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Annamalai Takes Thanthi TV Journo To The Cleaners For Asking Baseless Question

By
The Commune
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Upon his arrival to Chennai after a trip to the UK, Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party President, K Annamalai met with reporters and as the question-answer session unfolded, there arose a heated exchange between the party leader and a reporter from Thanthi TV, Mahesh. The encounter became increasingly tense as Annamalai challenged the veracity of the questions posed by the reporter.

The altercation began when the Thanthi TV reporter asked Annamalai about allegations that he had secretly met with Senthil Balaji’s brother. In response, Annamalai sought to ascertain the source and credibility of the information presented. He directed a series of probing questions to the reporter, questioning whether the information originated from the DMK camp and if it was relayed by either Stalin or Durga Stalin, or if the owner of Thanthi TV was involved.

However, the reporter refused to provide any insights into the source of the information and instead persisted with the query about the alleged meeting. Sensing the need to address the reporter’s conduct, Annamalai took the opportunity to school the journalist on the importance of asking well-structured questions, particularly as a representative of a prestigious channel like Thanthi TV.

Highlighting the significance of maintaining the channel’s reputation, Annamalai emphasized that the manner in which questions are framed should not create a negative perception among viewers. “When you represent a TV, uphold your TV,” he asserted.

Annamalai then turned the tables on the reporter by saying, “I received information that you (the reporter) received ₹1000 from DMK to ask this question to me.”  The reporter, surprised, questioned how Annamalai could verify such a claim. In response, Annamalai drew a parallel, asserting that just as the reporter couldn’t substantiate the allegation against him, he too couldn’t confirm or deny the alleged meeting without concrete evidence.

As the reporter questioned Annamalai’s growing “frustration”, the BJP President emphasized the importance of logic when asking a question. He stated that he had not convened the press conference, having just arrived in Chennai after a gruelling 16-hour flight. Despite the circumstances, Annamalai expressed his willingness to answer questions respectfully and patiently. However, he warned that responding to illogical queries would not serve any purpose.

This is not the first time that reporters have been schooled by Annamalai, not very long ago, he exposed the biases of Puthiya Thalaimurai channel‘s journalist. 

Prior to that, when the BJP Tamil Nadu President was hounded by two Dravidian Stockist journalists – Shabbir Ahmed of The News Minute and Lakshmi Subramanian of The Week – demanding him to apologize over his ‘monkey’ remarks, he unyieldingly gave them back saying that he will not apologize.

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Union Home Min Asks TN Govt To Take Action Against Davidson Devasirvatham IPS Over Fake Passport Scam Issue

By
The Commune
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davidson devasirvatham fake passport

Just a day after Davidson Devasirvatham IPS was transferred and posted as Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Headquarters, Chennai, the Union Home Ministry has asked the Tamil Nadu government to take appropriate action against the officer over his alleged involvement in the fake passport scam.

 

Davidson was the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Intel and is said to have been appointed to the post at the behest of DMK chief MK Stalin’s son-in-law Sabarisan.

It was during Davidson Devasirvatham’s stint as state police intelligence chief that the Coimbatore car blast terror incident occurred outside the Kottai Easwaran temple in which one Jamesha Mubin died. The riots and arson in Kallakurichi in the aftermath of a school girl’s death too happened during his period.

Davidson is alleged to have been involved in the fake passport scam racket. Over 200 passports are believed to have been issued from Madurai to ineligible persons during Davidson Devasirvatham’s stint as the city’s Police Commissioner. The whereabout of these persons who had acquired the passport through fraudulent means remain unknown and difficult to trace. It is to be noted that only the documents which they had submitted were fake and not the passport itself.

BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai alleged that 74% of the fake passports issued were to Christian applicants. His wife who ran a passport agency allegedly closed down after the issue snowballed into a controversy. Annamalai also accused Davidson Devasirvatham of destroying evidence when he was the Madurai Police Commissioner.

In November 2020, a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed at the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court by an advocate named Muruga Ganesan demanding a thorough probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the issuance of passports to ineligible persons.

The Advocate General representing the state submitted that 175 witnesses were examined, 22 were identified as accused of which 16 have been arrested.

Though the court had found it not necessary to transfer the case to CBI, a senior superintendent in the Regional Passport Office in Madurai named Veeraputhiran was arrested by the CBI in July 2021 for issuing Indian passports to foreign nationals including Sri Lankans who were brought by travel agents.

