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Speaker Om Birla Calls Out Opposition U-Turn On Operation Sindoor Discussion

By
The Commune
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The Lok Sabha convened amid heightened anticipation for the scheduled debate on Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

The session opened with Krishna Prasad Tenneti in the Chair, who informed members that the adjournment motion had not been admitted. He then invited ministers to lay official papers and reports on the floor of the House. Among those who tabled documents were Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Jayant Chaudhary, Pankaj Choudhri, Shobha Karandlaje, Raksha Khadse, Sukanta Majumdar, Harsh Malhotra, and Kiren Rijiju. The ministers represented portfolios spanning higher education, finance, MSME, youth affairs, and corporate affairs.

The House also received the tenth report of the Committee on Government Business, dated 25 July, outlining the legislative agenda for the week. Under Rule 377 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha, members were allotted a 20-minute window to raise matters of urgent public importance. This segment, often used to surface constituency-level issues, was expected to reflect a broad spectrum of concerns from across the country.

At 12.06 pm, Speaker Om Birla entered the chamber and addressed the escalating disruption over the proposed discussion on Operation Sindoor. He reminded members that the Business Advisory Committee had unanimously agreed to schedule the debate and that opposition leaders had given verbal consent during a meeting in his chamber. Expressing dismay, Birla noted that some members were now reneging on that commitment.

Opposition MPs, however, continued to raise slogans demanding an immediate discussion not only on Operation Sindoor but also on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The phrase “SIR par charcha karo” echoed through the chamber as Speaker Birla repeatedly urged members to adhere to parliamentary procedure. He asked pointedly whether the House wished to proceed with the debate, emphasising that such discussions must follow the framework laid out by the Business Advisory Committee and not through shouting slogans in the Bell of the House. Unable to restore order, Birla adjourned the House until 1 p.m.

The backdrop to this tension is the high-stakes debate on Operation Sindoor, India’s calibrated military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives. Between 7 and 10 May, Indian forces targeted nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in what the government has described as a “strong, successful and decisive” operation.

The opposition, led by Congress and INDIA bloc leaders, has demanded accountability for intelligence lapses preceding the attack and clarity on international mediation claims, particularly those made by US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly asserted that he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

The Lok Sabha is slated to hold a 16-hour debate on Operation Sindoor, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh opening the discussion. Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar are expected to present the government’s position, while Rahul Gandhi will lead the opposition’s response. Congress has issued a whip for full attendance, underscoring the political weight of the debate.

-IANS

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TN Congress Leader Who Simps For Pakistan Calls Ganga As Polluted And Dirty River Which No Dravidian Leader Wants

By
The Commune
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tn congress ganga

The consistent narrative pushed by the left and Dravidian sympathizers is that leaders from the North, have little regard for Tamil language, culture, and identity. But whenever such efforts to bridge divides are made, they quickly jump to their next propaganda sowing division and perpetuating a North-South divide by maligning the efforts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s conscious effort to celebrate and honor Tamil culture, particularly with his gesture of bringing holy water from the Ganga for the Gaṅgaikoṇḍa Chōḻapuram 1000th-year celebrations, has drawn a dismissive response from the likes of TN Congress functionary Dhivya Marunthiah. It is noteworthy that the same Dhivya had earlier simped for Pakistan royally and accused the Indian government of religious bias in its military action during Operation Sindoor, despite the targeted nature of the operation against known terrorist camps.

She peddled the claim, “No Dravidian leader wanted to bring the filth and pollution of the Ganga to Tamil Nadu. Our leaders focused on real development and schemes that actually serve the people. We believe in clean water, not PR stunts. Keep your 1000-year drama, we’ll take 100% results.” This statement, made while using an old, outdated picture of the Ganga’s pollution, conveniently ignores the larger context and the progress made under the ‘Namami Ganga Programme,’ which aims to clean and rejuvenate the river.

In reality, Modi’s gesture wasn’t just a “PR stunt,” but a tribute to the rich cultural history of Tamil Nadu itself the Gangaikonda Choḻapuram temple, one of the finest examples of Chola architecture, symbolizes the grandeur of an empire that once stretched from the banks of the Ganga in the north to Southeast Asia. Yet, instead of celebrating the connection between this ancient glory and modern-day India, the Congress chose to criticize and politicize the situation, turning a moment of national pride into a cynical attempt to dismiss the Prime Minister’s outreach to Tamil culture.

