In a recent interview with Thanthi TV, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief Seeman surprised many political observers by acknowledging Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s exceptional work ethic, stating that his hard work is “extraordinary” and worthy of appreciation — despite NTK and the BJP being ideologically opposed and not political allies.
The NTK chief remained critical of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. When asked about the qualities he admires in Rahul Gandhi, Seeman dismissed the question, saying, “What good qualities can I say? It got over with Indira Gandhi.” Referring to the Sri Lankan civil war and personal tragedies involving his ‘brother’ Balachandran, Seeman said, “It was him (Rahul) and Priyanka who spoke about who killed their father. But it was also he (Rajiv) who said that no one should remain alive in my brother’s family, when my brother Balachandran was in the army’s custody. I cannot let go and move on from these things. I have to continue my journey keeping all this in mind.”
When asked by the interviewer if he sees any positive qualities in the Prime Minister, Seeman responded, “His hardwork. Do you know how much he travels? Rahul Gandhi is much younger than him, yet Modi’s work rate surpasses that of Rahul Gandhi’s. Even after reaching the highest office in the country, he keeps traveling, he comes to Tamil Nadu frequently — from here to there, nonstop. If I see that, he also makes the right points, and to reach such a height, I think his hardwork is extraordinary and we must appreciate that.
On 2 June 2025, the Hindu Munnani strongly criticized the Tamil Nadu government and the state police, accusing them of disrespecting Hindu religious traditions by curtailing age-old rituals practiced at temples in the Gudiyatham area of Vellore District.
The controversy centers around the Mariamman Temple, Nadukal (hero stone worship), and Muneeswarar Temple, which are over 200 years old. For generations, these temples have observed annual sacrificial rituals involving goats, poultry, and pigs during the Tamil months of Chithirai and Vaikasi. These ceremonies are deeply rooted in local customs and are collectively carried out by various communities, including the Arundhathiyar, Reddy, Naidu, Sanar, and Vanniyar groups.
However, tensions arose recently in Jittapalli village, where attempts to construct or expand a temple faced opposition from certain individuals identified as Islamist settlers near the site. In response to complaints and the resulting dispute, local police imposed a ban on the temple’s annual festival. While the community was later allowed to conduct the Pongal ritual, other key practices were restricted, including the traditional pig sacrifice—with even the animals meant for the offering being confiscated. Additionally, the temple priest and several administrators were arrested, further inflaming public sentiment.
The Hindu Munnani has condemned these actions, calling them an infringement on religious freedom and a violation of long-standing cultural traditions. They assert that animal sacrifice, including that of pigs, has historically been part of village deity worship across Tamil Nadu, and that state authorities are unfairly targeting Hindu customs while allegedly ignoring similar practices by other communities.
The group further alleged that while cow slaughter for Bakrid is openly conducted on public streets in the same region each year, no preventative measures or restrictions have been issued by the pollution control authorities or law enforcement. They questioned whether the government would apply the same level of scrutiny and bans to Bakrid practices as it has done to Hindu rituals. Calling the situation a clear case of religious discrimination, the Hindu Munnani warned that such suppression of Hindu practices will not be tolerated and vowed to organize protests if the government does not rectify what they termed as a biased and unjust approach to religious freedom.
Hindu Munnani State President Kadateswara Subramaniam, in an official statement, declared, “Hindu Munnani condemns the Tamil Nadu government and police for disrespecting the religious rights of Hindus. Press statement from Hindu Munnani State President Kadeswara C. Subramaniam..
In Jittapalli village, Gudiyatham Taluk, Vellore district, there exists the 200-year-old Mariamman Temple, Nadugal, and Munishwarar Temple. Every year, during the Tamil months of Chithirai and Vaikasi, it is a century-old tradition to conduct Pongal and offer sacrificial worship of goats, chickens, and pigs at these temples. Communities such as Arundhathiyar, Reddy, Naidu, Sanar, and Vanniyar jointly conduct this temple festival.
When there was an attempt to build a compound wall around the temple and construct a temple structure in Jittapalli village, a few Muslims who had settled near the temple objected. As a result, a Christian tahsildar imposed a ban on the construction. The villagers lodged a complaint with the district collector. Following this ban on temple construction, the police department has now also imposed a ban on conducting the temple festival. After a long struggle, the police allowed only women to perform the Pongal. Moreover, the pig intended for temple offering was confiscated. Additionally, the priest and the temple administrators were arrested, held in custody, and intimidated. Through this, the police have denied the villagers their right to worship. We strongly condemn the ban on temple construction, the ban on conducting the festival, and the ban on pig sacrifice all of which represent a total prohibition of traditional Hindu worship. Across Tamil Nadu, it is a customary practice among various Hindu communities to offer pigs in sacrifice to their clan and village deities. It is highly condemnable that the Tamil Nadu government, police, and revenue department are acting in coordination and siding with Islamic groups that incite communal unrest.
