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Serial Offender YouTuber Mohamed Irfan Gets ‘Show Cause Notice’ For Filming Umbilical Cord Cutting; Closeness To DMK Helping Him Evade Law?

Serial Offender YouTuber Mohamed Irfan Gets 'Show Cause Notice' For Filming Umbilical Cord Cutting

The ruling DMK, known for its strict enforcement of the law against its critics, has recently drawn criticism for its handling of YouTuber and food vlogger Mohamed Irfan. While the party has not hesitated to arrest ordinary citizens for legal violations, it now appears to be extending a special appeasement to Irfan by issuing him a show cause notice, demanding an explanation regarding a controversial video he shared. In the viral clip, Irfan is seen cutting the umbilical cord of his newborn in an operating theater, notably without wearing a full protective apron.

The DMK’s action highlights concerns that Irfan’s video may set a poor example for the public, potentially encouraging non-professionals to engage in medical procedures without proper training or safety measures. This situation raises questions about the balance between freedom of expression and the responsibility that comes with it, particularly in sensitive areas like healthcare.

The video, uploaded on his YouTube channel, quickly went viral, garnering 1.4 million views in just two days. With the video circulating widely on social media, J. Rajamoorthy, Director of Medical and Rural Health Services, announced on 21 October 2024, that show-cause notices would be sent to both Irfan and the Sholinganallur-based hospital where the delivery took place. Additionally, a report on the doctor who assisted in the birth will be forwarded to the Tamil Nadu Medical Council.

Dr. Rajamoorthy expressed concerns about the video, stating, “The operation theatre should remain sterile, but he brought in a camera to film. Only trained medical personnel are authorized to cut the umbilical cord immediately after birth.” He also mentioned that the hospital could face legal action under the Tamil Nadu Clinical Establishments Act.

Critics and political commentators suggest that YouTube influencers like Mohamed Irfan have previously played a role in bolstering the DMK’s ideological influence in the state, especially leading up to elections. As a result, many believe the DMK may be reluctant to take action against him. In the current situation, any action would need to be initiated by J. Rajamoorthy, the Director of Medical and Rural Health Services, who is also Tamil Nadu chief minister Stalin’s brother-in-law. This connection raises concerns that this case, like others before it, may ultimately fizzle out without meaningful consequences.

Irfan’s History Of Controversies

Mohamed Irfan’s car was involved in a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a 55-year-old woman who was crossing the road near Potheri in Chennai. While there were unconfirmed reports suggesting that Irfan was driving the car, authorities arrested 34-year-old Mohammed Azarudheen from Sithalapakam for the incident. The arrest was notably delayed, and the investigation began only later.

Irfan also faced scrutiny for disclosing the sex of his unborn child following a prenatal test conducted abroad, which violated the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act. When this issue gained attention, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma. Subramanian stated that they had sought an explanation and issued a show cause notice, while consulting experts about the applicability of the law in this context. Experts contend that Indian laws can apply to citizens regardless of their location. Despite the serious nature of the violation, it took the DMK several months to respond.

In addition, while other YouTube influencers faced fines for not wearing helmets or seatbelts, Irfan was spotted riding a motorcycle without a helmet and without number plates. He was only issued a show cause notice and a nominal fine of ₹1,500.

Now, Irfan has shared yet another controversial video, this time showing himself in an operating theater cutting the umbilical cord of his newborn. This pattern suggests that his actions are driven by a quest for fame, as he seemingly faces minimal repercussions for his repeated violations.

It is noteworthy to mention that Irfan shares a close relation with the DMK scion. He had done a public relations video with DMK scion and Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin back in November 2022. In the video Irfan asks Udhayanidhi Stalin “You’ve become my friend now right? You’re my friend right? Give your hand bro. (shakes hand). From now on, we’re friends. Like in the film OKOK (Oru Kal Oru Kannadi starring Udhayanidhi Stalin), if I get caught by police and call you, will you help me?

The question remains: will the DMK finally take significant action against him this time? Will he again be let go because of his close relations with the DMK?

