The tensions within the DMK alliance in Tamil Nadu have intensified as Madurai MP Su Venkatesan of the CPI-M and P Moorthy, the DMK Minister for Commercial Tax and Registration, have engaged in another verbal criticism. Venkatesan is calling on the government to allocate ₹25,000 in relief for families affected by the floods, while Moorthy has responded critically to the MP’s request. This exchange has further exacerbated an already escalating feud amidst the ongoing monsoon floods in Madurai.
According to P. Moorthy, the Commercial Taxes Minister, the heavy rainfall in Madurai has not led to any major damage, and all standing water has been promptly cleared. In response to MP Su Venkatesan’s request for ₹25,000 in relief for flood-affected families, Moorthy stated that the MP needs to identify specific impacted areas and provide justification for the relief.
Moorthy made these remarks while handing out house allotment orders to 47 sanitation workers under the ‘Housing for All’ scheme on Tuesday. He emphasized that there was no significant damage from the rain, and any accumulated water was dealt with effectively. If there are indeed affected areas, he urged Venkatesan to specify them or take the initiative to provide the relief himself.
The reporters asked Minister Moorthy about CPI-M MP Venkatesan’s request to the Chief Minister for the release of funds for those affected. Minister Moorthy responded, “He says to give, ask him where it has affected. You should ask him to whom and where we should give 25,000 rupees and ask the MP how many were affected. Based on his reply, you can ask him to give.”
The minister also announced that ₹11 crore has been allocated for the construction of a permanent canal linking Sellur tank to the Vaigai River. Moreover, plans are underway to build canals in regions lacking adequate drainage to prevent future water stagnation.
Regarding ongoing flood relief efforts, Moorthy mentioned that 107 medical camps have been established in areas where water has pooled. He added that District Collector Sangeetha and Corporation Commissioner Dinesh Kumar are scheduled to meet with the Chief Minister on 30 October to assess the situation and discuss measures taken to mitigate flood damage following Thevar Jayanthi celebrations. Additionally, the minister inspected the cleaning of the Bibikulam channel.
In Madurai district, tensions have already erupted between DMK and CPI-M party members over the issue of free Pattas, and this conflict has intensified in the wake of recent rains and flooding. The heavy downpours have inundated many areas, severely impacting the local population.
In light of the situation, MP S. Venkatesan emphasized, “The heavy rains and floods have caused significant loss of basic necessities for the people of Madurai. I urge the Tamil Nadu government to provide at least 25,000 rupees in compensation to the affected families.” He also highlighted that Madurai district is witnessing renewed unrest within the DMK alliance. Former Minister Sellur Raju had previously made a similar request, but Minister P. Moorthy did not respond at the time. Now, Venkatesan has voiced his frustrations regarding the lack of action.
In shocking news for the Malayalam film industry, acclaimed editor Nishad Yusuf, known for his work on the upcoming Tamil film Kanguva, featuring Kollywood actor and virtue signaller Suriya, was found dead in his apartment in Panampilly Nagar, Kochi. The 43-year-old editor was discovered at around 2:00 AM on Wednesday (30 October 2024), according to reports. His body has been moved to the general hospital, and initial reports suggest the cause of death is suspected to be suicide.
Nishad Yusuf was a prominent figure in the Malayalam cinema world, with notable contributions to films such as Unda starring Mammootty, Thallumaala featuring Tovino Thomas, One, and the critically acclaimed Saudi Vellakka by Tharun Moorthy. His work on Thallumaala earned him the Kerala State Award for Best Editor, recognizing his remarkable skill and creativity in film editing.
Recently, he shared images from the promotional events for Kanguva, directed by Siva and starring Suriya and several other Bollywood actors, adding to the excitement surrounding the film. News of his sudden passing has left colleagues, friends, and fans in disbelief, coming just days before the release of the much-awaited period action film.
The Malayalam film industry mourns the loss of a talented editor whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the cinematic landscape. An investigation is underway to confirm the circumstances surrounding his death.
(With inputs from Times Of India)
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The Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department of the Tamil Nadu government has announced that archakas do not have the right to take home the money that is placed on the Archana/offering plate, emphasizing that these funds belong to the temple. This statement comes amid concerns raised regarding practices at the Kuzhandai Velappar Temple in Poomparai, Kodaikanal, one of over 30 sub-temples managed by the Palani Murugan Temple.
