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Exposing The West’s Hypocrisy On Democracy

By
The Commune
-

On 30 May 2024, Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, was convicted on all 34 felony counts in his hush money trial, marking a historic moment as the first former US president to face such serious legal consequences. The verdict has sparked a deep division between conservatives and liberals. Liberals have largely supported and reinforced the decision, sadly given their advocacy for political freedom. Meanwhile, Republicans have vehemently criticized the verdict, alleging bias and partisanship, especially in light of the upcoming presidential elections. They accuse the justice system of being sympathetic to President Biden and delivering a politically motivated judgment.

Despite this legal setback, Trump remains eligible to run for president in 2024, as the US Constitution outlines specific criteria for presidential candidates, none of which include disqualification due to criminal conviction. However, his voting rights may be impacted depending on his sentencing, particularly since he resides in Florida, where felons regain their voting rights upon completion of their sentence and associated obligations.

The guilty verdict has ignited immediate political reactions, with Trump denouncing the trial as rigged and vowing to prevail in the court of public opinion come November. Republican leaders have rallied behind him, viewing the verdict as politically motivated and rallying their support behind his campaign. This solidarity within the GOP is expected to strengthen Trump’s candidacy through increased fundraising and reinforced backing from his base.

The surge in donations following the verdict crashed the WinRed fundraising platform, underscoring the fervent support Trump still commands. Campaign strategists are capitalizing on this momentum, framing Trump as a victim of a biased justice system, a narrative that resonates with his base and has historically been effective in rallying support.

In a different political climate, a criminal conviction could have spelled the end of a presidential bid. However, Trump’s resilience in the face of previous controversies, including two impeachment trials and numerous allegations, suggests that this latest legal challenge may not significantly derail his campaign. As Trump awaits sentencing and continues his campaign, the political landscape remains volatile, with his conviction deepening partisan divides, energizing some supporters, and alienating certain segments of the Republican base. The coming months will shed light on the extent to which Trump’s legal troubles will influence his campaign and the broader electoral process in the United States.

Does this seem normal? Ain’t this something fishy, especially given the timing, with the crucial backdrop of the US presidential election looming on 5 November 2024. The intriguing aspect of this case lies in the involvement of the presiding justice, Manhattan Judge Juan Merchan, who has reportedly made modest contributions to Biden’s campaign and to causes aimed at countering Republicans. Essentially, he is identified as a Democrat (in terms of financial support) and holds an anti-Republican stance. Consider how this scenario would unfold in India? where a judge overseeing the sentencing of an opposition figure has financial ties to the ruling party highlighted by NBC News. In the United States, the District Attorney, essentially the chief public prosecutor is elected. Alvin Bragg campaigned on a platform that included prosecuting Trump. He elevated minor offenses to felonies. In essence, both the judge and the primary government prosecutor likely belong to opposing political camps. Once again, contemplate how this would be perceived in India?

 

Yet, left-leaning liberal Democrats and their supportive media outlets such as The Washington Post heralded the verdict as ‘historic,’ while The New York Times declared ‘Guilty,’ and the BBC reported, ‘Donald Trump guilty on all accounts in historic trial.’ But that’s not all. Remember Freedom House, the US-based NGO that fashions itself as a human rights watchdog? Even before the verdict, it bolstered the narrative of Donald Trump’s political rights being curbed, anticipating his conviction with publishing article titled, “US: International Context for Prosecuting Former Presidents” on 15 May 2024. Even the NGO’s social media posts asserted, ‘No, it’s not weird for democracies to prosecute their former leader. 43% of the world’s freest countries have seen their president or prime minister charged with crimes since 2000‘ citing France, Isreal and Austria as example.

And now, let’s rewind a bit to understand, How the same Freedom House’s reports on India have been notably biased. In ‘Freedom in the World 2021′ report, where it accused the present Indian government of pushing India toward authoritarianism, citing lockdowns scapegoating minorities and a crackdown on critics, leading to downgrading India’s status from ‘Free’ to ‘Partly Free.’ Their report lamented, ‘India appears to have abandoned its potential to serve as a global democratic leader, elevating narrow nationalist interests at the expense of its founding values of inclusion and equal rights for all.‘ The irony here is striking. Will they hold the same mirror to their donors the USA? like ‘The USA appears to have abandoned its potential to serve as a global democratic leader, elevating narrow liberal interests at the expense of its founding values of freedom and equal rights for all,‘ remains a million dollar question. They also flagged concerns about judicial independence in India, which now seems echoed in Donald Trump’s hush money trial.

If we transpose Trump’s hush money trial court verdict and apply it to the Indian justice system, it would indeed yield surprising results. Let’s consider the case of Arvind Kejriwal. On 10 May 2024, the Supreme Court granted Kejriwal interim bail until 1 June 2024, in a case related to an excise policy scam and a money laundering case initiated by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED). Notably, despite the ED’s objections to granting interim bail, the Supreme Court imposed relatively lenient conditions, included restrictions on Kejriwal’s access to the Chief Minister’s office and the Delhi secretariat, except in cases where his signature was essential for approval from the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. However, this exemption didn’t apply in the case of Amit Shah.

