Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday said after the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ (consecration) at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Hindu community is now eagerly waiting for a decision on Lord Krishna’s birthplace in Mathura. CM Yadav made this remark while addressing a public gathering in Mumbai, on the last day of the campaign for the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections slated for November 20. He said that Lord Ram had returned to his birthplace in Ayodhya, and the fight for Lord Krishna’s birthplace Mathura will also be resolved in the coming days.
He was referring to the ongoing legal battle about the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah mosque dispute in Mathura district in Uttar Pradesh. The Hindu petitioners allegedly claimed that Krishna’s birthplace lies beneath the mosque, while the Muslim side argues that the mosque does not fall within the disputed land. “Ram temple was built under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, and now we all are waiting for the decision on the birthplace of Krishna in Mathura. We will get back that too soon,” CM Yadav said, urging the people of Maharashtra to support the BJP to make PM Modi stronger. He criticised the Opposition bloc for questioning the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram temple. “Leaders of the Opposition bloc will raise questions on the Ram temple. Not a single leader from the opposition visited the Ram temple since it was inaugurated,” he added.
CM Yadav was in Mumbai on Monday to campaign for the BJP in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. On the last day of the campaign, he is scheduled to do five roadshows and public addressings at different locations, including in Dharavi and Kandivali. Maharashtra will witness a contest between two coalitions — the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), consisting of Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar), and Congress, and the Mahayuti Alliance, which brings together BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), and NCP (Ajit Pawar).
In the 2019 elections, BJP secured 105 seats, Shiv Sena 56, and Congress 44. Voting for all 288 seats of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly will be held in a single phase on November 20, and the results will be declared on November 23. Of the 288 Assembly seats, 234 come under the general category, 29 are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and 25 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST).
–IANS
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Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has reiterated his firm stance on protecting Sanatana Dharma, asserting that any insult to it will be met with a strong response. Speaking at a public meeting in Ballarpur during his campaign for the BJP alliance in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Kalyan emphasized the importance of respecting all religions while defending the Hindu faith.
“We follow Sanatana Dharma and respect everyone, regardless of religion. However, if Sanatana Dharma is insulted, we will respond appropriately,” said Kalyan, addressing a gathering ahead of the state elections. He also praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for its significant role in shaping India’s growth. “India could not have reached where it is today without the support of RSS,” Kalyan added.
The Maharashtra elections, scheduled for the day after tomorrow, are witnessing a direct contest between the Mahayuti alliance, comprising BJP, Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party, and the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which includes Congress, Uddhav Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress (SP). Raj Thackeray’s Nava Nirman Sena, Bahujan Samaj, and Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi parties are also contesting separately.
Kalyan, who leads the Jana Sena Party in Andhra Pradesh, expressed his commitment to the development of both Maharashtra and Sanatana Dharma. “India is currently the fifth-largest economy, and the NDA government is working tirelessly to elevate it to the third position. We must ensure this progress continues,” he said, urging voters to support the right candidates in the upcoming elections.
Having recently contested the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections in alliance with the National Democratic Alliance, Kalyan reiterated his strong Hindutva views and announced plans to launch a new initiative called the Narasimha Varahi Pada within his party to further promote the values of Sanatana Dharma.
In a heartbreaking incident in Pakistan’s Islamkot area, two Hindu girls, Hema (15) and Venti (17), were found hanging from a tree on the outskirts of Babuhar Hingorja village in Tharparkar. The incident has caused widespread outrage and fear among the local Hindu community, who continue to face persecution and threats.
According to the victims’ family, the sisters had gone to work in the fields while others were occupied with household tasks. Shortly afterward, news emerged of their deaths. The parents informed police that both girls suffered from mental health issues, and another sister had died by suicide four years ago. Villagers described the family as isolated and noted the girls were reportedly engaged two years ago, with no known disputes involving the family.
The tragedy has reignited concerns over the dire conditions faced by Pakistan’s minorities, with many calling for stronger global action.
Responding to the incident, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed grief on social media, saying,“It pains a lot to see our Hindu sisters in Pakistan going through such atrocities and losing their lives. Every time I see such news about the plight of Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh, it pains me deeply. I pray for Hema and Venti’s departed souls with tears.”
