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Lalbaug’s Ganesh Galli Unveils 22-Foot Idol Inspired By Rameswaram Legend For 2025 Festival

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The Commune
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The iconic Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal continues to uphold its 98-year-old tradition with this year’s spectacular Ganesh idol, inspired by the mythological story of Rameswaram. Revered as the king of Ganesh Galli and affectionately known as the king of Mumbai, the 22-foot-tall idol captivates devotees with its unique theme drawn from the ancient Tamil legend.

Siddesh Korgaonkar, Vice President of the Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal told IANS, “This year’s idol is inspired by the story where Lord Hanuman carries the body of Lord Shiva from Rameswaram. The intricate design reflects a glimpse of Rameswaram’s sacred aura, blending mythology with artistry.” The idol’s grandeur continues the legacy of one of Mumbai’s oldest Ganesh idols, symbolising faith, culture, and the city’s rich heritage. The theme resonates deeply with devotees, connecting them to stories that transcend time and geography.

Given the expected massive turnout, stringent security measures have been put in place. Mumbai Police, alongside private security personnel, are vigilantly managing the crowd. The entire pandal is monitored through CCTV cameras to ensure a peaceful and safe ‘darshan’ experience for all visitors. Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India.

In 2025, this auspicious occasion falls on August 27. Traditionally, the festival marks the birth of Lord Ganesha—the deity of wisdom, knowledge, and prosperity. For the next generation of students, Ganesh Chaturthi is more than just a religious celebration; it is an opportunity to learn, grow, and embrace values that shape character and intellect. Ganesh Chaturthi’s importance lies in celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, god of wisdom, and patron of new beginnings. It fosters spiritual devotion, family bonds, and community unity, historically serving as a platform to unite people during the Indian freedom movement.

The festival emphasises spiritual growth, prosperity, and wisdom, while also promoting environmental awareness now through eco-friendly practices like the use of clay idols instead of the Plaster of Paris ones used earlier. Ganesh Chaturthi, one of India’s most vibrant and cherished festivals, is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity revered as the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune, and the remover of obstacles.

-IANS

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10th Century Headless Buddha Idol Unearthed In Tamil Nadu’s Pudukkottai District

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The Commune
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A headless Buddha idol dating back to the 10th century has been discovered on the banks of an irrigation tank at Avudaiyarkovil in Tamil Nadu’s Pudukkottai district. The rare find was made on 26 August by members of the Pudukkottai Archaeological Research Forum during a field survey.

According to A. Manikandan, Founder of the Forum and researcher at the Department of Ancient Science, Tamil University, Thanjavur, the discovery was part of a long-running project to document historical monuments in Pudukkottai under the guidance of Forum President Karu. Rajendran. The idol was located at the Periya Kanmai irrigation tank, on the mound of the Perumadai canal in Avudaiyarkovil. Carved from black stone, the sculpture was referred to by residents as Thalai Illa Saami (headless deity).

Villagers believe that the idol has powers to bring rain when a clay head is placed on it during times of drought. Manikandan explained that based on stylistic features, the idol can be traced to the 10th century. The sculpture measures 48 centimetres in height and 38 centimetres in width. It depicts the Buddha with a robe draped over the right shoulder and a cloth around the waist. Distinct features include a broad chest, wide shoulders, three folds on the neck (trivali), and the right hand raised above the left palm in a traditional gesture. Residents informed the researchers that the missing head was once seen in a nearby canal, but it has not been recovered.

The team plans to continue explorations in the area to trace it. Historical references link Avudaiyarkovil and its surroundings to a flourishing Buddhist presence during the Chola period. Ancient literature records that Buddhist scholar Buddhamitra, who composed the grammar text Vīra Chozhiyam during the reign of Chola king Vira Rajendra, hailed from Ponpathi (ancient Ponpatri) near Avudaiyarkovil. Remains of a moat and fort-like structure associated with him can still be seen today. Manikandan said the discovery adds to the growing evidence of Pudukkottai’s Buddhist heritage and underlines the need for further archaeological exploration in the region.

-IANS

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AIADMK Chief EPS Slams DMK’s Coimbatore Master Plan 2041, Alleges Major Irregularities

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The Commune
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Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has come down heavily on the DMK government’s Coimbatore Master Plan 2041, alleging that the scheme was riddled with flaws and could pave the way for massive irregularities involving ruling party families and their close associates.

