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Centre Tightens Grip On Foreign-Funded NGOs; Proselytisation Removed From Approved Religious Activities

By
The Commune
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Proselytisation haryana madhya pradesh children attempting to convert christianity sultanpur forced conversion missionary

The Modi government has significantly tightened the regulatory framework governing foreign-funded non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and associations in India, introducing a series of amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Rules that impose stricter conditions on the receipt, utilisation and reporting of foreign contributions, as reported in Hindustan Times.

Among the most notable changes is the explicit exclusion of proselytisation from the list of religious activities that can be carried out by organisations seeking registration or prior permission under the FCRA.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a gazette notification late on Monday amending the FCRA Rules, 2011. The changes affect the eligibility criteria for registration, operational disclosures, utilisation of foreign funds, reporting obligations and renewal requirements for organisations receiving foreign contributions.

Proselytisation Excluded From Religious Activities

Under the amended rules, associations seeking registration must now specify the exact purposes for which they intend to utilise foreign contributions. These purposes must be selected from a prescribed schedule that categorises activities under religious, educational, cultural, economic and social headings.

While the religious category continues to permit activities such as construction, renovation and maintenance of religious places, religious education, promotion of devotional music, documentation of faith traditions and preservation of indigenous belief systems, the government has explicitly excluded proselytisation from the permitted activities.

The exclusion appears in multiple categories listed under religious purposes, including “documentation, preservation and revival of indigenous and tribal faith practices, rituals and systems of worship” and “conduct of religious education, moral instruction, satsangs, discourses and meditation retreats.”

The amended rules specifically permit religious education, documentation of faith traditions and preservation of indigenous beliefs while stating that such activities must be undertaken “excluding proselytisation.”

Foreign Nationals As Key Functionaries Face Restrictions

The government has also tightened rules relating to foreign nationals holding positions of influence within organisations seeking foreign funding.

Under the amended framework, associations having foreign nationals, other than persons of Indian origin, as key functionaries will ordinarily not be considered eligible for registration or prior permission under the FCRA.

However, the amendments provide an exception empowering the Central Government to permit foreign nationals to serve as key functionaries in specific cases or circumstances through a separate order.

The definition of “key functionary” has also been substantially expanded. It now covers company directors, partners in partnership firms, trustees, the Karta of a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), and any person exercising control over the management or administration of an association.

Mandatory Disclosure Of Activities And Geographic Areas

In a major procedural change, NGOs applying for registration or prior permission must now disclose not only the purposes for which they seek foreign funding but also the specific states and Union Territories where those activities will be carried out.

According to the notification, every application for registration must mention the purpose or purposes selected from the approved schedule and the states or Union Territories in which the association proposes to undertake those activities.

These details will form part of the registration certificate itself.

The government has also directed all associations that were registered before 2026 to furnish details of their specific purposes and geographical areas of operation within one year in order to continue under the revised framework.

New Fee Structure For Additional Activities And States

The amended rules introduce a fresh fee structure for NGOs seeking to expand their registered activities or geographical reach.

Associations will be required to pay an additional ₹300 for every extra purpose or state added to their registration application.

The measure appears aimed at ensuring greater accountability regarding how and where foreign contributions are utilised.

Minimum Spending Requirement To Retain Registration

To prevent dormant organisations from retaining FCRA licences without meaningful activity, the government has introduced a minimum utilisation requirement.

Under the new rules, an NGO must have spent at least ₹10 lakh of foreign contributions on its approved activities during the previous two financial years in order to qualify for renewal or avoid cancellation of its registration.

Failure to meet the spending threshold could affect an organisation’s ability to continue receiving foreign funds.

Stricter Controls On Release Of Foreign Funds

The amendments also tighten conditions governing NGOs operating under the “Prior Permission” route.

Organisations receiving foreign contributions in instalments for a specific project or purpose will not receive a second or subsequent instalment unless they have utilised at least 75 per cent of the previous instalment.

The government has also empowered authorities to conduct field inquiries to verify utilisation claims before permitting the release of additional foreign funds.

Social Media Disclosure And Donor Transparency

The amended rules significantly expand disclosure requirements for organisations receiving foreign contributions.

NGOs will now be required to provide details of all their social media accounts while applying for registration or renewal under the FCRA.