His comments followed a post by Insight UK, which criticized international bodies like the UNHRC for failing to address the safety and rights of minorities in Pakistan.
It pains a lot to see,our Hindu sisters in Pakistan going through such atrocities and losing their lives.
Every time I see such news about the plight of Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh, it pains me deeply. I pray for Hema and Venti’s departed souls with tears. https://t.co/0Py2VYuGJ1
Hindus living in Pakistan face danger from their Islamist countrymen who are said to force them to convert through forced marriages of underage girls or just pressurizing them every single day. These suicides are a daily occurrence in the country where the number of Hindus is dwindling by the day.
In 2023, Reeta Kohli also reported as Reeta Meghwar, was abducted in Sindh two months ago by Ashiq Ahmadani. She was coerced into converting to Islam and forced to marry a much older Muslim man. After escaping and seeking refuge at a police station, Reeta pleaded in court to reunite with her parents. However, the court placed her in a shelter home against her will, prompting criticism from activists who called the decision unconstitutional and demanded her release.
Reeta Kohli expressed her desire to go with her parents, but the court, despite her statement, decided to send her to safe house. She was in tears and protested in court, adamantly stating that she didn't want to go to safe house but rather wanted to live with her parents. 1/2 https://t.co/lRsMHT3RwJpic.twitter.com/kXsbnISYMg
Around the same time, an 11-year-old Hindu girl from Sindh’s Umerkot district was abducted by 28-year-old Azim Ghumrani. This region is infamous for the abduction, rape, and forced conversion of minority Hindu girls, further illustrating the dire conditions faced by non-Muslims in Pakistan.
In 2021, in Sindh, Pakistan, 60 impoverished Dalit Hindus reportedly converted to Islam under pressure, seeking freedom from bonded labor, debt, and fear of molestation. A viral video shows a cleric leading the conversion. While some allege coercion, Pakistani Hindu MNA Ramesh Kumar Vankwani denied it, attributing motives to religious interest or financial gain.
In 2021 in Sindh, a 12-year-old girl Rekha Kohli was abducted by 60-year-old Muhammad Hanif Bozdar who already had a family. After the abduction, Rekha was forcibly converted to Islam and married to the abductor.
In 2020, a Hindu temple was vandalized in the Kario Bhanwar region of Sindh in Imran Khan’s ‘Naya Pakistan’. The temple which is dedicated to Lord Ram was razed down by local Islamists.
In a similar incident that happened the same year, an entire village of Hindus in Bhawalpur had been mindlessly demolished under the watch of Pakistan’s Housing Minister Tariq Basheer Cheema who belongs to the Imran Khan-led government.
A church in Lallaguda, dating back nearly a century, now faces eviction after receiving a notice from the South Central Railway (SCR) according to a report by Time of India. Sacred Heart Church, a central place of worship for the Catholic community in South Lallaguda, has been directed to vacate the premises within a month. The SCR claims that the church, situated on railway property within the SLGD Officers and Staff Colony, was built without proper authorization.
The notice, which cites the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971, warns that failure to comply will result in forced eviction and possible legal action. The church, established in 1927, came into existence when the Railways permitted the Catholic residents of Lallaguda—then a small colony under the Nizam’s Guaranteed State Railway Company—to build a dedicated place of worship. Initially, Mass was held at the local Railway School by a priest from St. Mary’s Church in Secunderabad. The construction of Sacred Heart Church began in July 1927, following the Railways’ agreement to allocate a plot of land earlier that year. Built in the shape of a cross, the church cost ₹7,000, with a ₹1,000 contribution from the Nizam. It was dedicated to the Sacred Heart and blessed by Msgr. Vismara, the third Bishop of Hyderabad.
One of the church’s early challenges was community opposition to the ringing of its bell, which some non-Catholic neighbors found disruptive at 5:30 a.m. However, the then-priest, Fr. Tinti, managed to resolve the dispute, allowing the bell to continue ringing for various occasions, a tradition that persists today.