(With inputs from The Hindu)

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‘Motivational’ Speaker Munawar Zama Arrested For Inciting Muthyalamma Temple Attack Through Workshop; Two Others Also Booked

Motivational' Speaker Munawar Zama Arrested For Inciting Muthyalamma Temple Attack

The Hyderabad police have filed charges against well-known Mumbai-based motivational speaker Munawar Zama and two others for allegedly inciting religious hatred following the recent vandalism at the Muthyalamma temple in Kummariguda, Secunderabad. The other accused, Abdul Rasheed Basheer Ahmed and Rehman, the manager and proprietor of Metropolis Hotel in Regimental Bazaar, allegedly assisted Zama in organizing a workshop that encouraged enmity against Hindus.

Zama, a motivational speaker and the founder of English House Academy, organized a month-long personality development workshop at the hotel, attracting 151 participants from across India. Police allege that under the guise of teaching skills such as functional grammar, communication, public speaking, confidence building, and character development, Zama and his associates fostered an environment of hatred towards Hindus. The investigation revealed that Zama used the workshop to incite violence and hostility between religious communities.

The incident came to light after Salman Salim Thakur, one of the attendees in the workshop, stormed into the Muthyalamma temple on 14 October 2024 and vandalized the idol of Goddess Durga. According to the police, Salman, who was radicalized by watching videos of Islamic preachers, including fugitive Zakir Naik, was arrested on 16 October 2024. Locals caught Salman in the act, beat him up, and handed him over to the authorities. He is currently receiving treatment in a city hospital.

Zama, who has a strong social media presence with over 3.63 million subscribers on YouTube and millions of followers on Instagram and Facebook, has been accused of directly provoking Salman to commit the act of vandalism. The workshop, held at the Metropolis Hotel, was reportedly organized without official permission, and the hotel’s 49 rooms were reserved entirely for the event’s attendees.

L. Suresh, sub-inspector of Gopalapuram police station, stated that Zama directly incited Salman to carry out the temple attack. Additionally, police are now scrutinizing recordings of the workshop, materials distributed to participants, and the backgrounds of those involved.

The police initiated suo motu action against Zama, Basheer, and Rehman, booking them under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 299 (deliberate insult or outrage of religious feelings), 192 (malicious provocation with intent to incite riots), 196 (promoting enmity between groups on religious grounds), 223 (disobeying public servant orders), and 49 (abetment to commit a crime).

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities continuing to verify the involvement of other participants and further examine the content shared during the workshop.

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Koyilandy ATM Heist: Employee Stages Robbery, ₹37 Lakh Heist Money Recovered From Mosque; Three Arrested

In a dramatic turn of events, the Koyilandy police on Monday arrested three individuals, including the complainant, in connection with an ATM robbery that was staged on 19 October 2024. The arrested, identified as Suhail Sulaiman (24) of Payyoli, Mohammed Thaha (27) of Kadaloor, and Mohammed Yasar (20) of Thikkodi, orchestrated the heist, in which ₹62 lakh, meant for replenishing ATMs, was stolen.

The case initially came to light when Suhail, an employee of India One ATM, lodged a complaint alleging that he was attacked by two masked men while transporting cash to an ATM in Kurudimukku near Koyilandy. According to Suhail’s original statement, the assailants ambushed him during the cash transfer, threw chilli powder into his eyes, tied him up, and stole ₹25 lakh from the vehicle before leaving him unconscious in the Kattil Peedika area.

However, inconsistencies in Suhail’s account raised suspicions, prompting the police to investigate further. Led by Rural Superintendent of Police (SP) P. Nidhin Raj, a special team was formed to investigate the case further. Upon further interrogation, Suhail confessed to fabricating the robbery with the help of his two accomplices, Thaha and Yasar.

Suhail and his accomplices had been entrusted with ₹72.40 lakh on the day of the staged robbery, which they were transporting in a car from Koyilandy to Arikkulam to refill an ATM. The vehicle, registered as KL 56 DW 3723, was being driven by Suhail when the fake robbery took place. According to the police, the trio staged an elaborate plan where one of the accomplices pretended to ambush the car, causing Suhail to stop. They then restrained Suhail, tied him up, and covered his body with chilli powder to make the incident appear as a legitimate attack.

