democratic, who was so fair and…
This is part of the process, like. But I mean, one tends to think the censor board is like terrible, they’re this, they’re that. They were not, really. The questions they had, the reservations they had were pretty… I would say fair. And the way they’ve allowed the film to live, breathe is very fair, because he’s a filmmaker himself. So he was great to me and I actually stood up at the end of it all and I said, ‘Thank you for being so democratic.’ I… I’m a big believer of democracy. When that is throttled, I just… I become very agitated. My entire fight, my entire life has been about that.”

Her remarks have gained attention in the context of Jana Nayagan, which is facing delays reportedly linked to certification-related issues. Vijay’s fans, including Dravidianists many of whom had begun planning large-scale celebrations under the assumption that the film would be marketed as his “last film,” expressed anger over the postponement, accusing the CBFC and unnamed external pressures of disrupting what they viewed as a festival-like release.

Social media platforms have been flooded with posts expressing a sense of betrayal and frustration, with fans blaming institutions rather than the actor or his team. Several fan accounts and commentary channels have portrayed Vijay as a victim of institutional overreach, arguing that the delay reflects a broader pattern of censorship and misuse of power against certain filmmakers and stars.

The delay in censor certificate has reportedly caused the film’s release to be postponed indefinitely.

Here are some reactions from Dravidianists & Vijay fans.

Sudha Kongara’s praise of the CBFC seems to stand in stark contrast to the claims that the censor board functions uniformly as an oppressive or anti-democratic institution, reportedly as an extension of the central government, given the fact that Vijay has entered politics and labelled the BJP as his ideological adversary.

Congress MP Breaks Bangles Over ‘Censorship’

As mentioned, several Dravidianists were breaking bangles over the alleged vendetta behind the delayed release of censor certificate. Among them was Congress MP Manickam Tagore. In a post on his X handle, he wrote, “When RSS propaganda films get zero traction, zero credibility & zero public interest, the Modi–Shah regime responds with control, not confidence. Now the film industry is in the crosshairs. Article 19(1)(a) guarantees freedom of speech & expression. But under I&B Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw this right is being systematically weakened through fear, not law. ED, CBI, IT — turned into frontal organs to silence dissent. Now even the Censor Board is being weaponised to control cinema and ideas. Institutions meant to protect democracy are reduced to tools of intimidation, while BJP-RSS propaganda is passed off as “culture”. Cinema doesn’t need political clearance. It needs constitutional protection. Democracy cannot survive when art is forced to kneel before power.” 

When films from the so-called ‘right wing’ faced censor cuts and delays, such voices were never heard complaining about “political clearance” and what not.

These Dravidianists and Vijay fans were missing when a film like Thug Life which had a distasteful, sleazy narrative arc was a U/A (16+) certificate with only two minor mutings of cuss words by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) thereby allowing it easy access to theatrical releases, satellite deals, and OTT platforms.

In contrast, Paramasivan Fathima, directed and produced by a relatively lesser-known filmmaker, offers a strong cultural commentary on the impact of religious conversions in rural Tamil Nadu. Drawing inspiration from the Periyapuranam, the film critically examines how missionary activity—often disguised as charity—can erode familial and cultural structures in Tamil society. It also highlights the contradiction of Christian institutions receiving state aid while openly promoting religious indoctrination.

Despite addressing serious societal issues without any explicit vulgarity or gory violence, Paramasivan Fathima received an ‘A’ certificate, limiting its theatrical scope, blocking its access to major satellite and OTT deals, and severely affecting the producer’s financial prospects.

Given the way a filmmaker like Sudha Kongara, who makes Dravidianist-leaning films, speaks highly of the CBFC, the outrage over the delay in certifying what is being projected as Vijay’s final film and its framing as political vendetta is laughable.

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Sabarimala Gold Theft Case: SIT Flags Chennai Firm’s Role, Maharashtra Specialist In Gold Extraction

By
The Commune
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Sabarimala Gold Theft: Vigilance Report Exposes Large-Scale Gold Misappropriation; SIT Ordered To Probe Breach Of Temple Protocol

Pankaj Bhandari, owner of Smart Creations, Chennai, and the ninth accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case, has informed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) about the involvement of a specialist from Maharashtra in the unauthorised extraction of gold from temple fittings and idols at the Sabarimala temple.

According to a statement given by Bhandari to the SIT on 9 October 2025, a copy of which was annexed to documents submitted before the High Court by the probe team, he stated that in 2019, his firm had engaged a specialist from Maharashtra who was experienced in recovering gold from stripping solutions. Bhandari told investigators that he would provide the specialist’s details to the SIT.

