Facebook Instagram X Youtube
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Facebook Instagram X Youtube
Home Blog Page 474

“Gatekeeper Was A North Indian”: Dravidianist Media Puthiya Thalaimurai & Sun News Use Cuddalore Train Accident For Divisive Agenda

By
The Commune
-
cuddalore train accident sun news puthiya thalaimurai

In the wake of a heartbreaking accident near Cuddalore where two schoolchildren lost their lives after a train collided with a van at a manned level crossing, the Dravidianist ecosystem has already begun spinning the narrative with sections of the media firmly backing the DMK’s line.

Shockingly, the focus has shifted from the tragic loss of life to linguistic blame. The gatekeeper, a Hindi-speaking worker, is now being painted as the root cause not based on facts, but seemingly for not speaking Tamil.

Dravidianist media, the Puthiya Thalaimurai, a news channel often seen echoing the ruling party’s stance, ran a news card with the headline, “Gatekeeper who doesn’t know Tamil.”

Not far behind, Sun News widely regarded as the DMK’s unofficial propaganda arm also framed the story around language, running the caption: “Accidents happen because those who don’t speak the language are appointed as gatekeepers…”

These attempts to communalize and linguistically polarize a tragedy have been met with disbelief and criticism. For many, it’s yet another example of how journalism in Tamil Nadu is increasingly becoming a political tool where even moments of mourning are hijacked to reinforce ideological talking points and distract from governance failures.

What Actually Happened?

On the morning of 9 July 2025, a private school van carrying four students attempted to cross a railway level crossing at Semmankuppam in Cuddalore district when it was hit by a fast-moving train traveling from Villupuram to Mayiladuthurai. The impact was devastating the van was dragged for over 50 metres.

Two students, Charumathi (15) and Venkatesh (10), were killed. The van driver, Sankar (45), and two other students were seriously injured and taken to the Cuddalore Government General Hospital.

Local villagers, who reached the scene before emergency services, rescued the injured and helped transport them to the hospital. Eyewitnesses blamed the gatekeeper, alleging that he had failed to close the crossing gate and was asleep at the time of the incident. Some villagers reportedly assaulted the gatekeeper, later identified as Pankaj Sharma. Sharma, in his defense, claimed that the van driver had pressured him to keep the gate open, a claim that has yet to be verified.

In response to the incident, Southern Railway has suspended Sharma pending a full inquiry. Cuddalore Superintendent of Police S. Jeyakumar stated that the cause of the tragedy will only be confirmed after a thorough investigation.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

DMK Stooge Actor Karthi Says “TN Govt Schools Are Excellent”, While Trichy Govt School Teacher Shows Up Drunk, Collapses In Class

By
The Commune
-
actor karthi govt school

What impeccable timing from Dravidianist supporter and Kollywood actor Karthi. Just days after he heaped praise on Tamil Nadu’s School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh, portraying government schools as thriving under his leadership, disturbing reports have surfaced exposing the harsh ground reality.

While Karthi publicly glorifies government schools to display his political loyalty, he quietly sends his own children to elite international institutions. The contrast is striking and frankly, shameful. Championing public education while opting out of it for his own family reeks of hypocrisy, especially when government schools across the state are struggling with mismanagement, neglect, and incidents that paint a very different picture from the one he’s promoting.

One shocking example of the state of government schools emerged from Vaiyamalaipalayam near Manapparai in Trichy district. At a small government school with only 20 students, a teacher named Arogyaraj, a resident of Avarampatti, reportedly arrived intoxicated on 7 July 2025 morning.

According to reports, the teacher created chaos in the classroom overturning desks and chairs and ultimately collapsing on the floor. Alarmed students called their parents, who, along with other villagers, rushed to the school. They tried to revive the unconscious teacher by splashing water on his face and allegedly even forcing him to drink more alcohol as a reprimand.

Parents expressed deep frustration over the incident. “This is the situation at our school. We don’t have any permanent teachers for our school. This is the state of our school’s teachers. Please observe carefully,” said one student while recording the video.

Another parent remarked, “Is this acceptable to you? Tell me. A teacher meant to conduct classes coming here intoxicated and engage in such behavior – is this acceptable to you? How long will it take for other children to learn from this?”

The student recording the video said, “He cannot even sit (consciously due to the booze).”

In response, District Education Officer Latha and local police were informed of the incident. After a medical examination confirmed the teacher was under the influence, District Primary Education Officer Ravichandran issued an order for Arogyaraj’s immediate suspension.

