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‘Governor Is Just A Manager’, Says TVK Min CTR Nirmal Kumar; Joseph Vijay Met Governor 4 Times While Struggling To Form Govt

By
The Commune
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'Governor Is Just A Manager', Says TVK Min CTR Nirmal Kumar; Joseph Vijay Met Governor 4 Times While Struggling To Form Govt

In October 2024, TVK founder and current Chief Minister Joseph Vijay had vowed to abolish the post of Governor if his party came to power in Tamil Nadu, arguing that the office functioned as an unelected obstacle to elected governments. Nearly two years later, even as the TVK government continues to advocate curtailing the Governor’s powers, one of its ministers has gone a step further, describing the Governor as “just a manager” and reiterating the party’s position that the office itself is unnecessary.

The remarks are significant not only because they reopen the debate over the Governor’s role in higher education administration, but also because TVK itself ultimately depended on the Governor’s office to assume power after the 2026 Assembly election. After emerging as the single largest party but falling short of a majority, Vijay had to repeatedly approach Governor Rajendra Arlekar to stake claim to form the government and demonstrate legislative support.

Against that backdrop, TVK Electricity minister CTR Nirmal Kumar’s latest comments have once again highlighted the contradiction between the party’s long-standing rhetoric against the Governor’s office and its reliance on the same constitutional authority during the government formation process.

Speaking on the issue of Vice-Chancellor appointments, Nirmal Kumar said TVK’s stand remains unchanged and that the Chief Minister should be the Chancellor and should have the authority to appoint Vice-Chancellors.

“Our stand is that the Chief Minister should appoint the Vice-Chancellors and the Chief Minister should be the Chancellor. There is no change in that position,” he said.

The minister argued that Governors, being appointed positions, are not equipped to understand the needs of students, universities and the state administration in the same way an elected government can.

“Look, a Governor is almost like a manager. A Governor of a state is just like a manager. In fact, our position is that there is no need for a Governor at all. There is absolutely no change in that stand,” he said.

According to Nirmal Kumar, an appointed Governor cannot fully understand the requirements of the people, students and the government.

“A Governor who has been appointed and goes around universities must first understand what the people need, what the government needs and what the students need. That understanding will not come naturally. It is the government that knows. It is the government administering the state that knows what students need and what people in different regions require. Therefore, it is proper only if the government makes these appointments,” he said.

The minister further contended that Governors do not have a significant role in the functioning of universities and criticised the existing appointment process.

“First of all, the Governor does not have a major role in this. A Governor can appoint anyone as Chancellor. They can appoint Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s relatives or Home Minister Amit Shah’s relatives. Whether the people being appointed have the capability to administer a university is something we all know. Such competence comes only through experience,” he said.

Emphasising that elected governments are better placed to make decisions regarding higher education, Nirmal Kumar said the state’s requirements could only be understood by the administration chosen by the people.

“Only a government that administers a state understands its needs. They are the ones who should handle these matters,” he said.

Reiterating his criticism of the Governor’s role, the minister added, “As far as we are concerned, the Governor is just a manager. If one manager leaves, another manager comes. We do not need that. The state government knows what students need. There is no change in our position on that.”

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TVK Functionaries Violate SOP, Turn Govt Schools Into Venues For Joseph Vijay Birthday Programmes

By
The Commune
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TVK Functionaries Violate SOP, Turn Govt Schools Into Venues For Joseph Vijay Birthday Programmes

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has come under criticism after several of its functionaries used school premises to conduct programmes celebrating the birthday of party president and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, raising questions about compliance with School Education Department regulations that prohibit politically linked activities in educational institutions, as reported in The New Indian Express.

The controversy emerged after a series of events linked to Vijay’s birthday were reportedly held inside school campuses across Tamil Nadu.

In Trichy, TVK functionaries organised a blood donation camp at a Corporation school in Karumandapam on Sunday. Party banners and photographs were displayed prominently at the venue during the programme.

A similar event was reportedly conducted at a primary school in Uppiliyapuram Union opposite the Sub-Registrar’s Office, where TVK banners were displayed within the school premises.

The issue gained further attention after members of TVK’s East Assembly constituency unit distributed food to students at an aided primary school in Marakkadai last week. During the programme, a photograph of Chief Minister Vijay was also displayed inside the school.

