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2 Days Of Rains Expose Dravidian Model Chennai

By
The Commune
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2 Days Of Rains Expose Dravidian Model Chennai

Chennai’s fragile civic infrastructure has once again been laid bare as the northeast monsoon brings heavy rain, exposing massive potholes, poor drainage, and long-neglected roads across key neighbourhoods in the south and north of the city.

In Pallikaranai, Medavakkam, and Madipakkam, major residential and IT corridor zones, main roads have deteriorated into pothole-riddled stretches resembling a “lunar landscape.” A ground report by India Today showed the extent of damage, with reporter Anagha Keshav riding a scooter through Medavakkam to demonstrate how dangerous the commute has become. Residents said several of these stretches have remained in disrepair for years, despite repeated complaints. Many described the roads as “death traps,” with multiple accidents reported.

A reality check in Pallikaranai, the link between Velachery and Medavakkam, showed roads half-tarred and half-cobbled. Visuals from the area captured bikers and gig workers struggling to maintain balance over potholes, while autos and cabs attempted to navigate flooded lanes. Residents lamented that despite dry weather in the weeks before the rains, no repairs were made, leaving the roads to collapse under the first monsoon spells.

Velachery–Tambaram Road in Chaos After Botched Pothole Repairs

The Velachery–Tambaram road, a key four-lane commuter stretch, has become treacherous after state highways officials dumped cement to fill potholes, which washed away following heavy rain. Vehicle tyres got stuck, and some potholes reappeared, especially near Jayachandran Textiles, while other sections remained untreated.

Commuters navigating the 15 km stretch were forced onto the non-stagnated lane, moving at just 10 kmph. Residents criticized the timing of repairs during rain, calling it a poor decision. Highways assistant engineer Murugan said bituminous patchwork is ongoing. Tambaram Corporation limits cover only part of the stretch, leaving coordination gaps with other departments.

The worsening road conditions coincide with a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for several Tamil Nadu districts. A depression forming over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify, bringing extremely heavy rainfall to Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Karaikal on October 22. Chennai remains on orange alert.

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has been inspecting stormwater drain and road repair works, but on-ground reports show little improvement. It was noted that certain flooded spots were barely 300 metres away from the Chief Minister’s residence, highlighting a stark contrast between official claims of preparedness and the reality faced by residents.

Meanwhile, the Times of India’s audit of flood-prone zones revealed that the first two monsoon spells had already crippled parts of the city. Inundation on the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), Radial Road, Porur, and North Chennai’s Pattalam exposed the near-absence or substandard quality of civic infrastructure.

On Tuesday (21 October 2025), OMR neighbourhoods, home to nearly seven lakh residents, were submerged after short but intense rainfall. Stretches in Okkiyampet, Sholinganallur, and Karapakkam were filled with craters and knee-deep water, bringing traffic to a standstill. Passengers were seen boarding Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses from pavements to avoid wading through water and the risk of electrocution.

The Sholinganallur junction went under two feet of water, resulting in gridlock. In nearby Perumbakkam, roads leading from OMR to Velachery–Tambaram Road had virtually disappeared.

Perumbakkam, a major IT and residential hub with over 30,000 residents, is now in disrepair. The main road outside Gleneagles Global Health City and gated communities like Casa Grande and Embassy Residency resembled a “war zone.” Locals said even schoolchildren could not wait along the road without soiling their shoes, while elderly residents struggled to walk to nearby shops due to the absence of pavements.

Perumbakkam Panchayat Secretary Narayanan said the local body receives about 30 complaints related to potholes each month but lacks funds for full-scale repairs. Some gated communities have reportedly agreed to resurface roads on their own.

The floods also revealed the shoddy maintenance of the Okkiyam Maduvu channel, a crucial floodwater conduit for OMR. The 2.8 km stretch, which carries water from Pallikaranai to Buckingham Canal and onward to the Kovalam estuary, was found clogged with water hyacinth near KCG College of Technology. Poor desilting of the South Buckingham Canal has reduced its capacity to carry the required 6,000 cusecs of water to the sea, exacerbating flooding in Okkiyampet and nearby areas.