The special investigation team discovered that Suhail had orchestrated the entire plot as a means to steal the money he was transporting. In the investigation, it was revealed that one of the co-conspirators, Mohammed Thaha, worked in a mosque. The police recovered around ₹37 lakh from the mosque in Villiyapally where Thaha was employed. This sum was part of the stolen ₹72.4 lakh that Suhail and his accomplices had taken during the staged robbery. Additionally, another ₹5.3 lakh was recovered, which had been given to another person involved in the scheme.  In total, the police managed to recover ₹42.5 lakh from the suspects during the evidence-gathering process.

Suhail, who had initially claimed that ₹25 lakh had been stolen, was found to have been complicit in planning the theft of the full ₹62 lakh. During the investigation, Suhail admitted to his involvement and revealed the identities of his co-conspirators. The suspects were taken to various locations as part of the evidence collection process before being remanded to judicial custody.

The police have intensified their search for other individuals who may have been part of the criminal conspiracy. The swift resolution of the case has been attributed to a detailed scientific investigation that exposed the inconsistencies in Suhail’s story and led to the unraveling of the premeditated crime. The case remains under active investigation as law enforcement continues to search for additional suspects connected to the conspiracy.

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NIA Arrests Three More In Connection With Coimbatore Car Bomb Blast

NIA Arrests Three More In Connection With Coimbatore Car Bomb Blast ISIS

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested three more individuals on Monday in connection with the 23 October 2022, car bomb blast near the Kottai Sangameshwarar Temple in Coimbatore. The explosion, caused by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED), was orchestrated by Jamesha Mubeen, a self-proclaimed ISIS operative who died in the blast.

The newly arrested suspects, identified as Abu Hanifa of Podanur, Saran Mariappan of Selvapuram, and Pawas Rahman of GM Nagar, were taken into custody for their alleged role in financing the terror attack. This is the first time a Hindu, Saran Mariappan, has been arrested in connection with the case, raising attention due to his role in providing financial support to the suicide bomber. According to the NIA, the trio collaborated to fund the bombing, marking a significant breakthrough in the investigation.

Abu Hanifa, who was employed as a faculty member at Kovai Arabic College, played a crucial role in the radicalization of Mubeen and several other accused. Investigations revealed that Mubeen and others had been indoctrinated with ISIS ideology while at the college. Before the attack, Mubeen had pledged allegiance to Abu-Al-Hasan Al-Hashimi Al-Qurashi, the ISIS leader at the time.

The arrests bring the total number of individuals involved in the case to 18, including Mubeen. So far, the NIA has filed four chargesheets against 14 accused in the Special Court for NIA cases in Poonamallee, Chennai.

The blast, which took place on Eswaran Kovil Street near Ukkadam, was seen as an act of revenge against non-believers, according to the NIA. Mubeen, who had been radicalized over time, used the VBIED to target the temple in what the agency described as a carefully planned terror strike.

Further investigations are ongoing, and additional arrests are anticipated. The NIA also highlighted a related case that led to the arrest and chargesheeting of four individuals involved in the radicalization process at the college.

(With inputs from ToI)

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Virtue-Signaller And ‘Singer’ Chinmayi Shares Content Implicitly Blaming Hinduism For Rapes And Unclean Rivers In India

Chinmayi Shares Content Implicitly Blaming Hinduism For Rapes And Unclean Rivers In India

Chinmayi Sripaada, virtue signaller andsingerknown predominantly for her vocal anti-Hindu stance, recently shared a set of posts comparing India to other countries, implicitly blaming Hinduism for societal and infrastructural issues in the nation. In a series of four photos, she took aim at India’s struggles with pollution, road conditions, and women’s safety, contrasting these issues with the seemingly better conditions in non-Hindu countries, while conveniently omitting key factors that contribute to such problems.

Her first photo showed an unclean river in India, a country where rivers are worshipped, compared to a pristine river in a nation that does not revere water bodies. In another, she posted an image of garbage-strewn streets in India, despite the existence of government cleanliness schemes, juxtaposed with a clean street from a country without such initiatives. Chinmayi went on to claim that Denmark, the safest country for women, does notworship womenyet is far safer than India, which ranks 128th in safety despite its cultural reverence for women. Finally, she pointed out that India’s potholed roads are a reality despite high middle-class taxes, unlike smooth roads in countries with lower tax burdens.

