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Kerala Congress Throws ‘WhatsApp University Professor’ Jibe At Abruptly Recalled IMF CEA, Mirrors China-Pakistan Propaganda

By
The Commune
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imf kerala congress CEA whatsapp university

At a time when India is gearing up for a high-stakes vote at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to block financial aid to Pakistan over terror-financing concerns, the Kerala unit of the Indian National Congress has chosen to mock and belittle the country’s official representative. In a tweet dripping with sarcasm and malice, Kerala Congress on its X handled made a post referring to Dr. Krishnamurthy V Subramanian as a “WhatsApp University professor” and mocked his early exit from the IMF’s Executive Board.

This isn’t just juvenile political banter. It borders on dangerous propaganda—and sounds eerily like something you’d expect from Beijing or Islamabad, not from a party that once led India.

Context Matters: Why Now?

Dr. Subramanian’s abrupt recall from the IMF has raised eyebrows across the diplomatic and economic spectrum. The move came just days before a crucial IMF board meeting scheduled for 9 May 2025, where India is set to oppose funding for Pakistan. 

Pakistan, reeling from economic collapse and global scrutiny over its support for terror groups, is once again at the IMF’s door. But this time, India’s stand is rooted in more than just economic rivalry. The 22 April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists—orchestrated by Pakistan-backed groups—has pushed India to demand a re-evaluation of IMF funds being routed to Islamabad.

Subramanian, known for his independent thinking and forthright positions, had reportedly raised objections to the quality of IMF datasets and was uncomfortable with decisions that could indirectly benefit Pakistan. His exit, therefore, is as much a diplomatic maneuver as it is an institutional reshuffle.

Kerala Congress’s Statement: A Propaganda Gift To China And Pakistan

Into this highly sensitive geopolitical moment walked the Congress’s Kerala unit—with a tweet that does not just criticize policy, but insults a distinguished economist and undermines India’s diplomatic position on the world stage. The post read, “Esteemed WhatsApp University professor, who is India’s representative at IMF, removed as Executive Director six months before his tenure ends. Remember his $55 trillion GDP calculation nonsense and defending the current GDP formula? We are glad that the government has finally realised the embarassment he could cause, even by their standards. Good riddance! Now Mr. Subramanian can return to WhatsApp University as a full time faculty.”

This comes at a time when that very seat is crucial in a vote to block funds to Pakistan.

This is not a political critique. This is information warfare—conducted seemingly wittingly by a national political party, using language and framing that mirrors what Chinese or Pakistani propagandists might say. It betrays either a deep ignorance of the stakes involved or something far more cynical.

China’s Influence On IMF

China’s influence in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is growing significantly, even though its financial contribution stands at around 6% of the IMF quota. Over the past decade, China and other fast-developing economies have shifted the global economic balance, which is reflected in increased Chinese representation within the IMF. A major milestone was in 2016, when the IMF included the Chinese yuan (renminbi) in the basket of currencies that make up the Special Drawing Rights (SDR), alongside the US dollar, euro, pound sterling, and Japanese yen. Remarkably, despite being the most recent entrant, the yuan now constitutes 11% of the SDR basket—ranking third, ahead of the pound and yen—highlighting China’s rising monetary clout. This increase in influence is not just symbolic; it potentially allows China to sway IMF decisions, including loans to countries like Pakistan, thereby boosting China’s geopolitical leverage. The inclusion of the yuan also reflects the IMF’s gradual recognition of China’s global economic importance, despite ongoing concerns about China’s own financial stability.

With its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—of which CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) is a key component, is Beijing lobbying for softer terms for Pakistan. Experts have warned that the IMF is now, in effect, being used to backstop Chinese debt traps.

So when Kerala Congress mocks India’s resistance to the IMF, it is hard to tell whose side they are on. They appear less concerned about a terror-sponsoring neighbour being bailed out, and more excited to attack a former government economist for daring to think independently.