In addition, organisations receiving funds routed through intermediary remittance channels or donor-advised funds must disclose the identity of the ultimate donor – the original source of the money, rather than merely reporting the intermediary entity.

The move is aimed at improving transparency regarding the origin of foreign contributions entering India.

Detailed Activity Reports And Publication Disclosures

The government has also enhanced annual reporting obligations.

In addition to submitting financial statements, NGOs will now be required to furnish detailed activity reports outlining how foreign contributions were utilised.

Associations will further be required to declare whether they publish books, articles or other publications.

The requirement assumes significance because organisations registered under the FCRA are prohibited from producing or broadcasting “news or current affairs” content.

Broader Push To Strengthen Oversight

The FCRA, 2010, which came into force in 2011, regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions and foreign hospitality to ensure that foreign funding does not adversely affect national interest, public order or national security.

The legislation has undergone multiple rounds of amendments in 2016, 2018 and 2020, each aimed at increasing oversight over foreign-funded entities operating in India.

The latest amendments come months after the government introduced the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.

The proposed legislation seeks to empower the government to appoint a designated authority to take over, manage or sell assets created using foreign contributions when an NGO’s FCRA licence is suspended, cancelled or not renewed.

The Bill is expected to be taken up during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, signalling the government’s continuing efforts to strengthen regulatory control over the foreign funding ecosystem in India.

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“Stop Them, Corner Them And Sh**t Modi & Amit Shah”, Says Participant At Cockroach Party Protest In Delhi

By
The Commune
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"Stop Them, Corner Them And Sh**t Modi & Amit Shah", Says Participant At CJP's 'Peaceful Protest' In Delhi

A protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over the NEET controversy appeared to witness poor turnout on its third day, despite the movement being heavily promoted on social media and associated with online personalities claiming support from millions of followers.

Reporting from the protest site, observers noted that large sections of the designated demonstration area remained largely empty, with security personnel and media representatives reportedly outnumbering participants. According to those present, the crowd fell far short of expectations generated by CJP’s extensive online reach, which supporters claim extends to over 22 million followers.

The protest, centred on demands for accountability over alleged irregularities in NEET examinations and calls for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, was described by organisers as a “peaceful protest.” However, several controversial statements made by participants raised questions about the nature of the rhetoric being aired from the protest venue.

Several attendees interviewed at the site expressed frustration over the government’s handling of examination issues. Some participants argued that online support does not necessarily translate into physical mobilisation, claiming many young people prefer to express support through social media rather than attend demonstrations in person. Others cited ongoing examinations, employment commitments and personal obligations as reasons for the lower turnout.

One participant from Mustafabad argued that many students who post supportive comments online do not feel personally affected by the issue and therefore choose not to participate physically. Another protester said he had travelled from Rajasthan on his day off despite his own children already being settled in their careers, claiming he was concerned about the future prospects of coming generations.

As attendance remained thin, organisers and speakers reportedly attempted to broaden the movement’s appeal by announcing that farmer organisations would join the agitation later in the day. Speakers suggested that support from farmers could help sustain the protest after attempts to mobilise students had failed to attract large numbers.

The most controversial moments emerged during interactions with some participants who launched personal attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and the BJP. One protester alleged that “RSS goons” were responsible for examination leaks and called on people to surround BJP workers and “beat them away.” The same individual described Prime Minister Modi as a “fake Prime Minister” and claimed he had come to power through dishonesty.

One participant, identified as Javed Ahmad from Gorakhpur, launched a tirade against the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS. Alleging that examination leaks were being orchestrated by RSS members, he claimed, “these two Gujaratis are goons. They aren’t politicians. You will never be able to defeat them by fighting through legal means. You have to fight goons with goons. These two have reduced the entire country to dust. Regarding the NEET exam – RSS goons have infiltrated the system; they are the ones orchestrating everything. To teach them a lesson, you need to take to the streets; gherao the BJP members and drive them away, only then will the country be set right.”

