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Madras HC Directs TN Govt To Evaluate Vallalar International Centre Site & Safeguard Any Structures Of Archaeological Significance

By
The Commune
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The Madras High Court’s top bench, led by Chief Justice S V Gangapurwala and Justice J Sathya Narayana Prasad, instructed the Tamil Nadu government to furnish a report prepared by a group of archaeological specialists concerning the proposed site for the Vallalar International Centre in Vadalur.

During the hearing of a petition urging the state government to abandon its plans to construct the center at the Peruveli grounds near the Sathya Gnana Sabha, the state government, represented by advocate general PS Raman, provided details on the amenities slated for development at the center, as mandated by the court in the previous session.

The state asserted that an official from the archaeology department had already surveyed the location and only the remains of the 17th and 18th-century surrounding wall have been found and no construction has taken place in that area, guaranteeing that any structures of archaeological significance discovered during construction would be safeguarded.

Nonetheless, the Chief Justice suggested that it would be prudent for a panel of archaeological experts to evaluate the site and present a report, directing the government accordingly. In response, the state committed to forming a team of three experts to conduct the assessment. Additionally, the bench transferred the case to the special bench comprising Justices Mahadevan and Adikesalu, handling temple-related matters.

The controversy surrounding the establishment of the Vallalar International Centre in Vadalur, allocating a budget of ₹100 crores for the project has sparked protests and legal battles. The Tamil Nadu government’s decision to proceed with construction despite opposition has led to demonstrations, arrests, and demands from residents of Parvathipuram. They argue that the proposed site, adjacent to the sacred Vallalar Deity, holds religious and cultural significance and should be preserved. Despite their efforts, construction continues, prompting renewed protests and calls for legal action. The ongoing dispute highlights tensions between development initiatives and the preservation of religious heritage, underscoring the complex interplay of politics, religion, and community interests in the region.

In this regard, the Hindu Munnani has issued a statement via their official X handle, expressing their welcome from the Honorable Madras High Court, “According to the report, a wall was built during the 17th and 18th centuries when the Archeology Department examined the site of Vallalar Peruveli. Meanwhile, while a petition was filed in the Madras High Court that the construction work should not continue at the Vadalur Vallalar Sathya Gnanasabai Peruveli site and that the construction work should be banned, the High Court Judges, who accepted the petition, said that the construction work should not continue at the Vallalar Peruveli site and that the Hindu Charitable Endowments Department and the Department of Archaeology should inspect the Vallalar Peruveli site. The Hindu Munnani welcomes the order of the Chief Justice that the archaeology department should form a three-member committee to protect the ancient buildings and submit its report to the court.

This is a victory for the continuous struggle of the people and the Hindu Munnani. The Dravidian model gambled away the life of the Sanathana Dharma, again the Sanathana Dharma has won through the court injunction.”

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YouTuber Japan Tamil Bros’ Criticism Against TR Baalu Contesting In Sriperumbudur Met With Threats

By
The Commune
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When an educated individual voiced criticism against the incumbent DMK MP, they anticipated a potential shift in the MP’s approach. However, rather than a change of course, the critics faced threats from grassroots-level DMK cadres. These threats included warnings that basic amenities for their newly constructed homes in the area, managed by the DMK as the ruling party in the corporation, would be withheld.

The presiding chairman of the 2nd ward in Sriperumbudur, Kanchipuram district, Ramalingam of the DMK, has a son named Siva Ramakrishnan, who is employed as a research developer at Honda Motor Company in Japan. Siva Ramakrishnan also manages a YouTube channel named ‘Japan Tamil Bros’, where he shares his insights on current events in India, Tamil Nadu, and Japan. Recently, he posted a video on his channel criticizing TR Baalu of the DMK, who contested in the recent Lok Sabha election. This video gained significant traction on social media platforms. Interestingly, Ramalingam, Siva Ramakrishnan’s father, was actively canvassing for votes for TR Baalu in the same constituency.