According to sources in the School Education Department, the Marakkadai event was conducted with the permission of the school management. However, departmental approval had reportedly not been obtained before the programme was held.

The incidents have drawn criticism from opposition leaders and educationists, who argued that educational institutions should remain free from political activities.

Former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi stated on social media that political parties should refrain from sending their functionaries into school campuses, filming reels inside classrooms and involving students in political messaging. He reportedly argued that such activities could distract students and place teachers in an uncomfortable position.

Meanwhile, We The Leaders founder K. Annamalai urged the government to ensure that classrooms and school campuses are not used for political programmes or promotional activities.

The controversy has also put the spotlight on the Tamil Nadu School Education Department’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), issued in 2024, which lays down strict guidelines regarding the conduct of external programmes inside educational institutions.

According to education department sources, the SOP mandates that prior approval must be obtained before programmes involving external organisations can be conducted in schools. The guidelines also require NGOs, resource persons and other participants to be vetted by designated committees before they are permitted to interact with students.

A senior official from the elementary education department in Trichy reportedly stated that only approved organisations are allowed to conduct educational programmes in schools after proper verification. The official further noted that even educationists and resource persons cannot directly participate in school activities without prior approval and that only headmasters are authorised to display approved photographs within school premises.

Former District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) Principal S. Sivakumar stated that the SOP was specifically framed to ensure accountability and protect students from external influence and unnecessary exposure to political or ideological messaging.

Amid mounting criticism, School Education Minister A. Rajmohan publicly condemned one of the incidents involving the display of Vijay’s photograph inside a government school in Kancheepuram.

The minister described the display of the Chief Minister’s photograph inside a government school classroom as unacceptable. The remarks came after reports surfaced that TVK members had entered a classroom in Kancheepuram and displayed Vijay’s photograph before students.

Rajmohan reportedly stated that he had discussed the matter with Minister N. Anand and that party members had been instructed to restrict their engagement to school headmasters. He further stated that disciplinary action had already been initiated against the functionary responsible for the incident.

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18,107 Teacher Posts, 1,214 Headmaster Posts Remain Vacant In TN Govt Schools

By
The Commune
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18,107 Teacher Posts, 1,214 Headmaster Posts Remain Vacant In TN Govt Schools

Teachers play a critical role in shaping not just the academic future of students but also their character, social responsibility, leadership qualities and values. Often described as the foundation upon which all other professions are built, the teaching profession is widely regarded as one of the most important pillars of nation-building, as per a Daily Thanthi report.

However, despite the importance of education and the role of teachers in society, a significant number of teaching posts continue to remain vacant in Tamil Nadu government schools.

According to data from the School Education Department as of 11 June 2026, a total of 18,107 sanctioned teaching posts remain vacant across government schools in the state. The department’s statistics show that while 1,14,248 teaching posts have been sanctioned, only 96,141 positions are currently filled.

Among the vacant positions, Graduate Teacher posts account for the largest share, with 7,252 vacancies reported. This is followed by 2,833 vacant Postgraduate Teacher positions.

The data also reveals a shortage of school leadership personnel, with 1,214 Headmaster and Headmistress posts lying vacant across Tamil Nadu. These positions play a crucial role in the administration and academic functioning of schools.

District-wise figures indicate that Tiruvannamalai has the highest number of vacant Headmaster posts, with 93 vacancies reported.

Educationists point out that teacher shortages can have a direct impact on learning outcomes. When schools lack teachers for specific subjects, students often struggle to understand core concepts and develop a strong academic foundation in those disciplines.

The vacancies also increase the workload of existing teachers, who are frequently required to handle additional classes and subjects outside their primary areas of expertise. This, educators warn, can lead to increased work pressure, stress and a decline in the quality of classroom instruction.

Teacher associations, education experts and parents have therefore urged the School Education Department to take immediate steps to fill the vacant posts and address the growing shortage of teaching staff in government schools.

They argue that ensuring adequate teacher strength is essential not only for maintaining educational standards but also for improving learning outcomes and supporting the overall development of students across Tamil Nadu.