Although the Water Resources Department (WRD) removed some of the hyacinth during the rains, work on the proposed macro-drain channel connecting Okkiyam Maduvu directly to the sea remains incomplete. WRD Assistant Engineer Ambalavanan said that about 75% of restoration work worth ₹27.5 crore has been completed and that the remaining expansion from 70 metres to 100 metres in width will be finished after the monsoon.

North Chennai also suffered severely, with Vyasarpadi, Pulianthope, and Pattalam inundated due to the failure of pumping stations in KM Garden and Thattankulam along Perambur Barracks Road. Sewage overflow and stagnation added to the misery.

(Source: India Today)

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Mohandas Pai Slams The News Minute Co-Founder For Calling Narayana Murthy & Sudha Murthy As ‘Arrogant’ For Declining Karnataka Congress Govt’s Caste Census

By
The Commune
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A social media exchange between investor T.V. Mohandas Pai and journalist Chitra Subramaniam escalated into a sharp online confrontation after The News Minute shared a post about Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murthy opting out of Karnataka’s caste survey. TNM said that the Murthy family’s decision to not participate in Karnataka’s ongoing caste survey, while the act is not illegal, it raises questions about civic responsibility.

Subramaniam quote-tweeted the post, launching a sharp critique: “The Murthys displaying staggering arrogance. Government benefits and political appointments are use and throw for them.”

Mohandas Pai strongly rebutted her statement, accusing her of spreading falsehoods and defending the Murthys’ record of public service. He wrote that the Murthys “got nothing out of turn,” had served on committees for the common good, and that Subramaniam’s remarks amounted to “cheap yellow journalism,” further alleging that The News Minute had become known for such reporting after what he described as a “fake Dharmasthala campaign.”

Chitra Subramaniam responded by comparing Bengaluru’s tech leadership with Silicon Valley and criticized Pai’s language as “inelegant.” She added that Pai had declined an invitation to her workshop on whistleblowers and wished him a “Happy Deepawali.”

Pai fired back, dismissing her comparison of the US and Indian economies as an “inanity” he attributed to her lack of understanding. He clarified that his previous appearance on TNM was due to his respect for editor Dhanya Rajendran, but stated that after the “Dharmasthala Hit Job,” the outlet’s “true colours as Yellow journalists has come out.”

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Police Accused Of Assaulting Civilians At Avinashi Temple During Deepavali

By
The Commune
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Police Accused Of Assaulting Civilians At Avinashi Temple During Deepavali

A Deepavali celebration in Tiruppur district turned chaotic on Monday, with residents alleging severe police brutality during a festival event at the Avinashi Big Temple. Shocking accounts from eyewitnesses describe a violent, unprovoked assault by police officers on civilians, including women and children.

The incident occurred on the eastern chariot street where a group of Hindus had gathered to burst firecrackers. According to multiple witnesses, the situation escalated when police officers arrived at the scene.

Eyewitness Accounts of Violence

Videos and testimonies from the site depict a scene of panic and alleged police excess. Speakers at the scene gave a detailed, harrowing account:

“The police first came inside and started hitting us (ladies). They didn’t come to talk peacefully… The very first thing they did was raise their hands and start beating,” claimed one eyewitness.

The witnesses alleged that the police specifically targeted women, elders, and children. One woman recounted, “They grabbed people by the neck, pushed them down, and even threw my aunt onto the ground.” A particularly disturbing claim involved an officer hurting a small child on its leg.

A man was seen with a torn jacket, providing visual evidence of the scuffle. It was later reported that one woman sustained a bone fracture in the incident and has been admitted to a hospital for treatment.

Allegations claimed that two police officers, identified as Christian and Muslim, arrived at the Hindu festival in an intoxicated state before launching the attack. These specific claims about the officers’ religious background and state are yet to be officially verified by police authorities.

The incident has sparked significant public anger. Videos from the scene show bystanders confronting the officers, with one person repeatedly asking, “Why are you hitting the women?” The public sentiment on the ground was summed up by a witness who stated, “The police should come to give protection, but here they come only to create trouble.”

There are now growing demands for swift action. Protesters are calling for the immediate suspension and legal action against the two police officers accused of leading the brutal attack. A warning has been issued that if no action is taken, larger protests will be organized.

