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“You Can’t Let Army Or Police Into An Establishment Like This,” Says SC, Transfers Isha Yoga Foundation Case From Madras HC, Suspends Police Action

By
The Commune
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Sadguru and the Isha Yoga Foundation Case in SC

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India has taken over a petition originally pending before the Madras High Court, concerning allegations against the Isha Yoga Foundation run by spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. The High Court had previously directed police to investigate criminal cases registered against the foundation.

On Thursday, 3 October 2024, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud stated, “You can’t let the Army or the police into an institution like this,” as it transferred the Isha Yoga Foundation case to itself and restrained any further police action based on the High Court order. The bench also directed the police to submit a status report regarding their inquiry into the foundation.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Isha Foundation, argued that the organization has a “blemishless record.” He highlighted that two women allegedly held against their will had appeared before the Madras High Court, affirming they were there voluntarily. “We are here at the Isha Yoga Centre by our own will,“ one of the women stated during the proceedings. She also mentioned, “We told the honourable judge of the High Court that this harassment from our father’s side has been continuing for the past eight years.”

The Supreme Court bench, which included Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, indicated its intention to interact with the two women online in their chambers. Following this interaction, CJI Chandrachud confirmed, “They informed us that they were at the Isha Foundation ashram of their own will.“ The women further stated that a police presence at the ashram had lasted for two days but that the officers left on the night of 2 October 2024.

The police action commenced on Tuesday, 1 October 2024, when a contingent of around 150 officers, led by an additional superintendent of police from Coimbatore Rural Police, entered the Isha Foundation ashram to conduct inquiries. This was after a habeas corpus petition filed by Dr. S. Kamaraj, a retired professor, alleging that his two daughters, Geetha, 42, and Latha, 39, were being held captive at the foundation and brainwashed. The Madras High Court subsequently ordered the police to investigate the situation and report any criminal cases against the foundation.

During the hearings, Rohatgi emphasized that when the daughters communicated to the High Court that they were residing in the ashram voluntarily, the basis for the habeas corpus petition was nullified. He contended that the High Court should not have issued further directives after their statement. “Eight years ago, the mother of the women filed a similar habeas corpus petition, which was closed after the women stated they are staying there of their own free will,” he said.

The Supreme Court order explicitly prohibited the Tamil Nadu police from taking any further action based on the earlier directions of the High Court. “Police shall not take any further action in pursuance of directions in paragraph 4 of the High Court’s order,” the Court declared, reiterating that such institutions should remain free from undue interference.

Rohatgi raised concerns over the police’s large presence at the Isha Yoga Foundation ashram, stating, “After the High Court’s order, a police team of 150 personnel reached the ashram where over 5,000 people are staying.“ CJI Chandrachud underscored the inappropriateness of such police actions, remarking that the army or police cannot be let into an establishment as done earlier. 

During the subsequent interaction with the two women, the bench learned they were not facing any coercion at the ashram and were free to travel. The women revealed that their parents had visited them on several occasions and noted that one of them had even participated in a recent 10-kilometer marathon run.

Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, representing the State of Tamil Nadu, informed the Court that the police team’s visit included health officers and child welfare committee members, denying the allegations of coercion made in the petition. The Court will hear the matter next on 18 October 2024, with a directive for the police to submit their status report in the interim.

(With inputs from LiveLaw)

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Viral Video Exposes Nurse Reusing Syringe At Mayiladuthurai Govt Hospital; Suspended After Expose

By
The Commune
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Nurse Reusing Syringe At Mayiladuthurai Govt Hospital

A nurse at Mayiladuthurai General Hospital has been suspended for allegedly reusing syringes while administering injections to patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). The suspension follows a viral video recorded by V. Hariharan, a YouTuber from Akkur, which captured the nurse’s actions.

Hariharan brought his mother, Kalyani, aged 58, to the hospital on 27 September 2024 for treatment of chest pain, where she was admitted to the ICU. On 30 September 2024, observing the treatment process, he noticed several nurses reusing syringes. Concerned for patient safety, he recorded a nurse reusing a syringe on his mobile phone.

In the video, when Hariharan confronted a nurse about reusing a a syringe, she admitted on camera that she was loading 5 ml of medication into it. Still, she was only injecting 1 ml into each patient. Despite his complaints to the nursing superintendent regarding the unsafe practice, no immediate action was taken against the nurse.

Frustrated with the lack of response from hospital authorities and witnessing further incidents of syringe reuse, Hariharan posted the video on social media on Tuesday. Speaking to the press, he explained that his mother had informed him about the nurses reusing syringes, prompting him to verify the claims himself. He expressed his disappointment with the nursing staff, saying they rebuked his mother for his recording.