In contrast, on 30 October 2010, the Supreme Court directed Amit Shah, a former Gujarat minister, to leave Gujarat by the following morning due to concerns about potential evidence tampering. Despite this directive, the Court did not revoke his bail, scheduling a hearing for 15 November 2010. This decision was made during a special session at Justice Aftab Alam’s residence, in response to a plea by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeking the annulment of Shah’s bail, which had been granted by the Gujarat High Court the previous day in connection with the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. The Bench ordered Shah to vacate the state by the next morning and remain outside its jurisdiction until further notice. Shah lived in exile for two years until 2012.

Comparing both instances reveals an intriguing contrast, while Arvind Kejriwal adeptly avoided arrest through legal maneuvers, ultimately securing bail despite the ED’s objections, Amit Shah complied with legal proceedings and directives but endured two years of exile. This raises questions about potential biases within India’s justice system towards particular political party and ideology, mostly the left. But the liberals and the left accusations that the ruling party holds sway over the judiciary seems a simple mockery.

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TN BJP IT Wing Files Complaint Against YouTuber ‘Valaipechu Bismi’ For Derogatory Online Posts Targeting PM Modi

By
The Commune
-

Tamil Nadu BJP IT wing, along with other office bearers, has lodged a formal complaint with the Commissioner’s office, decrying the vitriolic and offensive nature of online posts made by various Dravidianists. Karthik Gopinath, the State Vice President of the Social Media Cell, addressed the press to provide details of the complaint.

Karthik Gopinath highlighted a particularly offensive tweet by a handle named “Valaipechu Bismi.” The tweet featured a morphed image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the caption “Go Back Modi,” alongside another image depicting a pig in a saffron robe in a meditative pose. Karthik Gopinath asserted, “These posts are not just disrespectful to the Prime Minister but also deeply hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus. Despite the severity of these actions, no measures have been taken against the perpetrators.”

He called for stringent actions, expressing concern over the lack of response from law enforcement. “A large group of individuals who criticize PM Modi derogatively is roaming free. We are open to constructive criticism, but these are deliberate attempts to degrade the Prime Minister and cause harm. The Tamil Nadu government has been swift in arresting BJP supporters for their tweets, even if they are critical of the state leadership and belongs to other states like Gujarat, Delhi. We welcome the enforcement of law, but it should be impartial and not biased.”

Karthik Gopinath criticized the state police for their inaction, questioning whether Tamil Nadu is shifting from a welfare state to a police state. “We have submitted complaints at the Commissioner’s office, hoping for appropriate action. If such vile behavior is allowed to persist, it sets a dangerous precedent for future generations, normalizing disrespectful discourse in public spaces.”

He revealed that despite filing complaints in 66 different locations, no FIR has been registered. “We have provided detailed explanations, yet the police fail to file FIRs. This raises serious concerns about political interference hampering the neutrality and efficacy of the police force. Officers attempting to perform their duties impartially face the threat of transfers.”

Karthik Gopinath accused the state of displaying a clear bias. “BJP supporters are being arrested in the dead of night, yet there is no action against those who post derogatory content against PM Modi. This inconsistency in law enforcement is unacceptable.”

He concluded by emphasizing that freedom of expression is not absolute. “Freedom of expression must not infringe upon others’ rights or privacy. It comes with responsibilities and restrictions to prevent harm.”

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OpenAI Reveals About Dismantling Of Covert Influence Operations Employing AI To Generate Pro-Congress And Anti-BJP Narratives

By
The Commune
-

OpenAI’s announced about a recent uncovering and dismantling of five covert influence operations originating from Russia, China, Iran, and Israel. These operations, which utilized AI, aimed to conduct campaigns such as anti-BJP and pro-Congress efforts. OpenAI detailed how these groups exploited its AI tools for disruptive activities, including generating content across multiple languages, creating fake personas, debugging codes, and translating text.

According to OpenAI, these operations targeted a range of issues, from geopolitical conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars to political matters in various countries including India, Europe, and the US. Despite utilizing platforms like X, Facebook, Telegram, Medium, and Blogpost to disseminate content, OpenAI noted that these influence campaigns failed to significantly engage with the audience.

Specifically regarding the Indian General Elections, OpenAI identified an operation conducted by an Israeli political campaign management firm named STOIC, dubbed Zero Zeno. This operation aimed to spread anti-BJP and pro-Congress propaganda by generating articles and comments using OpenAI’s models, which were then distributed across platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and X.

Furthermore, STOIC employed AI tools to disseminate content both supporting and opposing various entities such as Hamas, Qatar, Israel, BJP, and Histadrut, leading to conflicting narratives given BJP’s perceived stance on certain issues. Initially targeting audiences in Canada, the US, and Israel with content in English and Hebrew, Zero Zeno expanded its focus to India in May, using AI-generated content across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X.