While the government continues to highlight its educational reforms, incidents like this raise serious concerns about implementation and oversight at the grassroots level especially when public figures appear disconnected from the real state of affairs they publicly endorse.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

“Nowadays Politicians Feel Sky Is The Limit Under Article 19. Country Is Not For Politician Alone”: Madras High Court Slams DMK Minister Ponmudi In Hate Speech Against Hindus Case

By
The Commune
-
madras high court ponmudi

On 8 July 2025, the Madras High Court heard the suo motu case related to controversial comments made by Tamil Nadu Forest Minister and senior DMK leader K. Ponmudi, regarding the religious symbols tilaks worn by Hindu Shaivites and Vaishnavites.

Justice P. Velmurugan, presiding over the case, delivered sharp criticism of the minister’s conduct, stating, “Nowadays these politicians feel that sky is the limit under Article 19. We can’t be mere spectators. We live in a democracy with many communities.”

He further added, “When they’re coming to public, they must realize that they’re living in a country which is meant for every person. It’s not meant for any particular person. Not for the politician alone. Everyone must realize that they’re living among the people.”

The case had earlier been flagged in April when Justice N. Anand Venkatesh took serious note of a video clip submitted in court by a lawyer. The footage, played during a hearing in a 2023 suo motu revision petition challenging Ponmudi’s acquittal in a disproportionate assets case, featured the minister making crude references to Hindu religious identities.

In the viral video from a public function, Ponmudi was seen addressing women in the audience, cautioning them not to be offended before recounting a joke involving a man visiting a sex worker, who allegedly asked him whether he was a Shaivite or Vaishnavite equating religious identity with sexual behavior.

What Ponmudi Said

In April 2025, a Ponmudi went viral on social media igniting widespread controversy and condemnation across social media platforms, with many calling out the then-minister for his offensive remarks targeting Shaivite and Vaishnavite communities. The video, which surfaced on X, captured Ponmudi making a crude analogy involving a prostitute to mock the religious practices of these Hindu sects, drawing sharp criticism for its insensitivity and vulgarity. In the video, Ponmudi recounted a supposed interaction between a man and a prostitute, where the woman asks the man if he is a Shaivite or a Vaishnavite. According to Ponmudi, the prostitute explains that Shaivite means “lying down position” (referencing the horizontal tilak worn by Shaivites) while a Vaishnavite means a “standing position” (referencing the vertical tilak worn by Vaishnavites).

The remark sparked widespread outrage. BJP Tamil Nadu president K. Annamalai strongly condemned the speech, calling it a reflection of the DMK’s political culture. “This isn’t just about one minister. The entire DMK setup is steeped in vulgarity and indecency. MK Stalin should be ashamed of leading such a party,” he posted on X.

Even within the DMK, the speech was criticized. MP Kanimozhi distanced herself from Ponmudi’s remarks, stating on X, “Minister Ponmudi’s recent comments are unacceptable. Regardless of the context, such vulgar language is indefensible.”

In the aftermath of the controversy, the DMK stripped Ponmudi of his position as Deputy General Secretary of the party.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

EPS Calls DMK’s Senthil Balaji As ‘Ten Rupees Balaji’ Referring To TASMAC Scam

By
The Commune
-

AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), kicked off his statewide campaign on 7 July 2025, ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Marking the beginning of his tour in Coimbatore, EPS was joined by BJP leaders atop a campaign vehicle signaling a renewed alliance between the AIADMK and the BJP.

In his opening address, EPS launched a sharp critique of the ruling DMK, particularly targeting the party’s decision to appoint former minister Senthil Balaji, who had stepped down following pressure from the Supreme Court. Alluding to Balaji’s legal troubles and potential imprisonment, EPS used the issue to accuse the DMK of shielding tainted leaders.

He also took aim at the DMK’s long-standing tradition of dynastic politics. EPS questioned whether only those born into political families had the right to lead, contrasting that notion with his own rise from humble beginnings.

