Kailash Gahlot Joins BJP, A Day After Quitting Arvind Kejriwal-Led AAP

November 18, 2024

Kailash Gahlot, former Delhi minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, a day after quitting Arvind Kejriwal-led party. Gahlot joined the BJP at party headquarters in presence of senior BJP leaders including Manohar Lal Khattar, Jay Panda, Anil Baluni, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva and more.

Gahlot, AAP’s Jat face in the capital and MLA from Najafgarh constituency twice, was minister in AAP government since 2017 and held charge of key portfolios including home, transport, IT and women and child development departments. In his resignation letter addressed to AAP convenor Arvind, Gahlot cited unfulfilled promises and recent controversies as the reasons behind the move.

CM Atishi also accepted his resignation from the Council of Ministers with immediate effect. Gahlot, in his resignation letter, claimed the party had drifted from its core values. “Today, AAP faces grave challenges… to the values that brought us together,” he wrote. In his resignation letter, the 50-year-old leader pointed to “grave challenges” within AAP and also lamented that the ‘values which brought them together was getting lost in politics’.

“Political ambitions have overtaken our commitment towards people, leaving many promises unfulfilled. Take for example the Yamuna, which we had promised to transform into a clean river, but never got around to doing it. Now the Yamuna River is perhaps even more polluted than ever before,” he wrote.

In the letter, he also addressed controversy surrounding Arvind Kejriwal’s bungalow, which his rivals termed it ‘Sheeshmahal’. Gahlot said, “There are several embarrassing and bizarre issues like Sheeshmahal, which have now led people to question whether we still believe in being the party of the common man.” He further stated that the continuous tussle between the Delhi government and the Centre has hindered the city’s progress.

“It is now clear that if the Delhi government spends most of its time fighting with the Centre, real progress for Delhi is not possible,” Gahlot added. Gahlot’s resignation from AAP came as a big blow for the AAP, particularly in light of Assembly elections, scheduled in February next year.

—IANS

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Hindu Munnani Alleges Attempt By Missionaries To Plant Cross Near Hindu Temple In Vellore’s Sethukarai Hill

The Commune

November 18, 2024

Another attempt by missionaries to claim Hindu sacred sites as their own has surfaced, with Hindu Munnani alleging that miscreants secretly planted a ‘Christian Cross’ at the Agaya Shiva Lingam and Murugan Temple hills on Sethukarai Hill in Gudiyatham, Vellore district.

This incident comes on the heels of the full moon day on 15 November 2024, which holds special significance for Hindus. On this auspicious occasion, devotees, especially locals, typically visit the temples to walk the Girivala path, offer prayers, perform rituals, and partake in celebrations, including annadanam (community meals).

However, some devotees noticed a cross had been placed at the temple sites, prompting them to alert the police, Hindu activists, and Hindu Munanni cadres. Together, they lodged a formal complaint, calling for the immediate removal of the cross, which they believe could incite communal tensions.

In response, the police and revenue department have pledged to address the situation. Hindu Munanni has announced plans for a protest around the Girivala route to condemn the planting of the cross by anti-social elements and to demand its removal. Authorities have assured the public that they will take action, including the arrest of those responsible, and that the cross will be removed from the hilltop.

#வேலூர் மாவட்டம், குடியாத்தம், #செதுக்கரை பகுதியில் உள்ள சிவன் மற்றும் #முருகர் #மலையின் மீது, சமூக விரோதிகளால் #சிலுவை நடப்பட்டிருந்ததை கண்டித்து, அதை அகற்றக்கோரி இந்துமுன்னணி சார்பில், கிரிவலம் சுற்றி வரும் போராட்டம் அறிவித்திருந்த நிலையில், காவல்துறை மற்றும் வருவாய்த்துறை pic.twitter.com/YvjXbdCvdS
— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) November 16, 2024

Previously, attempts were made by Christian missionaries to rename the Hindu temple hill of Chennimalai to “Yesu Malai.” The Chennimalai Murugan Temple, located in Erode district and with a history spanning over 3,000 years, has recently been thrust into the spotlight due to a contentious proposal by the local Christian Munnani group to rename the hill “Kalvaari Malai” or “Yesu Malai.” This suggestion has sparked strong opposition from the local Hindu community, who have been venerating Lord Murugan at this sacred site for generations.

