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DMK Min PTR Palanivel Rajan Who Wants TN Govt School Children To Study Only 2 Languages Made His Kids Study In A School That Follows Multilingualism

In a recent interview with Karan Thapar on The Wire, Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services, P.T.R. Palanivel Thiagarajan (PTR), showcased a level of arrogance and hypocrisy that has become emblematic of the DMK’s approach to governance and policy. While defending Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy and opposing the National Education Policy (NEP), PTR’s arguments were riddled with contradictions, elitism, and a blatant disregard for facts.

In the interview not only did he insult Hindi speakers but also ridiculed children in UP and Bihar.

Throughout the video, he kept harping on one point alone – TN government school children should study only 2 languages. He called it anethnically, culturally, and economically, sophisticated approachthat has apparently yielded spectacular results. Well, the ASER Report 2024 will probably be laughing in a corner. Speaking to Karan Thapar, he said, We are elected by the people, we are legislators, we form a government, we have a government policy. Our policy is a two-language policy. We are very very clear that we do not want a three-language policy. It doesn’t matter to me what Mr Yadav thinks. I’m so glad. How many children in Uttar Pradesh know three languages? How many children in Bihar know three languages? Since you have such a fantastic idea that every child can learn three languages, what has been the outcome in our country for the last 75 years? What percentage of our children are spectacularly good at two? Let’s start then with three. What do you mean children are spectacularly good at learning? Where have been the outcomes to show any of this to be true? We are very clear we want a two-language formula; it is both an ethnically, culturally, and economically, sophisticated approach that has yielded spectacular results. Tell me one place where a three-language formula in this country has yielded better results than the state of Tamil Nadu and explain to me why we should change our policy for the sake of somebody else.”

But here’s the hypocrisy of PTR that we are exposing.

PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan is married to an American woman, Margaret Thiagarajan, and has two children Palani and Vel. As per this report published in The Hindu in 2017, it was revealed that Palani (then 12 years of age) and Vel (then 10 years of age), we have PTR himself admitting that the children studied at The American School in Chennai.

While English is the medium of instruction at The American School in Chennai, they also offerworld languages (French and Spanish)for students in Grades 3–5. They also offer English as an additional language for students whose mother tongue/language spoken at home is not English.

It is at this grade that students in India under NEP 2020 are also introduced to another language (Indian). So if PTR’s sons could study world languages apart from English, then why is he denying the opportunity of government school students in Tamil Nadu to learn another Indian language is what critics ask.

PTR’s Schooling

For all the Dravidianist talk that PTR and his father/grandfather, who were hardcore Dravidianist leaders, spoke, PTR himself is an alumnus of The Lawrence School, Lovedale, and Vikaasa School, Madurai as per Wikipedia.

It is a known fact that The Lawrence School offers French as an additional language for its students.

PTR belonged to Class of 1983. Learning French was vogue then as much as it is in vogue now.

Ultimately, PTR’s stance appears less about preserving Tamil Nadu’s cultural identity and more about perpetuating a divisive and elitist agenda that denies students the chance to thrive in a multilingual, interconnected world. Would leaders like PTR align their personal practices with their public policies and prioritize the holistic development of all students, rather than imposing arbitrary limitations rooted in political rhetoric?

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Dravidianist Rag Vikatan Gets A Knock On Its Head: Madras High Court Orders It To Remove Slanderous Cartoon On PM Modi

On 6 March 2025, the Madras High Court granted temporary relief to the Tamil magazine Vikatan, instructing the Union government to unblock its website. However, the relief was conditional on the magazine removing a controversial cartoon depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in chains while meeting former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy issued the directive in response to a writ petition filed by Ananda Vikatan Productions Private Limited and Ananda Vikatan Publishers Private Limited. The petition challenged the Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s order from 25 February 2025, which had blocked public access to Vikatan’s website and sought its immediate restoration.

Senior Counsel Vijay Narayan, assisted by Rahul Unnikrishnan, represented the petitioners. He argued that Article 19(2) of the Indian Constitution allows restrictions on free speech only under specific grounds, including threats to sovereignty, integrity, security, public order, decency, morality, defamation, or incitement to violence. Similarly, Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, permits blocking content only on these grounds. He contended that merely citing an impact on “sovereignty” without demonstrating harm to “integrity” was insufficient to justify blocking the website.