In the viral video, Ramalingam’s son Siva Ramakrishnan stated, “I don’t know what TR Baalu has achieved in Sriperumbudur constituency that he is contesting there again. Firstly there are so many problems in Sriperumbudur many people will think that it has grown well, what do you mean by growth? There is employment but is there quality of life for the people? There are so many people living there but there is no park there, not even a single park. Does this government have the guts to lay roads? Do they know to lay a road?”

“A huge project has been going on for ten years and has spent hundreds of crores, and it is called the Underground Sewerage Project. Let that underground sewerage project come into operation, and you’ll see whether the project shows its teeth or not, they have converted a  four-lane road to a six-lane road, when it was a four-lane road, the town was on this side and the agricultural land was on the other side of the road, so cows died when they crossed the road, 20 of our cows have died, and besides that, the people of the town who cross the road have also died. For that, we have been demanding to build a flyover for many days, and we are keeping it till today. He has not removed anything till now. Not only that, there is a lot of sand and dust, and hygiene is at the very minimum. If you take two streets, there are two to three cancer patients, dialysis is a ritual like going to the temple once a week for them. What has he done for Sriperumbudur, hygiene has deteriorated to such an extent. And with what face is he seeking votes?” he further stated.

Following election day on 19 April 2024 in Tamil Nadu, Ramalingam received a call from Sathish, the secretary of the Sriperumbudur town panchayat and husband of the town panchayat president, Santhi. Sathish inquired about the viral video posted by Ramalingam’s son and issued a veiled threat regarding providing essential services such as electricity, drinking water, and drainage connections to Ramalingam’s newly constructed house in the area. Ramalingam shared this incident with his son, Siva Ramakrishnan, during a video call.

Subsequently, Siva Ramakrishnan uploaded another video on his YouTube channel, narrating the incident and expressing how he was hurt by it. He announced his intention to expose all instances of mismanagement and stalled development projects in the constituency through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, utilizing his YouTube platform.

Polimer News reported that when the Sriperumbudur town panchayat secretary Sathish was asked about this matter, he responded that he had no knowledge of the incident and hadn’t encountered the individual in question. He dismissed the accusations as false and challenged anyone with evidence to take legal action against him.

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“Stop Politics Of Hatred”: Hindu Munnani State President Urges Chief Minister Stalin

By
The Commune
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Kadeshwara Subramaniam, the state president of Hindu Munnani, has issued a statement urging Chief Minister Stalin to stop the politics of hatred. Subramaniam’s statement comes in response to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s 2006 remarks at the National Development Council (NDC), where he stated that minorities, especially Muslims, have the first right to the benefits of the nation’s development and resources.

In his statement, he stated, “Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s remarks at the National Development Council (NDC) in 2006, stating that minorities, especially Muslims, have the first right to the benefits of the nation’s development and resources, are often cited. Singh’s stance, combined with Nehru’s acknowledgment of his British education, Muslim culture, and Hindu heritage, has led to accusations that the Congress Party practices divisive vote bank politics, prioritizing minority interests over those of the majority Hindus.”

He added, “Manmohan Singh’s announcement in the Congress party’s election manifesto for the current Lok Sabha elections, promising to cover the fees for Muslim students studying in foreign institutions, further fuels these accusations. Critics argue that this move, along with the party’s opposition to majoritarianism, demonstrates the Congress party’s neglect of the Hindu majority in the country, perpetuating a divide between communities.”

He also added, “The Congress’s focus on funding education abroad for Muslim students, rather than investing in world-class educational institutions within the country, is seen as a disservice to India’s educational system, elevating foreign institutions over domestic ones.”

He called out DMK of their Anti-Hindu stance, “In addition to these allegations against the Congress, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Stalin, and his party, the DMK, are accused of furthering an anti-Hindu agenda. Accusations include boycotting Hindu festivals, undermining Hindu traditions, and neglecting Hindu interests. The DMK’s alliance with parties such as the VCK, whose leaders have demanded concessions for Scheduled Castes who convert to Islam, is seen as further evidence of their anti-Hindu stance.”

He concluded, “The Hindu Munnani urges people to reject the divisive politics of the DMK and Congress, emphasizing the importance of national unity, development, and consciousness. They call for voters to see through what they perceive as false propaganda and teach a lesson to parties that they believe prioritize divisive politics over the nation’s well-being.”

