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All You Need To Know About The Anti-India US Congress Woman Ilhan Omar Whom Rahul Gandhi Met

By
The Commune
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On 10 September 2024, during his visit to the United States, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met with several US lawmakers, some known for their anti-India stance. The meeting, hosted by Congressman Bradley James Sherman at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC, included figures such as Ilhan Omar, Ro Khanna, and Barbara Lee. Congress shared photographs of the meeting through its official social media channels, sparking debate over the nature of the discussions.

In its Facebook post, the Congress Party wrote, “Shri Rahul Gandhi met with U.S. lawmakers at the Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC.”

The list of attendees, as shared by Congress, included prominent figures such as Ilhan Omar, Ro Khanna, Jonathan Jackson, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Barbara Lee, Shri Thanedar, Jesús G. “Chuy” García, Hank Johnson, and Jan Schakowsky. Netizens question Rahul Gandhi for meeting Ilhan Omar and Ro Khanna, who have a history of making controversial statements about India.


Following the meeting, Rahul Gandhi posted on his official Facebook page, “It was a pleasure to meet with a delegation of U.S. lawmakers at the Rayburn House in Washington, DC. We had a meaningful discussion about our shared commitment to building a progressive future and strengthening the Indo-US relationship.”

However, the Congress Party did not release specific details or videos of the discussions between Rahul Gandhi and lawmakers like Ilhan Omar. They kept the meeting content unclear and prompted speculation about the issues that were addressed.

Political parties and netizens questioned Rahul Gandhi for meeting lawmakers like Ilhan Omar, who has criticised India and the Narendra Modi government. BJP leaders accused Gandhi of aligning with “anti-India” figures during his efforts to oppose the BJP, asking if his actions were driven by political motives rather than a genuine concern for India’s future. His meeting with Omar, in particular, has reignited conversations about the Congress leader’s engagement with figures who have openly voiced anti-India sentiments.

Who Is Ilhan Omar?

Ilhan Abdullahi Omar is a Somali American politician and a member of the US House of Representatives from Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, she has been a polarizing figure in American politics, particularly for her strong views on issues related to Islam, the Middle East, and South Asia. Omar, born in Somalia, fled the country’s civil war with her family and arrived in the US as a refugee at the age of 12. She later became a US citizen and rose to prominence as the first Somali-American and one of the first two Muslim women elected to the US Congress.

Omar’s political career has been marked by controversy, particularly regarding her stance on global issues and allegations of misconduct. In 2019, she was accused of marrying her brother in an immigration fraud scheme, a claim that garnered widespread attention, including a call from former President Donald Trump for an investigation by the US Department of Justice. Although the claims remain unresolved, they have contributed to her polarizing reputation.

Controversial Is Her Middle Name

Omar has almost always courted controversy with her statements.

In 2019, she said, “Some people did something” about the 11 September terrorist attacks and completely absolved the involvement of Islamic terrorists who carried out the attack. She also insulted the death of over 3,000 Americans and people from other nationalities with such a statement.

In July 2021, Ilhan Omar, with support from Democratic lawmakers, urged the US State Department to create a special envoy to ‘combat Islamophobia’ globally.

Anti-India Stance

Omar has consistently criticized India’s policies, particularly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She has taken a vocal stance against the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and has aligned herself with pro-Pakistan rhetoric in international forums. Omar has repeatedly raised the issue of Kashmir in the US Congress, advocating for intervention in what she portrays as human rights violations in the region. Her positions have often mirrored Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, with Omar visiting Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in 2022 during a trip sponsored by Pakistan.

India reacted strongly to Omar’s visit to PoK, calling it a violation of India’s sovereignty and reflecting her “narrow-minded” politics. During her meeting with the president of PoK, Sultan Mahmood Chaudhary, Omar expressed concerns over India’s 5 August 2019 decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. She has since continued to criticize India’s handling of Kashmir, framing it as an issue of global concern and urging US agencies to intervene.

In addition to her stance on Kashmir, Omar has propagated narratives of human rights abuses and alleged discrimination against Muslims in India. She has accused the Modi government of fostering an environment of intolerance, targeting minority communities, particularly Muslims, and stifling freedom of speech. Omar’s criticism has often been amplified by Islamist organizations and leftist groups in both the US and India, creating diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

She, however, had no word for Pakistan’s treatment of minorities in the country.