From Economic Debates To National Interests

One may debate the merits of Dr. Subramanian’s $55 trillion GDP vision or his promotion of terms like “Thalinomics.” But to reduce a decorated economist with a PhD under Congress’ own favourite Raghuram Rajan to a “WhatsApp professor” is not just petty—it is reckless.

He has served with distinction at institutions like the University of Chicago, Emory University, and the Indian School of Business. As CEA, he brought fresh ideas and bold thinking to the table. But more importantly, as India’s Executive Director at the IMF, he represented not just India but also Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. Mocking him in such vulgar terms weakens India’s hand in multilateral negotiations. Worse, it validates China-Pakistan talking points.

Opposition Or Sabotage?

It’s time for the Congress party to ask itself a hard question: Is there a line between political opposition and national sabotage? The Kerala unit’s tweet crossed it.

When a party’s official handle starts sounding like it’s being run from the Communist-Islamist quarters of the China-Pakistan propaganda machinery, it is not just bad optics—it is a national security concern.

The Congress high command would do well to rein in such irresponsible messaging. It’s one thing to critique economic policy. It’s another to aid enemy narratives that seek to undermine India’s credibility at global forums.

A Dangerous Pattern

This is not the first time such rhetoric has emerged from Congress-affiliated accounts. Whether it is casting doubt on surgical strikes, questioning the legitimacy of Balakote, or ridiculing India’s diplomatic stands, there is a disturbing pattern of playing into the hands of India’s adversaries. The same handle has also been seen posting fake news not once but several times.

At a time when the global order is rapidly polarizing—with the IMF increasingly seen as a pawn in China’s debt diplomacy—India needs clarity, unity, and maturity in its international engagements.

The Congress needs to decide whether it wants to play the role of a responsible opposition—or remain a propaganda echo chamber for India’s enemies.

India deserves a stronger opposition—one that elevates debate, not one that descends into mockery during moments of international crisis. The Congress’s tweet on Dr. Subramanian isn’t just bad politics. It’s bad for India.

(With inputs from Mint)

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“Residents Being Intimidated With False Cases”, TN BJP Leader Ashvathaman Slams DMK Govt For Harassing Whistleblowers, Failing To Address Corruption In PMAY And Jal Jeevan Mission Welfare Schemes

By
The Commune
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On 4 May 2025, A. Ashvathaman, the State Secretary of the Tamil Nadu BJP, launched a scathing attack on the DMK government, accusing it of large-scale corruption and misuse of power in implementing key central welfare schemes — the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and the Jal Jeevan Mission.

In his statement, Ashvathaman claimed that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is working tirelessly to provide housing for all and ensure clean drinking water through these flagship programs, the DMK regime is undermining these efforts through widespread irregularities and malpractice.

“Under PMAY, over 2.69 crore houses have been built nationwide, benefitting millions of economically weaker families. However, in Tamil Nadu, the scheme is riddled with corruption, with allocations being manipulated through bribery and political favoritism,” Ashvathaman alleged.

He further charged that bribes ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 are being demanded even for basic water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Citing a specific instance in the Thiruvelliyangudi Panchayat of Thanjavur district, Ashvathaman pointed to a scam involving the panchayat president, who is reportedly affiliated with the DMK. Despite a directive from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court to file a criminal case, Ashvathaman said no action has been taken so far.

“Instead of addressing the corruption, residents who have sought justice are being intimidated and slapped with false police cases,” he alleged.

Ashvathaman described these tactics as “anti-democratic” and “authoritarian”, urging the DMK government to stop harassing whistleblowers, uphold the rule of law, and take immediate corrective steps to restore public trust in governance.

The BJP’s accusations come at a time when the party has revived its alliance with the AIADMK after contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections separately.

