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“Same Tailor, Same Rent”: Netizen Exposes DMK’s “African Tribals Thanking Stalin” Propaganda With Similar Video

By
The Commune
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african tribals dmk

While the DMK-aligned media outlet Kalaignar Seithigal amplified claims that Tanzanian tribal people were “spontaneously” praising Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, the story quickly unraveled as a staged PR effort. To highlight the fabricated nature of the video, a social media user John Ravi, shared another clip showing the same tribal group offering similar praise for a mere $35. The post mocked the DMK’s PR attempt with the caption, “Same tailor, same $35 rent @sunnewstamil @Kalaignarnews,” exposing the manufactured publicity stunt.

In the shared video clip, the tribal group can be seen holding a photo of the netizen while displaying placards that read “We love you John Ravi,” as they sing and dance in a celebratory manner.

This mockery comes at the backdrop of the ruling DMK’s publicity apparatus faced widespread embarrassment after a video initially circulated as a genuine gesture of appreciation from Tanzanian tribes was exposed as a staged and paid promotional effort.

The video, shared by DMK’s (one of the many) mouthpieces, Kalaignar Seithigal’s X handle, claimed, “#WATCH |African tribes extend greetings to the Chief Minister! In appreciation of the initiatives undertaken by the Tamil Nadu government for tribal communities, a video of tribal people from Tanzania, one of the East African countries, performing a traditional dance while holding a photo of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to convey their greetings has gone viral on the internet. The tribal communities learned about the initiatives of the Tamil Nadu government through Dr. Sukumar, a native of Tamil Nadu engaged in social service there.”

However, upon closer inspection, it emerges that these “greetings” were anything but spontaneous or sincere. A fact-check revealed that for a small fee — roughly ₹4,000 or $40 — anyone can pay for a group of individuals in Tanzania or elsewhere in Africa to perform a short video message with a photo or poster of their choosing. A fact check handle exposed the DMK’s propaganda drama.

Websites like africanjoyflix.com, wishesmadevisual.com, africanbirthdaywishes.com, and wishfromafrica.net openly provide these services — allowing clients to select a group and script their messages — all for a flat fee.

Furthermore, there’s no credible or independent information suggesting that the people in the video were aware of, much less appreciative of, the initiatives implemented by the DMK government in Tamil Nadu. Dr. Sukumar’s supposed role in this production also stands unsubstantiated.

The fact check handle wrote, “A video titled African tribes congratulate the Chief Minister! @Kalaignarnews. A video was uploaded on the X website, showing Tanzanian tribes dancing and singing in their traditional style and congratulating Chief Minister Stalin.

When we investigated the authenticity of this, we found that the people can send their photos and information about the person they want to congratulate through websites like http://africanjoyflix.com, http://wishesmadevisual.com, http://africanbirthdaywishes.com, http://wishfromafrica.net and send their wishes through the group one chooses on that website. The group charges a service fee of $33 to $40 for this. Doctor Sukumar serves the people in Tanzania and is assisted by the DMK government through programs. It is noteworthy that there is no news, support or information about it to say that people who know about it have congratulated Chief Minister Stalin. Therefore, it has been revealed that this video was created solely for promotional purposes.”

In terms of Indian rupees, it comes to about INR 4000 as mentioned on the website.

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Dravidian Model Bus: Rear Axle Detaches From TNSTC Bus Near Idaikal, Major Accident Averted

By
The Commune
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dravidian model bus tnstc bus

What could have been a disastrous accident was narrowly avoided near Idaikal on 20 June 2025, when the rear axle of a TNSTC government bus detached while the vehicle was in motion along the Thirumangalam-Kollam National Highway.

The bus, operated by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation’s Srivilliputhur depot in Virudhunagar district, was en route from Madurai to Courtallam. It was being driven by 52-year-old Sankaran from Vathirayiruppu at the time of the incident. There were 87 passengers on board.

According to sources, the rear axle assembly, including both tyres, unexpectedly broke away while the bus was travelling at high speed, triggering panic among the passengers. Fortunately, the driver, having noticed abnormal vibrations and noise, quickly responded by reducing speed and bringing the vehicle to a safe stop—likely averting a serious accident.

Four passengers sustained minor injuries, while the rest were unharmed. The incident caused a temporary disruption of traffic on the busy national highway.

(With inputs from TNIE)

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Fueling The Future: India’s 12 Landmark Oil & Gas Discoveries Since 2018

By
The Commune
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oil & gas discoveries india

On 16 June 2025, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated that India could hold the potential of “several Guyanas” in the Andaman and Nicobar region—highlighting vast, untapped oil and gas reserves. He revealed that India is on the verge of discovering nearly 2 lakh crore litres (1.84 trillion litres) of crude oil, a find comparable in scale to Guyana’s transformative offshore oil discoveries.

In this report, we highlight 12 major oil reserve discoveries made across India between 2018 and 2025. From the deep waters of the Andaman Sea to onshore fields in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, these discoveries represent a significant leap forward in India’s drive toward energy security and self-reliance.