Chennimalai, also known by other names like Siragiri and Pushpagiri, is an important religious and cultural landmark, with the famous hymn “Kanda Sashti Kavacham” first being staged here by Sri Bala Devaraya Swamigal. The hill, located between Erode and Coimbatore, holds immense significance for Hindus in the region, and the renaming proposal has caused considerable distress among them.

The controversy escalated after a series of unauthorized Christian prayer meetings were held in Chennimalai, which led to tensions within the predominantly Hindu community. These meetings, which were criticized for making offensive remarks about Hindu deities, attracted attendees from outside the town. The situation turned violent on September 17, 2023, when members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clashed with Hindu Munnani supporters over the prayer gatherings, leading to physical altercations and police involvement.

The issue took a more serious turn when some Christian leaders openly suggested renaming Chennimalai as “Kalvari Hill.” This move was seen as an attempt to undermine the religious and cultural identity of the site. Hindu organizations, particularly the Hindu Munnani, condemned this suggestion, accusing the Christian Munnani of trying to erase the temple’s significance for political reasons. They announced plans for a large protest on to oppose the renaming and defend the sacredness of the hill.

In addition to this dispute, there have been concerns raised about the encroachment of Christian missionaries on other Hindu sites in Tamil Nadu, such as Vajragiri hill, where allegations of restricting Hindu access to temples have further fueled religious tensions in the region.

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Dravidian Model: DMK Champions Tamil, Education Minister’s Son Studies French

The Commune

November 18, 2024

Dravidian Model: DMK Champions Tamil, Education Minister's Son Studies French

Kavin, the son of Tamil Nadu’s School Education Minister Mahesh, recently earned a certificate of appreciation for his achievements in innovation during an event organized by Anna University’s ‘Educational Entrepreneurship Development Centre.’ The programme, which recognized the best inventions from government and private school students, saw Minister Mahesh proudly presenting certificates, including one to his son.

Speaking about the recognition, Minister Mahesh expressed pride in his son’s accomplishments, stating, “Beyond academic studies, I am proud as a father when my son talks about something like inventions.” Kavin, an eighth grader at an ICSE Curriculum School in Alwarpet, Chennai, shared his perspective on his academic journey, highlighting his ease with mathematics and the challenges he faces with French, which he studies as a language subject.

Interestingly, Kavin noted that Tamil was not included in his curriculum as a language subject.

Kavin, an 8th-grade student at private school in Alwarpet, Chennai, was among the recipients. News spread that he was allegedly hand-picked to be part of the project team for his father’s sake. The minister’s public gesture of patting his son on the shoulder and expressing pride further fueled speculation about the fairness of the selection process.

In an interview that went viral, Kavin’s candid remarks raised even more questions. When asked about the project, he admitted, “It is not my idea; it is my group mates’ idea. I did not help much with the project.” Shockingly, he also revealed that he only learned about the project the day before the event, adding, “I don’t know how to react to winning the prize. I am a little happy to receive it from my father.”

The project, described as a biotech insurance startup aimed at streamlining loan disbursements and insurance, was supposedly a team effort. However, Kavin’s disinterest and lack of involvement highlighted concerns over why he was included in the first place. Critics wondered if the minister used his position to secure undue recognition for his son, undermining the integrity of the programme meant to celebrate genuine student innovation.

This has sparked some debate, particularly given the DMK government’s strong stance against Hindi in favor of protecting Tamil. The minister’s son’s decision to not take Tamil as a language subject has raised eyebrows, especially within a government that fiercely advocates for the preservation of Tamil language and culture.

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“Udhayanidhi Is A Poisonous Mushroom”, Says ADMK Gen Secy EPS

The Commune

November 18, 2024

Udhayanidhi Is A Poisonous Mushroom, Says ADMK Gen Secy EPS

The ongoing feud between Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) intensified, with both leaders trading sharp remarks over the naming of government schemes and their broader implications.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) strongly criticized Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, urging them to “control their tongues” in response to their recent remarks about him. Speaking at a party event in Salem, where he was felicitated, EPS asserted that his political rise was due to hard work, unlike the DMK leaders, who he alleged benefited from their familial ties to the late party patriarch M. Karunanidhi. EPS accused the DMK leadership of indulging in dynastic politics, claiming, “Father praises the son, and son praises the father,” a situation he described as a “farce” that highlighted the shortcomings of the current administration.