In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the BJP-AIADMK alliance won four seats, but in the recent Lok Sabha polls, the DMK-led INDIA bloc swept all the seats. With the alliance now back in place, the BJP is ramping up its opposition campaign against the ruling DMK in anticipation of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Original Excerpts of Ashvathaman’s Statement: “Police intimidating the public who raise complaints against corruption. DMK government’s lawless attitude! In line with the great vision that every citizen in Bharat should be guaranteed a home, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been implementing the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Under this scheme, many poor, homeless people across the country are receiving financial aid of up to 2.67 lakh to build homes. So far, over 2.69 crore people nationwide have benefited from this scheme and built homes. Similarly, to ensure safe drinking water for everyone, tap water connections are being provided across the country under the Jal Jeevan Mission, another initiative led by the Prime Minister. Under these schemes, the responsibility of selecting beneficiaries lies with the state governments.”

“However, in Tamil Nadu, several irregularities and corrupt practices have been reported in various regions. Bribes are being taken for house allotments, and houses are being allocated based on favoritism. Allegations have surfaced in several areas that bribes ranging from ₹10,000 to 15,000 are being demanded to provide drinking water connections. When the public raises complaints against such corruption, instead of taking action against the guilty, the DMK’s so-called Dravidian model government threatens the complainants with false cases. For instance, in Thiruvalliyangudi Panchayat under Thiruppanandal Union in Thanjavur district, a massive corruption scam was exposed involving the DMK-affiliated Panchayat President in the allocation of homes,” he added.

“The Madurai Bench of the High Court had ordered in 2023 that a case be registered regarding the issue. Since the order was not implemented, a contempt of court petition was filed by the public. The court then issued strict directives to file cases against the involved DMK Panchayat President and officials. Following this, on 07.04.2025, the Thanjavur District Collector ordered that a criminal case be filed against the DMK Panchayat President for illegal home allocation. However, to this day, no case has been filed. Now, when members of the public went to the District Collector demanding justice, 12 of them were threatened with false cases by the police under the DMK regime. This has caused widespread anger among the local people. Even though the High Court has issued repeated orders to file cases against the DMK Panchayat President involved in corruption in the PMAY scheme, the Dravidian model DMK government has failed to take action. Instead, it is intimidating the public who are demanding justice by threatening them with false cases,” he further added.

“This authoritarian behavior raises serious questions about whether rule of law, human rights, and basic rights still exist in Tamil Nadu. Similarly, in M. Agaram village in Virudhachalam, Cuddalore district, when the public questioned why money was being demanded to provide tap water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the police called them to the station and intimidated them severely. People are being threatened with jail and legal cases if they question the corruption in central government schemes like the PMAY or the Jal Jeevan Mission in Tamil Nadu. Using the police to threaten the public with false cases when they question irregularities in central schemes is an anti-democratic trend. This raises the question: Is this a democracy or a dictatorship? The DMK government must immediately stop this dangerous practice of threatening whistleblowers with false cases and must take action on the corruption complaints without delay. All democratic forces must unite to oppose these irregularities,” he further said.

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Padma Shri Yoga Guru Swami Sivananda Passes Away At 128 In Varanasi

By
The Commune
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swami sivananda yoga guru padma shri varanasi

Renowned yoga guru and Padma Shri awardee Swami Sivananda Saraswati passed away on 3 May 2025 night due to pneumonia followed by cardiac arrest at the Sir Sunderlal Hospital (SSL) of Banaras Hindu University. He was 128 years old, according to his disciples.

Swami Sivananda, widely revered for his austere lifestyle and dedication to yoga, breathed his last around midnight. His body has been kept at his residence in Kabirnagar Colony, Varanasi, for followers and well-wishers to pay their final respects. His cremation will be held on Monday morning at Manikarnika Ghat, according to Debashish Das of Bangiya Samaj, who is also associated with the ashram. The final rites were postponed to allow disciples traveling from distant locations—including Assam, the northeastern states, and even London—to attend.