What Chinmayi Ignores

Chinmayi’s post blatantly ignores essential factors like population density, per capita income, and civic awareness, all of which significantly impact these conditions. Her critique goes beyond infrastructure to suggest that religion itself is the problem, subtly blaming Hinduism for the country’s shortcomings. She conveniently disregards the cultural, economic, and historical contexts that play a major role in these issues, preferring to frame Hinduism as the scapegoat.

Moreover, her stance is as hypocritical as it can get, considering her silence on anti-Hindu rhetoric, such as the calls for the eradication of Sanatana Dharma in Tamil Nadu. It raises the question: why does she not critique those who openly attack the religion? Her selective outrage and targeting of Hinduism reveal a clear bias.

She also went on to blame Hindus for the alleged massacre of Jains in ancient history. She claimed that there was documented evidence that certain kings persecuted others, enforcing their own faith or different branches of Hindu beliefs. According to Chinmayi, this history highlights “periods of religious intolerance and persecution”, yet claimed that there was a tendency to deny or erase these “uncomfortable aspects” of the past.

Changing goal posts, she took the Dravidianist path bringing in “caste oppression within Hinduism: out of nowhere.

Chinmayi’s remarks also sidestep the reality of how many Western countries, now praised for their civic sense, were once far dirtier than present-day India. Europe, at one point in time, was infamous for its lack of hygiene, and even today, many Islamic nations outside the Gulf face similar civic challenges. The idea that civic sense is inherently linked to religious beliefs is reductive at best and misleading at worst.

In responding to criticism, Chinmayi doubled down, asking if India, being a Hindu-majority country, could not bear responsibility for its condition. She also drew a false comparison to how an entire religion isblamedfor terrorism, suggesting that critics should consider her perspective on Hinduism similarly. Yet, her arguments remain flawed, as they ignore the broader picture of societal development, governance, and education.

Chinmayi’s attempts to virtue-signal by denigrating her own culture and religion ultimately fall flat. Instead of offering constructive solutions, she indulges in the blame game, targeting a faith that has endured and thrived for millennia despite countless challenges. Her selective criticism and apparent disregard for the complex issues at play suggest that her primary goal is not to improve society but to vilify a religion and culture she openly despises.

The Truth?

India needed a cleanliness scheme because of the failures of the past governments, and the lack of civic sense of its own people – the Swacch Bharat mission ensured there were toilets in the country and that cleanliness became a norm in the country.

Compared to the days before 2014, India is in a much better place when it comes to cleanliness.

  • Toilets built: More than 117 million toilets have been built since 2014. 
  • Open defecation-free villages: Over 600,000 villages have been declared Open defecation-free (ODF). 
  • Infant mortality rate: Research suggests that the SBM may have saved 60,000-70,000 infant deaths annually between 2011 and 2020. 
  • Groundwater contamination: There has been a significant reduction in groundwater contamination in ODF areas. 

Indore, the cleanest city in India, has been ranking first for 7 years. The Greater Chennai Corporation has been ranked 199th out of 446 cities in the Swachh Survekshan survey. According to officials, the city scored 4,313 points out of a possible 9,500 in the assessment for the year 2023.

Critics argue what Chinmayi has done for her country and her city instead of constantly whining about religion and everything else under the sun.

People like Chinmayi are so uninformed that she too has fallen for the perception that the middle class pays exorbitant taxes. A comparison with countries like Germany reveals otherwise. While India has a population of 144 crore, Germany’s population is 8.5 crore, and its per capita income is significantly higher (~$50,000 versus ~$2,900 in India). About 90% of Germany’s working population pays taxes, compared to only 9% in India.

For Indian middle-class earners (annual income of ₹6-18 lakh), the tax rate is around 12%, while top earners (above ₹25 lakh) pay approximately 17-18%. To reach a 25% tax rate, one would need to earn ₹55 lakh, placing them in the top 1%. In contrast, Germany’s top 8% earners pay between 25% and 42% in taxes, indicating that tax rates in India are relatively low, especially considering the country’s lower GDP per capita.

India’s infrastructure improvements also contradict claims ofservices like Africa.Railways are 93% electrified, the paved road network is expanding, and Swachh Bharat has drastically reduced open defecation, averting 180,000 diarrheal deaths. Furthermore, banking inclusion has surged from ~10% to ~80% in recent years, and digital initiatives like UPI and Aadhaar have revolutionized financial access.