(with inputs from Hindu Munnani)

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Madurai: Devotees Disregarded In The Shadows Of VIPs At Meenakshi Thirukalyanam Festival

By
The Commune
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The devotees who arrived to witness the divine union of their beloved deities, Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, grew agitated over what seemed like wanton neglect from the HR&CE and the administration of the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. They felt sidelined, witnessing preferential treatment extended to so-called VIPs and politicians, despite having paid for the same services.

The renowned Chithirai Festival of the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple commenced on 12 April 2024 with the ceremonial flag hoisting and lasts until 23 April 2024, featuring the highlight event of Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, scheduled for 21st April from 8:35 AM to 8:59 AM during the auspicious Rishaba Lagna. The temple administration facilitated devotees to reserve slots online to witness the sacred Meenakshi Thirukalyanam. According to the notification issued, individuals holding a fee receipt of ₹500 between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM could access the temple via the North Gopuram, while those with a receipt of ₹200 were permitted through the northeastern Gopuram, following the path near Chitrai Street. Additionally, devotees opting for free darshan were accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis through the South Gopuram. Reservations were open from 9th to 13th April 2024 on the HR&CE website (hrce.tn.gov.in) and the temple’s official website (maduraimeenakshi.hrce.tn.gov.in). Furthermore, monetary gifts (Moi) for the Thirukalyanam, amounting to ₹50 and ₹100, were to be made online starting from 21 April 2024.

Devotees adhered to the instructions and procured tokens within their financial means as per the administration’s directives. On 21 April 2024, they eagerly queued up, anticipating the sacred union. Despite the approaching auspicious moment, they found themselves waiting for an extended duration, growing increasingly restless. The explanation provided was that VIPs were partaking in the Darshan, causing devotees to endure the delay.

In an interview with Behindwoods Air YouTube channel a female devotee expressed her frustration, stating, “Sir, we are inside this from 6’O clock, they are allowing all the VIPs inside, we also came with VIP pass, no one let us in” Before she could finish, an elderly female devotee interjected, sharing her distress, “It’s been two hours! They are confining us like sheep and cattle. At least half an hour is fine will they shut us like this I feel like fainting” The first woman devotee added, “If they’re prioritizing VIPs, they shouldn’t have issued passes to us. It’s suffocating in here.”

Another female devotee exclaimed, “There are elderly here, how long they will suffer here? we just saying to leave us out, don’t let us in, let us out. It’s your fault for issuing the token, since you’ve given us the token, allow us in. It’s been three hours already, we’ve been standing in line for three hours. Don’t they have a little conscience? Can’t go to the bathroom, can’t do anything, small children are fainting”

Another male devotee expressed his frustration, “Actually they have issued this pass and made us stand in the line, they are allowing families of VVIPs there. So they could’ve left without issuing this pass right! here it is (showing the pass), what they have given in it, in the name of the trust. They have given it to these many people, at least they could’ve formalize and send us in, right? Are all these people waiting to see after the wedding?” Another women devotee intervened and shared her anger, “They are sending only VIPs as if they’re the only ones human. Aren’t we human too?” The male devotee continued, “Tell them not to give the pass, let them serve the VIPs and perform wedding but the marriage is for public to see, right? We are standing here for three hours.” The female devotee interjected again and added, “We came here 5:30 AM, should only the politicians standing there see the deity, shouldn’t we see the deity too?”

Another male devotee, visibly upset, exclaimed, “We don’t even need to see the deity! Just let us out! The elderly have been stuck here for three hours. There are diabetic patients here! Why are they giving us passes? Why should we suffer like this? It’s unnecessary! It’s suffocating, we can’t even breathe! We’ve been standing since 5:30!”

Despite the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court ruling in 2022 emphasizing that only ‘God’ holds VIP status within temples. The court explicitly stated that no individual, whether temple employees or government officials, should abuse VIP entry passes. According to the ruling, temple staff should avail themselves of darshan either through the paid queue or the free queue alongside other devotees. However, despite this directive, during festival seasons, it is often the impoverished devotees who bear the brunt of long queues and extended waiting periods. This leads to frustration as they seek solace and peace through prayers to their chosen deity, often utilizing their limited funds. Meanwhile, VIPs and temple authorities prioritize their convenience, disregarding the devotees and thereby violating the HR&CE Act and committing what could be seen as a spiritual transgression.

