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US Second Lady Usha Chilukuri Vance’s Ties To The RSS?

By
The Commune
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US Second Lady Usha Chilukuri Vance's Ties To The RSS?

Usha Chilukuri Vance, wife of Republican Vice Presidential Elect JD Vance, has garnered significant attention in India due to her Indian heritage. Media reports reveal that her family has a history of political activism, with a family member who was an RSS worker and was jailed during India’s Emergency period (1975–1977).

Usha’s rising popularity draws parallels to Kamala Harris, whose own Indian roots became a focal point during her bid for vice president alongside President Joe Biden in 2020.

Usha, 38, is a practicing Hindu and the daughter of Indian immigrants. With Trump winning the eection, she would assume the role of “second lady“, as the wife of Vice President Vance. 

She is a Yale and Cambridge graduate and left her law job when her husband joined the Republican ticket. Previously, she worked as a law clerk to US Chief Justice John Roberts and later as an attorney at the American firm Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP. Recently, she made headlines with a speech introducing her husband at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Interest in Usha’s background has surged internationally, with her ancestral story attracting considerable curiosity. Her great-aunt, 96-year-old Shanthamma Chilukuri, is one of India’s oldest active professors, commuting regularly to teach physics in Visakhapatnam. “Our family has always prioritized education,” Shanthamma shared with Reuters, adding that her husband and Usha’s grandfather held university teaching positions.

In an interview with the Times of India, Shanthamma described Usha as the granddaughter of her husband’s eldest brother, noting, “Usha has inherited our family’s intellectual legacy.”

Usha’s family background is rooted in academia. Both her father and grandfather are affiliated with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), a prestigious engineering institution. Her sister is a mechanical engineer in San Diego, and her aunt works in healthcare in Chennai.

The family originally hails from Vadduru, a village in Andhra Pradesh, but relocated to Chennai when Usha’s grandfather, Ramasastry Chilukuri, began teaching physics at IIT in 1959. IIT now commemorates him through a student award in his honour.

(With inputs from Wion)

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Head Of MMK Jawahirullah Whose Party Slandered Hindu Gods And Bharat Mata Has Meltdown Over Amaran Which Celebrates Indian Army

By
The Commune
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Jawahirullah, Whose Party Slandered Hindu Gods And Bharat Mata, Has Meltdown Over Amaran for Celebrating Indian Army

M H Jawahirullah, the MLA from Papanasam and the leader of the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, has surprisingly raised strong objections to the film “Amaran”, accusing it of portraying the entire Muslim community as terrorists. The movie is based on the real-life story of Major Mukund Varadarajan, who played a key role in the 2014 counter-terror operation in Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir. Jawahirullah urged political leaders to reconsider their support for the film.

Directed by Rajkumar Periyasamy, “Amaran” features notable performances by Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi and has garnered attention for its action sequences shot in the challenging terrains of Kashmir. The film is based on the heroic deeds of Major Mukund Varadarajan, a soldier in the 44th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles, who was involved in significant military operations in the region.

Despite receiving widespread praise from political figures such as TN BJP chief and former IPS officer Annamalai, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, and Anbumani Ramadoss, the film has been starting to get criticism from some Dravidianist and now Jawahirullah. He took to social media platform X to express his concerns, claiming that “Amaran” unfairly portrays land rights activists in Kashmir as extremists and terrorists, while also casting a negative light on the Muslim community as a whole.

Jawahirullah argued that the film injects harmful ideological elements, similar to films like “The Kashmir Files” and “The Kerala Story” and accused it of fueling hatred against Muslims.

He wrote, “A recently released movie titled Amaran portrays the land rights activists as terrorists and engages in micro-ideological terrorism that spreads the hatred on the entire Muslim community. Progressive critics have established with evidence that Amaran is a film that artfully injects the deceit ideology of films like Kashmir Files and Kerala Story like a needle into a banana.”

“The film is produced by Kamal Haasan’s company, which has been condemned for artistically imposing the stigma of terrorism on the Muslim community by making and acting in the films Unnaipol Oruvan and Vishwaroopam. Mrs. Vanathi Srinivasan, the BJP executive who defeated him in the election, appreciates that the film should be screened in schools,” he added.

