BJP Tamil Nadu State President K Annamalai launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister MK Stalin, posing three direct questions in response to the ongoing political tussle over the National Education Policy (NEP) and the three-language formula. Taking to social media platform X, Annamalai accused the ruling DMK of misleading the people and playing politics with students’ education.
In his post, Annamalai wrote, “Three questions for the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister who is in a panic.
First question: What did you find wrong in the statement of the Union Education Minister Mr.@dpradhanbjp that DMK members are dishonest and uncivilized? He has spoken the truth.
Second question: You say that we only act according to the people’s opinions, who are those people? Is it your son, daughter, son-in-law, your party members and their relatives who run private CBSE and matriculation schools?
Third question: Who is that super Chief Minister?
The people of Tamil Nadu know very well who is playing politics in the education of poor and simple students. Your paint has faded, Mr.@mkstalin. You cannot deceive the people of Tamil Nadu anymore.”
பதட்டத்தில் பிதற்றும் தமிழக முதல்வருக்கு மூன்று கேள்விகள்.
முதல் கேள்வி:
திமுகவினர் நேர்மையற்ற, நாகரீகமற்றவர்கள் என்று மத்திய கல்வி அமைச்சர் திரு @dpradhanbjp அவர்கள் சொன்னதில் என்ன குறை கண்டீர்கள்? உண்மையை தானே சொல்லியிருக்கிறார்.
Stormy Start to Parliament Session Over Three-Language Policy
Annamalai’s remarks come in the wake of a heated debate in Parliament, where the DMK and the Union government clashed over the Centre’s education policies. The second leg of the Budget Session began on a stormy note, with DMK MPs vociferously opposing the alleged imposition of the three-language formula in Tamil Nadu and other southern states.
The protests escalated further when Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused the Stalin-led government of deliberately obstructing the implementation of central education policies, thereby jeopardizing the future of Tamil Nadu’s students. “They are doing politics over students’ future and misleading the people for their narrow political gains,” Pradhan said. He also described the DMK’s stance as “undemocratic and uncivilized.”
Pradhan stated that Tamil Nadu had initially agreed to implement certain aspects of the NEP and had signed an MoU on 15 March 2025. However,he alleged that a “Super Chief Minister” intervened, leading to a sudden reversal of the decision. The remark has fueled speculation, with Annamalai demanding Stalin to reveal the identity of the person wielding such influence over state policy.
The Union Minister also pointed out that the PM-SHRI scheme, which aims to upgrade schools across India, is being implemented in several non-BJP-ruled states without opposition. Addressing DMK MP Kanimozhi, he urged her to explain to her party members the details of what transpired over the issue.
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DMK MP A Raja who is known to make caustic and derogatory remarks all the time has done it once again. Under the guise of praising the
“humane” nature of Dravidianism, he made over the top claims while slyly making separatist remarks as well.
Speaking at the Chief Minister’s birthday celebration public meeting held in Taramani, Chennai, on 8 March 2025, A Raja made misleading and factually incorrect statements about Tamil Nadu’s contributions to the Kargil War.
He said, “What is the connection between us and Kargil war? Is the one born in Kargil, a Tamilian? Did the person who studied in Kargil study Thirukkural? What is his connection with the Tamil we love? Has he read the literature of Sangam era? The Tamil people in Eelam know us, I raise my voice for Eelam. I speak for Eelam. I will do anything for Eelam. That means it is blood relation, umbilical cord relation. But who is the person living in Kashmir? By religion, he is Muslim, by country he’s a Kashmiri. The language he speaks has nothing to do with me. In fact, Kannada too; They said, “O Mother Tamil, you have risen from your ashes.” Telugu is my language, a “pangali” (relative) language. Malayalam is also my language. The language of the Malayalam is not even that language. It is not even a partner. He is an opposite. He is somewhere else. But the person who died there does not matter what language he speaks, nor does it matter what religion he belongs to. The person who dies is a human being, the person who is affected is a human being, the one who saves humanity is Dravidam – so Kalaignar sent ₹100 crores to them, to Vajpayee. Which other Chief Minister gave? He gave ₹100 crore, we gave ₹6 crores in 1971, ₹100 crores in 1999, just for the sake that this country should be prosperous.”