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Intersex Activist Gopi Shankar Madurai To Address Juvenile Justice Committee Meeting At Madras High Court

By
The Commune
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The Madras High Court has extended an invitation to Intersex activist Gopi Shankar Madurai to participate in the upcoming Juvenile Justice Committee (JJC) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Committee meeting. The meeting, scheduled for 25 April 2024, at the Madras High Court Auditorium, will be attended by Senior Judges, District Magistrates, Senior State Bureaucrats, and officials from UNICEF.

Gopi Shankar Madurai is expected to present a mandate urging the inclusion of infants and children with diverse Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics (GIESC) identities in the policies related to the Juvenile Justice Law and POCSO Act. This meeting will witness the delivery of a wide range of recommendations aimed at enhancing the protection and rights of children with diverse GIESC identities.

In 2019, Gopi Shankar Madurai presented an official report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). In response, the UN CRPD committee recommended that the Government of India expand the scope of its present policy regime concerning Intersex infants and children, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities, including autism.

The recommendations put forth by the UN CRPD committee include:

1. Amendment and implementation of the Government Order by the Director of Medical Education to ban unnecessary medical interventions on Intersex infants and children, along with the formation of an Apex committee involving senior Intersex activists.

2. Usage of the term SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics) instead of LGBTQ, acknowledging the problems associated with using the term LGBTQ for infants and children in India. Highlighting the difference between Sex and Gender identity.

3. Inclusion of Intersex infants and children in the forthcoming census, as well as changing the name and mandate of NCTP to include diverse GIESC infants and children in India.

4. Formation of a scientific panel to study necessary and unnecessary medical interventions on Intersex infants and children, including the inclusion of Medical Geneticists and the concept of genetic counseling in the process.

5. Formation of a High-level State Panel to study the condition of Intersex infants and children and GIESC children in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The costs for this study can be supported by the Tamil Nadu State Government and UNICEF-like organizations.

6. Publishing a handbook and guide on Intersex infants and GIESC children in English and Tamil languages for the usage of the Juvenile Justice Committee in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. This initiative will be funded by the State Government, including Intersex activists.

7. Formation of a Scientific Advisory Panel for GIESC infants and children to advise the Madras High Court, Juvenile Justice Committee, and Juvenile Justice Board, among others.

8. Establishment of rehabilitation and prison facilities for Intersex and GIESC infants and children, including persons with diverse disabilities.

9. Introduction of exclusive grievance mechanisms with helplines for the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and other concerned statutory bodies dealing with diverse GIESC infants and children in India.

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Long Queues, Longer Wait Times, Higher Ticket Prices Add To Devotees’ Woes At Tiruchendur Murugan Temple

By
The Commune
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The Subramaniya Swamy Temple situated in Tiruchendur, Tuticorin district, serves as the second abode of the six abodes of Lord Murugan. Every year, numerous festivals are celebrated at this location. In the month of Chithirai, the Vasantha festival is organized at the Tiruchendur Temple for 10 days. 

With schools closed for holidays, devotees are flocking to Tiruchendur, filling the temple complex to capacity. Tiruchendur sees a surge in visitors during government holidays, especially those coinciding with festivals. Currently, with exams for classes 10, 11, and 12 concluded, other classes enjoy holidays, further increasing the influx of devotees. On 11 April 2024, a government holiday for the Ramzan festival contributed to the heightened attendance. Devotees began arriving in Tiruchendur in the evening the previous day, with hotels fully booked for the weekend. Consequently, accommodation requests surged in the area. Additionally, traffic congestion occurred as vehicles transporting devotees were halted at various points, impacting the movement of government buses near the temple gate bus station. 

Owing to the overcrowding, devotees experienced lengthy wait times at the temple for darshan. In one such case, after a lengthy wait at the Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur, the crowd grew impatient and engaged in a heated dispute with the security personnel, questioning whether worship was permitted only for those with financial means. Eventually, tensions escalated, leading to the breaking of barricades and the crowd entering the premises. The incident, widely circulated on social media, sparked uproar in the locality.