But Chinmayi wants to randomly pick images from the past when our rivers and roads were unclean and randomly link Hinduism to her narrative.

This is not the first time she has played the same tune as the ruling party’s narrative. She has been a part of the anti-Hindi imposition gang of Dravidianists. While calling out lyricist Vairamuthu for sexual harassment, she refused to comment on the Dravidianists abusing Brahmins day in and day out.

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Dravidian Model Government Offers TASMAC Bonus But Fails To Address Sanitation Workers’ Demands

Dravidian Model Government Offers TASMAC Bonus But Fails To Address Sanitation Workers' Demands

On 21 October 2024, the Dravidian model DMK government announced a bonus of up to ₹16,800 for TASMAC workers in the state, while it has overlooked the plight of cleanliness workers employed under contract with various private organizations. This neglect began in Coimbatore and has now spread to the Thoothukudi district, where workers gathered to protest outside the Collectorate building, demanding their rightful dues.

Thoothukudi Sanitation Workers Protest

Over 1,500 sanitation workers in Thoothukudi Corporation are employed on a contract basis through a private company. On 21 October 2024, hundreds of these workers, along with drivers, staged a sit-in protest in front of the Thoothukudi Municipal Corporation, organized by the Rural Development Local Government Employees Union. The protestors blocked the road, demanding the fulfillment of several key demands.

The workers were protesting for the daily wage of ₹725 for sanitation workers, ₹763 for drivers, and ₹725 for dengue prevention workers. They also called for the cancellation of the contract system in sanitation work and the permanent employment of all sanitation workers. Additionally, they sought an advance payment of ₹10,000 as Diwali bonus and a special ₹15,000 for work done during the Corona period.

The protest led to a disruption in cleanliness services across various parts of Thoothukudi city, with the Corporation’s gates being blocked and police forces stationed for security. In response to the protest, Municipal Corporation Mayor Jagan Periyasamy held immediate talks with the protesting workers and union representatives to discuss their demands. After the discussions, the workers dispersed.

Balasubramanian, the State General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Rural Development Local Government Employees Union, spoke to the media, stating, “More than a thousand contract workers are working in Thoothukudi. Their demands were submitted in writing 15 days ago, but no action was taken.” He added, “Currently, the workers are staging a waiting protest for Diwali bonuses and other demands. The protest was expected, but the authorities locked the doors to prevent the workers from entering. The Union strongly condemns this act.”

Coimbatore Sanitation Workers Protest For Fair Diwali Bonus And Better Working Conditions

Over 500 sanitation workers are employed on a contract basis with the Coimbatore Corporation. Recently, a petition was submitted to the Corporation administration by the unions representing these workers, urging them to take action and provide a Diwali bonus for the contractual workers.

On 18 October 2024, during negotiations at the Corporation office, it was reported that the private company contracting the sanitation workers had agreed to provide a ₹4,000 Diwali bonus. However, this offer was met with dissatisfaction, and workers staged a sit-in protest at the Corporation office on behalf of the Voice of Authority Federation. The protest ended after the police arrested several workers, and further negotiations were held.

Despite the resolution at that time, the issue resurfaced as more than 200 sanitation workers boycotted work and staged a protest in front of the Coimbatore District Commissioner’s office. The workers demanded that all sanitation staff employed by the Corporation be given a statutory bonus, rejecting the bonus amount set by the private company. They insisted that the bonus amount be determined through direct negotiations.

Additionally, the workers called for improvements in their working conditions, including weekly leave, ESI benefits, extra pay for additional work, and a cancellation of the contractor system. They proposed that the Corporation itself should directly oversee the cleaning work, instead of outsourcing it to private contractors.

(With Inputs From ETV Bharat)

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“L. Murugan Has A Doctorate In Law, Thirumavalavan Has Doctorate In Mass Conversion”: BJP’s Ashvathaman Slams VCK Chief Thirumavalavan, Asks Him To Be A Good Leader First

L Murugan Has A Doctorate In Law, Thirumavalavan Has Doctorate In Mass Conversion": BJP Ashvathaman Slams VCK Chief Thirumavalavan, Asks Him To Be A Good Leader First

A. Ashvathaman, State Secretary of the Tamil Nadu BJP, launched a scathing attack on the VCK chief and Chidambaram MP Thirumavalavan for CM ambitions, questioned his leadership credentials, drawing a stark contrast between Thirumavalavan’s doctorate in mass conversion and L. Murugan’s legal qualifications.