Narayan emphasized that the published cartoon did not fall under any of the legally defined reasons for restricting access to information. He asserted that the artwork had not harmed India’s sovereignty, integrity, or diplomatic relations with the United States. Highlighting concerns about journalistic freedom, he pointed out that political cartoons of world leaders are common internationally but rarely face such severe actions. Furthermore, he criticized the government for refusing to disclose the identity of the complainant whose grievance led to the website’s blocking.

In response, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) AR.L. Sundaresan countered the arguments by stating that both Article 19(2) and Section 69A include “foreign relations” as a valid reason for restricting content. He argued that the cartoon could negatively impact India’s relations with the U.S., justifying the government’s action. The ASG also pointed out that granting an interim stay on the ministry’s order would effectively resolve the case before the government could submit a formal response. He further noted that an internal committee had already recommended restoring access to the website if Vikatan voluntarily removed the controversial cartoon.

After hearing both sides, Justice Chakravarthy ruled that the entire website did not need to remain blocked while the court deliberated on whether the cartoon fell within the bounds of free speech or affected international relations. He, therefore, instructed Vikatan to temporarily take down the image and notify the ministry so that public access to the website could be restored.

Additionally, Narayan urged the court to expedite the case and direct the government to submit its counter-affidavit without unnecessary delays. In response, Sundaresan assured that the affidavit would be filed within two weeks. Consequently, the judge scheduled the next hearing for 21 March 2025, to review the government’s response.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

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DMK Cries About Imaginary Hindi Imposition, Here’s How They’re Protecting Tamil

Tamil activists and enthusiasts have raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Tamil Development and Cultural Center in Tirunelveli, which has remained abandoned, overgrown with bushes, and left without maintenance. They have urged the district administration to utilize the facility, at the very least, for the upcoming two-day official language seminar planned at the Tirunelveli Collector’s Office.

Located on Uzhuvai Road in NGO Colony, the center was constructed to host events for the Tamil Development Department. Spanning approximately 50 cents of land, the building covers 10,000 square feet, with 5,000 square feet on each floor. Its prime location near the Tirunelveli New Bus Stand makes it an ideal venue not only for Tamil Development Department activities but also for literary and cultural events. However, despite its potential, the center has remained inactive for years.

The administration of the center falls under the jurisdiction of the District Collector, with the Deputy Director of the Tamil Development Department serving as Secretary. Although there are additional officials such as Joint Secretaries and Executive Committee members, the facility has been left unused. Meanwhile, official language seminars continue to be held at the Collector’s Office instead of utilizing this purpose-built center.

Activists argue that shifting such events to the Tamil Development and Cultural Center would help restore its relevance. They also emphasize the need for its revival to support book publications, literary events, and other Tamil cultural activities. The call for action has reignited hopes that the neglected center will once again serve its intended purpose.

DMK’s Hypocrisy: Claim To Save Tamil While Letting It Deteriorate

For the past week, the ruling DMK has been loudly proclaiming that it is protecting Tamil from the “invasion” of other languages, particularly Hindi. But in reality, has the party truly safeguarded Tamil language and culture in the state? The answer is a resounding no. Just like the abandoned Tamil Development and Cultural Center in Tirunelveli—left to decay, overgrown with bushes, and without proper maintenance—Tamil itself has suffered under the Dravidianist rule.

Abysmal Levels Of Tamil Literacy Among Students As Per ASER Report 2024

A stark example of this neglect can be seen in the shocking findings of a Tamil reading assessment conducted for school students in the ASER report 2024:

Class 3 Reading Levels: A Crisis in Tamil Education

  • 8.6% of students cannot even recognize letters in Tamil.
  • 18.2% can identify letters but cannot read words.
  • 36.3% can read words but fail to comprehend even a Class 1-level text.
  • Shockingly, only 12% of Class 3 students can read at a Class 2 level.

The Learning Crisis in Government and Private Schools

  • 86.8% of Class 3 government school students cannot read a Class 2 text.
  • Even in private schools, 90% of Class 3 students fail to meet this benchmark.
  • 63% of Class 5 government school students still struggle to read a Class 2 text.
  • Alarmingly, even in private schools, 32.3% of Class 5 students fail this basic test.