It was reported that Veeraputhiran entered into a criminal conspiracy with broker Ramesh and other travel agents operating in Madurai in 2019-20. While posted as granting officer at Passport Seva Kendra, Tirunelveli, Veeraputhiran had fraudulently issued Indian passports to Sri Lankans and other ineligible people in return for financial kickbacks from the travel agents, the CBI had stated in the FIR.

While senior officials at the Passport office and Department of Posts had granted the sanctions to prosecute the errant officials in their respective departments, sanction for Davidson Devasirvatham and other senior Tamil Nadu police officers were stuck in limbo for several months.

Read more about the case here.

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Christian Pastor Calls DMK Leaders “Corrupt Bandicoots”, Says Senthil Balaji’s Shenanigans Was Drama

By
The Commune
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In a recent development, CSI Priest Godfrey Noble, who is also the leader of the ‘All India Democracy Protection Kazhagam’ (AIJPK/AIDPK), took to Instagram to express his criticism of the behaviour of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government over the arrest of Liquor Minister Senthil Balaji. Noble stated that a central authority like the Enforcement Directorate would only take such action after gathering sufficient evidence to arrest a sitting minister. He accused the DMK government of creating a false scenario of political revenge and fooling the public.


Noble highlighted the history between Chief Minister MK Stalin and Senthil Balaji, noting that when Stalin was in the opposition, he filed corruption cases against Balaji, who was a minister in the AIADMK cabinet at the time. In 2016, Stalin publicly criticised Balaji during a public meeting. Noble pointed out the irony of Stalin now accusing the central government of arresting Balaji out of political vendetta, despite previously acknowledging Balaji’s alleged corruption.

Referring to the actions of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, Noble emphasised that Balaji was removed from the cabinet following corruption accusations. He described Balaji as a well-known corrupt politician and accused Stalin of attempting to cover up this open secret.

Noble expressed his belief that the arrest of Balaji was a consequence of the poor people’s frustration and their curse. He acknowledged that not all ministers are free of corruption but accused the DMK, after being in opposition for ten years, of engaging in rampant corruption.
In a contrasting perspective, an interview with a ragpicker revealed the grievances of the common people. The ragpicker mentioned that even at TASMAC, where he buys alcohol, extra money is taken from them. Such actions have hurt the public’s trust.

Noble also brought attention to the allegations against Balaji during his tenure as a minister from 2011 to 2016, where he promised job opportunities to individuals in exchange for money but allegedly cheated them. He claimed that people, driven by the desire for a government job, had collected and borrowed substantial amounts of money, only to be deceived. This, according to Noble, ultimately led to Balaji’s arrest.

Plus, Noble questioned the sudden onset of chest pain experienced by Balaji, who was known for his regular physical exercise. He criticised the behavior displayed during Balaji’s arrest, where he appeared to be adjusting his clothes and calling for a doctor while claiming chest pain. Noble found it suspicious that someone experiencing chest pain would behave in such a manner.

Noble raised doubts about Balaji’s subsequent admission to Omandurar Hospital, highlighting the visits from ministers such as Sekar Babu who initially claimed Balaji was unconscious but later found him sitting and talking with MK Stalin. He drew attention to Balaji wearing a tape instead of an IV insert and a pretentious mask, suggesting that these actions were an attempt to feign illness and evade consequences.

Noble urged the public to recognise the need to remove corrupt individuals from positions of power. He emphasised the importance of voting these “corrupt bandicoots” out in the upcoming general elections as a means to teach them a lesson. He clarified that the arrests were not politically motivated but were a response to corruption cases filed a decade ago, and the action was taken under the direction of the Supreme Court.

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“Dikshitars Mean Trouble Only”: DMK HR&CE Min Sekarbabu Incites Hate Against Microscopic Minority Community

By
The Commune
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While addressing a press conference in light of the recent controversy surrounding the Chidambaram Natarajar Temple, Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister PK. Sekarbabu can be seen peddling hate against the priestly community of Dikshitars calling them as “trouble/problem”.

A few days ago, a restriction was put in place preventing devotees from entering the Kanagasabai for darshan until the Aani Thirumanjanam festival is over. A board informing devotees about the same was placed.

However, the officials of the HR&CE department along with Tamil Nadu Police removed the board and forcefully entered the Kanagasabai creating commotion. An argument ensued between the Dikshitars and the state government officials.

