Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube
Home Blog Page 251

Soros-Funded Progressive International’s Varsha Gandikota Peddles Lies About Indians Wanting To Join IDF To “Kill Muslims”, Israeli Embassy Official Calls It “100% Fake News”

By
The Commune
-
varsha gandikota soros idf india israel

A video of Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla, Co-General Coordinator of the Progressive International, has surfaced online sparking outrage across Indian and Israeli social media spaces. In the undated video, Gandikota-Nellutla, a Hyderabad-based policy advisor and left-wing commentator, makes controversial claims about right-wing Indians expressing a desire to fight for the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and targeting Muslims.

In the video, she alleges, “Because of the merging of Zionist and Hindutva ideology, large numbers of right-wing young people in fact have been made to fall prey to a right-wing ideology where they are saying we’ll go fight for the IDF and queuing up outside the Israeli embassy in Delhi and saying we’ll kill Muslims. Because that’s really the ideology that the government has proposed and it also believes that it can get a ticket, in a way, that it can pay the price for the ticket into the exclusive club of the global north into this western civilization so to speak by killing some Muslims in its own backyard.”

She further claims that Israeli reactions to this online have been racist. She said, “But of course, the response from both actually everyday common Israelis has been brutal and racist where on social media as soon as they heard about this, they’ve gone we don’t actually want dirty Indians to be coming here tagging the IDF and saying don’t let them into our army, our army is pure noble pure blood”

However, available evidence suggests that Gandikota-Nellutla’s statements may be an overgeneralization based on isolated incidents. In the aftermath of the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, a small group of about 10 Indians gathered outside the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi in a show of support for Israel. These individuals were wearing tilaks, with one man claimed he was a retired Subedar expressed interest in joining the Israeli military and stated his intent to “finish the Islamist jihadis.” Notably, no direct mention of Muslims as a group was made.

Online, a handful of posts by Indian netizens did express support for Israel, including mentions of wanting to join the IDF. However, such comments were found on fringe Facebook groups or X and do not represent mainstream political sentiment or institutional initiatives.

Gandikota-Nellutla’s remarks about racist Israeli responses appear to stem from a now-deleted post by an individual named Benjamin Rivlin, who reportedly made derogatory remarks against Indians and tagged the IDF, stating Indians should not be allowed into “our army.” Again, this comment appears to be a lone post, not reflective of official Israeli government or IDF positions.

Israeli Embassy spokesperson Guy Nir has refuted these claims. In a post quoting the said video, he wrote, “100% fake news. Honestly madam, where do you get your information from? Israelis love Indians.”

Who Is Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla?

Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla has previously worked with Women Deliver in New York, the Economic Development Board of Andhra Pradesh, and as a strategy consultant in Hong Kong, is the niece of Maoist Varavara Rao who was arrested on charges of co-conspiring a plot to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He’s also one of the prime accused in the Bhima Koregaon case.

Varsha is an alumna of Princeton University, her academic focus included political economy and feminist theory. She currently co-leads the Soros-funded Progressive International and chairs The Hague Group.

She was also part of a Progressive International delegation that met Sonia Gandhi in April 2025.

 

Critics argue that her statements conflate a few scattered events with broader national or ideological tendencies. Her lie linking Hindutva with Zionism and painting entire ideological groups as violent or Islamophobic has triggered pushback for its lack of nuance. 

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

DMK MP A. Raja Abuses Home Minister Amit Shah As ‘Fool’

By
The Commune
-
union home minister amit shah

DMK Deputy General Secretary and Member of Parliament A. Raja has once again ignited a political firestorm after mocking Union Home Minister Amit Shah, referring to him as a “fool” during a public address organized by the DMK. His comments were in response to Shah’s recent statement expressing confidence that the BJP would expand its presence in Tamil Nadu following electoral wins in other states.

While addressing a crowd, Raja recounted Shah’s speech in Madurai and responded pointedly, “Now Amit Shah came to Madurai. What did he say? ‘We’ve captured Delhi, we’ve captured Haryana, we’ve captured Maharashtra, next is Tamil Nadu.’ Fool! Fool!! In Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal is an individual leader, just a political party, that’s all. In Haryana, you defeated an individual, in Maharashtra, you defeated an individual, but Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin is not an individual; behind him lies the Dravidian philosophy of Periyar (E.V. Ramasamy Naicker), Anna, and Kalaignar (Karunanidhi). That’s the philosophy you’re now desperately trying to defeat.”