While there are restrictions in place prohibiting the slaughter of cows and goats in public spaces, in the same village, Muslims have routinely slaughtered cows in public streets every year. With Bakrid approaching in a few days, arrangements for cow sacrifice are reportedly underway, yet the Pollution Control Board and police have not taken any preventive action or issued warnings to stop it. In this context, will the Tamil Nadu government and the police, who impose bans on Hindu festivals and worship practices, also prevent animal sacrifices for Bakrid? We cannot accept the ongoing injustice and violations of Hindu religious rights by the Tamil Nadu government and police. Such repression is a blatant act of disrespect towards Hindu worship. We issue a strong warning that Hindu Munnani will mobilize the people and protest against this.”
அருந்ததியர் சமுதயாத்தின் வழிபாட்டு உரிமையை நசுக்கும் காவல்துறை..
தொடர்ந்து இந்துக்களின் வழிபாட்டு உரிமைகளை அவமதிக்கும் தமிழக அரசுக்கும், காவல்துறைக்கும் இந்துமுன்னணி கண்டனம்..
இந்துமுன்னணி மாநிலத்தலைவர் காடேஸ்வரா சுப்பிரமணியம் அவர்களின் பத்திரிக்கை அறிக்கை..… pic.twitter.com/zOGJkpKVEK
In a significant judgment, Judge M. Rajalakshmi of the Women’s Court has sentenced Gnanasekaran — convicted in the Anna University sexual harassment case to life imprisonment along with a fine of ₹90,000. The court ordered that the sentence of 30 years must be served in full, concurrently, with no provision for sentence reduction. Additionally, the fine amount is to be paid as compensation to the survivor.
Earlier on 28 May 2025, Gnanasekaran was found guilty under 11 charges related to the case. The announcement of his sentencing was reserved until 2 June 2025, which is when the final judgment was formally delivered.
The judge reaffirmed that Gnanasekaran must undergo the full 30-year sentence without remission, emphasizing the gravity of the offence and directing that the monetary penalty be handed over to the victim.
Speaking to the media, government prosecutor Jayanthi stated that the evidence clearly established Gnanasekaran as the sole perpetrator. She noted that his mobile phone was in flight mode at the time of the incident, supporting the conclusion that he acted alone. She also cautioned that any unwarranted criticism of the court’s ruling would be treated as contempt.
Speaking to the media, advocate Maria Jalal, who represented the victim, detailed how they faced threats and were ignored right from the beginning of the case. He revealed that despite calling the 181 Women’s Helpline over ten times, there was no response. Instead, the helpline directed the victim’s legal team to report the matter to the central department. He further stated that this lack of response was reported during the Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry. He alleged that due to the negligence of the 181 helpline, the case which should have been registered on the day of the incident was delayed by a full day.
He also criticized the Kotturpuram Women’s Inspector Padma Devi for sending two male police officers to investigate a sensitive sexual harassment case. According to him, these male officers tried to pressure the victim into withholding her statement by warning her that pursuing the case could ruin her life.
He said, “When the complaint was registered, the Kottupuram Women Police Inspector has sent two male police officers to investigate this girl. I had specifically highlighted this very seriously to the SIT — When I questioned them about this, how could they send two male police officers in a sexual harassment case involving a female? they arrogantly responded over the phone saying, ‘This is our case, we will investigate it. Don’t issue us any orders. We will do as we wish.’ After that, they sent one police officer in plain clothes named Karthi Chudalai, and another police officer in uniform. That girl has called and said, ‘Ma’am, please don’t send anyone in uniform. I have an exam, I’m going to attend it. If someone comes for inquiry at this time, it will cause me stress. So please, I request you not to send anyone in uniform. Everyone here will come to know about it.’ Even after she made repeated requests like this, they forced the issue and sent two male police officers. They took the girl and conducted the initial inquiry at the location where the incident happened. It was two male officers who did this. We told the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that this action by the Kotturpuram police inspector was wrong.”
He added that he has inquired with the government pleaders about the disciplinary actions taken against the police officers involved in the matter. If no response is received, he stated that he would seek legal recourse through the courts or have the victim file a formal petition with the Commissioner to obtain the necessary information.
He later recalled that the police pressured the victim by saying, “The male police officer who came pressured the girl not to file the FIR, saying that if she files it, her life will be affected. It was only because of my insistence that the FIR was eventually registered. I gave her the courage to do so. Similarly, they told her not to go for the medical test, saying it wasn’t advisable. Later, I gave her legal advice to go for the medical test since it was necessary for the investigation.”
Hindu Munnani is set to organize a grand Murugan Devotees Conference in Madurai on Sunday, 22 June 2025, at Madurai, with prominent national leaders including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan scheduled to attend as chief guests.