At the event, EPS criticized the ruling DMK government for naming schemes after the late DMK leader M. Karunanidhi. He questioned the appropriateness of using public funds for projects named after political figures and accused the DMK of neglecting farmers’ welfare. Taking a dig at Udhayanidhi, EPS referred to him as “a poisonous mushroom that has popped up today following yesterday’s rain” and questioned the basis for his appointment as Deputy Chief Minister. “Did he earn this position by going to jail for participating in DMK protests? So many people have worked day and night for the DMK—was this not considered when choosing candidates for promotions?” he asked.

EPS also alleged gender bias within the DMK, pointing out that Karunanidhi’s female descendants were seemingly excluded from governance and leadership roles, which he suggested were reserved for male heirs.

Rebuffing the accusations leveled by the DMK leaders, who had earlier claimed that EPS had “crawled like a cockroach” before former AIADMK interim chief V.K. Sasikala to secure his position as Chief Minister in 2017, EPS warned Stalin and Udhayanidhi of “appropriate responses” to their continued criticisms.

“I have grown through hard work. I did not rise to power riding on Karunanidhi’s identity. My journey has been gradual, spanning 50 years, and includes holding several public offices, such as leading the Salem district cooperative milk federation, which received national recognition for its performance,” EPS stated.

Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Response

In response, Udhayanidhi took to social media to defend his government and counter EPS’s allegations. He pointed out that naming schemes after Karunanidhi was an expression of gratitude to the leader who contributed significantly to Tamil Nadu’s development. “From abolishing hand rickshaws to introducing computer education, Karunanidhi shaped modern Tamil Nadu. What is wrong with honoring his legacy through government projects?” he questioned.

Udhayanidhi also turned the tables on EPS, asking who named AIADMK schemes like Amma Unavagam, Amma cement, and Amma salt. He criticized EPS for failing to understand the value of gratitude and accused him of hypocrisy. “The leader of the opposition, who became Chief Minister by holding someone’s leg and washing their feet, now questions our motives. If he wants, let him erect an idol for the table he crawled on,” Udhayanidhi said.

Addressing EPS’s remarks about being a “poisonous mushroom,” Udhayanidhi retorted, “To the cockroaches and poisonous animals that crawled into office, we will always be poison. We are the crops nurtured by the principles of social justice and the Dravidian movement.”

He also criticized EPS for a lack of intellectual rigor, challenging him to disclose the books he had read and questioning the understanding of Dravidian ideology within the AIADMK. “When will you explain the meaning of ‘Dravid‘ in your party name? Your empty words and chatter will not stop our journey for the people’s welfare,” Udhayanidhi concluded.

அரசுத்திட்டங்களுக்கு முத்தமிழறிஞர் கலைஞர் அவர்களுடைய பெயரை ஏன் வைக்கிறீர்கள் என்று மாண்புமிகு எதிர்க்கட்சித்தலைவர் திரு.எடப்பாடி பழனிச்சாமி அவர்கள் கேட்டிருந்தார்.
அதற்கான பதிலை இன்று நடைபெற்ற திருமண நிகழ்ச்சி ஒன்றில் நான் கூறியிருந்தேன். அதிலும் சமாதானம் அடையாத எதிர்க்கட்சித்…
— Udhay (@Udhaystalin) November 17, 2024

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‘Sand Mafia Roams Free While You Rush To Arrest A Woman In Another State’: NTK Chief Seeman Slams DMK Govt As TN Police Goes All The Way To Hyderabad To Arrest Actress Kasthuri Despite Her Apologies For Her Remarks About Telugu Community

The Commune

November 18, 2024

'Sand Mafia Roams Free While You Rush To Arrest A Woman In Another State': NTK Chief Seeman Slams DMK Govt As TN Police Goes All The Way To Hyderabad To Arrest Actress Kasthuri Despite Her Apologies For Her Remarks About Telugu Community.

Naam Tamilar Katchi leader Seeman has slammed the recent arrest of actress Kasthuri, calling it a politically motivated act of revenge. He questioned the urgency of forming a special task force to detain her while the government ignores larger issues like corruption, the sand mafia, and crimes against women. Seeman criticized the double standards in handling personal attacks and ideological debates, accusing authorities of prioritizing minor offenses over serious crimes.