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Karnataka Congress Govt’s Caste Survey Faces Widespread Resistance In Bengaluru As Households Refuse To Participate

By
The Commune
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Karnataka: Caste Survey Faces Widespread Resistance In Bengaluru As Households Refuse To Participate

The ongoing Socio-Economic and Educational Survey in Bengaluru has been met with widespread resistance, with more than 15 per cent of households reportedly refusing to participate. Entire apartment complexes have denied access to enumerators, creating major hurdles for the data collection process.

In several areas, including Banashankari, enumerators reported visiting multiple times without success. Out of 30 flats in one complex, only two residents agreed to provide information. Officials described a pattern of apathy and hostility spreading across the city.

Enumerators said that many citizens, particularly those who had migrated from other states and were not directly connected to Karnataka’s welfare schemes, showed disinterest or anger when approached. In some cases, surveyors were subjected to verbal abuse, with residents dismissing their work as unnecessary.

With less than 40 per cent of the work completed in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has extended the deadline for the survey from October 24 to October 31. The state government has also declared a short break for enumerators from October 21 to 23 for the Deepavali festival.

Survey officials cited technical problems and software updates during the survey as additional reasons for the delay. They recalled that a nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court had directed states three decades ago to identify backward classes, emphasizing that such a task was not possible without citizen cooperation.

Justice Nagamohan Das urged residents to view participation in the survey as a civic duty and a step towards inclusive development, reminding them of the importance of contributing to accurate data collection.

(Source: The New Indian Express)

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Audit Uncovers Massive Irregularities At Kerala Guruvayur Temple – Lost Gold, Vanished Ivory, And Four Decades Without Asset Verification

By
The Commune
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Just as the news of the missing gold in Sabarimala Ayyappa temple makes the rounds, we hear of another revered temple in Kerala where valuables belonging to the temple are found to be missing.

Successive audits of the Guruvayur Devaswom have uncovered widespread irregularities in the handling of the Sri Krishna temple’s assets including gold, silver, ivory, and other valuable offerings, revealing systemic administrative negligence and a lack of accountability. The findings, contained in the 2019–20 and 2020–21 reports of the Kerala State Audit Department, have raised concerns over the management practices at one of Kerala’s most revered and wealthiest temples.

At the centre of the irregularities is the Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary, managed by the Guruvayur Devaswom, where significant quantities of ivory were reportedly mishandled. The 2019–20 audit revealed that tusk trimming and ivory processing during that year involved 522.86 kilograms of ivory, none of which was handed over to the Forest Department as mandated by law. Between April and November 2019, various consignments including 505 kilograms (26 September 2019), 14.18 kilograms (19 September 2019), 2.35 kilograms (carried over from 2018–19), 730 grams (22 April 2019), 320 grams (14 July 2019), and 280 grams (29 July 2019) were either unaccounted for or remained in possession without documentation.

Mandatory records such as mahazars (seizure memos) and handover receipts were missing. A letter from the Assistant Conservator of Forests had directed the Devaswom to submit details of all tusks and ivory chips within ten days, but according to the audit, neither the information nor the physical items were ever provided. The audit described this as a serious instance of non-compliance, suggesting that large volumes of ivory may have remained outside the legal oversight of the Forest Department.

Responding to the audit observations, Guruvayur Devaswom Chairman V.K. Vijayan said that the irregularities occurred prior to the current board’s tenure. He stated that the matter had already been taken up in court and that replies had been filed. Vijayan added that since 2022, six elephants belonging to the Devaswom have died, and in all those cases, the postmortems were conducted in the presence of Forest Department officials. He maintained that the ivory from those elephants was never handed to the Devaswom and that the current board only received postmortem reports.

Inside the temple, the audit of the “double-lock register” which records gold and silver items used in daily pujas revealed a series of discrepancies. Several items showed unexplained weight reductions: a silver pot was found lighter by 1.19 kilograms within ten months, and other ritual articles had similarly lost several hundred grams. In some instances, items were even replaced with different materials, a gold crown had been substituted with a silver ornament, and a 2.65-kilogram silver vessel was replaced with one weighing only 750 grams. The audit noted that no inquiry or disciplinary action followed these findings.