 This is deeply hypocritical. While they criticize the river as “polluted,” they fail to recognize the ongoing efforts under the Namami Ganga Programme, launched in 2014 under Modi’s government. This initiative aims at the rejuvenation and conservation of the Ganga with a ₹20,000 crore budget. As part of the program, over 200 sewage treatment projects have been sanctioned, and 116 projects have already been completed. The program has also initiated the cleaning of ghats and crematoria, with significant progress in river surface cleaning and waste disposal.

In contrast, the situation in Tamil Nadu remains concerning. Despite spending ₹529 crore of the allocated ₹750 crore for the restoration of the Cooum River, the river remains highly polluted and unchanged, while the state continues to focus on criticism rather than action.

The contrast is clear, while Congress seeks to undermine efforts to revive India’s holy river, the reality of the ongoing restoration work speaks for itself. What they label as “drama” is, in fact, a well-planned, actionable mission to protect and rejuvenate one of India’s most significant rivers, a vision that clearly surpasses the limited progress in Tamil Nadu’s own environmental efforts.

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Balochistan Extends Support To Indian Parliament Debate On Operation Sindoor

By
The Commune
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balochistan support parliament debate operation sindoor

Leading Baloch human rights defender Mir Yar Baloch on 28 July 2025 wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, commending the unity of the Indian people and the government’s steadfast stance against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism.

This letter came ahead of the debate on Operation Sindoor, scheduled to be held post-noon later in the day in Parliament.

In the letter, Baloch wrote, “We, the sixty million Baloch people of the Republic of Balochistan, extend our heartfelt message to our 1.4 billion Indian brothers and sisters. On the occasion of today’s parliamentary debate on Operation Sindoor, we express our profound admiration for the unwavering unity of the Indian people, the resolute and principled stance of the Government of India against Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism, and the visionary decision by the opposition to stand in solidarity with the government and armed forces at this critical juncture.”

Mir Yar Baloch also appreciated the extraordinary courage and professionalism of the Indian Armed Forces, the “responsible and patriotic role” of the Indian media, and the nation’s collective success in confronting and overcoming “Pakistan’s military and psychological aggression.”

Stressing the “enduring India-Balochistan bonds of friendship,” the human rights activist urged recognition of the “invaluable historical relationship” in the Indian Parliament.

“This sentiment is not only a testament to our shared past but also echoes the aspirations and convictions of the Indian populace,” the letter added.

Mir Yar Baloch highlighted that in the aftermath of the temporary pause in Operation Sindoor, “Pakistan’s occupying forces have unleashed a renewed wave of brutality” upon the people of Balochistan.

The letter mentioned that these brutal actions carried out by the Pakistani forces are a “direct reprisal” for the principled stance of the Baloch people, who have “chosen to stand in solidarity with the citizens of India”.

“Our letter is a powerful reminder of India’s role in standing up for oppressed people and resisting tyranny in our neighbourhood. The Baloch people have consistently looked toward India as a beacon of hope, and their unwavering support for our sovereignty, particularly during events like Operation Sindoor, deserves a principled response from your leadership,” said the human rights activist.

He also detailed a series of strategies that Balochistan can help India with, including ending Pakistan’s access to the Arabian Sea via Gwadar and disrupting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which he called “a direct threat to India’s sovereignty and security.”

The letter also mentioned that Balochistan is rich in resources and can offer India direct trade routes to Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe through an independent corridor.

Mentioning Balochistan’s sacred Hinglaj Mata Mandir, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimages, the human rights leader said, “The Baloch people have protected it despite Pakistani attempts to radicalise the region, showcasing their commitment to pluralism and cultural respect.”

He also stated that the Baloch oppose the same terrorist groups that target India.

In the letter, Mir Yar Baloch mentioned the history of Balochistan, highlighting its transition from an independent country in 1947 to its “forcible annexation” by Pakistan in 1948.