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“Why Build ₹10-Crore Parking Facility Using Temple Funds?” HR&CE Minister Ramesh Slams DMK For Misusing Temple Funds

By
The Commune
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Temple Money Only For Temples TVK Govt Cancels HR&CE Commercial Projects Worth ₹245.85 Crore Announced Under DMK Regime

A sharp exchange unfolded in the Tamil Nadu Assembly after Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin questioned the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government’s policy regarding the utilisation of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department funds.

Raising the issue during the debate on the Governor’s Address, Udhayanidhi pointed to a statement in the address that said income generated from the movable and immovable assets of the HR&CE Department would be used only for its “sacred purposes.”

Referring to the statement, Udhayanidhi said, “When I see this observation, it raises a doubt in our minds whether the TVK government is now echoing the BJP’s position that the HR&CE Department itself should not exist.”

He further argued that the BJP and various right-wing groups have long maintained that the HR&CE Department should not run schools and colleges.

“This is exactly what the BJP and right-wing organisations have been saying – that the HR&CE Department should not run educational institutions. Cases have even been filed on this issue. Therefore, we want to know whether this new position applies only to marriage halls and commercial complexes or whether these conditions will also extend to educational institutions,” he said.

Responding to the criticism, HR&CE Minister Ramesh rejected the comparison and clarified the government’s position.

“With regard to the HR&CE Department, the essence of what was stated in the Governor’s Address is that temple revenues will be spent for temples and for the devotees who visit them,” the minister said.

Ramesh also defended the government’s decision to halt several marriage hall and commercial complex projects initiated during the previous administration.

According to him, the government found that many temples lacked basic facilities for devotees, including accommodation and sanitation, while substantial resources were being diverted towards revenue-generating commercial projects.

“Instead of improving basic facilities such as accommodation, toilets and other amenities needed by devotees, the previous government launched these projects with the sole objective of generating revenue by constructing marriage halls and commercial complexes. That is why we reviewed and cancelled them,” he said.

The minister added that several of these projects were also facing court cases and stay orders, further justifying the government’s decision.

Citing an example, Ramesh referred to a proposal announced during the previous regime to construct a ₹10-crore multi-level car parking facility using temple funds at the Arulmigu Vinayagar Temple in Coonoor.

“The previous minister had announced a project worth nearly ₹10 crore to build a multi-level car parking facility using temple funds. But the temple receives only around 500 devotees a month on average. The temple does not even have basic toilet facilities. Not just that, nearly 50 temples in and around Coonoor and Udhagamandalam lack even basic sanitation facilities,” he said.

Questioning the rationale behind the proposal, the minister asked, “When such basic facilities are absent, why is there a need for a multi-level car parking facility using temple funds? Is that not a commercial project?”

Ramesh said the government opposed the commercialisation of temple funds and had therefore halted such projects.

“We stopped these projects because we are against using temple funds for commercial purposes. Instead, as clearly stated in the government order, we will formulate alternative projects that directly benefit temples and devotees,” he said.

The minister also rejected suggestions that the government intended to stop spending on public welfare initiatives such as educational or healthcare institutions.

“Nowhere have we said that we will not establish educational institutions or healthcare facilities that benefit the public,” he said.

Highlighting another example, Ramesh stated that a proposal to establish a Siddha hospital in Palani with financial assistance from the Union Government had been shelved by the previous administration.

“The Union Government was ready to provide funding for a Siddha hospital in Palani. However, the previous government put the proposal on hold, saying it could not bear the recurring expenditure. We have now revived that project and initiated studies to take it forward,” he said.

Concluding his reply, the minister dismissed allegations that the TVK government was acting as a proxy for any political party.

“We do not need to function as anybody’s B-team,” he said.

“There is absolutely no necessity for the government led by Chief Minister Vijay and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to use temple funds for commercial purposes. Temple funds should never be commercialised,” Ramesh added.

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Joseph Vijay Appoints His Private Aide Jagadish Palanisamy As His Private Secretary On Taxpayer Money

By
The Commune
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Inside-The-Route-Mafia-How-Joseph-Vijays-PR-Machinery-Used-Social-Media-To-Weaponize-His-Fandom-Into-The-TVK-Cult jagadish palanisamy private secretary

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK founder Joseph Vijay has formally appointed his longtime manager and close aide Jagadish Palanisamy of The Route as his Private Secretary (Political), a government position funded by the public exchequer, as reported in Vikatan.