உத்திர பிரதேச முதல்வர் மாண்புமிகு. ஸ்ரீ@myogiadityanath ஜி அவர்களுக்கு மதுரையில் ஜூன் 22ஆம் தேதி நடைபெறும் முருக பக்தர்கள் மாநாட்டில் கலந்து கொள்ளுமாறு, இந்து முன்னணி தென் பாரத அமைப்பாளர் திரு க. பக்தன் அவர்கள் அழைப்பிதழ் வழங்கி வரவேற்றார்..
UP Chief Minister @myogiadityanath and Andhra Deputy Chief Minister @PawanKalyan are set to attend the Muruga Bhaktas Conference in Madurai on June 22. 🇮🇳
Former Meghalaya Governor Shri Shanmuganathan has also been invited.
The event aims to raise awareness about the neglect of Tamil Nadu’s Murugan temples, especially the revered Arupadai Veedu — the six abodes of Lord Murugan, which hold deep spiritual significance for Tamil Hindus across the world. The organizers have highlighted poor maintenance, lack of basic amenities for padayatra devotees, and the ongoing threat to temple lands and sacred hills through encroachment.
Despite the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department collecting thousands of crores from devotees, complaints persist regarding the condition of these temples. The Hindu Munnani has stressed that the Madras High Court’s directives on temple maintenance and asset protection have not been effectively implemented.
The conference is being positioned as a spiritual and cultural assertion of Tamil Hindus’ right to worship and protect their traditions. It is the duty of every Tamil Hindu to safeguard our temples, our god, and our right to worship.
Hindu Munnani’s South Bharat organizer Shri K. Bhakthan formally invited various dignitaries.
DMK HR&CE Minister Statement
However, the event has drawn sharp criticism from the ruling DMK. Tamil Nadu’s HR&CE Minister Sekar Babu dismissed the conference, claiming that “true Murugan devotees will not attend” the gathering organized by Hindu organizations. Speaking in Nellai while inspecting the renovation works at the Nellaiappar Temple, he alleged that the conference is politically motivated and divisive.
“A conference that aims to divide people on the basis of religion and language will definitely not be attended by those who have true devotion to Murugan. You know when they will come? On 7 July 2025, at Tiruchendur, something we’ve never seen before. We would have heard such things only in the northern states. But never seen before in history, in Tamil Nadu, temple renovations worth ₹400 crore are nearing completion, and the Kudamuzhukku (consecration) ceremony will be held soon. We’ll celebrate with a week-long festival — and it is only for that festival that true devotees of Murugan will come,” said Sekar Babu.
The upcoming Madurai event is expected to see participation from thousands of Murugan devotees, asserting not only faith but also demanding accountability and better governance of temple affairs in Tamil Nadu.
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In an irresponsible and factually baseless post, DMK-supporting “journalist” Damodharan Prakash who is associated with ‘Nakkheeran’, took to his social media handle to declare Operation Sindoor, a “failure”—a claim that not only contradicts official reports and strategic assessments but dangerously echoes Pakistani disinformation narratives.
He wrote, “Will someone declare to the enemy that they are coming to fight and then go to war? When Indian aircraft went to Pakistan, Pakistani aircraft were ready in the sky to counter it. Indian Army Chief Anil Chauhan says that India lost its fighter jets because Pakistan shot them down. Three of the French Rafale aircraft, which were bought for Rs 2800 crores, were shot down by Pakistan’s C10 aircraft bought from China, saying that no one can win the war. Five of India’s strongest aircraft, a MiG and a Russian Sukhoi, were destroyed. Their total value is Rs 15,000 crores. After that counterattack, Indian aircraft were afraid to fly. There is no information about the pilots of those aircraft. The victory of a war is the victory in the air war. India has never lost to Pakistan in the air war. Operation Sindoor is a huge failure! India has lost Rs 15,000 crores in an hour to kill 100 terrorists! Disgraceful”
யாராவது எதிரி நாட்டுக்கு நான் சண்டைக்கு வருகிறேன் என அறிவித்துவிட்டு போருக்கு செல்வார்களா? இந்திய விமானங்கள் பாகிஸ்தான் சென்ற போது அதை எதிர்க்க பாக் விமானங்கள் வானில் தயாராக இருந்தன.பாகிஸ் தான் சுட்டதில் இந்தியா ஜெட்போர் விமானங்களை இழந்த்து என்கிறார் இந்திய இராணுவ தலைவர் அனில்… pic.twitter.com/kJ9k4SsLIF
His claim echoing Pakistan about the three Rafale jets were “shot down, along with two other Indian Air Force aircrafts”, and that there was no information on the pilots.
This statement is not just misleading—it’s an outright fabrication. There is no evidence, from either Indian or neutral international sources, of such losses. In fact, what Operation Sindoor has clearly demonstrated is India’s overwhelming tactical superiority and operational precision.
