The Dhaka High Court on Thursday, 28 November 2024, declined to issue a suo motu order to ban the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bangladesh, noting that authorities have already initiated necessary measures.
During the hearing, the bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury reviewed information provided by the Attorney General’s office. Additional Attorney General Aneek R Haque and Deputy Attorney General Md. Asad Uddin informed the court that three separate cases have been registered concerning the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif and ISKCON-related activities, leading to the arrest of 33 individuals.
The bench emphasized that the government must remain vigilant in protecting law and order and the safety of citizens and their property, given the sensitive nature of the situation.
The court’s decision to not ban ISKCON followed a request from Supreme Court lawyer Md. Monir Uddin, who submitted newspaper reports highlighting ISKCON activities. He had urged the bench to ban the organization and impose Section 144 in Chattogram, Rangpur, and Dinajpur. In response, the High Court had earlier directed the Attorney General to report on the steps taken by the government. In Thursday’s session, the bench expressed hope that the authorities would continue to act cautiously to maintain peace and stability.
The petition against ISKCON alleges that the organization incites communal tensions through religious events, imposes its beliefs on traditional Hindu communities, and forcibly converts members of lower Hindu castes. Additional claims include the takeover of Sanatan temples and alleged involvement in communal attacks on mosques. The petition further accused ISKCON of destabilizing the nation and collaborating with foreign media to foster discord.
This controversy has been further intensified by the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Chattogram on charges of sedition. Das was accused of raising a flag on a stand displaying the national flag of Bangladesh and was denied bail, leading to widespread criticism and demands for his release.
Hindu Americans wrote letters to the US President-elect Donald Trump as well as incumbent President Joe Biden, demanding the protection of vulnerable minority communities in Bangladesh. They also called for sanctions against the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus over multiple incidents of atrocities and violent attacks on Hindus in the South Asian nation.
The Hindus for America First (HFAF) wrote an open letter to US President-elect Donald Trump, calling for halting US funding of projects in Bangladesh.
“Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities in Bangladesh have faced systemic violence and discrimination. We humbly ask that your administration make US aid contingent on the Bangladeshi government taking measurable action to protect these populations. Taxpayer dollars should never support governments that fail to safeguard their most vulnerable citizens,” said HFAF Founder and Chairman Utsav Sanduja.
He further expressed concerns over Bangladeshi officials’ ties to radical and extremist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam. Sanduja said that these connections threaten the security of not just the Asian sub-continent but also the US.
Sanduja said in his letter, “We respectfully recommend visa restrictions and tighter oversight to prevent these ideologies from taking root on American soil. ”
Another prominent group of Hindu Americans, The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), in separate letters to Biden and Trump, expressed grave concerns over escalating violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh and the recent arrest of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari.
“The minority population, mainly Hindus, which constituted about 20 per cent of East Pakistan’s population in 1947, now accounts for less than 8 per cent in Bangladesh, a stark reminder of the ongoing persecution,” the FIIDS said in a letter to US President Joe Biden.
The influential Indian-American organisation sought to draw the attention of the Biden administration to growing attacks and persecution of Hindu minorities, stating that there have been more than 200 documented incidents of violence against Hindus including arson, mob attacks, desecration of temples and Hindu deities since the fall of Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh.
“US should urge Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Younus to release Chinmoy Krishna Das and provide protection to minority communities, besides calling for an independent enquiry into recent and historical violence against the minorities,” it demanded in a letter to the US President. Some Indian-American groups also held demonstrations in various US cities against the illegal arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das.
Das was arrested and subsequently booked in a sedition case by Bangladesh police, apparently for organising protests against state-sponsored oppression of Hindu minorities in the country. Vishva Hindu Parishad America (VHPA) has also called upon the US administration to safeguard the vulnerable minorities in Bangladesh. VHPA general secretary Amitabh Mittal said, “The silence of global media regarding the ongoing atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh is deafening. The recent arrest of an ISKCON priest and the violent attacks on Hindu temples underscore the alarming rise in religious intolerance.”
–IANS
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The ruling DMK, led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin, has once again resorted to promoting their old narrative, claiming that the central government’s ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’ is caste-based and against the principles of social justice. However, this assertion is blatantly false. The scheme’s clear eligibility criteria do not require any caste or religious affiliation; instead, it targets artisans and craftsmen from 18 specific trades.
What’s hypocritical is that the Chief Minister & DMK chief suddenly opposes the ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’. At the same time, he remains silent on similar schemes for artisans under the Minority Affairs Ministry, such as the earlier ‘USTTAD’ scheme or ‘PM VIKAS’ scheme. This omission or deliberate disregard shows an apparent inconsistency in their stance.
