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Dravidian Model: Centuries-Old Mangalam Hill Temple In Palladam Suddenly Disappears

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The Commune
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Palladam: Centuries-Old Mangalam Hill Temple Suddenly Disappears
Image Source: Dinamalar

The sudden disappearance of the centuries-old Madhesilingam Temple on Mangalam Hill near Palladam has alarmed local social activists. Located next to Mangalam Government School, the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and under the administration of the Hindu Charities Department has historically attracted large numbers of devotees, especially on auspicious days like Pradosham, Amavasya, and Pournami.

Social activists, led by Annadurai of the Palladam Social Activists Association, visited the site upon receiving reports of the temple’s sudden disappearance. Speaking to the media, Annadurai expressed shock, stating that the temple is of great historical and spiritual significance. “The Mangalam Hill Temple is very old, and its sanctity is evident from its structure and tradition. Lord Shiva has blessed devotees on this hill for generations,” he said.

Annadurai criticized the Charities Department for neglecting the temple. He highlighted that the front hall of the temple had been damaged by termites and that the lack of proper maintenance made it difficult for devotees to continue worshipping. He condemned the department, which is expected to promote spirituality, for allowing the temple to fall into such a state.

The activist also raised concerns about the manner in which the temple disappeared. “It is shocking that a temple, which has not been maintained for years, has suddenly vanished without any prior notice. According to the temple priest, it was recently demolished for renovation. However, there is no sign of a palalayam or any construction work at the site,” he said.

Annadurai questioned whether the Charitable Trust Department acted intentionally in removing the temple. He urged the department to take immediate steps to rebuild the temple, conduct a Kumbabhishekam to restore its traditional grandeur, and make it accessible again for devotees. He also called for a notice to be displayed at the site to inform the public about the temple’s status and planned restoration.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

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“SC, ST, OBC, Muslims Commit Suicide In IITs Because Of Brahmins”: Rabid Anti-Hindu DMK Stooge YouTuber Spews Venom

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The Commune
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"SC, ST, OBC, Muslims Commit Suicide In IITs Because Of Brahmins": Rabid Anti-Hindu DMK Stooge YouTuber Spews Venom

In a video clipping shared by rabid anti-Brahmin and anti-Hindu YouTuber U2Brutus, all that one can see is venom spewed against the Brahmin community. In a latest video, he is seen blaming Brahmins for suicides occurring at the IITs.

In the 2.30-minute video shared, the YouTuber who goes by the name “Minor” is seen saying, “So with what mindset do you think the Brahmin will approach our children in the college campus? If there is a Muslim girl who is studying, what mindset will he talk with to that girl? With what mindset will he behave with an OBC or SC/ST student? That is why there are several other universities like IIT. If you take a survey of all the universities, the number of suicides among students is the highest among the IITs across India. Do you know who is dying by suicide? Scheduled Caste students, Muslim students, Christian students followed by OBC students in far lesser numbers. There is no Brahmin in this list. If a student has developed suicidal thoughts due to tough syllabus, too much of pressure from teachers, will that burden not be felt by the Brahmin students as well? How is it that not one Brahmin student dies by suicide? How is it that only our children are dying by suicide? So what is happening inside? If you segregate the handwash area as veg and nonveg, so how much of a discrimination will be in place inside the campus and in the classrooms? Who is the one who is able to create this discrimination – is it the Vanniyar, Gounder, Thevar, Nadar, Chettiyar – is he inside there? It is all Brahmins. Now why I am making this point is that the honour killings are done mainly by intermediate castes. There is no denying that. No one is going to speak in support of them. But what the general public thinks is that only these (intermediary castes) are caste fanatics and if we eradicate them or if we can make them realise their follies (they think they will), all this will become alright. I am not denying that they must be changed. But where is the fountain head? It is as if these people are the ones who created caste and that they are protecting the caste is what many people think. I am here to prove that it is not so, I have data. So in a place where there are so many suicides, our kids are dying by suicide not the Brahmin kids, it is their child that is studying more, who is the teacher? Who is instigating them to die by suicide? It should be the teacher there right? There is no teacher there who is a Gounder, Thevar, Chettiyar, Nadar, or Konar. So who is holding up this caste, who created caste? Who is the fountainhead of caste?”