He explained that since that time, the Baloch population has endured immense suffering, including mass abductions, extrajudicial killings, aerial bombardments, and systemic cultural repression. However, he said that people there “remain grounded in secular, democratic, and nationalist principles.”

Balochistan seeks “not only freedom from oppression but a future of peace, equality, and cooperation with democratic neighbours, most importantly, India,” the human rights activist mentioned.

Highlighting India’s message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family), the human rights defender called on Speaker Om Birla to raise this issue during the Parliamentary session on Monday and lend support for the freedom and dignity of the Baloch people.

(With inputs from IANS)

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Newslaundry Mocks India’s Self-Reliance In Defence, Ignores 4-Day Stockpiles Situation Pre-2014

By
The Commune
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newslaundry defence atmanirbharta mock

In a recent episode of Newsance, Newslaundry’s satirical podcast hosted by Manisha Pande, India’s significant progress in indigenous ammunition production was mocked and downplayed as “sirf goliyaan” (“just bullets”). While critiquing media coverage of Operation Sindoor and India’s defence exports, Pande dismissed the achievement of 88% self-reliance in ammunition, exposing more about the outlet’s ideological bias than about the actual data or strategic importance of the milestone.

When Satire Becomes Intellectual Laziness

Pande rightly calls out inflated claims of Indian weapons being sold “everywhere,” and flags misleading equivalence between expressions of “interest” and signed defence deals. But she crosses a line when she sneers at the indigenisation of ammunition, equating it with propaganda. If Newslaundry wants to mock the government’s chest-thumping over minor wins, that’s fair game. But belittling a genuine course-correction in defence preparedness, especially in a country that once had to ration ammunition, is not satire. It’s strategic amnesia.

“Sirf Goliyaan”? Please, Recall How India Was Pre-2014

A little over a decade ago, the situation was dire. In 2012, media reports and official audits revealed that India had just four to ten days of critical ammunition stock for several key types, raising alarm bells about national security vulnerability. Reports from that period highlighted how the Indian Army could barely sustain artillery fire beyond a few days in a major conflict.

This position did not arise due to lack of easy fixes: it reflected decades of over-reliance on imports, bureaucratic delays, sluggish manufacturing, and policy inertia.

Turning the situation around was anything but “easy.” Through focused policy changes and major investment, India raised its self-reliance in ammunition production from just 32% in 2014 to a remarkable 88% by 2024. This wasn’t a bureaucratic checkbox, but a hard-won strategic transformation involving technology transfer, defence public sector reforms, and a clear-eyed recognition of past vulnerability.

Why Does Defence/Ammunition Atmanirbharta Matter?

Ammunition is the foundation of military power: without adequate shells, bombs, and bullets, the most advanced tanks or aircraft are rendered useless. India’s long-standing vulnerability having to wait for imports in a conflict posed a grave risk to security. Eliminating that weakness is no small feat.

If it was so “easy” to make “just bullets,” why did India languish at 32% self-reliance for decades? The jump to 88% didn’t happen overnight or by accident; it required determination, investment, and reform at every level. Newslaundry’s casual dismissal fails to recognize the strategic autonomy gained, the confidence boost to India’s armed forces and the savings of foreign exchange and growth of skill and capacity in India’s defence sector.

Yes, it’s true that India is not yet fully self-reliant in complex weapons. Honest coverage should make a clear distinction between ammunition (bullets, shells, bombs) and major weapons platforms (tanks, aircraft, artillery) and also acknowledge the extraordinary progress where it has happened.

Defence Exports Are Rising Too

As India’s defence industry matures, there’s been a dramatic surge in exports: from just ₹686 crore in 2013-14 to over ₹23,000 crore in 2024-25. This isn’t proof of “world domination,” but it does mark the maturing of India’s manufacturing and export capabilities

While India’s defence exports are still growing (currently 0.2% of global share), the surge in interest from nations like Vietnam, Philippines, and Indonesia for systems like Brahmos is undeniable. Mocking this progress, while ignoring how far India has come, reeks of bias and hypocrisy.