BJP State Secretary SG Suryah fired back, highlighting the DMK’s alleged double standards and questioning its motives behind rejecting a program that could benefit thousands of artisans in Tamil Nadu.
DMK Opposes Vishwakarma Yojana
On 28 November 2024, DMK chief Stalin, in a statement opposing the central government’s ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’, declared via his official X account that, “The Tamil Nadu Govt will not implement the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in its current form, as it fails to align with the principles of social justice. Instead, we will introduce a more inclusive scheme to empower all artisans, irrespective of caste or family occupation, ensuring holistic and equitable support. As ideological inheritors of leaders who opposed ‘Kula Kalvi Thittam’ we cannot support schemes that perpetuate hereditary caste-based occupations under any guise.”
He added, “Kindly refer to my letter to the Hon’ble PM, expressing the GoTN’s opinion and request for modification in the PM Vishwakarma scheme being implemented by the Ministry of MSME, GoI. In light of the concerns raised that the scheme strenghthens the system of caste based vocation, GoTN had constituted a committee to study the scheme. This committee has recommended modifications to the scheme, which I have brought to the attention of the Hon’ble PM. I have received a reply from the Hon’ble Minister of MSME, GoI with no mention of the modifications suggested. The Government of Tamil Nadu will therefore not be taking forward the implementation of PM Vishwakarma scheme in its present form. However, to empower artisans in TN under the overall principle of social justice , the GoTN has decided to develop a more inclusive and comprehensive scheme for artisans, which does not discriminate based on caste. This schemed will provide holistic support (financial assistance, training) to all artisans in the state, irrespective of caste or family occupations.”
சாதிய அடிப்படையிலான தொழில்முறையை வலுப்படுத்தும் பிரதமரின் விஸ்வகர்மா திட்டத்தைத் தற்போதைய வடிவில் தமிழ்நாடு அரசு செயல்படுத்தாது. அதற்குப் பதிலாக, 'சமூகநீதி அடிப்படையிலான – சாதியப் பாகுபாடற்ற – அனைத்துக் கைவினைக் கலைஞர்களுக்கும் முழு ஆதரவளிக்கும்' விரிவான திட்டத்தைத் தமிழ்நாடு… pic.twitter.com/DYGHiknqrJ
BJP Suryah Explains Misconceptions Against PM Vishwakarma Scheme
In response to the CM’s statement, BJP State Secretary SG Suryah issued a condemnation and provided a detailed explanation about the misconceptions in the remarks. Through his official X account, he stated, “We are forced to explain the ‘Vishwakarma’ scheme to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister who does politics without understanding it! We would like to clarify again, it is completely wrong for your government to criticize the schemes of the central government for not implementing them for the benefit of the people, Chief Minister Mr.@mkstalin..”
Further, the statement issued by SG Suryah read, “‘The Tamil Nadu government will not take forward the Prime Minister’s Vishwakarma Scheme in its current form. The Tamil Nadu government has decided to formulate a comprehensive scheme to empower the artisans in Tamil Nadu, without any discrimination on the basis of caste, under the overall policy of social justice,’ said Chief Minister Mr. Stalin in today’s statement, another manifestation of political vendetta against the Central Government.”
The primary objective of this central government scheme is to uplift the status of artisans and craftspeople who work using manual labor and traditional tools. An initial allocation of Rs 13,000 crore was made for this scheme to promote the quality of their work. The scheme aims to provide collateral-free loans, skills training, incentives for digital transactions, market-related support and modern tools to artisans and craft workers. But your use of this rhetoric, which you do not adhere to, and linking it to ‘social justice’, repeatedly shows you to be a funny Chief Minister.” He stated.
“Have you forgotten that in 1973, your father, the late Mr. Karunanidhi, started the Handloom Industries Development Corporation under the name “Poompuhar” and it will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024? To encourage the artisans of that company, you honor the best artisans of Tamil Nadu by giving awards every year. Isn’t that based on caste? Doesn’t that count as your false and distorted social justice?” He questioned.
“Unlike what you do for publicity, this ‘Vishwakarma’ scheme, conceived by the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, is a wonderful scheme that has actually brought light to the lives of artisans… Thus, the aim of the Central Government is to benefit the artisans, not to invite 10 artisans like you and take photos and advertise them..” He further added.
“We want to clarify again, the schemes of the Central Government are being implemented for the benefit of the people. It is completely wrong to criticize government the schemes for not implementing them..Before your government utters the word social justice once again, let the ‘Vengavayal’ come to your mind… Even a school student can easily understand it, unlike you…” He finally said.
‘விஸ்வகர்மா' திட்டம் என்னவென்றே புரியாமல் அரசியல் செய்யும் தமிழக முதல்வருக்கு அதை விளங்க வைக்க வேண்டிய கட்டாயத்தில் இருக்கிறோம்!