“What other proof can there be that this film is the mold that emerged in the action plan of the Sanghi’s battlefield war movie, to seed poison in the hearts of youth. In the name of art, the film stigmatizes the thousands of miserable women living in the brutal condition of ‘half-widows’ in Kashmir. Many of those who fought democratically for land rights and independence were hunted down by ferocious beasts hiding in uniforms. Tens of thousands of people disappeared. How cruel it is that the film portrays all of them as terrorists without showing any sympathy towards them…!” he questioned.

“The reception from “sanghis” proves that the movie Amaran has done the same kind of distortion that flawed movies like Thuppakki and Viswaroopam did. The political leaders of Tamil Nadu should come to a simple stance that anything that the Sangh Parivar and their political wing BJP is praising is not good for Tamils ​​and is against social justice. The communal BJP government’s justification for abrogation of Article 370, which gave special status to Kashmir, is not art but murder of justice,” he stated.

“It is also sad that many leaders are praising the film for its toxic anti-Muslim elements without knowing its micro-politics, and this should be avoided in future. We have awarded and honored the directors of the films of the talented artistes of the film industry such as Maanaadu, Maamanithan, Ayothi, Merku Thodarchi Malai, Jai Bhim on the conference platform of Manithaneya Makkal Katchi. Films like Nandan and Meiyazhagan that have been released are commendable. The above films were films promoting humanity and social harmony rather than promoting hatred, a agenda of the Sanghis,” he further added.

“Let us honor the heroic sacrifice of Veer Mukund Varadarajan and at the same time note that hundreds of lives sacrificed belonging to Muslim, backward, most backward and underprivileged communities have been blacked out without giving such light. Just like Tamilnadu is fighting for its state rights, people of Kashmir are fighting for their land. Throwing a artificial darkness of cinema and distorting their struggle for rights and hiding the atrocities done to them and continuing to portray them as terrorists in people’s minds is an act of ignorance without knowledge,” he further added.

“The RSS Sangh Parivar is the only organization which has not adopted the Indian national flag for half a century and has not hoisted it in its office. Its descendants need not lecture Muslims on patriotism. We urge the film industry not to continue the work of destroying social harmony through films that distort history and sow hatred. Indian Muslims have never been in a situation to learn about patriotism from Sanghis,” he stated

“The people who lived by the catching tail and foot of the white man should learn patriotism by reading the histories of thousands of Muslims who fought against the white imperialism of slave India and laid down their lives for this land in the many battlefields for independent India. Our soldier Havildar Abdul Hamid, who took part in the war against Pakistan in 1965 within a few days of his marriage, lost his life by destroying 8 army tanks in Pakistan. He was also awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the highest military award of the Government of India. He was also praised in the Government Gazette of 1965. In the Kargil war too, many Muslims including Kunnoor Abdul Sattar from Tamil Nadu, our Tamils ​​have sacrificed their lives for our country,” he finally stated.

In 2023, Jawahirullah’s party erected banners that derogated Hindu gods and Bharat Mata to target the Modi Government on the Manipur violence. The banner showed caricatured images of Narendra Modi as Lord Ram and Amit Shah as Lord Lakshman holding bow and arrows standing on either sides of a naked woman (Goddess Sita), hinting at the horrific incident in Manipur in which a woman was paraded naked and sexually assaulted. Following The Commune’s report, he apologised for erection of such banners by his party cadres.

Contradicting to what MMK chief Jawahirullah said, the film sparked controversy, particularly among some Dravidianist groups, who felt threatened by the rising nationalist tone in cinema. These critics claimed that “Amaran” wasn’t just promoting nationalism but was dangerously leaning into Islamophobia. This criticism fueled a heated debate, with Muslim leaders denouncing the film.

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Know-It-All Political Commentator Sumanth Raman Goes Hyper As Trump Emerges Victorious After US Presidential Elections

By
The Commune
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Know-It-All Political Commentator Sumanth Raman Goes Hyper As Trump Emerges Victorious After US Presidential Elections.

Political commentator Sumanth Raman took a wild turn in his US election “analysis”, swinging from predictions of a Harris victory to alarm over Trump implementing potential deportation plans. His Twitter commentary, peppered with digs at PM Modi and a liberal narrative, suggests a growing meltdown as he misreads American voter trends and links Trump’s support to racism and control over women’s rights.