Additionally, criticized the ruling DMK, accusing it of abandoning the principles set by its founder, C.N. Annadurai, and shifting towards the ideology of E.V. Ramasamy.  Ashvathaman condemned the party for turning the focus to trivial issues, such as the “Tamil Thai Vazhthu” controversy, instead of addressing pressing concerns like the aftermath of recent heavy rains, rising taxes, and the growing issues of addiction among schoolchildren.

He further criticized the DMK’s push for a racial ideology, which he argued had failed to resonate with other regional communities, and urged the party to focus on real, tangible issues.

After having darshan of Swami at the Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram, he addressed the media condemned the ruling DMK for straying from the principles set by its founder, stating, “Today, DMK is moving from Annadurai’s principles towards EV Ramasamy’s principles. Deviating from EV Ramasamy’s principles, Annadurai started the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Only after giving up the demand for Dravida Nadu aspiration and opposing EV Ramasamy, the Tamil people supported Annadurai and made him chief minister in 1967. However, today the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam is becoming the Dravidar Kazhagham.”

Ashvathaman then criticised the DMK for creating a issue out of nothing with “Tamil Thai Vazthu” row than focusing on more serious issues  like the recent rains even for a single day suffered by a lot and the citizens are further burdened incresing property tax, water tax and bills, drug addiction by school goers, alcohol addiction etc. He critcised the political drama played by the DMK and asserted that the founder of the DMK has left that principle since he kept the name of the organisation as dravida kazhagam as a geographical idea not dravidar that gives sense as race.

Ashvathaman then criticized the DMK for making a fuss over the “Tamil Thai Vazhthu” controversy instead of focusing on more pressing issues, such as the recent heavy rains that caused significant suffering for many. He pointed out how citizens are further burdened with rising property taxes, water bills, and other increasing costs, along with serious concerns like drug and alcohol addiction among schoolchildren. He condemned the political drama being played out by the DMK and emphasized that the party’s founder had always intended for the organization’s name, ‘Dravida Kazhagam’, to represent a geographical concept, not a racial one.

He criticized the DMK’s “Dravidar” agenda as a failed one, noting that other ethnic groups like Malayalis, Telugus, and Kannadigas have not embraced it. He advised that instead of pushing an imaginary racial ideology, the party should focus on addressing real, tangible problems.

When the press asked Ashvathaman about the recent controversy regarding VCK chief Thirumavalavan’s ambition to become chief minister and NTK chief coordinator Seeman supporting the proposal, along with a statement of when L. Murugan can become a Union Minister , why Thirumavalavan can’t become CM, he responded, “I will tell you the difference between Thirumavalavan and L. Murugan. Murugan has got a doctorate in Law. Do you know in what field Thirumavalavan received a doctorate? In mass conversion, the subject was how to mass convert people. Hence, comparing both of them is incorrect. Thirumavalavan should first be a good leader to the followers who he is dependent on, because the central government provides many concessions to the scheduled caste people and scheduled caste youth. If they are studying for a degree, it is fully free as the central government pays the fee. But how does he guiding them, did he ask the students or the youth to study? No, he asks them to get five cases. First, become a good leader.”

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“Court Has Asked Me To Apologize, I Told Them I Won’t”: DMK Scion Udhayanidhi Stalin Who Is Out On Bail In “Eradicate Sanatana Dharma” Remarks Case Says

DMK Scion Udhayanidhi Stalin Who Is Out On Bail In "Eradicate Sanatana Dharma" Remarks refuses to apologize.

DMK scion and current Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who faced severe criticism from high courts and the Supreme Court for his earlier remarks on eradicating Sanatana Dharma, has once again found himself at the center of controversy. This time, he sparked fresh controversy by stating, “The court has asked me to apologize, but I told them, ‘What I said, is said. I’m Kalignar’s grandson, and I won’t apologize.'”

The statement from Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin came amidst his participation in a wedding ceremony at the residence of former DMK legislator Andy Ambalam in Natham, Dindigul district. In attendance were several DMK leaders, including Tamil Nadu Rural Development Minister I. Periyasamy, Food Minister A. Sakkarapani, Commercial Tax Minister P. Moorthy, Dindigul MP Sachithanandam, and Palani MLA I. P. Senthilkumar, all of whom offered their congratulations to the newlyweds.