Ties To Radical Organizations

Omar’s connections with radical Islamic groups have been a subject of controversy throughout her political career. Allegations have surfaced linking her to organizations such as Islamic Relief and Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD), which have ties to Islamic terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan. These associations have fueled suspicions about her broader agenda, with some accusing her of furthering the interests of extremist groups under the guise of political advocacy.

Her ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, a global Islamist organization, and Qatar’s rulers have also drawn criticism. Omar has been accused of using her platform to promote Islamist ideologies in the US, positioning herself as a spokesperson for Muslim communities while aligning with controversial groups. Critics have viewed her role in the US House of Representatives as an extension of her association with these organizations, which aim to push a radical agenda in Western societies.

In September 2023, she expressed her support for Canada’s unfounded claim that the Indian government was involved in the assassination of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Niijar.

Anti-Semitic Remarks & Support for Hamas

Omar has also been embroiled in accusations of anti-Semitism, particularly about her views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. She has been a vocal critic of Israel’s policies and has expressed support for the Palestinian cause, often siding with extremist groups like Hamas. During the 2021 Israel-Palestine conflict, Omar came under fire for allegedly whitewashing Hamas’s attacks on Israel and placing the blame solely on Israel for the violence.

Additionally, Omar has advocated for a “one-nation solution” to the Israel-Palestine conflict, which many interpret as a refusal to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign nation.

Following the 8 October Hamas attack on Israel, Omar, known for her history of anti-Semitism, stated, “Just as we honour the humanity of the hundreds of innocent Israeli civilians and 9 Americans who were killed this weekend, we must honour the humanity of the innocent Palestinian civilians who have been killed and whose lives are upended.” However, she failed to condemn Hamas and its terror attacks against civilians explicitly.

It must also be noted that Ilhan Omar, a member of the US House of Representatives from Minnesota, boycotted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he was on a state visit to the US. She even tried to lobby President Joe Biden to attack PM Modi but failed.

(With inputs from OpIndia)

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Andhra’s Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan Reviews Flood Situation In Eluru District

By
The Commune
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Andhra’s Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan Reviews Flood Situation In Eluru District

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan reviewed the flood situation in Eluru district on Wednesday. Rising water levels in the Godavari River prompted authorities to issue a danger alert at Dowleswaram Cotton Barrage.

Rajahmundry District Collector P Prasanthi said that people in areas along the river banks have been alerted as the Godavari River is in spate. The irrigation officials are releasing 13 lakh cusecs of water downstream.

People have been cautioned against bathing in the river, and fishermen have also been warned against venturing into it.

The authorities have also advised people not to immerse Ganesh idols in the river for 48 hours as the river is in spate. They have been urged to postpone the immersion.

Dy CM Pawan Kalyan spoke to Eluru District Collector K Vetri Selvi over the phone to review the district’s flood situation.

The District Collector informed him that due to heavy rains upstream, Eluru and Thandava reservoirs received huge inflows, and as a result, crops over 62,000 acres in the district were submerged.

Breaches and overflowing canals inundated roads, affecting vehicle movement in the Pithapuram and Peddapuram constituencies.

Traffic came to a halt on Pithapuram-Raparthi, Peddapuram-Gudivada, and Samarlakota-Pithapuram roads. The flood water overflowed the national highway at Gollaprolu, diverting vehicular traffic.

The Collector informed the Deputy CM that boats and rescue teams were pressed into service for rescue and relief operations in the affected areas. The Collector said the intensity of floods in Eluru reservoir was receding.

On Wednesday morning, the inflows were 12,567 cusecs. The storage in the reservoirs stood at 22.16 TMC, compared to its full capacity of 24.11 TMC.

The authorities have opened four gates of the reservoir. Pawan Kalyan directed that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Army teams be used for rescue and relief works in the affected areas.

He also asked officials to provide food, drinking water, milk and other essentials to people in the flood-hit areas.

He said the officials should speak to farmers affected by the floods and assure them that the government will extend all possible help to them.

This story is based on an IANS wire feed. 