These numbers expose the deep crisis in Tamil education, proving that the DMK’s rhetoric on protecting the language is nothing more than a political stunt. Instead of actually strengthening Tamil education, the party has let literacy rates plummet—leaving students unable to read in their own mother tongue.

No Tamil Prachar Sabha Established Anywhere In The Country

For all the talk about the presence of Hindi Prachar Sabha in Tamil Nadu, there is not a single Tamil Prachar Sabha established by the so-called guardians and saviours of Tamil language – the Dravidianists.

The DMK often boasts about its efforts to uphold the Tamil language, frequently citing its role in securing Classical Language status for Tamil in 2004. However, while the central government actively supports classical languages through various initiatives, the Tamil Nadu government has failed to implement similar measures to truly promote Tamil.

The benefits of Classical Language status are extensive—it helps preserve ancient knowledge, cultural identity, and literary traditions, fosters research and academic study by establishing research centers and university chairs, provides national awards for scholars, offers financial assistance to promote the language, and supports focused teaching and advanced studies. Despite these advantages, has the Tamil Nadu government established anything comparable to the Hindi Prachar Sabha? The answer is a big no.

While the central government allocates funds for the development of Tamil, the DMK has done little to establish dedicated institutions that systematically promote the language. Their claims of protecting Tamil remain empty rhetoric, with no real action to back them up.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

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DMK Executive Accused Of Assault, Land Grabbing, And Illegal Occupation Of Temple Land In Chennai

A complaint has been lodged against a DMK executive for allegedly assaulting a clothing store owner in Old Washermanpet, Chennai, and attempting to seize the shop.

Mano Shankar, a resident of Old Washermanpet and the owner of the clothing store, has submitted a complaint to the Police Commissioner’s office.

In his complaint, he accused DMK executive Rajan of attempting to take over his store in collaboration with a known criminal with a history of offenses. After filing the complaint, Mano Shankar spoke to reporters, claiming that Rajan had threatened to kill him if he did not comply with his demands.

A CCTV video has surfaced showing DMK executive Rajan allegedly plotting to seize a clothing store in collaboration with a known criminal, sparking fear among the public.

The footage, recorded the night before the incident, captures Rajan discussing the plan with history-sheeters. They were heard saying that if they managed to take over the store, they could lease it for an advance of ₹1 crore and generate a monthly income of ₹1 lakh. They also mentioned that the issue could be resolved by bribing senior police officials with ₹20 lakh.

Criminals Niranja, Lenin Kumar, and Karthik reportedly agreed to the plan but suggested that, instead of directly getting involved, it would be safer to use women to avoid suspicion. On 27 February 2025, they executed their scheme by sending a group of local women disguised as customers into the store. The women caused a commotion and allegedly attempted to place an empty almirah inside the shop to fabricate evidence of ownership.

Following the incident, the store owner filed a complaint at the Royapuram police station. Speaking to reporters, he claimed, “There were around 20-30 people recording videos, trying to provoke us into reacting so they could use it as evidence against us.”

It is further alleged that after the case was registered, the CCTV cameras were destroyed, leading to another complaint. Additionally, two FIRs had already been filed against DMK executive Rajan and his brother Jayakumar at the police station. However, no action has been taken against them, reportedly due to their political connections as members of the ruling party and Jayakumar has been continuously threatening them to withdraw the case.

This is not the only instance where DMK functionary Rajan has been accused of illegal land occupation. Previously, he and his associates had taken the land of Arulmigu Chinna Seniamman Temple in Old Washermanpet on lease for three years. However, even after the lease period ended, they refused to vacate the premises.

Instead, they allegedly constructed two unauthorized buildings on the land and began renting them out for ₹50,000 per month. Despite an eviction order being issued as early as 2015, the group has continued to occupy the property and profit from it. The temple falls under the jurisdiction of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department and is located near the residence of DMK HR&CE Minister Sekar Babu. However, no action has been taken to reclaim the land.

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Dindigul Spiritual Conference Ads Erased Overnight, Hindu Munnani Slams DMK Govt For “Childish Politics” Over Hindu Religious Rights

The Hindu Munnani has strongly criticized and mocked the Tamil Nadu government for playing childish politics with Hindu religious rights, accusing it of systematically suppressing Hindu worship and faith. The latest controversy erupted after Dindigul city police erased wall advertisements promoting a spiritual conference organized by the Abhirami Amman Devotee Trust Group, scheduled for 27 April 2025. The police reportedly removed the advertisements in secrecy at night illegaly, sparking outrage among Hindu organizations.

