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The Commune – LRPF Effect: Loyola College’s MA Philosophy Programme Offered At Unauthorized Bible College Suspended For Three Years After Madras University Probe

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The Commune
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loyola college satya nilayam bible college

The University of Madras has suspended the MA Philosophy programme run by Loyola College for a period of three years after finding that the course was conducted in violation of affiliation norms, according to a decision taken by the university syndicate on Monday, 22 December 2025.

The suspension followed a complaint submitted by AS Santhosh, working president of the Legal Rights Protection Forum, Hyderabad, who alleged that the college was offering the MA Philosophy programme outside its approved campus. He contended that conducting the course off-campus amounted to a breach of the university’s affiliation rules and called for regulatory action.

The matter also drew official attention after a Deputy Secretary from Raj Bhavan forwarded a letter to the University of Madras along with the complaint. In addition, the National Human Rights Commission asked the university to submit a report detailing the action taken on the issue.

According to sources within the university, an inquiry committee examined the allegations and confirmed that the MA Philosophy programme had been conducted at Satya Nilayam in Adyar rather than on the designated Loyola College campus. After considering the explanation offered by the college management, the syndicate decided to suspend the programme for three academic years.

University sources further stated that Satya Nilayam was intended primarily for seminary-related activities and not for running affiliated degree programmes. However, the principal of Loyola College, Reverend A. Louis Arockiaraj, informed the Times of India that the institution had already discontinued the programme, citing poor student enrolment as the reason.

What Loyola College has done  goes beyond academic misconduct. Foreign nationals, including individuals from Bangladesh, were reportedly housed at Satya Nilayam under the cover of an MA Philosophy programme run by Loyola College. A representation is being made to the Ministry of Home Affairs seeking cancellation of the institution’s FCRA registration and initiation of further legal and regulatory action.

Background

In August 2025, the University of Madras confirmed serious irregularities in the conduct of the MA Philosophy programme by Loyola College, following findings by its Inspection Commission that the course was being run without approval at the off-campus Jesuit centre, Satya Nilayam, in Thiruvanmiyur. The university submitted a detailed report to the National Human Rights Commission after the Commission flagged evasive responses from the university and issued a conditional summons. The action followed complaints filed by the Legal Rights Protection Forum with constitutional authorities, triggered by media reports on the matter. The university’s submission described “gross violations” of affiliation rules in the programme’s conduct.

The inspection found that Loyola’s Philosophy Department lacked basic infrastructure, including dedicated classrooms, faculty rooms, a departmental library, signage, and even the presence of enrolled students during inspection; classes were reportedly held in a common seminar hall. The report also flagged faculty appointment irregularities, including staff who did not meet UGC qualifications and instances of dual counting of faculty across institutions, alongside appointments made without the mandatory university selection process. Further, the university cited non-compliance with Tamil Nadu’s reservation norms, noting the failure to submit category-wise admission data despite repeated reminders, in violation of applicable Government Orders and university circulars.

Timeline Of Events

The inspection report, submitted in August 2025, follows a string of complaints filed since January alleging academic fraud, religious discrimination, and unauthorized operations at Satya Nilayam run by Loyola College. Let’s take a look at when the investigation began and how action was taken.

In January 2025, The Commune reported that Loyola College was allegedly running an unauthorised extension campus at Satya Nilayam for its University of Madras–affiliated M.A. Philosophy programme, purportedly catering mainly to Catholic seminarians. The report also flagged alleged religious discrimination, financial irregularities, misuse of UGC funds, and degrees issued despite students not attending the approved Loyola campus, claims later amplified in a video investigation by YouTuber Maridhas.

In February 2025, the Hyderabad-based Legal Rights Protection Forum filed a complaint with the Tamil Nadu Governor, also the Chancellor of the University of Madras, seeking withdrawal of Loyola College’s autonomy and affiliation. The petition alleged that Satya Nilayam, run under a separate Jesuit entity, illegally conducted courses while Loyola issued degrees, amounting to academic fraud and regulatory deception.

In March 2025, LRPF escalated the matter by petitioning Jesuit Superior General Fr. Arturo Sosa, alleging misuse of FCRA funds and UGC grants, citing disclosures by former Loyola principal Rev. Fr. Albert Muthumalai. The Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi intervened, directing the University of Madras to probe Satya Nilayam’s unauthorised operations and foreign seminarians.