Following the video’s online circulation, Hariharan also filed formal complaints with the hospital’s chief medical officer and the joint director of health services. This prompted an investigation by health officials, leading to the nurse’s suspension. District Collector A.P. Mahabharathi confirmed that after an initial investigation, the decision was made to suspend the nurse and emphasized the need for strict disciplinary action against any healthcare staff engaging in similar negligent practices.

In a statement, Collector Mahabharathi urged nurses and other healthcare professionals to adhere to safety protocols and warned of severe consequences for those found guilty of compromising patient safety. Meanwhile, Hariharan’s mother was discharged on 1 October 2024.

Hariharan also stated that the patients who were administered medicines with the same syringe were only tested for HIV and not for other viruses like Hep B, C, HPV, and Herpes Simplex – if infected, the treatment will not be effective. He stated that because of the nurse’s callous attitude and mistakes, these diseases can infect the patients and has written a letter to the CMO that if his mother is tested and found to be infected with any of the viruses in 3 months, the hospital will be responsible.

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“Display Of Provocative Words About Believers Outside Temple Is The Cause”: Madras HC Says As It Quashes Charges Against Stunt Master Kanal Kannan In EVR Statue Speech Case

By
The Commune
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Madras HC Says As It Quashes Charges Against Stunt Master Kanal Kannan

On 2 October 2024, the Madras High Court dismissed a charge sheet filed by the Chennai Central Crime Branch against film action choreographer ‘Kanal’ Kannan for his speech demanding the removal of the statue of anti-Hindu bigot EV Ramasamy Naicker (hailed as ‘Periyar’ by his followers), located outside the Srirangam Temple in Tamil Nadu.

Justice G Jayachandran noted that a member of the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam filed the complaint. The court pointed out that the provocative statements displayed near a Hindu temple had prompted Kannan’s reaction, and the individual responsible for provoking the response could not use this provocation to prosecute Kannan.

The court allowed Kannan’s petition to quash the case and dismissed the entire pending prosecution in a Metropolitan Magistrate court in Egmore, Chennai. The case, originally filed in 2022, had led to Kannan’s arrest. Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan had previously granted him bail, with the condition that Kannan would not make any further provocative statements.

Kannan, in August 2022, said, “Lakhs of Hindus worship at the Srirangam Ranganathar Temple daily. Opposite to that (temple), there is a statue of a person who said ‘there is no God’ (referring to EVR). The day that statue is broken is the day of Hindu resurgence”.

In his defence, Kannan argued that there was nothing wrong with calling for the removal of the EVR statue, which was situated near a temple frequented by thousands of worshippers daily and displayed statements criticizing theists. Kannan contended that the authorities had targeted him while ignoring those responsible for placing the EVR statue in front of the temple.

As an office-bearer of the Hindu Munnani, Kannan explained that his remarks were made during a public meeting organized by the group. He had suggested that EVR’s statue be demolished, as it included derogatory statements about believers in God, labelling them as “fools and barbarians.”

Kannan further emphasized that the temple is a sacred site visited by at least one lakh Hindus each day. He argued that his comments did not violate any laws, but rather, the presence of the statue with its offensive words could be considered a criminal act under Sections 153, 505(1)(b), and 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code, which address promoting enmity and disturbing public order.

Additionally, he pointed out that despite numerous videos circulating on social media that disparage Hindu gods and faith. No actions had been taken against those responsible for such content.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

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India To See 9.5% Salary Hike In 2025, Attrition Rate Slows Down: Report

By
The Commune
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EPFO Adds 13.41 Lakh Net Members As Employment Rises

In a promising sign for the Indian job market, a new report forecasts significant salary hikes for employees across various sectors in 2025. The study, conducted by Aon, reveals that salaries are expected to surge by 9.5 per cent next year, outpacing this year’s actual increase of 9.3 per cent.

The report, released on Thursday, showed that salaries in India are projected to increase by 9.5 per cent in 2025, compared to 9.3 per cent this year.

According to the report by Aon, a leading global professional services firm, the engineering, manufacturing, and retail industries project double-digit salary hikes of 10 per cent, closely followed by financial institutions at 9.9 per cent. This indicates the strategic importance employers place on talent in these sectors in the current economic landscape.

Global capability centres (GCCs) and technology products and platforms expect a more optimistic salary increase of 9.9 per cent and 9.3 per cent, respectively, while technology consulting and services projected increments at the lower end of 8.1 per cent.

The attrition analysis shows a downward trend. On average, this year’s attrition was 16.9 per cent, compared to 18.7 per cent in 2023 and 21.4 per cent in 2022.