He added, “You know, when the Congress government was in power, these same RSS goons used to create havoc and vandalism, burning things down, and Congress would get intimidated. They are looting India. In the last 10 years, they have created an army of the unemployed. What will they do in the next 5 or 10 years? They will ruin the entire nation. If you don’t provide employment to the youth or keep them occupied, what else will they do? Just think about it, they are destroying the whole country. This isn’t the right way. You need to corner them and demand Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation actually; it should be Narendra Modi’s resignation. He is a fake Prime Minister. He isn’t an elected Prime Minister; he has become the PM solely through thuggery and dishonesty. Narendra Modi ought to resign. Dharmendra Pradhan is just a mere crony; the real strategy is being orchestrated by Amit Shah and Modi. You should absolutely write here that Narendra Modi must resign, he is a ‘fake’ Prime Minister, not a truly elected one”.

He continued, “Look, brother, sacrifices must be made to save the country; you cannot save it without sacrifice. They have sold off the railways and everything else. That is the kind of thing needed to bring about a change in power – our government needs to change. Brother, this is exactly what should happen to them. Unless the youth step forward, we won’t be able to oust them. Not like Nepal, remove them peacefully. It is peaceful; the process is peaceful. But what results are we getting here? What is the outcome of this?”

He further said, “This matter will blow over in a few days. I have been in Delhi for 30-35 years. This is a protest. They could have held the protest anywhere – from here to there, or on that road. But they shut everything down; they allocated only a tiny space. They don’t even want the protest to happen. They’ve put an end to that too. Just look. My name is Javed Ahmed. I belong to Gorakhpur, from Yogi’s home turf.”

When asked if the UP CM was doing well, he said, “Yogi ‘Baba’ isn’t following the Constitution. He isn’t acting in accordance with the Constitution. If you are taking action against goons, there must be transparency. You can’t just spare the BJP goons while rounding up SP or BSP goons and running bulldozers over them. I have a whole list of who the goons are in BJP. Give me two or three names, please. Brij Bhushan who is he? He confessed to murder on stage, he admitted, “I committed murder.” Why isn’t action being taken against him? Why isn’t there any action? He is within the BJP; he travels by helicopter.”

When asked what the people standing at the protest must actually do, he said, “They need to change the government, somehow, this government must be changed. That is the goal, and there is a specific way to achieve it. In the past, there used to be mass movements. What was their purpose? To change public opinion, to shift the public mindset. But no matter how much you protest, does it make a difference? Because they have a grip on the electoral process. Protests happen to sway the public’s mind, but… well, elections will happen now. Look, they engage in just enough rigging to ensure their government gets formed. Suppose there are 70 seats here; they won’t rig all 70. They might rig 45 or 46 seats, just enough to make people wonder, “How did they win?””

When asked whether he agreed that the current method was the right one to force the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan or Modi, he said, “The method is fine, but… well, it is fine, but it needs to be even tougher.”

Another protestor/supporter butts in to say, “Stop them, corner them and shoot them. There is no better way to deal with Modi. Shoot Modi and Amit Shah, that’s how things will get sorted out.”

He identified himself as Sunil Nautiyal, and continued to say, “I’ll kill him, I’ll kill him.”

He continued, “Back in 2010, before he became PM, I spoke to a Gujarati man in Haridwar. He said that if Modi became Prime Minister, the country would be set right. I told him then and I told everyone at the time that if he became Prime Minister, he would unleash hooliganism in this country. And today, since 2014, the atmosphere is visible…”

The remarks stood in stark contrast to the event’s branding as a “Peaceful Protest.” While organisers presented the agitation as a non-violent movement seeking accountability over the NEET controversy, some participants made inflammatory statements, including calls for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to be removed through extra-constitutional means. Some wanted to “teach a lesson” to BJP workers, while another invoked the examples of Nepal and Sri Lanka and suggested similar developments should take place in India. The references to shooting Modi and Amit Shah, raises serious questions about the nature of the protest and the narrative being set at an event ostensibly organised in the interest of students and educational reform.

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Child Abuse, Forced Labour Allegedly At Pastor Binu Vazhamuttom’s Elohim Global Worship Centre In Kerala, Probe On

By
The Commune
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Child Abuse, Forced Labour Allegedly At Pastor Binu Vazhamuttom's Elohim Global Worship Centre In Kerala, Probe On

An investigation is underway in southern India’s Kerala state into a neo-Christian organization after allegations of child abuse and forced labor surfaced at one of its facilities. The probe follows a police complaint filed a few days ago in June 2026 by a 17-year-old boy against three staff members of the Elohim Global Worship Centre in Pathanamthitta district, as reported in The Hindu.