Bhandari stated that Smart Creations specialised in temple-related works and that he had known Unnikrishnan Potty, the first accused in the case, since 2019. His statement indicated that Potty had repeatedly approached him for gold-plating works connected to Sabarimala. In 2019, Smart Creations undertook the gold-plating work for the sanctum sanctorum door, with the donor being Govardhan Roddom, a jeweller from Bellary, who had introduced Bhandari to Potty.

According to Bhandari, Potty later informed him that while the sanctum sanctorum door appeared brightly gold-plated, the side frames were less bright, and the top Lord Shiva plate appeared dull and dirty. Following this, seven components including Shiva plates and side frames were transported to Chennai for further work.

Bhandari stated that upon examination, his team noticed that the seven pieces were not newly fabricated copper but appeared to be old copper sheets with a gold coating. He informed Potty that fresh gold plating could not be carried out over sheets that were already gold-cladded. However, Potty allegedly insisted that he had full authorisation from the concerned officials and directed the firm to proceed immediately with the work.

As per Bhandari’s statement, Smart Creations was instructed to remove the existing gold from the seven plates and strip the gold from the sheets using a chemical stripping solution, which dissolves gold. Bhandari admitted that his firm did not have expertise in recovering gold from stripping solutions and that engaging a third-party specialist was necessary, as attempting such recovery in-house would result in quality issues and confusion.

The statement further noted that Govardhan, the tenth accused in the case, had provided 186.587 grams of gold for the gold-plating work. Bhandari’s team deposited 184 grams of gold and completed delivery of the seven plates in June 2019. He subsequently informed Potty that gold had been issued for the frames and Shiva plates and that any additional recoverable gold would be assessed after extraction from the stripping solution by the specialist.

Bhandari stated that his firm later received 14 idol components for cleaning. During cleaning using a soap solution, traces of gold were observed on the copper sheets. He informed Potty that these too were old gold-plated sheets and could not be directly replated. Despite this, Potty allegedly insisted that the repair and stripping work be carried out without delay.

Potty also instructed Bhandari not to procure additional gold, stating that sufficient gold was available from the old stripping solution and leftover gold recovered from the Dwarapalaka idols.

After the cleaning and processing work was completed, Bhandari informed Potty that the final gold balance would be calculated after the recovery process. All 14 items were delivered back to Sabarimala in September 2019.

According to the SIT, the gold recovery specialist from Maharashtra extracted 409 grams of gold from the side frames and 577 grams from the idols. As per Potty’s instructions, 393.9 grams were deducted for gold plating of the Dwarapalaka idols and 9.9 grams were allocated for other Sabarimala-related items. After using 404.8 grams of gold for gold plating, a balance of 584.2 grams was handed over to Unnikrishnan Potty.

In its submission to the court, the SIT stated that Govardhan Roddom, along with Pankaj Bhandari, Unnikrishnan Potty and other accused persons, had entered into a criminal conspiracy to misappropriate the gold cladding on copper plates depicting the Dasavatharas, zodiac symbols, the top portions of the door frames and the Prabhamandalam installed in and around the sanctum sanctorum of the Sabarimala temple.

The SIT has placed these details before the High Court as part of its continuing investigation into the alleged large-scale misappropriation of temple gold.

Source: OnManorama

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Madras High Court Flags Suppression of Facts In Chidambaram Kamaraj GH Encroachment Case

By
The Commune
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Madras High Court Pulls Up Authorities For Allowing Encroachments On Kamaraj Govt Hospital Land; Orders Collector, CMO, Municipality Chief To Appear

The Madras High Court has taken serious note of attempts by encroachers to suppress material facts and obtain parallel orders in matters relating to the removal of encroachments on government hospital land at Chidambaram.

The observations were made by the First Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan while hearing a public interest litigation (WP No. 14027 of 2024) seeking the removal of encroachments on land belonging to the Chidambaram Kamaraj Government Hospital, earmarked for the construction of additional ICU blocks, on 6 January 2026.

During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner, B Jagannath, submitted that an impleading petition filed on behalf of certain encroachers had been numbered without serving notice on the existing counsel and in violation of earlier directions of the court. He further informed the Bench that despite a specific direction to approach the First Division Bench, some encroachers had filed a separate writ petition before a coordinate Division Bench by deliberately suppressing the pendency of the present PIL. According to the submission, an order had been obtained in that writ petition directing removal of encroachments within 12 weeks, which was contrary to and in violation of the orders passed in the present proceedings.