Some accounts involved in posting these messages were identified by the Digital Forensic Research Lab of the Atlantic Council. The operation initially addressed issues such as the rise of radical Islam in Canada and accusations against American universities before shifting focus to Qatar, Israel, and eventually India.

OpenAI concluded that Zero Zeno generated content criticizing BJP while favoring the Congress party.

(Pic Credit: OpIndia)

The report also mentions that the operation utilized identical accounts to disseminate content across various topics. For instance, accounts initially focusing on issues like radical Islam or supporting Palestine protests in Canada and the US later shifted their focus to India or Israel.

Within the OpenAI report, certain tweets from the campaign are featured while preserving the anonymity of the accounts. However, those tweets which remain undeleted can still be identified through their textual content.

One of the accounts identified is under the name Ankur Mani, with the handle @ManiAnkura12515. A tweet dated 4th May, stating “No more support for BJP as long as Amith Malvia is involved,” is highlighted in the report. Upon a brief examination of the account, it becomes apparent that it predominantly shares and reshapes pro-Congress content on X.

(Pic Credit: OpIndia)

Another tweet originating from an apparent Indian account, mentioned in the report, comes from an account named Mohini Krishnamoothi. However, the tweet diverged from typical content, focusing instead on the development of applications using the MERN stack. According to OpenAI, this tweet was crafted to construct a persona. It marked the initial tweet at the start of May, coinciding with a shift towards targeting India. Following this, the account proceeded to share content related to Canada, including a repost of a tweet from United Citizens for Canada (@canada_ucc), identified as the primary Canada-centric account within the network by OpenAI. Subsequently, the group redirected its attention towards India. Additionally, some of the comments were posted as responses to notable figures, with no apparent connection to the original post.

In its assessment of the impact, OpenAI suggests that Zero Zeno’s activities garnered minimal engagement, primarily originating from its own fraudulent accounts. It further notes that many of these accounts have been deactivated by Meta and X, potentially skewing current engagement metrics. Moreover, the report highlights that the campaign did not receive amplification from individuals outside the network.

(With Inputs From OpIndia)

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“Swami Vivekananda Was The Biggest Catalyst For My Entry Into Politics”: When Jayalalithaa Had Her Vivekananda Moment

By
The Commune
-

Against the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari for a retreat meditation, it’s noteworthy that the late former AIADMK Chief Minister, J Jayalalitha, was also a staunch follower of Swami Vivekananda. She actively participated in the year-long State-wide celebrations commemorating the 150th year of Swami Vivekananda’s birth. She also expressed how Swami Vivekananda’s teachings had motivated her to enter the politics.

At the inauguration of the year-long State-wide celebrations organized by Sri Ramakrishna Math in 2013, Jayalalitha conveyed her profound respect for Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and his mentor, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. She emphasized the timeless relevance of Swami Vivekananda’s ideology, highlighting his advocacy for the glory of Hinduism worldwide and his call for youth to engage in altruistic service. Jayalalitha attributed her ability to overcome obstacles and challenges to the principles of Swami Vivekananda, underlining her commitment to serving the people of Tamil Nadu selflessly.

She announced the allocation of Vivekananda House on Kamarajar Salai in Chennai, along with the adjacent plot, to Sri Ramakrishna Math on a 99-year lease at a nominal rent. Additionally, she laid the foundation stone for the cultural center of Sri Ramakrishna Mission and pledged a ₹2 crore grants on behalf of the State government. During the event, speeches were delivered by Swami Gautamananda, President of Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, and Swami Asutoshananda, Manager, among others.

Addressing the gathering, Jayalalitha commenced by expressing gratitude to the Ramakrishna Math for providing her with the opportunity to speak. She then proceeded to extol the virtues of Swami Vivekananda, highlighting his profound influence and contributions, stating, “Swami Vivekananda, lived not for himself but for others. I have been greatly influenced by the principles of Swami Vivekananda and his Guru Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa. There is an involvement since childhood. My library at home contains many books by Swami Vivekananda and his teacher Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, which I read often.”

It was Swami Vivekananda who made the world aware of the glory of Hinduism, Swami Vivekananda who made the world realize how everyone should live their lives with self-confidence. Swami Vivekananda says that it is best to live in equality without ups and downs (inequality) among all, Swami Vivekananda who has immense knowledge and mental strength is the epitome of charity and leadership, above all he is a great patriot, Swami Vivekananda preached “Youth, give your shoulders to move the wheel of national progress.”

Swami Vivekananda asked his guru Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa that, “Have you seen God? can I see too?” to which Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa replied that “I have seen the God and I will show you also“. It was Ramakrishna who made Vivekananda, who had been trained for six years, realize that “Service to people was service to God”.

She recalled how after the death of Sri Ramakrishna, it was Swami Vivekananda who urged the kings to be serve the people.