Sumanth Raman Hyper Over Trump Victory

We all thought all-in-all know-it-all political commentator turned doctor Sumanth Raman was “well versed” with Indian politics. With the US Presidential elections on everyone’s lips, Raman set his eyes on that as well. He had to comment on the elections, otherwise, how can one rest in peace?

It all began late evening on 5 November (IST) when he switched on his television to catch a glimpse of the enthusiasm among US voters as they started voting that day. He wrote, “Watching some of the US channels this morning, it is looking more and more like the female vote may be the difference in this election. Watched 3 different channels. Every female voter interviewed said they voted Harris. #USElection2024 #USElections”

It is worth remembering that he thought Harris was winning since every female voter interviewed had voted for Harris.

On the morning of 6 November 2024 (IST), he concluded that Trump was coming back to power. He wrote, “So @realDonaldTrump is winning? 4 years of entertainment for the world looks guaranteed.”

It was still too early to call the victory, nevertheless, Raman seemed to be eagerly awaiting Trump’s victory just for the “entertainment“.

He seemed to be having a lot of fun with the way US election analyses were done on channels like CNN.

As if he was a US citizen, very “worried” about his future in that country, following Trump’s victory, he wrote, “More evidence today that people across countries don’t really care much about honesty or decency as character traits in their politicians. As long as they perceive a politician as fulfilling their own needs they are fine. And hate and othering do fetch votes, big time.”

Was he trying to hint that he should be given a chance to run for President since he was “honest and decent”? Americans, do give it a thought!

The meltdown begins now. Raman’s worries start getting unfounded, he becomes mildly delusional and writes, “Are we going to see the largest deportation program in history that Trump promised?”

Looking at his tweets and worries, one would think, he was genuinely an illegal!

The meltdown hits a new high. He reshared a post which had the caption “Trump will begin operations to deport millions of undocumented immigrants when he starts his term, campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday morning. He’ll launch the “largest mass deportation operation” of undocumented immigrants on Day 1.”

While one might think, the deportation of illegal immigrants is a good thing, Raman thought this was the chance to take a potshot at PM Modi (owing to his Gujarati background, probably). In an attempt to take a jibe at alleged migrants from Gujarat, he wrote, “Wonder if they will include all those thousands from Gujarat who allegedly got there illegally in the last two years.”

The ultimate meltdown came in the form of his latest post. Remember, he initially saw news channels quoting women voters voting for Harris? When he saw actual data, the switch flipped in his head (it seems). He somehow saw racism and women who voted for Trump “conceding control over their bodies” to be connected.

It is pretty much common knowledge that things work differently in the USA. States have their own rules regulations and laws. It is noteworthy that several Republican (red) states had already passed ballot measures to enshrine abortion rights in their state constitutions. Since Democrats (blue) believe in abortion rights, the women would be confident that their legislatures will not impose any such bans.

While racism was probably the last thing on everyone’s minds, it is notable from the data that women across the races in the US voted for Trump – be they Latinos, Indians, Asians, or Blacks.

There were plenty of other issues such as inflation, war, etc that could have also influenced the voters. But Raman had to peddle the liberal leftist narrative to show his allegiance once again.

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Police Hunt For Absconding Former DMK Union Secretary Accused Of Sexually Harassing Schoolgirls In Trichy

By
The Commune
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Police Hunt For Absconding Former DMK Union Secretary Accused Of Sexually Harassing Schoolgirls In Trichy

Anandan, the former union secretary of the DMK in Manachanallur, Trichy district, is currently being sought by the police following allegations from a parent’s complaint that he molested several schoolgirls in the 6th and 7th grades, specifically the daughters of laborers who worked in his field.

The complaint, received by the child helpline 1098, detailed instances of harassment directed at the young girls while their parents were engaged in labor at Anandan’s property.

An investigation led by Kalavathi, the Supervisor of the Trichy District Child Welfare Board, confirmed the incidents of sexual harassment involving the students.

In response to the complaints lodged by the parents of the victims, the All-Women Police Station in Jeeyapuram,  has filed a case against Anandan under the POCSO Act. Efforts are currently underway to locate the former DMK union secretary, who has gone into hiding. This alarming incident in the outskirts of Trichy has garnered significant attention.