A Raja, asks how the Kargil war is linked to Tamils? does Kargil people have in common with Tamils? Do they know Thirukkural or Sangam literature? In spite of that, Karunanidhi gave 100cr to Kargil fund. (Somone factcheck if it’s 100cr). MP doesn’t feel we are all one nation.🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/WDPt2xLwUK
Raja claims Karunanidhi donated 100 crores. While there are no official records on the amount donated towards the Kargil Fund, Chief Minister MK Stalin himself has stated, “During the Indo-Pak war in 1971, former chief minister M Karunanidhi donated ₹6 crore to the Indira Gandhi-led govt. Other states together donated ₹25 crore. During the Kargil war, we gave ₹50 crore, in three installments, to then Prime Minister (Atal Behari) Vajpayee.”
தமிழக முதல்வராக இருந்த தலைவர் கலைஞர் அவர்கள் கார்கில் போர் நிதிக்காக இந்திய மாநிலங்களில் முதல் மாநிலமாக தமிழகத்தின் சார்பில் ரூ.50.43 கோடி நிதி திரட்டி மத்திய அரசுக்கு வழங்கினார்! pic.twitter.com/VkroMk9lnC
It is important to note that the then Chief Minister Karunanidhi did not donate the money from his personal funds. Tamil Nadu emerged as the largest contributor to the Kargil Relief Fund through public donations and fundraisers organized by its people.
While the people of Tamil Nadu have always shown immense patriotism and generosity in contributing to national causes, it is incorrect to attribute these contributions solely to the DMK, Dravidian ideology, or Karunanidhi personally. The credit belongs to the collective spirit of the state’s citizens.
However, during his speech, DMK MP A. Raja made divisive and problematic statements, questioning the connection between Tamils and
Kashmiris. He asked rhetorically whether those in Kargil had studied the Thirukkural and went so far as to claim that Kashmiri Muslims belonged to the “country of Kashmir”—a statement that echoes secessionist rhetoric.
Raja’s assertion that Sri Lankan Tamils are closer to Tamils in Tamil Nadu than Kashmiris further reveals a Dravidianist mindset that leans toward separatism. Such statements not only undermine national unity but also distort the inclusive and patriotic spirit of the people of Tamil Nadu, who have consistently stood by the nation in times of need.
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Former Orissa High Court Chief Justice and Senior Advocate Dr. S. Muralidhar has strongly criticized anti-conversion laws in India, calling them “anti-choice” and arguing that they undermine individual freedoms. Speaking at a panel discussion organized by ADF India on 28 February 2025, he highlighted the fundamental flaws in such legislation, particularly their presumption that religious conversions occur under coercion.
“These anti-conversion laws are not so much a law against forced conversions, but are laws against the freedom of choice,” Muralidhar said. “There is a presumption in all these laws that if a person belonging or born into a certain religion decides to embrace another religion, then such a decision must be due to some kind of intimidation. This basic presumption explains why the law shifts the burden of proof onto the person who’s charged with converting another against the person’s will.”
Muralidhar pointed out that instead of requiring proof from the person who converted, the law places the burden on those accused of facilitating conversions. This, he argued, makes such laws an instrument to suppress free choice rather than a safeguard against forced conversions.
He also emphasized how these laws disproportionately impact marginalized communities, particularly Dalits, by imposing bureaucratic hurdles and public scrutiny. “Now, a Dalit seeking to embrace Buddhism will now have to explain to a district magistrate why they are making that choice,” he explained. “They’ll have to first of all announce to the whole world: ‘listen, I’m exercising my choice to embrace a particular religion.’ One can reasonably argue that after the Puttaswamy privacy judgment, this kind of a law should not withstand legal scrutiny because it straight away hits at the freedom of choice, freedom of privacy, choice of religion, of course, but what goes along with religion… the choice of dress, the choice of food, the choice of prayer, all of that is hit. So personal choice has become a public choice and is forced to become a public choice, and you’re supposed to defend yourself publicly for the personal choice that you’ve made. That is what I think is the most pernicious aspect of these conversion laws.”
Another significant concern raised by Muralidhar was the broad scope of who is allowed to file complaints under these laws. He noted that instead of only allowing the alleged victim of forced conversion to come forward, the laws enable third parties—including distant relatives and vigilante groups—to intervene.
“Who can complain about forced conversion is only a person who’s been a victim of a forced conversion. But the law allows anyone… any cousin, any relative… and thus vigilante groups are actually going around looking at notice boards and collector’s offices or registrar offices to find who’s put up a notice that they want to have an inter-faith marriage. In this case, they’ll also have ready information on who wants to convert and thus subject the person to public intimidation,” he said.