Following complaints, Satya Nilayam’s website was abruptly altered in March 2025 to erase Loyola-University links, raising suspicions of cover-up. Despite repeated warnings, the University of Madras has failed to act decisively. The case highlights misuse of minority autonomy, systemic double standards, and demands urgent cancellation of affiliations and accountability.

LRPF filed a complaint with the Tamil Nadu Governor in March 2025 against University of Madras Registrar Prof. S. Elumalai, accusing him of enabling large-scale academic fraud involving Loyola College.

In April 2025, the Legal Rights Protection Forum approached the National Human Rights Commission alleging that Loyola College’s University of Madras–affiliated M.A. Philosophy programme was restricted to Christian students, amounting to religious discrimination. The complaint also accused Loyola of illegally running the course at Satya Nilayam, issuing fraudulent degrees, misusing visas, and lacking affiliation records, with no official response from Loyola or the university.

By April 2025, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took cognizance of complaints that non-Christian students were being systematically denied admission to the M.A. Philosophy course. The NHRC issued notices to the UGC and the Registrar of the University of Madras, seeking action taken reports.

Between May and July 2025, the NHRC escalated action after Loyola College and the University of Madras failed to give satisfactory replies. On 24 May 2025, the Commission reprimanded the Madras University Registrar and UGC, and on 24 July 2025 issued conditional summons directing them to appear on 19 August 2025 unless detailed reports were filed earlier.

In August 2025, a UGC committee inspected the University of Madras and Loyola College on August 13–14. Following the inspection, the University of Madras submitted a detailed report to the NHRC on August 16, confirming serious violations by Loyola College in running its M.A. Philosophy programme, including breaches of affiliation rules, UGC norms, and state directives.

And by late August 2025, University of Madras confirmed serious irregularities by the Loyola College in Chennai after the university’s Inspection Commission report.

Finally, in December 2025, the unauthorized programme has been suspended for 3 years.

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Devotees Allege ₹1,000 Per Seer Varisai Plate Collected For Margazhi Month Rituals At HR&CE-Administered Sri Alagirinatha Swamy Temple In Salem

By
The Commune
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Devotees Allege ₹1,000 Per Seer Varisai Plate Collected For Margazhi Month Rituals At HR&CE-Administered Sri Alagirinatha Swamy Temple In Salem

A controversy has emerged during the ongoing Margazhi month festivals at Arulmigu Sri Alagirinatha Swamy Temple, a temple that is administered by the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department, with allegations from devotees that large sums of money were collected in connection with special poojas without proper transparency, prompting calls for an official inquiry.

According to a person associated with the temple, the Pagal Pathu and Ra Pathu festivals, rituals traditionally observed in Perumal temples during Margazhi, are currently underway, with the Sorga Vasal Thirappu (Opening of the Gates of Heaven) festival scheduled to follow. As per long-standing custom, devotees voluntarily bring offerings and seer varisai plates at their own expense, place them before the deity, and participate in poojas.

The individual stated that last year, a Margazhi festival committee associated with Thiruppavai and Thiruvempavai observances had arranged a special pooja with 101 seer varisai plates. This year, the same group is said to have expanded the offering to 501 plates for the Pagal Pathu festival beginning on Saturday.

Allegations have now surfaced from devotees and members of the public that a sum of ₹1,000 was collected per seer varisai plate. “Last year, it was alleged that ₹1,000 was collected for each of the 101 plates. This year, with 501 plates, people are alleging that ₹1,000 per plate has again been collected,” the temple-associated individual said.

If the allegation is true, the total amount collected would be around ₹5 lakh. “The question is whether receipts were issued for this amount and whether the money was deposited into the accounts of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department,” he said. “If ₹5 lakh was collected, where has it gone? Has it reached the temple or the HR&CE department, or has it been shared among officials and trustees?”

The speaker said that while the temple administration has denied the allegations, the issue requires clarification. “From the temple side, they say no such collection took place and that only fixed pooja charges are collected with proper receipts. But from the public side, this allegation is being raised. Whether it is true or not, an inquiry must be conducted and the facts placed before devotees,” he said.

Questioning the fairness of the alleged practice, he added that devotees visit temples “with devotion, bringing offerings and performing poojas out of faith,” and that collecting additional amounts without transparent accounting would be unjust. “If money is collected, accounts must be shown. Hiding details and refusing to disclose accounts only raises further suspicion,” he said.