During this period, the Tiruchendur Subramania Swamy Temple opened its doors at 4 am, initiating a day filled with rituals and pujas, including the Vishwarupam at 4:30 am and the Udayamarthanda Abhishekam at 6 am.

Subsequently, Viswarupa Deeparathana would take place, followed by Udayamarthanda Abhishekam, Later on, Uchikala Abhishekam will be conducted. Swami Jayantinatha would then emerge from the temple along with Valli-Deivanai in Vasantha Mandapam. In the evening, Swami Jayantinathar would appear with Valli-Deivanai on a golden chariot. Subsequently, Valli-Deivanai would crawl 11 times in Vasantha Mandapam, offering a spectacle to the devotees. Deeparathana for Swami-Ambal follows this event. Swami-Ambal then will return to the temple through the Giriprakara path. Thousands of devotees gather to witness the Chithirai Vasantha ceremony, seeking darshan of the deity. 

This time, the influx coincided with the school summer break and the Chithrai (Pournamai) full moon auspicious day, leading to an even larger crowd than usual. The HR&CE has implemented a unique queuing system for visitors to catch a glimpse of Lord Murugan, with a corresponding fee. On this occasion, the crowd was particularly large, leading to speculation that HR&CE intended to maximize its revenue. However, upon entering the queue, devotees noticed a significant slowdown compared to usual, prompting frustration. This frustration escalated into arguments with security guards and sloganeering “Can we have darshan (of the deity) only if we have money?” Growing impatient, some devotees even pushed against the barricades hindering the worship of their beloved deity, Lord Murugan.

During the 2023 Shashti festival last year, devotees were charged higher fees: ₹2,000 for Vishwarupa Darshan, ₹3,000 for abhishekam, ₹3,000 for yagasala darshan and ₹1,000 for speed darshan. It sparked significant controversy as the fare hike was unauthorized and considered outrageous. Despite the temple administration’s claims that they had prior approval for these charges, it raised questions about the real purpose of charging such charges. The question also arises whether the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Trusts Act, 1959 (HR&CE) allows the collection of such fees for revenue purposes. This approach, however, contradicts the concept of a temple as a sacred place of worship and abode of the divine, which, according to the order of the Madurai branch of the High Court, is a violation.

(Image Credit: Vikatan)

Despite the ruling from the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court asserting that Lord Murugan holds the sole VIP status at the Tiruchendur temple, with all other devotees being considered equal and the directive to permit only two types of darshan – the paid ₹100 darshan and the free darshan, reports continue to surface regarding the ongoing issue of sluggish queue systems and alternative revenue generation methods. However, no concrete action has been taken to address these grievances.

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Tirunelveli Municipal Corporation DMK Ward Councillor Resigns Citing Caste-Based Discrimination In Distribution Of Water In Ward

By
The Commune
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Tirunelveli City Municipal Corporation’s 36th Ward representative, K Chinnathai from the DMK, has formally communicated her intention to step down from his role as a Member of council in a letter addressed to the Mayor. In her correspondence dated on 23 April 2024, she highlighted caste-based discrimination prevalent in the management of drinking water distribution in her ward, attributing it to the privatization of the public water supply contract six months ago.

In a communication addressed to Mayor PM Saravanan, Chinnathai, belonging to the Arunthathiyar community, expressed her grievances, stating that she felt disrespected by corporation officials. She highlighted the disparity in drinking water provision to areas such as Koripallam and Periyar Nagar in ward 36, which she represents. According to her, collusion between officials and Councillors from upper castes led to irregular water supply, resulting in shortages in recent months. Despite reporting the issue to higher authorities, including a DMK MLA, the mayor, and the deputy mayor, no corrective measures were taken, leading to her disillusionment.

Chinnathai also noted that the situation worsened after the corporation outsourced water supply to an individual, exacerbating caste-based discrimination in the allocation of resources. She lamented the apathy of officials towards various essential services in her ward, such as sanitation, street lighting, and infrastructure maintenance, attributing it to caste bias. Her appeals to address the water shortage in Anna nagar were ignored, adding to her frustration. Feeling unable to effectively represent her constituents and citing instances of humiliation during the election campaign, she initially decided to resign, expressing regret to those who elected her.