Muralidhar also questioned whether legal challenges alone could bring about real change, arguing that social transformation was necessary.
“That’s the question we have to ask ourselves. All these social practices that this country is host to seem to be impervious… to the constitutional values and provisions of the Constitution. The victory will come when we change, transform ourselves as a society and overcome our innate inherent prejudices and emancipate ourselves as true human beings,” he stated.
The Madras High Court has directed the removal of a newly constructed, illegally encroached Pentecostal church on the Chengalpattu Bypass adjacent to the Chennai-Trichy National Highway in Chengalpattu district, following a petition filed by the Hindu Munnani.
The church was built on Devar Malai/Devar Hill, situated along the Chengalpattu Bypass Road on the Chennai-Trichy National Highway. This encroachment severely impacted the environment, resulting in the destruction of trees, medicinal plants, and local wildlife.
Raja, the district secretary of the Hindu Munnani and a social activist from Sethupakkam, filed a public interest litigation (PIL) after his earlier petition to the Chengalpattu Tehsildar and District Collector to remove the encroachment went unaddressed.
Following a thorough investigation, the Madras High Court has ordered the Revenue Department to conduct a complete survey of the encroachment on Devar Hill and ensure its removal within 12 weeks.
In a social media post, the Hindu Munnani shared the details of the case on its official X account, highlighting its successful efforts in thwarting the illegal encroachment.
செங்கல்பட்டு தேவர் மலையில் ஆக்கிரமித்து கட்டப்பட்டுள்ள பெந்தகோஸ்து கிறிஸ்துவ சர்ச் அகற்றக்கோரி உயர்நீதிமன்ற உத்தரவு…
செங்கல்பட்டு மாவட்டம், செங்கல்பட்டு புறவழி தேசிய நெடுஞ்சாலையில் அமைந்துள்ள தேவர் மலை ஆக்கிரமித்து புதிதாக கட்டியுள்ள சர்ச் அகற்றக்கோரி சென்னை உயர்நீதிமன்றம்… pic.twitter.com/4k6mdbQWSL
Fake news peddler and propagandist YouTuber Akash Banerjee is back with another misleading video, this time discussing the impact of the film Chhaava. He attempts to downplay Aurangzeb’s well-documented brutality and Hindu resistance against his tyrannical rule, accusing the film of oversimplifying history into a “good vs. evil” narrative. Banerjee further claims that Aurangzeb’s actions, often perceived as religiously motivated, were purely political and that Hindu and Muslim rulers alike engaged in similar tactics.
However, the real distortion occurs when Banerjee goes as far as portraying Aurangzeb as a secular leader, even hinting at him being Hindu-leaning!
Akash says, “It is also a fact that in the entire Mughal history, if there were more Hindu mansabdars in any ruler’s court, it was in Aurangzeb’s court that he had 33% of them. It was not a compulsion for him. But from the point of view of politics, this was a good strategy to keep Rajput’s support base intact.”
He cites these figures from Athar Ali’s book, The Mughal Nobility Under Aurangzeb, to support his argument, claiming that Aurangzeb had more Hindu mansabdars (officials) than any other Mughal ruler. According to Banerjee, Aurangzeb had 33% Hindu nobles in his court, which he suggests was not due to compulsion but rather a calculated political strategy to maintain Rajput loyalty.
The Reality: What Athar Ali’s Book Actually Says
While Banerjee cherry-picks figures to push his agenda, a closer look at the very same book reveals a different picture. Here’s the actual breakdown of Hindu representation in the Mughal nobility over time:
Akbar’s rule: 22.5%
Shah Jahan’s rule: 22.4%
Aurangzeb’s first phase (1658-1678): 21.6% (a decline!)
Aurangzeb’s second phase (1679-1707): 31.6%
At first glance, it might seem that Hindu representation increased under Aurangzeb in his later years. However, as Athar Ali clarifies, this increase was not due to Aurangzeb’s benevolence or political strategy but rather compulsion. The surge in Hindu nobles was driven by the influx of Marathas, who began to outnumber Rajputs in the nobility. This was not due to Aurangzeb’s “tolerance”—Marathas forced their way in as Aurangzeb struggled in the Deccan, compelling him to recruit them in a desperate bid to maintain control.