Reports surfaced alleging that priests at the Kuzhandai Velappar Temple were pressuring devotees to place their offerings on the archanai plate instead of the hundial. In response, the HR&CE department issued a statement reinforcing that all contributions made by devotees are to be deposited in the temple’s bank account and not for personal use by any staff member.
The HR&CE department stated that Archakar Mohan employed at the temple was a permanent employee at the Kuzhandai Velappar Temple, received a monthly salary of ₹38,907 along with various benefits such as bonuses, pay increments, and leave encashment. It was stated that he is entitled to all government employee benefits, including pension and gratuity. The HR&CE department stressed that as a salaried employee, Mohan has no authority to “misappropriate” the offerings made by devotees.
It is alleged that three staff have been appointed to oversee whether the devotees are offering money in the hundial, CCTVs are also allegedly in place to keep an eye on the archakas.
The number of suicides among elementary, junior high, and high school students in Japan remained alarmingly high in 2023, a government report showed on Tuesday.
The number of elementary to high school students who committed suicide in Japan stood at 513 in 2023, against the record high of 514 marked the previous year, according to the country’s 2024 Suicide Prevention White Paper.
The data breakdown shows 347 high school students, 153 junior high students, and 13 elementary students died by suicide, Xinhua news agency reported.
The paper said common causes for elementary students’ suicides include “discipline and reprimands” from family.
As grades progressed, junior high and high school boys cited school-related issues such as “academic struggles” and “career concerns.” Girls in these age groups were more likely to cite “conflicts with friends” and other relationship issues.
Japan’s total number of suicides in 2023 reached 21,837, a decrease of 44 from the previous year. The suicide rate, indicating deaths per 100,000 people, held steady at 17.6. Since 2020, suicide rates have increased across most age groups in Japan.
The highest suicide rates were among the unemployed, although working individuals also saw an increase, the data showed.
–IANS
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Researchers from Bose Institute, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in Kolkata, have developed a new way to create hydrogels using tiny protein fragments of just five amino acids from the SARS-CoV-1 virus.
The novel method may help improve targeted drug delivery and reduce side effects. Hydrogels are suitable for drug delivery because of their swelling behaviour, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility.
While short peptide-based hydrogels have great potential for a wide range of applications, controlling their gelation is challenging.
A team of researchers at the Department of Chemical Sciences in Bose Institute, led by Professor Anirban Bhunia, explored the SARS-CoV-E protein’s inherent self-assembling properties.
Their study unravelled a new way to create useful gel materials. The team also collaborated with scientists from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, US, and the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata.
Their findings, published in the prestigious journal Small (Wiley), showed that gels made up of pentapeptides with unique properties can be developed by rearranging just five amino acids of the SARS-CoV-1 virus.
The team found that some gel when heated, others at room temperature. “This unique discovery could lead to significant medical advancements like customisable hydrogels that can improve targeted drug delivery, enhancing treatment efficacy while reducing side effects,” said the team.
Further, the materials can revolutionise tissue engineering, potentially aiding in organ regeneration. The team said these gels might also advance wound healing treatments and enable more accurate disease modelling for research.
–IANS
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During an interview on 24 October 2024, the recalled Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Varma revealed he had been attacked with a sword by a Punjab separatist in Alberta, Canada. This attack marks an alarming escalation in ongoing threats against Indian diplomats by Khalistani groups in Canada, the UK, and other countries.
Indian diplomats have increasingly faced threats from Khalistani separatist groups, especially in Canada, as well as in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA. These groups have often restricted diplomats’ access to Gurdwaras, and some segments of the Sikh community, influenced by separatist ideologies, have exhibited hostility. Additionally, threatening posters calling for violence against Indian officials have circulated, creating an atmosphere of intimidation.
This report details nine instances of threats faced by Indian diplomats and leaders.
Instance #1
On 25 October 2024, amid the diplomatic standoff between Canada and India over the killing of designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Indian diplomat Sanjay Verma was recalled from Canada. Following his expulsion, Sikh for Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun escalated tensions by announcing a $500,000 reward for information on Verma’s location and travel details, reportedly placing him under CIA watch.
On 14 October 2024, the group Sikh For Justice (SFJ) released a disturbing video depicting bullets fired at an image of Sanjay Verma, the Indian envoy to Canada. The video, which showed Verma’s photo being struck by gunfire, quickly surfaced on the social media platform X shortly after India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned a Canadian diplomat in response to escalating tensions.