மீண்டும் தெளிவுபடுத்த விரும்புகிறோம் மக்கள் பயன்பெற மத்திய அரசின் திட்டங்கள் செயல்படுத்தப்படுகிறது அதனை செயல்படாத உங்கள் அரசு விமர்சிப்பது முற்றிலும்… pic.twitter.com/PsgYnU8F9w
PM Vishwakarma, a Central Sector Scheme, was launched on 17th September 2023 by the Prime Minister to provide end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools. The Scheme covers artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 trades, viz. Carpenter (Suthar/Badhai), Boat Maker, Armourer, Blacksmith (Lohar), Hammer and Tool Kit Maker, Locksmith, Goldsmith (Sonar), Potter (Kumhaar), Sculptor (Moortikar, stone carver), Stone breaker, Cobbler (Charmkar)/ Shoesmith/Footwear artisan, Mason (Rajmistri), Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver, Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional), Barber (Naai), Garland maker (Malakaar), Washerman (Dhobi), Tailor (Darzi) and Fishing Net Maker.
Benefits
The Scheme envisages provisioning of the following benefits to the artisans and craftspersons:
Recognition: Recognition of artisans and craftspeople through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
Skill Upgradation: Basic Training of 5-7 days and Advanced Training of 15 days or more, with a stipend of Rs. 500 per day.
Toolkit Incentive: An incentive of up to Rs. 15,000 in the form of e-vouchers at the beginning of Basic Skill Training.
Credit Support: Collateral-free ‘Enterprise Development Loans’ of up to Rs. 3 lakh in two tranches of Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh with tenures of 18 months and 30 months, respectively, at a concessional rate of interest fixed at 5%, with Government of India subvention to the extent of 8%. Beneficiaries who have completed Basic Training will be eligible for the first tranche of credit support of up to Rs. 1 lakh. The second loan tranche will be available to beneficiaries who have availed of the 1st tranche and maintained a standard loan account, have adopted digital transactions in their business, or have undergone Advanced Training.
Incentive for Digital Transaction: Re. 1 per digital transaction, up to 100 transactions monthly, will be credited to the beneficiary’s account for each digital pay-out or receipt.
Marketing Support: Marketing support will be provided to the artisans and craftspeople through quality certification, branding, onboarding on e-commerce platforms such as GeM, advertising, publicity and other marketing activities to improve linkage to the value chain.
Through the Vishwakarma Yojana, the government also wants to help women and people from groups that don’t often get enough support. This includes people from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), those with disabilities, transgender individuals, as well as people living in areas like the North Eastern states, islands, and hilly regions.
Term of Repayment (In months)
1st Tranche loan amount, which can be up to Rs. 1,00,000, has to be repaid in 18 months
2nd Tranche loan amount, which can be up to Rs. 2,00,000, has to be repaid in 30 months
As the ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’ is a central sector scheme, the state government is not required to spend any funds, yet the citizens, particularly those in neglected sectors, stand to benefit significantly. Traditional trades such as Carpenter, Boat Maker, Locksmith, Goldsmith, Potter, Sculptor, Mason, Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver, Garland Make, and Fishing Net Maker are prevalent in Tamil Nadu, and artisans from these sectors will directly benefit from the scheme. For instance, regions like Dindigul, known for lock makers, Madurai, famous for its garland makers, and coastal areas where boat and fishing net makers thrive, are all set to gain from the initiative. This raises the question: Is the DMK concerned that they cannot sticker the scheme and are hesitant to implement it?
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Actress Jyothika and husband Suriya were recently spotted performing special pujas at Kollur Mookambika and Tirumala temples, drawing attention for their temple visits following the box office failure of Kanguva. The visits have sparked discussions, given Jyothika’s earlier remarks discouraging donations to temples.
Following her visit to Kollur Mookambika temple with her husband Suriya, actress Jyothika is said to have performed special pujas with him in the aftermath of the Kanguva disaster.
Subsequently, on 27 November 2024, videos and photos of the actress who is also actress-turned-politician Nagma’s step-sister, was seen in Tirumala Tirupati temple.
It is noteworthy to remember that in her speech at the awards ceremony in 2020, Jyothika recounted that the Brihadeeshwara temple with all its grandeurreminded her of the palaces in Udaipur. As a part of her shooting, she had to visit a hospital that she found was poorly maintained. She used the awards ceremony as a platform to make a public request that people donate money to schools and hospitals instead of putting money in temple hundis. She went on to say that schools and hospitals are just as important, if not more so, and that they deserve more support from the public.