“Despite evolving global economic challenges, the study indicates a positive business outlook across several sectors in India. This sentiment continues in many of the domestically driven sectors illustrated by the projected increments in the manufacturing, life sciences and retail industries,” said Roopank Chaudhary, partner and head of reward solutions in India for Aon.

The study, the country’s largest and most comprehensive rewards survey, analysed data across 1,176 companies from over 40 industries between July and August.

Organisations committed to retaining talent in a competitive job market must keep abreast of changing market data and understand the rapidly evolving compensation trends. “Having a holistic rewards strategy based on data and analytics will ensure organisations attract and retain the right talent and continue to build a resilient workforce,” Chaudhary added.

According to Tarun Sharma, associate director for Talent Solutions in India for Aon, the softening in attrition provides businesses a unique opportunity to focus on internal growth, capability building and driving long-term productivity. Phase two of the study will include data collected in December and January and will be published in early 2025, said the firm.

–IANS

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Chaos Erupts At VCK’s Alcohol Abolition Conference In Kallakurichi, Drunkenness And Disorder At Event

By
The Commune
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Chaos Erupts At VCK Alcohol Abolition Conference

The alcohol abolition conference conducted by Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) in the Kallakurichi district of Ulundurpettai found itself in a soup. Some cadre who had come to the event had grouped themselves and consumed alcohol.

Video footage from the event showed drunken youth creating a ruckus.

As soon as the event began, people, especially men, broke the barricades from all sides and stormed towards the stage. Unable to control them, police and bouncers were seen retreating. Some of them even misbehaved with the women police officers. Stuck among the sea of cadre, the women police officers were helpless. Women police officers are seen groped and assaulted.

Some of them started climbing the 50-ft cutouts, light towers, and flagpoles at the event premises and started cheering. In a video, one can see Thirumavalavan requesting the youth to not climb onto the cutouts placed as he was giving his speech from the stage – he says, “Please do not climb onto the cutouts. If it falls, it is dangerous for many. What 4-5 people are doing will affect many. Do not stand on the chairs.”

At one point, men entered the places where women were sitting, and women were caught in the crowd congestion. It came to a point where Thirumavalavan had to request the men from the stage not to make it unsafe for the women. He said, “Brother, do not crowd where the women are sitting. Why are you climbing up? Sit down. Get down. Do not behave like you will cause harm to the conference. Please be silent. Why are you climbing into the places where women are sitting? Won’t you listen to me? Please go back. If you go to the women’s area, where will they go? You have entered the press area also. We don’t know where the press went.”

The cadre did not listen to their own party members and began fighting with them. It is alleged that some of them consumed alcohol in groups at the backside of the event premises and came to the event.

Speakers at the event were also ironically seen saying, “No one should be seen drinking alcohol in public spaces in Tamil Nadu. At street corners, in public spaces, in schools, in the evenings, after school is over, in government office buildings, no one should consume alcohol.”

Later, the cadre entered the space given to the press and displaced the things kept there. When an angered journalist tried to question this behavior, a commotion ensued. Women who were caught in the crowd unable to go out were seen holding on to the barricades and waiting. The event ends with the cadre mostly youth taking over the stage and sitting on the chairs meant for the dignitaries.

A video from the Tamil Janam channel also exposes how random people entered the event by paying money and getting ID cards. It is evident that the person was unaware of which party was conducting the event and seemed to have already consumed alcohol before entering.

The speaker mentioned that he had come from Asanoor, stating, “I am the rowdy here.” They explained that they obtained their card for fifty rupees and arrived by bus for the meeting. They referred to the person speaking in the photo, saying, “I don’t know the name of the person, but he is Ambedkar.” They expressed awareness of the conference’s purpose, confirming that it was indeed a DMK party event when it was a VCK event.

The speaker noted that it was Gandhi Jayanti and mentioned that it would cost two hundred rupees to get alcohol and that he would need to go into the village for this. Despite the heat, he remarked that he did not drink alcohol.

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“DMK Must Be Eradicated”, Says YouTuber ‘Savukku’ Shankar In This No-Holds Barred Interview With The Commune

By
The Commune
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Savukku Shankar

Meet ‘Savukku’ Shankar, the man who’s been a thorn in the side of Tamil Nadu’s political establishment for quite some time. A former government clerk turned digital rabble-rouser, Shankar has made a career out of airing the dirty laundry of Tamil Nadu’s power brokers.

His journey from a lower division clerk in the anti-corruption bureau to a YouTube cult figure in Tamil politics is as improbable as it is contentious.

‘Savukku’ Shankar’s modus operandi? Leak first, ask questions later.