Actress Kasthuri Arrested In Hyderabad

Hyderabad police, in coordination with Tamil Nadu authorities, arrested actress Kasthuri on allegations of defaming the Telugu community during a protest in Chennai. Following numerous complaints filed across Tamil Nadu regarding her controversial remarks, a special task force was formed to apprehend her after the court rejected her anticipatory bail plea.

Kasthuri, who had been allegedly evading arrest, was detained in Hyderabad on 16 November 2024 evening and brought to Chennai. She was produced before the Egmore court, where the judge ordered her to be placed in judicial custody until 29 November 2024. She is currently held in Puzhal Jail.

NTK Chief Criticises TN Govt

The arrest has sparked widespread political reactions. Naam Tamilar Katchi leader Seeman strongly criticized the move, calling it unnecessary and a politically motivated act of revenge. Speaking to reporters in the Ariyalur district, Seeman questioned the urgency of forming a special task force to arrest Kasthuri. He said, “It was unnecessary. There is nothing to feel bad or hurt about (her speech). They want to exact revenge and are doing this. They are saying they got hurt by her words, but for nearly 100 years, they are calling the Tamil race Dravidar. How much will it hurt us? Who are you to hide my identity and give my race a different name? Who are you? So how much would we have been hurt? Just because you are in power, is this something that warrants arrest? If someone is hurt, then the DMK’s “rented mouths“, their media personnel, their party workers – are they even listening to what they are speaking about others? To debate based on ideology is a different thing. But to make personal attacks, talk about their families, their parents, talking derogatorily about someone’s birth, all that is there – what action have you taken for that? If we file a complaint, are you even accepting it?

Is it so big a crime that you sent a special force hastily to arrest and imprison her? Ok, she said something, that is wrong. But if she has apologized, should you not let go after the apology? You rushed to another state and arrested a woman…is that such a big crime? You are not taking action on the sand mafia, corrupt politicians, those criminals who rape and harass women, robbers, all of them are roaming free.”

(With inputs from OneIndia Tamil)

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Indian Economy Capable Of Handling Global Shocks: RBI Governor

The Commune

November 17, 2024

Indian Economy Capable Of Handling Global Shocks: RBI Governor.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das has said that the Indian economy is strong enough to handle any adverse fallout from global events. “Today, the growth of the Indian economy presents a picture of stability and strength,” Das said while addressing an event at the launch of the Kochi International Foundation here.

The country’s external sector is also strong, and the current account deficit (CAD) has remained within manageable limits, standing at 1.1 percent of GDP. Earlier, in 2010 and 2011, it was in the range of six to seven per cent, he added. The central bank chief also pointed out that India has one of the largest foreign exchange reserves in the world at about $675 billion. He further stated that the country’s inflation was expected to be moderate despite periodic humps. India’s inflation rose to 6.2 per cent in October from 5.5 per cent in September because of food inflation, he said. Referring to inflation as an elephant in the room, Das remarked: “Now the elephant has gone out of the room for a walk, then it will go back to the forest.”

He also pointed out that when the Ukraine war started, inflation went up but the RBI followed the right monetary policy, unlike some other countries, and succeeded in keeping the price spiral in check. “What we did not do in India is also important. RBI did not print notes because if we start printing notes the problems we are trying to resolve will expand and go beyond handling. In many countries the inflation was deep-rooted but ours is moderating,” he added.

“We kept our interest rate 4 per cent, therefore making our recovery much easier,” he pointed out. Das also highlighted how the RBI is bringing about a transformational change in credit delivery, especially to small entrepreneurs and farmers, through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) launched recently.

–IANS

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For Us, The Whole World Is One Family: PM Modi In Nigeria

The Commune

November 17, 2024

For Us, The Whole World Is One Family: PM Modi In Nigeria

Lauding the Indian community’s contribution to the development of Nigeria, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asserted that Indians never forget their values even while pursuing the global common good. “You all have not only given your hard work and effort to Nigeria, but also your hearts to Nigeria. The Indian community here has always stood by Nigeria in both its joys and sorrows… There are many Indian doctors here who are serving the people of Nigeria,” said PM Modi while interacting with the Indian diaspora at a community event in Abuja before wrapping up his State Visit to the West African nation – the first by an Indian PM in 17 years.