Speaking at the rally in Coimbatore, EPS said, “They’ve appointed a DMK official here. Who is it? Who is it? Balaji… What name have they given him? ‘Ten Rupee Balaji.’ What name? ‘Ten Rupee Balaji.’ He’s been appointed as the official here today. This appointed election in-charge is someone who committed corruption and went to jail for it. Just think about it, the Supreme Court questioned DMK Minister Senthil Balaji whether he should go to jail or continue as a minister. He tried to appeal multiple times, but the Supreme Court did not relent, and he finally resigned from his ministerial post. Such a person, who committed corruption, has been made your district in-charge. Just think, the AIADMK party is the party that serves the people of this country. In 5 years of DMK rule, bribery and corruption have run rampant. Bribery is present in every department. No work is done without a bribe. ‘Commission, collection, corruption’ is number one under DMK rule. Do you want such a corrupt government again? Do you want a corrupt government? Therefore, the 2026 Assembly election must be an election to remove the corrupt DMK government. Today, many years have passed since monarchy was abolished in India. The DMK family, as previously Stalin said, DMK means the Karunanidhi family, is yearning for monarchy to return to Tamil Nadu. The 2026 Assembly election must be an election to put an end to dynastic rule and family rule.”

Taking a swipe at the DMK’s legacy of dynastic politics, EPS questioned whether only members of one family were entitled to become Chief Minister. Gesturing toward the crowd, he asked, “Can’t someone from the grassroots rise to this position?” He then contrasted his own journey, saying he had once stood among the common people and had worked his way up to where he is today.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

ECI Refutes Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s False Claims On Bihar Voter List Revision; No Change In Rules, Documents Still Required

By
The Commune
-
mallikarjun kharge ec election commission eci fake news bihar election congress voter list

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on 7 July 2025 categorically denied claims made by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The ECI described Kharge’s assertions — including that the rules had been changed to allow voter registration without supporting documents as “misleading”.

Kharge had alleged via a post on social media platform X that the BJP, in coordination with the Election Commission, was executing a “master plan” to deprive crores of voters in Bihar especially from marginalized communities of their franchise rights. He claimed that the process had been diluted under pressure and that “now only a form has to be filled” without the need to show any documents. Kharge further accused the BJP of attempting to “crush democracy” by manipulating voter lists ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. He wrote, “With the cooperation of the Election Commission, the master plan that BJP had devised to deprive crores of people in Bihar of their voting rights now seems to be ensnaring the BJP itself. From the very first day, the Congress Party has been raising its voice against the Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls (SIR). Why are people who have been voting election after election being asked to show documents for voting? Forcibly depriving the poor, weak, deprived, Dalit, oppressed, and backward people of their voting rights is the very conspiracy of BJP-RSS. Nearly 8 crore people will suffer because of this. The responsibility to correct the voter list lies with the ECI, not the public. When the pressure from the opposition, the public, and Civil Society increased, the Election Commission hurriedly published these advertisements today, which state that now only a form needs to be filled, and showing documents is not necessary. This is part of the BJP’s tactic to mislead and confuse the public. The truth is that the BJP has decided it will crush democracy at all costs. But when faced with public opposition, it cleverly takes a step back. Bihar is the birthplace of democracy. The people of Bihar will surely respond to this BJP attack on democracy and the Constitution in the upcoming elections.”

However, the Election Commission issued a firm rebuttal. “The claim made in this post, that no document is required and only filling the form is sufficient, is misleading,” the ECI stated in a fact-check published on its official X account. There is no change in the instructions. SIR is being conducted as per the orders dated 24.06.2025.”

No Changes to Rules, Documents Still Mandatory

As per the ECI’s official order dated 24 June 2025, voters in Bihar must submit an enumeration form before 25 July 2025, to be included in the draft electoral roll, which is scheduled for publication on 1 August 2025. While supporting documents are not required at the time of form submission, they must still be provided either before 25 July 2025 or during the claims and objections period.

The ECI emphasized that there has been no relaxation of requirements, and the rules remain fully in force. The Commission urged the public to ignore false claims and to rely only on officially published information. “One should be cautious of the statements being made by some people, who are trying to confuse the public with their false and misleading statements, without reading the SIR order,” the Commission stated.

The SIR process, currently underway in Bihar ahead of the state elections, is being carried out with full legal authority. The ECI reported that by the evening of 6 July 2025, over 1.69 crore forms (21.46%) had been collected, and 7.25% had already been uploaded to ECINET. The form distribution phase is nearing completion.

To ensure voter awareness, the EC has deployed over 77,000 Booth Level Officers (BLOs), 4 lakh volunteers, and 1.5 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) nominated by all political parties. The Commission stated that it is constitutionally bound to maintain an accurate and inclusive electoral roll and that the SIR is aimed at identifying both eligible and ineligible voters through proper verification.