“In 1893, his speech at the Interfaith Conference in Chicago, which began with “Sisters and Brothers of America”, attracted the attention of the world. Ramakrishna Mission was founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1897 with the mission of ‘charity and renunciation’ for the good of the world. Swami Vivekananda preached that work by throwing way the self-interest, because where there is no self-interest, there will be sacrificial attitude, only if you have sacrificial attitude you can serve the people, what you need to understand is that self-sacrifice is the basic foundation of asceticism, only if you have self-sacrifice can you help others, you must understand that then only you can serve people. Charity is selfless and working for the welfare of others, all religions teach to help others, this is why many charitable organizations are functioning in our country.“, she said.

Later, Jayalalitha lauded, “It is not an overstatement to declare that every act of charity serves a purpose, yet the Ramakrishna Math exemplifies all three facets of charity: serving the nation, the people, and the divine.” Criticizing the DMK, she remarked, “In this contemporary age, even the largest commercial enterprises, driven by profit, set aside a portion of their earnings for philanthropic endeavors such as education, healthcare, and social welfare. Conversely, those who exploit public charity for personal gain, masquerading it as a business endeavor, are merely maneuvering to sustain their presence in our society.”

Then Jayalalitha declared, “As far as I am concerned, it would not be an exaggeration to say that Swami Vivekananda was the biggest catalyst for my entry into politics. In 1982, when I first entered politics, I mentioned Swami Vivekananda in an interview… Swami Vivekananda was being a saint, served the public, and I am following him in politics as a monk and serving people. Selfishness is not a virtue for me, I don’t need anything for myself, I don’t have anyone for me, everything for me is the people of Tamil Nadu. I am because of the people of Tamil Nadu, I am for the people of Tamil Nadu.”

https://twitter.com/SaffronSurge3/status/1796405660504268968

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Dravidian Stock YouTuber ‘Valaipechu’ Bismi Abuses PM Modi, BJP Leaders & Netizens Urge TN Police To Take Action

By
The Commune
-

It appears to be a common practice in Tamil Nadu to selectively arrest those who oppose the DMK and Dravidian ideology while allowing others to freely criticize and derogate the opposition. This double standard has escalated, especially as individual’s intolerant of the Prime Minister’s visit to Tamil Nadu, such as the Dravidianists, engage in derogatory propaganda.

For instance, a Dravidianist YouTuber goes by the name “Valaipechu J Bismi” has mocked Modi’s meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial by depicting him as a meditating pig and monkey in a cartoon. Not only that but with hashtags ‘Go Back Modi’ pictures depicting a man kicking the prime minister from the 4 states of south India. This behavior is unacceptable, especially considering the Tamil Nadu police’s promptness in pursuing those who criticize the Chief Minister but remaining passive in this case.

The incident has gained traction online, prompting netizens and BJP leaders to demand legal action against Valaipechu J Bismi for disrespectfully portraying the Indian Prime Minister.

 

Image

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https://twitter.com/jbismi_offl/status/1796023179204325575

In this regard the Tamil Nadu BJP state secretary SG Suryah warned by issuing statement in his official X handle that, “Tamilnadu police @chennaipolice should take legal action against religious fanatic street picker named Bismi. Police will be responsible for any law-and-order problems that may arise if anyone slaps rascal bismi in public who insulted Hinduism.”

Several netizens have taken to social media to express their outrage over the derogatory post involving the Prime Minister, and they are demanding swift action from the Tamil Nadu police to arrest Bismi. Here are some of the tweets:

 

 

https://twitter.com/DrBose16/status/1796411530235478320

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Congress Councilor In Tamil Nadu Abuses Youth, Her Husband Physically Assaults Him

By
The Commune
-

An altercation erupted between a youth and a Congress woman councilor in Mettupalayam, Coimbatore, over the apparent neglect of cleanliness efforts in the area. The youth who was physically assaulted by the councilor family resulted suffered injuries and fracture to his neck. This incident has sent a shockwave in the society.

For the past five months, it is alleged that the railway colony area in the 23rd Ward of Mettupalayam has been plagued by a lack of sanitation efforts, resulting in the accumulation of garbage and sewage. This negligence has raised concerns about potential health hazards, with reports indicating a fatal case of dengue fever in the vicinity. Despite complaints made to Congress councilor Kavitha Purushothaman, no remedial action was taken.

However, when youth Gautham brought the matter to the attention of the Mettupalayam municipality, sanitation workers were finally dispatched to address the issue. Yet, upon learning of this development, Congress 23rd Ward Councilor Kavitha, along with her husband Purushothaman and son, reacted angrily. They not only instructed the cleaning crew to refrain from their duties but also assaulted Gautham. It is also alleged that the councilor directed sanitation workers to intentionally avoid cleaning the area where the youth who lodged the complaint resides.

Tensions escalated as the exchange became more heated, with the youth urging for action to maintain cleanliness and the councilor defending the challenges faced in executing such tasks.