The appointment, which has triggered fresh political scrutiny, comes amid growing debate over the role played by Jagadish and his celebrity management firm, The Route, in building and sustaining Vijay’s political and public image.

Joseph Vijay’s TVK Govt GO

The Tamil Nadu government’s Government Order (GO) confirms that Jagadish Palanisamy has been appointed as the Chief Minister’s Private Secretary (Political). However, the circumstances surrounding the appointment have generated controversy.

Jagadish, who has served as Vijay’s manager and confidant for years, publicly announced his appointment through a social media post on Vijay’s birthday, sharing photographs with the Chief Minister and thanking him for the opportunity. Only hours after Jagadish’s announcement did the TVK government release the corresponding Government Order.

The development immediately raised questions because the Government Order was dated 12 May 2026, more than a month before it was publicly disclosed. One wonders why a government appointment involving a publicly funded position remained undisclosed for several weeks and only became public after Jagadish himself announced it on social media.

The controversy is not merely about the appointment of a trusted aide; the manner in which the information emerged – official government appointments are ordinarily communicated through formal channels rather than first being revealed through a personal social media post.

The Route & Jagadish Palanisamy

Jagadish’s elevation also places renewed focus on The Route, the celebrity management company he founded in 2020.

Officially, The Route is a celebrity management and film production company representing several leading South Indian film personalities. Publicly available information identifies Jagadish as Vijay’s longtime manager, while the firm’s reported client roster includes actors, directors and industry figures such as Samantha, Lokesh Kanagaraj, Atlee, Rashmika Mandanna, Keerthy Suresh, Priyanka Mohan, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Samyuktha Menon, Kathir and Arjun Das.

However, it is increasingly alleged that The Route functioned as more than a conventional celebrity management company. Various allegations circulating in political and social media circles claim that the organisation evolved into a sophisticated influence network capable of coordinating narratives, amplifying messaging, mobilising fan communities and shaping public perception around Vijay’s transition from cinema to politics.

During the 2026 election cycle, thousands of coordinated social media accounts allegedly operated through multiple digital hubs, generating large-scale engagement and political messaging in support of Vijay and TVK.

Further attention was drawn to the issue following remarks made by Vijay’s father, filmmaker S.A. Chandrasekhar, who in a 2024 interview alleged the existence of organised online groups that repeatedly amplified narratives favourable to Vijay while shaping public perception through coordinated social media activity.

The appointment has also revived questions about the extent to which individuals associated with political messaging and image management should be absorbed into taxpayer-funded government positions.

This is not the first appointment by the Vijay government to attract controversy.

Radhan Pandit Appointment

Earlier, the government faced criticism over the appointment of political strategist Radhan Ratan Pandit as Vijay’s political advisor. Although both Pandit and Jagadish were appointed through Government Orders issued on the same date, only Pandit’s order became public at the time. That appointment subsequently generated backlash and the order was later withdrawn.

The Jagadish appointment remained undisclosed until his social media announcement despite the order having been issued weeks earlier.

While some may argue that the appointment is neither unusual nor unprecedented stating successive Tamil Nadu governments have appointed trusted aides to key administrative positions. During the previous DMK government, former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s close aide Dinesh Kumar served as Private Secretary to the Chief Minister throughout the administration.

Nevertheless, the issue extends beyond political convention. A longtime personal aide who helped manage Vijay’s public image, political messaging and organisational structure has now been formally absorbed into the state apparatus at public expense.

The central question is not simply why Jagadish Palanisamy was appointed, but why the appointment was kept away from public scrutiny for weeks and disclosed only after the Chief Minister’s closest associate chose to announce it himself.

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“Hindus Are A Minority In India”: AIMPLB Leader Sajjad Nomani

By
The Commune
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"Hindus Are A Minority In India, Can't Be Considered A Majority": AIMPLB Leader Sajjad Nomani

Maulana Sajjad Nomani, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), has triggered controversy after claiming that Hindus are not a majority in India and arguing that several communities commonly counted within the Hindu population should be treated as separate groups, as reported in India Today.