Accepting these submissions, the First Division Bench orally observed that it shared the same concerns and expressed displeasure over what it described as an unfortunate and recurring practice of deliberate suppression of facts by certain counsels in encroachment-related matters. The Bench remarked that such conduct was unfair, unreasonable, and required to be dealt with firmly to prevent misuse of judicial processes.

The Bench also questioned counsel appearing for the impleading petitioners on whether any documentary evidence existed to establish ownership of the land. In response, counsel reportedly conceded that the land belonged to the Government Hospital, while contending that the encroachers were entitled to patta and alternative sites.

Additional Advocate General Suresh, appearing for the State, submitted that the land in question indisputably belonged to the Government Hospital and that de-occupation notices had already been issued. He informed the court that the encroachers had not vacated the premises citing orders passed by a coordinate Bench and that a status report had been filed in this regard. He further stated that the encroachments would be fully removed within two weeks.

After hearing all parties, the Bench recorded the State’s submission that proceedings were being initiated under Section 6 of the Tamil Nadu Land Encroachment Act, 1905, and that necessary action would be taken at the earliest. The court reiterated that any encroacher aggrieved by an order passed under Section 6 of the Act could approach the High Court but clarified that no other authority would have jurisdiction to entertain such challenges without the leave of the court.

The matter was posted to 21 January 2026, for reporting compliance with the directions issued by the court.

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Arrested A Day Earlier For Defamatory Comments On Student, Govt College Principal Shares Stage With DMK MLA At Govt Event

By
The Commune
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Arrested A Day Earlier For Defamatory Comments On Student, Govt College Principal Shares Stage With DMK MLA At Govt Event

Less than 24 hours after being arrested and released on station bail for allegedly posting obscene and defamatory comments against a girl student online, J Sumitha, Principal (in-charge) and Faculty-in-Charge (FAC) of a Government Women’s College in Tirunelveli, on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, attended an official government function to distribute laptops to students, sharing the stage with the local MLA and senior officials.

The event triggered protests by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), whose members opposed Sumitha’s presence at the function. Police personnel removed the protesting students from the venue.

According to police sources, Sumitha and her husband, Ponudurai, a bank staff member, were arrested by the Tirunelveli City Cyber Crime Police on Tuesday (6 January 2026) evening following a complaint filed by a girl student. The student had earlier approached the district administration alleging harassment by the principal. After the matter received media attention, obscene and defamatory comments were allegedly posted against the student on YouTube from accounts linked to the accused.

Police said the complaint was received through an online portal and that a technical analysis traced the origin of the posts to the couple’s computer using its IP address. Based on this, a case was registered under provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for posting obscene and defamatory content.

After their arrest, the couple were questioned for several hours and later released on station bail. Police officials stated that further investigation into the case was ongoing.

SFI district secretary Sylas Arul demanded that departmental action be initiated against Sumitha, including her suspension, citing the seriousness of the allegations and her continued participation in official programmes despite the arrest.

When contacted, P Victoria Thangam, Regional Joint Director of Collegiate Education, said she had not received any formal communication from the Commissioner of Police regarding Sumitha’s arrest. She claimed that the principal had been falsely implicated and stated that someone else may have accessed Sumitha’s social media account to post the objectionable content. She added that the matter had been brought to the notice of the Commissioner of Collegiate Education.

Commissioner of Police N Manivannan said that a written communication detailing the arrest and case registration was in the process of being sent to the Collegiate Education Department.

Source: The New Indian Express

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TN Govt Orders DVAC Inquiry Into ED’s Corruption Letters On DMK Minister KN Nehru

By
The Commune
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Tender Fixing, Hawala Routes, Party Funds: ED Claims Detailed Proof Of ₹1,020-Crore Tender Scam Involving DMK Min KN Nehru

The Tamil Nadu government has ordered an investigation into two letters sent by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) alleging serious corruption involving senior DMK leader and Minister for Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS), KN Nehru.

According to official sources, the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has initiated a detailed inquiry into both communications addressed by the ED to the Director-General of Police (in-charge), G Venkatraman, with copies marked to Chief Secretary N Muruganandham. The ED had sought the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and a comprehensive investigation into the alleged offences.