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“He’ll Get Angry For Mahavishnu And Not Samson Daniel”: BJP’s H. Raja Slams DMK Min Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Says Kids Will Get Spoilt If They’re Taught About EVR’s Shenanigans

By
The Commune
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He'll Get Angry For Mahavishnu And Not Samson Daniel: BJP's H. Raja Slams DMK Min Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Says Kids Will Get Spoilt If They're Taught About EVR's Shenanigans

Tamil Nadu BJP coordinator and national executive member H. Raja has severely criticized the recent political moves by the ruling DMK, accusing them of using political stunts, like the Mahavishnu speech, to win over the minority vote bank at the expense of Hinduism. Speaking at the Vinayagar Chaturthi Visarjana Festival public meeting on 9 September 2024, in Thudiyalur, Coimbatore, organized by the Hindu Munnani, Raja proudly declared that they have made idols of Ganesha in EVR’s territory. EV Ramasamy Naicker (hailed as ‘Periyar’ by his followers) was an anti-Hindu bigot who, along with cadres, went on a rampage, breaking the idols of Vinayagar.

Raja began his speech by highlighting that 150 of the 251 Ganesha idols meant for the Vinayagar Chaturthi festival had not arrived. He alleged that these idols were blocked from reaching the festival due to the DMK government’s anti-Hindu policies. Raja also accused higher police officials of complicit in this obstruction, suggesting they were rewarded for their actions in their CR reports.

Raja condemned the Tamil Nadu government as anti-Hindu and emphasized that they have placed Ganesha idols even in Periyar’s stronghold. He stated, “Already they claim this (land) as Periyar’s soil, indeed it is and from this soil we have made idols.” 

Then Raja revisited historical events related to the DMK and its ideologue, E.V. Ramasamy, also known as Periyar, and criticized the party using facts, highlighting that they were anti-nationals, self-doubters, and ignorant.

Raja stated,“EVR was an English imperial Christian mercenary. I do not speak without evidence. Do you know what resolution was passed by the Dravidar Kazhagham under the leadership of EVR and later passed by Annadurai in Salem in 1944? ‘Gandhi said that English should go, but Gandhi has gone mad. To cure his madness, a good doctor must be brought from England. If the white man leaves, science leaves.’ Look at how insecure the DK and DMK are, but we will refer to them as scholars and Periyar. Therefore, the whites should not leave the country. ‘If the whites leave, science leaves. Cars and buses won’t run, there will be no telegraph or postal services, and we won’t even be able to produce a pin.’ Whose resolution is this? It belongs to EVR and Annadurai. On the other hand, our Vajpayee made an atomic bomb and demonstrated it. The first conference of the Dravida Kazhagam is evidence of how far these people talk about rationale and how ignorant they are.”

He further remarked that the DK and DMK, who once passed resolutions advocating for the end of British rule in England and aimed to influence at least Chennai, are now the ones ruling the state. He warned that such anti-national forces are unlikely to support the preservation of our nationalism and culture.

He further criticized Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister M.K Stalin for not taking action against Minister T. M. Anbarasan who had made threatening remarks about Prime Minister, and questioned why he was not arrested or removed from his position.

He further criticized Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for failing to take action against Minister T.M. Anbarasan, who had made threatening remarks “tearing the Prime Minister into pieces.” He questioned why Anbarasan had not been arrested or removed from his position does he accept his remark.

Raja then spoke about spiritual motivational speaker Mahavishnu, criticizing the action taken against him. He noted that Mahavishnu had discussed the teachings of Tamil saints like Thirumoolar and Thiruvalluvar. Still, he questioned whether the School Education Minister had shown similar resolve in addressing the sexual exploitation of students in a government-aided minority school by a mother and son duo in his own constituency. Raja ridiculed the minister, saying that when he saw the name, Samson Daniel, he became submissive and behaved meekly. Raja pointed out that the minister’s actions differ for Mahavishnu being Hindu while Samson Daniel is Christian.

He then criticized the current Tamil Nadu government for failing to take action against minorities, even when they commit wrongdoings while turning a blind eye. He questioned why there is objection when someone speaks about Thirumoolar and Thiruvalluvar.

Then, Raja concluded his speech by presenting straightforward facts about E.V. Ramasamy (EVR) and Karunanidhi, questioning whether such cultural degradation should be taught to schoolchildren.

Raja questioned, “What did EVR say about women?” and continued, “Women should not wear sarees; they should wear lungis. These are not my words; they are the words of EVR. ‘They should not have long hair, they cut it short, and should wear t-shirts. ‘How do we go to our favourite shop and eat our favourite snack? Similarly, women should have sex with their favourite man,’ who said all of these? EVR said it. So women should remove their uterus.”

He continued, “All of this is detailed in EVR’s writings. If we teach these ideas to schoolchildren, won’t it ruin their lives?”