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Pakistani Commentators Say “Boys Can Do Some Firing”, Sahibzada Farhan Does “Firing” Gesture To Celebrate 50, Rauf Makes 6-0 Gesture At Ind-Pak Clash Days After “Raze Somnath” Comment

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The Commune
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Pakistani Commentators Say "Boys Can Do Some Firing", Sahibzada Farhan Does "Firing" Gesture To Celebrate 50, Rauf Makes 6-0 Gesture At Ind-Pak Clash Days After "Raze Somnath" Comment

Just a few days after a Pakistani sports commentator claimed that the Pakistani cricket team could raze the Somnath temple, another video surfaced making similar claims

In the backdrop of the India-Pakistan match in the ongoing Asia Cup, a panel of speakers are seen talking. The host asks, “Sir if our boys give it their all, do you think we will win the match?”

To this, the commentator replies, “In my opinion, they can either do this, or I’d suggest some boys can do some firing. Just finish the match. That is confirm for us.” – this seems to be pointing to firing in terms of bullets.

This comes amid the actions of Pakistan batsman Sahibzada Farhan who marked his half-century against India with an unusual gun firing gesture, rather than the traditional bat raise or fist pump. The 34-ball fifty was a pivotal moment in the match, helping Pakistan post their highest T20 total against India. The celebration immediately drew attention, sparking debate over whether it was a spontaneous expression of passion or a provocative act given the tense India-Pakistan rivalry.

Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf sparked controversy by making a provocative “6-0” gesture towards Indian fans while fielding near the boundary. The signal, referencing Pakistan’s politically charged and unverified claims of downing six Indian fighter jets after Operation Sindoor, was accompanied by Rauf mimicking a crashing plane. The gesture came as Indian supporters chanted Virat Kohli’s name, and it drew loud boos and widespread outrage online. On-field tensions escalated further when Rauf exchanged heated words with Abhishek Sharma after a boundary, forcing the umpire to intervene. India ultimately won the match by six wickets.

A few days ago, around the time of the first India-Pakistan match, a video of Pakistani sports commentator Shahnawaz Rana making derogatory remarks about the Somnath temple during a cricket discussion has gone viral on social media and has triggered widespread outrage on various platforms.

Rana, speaking on the YouTube channel Sports Roundup on September 11, said “If you play well, then there’s no reason you can’t defeat them; and I say this with full confidence, because I have criticized this team a lot  – all their programs bear witness, and the one sitting with me today, making all sorts of gestures, I keep asking, why is it like this, why is it this way? But listen to me, this is my homeland, this is my team. And this is the team that, at any given moment, can do something like raze the Somnath temple, and at any time, can scale K2. So, never hold the kind of expectations from this team that make you think, “No, they absolutely cannot do it.” It’s possible. That’s the thing,” while attempting to boost confidence ahead of the September 14 India–Pakistan clash.

The comment on razing Somnath temple, widely criticised online, has been labelled as an instance of casual Hinduphobia being normalised in Pakistani cricket commentary.

The controversy comes a year after another Pakistani commentator, Sohrab Barkat, mocked Hindu beliefs during his coverage of the India–South Africa T20 World Cup final, invoking references to the sacred cow and Lord Vishnu.

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Christian Groups Demand Caste Tags In Karnataka Census Amid Controversy

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The Commune
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A political firestorm has erupted in Karnataka over demands from Christian groups to be enumerated with caste identifiers like “Dalit Christian” and “Kuruba Christian” in the state’s upcoming socio-economic survey. The move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and social commentators who accuse the community of hypocrisy, preaching equality while seeking to benefit from caste-based divisions for political appeasement.

The controversy stems from a press release issued by the “Karnataka Christians Social Educational Survey Awareness Forum,” which actively urged community members, especially “Dalit Christians and backward caste Christians,” to meticulously register their sub-castes in the survey forms. The forum justified the move by citing over “52 castes” within the community and quoted Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s assurance that converts cannot be deprived of benefits.

However, this push has been met with fierce opposition. The BJP has labeled the inclusion of categories like “Lingayat Christian” and “Kuruba Christian” in the survey as “unacceptable” and a tool to further religious conversions. Party leaders argue that the very premise contradicts Christian doctrine.

Equality in Sermon, Caste in Census

Critics point to a fundamental contradiction: while Christian theology officially rejects caste, its political representatives in India are increasingly leveraging caste identity for gain. This strategy, opponents argue, is enabled by the Congress government’s survey, which they claim is designed to create new vote banks by fracturing society along finer lines.

“The Congress government is playing a dangerous game. They are manufacturing categories that nobody has heard of to create a narrative of oppression and entitlement,” senior journalist Mr. Ram Krishna Padya commented. “It’s a blatant appeasement policy that will lead to more social fragmentation and litigation.”

