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Bangladesh: Inflation Soars To Four-Month High In November

Bangladesh's Inflation Soars To Four-Month High In November

Inflation in Bangladesh accelerated to 11.38 per cent in November, the highest in four months, mainly driven by higher food prices, the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reported on Thursday.

Data showed that it was 10.87 per cent in October, Xinhua news agency reported. Food inflation soared 13.80 per cent in November, up from 12.66 per cent a month ago.

The inflation of non-food items increased to 9.39 per cent in November from 9.34 per cent in October, the data showed.

The country’s average inflation surged to 9.73 per cent in the fiscal year 2023-24 (July 2023-June 2024), much higher than the budgetary target of 7.5 per cent for the fiscal, Xinhua news agency reported.

In the previous 2022-23 fiscal year, overall inflation was 9.02 per cent.

–IANS

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Mahakumbh 2025: ‘Oxygen bank’ With 1.5 Lakh Plants To Set The Stage For Green Kumbh

Maha Kumbh 2025 Drives Visa Application Growth For Spiritual Travel In India

Mahakumbh 2025 is set to offer a unique and rejuvenating experience for devotees from across the globe, with the Uttar Pradesh government creating a high-density ‘oxygen forest’ in Mahakumbhnagar.

Featuring 1.5 lakh plants, this green initiative enhances the area’s natural beauty and ensures an abundant supply of oxygen, promising an unforgettable experience for all visitors.

On the instructions of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, efforts are underway to enhance the main intersections of Mahakumbhnagar and the major highways into ‘green zones’. DFO Prayagraj Arvind Kumar Yadav said: “Under CM Yogi Adityanath’s guidance, preparations are focused on making this year’s Mahakumbh divine, fresh, and grand. A target of planting 149,620 saplings has been set, with 137,964 already planted. The entire plantation work will be completed by December 10.”

“One of the highlights will be the 50,000 saplings that will greet devotees as they enter Mahakumbh, offering a visual treat for both domestic and international visitors. The forest department is working tirelessly to ensure Mahakumbhnagar is green and vibrant, with plants being placed on every road and intersection. Mahakumbhnagar will be fully green before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit.” Alok Kumar Pandey, IT Head of the Forest Department in Prayagraj, said: “The entry and exit routes linking Mahakumbhnagar to the city are being beautified with ornamental plants. A variety of projects, including the installation of 50,000 cement tree guards, 10,000 round iron guards, and 2,500 square iron guards, are underway as part of this thematic planting initiative. ”

“A high-density oxygen forest is being developed in Saraswati Hi-Tech City, designed to function as both an oxygen bank and a city forest. A total of 87,120 plants are being planted over 20 hectares in this area, which will become a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists,” he added. About 2,500 plants have already been planted in the urban area of Mahakumbhnagar. The primary focus is on the Prayagraj-Ayodhya and Prayagraj-Varanasi roads, along with other key routes including those to Lucknow, Mirzapur, Rewa, and Banda. Along the Ganga banks, 10,000 saplings are being planted, with special attention to the beautification of Pakka Ghat and the banks of Jhunsi, Arail, and Phaphamau.

The Karchana range, stretching from the urban area of Mahakumbhnagar to Hi-Tech City, is seeing the planting of about 2,500 saplings, including Gul Mohar, Kachnar, and Amaltas. As part of Green Mahakumbh initiative, extensive plantation work is underway throughout Mahakumbhnagar. The banks of the Ganga River are being transformed into lush green spaces, with 3,000 Arjun plants being planted along the left bank. Meanwhile, Gul Mohar and Kanji plants are being planted along the southern bank of the Sangam, covering Prayag and Soraon. The Karchana range is being enriched with 2,000 saplings, while 1,700 Arjun and Kachnar saplings are being planted along the Ganga River banks and on the roads connecting Jhunsi, Kakra-Lilapur, and Phulpur. Additionally, 1,800 Arjun and Peepal saplings are being planted along the Phaphamau-Sahson-Hanumanganj and Prayagraj-Gorakhpur roads, further enhancing the region’s green cover.