#1 India Nears Game-Changing Oil Discovery in Andaman Sea

On 16 June 2025, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced that India could be on the verge of a major oil discovery in the Andaman Sea—potentially holding 1.84 trillion litres of crude oil. Drawing parallels with Guyana’s transformative offshore find, Puri expressed optimism that India’s intensified exploration, led by ONGC, could deliver a similar economic boost. ONGC drilled 541 wells in FY24—a 37-year high—backed by reforms and record ₹37,000 crore capital spending. If confirmed, this discovery could significantly reduce India’s dependence on oil imports, which currently meet over 85% of domestic demand, and enhance national energy security.

#2 ONGC Strikes New Oil & Gas Reserves in Mumbai Offshore

On 25 May 2025, ONGC announced two major oil and gas discoveries—‘Suryamani’ and ‘Vajramani’—in the Mumbai Offshore basin under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP). The Suryamani well yielded 2,235 barrels of oil and 45,181 cubic metres of gas per day, while Vajramani flowed 2,122 barrels of oil and 83,120 cubic metres of gas daily. Both discoveries are expected to boost domestic output in India’s most prolific energy zone. The finds were made in OALP-VI and OALP-III blocks. Additionally, ONGC discovered hydrocarbons in the Yandapalli-1 well in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin onshore, further enhancing India’s energy self-reliance.

#3 ONGC Discovers Oil and Gas in Krishna-Godavari Basin’s Onshore Block

On 25 May 2025, ONGC announced a new onshore oil and gas discovery in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin. The exploratory well Yandapalli-1, drilled to a depth of 3,958 metres in the Malleswaram PML block, revealed significant hydrocarbon reserves. The find has been classified as a “New Prospect Discovery,” strengthening India’s push for energy self-sufficiency. This discovery adds to ONGC’s recent offshore successes in the Mumbai basin—Suryamani and Vajramani—which also promise to boost domestic output.

#4 Cairn Partners with Parker Wellbore to Boost Oil Output in Rajasthan

On 1 April 2025, Cairn Oil & Gas, a Vedanta Group company, signed a strategic deal with Parker Wellbore (now part of Nabors Industries) to deploy a 2000 HP advanced drilling rig in Barmer, Rajasthan. This move supports Cairn’s goal to double its contribution to India’s crude oil output. The high-tech rig, featuring automated pipe handling and real-time monitoring, will enhance drilling safety and efficiency at Cairn’s largest onshore site. Announced during CERAWeek 2025, the partnership aligns with Cairn’s $5/bbl brownfield investment strategy aimed at tapping 5 billion barrels of reserves. Cairn currently contributes 25% of India’s domestic crude production and plans to explore unconventional resources like deepwater, tight oil, and shale.

#5 Historic Oil Discovery on Brahmaputra’s North Bank in Assam

On 4 April 2025, Oil India Limited (OIL) announced a landmark crude oil discovery at the Kobochapori-1 well on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River in Assam. Drilled to a depth of 4,334 metres in the geologically complex OALP Block AA-ONHP-2017/10, this is the first confirmed oil find beyond Upper Assam’s traditional oilfields. The breakthrough reveals a new petroleum system in the Upper Assam Shelf Basin, marking a major step in expanding hydrocarbon exploration in Northeast India. Using advanced seismic imaging and Airborne Gravity Gradiometry, OIL successfully unlocked deep sand reservoirs, despite the challenging riverine terrain.

#6 India Awards 28 Oil & Gas Blocks Under OALP-9, Eyes 1 Million Sq Km Exploration Goal

On 16 April 2025, India signed contracts for 28 oil and gas blocks under OALP-9 and two under a Special DSF Round, covering 1.36 lakh sq km across eight sedimentary basins. ONGC emerged as the top bidder, securing 11 blocks solo and four through partnerships, including a major win with Reliance and bp in Gujarat’s Saurashtra Basin. The Ministry also launched DSF Round-IV with 258.59 MMTOE in reserves and announced OALP-X, offering 25 blocks—over half in previously restricted “No-Go” zones. This expansion aligns with India’s 2030 target of exploring 1 million sq km. Private player Cairn Oil & Gas bagged seven new blocks, strengthening its 73,000 sq km portfolio. Backed by ₹7,500 crore in seismic surveys and cloud-based data access, India is accelerating exploration with a revamped regulatory framework under the updated Oilfields Act.

#7 Crude Oil Discovered in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh

On 27 March 2025, ONGC discovered a significant crude oil reserve near Sagarpali village in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, on land owned by the family of freedom fighter Chittu Pandey. The find follows a three-month Ganga basin survey, identifying reserves at a depth of 3,001 metres. ONGC has leased 6.5 acres from the Pandey family for three years at ₹10 lakh per annum. Drilling is expected to conclude by the end of April. If commercially viable, ONGC plans further exploration along a 300-km stretch from Ballia to Phaphamau in Prayagraj. This discovery could dramatically boost the local economy, offering significant compensation to farmers for land acquisition. The find adds to India’s growing domestic oil exploration efforts.