Speaking at a public event, Nomani said his conclusions were based on three decades of travel and research across the country into religious beliefs, caste identities, tribal traditions and faith practices.

“I place my hand on Hajr-e-Aswad and the cover of the Kaaba and say that Hindus are a minority in India. Under no circumstances can Hindus be considered a majority,” Nomani said.

He argued that the commonly accepted understanding of India’s religious demographics was flawed because several communities classified as Hindus should not be counted as part of the Hindu population.

According to Nomani, Sikhs, Christians and Buddhists are not Hindus. He further claimed that Scheduled Castes, tribal communities, the people of Tamil Nadu and the Lingayat community should also not be categorised as Hindus.

Referring to tribal communities, Nomani said they were the original inhabitants of the country and therefore should not be classified as Hindus.

He also claimed that sections of the Jat community were increasingly asserting a separate identity and declaring that they were “not Hindus”.

Nomani’s remarks have attracted attention because they challenge census-based and widely accepted demographic classifications that identify Hindus as the majority religious community in India.

The AIMPLB member also spoke about the political relationship between Muslims and various Hindu groups, reflecting on what he described as past political calculations made by sections of the Muslim community.

“We divided Hindus into secular and fascist categories, but both ended up hurting our cause,” he said.

Elaborating on the statement, Nomani argued that Muslims had historically placed their trust in what he described as “secular Hindus”, only to find that those groups had ultimately handed over political power to what he termed “fascist Hindus”.

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From AIMIM Appeals To CJP Agitation: Who Is The US-Based ‘Activist’ Osman Ali Who Inserted Himself Into Delhi’s NEET Protest?

By
The Commune
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From AIMIM Appeals To CJP Agitation: Whos Is The US-Based 'Activist' Osman Ali Who Inserted Himself Into Delhi's NEET Protest?

As Delhi’s Jantar Mantar became the focal point of protests over the contentious NEET issue on 20 June 2026, attention is drawn to the presence and influence of a US-based social media activist whose image and messaging appeared prominently throughout the demonstration, as per an OpIndia report.

The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), was presented as a youth-led mobilisation against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the central government over alleged grievances related to NEET. However, the agitation was not entirely organic and appeared to be receiving significant amplification from individuals operating outside India. Central to this is Osman Faizan Ali, a social media personality based in the United States, who reportedly actively mobilised and influenced young Indians through online platforms.

Posters Raise Questions At Protest Site

According to OpIndia’s report, protesters across Jantar Mantar were seen carrying professionally designed placards featuring social media commentator Dhruv Rathee, activist Abhijit Dipke and actor Rakhi Sawant. However, another face repeatedly appeared on several of the posters.

Printed prominently on many placards was the image of a bearded man identified as “Indian Osman Faizan Ali – From USA.”

This immediately raised questions about the role of a US-based activist in a protest that was being portrayed as a grassroots movement led by students and young people.

OpIndia reporters who spoke to demonstrators at the venue were allegedly met with surprising responses. According to the report, several protesters admitted they did not know who Osman Faizan Ali was. One young participant reportedly said that the placard had been handed to him by organisers and that he had no knowledge of the individual whose image appeared on it.

Similar responses from other participants suggested many protesters were unknowingly promoting Ali’s image and messaging without being familiar with him or his activities.

Based on these interactions, OpIndia states that the incident reflected a broader effort to shape public sentiment through centrally distributed campaign material rather than through spontaneous public support.

Social Media Activity Suspicious

Let’s take a look at Ali’s social media presence, particularly his Instagram account, @bbm_india_.

Ali has spent weeks posting content related to the Cockroach Janta Party protests and has consistently attempted to frame the demonstrations as a confrontation between young Indians and the state.

His content relies heavily on emotionally charged messaging, aggressive rhetoric and repeated attempts to convince followers that they are participating in a historic movement.

The objective of such content appears to be transforming public frustration into large-scale mobilisation driven by anger and confrontation.

June 1 Video To Delhi Police

A video was uploaded by Ali on 1 June 2026 in which he addressed the Delhi Police directly.

The video did not focus on appeals for peaceful protest. Instead, it warned authorities to deploy large numbers of personnel before allowing CJP activists and supporters of Abhijit Dipke to gather at Jantar Mantar.