–IANS

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“Udhayanidhi Produced A Movie, ‘Oru Kal Oru Kannadi’ That Brought Revolution” Says DMK Minister SM Nasar Praising DMK Scion Udhayanidhi Stalin

"Udhayanidhi Produced A Movie, 'Oru Kal Oru Kannadi' That Brought Revolution" Says DMK Minister SM Nasar Praising DMK Scion Udhayanidhi Stalin

At a recent DMK event, Minister S M Nasar went overboard in his sycophantic praise of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, drawing questionable comparisons between Udhayanidhi’s leadership and that of past DMK giants. Nasar not only lauded Udhayanidhi’s contributions to Tamil cinema but also likened his role in the party to historical figures, even going so far as to credit him with revolutionary achievements from his film “Oru Kal Oru Kannadi” to his political campaigns.

In Tamil Nadu, it appears there is an unspoken practice among ministers to lavish praise on DMK scion and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin to maintain their standing within the cabinet. Lately, it has become a norm for DMK ministers to commend Udhayanidhi whenever they address a gathering. In a recent DMK meeting, Avadi MLA and Minister for Minorities and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare, S. M. Nasar, lauded Udhayanidhi Stalin for his contributions to Tamil cinema and highlighted his significant efforts for the party, likening his dedication to that of previous DMK leaders, from Annadurai to M. K. Stalin.

Speaking at a DMK event, S. M. Nasar remarked, “This is the Honorable Deputy Chief Minister’s birthday celebration. as far as he is concerned, if Kalaignar leaped 8 feet, his son, our Honorable Chief Minister Stalin, leaps 16 feet. And if he leaps 16 feet, our Deputy Chief Minister surpasses that by leaping 32 feet. He is such a compassionate individual you cannot find other than a smile on his face. Even our leader might show anger or reprimand us, but whatever the problem is, he (Udhayanidhi) has the ability to resolve issues with a smile.”

Drawing a parallel between M. K. Stalin’s efforts to revive the DMK and bring it back to power during the MGR era through the formation of the party’s youth wing, S. M. Nasar likened Stalin’s dedication to that of his son, Udhayanidhi, and remarked, “After leaders like Anna, Kalaignar, and Stalin, the only leader capable of mobilizing party cadres for events such as meetings, protests, or demonstrations is our Honorable Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin. I sincerely thank the Chief Minister for appointing such a capable individual as the Deputy Chief Minister, recognizing his potential not only as the Organizing Secretary but also as a guiding force for the next generation.”

Praising Udhayanidhi Stalin’s efforts in the NEET abolition campaign, S. M. Nasar remarked, “I don’t know what’s the connection between him and stone. If you see, many renowned filmmakers have made numerous movies—some flopped, and others generated great revenue—but he produced a movie ‘Oru Kal Oru Kannadi,’ which sparked a revolution. Even in that, there’s a stone. Similarly, when Union Prime Minister Modi laid a foundation stone for AIIMS in Madurai, Udhayanidhi used it as a metaphorically challenged the decade old government and pushed back. That pride belongs to Udhayanidhi and he did that with one stone. Just as how Kannagi brought down the autocratic Pandya reign with a single anklet, Udhayanidhi, with one stone, has driven away the darkness of tyrant government. That remarkable achievement belongs to Udhayanidhi Stalin.”

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Tiruvannamalai Floods: Centre Issued Flood Warning Days Ago, DMK Govt’s Inaction Caused Devastation?

Tiruvannamalai Floods: Centre Issued Flood Warning Days Ago, DMK Govt's Inaction Caused Devastation?

In a shocking revelation, despite prior warnings from the Central Water Commission, which issued an Official Flood Forecast along with a Special Flood Advisory for Tamil Nadu on 29 November 2024, predicting severe floods until 3 December 2024, and urging adherence to SOPs for controlled water releases, the Tamil Nadu government seems to have failed to act accordingly. Instead, water was released haphazardly during the night of heavy rains, resulting in severe disasters in districts such as Tiruvannamalai.

On 29 November 2024, The Central Water Commission issued an Official Flood Forecast and a Special Flood Advisory for Tamil Nadu, warning of severe weather due to the intensification of a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal. This system is expected to bring extremely heavy rainfall to coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh on 29 and 30 November 2024.