Over the years, the church underwent several renovations. Under Fr. Madanu Arogyam’s leadership, an asbestos structure with a gallery was added, blessed by Archbishop Samineni Arulappa. Later, during Fr. Chopparapu Arogyam’s tenure, the asbestos roof was replaced with RCC roofing, and further enhancements were made, culminating in the chapel’s blessing by Archbishop Marampudi Joji in 2004.
100-year-old, illegally-built Sacred Heart Church, Lallaguda, Secunderabad, has received an eviction notice from South Central Railway.
SCR has given the church one month time to vacate the premises and warned that legal action will be taken if the deadline is not met. pic.twitter.com/t5Tzh3HgDj
The church community, however, contests the SCR’s claims, arguing that they have a legally binding lease agreement with the Nizam’s Guaranteed State Railway, valid until 2027. They highlight that they have been paying royalties as per the agreement, with receipts valid until 2025. This recent notice, they argue, is the first time the railway authorities have officially questioned their right to the land.
“We are not encroachers,” asserted Father Joannes Mettu. “We have valid legal documents proving our lease extends until 2027. Issuing an eviction notice now is premature, given that there are still three years remaining on our agreement.”, the father was quoted saying in a Time of India report.
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On 18 November 2024, the Lokayukta reportedly cleared the former Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government in Karnataka of allegations related to the so-called “40% commission” case. D Kempanna and R Ambikapathy, the late president and vice-president of the Karnataka State Contractors Association, made the allegations. Both individuals passed away last year due to age-related illnesses and a heart attack, respectively.
Addressing the media, BJP leader R Ashoka criticized the allegations, asserting that no evidence was ever provided to substantiate the claims.“The Lokayukta never received any evidence of the alleged 40 per cent commission the contractors gave. Both Kempanna and Ambikapathy acted as a toolkit of the Congress party and filed the case. But the Lokayukta dismissed the case, saying there was never any evidence to substantiate the claims,” he stated.
Ashoka also accused the Congress of coming to power by making “false claims” and “misleading guarantees” to voters, predicting their eventual political downfall. Former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa also weighed in, welcoming the Lokayukta’s findings and calling on the Congress government to stop perpetuating what he described as falsehoods.“At least now, I urge the Congress govt to stop spreading lies about the 40 per cent commission,”he stated.
The Karnataka Lokayukta reportedly found no substantial evidence in the complaint, with officials noting that Kempanna had not undertaken any contracts in the past six years, suggesting a lack of basis for his allegations against the BJP. Former Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol echoed these sentiments, asserting that the accusations were politically motivated.
Congress ran a ‘40% Commission Sarkara’ campaign against the BJP in Karnataka but failed to provide any proof of the same to the Lokayukta. Today, CM Siddaramaiah and his entire family is embroiled in the MUDA scam. Congress Govt is neck deep in corruption.pic.twitter.com/0wxvk3URyM
In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed the clean chit as inconclusive, arguing that a lack of evidence does not equate to innocence. “Just because the BJP claims it received a clean chit does not mean no wrong has happened. There are two ways in which a case is dismissed at the courts. One of the ways is that the evidence could not substantiate the wrongdoing,“he explained. Siddaramaiah also noted that the judicial commission set up to investigate the matter has yet to submit its report.
The controversy dates back to accusations from the Karnataka State Contractors Association, which claimed that BJP officials, including Panchayat Raj Minister K S Eshwarappa, demanded a 40% commission on government projects. The allegations were amplified by Congress leaders, with Rahul Gandhi labeling the BJP as “the most corrupt party in India” and accusing it of using illicit funds to influence MLAs from other parties. In 2022, the Congress launched its “PayCM” campaign against Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, alleging his government demanded a 40% commission on public works. Posters featuring a QR code and Bommai’s image appeared outside BJP’s Nelamangala headquarters, redirecting to Congress’s “40% Sarkara” website for bribery complaints. Congress took responsibility for the campaign, with leaders calling the BJP government the “most corrupt.” Bommai called it a “fake campaign” to tarnish his and Karnataka’s reputation, ordering an investigation.