Congress councilor Kavitha, accompanied by her husband, raised her voice, declaring defiantly, “That’s what I’m saying to your face, I won’t do that,” In response, Gautham asserted, “If you can’t maintain the area clean, resign and leave.” Kavitha and her husband Purushothaman adamantly shouted, “We won’t” even as Gautham persisted, urging them to step down, to which Purushothaman angrily exclaimed, “Who are you Puluthi (abusive slang in Tamil) to say that?”

Remaining composed, Gautham queried, “You can’t take care of the area, right” Kavitha arrogantly replied, “I cannot do, go and pluck” Undeterred, Gautham calmly stated, “Okay, I’ll see that.” Kavitha retorted, “Do whatever you want.” Gautham questioned, “Then why are you here shouting?” Enraged, Purushothaman cursed him, saying, “Why the f*ck you ask?” His wife Kavitha asserted, “This is my ward, I’ll shout as I please. You pluck, if you can pluck, you have that much concern right, then do it”

Gautham insisted, “I’ll do it myself, then why you came here and shouting.” while Kavitha defended, “This is my ward I’ll come and shout, why are you are coming and standing before me ”

At that moment, an elderly woman intervened, claiming responsibility for directing the sanitation workers to clean the area. Purushothaman angrily questioned her, “Who are you women? Did you vote?” Gautham, now furious, confirmed, “Yes,” and in response, Purushothaman forcefully struck the teenager, resulting in a neck fracture.

The incident, captured on video, has sparked outrage and condemnation across various platforms. The victim has been hospitalized and is receiving medical treatment while the circulating footage has drawn widespread censure from different quarters.

(With Inputs From IE Tamil)

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Hindu Munnani Condemns Tourism And HR&CE Departments For Concealing Mamallapuram Sthalasayana Perumal Temple To Construct Multi-3D Theatre

By
The Commune
-

A major controversy has erupted in Mamallapuram following the commencement of construction for a multi-3D theatre by the Tourism Department on land belonging to the historic Arulmigu Sthalasayana Perumal Temple. The Hindu Munnani, a prominent Hindu nationalist organization, has raised serious concerns about the project’s impact on the temple and surrounding heritage sites.

In a tweet, the Hindu Munnani alleged that the construction is being carried out in a manner that obscures the view of the temple and potentially damages the ancient Arjuna Penance sculpture, a significant cultural artifact. “The construction of a multi-3D theatre by the Tourism Department has commenced on the land belonging to Arulmigu Sthalasayana Perumal Temple in Mamallapuram. These constructions have been started in such a way that they hide the temple and damage the historic Arjuna Penance sculpture and desecrate the sanctity,” the tweet stated.

The organization also highlighted that the project had not received proper authorization from the Archaeological Department, leading to public protests and a temporary suspension of the construction work. “The work has been temporarily suspended due to protests by the public and Hindu Munnani as proper permission was not obtained from the Archaeological Department,” the tweet continued.

Adding to the criticism, the Hindu Munnani pointed out that many parks and facilities under the jurisdiction of the Tourism Department in Mamallapuram are currently locked and poorly maintained. This has raised questions about the department’s priorities and management practices.

The Hindu Munnani has accused the HR&CE Department, which is tasked with the upkeep and development of temples, of potentially colluding with the Tourism Department in a manner that undermines the temple’s sanctity. “Is the HR&CE Department, which is supposed to work for the development of the temple, colluding with the Tourism Department and trying to desecrate the temple? Therefore, the Hindu Munnani urges that the project be abandoned immediately,” the organization asserted.

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“Create Conducive Environment For Karseva”: Annamalai Is Right, Reports Prove That Late Former TN CM Jayalalithaa Was A Strong Hindutva Leader

By
The Commune
-

Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai recently praised AIADMK’s late leader J Jayalalithaa, stating that she excelled as a proponent of Hindutva ideology in the state. He emphasized that until her passing, Jayalalithaa stood out as a formidable figure in championing Hindu interests, even surpassing other leaders in Tamil Nadu. Annamalai highlighted her support for causes like the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the implementation of an anti-conversion law in Tamil Nadu during her tenure.

In an interview with PTI, Annamalai asserted his determination to elevate the BJP’s position in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, underscoring the opportunity presented by the perceived departure of AIADMK from Hindutva principles after Jayalalithaa’s era. Annamalai asserted, “Now, if you look at it, sir, till Jayalalithaa ji was alive, she was a far superior Hindutva leader than anybody in Tamil Nadu. Pre-2014, when you have a party like the BJP and Jayalalithaa as a leader, the natural choice of a Hindu voter would be Jayalalithaa, who displayed her Hindu identity openly.” 

However, Annamalai’s remarks sparked dissent among present and former AIADMK members, including Jayalalithaa’s close associate VK Sasikala, who countered the assertion by emphasizing Jayalalithaa’s stance on religious equality. The debate escalated further, with various leaders, including former Fisheries Minister Jaya Kumar, weighing in on the matter.