Afterwards, the rainfall will shift to Kerala, neighbouring Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka on 1 and 2 December 2024. The advisory also forecasts increased runoff into rivers such as Korttalaiyar, Vellar, Gummanur, Varahanadi, and both Upper and Lower South Pennar over the next 72 hours. Additionally, heavy runoff is expected in rivers like Bhavani, Kabini, Aliyar, Kallar, and tributaries of the Cauvery, affecting districts like Nilgiris, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli, and Dindigul until 3 December 2024. There will also be increased inflow into major reservoirs like Sathanur Dam, Gomukhi, Poondi, Chembarambakkam, and Wellington Dam, requiring operations as per SOP and controlled releases after notifying downstream areas.

Despite flood warning from the center, panic swept through the residents of Tiruvannamalai district in Tamil Nadu as heavy rains, exacerbated by the impact of Cyclone Fengal, triggered severe floods. The lack of action and inefficiency at the state level contributed to the chaos.

Among the devastation was a newly constructed bridge across the South Pennar River, which was inaugurated on 2 September by DMK PWD Minister E. V. Velu. The 250-meter bridge, built at a cost of ₹15.9 crore to connect two villages, was washed away on 3 December 2024.

The Public Works Department (PWD) explained that the bridge had been designed to handle a discharge of 54,417 cusecs, but excessive rainfall forced water to be released from the Sathanur Dam at nearly two lakh cusecs, causing significant damage. The bridge, supported by 11 pillars and located 24 kilometers downstream of the dam, could not withstand the surge.

In Tamil Nadu’s western region, torrential rain caused widespread disruption. The flow of the Cauvery River at Hogenakkal in Dharmapuri district surged from 5,500 cusecs on Monday to 14,000 cusecs by Tuesday morning, and further to 30,000 cusecs by evening. This prompted the district administration to suspend coracle rides and bathing at the falls.

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Is The Congress In Bed With George Soros And The Deep State To Target Modi Govt?

Is The Congress In Bed With George Soros And The Deep State To Target Modi Govt?

The Indian National Congress is under scrutiny for its close ties to international entities like George Soros and the US Deep State, with accusations that the party has been using foreign-backed narratives to target the Modi government. From the Adani issue to the Pegasus controversy, Congress has relied on reports funded by the U.S. State Department and other deep state figures to fuel its attacks, raising concerns about a coordinated agenda aimed at destabilizing India.

The Deep State has been in the news for quite some time with reports suggesting that the Deep State reportedly engineers Bangladesh’s coup/regime change – but we never know. However, some patterns reveal that the Indian National Congress is deeply connected to the Deep State. Let’s take a look.


Over the last four years, every issue on which the Congress party has targeted the BJP seems to rely on narratives and supporting material originating from abroad. Issues like Pegasus, Adani, caste census, ‘democracy in danger’, Global Hunger Index, religious freedom, and press freedom – all appear to draw heavily from international sources. It’s something to think about strongly!
Whenever a foreign agency releases a research report, news, or index, the Congress party uses it as a tool to attack the BJP or the Central Govt. This raises serious questions! It appears that Congress has a hidden ally in the West, working behind the scenes to assist in creating narratives aimed at destabilizing India. It’s time to expose this coordinated agenda!


On 13 November 2020, Financial Times, known for its close connections with George Soros, published an article titled ‘Modi’s Rockefeller’: Gautam Adani and the concentration of power in India. The article explicitly suggested that to weaken PM Modi, one must target Adani.

It was a calculated narrative aimed at weakening India and its leadership.


On 31 August 2023, just 10 days before the G20 Summit, Rahul Gandhi held a press conference addressing the Adani issue and directly targeted Prime Minister Modi.
Rahul Gandhi’s intentions were clear! His real targets were Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and India’s stock market, using Adani as a tool.

The Congress party has consistently attacked the Modi government for the last four years over the Adani issue. These attacks have caused repeated disruptions in Parliament, wasting billions of taxpayers’ money.