As Jyothika and Suriya’s pictures and videos in Tirumala went viral, an undated video of her father-in-law Sivakumar, Suriya’s father, known for knocking down cellphones of fans who would request him for a selfie, speaking about VIPs having darshan at Tirumala temple also went viral. It is noteworthy that Sivakumar’s second son Karthi has a huge fan following in the Telugu audience.
In the video, he says,“The poor man goes up the hill through forests and snake pits. On special days, the devotees circumambulate the temple at least 8 times. For a poor man, a real bhakta taking this route, he can only get darshan only on the 4th day. Once he enters the temple, those people with a bamboo stick of this size keep shouting “jargandi jargandi” and will send the devotees out in an instant. But a millionaire, without his wife’s knowledge, takes a young lady with him, stays in the guest house, drinks all night, and goes to the temple at 4 AM in the morning without bathing – but he is accorded full honour (kumbham) there. I am saying this after seeing it happen, I am not lying.”
The entire family seems to be a masterclass in irony. On the one hand, we have Sivakumar delivering sermons on temple ethics and lamenting VIP favouritism, and on the other, we have Jyothika hopping temples with the same VIP privileges he criticized. Her past diatribe on redirecting temple donations to schools and hospitals now feels like an afterthought as she performs “damage control pujas” post-Kanguva‘s box office collapse.
Perhaps Sivakumar’s insights about temple visitors apply closer to home than he might have imagined—minus the snake pits. As for Jyothika, her temple run might not be the redemption arc she hoped for, but it certainly makes for prime meme material. Maybe the next time they preach morality or make public declarations, they should first look at their highlight reel. Hypocrisy, after all, has its divine way of catching up.
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In a historic move to preserve and promote Tamil, one of the world’s oldest classical languages, the Indian government has launched the Tamil Teaching Programme in Fiji. This initiative, funded by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, is being implemented in partnership with the Fijian Ministry of Education, the Fiji Government, and the Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam (TISI Sangam).
The programme aims to strengthen cultural and linguistic ties between India and Fiji, home to a vibrant South Indian diaspora. Two Tamil teachers from India will be stationed at Sangam schools in Rakiraki and Labasa to teach and inspire future generations. This marks a major milestone in preserving Tamil culture and language in the Pacific region.
A historic day for Tamil Language in Fiji and the wider #Pacific region.
TISI Sangam, founded in 1926 by Sadhu Kuppuswamy in Nadi, has been at the forefront of promoting South Indian cultural and linguistic heritage in Fiji. An indentured laborer turned spiritual leader, Sadhu Kuppuswamy was deeply influenced by Swami Vivekananda and other Indian saints. He dedicated his life to uniting Fiji’s South Indian community through education, religion, and cultural preservation, with the iconic Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple in Nadi serving as a focal point for these efforts.
The programme is a direct outcome of discussions held during Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s visit to Fiji last year. During his visit to the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple, Dr. Jaishankar pledged India’s support for cultural preservation in the region.
Visited the Sri Siva Subrahmanya Swami temple in Nadi and had a darshan.
Along with my Parliamentary colleagues, could see first hand our vibrant culture and traditions flourishing in Fiji. pic.twitter.com/tTzGhmkVeQ
This initiative highlights the Modi government’s commitment to promoting India’s linguistic and cultural heritage globally. By facilitating Tamil education in Fiji, the programme ensures the survival and growth of the Tamil language and culture among future generations in the Pacific.
Actress Jyothika, wife of self-proclaimed social reformer and actor Suriya, has set tongues wagging with her recent temple visits. This is the same Jyothika who, in 2020, famously criticized temple donations, suggesting the money would be better spent on schools and hospitals—a comment that didn’t sit well with many in the Hindu community.
Fast forward to today, and she’s now making the rounds at temples, drawing amused reactions and sharp criticism alike.
The internet hasn’t held back, gleefully resurfacing Jyothika’s old remarks to question her sincerity. Memes and jibes abound, with one netizen joking that their next temple visit should be to a shrine for career comebacks. Others mock the irony of their temple tour after years of dismissing the value of religious spending.
Over the past few days, both husband and wife have been on the temple run with Jyothika visiting Kollur Mookambika Temple on 26 November 2024 performing the Chandi yaaga and Poornahuti with her husband and also visiting Tirumala Tirupati temple in two days’ time.
Adding to this, her husband Suriya has embarked on his own temple marathon following the spectacular failure of his film Kanguva at the box office. Coincidence? Social media doesn’t think so. Critics have labeled this sudden wave of devotion as “divine damage control,” with some speculating that the couple is turning to the gods to reverse their misfortunes.
On 20 November 2024, a video of Dravidianist actor Suriya and director Siva visiting the Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple in Sholingar, near Ranipet went viral, following the intense backlash from fans after the release of Suriya’s movie ‘Kanguva’, which received severe criticism and widespread trolling from all corners of the country.