The juvenile, a native of Anakkara in Idukki district, alleged that he and other children residing at the centre’s hostel, known as Snehathanal, were subjected to physical assault and compelled to work without wages, as reported in UCA News. The boy had been placed at the facility with the understanding that he would receive educational support and assistance in finding employment, given his family’s financial constraints. He reportedly stated that these promises were not fulfilled and that he instead faced mental and physical abuse.

A preliminary inquiry conducted by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) following the registration of the police case has revealed indications that other children at the centre may have experienced similar mistreatment. The case, initially registered by the Kattappana police in Idukki, has since been transferred to the Elavumthitta police station in Pathanamthitta for further investigation.

Pathanamthitta CWC Chairperson Leena K. Subash confirmed that authorities rescued three children from the facility, with two of them being relocated to their home districts. A woman in her mid-thirties and her infant daughter, also rescued from the centre, are currently under the care of authorities in Pathanamthitta. Officials are actively attempting to locate another woman and her infant child who were known to be residing at the institution until recently.

She stated that the worship centre had been closed by police prior to the CWC’s investigation, which prevented the committee from speaking with the children who had been living there. The committee’s interactions with individuals who had been housed at the centre, including elderly persons, revealed that several people were residing there without proper authorization. A medical examination of one of the rescued children reportedly showed evidence of injuries.

Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The investigation has revealed that children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds were accommodated at the centre based on assurances of educational and employment aid.

The head of the Church group, Pastor Binu Vazhamuttom, has not been named as an accused in the case. In a statement, he denied knowledge of the allegations and called for a thorough investigation, asserting that any proven crimes should be punished. He suggested that his organization has been targeted by local leaders of the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) due to its growing popularity in the region and highlighted that his Church provided educational assistance to 3,000 children this year. The situation prompted a police presence at the centre following unrest.

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Joseph Vijay Govt Plans Massive Hike In Tiruchendur Temple Abhishekam, Pooja, Darshan Charges

By
The Commune
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Joseph Vijay tvk Govt Plans Massive Hike In Tiruchendur Temple Abhishekam, Pooja, Darshan Charges

The administration of the Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur has proposed a steep increase in fees for several temple services, including abhishekam, special darshan and the popular golden chariot procession, citing rising costs and declining revenue, as reported in Dinamani.

According to a public notice displayed at the temple office, the administration has decided to revise service and special darshan charges in order to offset increased expenses and address revenue shortfalls. The proposal has been opened for public feedback, with devotees invited to submit objections in writing to the temple administration before 5:45 pm on 7 July 2026.

Under the proposed revision, the fee for the golden chariot procession would be increased from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000, while the required deposit would rise from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh.

The charge for Shanmugarchanai is proposed to be increased from ₹5,000 to ₹30,000. The fee for Moolavar Abhishekam for two persons would rise from ₹1,500 to ₹10,000.

Similarly, the fee for the Nine-Time Pooja (Onbadhu Kala Pooja) is proposed to be increased from ₹1,500 to ₹6,500, while the associated deposit amount would be revised from ₹20,000 to ₹90,000.

The temple administration has also proposed a significant change to Abhisheka Darshan charges. At present, devotees pay ₹500 on ordinary days and ₹2,000 on festival days. Under the new proposal, a uniform charge of ₹2,500 would apply on all days.

The proposed fee revisions have triggered concern among devotees, many of whom have expressed shock at the scale of the increases.

Reacting to the development, Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran strongly criticised the proposal and accused the Joseph Vijay-led government of making temple services less accessible to ordinary devotees.

In a statement posted on social media, Nagenthran reportedly questioned whether the objective behind the fee hike was to increase temple revenue or prevent poor and middle-class devotees from participating in temple rituals and services.

He argued that the proposed increases, including the sharp rise in charges for Shanmugarchanai, Nine-Time Pooja and Abhisheka Darshan, would place an unnecessary financial burden on devotees.

Nagenthran further alleged that the move contradicted the government’s earlier claim, made during the Governor’s Address, that temple resources would be utilised for the benefit of temples.