Another issue where Congress caused significant disruptions in Parliament was the Pegasus controversy.

Rahul Gandhi went so far as to mislead the public and even targeted India during a speech at Cambridge University regarding this matter.

The common link between the Adani and Pegasus issues is that the material used by the Congress party to target the government in both cases was provided by OCCRP, a Europe-based investigative journalism group.

This suggests a possible special connection between Congress and OCCRP in promoting these narratives against India.

During 2021-2022, OCCRP released multiple articles on the Pegasus spyware, timed perfectly just before the Indian Parliament sessions. These articles specifically targeted the Modi government. Congress used this material to create disruptions in Parliament.

From 2023 until now, OCCRP has published around 5-7 articles targeting Adani. While there are thousands of major corporations globally, OCCRP seems singularly focused on just Adani. Prior to targeting Adani, OCCRP had a similar focus on Putin. A clear pattern appears to be emerging!

The entire Congress ecosystem was mobilized against Adani, with the party extensively using OCCRP reports to target Adani, Prime Minister Modi and India as a whole.

OCCRP has consistently supported Congress whenever needed, displaying a close and ongoing relationship. What a remarkable alliance between Congress and OCCRP!

OCCRP has been providing the ammunition, and Congress has been using it to target the BJP and India. Now, the climax begins.

The U.S. State Department has always been behind this agenda.

A French investigative media group, Mediapart, has revealed that OCCRP is funded by the U.S. State Department’s USAID, along with other deep state figures like George Soros and the Rockefeller Foundation. In fact, 50% of OCCRP’s funding comes directly from the U.S. State Department. OCCRP has served as a media tool for carrying out a deep state agenda.

The Deep State had a clear objective to destabilise India by targeting Prime Minister Modi. To achieve this, they turned to OCCRP, instructing the organisation to provide material aimed at damaging PM Modi’s and India’s image.

Congress then exploited this material to launch attacks on PM Modi, propagate false narratives, and disrupt the functioning of Parliament.

The U.S. Deep State was always working behind the scenes.

French investigative media group Mediapart revealed that OCCRP is funded by the U.S. State Department’s USAID, as well as other deep state figures like George Soros and the Rockefeller Foundation.

In fact, 50% of OCCRP’s funding comes directly from the U.S. State Department. OCCRP, therefore, functions as a media tool for carrying out deep state agendas.

Rahul Gandhi’s frequent visits to the U.S. and the UK only further reinforce this connection.

For instance, during his secret visit to Uzbekistan last year, Samantha Power, the administrator of USAID (which funds OCCRP), was also present there at the same time.

The Deep State is an evil force that has brought nothing but destruction.

(This article is based on an X thread)

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Three Dead, Dozens Of Pallavaram Residents Hospitalized After Drinking Sewage-Contaminated Metro Water, DMK Min Anbarasan Blames People, Says Illness Due To Food

Three Dead, Dozens Of Pallavaram Residents Hospitalized After Drinking Sewage-Contaminated Metro Water, DMK Min Anbarasan Blames People, Says Illness Due To Food

At least two residents died, and over 30 were hospitalized in Tambaram, allegedly due to a severe health crisis stemming from contaminated water, possibly mixed with sewage.

Residents of Pillaiyar Kovil Street, Mariamman Kovil Street, and Nagaratnam Street in Tambaram Corporation have been struck by a severe health crisis, with many experiencing vomiting, fainting, and diarrhea. Over 30 individuals have been hospitalized at Chromepet Government Hospital, Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital, and private medical facilities. Tragically, a 54-year-old man named Thiruvedi succumbed to the illness before receiving treatment, while another victim, Mohanraj, passed away after being discharged from the hospital.

Residents allege that the issue arose from sewage mixing with the water supplied by the corporation. Complaints about poor water quality had been made for days prior to the incident, but no action was taken. Locals have reported multiple cases in their households, with entire families affected. The crisis has created widespread panic in Pallavaram. Minister Tha Mo Anbarasan, Pallavaram MLA Karunanidhi, and Municipal Commissioner Balachander visited the Chromepet Government Hospital to console the victims. However, Minister Anbarasan suggested that the cause of the illness might be contaminated food, not water. He argued that if sewage had mixed with drinking water, a far larger number of people—potentially 300–400—would have been affected.