In response, Hindu Munnani President Kadeswara Subramaniam ridiculed the ruling DMK government, asking, “Will the marriage stop if you hide the comb?”—implying that erasing advertisements would not prevent the spiritual event from taking place. He demanded immediate action against the officials responsible for this act, warning that failure to do so would result in a massive protest by Hindu organizations.

In an official statement, Subramaniam accused the Tamil Nadu government of using unlawful tactics to suppress Hindu religious rights and spiritual gatherings. He pointed out that, “The Tamil Nadu government is employing all kind of unlawful methods to suppress the legitimate worship rights of Hindus and spiritual festivals. On behalf of the Dindigul Sri Abhirami Amman Devotee Trust Group, various social organizations in Dindigul are coming together to organize a “Spiritual Conference to Hail Mother Abhirami” on 27 April. At this conference, Maharashtra Governor His Excellency C. P. Radhakrishnan, along with abbots and monks, will deliver spiritual discourses. The event also feature yajna sacrifices and other religious ceremonies. To promote the event, wall advertisements were put up across Dindigul city on behalf of the Sri Abhirami Amman Devotee Trust Group. However, the Dindigul District Police erased these advertisements whitewashing them overnight, without anyone’s knowledge. This act of the Dindigul District Police is shameful and humiliating. Even the ordinary daily activities of Hindus are being stopped and suppressed by the police every day in Tamil Nadu. Additionally, the government displayed its malice by erasing the names of the Honorable Governor and revered saints from these advertisements. What wrongdoing did the government find in organizing a spiritual conference for Hindus? Why such hostility towards Hindus? The Hindu Munnani strongly condemns this repression against Hindus. Action should be taken against the officials responsible for this heinous act. If corrective measures are not taken, we strongly assert that the Hindu Munnani will mobilize all communities and devotional organizations in Dindigul to launch a large-scale protest. We also wish to state clearly that If you hide the comb, the marriage will not stop.Through this statement, the Hindu Munnani expresses that no one can stop the Hindu uprising and Hindu unity that is emerging in a Sattvik manner in Tamil Nadu.”

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Tamil Nadu’s ‘Kerala Story’: Abdul Lures Loganayagi, Demands Conversion For Marriage, Then Kills Her With Accomplices Sultana & Monisha After She Finds Out About His Betrayal

In a shocking crime that has unsettled Salem, three individuals, including two women, were arrested on 5 March 2025 for brutally murdering a woman and disposing of her body in Shevaroy Hills located in Salem district.

The victim, identified as 31-year-old Loganayagi from Thuraiyur in Trichy district, had been residing in a private hostel near Salem’s new bus stand. She had been missing for four days, prompting the hostel warden to lodge a complaint with the Pallapatti Police. During the investigation, authorities discovered the woman’s body beneath the 60-foot bridge on the ghat road. Inside her purse, they found an ID bearing the name Loganayagi, though the photo on it showed her wearing a burqa. Further inquiry led investigators to trace her last known phone call to a young man in Trichy. Shortly after the call, her phone was switched off along the Ghat Road leading to Yercaud.

The caller, 22-year-old Abdul Hafeez, an engineering student from Perambalur, was taken into custody. During interrogation, he confessed to being in a relationship for four years with Loganayagi, a woman he had convinced to convert after meeting her on Instagram with the promise of marriage (One report identifies the deceased woman as Loganayagi, while another refers to her as Albiya). At the same time, he was also involved with another woman, Dhaviya Sultana (22), an IT professional. When Loganayagi learned about his other relationship, she demanded that Abdul marry her.

It is alleged that Abdul Hafeez had pressured Loganayagi to convert to his religion as a condition for marriage. Trusting him, she not only converted but also started wearing a burqa to work. However, despite her commitment, Hafeez allegedly continued to exploit her for his own desires.

Over time, Loganayaki discovered that Hafeez was becoming close to other women, leading to frequent arguments between them. Realizing she had been deceived, she decided to cut off communication with him. In an attempt to reconcile, Hafeez later claimed to have realized his mistake and assured her that he would marry her.