Born on 8 August 1896 (as per disciples; some records note 1897) in Sylhet district of undivided British India, now in Bangladesh, Swami Sivananda was orphaned at the age of six due to starvation. He was brought to Nabadwip, West Bengal, where he was raised by Guru Omkaranand Goswami, who imparted to him spiritual and practical knowledge, including yoga, despite the absence of formal schooling.

He later settled in Varanasi’s Kabirnagar Bhelupur area in 1979, where he continued his life of discipline and spiritual practice. From 1925 to 1959, Swami Sivananda is said to have lived in France, Greece, Malta, Japan, and other countries, spreading spiritual teachings before returning to India.

Swami Sivananda was known for his remarkable daily routine. He woke up at 3 AM and practiced yoga—including ardhchandra asana, pranayama, and free-hand exercises—for one to two hours daily. He spent the rest of his time in worship, reading, and chanting hymns. He never accepted monetary offerings and lived on a minimal diet—consuming only boiled rice, boiled vegetables, and boiled water. He slept on a mat and managed all his personal chores independently.

His commitment to service was equally notable. Over five decades, he selflessly served around 400 to 600 leprosy-affected beggars, regularly visiting their hutments to offer assistance. He never missed a Kumbh Mela, participating in the major religious gatherings at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain for over a century. His most recent participation was at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj earlier this year.

In recognition of his lifelong dedication to yoga and social service, Swami Sivananda received numerous accolades. He was honoured with the Yoga Ratna Award in Bengaluru in 2019. In 2022, he was conferred the Padma Shri by then-President Ram Nath Kovind. His humble gesture of prostrating before the President and Prime Minister during the award ceremony earned him a standing ovation and widespread admiration across the country.

Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Swami Sivananda surprised health workers by personally visiting a primary health center to receive his vaccine in June 2021 at over 125 years of age.

As news of his passing spread, a wave of condolences poured in including messages from PM Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath.

 

A stream of mourners, including BJP MLAs Neelkanth Tiwari and Saurabh Srivastava, district magistrate Satyendra Kumar, and other public representatives, visited his ashram in Varanasi to pay respects.

Swami Sivananda Saraswati leaves behind a legacy of humility, spiritual discipline, and unwavering service—an enduring inspiration to yogis and seekers across the world.

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6 Suspects Involved In Pahalgam Terror Attack May Have Travelled To Sri Lanka From Chennai: Indian Intel

By
The Commune
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A SriLankan Airlines flight traveling from Chennai to Colombo was thoroughly searched upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport following a security advisory, according to reports. The alert, reportedly issued by Indian intelligence, suggested the possible presence of individuals connected to a recent terror incident in Jammu and Kashmir.

Authorities in both Chennai and Colombo responded swiftly after an anonymous email claimed that members of the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba might be onboard. However, the email came in only after the flight had taken off from Chennai, prompting precautionary measures upon its landing in Sri Lanka.

Once the flight reached Colombo shortly before noon on May 3, Sri Lankan security agencies, working alongside the airline, conducted a full sweep of the aircraft. No threat or suspect was found during the inspection, and the flight was cleared for further operations.

SriLankan Airlines later issued a statement confirming that one of its planes had been subjected to a heightened security protocol due to the intelligence input shared by Indian authorities. The airline emphasized that safety remains a top priority and that all procedures were carried out in coordination with national security agencies.

This alert comes amid heightened tensions after a deadly attack in the Pahalgam region of Kashmir on April 22, which claimed the lives of over two dozen people, many of whom were tourists. The Resistance Front initially claimed responsibility but later disavowed the statement, citing a cyber breach.

Indian authorities, including the National Investigation Agency, have since attributed the attack to Lashkar-e-Taiba and other Pakistan-linked elements, including the ISI and the military. Investigations are ongoing, with multiple individuals from the Kashmir Valley currently being questioned for allegedly supporting the attackers.