Despite these claims, affected residents remain unconvinced, pointing to visible contamination in the water. They allege that the corporation failed to respond to earlier complaints and only took action after fatalities occurred. Chlorination efforts were reportedly initiated post-incident, raising questions about the government’s preparedness and response.

The Tamil Nadu government has launched an investigation into the matter. Officials are examining whether the outbreak was caused by water contamination, food poisoning, or both. Meanwhile, locals continue to demand accountability and immediate measures to prevent further tragedies.

Annamalai Slams DMK Govt

BJP TN Chief K Annamalai slammed the DMK government with a statement on his official X handle. He wrote, “It is very shocking that 23 people have been admitted to hospital and three have died due to sewage mixed with drinking water near Chennai’s Pallavaram. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family. I wish all those affected a speedy recovery. Asked about this by the media, more than 300 people would have been affected if the drinking water had been mixed with sewage. But only 20 people have been affected. So the minister arrogantly replied that the fault lies with the people. Mr. Mo. Anbarasan. If sewage is not mixed with drinking water, will the minister and the DMK come forward to drink the drinking water provided in that area? Apart from that, the media brother who raised the question whether maida flour was sprinkled on the streets instead of bleaching powder was told that the price of bleaching powder is Rs. 10 – 13 says the Minister Mr. Mo. Anbarasan. However, the minister did not have an answer to the media brother’s question as to why the corporation had purchased bleaching powder for Rs.55. Corruption everywhere, corruption in anything, this anti-people government, which acts without any concern for the welfare of the people, innocent civilians are suffering daily to the point of death, and the Chief Minister Mr. Stalin, who is advertising as a Dravidian model government without any shame, raises the question whether he is really being informed about the actual situation on the ground.”

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DMK HR&CE Min Hails Udhayanidhi Stalin As Rajendra Cholan, Compares Stalin To Krishna

DMK HR&CE Min Hails Udhayanidhi Stalin As Rajendra Cholan, Compares Stalin To Krishna

Singing praises seems to be a very important skill if one wants to be noticed by the party heads in the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. One more person has been added to the list of those who sang praises. This time, it is HR &CE minister PK Sekar Babu. Despite their atheistic leanings, Sekar Babu made it a point to compare chief minister MK Stalin to Lord Krishna.

In an undated video of an event that seems to have taken place in the backdrop of the cyclone, Sekar Babu is seen saying, “There is no person who does not know Raja Raja Cholan. He created structural wonders. Yes, if Raja Raja Cholan is our dearest Thalapathi, Rajendra Chola, his brother, our brother Udhayanidhi. In our Puranas, there is a story. When it rained, Lord Gopalakrishna held Govardhana Mountain as an umbrella. If it is raining today, it won’t be wrong to say that our dearest Thalaivar Thalapathi gives his hard work as an umbrella and shelters the people.

The weather department failed to detect the path of the cyclone this time. Even when thunder and lightning came together, our leader, brother Udhayanidhi, stood on the field as a leader who protected the thunder and lightning.”

People are grappling with the aftermath of the cyclone, with four districts inundated completely due to the opening of the dams. It has become an important matter for the DMK members to sing paeans to their leader and his son.

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Kerala High Court Cracks Down On Elephant Parade Violations At Poornathrayeesa Temple

Kerala High Court Cracks Down On Elephant Parade Violations At Poornathrayeesa Temple

The Kerala High Court has ordered a Devaswom officer to explain violations of court-mandated norms during the Poornathrayeesa temple festival in Thripunithura. The Bench of Justices AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Gopinath P took strict action after identifying lapses in elephant parade guidelines.

Based on reports from the Ernakulam District Collector NSK Umesh and the District Monitoring Committee Chairman, Devaswom officer Raghu Raman was found responsible for non-compliance with the court’s directives.

“We deem it appropriate to direct Raghu Raman, the Devaswom officer of the Thripunithura Sri Poornathrayeesa Temple, to file an affidavit before this Court giving his explanation for the lapses,” the Court ordered. The officer must submit his explanation by 9 December 2024, with a warning that an unsatisfactory response could result in contempt of court proceedings.