The matter has triggered calls from devotees for the temple administration and the HR&CE department to clarify whether any such collections were made, whether receipts were issued, and how the funds, if collected, were utilised.

 

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TN Minorities Commission Chairman Gives Clarion Call For All Christians And Muslims To Vote For DMK Amidst Amidst Joseph Vijay’s Political Entry

By
The Commune
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The Humanitarian Christmas Festival organised by the Christian Goodwill Movement was held at Nellai Darshana Bhoomi in Takkarammalpuram on Saturday, 20 December 2025, where Chief Minister MK Stalin participated as the chief guest. Stalin inaugurated the event by opening a Christmas hut and cutting a cake and used the occasion to reiterate the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s positioning as a protector of minorities.

Addressing the gathering, Stalin said, “Hindus – Muslims – Christians – should live as children of one mother. Such festivals should support that.” He added that his presence at the event was meant to convey reassurance to minority communities. “I have come to this event to assure you that we are your support and your fortress of protection, those who love secularism and religious harmony, and we will always be! It is as a symbol of that that we have all come together and participated in this event,” he said.

Stalin further asserted that the DMK was uniquely committed to minority welfare. “DMK is the only movement that is genuinely concerned about the welfare of minorities. We have implemented and delivered so many initiatives and schemes that it can be said that it was the golden age of protecting the welfare of minorities during the DMK regime,” he stated.

However, the event triggered political debate following remarks made by SJ Joe Arun, Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Minorities Commission. Speaking from the stage, Joe Arun said, “In the year 2026, all Christians and Muslims will be with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. Just as God is with us, we will also be with him.”

He went on to make an explicit electoral appeal, stating, “From now on, we must be with him – that is the message of this gathering. In 2026, Christians, all Christians, Muslims, and all minorities will be with him.” He added, “I have personally seen that the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu is the protector of the minority people.”

Listing various government initiatives, Joe Arun cited educational scholarships for minority students, welfare societies for Christian and Islamic women, financial assistance for pilgrimages to Jerusalem, grants for repair and restoration of churches, establishment of boards for Ulemas and catechists, assistance for kabristan graveyards, minority status for educational institutions, free sewing machines with electric motors, hostels for minorities, two-wheeler subsidies for Ulemas, and rehabilitation assistance for those affected by communal riots.

He also referred to schemes implemented through the Tamil Nadu Minorities Economic Development Corporation, including low-interest business loans, skill-development centres, and marketing assistance for artisans and handicraft workers. “In this way, around 20 such schemes have been given, and he has been pouring out crores and crores of rupees all over Tamil Nadu,” Joe Arun said, urging the audience to applaud the Chief Minister.

Joe Arun further claimed direct administrative engagement by Stalin, stating, “When I went and submitted 1,232 petitions and requests to him, he himself gave solutions to 1,346 of those petitions, thereby showing that he is with us.” Concluding his speech, he said, “Just as God is with us, we too are with him… Just as Jesus is with us, he too is with us.”

The remarks, delivered at a function held under the patronage of the Chief Minister, sparked criticism over the mixing of religious events with overt electoral messaging. Critics argued that similar statements made by Hindu religious figures often attract accusations of sectarianism, while this instance did not evoke comparable condemnation.

With Assembly elections due in Tamil Nadu next year, and with the political entry of actor Joseph Vijay reshaping the political landscape, such controversies have intensified scrutiny over the use of religious platforms for political messaging, adding to the charged pre-election atmosphere in the State.

Source: Tamil Indian Express

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Thirupparankundram Hindu Unity Effect: VCK MP Thirumavalavan Know For His Rants Against Hinduism Picks Up Vel

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The Commune
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Thirupparankundram Hindu Unity Effect: VCK MP Thirumavalavan Know For His Rants Against Hinduism Picks Up Vel

What was supposed to be a protest meeting turned out to be a public meeting of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi in Thirupparankundram on 22 December 2025.

The meeting witnessed a striking display of religious symbolism, with party president and DMK-Congress ally Lok Sabha MP Thol Thirumavalavan being ceremonially presented with a Vel and a crown on stage amid charged slogans targeting what speakers described as “Sanatana forces.”