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Tamil Nadu: Government School Children Taken To Church For Forced Prayer Under Guise Of Health Camp, Mother Allegedly Assaulted in Rescue Attempt

By
The Commune
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A deeply disturbing incident has surfaced in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, where school children from a government-run institution were reportedly taken to a church without parental consent and made to kneel and pray to Jesus Christ under the pretext of attending a summer health awareness camp.

The incident came to light when a mother, who had sent her daughter to the Unjavelampatti Government Middle School for what was announced as a health awareness session for young girls, returned to collect her child’s Transfer Certificate. Shockingly, her daughter was nowhere to be found on the school premises. After raising an alarm and making inquiries, she discovered that her child, along with other students, had been taken to a nearby church across from the Chinnampalayam RTO office.

According to the parent’s statement, the program was organized by a local government nurse, Bhavani, who had informed the school and parents that it was a simple awareness camp about health. Trusting this official information, more than 20 children—most under the age of 11—attended.

However, the reality was far from what was promised. When the concerned mother rushed to the church after being told the children had been taken there, she alleged that the pastor Selvakumar initially blocked her from seeing her daughter and that she was physically pushed and threatened. She managed to force her way through, locate her daughter, and bring her back safely.

The mother further revealed to reporters that the children were being taught to pray, made to kneel before religious icons, and subjected to preaching—all without parental knowledge or consent. She accused the organizers of attempting to indoctrinate the children into Christianity, describing it as an act of religious coercion and conversion targeting vulnerable minors.

Speaking to reporters, the parent said, “My second daughter, Keertika, is a student at this school and has completed eighth standard. I was asked to come today to collect her TC (Transfer Certificate). There was also a session being held for young girls at the school. When I dropped her off, they told me to return in half an hour. But when I came back in half hour, my daughter was missing. While searching for her, someone informed me that the nurse had taken the children in a van. When I asked where, they said it was to a church opposite the Pollachi RDO office. I rushed there immediately, but the pastor refused to let me see my child. I was physically pushed and threatened. I fought back, managed to get in, and rescued my daughter. They wouldn’t let me see to my daughter. After rescuing her, we came here to register a complaint.”

She further alleged that the children were being taught about Jesus and accused those involved of attempting religious conversion, specifically targeting schoolchildren.

Startled by this revelation, other parents also rushed to the church. A tense standoff followed when religious instructor Selvakumar allegedly refused to let the children go. Furious, the parents confronted the organizers and successfully rescued their children. Police arrived at the scene and subsequently registered a case against Nurse Bhavani and Selvakumar.

Eyewitnesses and parents stated that the children were enticed with food and promises of gifts, then made to kneel and pray. Some of the girls, visibly shaken, confirmed the activities inside the church. Reports suggest this may not be the first instance—locals allege such gatherings have happened before under different disguises.

Parents expressed deep anger that a government school, meant to be secular and safe, became the launching pad for an apparent religious conversion attempt. Many are demanding immediate action against those responsible and have called for an official investigation. This shocking episode has rocked the community and raised serious questions about the monitoring of activities conducted under the name of awareness programs in government schools.

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AIADMK Minority Leader Abdul Jaffar Removed From Jamaat Post After Endorsing AIADMK-BJP Alliance

By
The Commune
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A political row has broken out after Abdul Jaffar, the AIADMK’s State Joint Secretary for the Minority Wing, voiced support for the AIADMK-BJP alliance during a public event. His remarks led to his removal from his position as General Secretary of the Coimbatore District United Jamaat.

The comments were made during a May Day public meeting organized by the AIADMK at Arepalayam, near Sathyamangalam, Erode district. Addressing the gathering, Abdul Jaffar said, “I personally told Edappadi that in this election, we should form an alliance with the BJP because the Muslims will not vote (for the AIADMK). Muslims will not vote for the AIADMK. I am the head of a major Jamaat in Coimbatore, and I’ve seen this firsthand. Take Velumani, for example in Coimbatore, he has done a lot of good work for the Muslim, yet no one voted for him. In the 2024 elections, we were not allied with the BJP, but we did have a Muslim party with us. Even they voted for the DMK. So why should we envy the BJP? An alliance with the BJP brings strength, manpower, and administrative power. Today, it’s that authority of power which speaks. That’s why I supported forming an alliance with the BJP, and now it has happened. I’m confident this partnership will grow into a strong, powerful force and we must stand with that force.”