However, upon reassurances from DMK leaders and corporation officials regarding improved water supply and development initiatives in her ward, Chinnathai decided to retract her resignation, at least for the time being.

It’s worth noting that a M Indra a DMK councilor from the 7th ward had previously submitted a resignation letter to the commissioner, although it was not accepted due to the absence of a signature.

It seems like there’s quite a bit of political turmoil in Tirunelveli City Corporation, especially among the DMK councillors. It’s unfortunate that developmental works in Ward 7 haven’t progressed despite the complaints raised by councillor M Indra and her husband. The fact that even after escalating the issue to the mayor, MLA, and in-charge minister, there hasn’t been much improvement is concerning.

The power dynamics within the DMK council also appear to be complicated, with councillors expressing dissatisfaction with Mayor P M Saravanan and even bringing a no-confidence motion against him. However, the motion failed due to various factors, including the councillors being housed in hotels prior to the vote.

There appears to be significant dissatisfaction and conflict within the council, highlighting the importance of addressing the issues raised by councillors such as M Indra. It’s imperative for the authorities to respond to these concerns in order to facilitate effective governance and foster development within the city.

This is not the first time DMK members especially councillors are expressing displeasure at their party publicly or handing over resignation.

In September 2023, thirteen councillors affiliated with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tindivanam Municipality abruptly walked out of a municipal meeting, expressing deep dissatisfaction with their inability to address basic needs in their wards, citing external pressures limiting their effectiveness. The disillusioned councillors announced their intention to resign, attributing their decision to the City Council’s inaction on pressing issues such as garbage collection, inadequate lighting, and water-related problems despite repeated attempts to address these concerns.

During a Tirunelveli Corporation council meeting on 27 July 2023, women councillors from the DMK staged a protest, accusing former Minister TPM Mohideen Khan of threatening their lives during the selection of candidates for the taxation appellate committee election. The conflict unfolded as the councillors confronted the Mayor and Deputy Mayor about the alleged threat, leading to a disruption in the meeting and a brief departure of the Mayor and Commissioner before their return.

In November 2023, in Ooty, a contentious two-phase project to replace century-old municipal shops with modern establishments has sparked heated debate, with Vice Chairman J. Ravikumar supporting the development and Mustafa, a DMK councilor, vehemently opposing it. The dispute escalated during a municipal meeting, revealing tensions within the DMK party as both councilors, known for making joint decisions in the past, clashed over the construction project, leading to a heated exchange and allegations of corruption.

In December 2023, thirty-eight DMK councillors in Tirunelveli Corporation have formally requested Commissioner Shubham Dnyandeorao Thakare to present a no-confidence motion against DMK Mayor PM Saravanan, citing grievances and corruption allegations. The dissenting councillors, who had previously submitted removal requests to Chief Minister MK Stalin, intensified their protests with public posters accusing the mayor of corruption and sit-in demonstrations, leading to the expulsion of three councillors from the DMK.

Ten DMK councillors from Cuddalore district planned a hunger strike on 31 January 2024, citing Mayor Sundari Rajan’s failure to provide essential ward development facilities. Despite repeated appeals to the DMK government, no action has been taken. The strike, set at the municipality office’s Gandhi statue, aims to draw attention to their grievances. The councillors warn of resignation if their demands remain unmet, a significant move as the Mayor is also from the DMK. They urge prompt action, labeling the strike as a final resort for addressing their concerns.

(with inputs from TNIE)

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Drug Nexus Led By Fmr DMK Member & Intl Drug Lord Jaffer Sadiq Targeted Out-Of-State Students In Chennai Allegedly Through Student Unions

By
The Commune
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It has recently been uncovered that Jaffer Sadiq and his cohorts were involved in a startling drug distribution operation targeting out-of-state students residing and studying in and around Chennai.