The Bench was particularly critical of violations during the Vrischikolsavam festival’s fourth day when elephants were paraded without maintaining the court-mandated three-meter minimum distance. The State’s Forest Department had already filed a case against the temple for flouting parade rules.

In a stern message, the Court told the District Collector: “We seem to have a Devaswom officer who refuses to comply with the guidelines. Please make sure that the guidelines are followed. If he doesn’t follow, you can proceed with action. This is only for the safety of the people thronging the temples and not to hurt anyone’s ego. You can remove that officer if required.”

The Court has requested the Ernakulam District Collector to file a detailed report by 11 December 2024, documenting any violations and steps taken to ensure compliance with elephant welfare guidelines.

Additionally, the Bench asked the State and amicus curiae to suggest mechanisms ensuring full compliance with elephant welfare guidelines. They proposed that future elephant parade permissions should require confirmation of proper feeding, rest, and transportation of the animals.

The matter will be heard again on 11 December 2024, with Additional Advocate General Ashok M Cheriyan representing the State and Advocate KP Sudheer representing the Cochin Devaswom Board.

(With inputs from Bar and Bench)

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NTK Exodus: Is Seeman’s Party Eroding Away?

NTK Exodus: Is Seeman's Party Eroding Away?

The Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) has recently been grappling with a wave of resignations from key cadres, and the departure of prominent district secretaries has become a recurring story. Those who have resigned, as well as insiders, point to the autocratic leadership style of the party’s chief coordinator, Seeman, and the absence of internal democracy as the root causes of the ongoing turmoil.

On 4 December 2024, the entire Vaniyambadi NTK cadre has resigned en masse following the departure of their leaders last month, including Secretary Devendran, Vaniyambadi City Secretary Raj Kumar, and City Head Barath. Over 40 members have announced their resignation, citing the party’s autocratic decision-making on political alliances, and a recent meeting with Rajinikanth as reasons for their departure.

Among the notable resignations are Krishnagiri Regional In-charge Karu Prabhakaran, Trichy Regional In-charge Prabhu, Villupuram West District Secretary Boopalan, Villupuram IT Wing Secretary Sudhan Raju, and others. Prior to the parliamentary elections, Chennai district administrator Pugazhenthi Maran, a close associate of the leadership, also stepped down. This followed the removal of Vetrikumaran, who had been with Seeman for many years. The list of resignations continued with the departure of state administrator Raja Ammaiyappan, a key figure in the Kongu region.

Below is a list of some of the recent key resignations:

  • On 1 December 2024, over 200 functionaries of the Tirunelveli NTK, including members of the youth wing, resigned from the party, accusing Seeman of favoritism. They alleged that he appointed five members from the same family to key positions, failed to engage with cadres at the grassroots level, and showed a lack of respect for the party’s rank-and-file members.
  • On 28 November 2024, Vinoth Kumar, former District Secretary of the Naam Tamilar Party in Namakkal, along with 50 members from the agriculture wing and youth wing, Mohanur city secretary, and the women’s wing, have announced their resignation. They cited differences over party policies as the reason for their departure.
  • On 26 November 2024, more than 50 cadres from the Villupuram West district and Vikravandi NTK including Vikravandi Constituency In-charge Farooq, Union Vice President John Kennedy, Youth wing Secretary Vasanth, South Union Deputy Secretary Velu and others joined the AIADMK, led by NTK West District Secretary Boopalan. Previously, Salem Municipal District Secretary Thangam, Veerathamizar Front Municipal District Secretary Vairam, and Mettur City Vice President Jeevanandam Raja have all resigned from the Naam Tamilar Party.
  • On 25 November 2024, Salem West District Secretary Jagadish resigned from NTK, citing reason like autocratic decision making without consulting the district secretaries.
  • On 22 November 2024, showcasing a mass withdrawal from NTK party, all cadres from the North district, led by Coimbatore North District Secretary Ramachandran, have resigned. During a press conference, he stated that key leaders are stepping down, and others are expected to follow suit.
  • On 19 November 2024, Thanga Durai, the secretary of the Selam Metropolitan District, resigned from the NTK party, accusing the party leader of acting like a dictator and stifling the voices of others within the party.
  • On 7 November 2024, Ilavanji, NTK’s state coordinator of the Doctor wing resigned. She alleged that the party neglected women’s issues and stated that she did not agree with the current direction the party was taking.
  • On 7 November 2024, Tirupathur North District Secretary Devandran, along with 10 other members, has resigned from the NTK party.
  • On 1 October 2024, Krishnagiri District Secretary K. Prabhakaran resigned from the NTK party, accusing party leader Seeman of failing to acknowledge their efforts. Despite garnering 20,000 party cadres and securing 1 lakh votes in the Lok Sabha elections, Prabhakaran claimed they were not recognized by Seeman, who makes decisions unilaterally and without consulting them.
  • During the Lok Sabha elections in April 2024, several South Chennai district administrators resigned from the NTK party. Among those who stepped down were M. Raja, President of NTK T.Nagar Assembly Constituency, Treasurer M. Murugan, Joint Secretary Kishore Prabhakaran, and Spokesperson Vigneshwaran. They accused Seeman’s wife, Kayalvizhi, of exerting excessive influence within the party.