As per reports and videos circulating in news media, VCK functionaries reportedly presented the Vel not as a religious symbol of divine grace associated with Murugan, but as a political emblem representing social justice, caste annihilation, and equality. The cadre repeatedly declared that the Vel was meant to “drive away Sanatana forces” and protect social justice, drawing loud applause and slogan-chanting from the crowd.

During the event, VCK leaders from the Madurai southern and suburban districts took turns presenting the Vel and a crown to Thirumavalavan. The people were heard chanting of “We will chase them away” and references to confronting “Sanatana gangs” and “religious extremist groups” echoed through the gathering.

The slogans raised at the meeting included calls to “chase away” groups described as Sanatana or religious forces, particularly in and around Madurai. References were also made to Murugan’s Vel as a “victorious weapon” aimed at opposing these forces, with speakers asserting that it symbolised resistance rather than worship.

The rhetoric drew attention in the context of the ongoing dispute at Thirupparankundram, where tensions have been high over access to the hill and the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam. The VCK meeting was held amid heightened political mobilisation by Hindu groups demanding implementation of court orders related to temple access and ritual practices in the area.

Thirumavalavan, who has previously made public statements critical of Sanatana Dharma and Hindu religious structures, has now seemingly picked up the Vel to latch on to the ongoing issue.

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Udhayanidhi Is Stalin Govt’s Funeral Log: BJP Leader H Raja Slams DMK Scion

By
The Commune
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A fresh escalation in the Thirupparankundram dispute unfolded after BJP leader H Raja launched a sharp attack on Udhayanidhi Stalin, accusing him of repeatedly making statements that he described as hostile to Hindu beliefs and sentiments. Linking the ongoing restrictions on Hindu worship sites to what he termed the Deputy Chief Minister’s “anti-Hindu rhetoric,” Raja alleged that the DMK government was emboldened by Udhayanidhi’s past remarks equating Sanatana Dharma with diseases such as dengue and malaria, and by his assertions of religious identity.

Raja questioned why expressions of Hindu identity were being curtailed while other religious assertions were tolerated, and warned that continued remarks targeting Hindu beliefs or trivialising the death of Poorna Chandra would provoke a strong response from the Hindu community.

Speaking to the media, Raja said, “Today, if Muslims can go there and conduct the sandhanakoodu (chariot/procession) festival, for the past 21 days Hindus have not been allowed to go to the Kasi Viswanathar temple. Because I myself went there in January, I know this. So, from tomorrow onwards, for Hindus to go to the Kasi Viswanathar temple there, it is the responsibility of the local government to ensure that there is no obstruction from any side. They must do this. If they do not, then regarding going to the Kasi Viswanathar temple, the Bharatiya Janata Party will take this up. Whether it is Udhayanidhi or whatever ‘nidhi’ it may be – Udava Nidhi or whoever it is – let it be said. He has supposedly spoken as though Murugan and Stalin are one and the same.
This anti‑Hindu Udhayanidhi Stalin who said he would wipe out Hinduism like dengue and malaria mosquitoes… Because what did he say? ‘I am a proud Christian; let you be a proud Christian.’
Why do you deny Raja the right to be a proud Hindu? So, for this Stalin government, the biggest kollikattai (funeral log literally, weak point figuratively) is Udhayanidhi himself. The anti‑Hindu, evil speech given by Udhayanidhi… Therefore, I ask the Honourable Chief Minister: do not let him talk too much. Keep your son under some control. You have no control over your family, no control over your party, no control over the government – that I know. Even so, keep your son somewhat restrained. If he speaks too much against Hindus, and if the sacrifice of Poorna Chandra is belittled and demeaned, the consequences from the Hindu community will be severe.”

He added, “Then, coming to Tiruchendur now, if you see, when I park my car and step down from the car, there is a one‑foot pit. What is the reason? If they had properly laid cement and built it, this would not happen. They have just dumped soil, mixed it, and looted the remaining money. The HR&CE department is looting the Hindu temples. That is why I say the HR&CE department must be uprooted and thrown away. ​Because you are looting the temples. Till today, has the HR&CE department given any accounts for the “Muthamizh Kadavul Murugan” conference that was held in Palani?”
​

 

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Dravidian Model: DMK Govt Allows VCK To Hold Protest Against Lighting Deepam At Deepathoon, Doesn’t Allow Hindu Munnani To Protest For Implementing Court Order On Thirupparankundram Temple Issue

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The Commune
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Dravidian Model: Permission For VCK, None For Hindu Munnani - DMK's Biased Policing Exposed In Thirupparankundram Issue

A member of Hindu Munnani on Monday, 22 December 2025, accused the Tamil Nadu government and the police of acting in a discriminatory and “anti-Hindu” manner after permission was denied for a protest demanding implementation of a court order allowing the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam atop the Thirupparankundram hill.