What CDS Said?
Speaking to various news agencies at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore, Chief of Defence Staff, Anil Chauhan said, “There were losses but the numbers and that’s not important. What was important is why did these losses occur and what did we do after that. So, we rectified tactics and then went back on 7th, 8th, and 10th and in large numbers to hit air bases deep inside Pakistan. We penetrated all their air defences with impunity, carried out precision strikes. They rectified their tactics and flew in again and flew all types of aircraft with all type of ordinances on 10th. Now that satellite imageries for all the strikes are available not only through Indian media but from global sources and you would have seen that most of the strikes were delivered with pinpoint accuracy some even to a metre.”
What Military Briefing Told Us?
In May 2024, in a special briefing on Operation Sindoor, Air Marshal AK Bharti confirmed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully downed Pakistani jets and drones while preventing enemy aircraft from entering Indian airspace. “Their planes were prevented from entering our border. We have downed a few planes. There are losses on their side that we have inflicted,” he stated.
The Air Marshal emphasized that the IAF achieved its mission to eliminate terrorist camps: “Have we achieved our objectives of decimating the terrorist camps? And the answer is a thumping Yes, and the results are for the whole world to see.”
“All our pilots are safe and back home,” he affirmed, adding, “We are in a combat scenario, and losses are part of combat. However, we have achieved all our objectives.”
Strikes targeted Pakistani military bases in Chaklala, Rafiq, Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha, Bhulari, and Jacobabad, signaling India’s military reach. Bharti said, “It was only a measured response to instill good wisdom to our adversary… avoiding civilians and collateral damage.”
Pakistan had launched Operation Bunyanun Marsoos, deploying 300–400 drones to target 36 Indian sites, including religious and military locations.
Let’s Set The Record Straight: India Had The Upper Hand
Atleast 2 weeks following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor. India’s pre-emptive strike on terrorist launchpads across the Line of Control was swift, effective, and completely caught the enemy off guard, despite claims otherwise.
In retaliation to Pakistan’s aerial incursions using kamikaze drones, India’s indigenous air defence systems—most notably the Akash and other DRDO-developed platforms—successfully intercepted and neutralized every incoming threat, ensuring that not a single drone or missile breached Indian airspace.
Pakistan relied heavily on Chinese-supplied HQ-9 air defence systems, often likened to Russia’s S-300. Confidence in this system proved misplaced when Indian Rudram missiles, specially designed to destroy enemy radar, effectively blinded the HQ-9. Additionally, Pakistan deployed LY-90 short-range air defence systems, which proved ineffective in actual combat. In terms of aerial assets, China’s Wing Loong drones (possibly CH-9 variants), which were said to be on par with American Predator drones, failed to penetrate beyond 10 km into Indian airspace. Turkey’s much-touted TB2 Bayraktar drones fared no better; one was shot down and reportedly landed in pieces on a clothesline in Rajasthan. Pakistan also used old F-6 fighter aircraft, stationed at the Quetta airbase to avoid India’s S-400 range, but these too were destroyed while still on the ground.
India’s Response
India’s military response was multi-pronged and technologically advanced. The initial wave saw atleast 85 aircrafts, including Rafales and Sukhois, take to the skies in a coordinated strike. Precision-guided munitions were used to eliminate terrorist strongholds, most notably at Markaz Subhanallah, where over 100 terrorists were killed along with Masood Azhar’s family members. Satellite imagery confirmed the precision of the strikes. Key Pakistani military bases like Chaklala, Rafiq, Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha, Bholari, and Jacobabad were also struck.
While India’s S-400 missile system (described as “Sudarshana Chakra”) was reserved for higher-priority threats, it was used on the final day to intercept aircrafts with its radar capable of detecting even fifth-generation jets up to 400 km away. Indigenous defence systems played a pivotal role. The Akash Air Defence System, entirely made in India, emerged as the “Hero of Operation Sindoor,” successfully intercepting aerial threats up to 30 km away with near-perfect accuracy.
Another standout was the upgraded L70 gun, a legacy Swedish artillery piece modernized with Indian innovations. These included DownBlink Imaging for day/night tracking and servo systems from Coimbatore. This retrofitted system achieved 100% success in downing both Chinese and Turkish drones, including the TB2 Bayraktar and Wing Loong. Its cost-effectiveness—at under ₹2,000 per round—was remarkable. Other effective systems included the Barak 8 missile system, co-developed with Israel, and the Prithvi Air Defence System, both made in India. The Rudram missile, specifically designed to neutralize radar systems, played a crucial role in blinding Pakistan’s HQ-9 system.
India also deployed the Akash Teer system, a dream project of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, integrating command and control of various air defence assets remotely. For long-range precision, BrahMos missiles—flying at speeds of Mach 2.8–3.3—were used to “lightly touch” two sensitive locations in Pakistan, including one just 12 km from their Army Headquarters in Rawalpindi, sending a powerful deterrent message.