Last year, Home Minister Amit Shah challenged the Congress to provide concrete evidence of their claims in court.“They can talk about it and should go to court if they have concrete evidence. Neither there’s any probe northere’s any case. How will people believe in such baseless allegations?”Shah had said at the time.
The News Minute Peddled Same Propaganda
The News Minute carried a massive propaganda alleging the 40% commission and gave platform to the contractors to air their allegations. They made video after video on this alleged corruption scandal.
In 2023, just before the Karnataka Assembly elections, The News Minute’s Dhanya Rajendran even posed questions on the allegations made by the Contractor’s Association to TN BJP chief Annamalai who was canvassing for the party in Karnataka. She even said, even though an MLA’s son was caught with money, “strangely, there seems to be no way in which the BJP is addressing the problem of corruption.” However, there was no proof to substantiate the allegations made and hence the contractor who made the allegation was sued for defamation by the MLA Muniratna and was arrested.
Dhanya Rajendran did not seem to accept Lokayukta’s findings then and wanted the allegations to be substantiated without proof.
With the Lokayukta’s findings now public, BJP leaders are asserting vindication, while Congress maintains that the absence of evidence does not absolve the previous government of wrongdoing.
Significant condemnation erupted following the controversial remark of T. Velmurugan, the founder of the Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) party and the Panruti constituency MLA, had compared the banned terror linked outfit Popular Front of India (PFI), which is listed under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act), to the Indian armed forces during a protest rally in Chennai on 16 November 2024. The PFI’s political wing organized the rally, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), which was demanding the release of Muslim prisoners and the provision of 7% reservation for Muslims in education and employment. His remarks sparked widespread outrage and demanding his arrest.
On 16 November 2024, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) organized a protest rally in Chennai, pressing for two key demands, an increase in the Muslim reservation quota for education and employment to 7%, and the release of Muslim prisoners serving life sentences, in line with an election promise. The rally, held near Rajaratnam Stadium in Egmore, Chennai, was led by Mohammed Mubarak, the state president of the SDPI.
The event began with a welcome address from SDPI state general secretary Nizam Mohideen, followed by the flagging off of the rally by State Secretary Ratnam. The opening speech was delivered by State General Secretary ASA Umar Farooq, Ahmed Nawavi, Abubakar Siddiqui, and Najma Begum also spoke during the event
They were joined by special invitees, including former Tamil Nadu Minister and AIADMK member D. Jayakumar, Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Party President and MLA T. Velmurugan, May 17 Movement Coordinator Thirumurugan Gandhi, and several other political leaders.
During the rally’s public meeting, Nellie Mubarak, the SDPI’s state president, strongly advocated for the increase in the Muslim reservation quota from 3.5% to 7%, urging the Tamil Nadu government to implement this as open, rather than closed, reservation. He called for legal amendments to allow Muslim communities to compete within the backward category to achieve social justice. Mubarak also demanded that the government issue a white paper on the benefits of reservation for Muslim minorities and conduct a caste-wise census to ensure fair distribution of resources.
Addressing the issue of Muslim prisoners, Mubarak pointed out that many Muslim have been incarcerated for 10 to 28 years, with some still awaiting release despite the recommendations of Justice N Adinathan’s committee. He criticized the DMK government for delaying the release of these prisoners, despite the government’s prior promise to free them. Mubarak further highlighted that 26 Muslim inmates are only granted parole intermittently, with their release periods being reduced, causing further distress to their families.
Participating in the rally on behalf of AIaDMK Organizing Secretary D. Jayakumar criticised the DMK government for not supporting the muslims who have backed them in elections and even after the MP’s who were sent from tamil nadu have not raised any voices supporting the muslims and urged the DMK to instead of fociing solely on TASMAC liquor sale simplement the promises that they made during 2021 elections.