While addressing the gathering, Udhayanidhi Stalin remarked, “There was a time when women were not allowed to leave their homes. Leaders like Anna, Periyar, and M.K. Stalin gave voice to this cause. I, too, have spoken on these issues.”

He then referred to the legal cases filed against him in various courts across India, saying that his statements have been misrepresented. Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “I also mentioned the principles given by Periyar, Peraringar Anna, and our leader Kalaignar. But my statements were distorted falsely and I have now been sued in several courts in India, not only in Tamil Nadu. The court has asked me to apologize, but I have stated, ‘What I said is said. I am Kalaignar’s grandson, and I will not apologize for anything.’ Now, I am facing the charges.”

He continued, criticizing efforts to impose Hindi in Tamil Nadu, stating, “There are attempts to push Hindi in subtle ways. While they couldn’t impose it directly, they are now trying to erase Tamil words from greetings and, under the guise of the new education policy, push Hindi onto Tamil Nadu. Many people supported these efforts, but the people of Tamil Nadu opposed it. Some even tried to change the name of Tamil Nadu, which was named after Anna, but had to apologize after widespread protests. There are also efforts to erase Dravidian identity from Tamil culture. The DMK will stand firm against this. As long as Tamils exist, our language, culture, and Dravidian identity will remain untouchable.”

Concluding his speech, Udhayanidhi Stalin advised the newlyweds, “The bride and groom must understand and respect each other. If they are blessed with children, they should give them beautiful Tamil names.”

https://twitter.com/polimernews/status/1848322603959853558

Only on last 25 June 2024, DMK’s Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Tamil Nadu Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, appeared before the Special Magistrate’s Court in Bengaluru to face trial for making derogatory remarks about Sanatana Dharma.

As reported by ANI news, Udhayanidhi Stalin, scion of the DMK, was granted bail on a ₹1 lakh cash surety. The 42nd People’s Representative Court in Bengaluru adjourned the matter to 8 August 2024, following a request from the advocate representing Udhayanidhi Stalin in the case related to the ‘eradicate Sanatana Dharma‘ remarks.

The court proceedings were initiated based on a complaint filed by social activist V Paramesha, who alleged that Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks had defamed him, his religion, and people of the Hindu faith. The court took cognizance of offences under IPC Sections 153 (provocation with intent to cause riot), 298 (uttering words with intent to wound religious feelings), and 500 (defamation).

The Backstory

Addressing a conference hosted by the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association, titled “Eradicate Sanatana Conference,” on 2 September 2023, in Teynampet, Chennai, DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “The title of this conference has been excellently coined. You’ve named it as ‘Eradicate Sanatanam Conference’ and not ‘Oppose Sanatanam Conference’, so my best wishes to that.

Udhayanidhi Stalin also said that some things need to be eradicated and not opposed. “Mosquitoes, dengue, flu, malaria, corona – we should not oppose these things. They’ve to be eradicated completely. Same is the case with Santanam (Hinduism). Our first work should be to eradicate Sanatanam instead of opposing it. So, my appreciations to you all for giving an apt title to the meeting”, DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said.

He also further went on to say “What is Sanatanam? The name Sanatanam itself comes from Sanskrit. Sanatanam is opposed to equality and social justice. What is the meaning of Sanatanam? Eternal or something that can’t be changed. Something that can’t be questioned. That is the meaning of Sanatanam.

The speech sparked widespread controversy across India, leading to numerous legal cases filed against DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin.

Previously, on 6 March 2024, the Madras High Court declined to issue a quo warranto against DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P.K. Sekarbabu, and Nilgiris Member of Parliament A. Raja regarding the controversy surrounding their comments on eradicating Sanatana Dharma.

Justice Anita Sumanth ruled that the relief sought by the writ petitioners was premature, noting ongoing First Information Reports (FIRs) across various police stations without any convictions. The judge acknowledged that the remarks targeting Sanatana Dharma were objectionable and divisive. She stressed the importance of criticism being constructive and based on factual accuracy, particularly when made by incumbent Ministers. Justice Anita Sumanth highlighted the necessity for public figures to uphold constitutional values and refrain from statements that undermine social harmony. Despite arguments that Minister Sekarbabu had only attended the conference and not spoken on the subject, the judge noted that participation alone could imply endorsement of the conference’s themes.