#8 ONGC Launches Oil Exploration in Bihar’s Samastipur

On 31 March 2025, ONGC began oil and gas exploration in Samastipur, Bihar, investing ₹35 crore to tap the underexplored Ganga Basin. This initiative, part of a 308 sq km project also covering Ballia in Uttar Pradesh, could unlock significant hydrocarbon reserves across Bihar, UP, and West Bengal. Success in Samastipur may drive broader exploration in the eastern region, long overlooked in India’s energy strategy. However, land acquisition challenges require strong local cooperation. The move supports India’s goal to expand exploration coverage to 1 million sq km by 2030 and reduce its 87% oil import dependency.

#9 Cairn Targets 50% of India’s Oil Output with Aggressive Expansion

On 20 February 2025, Cairn Oil & Gas (Vedanta Group) announced plans to boost its share of India’s oil and gas output to 50% by fast-tracking exploration across its 62 blocks. Cairn aims to drill 5–6 wells in the offshore Krishna-Godavari basin by 2026 and expand shale drilling in Rajasthan’s Barmer block. Activity is also intensifying in Gujarat and the Northeast. Cairn is deploying Controlled Source Electro-Magnetic (CSEM) technology to de-risk drilling and has plans to spud new wells in Jaya (Gujarat), Ravva (East Coast), and ultra-deepwater areas from OALP-X. The company is actively participating in OALP-IX and X rounds and anticipates regulatory reforms, including the Oilfields Amendment Bill, to open doors for international partnerships.

#10 First Oil Extracted from KG Basin’s Deep-Sea Project Near Kakinada

On 7 January 2024, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced India’s first oil extraction from ONGC’s deep-sea Block 98/2 in the Krishna-Godavari Basin, located 30 km off Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. The project, initiated in 2016–17, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic but has now operationalized four of its 26 wells. Production is expected to ramp up to 45,000 barrels per day by mid-2024, contributing approximately 7% each to India’s total crude oil and natural gas output. ONGC has completed Phase-2 and advanced to Phase-3, targeted peak production by June 2024.

#11 Natural Gas Discovery by Oil India in Assam’s Tinsukia

On 16 November 2020, Oil India Ltd (OIL) announced a significant natural gas discovery in the Dinjan-1 well, located within the Tinsukia petroleum mining lease in Assam’s Upper Assam Basin. The exploratory well encountered around 10 metres of hydrocarbon-bearing sands and tested at a production rate of 115,000 standard cubic metres per day. This find marks a key milestone in expanding natural gas exploration in Northeast India.

#12 ONGC Discovers Major Oil Reserves West of Mumbai High

On 1 January 2018, ONGC announced a major oil and gas discovery west of Mumbai High in the Arabian Sea through well WO-24-3 (WO-24-C). The find contains an estimated 30 million tonnes of in-place hydrocarbons across nine zones, all of which tested positive for oil and gas. One zone alone yielded 3,310 barrels of oil and 17,071 cubic metres of gas per day. This multi-layered deposit marks a significant expansion of upstream opportunities in the region. Production is expected to begin within two years, leveraging nearby infrastructure from the WO-16 field. The discovery is key to India’s energy strategy to reduce dependence on imports by boosting domestic production. Mumbai High already contributes 44% of India’s crude output, and ONGC planned to raise production from 25.5 million tonnes in 2016–17 to up to 29 million tonnes by 2020.

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Dravidian Model: Ceiling At Panchayat Office In Kumbakonam Collapses 3 Days After Inauguration By CM Stalin

By
The Commune
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dravidian model panchayat office ceiling collapse

In a bizarre incident, the ceiling plaster of a newly inaugurated building collapsed just three days after its opening in the Suriyanar Temple Panchayat near Kumbakonam, Thiruvidaimarudur. The structure, built at a cost of ₹30 lakh under the Anna Renaissance Scheme, was meant to serve as the Panchayat Office.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had visited Thanjavur on the 15th and 16th to participate in several official functions. During his visit on the 16th, he inaugurated the new Panchayat building along with other development projects and welfare programs.

Shockingly, only days after the inauguration, a major section of the interior ceiling gave way. Remarkably, ceremonial decorations like the banana tree and offerings placed during the opening event remained untouched. However, the incident has sparked widespread concern and criticism in the local community.

Residents allege that the construction was rushed, with warnings already circulating about potential safety risks. On the very first day after the Chief Minister’s inauguration, sections of the ceiling reportedly collapsed in two rooms. Local authorities allegedly kept the damage under wraps to avoid public attention and proceeded with shifting materials from the old Panchayat office to the new premises.

Now, with the ceiling in the building’s main hall also collapsing, many are questioning the quality of construction. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the ceremonial setup remains intact.