His blog ‘Savukku’ (Tamil for ‘whip’) became notorious for publishing damning allegations against politicians and bureaucrats, often backed by leaked documents and recordings. But here’s the rub: while some hail him as a crusader for truth, others dismiss him as an opportunistic provocateur with a personal axe to grind.

His critics accuse him of being a political chameleon, praising the DMK one day and eviscerating them the next. They question the veracity of his ‘sources’ and wonder aloud about his true motivations. Is he really fighting corruption, or just settling scores? The Commune caught up with Shankar in an email interview. Read on…

The Commune: Introduce ‘Savukku’ Shankar to a pan-Indian audience.

Savukku Shankar (SS): We belong to an agricultural family. My father comes from a remote village in Thanjavur district. He was the first in the family to finish Pre-University in his village. He got a job at Standard Motors in Chennai through employment exchange. He was appointed as Lower Division Clerk in TN’s anti-corruption bureau.

In 1991, my father passed away suddenly, and I was appointed as LDC in TN Vigilance and Anti-Corruption. I was just 16 then and had completed my 10th standard. I never went to college and till now 10th standard is my only educational qualification. I got my promotions and became a Special Assistant in the Confidential Branch of the DVAC.

In 2008, a conversation between Vigilance Director Upadhyay IPS, and then Chief Secretary LK Tripathy got leaked. In the conversation, Tripathy was instructing Upadhyay to register a fresh corruption case against Selvi J Jayalalithaa, regarding the purchase of the Kodanadu estate. Upadhyay could be found refusing citing lack of evidence. This audio got leaked in the media and there was a Commission of Inquiry. The CoI said “I could be the one who leaked the audio” and recommended a CB-CID probe. I was arrested by CB-CID in July 2008 and got suspended. I remained under suspension till November 2022 and then the government dismissed me owing to my conviction in a contempt case by Madurai HC. The phone tapping case ended in acquittal in 2017, and after 11 years, the DMK government has gone on to appeal against the acquittal in the Madras HC.

After I got suspended, I did not have any work and was receiving a subsistence allowance. So I started assisting my advocate in his office in secretarial work. Right from a young age, I used to be a voracious reader and a keen observer of politics. Politics always fascinated me.
At that time (2008), the blogging concept was budding in Tamil where bloggers used to write about movies and literature. I broke the trend and started writing about corruption in the DMK government and bureaucracy. In 2010, I broke a story with documents about the then Intelligence Chief Jaffar Sait, who was very powerful in the DMK government. The next day, Jaffar Sait ordered my arrest in a false case and I was in prison for two days. The media reported it and my blog became popular.

This created interest in me and information started pouring in against the government. Since even then DMK kept the media under control, and my blog “Savukku” meaning whip, became the only outlet against DMK. That is how I got the acronym “Savukku” Shankar.
Till November 2022, I had been receiving a subsistence allowance from the government. Since I was getting around 40K from the government, I didn’t work anywhere or start any business as the 40K was enough for my sustenance. After my dismissal from the government, I had to do something. As I love journalism, I got help from friends and established Savukku Media in September 2023.

The Commune: You often mention ‘sources’ in your tweets. How much of that is based on verified information, and how much is masala?

SS: Look, people trust me. I know the reach of my information. The general audience trusts my information. Adding masala or exaggerating information will lead to a loss of credibility. Due to 15 years of experience in the field, I have the capability to sieve through real information and a plant. I agree that, at times, my sources may also be misled. But it happens rarely. If I think people are fools to believe whatever I write, there can’t be a bigger fool than me.

The Commune:  Some call you a whistleblower, others say you’re a provocateur with a vendetta, or are you just out for revenge?

SS: I consider myself as a whistleblower. My trouble started in my department due to my questioning of IPS officers getting preferential seats in the premier Anna University engineering courses.

Vendetta portion I firmly deny. If at all I had a vendetta, I should have continuously been against the DMK for the custodial torture I suffered during my arrest in 2008 in DMK govt. But I took a firm stand against the ruling ADMK in 2011 till their term ended in 2021. I was writing continuously against the ADMK govt till 2021.

Agent provocateur, feel it is the precise reason to publish news.

The Commune: How was your latest jail experience? You’ve mentioned the extensive travel due to the multiple cases against you, but what did a typical day look like for you? What kind of food were you served, how did you spend your time, and what were your interactions with fellow inmates like?

SS: My current prison experience was extremely difficult and cruel. I bore the full might of the state. Everyone wanted to do something to me and score brownie points with the ruling regime. On the night I was remanded (4th May 2024), immediately after I was admitted to prison, I was blindfolded and assaulted by 10 prison wardens. My desperate plea for mercy fell on deaf ears. Due to this assault, I suffered three fractures in my right hand due to which I could not use my right hand for 2 months. Even after the fracture, treatment was not given for 4 days. By this time, blisters appeared in my right hand where the lathi blows fell. Being a diabetic, I feared gangrene. Later the court intervened and then I got treatment.