Jaffer Sadiq, a former DMK executive aged 35, along with four others, has been apprehended in connection with a drug trafficking operation and incarcerated in Delhi’s Tihar Jail. Additionally, authorities from the enforcement department are probing allegations of their involvement in illicit financial transactions. Recently, raids were conducted in the homes and offices of Jaffer Sadiq, along with his close associate, the film director Ameer Sultan, and Irfan, the owner of the Buhari hotel, and others. During the raid, they seized documents indicating transactions totaling up to ₹40 crore in illegal currency exchange.

Further investigations at Jaffer Sadiq’s residence uncovered additional documents. Upon examination, it was disclosed that Jaffer Sadiq was disbursing substantial sums of money to various student union officials.

Dinamalar reported that according to officials from the Enforcement Directorate, “Jaffer Sadiq and his gang were specifically targeting migrant students residing and studying in Chennai, engaging in drug sales. There is evidence indicating that administrators of student unions in Tamil Nadu have been acting as intermediaries in these transactions.”

Jaffer Sadiq, a producer with credits on five Tamil films, has been identified as the alleged leader of a cartel involved in trafficking Pseudoephedrine from India to Australia and New Zealand, according to sources. Recently, four individuals from Tamil Nadu were detained in a warehouse in Delhi.

Sadiq, who had ties to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and held a position as the Deputy Organiser for the Chennai West NRI Wing, was permanently expelled from the party on 25 February 2024, after his connection to the drug cartel came to light.

The investigation began when authorities in New Zealand and Australia alerted Indian agencies about significant drug smuggling activities disguised as food products. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) was exploring the possibility of drug proceeds being funneled into film production. In February, customs officials in New Zealand and police in Australia provided intelligence about large quantities of pseudoephedrine concealed in desiccated coconut powder being shipped to both countries. Additional information from the US Drug Enforcement Administration implicated Delhi as the source of the shipments.

A collaborative effort between the NCB and the Special Cell of Delhi Police led to the dismantling of an international drug trafficking network, resulting in the seizure of at least 50 kg of Pseudoephedrine in Delhi.

After extensive interrogation, authorities revealed that over the past three years, 45 shipments containing approximately 3,500 kg of pseudoephedrine, valued at over ₹2,000 crore in the international market, had been dispatched. According to the NCB, Sadiq is believed to be the mastermind behind the drug trafficking operation spanning India, Australia, and New Zealand. His arrest was announced by the NCB on 9 March 2024.

(with inputs from Dinamalar)

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“When Arvind Kejriwal Can Do It, Why Not Me?”: ‘Savukku’ Shankar Moots Political Plunge, Says He’ll Contest Against DMK Scion Udhayanidhi Stalin

By
The Commune
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YouTuber and political commentator Savukku Shankar, who claims to be an “impartial” journalist, stirred controversy announcing he is going to commence his political journey soon. He announced his decision on 22 April 2024 via his official social media X handle that Savukku Media would establish an organization complete with a name, flag, and policy by September this year, sparking speculation across social media platforms.

The contemplation arises, why would a YouTuber, poised to launch a political party/Pressure group, opt to incite controversy? This train of thought gains traction, particularly on social media, where the unveiling post featuring Shankar adorned in a maroon-red T-shirt emblazoned with the ‘rising sun’ symbol of DMK. Shankar, originally a journalist claimed to profess impartiality, gained notoriety through his arrest and persistent critique of DMK. Notably, he threw his support behind AIADMK during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, the sudden shift to announcing intentions to establish an organization, accompanied by a photo suggestive of the DMK symbol, and subsequent posts mocking actor Vijay, actor turned politician as a contender for the 2026 assembly elections, only adds to the prevailing confusion.

In a recent interview on the Red Pix YouTube channel with host Felix Gerald, Shankar revealed his plans of launching a new political outfit. He discussed his recent endeavors revolving around Tamil Nadu in preparation for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, noting a shift in mindset. Shankar emphasized the persisting issues faced by the people, such as the lack of street lights, despite the presence of numerous political parties. He highlighted the negligence of problems like those in Parandur, which remain unaddressed by all political factions.