The success of Operation Sindoor is attributed to several key factors. India’s deep and precise strikes targeted the core of Pakistan’s terrorist infrastructure, including the Jaish-e-Mohammed complex in Bahawalpur, killing top operatives. The breadth of India’s strikes—from north to south Pakistan—showcased unmatched reach and coordination. Striking near Pakistan’s Kirana Hills nuclear site was an audacious move, while BrahMos near Rawalpindi HQ demonstrated India’s deterrent capacity.
Technological superiority—especially the stellar performance of Made-in-India systems—was a defining edge. The sequence of attacks (at 1:30 AM, 4:30 AM, 7:30 AM, and 12:30 PM on May 9–10) reflected India’s calibrated escalation strategy, forcing Pakistan to request a ceasefire. National unity across political and institutional lines also amplified India’s resolve, making Operation Sindoor not just a military victory, but a demonstration of strategic, technological, and patriotic synergy.
Damodar Prakash – A Pakistani Stooge?
It is deeply alarming that while India’s armed forces work to neutralize threats and defend the homeland, some in the media ecosystem aligned with the ruling DMK choose to parrot enemy narratives. Damodar Prakash’s post reads less like journalism and more like a copy-paste job of ISPR talking points.
This is not just poor journalism—it is an insult to the bravery of the Indian Air Force. These are men and women who put their lives on the line to defend this country while some comfortably peddle misinformation from their desks.
Maybe Damodar must try and listen to what retired army personnel such as Major Madhan Kumar share via his YouTube channel in his own Tamil language and he will probably be able to do a better job at his profession for once.
Operation Sindoor Is Not A Failure—It Is A Message To The World Announcing India’s Arrival
The operation sent an unambiguous signal to Pakistan and its terror proxies: India will strike preemptively and decisively when the safety of its citizens is threatened. It also served to test and prove India’s indigenous defense capabilities, which passed with flying colors, unlike the much-hyped imported Chinese and Turkish systems used by Pakistan.
Even senior defence analysts, both domestic and international, have lauded the operation as a technological and strategic success, highlighting the seamless coordination between intelligence agencies, air defense networks, and the IAF strike squadrons.
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Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary Dr. SG Suryah recently met with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss and emphasize several pressing railway-related needs of the state. During their in-person meeting, Suryah presented a detailed list of requests aimed at improving railway connectivity and convenience for passengers in Tamil Nadu.
Called on Union Railway Minister Thiru.@AshwiniVaishnaw in #NewDelhi with important requests received from various Associations across Tamil Nadu for Halts of Key Trains at various Railway Stations.
மத்திய ரயில்வே அமைச்சர் திரு.அஸ்வினி வைஷ்ணவ் அவர்களை புது டெல்லியில் சந்தித்து… pic.twitter.com/Q1scj3RPHg
A key demand was the restoration of train halts at Kadambur Railway Station, which serves as the primary station for Kayathar Taluk in Thoothukudi district. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, several significant trains stopped at this station, providing vital connectivity for the local population. However, these stops were discontinued during the lockdown and have yet to be reinstated. Suryah requested that these train services be resumed.
He also sought the inclusion of halts at Gudiyatham Railway Station and Anvarthikanpettai Railway Station in Ranipet district. Furthermore, he proposed the extension of the Jan Shatabdi Express, which currently runs between Coimbatore and Mayiladuthurai, to Chidambaram, a nearby city that would benefit from better rail access.
In particular, SG Suryah requested that the following express and superfast trains be made to stop at Kadambur Railway Station:
16235/16236 Thoothukudi – Mysuru Express
20635/20636 Ananthapuri Express
20691/20692 Tambaram – Nagercoil Antyodaya SF Express
22667/22668 Nagercoil – Coimbatore SF Express
He also emphasized the need for the following major trains to halt at Anvarthikanpettai Railway Station:
66019/66020 Arakkonam – Salem MEMU
12609/12610 Mysuru Superfast Express
Additionally, he pushed for halts at Gudiyatham Railway Station for the following services:
12695/12696 Thiruvananthapuram Central SF Express
12675/12676 Coimbatore Express
12685/12686 Mangaluru SF Express
16339/16340 Nagercoil – Mumbai CSMT Express
12607/12608 Lalbagh SF Express
22625/22626 SBC Double Decker Express
16219/16220 Samrajnagar – Tirupati Express
22649/22650 Yercaud SF Express
13351 Dhanbad – Alappuzha Express
ரயில்வே அமைச்சர் அஸ்வினி வைஷ்ணவ் அவர்களுடன் பா.ஜ.க மாநில செயலாளர் முனைவர் SG சூர்யா சந்திப்பு… தமிழ்நாட்டின் முக்கிய ரயில்வே கோரிக்கைகளை வலியுறுத்தல்!