The report also highlighted the disappearance of 17 sacks of manjadikuru (red lucky seeds) offered by devotees and stored in the temple’s western tower. The sacks, which had been auctioned at ₹100 per kilogram, were never collected by the successful bidder. CCTV footage later showed health department workers loading the sacks onto a Devaswom tractor and transporting them away. Officials claimed the move was for “space management” and that the items were shifted to a nearby godown, but subsequent records do not clarify where they were taken or if they were ever re-auctioned.

Further, the audit revealed that donations and valuable offerings were not being properly recorded. The registers tracking copper, bronze, and panchaloha items have not been updated since 2016. One major omission involved a four-eared bronze vessel weighing around two tonnes, donated in 2022 by a devotee from Palakkad and valued at approximately ₹15 lakh. The offering was neither issued a receipt nor recorded in the donation register.

Auditors also found that costly offerings such as Kashmiri saffron, purchased by the temple at ₹1.47 lakh per kilogram, were not entered in the main registers. Instead, they were added to a separate personal log maintained by a deputy administrator, effectively bypassing the formal receipt system and excluding such donations from audit scrutiny.

Crucially, the reports observed that the Devaswom has failed to conduct annual physical verification of its assets for over four decades, despite mandatory provisions under the Guruvayur Devaswom Act, 1978 and Rules, 1980. Under these laws, the managing committee must perform a yearly inspection of all valuables and submit a verification report to the Devaswom Commissioner by June 30. A 2009 order had also made the Chief Finance and Accounts Officer personally responsible for the verification.

However, the 2020–21 audit confirmed that no verification was conducted, no certificates were issued, and no details of gold and silver holdings were provided, even after formal requisitions were sent by the Kerala State Audit Department in March and July 2023.

Reacting to the findings, Chairman Vijayan said that under the current board, internal controls had been strengthened and that all offerings including gold and silver were now being properly recorded in compliance with audit requirements.

The revelations come even as the Kerala High Court has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the separate case of gold loss at the Sabarimala temple, deepening concerns over temple administration and accountability across the state’s Devaswom institutions.

(Source: Times of India)

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Dravidian Model: TVK Woman Cadre’s Photos Allegedly Morphed And Circulated By DMK Supporter, Complaint Filed

By
The Commune
-

A political firestorm has erupted in Tamil Nadu following serious allegations of online harassment leveled by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) against supporters of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). The controversy centers on the cyberbullying of a TVK female member, with the party warning of severe electoral consequences.

The incident came to light after TVK member Shanmugapriya (@priyas_suresh) filed a complaint detailing a sustained campaign of online harassment against her. According to her account, a social media account, purportedly operated by a DMK supporter, targeted her by misusing personal photographs.

Specifics of the Harassment

The allegations include:

Morphing of Images: Ms. Suresh’s personal photos, along with pictures of her young daughter that she had previously posted on her social media, were taken without consent.

Circulation of Morphed Content: These images were allegedly morphed and then circulated widely on social media platforms. One such morphed photograph is reported to have garnered as many as 139,000 likes, indicating significant viral spread.

Sustained Campaign: The harassment is said to have continued for several weeks, severely impacting Ms. Suresh’s mental health.

The account in question, which is not officially verified, is believed to be run by a DMK supporter. Investigations into the account’s history revealed a bio describing itself as “Dravidian stock” and a feed filled with past posts praising DMK leaders. There are also indications that the account may be a fake profile, posing as a woman, though police are yet to confirm the identity of the person behind it.

Formal Complaints and Party Reaction

In response, Priya Suresh has sought urgent intervention from the Tamil Nadu authorities. She has emailed the Tamil Nadu Police and the Chief Minister’s office, demanding police action to identify the individual operating the harassing account, the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the social media handle and an assurance that no further photos of her or her child will be misused.

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has taken a strong stand on the issue. The party’s social media wing publicly condemned the DMK, taking to Twitter to demand swift action from Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

In a lengthy post, TVK accused the DMK of being “a party that has constantly been disrespecting women” and stated, “Fellow brotheren, daughters and sons of this resilient land, let’s rise with TVK in an unyielding resolve! The DMK propaganda ecosystem cloaked in the false garb of progressivism, has once again bared its fascist fangs not through policy or debate, but through the cowardly venom of its online troll brigades. These digital jackals, unleashed by an organised propaganda regime desperate to cling to power, have stooped to the lowest depths of misogyny, hurling abusive slurs, and dehumanizing filth at the fearless women Virtual Warriors of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) and its women supporters. These are not faceless pixels; these are the daughters, sisters and mothers of Tamil Nadu, who dare to amplify voices of change, champion justice, and rally behind a vision of true empowerment. To attack them with virtual abuses is to assault the very soul of our state’s unbowed spirit!