Critics speculate that this may be part of the ruling DMK’s strategy, especially since the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) recently gained state party status from the Election Commission of India following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This raises suspicions that many of the departing functionaries are either joining the DMK under Senthil Balaji’s Camp or aligning with Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi under Velmurugan’s leadership.

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‘Member Of Backward Community’: Chhattisgarh HC Sees Hope For Convict’s Reformation, Commutes Death Sentence to Life

'Member Of Backward Community': Chhattisgarh HC Sees Hope For Convict's Reformation, Commutes Death Sentence to Life

The Chhattisgarh High Court has commuted the death sentence of a man convicted for the rape and murder of a seven-year-old girl in 2021. The court’s Division Bench, led by Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad, concluded that while the appellant’s crime was heinous, there was no evidence to prove that he could not be reformed. The Bench noted that the appellant, who was 29 years old at the time of the offence and from a backward community, could potentially be rehabilitated.

“These are the incriminating circumstances, but there is no evidence on record that the appellant cannot be reformed or rehabilitated as at the time of offence he was aged about 29 years and he is a member of Other Backward Class, thereby he belongs to backward community and his chances of being reformed or rehabilitated cannot be ruled out,” the Bench observed.

The incident occurred on 28 February 2021, when the appellant lured the victim away from a function, raped her, and then murdered her by crushing her head with a stone. He disposed of the body on the railway tracks to conceal the evidence. The appellant was arrested after the police recovered key evidence, including DNA samples linking him to the crime.

The trial court had convicted the appellant on charges of kidnapping, abduction, rape, and murder, and sentenced him to death. The appellant’s defense argued that the convictions under Sections 363 (kidnapping) and 366 (abduction for illicit intercourse) were redundant. However, the High Court upheld both convictions, stating that each charge was applicable. “Conviction for offence under Section 363 would be just for commission of the offence of kidnapping the deceased from the lawful custody of her guardian and liability under Section 366 of the IPC would be sustainable as the abduction was for the purpose of subjecting the deceased girl to ‘illicit intercourse,’” the court explained, citing prior Supreme Court rulings.

While affirming the convictions, the court questioned the appropriateness of the death sentence. Referencing guidelines from Manoj & Ors. v. State of Madhya Pradesh, the Bench noted that the trial court had failed to consider the possibility of rehabilitation. The report from jail authorities indicated that the appellant had behaved normally while in custody, with no involvement in jail offenses.

“Though it shocks the conscience of society at large, but, yet, in the facts and circumstances of the case, considering the young age of the appellant, upon thoughtful consideration, we are of the view that extreme sentence of death penalty is not warranted in the facts and circumstances of the case,” the court concluded.

As a result, the High Court commuted the death sentence to life imprisonment, ordering the appellant to serve the remainder of his natural life in prison.

(With inputs from LiveLaw)

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