மத்திய ரயில்வே அமைச்சர் திரு.அஸ்வினி வைஷ்ணவ் அவர்களை நேற்று மே 30-2025 அன்று புது டெல்லியில் சந்தித்தேன். தமிழ்நாட்டின்… pic.twitter.com/QEDvILEyax
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has reportedly responded positively and assured SG Suryah that the requests would be considered and necessary steps taken to address them.
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A serious clash broke out between Hindu devotees and members of the Christian community during the Kaliamman temple festival in Vakkampatti, Dindigul district. The tension arose when a group of Christians objected to the temple chariot passing along a public road in front of a church.
The situation escalated after a heated argument between the two groups, with some sitting on a dharna (protest). Despite the police attempting to mediate the issue for over three hours, the road was blocked by one side. During this standoff, a scuffle broke out, and one person reportedly fainted. Following this, it is alleged that the police used force against Hindu devotees instead of taking action against those obstructing the procession.
The incident has sparked wider outrage, raising concerns about the interference of religious institutions in public and traditional Hindu practices.
Responding to the issue, senior Tamil Nadu BJP leader H Raja issued a strong statement condemning both the obstruction and the police response. He said, “The Christians have created disturbance by obstructing the chariot procession path of the Kali temple festival in Vakkampatti, Dindigul district, stating that the chariot should not pass through the route where a church is located. In response, Hindus objected and continued to pull the chariot. Angered by this, Christians attacked the Hindus. At that time, instead of providing appropriate protection by allowing the chariot to proceed, the police have brutally attacked the Hindus instead of taking action against the Christians who attacked the Hindus. The act of the police unleashing a beast-like frenzied attack on Hindus is highly condemnable. Furthermore, after attacking and chasing away the Hindus, the police themselves pulled the temple chariot, which is also strongly condemnable.”
H Raja also recalled a similar incident in the same village last year. When an elderly Hindu woman passed away, Christians reportedly blocked the funeral procession near the church. A petition was filed by the Hindu community in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, which promptly ordered the local administration to provide security and allow the funeral rites to proceed. The court also directed that the public road be paved to avoid such tensions in the future.
He added, “Also, in Vakkampatti last year, when an elderly woman passed away, Christians caused a commotion by blocking the route in front of the church, preventing the body from being taken for the funeral. In response, Hindus filed a petition with the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. Following that, the court condemned those who obstructed the funeral procession and ordered the local administration to immediately provide adequate security arrangements so that the final rites of the deceased woman could be conducted peacefully. Furthermore, despite a long-standing request from Hindus to convert the public road into a tar road to prevent this problem from recurring, the district administration and the Tamil Nadu government have not yet taken any action in response to the Hindus’ request. While the affected Hindus have filed a case in court demanding that the existing public road be converted into a tar road, and even after the court recognized the seriousness of the situation and issued an order for the same, both the district administration and the Tamil Nadu government have failed to implement it.”
Calling out the DMK’s bias and vote-bank politics favoring minorities, H Raja slammed saying, “Under the DMK rule, Hindus are being treated like second-class citizens, which is strongly condemnable. It is unacceptable that in pursuit of the Christian vote bank, the DMK government is causing injustice to the Hindus of Vakkampatti village in Dindigul district. I urge the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. @mkstalin, to pay immediate attention to this issue, listen to the rightful demands of the affected people of Vakkampatti village, and ensure that the just demands of the Hindus are fulfilled without any further delay.”
திண்டுக்கல் மாவட்டம், வக்கம்பட்டியில் உள்ள காளி கோவில் திருவிழாவிற்கு தேர் செல்லும் பாதையில் சர்ச் இருப்பதால் அவ்வழியாக தேர் செல்லக்கூடாது என கிறித்தவர்கள் தடை ஏற்படுத்தி பிரச்சனை செய்துள்ளனர். அதற்கு ஆட்சேபனை தெரிவித்து இந்துக்கள் தொடர்ந்நு தேரை இழுத்துள்ளனர். ஆத்திரமடைந்த… pic.twitter.com/PbuLfqAzL0
AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) has launched a scathing attack on the ruling DMK government, following the sentencing of DMK sympathizer Gnanasekaran to life imprisonment in the high-profile Anna University sexual assault case.
In a strongly worded post on his official X handle, Palaniswami alleged that the DMK regime led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin made “several miraculous efforts” to protect Gnanasekaran and shield other potential accused in the case. “The Stalin-model DMK government did so many miracles to save the accused DMK sympathizer Gnanasekaran,” Palaniswami wrote, while hailing the role of his party in keeping public pressure alive.
He credited the AIADMK’s continuous campaign — both online and offline — for ensuring justice in the case. “Overcoming all of this, and through its continuous struggle from the public forum to social media, DMK sympathizer Gnanasekaran has now been sentenced — and this was made possible by the efforts of @AIADMKOfficial,” he said.