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Major Crackdown Near SRM University: Tambaram Police Seize Ganja Chocolates And Banned Tobacco Products In Raids

By
The Commune
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srm university ganja

A major crackdown took place near SRM University in Kattankulathur, where Tambaram police raided hostels, apartments, shops, and hotels, leading to the seizure of a large quantity of ganja-laced chocolates and banned tobacco products.

The surprise operation, led by Deputy Commissioner Pavam Kumar Reddy, began at 6 PM and involved around 100 officers. Authorities confiscated 5,250 ganja chocolates, 30 Hans sachets, 80 packets of Swagath Gold tobacco, 270 Vimal pan masala packets, and 270 V‑1 tobacco packets. In another stash, they found 49 ganja chocolates, 18 Hans sachets, and 6 mava packets.

The raids were part of a broader effort to address the sale of narcotics and gutka targeted at students in the area. Police are now investigating to identify the suppliers and distributors behind these illegal sales.

The private university in Potheri attracts students not just from Tamil Nadu, but from across India, and the Tambaram Police Commissionerate had received multiple complaints about cannabis and other narcotics being sold to students in the vicinity.

On the evening of the operation, over 60 officers, led by Deputy Commissioner Pavan Kumar Reddy, were divided into 20 teams to carry out raids on private apartments, pet shops, and tea stalls in the Potheri region.

Among those arrested were Dodan Banga, 37, from West Bengal; Ranjith, 25, from Potheri; Mohammed Fareed, 50, from Maraimalai Nagar; and Praveen Kumar, 37, from Kuduvancheri. Also arrested were Ignas Shankaracharya, 21, a B.Tech student from Uttar Pradesh, and Saurav Kumar, 18, who were both found to be involved in selling narcotics. The six individuals were later presented before the Chengalpattu Criminal Court.

In August 2024, a major drug crackdown took place at SRM Engineering College in Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, after reports of ganja circulation among students. Around 500 police officers conducted early morning raids on college hostels and nearby student accommodations, arresting 30 students in possession of ganja and other narcotics. The operation follows prior incidents, including a 2022 clash over drug sales between students from northern states. Police have since extended raids to rented properties linked to students.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

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Zohran Mamdani: Radical Islamist & Alleged Socialist, Hosts Lavish 3-Day Wedding With Armed Guards, Phone Jammers At Luxury Family Estate In Uganda

By
The Commune
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zohran mamdani uganda estate wedding socialist new york nyc mayoral candidate

New York City mayoral frontrunner and Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani recently concluded a three-day wedding celebration at his family’s luxury estate in Uganda, drawing attention and criticism for the event’s extravagance, timing, and high-security measures.

Mamdani, 33, had quietly allegedly eloped in February this year with artist and animator and pro-Hamas activist Rama Duwaji, 27.

They traveled to Uganda this week to celebrate their nuptials with his parents and extended family. The celebrations took place at the Mamdani family’s secluded, upscale compound on Buziga Hill, an affluent suburb of Kampala overlooking Lake Victoria. The property, owned by Mamdani’s mother, filmmaker Mira Nair, and father, political theorist Mahmood Mamdani, is known for its panoramic views, expansive gardens, and strict privacy.

According to sources in the neighborhood, the residence was transformed into a party venue for the week, with music blaring late into the night, buses and luxury vehicles such as Mercedes and a Range Rover seen arriving at the gates, and the garden decorated with strings of Christmas lights.

The event was tightly secured, with more than 20 guards in military-style uniforms and some masked, stationed at multiple gates. Witnesses said a phone-jamming system was also in place to ensure privacy and restrict external communication. “One gate had around nine guards stationed at it,” said a local source to New York Post, adding that the event was strictly invite-only.

The couple’s wedding festivities included local DJs, Indian-style fruit juice offerings, and speeches by Mamdani himself. According to a witness, his voice could be heard on a microphone addressing guests during one of the nights, and the party extended past midnight. After the event, tents were seen being dismantled, and private security replaced the special forces guarding the entrances.

The event was not publicly announced in advance, and many local residents were unaware of the celebrations. Despite Mamdani’s rising profile in the U.S., locals in the neighborhood were more concerned with everyday survival than celebrity politics. “We’re just trying to win the bread and make sure our families are OK,” one resident remarked.