(With inputs from News18)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Edappadi K. Palaniswami Begins Statewide Campaign For 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls With BJP Leaders By His Side

By
The Commune
-
edappadi 2026 tamil nadu assembly

AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), officially launched his statewide election campaign on 7 July 2025, for the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Notably, BJP leaders stood alongside him atop his campaign vehicle, signaling renewed cooperation between the two parties.

BJP’s Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagendran and Union Minister of State L. Murugan flanked EPS during the launch event. The public appearance marked the formal re-entry of the AIADMK-BJP alliance, which had split for nearly 19 months before reconciling earlier this year. Calling EPS the “next chief minister,” Nagendran emphasized that the alliance is both strategic and ideologically compatible.

The campaign began with a massive roadshow in Coimbatore, stretching from the iconic Gandhi Statue to the town’s bus stand, drawing significant crowds. Addressing supporters, EPS took a jab at current Chief Minister MK Stalin, suggesting that the success of the event would cause political discomfort for the DMK leadership.

EPS launched the campaign under the slogan “Makkalai Kappom, Tamizhagathai Meetpom” (Let’s protect the people and reclaim Tamil Nadu), starting in AIADMK’s stronghold in the western part of the state. Coimbatore was chosen as the starting point not only for its symbolic value but also because L. Murugan, who previously served as BJP state president is from the region.

Criticizing Stalin’s attacks on the BJP-AIADMK alliance, EPS accused the DMK leader of double standards. He reminded the public that former Chief Minister and DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi, Stalin’s late father, had allied with the BJP during the 1999 general elections and the 2001 state elections. “If the BJP is acceptable when allied with the DMK, why does it become communal when aligned with the AIADMK?” EPS questioned during his speech.

He defended his tenure as Chief Minister, asserting that his government had a clean record. “There is nothing you can blame us for, so you try to stir up communal fears,” he said, speaking from a specially designed campaign vehicle.

EPS further asserted that the AIADMK-BJP alliance would secure a landslide victory in 2026 and form the next state government by defeating what he termed the “anti-people” DMK administration.

During the first phase of his campaign, EPS is scheduled to visit 38 assembly constituencies across the western, northern, and central districts. Over time, the tour will expand to cover all 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu.

The AIADMK’s campaign primarily targets the DMK government on issues such as corruption, law and order failures, and unfulfilled electoral promises. This offensive comes shortly after CM Stalin launched a large-scale door-to-door campaign aiming to reach 20 million households to promote the DMK’s welfare initiatives.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

India Today Chief Sub-Editor Shipra Parashar Identifies MNS Leader’s Son As Rahul Instead Of Rahil, Edits It After Backlash

By
The Commune
-
india today shipra parashar rahil rahul edit chief sub editor

India Today chief sub-editor Shipra Parashar has come under fire after she incorrectly identified the person involved in a high-profile abuse incident in Mumbai – whether she did it unknowingly or not is a different question. The article initially misreported the name of the accused, Rahil Javed Shaikh, as “Rahul,” sparking online outrage.

Following the outrage, the name was changed from Rahul to Rahil.

What Is The Issue About?

The controversy centers around Rahil Javed Shaikh, the son of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Javed Shaikh, who was captured on video verbally abusing social media influencer Rajshree More on a Mumbai street. The confrontation reportedly followed a collision between their vehicles.

Rajshree More, known for her association with actress Rakhi Sawant, shared footage of the incident on her social media platforms. In the video, Rahil is seen shirtless and appears to be under the influence of alcohol while aggressively arguing with her.

Following the altercation, More filed a formal complaint with the Amboli police, expressing that she felt unsafe and threatened during the encounter. She demanded strict action against Rahil for his behavior.

This incident comes shortly after Rajshree More stirred controversy with a previous video in which she made provocative statements about the Marathi-speaking community in Mumbai. In that clip, she criticized the push to promote the Marathi language, suggesting that local residents should focus more on productivity and warning that the departure of migrant workers could harm the city.

As a result, MNS members from the Versova area lodged a complaint against her at Oshiwara police station. After the backlash, More apologized publicly and deleted the video.

Netizen Reaction Against India Today Writer Shipra Parashar

Here are some netizen reactions against the incorrect reporting by Parashar.