In light of this, while addressing a press conference, DMK HR&CE Minister P. Sekarbabu said “Dikshitars mean trouble/problem only. With respect to the Dikshitars in the Chidambaram Temple, they are functioning like a power centre. The HR&CE department has no intention of interfering and changing the worship tradition that is being followed for ages. At the same time, the temple was built during monarchic reigns. The Dikshitars are continuously indulging in such controversies with the aim of making it a denominational temple.”

He further said that the temple is run through donations given by devotees but went on to say that there are no hundis in the temple.

“In other temples, there are hundis. There are accounts of income and expenditure kept. They (Dikshitars) are not allowing us to account how much cash they have. After they took control over the temple, they are refusing to show much gold jewels are with the temple.”, Sekarbabu said.

“They run the temple like it is their own organization”, the DMK Minister further said adding that the DMK government is opposed to this.

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HR&CE Officials And Police Forcefully Enter Kanakasabai, Assault Deekshitars At Chidambaram Temple Amidst Aani Thirumanjanam Festival

By
The Commune
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In a distressing turn of events at the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, officials from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE) Department and the police stormed into the Kanakasabai (Golden Platform) during the ongoing Aani Thirumanjanam festival. This move has sparked outrage and condemnation from the temple authorities and devotees.

Traditionally, during the Aani Thirumanjanam festival, which spans from 24 June to 27 June this year, devotees are not allowed to enter the Kanakasabai to ensure the smooth handling of the large crowds that visit the temple during this period. However, the HR & CE officials and over 100 policemen defied this and entered the Kanakasabai during the sacred rituals. As a result, the Deekshitars, who are the custodians of the temple, protested against this intrusion, and 11 Deekshitars were booked for obstructing the officials.

https://twitter.com/Dhivaka40208011/status/1673738857777618944

The HR & CE officials justified their entry by claiming that a Government Order (GO) had been issued, and they were simply implementing it. The Deekshitars, who opposed their entry, faced physical aggression, with their clothes torn and their sacred threads (janeu) cut in the process.

However, Chidambaram police officials have denied that such an incident happened. They say that officials had entered the platform to allow worship as per the government order.

The Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, managed by the Deekshitars for thousands of years, has historically changed darshan timings and programs during festivals to accommodate the influx of devotees. The recent interference by the government administration, misrepresenting the temple’s announcement and changing the darshan from Kanakasabai, has caused confusion and unrest among the temple-goers.

The Supreme Court had previously ruled that the government cannot interfere in the management of the temple. Despite this ruling, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government has continued to create controversy through the HR & CE department, causing disturbance and unrest among the Deekshitars and the devotees.

The intrusion at the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple has been met with criticism by devotees, who denounce the blatant and irreverent state interference in a place of worship that is not under HR & CE control.

The temple’s administration, under the stewardship of the Deekshitars, has been praised for their devotion and democratic practices, even acknowledged by British South Arcot collector J.H. Garstin in 1878.

In response to this incident, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed against the Arbitrary, Unlawful, and Unconstitutional Government Order issued by the Tamil Nadu government at the behest of the HR & CE department regarding the Chidambaram Sri Nataraja Temple.

The petitioner TR Ramesh vows to expose the alleged anti-Vedic agenda of the government in court, as well as shed light on financial irregularities within the HR & CE department.
Meanwhile, HR & CE Minister Sekar Babu, speaking to the press, accused the Deekshitars of being problematic and said that they were trying to establish a power center within the Chidambaram temple.

He threatened legal action against them and claimed that the temple operates solely on public donations, devoid of any hundi (donation box) within its premises. Sekar Babu further accused the Deekshitars of withholding information regarding the temple’s funds, both past and present, including the inventory of gold jewellery. He demanded transparency, arguing that since the temple runs on devotees’ contributions, they have the right to know how it is managed.

Minister Sekar Babu contended that the Supreme Court ruling allowed the HR & CE department to decide whether devotees could worship from the Kanakasabai. Based on this interpretation, the government issued a GO permitting devotees to do so. He accused the Deekshitars of using the Aani Thirumanjanam festival as an excuse to deny access to the Kanakasabai. This, he claimed, was the reason for the department’s intervention. The minister asserted that the government was opposed to the control exerted by 200 Deekshitars over the temple and affirmed the government’s commitment to ensure lawful conduct.

Amidst all this, DMK supporters such as the below were celebrating the intrusion.

The controversial intrusion at the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple has ignited a heated debate between the HR & CE department, the Deekshitars, and devotees. These actions by the government, experts suggest were done to question the integrity of the Deekshitar lineage, which has been dedicated to the preservation of the temple for centuries.