Athar Ali explicitly states, “The number of Hindus in Aurangzeb’s second regime is inflated because of the influx of Marathas who began to outnumber the Rajputs in the nobility. They were not recruited to the service on account of religious tolerance. Marathas had practically forced their way in. Before Aurangzeb’s fatal involvement in the Deccan had compelled him to begin admitting Marathas wholesale in order to secure nobles, he had in fact tried to reduce the number of Hindu nobles. This is clear from the figures for 1658-78.”
This directly contradicts Banerjee’s claim that Aurangzeb was skillfully maintaining Rajput support. In reality, Rajput representation declined during his second phase, as the Marathas replaced them. The book says, “As we have seen, the number of the Rajputs began to decline towards the end of the period, and continued to go down in the next.” Aurangzeb did not “choose” to increase Hindu representation—it was an act of desperation to salvage his failing campaign in the Deccan.
The Bigger Picture: Who Really Dominated Mughal Nobility?
Even with the increase in Hindu mansabdars towards the latter part of Aurangzeb’s reign, their representation never exceeded 31.6%, despite Hindus making up two-thirds or near about that figure of the regional population. The majority of Mughal nobility was composed of Iranians, Turanians, and other foreigners who had no linguistic, cultural, or historical ties to India. This shows the deeply discriminatory nature of Mughal governance, where native Hindus remained underrepresented even in their own land.
Banerjee’s attempts to whitewash Aurangzeb’s rule by selectively citing statistics is yet another example of his deceptive tactics. The full context of Athar Ali’s research clearly disproves his narrative. The increase in Hindu mansabdars was not a result of Aurangzeb’s tolerance or strategic genius but a forced concession due to his military failures. Far from being a “secular” ruler, Aurangzeb actively sought to diminish Hindu influence in his administration whenever possible and only relented when circumstances forced his hand.
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The University of Madras has cancelled a controversial lecture titled “How to Spread Christianity in India” and “Why Need This Margam” following massive public backlash. The event, which was scheduled as part of the Sir S. Subramania Ayyar Endowment Lectures by the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, sparked outrage for its blatant religious proselytization under the banner of a secular, taxpayer-funded institution.
Many questioned how such overtly religious topics—unrelated to history or archaeology—were approved in the first place as the invitation explicitly promoted Christian evangelism.
Dr. Soundararajan, who was responsible for the event’s approval, has now come under intense scrutiny. Accusations suggest that he is a crypto-Christian using his position to promote religious agendas. However, what is even more alarming is his history of sexual harassment allegations, which have resurfaced in the wake of this controversy.
Soundararajan Accused Of Physically Assaulting And Molesting Female Students
Dr. J. Soundararajan, the Head of the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology at Madras University, has been previously accused of multiple instances of sexual harassment and abuse of power against students. In March 2021, students of the department staged protests against him, alleging that he had physically assaulted and sexually molested a female student when they confronted him over their examination results.
The controversy began when eight students who had protested against a hostel fee hike were intentionally failed in their internal assessments. When the students confronted Soundararajan over their missing answer sheets and requested that their results be officially displayed, he allegedly responded with verbal abuse and physical assault. According to multiple testimonies, he shoved a male student against a wall and molested a female student by touching/pushing her inappropriately on her chest. When she resisted, he repeated the assault intentionally in front of other students.
“This is not the first case that the professor was using filthy language,” he alleged.
The affected students attempted to file a police complaint, but their grievances were dismissed by authorities and redirected between police stations. A formal complaint was eventually lodged with the University’s Committee on Sexual Harassment of Women. However, instead of receiving justice, the victim faced further humiliation. One of the committee members, Prof. Sheikh Mohammed Hussein, allegedly made a vulgar remark stating that “the student should not complain about such petty issues when she can sleep with ten male students in the hostel.”
Rather than taking action against the accused professor, the university administration suspended five students, including the victim, in what appeared to be an act of retaliation. The victim, deeply traumatized by the harassment and institutional apathy, attempted suicide on March 21, 2021 by slitting her wrist. In her note, she held Dr. Soundararajan solely responsible for her mental agony and suicide attempt.
Despite the formation of an Inquiry Committee, its findings remain undisclosed, and no concrete action has been taken against Dr. Soundararajan or Prof. Hussein.