According to him, while the government publicly declared that temple assets and resources would be used for temples, it was simultaneously planning to increase charges in a manner that could discourage ordinary devotees from accessing temple services.

The BJP president also argued that if the government genuinely believed it was governing for all sections of society, it should reconsider the existing fee-based system for temple services and darshan rather than imposing additional financial burdens on worshippers.

He urged the government to explore alternative methods of increasing temple revenue without transferring the cost to devotees.

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‘Wife Searching For Husband In Chengalpattu Court’, DMK Scion Udhayanidhi Stalin Mocks CM Joseph Vijay’s Personal Life While Accusing Him Of Lowering Assembly Standards

By
The Commune
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"Where's Your Daddy? Can't See Him": Joseph Vijay Trolls Udhayanidhi Stalin In Assembly

A political slugfest erupted after Chief Minister Joseph Vijay’s reply to the Governor’s Address in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, with Leader of the Opposition and DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin responding through a social media post that accused Vijay of behaving like an actor rather than a Chief Minister.

Yet, while faulting Vijay for resorting to anecdotes and punch dialogues in the House, Udhayanidhi himself seemed to be using a personal taunt referencing the widely discussed Joseph Vijay divorce case in Chengalpattu.

During his reply speech, Vijay narrated a short anecdote that trolled Udhayanidhi Stalin and his father, former Chief Minister MK Stalin. The Chief Minister described a situation in which a person was told that his father was standing nearby, only for the father to be nowhere in sight. The story was interpreted as an indirect swipe at Stalin and a few Opposition members called out Vijay for resorting to personal anecdotes instead of responding to issues raised during the debate.

Reacting to the speech, Udhayanidhi took to X and accused Vijay of delivering a scripted performance rather than a substantive reply.

He alleged that the Chief Minister had used the Governor’s Address debate to make scripted allegations and perform for the cameras. Udhayanidhi further criticised Assembly proceedings, claiming that Vijay treated the legislature’s live cameras like cinema cameras and that efforts were made to ensure his speech proceeded without interruptions from the opposition.

The DMK leader argued that Vijay’s reply contained little beyond allegations and punch dialogues, while failing to address key concerns such as power cuts, farmers’ issues, deteriorating law and order, and the government’s plans for fulfilling electoral promises.

He also condemned Vijay’s remarks on the ongoing farmers’ protests, accusing the Chief Minister of belittling farmers by suggesting that the agitations were being instigated by opposition parties.

However, it was Udhayanidhi’s response to Vijay’s anecdote that attracted particular attention.

Referring to Vijay’s habit of narrating “little stories” in the Assembly, Udhayanidhi stated that such rambling was contrary to the dignity of the House. He then remarked that “the story of a wife searching for her husband in the Chengalpattu court is known to all of Tamil Nadu.”

Concluding his post, Udhayanidhi urged Vijay to move beyond his identity as a film actor and conduct himself as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

While Udhayanidhi was accusing Vijay of lowering the standard of Assembly discourse through anecdotes and punch dialogues, his own response introduced Joseph Vijay’s personal matter that had little connection to governance or the Governor’s Address debate.

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After Dancing To ‘Vaadi Vaadi Kai Padaatha CD’ Song, Joseph Vijay’s Congress Higher Education Minister Seen Massaging Legs Of Girl Marathon Participants

By
The Commune
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After Dancing To ‘Vaadi Vaadi Kai Padaatha CD’ Song, Joseph Vijay’s Congress Higher Education Minister Seen Massaging Legs Of Girl Marathon Participants

A video from a marathon event held in Melur, Madurai, in connection with Chief Minister Joseph Vijay’s birthday celebrations has triggered controversy on social media, with questions being raised the conduct of Higher Education Minister Congress’ Viswanathan during the programme.

The event, organised as part of Vijay’s birthday celebrations, saw the participation of several school-going children, including girls who took part in the marathon.

Videos circulating online show Minister Viswanathan interacting with some of the girl participants after the event. In the footage, the minister is seen touching and massaging the legs of some of the girls and appearing to speak with them while making physical contact.

The visuals have since gone viral on social media platforms, prompting criticism from several users, activists and members of the public.