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Fake Passport Scam-Fame Davidson Devasirvatham IPS Transferred & Posted As ADGP HQ

By
The Commune
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Davidson Devasirvatham IPS who was the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Intel has been transferred from the Intelligence Department and has been posted as the ADGP Headquarters, Chennai.

Replacing him is KA Senthil Velan IPS who will be the state police intelligence chief holding the additional charge as ADGP Intel.

Davidson is alleged to have been involved in the fake passport scam racket. Over 200 passports are believed to have been issued from Madurai to ineligible persons during Davidson Devasirvatham’s stint as the city’s Police Commissioner. The whereabout of these persons who had acquired the passport through fraudulent means remain unknown and difficult to trace. It is to be noted that only the documents which they had submitted were fake and not the passport itself.

BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai had alleged that Davidson Devasirvatham has close links with Christian Missionary groups and is working with an agenda of promoting a particular religion in the southern part of the state. Even in the fake passport scam, Annamalai said that 74% of the fake passports issued were to Christian applicants. His wife who ran a passport agency allegedly closed down after the issue snowballed into a controversy. Annamalai also accused Davidson Devasirvatham of destroying evidence when he was the Madurai Police Commissioner.

It was during Davidson Devasirvatham’s stint as state police intelligence chief that the Coimbatore car blast terror incident occurred outside the Kottai Easwaran temple in which one Jamesha Mubin died. The riots and arson in Kallakurichi in the aftermath of a school girl’s death too happened during his period.

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Former Rajya Sabha MP Maithreyan Says Tamil Brahmins Stand United Behind BJP TN Head Annamalai

By
The Commune
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Former Rajya Sabha MP Maithreyan, who had been sent to the Rajya Sabha thrice by former CM J Jayalalithaa and recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has expressed his support for Tamil Nadu BJP President Annamalai, asserting that the Brahmin community in Tamil Nadu stands firmly behind him.

Maithreyan said, “Those who are familiar with me know that I do not differentiate among people based on their caste or religion. However, there have been recent rumors circulating that BJP President Annamalai is deliberately neglecting and marginalizing Brahmins within the party. This is utterly false. Over the past two decades, I have maintained strong connections with Brahmin organizations and individuals throughout the state. Through my interactions with them, I can confidently state that Annamalai has the unwavering support of the Brahmin community.”

Expanding on his statement, Maithreyan emphasized, “Annamalai is wholeheartedly dedicated to catalyzing a transformative shift in Tamil Nadu. His unwavering commitment has instilled a deep sense of trust among the Brahmin community in Tamil Nadu. Consequently, a significant number of Brahmins stand firmly in support of Annamalai, recognizing his vision for change and progress.”

He stated, “Tamil Nadu Brahmins are excelling in two key portfolios in Mr. Narendra Modi’s Central Government: Finance Minister Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister Mr. Jaishankar. So it is merely a diversionary attempt by some to spread rumours that BJP President Annamalai is ignoring Tamil Nadu’s Brahmins. It’s a ruse to split votes against the DMK. It’s heartbreaking that some Brahmins are involved in this. The majority of Tamilnadu’s Brahmins, however, will not fall for this ruse. They are clear.”

Maithreyan went on to say that Tamilnadu Brahmins do not vote based on caste and that they are well aware that both Narendra Modi and Annamalai are not Brahmins, but they are confident that both Modi and Annamalai are honest and will provide fair and just governance.

He also stated that Annamalai is the only Tamil Nadu leader who has publicly expressed support for Brahmins, and that Brahmins are aware of Annamalai’s support for Brahmins.

He also stated that the entire Brahmin community in Tamil Nadu is behind Annamalai so that when Modi forms government for the third time, Tamil Nadu will be represented. Our only goal should be to get 25 Tamil Nadu MPs, according to Maithreyan.

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DMK MP Booked After His Henchmen Attack Christian Pastor Over Church Appointments

By
The Commune
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A dispute between two factions within the Tirunelveli Diocese of Church of South India (CSI) ended up in a clash with supporters of Tirunelveli DMK MP Gnana Thiraviyam attacking and hitting a Christian pastor who was opposing them.

The CSI – Tirunelveli Parish oversees several schools and colleges, and elections are held to select correspondents for these educational institutions. Previously, DMK MP Gnanathiraviyam was chosen as the correspondent for Palayangottai St John’s College.