Raja then questioned, “Can we include lessons about Karunanidhi?” and added, “Kannadasan has written in the book Vanavasam. It’s very disgusting if we talk about it on stage.”

Raja questioned, “Why are lessons from culturally degraded individuals included in school textbooks, while any spiritual discussions in schools provoke criticism?” He noted that despite the long-standing bans on our festivals and the recent prohibitions against Hindu ideology, Samson Daniel has not been scrutinized similarly over the years.

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Khalistani Terrorist Pannun Endorses Rahul Gandhi’s Comments On False Victimhood Of Sikhs In India

By
The Commune
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Khalistani Terrorist Pannun Endorses Rahul Gandhi's Comments On False Victimhood Of Sikhs In India

On September 10, Khalistani terrorist and founder of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, publicly expressed support for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is currently on a visit to the United States. Pannun praised Gandhi’s remarks about Sikhs, made during a public speech in Washington, D.C., calling them “bold and pioneering.” According to Pannun, Gandhi’s comments align with SFJ’s narrative on the challenges faced by Sikhs since 1947 and their justification for the Punjab Independence Referendum, which aims to establish Khalistan.

Pannun’s statement read, “Rahul Gandhi echoes SFJ’s position on Khalistan,” referring to Gandhi’s remarks during an event where several pro-Khalistan supporters were present. He claimed that Gandhi had justified SFJ’s global Khalistan Referendum campaign when he spoke about the existential threat Sikhs face in India. Pannun added that Gandhi’s words reflected the historical difficulties Sikhs have faced under successive Indian governments.

During his address in Washington, Gandhi pointed to a Sikh attendee and suggested that the fight in India is about whether Sikhs can wear their religious symbols, such as the turban and kara, and practice their faith freely by visiting gurdwaras. He extended this argument to all religions, stating that the battle is for the preservation of religious traditions and regional identities, which he claims are under attack from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Gandhi’s comments on the Sikh community drew sharp criticism from the BJP. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri accused the Congress leader of spreading a dangerous narrative on foreign soil. He highlighted the Modi government’s efforts to address the concerns of the Sikh community, asserting that Sikhs in India have never been safer. Puri also referenced the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, holding the Congress responsible for the violence and accusing Rahul Gandhi of hypocrisy for raising concerns about Sikhs while his party shielded those responsible for the pogrom.

Puri further criticized Gandhi on social media, calling his statements about Sikhs’ freedom to wear religious symbols in India “delusional and absurd.” He reminded people that it was under Congress’s rule that Sikhs were subjected to violence and discrimination, particularly during the 1984 riots. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reopening cases related to the violence and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad condemned Gandhi’s remarks, questioning his commitment to the Constitution. He pointed out that Gandhi’s comments in America, including those about reservations, revealed his deep-seated biases.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US-based Khalistani separatist, has long been involved in promoting anti-India activities. He holds dual citizenship in the US and Canada and presents himself as an advocate for Sikh rights. Pannun has been designated a terrorist by the Indian government under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for his involvement in violent activities and promoting secessionist ideas through his organization Sikhs For Justice, which has also been declared a terrorist outfit in India.

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Malayalam Director Revathy Varma Threatens Legal Action Against Online Portal For Falsely Attributing Her Criticism Of Actor Lal To Mohanlal

By
The Commune
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Malayalam Director Revathy Varma Threatens Legal Action Against Online Portal For Falsely Attributing Her Criticism Of Actor Lal To Mohanlal

Renowned advertising film director Revathy Varma announced her intention to take legal action against an online portal for misrepresenting her comments about a prominent actor in the Malayalam film industry.

In an interview with Manorama News, Revathy discussed her difficulties during her directorial debut, Maad Dad. She revealed that she faced challenges from various prominent figures, including actor Lal, during filmmaking. However, an online portal erroneously reported that Revathy had criticized Mohanlal, who was not involved in the film.

Expressing her frustration on Facebook, Revathy clarified, “I am a hugely private person but felt it was my responsibility to speak up when I was approached by Malayala Manorama for my opinion on the industry in the wake of the Hema Commission report. The interviewer specifically asked me about my experience in my directorial debut Maad Dad. Those who picked up the news know that Mohanlal has not acted in the film. Yet, it is disturbing to see misleading reports about Mohanlal. I have worked with Mohanlal on one occasion for an advertisement. Let me tell you, he is extremely respectful of directors. I will be taking action against the online portal for sharing such misleading news,” she said.