 

 

 

(With inputs from India Today)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

UP ATS Arrests Jamaluddin, Mastermind Of ₹100-Crore Conversion Racket; Foreign Funding, Fake Identities, Caste-Based Targets Unearthed

By
The Commune
-
chhangur changur baba jamaluddin up ats balrampur conversion racket hindu girls muslim

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on 5 July 2025 arrested Jamaluddin alias Chhangur Baba, the alleged mastermind of a large-scale illegal religious conversion racket, along with his wife Neetu alias Nasreen. The duo, residents of Madhpur village in Balrampur district, was taken into custody and produced before a court, following which they were remanded and sent to Lucknow District Jail.

According to an official statement, a non-bailable warrant had been issued against Jamaluddin by a local court, and a reward of ₹50,000 had been declared on his arrest. The arrests are the latest in a continuing investigation into an organised network accused of forcibly or fraudulently converting individuals from Hindu and other non-Muslim communities to Islam.

The case has been registered at Gomtinagar Police Station in Lucknow under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021. The FIRs allege that poor labourers, women from weaker sections, widows, and minors were targeted and converted using inducements such as financial assistance, marriage promises, or coercion, in violation of prescribed legal procedures.

Fake Identities, A Sufi Persona

Investigators revealed that Jamaluddin, aged 70, along with his wife and daughter, originally hailed from Mumbai and had converted to Islam in Dubai in November 2015. The family, comprising Ghanshyam Rohera, his wife Neetu, and their daughter Samale, adopted the Islamic names Jamaluddin, Nasreen, and Sabiha respectively.

After their return, the trio settled near Chand Auliya Dargah in Balrampur, where Jamaluddin began identifying himself as a Sufi saint under the name “Hazrat Baba Jamaluddin Peer Baba.” Despite having converted to Islam, the family reportedly retained Hindu identities on all official Indian documents, including passports, Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and property records.

Jamaluddin also published a book titled Shijra-e-Tayyaba to propagate Islam and support his spiritual persona.

Network of Coercion, Romantic Traps, and Financial Incentives

According to the ATS, Jamaluddin ran an organised gang involved in mass religious conversions across multiple districts. The racket allegedly used romantic entrapment, psychological coercion, and monetary inducements to lure individuals, particularly Hindu women, into converting to Islam. In one documented case, a woman from Lucknow was allegedly deceived by a Muslim man who posed as a Hindu and was subsequently coerced by Neetu and others into converting.

The ATS disclosed that the gang had a structured incentive system for conversions based on caste. As per statements made by officers, ₹15–16 lakh was allotted for converting Brahmin, Sikh, or Kshatriya women; ₹10–12 lakh for OBC women; and ₹8–10 lakh for women from other castes. These operations were allegedly funded by foreign sources.

Foreign Funding and Travel Links

A financial audit of the gang’s activities uncovered foreign inflows amounting to over ₹100 crore into 40 different bank accounts. The funds were reportedly used to facilitate conversions, pay agents, and purchase properties and luxury items.

The investigation found that members of the gang had travelled to Islamic countries approximately 40 times, suggesting deep international connections and possible external ideological or financial support.

Prior to Saturday’s arrests, two other accused, Naveen alias Jamaluddin and Mehboob, the son of the main accused, were arrested on 8 April 2025. Both are also from Balrampur and are currently lodged in Lucknow District Jail.

Following a complaint by a local resident, Arvind Kumar of Madhpur village, about suspicious activities, the Special Task Force (STF) initiated a probe. The ATS subsequently took over, registering a case against ten individuals, including Jamaluddin, under charges relating to illegal conversions, cheating, criminal conspiracy, and financial fraud.

Multiple FIRs have been lodged in various districts of Uttar Pradesh in connection with the racket. A diary recovered from Jamaluddin’s residence reportedly contained names of over 100 potential targets for future conversions.

Lavish Lifestyle Funded by Conversion Racket

Officials stated that Jamaluddin had previously sold rings for a living but amassed enormous wealth within a short span through the conversion racket. He allegedly purchased properties worth crores, built showrooms and bungalows, and acquired luxury cars. He had been residing in the Balrampur property for the past 3–4 years, which originally belonged to the Hindu family that later converted and changed their identities.

Multi-Agency Probe Sought

Given the scale, international funding, and communal sensitivity of the case, the Uttar Pradesh Police have sought a multi-agency probe involving the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate both the religious and financial aspects of the racket.

ATS officials indicated that the investigation is ongoing and that further arrests and asset seizures may follow based on the contents of the recovered diary and other electronic and financial records.