In the administration of the Tirunelveli CSI Diocese, there has been a conflict between Bishop Rev. A.R.G.S.T. Barnabas and Lay Secretary Jayasingh, who lead opposing factions. DMK MP Gnana Thiaraviyam is a supporter of Lay Secretary Jayasingh.

The DMK MP who was a member of the Governing Body of the Tirunelveli Diocese and was also functioning as the correspondent of St. John’s school that comes under the diocese was removed from the posts. He was replaced by one Arul Manickam.

The decision upset the supporters of the DMK MP, leading to a confrontation between the two sides at the college premises on Friday (23 June 2023).

In the midst of this rivalry, Mr. Godfrey Noble, a supporter of Bishop Barnabas, visited the CSI Diocesan Office on North High Ground Road on Monday (26 June 2023) in an attempt to resolve the dispute with the DMK MP. However, he was reportedly chased and attacked by a few individuals when he attempted to enter the office. In the visuals, the Christian pastor Noble can be seen being slapped and kicked by supporters of the DMK MP.

Noble later filed a complaint with the Tirunelveli Police and Bishop Barnabas complained to the DMK high command about the DMK MP’s behaviour. DMK General Secretary Duraimurugan has issued a notice demanding an explanation for the incident within seven days and also warned that disciplinary action will be taken if he fails to give proper explanation.

A case has also been registered against the DMK MP and Jay Singh, Moonradaippu John and Michael associated with a church group. The sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) pertaining to rioting, intentionally causing harm, making criminal threats, and aiding and abetting have been slapped against the DMK MP by the state police.

According to latest reports, DMK MP has applied an anticipatory bail to avoid arrest.

More About Godfrey Noble

Christian pastor and a self-proclaimed ‘Bishop’ named Godfrey Noble, runs a party called ‘All India Democracy Protection Kazhagam’ (AIJPK/AIDPK).

In the run up to the 2021 Assembly elections, Godfrey Noble threatened that MK Stalin’s dream of becoming Chief Minister would remain a dream if his party’s demands are not me. He demanded that 7% of the 234 seats (16 seats) be given to his party and Christians. He also demanded that they be given appropriate representation in the Cabinet with the Department of Minority Affairs exclusively allocated for his party.

He also went on to state that Christian population in Tamil Nadu is much higher than what is in the official records. He said that government records won’t give the actual Christian population and emphasized that 35% of the population (2.75 crore voters) are Christians.

He also warned that those (parties) who don’t respect Christians would be taught a lesson.
He also quipped that DMK MLAs would do nothing except pat the bench in the Assembly if Christians were to face problems.

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NH In The Country Increased By 59% In The Last 9 Years: Union Road Min Nitin Gadkari

By
The Commune
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Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the total length of National Highways in India has grown by approximately 59% in the past nine years. This expansion has resulted in India now possessing the second largest road network globally, second only to the United States. During a Press Conference held in New Delhi, Minister Gadkari stated that the National Highways’ length increased from 91,287 km in 2013-14 to 1,45,240 km in 2022-23, representing a growth of more than 59% over this period.

Furthermore, he highlighted the significant rise in the length of four-lane National Highways, which has doubled in the past nine years. In 2013-14, the four-lane NH measured 18,371 km, and it has now reached 44,654 km. Secretary MoRTH Anurag Jain and NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav were also present at the Press Conference.

Nitin Gadkari emphasized the positive impact of FASTag in enhancing toll collection, informing that toll revenues have increased from ₹4,770 crore in 2013-14 to ₹41,342 crore in 2022-23. The Government aims to further boost toll revenue to ₹1,30,000 crore by 2030. The introduction of FASTag has also resulted in reduced waiting times at toll plazas. In 2014, the average waiting time was 734 seconds, which has now been reduced to 47 seconds. The Minister expressed optimism about bringing it down to 30 seconds in the near future.

Minister Gadkari commended the transformative impact of FASTag on travel experiences in India, eliminating the need for cash transactions and revolutionizing toll payments. According to research, this breakthrough has saved approximately ₹70,000 crore in wasted fuel expenses caused by waiting at toll plazas.

He highlighted the focus on expanding the road highway network in the North East region, with projects worth over ₹2 lakh crore currently underway. Additionally, 670 road-side facilities are being developed to provide a pleasant experience along the National Highways.

The Minister informed about the successful launch of NHAI’s INVIT (Infrastructure Investment Trust) model, which witnessed overwhelming response with seven times oversubscription within the first day of availability on the Mumbai Stock Exchange. Minister Nitin Gadkari urged investors to consider investing in NHAI INVIT, offering an attractive interest rate of 8.05%, surpassing traditional bank rates.