Ali repeatedly referrs to an unstoppable “tsunami” of people that would overwhelm attempts by authorities to control the gathering.

Such language is significant because it appeared designed to create an atmosphere of confrontation rather than encourage democratic participation. This messaging can be seen as an attempt to portray supporters as a powerful force capable of challenging state institutions.

These statements are being made from outside India – while young Indians could possibly face police action or legal consequences, Ali who has been issuing such calls remained insulated from the fallout.

Continued Mobilisation

Ali’s efforts did not stop with a single video.

He has continued producing content aimed at mobilising supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party ever since the movement gained online traction.

There is another video uploaded shortly before the June 20 protest in which Ali appealed to Delhi Police and security agencies to permit the demonstrations.

The appeal in this video carries an implicit warning, repeatedly suggesting that preventing the protest could lead to unrest and instability.

This style of messaging allows Ali to maintain plausible deniability because he did not explicitly advocate violence while simultaneously framing confrontation as a likely outcome if authorities intervened.

The practical effect of such rhetoric is to heighten tensions, deepen mistrust of law enforcement and encourage supporters to view administrative action as oppressive.

Political Activity Beyond The Protest

Examining Ali’s broader online footprint and his involvement in the NEET-related protests indicate he was a part of a longer pattern of political activism.

His YouTube channel, “Button Ballot Movement by Osman Faizan Ali” needs to be analysed.

Although largely inactive today, the archived content provides insight into his political objectives.

One recording that was uploaded on 13 May 2024 is of particular interest. In the audio message, he urged voters in Hyderabad and Secunderabad to vote strategically for AIMIM and Congress candidates with the stated objective of defeating the BJP.

The appeal focused on defeating a political opponent rather than promoting specific policies or programmes.

Ali’s activism extends beyond student issues and reflects a broader attempt to influence political discourse and electoral outcomes in India while residing abroad.

From Electoral Appeals To CJP Support

Ali’s current support for the Cockroach Janta Party represents a shift in political positioning.

Ali had openly campaigned in favour of AIMIM and Congress candidates in 2024 with the stated goal of defeating the BJP.

His current embrace of the CJP movement appears less rooted in ideological commitment and more reflective of political opportunism.

Ali’s activism seems to follow movements that offered visibility and mobilisation potential rather than a consistent ideological framework.

His support for the CJP agitation reflected an attempt to align with a viral online phenomenon that had recently gained traction among sections of India’s youth.

Social Media-Led Mobilisation Is Worrying

The events at Jantar Mantar highlighted a broader transformation in political mobilisation.

Social media now allows individuals located thousands of kilometres away to shape narratives, design campaign material, influence crowds and direct public discourse without being physically present.

Many protesters were seen carrying Ali’s image reportedly without knowing who he was.

One wonders how many young participants consume such content without understanding the motivations behind it and how many may be encouraged to view confrontation with institutions as desirable.

Individuals encouraging others to take risks often bear none of the consequences themselves.

The Jantar Mantar protest offered a glimpse into a new model of political agitation in which overseas influencers use local grievances to advance broader political objectives.

By distributing inflammatory content, portraying institutions as adversaries and framing protests as confrontations with the state, such figures seek to convert public dissatisfaction into organised unrest.

While protesters on the ground may face detention, legal proceedings or other consequences if demonstrations escalate, individuals directing messaging from abroad remain beyond the immediate reach of Indian authorities.

The prominence of Osman Faizan Ali’s image at the protest is not merely a curious detail but evidence of can be an attempt by a foreign-based activist to insert himself into a domestic political agitation and influence public behaviour through digital platforms.

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Joseph Vijay’s TVK Govt Refers To Christians As A Separate ‘Race’ In Official Welfare Advertisement

By
The Commune
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Joseph Vijay's TVK Govt Refers To Christians As A Separate 'Race' In Official Welfare Advertisement

A welfare announcement issued by the Tamil Nadu government’s Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department has sparked controversy after referring to Christians as a distinct “Christian race” (‘Christuva Inam’) in an official government communication.

The advertisement, issued through the Kanyakumari District administration, publicises welfare schemes for Christians and Christian women, including educational assistance, self-employment support, housing assistance, marriage assistance and other benefits available through the Tamil Nadu Minorities Welfare Board.