During the interview, Revathy also voiced her discontent with the film industry’s internal grievance redressal mechanisms, criticizing them as ineffective. The renowned director highlighted the shortcomings in handling complaints, particularly in light of the Hema Committee report, which she believes has failed to address issues transparently. Revathy emphasized that the survivors had provided testimonies based on assurances from the Chief Minister and called for a more robust system involving the judiciary and police to handle industry-related grievances.

(With inputs from Manorama News)

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Congress MP Rahul Gandhi Spoke At A ‘Spy Factory’ At Event Moderated By Controversial Ex-Clinton Aide Luce

By
The Commune
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Congress MP Rahul Gandhi Spoke At A 'Spy Factory' At Event Moderated By Controversial Ex-Clinton Aide Luce

On 10 September 2024, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi participated in a discussion hosted by Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS). The event, moderated by Edward Luce, has stirred interest due to the SFS’s controversial reputation and Luce’s background. Gandhi, currently on a three-day visit to the US, has been meeting people and making controversial remarks during his first foreign visit since becoming the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

Walsh School of Foreign Service: The ‘Spy Factory’

The Walsh School of Foreign Service, where Gandhi’s discussion took place, is notorious among some investigative circles for its alleged close ties to intelligence and defence agencies. Dubbed the “Spy Factory of the CIA,” the SFS is reputed to be a training ground for operatives who go on to serve in the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Defense, and other national security entities. This reputation has led to numerous reports suggesting that SFS plays a pivotal role in the intelligence community.

Edward Luce: A Controversial Moderator

Edward Luce, who moderated the event, has a contentious history. Formerly a speechwriter for Treasury Secretary Larry Summers during the Clinton administration from 1999 to 2000, Luce is now the chief US commentator for the Financial Times. He served as the South Asia bureau chief for the Financial Times (FT) in New Delhi from 2001 to 2006. Known for his critical stance on Indian politics and public disagreements with supporters of the BJP, Luce’s background includes a family history of colonial service and a career often intersecting with criticism of Indian institutions. Educated at Oxford and married into an Indian family, Luce now resides in Washington, D.C., serving as FT’s chief US Commentator. Known for blocking BJP supporters on Twitter and his critical writings on India and its leadership, Luce’s current role at FT coincides with the paper’s ongoing scrutiny of the Adani Group.

Given Luce’s colonial legacy, it is worth noting that the Congress party was founded by imperial interests as a counterbalance to Indian freedom fighters. Given this historical context, it seems likely that Edward Luce made a concerted effort to make Rahul Gandhi feel welcome.

Funding and Affiliations: Concerns Over Influence

The SFS is also linked to several controversial funding sources. Many faculty members have received substantial grants from organizations associated with the Muslim Brotherhood and the Qatari royal family and have connections to Al Jazeera’s network. These faculty members are said to be heavily involved with Islamic organizations that oppose India, supporting activists from various backgrounds. This has raised concerns about potential biases and external influences on the academic environment at Georgetown.

Regime Change Allegations

A recent report by Disinfo Lab implicated various organizations, such as the Henry Luce Foundation, in efforts related to regime change in India.

The report “The Invisible Hands: Foreign Interference in Indian Elections 2024” alleged that Western entities invested significant financial resources to influence the 2024 Indian Lok Sabha elections. It accused the US-based Henry Luce Foundation (HLF), George Soros’ Open Society Foundation (OSF), and French Indolologist Christophe Jaffrelot of a coordinated effort to sway Indian voters.

The 85-page document claims that these global actors, including academic and media figures, campaigned to shape public opinion during the election period from 19 April 2024 to 1 June 2024. Key figure Christophe Jaffrelot is noted for promoting anti-India narratives, mainly through Western media. His advocacy for a caste census, a prominent issue in the Congress Party’s manifesto, is cited as evidence of his influence. Additionally, Jaffrelot is accused of spreading false claims about the dominance of upper castes in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The report details substantial financial contributions from HLF, including support for Jaffrelot’s research and various projects critical of Hindu nationalism. HLF is also linked to funding for the Berkley Center at Georgetown University and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Similarly, Soros’ OSF is said to have financed activist Ricken Patel’s efforts, including propaganda critical of the ruling party and support for Indian think tanks.

The Lok Sabha elections concluded with the NDA government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, securing a third consecutive term. The report highlights the high voter turnout, with 642 million participants and a record 312 million female voters.