In response, Annamalai cited Jayalalithaa’s parliamentary speeches supporting the Ram temple construction and her endorsement of Hindutva causes. This led to a contentious exchange between the BJP and the AIADMK.

On 27 May 2024, Annamalai reaffirmed that the former chief minister J Jayalalithaa was deeply aligned with Hindutva ideology. Leading a gathering of BJP district secretaries and state-level officials at the party headquarters in Chennai, Annamalai highlighted Jayalalithaa’s past actions, stating, “In 1993, Jayalalithaa spearheaded a signature campaign advocating for the construction of the Ram Temple, garnering 20 lakh signatures. Moreover, in 2003, she voiced her stance that the Ram Temple should be built in India.”

Post the session, Annamalai emphasized to the press that Jayalalithaa epitomized a strong proponent of Hindutva principles. “Back on 26 July 1984, during her tenure as a Rajya Sabha MP, Jayalalithaa spoke out against Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Today, one might question AIADMK’s position on Article 370,” Annamalai remarked.

Referring to Jayalalithaa’s initiatives, including her opposition to the Anti-Conversion bill and the establishment of Vedha Padasalai in 1991, Annamalai challenged any objections to labeling her as a Hindutva figure. “Why should there be any qualms in recognizing Jayalalithaa as a Hindutva leader?” Annamalai questioned. Citing Jayalalithaa’s endorsement of a uniform civil code in 2003 and AIADMK’s subsequent opposition to it in July 2023, the BJP state president underscored the shifts in political stances over time.

Despite the plethora of supporting references provided by TN BJP Chief Annamalai, former Fisheries Minister Jaya Kumar has unveiled an audio recording allegedly containing Jayalalithaa’s speech, albeit its authenticity remains dubious. The netizens mock the situation, noting that the audio released by Jaya Kumar seems to have been edited within 0.04 seconds.

 

Is Jayalalitha truly a Hindutva leader as asserted by TN BJP President Annamalai? Yes, indeed. The Hindu reported that during her tenures as Chief Minister from 1991-96 and 2001-06, many of Jayalalithaa’s decisions resonated positively with the BJP. Just three months after the demolition of the Babri Masjid in December 1992, senior BJP leader LK Advani highlighted the growing mutual goodwill and rapport between his party and the AIADMK, citing Jayalalithaa’s speech at the National Integration Council (NIC) in November 1992 as a significant factor. This speech, where Jayalalithaa advocated for creating a congenial atmosphere for the conduct of “kar seva” in Ayodhya, was extensively discussed in the state for months.

Even in the Assembly on 18 March 1993, Jayalalithaa’s stance on the issue was brought up, with allegations that she favored the “kar seva.” However, she clarified that she sought resolution through legal means and conditions conducive to building a temple. Her commitment to the cause was evident when she questioned how her party strayed from the Dravidian movement, firmly asserting her adherence to its principles. Even a decade later, in an interview with the media, Jayalalithaa queried, “If we cannot build a temple in India for Lord Ram, where else can we build it?”

Jayalalithaa’s actions spoke volumes as well. During her first term, she assumed the portfolio of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, showcasing her dedication to her faith. Her administration also introduced the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Forcible Conversion of Religion Act, 2002, and attempted to enforce laws against animal sacrifice in temples, though met with opposition. The ‘Anna-Dhanam’ scheme was brought under her government.

During an interview with India Today, when asked about her stance on Ayodhya, Jayalalitha responded firmly, stating, “I haven’t changed my position or contradicted myself. I’ve simply echoed what the Congress(I) has stated in its manifesto – advocating for the construction of the temple while preserving the mosque. How can I be accused of inconsistency? I’ve emphasized the importance of respecting the sentiments of the majority and allowing them to build a temple there. It’s the responsibility of the central government to create a conducive environment for the kar seva.”

When confronted with the interviewer’s suggestion that her recent emphasis on religion contradicts Dravidian ideology, Jayalalitha countered, saying, “How so? In Karunanidhi’s interpretation of Dravidian ideology, it seems to imply gaining the majority vote to attain power and then disregarding their sentiments. We must protect the rights of minorities, but the majority also holds constitutional rights that must be respected.”

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Advocate Writes To ASI To Demolish Illegal Structure Near Ancient Bhoganandishwara Temple In Nandi Hills

By
The Commune
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On 27 May 2024, advocate and Hindu activist Girish Bharadwaj from Karnataka addressed a letter to the Director of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), urging action to demolish an illegal structure near the Shri Bhoganandishwara Temple in Nandi Hills, which violates ASI regulations.

In his letter to the Director of ASI Bengaluru, Bharadwaj stated: “I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of significant concern regarding the unauthorized construction of a Masjid near the Bhoganandishwara Temple in Nandi, Chikkaballapura District. As you may recall, I previously communicated my concerns about this issue in a letter dated May 26, 2023, addressed to Shri G. Kishan Reddy, the Honorable Minister for Culture. Despite subsequent efforts, including filing an RTI application on February 22, 2024, and receiving a response from the Ministry of Culture on March 21, 2024, no action has been taken by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to address this matter. Due to the laxity of ASI and procrastination, vested interests despite being served show cause notice not to build the Masjid, have completed the structure in violation of ASI rules.