Palaniswami reiterated that the AIADMK has stood as the “voice of the victim student,” and raised critical questions that remain unanswered to this day.
Referring to the mysterious “Sir” mentioned in the original FIR, Palaniswami demanded transparency from the DMK government: “Who is the ‘Sir’ mentioned in the FIR? Why was that ‘Sir’ ruled out during the investigation? Why did the DMK government rush to conclude this case by saying that only Gnanasekaran was guilty?” he asked.
Accusing the government of covering up deeper links, he added: “#Who_saved_the_SIR? These questions will not remain questions for long. Once the government is formed by @AIADMKOfficial, all the answers are going to be available.”
Concluding his remarks with a pointed warning, Palaniswami declared: “Even if Stalin himself thinks so, no way can save that SIR!”
The case, which shook public conscience and sparked outrage among students and civil society, has seen significant political friction, with opposition parties accusing the ruling DMK of shielding insiders. While the recent court verdict has sentenced Gnanasekaran to life imprisonment, the AIADMK has vowed to continue its demand for a full investigation and disclosure of all individuals involved.
அண்ணா பல்கலை. பாலியல் வழக்கின் குற்றவாளியான திமுக அனுதாபி ஞானசேகரனுக்கு ஆயுள் தண்டனை விதித்துள்ளது சென்னை மகளிர் நீதிமன்றம்.
இந்த வழக்கில் குற்றவாளி திமுக ஞானசேகரனைக் காப்பாற்ற எத்தனையோ சித்து வேலைகளை செய்தது ஸ்டாலின் மாடல் திமுக அரசு.
அத்தனையும் முறியடித்து, மக்கள் மன்றம்…
— Edappadi K Palaniswami-SayYEStoWomenSafety&AIADMK (@EPSTamilNadu) June 2, 2025
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Amid the recent chaos and scuffle that broke out between groups from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh while waiting in the overcrowded queue lines at the Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleshwarar Temple, a devotee sustained a head injury.
In the aftermath of the incident, local residents blamed the temple administration’s new ₹50 paid darshan system, the unchecked presence of middlemen charging ₹500–₹1000 for queue-jumping access, and the lack of adequate security arrangements as key reasons behind the unrest.
Devotees further alleged that the temple administration treats pilgrims like revenue sources, giving undue preference to those opting for the ₹50 ticketed darshan while neglecting the needs of those in the free darshan queues. They also claimed that special treatment is being extended to devotees from Andhra Pradesh, while local worshippers are routinely sidelined.
A local woman who used to visit the Arunachaleshwarar (Annamalaiyar) Temple regularly expressed how difficult it has now become for her to go and worship. She said that the locals are being discriminated against, while people from Andhra are being given preference for darshan. She said, “We used to go every week on Mondays to see Annamalaiyar. But now, we’re not able to go. If we try to go, they ask for money. They tell us you move away and look at us with such a degrading gaze. We feel a different way because of it. If we try to get a ticket, it’s either ₹50 or ₹500. We don’t have the means to buy a ₹500 ticket. We are middle-class family. We come just to see Annamalaiyar. But even that is not possible here. We can’t do anything. We have to keep standing in queue for worship. We can’t even bring our children during whether it’s a wedding day or a birthday, we are unable to see Annamalaiyar. That’s how hard it has become. We usually come a day in a week to the temple. Now, we are afraid. Just thinking about the temple gives us fear. Let’s stand outside and worship. That itself is enough for us. We don’t need anything more. Everything has become too crowded. Andhra people are all we see. There’s no place to stay. They don’t even give houses for rent. It has become like that. Now, everything is very difficult. They do not include our local people inside. If they are from Andhra they allow them. It’s gone that bad.”
Another devotee alleged that the HR&CE temple administration prioritizes the ₹50 ticketed darshan while neglecting the needs of devotees opting for the free darshan. He pointed out that there is a lack of basic facilities and inadequate crowd control measures, which must be addressed and regulated.
He said, “The administration is focusing too much on this ₹50 darshan system with great interest but not paying enough attention to those coming through the free or local darshan queues to the general devotees. They are very lethargic, and this should be brought to the attention. At the same time, there’s a complete lack of safety for devotees, we can even say there is no security at all. Just two days ago, there was some commotion. They should have deployed security personnel and police here. Likewise, officials should have been properly deployed in the area. Because of such many shortcomings and lack of proper regulations, we could not effectively function the temple and also unable to allow proper darshan for visiting devotees. Every day, Tiruvannamalai is been showed as an issues. Therefore, our request to the administration is to intervene, ensure the safety of the devotees and visitors, streamline the darshan process, and not place excessive importance on the ₹50 paid darshan. Equal importance must be given to the free darshan and to the common public who come to worship.”