This raises questions about the nature of academic and political exchanges involving prominent Indian leaders and institutions with such affiliations.

The convergence of these factors—Gandhi’s engagement with a department known for its intelligence connections, Luce’s controversial background, and the funding ties of the SFS faculty—has sparked debate. Critics are questioning the implications of these affiliations for Gandhi’s visit and the broader context of international political interactions. While some dismiss these concerns as coincidental, the scrutiny reflects ongoing tensions over global influence and domestic politics.

(This article is based on an X post by The Pamphlet)

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VCK Member Assaults Tehsildar Over Land Dispute, FIR Charged Under Three Sections

By
The Commune
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VCK Functionary Assaults Tehsildar Over Land Dispute, FIR Under Three Sections

A fresh incident involving political functionaries misbehaving with government servants emerged on 20 August 2024, when Ashok, a member of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), verbally abused and physically assaulted Tehsildar Ramesh at the Ayanavaram office over a land dispute. Ashok threatened Ramesh with dire consequences before fleeing, prompting police action.

The VCK functionary verbally abused the staff at the Tehsildar office over a land dispute. When the Tehsildar intervened to address the behaviour, the VCK supporter reportedly grabbed the official by the collar, choked him, and gave him death threats, all over a land dispute.

Santhana Lakshmi, a resident of Ayanavaram, Satyamurthy Colony in Chennai, recently completed a land survey for her 1,304-square-foot property at the Ayanavaram Tehsildar office, paying a fee of ₹700. In this regard, on 27 July 2024, surveyor Ranjith Kumar personally measured the land and issued a certificate to Santhana Lakshmi’s son before departing.

However, Ashok, a VCK’s 97th ward circle secretary, opposed Santhana Lakshmi and her land. He visited the Tehsildar office and disparaged the government employees, including the women staff, accusing them of bias in favour of the landowner.

Ashok then reportedly confronted Tehsildar Ramesh, assaulting him by grabbing his shirt and dragging him. In response, Tehsildar Ramesh locked Ashok in a room and notified the K-6 TP Chatiram police. Before the police could arrive, Ashok threatened Ramesh with death and fled the scene. Following Ramesh’s complaint, the police have filed charges against Ashok under three sections for assaulting the Tehsildar.

On 25 August 2024, another episode unfolded at the Thousand Lights police station when a DMK functionary, Vetri Selvi, a member of the DMK women’s wing and a resident of Chennai West district, stormed the police station to demand the release of her 17-year-old son, who police had detained.

Selvi’s son had been apprehended while riding his father’s bike without a valid driving license. The police had seized the bike and instructed the boy to have his parents come to retrieve it. Upset by the situation, Selvi arrived at the station and confronted the officers, demanding her son’s release.

In her agitated state, Selvi not only challenged the police staff but also tore up the explanation letter issued by the officers. Additionally, she unlawfully retrieved the confiscated bike before leaving the station. This incident has caused significant disruption and underscores the increasing problem of certain political functionaries abusing their power in the state.

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“She’s A Marxist”: Trump Slams Harris On Immigration, Economy, Abortion In US Presidential Debate

By
The Commune
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https://thecommunemag.com/shes-a-marxist-trump-slams-harris-on-immigration-economy-abortion-in-us-presidential-debate/

Vice-President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump clashed bitterly on the issues of the economy, abortion, immigration, foreign policy, healthcare, and a whole range of problems in their first presidential debate here.

Harris attacked Trump on abortion, calling him responsible for the Supreme Court decision to end decades of abortion rights. She also attacked him on the January 6, 2020, insurrection and the economy.

She said Biden-Harris was left to clean up the mess left behind by Trump. The vice-president forced the former president to defend himself and his comments, including the one about her racial identity.

Trump focussed his attack on Harris over immigration, accusing her and the Biden-Harris administration of letting immigrants enter the US illegally in hordes, who, he added, were taking jobs and pushing up crime rates in the US.

He said it was the weakness of President Joe Biden and his administration that led to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.

Trump tried repeatedly to hold Harris responsible for the actions of the Biden administration.

In an early exchange on the economy, Harris responded to Trump’s charge that he had left the Biden administration with one of the “greatest economies” saying “Donald Trump left us the worst unemployment since the Great Depression. Donald Trump left us the worst public health epidemic in a century. Donald Trump left us the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War. And what we have done is clean up Donald Trump’s mess.”