Some neighbors criticized the event’s timing, citing the death of former Ugandan Supreme Court Justice George Kanyeihamba, who lived nearby and passed away on 14 July 2025. Mourning rituals, known locally as “Okukungubaga,” were ongoing during the time of the wedding. President Yoweri Museveni reportedly visited Kanyeihamba’s residence during the mourning period, temporarily shutting down nearby roads. “It was insensitive to have a wedding celebration in the same week as mourning,” a local resident told reporters.

Mamdani, a native of Kampala who moved to the U.S. at age 7 and became a citizen in 2018, is widely viewed as a progressive voice in New York politics. He and Duwaji, an illustrator, currently reside in a rent-stabilized apartment in Astoria, Queens. The couple met on the dating app Hinge.

Hypocrisy’s Name Is Zohran Mamdani

The contrast between Zohran Mamdani’s public image and private conduct has not gone unnoticed. Despite branding himself as a democratic socialist who advocates for wealth redistribution, housing justice, and public accountability, Mamdani’s lavish overseas wedding, complete with armed guards, privacy jammers, and luxury trappings, has drawn criticism for hypocrisy. Detractors have also pointed out that while Mamdani has vocally supported gun control and police demilitarization in New York, his Ugandan wedding featured a conspicuous security presence, with masked guards in military gear patrolling the gates. Critics argue the spectacle undermines his claims of solidarity with the working class, and casts doubt on the authenticity of his progressive platform.

(With inputs from New York Post)

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Congress Leader P. Chidambaram Gives Clean Chit To Pakistan In Pahalgam Terror Attack

By
The Commune
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Congress has once again demonstrated why its brand of politics is increasingly seen as disconnected, dangerous, and damaging to national interests.

In a shocking statement that has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Chidambaram ahead of the Operation Sindoor debate in Parliament gave a clean chit to Pakistan for its role in Pahalgam Terror Attack. He asked, “Why do you assume that the attackers came from Pakistan?” — a question that conveniently aligns with Pakistan’s standard propaganda playbook. His remarks have sparked a massive backlash, with the BJP accusing him of providing rhetorical cover to India’s enemies and trivializing the cross-border nature of jihadist terror.

“Have they (NIA) identified the terrorists or where they came from? For all we know, they could be homegrown terrorists. Why do you assume they came from Pakistan? There is no evidence of that.”, he said in an interview to Congress-supporting leftist portal The Quint.

The Pahalgam massacre wasn’t a random act of violence. It was a well-planned attack on Hindu tourists, with militants checking victims’ religion before executing them. The Resistance Front, a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. Indian agencies have pointed to concrete cross-border links, but Chidambaram, ever eager to play contrarian, chose to raise questions — not of the terrorists, but of India’s counter-terror operations and evidence-gathering.

While the Modi government launched a precise and powerful retaliatory strike through Operation Sindoor, demonstrating restraint and resolve, Chidambaram’s remarks effectively provides ammunition to Pakistan to diminish its role in supporting terrorists. By casting doubt on the foreign hand, he not only undermined the sacrifices of the security forces but also echoed the same narrative Pakistan pushes to escape culpability.

Previous Instances Of Chidambaram Peddling Pro-Pakistan Agenda

While 26/11 Mumbai terror attack by Pakistani terroists shocked the nation, Chidambaram was busy targeting Hindus warning of ‘saffron terror.

In December 2016, during a public discussion, Chidambaram insisted that India should not walk away from diplomacy even in the face of provocations. “You have to continue to engage with Pakistan,” he said, adding that eventually, India must find a way to coexist peacefully. His remarks were perceived by many as dangerously naïve and misaligned with ground realities, particularly in light of Pakistan’s repeated ceasefire violations and terror infiltration.

In February 2017, Chidambaram asserted that India must continuously engage with Pakistan, stating, “We are neighbours… we will be neighbours for hundreds of years.” He cautioned against flip-flop foreign policy and argued that dialogue was the only sustainable solution. This statement came at a time of heightened tensions effectively downplaying Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism.