Locals are demanding an immediate investigation. They urge Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudi, the District Collector, and local engineering officials to assess the structural integrity of the building thoroughly before it is used further.

(With inputs from Vikatan)

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Why PM Modi’s Croatia Visit Matters: The Buried Scandal Of A ‘Diplomat’ Who Fractured India-Croatia Ties

By
The Commune
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Croatia marks a pivotal moment in India’s engagement with Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), signaling a renewed focus on regions beyond Western Europe. Croatia, strategically located on the Adriatic Sea coastline, offers India a vital gateway to the European continent and aligns with New Delhi’s broader geopolitical and economic interests.

Croatia’s ports—Rijeka, Split, and Ploče—are key nodes in the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), placing the country at a crucial intersection of European trade routes. This makes Croatia a natural partner in India’s ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which envisions a seamless logistics and trade chain linking India with Europe via the Mediterranean. Croatia’s inclusion in this corridor would enhance India’s access to the 12-country Three Seas Initiative (3SI)—a bloc focused on boosting connectivity and energy security in the region.

PM Modi’s visit also comes at a time when Croatia is increasingly important within the European Union and NATO, having joined the two organizations in 2013 and 2009 respectively. By strengthening ties with Zagreb, India is positioning itself as a credible partner not only in trade but also in strategic and political cooperation across Europe’s southern and eastern flanks. This is especially pertinent given China’s growing presence in the Balkans through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India’s outreach offers an alternative model of partnership based on mutual respect and sustainable development.

Economically, the visit highlights the steady growth in India-Croatia bilateral trade, which rose from $199.45 million in 2017 to $337.68 million in 2023, as per data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. India exports pharmaceuticals, chemicals, garments, and machinery to Croatia, while Croatian exports to India include precision instruments, timber, rubber products, and chemical goods. Strengthening economic links in areas such as IT, infrastructure, green energy, and pharmaceuticals can be mutually beneficial.

Further adding to this cultural affinity, Croatian contributions to Indian history include their role in constructing the Church of Sao Braz in Goa during the 16th century. Indian cultural traditions such as yoga and classical dance continue to find enthusiastic audiences in Croatian universities.

Modi’s visit thus signifies more than a diplomatic courtesy—it is a strategic recalibration. PM Modi has made all this possible after the relationship between the two countries were practically broken, thanks to the legacy of Indian diplomats who abused power during the Congress era. Here’s why.

Aneil Mathrani – The Scandulous Indian Diplomat Who Fractured India-Croatia Ties

Aneil Mathrani, a former Indian diplomat, left such a damaging legacy during his ambassadorship to Croatia that the post remained vacant for a period following his exit. His tenure from 29 December 2004 to 2 December 2005 was marred by scandal and misconduct so severe that it has reportedly become a cautionary case study at civil services training institutes like LBSNAA on diplomatic impropriety.

Mathrani, became embroiled in controversy due to a series of personal and professional misconducts during his tenure in Zagreb. Duska Bilic, a former housekeeper at his residence, accused him of inappropriate behaviour and non-payment of wages. She recounted his mistreatment of domestic staff, including an Indian maid left without basic necessities, and expressed disbelief at his conduct, especially considering his representation of a country like India.

Mathrani’s tenure was marked by misuse of public funds, unprofessionalism, and diplomatic blunders. Whistleblowers claim he spent more time holidaying along the Dalmatian coast and engaging in personal affairs than fulfilling his official duties. Allegedly, he sought to cover his tracks after the release of the Volcker Report by fabricating invitations from Croatian officials to justify his unofficial travels. Notably, Mathrani was also implicated alongside Kunwar Natwar Singh in the infamous Oil-for-Food scandal.

He was also reported to have sought perks from local tourism offices and denied visas without justification to Croatian business executives unless their CEOs personally intervened.

Diplomatically, Mathrani made several missteps. He offended the Croatian Speaker of Parliament by arriving late for a condolence meeting and attended a contentious “Victory Day” event, boycotted by most of the diplomatic corps due to its association with war crimes. His frequent unauthorized absences from post, including a secretive trip to New York, reportedly strained his relationship with his political mentor, Natwar Singh.

One infamous incident that encapsulates the disregard he showed for diplomatic norms occurred during the formal presentation of his credentials to the Croatian President. Departing from established protocol—where a diplomat is usually accompanied by their spouse—Mathrani appeared with a woman widely reported to be an ‘escort’ he was involved with at the time. To date, he remains the only Indian ambassador known to have breached such decorum, turning a solemn diplomatic tradition into a public embarrassment.

Image Source: Google

Nothing Short Of Extraordinary

With a relationship strained due to such an embarassing past, what PM Modi has achieved with his recent trip is nothing short of amazing. While the intelligent needn’t be told this, it becomes necessary to people who are hell bent on nitpicking over PM Modi’s English skills.