His endorsement of the BJP-AIADMK partnership sparked outrage within the United Jamaat in Coimbatore. In response, the Jamaat’s Governing Council convened an emergency meeting on 2 May chaired by its president, Bashir Ahmed.

During the meeting, the council passed a resolution distancing itself from Abdul Jaffar’s statements, clarifying that his views did not reflect those of the Jamaat. Citing widespread disapproval from members and affiliated Jamaats, the council announced his immediate removal from the position of General Secretary.

(With Inputs From Dinamalar)

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“Potential Threats To Life And Property”: HR&CE Refuses To Name Temple Land Tenants, Cites Safety Concerns

By
The Commune
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An unusual and controversial response from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department to a Right to Information (RTI) query has triggered widespread criticism, especially amid ongoing reports of large-scale irregularities involving temple properties in Tamil Nadu.

In a recent RTI reply, the department claimed that disclosing the names of individuals leasing temple lands could endanger the lives and safety of its officials. This justification, now circulating widely on social media, has drawn sharp public backlash—raising concerns that the department is either deliberately withholding information or shielding those involved in mismanagement and alleged fraud.

The incident stems from Tirunelveli district, where an RTI was filed seeking details about the Seethalai Sivalingeswarar Temple in Urumankulam village, Radhapuram taluk. The temple, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Hindu Endowments Department, was the subject of a request by a Chennai-based individual named Ramalingam. The RTI sought information on temple practices, including whether daily rituals are conducted, the priest’s salary and identity, the date of the last renovation, and most significantly, information about the temple’s immovable properties.

While the department confirmed the existence of immovable assets, it admitted it had no information about whether these properties generated any income. However, when asked who the current tenants were and who was managing these temple lands, the Public Information Officer gave a startling response, “disclosing the tenants’ identities was deemed unsafe due to potential threats to life and property.”

This statement has raised serious concerns about the extent of control exercised by tenants over temple assets and the apparent inability—or unwillingness—of the department to act. Critics argue that if officials fear retaliation, it signals a breakdown in law enforcement and governance, especially when sacred and public assets are involved.

What is even more troubling, observers note, is the department’s inaction despite reportedly receiving no income from leased temple properties. There appears to be no initiative from senior HR&CE officials to reclaim these lands or hold tenants accountable.

The response has intensified public demand for transparency and accountability in the management of temple assets, with calls for a deeper investigation into whether systemic corruption and collusion are being overlooked under the guise of safety concerns.

(With Inputs From Dinamalar)

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Student Barred From Exams Despite Madras High Court’s Order, Congress Minority Wing Condemns Evangelist Paul Dhinakaran’s Karunya Institute’s Actions

By
The Commune
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The Tamil Nadu Legal Wing of the All India Congress Committee Minority Department has issued condemnation and announced a protest against Karunya Institute of Technology & Sciences (KITS), Coimbatore, after the institute barred a student from attending his semester exams despite a Madras High Court order staying his expulsion.

The student, Sam Tyndale PS, a B.Tech Biotechnology candidate, was expelled from the university on 24 March 2025, through an order issued by the Director of Student Affairs. Alleging that the expulsion was carried out without prior notice or an opportunity to be heard, Tyndale’s father filed a writ petition (W.P. No. 16738 of 2025) before the Hon’ble Madras High Court.

On 30 April 2025, Justice N. Mala passed an interim order staying the expulsion until 2 June 2025. The court observed that a prima facie case had been made, noting that the expulsion was against the principles of natural justice.