#BREAKING: Canadian Khalistani Terror Group SFJ issues fresh threat against Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma, releases video of his photo being pumped with bullets. Canadian Govt fails to act, refusing to investigate or act against the Khalistani terrorists. pic.twitter.com/GTJEfYsEWZ
On 8 July 2023, Sikh For Justice (SFJ)’s Gurpatwant Singh Pannun issued a threat against all Indian embassies, vowing to “besiege” Indian missions worldwide on India’s Independence Day. In a video released to announce plans for an upcoming “Khalistan Freedom Rally,” Pannun declared,“On August 15, the Sikh community is going to besiege every terror house that is an Indian embassy,“emphasizing that this action was “just the start.”
Instance #4
On 23 July 2023, Sikh For Justice (SFJ) targeted Indian diplomats in Canada, including Sanjay Kumar Verma, India’s High Commissioner in Ottawa, and Apoorva Srivastava, Consul General in Toronto, as well as another official, Manish. In a poster circulated by Sikh extremists, these diplomats were accused of involvement in the killing of Khalistan Tiger Force chief and designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. SFJ also announced a $10,000 reward for information on the diplomats’ residential addresses.
Instance #5
On 10 September 2023, SFJ’s Gurpatwant Singh Pannun issued public threats against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Speaking at a gathering in Canada attended by approximately 5,000 to 7,000 people, Pannun’s threats fueled by SFJ’s separatist agenda targeting top Indian officials was distressing.
Look at this video of designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in protection of Canadian Security threatening Indian PM Modi, EAM Jaishankar, NSA Doval & HM Shah. 2-3 security officers are visible in the video. No doubt now Canada protects, shelters and sponsors Khalistanis. pic.twitter.com/Yd29xd2IXI
On 24 September 2023, posters calling for the killing of three Indian envoys—Apoorva Srivastava, Sanjay Verma, and Manish—were displayed at a Gurdwara in Surrey, Canada. This explicit threat further escalated concerns for the safety of Indian diplomats amid growing tensions in the region.
As India Canada tensions rise, authorities have asked radical Surrey Gurdwara to immediately remove all controversial Posters. These Posters had called for assassination of three Indian diplomats and had glorified Khalistani terr0rists #IndiaCanada#JustinTrudeaupic.twitter.com/97wZk2rdUN
On 30 September 2023, Vikram Doraiswami, the Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, was barred from entering a Gurdwara in Scotland. This incident occurred amid an ongoing diplomatic row between India and Canada following the June 2023 killing of designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which heightened tensions involving Sikh separatist groups.
Indian H'Cmmnr to the UK Vikram Doraiswami was barred to enter Glasgow Gurdwara & was pushed to go-back. Khalistanis (assuming NSYF org) apparently had prior info of his visit.
Now its over to UK authorities how do they protect Indian diplomats & respond to K threats. pic.twitter.com/zmAe0Eod6B
On 12 November 2023, Manish, the Consul General of India in Vancouver, Canada, faced harassment from Sikh activists, while Sikh For Justice (SFJ) founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun issued a new threat against him. In a video, Pannun, a designated terrorist, warned Manish of “sweet poetic justice” and accused him of “challenging the sovereignty of Canada” through alleged involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Instance #9
On 9 January 2018, ninety-six Gurdwaras across the United States announced a ban on Indian officials, diplomats, and members of organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Shiv Sena from entering their premises. The decision was declared by the Sikh Cultural Society in New York during an event commemorating the death anniversary of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassins. This announcement followed a teleconference involving a total of 116 Gurdwara management committees.
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India Hate Lab, a pro-Dravidian platform, has launched scathing accusations against actor Vijay for allegedly promoting “hate speech” against Tamil Nadu’s DMK government, following his fiery critique of its policies. The platform, originating in the US, alleged that Vijay’s remarks foster division while it conveniently ignored hate speeches made by DMK members.
Vijay Criticizes DMK
Vijay’s maiden conference on 27 October 2024, held for his political launch, seems to have disturbed the Dravidianists quite a bit. During his speech, Vijay made a statement targeting the fascist policies of the ruling DMK government.