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Dravidian Model: Blank Papers & Bengaluru Maps Submitted For Chennai ESI Hospital Clearance

By
The Commune
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esi hospital dravidian model

The DMK-led Dravidian Model government is facing serious scrutiny following allegations from whistleblowers who have exposed major discrepancies in the handling of a Central Government project at the ESI Hospital in KK Nagar, Chennai. The hospital, selected for a 500-bed expansion, requires an Environmental Clearance (EC) certificate from the state government to begin construction. However, the process appears to have been handled with alarming negligence.

According to a whistleblower, when the government uploaded the required building master plan on 8 November 2023, the document was essentially a blank A4 sheet with a barely visible miniature image—raising serious concerns about procedural integrity.

Even more startling, over a year and a half later, on 12 June 2025, an entirely unrelated map from the Devanagonthi area in Bangalore was uploaded in place of the original hospital site responding to Essential Details Sought (EDS) prompting outrage and suspicion.

Essential Details Sought (EDS) for environmental clearance in India typically include comprehensive project information, an overview of the existing environmental conditions, potential environmental impacts, proposed mitigation strategies, and a detailed Environmental Management Plan. These components enable regulatory authorities to evaluate the environmental implications of a project and ensure necessary protective measures are implemented.

However, in this case, residential plot details from a Bangalore apartment project were uploaded under the proposed ESI hospital project, resulting in significant delays in the clearance process.

These revelations, supported by official documents, have sparked strong criticism from activists and policy watchers. Critics argue that while the DMK government fast-tracked clearances for a convention centre named after former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi—slated for construction near the Muttukadu coastline—basic clearances for a critical healthcare facility have been stalled.

The convention centre project, complete with full approvals by early January 2025 and ready for construction shortly after, moved with remarkable speed. This raises the pressing question, if such efficiency can be shown for a beachside convention hall, why is a hospital expansion being treated with such indifference?

Furthermore, the Karunanidhi convention centre located in a coastal area would have required multiple environmental and regulatory reports, including marine ecology studies, CRZ maps, disaster management assessments, and coastal zone compliance. Yet, not even a fraction of that diligence seems to have been applied to securing environmental clearance for a hospital meant to serve the public.

The contrast between the two projects has intensified public criticism, with many questioning the DMK government’s priorities and commitment to healthcare infrastructure.

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When Narrative Fails: How The News Minute’s Frenzied Coverage Of The Kalakshetra Issue Turned Into Radio Silence On Leela Samson’s Regret For Defaming A Female Student

By
The Commune
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the news minute kalakshetra issue leela samson regret

The Kalakshetra issue saw a kind of closure after former director Leela Samson posted a “regret” notice on her Facebook page. The accused teacher was also given bail after by court.

Let us rewind to two years back. It was December 2022, Leela Samson makes a Facebook post alleging sexual harassment by a male staff on minor students. 

She continues to add comments in the same post dragging another student’s name into the mess. Soon after she deletes the post.

This deleted post was also screenshotted and shared by self-styled feminist and X activist Chinmayi Sripaada. But it does not get the required traction.

In January 2023, Chinmayi shares this again but now on X.

There is a lull again. But around end March/early April 2023, the issue explodes after students start protesting. Now our “champions of justice” enter the arena – The News Minute starts reporting on how the institution has been harbouring ‘assailants’ and ‘silencing’ victims.

The start reporting exclusives about the issue, they made explainer videos, detailed articles, published op-eds and what not – hey, this was the rare #MeToo that has finally hit a cultural institution that defied uprooting of its Hindu roots.

They even published exclusive interviews (under the garb of anonymity) of “victims” – they went full throttle in their attempt to ‘help’ Kalakshetra take shape as another JNU.

The News Minute’s Coverage Of Kalakshetra Controversy

The News Minute’s coverage of the Kalakshetra sexual harassment allegations exhibits a pattern of selective reporting and amplification of unverified claims, contributing to a biased narrative. The outlet prominently featured Leela Samson’s December 2022 Facebook post accusing a faculty member, Hari Padman, of misconduct and gave significant weight to her statements,

Articles like “Kalakshetra row: Probe finds teacher Hari Padman guilty of misconduct” emphasized the inquiry committee’s findings against Padman without equally highlighting the lack of conclusive evidence or the ongoing legal proceedings, potentially prejudicing public perception. Additionally, The News Minute’s reports, such as “Casteism, colourism, body shaming: How Kalakshetra’s culture lets harassment thrive,” framed the institution’s culture broadly as toxic, relying heavily on anonymous sources and allegations without sufficient counterbalancing perspectives from the accused or the institution’s administration.

Let’s take one example – the “Let Me Explain” video by Anna Issac. In the video, Issac claimed that over 100 testimonies were gathered by an NGO named Care Spaces, which pointed to a systemic problem in the institution. However, when one just did as much as a Google search, one would question the neutrality of Care Spaces, noting that it is allegedly run by Janani Ramesh — a close associate of Kalakshetra dancer Indhu Nideesh, who, along with two other teachers (Nirmala and Nandini Nagarajan), was accused of orchestrating a smear campaign against Hari Padman due to internal professional rivalries.