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Actor and part-time politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has once again landed in an embarrassing goof-up. But this time, it’s not just a minor typo—it’s a mistake that completely alters the meaning and intent of their message.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, instead of saying “We Stand Against Women Harassment” or “We Stand For Women Safety” TVK members have put up a banner with the hashtag “#WeStandForWomenHarassement”—which, ironically, implies they support harassing women! To make matters worse, they’ve even misspelled harassment. This error-ridden banner was put up by the Vellore East unit of TVK.
— PuthiyathalaimuraiTV (@PTTVOnlineNews) March 8, 2025
This blunder comes from a party that aligns itself with Dravidianists, who proudly advocate for the two-language policy (Tamil and English) while claiming educational superiority over other states. Yet, such errors only expose the substandard education levels in Tamil Nadu, pointing to a deeper learning crisis.
Previous Instances Of Goof Ups
Vijay’s party seems to have a pattern of linguistic blunders. Even in the Flag Anthem video, multiple spelling errors were spotted.
For instance, in the Tamil word Sirusum, the video mistakenly used the ரு instead of று altering the correct spelling.
When Vijay initially announced his party through a press release, many pointed out a grammatical error in the party’s Tamil name—it should have been “Tamilaga Vettrik Kazhagam” instead of “Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.” The mistake was later rectified when the party’s general secretary approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) for a formal name correction.
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Actor-turned-politician Vijay, the founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), is being positioned as a potential alternative to the Dravidian giants like DMK and AIADMK. But beneath the surface of his carefully built image lies a web of connections, allegations, and allegations suggest Vijay is being propped up by Christian evangelists, much like Andhra Pradesh’s former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. The parallels between the two leaders are striking—right down to their attire, their Christian affiliations, and their alleged ties to powerful religious syndicates.
The Jagan-Vijay Parallel: A Playbook For Christian Evangelism In Politics?
Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, is no stranger to controversy. His rise to power was marked by allegations of corruption, questionable alliances, and a strong Christian identity as Andhra Pradesh has been a hotbed of evangelical activity. Jagan’s signature white shirt and khaki pants have become synonymous with his political brand, projecting an image of simplicity and accessibility. But critics argue that his ascension was heavily backed by Christian evangelists, who saw in him a leader who could further their agenda in a predominantly Hindu state.
Now, Vijay seems to be following a similar playbook. His political attire—a white shirt and khaki pants—mirrors Jagan’s, raising eyebrows about whether this is a mere coincidence or a calculated move to appeal to a specific voter base. Like Jagan, Vijay has deep Christian roots. His family, particularly his uncles. Xavier Alphonse and Xavier Britto, have strong ties to the Catholic Church and the Society of Jesus, a powerful religious order with significant influence in education and politics.
The Loyola Syndicate: A Shadowy Network Behind Vijay’s Rise?
At the heart of this is the alleged involvement of the Loyola syndicate, a network of individuals connected to Loyola College in Chennai, an institution run by the Society of Jesus. Vijay’s uncle, Xavier Alphonse, served as the principal of Loyola College and has been accused of embezzling funds, sexual harassment, and using his position to funnel money into the family’s film ventures. Another uncle, Xavier Britto, is a wealthy businessman and film producer who has been accused of exploiting parents through his school, St. Britto’s Academy, while living a lavish lifestyle funded by his various businesses.
Whistleblowers allege that the Loyola syndicate has been instrumental in Vijay’s rise, providing financial backing and political clout. The syndicate’s alleged activities—ranging from benami transactions to religious conversion—have raised questions about whether Vijay’s political ambitions are being fueled by a larger agenda to establish Christian dominance in Tamil Nadu.
The Conversion Mafia: A Hidden Agenda?
One of the most explosive allegations against Vijay is his alleged connection to a “religion conversion mafia” linked to the Society of Jesus. Critics point to his early career, where his films were produced by Xavier Britto under XB Film Creators, and his father, S.A. Chandrasekhar, allegedly used misappropriated funds from Loyola College to kickstart these ventures. Vijay’s sudden shift from overtly Christian themes—like his “Jesus Saves” statements—to a more secular image has been viewed as hypocritical, with many accusing him of using religion as a tool for political gain.
The parallels with Jagan Reddy are hard to ignore. In Andhra Pradesh, Jagan’s administration has been accused of turning a blind eye to mass conversions and favoring Christian institutions. If Vijay follows a similar path, it could signal a seismic shift in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, with Christian evangelists gaining unprecedented influence.