Shankar declared, “It is in conception stage, details will be revealed later.” He further said, “I said when I came back from Cuddalore prison that I was going to contest against Udhayanidhi, and I see that this demand has risen with that in mind. Not only that, well wishers like you say, do something and there are so many people who say that they want to be the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu just with onscreen celebrities. When Arvind Kejriwal can do it, why not me?”

Later, Shankar advanced the notion that no party should be rigidly bound by its principles, asserting that stances should be adaptable to the issues at hand. He advocated for a pragmatic approach focused on the welfare of the people rather than rigid adherence to ideology. When questioned by the host Felix about the pervasive corruption in politics, Shankar countered that minimal corruption was achievable and attributed the prevalence of corruption to the inherent flaws in the traditional political system, particularly its reliance on monetary resources. He declared his intent to contest against the DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin in the Chepauk constituency, emphasizing his commitment to grassroots efforts in that area. When the host stepped in and inquired if Shankar would seek other political parties to consider him as an independent candidate within their alliance, Shankar promptly replied affirmatively. He indicated that he would definitely request such consideration. For instance, he mentioned how the AIADMK provided a seat to the PMK to contest against Udhayanidhi. He reasoned that there shouldn’t be an issue in granting him a seat, especially considering that in 2026, Udhayanidhi might be a candidate for Chief Minister post. Shankar expressed confidence that apart from the DMK, all other parties would be willing to offer him an opportunity.

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Does The US Have Inheritance Tax As Claimed By Rahul Gandhi’s Advisor Sam Pitroda? Find Out

By
The Commune
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Amid political discourse in India surrounding wealth redistribution which is part of the Congress’s election manifesto for the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, a statement made by Indian Overseas Congress chairman Sam Pitroda has sparked a debate regarding the inheritance tax system in the United States. Pitroda advocated for an inheritance tax similar to that of the US, claiming that the American government imposes a hefty 55% tax on a person’s wealth upon their demise, leaving only 45% for their heirs.

However, a closer examination reveals a more nuanced reality. Contrary to Pitroda’s assertion, the United States does not have a uniform federal inheritance tax. Instead, inheritance tax policies vary significantly across states. As of the latest data available, only six out of the fifty states in the US levy an inheritance tax. These states include Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Moreover, the rates imposed by these states differ substantially from the 55% figure mentioned by Pitroda. For instance, Iowa imposes a 6% inheritance tax, while Kentucky and New Jersey have rates of 16%. Maryland and Pennsylvania levy taxes at 10% and 15%, respectively. Nebraska stands at 15% as well. It’s important to note that these rates are subject to exemptions and thresholds, which means that only a fraction of taxpayers actually encounter the inheritance tax.

Furthermore, there have been recent legislative developments in some states regarding inheritance taxes. For example, Iowa has initiated steps to phase out its inheritance tax, aiming to completely eliminate it by the next year. Such changes indicate a dynamic landscape of inheritance tax policies within the United States.

Additionally, it’s crucial to distinguish between inheritance tax and estate tax, as both terms are often used interchangeably but entail different mechanisms. While inheritance tax is imposed on the assets received by individual beneficiaries, estate tax is levied on the deceased person’s estate before distribution. As of now, only thirteen states impose an estate tax, with rates reaching up to 40%.

In light of these complexities, Pitroda’s assertion regarding the uniformity and magnitude of inheritance taxes in the US appears to be inaccurate. The reality is that inheritance tax policies vary widely across states, with rates and exemptions subject to legislative changes and state-specific regulations.

It is important to note that Rahul Gandhi spoke about wealth distribution among the population and not necessarily inheritance tax or future policies as claimed by Pitroda in his interview with ANI. Rahul Gandhi in his speech that when the Congress came to power, an economic survey will be conducted. He also said, “My target is that I will distribute the amount of money that Narendra Modi gives to Adani to the poor. I am counting. If he gives one rupee to Adani, I will give one rupee to the poor. I will give as much money to the poor as you give them (rich) – be it farmers, labourers, kirana shop owners, unemployed youth. And I will show you that real politics does not happen by helping billionaires, real politics happens when you help farmers, labourers, small traders/businessmen, unemployed youth. I will show you that.”

The Congress has come up with a very vile and malicious plan that only seems to be set on destroying the country inside out.

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