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Kanda Sashti: The Epic Battle With Soorapadman And The Divine Blessing Of Lord Murugan At Tiruchendur

By
TS Krishnan
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Kanda Sashti: The Epic Battle With Soorapadman And The Divine Blessing Of Lord Murugan At Tiruchendur

Today is the Kanda Sashti festival. According to the Kanda Purana, it is the day when Lord Murugan defeated the demon Soorapadman. This event is believed to have taken place at Tiruchendur, which is why the festival is celebrated with great reverence at the Tiruchendur temple.

Background

To understand the background of this festival, we need to know what the Kanda Purana says about it. During the yagna performed by Daksha to insult Lord Shiva, the devas who participated in it were cursed for doing so. Due to this curse, they had to endure a lot of hardship from the demon Soorapadman.

Soorapadman was the eldest of three sons born to Sage Kashyapa and the asura woman Maya. Singhamukha (the lion-faced demon) and Tarakasura (the elephant-faced demon) were his brothers. The three brothers performed intense penance to gain innumerable boons from Lord Shiva.

Soorapadman built a palace on Mount Mahendramalai, near Tiruchendur, and began tormenting the devas, defeating them in battle and causing them immense suffering. The devas, in distress, prayed to Lord Shiva for help. In response to their prayer, Lord Shiva manifested Lord Murugan through the power of his third eye.

When the time came to battle Suran, Murugan set out to defeat him. His mother, Goddess Uma (Parvati), gave him the divine weapon called the vel (spear). The day Lord Murugan received the vel from his mother is still celebrated as an important part of the festival. During this event, one can see Murugan’s face glistening with sweat as he receives the vel from Goddess Parvati, who is also called Velnedunganni (the one who holds the vel).

After receiving the vel, Lord Murugan came to Tiruchendur, leading the army of the devas. There, he meditated for six days. Before the battle, he meditated upon his father, Shiva, asking for the strength to defeat Suran. Soon after, a fierce battle broke out between Suran and the Devas forces. Lord Murugan killed Suran’s Tarakasura and Singhamukha brothers with his vel.

Then came the final battle between Lord Murugan and Soorapadman. Using all his illusory powers, Soorapadman fought with Murugan. But Subramanya overcame all of them. In the final stages, Soorapadman transformed into a giant Mango tree in the ocean. Murugan used his vel to strike the tree, splitting it into two. One half turned into a peacock and the other into a rooster. These two creatures came to fight him. However, Murugan did not kill them but blessed them, taking the peacock as his vehicle and the rooster as his emblem on the flag.

Thus, instead of destroying Soorapadman, Murugan gave him his blessing, transforming him into these forms. This is the story behind the Kanda Sashti festival, commemorating the demon Surapadma’s defeat and Lord Murugan’s victory.

The Tiruchendur Temple & Kanda Shashti Festival

The history of Murugan’s defeat of Suran is mentioned not only in the Kanda Purana but also in Tamil literary works such as Purananuru, Silappadhikaram, and Tirumurugattrupadai. Both Silappadhikaram and Tirumurugattrupadai refer to Tiruchendur as one of Murugan’s six sacred abodes. From this, it is understood that Tiruchendur was considered a place of worship for Lord Murugan since the Sangam period.

During the medieval period, the Pandya kings built the temple as a rock-cut temple. The inscription of the Pandya kings found there lists the offerings (Naivedhyam) given to Subramanya during the festivals and mentions the God with the name ‘Subramanya Bhatarar’. As He is here to fight the war, Murugan is seen without his consorts of Valli and Deivayanai. The Vigraha of Lord Subramanya is seen holding a rosary, symbolizing his penance. Alongside him, two of his warrior generals, Veerabahu and Veerakesari, are also seen in the temple. Below the sanctum of Lord Murugan is a Panchalinga vigraha that Murugan consecrated to perform pooja before he fought Suran.

The Kanda Sashti festival begins on the ‘Prathamai’ thithi Tamil month of Aipasi which follows the new moon day, with the Kaappu Kattal (protective ritual). Observing a fast and tying a protective thread (Kaappu) before performing penance is a tradition. According to the tradition, it is believed that Lord Murugan fasted for six days during Kanda Sashti. The Tiruchendur temple has four Utsava Murthis: Shanmuga, Jayanthinathar, Kumara Vidangar, and Alivayukandaperumal. The Kaappu Kattal ceremony is performed for Jayanthinathar on Kanda Sashti day. A yagashala (sacrificial hall) is set up for six days, and homams (ritual fires) are performed. Each day, Jayanthinathar comes to Yagyasala at the temple, and special poojas are held.