From what was understood after speaking to the affected parties, alumni, then-current students, it became clear that many of TNM’s claims were biased and laden with vested interests. For example, TNM, in one of its reports wrote, “Kalakshetra’s geography isolates it from the city, and most students doing their fine arts courses live on campus.” suggesting that Kalakshetra was physically isolated and students were left vulnerable — in fact, the institution is located in Thiruvanmiyur, one of Chennai’s prime localities. Additionally, TNM reported that students were unable to speak at a January auditorium meeting because the alleged abuser was present. In reality, as exposed by an alumnus, this meeting was a routine POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) conference led by a neutral lawyer, BS Ajeetha. Witnesses said the disruptions came not from faculty protecting abusers, but from rival teachers misusing the space to shame colleagues.

Moreover, the internal committee — which even included left-leaning members — found no merit in the harassment allegations, as there were no formal complaints filed at the time.

The institution issued a gag order to prevent the spread of unverified rumors, but TNM misrepresented this legal safeguard as a draconian attempt to silence victims. With such twists and turns that TNM gave to the issue, it became clearer by the day and their reportage that the agenda was to vilify an institution rooted in the Indic guru-sishya tradition, a model long targeted by activist-artists like TM Krishna and Chinmayi.

The Other Side Of The Story

While TNM amplified only one side of the story, getting testimonials from former students who were repeat offenders – late for classes, leaving the premises when not allowed (during the course), for all the claims that they make about being “independent” media reporting every single piece of information about an issue, they did not bother to talk to other alumni or colleagues about the charges.

It was revealed that the allegations of sexual harassment against teacher Hari Padman were largely baseless or exaggerated, rooted instead in professional rivalry from fellow teachers Nirmala Nagarajan, Nandini Nagarajan, and Indhu Nideesh.

Around 15 female students were investigated by police from the Adyar All Women Police Station but most of the students did not make any accusations of sexual harassment against Hari Padman or the institution. Each student was reportedly investigated in person or at their homes. A few students reportedly told the police that they had nothing to do with the complaint and said that they did not make any sexual harassment charges against Hari Padman.

On March 19, 2023, the ICC cleared Hari Padman of any wrongdoing. The National Commission for Women also found no evidence to support the allegations.

A 12-year Kalakshetra veteran and other anonymous sources asserted that these teachers instigated protests and leaked information to media and activists, bypassing internal committees.

Complaints to the Ministry of Culture and NCW accused them of manipulating students and weaponizing routine discipline.

The News Minute which had gone on a tirade against Kalakshetra Foundation, Hari Padman and others went silent and did not even reported about some of these developments – be it the police failing to file chargesheet against Hari Padman, or students reporting no sexual harassment allegations against him, or Leela Samson wrongly accusing a girl of being a “mistress”.

 

Amid all this, The Commune continued amplifying the voices that was getting lost in the noise. And despite media narratives led by platforms like The News Minute and NGOs like CARESpaces, internal inquiries found no evidence of misconduct. While any genuine abuse must be investigated thoroughly, it is the duty of a news portal to report on all aspects of the case, rather than peddling a specific propaganda.

TNM’s Radio Silence On Leela Samson’s Regret

While TNM was reporting on how the “sexual harassment accused” Hari Padman was released on bail and other updates regarding the case, they have not even carried one report on Leela Samson’s regret for wrongly accusing and derogating a student as “mistress”. An FIR was registered against Leela Samson after the dance intern at the Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts (“RDCFA”).

When the complainant asked for the reason, she was informed that Samson claimed “mistress” meant “ejamaani” (in Tamil ejamaani means a feudal landlady) in the context of the intern giving tuitions to Haripadman’s son. As Samson had already removed her post, the police found her explanation “satisfactory” and decided to close the case. The context, tone and tenor of Leela Samson’s post gives away that she had used the word “mistress” with a sexual connotation.

But TNM never reported this angle. In fact, they did not even bother to look into the aspect that Leela Samson wrongly dragged a student’s name into the matter by calling her a “mistress” and linking her with the man accused of sexual harassment.

All this only proves one thing – truth was never the priority, agenda and propaganda was. If allies slander and it does not fit in your narrative, just push it under the carpet, because the victim’s life is not worth fighting for, nor worth spending the time and energy.

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AIADMK IT Wing Member Arrested For Satirical Post On MK Stalin

By
The Commune
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The ruling DMK has now escalated its crackdown on free speech, entering a new phase where it targets opposition voices through arrests rather than responding with reason or counter-arguments. Instead of engaging in democratic discourse, the government is using state power to go after AIADMK IT Wing members, alleging that they “defamed” and “criticised” Chief Minister and DMK leader M.K. Stalin. In a healthy democracy, challenging those in power especially by the opposition is not just a right, but a vital duty. Yet, the DMK appears more intent on crushing dissent than upholding democratic norms.