The actor-turned-politician had said, “There is a crowd here that for some time has been singing the same paeans. Anybody who comes into politics is given ‘one particular colour’. They keep fearmongering people and cheat them. But ‘these people’ (indirect reference to DMK) will put underground dealing with ‘them’ (indirect reference to BJP). During elections, they will give statements and give sounds. For them, it’s always ‘fascism’, ‘fascism’, ‘fascism’. Among the people who are united here, they fearmonger by splitting people as majority-minority and keep putting a full-time scene with it.
I’m asking you – If ‘they’re fascism’, are you ‘payasam’?You’re no better than them. You call this anti-people government a ‘Dravida Model’ government and cheating people.” Vijay literally blasted the DMK with that comparison.
A major low point in the speech was his easy dismissal of the actual struggles related to caste, religion, language imposition, and federal structures like nothing 🚶pic.twitter.com/k3zMXAyIIRhttps://t.co/nkGdRjLFUU
This comparison seems to have sent jitters down the Dravidian supporters’ spines. Following this, Dravidianist handles such as Dravidian Insights shared infographics mapping “hate speech” across the country. Ironically, he shared data from The Quint and the source of the data was “India Hate Lab”.
The map showed more instances of hate speech in BJP-ruled states compared to others – very groundbreaking research! He claimed that the non-BJP-ruled states were more civilized and stated, “That “Payasam” against real fascism“
It is noteworthy that organizations like India Hate Lab,arebased out of Washington DC (as indicated on its X profile). Raqib Hameed Naik, an Indian journalist, founded India Hate Lab. According to WIRED, the site documents“instances of hate speech and conspiracies that target India’s minority communities.” One wonders how they can trust such data if it is going to be focused only on “minority communities” – aren’t majority communities also subject to hate speech – in fact to a larger extent?
Let’s take a look at the hate speech in Payasam DMK-run Tamil Nadu – hate speeches made by members of the DMK itself.
Even A Dog Gets BA Degree
In July 2024, senior DMK leader RS Bharathi sparked controversy by claiming that even a dog could earn a BA degree today, attributing this to the Dravidian movement’s impact on education. Speaking at a protest against NEET in Tamil Nadu, he criticized the exam and highlighted the movement’s role in expanding access to education.
RS Bharathi said, “I am a lawyer B.L. educated. Ezhilarasan BE, BL. All these did not come from a clan or gotra. If it was not for the alms of the Dravidian movement and communal GO, so many doctors and so many people with B.E degrees would not have come. When I studied BA, only one person in the town had studied BA. Then they will write the title on the name board outside the house. Now everyone in the town is studying for a degree, even a dog is getting a BA degree. Dravidian movement is responsible for this development.”
எப்போதெல்லாம், திமுக ஆட்சிக்கு, பொதுமக்களிடையே பலத்த எதிர்ப்பு வருகிறதோ, அப்போதெல்லாம், அறிவாலய வாசலிலேயே இருக்கும் திரு. ஆர்.எஸ்.பாரதியை ஏவி விடுவார்கள் போல. கள்ளக்குறிச்சியில், திமுக ஆதரவோடு நடந்த கள்ளச்சாராய விற்பனையில் 65 உயிர்கள் பலியானதை மடைமாற்ற, திரு. ஆர்.எஸ்.பாரதியைக்… pic.twitter.com/yLjpcK9Lkh
Alms Given By Dravidian Movement That Dalits Became Judges
In May 2020, Bharathi was apprehended by the Central Crime Branch of the Chennai city police following accusations of making provocative remarks during a party gathering held in February of that year. Referring to a judge, he reportedly said that many Dalits were inducted into the judiciary because of the indulgence of the DMK leadership during former chief minister M Karunanidhi’s tenure. Speaking at an event in Anbagam (the DMK youth wing headquarters), in February 2020, he said“If Tamil Nadu remains the best state, it is because of the Dravidian movement. No Harijan has become a judge of the High Court in Madhya Pradesh. After Karunanidhi became Chief Minister A Varadarajan was appointed as HC judge. Seven or eight others from the Adi Dravidar community went on to become judges after that. It is the alms (picchai) given by the Dravidian Movement”. He later issued an apology for his remarks.