In April 2019, while speaking at an Observer Research Foundation (ORF) symposium, Chidambaram stated that India must “change its behaviour toward Pakistan” in order to bring about a change in Islamabad’s conduct. He emphasized that “war is not an option” and advocated for a more harmonious relationship.

Even as recently as May 2025, during a controversy over an India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement, Chidambaram questioned whether India’s decision was influenced by external pressure, particularly from the United States. He asked whether India’s foreign policy was being dictated from Washington, a remark that was seen as undermining India’s strategic autonomy and feeding into the narrative promoted by Pakistan and its allies.

TCS Fires 12K Mid And Senior Level Employees Due To ‘Skill Mismatch’, Netizens Ask Why They Couldn’t Identify Skill Mismatch All These Years

By
The Commune
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tcs skill mismatch

In its largest-ever workforce reduction, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s top IT services firm and the most profitable unit of the Tata Group, is set to lay off 12,261 employees, around 2% of its total workforce. This decision is driven by disruptions brought on by AI advancements and ongoing macroeconomic challenges that have impacted business demand.

As of June 2025, TCS employed over 610,000 people globally. The company has been continuously realigning its workforce in response to shifting business needs. In FY15, it reduced its staff by over 3,000, or about 1% of its total workforce. The upcoming layoffs will largely affect mid-level and senior employees. This move represents a significant strategic pivot for the company, embracing AI while shedding employees who are unable to be redeployed within the organization.

Such workforce reductions, which were once uncommon in the industry, highlight the growing pressure on businesses due to weaker demand, especially with the absence of large contracts like BSNL. Industry experts believe this could signal a wider trend in the sector, where increased automation and the need to protect profit margins are compelling companies to cut down on headcount.

In a statement to Moneycontrol, TCS CEO K. Krithivasan explained, “We anticipate it will be around 2% of our global workforce, mostly in middle and senior management. These employees may need to go because their roles are no longer viable. It’s a tough decision we had to make.” He also emphasized that the layoffs were not driven by margin pressures, adding, “Once it’s clear, CFO Samir Seksaria will address the financial impact, but this is not about margins.” According to Krithivasan, the job cuts are due to skill mismatches and the inability to deploy certain employees effectively, rather than a result of AI-driven productivity gains. He reassured that TCS would continue to recruit and train high-quality talent.

The announcement, however, has been met with criticism, especially on social media, where users have accused the company of hypocrisy, questioning why it was not anticipated sooner and criticizing the attempt to downplay the situation as a necessary cost-saving measure.

One netizen stated, “Politicians telling it is not for power and Executives telling it is not for margin –same:)”

Another netizen commented, “Someone spoke the truth. Every other big tech companies blame AI for taking away jobs. No its not. They just layoff people and save cost.”

Another asked, “Suddenly the mid and senior level talent became Skill mismatch? How did they become Senior Talents without Skills? It is bcoz of changing Tech landscape and AI driven productivity increase. TCS isn’t telling the truth.”

The news of TCS laying off 12,261 employees, or around 2% of its workforce, could lead to a temporary drop in share prices as market sentiment reacts. However, the cost savings from these cuts might boost profit margins in the long run, especially as the company adapts to AI-driven changes.

Phil Fersht, CEO of HfS Research, echoed these sentiments, noting that AI is reshaping the labor-intensive services model, compelling large firms to restructure their workforce in order to stay competitive and meet client demands for significant price reductions—sometimes as much as 20-30%. Other Tata Group companies, like Tata Steel and Tata Motors, have also been periodically trimming their workforce to reduce costs and boost profitability. For example, in 2019, Tata Steel laid off 3,000 workers in its European operations.

(With inputs from Money Control)

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Drug Mafia Kazhagam: List Of DMK Functionaries Involved In Drug Cases

By
The Commune
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dmk drug mafia kazhagam dravidian model

One of the most alarming developments under the DMK’s current administration has been the proliferation of drug-related crimes, not just in the streets, but disturbingly, among the party’s own ranks. While the state claims progress in law and order, what’s evident on the ground is a parallel rise in the visibility, availability, and audacity of narcotics trafficking.

A pattern has emerged where several DMK-linked figures have been directly involved in large-scale smuggling and peddling of banned substances. Below are key cases highlighting how deep this rot has spread and why DMK is constantly referred to as “Drug Mafia Kazhagam”.