The Family Empire: Money, Power, And Influence
Vijay’s family empire extends beyond politics and films. His wife, Sangeetha, recently became a major shareholder in a UK-based real estate company, raising suspicions of money laundering. With Sangeetha holding British citizenship and their son studying abroad, the family’s international connections add another layer to this. Critics allege that these offshore ventures are being used to funnel money into Vijay’s political ambitions, with the backing of global Christian networks.
De-Hinduizing Pongal And Tamil New Year: Treading The Same Path As DMK
the DMK and other ‘Dravidian Stockists’ observe Pongal (which occurs around January 14) as Tamil New Year as they argue that celebrating Chithirai 1 as the beginning of a new year amounts to following a ‘Brahmin-dominated’ or Sanskritic tradition which goes against Dravidian ideologies. Part-time politician C Joseph Vijay, too wishes for Tamil New Year on Pongal Day (Thai 1) and not Chithirai 1.
பொங்கல் திருநாள்!
உலகமே போற்றி வணங்கும் உழவர் திருக்கூட்டத்தின் ஒப்பற்ற கொண்டாட்டத் திருநாள். கால்நடைகள் நன்மதிப்புப் பெறும் நன்றித் திருநாள். காளைகள் திமில் நிமிர்த்திக் களம் காணும் வீரத் திருநாள்.
Instead of wishing for 2024 Tamil New Year which is a significant festival for Hindus in Tamil Nadu, Vijay chose to wish his fans and followers for Ambedkar Jayanti.
This is nothing but an attempt to delink Hinduism from Tamil culture so that proselytizing forces can Christianize Pongal festival.
Vijay also did not acknowledge or wish the people of the state for Vinayakar Chaturthi, a festival celebrated by 87.58% of the Hindu population.
The Endgame: A Christian CM For Tamil Nadu?
The ultimate goal of these allegations, according to critics, is to establish a Christian Chief Minister in Tamil Nadu. With Vijay’s political entry, the pieces of the puzzle seem to be falling into place. His Christian affiliations, Loyola connections, and alleged backing by evangelists suggest a larger agenda at play. If successful, Vijay could become the face of a new political order in Tamil Nadu, one that aligns with the interests of powerful religious syndicates.
A Political Drama Scripted By Evangelists?
As Vijay prepares to contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections, the allegations surrounding his rise cannot be ignored. From his Christian affiliations and Loyola connections to the alleged involvement of the Loyola syndicate and the shadow of evangelism, the allegations paints a troubling picture. Is Vijay being propped up as a Christian alternative to the Dravidian parties? Are his political ambitions being funded and guided by powerful religious networks? The answers to these questions could determine the future of Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
In the end, Vijay’s story may not just be about an actor entering politics—it could be a carefully scripted drama, with Christian evangelists pulling the strings behind the scenes. And if history is any indication, the consequences could be far-reaching, not just for Tamil Nadu, but for the entire nation.
Kaathavaraayan is a political analyst.
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DMK leaders who often conveniently resort to spreading misleading narratives to defend their party’s stance. However, when scrutinized, these claims often collapse, revealing the reality behind them. A recent example is DMK’s Chennai Central MP, Dayanidhi Maran, who attempted to push the false narrative that Google CEO Sundar Pichai studied under Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy. His claim was disproven when it was revealed that Pichai studied at Jawahar Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School in Ashok Nagar, Chennai, an institution that follows the CBSE curriculum, which does not enforce a two-language policy but instead allows students the freedom to choose their preferred languages.
Dayanidhi Maran’s Remarks at a Public Event
Dayanidhi Maran inaugurated a three-day state-level men’s and women’s volleyball tournament organized by the Keeramangalam Vembangudi West Volleyball Association in the Alangudi Assembly Constituency of Pudukkottai district. The event took place in the presence of DMK Minister Raghupathi and MLA Meiyanathan.
Speaking to the media, Maran accused certain individuals of deliberately filing false cases against DMK members and attempting to incite unrest. He claimed that the DMK was handling these legal challenges effectively and emerging victorious.
He also commented on the ongoing debate regarding constituency delimitation, stating that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was the first in India to raise his voice against the BJP’s alleged attempt to dominate the country’s governance through Hindi-speaking MPs. Maran argued that Tamil Nadu’s opposition had inspired other southern states to join the cause and expressed confidence that the Chief Minister would succeed in his stance.
Maran further defended Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy, asserting that students educated in Tamil and English had consistently excelled. He attempted to support his claim by stating, “The chairman of Google studied only two languages.” He also questioned why northern states did not adopt trilingual education, arguing that Tamil Nadu should not be forced to do so if others were not.