Due to the fractures, to eat I needed a spoon, and metal spoon is a banned object in prison. I was provided with a plastic spoon. In Coimbatore prison, where I was first lodged, the experience was horrible. The prison superintendent Senthil Kumar, who ordered the breaking of my hand, confined me in a section where prisoners with psychiatric illnesses are lodged. The lockups in these cells are never opened. He had terrorized the entire prison by warning that those who talked with me would face severe punishment.
For 20 days I was in Coimbatore prison and the Madras HC thankfully transferred me to Chennai prison.

Chennai Puzhal prison gave a different treatment to me. They understood how to torture me without touching me. They refused me newspapers, which I found very disturbing to me. After I fasted for 3 days, they allowed two newspapers, and once the month was over, they again stopped. Foreign prisoners who were confined in the same block were warned of cutting off ration when they shared their newspapers.

I was locked up within a section where a few non-Tamil prisoners were confined. Though more than 50 prisoners including 30 foreign prisoners were allowed to move freely inside the High Security Block, I was not allowed out of my section.

My typical day in prison started with meeting the Jailer who comes for his morning visits at 7. He will listen to grievances. My daily requests to newspapers were always denied with a smile by officers.

I was never allowed to go to prison hospital till I went out of Puzhal prison because DMK former Minister Senthil Balaji was housed there. My PoP for the fracture was opened by doctors only in my cell and not in the hospital. When I was fasting, an IV drip was administered by seating me in a chair and tying the IV drip to the prison bar.

Books were my only companion in prison. Though Puzhal prison officials gave me English fiction books available in the prison library, they withheld all the books given by my advocates.

In Madurai too I was kept separately with a few prisoners in a murder case. Here I neither had problems with newspapers nor with books. But the heat was unbearable. The prison built in 1856 used to radiate heat at night. It was 40 degrees in Madurai throughout my stay.

The Commune: What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of the DMK?

SS: Arrogance.

The Commune: Before 2021, you praised the DMK and said Stalin was the right person to save Tamil Nadu from Edappadi K. Palaniswami and keep the BJP out. You were also vocal in your criticism of AIADMK, even making personal attacks on its leadership. Now, your stance has completely changed. What happened? Didn’t you foresee how the DMK would govern, given its past reputation?

SS: I firmly believe that once in five years there should be a change in government. I felt there should be a change after 10 years of continuous ADMK rule. I also felt that DMK would have learned its lessons after not being in power for 10 continuous years. I don’t feel any change in me, as I continue to question the ruling party which I feel is the job of a journalist, not to question opposition.

The Commune: Do you think democracy is in danger in Tamil Nadu?

SS: I rather feel there is no democracy in TN. TN has become a police state. Supreme Court in several judgments insisted on the importance of Article 19 (1) (a) – Freedom of expression. Lack of freedom of expression instills fear in the minds of citizens and it tinkers with our thought process and affects the flow of thought.

My arrest and arrests of several people for tweets, FB posts, YouTube videos, etc., have scared most of the people in TN to express their thoughts against the DMK govt. My arrest was the last nail in the coffin.

The Commune: Why do you think the DMK should be eradicated?

SS: DMK has served its purpose. Time has come for it to perish I feel. All the terms of DMK be it the seventies, nineties, or the 2006 and the current regime, displayed arrogance of the highest order. The current regime is the pinnacle of arrogance. DMK has come far away from its ideologies. There is no social justice even within the party. There is only family justice. Neither the current President of DMK – MK Stalin, nor the future president – Udhayanidhi instills any hope of a revival. It has reached its expiry date.

The Commune: Udhayanidhi Stalin or Kanimozhi? Who is better suited to lead the DMK?

SS: Kanimozhi could be a better leader, but she lacks the will and drive. She is timid.

The Commune: People call you a proxy worker for Kanimozhi. What’s your comment?

SS: I feel Kanimozhi deserves a better place in DMK. She did spend 6 months in prison for the family. Only for family – to protect her stepmother from going behind bars at the request of her father. I know what prison is. I feel she should be given a better position. After all, even in family politics, there should be some fairness.

Compared to Kanimozhi, Udhayanidhi Stalin, never faced even a bit of difficulty in life. His life is the life of a prince in a palace. When he is about to be handed over the party, Kanimozhi deserves better I feel, and I spoke my mind.

The Commune: The DMK, while in opposition, kept the AIADMK on its toes with protests, social media narratives, and through cinema. The AIADMK, as the opposition now, seems lackluster. What’s holding them back from delivering stronger punches?