In a strongly worded statement, Palaniswami said the plan has triggered “shock and apprehension” among the people of Coimbatore. The master plan, prepared by the Directorate of Town and Country Planning, spans 1,531 sq km, covering the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation, four municipalities, 21 town panchayats and 66 revenue villages. It sets out a framework to earmark land for agriculture, housing, industries and other developmental activities. However, the AIADMK leader alleged that the government had rushed the exercise without transparency. He pointed out that even a mandatory public hearing was abruptly halted midway, yet the plan was moved forward and published despite “serious shortcomings” and a lack of clarity.

“The way this has been structured raises fears that the plan has been deliberately designed to facilitate scientific corruption on a large scale,” Palaniswami charged. He claimed that companies with close links to the ruling establishment would benefit disproportionately, manipulating thousands of acres of land by exploiting loopholes in the zoning and usage guidelines.

According to him, nearly 50,000 acres could be impacted by these changes, enabling irregularities worth thousands of crores of rupees. Such large-scale manipulation, he warned, would not only harm farmers and landowners but also derail the genuine developmental needs of Coimbatore and its surrounding areas. Palaniswami said it was unacceptable for the government to proceed with such a critical plan without factoring in public opinion or safeguarding the interests of ordinary citizens. He demanded that the authorities immediately review and redefine the Coimbatore Master Plan, taking into account the concerns of stakeholders and ensuring that the scheme does not become a vehicle for profiteering by vested interests. The AIADMK, he added, would continue to oppose the plan in its current form and stand with the people of Coimbatore to prevent large-scale irregularities.

-IANS

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Bhopal Authorities Seize Encroached Government Land From Notorious Machhli Crime Syndicate

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The Commune
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The crackdown on the infamous Machhli family, allegedly involved in sex rackets, drug trafficking, and money laundering, intensified on 27 August as the Bhopal district administration began reclaiming government land encroached by the syndicate.

Officials started demarcating nearly 100 acres of land belonging to the Animal Husbandry Department at Kofta bypass, which the family had allegedly usurped under the guise of developing a “courtyard premium colony.” A team of officials from the revenue department started the process of demarcation of land in the presence of a heavy security deployment. The district administration has also decided to videograph the entire process which is being carried out by at least six officials, to avoid any further untoward incidents. Before the operation started, the surrounding area was declared a prohibited zone.

The development came a week after the Bhopal district administration razed a three-storey mansion of the notorious Machhli family built illegally on government land in the Anandpur Kokta area on 21 Aug. The building, sprawling across 15,000 square feet, has 30 rooms and is estimated to have a market value of ₹25-Rs 30 crore. Notably, the sequence of actions is being followed after a sweeping operation on 30 July, when authorities bulldozed over ₹100 crore worth of illegal properties linked to the Machhli family, including farmhouses, warehouses, factories, madrasas, and residential buildings. The Machhli family, long accused of drug trafficking, sexual exploitation, and violent intimidation, had established a stronghold in Ward No 62 of Bhopal.

Their influence began to unravel after a major breakthrough by the Bhopal Crime Branch, which uncovered a disturbing nexus involving narcotics, illegal weapons, video blackmailing, and physical abuse, according to government officials. The investigation led to the arrest of Shahwar Machhli and his nephew, Yasin, in connection with a rape and blackmail case targeting college girls. Shariq Ahmed, their uncle, was also taken into custody shortly thereafter. The crackdown is part of a broader campaign led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who has vowed to eradicate criminal syndicates operating under the guise of drug mafias and so-called “love jihadis.”

-IANS

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Calcutta High Court Bars Durga Puja Grants For Committees Without Utilisation Certificates

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The Commune
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Calcutta HC Orders CBI Probe Into Torture Of Two Women In Police Custody calcutta high court the bengal files

The Calcutta High Court on 27 August ordered that Durga Puja committees that did not submit last year’s utilisation certificates of grants will not receive such funds given by the West Bengal government this year.

The High Court imposed this ban on the granting of funds to the Durga Puja committees in the state by the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee government, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the West Bengal government’s decision to provide grants to the puja committees.

At the same time, the Division Bench of Justice Sujoy Pal and Justice Smita Das De also ordered that all the Durga Puja clubs, that will receive the puja grants this year, will have to submit the utilisation certificates of their grant money to the West Bengal Director General of Police and Kolkata Police Commissioner within one month after Vijayadashami on 2 October this year.