Sources indicated that upon receipt of the complaints, the DGP (in-charge) forwarded them to the State government for appropriate action. Following this, the government ordered a detailed inquiry, after which the DVAC formally launched an investigation into the allegations made by the ED. Officials said this process was in line with established procedures, wherein the DVAC first registers a preliminary inquiry and then proceeds to a detailed inquiry to ascertain the existence of a prima facie case before registering an FIR.

The ED is stated to have enclosed documents in support of its allegations, relating to irregularities in the award of contracts and recruitment processes in one of the departments. Officials said the DVAC would independently verify the facts through its own investigation before taking further steps, in keeping with standard operating procedures.

In one of the letters sent to the DGP in early December 2025, the ED alleged large-scale corruption in the award of contracts in the MAWS department. In a 258-page dossier, the agency reported to have uncovered evidence suggesting bribe collections amounting to ₹1,020 crore from contractors executing various projects. The findings were reportedly based on materials recovered during searches conducted in April 2025.

The ED is said to have shared documents, photographs, and WhatsApp chats retrieved from the mobile phones of individuals under suspicion, indicating that the actual extent of corruption could be significantly higher than the amount identified so far. The agency urged the State police to register a case and undertake a full-fledged investigation, citing evidence of manipulation in government tenders.

According to the ED, contractors were allegedly required to pay bribes ranging between 7.5% and 10% of the contract value as party funds through associates linked to KN Nehru. The alleged demands reportedly covered all categories of work, including community toilets, construction and repair of sanitation workers’ housing, sanitation outsourcing contracts, and water and lake-related projects. Sources further stated that additional bribes were allegedly collected at various stages of project clearance and bill processing, raising the total alleged kickbacks to between 20% and 25% of the contract value.

Officials said the material forming the basis of these allegations emerged during an ED probe into money laundering linked to a bank fraud case originally registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). During searches conducted in Chennai, Tiruchi, and Coimbatore at locations associated with individuals close to Nehru, the ED reportedly found evidence pointing to widespread manipulation of MAWS tenders. Several documents and digital devices said to contain information on proceeds of crime were seized during these operations.

Although the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under which the searches were conducted was later closed or quashed, the ED reportedly maintained that the materials recovered, including digital communications and documents, contained incriminating evidence. These materials were subsequently shared with the appropriate authorities for further action.

Sources further said that in October 2025, the ED had written to the DGP highlighting alleged irregularities in the recruitment of engineers and planning officers in the MAWS department. Information relating to both sets of allegations was shared under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and the decision to initiate a detailed inquiry was communicated to the ED.

Denying the allegations, Nehru stated that the ED had aligned itself with the Opposition and was acting out of political motives. He alleged that the agency was functioning as a tool of the BJP and engaging in a smear campaign against him, claiming that the actions were driven by an inability to accept the achievements of the Dravidian Model government.

Source: The Hindu

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Report Card Of PM Modi As Varanasi MP: What MPLADS Data Reveals

By
The Commune
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MPLADS Data Shows Full Transparency In Narendra Modi’s Varanasi Constituency, Geo-Tagged Proof Uploaded

As netizens scrutinise data available on the official MPLADS portal and circulate screenshots on social media, comparisons have emerged between the utilisation patterns of different Members of Parliament. While recent attention has focused on MPLADS records of DMK MPs Kanimozhi and Dayanidhi Maran, a closer look at the profile of Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India since 2014 and Member of Parliament from Varanasi, has drawn notice for a markedly different reason – detailed documentation and transparency.

According to data available on the MPLADS website, Modi’s profile for the 18th Lok Sabha is fully updated, with clear work descriptions, expenditure figures, and geo-tagged photographs uploaded for completed projects. The availability of visual and location-based proof has been cited by observers as uncommon across many MPs’ profiles.

18th Lok Sabha MPLADS Snapshot

The data for the 18th Lok Sabha reveals the below:

  • Allocated limit: ₹11.31 crore
  • Expenditure so far: ₹2.88 crore
  • Works recommended: 219
  • Works completed: 43
Image Source: YTKD X handle

For each completed project, geo-tagged images along with location details have been uploaded on the portal.

One listed project involves interlocking work in Kandwa Ward No. 19, from Tulsi Nagar Colony’s Kunj Panchkoshi Road to the Indian School. The project page includes multiple geo-tagged images showing different stages of completion.

Another example cited is interlocking work in Kandwa Ward No. 19 from booth president Gopal Patel’s house to Ghure Patel’s residence in Kandwa Dakshini Pura under the Rohania Assembly segment. Here too, images with location metadata are publicly accessible.