Nagas Eat Dog-Meat
In another instance, RS Bharathi made racist and derogatory comments about the people of Nagaland. Speaking at an event commemorating the 100th anniversary celebrations of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK patriarch Karunanidhi, Bharathi said,“What is the governor doing? He just wants to create problems for the ruling government. We have seen so many governors, but what this governor does is create a fuss and drag us into a fight. He refuses to sign the bills we send. I addressed a gathering about what happened to him in Nagaland; they chased him away. Don’t mistake me; I am just quoting an example. The people of Nagaland eat dog meat. If someone who eats dog meat themselves has so much self-respect that they chased away this governor, then imagine how much self-respect Tamils, who consume food with salt, would have. The day he was chased away, the people of Nagaland celebrated it like Deepavali.”
North Indians Are Fools
On another instance at a meeting (in an undated video), Bharathi ridiculing north Indian labourers said, “The reason why Tamil Nadu is the best state in India is because of the DMK. The people in the other states are fools, they have no brains, these north Indians, I am saying this openly.”
"North Indians are fools" DMK organizing secretary and Rajya Sabha MP R.S.Bharathi. pic.twitter.com/Kc1s7VNDI8
In January 2023, at a public meeting, he compared the Governor to a migrant worker from Bihar and said that he would not have left without being beaten had Jayalalitha been alive.“I had earlier stated that those who sell Soan papdi and Panipuri don`t know the pride of Tamil Nadu. I said this in a meeting. I came to know that many have come from Bihar and I think the Governor (RN Ravi) has similarly come by train,”.
Hindi Speakers Clean Toilets
DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran is no less in comparison to RS Bharathi when it comes to derogating Hindi speakers. During a public address, the DMK MP stated that people who learn Hindi end up as construction workers and toilet cleaners in Tamil Nadu, while Tamilians who are not proficient in Hindi occupy high-ranking positions in the IT sector.
He said, “We asked you to study Tamil and English. You studied. Look at Sundar Pichai, he is now the CEO of Google. He would have been a construction worker if he had studied Hindi. Our children hold high-level positions in IT firms and earn a good living. Look at those who studied Hindi. They work as construction workers and clean toilets.”
I.N.D.I Alliance leader and DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran says Hindi speakers from UP and Bihar come and clean toilets in TN. Rahul Gandhi and Nitish Kumar must clarify, if this is the stated position of the Congress and JDU too. I.N.D.I Alliance’s divisive agenda is out in full force… pic.twitter.com/i4wwLbYisW
— Vishwatma 🇮🇳 ( மோடியின் குடும்பம் ) (@HLKodo) March 5, 2023
Are We Depressed Class People?
He also made derogatory casteist remarks during his visit to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary’s office in 2020 where he met reporters after the meeting. Dayanidhi Maran said “Engalai moondram thara makkal pol nadathinaargal. Naangal enna thaazhthapatta aatkala?”(They treated us like third-class people. What are we? Depressed class people?)”
You Are A Shudra
A. Raja in September 2022had said “You’re a Shudra till you remain a Hindu. You’re a son of the prostitute till you remain a Shudra. You’re a Panchaman (Dalit) till you remain a Hindu. You’re an untouchable till you remain a Hindu. How many of you wish to stay as children of prostitutes? How many of you wish to remain untouchable? Only if we’re vocal about these questions, it will become elemental in breaking Santhana (Sanatana Dharma)”
Arunthathiyar Indulge In Manual Scavenging
During a DMK party’s booth-level agents meeting in August 2023, the former central minister allegedly made disparaging remarks about the Arundathiyar community. He was quoted as saying,“Though Arunthathiyar community, who indulge in manual scavenging cleaning human excreta, is a minority community in that region who are not numerically strong as far as votes are concerned, Karunanidhi granted them 3% reservation. This does not mean I am belittling them.”
Yogi Adityanath Is A Pandaram, Paradesi
In April 2023, abusing Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, A Raja called him a “Pandaram, Paradesi”.“Do you know how many people are Below Poverty Line, in Uttar Pradesh, where you’ve built a temple for Ramar? You’ve built a Ram Temple there. A ‘Pandaaram’, ‘Paradesi’ is a Chief Minister there.”, the DMK leader abused the UP CM. Pandaaram is a most backward community (MBC) in Tamil Nadu whose members were once priests of non-Agama temples. However, the term has over the years become a slur. Paradesi literally means a person from another country, butit has also become a slur.“Uttar Pradesh, where you have a ‘Pandaram’, ‘Paradesi’ as a Chief Minister and a Ram temple built, the number of people below the poverty line is 27%.”, he said.
Are You A Gowda?