On the sixth day, known as Sashti, the festival of Surasamharam (the destruction of Suran) is celebrated. In the evening, Jayanthinathar arrives at the Tiruchendur seashore, where the samharam of Tarakasura, with his elephant face, and Singamukhasura, with his lion face, takes place one after the other. After that, the battle with Surapadman is enacted, where Suran transforms into a peacock and a rooster, and the scenes of his transformation are displayed. Murugan then accepts the peacock as his vehicle and the rooster as his banner. Once the Surasamharam ritual is complete, a special Abhishekam (ritual bathing) is performed for Jayanthinathar to cool his intense energy. The next day, the Thirukalyanam (divine marriage) of Kumara Vidangar and Deivayanai takes place. This marks the conclusion of the Kanda Sashti festival.

Since Lord Murugan is believed to fast for six days during the Kanda Sashti festival, it is customary for his devotees also to observe a fast during this period. Devotees stay at the temple and observe the fast by offering prayers and having the darshan of Lord Murugan in the morning and evening. Various types of fasts were observed during this period. Some devotees refrain from eating any food, while others follow a Milagu Viratham(fast where only pepper is consumed). Some devotees only eat bananas while fasting. After the Surasamharam is completed, devotees break their fast by drinking milk. The famous Naazhik Kinaru (the well created by Murugan to cool the Vel after defeating Suran) is located at the Tiruchendur seashore. It is considered auspicious to bathe in this well on the day following the Surasamharam.

While the Surasamharam festival in Aipasi is celebrated primarily at Tiruchendur, it is essential to note that it is observed at all Murugan temples across Tamil Nadu.

TS Krishnan is a Tamil scholar and author.

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“Lotus Shouldn’t Even Bloom In The Pond”: DMK HR&CE Minister Sekar Babu Asks Officials To Remove Lotus Flowers At Wetland Park In Chennai

By
The Commune
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DMK HR&CE Minister Sekar Babu Asks Officials To Remove Lotus Flowers At Wetland Park In Chennai

During a visit to the wetland park under construction in Porur, HR&CE Minister PK Sekar Babu couldn’t resist a bit of sarcasm when speaking to the CMDA officials. As he observed the lotus flowers blooming in the pond, he quipped, “The lotus shouldn’t even bloom in the pond,” clearly aimed at taking a dig at the BJP, whose electoral symbol is the lotus flower. His remark was met with laughter from the officials, who understood the political undertone.

The wetland park, being developed by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) over a sprawling 16.60-acre area, is set to cost ₹12.60 crore. The park will feature 103 seating areas, walkways, a basketball court, a children’s play area, a 6.85-acre lake, an open-air gym, parking spaces, restrooms, shops, and surveillance cameras.

During his inspection on 6 November 2024, Minister Sekar Babu reviewed the progress of the ongoing work, inquiring about the completion timeline. He also suggested improvements to the electrical and security facilities. However, it was his comment about the blooming lotuses in the pond that stole the show.

According to a Puthiya Thalaimurai report, the DMK Minister asked the officials to remove the lotus that had bloomed in the pond.

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Kashyap “Kash” Patel – The Trump Loyalist Who Could Lead America’s Intelligence Apparatus

By
The Commune
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Kashyap Patel

Donald Trump has secured a historic return to the White House, defeating Democratic rival Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Building on strong support in key swing states, Trump surpassed the required 270 electoral votes, marking his successful comeback after a previous term. With a campaign focused on promises to tackle issues like national security, economic recovery, and government reform, Trump’s victory has energized his supporters and signaled a renewed agenda for the country. As he prepares to assume office, Trump’s next steps will involve selecting his cabinet and outlining his plans for the coming term.

Among them is Kashyap “Kash” Patel, a steadfast Trump supporter with a history of loyalty and high-profile service during Trump’s first term. Patel’s expertise in defense and intelligence, coupled with his work on sensitive national security issues, has positioned him as a strong candidate for a major role, likely as the next director of the CIA or as the Attorney General.