On 27 November 2024, actor Suriya visited the Sri Masaniamman Temple in Anaimalai, where he offered prayers and sought blessings for the success of his upcoming film, Suriya 45.
As Jyothika’s pictures and videos in Tirumala went viral, an undated video of her father-in-law Sivakumar, Suriya’s father, known for knocking down cellphones of fans who would request him for a selfie, (Cell Thatti, his nickname), speaking about VIPs having darshan at Tirumala temple also went viral.
In the video, he says,“The poor man goes up the hill through forests and snake pits. On special days, the devotees circumambulate the temple at least 8 times. For a poor man, a real bhakta taking this route, he can only get darshan only on the 4th day. Once he enters the temple, those people with a bamboo stick of this size keep shouting “jargandi jargandi” and will send the devotees out in an instant. But a millionaire, without the knowledge of his wife, takes a young lady with him, stays in the guest house, drinks all night, and goes to the temple at 4 AM in the morning without bathing – but he is accorded full honour (kumbham) there. I am saying this after seeing it happen, I am not lying.”
Did Sivakumar already know his daughter-in-law also would be making trips to Tirupati?
Whether their temple run is a case of karma, a PR stunt, or a genuine change of heart, Jyothika and Suriya’s temple runs have become the talk of the town.
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Mohammed Zubair, the co-founder of Alt News and self-proclaimed fact-checker, has been charged under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to acts that endanger India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity. The investigating officer informed the Allahabad High Court that this charge would be added to the ongoing case.
The FIR was filed after Zubair’s tweet on X (formerly Twitter) allegedly led to a mob gathering at the Dasna Devi Temple in Ghaziabad. Supporters of Yati Narsinghanand, the temple’s priest, complained, accusing Zubair of incitement. Zubair, who was previously charged with provoking incidents such as the one involving former BJP leader Nupur Sharma, sought protection from arrest by appealing to the High Court.
On November 25, the Court directed the investigating officer to provide an affidavit outlining the specific charges against Zubair. In a submission today, the officer confirmed that two additional charges had been added: Section 66 of the Information Technology Act and Section 152 of the BNS. The Court accepted these amendments and set the next hearing for December.
Earlier in October, an FIR was registered against Zubair after an attack on the Shiv Shakti Dham at Dasna Devi Temple. The complaint alleged that Zubair, along with Muslim leaders Arshad Madani and Asaduddin Owaisi, incited violence by encouraging local Muslims to mobilize outsiders to target the temple. BJP leader Dr Udita Tyagi filed the complaint on October 7 at the Web City police station in Ghaziabad.
Dr Tyagi claimed the October 5 attack on the temple was part of a deliberate conspiracy. She further alleged that Zubair, Owaisi, Madani, and other Muslim leaders had been consistently inciting violence against Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati. In her plea, she urged the authorities to identify those stoking communal unrest and to ensure Narsinghanand’s release and protection by providing adequate security.
Balaji Patturaj, aka ‘RJ Balaji’, the radio jockey-turned-actor known for virtue-signalling both during his time as a commentator and now in his film career, has recently drawn attention for his remarks while promoting his upcoming movie. He criticized political netizens, advising them to focus on politics rather than targeting films and attempting to sabotage their ‘success’. According to Balaji, political commentators should refrain from wasting their energy on commenting on films and instead stick to political commentary. However, his comments have sparked a backlash from the online community, with many netizens predicting that his next film will meet the same fate as actor Suriya’s recent pan-Indian disaster Kanguva, which failed miserably at the box office.
It is ironic that RJ Balaji, who had made a career out of criticizing films on his radio show and parroting DMK’s talk points on NEET, GST, Demonetization, Jallikattu and Cauvery issue, is now jittered about his films facing the wrath of netizens who are calling him out for his double standards. In this regard, here are a few examples of RJ Balaji’s hypocrisy.
RJ Balaji Simping For The DMK
In a flop film titled ‘Kee’, he had peddled propaganda about GST saying “Shall I tell you a story Siddharth sir? You and me go to the hotel to eat. But they’ll put a bill as if 2 other persons joined us. If we look who it is, it would be GST! For whom? For what? Our stomach will burn!”
In another interview, RJ Balaji mocked both GST and demonetisation, admitting that he didn’t fully understand them but still believed they were bad moves.
He said, “The big FM is also facing problems with GST, so I’m saying this. Apart from how this movie was affected, I don’t understand what GST is. I’m unable to understand it. Someone on Facebook yesterday posted that it’s like Kamal’s movie – you won’t understand it immediately, but you’ll celebrate it ten years later. If we celebrate it after ten years I’m okay with that, but like I said on November 8th, I was excited about demonetisation, thinking India would change dramatically because my knowledge of being patriotic is India should improve and in 2020 should become a superpower. I grew up watching Arjun and Sivaji’s movies with the same emotion, so I thought it was a great move. But after six months, I feel bad, I feel looted. So I don’t want GST also to make me feel the same way.”