Political Chessboard

The ruling Congress has defended the survey as a neutral data-collection exercise for better policy formulation. Congress spokesperson Mr. Ramesh Babu stated, “This is about documentation to understand social realities. If people retain a social identity even after conversion, ignoring it would be unscientific.”

But political analysts suggest a deeper strategy. By officially recognizing sub-castes within Christianity, the government could potentially pave the way for extending reservation benefits to these groups, a long-standing demand that has so far been legally untenable. This, critics allege, is a thinly veiled attempt to consolidate a key voter base ahead of future elections.

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Hindu Munnani Urges Special Task Force After Police Nab Illegal Bangladeshis In Tiruppur Raids

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The Commune
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Hindu Munnani Urges Special Task Force After Police Nab Illegal Bangladeshis In Tiruppur Raids

Hindu Munnani state president Kadeshwara C. Subramaniam has urged the Tamil Nadu government to form a special committee to identify and act against what he described as the “continuous illegal infiltration” of Bangladeshi nationals in the state.

The statement came a day after police arrested seven persons from Bangladesh in Tiruppur district for allegedly staying without valid documents. The arrests were made in Sirupuluvapatti and Kavilipalayam, where those detained included Farooq Anamal Mohammed, Shafun Miyak Mohammed, Narunobi Mohammed, and Salim. Police reportedly found that one of the detainees had been residing in Tamil Nadu illegally for nearly a decade.

Citing recent crackdowns, Subramaniam noted that in January 2025, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had arrested 31 persons during raids in Palladam. He said more than ten Bangladeshis were detained in Tiruppur on October 12, while seven others were arrested in Panikampalayam, Perundurai in Erode district. Another 11 were taken into custody near Palladam–Veerapandi.

He also referred to a statement by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma five months ago, who had warned of Bangladeshis entering Tamil Nadu via Assam and Tripura to work in the textile sector, often using fake Aadhaar cards.

The Hindu Munnani leader alleged that infiltration has also been linked to crime and terror activities in Tamil Nadu. He recalled incidents such as the abduction and murder of a woman in Avinashi by a Bangladeshi national, the involvement of Bangladeshis in the Joy Alukkas jewellery robbery three years ago, and NIA arrests of 44 individuals with fake Aadhaar cards in Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, and Maraimalainagar last year.

He further claimed that Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen operative Majnu alias Musuruddin, accused of links to ISIS, had run a pet shop in Tiruppur for years using forged documents before being arrested in 2016. Subramaniam alleged that Bangladeshi groups were involved in circulating narcotics in Tamil Nadu and accused the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) of targeting the state.

“The Tamil Nadu government and the police must set up a dedicated unit to prevent infiltration and closely monitor those providing fake Aadhaar cards to foreign nationals,” he said, while praising the police for their latest operation in Tiruppur.

He added that most arrests so far had been made by the NIA and pressed for coordinated efforts between the state and central governments to address the issue.

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FFI Picks ‘Homebound’ For Oscars Written By Basharat Peer Who Also Wrote Propaganda Film ‘Haider’

By
The Commune
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homebound basharat peer haider oscar

India’s official entry to the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles will be Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, a film about two childhood friends, one Dalit and one Muslim, who struggle against “caste and religion-based systemic discrimination” while chasing their dream of becoming policemen. Ironically, the film is based on aa New York Times article by Basharat Peer from 2020, who was also the writer of the film Haider which portrayed the Martand Sun temple in Kashmir as “Shaitan Ki Gufa”.

The Film Federation of India (FFI) announced the selection on Friday after reviewing 24 films across languages. Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, was produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. It has since toured Toronto and Melbourne, winning critical acclaim.

Director Neeraj Ghaywan said the film is “rooted in the love for our land and our people,” while producer Karan Johar described it as a “labour of love” that could resonate with global audiences.

However, the selection has also drawn criticism for the kind of image India repeatedly projects abroad. While many countries send films celebrating their culture, creativity, resilience, or achievements, India has a track record of sending films about poverty, slums, oppression, misogyny, and discrimination. Observers argue this reinforces international stereotypes of India as a nation defined solely by inequality and human rights struggles.

Critics argue that such films feed the global narrative that suits those who want to see the country divided, pointing out that such films provide ammunition to international lobbies that seek to portray India as a civil rights oppressor.