One wonders whether a minister should be engaging with minor girls in such a manner and such physical contact could definitely make children uncomfortable and blur personal boundaries.

Elders and parents expressed concern over the inappropriate conduct and that public representatives should be more mindful of children’s personal space and comfort while interacting with them at public events.

Recently, he was seen dancing to the Tamil song “Vaadi Vaadi Vaadi Kai Padaatha CD,” known for its double entendre lyrics, during Joseph Vijay’s birthday celebrations in Madurai. Questions were raised how a serving Higher Education Minister could participate in such a performance before students and youth and it is noteworthy that the controversy stemmed not from the act of dancing itself but from the choice of song. Responding to criticism, Viswanathan defended himself, saying the event was a joyful birthday celebration where students and youngsters had invited him to join them and that there was “nothing wrong” in respecting and celebrating with young people.

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CM Joseph Vijay Treats Singing National Anthem Before Tamil Thai Vazhthu As A Crime While Attacking DMK

By
The Commune
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CM Joseph Vijay Treats Singing National Anthem Before Tamil Thai Vazhthu As A Crime While Attacking DMK

Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on Tuesday (23 June 2026) launched a sharp attack on the DMK in the Tamil Nadu Assembly over its criticism of the sequence in which the National Anthem and Tamil Thai Vazhthu were rendered during the Governor’s Address debate, accusing the opposition of hypocrisy and selectively invoking state rights and Tamil identity.

However, in attempting to highlight what he described as a contradiction in the DMK’s position, Vijay’s speech itself drew attention for repeatedly portraying the act of singing the National Anthem before the Tamil Thai Vazhthu as though it were a serious transgression requiring explanation and justification.

Referring to the controversy, Vijay said, “I must mention something regarding the Governor’s address: the opposition claimed it was wrong to sing the National Anthem after the Tamil Thai Vazhthu, wrong to sing the National Anthem twice, and argued that such an event had never occurred in this Assembly before, effectively breaking established protocol.”

He then sought to counter the opposition by citing an event held during the previous DMK regime.

“To those opposition members, those self-proclaimed fighters for state rights and guardians of tradition, I have just one question. Do you remember August 2, 2021? It was the centenary celebration of the Tamil Nadu Legislature. Do you recall the function where the Honorable President of India unveiled the portrait of our former Chief Minister, Kalaignar?”

Vijay continued, “Do you remember the announcement that the Tamil Thai Vazhthu would follow the National Anthem at that event? Please note this point, Honorable Speaker, do you recall it being stated that the Tamil Thai Vazhthu would be sung a second time, after the National Anthem? And this happened in this very Assembly, the very House where Kalaignar once sat.”

The Chief Minister then questioned the DMK’s silence over the sequence followed during that function.

“Do you remember who relegated Tamil to the second position on that occasion? Furthermore, do you recall that the National Anthem was sung a second time at the very end of that same function?”

He added, “If there are any doubts, one can refer to this book for clarification.”

According to Vijay, whenever the issue is raised, the response from his political opponents is that the presence of the President of India justified the protocol followed at the event.

“If you question this, they simply dismiss it by saying, ‘That was a function attended by the President; that’s just how things are, you shouldn’t pay attention to such details.'”

Vijay argued that the public had become accustomed to what he described as the DMK’s habit of taking contradictory positions.

“The public is witnessing this pattern of saying one thing and doing another, a behavior that persisted before the election and continues even now.”

He further alleged that the opposition was attempting to use its political experience and seniority to undermine his government.

“It seems they are leveraging their political seniority to insult both Vijay and the government that truly champions social justice for the common people. Let them carry on, let them do a good job.”

Concluding his remarks, Vijay accused the DMK of practising double standards on issues relating to Tamil identity and state rights.

“However, we have one firm message for the opposition party that masquerades as the champion of state rights and linguistic rights: unlike you, we do not play a double game, professing love for Tamil, language, and culture while acting hypocritically.”

Notably, while Vijay’s speech was intended as a rebuttal to the DMK’s criticism, much of his argument revolved around repeatedly questioning why the National Anthem had been sung before the Tamil Thai Vazhthu during a 2021 Assembly function.