Trump hit back at her, saying, “She doesn’t have a plan. She copied Biden’s plan, and it’s like four sentences like, Run Spot Run, four sentences that are just, oh, we’ll try and lower taxes. She doesn’t have a plan. Take a look at her plan. She doesn’t have a plan.” At one stage, Trump got a personal. “She’s a Marxist. Everybody knows she’s a Marxist. Her father is a Marxist Professor in Economics, and he taught her well.”

Harris was also rough on him, accusing him of lying repeatedly. Trump took heat on abortion as expected. And he defended himself, saying, “The Democrats are radical in that. And her vice presidential pick, which I think is a horrible pick, by the way, for our country because he is really out of it. But her vice presidential pick says abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine. He also says execution after birth. It’s execution; no longer abortion because the baby is born is okay, and that’s not okay with me, hence the vote. But what I did is something: for 52 years, they’ve been trying to get Roe v Wade into the states, and through the genius, heart, and strength of six Supreme Court justices. We were able to do that. Now, I believe in the exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother.”

Harris then responded, “Donald Trump hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention that they would undo the protections of Roe v Wade, and they did exactly as he intended. And now, in over 20 states, there are Trump abortion bans, which make it criminal for a doctor or nurse to provide health care in one state; it provides prison for life… Trump’s abortion bans make no exception, even for rape and incest, which you understand what that means. The survivors of crime… a violation of their body, do not have the right to decide what happens to their body next… that is immoral. One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree with the government, and Donald Trump certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body.”

This story is based on an IANS wire feed. Only the headlines have been changed.

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“Tsunamis And Earthquakes Take Away Only Bad People”: Cuddalore DMK MLA’s Viral Comments Spark Controversy; Netizens Demand Action Akin To Mahavishnu Case

By
The Commune
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Another DMK MLA from Cuddalore has ignited controversy for telling school students that “natural disasters like tsunamis sweep away the bad people.” This statement has gone viral, with netizens criticising DMK and the state education minister, Anbil Mahesh.

Netizens question whether Mahesh will address this issue with the same rigour he applied to spiritual and motivational speakers like Mahavishnu of the Paramporul Foundation.

During a recent government event at Varadam Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Manjakkuppam, Cuddalore, welfare schemes like free bicycles were distributed to students by DMK MLA G. Iyappan, who also conducted a classroom inspection. While speaking to students, he remarked that natural calamities such as tsunamis did not harm good people and highlighted that the impact of education remains resilient in the face of such disasters.

DMK MLA G. Iyappan said, “A tidal wave like a tsunami comes and takes everything away, but only the bad ones and not the good ones. So Tsunamis and Earthquakes will only take away bad people. The good and the pure will never be harmed, nor will they encounter any harm. So study and study well.”

Similarly, on 9 September 2024, an old speech by DMK Minister for Handlooms and Textiles R. Gandhi went viral. In it, he discussed sins and karma while distributing welfare schemes at a government school. This also led to widespread trolling of DMK’s Education Minister, Anbil Mahesh.

In the video, DMK Minister R. Gandhi is seen at Ranipet Government School, where he is distributing welfare schemes, including free bicycles, to students. Following the distribution, while addressing the gathered parents and teachers, he makes a controversial statement. Gandhi suggests that sons are born to those who have committed sins in their previous lives, whereas daughters are born to those who have performed good deeds in past lives.

DMK Minister Gandhi advised parents, saying, “Parents, do not forget how hard they are studying. Not only that, I will often say another thing. If someone in their past life has committed many sins, male children will be born, and if someone has done good deeds, only girl children will be born. Only a woman, wherever she is, will care for father and mother.”

The ruling DMK is facing a storm of criticism following the arrest of spiritual speaker Mahavishnu. On 5 September 2024, during Teacher’s Day celebrations, Mahavishnu delivered a lecture on rebirth, karma, and Thirukkural philosophy at government schools in Ashok Nagar and Saidapet. The DMK claimed that such spiritual speeches were intolerable and emphasized that state textbooks are based on scientific principles, with teachers playing a crucial role in imparting these ideas to students.

The DMK’s actions have been criticized by Dravidianists and Periyarists, who accuse the party of succumbing to Hindutva influences, especially in light of the DMK’s recent international Murugan conference and its perceived closeness with the BJP releasing coinage to late CM Karunanidhi. To counter negative perceptions and appeal to minority voters, the DMK’s arrest of Mahavishnu is seen by some as a tactical move that has instead led to increased trolling and mockery of their own party leaders’ remarks.