“Even if we go to other countries, we never forget our values that serve the greater good. We are those people who have lived for centuries with values that consider the whole world as one family. For us, the entire world is one family. the pride you have brought to Indian culture in Nigeria is evident everywhere. Yoga is becoming increasingly popular among the people here…” he added. The 60-000 strong Indian diaspora in Nigeria is the largest in West Africa, ensuring people-to-people contact between the two countries for decades. PM Modi met hundreds of Indians immediately after holding bilateral discussions with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, following which he was conferred the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

Prime Minister Modi is the first foreign leader to be conferred with the Nigerian national honour since 1969. “President Tinubu has honoured me with Nigeria’s National Award. This honour belongs to the people of India. This honour belongs to all of you – Indians living here in Nigeria,” he stated. PM Modi asserted that stepping out of the comfort zone, innovating and creating new paths has now become the very essence of today’s India. “In the past decade, India has added nearly two trillion dollars to its GDP. In just 10 years, the size of India’s economy has doubled. Today, India is the fifth-largest economy in the world… We often hear that those who step out of their comfort zones are the ones who achieve something big. Now, you don’t need me to explain this to you because you’ve already made it this far. Today, India and its youth are moving forward with this very spirit. That’s why India is rapidly growing in new sectors today. India’s startup ecosystem, which you may not have heard of 10-15 years ago, is thriving,” he told the large gathering.

A confident India, said PM Modi, has embarked on a new journey with the ultimate goal of building a ‘Viksit Bharat’. As the bilateral trade between India and Nigeria continues to grow, reaching about $15 billion, PM Modi mentioned the strong presence of Indians and the Indian companies in Nigeria that are involved in a variety of sectors. The PM mentioned that whenever a challenge arises anywhere in the world, India rises as the first responder to extend its support. At the same, he highlighted that over the years, India has made every possible effort to raise Africa’s voice on global platforms. “Gandhiji spent a long time in Africa. He shared a deep bond with the people of Africa. During the era of slavery, both the people of India and Nigeria left no stone unturned in their struggle for independence. When India gained independence, it also inspired Nigeria’s own movement for freedom. Today, India and Nigeria are moving forward together, like comrades from the days of struggle. India is the mother of democracy, and Nigeria is the largest democracy in Africa,” he said.

This was also PM Modi’s first visit to the West African region. The Nigerian President had visited India last year for the G20 Summit as a guest country at PM Modi’s invitation that eventually also paved the way for the African nation to participate in the upcoming G20 Summit in Brazil as an invitee country.

–IANS

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Nigeria Confers Its Highest National Honour On PM Modi, Says India A Global Powerhouse Under His Visionary Leadership

The Commune

November 17, 2024

Nigeria Confers Its Highest National Honour On PM Modi, Says India A Global Powerhouse Under His Visionary Leadership.

Nigeria on Sunday conferred the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his first official visit to the country while emphasising that India has positioned itself as a global powerhouse under PM Modi’s visionary leadership.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu honoured PM Modi after their bilateral meeting held at Abuja’s Aso Rock Villa which serves as the office and residence of the Nigerian Presidency. The award citation notes that under PM’s visionary leadership, India has been positioned as a global powerhouse and his transformative governance has fostered unity, peace and shared prosperity for all. PM Modi thanked President Tinubu and the people of Nigeria for the honour, which he dedicated to the people of India and to the longstanding friendship between India and Nigeria. “Honoured to be conferred with the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger’ Award by Nigeria. I accept it with great humility and dedicate it to the people of India,” said PM Modi.

The Indian PM is the first foreign leader to be conferred with this award since 1969 when Queen Elizabeth received Nigeria’s highest national honour. “Nigeria values its excellent relationship with India, and we work to deepen and broaden the same to the mutual benefit of our two friendly countries. You represent a very strong commitment in democratic values and norms. You have been doing a good job historically, winning three consecutive elections in a complex society is a feat that we respect so much,” said Tinubu. “I will confer on you today, the Prime Minister of India, Nigeria’s National Honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger. This to signify Nigerian appreciation and commitment to India as a partner,” he added.