Known for his alignment with Trump’s “America First” philosophy and willingness to confront political adversaries, Patel is seen as a key figure who could help advance Trump’s agenda to overhaul critical government institutions.

Who Is Kashyap/Kash Patel?

Kashyap “Kash” Patel, born on 25 February 1980, in Garden City, New York, is the son of Indian parents who emigrated from East Africa in the 1970s. His father reportedly fled Uganda during Idi Amin’s rule, seeking a new life in the United States. With roots in Vadodara, Gujarat, raised in a Hindu household with a multicultural perspective, Patel’s senior yearbook quote reflected his values, citing Jewish theologian Abraham Joshua Heschel: “Racism is man’s gravest threat – the maximum of hatred for a minimum reason.”

Patel completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Richmond, earned a law degree from Touro College, and received a Certificate in International Law from University College London. He began his legal career as a public defender in Miami, handling complex criminal cases, including murder, narcotics trafficking, and financial crimes.

Transition to Federal Government and Justice Department

Patel’s federal career took off when he joined the Department of Justice (DOJ) as a terrorism prosecutor. He led investigations and oversaw prosecutions targeting individuals connected with organizations like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, and served as the DOJ’s Liaison Officer to the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). His role with JSOC allowed him to collaborate on high-profile counterterrorism operations, including global targeting efforts against terrorism suspects, including dismantling ISIS and al-Qaeda leadership, such as Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Qasem al-Rimi, and coordinating the repatriation of numerous American hostages.

Rise In Politics: House Intelligence Committee, Nunes Memo

Patel’s profile grew significantly when he was recruited by Rep. Devin Nunes to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. There, Patel became instrumental in investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election. He drafted the “Nunes Memo,” a critical document alleging misuse of surveillance methods by the FBI in its investigation into the Trump campaign. The memo resonated with Trump and helped Patel gain influence in Republican circles as a key Trump loyalist.

Roles In Trump Administration

Patel has been in the following roles in the Trump administration:

National Security Council (NSC): In 2019, Patel joined the National Security Council as a counterterrorism director. He quickly rose to Senior Director, tasked with overseeing Trump’s high-priority missions, including operations against ISIS and Al-Qaeda and the safe repatriation of American hostages held abroad.

Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI): In February 2020, Patel became Principal Deputy to Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell. In this position, he was responsible for coordinating the work of all 17 U.S. intelligence agencies and delivering the President’s Daily Briefing.

Department of Defense: Patel’s final role under Trump was as Chief of Staff to Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller. In this capacity, he influenced defense operations, including overseeing aspects of the Pentagon’s leadership during the transition from Trump’s administration.

Controversies

Patel has sparked significant controversy throughout his career, with some seasoned national security officials viewing him as unpredictable and excessively eager to align with President Trump. Toward the end of Trump’s first term, Patel was considered for senior roles as deputy director at the CIA or FBI. However, CIA Director Gina Haspel and Attorney General Bill Barr opposed the move, citing Patel’s lack of experience in these positions.

Post-Government Career

After Trump’s term ended, Patel continued promoting Trump’s policies through media appearances and ventures like his 501(c)(3) charity, Fight With Kash, which aimed at supporting “America First” causes and exposing government corruption. He also published a memoir, Government Gangsters, in which he detailed his perspectives on the Deep State.

In a podcast, he states that he advised Trump not to pick “people who are auditioning to be POTUS in 4 years.”

Public Statements On Ram Mandir & PM Modi

As a true-blue Hindu, on the Ram Mandir and Prime Minister Modi, he reportedly said, “To bring things really up to date, the opening of Ram’s Temple, when PM Modi went there, all the Washington newspapers only covered the last 50 years of history. They forgot the 500 preceding years. Whether or not you are Hindu or Muslim, there was a Hindu temple there for one of the quintessential gods in the Hindu pantheon in 1500 that was toppled, and they have been trying to get it back for 500 years. But the Washington establishment forgot that part of history to put on what I believe is a disinformation campaign that’s harmful to India and the PM’s position. And they’re using that because I think they liken Trump and Modi as kind of similar figures, and the establishment class in Washington doesn’t want that to be the case.”