In the same speech, A Raja who claimed that casteists are inventing new ways to determine caste should be shown a video of MK Stalin in which he determined the caste of an old man to be ‘Gowda’ as soon as he stated that he was from Hosur.
In 2020, DMK MP from Nilgiris and former Union Minister A. Raja in a public meeting, lambasted a fellow party volunteer and called him a ‘dog’ for raising slogans in the middle of his speech.Raja was addressing a public meeting in Perambalur organized against the Farm Bills that were passed then by the Parliament.A man from the crowd was heardshouting “Long live brother Raja!”to which Raja blurtedout at the man and called him to be thrown out.“Yarra avan? Veliya thooki podu da avana! Andha naai a velila thooki podu!” (Who is that fellow? Throw him out! Throw that dog out!), Mr. Raja burst out in the middle of the speech and later continued with it.
EPS Would Be Doing Labour, Vanathi Picking Coconuts, Annamalai Rearing Goats
In February 2023 while campaigning for the Erode by-polls, speaking at Periyar Nagar in Erode, the DMK MP said“They say that Edappadi Palaniswami has studied till BA. Vanathi Srinivasan has studied law. Annamalai became IPS. That pen (Karunanidhi’s pen) put you under the Backward Class category and made you study. If not for that pen, Annamalai would’ve reared goats. Edappadi Palaniswami would be doing labour. Vanathi Srinivasan would be picking coconuts in some coconut farm.”
You Are Also Like A Parayan
In an undated video, Duraimurugan narrates an incident when EV Ramasamy, the Dravidian ideologue asked him about his caste. Upon hearing the caste name, EVR said,“You are also like Parayan. Don’tthink too much of yourself for being a Vanniyar.”
In another video, VCK’s Vanni Arasu says, “Like how you say don’t walk in the common streets or bathe in the common ponds, denying us a ticket to the general constituency is on the same lines. Kalaignar said this.”
You Are An SC, Right?
In an undated public meeting, DMK Minister Ponmudi is seen introducing a lady and says,“This lady is from an oppressed community, you are an SC, right?”
Ambattan Kadai
In an undated video, probably from during the Covid-19 pandemic, theformer Tamil Nadu Finance Minister is seen referring to a barber shop by caste name – he uses the word,“Ambattan kadai” to describe it.
In an undated video, DMK leader KKSSR Ramachandran is seen saying,“We would have gone professionally, but since TN has so many Reddiyars, we came up with a GO. Both the GOs were made by me. Kalaignar made that GO. If in Tamil Nadu, you are getting a BC certificate, it is because of this. We can even get OBC as mentioned. Politics will come and go, it is not permanent. But if someone wants to do something courageously for this community, it can happen only when meand Nehru are the ministers. No one else can do it bravely.”
DMK Minister TRB Rajaa also has a history of spewing hate. He regularly refers to those who support BJP and oppose the DMK as “Gomiyum Gang” meaning “Cow Urine Gang”, an apparent dig at their Hindu identity. There are many tweets in which he keeps throwing the cow piss jibe at his political opponents.
DMK MLA TRB Rajaa had spewed venom against north Indians umpteen number of times. He had once said ‘Vadakkans’ (slur for North Indian) don’t have a sense of democracy adding that Biharis will remain at the bottom because of their voting choices.
Hate Against Brahmins
In 2023, the DMK’s IT wing, led by TRB Rajaa, shared a comic strip targeting Tamil Brahmins, featuring casteist stereotypes and inflammatory dialogue. The comic, part of the series “Dravidathaal Vaazhgirom,” portrays Brahmins as scheming against non-Brahmins and indulging in divisive practices. Such fictional depictions of Brahmins were only seento be conspiring to weaken non-Brahmin unity. The post was criticized as anti-Brahmin propaganda aimed at appealing to the DMK’s traditional vote bank among wealthy, non-Brahmin castes.
தங்களின் பிறப்பை புனிதப்படுத்தி மூடத்தனத்தை மறைத்து வாழ்ந்துக் கொண்டிருந்த கும்பல், பார்ப்பனரல்லாத மக்களிடையே இருந்த ஒற்றுமையை சிதைக்க சூழ்ச்சி செய்தது! #திராவிடத்தால்வாழ்கிறோம்pic.twitter.com/7runk2YmMf
Dravidianists in Tamil Nadu, including members of the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), have several times incited hostility toward North Indian migrants, often using derogatory language and fostering regional divisions. NTK leader Seeman, known for his aggressive stance on Tamil nationalism, once even threatened to chase out Hindi-speaking migrants, stating they would “pack their bags in just one week.”