In response, Abdul allegedly plotted with Dhaviya Sultana (One report identifies the accomplice woman as Dhaviya Sultana, while another refers to her as Kaviya Sultana) and their mutual friend Monisha (21) to kill Loganayagi. On 1 March, the trio traveled to Salem, rented a self-drive car, and took Loganayagi with them. They then drove to a 60-foot bridge on the ghat road, where they reportedly killed her by injecting poisong with a syringe and threw her body into a 20-foot gorge before fleeing the scene.

Authorities later recovered the decomposed remains and sent them to Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital for an autopsy. A case was registered, and all three suspects were arrested.

(With Inputs From Polimer News)

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“Not 3, I’m Going To Promote 10 Languages”: Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu’s Slipper Shot Response To MK Stalin’s Anti-Three Language Policy Stance

chandrababu naidu andhra cm stalin dmk hindi

In a bold statement aimed at Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that he will not stop at implementing three languages but will promote 10 languages in his state. He said that he has plans to introduce the teaching of 10 languages in every university across the state. Speaking at a public event, he underscored the importance of multilingual education, advocating for the promotion of Telugu and English while also encouraging students to learn Hindi for better communication across India.

“Knowledge is different. Language is different. Now I’m going to promote 10 languages. Every university, 5-10 international languages. You study, go and work there. They need your services. Not only 3 languages, multilanguage.”, Chandrababu Naidu said.

He further added “Telugu we’ve to promote. English is international language for livelihood. Hindi better to learn so that it will be very easy to mingle with people. Nothing wrong in it.” which comes as a stinging response to MK Stalin who has been peddling hate against Hindi.

The DMK led by its Chief Minister MK Stalin has been going on a tirade against Hindi while refusing to implement the three language formula as laid down by the National Education Policy 2020. The NEP 2020 doesn’t mandate the teaching of Hindi but instead calls for introducing children to mother-tongue education till grade 5, learn English and any other Indian language. Tamil Nadu could implement the 3 language policy by introducing Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, or any other language.

However, the DMK has weaved an imaginary Hindi imposition narrative. DMK cadres have been defacing Hindi words on the boards of central government offices and buildings at locations including SankarankoilPollachi, and Palayamkottai railway stations, as well as on the boards and banners at the Parangi Malai post office and BSNL office.

While DMK leaders either run CBSE schools or their kids study in schools that implement 3 language policy and teach Hindi, they’re denying the same opportunity to government school students.

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Nandini Milk Price Will Be Increased: Karnataka Congress Govt

Karnataka government said on Wednesday that it is all set to increase the price of milk of popular Nandini milk supplied by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) in the state.

“We will definitely increase the price of milk. The discussion on how much to increase will be held with the Chief Minister,” said Minister for Animal Husbandry K. Venkatesh on the floor of the house.

Minister Venkatesh made the statement in the Question and Answer session in the Legislative Council on Wednesday. The question in this regard was raised by the Congress MLC and former minister B. Umashree and BJP MLC M.G. Muley. Minister Venkatesh stated that the government owes subsidies amounting to Rs 656.07 crore to milk producers. 9.04 lakh beneficiaries needed to be paid the pending amount.

“We have asked the finance department for release of pending money. Once the finance department clears the funds, the pending amount would be released to the beneficiaries. We will do it soon. The farmers are demanding hike in milk price by Rs 10. We will increase the prices of milk for sure. The quantum of hike would be decided after discussion with the Chief Minister,” he stated.

Earlier, the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) sources stated that despite its pressure, the state government is yet to take a call on hiking the price of milk by Rs 5 per litre. Sources revealed that the government is in the final round of discussions with authorities and experts, as the KMF is strongly advocating for the increase.

However, the government is proceeding cautiously, anticipating potential backlash over the issue. The demand for a price hike is coming from farmers, various organisations, and the Department of Animal Husbandry. However, the government has not yet reached a final decision, Naik added. Milk federations across the state are supporting the price hike. Minister for Animal Husbandry K. Venkatesh held a meeting with KMF officials to discuss the necessity of increasing milk prices.

The federation representatives argued that rising costs in dairy farming have made a price hike inevitable. Farmers’ organisations and milk federations have repeatedly demanded an increase of Rs 5 per litre. On February 10, the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Green Brigade staged a protest at the KMF office in Bengaluru, demanding an increase in the milk procurement price to at least Rs 50 per litre.