Earlier this week, Dominica had announced its highest national honour, the ‘Dominica Award of Honour,’ for PM Modi in acknowledgement of his pivotal support during the Covid-19 pandemic and his commitment to fostering India-Dominica relations. Dominica’s President Sylvanie Burton is set to confer the award during the India-CARICOM Summit in Guyana, which Prime Minister Modi will be attending personally in the coming week after wrapping up his engagements in the G20 Summit at Rio de Janeiro. This would eventually take the number of civilian honours received by PM Modi to a record 17, highlighting his leadership and India’s growing stature on the global stage. It is also a reflection of India’s strengthened diplomatic relationships and the country’s expanding influence.

PM Modi has been conferred highest civilian honours in Saudi Arabia (King Abdulaziz Sash, 2016), Afghanistan (State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan, 2016), Palestine (Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award, 2018), UAE (Order of Zayed Award, 2019), Russia (Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, 2019 – received by PM Modi in July 2024), Maldives (Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin, 2019), Bahrain (King Hamad Order of the Renaissance, 2019), US (Legion of Merit by the US Armed Forces in 2020), Bhutan (Order of the Druk Gyalpo, 2021) Papua New Guinea (Ebakl Award, 2023), Fiji (Companion of the Order of Fiji, 2023), Papua New Guinea (Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu, 2023), Egypt (Order of Nile, 2023), France (Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, 2023), Greece (Grand Cross of the Order of Honour, 2023).

In addition to these highest civilian honours, PM Modi has received several prestigious awards from renowned global organisations. In 2018, he was awarded the Seoul Peace Prize by the Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation, in recognition of his contributions to global harmony and world peace. In the same year, the United Nations honoured PM Modi with its highest environmental accolade, the Champions of The Earth Award, for his bold environmental leadership. In 2019, PM Modi received the first-ever Philip Kotler Presidential Award, which is annually awarded to leaders who demonstrate outstanding national leadership.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awarded PM Modi the Global Goalkeeper Award in 2019, in recognition of his efforts to transform India’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan into a mass movement for cleanliness. In 2021, PM Modi received the Global Energy and Environment Leadership Award from Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA), in recognition of his leadership on global energy and environmental sustainability.

–IANS

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PM Modi Scripts History In Nigeria, Only Second Foreign Leader After Queen Elizabeth To Receive National Honour

The Commune

November 17, 2024

PM Modi Scripts History In Nigeria, Only Second Foreign Leader After Queen Elizabeth To Receive National Honour

Nigeria on Sunday conferred the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his first official visit to the country. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu honoured PM Modi during the bilateral meeting held at Abuja’s Aso Rock Villa which serves as the office and residence of the Nigerian Presidency.

“Nigeria values its excellent relationship with India, and we work to deepen and broaden the same to the mutual benefit of our two friendly countries. You represent a very strong commitment in democratic values and norms. You have been doing a good job historically, winning three consecutive elections in a complex society is a feat that we respect so much,” said Tinubu.

“I will confer on you today, the Prime Minister of India, Nigeria’s National Honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger. This to signify Nigerian appreciation and commitment to India as a partner,” he added. The only foreign dignitary to have previously received the award was Queen Elizabeth in 1969.

In the same year, the United Nations honoured PM Modi with its highest environmental accolade, the Champions of The Earth Award, for his bold environmental leadership. In 2019, PM Modi received the first-ever Philip Kotler Presidential Award, which is annually awarded to leaders who demonstrate outstanding national leadership. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awarded PM Modi the Global Goalkeeper Award in 2019, in recognition of his efforts to transform India’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan into a mass movement for cleanliness. In 2021, PM Modi received the Global Energy and Environment Leadership Award from Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA), in recognition of his leadership on global energy and environmental sustainability.

–IANS

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ED Probe Reveals How Ex-DMK Functionary And Drug Lord Jaffer Sadiq Funneled Drug Money Into Films Directed By Dravidianist Director Ameer Sultan

The Commune

November 17, 2024

ED Probe Reveals How Ex-DMK Functionary And Drug Lord Jaffer Sadiq Funneled Drug Money Into Films Directed By Dravidianist Director Ameer Sultan.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has revealed that Jaffer Sadiq, a former DMK functionary under investigation for running international drug trafficking ring, used black money to finance movies made by Dravidianist filmmaker Ameer Sultan.