17th Lok Sabha (2019–2024): Full Utilisation

Now let us take a look at the data from 17th Lok Sabha.

  • Allocated limit: ₹10.77 crore
  • Expenditure: ₹10.75 crore
  • Works recommended: 296
  • Works completed: 296
Image Source: YTKD X handle

The data shows that all 296 recommended works during the 17th Lok Sabha were completed. As with the current term, images of all finished projects have been uploaded with accompanying details.

Examples include interlocking and drain construction from the house of Mataru Yadav to the house of Rana Maurya, and similar infrastructure work from the house of Nand Lal Chauhan to the house of Manishankar Sharma. Each entry includes photographic evidence uploaded to the MPLADS portal.

It is noteworthy that such comprehensive documentation, particularly geo-tagged images for every completed project, is rarely found across most MPs’ MPLADS profiles. The contrast highlights differences in transparency and public accountability in the use of constituency development funds.

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“One Can Criticise Judgments, Not Call Judges Names”: Madras High Court Orders Seizure Of Book Targeting Justice GR Swaminathan As ‘RSS Rowdy’, Initiates Suo Motu Contempt Against Publisher

By
The Commune
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The Madras High Court on Wednesday (7 January 2026) directed the police to seize copies of a book allegedly making personal attacks against Justice GR Swaminathan and ordered authorities to ensure that such “scandalous” publications do not take place. The Court also initiated suo motu contempt proceedings against the publisher.

The directions were issued while hearing an urgent petition challenging the proposed publication. The matter came up before a Bench led by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava.

The case arose in the aftermath of a decision delivered on Tuesday by a Division Bench at Madurai, which upheld an order passed by Justice GR Swaminathan permitting the lighting of a lamp at the stone pillar (Deepathoon) atop the Thirupparankundram hills near a dargah.

Appearing before the Court, Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan submitted, “One can have opinions about the judgement. But can’t call the presiding officer names.”

At this stage, the Chief Justice orally observed, “It’s very serious. Making allegations. If anyone is aggrieved, they can take remedy against the order of the court. How will people see the judiciary if this is the language used (against judges). But not this kind of scandalising thing.”

The Government Advocate informed the Bench that no book containing objectionable material or caricatures against the judiciary would be permitted to be published or circulated. Recording the submission, the Court directed the police to seize copies of the publication and asked authorities to ensure that such scandalous material does not circulate, including online.

The Court further observed, “On the basis of the material found, we are inclined to initiate suo moto contempt against 5th respondent (publisher).” It added that aggrieved persons could pursue legal remedies by way of appeals rather than making such comments.

When the ASG submitted that appeals against the judgement had already been heard and disposed of on Tuesday, the Court observed that aggrieved persons could still approach the Supreme Court of India.

“This is not the first case. Such instances are on the rise. Many people are making comments,” the Court remarked, while directing authorities to ensure that copies of the publication are not made available online. The matter has been listed after three weeks.

The petition seeking a ban on the publication was filed by advocate B Jagannath, who contended that the book mocked and cast doubts on the integrity of the judiciary.

Source: LiveLaw

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Cases Filed Against 650 Secondary School Teachers Over Ongoing Protest In Chennai

By
The Commune
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Cases Filed Against 650 Secondary School Teachers Over Ongoing Protest In Chennai

Police have registered cases against 650 secondary-grade teachers in Chennai for staging protests without permission while pressing their demand for equal pay for equal work.

The action was taken after the teachers continued their agitation for the tenth consecutive day. Protesters assembled on Sivananda Salai in the Triplicane area and held a demonstration as part of their ongoing campaign.

According to police sources, the Triplicane police booked the teachers under three sections of law, citing violation of norms related to unauthorised protests. Officials said the cases were registered as the demonstration was conducted without prior approval.

The protest is part of a series of agitations held by secondary-grade teachers at various locations across the city over the past ten days. Police confirmed that a total of ten cases have been registered so far in connection with these protests.

Despite the cases filed against them, reports indicate that the secondary-grade teachers plan to continue their agitation, with further protests expected in the coming days.

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Dravidian Model: After Sanitary Workers, Nurses, And Teachers, Now Anganwadi Workers Stage Protests Over Unfulfilled 2021 Poll Promises; Nearly 3,000 Detained

By
The Commune
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Anganwadi Workers Stage Protests Over Unfulfilled 2021 Poll Promises; Nearly 3,000 Detained

Anganwadi workers and assistants across several districts of southern Tamil Nadu staged large-scale protests on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, demanding the fulfilment of long-pending promises made in the 2021 Assembly election manifesto, including recognition as government employees, time-scale pay, and enhanced retirement benefits. The protests led to traffic disruptions and the detention of nearly 3,000 workers across multiple districts.