(With Inputs From Thanthi TV)

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“No Need For Apology”: Madras High Court Rules In Favour Of BJP’s Ashvathaman In Bomb Blast Victim Memorial Day Speech Case

By
The Commune
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The Madras High Court has ruled that Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary A. Ashvathaman is not required to submit an apology to receive anticipatory bail for a case initiated by the Nagore police on 23 July 2024.

High Court Justice T.V. Tamilselvi initially granted bail but required Aswathaman to sign the bail papers and submit an apology affidavit. Ashvathaman challenged this condition, arguing that being compelled to submit apology without a trial was unjust. After reviewing his petition, the High Court waived the apology requirement.

The case was initiated by the Nagore VAO against Ashvathaman on the grounds of public disturbance and inciting religious hatred. This action follows Ashvathaman’s involvement in a memorial event for Thangammal, the wife of Hindu activist T. Muthukrishnan, who was killed in a parcel bomb blast on 3 July 1995 in what was then the Nagai Qaid-e-Milleth district. The event was held on 7 July 2024.

In this regard, Ashvathaman submitted a petition to the High Court requesting anticipatory bail. Justice T.V. Tamilselvi heard the case on 29 July 2024. During the proceedings, the police argued that Ashvathaman had been making inflammatory speeches, and thus, anticipatory bail should not be granted. They requested additional time to provide a detailed response.

Following this plea, the judge postponed the hearing to 1 August 2024 and issued a temporary injunction preventing Ashvathaman’s arrest until then.

Background

A 1995 report from India Today and a Rajya Sabha debate highlighted Tamil Nadu’s declining reputation due to a series of violent incidents. The tragedy involved a parcel bomb that killed Thangammal, who was opening a Ramayana book when the bomb exploded. The attack, aimed at her husband, T. Muthukrishnan, a leader of the Hindu Munnani organization, resulted in her death and injuries to her daughters. The blast was part of a disturbing trend of violence in the region, including previous attacks involving RSS and Hindu Munnani offices and other bombings.

Every year, a memorial event is held to honour Thangammal’s death, but recently, the DMK government obstructed these gatherings. Last year, the authorities arrested several attendees and barred them from participating. This year, despite initially denying permission, the BJP secured approval through legal channels. However, as anticipated, the DMK police filed an urgent FIR at 8:00 PM on 23 July 2024 against those who spoke at the event held on 7 July 2024.

The FIR noted: “I (Deva Kumar) am working as the Village Administrative Officer in Nagapattinam District, including Nagore, I report that on July 7, 2024, a public meeting was held to commemorate the 29th anniversary of Thangammal, the wife of Tanga Muthu Krishnan, on Nagore Main Road, near Kamakshi Amman Templeon that day from 17.10 pm to 20.44 pm on the said public meeting platform. 1. Thanga Muthukrishna – Activist from Nagore, 2. Bala – State General Secretary, Hindu Makkal Katchi Anuman Sena 3. Vijay Krishna – State Spokesperson, Shiv Sena, 4. Kannadasan – Lawyer, 5.Subramaniyan M. R. – Member, Cauvery Farmers Association, 6. Prabhu R. D. – State President, Hindu Munanni 7. Rajaguru – State President, Hindu Athiradipadai, 8. Ashvathaman – State Secretary, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 9. Selvam V. K – Organization Secretary, Hindu Makkal Katchi. During the meeting, these individuals reportedly referred to Muslims as terrorists, labelled the Muslim religion as divisive, and made statements that disturbed public peace, offended religious sentiments, and incited hatred between Hindus and Muslims. Their remarks also included criticism of alleged dereliction of duty. Therefore, I request that appropriate legal action be taken against those who spoke in a manner that fosters religious animosity.”

The plaintiff’s complaint was registered under sections 196, 299, 353(1), 353(2), and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, on 23 July 2024, following receipt of the petition.

Regarding this matter, Hindu organizations, including those led by Thanga Muthukrishnan, stated that the police report identified the bomb parcel in Thangammal’s murder as being sent by Muslim terrorists. They argued that mentioning Abu Bakr Siddique, a suspect in the case, as a Muslim extremist and discussing this on public platforms was aligned with the police’s findings. Ashwathaman also reiterated these points in court but the police have labelled such statements as stirring religious sentiments.

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