Let us call this what it is: a grotesque betrayal of every promise the DMK ever whispered to Tamil women. This is the same party that preaches equality from podiums while its cyber goons flood the virtual space with fake virtual impersonification propaganda -shaming barbs effort for silencing the bold.

Shame on you, DMK! Your regime, already stained by failures in women’s safety from unchecked crimes in streets to police brutality against protesters now adds cyber-abuse to its ledger of sins. You claim to uplift the marginalized, yet your trolls drag our women through the mud, echoing the very oppression you pretend to fight. This is not politics; this is predation.

Hear this warning, etched in the fire of Tamil pride: The women of Tamil Nadu those Virtual Warriors and millions more are not victims to be pitied, but volcanoes ready to erupt. In the 2026 Assembly elections, they will march not with hashtags, but will show their power at the ballots. TVK’s clarion call for a safer, and stronger Tamil Nadu resonates across all sections because it speaks truth to your tyranny.

Your abusive echoes will drown in the thunder of our triumph. Prepare for the fitting reply: a tidal wave of rejection at the polls, sweeping away your corruption, your cowardice, and your crumbling propaganda empire.

The woman power of Tamil Nadu will not forgive. They will prevail.”

Echoing this sentiment, TVK members are tweeting and hitting out at the DMK for its treatment of Priya Suresh. They reinforced the warning, stating that if the DMK and its supporters continue to treat women in this manner, they will be voted out in the 2026 state elections. TVK leaders have further escalated their rhetoric, accusing the DMK of committing a “betrayal of the people.”

As of now, the DMK has not issued an official statement regarding these specific allegations.

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The Mafia Alliance: 11 Times I.N.D.I. Bloc Parties Fielded Gangsters And Their Families To Fight Elections

By
The Commune
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On 15 October 2025, ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) nominated Osama Shahab, son of late gangster-turned-politician Mohammad Shahabuddin, as its candidate from the Raghunathpur constituency.

This report compiles eleven instances between 2016 and 2025 in which individuals with criminal backgrounds or family links to gangsters joined politics or filed nominations under parties affiliated with the I.N.D.I Alliance.

#1 RJD Fields Gangster’s Son in Bihar

On 15 October 2025, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) nominated Osama Shahab, the son of late gangster-turned-politician Mohammad Shahabuddin, as its candidate from the Raghunathpur constituency in Siwan, Bihar. This move, ahead of the state elections, drew accusations of the party forming a “mafia alliance.” Shahabuddin, a former RJD MP, had faced over 60 criminal cases, including murder and kidnapping, and was convicted in a 2004 acid attack and the murder of a witness. The nomination was seen as a reflection of the entrenched links between crime and politics in the state.

#2 Congress Tickets Don’s Son in UP

The Indian National Congress inducted Amarnani Tripathi to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh on 11 March 2024. Tripathi is the son of former Samajwadi Party leader and jailed gangster Amarmani Tripathi, who was convicted in the Madhumita Shukla murder case. The senior Tripathi had faced over 36 criminal cases, including charges of murder, attempt to murder, and extortion. The Congress’s decision to field him brought the party’s candidate selection criteria under intense public and media scrutiny.

#3 SP Backs Ansari After Legal Reprieve

On 20 February 2024, the Samajwadi Party (SP) awarded its Ghazipur Lok Sabha ticket to Afzal Ansari, the brother of incarcerated gangster Mukhtar Ansari. This came after the Supreme Court temporarily suspended Afzal Ansari’s 2023 conviction under the Gangsters Act, which had disqualified him as an MP. Mukhtar Ansari, a gangster-turned-politician, had faced over 63 criminal cases, including murder and extortion. The SP’s decision to re-nominate him highlighted the complex interplay between legal processes and political candidacy.