Speaking at the SDPI rally, Panruti MLA T. Velmurugan sparked controversy with his remarks, comparing the banned terrorist organization PFI to the Indian armed forces. He stated, “Today, many of the top officers in the police department are new, but for 14 years, we have witnessed injustice, lawlessness, and atrocities in this state. In this struggle, the SDPI party and the former Popular Front of India have stood with me like an Indian armed forces. I have participated in numerous grand marches organized by the Popular Front of India, which is a key affiliate and friendly organization of the SDPI. Alongside the Tamil Nadu Police, it is the SDPI and the Popular Front of India that act as the real force like CISF, defending law and order and dedicating their efforts, even their lives, to serving the common people. For fascist BJP, they can be seen as militant or they can be seen as a movement challenging the state. On that basis, the SDPI rally should not be viewed with the same eyes as the fascist Bharatiya Janata government”
Panruti MLA T. Velmurugan stated that he would take responsibility for the actions of the Islamic fundamentalist group ‘Popular Front of India’ (PFI) and assured that they had not harmed the public. He also remarked that officials were hesitant to grant permission for the rally, adding that such caution was, in his view, justified.
Thirumurugan Gandhi, a Dravidian sympathizer and the leader of the May 17 Movement, also spoke at the rally, condemning the DMK government. He indirectly criticized the DMK for resembling the fascist policies of the central government, claiming that the party had failed to fulfill its promises to the Muslim community. Gandhi warned that if the DMK continued to neglect these promises, they would have no choice but to protest against them.
The event concluded with calls for immediate action by the Tamil Nadu government to address these long-standing issues.
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Kailash Gahlot, former Delhi minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, a day after quitting Arvind Kejriwal-led party. Gahlot joined the BJP at party headquarters in presence of senior BJP leaders including Manohar Lal Khattar, Jay Panda, Anil Baluni, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva and more.
Gahlot, AAP’s Jat face in the capital and MLA from Najafgarh constituency twice, was minister in AAP government since 2017 and held charge of key portfolios including home, transport, IT and women and child development departments. In his resignation letter addressed to AAP convenor Arvind, Gahlot cited unfulfilled promises and recent controversies as the reasons behind the move.
CM Atishi also accepted his resignation from the Council of Ministers with immediate effect. Gahlot, in his resignation letter, claimed the party had drifted from its core values. “Today, AAP faces grave challenges… to the values that brought us together,” he wrote. In his resignation letter, the 50-year-old leader pointed to “grave challenges” within AAP and also lamented that the ‘values which brought them together was getting lost in politics’.
“Political ambitions have overtaken our commitment towards people, leaving many promises unfulfilled. Take for example the Yamuna, which we had promised to transform into a clean river, but never got around to doing it. Now the Yamuna River is perhaps even more polluted than ever before,” he wrote.
In the letter, he also addressed controversy surrounding Arvind Kejriwal’s bungalow, which his rivals termed it ‘Sheeshmahal’. Gahlot said, “There are several embarrassing and bizarre issues like Sheeshmahal, which have now led people to question whether we still believe in being the party of the common man.” He further stated that the continuous tussle between the Delhi government and the Centre has hindered the city’s progress.
“It is now clear that if the Delhi government spends most of its time fighting with the Centre, real progress for Delhi is not possible,” Gahlot added. Gahlot’s resignation from AAP came as a big blow for the AAP, particularly in light of Assembly elections, scheduled in February next year.
—IANS
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Another attempt by missionaries to claim Hindu sacred sites as their own has surfaced, with Hindu Munnani alleging that miscreants secretly planted a ‘Christian Cross’ at the Agaya Shiva Lingam and Murugan Temple hills on Sethukarai Hill in Gudiyatham, Vellore district.
This incident comes on the heels of the full moon day on 15 November 2024, which holds special significance for Hindus. On this auspicious occasion, devotees, especially locals, typically visit the temples to walk the Girivala path, offer prayers, perform rituals, and partake in celebrations, including annadanam (community meals).
However, some devotees noticed a cross had been placed at the temple sites, prompting them to alert the police, Hindu activists, and Hindu Munanni cadres. Together, they lodged a formal complaint, calling for the immediate removal of the cross, which they believe could incite communal tensions.
In response, the police and revenue department have pledged to address the situation. Hindu Munanni has announced plans for a protest around the Girivala route to condemn the planting of the cross by anti-social elements and to demand its removal. Authorities have assured the public that they will take action, including the arrest of those responsible, and that the cross will be removed from the hilltop.