Addressing the media, the Hindu Munnani functionary said the organisation had submitted a written request to the police two days earlier seeking permission to hold a peaceful democratic protest at Thirupparankundram, the first abode of Murugan, urging authorities to facilitate the lighting of the Deepam at the hilltop Deepathoon.

“We were given a letter yesterday stating that permission was refused,” he said.

The speaker alleged selective approval by the authorities, pointing out that on the same issue, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi had been granted permission to hold a demonstration at Palanganatham. “Today, Thirumavalavan’s VCK was allowed to conduct a protest on the Thirupparankundram issue. But for Hindu Munnani, permission was denied for a protest on this very same matter,” he said.

Questioning the government’s claims of neutrality, the Hindu Munnani representative said, “This government calls itself a secular government and a Dravidian model government. But in a completely one-sided manner, permission has been given only to VCK, which is part of the INDI alliance, while denying Hindu Munnani the right to hold a democratic protest. We strongly condemn this.”

Referring to judicial proceedings, he said Hindu Munnani had been repeatedly demanding that the order of the Madurai Bench of the High Court permitting the lighting of the Deepam be implemented. “Despite our continuous struggle, the government has not acted on that judgment. On the issue of lighting the Deepam at the top of the hill, they have neither clarified their stand nor taken any action,” he stated.

The speaker further claimed that while members of another community were granted permission to conduct their sandhanakoodu programme, Murugan devotees were being prevented from accessing the hill. “Yesterday, those from the ‘other side’ were given permission for their sandhanakoodu event. But devotees who want to go up to the Kasi Viswanathar Swami shrine above are being told they will not be allowed,” he said.

He added that though authorities had announced that the pathway would be opened after noon, local residents had informed them that access was being facilitated only for those participating in the sandhanakoodu-related events. “This is entirely one-sided,” he alleged.

Accusing the State of favouring one religion over another, the Hindu Munnani member said the government was “functioning completely in support of minorities and against the Hindu community.” He questioned whether the ruling dispensation believed it no longer required Hindu support. “We don’t know if they think they don’t need Hindu votes, but permission has been continuously denied only to us,” he said.

He also alleged restrictions even on symbolic forms of protest. “We are not allowed to tie even a single flag or place a microphone on the road, while VCK is conducting what is effectively a public meeting,” he said, asking whether the State was functioning as a democracy or a dictatorship.

Warning of political consequences, the speaker said, “In 2026, Hindu people will be alert. They will definitely teach an appropriate lesson. Through this protest, we are conveying that message.”

He concluded by asserting that Hindu Munnani would continue its agitation until the Deepam was lit atop the Thirupparankundram hill. “Until the Deepam is lit, Hindu Munnani will continue to struggle by uniting Hindus,” he said.

 

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It is noteworthy that DMK-Congress ally Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) had announced a protest in Madurai on 22 December 2025, alleging that right-wing organisations are attempting to foment communal tensions in Thirupparankundram.

In a statement, VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan said the protest was intended to safeguard communal harmony in the region. He stated that it was the responsibility of democratic forces to preserve the peaceful atmosphere in Thirupparankundram and prevent what he described as attempts by divisive and “Sanatana” forces to disturb communal harmony.

Referring to the ongoing Deepam-related dispute at Thirupparankundram, Thirumavalavan cited a court order concerning the issue and claimed that lighting a lamp on the Deepathoon located close to the mosque atop the hill could lead to unrest. He warned that such actions had the potential to escalate tensions in the area.

While permission was given for this protest by the DMK government, permission was denied for the peaceful Hindu Munnani protest that was only urging the government to implement the December 1 court order.