The matter will be heard again after a month of Durga Puja holidays. In the hearing on Wednesday, state Advocate General Kishore Datta said, “A total of 41,795 clubs were given Puja grants last year. Out of them, only three clubs did not submit the utilisation certificates. Those clubs are from Siliguri in north Bengal.” After hearing this, Justice Sujoy Pal said the court does not want to go into the data and made its position clear that those who have not given the utilisation certificate will not be given money this year. In this regard, advocate Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya, representing the plaintiff, said that the court’s order was that the utilisation certificate should be given within a specified time. After hearing the arguments of both sides Justice Sujoy Pal said that the state will have to follow the 2022 Calcutta High Court order in the current year.

On 13 September 2022, Justice Prakash Shrivastava had ordered that the grants should be sanctioned only if the utilisation certificate of previous year’s money was submitted within a specified time. In 2022, the state government had told the court that the grants were given to raise awareness about ‘Safe Drive, Save Life’ and to comply with the Coronavirus restrictions.

This year, Chief Minister Banerjee has increased the grant for Durga Puja by ₹25,000 to ₹1,10,000 for each club, which will cost the state exchequer almost ₹500 crore. Following the announcement, two PILs were filed at the Calcutta High Court against the Durga Puja grant. One of the PILs has been filed by Durgapur resident Sourav Dutta, who has questioned how money from the state exchequer would be used to provide Durga Puja grants. The state government started providing financial assistance to the puja committees in 2018. In the first year, the grant was Rs 10,000. In 2019, it was increased to ₹25,000. After that, the amount of the grant continued to increase every year. Last year, it was increased to ₹85,000.

-IANS

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TVK’s First Scam? Instagram Post Artificially Boosted Like His Box Office Numbers? The Real Picture Behind Vijay’s “10 Million+ Likes” In A Day

By
The Commune
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vijay instagram

A recent Instagram post by part-time-politician Vijay has gone viral, reportedly crossing over 10 million likes within a day an achievement widely circulated by local media and Vijay fans as a record-breaking moment. The post, a selfie video from Vijay’s second state-level TVK conference held in Madurai on 21 August 2025, currently stands at 12.5 million likes and 262,000 comments, despite Vijay having just 14.1 million followers on the platform.

However, the credibility of this viral success is now being questioned. Analysts and critics have pointed out signs of manipulated engagement, noting that the like count surpasses posts by global figures such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Virat Kohli, which is highly unusual for a regional political figure. This has led to growing speculation that paid promotion, or artificial boosting may be behind the viral numbers.

Unnatural Engagement Patterns

A closer look at the post’s performance reveals several red flags:

  • The video saw an engagement spike of over 11.6 million likes in less than 24 hours.
  • Instagram analytics indicate a 4,392% increase in followers and a 1,013% jump in engagement ratio in just a week.
  • The number of comments also soared by 2,843%, raising doubts about the authenticity of the interaction.

Such disproportionate growth in engagement especially compared to established global celebrities has led many to suspect that the numbers are not organic but likely the result of third-party services, including bots or purchased likes and followers.

Demographic Discrepancies

Perhaps the most damning evidence lies in the geographical source of the engagement. Data suggests:

  • Only 1.02% of likes are from Tamil Nadu, the core of Vijay’s fan base.
  • A significant portion 38% originates from states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, where Vijay’s political or film-related influence is minimal.
  • 26% of engagement comes from Assam, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh, and another 18% from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Punjab.

Given Tamil Nadu’s population demographics, especially among the Instagram-active youth (ages 20–35), experts argue it’s highly unlikely for a political post to achieve such traction particularly when most engagement comes from regions with little to no connection to Vijay or his political outfit, TVK (Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam).

Pattern Repeats?

This isn’t the first time Vijay’s social media strategies have come under scrutiny. In an earlier incident, it was alleged that his team had purchased a Facebook page that previously belonged to a actress fan page to inflate their follower count, presenting an illusion of mass support online.

Allegations of Social Media Manipulation

Critics claim that this recent post may be yet another manufactured publicity stunt, estimating that such engagement inflation could cost anywhere between ₹40 to ₹50 lakh, if done through paid engagement platforms. The goal, they argue, is to project Vijay as a politically powerful figure with mass appeal using numbers that don’t hold up to scrutiny.