#வேலூர் மாவட்டம், குடியாத்தம், #செதுக்கரை பகுதியில் உள்ள சிவன் மற்றும் #முருகர்#மலையின் மீது, சமூக விரோதிகளால் #சிலுவை நடப்பட்டிருந்ததை கண்டித்து, அதை அகற்றக்கோரி இந்துமுன்னணி சார்பில், கிரிவலம் சுற்றி வரும் போராட்டம் அறிவித்திருந்த நிலையில், காவல்துறை மற்றும் வருவாய்த்துறை pic.twitter.com/YvjXbdCvdS
Previously, attempts were made by Christian missionaries to rename the Hindu temple hill of Chennimalai to “Yesu Malai.” The Chennimalai Murugan Temple, located in Erode district and with a history spanning over 3,000 years, has recently been thrust into the spotlight due to a contentious proposal by the local Christian Munnani group to rename the hill “Kalvaari Malai” or “Yesu Malai.” This suggestion has sparked strong opposition from the local Hindu community, who have been venerating Lord Murugan at this sacred site for generations.
Chennimalai, also known by other names like Siragiri and Pushpagiri, is an important religious and cultural landmark, with the famous hymn “Kanda Sashti Kavacham” first being staged here by Sri Bala Devaraya Swamigal. The hill, located between Erode and Coimbatore, holds immense significance for Hindus in the region, and the renaming proposal has caused considerable distress among them.
The controversy escalated after a series of unauthorized Christian prayer meetings were held in Chennimalai, which led to tensions within the predominantly Hindu community. These meetings, which were criticized for making offensive remarks about Hindu deities, attracted attendees from outside the town. The situation turned violent on September 17, 2023, when members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clashed with Hindu Munnani supporters over the prayer gatherings, leading to physical altercations and police involvement.
The issue took a more serious turn when some Christian leaders openly suggested renaming Chennimalai as “Kalvari Hill.” This move was seen as an attempt to undermine the religious and cultural identity of the site. Hindu organizations, particularly the Hindu Munnani, condemned this suggestion, accusing the Christian Munnani of trying to erase the temple’s significance for political reasons. They announced plans for a large protest on to oppose the renaming and defend the sacredness of the hill.
In addition to this dispute, there have been concerns raised about the encroachment of Christian missionaries on other Hindu sites in Tamil Nadu, such as Vajragiri hill, where allegations of restricting Hindu access to temples have further fueled religious tensions in the region.
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Kavin, the son of Tamil Nadu’s School Education Minister Mahesh, recently earned a certificate of appreciation for his achievements in innovation during an event organized by Anna University’s ‘Educational Entrepreneurship Development Centre.’ The programme, which recognized the best inventions from government and private school students, saw Minister Mahesh proudly presenting certificates, including one to his son.
Speaking about the recognition, Minister Mahesh expressed pride in his son’s accomplishments, stating, “Beyond academic studies, I am proud as a father when my son talks about something like inventions.” Kavin, an eighth grader at an ICSE Curriculum School in Alwarpet, Chennai, shared his perspective on his academic journey, highlighting his ease with mathematics and the challenges he faces with French, which he studies as a language subject.
Interestingly, Kavin noted that Tamil was not included in his curriculum as a language subject.
Kavin, an 8th-grade student at private school in Alwarpet, Chennai, was among the recipients. News spread that he was allegedly hand-picked to be part of the project team for his father’s sake. The minister’s public gesture of patting his son on the shoulder and expressing pride further fueled speculation about the fairness of the selection process.
In an interview that went viral, Kavin’s candid remarks raised even more questions. When asked about the project, he admitted, “It is not my idea; it is my group mates’ idea. I did not help much with the project.” Shockingly, he also revealed that he only learned about the project the day before the event, adding, “I don’t know how to react to winning the prize. I am a little happy to receive it from my father.”
The project, described as a biotech insurance startup aimed at streamlining loan disbursements and insurance, was supposedly a team effort. However, Kavin’s disinterest and lack of involvement highlighted concerns over why he was included in the first place. Critics wondered if the minister used his position to secure undue recognition for his son, undermining the integrity of the programme meant to celebrate genuine student innovation.