The BJP was quick to respond. Party spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy slammed Raja’s remarks, calling them disrespectful and undignified. “I strongly condemn @dmk_raja on his filthy comments about India’s Home Minister @AmitShah . A former Union Minister, now a member of Parliament indulging in derogatory remarks shows not only the mentality of the Dravida model @arivalayam , but also its uncultured, uncivilised, dirty , silly politics. I am sorry but I have to say that only fools and idiots would use these kind of words out of frustration for not being in power at the centre and fear of losing power at the state in the coming assembly election. Though We can’t expect more than this from a person who always abuses the Hindu religion and faith of Hindus, he should remember that he is member of Parliament and behave in a dignified manner,” he said.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

“Is There A Financial Crisis In Tamil Nadu?” Madras High Court Questions DMK Govt Over Unpaid Dues

By
The Commune
-
"Wield 'Iron Hand' Against Corruption", Madras HC Knocks On DMK Govt Head Amidst Stalin Govt Claiming Tamil Region As Pioneers Of 'Iron Age' madras high court dmk stalin

The Madras High Court has raised critical questions about the financial situation of the Tamil Nadu government, following a petition filed by a private company seeking delayed payments for essential supplies.

The issue arose during the hearing of a case filed by KTV Health Food Private Limited, which had supplied cooking oil under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in Tamil Nadu. According to the terms of the government tender, the payment of ₹141.22 crore was to be made within 30 days. However, the company alleged that the amount remains unpaid well beyond the stipulated period.

The petition was heard by Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, who expressed concern over the government’s handling of financial obligations. Counsel for the petitioner stated that not only had ₹141 crore remained unpaid, but the total dues had exceeded ₹200 crore, while the government was proceeding to float a new tender without settling existing payments.

Justice Venkatesh observed that multiple similar cases have come before the court in the past two weeks, including those related to pending retirement benefits. He remarked, “What is happening in the state? The state government should lead by example. Is this a case of unwillingness to pay or is the government facing a financial crisis?”

He further warned that such delays in fulfilling contractual obligations and dues reflect poorly on governance and must be addressed with seriousness.

The court directed the Additional Advocate General representing the state to clarify the government’s position on the pending payments. The case has been adjourned to 27 June 2025 for further hearing.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Bengal Govt Sends Circular To Keep CM Mamata’s Books In School Libraries

By
The Commune
-

A circular from the West Bengal School Education Department, directing all state-run schools to keep 19 books penned by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has created a major controversy.

In the circular, the Commissioner of School Education directed all District Inspectors (DIs) of schools to ensure that 515 books, including 19 penned by CM Banerjee, are kept in the libraries.

BJP’s Information Technology Cell chief and the party’s central observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya, ridiculed the state government over the development and claimed that in the Trinamool Congress regime, even school children were not spared from the “scam”.

“Another Day, Another TMC Scam! In Mamata Banerjee’s Bengal, even schoolchildren are not spared from corruption. In a bizarre and shameful move, government schools in West Bengal are being forced to buy 19 books written by Mamata Banerjee to be eligible for a Rs 1 lakh grant. Yes, you read that right – public money, meant to improve infrastructure and education, is now being used to market the Chief Minister’s vanity projects,” said Malviya in a statement, which he posted on the wall of his official X handle on Tuesday morning.

Claiming that no student deserves to be “punished with Mamata Banerjee’s incoherent literary output”, Malviya said that this move by the state School Education Department was a misuse of taxpayers’ money to fill up the coffers of the Trinamool Congress through “fake” book sales and “backdoor royalties”.

“Another ploy to convert black money into white ahead of elections? After destroying the future of Bengal’s youth through violence, unemployment, and political interference in education, Mamata Banerjee is now monetising school libraries for personal and political gain. We will not stay silent. We will not let TMC loot education. We will not let Bengal’s future be sold for propaganda,” Malviya’s statement read.

Even the different academic associations in West Bengal have criticised the move. According to the general secretary of Sikshak Sikshakarmi Sikshanuragi Aikya Mancha (Unity Forum of Teachers, Non-teaching staff and Learners), Kinkar Adhikari, the state School Education Department should immediately withdraw the direction given to the state-run schools in the matter.

He claimed that this move was somewhat similar to the British rule in the country when the British Empire had set certain conditions for the then vice-chancellor of the University of Calcutta, Asutosh Mukhopadhyay, for a financial grant for the university. “Asutosh Mukhopadhyay rejected the offer.