They also called for an interim support price of Rs 10 per litre until the implementation of a Minimum Support Price (MSP). The Karnataka government revised the price of milk in the state by Rs 2 on June 25, 2024, with an additional 50 ml of milk added to each packet, which led to criticism.

The most popular blue packet of 1 litre of Nandini milk now costs Rs 44, up from Rs 42. Speaking to mediapersons after announcing the price revision, Bheema Naik had said the decision was made to avoid losses for the KMF. The milk price per litre in Gujarat and Maharashtra is Rs 56, in Kerala it is Rs 54, while in Andhra Pradesh it is Rs 58, he said. “Our rate is Rs 16 less compared to the other states. There will be no price hike for any of the other Nandini products,” Naik said.

–IANS

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Provincial Languages Will Not Lose Relevance If Hindi Accepted As Official Language, Says Congress Leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

The provincial languages that are widely spoken in different states of India will never lose their relevance due to the acceptance of Hindi as the state language of the country, former state Congress chief in West Bengal Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said on Wednesday. “Hindi has been accepted as the official state language of the country.

However, besides Hindi, there are several other provincial languages which are spoken in many states concerned. It is wrong to think that the provincial languages will lose their relevance because of accepting Hindi as the state language of the country,” Chowdhury told IANS on Wednesday. He pointed out that besides Hindi, 22 other languages are accepted by the Union government. “Each language has its own relevance. It would be wrong to consider the differences over language as the rift between North and South. If there are differences, those could be settled through discussions,” Chowdhury said.

Chowdhury’s comments come amid a statement by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s comments on Tuesday where he accused the BJP of and the Union government of imposing Hindi through the three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP). He also issued a statement claiming the Tamils never demanded the North Indians to learn the Tamil language or any other South Indian language to preserve them.

He said that the demand from Tamils is that Hindi should not be imposed on them. “If BJP-ruled states want to teach three languages or even 30, let them! Just leave Tamil Nadu alone,” Stalin said in his statement. Recently in West Bengal, several pro-Bengali groups have surfaced who had accused the BJP of not just trying to impose Hindi on the Bengali but also introducing “cow-belt culture” in the state. Some of these groups have also demanded that it should be mandatory to learn and speak Bengali for anyone staying in West Bengal.

–IANS

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BJP Maintains Lead In Telangana MLC Election

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) maintains the lead in the Telangana Legislative Council election from Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar Graduates’ constituency as the counting of votes continued for the third day on Wednesday.

BJP candidate Anji Reddy was leading by about 5,000 votes over his nearest competitor V. Narender Reddy of the Congress party in the counting of second preference votes.

Anji Reddy polled 78,635 votes while Narender Reddy secured 73,644 votes. Prasanna Harikrishna of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) was in third place with 63,404 votes.

Out of 56 candidates, 53 were eliminated in the second preference round. The counting of second-preference votes was taken up after no winner emerged in the first-preference votes. The BJP polled around 34 per cent of the total first preference votes while the Congress secured 31.5 per cent and the BSP 27 per cent votes.

Since none of the candidates got over 50 per cent votes, the counting of second preference votes was taken up. The MLC election was held on February 27 in the preferential voting system through ballot papers. Due to the big size of the ballot paper, it took more than a day for the counting staff to sort the votes.

A large number of invalid votes also delayed the process of counting. Out of 2,52,100 votes (including postal ballots) polled, about 28,000 were declared invalid. A total of 2,50,106 voters cast their ballots in the Graduates’ MLC polls on February 27 sealing the fate of 56 candidates. Ruling Congress and opposition BJP are locked in a direct fight in this constituency, which is currently represented by senior Congress leader and former minister T. Jeevan Reddy.

In the election held on February 27, a total of 70.4 per cent of voters exercised their franchise. Polling was also held the same day for Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar and Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda teachers’ constituencies. BJP-backed candidate Malka Komaraiah won the election from Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar teachers’ constituency spread across 15 districts.

He won the seat with a margin of more than 5,700 first preference votes against his nearest rival Vanga Mahender Reddy of the PRTU (TS). PRTU (TS) bagged the Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda seat. Its candidate P. Sripal Reddy emerged winner in second-preference votes. He secured 13,969 votes. Sitting MLC Narsi Reddy of UTF finished second.

–IANS

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