In Dindigul, anganwadi workers and assistants gathered near the Dindigul bus stand and attempted a road blockade to press their nine-point charter of demands. The protesters demanded that anganwadi workers and assistants be officially declared government employees, be granted time-scale pay as promised, and be provided a minimum pension. They also sought a gratuity of ₹10 lakh for anganwadi workers and ₹5 lakh for assistants, along with a 30-day summer holiday in May every year, similar to benefits extended to teachers.

The protesters said these assurances had been announced as election promises but were not reflected in the recent budget, prompting them to escalate their agitation into a second phase of protests in the form of road blockades.

As police denied permission for the road roko, heated arguments broke out at the protest site. Despite restrictions, the anganwadi workers climbed over barricades and sat on the road, disrupting traffic for over an hour in the area. Following this, police detained around 1,000 protesters in Dindigul for participating in the road blockade without permission.

Parallel protests were held in other districts as well. Anganwadi workers and assistants affiliated to Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) staged a road roko in front of the Anna Bus Stand in Thoothukudi. The protest was presided over by CITU state vice-president Russel. Police detained 1,056 protesters at the Thoothukudi agitation and later took them to a private marriage hall.

In Tirunelveli district, anganwadi workers blocked vehicular traffic at Vannarpet, leading to the arrest of 401 protesters. In Kanniyakumari district, more than 800 protesters were detained after staging a road roko near the Anna Bus Stand in Nagercoil. Similar agitations were reported from Tenkasi, where police detained over 500 anganwadi workers and assistants.

The protesters reiterated that anganwadi workers and assistants should be brought under time-scale pay and formally recognised as government employees, as promised by the ruling DMK in its 2021 election manifesto. They also demanded a minimum monthly pension of ₹9,000 and enhanced gratuity benefits upon retirement.

Police officials said the detainees were released later in the evening after the protests were called off. The anganwadi workers, however, warned that protests would continue if the government failed to address their demands.

In 2025, Anganwadi workers tried to reach out to DMK MP Kanimozhi over the unfulfilled poll promises, but to no avail.

Source: The Hindu

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“Who Are You Trying To Appease?”, BJP Leader Annamalai Slams DMK Govt For Razing Down Tirupur Murugan Temple

By
The Commune
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“Who Are You Trying To Appease?”, BJP Leader Annamalai Takes Aim At DMK As Tiruppur Selva Muthukumarar Temple Is Razed

BJP leader K Annamalai on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, strongly condemned the demolition of the Selva Muthukumarar Temple located in the Perumanallur–Ettiveerampalayam area of Tiruppur district, alleging that the action reflected “Hindu-hostile governance” by the DMK government.

In a statement on his X handle, Annamalai said the Selva Muthukumarar Temple was an ancient shrine revered by local residents as a kuladeivam (clan deity) temple and had long-standing religious and cultural significance. He noted that the temple was traditionally associated with the well-known Alagumalai Murugan Temple in Tiruppur district and had been worshipped by generations of devotees.

Annamalai alleged that the demolition was carried out a day after the Madras High Court directed that a lamp be lit on the deepa sthambam at the Tirupparankundram Subramaniya Swamy Temple hill, claiming that the state government had acted out of “vindictiveness” following the court order. He said the DMK government had deployed a heavy police presence and “completely razed” the temple.

Terming the action “indecent and anti-Hindu,” Annamalai accused the government of selectively targeting places of Hindu worship while failing to reclaim lands belonging to temples that were allegedly encroached upon by DMK functionaries. He questioned whom the government was seeking to appease by repeatedly demolishing temples that, according to him, were places of worship for ordinary people over several generations.

The BJP leader further stated that protests were held against the demolition and that Hindu Munnani state president Kadeswara Subramaniam sustained injuries during what he described as police excess. He said Subramaniam had been hospitalised following the incident.

Annamalai also claimed that more than 100 devotees who took part in the protest were taken into police custody. He demanded their immediate release and called on the state government to halt what he described as the misuse of power.

Accusing the DMK of “hollow secularism,” Annamalai said the party was systematically curtailing the worship rights of the people of Tamil Nadu and warned that public patience had its limits.

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