According to an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Sadiq invested at least ₹10 crore into film production as part of an effort to disguise and launder profits from an international drug trafficking network he reportedly ran alongside his brothers, Mohammed Saleem and Mydeen Gani. Notably, Sadiq launched Mydeen as the lead actor in an upcoming film titled Iraivan Miga Periyavan, directed by Ameer Sulthan.

According to the report by The New Indian Express, the ED’s investigation reveals that Sadiq established JSM Pictures, a partnership with his stepbrother Nagoor Kani, and JSM Pictures (OPC) Pvt Ltd around 2021, initiating six films under production. Director Ameer Sulthan, identified as Sadiq’s close associate for over a decade, allegedly played a significant role in guiding Sadiq’s entry into the film industry. Sadiq and Ameer were also business partners in Zuko Overseas Pvt Ltd, a company set up to import and sell dry fruits in Chennai.

The probe uncovered that Sadiq utilized a middleman, AVS Marimuthu, to funnel ₹10 crore of illicit funds into JSM Pictures. Marimuthu reportedly distributed cash from Sadiq to various financiers, who then deposited the money into JSM Pictures’ account as loans, with interest rates of 9-12% over a three-month period. In return, financiers and Marimuthu earned a 3% commission, while multiple bank accounts belonging to Marwaris in North Chennai were used to facilitate these transactions, netting commissions between ₹30,000 and ₹2 lakh.

The ED searched Marimuthu’s premises after filing a money laundering case. During their investigation, they discovered a yellow diary and several Excel sheets at JSM Pictures, which revealed that actors and technicians working on Sadiq’s films were compensated with cash allegedly sourced from drug exports. The agency recorded ₹6.31 crore in cash payments for film-related expenses.

Additionally, the ED identified cash injections into films like Mayavalai and Iraivan Miga Periyavan, the former being co-produced by Sadiq and Ameer. The investigation also highlighted ₹3.3 crore in cash deposits in bank accounts associated with Ameer, suspected to be drug money from Sadiq’s operations, suggesting a deep financial link between Ameer, Sadiq, and his brothers.

Ameer has been named as the 12th accused in the ED’s chargesheet. Ameer tried to wash his hands off of Sadiq by claiming that he was unaware of Sadiq’s “other face” and also stated that the shooting of the film Iraivan Miga Periyavan was halted abruptly following the news of the ₹2000 crore drug bust. However, during launch function of his film “Iraivan Miga Periyavan” in February 2022, Ameer is seen saying Jaffer Sadiq is a distant relative of his. He also mentions that Sadiq had been requesting Ameer to direct a film under his banner for 5 years.

The ED has already attached assets worth ₹55.3 crore, including properties linked to Sadiq, his wife, and other associates. Ameer Sultan, is accused of benefiting from Sadiq’s illicit activities by investing the laundered funds into movies produced under his banner, JSM Pictures.

Director Ameer and Jaffer Sadiq have also launched a coffee shop named 4AMCoffee and Kitchen under the Mahyan Pvt Ltd incorporation at ECR near Chennai. The managing director of this organisation, Abdul Basith, is also a director of Zuko Overseas Pvt Ltd along with Jaffer Sadiq. Interestingly, Ameer is also a director of Zuko Overseas Pvt Ltd.

Jaffer Sadiq’s production company, JSM Pictures, currently has six films in various stages of development. These include Iraivan Miga Periyavan, directed by Ameer and starring Mydeen, and Mangai, helmed by Gubenthiran with Anandhi in the lead role. Another project, Indra, is directed by Sabari and features Vasanth Ravi. Additionally, there are two untitled films in the works—one directed and headlined by Dheena, and another directed by Vivek with Mydeen in a starring role. The sixth film, Maayavalai, is co-produced with Ameer, directed by Ramesh, and stars Satya. Interestingly, Sadiq’s X handle’s cover pic had 4 posters – the three mentioned above and a film named Maayavalai which is produced by Ameer’s own production house and co-produced by Vetrimaran’s Grass Root Film along with Jaffer Sadiq.

It is noteworthy that DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s wife Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi was the chief guest at the launch of a single from the film Mangai.

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