Another local woman devotee lamented that she and others from the locality have not been able to worship inside the temple for the past three years. Even for the ₹50 darshan, she said, devotees are forced to stand in queues for 7 to 8 hours. She alleged that brokers inside the temple exploit the system by charging ₹500 to ₹1000 from devotees, helping them bypass the queue and granting priority darshan to those from other states particularly Andhra Pradesh while sidelining others standing in the queue. She urged the authorities to take strict action against these brokers and regulate the darshan system properly. She also appealed for the cancellation of the ₹50 darshan scheme altogether.
She said, “We are not able to go for darshan. About three years ago, it was free. But now, it is not. They give priority only to people coming from other states, like people from Andhra. None of the people living around this temple can go inside the temple anymore. That’s because a lot of middlemen have taken over, they charge ₹500 or ₹1000 per person and take them in directly. Even for the ₹50 darshan, we are unable to go. And if we try to go, it takes seven to eight hours. When we go, in the crowded rush, people are pushing each other and there are fights breaking out inside. This ₹50 darshan is the maximum. It should even be cancelled. Instead, if they simply allowed public darshan for everyone, for locals or outsiders (under one common system), there would be no problem at all. They say ₹50 and charge for it, but once inside, the middlemen are working with ₹500 to ₹1000. The temple administration should first identify who these middlemen are and take strict action against them in my opinion.”
Another local devotee expressed frustration that people from the area have not been able to have a proper darshan at the temple for the past three years. He alleged that the temple administration prioritizes VIPs and devotees from Andhra Pradesh, especially for special rituals like the Go(cow) Puja, while completely ignoring the common public. He further claimed that middlemen are operating freely within the temple, even possessing keys to certain entry points, allowing them to bring in people for special darshans by bypassing regular queues. According to him, this has led to overcrowding inside the temple and is the root cause of frequent scuffles and chaos during darshan hours.
He said, “There are also many (middlemen) involved in this, but I don’t was say about them. If each of these middlemen takes 10 people, totaling 50, imagine how huge the crowd becomes. For them, gates are closed and opened specially; they are given keys and allowed to manage things separately. Because of this, there is overcrowding, and fights break out inside. If all this is avoided, and everyone the general public is allowed to come and go freely, and if everyone is treated equally, things will start to improve.”
Bar Council of India Chairperson and BJP Rajya Sabha MP Manan Kumar Mishra has issued a strong statement condemning the arrest of 19-year-old law student and social media influencer Sharmishta Panoli by the Kolkata Police, calling it an “absolute failure of justice” and a “blatant assault on freedom of expression.”
Panoli was arrested late Friday night, 30 May 2025, from Gurugram, Haryana, and brought to Kolkata on transit remand following allegations that she had hurt religious sentiments through a now-deleted social media video related to Operation Sindoor. On 31 May 2025, a court in Kolkata’s Alipore area remanded her to 14 days of judicial custody, till 13 June 2025, though it denied the state police’s plea for police custody.
In a public statement released on Sunday, Senior Advocate Mishra criticized the arrest and accused the West Bengal government and Kolkata Police of targeting Panoli with “politically motivated” action. “Mere wrong choice of words cannot be attributed a blasphemous character. It is unconscionable that a young law student is made a scapegoat and subjected to harsh legal action, while past atrocities on particular communities by government-sponsored persons and entities remain unaddressed,” Mishra said.
He called on the Bengal government and police to “abandon this dangerous path of targeting select voices and to uphold the rule of law for all.” “I demand Sharmishta’s immediate release, a fair trial, and an end to the double standards that have long plagued the state’s administration of justice,” he stated.
Panoli had earlier posted an apology on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) after the video attracted backlash, but the police proceeded with her arrest. Mishra argued that the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression should not be overridden merely due to the video’s content. “I stand firmly with Sharmishta Panoli, whose arrest and judicial custody for a now-deleted social media video — despite her immediate apology — represents an absolute failure of justice and a blatant assault on freedom of expression,” he said.
He went on to accuse the West Bengal government of having a record of “appeasement politics,” pointing to a string of incidents in the state, including the Marichjhanpi massacre, Nandigram violence, and Murshidabad riots. Mishra alleged that the administration failed to protect lives and obstructed central forces. “Time and again, the state machinery has shielded those inciting or perpetrating violence against Hindus, while acting with unprecedented haste and severity against individuals like Sharmishta for expressing dissent,” Mishra wrote.
The senior advocate also called out the Mamata Banerjee-led government for allegedly opposing Operation Sindoor, a counter-terror operation initiated after attacks on Indian security forces. “It is deeply troubling that the same government now seeks to silence a young law student for questioning such similar double standards,” Mishra said.
Sharmistha Panoli’s courage exposes the #Bengal government’s hypocrisy – swift to crush dissent, silent on hate from their own/selected.