#4 Kin of Slain Gangster Gets Congress Ticket

The Congress party fielded Neha Tiwari, a relative of slain gangster Vikas Dubey, from the Kalyanpur assembly seat in Kanpur on 2 February 2022. Dubey, who had 61 criminal cases including eight for murder, was the main accused in the 2020 Bikru encounter where eight policemen were killed. Tiwari justified her candidacy by stating her intention to pursue justice. The nomination underscored the political rehabilitation of figures associated with notorious criminals.

#5 SP Fields Accused Under Gangster Act

On 17 January 2022, the Samajwadi Party nominated Nahid Hasan as its candidate for the Kairana assembly constituency in Uttar Pradesh. Hasan, who has a criminal background, was accused under the UP Gangsters Act and faced more than 16 criminal cases. His selection brought accusations of the party leveraging strongmen for electoral gains in a region known for complex social and law-and-order dynamics.

#6 Wife of Gangster Contested on SP Ticket

Richa Dubey, the wife of gangster Vikas Dubey, contested a Zila Panchayat seat in Kanpur Nagar on a Samajwadi Party ticket on 5 September 2021. Vikas Dubey, who had 61 criminal cases, was the main accused in the Bikru massacre. Following the 2020 incident, the SP denied any ongoing affiliation with Richa Dubey, but her earlier candidacy demonstrated the political connections maintained by the gangster’s family.

#7 Jailed Gangster Contests on SP Ticket

Mohammad Muzaffar, a jailed gangster, contested the Block Pramukh election from Naini Jail in Prayagraj as a Samajwadi Party candidate on 10 July 2021. Muzaffar faced over 30 criminal cases, including charges related to cow smuggling and the Gangster Act. His ability to run for a political office from prison raised serious questions about the influence of criminal elements within the political system.

#8 Former Gangster on RJD Ticket

Ritlal Yadav, a former gangster facing over 33 criminal charges including murder and extortion, filed his nomination for the Danapur constituency on a Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) ticket on 13 October 2020. Yadav, who was released on bail just two months prior, in August 2020, participated in the Bihar Assembly elections, illustrating the direct entry of individuals with serious criminal records into the electoral fray.

#9 SP Fields Another Ansari Kin

On 11 December 2016, the Samajwadi Party announced Sigbatullah Ansari, the brother of jailed gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari, as its candidate from the Mohammadabad assembly seat in Ghazipur for the 2017 Uttar Pradesh elections. The decision attracted significant criticism due to the Ansari family’s notorious criminal-political background, with Mukhtar facing over 63 criminal cases including murder and extortion.

#10 SP Nominates Notorious Mafia Don

The Samajwadi Party nominated mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, who was facing over 150 criminal cases including murder, kidnapping, and extortion, from the Kanpur Cantonment seat on 10 December 2016. Ahmed’s candidacy in the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections became a stark symbol of the criminalization of politics, drawing national attention and condemnation.

#11 JMM’s Gangster-Legislator Shot Dead

On 30 November 2016, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Upendra Singh, a gangster-turned-politician who had received a party ticket for elections, was shot dead inside a Jamshedpur court. Singh, who faced over six criminal cases including murder, was killed in an attack police suspected was a result of criminal rivalry.

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How Congress Is Hiring Rappers And Influencers To Rebrand Rahul Gandhi And Push ‘Vote Chori’ Propaganda

By
The Commune
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A rap song by artist Khota Sikka criticizing the Modi government was widely circulated by the Congress IT cell, presented as a spontaneous outburst of Gen Z frustration. However, a media investigation on 16 October 2025 revealed that in July 2025, the Congress party had engaged rap songwriters and social media influencers for political content creation, raising questions about the rapper’s independence and possible links to the party.

This report compiles eight instances from the past three months in which rap songs and similar media were produced following Congress’s collaboration with hired lyricists and influencers. It also documents cases where the party used influencer networks to amplify narratives and spread politically charged or misleading content.

#1 Viral Rap Linked To Congress Promotion

On 16 October 2025, a viral rap song by an artist known as Khota Sikka, which criticized the Modi government, was promoted by Congress IT cell as genuine “Gen Z anger.” An investigation by OpIndia, however, uncovered LinkedIn posts showing the Congress party had hired rap songwriters, suggesting the “organic” outrage was a coordinated effort. The video, echoing leftist narratives, was shared by a user identifying as Rahul Gandhi’s “Babbar Sher,” who claimed it exposed the “fascist regime,” raising questions about the authenticity of the viral content and its political origins.