Despite the stay order, the university reportedly denied Tyndale entry to write his practical and semester examinations, claiming they had not received a formal copy of the court’s ruling. However, the order is publicly available on the Madras High Court website, and it contains a QR code accessible via mobile devices. Furthermore, Karunya University’s legal representatives are said to be aware of the ruling, making the denial a potential case of contempt of court.

Tyndale’s parents, who were present on the university campus, called the police for assistance after the student was turned away. However, the issue remained unresolved as both the university authorities and police allegedly failed to act fairly.

Advocate T. Hubertson, Legal Wing In-Charge of the AICC Minority Department in Tamil Nadu, condemned the university’s defiance of the court order and announced a protest to be held outside Karunya Institute of Technology & Sciences on 3 May 2025, at 10:00 AM. He further demanded that the university be held accountable for violating a judicial directive and suppressing a student’s right to education.

 

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“They Thank Me In Private, Criticize In Public”: Nirmala Sitharaman Calls Out DMK’s Duplicity On Centre’s Release Of Funds

By
The Commune
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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has strongly criticised the DMK government for claiming that the Central government’s move to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census is a “hard-earned victory” for the party. She accused the DMK of exploiting the move for political gain while engaging in double-speak—criticising the central government publicly but privately expressing gratitude.

Speaking to reporters on 2 May 2025, Sitharaman confirmed that the Union Cabinet had approved the caste census and emphasized that the data collected would help the government formulate better-targeted welfare policies for the poor and marginalized communities.

She cited a disturbing incident from Tamil Nadu to question the DMK’s claims of social justice leadership. Referring to the 2022 case in Vengaivayal village, Pudukkottai district, where human waste was reportedly found in a Scheduled Caste community’s drinking water tank, Sitharaman asked how such a grave incident could occur in a state that claims to be socially progressive.

“They often say states in North India are backward. But even in those states, we haven’t seen such incidents. DMK should stop claiming credit for the Centre’s decision to include caste enumeration,” she said.

Her comments came in response to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s recent statement calling the caste census a “hard-earned victory” for the Tamil Nadu government.

Continuing her criticism, Sitharaman noted that many shops across Tamil Nadu still openly display caste-based identifiers on their signboards. Instead of politicizing the caste census, she urged for a constructive dialogue on how best to support the economically and socially disadvantaged.

Addressing accusations that the Centre is favouring corporates, Sitharaman dismissed the claims as baseless. She pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the Vizhinjam Port project, which was originally awarded to the Adani Group by the previous Congress-led Kerala government under the late Oommen Chandy. “Just because a company invests in a state doesn’t mean the government is showing favoritism. This logic doesn’t hold up,” she said.

On allegations that the central government is withholding funds from Tamil Nadu, the Finance Minister responded firmly. She reiterated that she has consistently presented data on fund allocation to the state during her visits.

Nirmala Sitharaman then called out the DMK’s double standards regarding central funding. Referring to the recent disbursal of MGNREGA funds, she said, “I have been talking about this every time, how much we are giving and not giving, and how much we are providing to all the states. I have received private messages from some members of the ruling party here, whom I prefer not to name, expressing their gratitude for the employment scheme, specifically the rural employment scheme MNREGA. We have allocated funds for that, and they have thanked me privately saying the money has arrived. They thank me in private and this (criticism) in the public. If you understand this, then that is sufficient.”

Turning to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Sitharaman clarified that the tax regime was not a unilateral decision by the Centre. Instead, it replaced 17 taxes and 8 cesses that existed before 2014 and was established with the consensus of the GST Council, which includes representatives from all state governments.

“No single person can decide GST rates. Every decision is made collectively by the council, which represents all states. Today, consumers can see clearly how much CGST and SGST they are paying, ensuring transparency,” she added.