I would like to apprise you that, Nandi Hills holds immense cultural and religious significance, being situated just 60 kilometers from Bengaluru. The Bhoganandishwara Temple, a Grade-1 ASI protected structure, stands as a testament to the area’s rich heritage. However, the recent construction of a Masjid near the temple, within a mere 70 meters, violates ASI regulations and the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 2010. This unauthorized construction not only disregards established laws but also threatens the sanctity of the Bhoganandishwara Temple. If allowed to persist, it may lead to various activities such as non-vegetarian cooking, loudspeaker usage, and gatherings that could disrupt the peaceful atmosphere and religious practices of the temple and its devotees.

In light of these concerns, I urgently request the ASI to take decisive action to demolish the unauthorized structure. By doing so, we can Preserve the sanctity of the temple and uphold the interests of Hindu devotees who hold the Bhoganandishwara Swamy in high regard. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that swift action will be taken to address this issue and restore the integrity of this sacred site.”

 

On 19 February 2024, Girish Bharadwaj filed an FIR with the Police Sub-Inspector of Nandigram Police Station, and simultaneously sought a civil case directive from the Additional Civil Judge at the JMFC court in Chikkaballapura circle. The activist’s FIR highlights a concerning issue, despite two stoppage notices issued (Notice No. BNG/NOC/21-22/60 dated 05.08.2021 and Notice No. BNG/NOC/21-22/77 dated 25.08.2021), the Masjid Committee has continued construction of a mosque near an ASI-protected monument site.

The Bhoganandishwara Temple, officially notified in the Gazette of India (GOI) No. 55 Part II on 19 November 1951, is a centrally protected monument under the jurisdiction of the Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Bengaluru Circle. Additionally, the GOI issued another gazette notification No. 13 dated 30 March 2010, under the AMASR Act 2010, which aims to preserve and protect heritage sites, ensuring no construction, including public projects, occurs within the protected areas surrounding monuments of national importance. Despite these regulations and the issued stop notices, unauthorized construction of a first-floor prayer hall and renovation work within approximately 30 meters of the Bhoganandishwara Temple by the Chairman of Masjid-E-Rahimiya has continued.

A show cause notice issued by the ASI Bengaluru Circle on 05/01/2023 stated:

“A SHOW CAUSE NOTICE UNDER SECTION 20A OF THE ANCIENT MONUMENTS AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND REMAINS ACT, 1958 AS AMENDED BY THE ANCIENT MONUMENTS AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND REMAINS (AMENDMENT AND VALIDATION) ACT, 2010.

WHEREAS it has been brought to the notice of this office that Shri Syed Masood S/o Syed Yak, Masjid Committee Member, Nandi Grama, Nandi-562101 is carrying out illegal construction of a Masjid within the prohibited area of Bhoganandiswara Temple, Nandi, which is a centrally protected monument. Repair/renovation of existing structures within the prohibited area of a centrally protected monument without obtaining an NOC for the same from the Competent Authority (Regional Director (South), Archaeological Survey of India, KSIMC Building, Industrial Estate, Bangalore 43) is illegal under the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 as amended by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010.

WHEREAS as per the provision of Section 20A of the said Act, every area beginning at the limit of the protected area or the protected monument, as the case may be, and extending to a distance of 100 meters in all directions shall be a prohibited area in respect of such protected area or protected monument for the purpose of repair/renovation.

And whereas subsection (1) of section 20C of the Ancient Monuments Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010 provides that any person who owns any building or structure, which existed in a prohibited area before the 16th day of June 1992, or which had been subsequently constructed with the approval of the Director General and desires to carry out any repair or renovation of such building or structure, may make an application to the Competent Authority for carrying out such repair or renovation. As per section 30(a) of the said Act, whoever raises any construction in the prohibited area shall be punishable with imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or with a fine which may extend to one lakh rupees or with both.

Now, therefore, you are directed to stop unauthorized constructions/repairs/renovations/reconstructions immediately and intimate this office within seven days from the receipt of this letter to show cause why necessary action should not be initiated against you under the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 as amended by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010.”

 

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Regarding the unauthorized construction and renovation of the Masjid-e-Rahemiya near ASI-protected monument sites, self-proclaimed narrative peddler Mohammed Zubair posted on his official X account that, “Pic taken is from Inside an ancient temple Bhoga Nandishwara Gudi, The Masjid-e-Rahemiya seen in the pic is accross the road, NOT adjecent. It has been ther for several years. The under constructed dome you see is above Khader Wali Mazaar which is across the road and is old too.” This statement subtly conceals the fact that, according to the aforesaid acts, no structures can be created or renovated in such areas without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) once the site is declared important and protected.