Speculated Role In Trump’s Second Term

Following Trump’s victory in the 2024 election, Kashyap Patel is widely regarded as a leading candidate for a national security role, possibly as CIA Director. His potential appointment would require Senate confirmation, which may prove contentious due to his alignment with Trump’s agenda and his outspoken criticism of intelligence and government institutions. If confirmation proves unfeasible, Patel could take up a role in the National Security Council, where he is expected to continue his work in national security and intelligence oversight.

As the U.S. braces for a second Trump term, Patel’s potential to shape the national security landscape remains a subject of national attention.

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Congress Scion Rahul Gandhi’s Editorial On Indian Monopolies Allegedly Plagiarised And Written With AI Tool

By
The Commune
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A recent editorial attributed to Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has stirred up controversy over allegations of plagiarism and possible AI-assisted ghostwriting.

The editorial, which critiques monopolistic control in India and appeals to the business community to resist the concentration of power among a few, stands accused of heavily borrowing ideas from Chapter 13 of Edmund Burke on India, published online by Cambridge University Press in 2012.

Rahul Gandhi’s article is structured into three parts. It first discusses how the East India Company wielded influence in colonial India. Then, it focuses on the often maligned business tycoons of India without having the audacity to name them and concludes with a ‘new deal’ to shape the business environment in India.

Critics argue that the editorial follows the themes and rhetoric of Burke’s work, specifically on issues of foreign monopolistic control over India and the detrimental effects of monopolies on society’s social and economic fabric. The similarity between the two texts, particularly in the framing of monopolistic entities as exploitative and the analogy of a weakened “motherland” suffering under corporate subjugation, has prompted claims that the content is not entirely original. It is alleged that Gandhi’s editorial uses these historical critiques and presents them as contemporary commentary, with only a change in context to refer to modern Indian monopolies.

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekar wrote a similar article in 2009 as a blog post critiquing the then UPA government, emphasizing the need to “support diverse businesses, not just a few giants.”

Alleged Ghostwriting And AI Assistance

Speculation about the editorial’s authorship has also surfaced. Some sources suggest that the editorial may have been ghostwritten by someone who could have allegedly employed AI tools to refine and enhance the language, framing, and structure. AI-assisted content generation is increasingly common, especially for public figures seeking polished, sophisticated language without dedicated writing teams.

https://twitter.com/Bharatmkm/status/1854252077557371251

However, while AI can streamline content creation, it also raises ethical questions if it is used to mask unoriginal or borrowed content.

The editorial’s rapid distribution through digital channels, including popular media figures and social media influencers, further fueled suspicions of a coordinated campaign. Critics have pointed out that media personalities, allegedly influenced by political IT cells, actively promoted the editorial to frame Gandhi as a vocal advocate against monopolistic practices. This involvement of media and influencer networks adds another layer of controversy to the editorial’s origins, suggesting it may have been strategically crafted and distributed to shape public opinion.

Rahul Gandhi’s editorial, now tainted by allegations of plagiarism and ghostwriting, not only undercuts his credibility but also raises serious questions about intellectual honesty in political discourse. If indeed lifted from scholarly works on colonial exploitation without attribution, Gandhi’s supposed rallying cry against monopolistic control comes across as hollow, lacking originality and ethical grounding. By presenting recycled ideas as his own, he imperils undermining the message he aims to champion—empowering Indian businesses and resisting undue corporate influence.

For a leader who positions himself as a voice for fairness and justice, the use of ghostwritten, AI-embellished content borrowed from historical texts is ironic and deeply misleading. Rather than demonstrating bold, independent thought, Gandhi’s editorial now appears to be a crafted narrative that not only diminishes his own authenticity but also insults the intelligence of his audience.

Borrowing heavily from Burke’s ideas on colonial exploitation while posing as an advocate for India’s modern business interests undermines his message, leaving the reader to wonder if he truly grasps the weight of his own words—or if they are merely scripted for effect.

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Is DMK Plotting To Split VCK Over Potential Alliance With Vijay’s TVK?

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The Commune
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Is DMK Plotting To Split VCK Over Potential Alliance With Vijay's TVK?

The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), a key ally of the DMK, is reportedly worried that if their leader Thirumavalavan forms an alliance with actor-turned-politician Vijay’s newly launched Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) starting with a bonhomie on 6 December 2024, it could result in a split within the party.