Unfortunately, we have witnessed a similar approach on the part of the Trinamool government in independent India,” Adhikari added. All in the Trinamool Congress had maintained total silence on the matter.

–IANS

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

When DMK Stooge VCK MP Thirumavalavan Went On A Rant Against Lord Murugan And Hugged Those Who Abused Kandha Sashti Kavasam

By
The Commune
-

The massive show of Hindu unity at the Muruga Bakthargal Maanaadu in Madurai organized by Hindu Munnani seems to have rattled the DMK and its Dravidianist allies.

The conference, held amid heightened political interest ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, witnessed a historic moment when five lakh devotees sang the Kandha Shashti Kavasam in unison and a staggering one crore people viewed the event online.

In light of this, the Dravidianists have been pushed to the edge with many now claiming that Murugan is not a Hindu god but a Tamil god and that attempt by ‘Sanghis’ to do politics over Murugan will not give political yields.

One such character is DMK stooge and VCK MP Thirumavalavan who runs his party as if it was the Dalit wing of the DMK.

In a recent press meet, Thirumavalavan said “Unlike people of other states, people of Tamil Nadu will not be enticeed by communal politics. Murugan too will not be swayed. Murugan is the God of Tamil Nadu. He’ll chase away the Sanghis and ensure that they’re defeated in 2026 elections. Even if they do these rallies, it will not have any effect in Tamil Nadu”.

The point to be emphasized here is how Thirumavalavan sounds like a believer in Lord Murugan.

However, the same Thirumavalavan had disparaged Lord Murugan and hugged those who abused the Hindu God.

When Thirumavalavan Opposed Murugan Being Declared As Tamil God

Speaking at an event on 7 January 2021, the Chidambaram MP said “Today we are calling Murugan as our God. Mind you, if you step on that slippery rock you will fall into the deep pit of Sanatana Dharma.  That is why Dravidar Kazhagam has totally stayed away from it. Tell me, how can you separate Murugan as Tamil God? He may have been Tamil God. There could be a history for that. But how will you separate and liberate that Tamil God from the wretched clutches of the Sanatan forces [Hindus]?”

Adding further, Thirmavalavan said “If Vinayagan is Murugan’s brother, then he must also be a Tamil God right? Why are we not calling him [Lord Vinayagar] as Tamil God? There are some cooked up stories in all this. Both are brothers. They fought for a mango. Both are brothers and are born to 1 father and 1 mother. Even though he [Lord Sivan] has 2-3 wives, two sons have been born. How can it be that one of them is Tamil God and the other is Hindi God? Why is Vinayagan not being called as Tamil God neither by us nor by them?”

The then AIADMK government had declared Thai Poosam as state holiday. Commenting on the move, he said “If you call Murugan as Tamil God and announce holiday for Thai Poosam, will we as Tamils be able to walk with our heads held high? All of this is being done for votes. If we go by this, then we will fall in to their trap.”

Thirumavalavan Supported Karuppar Koottam Who Abused Murugan

Thirumavalavan had expressed his support for Karuppar Koottam after they had published a video in which they made slanderous abusive comments about Lord Murugan and the sacred hymn Kandha Sashti Kavasam.

Dravidianist Duplicity

Thirumavalavan’s shifting stance on Lord Murugan exposes the opportunistic and contradictory nature of Dravidianist politics. While he now invokes Murugan as a Tamil deity to counter what he calls “Sanghi” influence, his earlier speeches reveal deep hostility towards the very idea of associating Murugan with Tamil identity, dismissing it as a trap of Sanatana Dharma. His past defense of those who insulted sacred Hindu traditions further undercuts his current claims. This duplicity highlights a larger anxiety within the Dravidianist camp—faced with a growing assertion of Hindu unity and devotion, they are struggling to recalibrate their rhetoric in a way that preserves their ideological relevance while not alienating the religious sentiments of the Tamil people. The Madurai event was not merely a religious congregation; it was a cultural assertion that has unsettled long-standing narratives, forcing even the loudest detractors to speak in the name of a god they once denounced.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Over 10 Million Hindus Join Virtually To Chant Kanda Shashti Kavasam During Murugan Devotees Conference In Madurai

By
The Commune
-
murugan bakthargal maanadu murugan devotees conference madurai 6 resolutions

The grand Muruga Devotees Conference, organised by the Hindu Front in Madurai under the banner “Protect the Hill, Protect the Temple”, has drawn national attention after a staggering one crore people viewed the event online, with over 80 lakh likes across various social media platforms.