RJ Balaji who had initially supported the demonetization switched his position as soon as Dravidianists started targeting him.
RJ Balaji had called the NEET exam a very tough exam that furthers inequality in a stage before DMK ministers. He stated, “Today we have NEET, which is very tough and filled with inequalities. Many leaders have fought heavily and abolished it, but tomorrow something called PEET will come, what will we do then? then another entrance test will come tomorrow.”
He had virtue-signalled in 2018 by refraining from doing commentary for the CSK Vs KKR IPL match to protest against the Centre over formation of Cauvery Water Management Board.
Selective Advocacy
How much a simp can RJ Balaji be? He will surprise us by going to great lengths to defend Ranjith’s caste-themed movies, even citing a rape case from Uttar Pradesh to make his point. However, it’s notable that he avoids mentioning similar cases of rape from the state of Tamil Nadu, which could have provided more relevant local context.
During a movie launch event, he stated, “When films of Pa. Ranjith and Asuran comes out, I can see some say, ‘Why are they talking about caste that doesn’t exist, or why make films on castes that have no relevance?’ But that’s not true. In fact, just a week or ten days ago, a girl was gang-raped in Uttar Pradesh, she was just 13 years old. When she went to the police station to file a complaint, the officer there raped her too and she was a Dalit girl. This has happened in India.”
In 2019, he made a film called Mookuthi Amman. The trailer initially suggested it to be a satirical take on religion while professing rationalism. The sneak peek of the film, which was released, had a scene mocking the missionaries for their ‘miracle-healing’ congregations.
The scene in question depicted a “jeba koottam” (prayer meeting) where Mano Bala, playing a pastor, humorously engages in “healing” through CDs. Balaji’s decision to cut the scene indicated his hesitancy to take risks in the face of potential backlash.
முக்குத்தி அம்மன் படத்தில் இந்த காட்சி நீக்கப்பட்டு விட்டதால் நிறைய பேர் RJபாலாஜி யை திட்டி வருகிறார்கள்.
என்னை பொறுத்தவரை இப்படி ஒரு காட்சியை படமாக்கி படத்தில் வராது என்று தெரிந்தும் அதை டீசராக விட்ட RJ பாலாஜியின் துணிச்சலை பாராட்டுகிறேன். pic.twitter.com/1tFXBqKx85
Hypocrite Of The First Order? Mocking Of Stars From Humble Backgrounds While Simping For Suriya & Preaching Against Nepotism
In Naanum Rowdy Dhaan’s movie, RJ Balaji used comic dialogues to take jabs at flopped films, including Suriya’s Anjaan and actor Jiiva’s Mugamoodi. At one point, he humorously remarked, “I have five tickets for Anjaan—are you coming? And for Mugamoodi, I have three tickets—will you come for that at least?” When the other person asks who he is, he cheekily replies, “It’s Dhananjayan.” Balaji didn’t just mock the movies but also targeted the producers behind them. Now, however, he’s calling on political netizens to refrain from causing uproar over films.
இதெல்லாம் வரலாறு 😂
அன்னைக்கு ரேடியோ உன் கையில இருந்துச்சுன்னு அஞ்சான், முகமூடி எல்லா படத்தையும் கழுவி ஊத்தின…
There was a lot of buzz in the months before Rajinikanth announced his political entry in December 2017. RJ Balaji, who had hogged the limelight in the Jallikattu protest by making cringeworthy speeches in Marina Beach, commented about Rajinikanth’s age and declared that he won’t be able to do much in politics.
RJ Balaji said, “I’ve been waiting for 25 years for Rajinikanth to enter politics. I have lost my patience now. If I ask my 65-year-old father-in-law to do ten things, he can do only two. He had no strength in body or mind to do more than that. So, my father-in-law spends his time playing with his grandchildren. I am not talking about the embarrassment of Rajinikanth entering politics. But what kind of projects can Tamil Nadu expect from him? I guess we can’t expect much from him now. Laura was a great cricketer. But can he play like that now? So is Rajini’s politics.”
Again, in 2022, at an event held at a private college in Chennai, RJ Balaji sparked controversy by criticizing Rajinikanth’s films for their ‘wrong’ portrayal of women.
Balaji pointed out that the 1992 film Mannan depicts Vijayashanthi, a successful businesswoman, as arrogant and negative, while Khushbu, who plays a homemaker, is shown positively. He also criticized Padayappa (1999) for portraying Soundarya, a gentle, housework-focused character, favourably while casting Ramya Krishnan’s Neelambari, an educated and independent woman, in a negative role. Balaji emphasized the need for films to evolve in how they represent strong, independent women.