The Bhoganandishwara Temple – Marvel of Cultural Heritage of KN

The Bhoganandishwara Temple is the oldest surviving temple in the Nolambavadi style of Dravidian architecture in Karnataka. The temple, rich in heritage, features a large and intricately carved sabha-mandapa, inscriptions, and artwork dedicated mainly to Shaivism, but also significantly to Vaishnavism (Narasimha, Vishnu), Shaktism (Durga, Lakshmi), and Vedic deities (Surya, Agni). The temples host the history of the eastern regions of south Karnataka that flourished under the reign of the Rashtrakuta, Gangas, Hindu Nolambas—Pallavas, Hoysala and the Vijayanagara dynasties. Hence, the temple is protected and managed as a monument of national importance by the ASI.

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Hindu Activist Issues Notices To Remove HR&CE Executives From Management Committees Of Educational Institutes Run By Hindu Temples & Endowments

By
The Commune
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The seemingly endless string of arbitrary actions by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) department continues unabated. Adding to an already substantial list of grievances, the department has now appointed its executives to the management committee of Arulmigu Palaniandavar Arts College for Women in Palani. This move blatantly violates both the Tamil Nadu Private Schools (Regulation) Act, 2018, and the Tamil Nadu Private Colleges (Regulation) Act, 1976.

Temple activist TR Ramesh, on 30 May 2024, issued a notice urging the Secretary of the Religious Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Commissioner to take action. Ramesh demands the removal of the Commissioner and all departmental personnel from the management committees of schools and colleges affiliated with Hindu temples.

In a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Government of Tamil Nadu, Tourism, Religious Endowments, and Culture Department at Fort St. George, Chennai 600 009, and The Commissioner of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department at Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai 600 034, TR Ramesh wrote, “Educational Institutions run by Hindu ‘Temples and Endowments and whose management is illegally controlled by the officials of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department — these officials are placed in the ‘Management Committees of such schools and colleges without any legal authority to do so – Imparting of instruction in the Hindu Religion, an essential purpose in starting such schools and colleges with temple/endowment funds and properties NOT carried out even after many years of inception of these schools and colleges. You are called upon to

  • (a) remove the Commissioner and all servants of the HR&CE Department from the Management Committees of schools and colleges belonging to Hindu Religious Institutions with immediate effect and leave the constitution of the appropriate management committee of schools and colleges with the trustees of the respective temples/endowments in accordance of the Private School Regulation Act, 2019 and in accordance with the Tamil Nadu Private Colleges Regulation Act, 1976 respectively 
  • (b) Introduce stream of courses that carry out instructions in the Hindu Religion and particularly in the instructions pertaining to the religious denomination of the temples/ endowments to which such schools and colleges belong“

Taking this matter to his official X account TR Ramesh stated, “I have today issued notice to Secretary – Religious Endowments Department – Government of Tamil Nadu and the Commissioner of @tnhrcedept to remove the Commissioner and all servants of the Department from the Management Committees of schools and colleges that belong to Hindu Temples. Besides occupying Hindu Temples by FRAUD for more than 70 years another serious violation of law and Hindu Dharma – carried out by the @tnhrcedept is the illegal occupation of the Management Committees of Schools and Colleges belonging to Hindu Schools.”

“The instrumentalities of the HR&CE Department control every aspect of these educational institutions which are HINDU schools and colleges. They treat them as SECULAR institutions. According to the Tamil Nadu Private Schools (Regulation) Act, 2018 and the Tamil Nadu Private Colleges (Regulation) Act, 1976 the Commissioner and the HR&CE officials have no authority to be present in the School and College Management Committees. The illegal management committees also get to decide appointment of teaching and non-teaching staff all administrative expenses and tenders for major works and purchases in the schools and colleges.“, he said.

“These are naturally Capital Gains for those in power. The main reason of illegal occupation of Hindu schools and colleges by HR&CE officials. Another major fraud carried out by the Department is the denial of teaching HINDU Religion as a prime subject in these schools and colleges. This is a basic requirement in starting this colleges as per the TN HR&CE Act. Hon’ble Division Bench of the Madras High Court in its interim order dated 15.11.2021 in a PIL filed by me clearly stated that the pious purpose of the temples in starting the colleges should not be forgotten while giving general education. But as usual, TN Govt and the @tnhrcedept continue to violate the law and court orders. If they do NOT take appropriate action within 4 weeks, I shall file a Writ Petition seeking to remove the misfits from Management Committees of schools and Colleges of Hindu Temples.“, he further added. 

 

 

(Screenshot From Official Page of Arulmigu Palaniandavar Arts College for Women)

Here it is disclosed that the president, correspondent, and all members of the management committee are executives from the HR&CE department. This echo concerns raised in a previous case by former idol wing IG Ponn Manickavel, who warned of widespread corruption when an entire administrative chain is solely managed by the department’s employees. In this instance, the college operates with funds from the Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple under the HR&CE and having the management committee comprised solely of department personnel goes against the principles of checks and balances and transparency.

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