The conference, held amid heightened political interest ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, witnessed a historic moment when five lakh devotees sang the Kandha Shashti Kavasam in unison. The devotional event, heavily shared on Facebook, YouTube, and X-Dal, reached audiences not only in Tamil Nadu but also across the Tamil diaspora in Singapore, Malaysia, and other countries.

Organisers revealed that the conference attracted over 1.5 million international viewers, with full-length streams of the event watched widely on YouTube. Licensed television and digital platforms also broadcast the event live, further boosting its reach.

The scale and digital reach of the conference have reportedly startled opposition parties, particularly the DMK, as the visuals and devotional energy resonated with lakhs of people across the state and beyond. The massive turnout and online traction are being seen as a politically significant moment, particularly in the southern districts where Murugan worship is deeply rooted.

Leading Hindu Front organisers hailed the conference as a “spiritual milestone”, stating that more than one crore people watched the conference live and that it was a major achievement. They went on to add that this showed that spirituality had power, and the collective devotion of Tamil people was still alive and strong.

The conference, despite logistical and ideological challenges, emerged as one of the largest mass devotional gatherings in recent memory, blending traditional spirituality with the digital age to leave a cultural and political imprint.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

India Projected To See GDP Growth Of 6.5% In FY26: S&P Global Ratings

By
The Commune
-
India's GDP Grows 5.4% In Q2 Of FY 2024-25; Remains Fastest Growing Major Economy In The World

India is likely to see a GDP growth of 6.5 per cent in current fiscal (FY26) due to robust domestic demand, a normal monsoon and monetary easing, a report by S&P Global Ratings said on Tuesday.

Domestic demand resilience is particularly relevant in limiting the economic slowdown in economies less exposed to goods exports such as India. “We see India’s GDP growth holding up at 6.5 per cent in fiscal 2026 (year ending March 31, 2026). That forecast assumes a normal monsoon, lower crude oil prices, income-tax concessions and monetary easing,” said the report covering Asia-Pacific economies.

In India, falling food inflation also helps contain headline inflation. The country’s annual rate of inflation based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) eased further to a 14-month low of 0.39 per cent in May from 0.85 per cent in April and 2.05 per cent in March.

Meanwhile, the country’s inflation rate based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has declined to 2.82 per cent in May this year compared to the same month of the previous year. This is the lowest level of retail inflation since February 2019, figures released last week showed.

Food Inflation declined to 0.99 per cent during May, which is the lowest since October 2021. This is the seventh month in a row that food inflation has registered a decline as the agricultural output has been on the rise. The RBI has also revised its inflation outlook for 2025-26 downwards from the earlier forecast of 4 per cent to 3.7 per cent, Reserve Bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra said on Friday.

The sharp decline in inflation has enabled the RBI to go in for a 50 basis points cut in the repo rate from 6 per cent to 5.5 per cent to spur growth in the economy, in the monetary policy review.

According to S&P Global Ratings, many regional economies had a good start to 2025 on robust domestic demand. Several got a temporary fillip from a front-loading of exports to the U.S. ahead of anticipated tariffs. In India, growth picked up after a soft patch. The report now expects 4.3 per cent GDP growth in China in 2025 and 4.0 per cent in 2026.

“While this is significantly lower than the government’s target for this year, it would be a solid result given the external strains. Chinese imports will be subdued this year and next, but not as weak as exports,” it mentioned. Asia-Pacific economies face sizable external pressure, notably from uncertain US tariff policy and soft imports in China.

“We expect domestic demand to broadly remain healthy, in part because of policy easing. But what this means for the resilience of regional economies varies sharply, with export-dependent ones less well placed,” the report mentioned.

–IANS

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Taiwan Spots 12 Chinese Aircrafts, 7 Naval Vessels Near Its Territory

By
The Commune
-

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) on Tuesday reported the detection of 12 sorties of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and seven People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels operating around its territory.

According to the MND, the activity was observed up until 6 a.m. (local time), with 10 of the 12 PLA aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entering Taiwan’s northern, southwestern, and southeastern air defence identification zones (ADIZ).

“12 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC 8) today. 10 out of 12 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

This latest incursion follows similar activity the previous day when Taiwan’s defence ministry recorded five Chinese military aircraft and nine PLAN vessels near its territory by 6 a.m. on Monday.

“5 sorties of PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC 8) today. 3 out of 5 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly,” the MND noted in a post on X.