Jaffer Sadiq – Former Deputy Organizer, DMK NRI Wing (Chennai West)

Jaffer Sadiq, a Tamil film producer and once a rising DMK figure, was exposed as the kingpin of a transnational drug syndicate trafficking pseudoephedrine to Australia and New Zealand. His arrest followed a multi-agency probe after alerts from international drug enforcement agencies. Authorities uncovered that Sadiq had masterminded the concealment of these substances in food exports such as desiccated coconut powder. Over three years, approximately 3,500 kilograms of pseudoephedrine, valued at over ₹2,000 crore, were smuggled abroad under his watch. Following these revelations, he was expelled from the DMK in February 2024.

Syed Ibrahim – DMK Minority Wing Vice President (Ramanathapuram)

Another high-profile embarrassment for the ruling party came in July 2024 when Syed Ibrahim was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau for trafficking nearly ₹70 crore worth of methamphetamine. The drugs, intercepted in Chennai, were allegedly being routed through Ramanathapuram for delivery to Sri Lanka. Acting under pressure, the DMK expelled Ibrahim from the party, but not before public outrage highlighted the growing entanglement of party officials in cross-border narcotics operations.

Subash Chandra Bose – Alangulam DMK Panchayat Union Councillor

In April 2024, Subash Chandra Bose, a local DMK councillor in Tenkasi, was caught during a vehicle check transporting 600 kilograms of gutka, a banned substance in Tamil Nadu. Despite being the husband of a sitting district panchayat president, he was arrested and later removed from all party responsibilities after his actions drew public ire.

Balamurugan – Treasurer, Srivilliputhur DMK City Unit

Authorities in Srivilliputhur arrested Balamurugan, a DMK functionary, for hoarding and distributing banned gutka and pan masala. His arrest followed a crackdown where police seized 42 kilograms of illicit tobacco products from his home. These items were allegedly supplied in bulk to local vendors.

Mahalingam – Panchayat President, Nagapattinam

Mahalingam, known as “Bullet Mahalingam,” was apprehended after a drug shipment linked to his name was intercepted in Delhi. Although no drugs were found at his residence, his name surfaced repeatedly during questioning of couriers connected to a banned synthetic drug racket. He and Alex, a DMK Union Committee member and Mahalingam’s son, were arrested and handed over to the National Narcotics Bureau.

Maniraj – DMK Student Wing Member, Gudalur

In the Nilgiris district, Maniraj, an auto driver and DMK student wing member, was arrested after police found 1.2 kilograms of ganja in his vehicle. His arrest stemmed from an intensive surveillance campaign in areas notorious for cannabis trade.

Sarbraz Nawaz & Jainuddin – Councillor and Former Councillor, Keezhakarai

In a high-stakes operation in 2022, 300 kilograms of ganja bound for Sri Lanka were seized by police, leading to the arrest of Sarbraz Nawaz, a sitting DMK councillor, and his brother Jainuddin. Both were suspected to be part of a broader international drug network using Tamil Nadu’s coast as a transit hub.

Lakshmanan – DMK Functionary, Nagapattinam

In a sweeping anti-narcotics drive, police detained Lakshmanan from Kodiyakkarai for possession of 300 kilograms of cannabis, intended for smuggling to Sri Lanka. He was one of six individuals arrested in connection with this case.

Ramana – Thiruvarur District DMK Youth Wing co-convener

Ramana, the son of DMK councillor Rajini Chinna alias Chinna Veeran, currently serving as the Thiruvarur District DMK Youth Wing co-convener, has been apprehended by the police for his alleged involvement in smuggling cannabis.

The arrest, which took place amid a surge in concerns over the flourishing cannabis trade in Thiruvarur district, has raised eyebrows about the purported connections between the DMK and the illicit drug market. Ramana, hailing from the 24th ward of the municipality, was taken into custody in connection with the illegal transportation and sale of cannabis.