SS: I agree that ADMK’s performance is lackadaisical. True, they are missing out lot of opportunities to deliver a knockout punch on the DMK. But I understand the lack of power in the punches of ADMK due to the confusion prevailing regarding the existence of factions. But, I feel Edappadi Palanisamy is a canny player. His firm stand not to induct any of the factional leaders shows his resoluteness and firmness. This is a quintessential quality for a leader. He has his ears on the ground. I expect ADMK to deliver better in 2025. EPS very well knows that, if he doesn’t capture power in 2026, he will perish along with the party. It’s a final battle for him.

The Commune: How much of an impact do you think Vijay will have on Tamil Nadu politics? Or is he a proxy for the DMK to siphon off anti-DMK or anti-incumbency votes for 2026, similar to what Kamal Haasan did in 2021?

SS: Vijay is certainly not a proxy of DMK. And Vijay is certainly not Kamalhassan. But, even after the formal announcement of a political party, he has not commenced politics at all. Till his final film is released, I don’t think he will comment on anything fearing the business of his last movie, as entire theaters in Tamil Nadu are controlled by Udhayanidhi-owned Red Giant. Let him properly enter politics. We can then gauge him.

The Commune: What are three good and three bad things in the last 10 years of BJP rule?

SS: I am not able to see any good things in the BJP rule of 10 years. Regarding bad things, I can write multiple pages.
The two most important things that the BJP has done damage I feel are foreign policy and communal politics. All our neighbours have become inimical to us and BJP has not countered the existential Chinese threat properly. Due to communal politics, BJP has torn the fabric of the country on communal lines which do not appear to mend any time soon.

The Commune: You’re a supporter of Rahul Gandhi. Some argue that while it’s one thing to criticize the ruling government as an Opposition leader, it’s another to attack India from abroad. His comments have provided fodder for anti-Indian elements, such as the recent remarks regarding Sikhs that have been exploited by Khalistani terrorists like Gurupatwant Singh Pannun. What are your thoughts?

SS: I do not mind criticizing the ruling government anywhere in the globe. Truth can be spoken anywhere. PM Mr. Modi has gone to the extent of campaigning for Trump in a Presidential election. Regarding Khalistani terrorists, they increased their voice due to the botched attempt by India to assassinate such elements on foreign soil. This had armed the Western nations with a stick to beat India.

The Commune: Using caste slurs for any caste is wrong, yet terms like “paarpans” and “noolibans” used against Brahmins often go unchallenged. What are your thoughts?

SS: Regarding the word “Paarpans” I felt it’s not a slur as poet Bharathy had used it. If it offends people, I have to change. I have never used the word “Noolibans”.

The Commune: You seem to make personal attacks on individuals you dislike, whether it’s Sridhar Vembu, Ramnath Kovind, EPS, or certain police officers. Don’t you think criticism should focus on the merits or demerits of a person’s words or actions rather than being personal?

SS: No excuse on this aspect. I should mend. I evolve and learn constantly. Yes, I completely agree that criticisms should be on merits and actions. I regret making personal attacks.

The Commune: Who is your favorite politician on the national level, and why?

SS: Rahul Gandhi. I like the fighting spirit in RG. He appears to be undeterred, and he doesn’t hesitate to pull punches on anything that was considered taboo. One defeat can deter a leader. After three losses, he is up and fighting.

The Commune: Who is your favorite politician on the state level, and why?

SS: Edappadi Palaniswami. EPS doesn’t have savvy education. He is not a scion of any big political family. Surviving and taking over AIADMK after the demise of Jayalalithaa managing the factions and emerging as a single unanimous leader shows that he is a very good political player. Good players make any game interesting.

The Commune: Share one positive and one negative trait about each of the following politicians: Udhayanidhi Stalin, Annamalai, Edappadi Palanisamy, and Seeman.

SS:

Udhayanidhi Stalin
Positive – Very polite
Negative – Careless

Annamalai
Positive – Ambitious
Negative – Too ambitious

Edappadi Palanisamy
Positive – Self Confidence
Negative – Too slow in reacting to issues.

Seeman
Positive – Spontaneity
Negative – Thoughtless utterances.

The Commune: What are your favorite movies and TV shows? Are you currently binge-watching anything?

SS: Favourite movie – Vada Chennai, Viduthalai, Nayagan, Mudhal Mariyadhai, Satya
TV Shows – Game of Thrones, Money Heist.
I am not binging on anything as the numerous cases take my time. I spend most of my time with advocates discussing proceedings. Maybe after I get a breather after a few months, I will watch something interesting.

The Commune: Can you recommend three books?