In conclusion, what appears to be a viral success on social media may, in fact, be a strategic digital façade aimed at inflating political credibility. As questions grow around the authenticity of Vijay’s Instagram popularity, there is increasing demand for transparency and independent verification of the metrics involved in such posts. Observers call this yet another instance of “old wine in a new bottle” a familiar tactic dressed in a new form to create an illusion of mass support.

Just Like His Box Office Numbers

Vijay-starrer Leo was touted as a historic blockbuster—hailed as the second highest-grossing Tamil film of 2023, the seventh highest-grossing Indian film of the year, the third highest-grossing Tamil film of all time, and the biggest Tamil hit overseas as well as in Tamil Nadu. Industry hype pegged its earnings at a staggering ₹600 crore.

But the producer’s official filing with the Income Tax Department told a very different story: the actual theatrical revenue stood at just ₹160.56 crore. The inflated figures had in fact bundled in pre-release and post-release sales of rights, which accounted for the bulk of collections:

  • Digital rights: ₹124 crore
  • Audio rights: ₹24 crore
  • Hindi distribution rights: ₹24 crore
  • South Indian satellite rights: ₹72 crore

In total, the verified revenue amounted to ₹404.56 crore—far short of the mythical ₹600 crore narrative.

Just like inflating box office numbers for his films, Vijay now seems to be inflating his social media posts to portray himself as a big political player.

(With inputs from Maridhas)

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Congress Circulates Fake AI-Generated Document Targeting RSS

By
The Commune
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Congress functionary Manish Tiwari and senior leader Jairam Ramesh have indulged in peddling fake news. The duo circulated an image on social media alleging that the RSS did not participate in any anti-British movement between 1925 and 1947.

According to a report by Organiser, the document shared online was not an authentic historical record but an AI-generated fabrication. The report purportedly attributed to the “British Home Department” was flagged as fraudulent, as no such department existed in British India.

Discrepancies in the Document

The image carried several inconsistencies that raised doubts about its authenticity. The British emblem appeared distorted, with the original motto “Dieu et mon droit” altered to “Dieu Droit,” which has no meaning. The seal also showed random scribbles, allegedly typical of AI-generated images.

Additionally, the document referred to the organisation as “RSS.” Historians note that British records consistently used “R.S.S.S.” to denote the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

The controversy comes just hours before RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat is set to deliver a three-day lecture series at Vigyan Bhawan, themed “100 Years of Journey of RSS: New Horizons.”

RSS Role in Freedom Struggle

The organisation also highlighted its contributions during the freedom struggle, citing founder Dr. K.B. Hedgewar’s participation in the Dandi March of 1930, his imprisonment, and the involvement of over 100 swayamsevaks jailed during Satyagraha.

Under M.S. Golwalkar’s leadership, the Sangh claimed active participation in the Quit India Movement of 1942, particularly in Vidarbha. RSS volunteers were said to have taken part in agitations alongside Congress leaders, with several members, including Hemu Kalani and Dada Naik, sentenced to death.

British intelligence reports from the period described the RSS as “anti-British volunteers ready to sacrifice their lives for the cause of the country,” according to archival references cited in the article.

The RSS has alleged that the Congress is deliberately using artificial intelligence to malign its history, accusing the party of being influenced by Communist narratives.

The row adds to the political friction between the two parties, with the Sangh insisting that fabricated propaganda cannot erase the contributions of its members during India’s independence movement.

(With inputs from Organiser)

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VCK Cadres Threaten Shop Owners In Tiruvarur Demanding Money For Thirumavalavan’s Secular Rally; Case Registered

By
The Commune
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CCTV footage from a furniture shop in Pulivalam, Tiruvarur district, has captured cadres of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) allegedly threatening and demanding money from the shop for a public meeting and secularism rally linked to party leader Thol. Thirumavalavan’s birthday celebrations.

The incident occurred on 22 August 2025 at around 4 PM, when three VCK members, including the Tiruvarur South Union Secretary and Deputy Secretary, entered Abirami & Co, a furniture shop run for the past four years by Kovil Jayabalan. The cadres reportedly demanded money for the August 24 event scheduled at Keelaveethi.

As the shop owner was out of town, a female staff member informed them of his absence. The cadres allegedly took Jayabalan’s phone number, called him directly, and demanded money, issuing threats when he declined and said he would meet them later.