The latest to face this political crackdown is AIADMK IT Wing member Surya Shankar from Thittai Panchayat in Mayiladuthurai District.

The move has sparked widespread condemnation from political observers, especially with the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on the horizon. As both Dravidian majors ramp up their rhetoric, it’s the DMK that has stooped to undemocratic methods, arresting AIADMK functionaries instead of responding to criticism politically—a shocking display of authoritarian instinct.

In response, the AIADMK IT Wing slammed the arrest, issuing a statement on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, “The @AIADMKITWINGOFL, has strongly retaliated against the @DMKITwing, for their derogatory portrayal of the General Secretary of the AIADMK, Puratchi Thamizhar @EPSTamilNadu. Following this, various AIADMK functionaries and cadres also condemned the post and demanded its immediate removal, delivering fitting responses.

In this regard, we strongly condemn the Stalin-model DMK government for its arbitrary arrest of Surya Shankar, a member of @AIADMKITWINGOFL from Thittai Panchayat, Mayiladuthurai District, who shared a cartoon of the puppet Chief Minister that is similar to the one they posted. Does the police have the strength to take action against @DMKITwing, which published a derogatory cartoon depicting the honorable Puratchi Thamizhar @EPSTamilNadu with the same swiftness? The people of Tamil Nadu in just ten months will crush the arrogance of this fascist DMK government, which operates with the hubris of power, believing it can do anything and that no one should speak against it.” 

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How Kamal Haasan Left Lingusamy In The Lurch, Bankrupted Him, And Destroyed His Film Career

By
The Commune
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DMK stooge Kamal Haasan, a part-time politician and full-time actor, has now officially secured a Rajya Sabha seat—by effectively mortgaging his party for a deal with the DMK. In doing so, he’s abandoned the very fans and supporters who once placed their hopes in him and stood by his vision for change. What remains is Kamal Haasan—a man of theatrical flair, but political emptiness. Soon, he’ll likely be seated in the Rajya Sabha for the Monsoon Session, parroting the DMK’s line without hesitation.

But this isn’t a new chapter in his story—it’s a continuation. The lack of consistency and integrity we now see in his political career mirrors his time as a filmmaker. Director Lingusamy once revealed his experience during the chaotic production of Uttama Villain is a telling example. He described how Kamal’s endless script rewrites derailed the film, drained finances, and ultimately left the production house in ruins. The pattern of unpredictability and self-serving decisions seems all too familiar—on screen or off it.

In a candid interview with journalist Chithra Lakshmanan, director-producer Lingusamy recounted his challenging experience working with Haasan on the film Uttama Villain. While acknowledging Kamal as a brilliant artist, Lingusamy didn’t shy away from sharing how the actor’s unpredictable working style and constant script revisions derailed the film’s production.

He recalled that Uttama Villain started as a promising emotional story, initially meant to feature actor Siddharth in a key role. However, the script was frequently changed—almost weekly, according to Lingusamy causing chaos for the production team and financial strain for his company, Thirrupathi Brothers. Despite Kamal agreeing in writing to compensate by doing another low-budget film (around ₹30 crore), the financial losses had already mounted.

Actor and journalist Chithra Lakshmanan asked, “was ‘Uttama Villain’ the film that put you in the biggest financial trouble?”

Lingusamy responded, “Definitely. I’m not saying this to criticize, but that’s the truth. He had promised to do another film for us; he even gave it in writing that he’d make a film for 30 crores. We didn’t put any pressure on him; it was out of immense respect for him that I would frequently go and ask him about it. We even asked him recently, and he’s still said he’ll do a film for us. We went to him willingly, but what we asked for was different. As Gautham Menon said in that comedy, ‘What I asked for…’ Don’t you know what we would wish for, sir? We came wanting films like ‘Thevar Magan’ or ‘Apoorva Sagodharargal’. Those are the kinds of films we wished for based on his body of work. He narrated a story, a super commercial script, like Velu Nayakar going from here to save his younger brother and returning. He described the action as a superb film. We were thinking of casting Siddharth as the brother. The thing is, he would change things every week; that’s his issue. He’s done that with many films before, and they’ve been successful. That’s his artistic pursuit, his way of doing things. If I had gone only as a director, it might have been balanced differently, but because I went as a producer, he would constantly change things and narrate new ideas on the fly. Bose sir asked him to do the film ‘Drishyam,’ but noting two prominent actors he said they wouldn’t do it, “Why brother is even asking for this?” Sir, I respect him immensely. Bose might deal with him a bit like a producer, but I see him as a great artist. That’s my problem too.”

Adding to the frustration, Lingusamy revealed that when he proposed to remake the Malayalam hit Drishyam with Kamal in the lead, the actor declined—only to go ahead and do the project later with a different production house. This move, Lingusamy implied, felt like a betrayal.