However, the terminology used in the advertisement has drawn attention because Christianity is a religion, not a race or ethnicity. The repeated reference to a “Christian race” raises questions about why a religious community is being described in racial terms in an official government document.

The wording also makes one think about religion-specific welfare schemes and whether the State is increasingly framing welfare benefits through a religious lens. It is also a matter of concern why government advertisements highlight benefits available to particular religious groups while similar targeted schemes are not publicised for Hindu temple priests, temple employees, economically disadvantaged Hindu women, or other sections of society.

The controversy is particularly significant because the phrase appears in an official government advertisement rather than a political speech or party publication. The use of the term “Christian race” has led to scrutiny over whether the State is inadvertently treating religious identity as a separate ethnic or racial identity.

The advertisement comes at a time when the Tamil Nadu government continues to expand welfare programmes for recognised minority communities, especially when the Chief Minister himself a Christian and also has repeatedly proclaimed that the government is for the minorities.

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‘Sit Together And Find A Solution’: Madras High Court To Parties As TVK Govt Challenges Thirupparankundram Karthigai Deepam Order In Supreme Court

By
The Commune
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Madras High Court Seeks TVK Govt's Stand On Thirupparankundram Karthigai Deepam Issue

The Madras High Court on Monday (22 June 2026) orally suggested that the long-running dispute over the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at Thirupparankundram be brought to a close through dialogue, while questioning the State government’s reluctance to implement earlier judicial orders, as reported in LiveLaw.

A division bench comprising Justice N. Sathish Kumar and Justice M. Jothiraman was hearing appeals filed by the State against various orders passed in contempt proceedings arising from the Thirupparankundram Karthigai Deepam controversy.

During the hearing, the bench noted that an earlier division bench had already upheld the order of a single judge permitting the lighting of the lamp at the deepathoon (stone pillar) located on the hill.

Observing that the implementation of the order would not adversely affect any party, the court questioned why the State continued to keep the dispute alive instead of working towards a resolution.

“Nobody is affected here. Division bench has asked authorities to do something. What’s difficult in that? Why do you want to keep this matter alive? You can sit together and give a quietus to this. There’s a division bench order. We have to see the interest of people there. They reside there. They know ground reality. Ask both sides to sit together, mediate and find a solution. Why don’t you be responsible counsels on both sides and see,” the bench orally remarked.

The observations came after the Tamil Nadu government informed the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday that it had filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court challenging the division bench judgment that upheld the single judge’s order permitting the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the deepathoon on the Thirupparankundram hill. The submission was made before the bench of Justice N. Sathish Kumar and Justice M. Jothiraman during the hearing, as reported in Dinamalar.

Counsel appearing for the devotee-petitioner informed the court that a separate SLP had also been filed challenging a particular portion of the division bench judgment which directed temple authorities to take steps to light the lamp. According to the petitioner, that portion of the order could adversely affect the rights of devotees, prompting them to move the Supreme Court independently.

Taking note of the fact that appeals from both sides are now pending before the Supreme Court, the High Court adjourned the matter. The bench also extended the interim stay that had earlier been granted on various orders passed by the single judge during the contempt proceedings.

Background Of The Dispute

The controversy stems from a series of orders passed by the High Court in late 2025 concerning the traditional lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at Thirupparankundram.

On 1 December 2025, a single judge directed the management of the Arulmighu Subramaniya Swamy Temple to light the lamp at 6 p.m. on December 3.

When a contempt petition was subsequently filed on December 3 alleging that no arrangements had been made to comply with the order, the court permitted the petitioner-devotee and ten other persons to light the lamp themselves. The court also directed the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to provide protection to the devotees.

However, citing concerns over law and order, the District Collector imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code in the area.

The following day, while hearing the contempt proceedings, the court quashed the prohibitory order, observing that it had been issued solely to prevent implementation of the judicial direction.

When the matter came up again on December 9, the court directed the State Chief Secretary and the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) to personally appear before it. The court also impleaded the Union Home Secretary and issued statutory notice to Deputy Commissioner of Police Inigo Divyan.

Senior officials subsequently filed affidavits stating that they held the court in the highest regard and that the prohibitory orders had been issued solely to maintain public order.