The criticism comes in the backdrop of recent attempts in the West to weaponize caste as a political tool. In 2023, California debated legislation to criminalize caste discrimination despite there being no real incidents on record. In 2024, a high-profile case at CISCO collapsed after a court dismissed a claim of caste bias as fabricated, revealing the employee had actually been terminated for unprofessional conduct.

Critics argue that officially selecting Homebound for the Oscars strengthens these manufactured narratives and risks amplifying the very stereotypes that India’s adversaries abroad are eager to promote.

The Oscars will be held on 15 March 2026. Whether Homebound makes the shortlist will be known on 22 January 2026.

(With inputs from Hindustan Times)

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“Don’t Join MNM With The Idea Of Becoming MLA”: Kamal Haasan Who Became Rajya Sabha MP With DMK’s Help Tells

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The Commune
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kamal haasan dmk

The Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), led by actor-politician Kamal Haasan, has launched a four-day series of consultation meetings in Chennai at RA Puram, Muthamizh Peravai, aimed at preparing the party’s cadre and office-bearers ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

On the second day of the programme, Haasan expressed concern over organisational gaps, particularly the absence of booth committees. He reportedly told the cadre that all those who are looking to become MLAs need not be a part of the preparation or the party – “Don’t think of becoming an MLA. Those who came to the party with me are the ones who came with bungalows, they can go with the same bungalow, they can even go without a bungalow. No one should come here with the idea of becoming an MLA.”

The consultation exercise covers eight zones across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The programme commenced on Thursday morning with the Chennai zone meeting, which saw participation from 18 district secretaries and 26 Assembly constituency-level functionaries.

According to party sources, Haasan urged the cadre to intensify preparations for the polls and stressed the importance of strengthening the organisation at the grassroots level. He asked constituency-level leaders to expand membership, appoint more office-bearers, and accelerate field activities.

Speaking to reporters, he said that the party will do whatever is necessary to strengthen the DMK alliance.

Haasan is also understood to have conveyed that MNM would campaign across Tamil Nadu in support of the DMK-led alliance, while simultaneously working to consolidate its own presence in the state.

(With inputs from The New Indian Express)

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“Why Are You Turning Towards Him If He Comes?” DMK MP Trichy Siva Gets Angry At DMK Executives After Senthil Balaji Distracts With Late Entry

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The Commune
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"Why Does It Matter Who Comes?" Trichy Siva Snaps At DMK Executives Over Senthil Balaji’s Late Arrival

A public meeting organized by the DMK under the title “I will not let Tamil Nadu bow its head” on the 80-foot road under the Karur Municipal Corporation witnessed an unusual on-stage tension between Trichy DMK MP Trichy Siva and former minister and Karur MLA Senthil Balaji.

The event was attended by a large number of DMK executives, volunteers, and MLAs including those from Kulithalai, Aravakurichi, and Krishnarayapuram. Prior to the speeches, participants took a pledge that they would not let Tamil Nadu bow its head, demonstrating unity and resolve on the stage.

Trichy Siva, who was invited as a special guest, was speaking passionately from the stage. Siva said, “…Anna is the pinnacle of intelligence. Take a moment to find out with what courage the person spoke.”

At this moment, Senthil Balaji arrived and he was late. As Balaji reached the venue, the DMK executives on stage stood up to acknowledge his presence. This action reportedly drew the attention of all the public attendees toward Senthil Balaji.

At that moment, an angry Trichy Siva expressed his displeasure, saying: “Look here. Why does it matter who is there? He is coming on his own, why are you turning towards him? I am speaking from the bottom of my stomach.”

When Senthil Balaji eventually arrived on stage, he draped Trichy Siva with a shawl and then seated on a chair. Despite Balaji being present, Trichy Siva continued his speech at length, but tensions surfaced again when the DMK executives, standing out of respect, interrupted his flow. Siva reportedly grew angry and said sharply: “Sit down.”

Eyewitnesses noted that the crowd, as well as several DMK volunteers and executives, were taken aback by Siva’s visible frustration. The incident highlighted a rare moment of discord during the otherwise orderly public meeting, drawing attention from local media and party observers.

Former minister Senthil Balaji’s late arrival, combined with the standing of executives on stage, appears to have triggered Trichy Siva’s reaction, reflecting underlying tensions among party leaders even during major public gatherings.

(With inputs from Janam Tamil)

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DMK Govt Challenges Madras High Court’s SIT Formation Over Alleged Kidney Racket Linked To DMK MLA, Files Appeal In Supreme Court

By
The Commune
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tn kidney trafficking scandal

The DMK government in Tamil Nadu has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court challenging a Madras High Court order that directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe a kidney racket.