Jealous Much? RJ Balaji Mocked Sivakarthikeyan
Similarly, actor Sivakarthikeyan became a target of mockery from RJ Balaji. Back then, Sivakarthikeyan was under intense pressure from the producers he worked with, who had placed several hurdles in releasing his subsequent film. At the audio launch of his film Remo and in a few other stages, he had become emotional. However, RJ Balaji chose to make fun of Sivakarthikeyan crying and later apparently apologized for his comments.
2013ல ஒரு விருது நிகழ்ச்சில சிவகார்த்திகேயனை களாய்ச்சி நான் ஒன்னு பண்ணேன் – ஆர்.ஜே.பாலாஜி
RJ Balaji engaged in a public spat and unwarrantedly mocked actor Satheesh who also does comedy roles in movies.
One of the Twitterati had asked RJ Balaji about his favourite comedian to which he replied sarcastically “Satish ! Plz trust me .!” with a wink smiley.
Retorting, he again made a condescending comment about Satheesh’s acting as a comedian, saying, “Nice punch! It would be good if you put half the comic effort in your movies.”
From this, we can conclude that RJ Balaji, who mocks talents that rise from humble beginnings, cannot tolerate such success. He ridicules individuals like Sivakarthikeyan, a VJ, or Rajinikanth, a bus conductor. He mocks them for pride, only to offer a simple apology later and gain popularity through his mockery. Meanwhile, he supports untalented nepotists like actor Suriya yet hypocritically preaches nepotism. Such hypocrisy can be attributed to RJ Balaji, who chooses to drag others down to reach the top by pandering to the wealthy.
RJ Balaji Simping For Actor Suriya
During the audio launch of Kanguva, co-actor Bose Venkat, in an enthusiastic mood, suggested that Suriya should enter politics. He cited the example of actor Vijay, who started his political party, TVK. RJ Balaji, who was on stage then, supported Suriya. He claimed that the actor was already a politician by simping for his attention with his social service. However, in a later interview, RJ Balaji contradicted himself by criticizing his co-actor Bose Venkat for his remarks.
RJ Balaji stated, “A few moments ago, Bose Venkat Sir said, “Suriya Sir, come into politics.” I have my opinion on this and I’d like to share it here. I’ve been a fan of Suriya Sir since my college days. A politician isn’t just someone who stands in an election. A politician is also the person who, with a group of four, lifts a fallen tree. Everyone who does small acts is also a politician. In that sense, Suriya Sir has already become a politician many years ago, and that’s enough.”
In another interview, he clarified, “Suriya Sir’s fans were there, and I felt he was expressing some opinions. But I don’t think it was necessary, as everyone doesn’t have the same path. For example, like Vijay Sir does.”
It is noteworthy to mention that RJ Balaji will direct the wannabe pan-Indian actor Suriya’s next film, tentatively titled “Suriya 45,” produced by Dream Warrior Pictures.
RJ Balaji’s recent outburst against political netizens ironically exposes his contradictions. A man who built his career mocking films and politicians now laments the scrutiny his work faces. His history of virtue-signalling, from parroting Dravidianist talking points on GST, NEET, and demonetization to selectively targeting celebrities like Rajinikanth, Sivakarthikeyan, and Satheesh, highlights his double standards. Balaji’s selective outrage, willingness to pivot for personal gain, and eagerness to criticize others while shielding himself from the same reveal a pattern of opportunism rather than principle. As he steps into the role of directing Suriya’s next film, his calls for civility ring hollow, making it clear that his virtue-signalling is merely a tool for self-promotion, not genuine advocacy.
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The Congress party came under sharp criticism from many quarters on Wednesday over its repeated accusations against the Adani Group, over indictment of India’s leading conglomerated in the United States. This backlash against Congress followed the Adani Group clarification, denying all the bribery allegations made by the US authorities against its founder Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, and Adani Green Energy CEO Vneet Jaain.
Many BJP leaders hit back at the Congress party, accusing it of working against India’s growth story and also “spreading fake news” about Indian industrialists with a motive to “mislead the public.”
Speaking to IANS, BJP spokesperson Gourav Vallabh targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of being a “brand ambassador of anti-India forces.”
“Rahul Gandhi does not oppose Adani or Ambani; he opposes India’s development. He has become a spokesperson for anti-India entities, including those led by George Soros, who dictate his agenda. They aim to disrupt India’s capital markets and FDI flow,” Vallabh stated.