VCK, which has been part of the DMK-led alliance, has faced increasing tensions in recent months. The party has been pushing for several demands, including the erection of a flagpole for Thirumavalavan’s 60th birthday, a campaign for alcohol abolition, a greater share of power in the administration, and even an indirect push for the Deputy Chief Minister’s post.

Potential DMK Strategy To Mitigate VCK Pressure?

The DMK is well aware that it cannot secure victories in northern Tamil Nadu without VCK’s support. Thirumavalavan, a seasoned political figure with over 40 years in the field, has significant influence. In this context, the DMK’s new Deputy General Secretaries, Aadhav Arjuna, and Vanniarasu have raised questions about why Thirumavalavan shouldn’t be considered for the Deputy Chief Minister role, given his experience and political standing.

Within the VCK, there are growing divisions, with prominent members such as MP D. Ravikumar and MLAs like Sinthanai Selvan and Aloor Shanavas rallying in support of the DMK alliance, even as they clash with Aadhav Arjuna and his supporters.

Tensions Rise After Vijay’s Maiden Political Speech

In the meantime, the political landscape has become even more volatile following Vijay’s speech at a recent TVK conference, where he has offered for equal power-sharing within the government in case he wins significantly. Aadhav Arjuna responded positively, saying, “Supportive voices are now being heard in Tamil Nadu for our political stance on sharing power. Congratulations to Vijay for affirming in his first conference that equal sharing of power is a fundamental right.”

However, many in VCK have not shared this sentiment. Ravikumar, Vanniarasu, Aloor Shahnavas, and others have strongly criticized Vijay’s comments, especially since he is still in the early stages of launching his new party. VCK chief Thirumavalavan also spoke out, accusing TVK founder-chief Vijay of attempting to sow division within the DMK alliance by calling for power-sharing a year and a half before the elections.

VCK Volunteers Defend Power-Sharing Stance

In response, VCK volunteers have defended Aadhav Arjuna’s position, stating that there is nothing wrong with his call for sharing power. They argue that the party was founded to secure a share of government power and that pushing against this principle would undermine opportunities for newcomers to secure positions like MP or MLA.

“There’s still plenty of time before the assembly elections, and it’s too early to predict how the political landscape will evolve,” said a VCK volunteer. “But regardless of the coalition, our core demand will remain the same: a share in governance.”

Thirumavalavan’s Position On Alliance And Participation In Events

Despite the tensions within the party, Thirumavalavan has acknowledged the sentiments of VCK volunteers and agreed to participate in the book release ceremony organized by Aadhav Arjuna on 6 December. This decision seems to reflect his willingness to engage with the emerging political dynamics, even as the VCK continues to navigate its position within the DMK alliance and its broader political ambitions.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

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AR Rahman Becomes Butt Of Jokes As Kamala Harris Loses

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The Commune
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Rahman and Kamala Harris

Music “maestro” and Oscar award winner AR Rahman was in the news in October 2024 when he endorsed Kamala Harris with a lineup of song dedications during the campaign for the US Presidency.

In the video, he says, “Kamala Harris’s vision for a more equitable world is an inspiration for us all. Her interest in focusing on what unites us instead of what divides us is a message that is very important not just for the United States but for the world. As a fellow South Asian Tamizh person, I am deeply proud of her commitment to making the world a better place. I look forward to having the first female President.”

In the half-hour “dedication” video, which saw the likes of leftist supporter Chinmayi and a few others, Rahman sang quite a few songs in various languages. He expressed his support for “Indian origin” Kamala Harris for President.

The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Victory Fund announced the performance, describing it as an influential act of solidarity. Shekar Narasimhan, chairman of the AAPI Victory Fund, highlighted that Rahman’s contribution was not merely a musical offering but a “call to action,” urging the community to rally for a future centred on progress and representation. The performance was broadcast on 13 October 2024. It featured some of his most beloved songs, interwoven with messages underscoring Harris’s historic candidacy and her commitment to AAPI issues.

However, following the counting and subsequent results of the elections, which Harris lost, AR Rahman has become the butt of people’s jokes. Here are a few examples:

https://twitter.com/sevarkodiii/status/1854135716827283700

 

https://twitter.com/SaffronTwitz/status/1854122483504288127

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The Commune is a news and views portal focusing on social and political issues of the southern part of India with a focus on Tamil Nadu.
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