This has sparked some debate, particularly given the DMK government’s strong stance against Hindi in favor of protecting Tamil. The minister’s son’s decision to not take Tamil as a language subject has raised eyebrows, especially within a government that fiercely advocates for the preservation of Tamil language and culture.
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The ongoing feud between Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) intensified, with both leaders trading sharp remarks over the naming of government schemes and their broader implications.
AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) strongly criticized Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, urging them to “control their tongues” in response to their recent remarks about him. Speaking at a party event in Salem, where he was felicitated, EPS asserted that his political rise was due to hard work, unlike the DMK leaders, who he alleged benefited from their familial ties to the late party patriarch M. Karunanidhi. EPS accused the DMK leadership of indulging in dynastic politics, claiming, “Father praises the son, and son praises the father,” a situation he described as a “farce” that highlighted the shortcomings of the current administration.
At the event, EPS criticized the ruling DMK government for naming schemes after the late DMK leader M. Karunanidhi. He questioned the appropriateness of using public funds for projects named after political figures and accused the DMK of neglecting farmers’ welfare.Taking a dig at Udhayanidhi, EPS referred to him as “a poisonous mushroom that has popped up today following yesterday’s rain” and questioned the basis for his appointment as Deputy Chief Minister. “Did he earn this position by going to jail for participating in DMK protests? So many people have worked day and night for the DMK—was this not considered when choosing candidates for promotions?” he asked.
EPS also alleged gender bias within the DMK, pointing out that Karunanidhi’s female descendants were seemingly excluded from governance and leadership roles, which he suggested were reserved for male heirs.
Rebuffing the accusations leveled by the DMK leaders, who had earlier claimed that EPS had “crawled like a cockroach” before former AIADMK interim chief V.K. Sasikala to secure his position as Chief Minister in 2017, EPS warned Stalin and Udhayanidhi of “appropriate responses” to their continued criticisms.
“I have grown through hard work. I did not rise to power riding on Karunanidhi’s identity. My journey has been gradual, spanning 50 years, and includes holding several public offices, such as leading the Salem district cooperative milk federation, which received national recognition for its performance,” EPS stated.
Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Response
In response, Udhayanidhi took to social media to defend his government and counter EPS’s allegations. He pointed out that naming schemes after Karunanidhi was an expression of gratitude to the leader who contributed significantly to Tamil Nadu’s development.“From abolishing hand rickshaws to introducing computer education, Karunanidhi shaped modern Tamil Nadu. What is wrong with honoring his legacy through government projects?” he questioned.
Udhayanidhi also turned the tables on EPS, asking who named AIADMK schemes like Amma Unavagam, Amma cement, and Amma salt. He criticized EPS for failing to understand the value of gratitude and accused him of hypocrisy.“The leader of the opposition, who became Chief Minister by holding someone’s leg and washing their feet, now questions our motives. If he wants, let him erect an idol for the table he crawled on,” Udhayanidhi said.
Addressing EPS’s remarks about being a “poisonous mushroom,” Udhayanidhi retorted, “To the cockroaches and poisonous animals that crawled into office, we will always be poison. We are the crops nurtured by the principles of social justice and the Dravidian movement.”
He also criticized EPS for a lack of intellectual rigor, challenging him to disclose the books he had read and questioning the understanding of Dravidian ideology within the AIADMK. “When will you explain the meaning of ‘Dravid‘ in your party name? Your empty words and chatter will not stop our journey for the people’s welfare,” Udhayanidhi concluded.
அரசுத்திட்டங்களுக்கு முத்தமிழறிஞர் கலைஞர் அவர்களுடைய பெயரை ஏன் வைக்கிறீர்கள் என்று மாண்புமிகு எதிர்க்கட்சித்தலைவர் திரு.எடப்பாடி பழனிச்சாமி அவர்கள் கேட்டிருந்தார்.
அதற்கான பதிலை இன்று நடைபெற்ற திருமண நிகழ்ச்சி ஒன்றில் நான் கூறியிருந்தேன். அதிலும் சமாதானம் அடையாத எதிர்க்கட்சித்…