The Madras High Court had earlier criticized the state government for allegedly taking the kidney racket lightly and failing to register a First Information Report (FIR). The court had ordered the registration of an FIR and the formation of an SIT to investigate the case.

The High Court also instructed that the SIT submit periodical progress reports, with the first report due on 24 September 2025.

The SIT, as per the HC order, is to be headed by Southern Zone IG Prem Anand Sinha and tasked with investigating alleged irregularities in kidney sales. The probe is linked to complaints regarding the alleged exploitation of poor workers by brokers and illegal kidney donations.

The Tamil Nadu government’s appeal in the Supreme Court comes before registration of the FIR or compliance with the HC directions. Observers note that an FIR could trigger involvement from agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate, potentially uncovering alleged financial irregularities connected to hospitals reportedly owned by a DMK MLA.

In its original order, the Madurai bench of the High Court emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating: “A special investigation team headed by Southern Zone IG Prem Anand Sinha should investigate the cases related to kidney sale irregularities and submit its report by September 24.”

It is noteworthy that the kidney trafficking scandal centers on Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Hospital, linked to DMK MLA Kathiravan, son of the hospital’s founder. Allegations suggest the hospital and its political patron shielded illegal kidney transplants targeting poor women, with brokers coercing victims and using forged Aadhaar cards. M. Anandan, a DMK party speaker, is accused of orchestrating the racket and remains absconding. Sources claim Kathiravan’s influence blocked the establishment of a government medical college in Perambalur to protect hospital interests. While the hospital publicly offers free treatment and medical camps, critics allege these initiatives may have concealed organ harvesting operations, highlighting potential systemic protection through political connections.

The Supreme Court will now hear the state government’s appeal, which seeks to stay or modify the HC’s directions regarding the investigation and SIT formation.

(With inputs from Dinakaran)

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Dravidian Model DMK Govt Refuses To Pass On GST Cut Benefit To Aavin Milk Consumers While Amul And Nandini Reduce Rates

By
The Commune
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Even as leading public sector dairy cooperatives Amul and Karnataka Milk Federation’s Nandini announced price reductions following the GST cut on dairy products from 12% to 5%, Tamil Nadu’s Aavin will continue to sell milk products at existing prices when the revised GST comes into force on 22 September 2025.

Amul, Nandini, and several private brands have reportedly reduced prices of ghee, paneer, butter, ice cream, milk chocolates, and other products by Rs 25 to Rs 40, citing the GST cut.

Senior officials from the Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers Federation (TNCMPF), which owns the Aavin brand, told reporters that since Aavin calculates its final prices inclusive of GST, a formal directive from the state government is necessary before any price revision. As of Sunday night, no such directive had been issued.

A franchise retail outlet proprietor said that with the GST reduction, Aavin had adjusted the base price upward to keep the maximum retail price unchanged, effectively resulting in an increase in Aavin product prices from Monday.

During visits to Aavin outlets in Ambattur, Anna Nagar, Adyar, Korattur, and Thiruvanmiyur on Sunday, TNIE reported that staff at the outlets confirmed no instructions had been issued to lower product prices. An employee at the Ambattur outlet said that so far, they had not received any order to reduce prices of ghee or butter.

Aavin reportedly procures about 35 lakh litres of milk daily, of which 8-9 lakh litres are converted into value-added products. With the revised GST rates taking effect from Monday, Amul and Nandini have cut the per litre price of ghee from Rs 650 to Rs 610 and made corresponding reductions across other items. While Nandini has reduced prices for about 15 products, Amul has reportedly slashed prices across more than 700 dairy products.

Some Aavin customers expressed dissatisfaction over the decision to maintain prices. S Rajesh, a resident of Mullai Nagar, Ambattur, told reporters that when private brands cut ghee and butter prices by Rs 20-Rs 30 per kg, it was unfair for Aavin to continue selling at higher rates. He added that with demand rising during festivals, Aavin should pass on the GST benefit to consumers.

Aavin generates annual milk product sales worth approximately Rs 600 crore, with sales of Rs 126 crore recorded during last year’s Deepavali season.

While Amul and Nandini have proportionately reduced prices following the GST cut from 12% to 5%, Aavin continues to sell ghee and other products at the same maximum retail price.

(With inputs from The New Indian Express)

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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.
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