“Rahul Gandhi is playing into the hands of foreign powers who want to harm India’s growth story. Millions of middle-class Indians rely on investments in the capital market for their future dreams, and Rahul Gandhi wants to shatter these aspirations,” he further added. Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) spokesperson Manisha Kayande also criticised the Congress, alleging that it targets Indian industrialists to undermine the BJP-led government. “Rahul Gandhi and his associates focus on Adani and Ambani only to target the industrialists and bring bad name to the country. During the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, they gave contracts to these industrialists, and now they question us,” she said.
Kayande cited past incidents under the MVA government, such as the placement of explosives near the residence of industrialist Mukesh Ambani, as evidence of “mishandling.” She claimed such actions had driven industries away from Maharashtra to Gujarat. Rajasthan Minister Jogaram Patel also accused opposition parties of aligning with foreign powers to weaken India.
“Our nation is on the path to becoming the third-largest economy, but Congress and its allies are trying to derail this progress. They target Indian businessmen to serve their agenda of weakening India,” Patel told IANS.
“Time and again, they travel abroad and speak the language of our enemies, siding with foreign adversaries. They target businessmen like Adani and other industrialists, but their sole aim is to weaken India and bring down PM Modi,” he added. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari echoed similar sentiments, calling Congress “anti-progress and anti-India.”
In a video message on X, he accused the party of collaborating with international entities like George Soros to propagate false narratives. “The Congress party is against the Indian growth story. The Congress party against the Indian wealth creators. The Congress party knows that if India becomes the third largest economy, the party and its evil forces across the borders will have an issue,” he said. “This is why Soros and the Congress party always try to plant fake news and fake agenda against Indian wealth creators. The latest Adani episode, in which it is now clear that the bribery charges were not against the Adani group, is yet another example of whether it is Hindenburg, whether it is Rafael, and now the Adani. The Congress party’s intentions are evil,” he said.
Bhandari said that Congress only aims to “spread fake news, hurt the Indian growth story. This is why we say Congress is anti-progress, anti-people, anti-India.”
–IANS
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Amid grand celebrations for Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s 47th birthday, Tamil Nadu’s School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi declared that Udhayanidhi is destined to become the Chief Minister of the state in the future. Speaking at a DMK youth wing event to release the birthday song“Thalaivaney, Ilam Thalaivane“on Tuesday, Anbil Mahesh enthused, “Indraya deputy chief minister, oru naal definitely chief minister” (Today’s deputy chief minister, one day definitely chief minister).
The event, marked by enthusiastic applause from DMK cadres, celebrated Udhayanidhi’s leadership and his role as a youth icon. The song, composed by DMK youth wing deputy secretary Thoothukudi S Joel, extolled Udhayanidhi’s qualities as a “well-mannered” and committed leader who embodies the DMK’s ideology. Anbil Mahesh also alluded to Udhayanidhi’s firm stance during the Sanatana Dharma controversy, praising his refusal to apologize and his pride in being “Kalaignar’s grandson.”
However, as the party leaders revel in political festivities, Tamil Nadu’s government schools, under Education Minister Anbil Mahesh, are grappling with a severe crisis. Thousands of primary and middle schools in the state lack headmasters, leaving students without proper academic guidance or leadership. The situation is compounded by inadequate teaching staff, crumbling infrastructure, and insufficient resources, putting the future of thousands of children at risk.
Currently, around 900 headmaster posts in government high schools across Tamil Nadu are vacant due to pending court cases. Additionally, reports indicate that 4,500 government schools, including 2,994 primary and middle schools, lack headmasters. This includes 950 vacant high school headmaster posts, along with vacancies in chief education officers (CEOs) and district education officers (DEOs). These vacancies have been an ongoing issue, with some positions remaining unfilled for over six months.
தமிழகத்தில் 2500 அரசு ஆரம்ப, நடுநிலை பள்ளிகளில் தலைமை ஆசிரியரே இல்லை. போதிய ஆசிரியர்கள், கட்டிடங்கள், கட்டமைப்பு இல்லாமல் மாணவர்களின் வாழ்க்கையே கேள்விக்குறியாகி உள்ளது.
It feels as if Anbil Mahesh is prioritizing his role as a full-time “Udhayanidhi fan club president” over his responsibilities as School Education Minister. While schools face acute shortages and infrastructure deficits, the minister’s focus on political celebrations has drawn sharp criticism.
Observers argue that the state’s education sector is in desperate need of attention. Without urgent reforms to address staff shortages and improve school infrastructure, the quality of education for countless students will continue to deteriorate. Additionally, the school infrastructure is facing glaring neglect by the government – with many schools complaining of broken ceilings – newly opened government schools at that, unclean classrooms and toilets, teachers asking students to massage legs, etc. Such is the troubling disconnect between the DMK government’s priorities and the pressing needs of its citizens.