As the proceedings continued, the court suggested a middle path, proposing that five individuals nominated by the court be allowed to reach the lower peak of the hillock where the deepathoon is located and offer symbolic prayers for fifteen minutes.

Division Bench Had Earlier Criticised State Authorities

In a significant development on 6 January 2026, a division bench of the Madras High Court upheld the single judge’s order permitting the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam lamp.

While doing so, the bench strongly criticised the State administration’s handling of the issue, observing that the “apprehension of law and order was an imaginary ghost created by state authorities for their convenience to put one community against the other under suspicion.”

The division bench further remarked that the district administration should have treated the issue as an opportunity to promote communal harmony and bridge differences between communities through mediation rather than allowing tensions to escalate.

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After Manipulating Children During Elections, TVK Now Mobilises Students For Massive Joseph Vijay Birthday Spectacles

By
The Commune
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After manipulating Children During Elections, TVK Now Mobilises Students For Massive joseph Vijay Birthday Spectacles

A series of events organised across Tamil Nadu to mark the 52nd birthday of Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C. Joseph Vijay has reignited questions about the increasing use of schoolchildren and educational institutions for political image-building exercises.

Over the past several days, multiple events involving thousands of students have been organised in the Chief Minister’s honour, with children participating in mass displays, record attempts, rallies, martial arts performances, and public celebrations centred around Vijay’s birthday.

One of the most striking events took place at GFC Global Public School in Puduppakkam, Thiruvallur district, where nearly 3,000 students assembled on a sprawling 34,000-square-foot ground to create a gigantic human portrait of Chief Minister Vijay. The aerial formation, visible only from above, was designed as a world-record attempt.

According to organisers, the students not only formed Vijay’s facial likeness but also performed Silambam continuously while maintaining the formation in an effort to secure a place in a world record book. The event transformed thousands of children into a living tribute to a sitting Chief Minister, raising questions about whether educational spaces should be used for such personality-centric displays.

In another highly publicised programme held to commemorate Vijay’s 52nd birthday, students trained in what organisers described as “Midbrain Activity” assembled a six-foot portrait of the Chief Minister while blindfolded.

The exercise was carefully choreographed around the number 52 to coincide with Vijay’s age. With their eyes covered, children were required to identify and place puzzle blocks correctly, completing the giant portrait in exactly 52 seconds. The event was attended by senior TVK functionaries and Minister N. Anand, who distributed prizes, certificates and appreciation awards to the participating students.

Meanwhile, in Mayiladuthurai, schoolchildren participated in Silambattam rallies and public celebrations organised specifically to mark the Chief Minister’s birthday. Videos from the event showed students performing traditional martial arts demonstrations as part of the festivities.

The growing involvement of students in political celebrations comes amid separate allegations that TVK cadres have recently entered government school premises and displayed the Chief Minister’s photographs within educational institutions.

Adding to the controversy are allegations emerging from Thirubhuvanam Government Boys Higher Secondary School, where local residents accused TVK functionaries of using a government school ground for party-related birthday events.

Speaking on camera, residents claimed that political flags had been erected inside the government school campus and that schoolchildren were being used for a function linked to the Chief Minister’s birthday celebrations.

“This is a government school ground. No political party has conducted such an event here before. Now TVK has come, tied party flags and is using schoolchildren for its programme,” one resident alleged. Others claimed that while political groups had occasionally attempted activities in the area previously, they were asked to remove banners, whereas the current programme allegedly involved a much larger political presence inside the school premises.

Here is an apparent contradiction: political leaders frequently claim that children should be kept away from politics, yet increasingly elaborate birthday events are being organised around a serving Chief Minister using students as participants, performers and visual symbols.

This extends beyond a single birthday celebration. Using children in leader-centric events has become a recurring feature of Vijay’s political journey. During the 2026 Assembly elections, opponents had accused TVK of involving children in campaign activities aimed at influencing parents and relatives. The latest birthday programmes represent a continuation of the same trend, with students being used as vehicles for political messaging and leader glorification. While supporters may call these events as harmless celebrations and talent showcases, it is a matter of concern seeing educational institutions and minors drawn into activities centred on promoting the image of a serving Chief Minister.

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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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