#2 Rap Song Glorifies Rahul Gandhi

On 28 August 2025, the Congress party released a rap song titled “वोट चोर, गद् छोड” (“Vote Thief, Leave the Throne”) on its official YouTube channel, Indian National Congress. The video portrays Rahul Gandhi as an incorruptible leader while promoting the party’s narrative of alleged vote theft. It also challenges the Election Commission’s findings that had dismissed Gandhi’s claims, framing the issue as a fight against electoral injustice.

#3 Rap Mocks Modi-Trump Ties

On 30 September 2025, a rap song posted on the official Congress YouTube channel went viral for trolling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s relationship with former US President Donald Trump, using memes and satirical lyrics. The video’s distribution through the party’s official channel indicated a direct endorsement of its content.

#4 ‘People’s Leader’ Rap Tribute

On 12 August 2025, a rap tribute titled “Rahul Gandhi – The People’s Voice” was released, portraying the Congress leader as a champion of the people. The video description claimed it was a “movement” that detailed Gandhi’s journey with “courage, truth, and standing tall for what’s right.” This professionally produced content, described as blending “beats with facts,” was part of a concerted effort to rebrand and reshape public perception of the leader through a modern, music-driven format.

#5 Bilingual Song On ‘Vote Theft’

On 17 August 2025, the Congress party released a bilingual anthem song titled “Jan-Jan Adhikar, Ghar-Ghar Adhikar” in Hindi and English, based on the theme of ‘Vote Chori’ or vote theft. The Hindi lyrics began with “Suno Khanchor Ki, Chorke Sana Chorki” (Listen to the tale of the thief). The release of a multi-lingual track on this theme signified a strategic effort to amplify the party’s central allegation of electoral fraud across different linguistic audiences through a catchy, shareable format.

#6 Rajasthan’s Paid Influencer Scheme

On 26 June 2023, the Congress government in Rajasthan launched an official scheme to pay social media influencers based on their follower count, offering between ₹10,000 and ₹5 lakh for promoting government work. Influencers were required to ensure a minimum 5% reach on each post and provide analytics to qualify for payment. This formalized program, backed by an official notification, highlighted the institutionalization of using paid influencers for state propaganda.

#7 Paid Reels For Youthful Image

On 29 August 2025, reports emerged that Congress had paid Instagram lifestyle and fashion influencers ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 per reel to present Rahul Gandhi with a softer, youthful image. One reel with the caption “They made us hate him” crossed 100,000 views. Influencers used old photos of Gandhi set to Bollywood music to label him a “national crush,” specifically targeting the 18-21 age demographic in an attempt to rehabilitate his public persona.

#8 Exposé On ‘Vote Chori’ Campaign

In August 2025, investigative creators exposed that Congress had paid influencers to push Rahul Gandhi’s “Vote Chori” (vote theft) narrative. The reports claimed the allegations were baseless and that influencers were offered two to three times their usual rates to promote this specific claim. Following the exposé, some of the named influencers quietly deleted their videos, suggesting a coordinated but unacknowledged campaign to amplify a contested political allegation.

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Delhi High Court Orders Google To Use Its Technology Against Ads Claiming Sadhguru’s Fake Arrest

By
The Commune
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The Delhi High Court on 14th October directed Google to use its technology to counter fake advertisements using Sadhguru’s AI generated images. This was in response to Sadhguru and Isha Foundation highlighting Google’s failure to prevent the continued misuse of Sadhguru’s name, image, and videos through misleading AI deepfake advertisements, including the ad of Sadhguru’s fake arrest, on its video sharing platform YouTube.

The single judge bench of Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora told Google that publishing such advertisements showing fake arrest of Sadhguru should be stopped. The Court ordered Google to use its technology to address the issue and if it has any limitations or reservations with regard to use of its technology then to file an affidavit in court detailing the reasons. The Court further directed Google and Isha to meet and jointly discuss the issue and arrive at a solution such that Isha Foundation need not repeatedly reach out for removal of such content. 