SS: Freedom at Midnight by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins

India After Gandhi by Ramachandra Guha

The Last Moghul by William Dalrymple

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Social Media Spat Continues Between Assam CM & K’taka Minister Over Semiconductor Manufacturing Unit

By
The Commune
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Social Media Spat Between Assam CM & K’taka Minister Over Semiconductor Manufacturing Unit

The social media spat between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge continued as the two politicians clashed on microblogging platform X on Wednesday over the semiconductor manufacturing unit.

Hitting out a post of Kharge, Chief Minister Sarma wrote on X, “When a minister from Karnataka speaks about Assam and its semiconductor project, I can only sincerely thank God that in just 3 1/2 years, Assam has been elevated to a position where even Karnataka, one of the most advanced states in our country, recognises our achievements.” He added that Assam Congress leaders must understand that Assam is now in a position to negotiate with major companies and compel them to invest here. “Once known for militancy, Assam is now on the verge of becoming a hub for the semiconductor revolution,” he added.

Priyank Kharge, who caught himself in a controversy after questioning Assam for getting a semiconductor manufacturing unit earlier questioned Assam Chief Minister and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his post. “CM @himantabiswa ji, PM @narendramodi and you protecting your respective State’s interests are considered “masterstrokes” and if I protect Karnataka’s interests, it is considered being anti-Assam,” Kharge wrote on X. He also tagged BJP state president of Karnataka Vijayendra Yediyurappa in his post, “Jokers of @BJP4Karnataka, do you agree on this? Hoping Sri. @BYVijayendra will share his invaluable insights on this.” Moreover, the Karnataka Minister asked further why the Prime Minister did not give two semiconductor manufacturing units to Assam and Karnataka and one to Gujarat. “CM Sarma saab, why don’t you ask your PM to be benevolent enough to give Assam 2, Karnataka 2 and Gujarat 1 semiconductor projects instead of arm-twisting companies,” Kharge wrote on X.

Priyank Kharge also posed a series of questions to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in his X post. He wrote, “By the way CM saab, instead of propagating false narratives about the Congress Party and me, I think the people of Assam need answers for: – Why Nagaon Cooperative Sugar Mill has been closed? – Why, Assam Tea Corporation Limited (ATCL), a state-owned entity managing several tea gardens, has leased out 12 of its 15 gardens to private parties? – Why Paper mills in Nagaon and Cachar have shut down? – Why 56 tea estates have either been restructured, had their shareholding shifted or closed? – Why Pride East Entertainment Private Limited got state government subsidy?” “I hope you will answer all these questions before the SemiCon industry starts their operations there,” he added.

Kharge also wrote, “Lastly, CM saab, there is a lot we can learn from each other’s ecosystems. Stop pleasing your political masters and start skilling the State and get investments based on your strengths so that more people are employed. Also, Let me know if you need any help with how the Government of Karnataka can help you be the “Silicon Valley of the North East”, I will be happy to assist. My best wishes to you, Bhaisaab.”

–IANS

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Highest Court Is The Court Of Conscience: Siddaramaiah

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The Commune
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Highest Court Is The 'Court Of Conscience': Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that the highest court is the court of conscience which is above all other courts. “Justice may not always be served in courts. We must act according to our conscience. As Mahatma Gandhi said the highest court is the court of conscience, which is above all other courts,” the Chief Minister said while addressing the Gandhi Jayanti event organised by the Karnataka Gandhi Memorial Trust at Gandhi Bhavan.

“Justice may not always be served in today’s courts. Not everyone may receive justice from the current judicial system. But we must act according to our conscience,” the Chief Minister said. He said that let the people praise or criticise, adding that let others acknowledge or ignore. “We must all act in line with the court of our conscience,” the Chief Minister said.

Siddaramaiah also noted that merely giving speeches would not fulfil the aspirations of Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Ambedkar. “Their values and messages must spread throughout people’s hearts, and the government must formulate programs that contribute to building an equal society. I and my government are moving in this direction,” he stated.

He also praised former Prime Minister Late Lal Bahadur Shastri as a leader of great integrity and a model politician, adding that if we follow the paths shown by these great figures, we will truly honour them. “We are breathing the air of freedom because of Gandhi’s struggle. Indians have received the honour of Gandhi being regarded as a leader for the entire world,” he said. Law Minister H.K. Patil, Secretary of Gandhi Bhavan Vishukumar, and author of the book ‘Ellara Gandhi’, ‘Nataraj Huliyar’, among many other achievers, were present at the event.