The increase in Chinese military manoeuvres around Taiwan underscores Beijing’s intensifying pressure campaign. Taiwan, governed independently since 1949, continues to face threats from China, which claims the self-ruled island as part of its territory under the “One China” principle and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification.

Taiwanese defence forces have remained on high alert, tracking the incursions and responding to them as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard the island’s sovereignty and maintain regional stability.

–IANS

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Second Family Hospitalized After Allegedly Consuming ‘Bucket’ Biryani From Tenkasi Thoppi Vappa Eatery

By
The Commune
-
tenkasi thoppi vappa

In a troubling development, a second family has been hospitalized after experiencing symptoms of vomiting and fainting—just a day after a similar incident involving nine people. On 23 June 2025, Murugan and his family of four from Guruswamypuram were admitted to a private hospital after falling ill, reportedly following the consumption of bucket biryani purchased from a private Thoppi Vappa Biryani outlet located on Melappavur Road in Pavurchatram, Tenkasi district.

This incident comes in the wake of a similar case on 22 June 2025, where nine members of a family from Kadayam who had also eaten bucket biryani from the same shop suffered severe food poisoning symptoms and required hospitalization.

According to sources, the affected individuals displayed symptoms including vomiting and loss of consciousness, suspected to be caused by an allergic or toxic reaction. The fact that a total of 13 people have now been hospitalized after eating from the same establishment has raised serious concerns and caused alarm among local residents. Health officials are expected to investigate the source of the contamination.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

“UGC Regulations Violated, Students Trapped, Visa Scam Suspected”: Complaint Filed Against Loyola College’s Unauthorized France-Based Filmmaking Program

By
The Commune
-
loyola college don bosco paris rti

The Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), a legal advocacy group, has filed a formal complaint with the University Grants Commission (UGC), Ministry of Education, and the University of Madras against Loyola College, Chennai, accusing the institution of running an unauthorized diploma program in filmmaking in collaboration with a foreign institute, thereby violating key higher education regulations and potentially endangering the visa status of Indian students abroad.

The program in question, titled “Diploma in Filmmaking (AI) France”, was launched by Loyola College in partnership with Don Bosco International Media Academy (DBIMA) in Paris, France. According to promotional material on both institutions’ websites, the course entails eight months of training in Chennai and a one-month project residency in Paris, offering dual certification from both institutes.

However, in an RTI reply dated March 21, 2025 (Ref: PIO/RTI/2024/219), the University of Madras has categorically denied granting any affiliation, approval, or record of foreign collaboration for this diploma. The complaint also asserts that the program violates multiple clauses of the UGC (Academic Collaboration) Regulations, 2022, which govern joint academic ventures between Indian and foreign institutions.

Serious Regulatory and Immigration Violations Alleged

The LRPF alleges that:

1. The course was launched without mandatory approvals from the affiliating university or the UGC.

2. Don Bosco International Media Academy does not figure in the top 1000 rankings of QS or Times Higher Education, making the collaboration ineligible under UGC rules.

Students enrolled in the program were reportedly charged ₹15–20 lakh each, and a batch of seven students has already been sent to France.

The most alarming allegation relates to potential misuse of international student visa norms. Since the program lacks formal recognition, the visas issued to students may be subject to revocation, putting them at risk of deportation, future visa denials, and academic and financial losses.

Request For Immediate Government Action

In its complaint, LRPF has urged the UGC to:

1. Initiate a probe under Rule 8 of the UGC Academic Collaboration Regulations.

2. Take action against Loyola College under Section 14 of the UGC Act for running an unapproved program.

3. Notify the public through the official UGC website that the program is unauthorized.

4. Coordinate with the French Embassy in India to verify visa statuses and protect affected students.

5. Ensure reimbursement of fees and assistance in academic rehabilitation for the affected students.

Copies of the complaint have been marked to the Governor of Tamil Nadu, French consular authorities, and other relevant government bodies.

Loyola College Yet to Respond

As of now, Loyola College has not publicly responded to the allegations. The controversy raises serious questions about the due diligence exercised in international academic collaborations and the safeguards in place to protect students from exploitative or unrecognized programs.

 

 

1...250251252...1,706Page 251 of 1,706
TheCommune
The Commune is a news and views portal focusing on social and political issues of the southern part of India with a focus on Tamil Nadu.
Contact us: thecommune.news@gmail.com
Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube

NATIONAL NEWS

© The Commune 2025. All Rights Reserved.