(With Inputs From TNIE)

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Ex-IAS Sagayam Declines Court Appearance, Cites Threat To Life Over Granite Scam; Slams State For Withdrawing Security

By
The Commune
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ias officer sagayam granite scam probe dmk

Former IAS officer U. Sagayam, who unearthed the massive granite scam in Tamil Nadu in 2014 while serving as a court-appointed special officer, has raised serious concerns over his inability to appear before a special court in Madurai, citing threats to his life.

In a letter addressed to the Special Public Prosecutor of the Special Court for Mines and Minerals in Madurai, Sagayam explained that he could not comply with the court’s summons requiring him to appear on 26 March to present evidence related to the scam.

Dated 25 March, his letter noted that he had previously been provided armed security following a 2014 directive from the Madras High Court, recognizing the potential danger linked to his role as Legal Commissioner investigating illegal granite mining operations.

However, he stated that the security arrangement was discontinued in May 2023 by the Tamil Nadu government—without seeking the High Court’s consent. Sagayam criticized the decision, attributing it to a committee of senior police officers whose conclusion to withdraw his protection, he argued, was unfair and lacked objectivity.

He contended that the officers failed to properly evaluate the serious nature of the offences, the scale of corruption involved, and the powerful vested interests in the granite mining industry. He added that the substantial financial losses to the state—revealed in his investigation—further warranted ongoing protection.

Before approaching the court, Sagayam had appealed to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police to reinstate his security cover, but his request went unheeded.

Pointing to Murders as Evidence of Risk

Sagayam highlighted recent violent incidents to underscore the dangers faced by whistleblowers. He referenced the murder of Jagabar Ali in Pudukottai, reportedly killed by the illegal quarry mafia in January 2025, and the attempted murder of Zakir Hussain in Tirunelveli. Sagayam stated that such attacks demonstrated the deteriorating law and order situation and showed that criminal networks in the mining sector operated with impunity.

In his letter to the court, Sagayam wrote that law-abiding citizens and activists lived in constant fear, adding, “It’s a free run for hardened criminals.” Until his security is reinstated, he declared that he would be unable to comply with any future court summons.

Uncovering a Scam Worth Over ₹1 Lakh Crore

Sagayam’s landmark 600-page report submitted to the Madras High Court in November 2015 exposed large-scale illegal granite extraction around Melur in Madurai district, dating back to the 1990s. His investigation estimated the direct loss to the state at ₹65,154.60 crore. With penalties and recovery costs, the total impact could rise to around ₹1.06 lakh crore.

Whistleblower Transfers and Systemic Resistance

Sagayam’s involvement began when, as Madurai District Collector in 2012, he submitted a confidential report to the state government highlighting illegal quarrying worth ₹16,000 crore. Within a day of his submission, he was transferred. His successor, Anshul Mishra, took stringent action, shutting down 94 quarries and freezing financial accounts linked to the operations. He too was transferred soon after submitting his findings to the government.

The Madras High Court later appointed Sagayam as Commissioner of Inquiry following a PIL. The investigation led to the suspension and transfer of several government officials, including those from Tamil Nadu Minerals Limited (TAMIN) and two former District Collectors—C. Kamaraj and N. Mathivanan.

Criminal Charges and High-Profile Involvement

Nearly 98 FIRs were filed between 2012 and 2013, targeting officials from the Revenue and Mines departments and several private mining companies. Notably, companies like Olympus Granites (allegedly linked to Durai Dayanidhi, son of former Union Minister M.K. Alagiri), PRP Exports (owned by P.R. Palanichamy), and Sindhu Granites were named in the investigations.

Today, the once-thriving granite mining sector in Madurai has nearly ground to a halt due to ongoing criminal proceedings and public scrutiny.

Sagayam has requested that his security be reinstated and demanded strict action against both criminal elements and complicit officials. He confirmed to Frontline that he had also written to the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court about his situation, adding tersely, “I have nothing more to say.”

(With Inputs From The Hindu)

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