Additionally, he criticized Tamil Nadu BJP State President K. Annamalai, accusing him of ridiculing the state’s language policies. Maran also referenced the composition of Indian and Tamil Nadu cricket teams, implying that there was an underlying issue of community-based dominance in the sport.
— PuthiyathalaimuraiTV (@PTTVOnlineNews) March 7, 2025
Where Did Sundar Pichai Study?
Sundar Pichai completed his schooling at Jawahar Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School in Ashok Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He later attended Vana Vani School, located on the IIT Madras campus.
Jawahar Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School in Ashok Nagar, Chennai, follows the CBSE curriculum, which generally implements the three-language policy. Under this policy, English is the primary medium of instruction, while students have the option to choose a second and third language which could be Tamil, Hindi, English, French, etc.
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Dravidianist and Congress mouthpiece The News Minute had Newslaundry have been indulging in anti-national narratives for quite some time. This is evident from their reporting, the news they select to highlight, and the groups they are associated with. In 2023, the duo joined hands to conduct an event called “Cutting South“. As seditious as it may sound, the event itself was questionable. If we dig a little bit into the event and its sponsors, alarming details come to the fore, especially in light of the USAID revelations.
The Canadian Connection: A Smoking Gun Contract
At the heart of the scandal is a contract dated 28 February 2023, signed between the Canadian High Commission (Colin Shonk, Counsellor and Head of the Advocacy Program at the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi) and three media entities: Confluence Media, The News Minute (Spunklane Media), and Newslaundry. The agreement, obtained through RTI filings, designates these outlets as “Producers” of the “Cutting South” event held on March 25-26, 2023, at Kochi’s Bolgatty Palace.
Key clauses reveal:
Canada contributed CAD 4,000 (₹2.4 lakh) directly to organizers
Mandated inclusion of a panel on“gender/diversity/climate“with a Canadian High Commission speaker
It is alleged that the organizers of the Cutting South event received the sponsorship from Canada without obtaining permission from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
The Cutting South conclave, held in Kochi in March 2023, was primarily sponsored by the Kerala Media Academy, a media institution under the Government of Kerala. While the Kerala Media Academy claimed that ₹44 lakh had been spent on the programme, questions remain about how The News Minute and News Laundry independently entered into an agreement with the Canadian High Commission.
Under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), approval from the Ministry of External Affairs is mandatory before accepting foreign funds. The Union Government has the authority to take action against institutions that receive such funds without adhering to legal protocols. Since Narendra Modi’s government came to power in 2014, FCRA regulations have been tightened, leading to the cancellation of registrations for several organizations found to be receiving foreign funds unlawfully.
The Paper Trail Of Public Funds
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of this investigation is how The News Minute and Newslaundry, along with their partners, managed to secure substantial public funding for their event while maintaining editorial control.
The invitation letter sent to Kerala’s top officials on 12 February 2023, strategically positioned the Kerala Media Academy – an autonomous institution under the Government of Kerala – as merely a “knowledge partner.” Yet RTI responses reveal the Academy spent a staggering ₹44,95,000 (approximately $60,000) of public funds on the event.
The financial relationship appears deliberately obscured. When initially questioned about the expenditure through an RTI request in May 2023, the Academy provided an evasive response, claiming “the process of adjusting the amount of expenses…has not been completed.” Only a year later, in May 2024, did they finally disclose the full financial details.
Meanwhile, The News Minute and Newslaundry, along with Confluence Media, maintained complete “creative and programming control” over the event, as stipulated in their agreement with the Canadian sponsor.This meant that while taxpayer money funded the bulk of the event, these private media entities retained decision-making authority over its content and messaging.
The detailed expense breakdown reveals:
₹8,93,869 for flight tickets
₹5,80,660 for accommodation
₹4,05,591 for food expenses
₹7,48,356 for LED wall, light & sound
₹5,21,580 for decoration, publicity & hall arrangement
The Cutting South event was inaugurated virtually by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Other key attendees included Minister P. Rajeev, who was the Chief Guest, and Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan from the Congress party, who attended as a Special Guest. Kerala Media Academy Chairman R.S. Babu presided over the event. In his virtual address, CM Vijayan claimed that the very existence of the media was under threat.