இவன் தமிழக அரசியலின் சாபக்கேடு .. சாதி வெறி , மதவெறி , இனவெறி .. இதை மட்டுமே தூண்டி மக்களை பிரிவினை உண்டாக்கி அதுல வயிறு வளர்க்கறவன் ..
There have also been multiple violent incidents, such as verbal and physical abuse on a moving train, the murder of a migrant worker mistaken for a thief, and altercations in workplaces and colleges.
This assault is a hate crime which is a result of hate politics happening in the state . From name calling to physical assault , the guy abuses the prime minister of the country . @mkstalin inaction in such cases is a sin putting tamils elsewhere at risk . @annamalai_k@AmitShahpic.twitter.com/HBpLVyS4wz
Slurs like ‘Vadakkan’, ‘Paani Puri wala’ ‘Panparag vaayan’ have been normalised through social media. A popular YouTube channel named Paridhabangal, led by Gopi and Sudhakar, released a video attempting to portray North Indians in a negative light through their jokes and videos.
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Ukkirapandi Muthuramalinga Thevar was born on 30 October 1908 in Pasumpon, Ramnathapuram, which was part of Madras Presidency under British rule in India. Muthuramalinga Thevar’s father remarried after his wife passed away. His maternal grandmother Parvathiammal was angry and unhappy with Muthuramalinga Thevar’s father for having taken two new wives shortly after the death of his second wife. Parvathiammal took care of Ukkirapandi for many years. The grandmother-grandson duo lived in Kallupatti.
Kuzhanthaisami Pillai, a close family friend of his father, took responsibility for arranging Muthuramalinga Thevar’s schooling. Initially, he was given private tuition, and in June 1917, he began attending classes at an elementary school run by American missionaries. Later, he joined the Pasumalai High School, which is near present-day Thirupparankundaram, and then he shifted to the Union Christian High School in Madurai in the Madras Presidency region. He couldn’t finish his studies owing to family circumstances.
There are outstanding reasons why we should never forget to revere the great Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar.
He was a great leader in the 20th-century Tamil Nadu of Bharat. In the beginning, he was a full-time member of the Congress Party. Later, he left the Congress because he became disappointed by the Congress Party and became the leader of the All-India Forward Bloc (AIFB) and was its National Deputy Chairman from 1952. He was also a close friend and associate of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and took part in the freedom struggle against the British. In fact, Netaji introduced Pasumpon Thevar as his ‘younger sibling’ to his mother.
Pasumpon also stood against the cruel Criminal Tribes Act enacted in 1920 by the government of the Madras Presidency during British rule. He was instrumental in getting the Act repealed in 1946.
He also formed and led the Pasumalai Mahalakshmi Mill Workers’ Union, the Madura Knitting Company Labour Union, and the Meenakshi Mill Workers’ Union in the Madras Presidency.
He is worshipped as a deity by many members of the Mukulathor community comprising Kallars, Maravars, and Ahambadiars as he fought for their rights and gave away most of his wealth and property to the poor. He was a very generous and people-oriented person.
He never opposed Hinduism as such although he opposed the superstitions and the caste system within Hinduism.
He hated the practice of untouchability and was a crusader for the Harijans. He supported the Temple Entry Authorisation and Indemnity Act passed by C. Rajaji in 1939, which removed the restrictions prohibiting Dalits from entering Hindu temples. In July 1939, he supported the social activist, A Vaidyanatha Iyer in taking Dalits to enter the Madurai Meenakshi temple.
He was a deeply spiritual person and a great humanitarian. His birthday and Guru Pooja are celebrated on 30 October, every year. His 117th birthday and 62nd Guru Pooja will be celebrated this year (2024) at his birth district of Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu as well as all over Tamil Nadu, Bharat, and the world.
Dr. S. Padmapriya is an author and thinker based out of Chennai.
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Tambaram City Police have dismantled a significant ganja smuggling operation, seizing 150 kg of the drug from a truck near the Railway Ground in Tambaram on 28 October 2024. Additionally, another 5.3 kg of ganja was recovered in a separate incident, according to police reports.