According to the complaint, the cadres threatened to damage the shop, seize goods, and harm the owner, asserting dominance in the locality.

Jayabalan subsequently lodged a complaint at the Tiruvarur Taluk Police Station, submitting CCTV footage of the incident. Police have registered a case under three sections against the two named VCK functionaries.

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Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe’s Independent Rape Gang Inquiry Names 85 UK Local Authorities

By
The Commune
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rape gang inquiry rupert lowe

Former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe has claimed that gang-based child sexual exploitation has taken place in at least 85 local authority areas across the UK, following research conducted through his independently funded Rape Gang Inquiry.

Lowe, the MP for Great Yarmouth and former chairman of Southampton Football Club, launched the inquiry earlier this year after the government initially declined to hold one into so-called grooming gangs. The project has since raised more than £600,000 in public donations.

The announcement comes despite Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirming in May that the government would conduct a national inquiry after accepting the recommendations of Baroness Louise Casey’s audit into group-based child sexual abuse.

In a statement released today, Lowe described the research as “one of the most comprehensive exposes of the rape gang scandal to date.” He said the investigation had received testimony from survivors, family members and whistleblowers, and identified “patterns of targeted exploitation by predominantly Pakistani males, combined with gross negligence from public bodies.”

According to the inquiry, cases have been identified across the country, from Aberdeen to Plymouth and from Antrim to Canterbury, with some dating back to the 1960s. Lowe said the team had gathered evidence through thousands of Freedom of Information requests, as well as interviews with victims and families, supported by specialists in safeguarding and therapy.

He added that ongoing cases have been referred to the relevant authorities and that all 85 councils named would be contacted for “full transparency and cooperation.” Hearings are expected to begin later this year, with survivors and experts invited to give evidence before a final report and recommendations are produced.

Lowe, who was suspended from the Reform UK party in March amid a bullying row, said the findings underscored the need for urgent government action. He accused Labour of inaction since pledging a national inquiry, claiming that “hundreds of thousands of lives have been ruined” and warning against “broken promises” to survivors.

The government has yet to comment on the latest claims from the independent inquiry.

(With inputs from Watford Observer)

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BJP Leader H Raja Blasts DMK After Councillor’s Family Accused Of Attacking Resident Over Water Issue In Karur

By
The Commune
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h raja dmk karur

Senior BJP leader and National Executive Committee Member H. Raja has sharply criticized the DMK-led government, calling it anarchic, following a reported assault involving a local DMK councillor’s family in Karur district. The incident arose after a resident questioned the prolonged lack of water supply in the area.

Taking to his official X account, H Raja condemned the situation, stating, “Dravidian Model Government’s Anarchy…!! When a resident called the 15th Ward Councillor in Karur to question that for past 12 days there has been no drinking water, the DMK Councillor has attacked the person who questioned over the phone, creating chaos..!! The police should arrest the councilor who threatened, attacked, and engaged in violence against the public and take action.”

Background

The controversy stems from a complaint filed by Chitra, a 61-year-old resident of Pugazhur in Karur district. She has submitted a petition to the District Collector seeking legal action against those involved in the alleged assault on her husband, Ravi (65), who is currently undergoing treatment at Karur Government Medical College Hospital.

According to Chitra’s statement, she and her husband approached Ward 15 councillor Sabina at the Pugazhur Sugar Mill Junction around 7 PM to raise concerns about the ongoing drinking water shortage. During the exchange, Sabina’s husband, Navas Khan who is also the DMK Minority Wing District Organizer allegedly confronted them aggressively. The situation escalated, leading to Ravi being struck in the chest and collapsing. Chitra claims that others who attempted to intervene were also assaulted.

Following the altercation, Ravi was hospitalized, and Chitra has urged authorities to take immediate action against those responsible. She later fainted within the Collectorate premises after submitting her complaint and was subsequently admitted to the same hospital for treatment.

In response to the allegations, Navas Khan denied any physical assault. He claimed that while there was a verbal disagreement over the water issue, no violence occurred. “I explained the situation calmly. There was only a heated exchange, not an attack. The CCTV footage will prove this,” he said.

The incident has triggered political outrage, with H. Raja demanding immediate police intervention and arrest of the individuals involved. The situation continues to draw attention as both sides maintain conflicting versions of the events.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

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