The invitation letter reveals a deliberate strategy to secure this political protection: “We would also have active participation from representatives from across the entire political spectrum of India.” By framing the event as politically inclusive, the organizers tried to effectively neutralize potential criticism from either the ruling coalition or the opposition.
The Media Ecosystem: Creating Institutional Legitimacy
The News Minute and Newslaundry didn’t operate in isolation. They cultivated institutional legitimacy through partnerships with established media bodies like the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ).
The RTI response dated 17 May 2023, confirms this relationship, stating: “The Kerala Media Academy International Journalism Festival and Photo Festival was organized by KUWJ, NewsLaundry, The News Minute, and Confluence Media at the Town Hall, Ernakulam from 24th to 26th March 2023.”
At the heart of this controversy lies an extraordinary contradiction. Official documents, including invitation letters and a legally binding sponsorship agreement, explicitly name the event as “Cutting South.” Yet when questioned about it over a year later, the government-funded Kerala Media Academy categorically denied ever organizing or participating in any such event.
The evidence is unambiguous. An invitation letter dated 12 February 2023, addressed to Kerala’s Chief Secretary Sri V.P. Joy, clearly states: “Together with Newslaundry and The News Minute we at Confluence Media, are organizing Cutting South, a celebration of journalism that will bring together leading news professionals from across the world to Kerala. Kerala Media Academy is the knowledge partner for the event.”
This isn’t just some passing reference. Yet in an official explanation dated 13 August 2024, the Kerala Media Academy brazenly claims: “The Media Academy has not organized an event called Cutting South or participated in any such event.” Instead, they insist they organized an “International Journalism Festival & Photo Festival” on the exact same dates.
By partnering with KUWJ, The News Minute and Newslaundry gained additional credibility and access to established media networks in Kerala. The Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ), a collaborator in the event, has previously defended Siddique Kappan, a journalist arrested under UAPA for allegedly inciting unrest. This association suggests a troubling alignment with groups that challenge India’s legal and constitutional framework. This partnership strategy helped transform what might otherwise have been seen as an event organized by digital media platforms into something with institutional backing from traditional journalism organizations.
It is noteworthy that the then governor’s office issued a statement that they were not aware of such an event and did not consent to participate.
The statement read, “It is noted that one organization namely “Cutting South”, not known to the Hon’ble Governor, is organizing a function for the celebration/felicitation of Neither Raj some important persons at Cochin on March 25, 2023. Neither Raj Bhavan, nor Hon’ble Governor has given consent for the participation in the programme. It is, therefore, informed that such an organization is strange to Hon’ble Governor and hence, in no way connected with His Excellency.”
Even before its launch, the Cutting South conclave had sparked controversy. Allegations emerged that the event was promoting the idea that southern states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana should break away from IndiaInitially, the organizers sought to involve high-profile personalities in the program, but once the separatist agenda was exposed, many withdrew. Amid rising controversy, the Kerala Media Academy attempted to rebrand the event as the Global Media Summit to deflect criticism.
During his speech, CM Pinarayi Vijayan referred to the program as Global South rather than Cutting South, a change observers believe was influenced by intelligence reports warning about the nature of the event.
Before “Speaking Truth To Power”, How About Being Truthful First?
The Cutting South event, backed by The News Minute and Newslaundry, exposes a disturbing mix of foreign influence, media manipulation, and political deception. Their secret deal with the Canadian High Commission, allegedly without FCRA approval, and the ₹44 lakh in taxpayer money funneled through the Kerala Media Academy, raise serious red flags. Despite public funding, these media outlets retained full control over the event’s agenda, shaping discussions that many believe carried a divisive, separatist undertone. The Kerala Media Academy’s flip-flop—first funding the event, then denying any role—only adds to the suspicion. The last-minute rebranding from Cutting South to Global South, along with intelligence warnings, suggests an attempt to cover up the event’s true intent after facing public scrutiny.
This isn’t just about a shady media conclave—it’s about the bigger problem of journalists masquerading as neutral voices while pushing hidden agendas. The Modi government’s crackdown on FCRA violations has already exposed many such cases, and The News Minute and Newslaundry shouldn’t be exceptions if they broke the law. What’s equally concerning is the mainstream media’s silence—why aren’t they questioning this? The ones who claim to fight for press freedom and democracy seem suspiciously quiet when their own are in the hot seat. This entire episode serves as a stark reminder that not all journalists are independent truth-seekers—some are just well-funded mouthpieces for foreign interests, selling narratives to the highest bidder.
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