Locals in the region have long been vocal in accusing a gang with purportedly connected to the DMK of actively facilitating the distribution of cannabis throughout Thiruvarur district. Allegations have surfaced indicating that this faction, allegedly led by Ramana’s father, has been instrumental in thwarting police efforts to crack down on cannabis trade. The authorities are intensifying their efforts to dismantle the gang involved in the sale of cannabis.

Despite repeated arrests and subsequent dismissals from the party, critics argue that the sheer number of drug-related scandals involving DMK officials points not to isolated cases, but a deeper structural failure, or worse, silent complicity. While the DMK high command has issued expulsions post-facto, public perception suggests the rot runs far deeper than the party is willing to admit. In an environment where political access and drug networks increasingly overlap, trust in law enforcement, governance, and public safety continues to erode.

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DMK MLA Family Run Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Hospital, Mired In Kidney Trafficking Scandal, Was Felicitated Twice By Dravidianist Channel News18 Tamil Nadu

By
The Commune
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The Dravidianist news outlet News18 Tamil Nadu has come under severe criticism for repeatedly celebrating Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Hospital, an institution now embroiled in a major kidney trafficking scandal. The channel has honored the hospital twice under its “Maruthuva Viruthugal” (Medical Awards) program. In January 2025, it awarded the hospital the title of “Pioneer in Providing Affordable Healthcare Facilities in Perambalur & Trichy”, and back in 2022, it had named it the “Best Rural Area Medical Service.”

(Credit: News 18 Tamil Nadu Maruthuva Viruthugal 2024)

(Credit: News 18 Tamil Nadu Maruthuva Viruthugal 2022)

These honors have now become a point of public ridicule and anger, especially on social media, as revelations surface about the hospital’s alleged involvement in an illegal kidney transplant network one that reportedly preyed on financially vulnerable women, exploiting them for organ harvesting.

What deepens the controversy is the hospital’s close political nexus. DMK MLA Kathiravan, the son of the hospital group’s founder, has been accused of using his political clout to shield the institution from accountability, raising serious concerns about regulatory interference and political protection.

Reacting to mounting evidence and public outcry, the Tamil Nadu Health Department has now suspended kidney transplant licenses for Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital in Perambalur, as well as Cethar Hospital in Trichy. The suspension, executed under Section 16(2) of the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994, follows a preliminary inquiry by the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services, citing urgent concerns in the public interest.

The scandal, which has captured national attention, centers on the exploitation of more than 90 impoverished women, many of whom are daily wage workers. Investigators allege that these women were promised between ₹5 to ₹10 lakh in exchange for their kidneys. The traffickers allegedly used counterfeit Aadhaar cards and fabricated medical documents to facilitate the transplants. In some instances, the women were coerced under financial distress and social pressure into undergoing surgery.

The illicit operations were reportedly carried out at Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Hospital in Perambalur and Cethar Hospital in Trichy. At the heart of the racket is M. Anandan, a 52-year-old DMK functionary from Anampalayam Perur, known locally as “Dravida Anandan.” He is accused of serving as a middleman, arranging deals, transporting donors, and forging official documents, seals, and even wearing fake government uniforms to aid the operation. Anandan is currently absconding. Authorities recovered forged documents, fake IDs, and official attire during a raid on his home.

Dr. Veeramani, the medical officer at the Pallipalayam Government Hospital, has lodged a formal complaint against Anandan, helping to expose the network.

This scandal has reignited concerns over political interference and selective enforcement. MLA Kathiravan, who represents Mannachanallur, is the son of the founder of the Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Group, which owns the Perambalur hospital implicated in the case. The group has previously been accused of avoiding accountability in cases of medical negligence, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis. There are also claims that political influence was used to stall the long-promised government medical college in Perambalur, which would have competed with the private hospital chain. Furthermore, so-called free health camps held in Kathiravan’s constituency are now under suspicion, with some fearing they may have served as a front for identifying vulnerable kidney donors.

Despite facing multiple complaints over inadequate care, unsupervised medical interns, and even preventable deaths, the hospital has largely operated without serious regulatory consequences. This has led to widespread allegations of systemic impunity and a failure of oversight mechanisms.

The case continues to fuel questions over media credibility, political influence in healthcare regulation, and the exploitation of marginalized communities in the name of “affordable healthcare.”

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