Moreover, Minister Gadkari highlighted NHAI’s achievement of seven world records, demonstrating their commitment to technological advancements and ambition to position India as the second-largest road network globally, after the USA.

Regarding green initiatives, Minister Gadkari stated that NHAI transplanted over 68,000 trees and planted 3.86 crore trees in the past nine years. Additionally, NHAI has developed more than 15,000 Amrit Sarovars (holy ponds) along National Highways, contributing to water rejuvenation initiatives.

The Minister emphasized the Ministry’s proactive approach to waste management and sustainable infrastructure development, citing the utilization of 30 lakh tons of garbage in road construction for the Delhi Ring Road project. Furthermore, he highlighted the introduction of bamboo crash barriers, which provide strength, durability, employment opportunities, and environmental sustainability.

Aligning with the Government’s commitment to a sustainable future, Minister Nitin Gadkari unveiled a vision for increased Electric Vehicle adoption over the next five years, promoting clean energy and reducing carbon emissions.

(With inputs from PIB)

Villagers Petition Govt To Remove Cemetery Encroaching Pond, DMK Govt Dismisses Petition Despite Producing Evidence

By
The Commune
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In a recent development, a contentious issue has emerged in Madhampalayam village, Erode District, Satyamangalam Taluk, involving the alleged encroachment of a pond area and the construction of a cemetery. Local residents have expressed their concerns by sending a memorandum to the Chief Minister, demanding the removal of the encroachment in their village. It is important to note that their objection was not against Christianity but against the encroachment on the pond itself.

Unfortunately, their plea has been met with rejection, as the petition has been denied on the grounds that there is no encroachment and no pond in the specified location. This denial comes at odds with the actions of the DMK government, which has undertaken the dismantling of over 500 temples in Tamil Nadu, citing encroachment issues since it came to power. Despite the community’s efforts to bring this matter to the attention of the Chief Minister, their claims have been outright dismissed.

The response received by the petitioner who complained about the encroachment in the Jallikuttai (pond) states, “Erode District, Sathyamangalam Taluk, Madhampalayam Village, Field No 235 and the extent is 3.58.50 hect is also known as named Kallankuthu in the village account. There is no PWD canal in the above field. The map only has record of the water way. There is no encroachment in the water way. So the petitioner representing the Crpc 1973 u/s 40 – no need to take action. Petition can be dismissed.”

However, questions arise concerning the existence of a bridge on Puliyampatti Road and the presence of a sluice gate. Further investigation into past activities in the area has revealed the construction of a small-scale dam in 2012-13, costing approximately ₹ 1, 69,000, under the Rural Infrastructure Project. This information, obtained from the Department of Water Resources, supports the existence of a bridge on the site.

Additional information was gathered through a Right to Information (RTI) request to the Highway Department, which confirmed the cost of constructing the bridge over the waterway as ₹6,61,577. The same department also verified that excess rainwater from the area reaches the Jallikuttai pond via a bridge constructed by the administration at a cost of six lakhs. However, a petition to the government sidetracked the issue to mark the area as “disputed land”, suggesting an attempt to avoid accountability.

To gain further clarity on the issue, an analysis of documents possessed by the neighbouring landowners is necessary. This analysis reveals the existence of a pond in the area. Additionally, a petition document from February 1970, presented to the then MP Subbaiah, provides evidence of the pond’s presence in the region. However, the state government is reportedly attempting to establish that Christians have been burying their dead in this place for the past 40-50 years. Despite substantial evidence being presented, the government categorically denies the encroachment claims and refuses to take appropriate action.

This is not an isolated incident limited to a remote village in Satyamangalam; similar occurrences involving Christian groups and cemeteries encroaching on farmland and wastelands have been reported across Tamil Nadu. The establishment of cemeteries is believed to play a significant role in religious conversion, with the Church advocating for a cemetery to accompany every church. In cases where sufficient land is unavailable, it is alleged that issues are raised to capture land, taking advantage of the support from the DMK government.

These cemetery-related issues are prevalent throughout Tamil Nadu, yet they have received minimal attention from the media. Reports suggest that substantial funds, ranging from ₹250 to 300 crores, are being allocated for cemetery establishment in the state.

These circumstances raise concerns regarding potential bias and favoritism in the government’s decision-making process, favouring specific communities.

(With inputs from Maridhas)

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