The Chief Minister’s remarks themselves appeared to treat the singing of the National Anthem first as something that required political justification, even though the National Anthem is a constitutional symbol of the Republic and routinely forms part of official state functions across the country.

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Birthday Cake For CM Joseph Vijay Taken To Secretariat Had TN Map Placed Below His Figurine’s Feet

By
The Commune
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Birthday Cake For CM Joseph Vijay Features Tamil Nadu Emblem Below His Figurine's Feet

A specially designed three-tier birthday cake reportedly prepared for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has sparked criticism after images of the cake surfaced online, with several social media users alleging that the design placed the Tamil Nadu government’s official emblem beneath a figurine representing the Chief Minister.

The cake, which was reportedly taken to the Secretariat ahead of Vijay’s birthday celebrations, was later returned after the state government cancelled birthday-related events following the ammonia gas leak incident in Tiruvallur district.

Images of the cake show a three-tier red-and-orange themed design featuring multiple symbolic elements. The bottom tier prominently displays what appears to be the official emblem of the Government of Tamil Nadu, while the top tier is crowned with a figurine resembling Vijay seated on a chair. The arrangement effectively places the state emblem below the Chief Minister’s feet, making the design inappropriate and disrespectful to a constitutional symbol of the government.

The cake was made by a Chennai-based bakery The Chef House by Sajina Shemze.

The Tamil Nadu government emblem, which features the iconic gopuram of the Srivilliputhur Andal Temple and serves as the official insignia of the state, is used on government documents, official communications, and state institutions. Placing the emblem in a position that appears subordinate to an individual, even symbolically on a celebratory cake, undermines the dignity associated with the state’s official insignia.

The design can be described as “derogatory” and “insulting” to the government emblem, making one wonder how such a cake was approved and taken to the Secretariat in the first place. While birthday celebrations for political leaders are common, official state symbols should not be incorporated into personalised celebratory displays in a manner that could be perceived as placing an individual above the institution.

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TNM Editor Dhanya Rajendran Reshares Fake ‘Jai Shri Ram’ Claim Based On Bangladesh Video; Quietly Deletes It Later

By
The Commune
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TNM Editor Dhanya Rajendran Reshares Fake 'Jai Shri Ram' Claim Based On Bangladesh Video; Quietly Deletes It Later

A viral video that was circulated on social media as evidence of a Muslim girl in India allegedly being forced to chant “Jai Shri Ram” by Hindu extremists has been found to be completely unrelated to India. The video, which was amplified by several social media users, activists and journalists, was actually recorded in Bangladesh and depicted an entirely different incident.

Among those who amplified the claim was leftist rag/TN Murasoli/DMK mouthpiece, The News Minute Editor-in-Chief Dhanya Rajendran, who reposted a post by a Congressi handle Sarayu Pani describing the video as a “horrendous and shameful act” allegedly intended to “terrorise a young child.”

The original post being amplified claimed that a young Muslim girl was being forced to chant “Jai Shri Ram” and that the slogan itself had become a form of “terrorism.” The claim quickly gained traction across social media, with several users portraying the incident as yet another example of anti-Muslim violence in India.

Pakistani propaganda accounts, Indian leftists and anti-India urban naxals further amplified the narrative. One post claimed Hindu extremists were attacking a Muslim girl and forcing her to raise religious slogans. Others accused the Modi government, the BJP and Hindu organisations of enabling violence against minorities.

However, a fact-check investigation has revealed that the entire narrative was false.

A reverse image search of screenshots from the viral clip led to social media posts from Bangladesh dating back to September 2025. The earliest identified uploads were found on Bangladeshi Facebook pages, including “Sabuj Anwar Hossain Business,” which shared the video on 16 September 2025.

According to the Bangladeshi post, the girl seen in the video was identified as Anika, who had allegedly been caught stealing money from a shop in Mirpur College Market in Bangladesh. The post stated that she was originally from Wazirpur in Barisal and had previously worked in a garment factory.

The same video was also shared on 17 September 2025 by Bangladeshi news platform Bd Tube Master News. The accompanying hashtags included references to Dhaka and Chattogram, further confirming that the incident occurred in Bangladesh and had no connection whatsoever to India.