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“We’ll Be With You At All Times, You’ll Become CM In 2026”, Says Indian Christian Ministers Council President At TVK Chief Vijay’s Christmas Celebration Event

By
The Commune
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Actor-politician Vijay received an overt political endorsement from a prominent Christian leader during his party’s Christmas celebration, with claims made publicly that the Christian community would stand firmly behind him and help ensure his victory in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Speaking at the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Christmas event attended by Christian clergy, preachers, and representatives of minority groups, Indian Christian Ministers Council (ICMC) president Dinathoodhu Raja, also known as Ramesh Kumar, openly declared that Christians were aligned with Vijay and blessed him to rule the State.

Praising Vijay’s humility and leadership qualities, Dinathoodhu Raja said, “Our Vijay ayya will surely rule Tamil Nadu. I bless you in the incomparable name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that he will surely rule Tamil Nadu.”

He continued by describing the event as a distinctly Christian celebration centred around Vijay. “Reporters asked us why are you here, as we entered. I said, this is our festival. It is our festival, ‘Samathuva Christmas’ that our Thalapathy is celebrating.”

Stating that the gathering was not merely symbolic, the Christian leader emphasised organised political backing. “We have not come here to talk politics, but we have come here to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him. We are Christians. In all 234 constituencies we are running a major movement called the Indian Employees Union and the Christian Employees Union.”

He further declared sustained electoral support across the State, saying, “We will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you. We will be with you. We will be with you in all means; we have come here so that we stand with you at all times.”

Referring to long-standing demands of minority communities, Dinathoodhu Raja said those aspirations would be realised through Vijay. “For these minority people, for many years under the Dravidian governments that have been in power, we have had many demands. Among those, some were very important demands; even for those, we fought and fought and, unable to win them, we had grown tired.”

He added, “Some of those demands of ours – through this dear Thalapathy Vijay, through this Puratchi Thalapathy Vijay, will definitely be fulfilled.”

Making a direct electoral prediction, the ICMC president said,
“In the year 2026, when you become the Chief Minister, you will rule this Tamil Nadu – that will surely happen.”

Reiterating his confidence, he framed Vijay’s political future in religious and destiny-based terms. “I am not saying about a miracle, but I am speaking the truth. You will become chief minister in 2026. God will bless you.”

He went on to describe Vijay as a long-term ruler of the State, stating, “He is not just the Chief Minister, but a great leader who will permanently rule Tamil Nadu. He is young, and he will rule for many more years.”

Highlighting collective mobilisation, Dinathoodhu Raja said,
“For this, we, as Christians, and all our alliances have come together, and we will bring many more alliances to your side. Do you know why? Because you are born to rule, and you are going to rule.”

Drawing comparisons with past leaders, he concluded,
“Tamil people like MGR, Tamil people like Jayalalithaa amma. But now Tamil people really like Thalapathy Vijay. Even I like.”

The Christmas event saw Vijay sharing the stage with several Christian leaders and preachers, alongside a representative described as the Nawab of Arcot for Muslim representation and a Brahmakumari sister representing another spiritual organisation. The event has since sparked debate over the explicit religious and community-based political endorsements being made ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

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No To Deepavali, Yes To Christmas Celebrations: TVK Vijay’s Dravidian Model Politics

By
The Commune
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Actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has drawn sharp criticism for blatant double standards, after invoking public mourning to discourage the celebration of a Hindu festival following the Karur stampede, while later holding and participating in Christmas celebrations without similar restraint.

About a month after the Karur stampede on 27 September 2025, which claimed 41 lives including children during Vijay’s campaign event, TVK leaders publicly advised party cadres to refrain from celebrating Deepavali as a mark of respect to the deceased. On 19 October 2025, TVK propaganda joint secretary Loyola Mani stated on social media that the decision was based on Vijay’s advice and was intended to honour the victims. However, no formal statement was issued by Vijay or the party leadership.

At the time, TVK also faced backlash for proceeding with Ayudha Pooja celebrations barely three days after the tragedy, drawing criticism for inconsistency in its approach to mourning.

Subsequently, Vijay met families of the stampede victims, and the case was transferred to the CBI following Supreme Court directions. The investigation remains ongoing.

However, in December 2025, Vijay was seen participating in Christmas celebrations organised by TVK at Four Points by Sheraton, Mahabalipuram, ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The event, described as low-key by party sources, saw Vijay cutting a cake with children, lighting a Christmas tree, and interacting with young attendees. Multiple videos and photographs from the event were widely circulated on social media by fan pages.