Lingusamy recounted, “At that time, there was good content, you know, sir? We were doing five films continuously, and all doing well. Then he said he wanted to do the story for ‘Uttama Villain’. Bose didn’t like it at all. He was waiting to acquire the full rights to ‘Drishyam.’ He had even shown him the film. After seeing it, he said he wouldn’t do it and went to another company to make a film.”

He then lamented, “Honestly, as an artist, you can’t find anyone like Kamal sir. I myself have learned so much from his films, like ‘Thevar Magan’ – how many times do I say it? As an artist, he is a truly amazing artist.”

During the post-production phase of Uttama Villain, Lingusamy attempted to bring the film back on track, suggesting several changes after viewing rough cuts. Although Kamal appeared to agree at the time, none of those suggestions made it to the final edit.

Lingusamy said, “After I make this film, if you face any issues, let me know, and I’ll take care of whatever’s needed. But I’m going to make this film as my dream project. I just made one request, ‘I won’t interfere at all, sir, but for every film, we usually suggest a few corrections after watching the final cut. I’ll watch the film and suggest corrections, sir. You can do that then.’ He said, ‘Please, do tell.’ So, Balaji sir and I prepared a list and took it to him. He said he’d consider everything we asked for, but he didn’t implement them, sir. If he had, the film might have turned out much better, honestly. Even now, that edit is such a fantastic one, I genuinely believe it. He honestly agreed, but I don’t know what he thought; he didn’t do it the next day. He just left it as is. The next day, when I went home, a show was playing. Khushbu madam and everyone were sitting and watching the film. He says again, ‘They were really enjoying it! Trust me, just leave it as it is.’ He then said again, ‘Tell your brother too, tell him I said this.'”

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Meet IIT Gandhinagar PhD Scholar Thanglienmang Haokip, Who Has Expressed His Perversion Against Meiteis & Love For Militancy

By
The Commune
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Meet IIT Gandhinagar PhD Scholar Thanglienmang Haokip, Who Has Expressed His Perversion Against Meiteis & Love For Militancy

Over the past few weeks, The Commune has been reporting on how IITs in India have begun emerging as leftist dens. IIT Bombay, IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Guwahati, and IIT Chennai feature in that list.

Just recently, we reported on how IIT Bombay Humanities professor Suryakant Waghmore had mocked Hindus and called vegetarianism as “casteist” and a “social illness”.

IIT Gandhinagar saw a professor supporting Hamas and separatist Umar Khalid. Yet another IIT Gandhinagar professor in the Humanities department made his MA students work on theses focusing on topics related to Islam.

Now, another case of perversion and leftist ideological thinking has surfaced, this time from a PhD scholar named Thanglienmang Haokip.

Who Is Thanglienmang Haokip?

A series of his inflammatory and perverse posts have come to light from his X handle. As per the institute’s website, Haokip has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from North-Eastern Hill University and a Master of Social Work from Pondicherry University. My research interests include agrarian studies, relationships between the environment and indigenous people, traditional knowledge and practices, tribal studies and northeast India studies. His PhD topic was Thinglhang Lou: Swidden Farming and its Continuity in Manipur

Let’s take a look at some of his perversive behaviour online that was exhibited through his social media posts.

Perverted Comments Against Meitei Hindus

Screenshots of his posts, which have been widely circulated, appear to show advocacy of extremist positions and include offensive and sexually suggestive remarks directed at underage girls belonging to the Meitei Hindu community. Here are a few examples.

He even went to the extent of mocking the rape and murder of minor Meitei girl by the Kuki militiants by sexualizing it.

In some older tweets, he couldn’t stop talking about the Meiteis in a derogatory manner which only exposed his extreme perversion.

Supporting Militancy

Haokip has been seen promoting militant rhetoric in connection with the Manipur ethnic conflict.

PhD Thesis, Guide & Present Work

Haokip is said to have completed his doctoral research under the supervision of Prof. Ambika Aiyadurai in the Humanities and Social Sciences department at IIT Gandhinagar.

Interestingly, Aiyadurai is a wildlife conservation professor but why is she researching on caste and water at a premier technological institute?

As per her IIT Gandhinagar website profile, Aiyadurai’s area of research intersts include ● biodiversity conservation, human-animal relations, natural resources management, indigenous people and livelihoods, conservation and development. Most of her research papers are centered around the North-east. Is that the region why most of her students are also from the north east?

Another interesting information that has surfaced is that Haokip has been selected for an IKS post-doctoral fellowship for 2025-26 and the topic of his project is “Indigenous Beliefs and Practices in Northeast India: A Case Study of the Kukis” hosted by IIT Guwahati!

As we dig deeper, the IITs and their Humanities departments keep throwing up muck that only prove why it was a wrong decision to bring in the social sciences into their campuses – one that has led to its complete rot.

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The Commune is a news and views portal focusing on social and political issues of the southern part of India with a focus on Tamil Nadu.
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