–IANS

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PM Modi Interacts With Tribal Community In Jharkhand, Reaffirms Govt’s Commitment

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The Commune
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PM Modi Interacts With Tribal Community In Jharkhand

During his visit to Hazaribagh on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the tribal community in Jharkhand that the central government was fully committed to addressing their concerns and prioritising their development. He emphasised the government’s commitment to the uplift of tribal-dominated regions, unveiling a series of development plans.

He said, “Today I feel proud to launch Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan from this historic land of Birsa Munda. This ambitious plan, worth Rs 80,000 crore, will be implemented by 15 ministries, which will transform the landscape of 60,000 tribal-dominated villages across the country.” Later, during the Parivartan Mahasabha rally, the Prime Minister focussed on issues concerning tribal communities. He also criticised the past treatment of the community, particularly under the Congress regime. Highlighting the government’s new initiatives, PM Modi said, “The schemes that we have launched today will benefit every tribal family. It will ensure that all tribal families are connected to Ayushman Yojana, all tribal-dominated villages get roads, every family gets a house and every house gets a tap water connection.”

PM Modi also announced the establishment of tribal marketing centres in Jharkhand to provide fair market opportunities for products made by tribal families and entrepreneurs. “There will also be a focus on skill development for tribal youth, ensuring they receive training and opportunities necessary for growth, especially in states like Jharkhand,” he said. PM Modi also underlined his special connection with Jharkhand, saying, “BJP and I have a special bond with Jharkhand. This is a ‘bond of the heart’ built on shared dreams. Jharkhand keeps calling me, and every time, I find myself returning without hesitation.” The Prime Minister also reflected on his previous visits to Jharkhand. “I came to Jharkhand on October 2, the birth anniversary of Gandhi ji. So, this is also a big coincidence. Gandhi ji had come to Hazaribagh in 1925 during the freedom movement. Bapu’s thoughts and teachings are part of our resolutions,” he said.

He further said, “I was in Jharkhand on Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, 2015 also. That day I got the opportunity to inaugurate a solar rooftop plant in Khunti. Just a few days ago, I flagged off six Vande Bharat Express trains in Jamshedpur. That day my helicopter could not fly due to heavy rains, so I reached Jharkhand by road to meet you.” The Prime Minister’s address resonated with a promise to bring about tangible change and ensure that the benefits of development reach every corner of the tribal community in Jharkhand and other states as well.

–IANS

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2 Pilots, Engineer Perish As Chopper Crashes In Pune; DGCA Probes

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The Commune
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Chopper Crashes In Pune; DGCA Probes

Two pilots and an aircraft engineer died after a helicopter of Heritage Aviation, New Delhi, flying over the Bavdhan area in Pune crashed in the hilly terrain, officials said on Wednesday. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a probe into the tragedy that left Capt Paramjit Singh and Capt G K Pillai, besides an aircraft maintenance engineer, Pritamchand Bharadwaj, dead this morning in the chopper crash.

According to officials, the chopper, an Agusta 109-VT-EW, had taken off from the Oxford Golf Club in Pune for a flight to Juhu Airport in Mumbai at around 7:15 am without passengers on board. En route, barely 20 km away and some four to five minutes after the take-off, the chopper suddenly crashed at around 7:20 am near the HEMRL-DRDO factory, said a police officer speaking from the site of the tragedy near Bavdhan. Videos of the incident shot by some locals showed the helicopter seemingly losing control and plunging almost abruptly, headlong into a forested hilly region before going up in smoke. Despite repeated attempts by IANS, officials of Heritage Aviation remained tight-lipped about the tragedy and stonewalled all questions on the victims and the possible causes of the tragedy.

Bharatiya Janata Party Minister Chandrakant Patil said that as per preliminary information, the Pune crash may have occurred owing to some technical snag and suspected poor visibility, which will be probed. As per certain local reports, ruling Nationalist Congress Party state president Sunil Tatkare, was scheduled to fly by the same ill-fated chopper. The helicopter was flying to Mumbai to pick up Tatkare for a flight later today after it had completed certain other flights in Beed on Tuesday. An official said that the police control was informed of the tragedy by a caller. Immediately, a team was set up including the local fire brigade, which rushed to the crash spot with the help of villagers, in a difficult hilly terrain of the western ghats.

The police also informed the local aviation authorities and a team of experts from Heritage Aviation was dispatched from New Delhi and Mumbai for a probe into the tragedy. The Hinjewadi Police Station together with aviation officials are coordinating to assess the situation and other details and the bodies of the victims were shifted for autopsy at a Pune hospital. This is the second incident of its kind in the Pune hills after a private helicopter on a Mumbai-Hyderabad flight had crashed in the region on August 24, injuring four, and prior to that, on May 3, a helicopter flying to pick up Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare had crashed near a helipad in Raigad.

–IANS

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