The operation began around 9 AM when the Pallikaranai Prohibition and Enforcement Wing (PEW) received a tip-off regarding the transport of ganja in East Tambaram. A special team subsequently intercepted a load van, leading to the discovery of 150 kg of ganja. Two individuals, R. Muthuvel Pandi (37) and U. Chandra Kumar (34), both from Tuticorin district, were arrested in connection with this case.
Investigations revealed that the pair had sourced the ganja from Andhra Pradesh, intending to sell it in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu.
In a separate case, the Tambaram PEW apprehended a man carrying a suspicious parcel that contained 5.3 kg of ganja. The suspect, identified as Suresh Mahapatra from Odisha, admitted to purchasing the ganja with the intention of selling it to migrant workers in Chennai.
Both sets of accused were presented before a magistrate and have been remanded in judicial custody.
A Special Court for CBI cases has summoned Jaffer Sadiq, who was arrested in a narcotics smuggling case, along with Tamil actor-director Ameer Sultan and others, to appear in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to drugs on 28 October 2024.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a chargesheet on 18 September 2024 against expelled DMK member Jaffer Sadiq, his bestie Dravidianist actor-director Ameer, and others in a money laundering case connected to drug activities.
The chargesheet, submitted to the Principal Sessions Court, named 12 individuals, including Sadiq’s wife and brother. The court has yet to register the chargesheet officially.
This development comes shortly after ED’s Chennai office provisionally seized assets worth ₹55.30 crore belonging to Sadiq and his associates under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The ED’s investigation followed Sadiq’s expulsion from the DMK after his arrest by the Narcotics Control Bureau for allegedly heading a drug cartel involved in smuggling pseudoephedrine and ketamine. The probe revealed that Sadiq, along with his brother Mohammed Saleem and others, was involved in the export and concealment of narcotics. Mohammed Saleem, the now-expelled VCK functionary admitted to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that they engaged in drug smuggling under Sadiq’s direction. This admission follows Saleem’s arrest by the ED on 13 August 2024 regarding the high-profile drug smuggling and money laundering case.
Sadiq, previously associated with the DMK, is imprisoned in Puzhal Jail over charges related to drug trafficking and illegal money transfers. Mohammed Saleem, who was a member of the VCK, was taken into custody by the ED and is undergoing a seven-day interrogation concerning drug smuggling and money laundering operations.
According to the ED, Sadiq and his associates used various firms and entities to launder the proceeds from drug trafficking. It is important to remember that Ameer had initally 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.
Ameer on 1 March 2024 shared a video of his in which he tried to establish is Muslim identity in an attempt to play victim card and tried to distance himself away from Jaffer Sadiq and the drug bust.
However, during launch function of his now abandoned 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.
Another video surfaced on social media platform X where Ameer is seen wishing all success to Jaffer Sadiq. He says, “I have been closely watching his meteoric rise in all businesses he has begun. I pray he achieves success with this film (production business) Iraivan Miga Periyavan too.”
It is noteworthy that he addresses Sadiq as “thambi” and Sadiq addresses Ameer as “Anna”.
Director Ameer explains who is Drug Lord Jaffar Sadiq to him.
Director Ameer and Jaffer Sadiq opened a coffee shop called 4AM Coffee and Kitchen under the Mahyan Pvt Ltd company, located at ECR near Chennai. The organization’s managing director, Abdul Basith, is also a director at Zuko Overseas Pvt Ltd alongside Jaffer Sadiq. Notably, Ameer, also known as Ameer Sulthan, is a director of Zuko Overseas Pvt Ltd as well.
Director Vetrimaran and actor Soori attended the launch of the coffee shop. Another establishment, Law Cafe, was opened at Radhakrishnan Salai under the Mahyan Group of Companies, which Ameer and Sadiq run.
Ameer, Vetrimaran, and Jaffer Sadiq have often been seen together in photographs, highlighting the close connections between directors and so-called producers in the Tamil film industry.
Some of the films produced by Jaffer Sadiq include Ameer’s Iraivan Miga Periyavan, Mangai, and Indira, all under the JSM Pictures banner. Interestingly, Sadiq’s social media cover photo features four posters, including these three films and another called Maayavalai, which is produced by Ameer’s production house and co-produced by Vetrimaran’s Grass Root Film alongside 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.
Sadiq is also associated with the Saleem Bhai Biriyani chain, which Ameer inaugurated. In media interactions, Ameer has mentioned that the biriyani shop is one of Sadiq’s business ventures.
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