Importantly, the original Bangladeshi versions of the video contain no “Jai Shri Ram” slogans. Fact-checkers found that the audio heard in the viral version circulating on Indian social media had been added separately, creating the false impression that the girl was being coerced into chanting Hindu religious slogans.

The discovery raises questions about how the claim spread so rapidly without basic verification, particularly among prominent journalists and public commentators.

Screenshots show that Dhanya Rajendran had reposted Sarayu Pani’s post endorsing the claim and characterising the incident as an attempt to “terrorise a young child.” However, after the Bangladesh origin of the video emerged and the claim was exposed as false, the repost reportedly disappeared from her profile.

While the repost was quietly removed, no visible correction or clarification was issued to those who may have seen and shared the misinformation based on the original amplification.

This points to how biased the brains of leftist ‘journalists’ like Dhanya Rajendran works. They do not do any basic verification expected from journalists and editors, particularly when allegations against Hindus are involved. In this case, a video from Bangladesh involving an alleged theft incident was transformed into a communal hate-crime narrative in India, attracting thousands of views, shares and reactions before the claim was debunked.

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“Where’s Your Daddy? Can’t See Him”: Joseph Vijay Trolls Udhayanidhi Stalin In Assembly

By
The Commune
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"Where's Your Daddy? Can't See Him": Joseph Vijay Trolls Udhayanidhi Stalin In Assembly

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, witnessed heated exchanges between the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government and the opposition DMK during the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address, culminating in a DMK walkout and Chief Minister Vijay delivering a pointed “kutty story” aimed at the opposition.

During the debate, Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin raised concerns over recurring power cuts, crimes against women and the TVK government’s electoral promises. Referring specifically to power outages in the Perambur constituency, he questioned when the issue would be resolved.

Responding to the criticism, Electricity Minister R. Nirmalkumar outlined the measures being undertaken by the government and announced that a White Paper on the issue would be released shortly. Former DMK ministers V. Senthilbalaji and S.S. Sivasankar also participated in the debate, highlighting the DMK government’s contributions to strengthening the state’s electricity infrastructure.

Replying to the debate, Chief Minister Vijay began by thanking the people of Tamil Nadu for electing TVK legislators to the Assembly.

The Chief Minister then launched a sharp attack on the opposition.

“I also thank the Leader of the Opposition, who spoke in a manner suggesting that being an opposition party simply means opposing everything. They speak as if one could step straight from a film shoot to become Chief Minister; that is ‘reel’ life, not reality. It is not Vijay alone who is responsible for my career’s ascent; the love and support of the entire Tamil Nadu populace are the reasons. I thank God and the people of Tamil Nadu, who are equal to God.

Our administration does not prioritize only one family; every family in Tamil Nadu matters. We have shattered the toxic culture of relying on religion, caste, or cash-for-votes in the 2026 election landscape. I reiterate: this is merely the beginning. People, please give us some time. The circulation of narcotics has spread rampantly. Who should have curbed this? Why wasn’t it controlled at the initial stage? Those with a conscience know exactly why these issues arise. This is not a monarchy; it is a democracy guided by conscience.”

The atmosphere in the House turned more confrontational when Vijay referred to alleged corruption in TASMAC and described TASMAC funds as “party funds.” DMK legislators immediately protested the remarks and raised slogans in the Assembly.

The Speaker urged the opposition to allow the Chief Minister to complete his address and assured them an opportunity to respond later. However, the protests continued. Ministers Sengottaiyan, Aadhav Arjuna and Rajmohan also intervened during the exchange.

Resuming his speech amid the uproar, Vijay said, “We will not touch even a single paisa of public money; we will not allow it to be touched, and we will not spare those who do touch it.”

Shortly afterwards, DMK members staged a walkout from the Assembly.

Even as the opposition exited the House, Vijay delivered a “kutty story” in his trademark style.

“An elderly man, shielding his eyes from the scorching sun, was asked by a child what he was searching for. ‘I heard your father would be somewhere here, but I can’t find him,’ he said sarcastically about MK Stalin and trolling Udhayanidhi.

Drawing laughter from treasury benches, Vijay then remarked, “We too know how to speak sarcastically, but that’s not related to the issue at hand.”

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TheCommune
The Commune is a news and views portal focusing on social and political issues of the southern part of India with a focus on Tamil Nadu.
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