(With inputs from OpIndia)

Annamalai Slams DMK Over Renaming Hostels As ‘Social Justice Hostels’, Calls It A Gimmick

By
The Commune
-

 

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai has sharply criticized the DMK government and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for the recent decision to rename government-run hostels serving SC/ST, BC, MBC, and Denotified communities as ‘Social Justice Hostels’ a move the ruling party claims is meant to promote equality among students.

Taking to social media platform X, Annamalai accused the DMK of indulging in mere gimmicks instead of addressing the real and urgent issues faced by students staying in these hostels. Changing names doesn’t change ground reality referring to the poor condition of the hostel facilities across the state.

He also alleged massive discrepancies in food allowances. While the government claims to allocate ₹50 per day per student totaling ₹1,500 per month Annamalai pointed out that the actual amount spent is only ₹39 per day. Further slamming the DMK’s priorities, Annamalai said that the government has been returning unutilized central funds earmarked for the welfare of Scheduled Caste communities instead of using them to improve Adi Dravidar schools and hostels.

K. Annamalai via his official X account stated, “Student hostels across Tamil Nadu are in a state of disrepair, lacking proper maintenance, quality drinking water, and clean toilet facilities, and are on the verge of collapsing. Students have repeatedly complained that quality food and clean drinking water are not provided in these hostels. The DMK government had stated that 98,909 male and female students are residing and studying in the 1,331 student hostels run by the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, and ₹142 crore has been spent on food for these students. Accordingly, on average, only ₹39 per student per day is spent on food. However, they claim to provide a food allowance of ₹1,500 per month, stating ₹50 per student per day. While a daily food allowance of ₹50 is already very low, the DMK government is actually spending only ₹39. Despite repeated requests to increase the food allowance for students residing in Adi Dravidar hostels from ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 per month, Chief Minister Mr. @mkstalin has ignored them.” 

“The DMK government is annually returning the funds provided by the Central Government for the upliftment of Scheduled Caste people, instead of spending them on improving Adi Dravidar schools and student hostels. Last year, the roof of the Ayakudi student welfare hostel near Palani in Dindigul district collapsed, injuring five female students. While student hostels across Tamil Nadu are in such a deplorable state, Chief Minister Mr. @mkstalin is playing games by changing the names of the hostels for his publicity desires. The DMK government has not spent even 1% of what it spends on publicity for the welfare of students. The advertising expenditure for the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department was ₹1.65 crore in 2023-2024 and ₹11.48 crore in 2024-2025. While a few more crores might be accounted for this name-change publicity, it offers no benefit to the students,” He added.

Annamalai’s sharp criticism comes in response to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s announcement on 7 July, where he declared that all government-run hostels for underprivileged students across Tamil Nadu will be renamed as ‘Social Justice Hostels’.

Taking to social media, Stalin stated, “The history of the Dravidian movement is about breaking down barriers of discrimination and creating progressive reforms rooted in equality and social justice. From now on, all school and college hostels functioning under various departments for economically disadvantaged students across Tamil Nadu will be called as ‘Social Justice Hostels’.”

The move, seen by DMK as part of its social reform legacy, has drawn flak from opposition leaders like Annamalai, who argue that symbolic changes are being prioritized over real improvements in infrastructure and student welfare.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Postgraduate Medical Student Found Dead In Coimbatore Hospital Restroom, Investigation Underway

By
The Commune
-
coimbatore

A tragic incident unfolded on 6 July 2025 when a female postgraduate medical student was discovered dead inside a restroom at a private hospital in Coimbatore.

The deceased, a 29-year-old doctor from Vagurampatti village in Namakkal district, was pursuing her postgraduate studies at the PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research. Her body was reportedly found on 6 July morning within the hospital premises.

Upon being informed by the hospital authorities, the Peelamedu police arrived at the scene and transferred the body to the Government Medical College and ESI Hospital for an autopsy.

Police have initiated an inquiry to determine the exact cause of death and are currently awaiting the results of the post-mortem examination.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

1...473474475...1,945Page 474 of 1,945
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.
Contact us: thecommune.news@gmail.com
Facebook Instagram X Youtube

NATIONAL NEWS

Complaint Seeks Centre's Intervention Over Illegal Child Care Institutions, Administrative Negligence In Andhra Pradesh

Complaint Seeks Centre’s Intervention Over Illegal Child Care Institutions, Administrative Negligence...

The Commune - 0
A complaint has been submitted to the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development alleging serious administrative lapses by child welfare authorities in Andhra...
© The Commune 2025. All Rights Reserved.