It was brought to the Court’s notice that Google has a policy against publishing clickbait advertisements using negative life events like arrest, death etc and it was not following the same. Also it was pointed out that as per the Intermediary rules, Google is obligated to deploy technology-based measures, including automated tools or other mechanisms to proactively identify information which is identical/similar in content to information that has previously been removed due to a court order.

Earlier, Sadhguru and Isha Foundation had approached the Delhi High Court by filing a suit against all unknown channels and social media intermediaries where Sadhguru’s personality rights were being violated with fake and misleading videos, posts and advertisements. The Delhi High Court, through its order dated 30 May 2025, granted protection to Sadhguru’s personality rights and directed Google to suspend, take down, and disable such infringing channels and content.

However, despite the Court order, there had been a surge in fake advertisements on YouTube. These included fraudulent ads falsely claiming Sadhguru’s arrest and doctored videos showing him promoting fake investment schemes.

Cunningly exploiting public trust in Sadhguru’s name, these clickbait ads lure unsuspecting users to websites designed to harvest personal and financial data or promote bogus investment scams. The continued circulation of these deepfake and deceptive advertisements has caused widespread confusion and concern, with thousands of volunteers, and members of the public reaching out to verify false claims of Sadhguru’s “arrest.” Such orchestrated misinformation damages Sadhguru’s work, undermines public trust, and endangers the integrity of digital discourse.

Isha Foundation continues to take proactive steps to remove such fraudulent material and safeguard individuals from falling prey to these scams. The Foundation urges the public to remain vigilant and to report any fake advertisements or videos on YouTube falsely claiming that Sadhguru has been arrested by marking them as “Scam” or “Misleading”.

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Two Tales From Chittapur: Congress’ Priyank Kharge Who Called For Ban On RSS Activities, Had Pushed To Drop Case Against Islamists Who Attacked Police In 2019

By
The Commune
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Facing a political showdown, the Karnataka Congress government recently made prior permission mandatory for all events on government property. The order, issued on 19 October 2025, required organizations to apply for permits three days in advance.

The rule was immediately tested in Minister Priyank Kharge’s constituency, Chittapur, where the RSS and Bhim Army planned rival rallies. Local authorities denied the RSS permission, citing an incomplete application and potential law and order risks, a decision that also applied to the Bhim Army.

However, the Karnataka High Court intervened, allowing the RSS to hold its march on 2 November 2025. The court directed the group to submit a fresh application and instructed the state to consider it, emphasizing that all sentiments must be respected. This legal reprieve sets the stage for the contested event to proceed under judicial oversight.

Priyank Kharge’s Contradictory Stand Emerges

This firm stance on legal compliance contrasts sharply with Minister Kharge’s own recommendation regarding Case Crime No. 71/2019 at Chittapur Police Station. Official documents reveal that Kharge, along with other ministers, submitted a request to the Home Minister seeking withdrawal of this serious case.

The case details reveal a disturbing incident from August 11, 2019. Police officials, including complainant Nataraj Lade PSI of Chittapur Police Station, had intercepted a Bulero Pick-up (KA-20 C-2593) illegally transporting cows without safety measures near Diggamva Cross. The vehicle was brought to the police station and the cattle were secured.

According to the police report, when the Muslim community learned of the seizure, approximately 25-30 people gathered in front of Chittapur police station around 10:00 PM, demanding the release of the vehicle and cattle for Bakrid. Despite repeated instructions from 14 police officers to disperse, the mob turned violent.

The identified accused include Sheikh Moseen, Mahmuda Fayaz, Mahmuda Yusuf, Imran, Noor, Mahmuda Zakir, Mahmuda Wajid, Mujahid, Mahmada Khalil, Ikshal, Riyaz, Farooq, Baba Saudagara and 15-20 others. They allegedly pelted stones at DAR and police personnel, damaged police vehicles, and injured officers while demanding the release of the illegally transported cattle.

Despite the seriousness of the charges – which included sections 143, 147, 148, 353, 427, and 149 of the IPC – Minister Kharge recommended withdrawal of the case. The state cabinet subsequently approved withdrawing the prosecution, a decision that legal experts say potentially violates Supreme Court and High Court guidelines on case withdrawals.

The emergence of these details exposes Priyank Kharge’s hypocrisy as someone who frequently invokes constitutional principles while reportedly recommending the withdrawal of a case involving attack on police personnel protecting illegally transported cattle.

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