Addressing the gathering, Vijay spoke at length about compassion, faith, and social harmony, drawing from a biblical narrative and assuring that both he and TVK were committed to protecting religious harmony “without any compromise.” He concluded his speech by wishing attendees a Merry Christmas and invoking religious blessings.

The contrast between TVK’s earlier call to avoid a major Hindu festival in the name of mourning, and Vijay’s later participation in celebratory Christmas events, has triggered criticism from political observers and social media users, who have questioned the apparent double standards in the party’s handling of religious events and public sentiment.

Critics argue that while restraint was urged during Hindu festivals following a tragedy linked to Vijay’s own campaign, no similar restraint was visible during Christian celebrations just months later, raising questions about consistency, optics, and political messaging as the state heads toward the 2026 elections.

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BJP Emerges Third-Largest Party In Tamil Nadu In Booth-Level Agent Strength Behind Only DMK And AIADMK

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The Commune
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BJP Emerges Third-Largest Party In Tamil Nadu In Booth-Level Agent Strength Behind Only DMK And AIADMK

With the claims and objections window open under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) show that the Bharatiya Janata Party has emerged as the third-largest political force in Tamil Nadu in terms of Booth Level Agents (BLAs), underscoring a steady expansion of its organisational footprint in the State.

According to the daily bulletin issued by the Chief Electoral Officer, political parties have appointed BLAs in large numbers to assist with the revision process. The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leads with 65,210 BLAs, followed closely by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam with 63,703. The BJP ranks third with 54,258 BLAs, ahead of the Indian National Congress, which has appointed 27,158 BLAs.

Political observers note that the BJP’s current BLA strength reflects sustained booth-level work initiated nearly a decade ago, gaining momentum over the past four years. The party’s organisational presence now rivals the State’s two dominant Dravidian parties at the grassroots level.

The SIR process recorded 39,821 applications for inclusion of eligible voters and 413 objections seeking deletion of ineligible voters within the first two days, as of 8 PM on 20 December 2025. Forms 6 and 6A were used for inclusion, while Form 7 was submitted for deletions. Officials clarified that only applications filed through prescribed statutory forms with required declarations are being counted.

Significantly, no political party has sought mass deletions so far. Of the limited submissions routed through parties, only two inclusion requests were filed, both by the DMK, while no party submitted exclusion requests during the period under review.

The draft electoral roll for Tamil Nadu currently includes over 5.43 crore electors. The ECI reiterated that the revision exercise is continuous and verification-driven, assuring that all eligible voters omitted from the draft roll can still be added before the final electoral roll is published, as the State moves closer to the 2026 Assembly elections.

Source: DTNext

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‘Telangana Celebrates Christmas Due to Sonia Gandhi’s Sacrifice & Contribution’, Says Telangana CM Revanth Reddy

By
The Commune
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'Telangana Celebrates Christmas Due to Sonia Gandhi’s Sacrifice & Contribution', Says Telangana CM Revanth Reddy

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has sparked political controversy after crediting Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi with enabling the people of the state to celebrate Christmas.

Speaking at a government-hosted Christmas programme held at Lal Bahadur Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday, 20 December 2025, Reddy said that Christmas celebrations in Telangana were possible because of what he described as the “sacrifice” and “crucial role” played by Sonia Gandhi. He stated that if people in Telangana were celebrating Christmas today, it was due to her contribution.

He said, “The reason we are celebrating Christmas festival here in Telangana today is because of the contribution and sacrifice of Smt Sonia Gandhi.”

The Chief Minister described December as a month of special significance for both the Congress party and Telangana. He linked the month to Sonia Gandhi’s birthday on December 9 and to the formation of Telangana state, calling it a “miracle month” for the party and the region.

Referring to the long struggle for statehood, Revanth Reddy said the creation of Telangana fulfilled a six-decade-old aspiration. He credited Sonia Gandhi’s leadership for the formation of the state, noting that the Congress had gone ahead with the decision despite facing political setbacks in the undivided Andhra Pradesh.

Reddy also recalled the Telangana movement, stating that many young people had sacrificed their lives during the agitation, and said that their aspirations were realised under Sonia Gandhi’s leadership.

Christmas is being celebrated here today due to the sacrifice and contribution of Sonia Gandhi…….

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