She also condemned statements likening Sanatana Dharma to diseases such as HIV, AIDS, dengue, and malaria as misleading and contrary to constitutional principles.

In March 2024, the Supreme Court Bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta rebuked DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin for his contentious remarks on Sanatana Dharma, stating that he had “misused his privileges.” The court made these remarks while addressing Udhayanidhi Stalin’s request to consolidate First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against him regarding his alleged statements.

The Bench remarked, “You have abused your rights… You know what you have said. You should have realized the consequences. You are a Minister, not a layman,” during the hearing.

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‘Clean Energy Is The Need Of The Hour’: PM Modi Highlights India’s Clean Energy Initiatives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the nation’s major and crucial achievements in this direction in a significant reaffirmation of India’s dedication to clean energy. In his post on X, the Prime Minister stressed the need for sustainable practices globally in present circumstances. Reposting Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri’s insights on this, PM Modi in his X post highlighted the substantial and transformative effect of India’s clean energy initiatives over the last ten years.

PM Modi wrote in a post on X: “Clean energy is the need of the hour. Our commitment to a better tomorrow is paramount and is reflected in our work.” Union Minister Hardeep Puri’s post on X marked the achievements in this field under PM Modi’s leadership from 2014 to 2024. He described these efforts as crucial to fueling progress and significantly improving lives across the country. Key highlights of what the Union Minister shared via his X post are as follows: Savings of foreign exchange: India has saved Rs 1,06,072 crore in foreign exchange. This is attributable to enhancing domestic energy production and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Cut-down in carbon emissions: India has successfully cut down 544 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of CO2 emissions. This has been a significant step towards combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability. Substitution of crude oil: By substituting 181 lakh MT of crude oil, India is actively reducing its carbon footprint and shifting towards more renewable energy sources. Transforming farmers’ role: The government’s focus on ethanol blending has financially benefited farmers. An amount of Rs 90,059 crore was paid to farmers.

This move has transformed the roles of farmers, turning “Annadatas” (providers of food) into “Urjadatas” (providers of energy). This highlights the integration of agriculture into the energy sector. LPG access: The PM Ujjwala Yojana has played a pivotal role in improving energy access for millions. Over 10.33 crore households have received free LPG connections, significantly enhancing the quality of life by providing cleaner cooking fuel and reducing health risks associated with traditional biomass cooking methods.

–IANS

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MP Govt To Develop Ashrams In Ujjain Along Lines Of Haridwar: CM Mohan Yadav

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday said that the government has decided to establish ashrams for priests in the religiously significant city of Ujjain. Yadav said that the ‘sadhu sanyasis’ or ascetics and other devotees of Lord Mahakal visiting Ujjain are facing a tough time finding a suitable place to stay there.

“Lakhs of Sadhu Sanyaasi will be coming to Ujjain during the Simhastha Mela in 2028. Therefore, we have decided to develop multiple ashrams on the lines of Haridwar,” Yadav said, addressing a press conference in Ujjain on Monday. Ujjain Development Authority (UDA) has been directed to identify the land and prepare a complete road map for the construction of ashrams. “Ashrams would be permanent with enough space where more than 5 lakh people could assemble at a time,” he added.

Simhastha Mela, the largest congregation of Hindus which is held once in 12 years, holds a special place nationally and globally, and the preparations are in full swing keeping all these factors in mind. The state government has already sanctioned a budget of Rs 5,882 crore for Simhastha Mela for several projects, including the construction of ghats along the Kshipra River.

This time, around 15 crore visitors from across the world are expected to visit Ujjain during the month-long Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which will be held in the religious city of Ujjain in 2028. Simhastha Kumbh Mela was last held in 2016. It had then received around 7.5 crore visitors from across the world, according to the government.

As a large number of visitors would land at Indore airport and then drive off to Ujjain for Simhastha Mela, the road connectivity between these two cities would be crucial. Besides this, the Madhya Pradesh government has also been working on strengthening rail connectivity between the two cities. The prominent cities of Ujjain and Indore are 54 km apart, which by road, amounts to a travel time of one hour and 21 minutes.

–IANS

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