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“Had I Been A TN Cop, I Would’ve Filed An FIR And Thrown Stalin In Jail”: Annamalai On NEET Suicides

By
The Commune
-

The Tamil Nadu BJP president and Coimbatore’s Lok Sabha candidate, K Annamalai, has firmly stated that he stands unwaveringly in support of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). He emphasized that even at the risk of his own life, he believes the NEET exam cannot be abolished.

During Annamalai’s last day of campaigning in the Sultanpet area of Coimbatore, traversing through Chinna Vadambacheri village, a woman from the crowd raised concerns, questioning the authenticity of his promise of free drinking water connections, citing instances where residents were asked to pay ₹3,000. Additionally, she criticized the mandatory nature of the NEET exam, highlighting its detrimental effects on students, and raised queries about GST on essential commodities like rice and pulses, the stalled river-linking project, and the absence of its implementation.

Addressing these concerns, Annamalai underscored that the current scenario differs greatly; none of the representatives of successful individuals engage directly with the constituency. He assured that upon winning, he would make himself readily accessible for constituents to approach. Additionally, he pledged that the status of this area would experience a notable elevation.

Speaking to the people, he said, “Consider how many individuals decline offers to vote in exchange for money. What initially comprised six taxes has now been consolidated into the GST. How can a government do welfare for people without the GST? And how do we remunerate government officials and police? Furthermore, regarding the NEET exam, we remain steadfast in our decision not to revoke it under any circumstances, even at the risk of our lives. Economically disadvantaged students have the opportunity to access government medical colleges through the NEET exam. It’s imperative to acknowledge that politicizing the NEET exam is unnecessary. Without this exam, rural underprivileged students would only have the option of expensive private medical colleges, such as those owned by DMK Ministers. Can the impoverished afford such exorbitant fees? No fatalities have occurred due to the NEET exams, which further emphasizes their importance.”

Annamalai also said, “We will not scrap NEET, even if it costs our lives. NEET is very good for the underprivileged, and for the first time, underprivileged people are joining in government college through NEET. Since 1967, the DMK had only established five government medical colleges and seventeen private medical colleges in the state but we have brought fifteen government medical colleges. Our aim is to make poor people go to government medical colleges through competitive exams with social justice, so even if we lose our lives, we will not scrap NEET. We would rather quit politics than ban NEET. All people are accepting NEET. A student from an underprivileged background in a rural area can attend a government medical college only through NEET. If not, where will you go? TR Baalu’s private medical college, Balaji medical college, Stalin’s benami college, How many people can study by paying one crore money like this, a rich person pays by selling his property, but son of a poor mother can go to govt college only through NEET.” The women again stated, “Because of it (NEET) many children are dying“. Denying the allegation Annamalai patiently replied, “No, they (DMK) are instigating children to die, if you file an FIR and put Stalin in jail for death of children, no child will commit suicide. If I had been part of the Tamil Nadu police department, I would have filed an FIR and thrown Stalin in as the first accused.” Then explaining with examples he stated that children of snake catchers and children of flower sellers had gained admission to government medical colleges through NEET medical examination

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TNM Publishes Misleading Article About EVMs & VVPATs; Editor Dhanya Justifies Article After Supreme Court Busts Rhetoric

By
The Commune
-

On 18 April 2024, the Election Commission of India refuted allegations that a BJP candidate received additional votes during mock polls in Kerala’s Kasargod district, deeming the claim “totally false.” This assertion was made before a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta during a hearing on a plea by the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioner, referenced a news report suggesting that four Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) devices recorded an extra vote for the BJP during the mock poll. Responding to this, the court instructed senior counsel Maninder Singh to investigate the matter further.

During subsequent proceedings, the Deputy Election Commissioner provided insights into the voting process using EVMs and VVPATs. Later in the day, an Election Commission official informed the bench that the reported incident had been thoroughly examined and found to be baseless.

Earlier, on April 16, 2024, the Supreme Court had expressed concerns about the potential drawbacks of resorting to ballot papers or a complete count of VVPATs during elections, evoking memories of past electoral practices. Despite reservations, the court emphasized a reluctance to revisit older systems, citing the known limitations associated with ballot papers.

In what seems like last-ditch efforts by the leftists and Congress supporters, lies about the EVM (electronic voting machines) are being spread all over again. The News Minute, like a true foot soldier of this faction, has indulged in spreading false propaganda in the name of news reports once again. 

The headlines as usual portray a different image when compared to the article. In a recent report, they peddled half-truths about an incident that occurred in Telangana involving a Catholic school where the principal prevented the entry of students who were observing Hanuman Deeksha for their exams. Instead of explaining the exact cause for the action by the enraged Hindus, TNM peddled only one side of the story blaming the “Hindu mob” for vandalising the school premises. 

In this case, the headline of the report reads, “VVPATs print extra slip with BJP lotus symbol during mock polls in Kerala“, however, inside the article, the truth is mentioned, “…when the machines were initialised, three out of 10 VVPAT machines printed out ‘test prints’. All these three prints had the BJP’s lotus symbol on it and the words ‘not to be counted’ were written on top in small letters.”

This story has been picked up by influencers and other news media. It is common for people to not read beyond headlines and the first paragraph of the article. In this manner, TNM has tried to play safe while also peddling half-truths, as always.

Thankfully, in platforms like X, there are Community Notes which allow netizens to label a post made on the platform as fake. 

When confronted with the truth, Dhanya Rajendran, the Editor-in-Chief of the news portal, wrote, “For all those jumping around saying fake news: The returning officer report says “In the VVPAT machines with the serial numbers VVTED41294, VVTEF82139, VVTEJ14797, VVTED49299, after switching on the CU at the commissioning table, at the time of self checking’ in addition to normalslips printed, one more slip was coming with the following information. NOT TO BE COUNTED ‘STANDARDILATION DONE, VVPAT SERIAL NO Along with this first candidate’s symbol also printed. This slip is a little longer than the normal mock poll slip. HOW THE ISSUE GOT SOLVED? The VVPAT with serial number VVTED 49299 was taken to mock poll for casting 1000 votes. The mock pollslips were tallied with the machine count. Political parties/candidate agents convinced and signed the Annexure 22 certificate.”

Again, she tried to wash her hands off the fake news peddling by stating that the article mentions VVPATs and not EVMs.

“Just adding here. ECI told the court no extra vote was recorded. That is for the ECI to say. Our story merely was that VVPATS printed extra slip, which was true. There is no complaint that extra vote was recorded on EVM. The problem is on conflating EVM and VVPAT here“

TNM’s news story did not simply state that VVPATs produced extra slips. It specifically claimed that the additional slips featured the lotus symbol, associated with the BJP. However, this turned out to be false. Dhanya Rajendran very smoothly tried to do her part by altering the narrative and distorting the facts, while also referring back to her original inaccurate post, in an attempt to appear genuine.

What Dhanya and her minions do not mention is that in the case of NOTA, the EVM automatically prints the first symbol (or letter) with a note that the vote shouldn’t be counted. 

Such peddling of propaganda against EVMs by portals such as The News Minute only seems to show their support for the Congress’s agenda of bringing back the archaic ballot system which will allow booth capturing and polling illegal votes. 

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Telangana: School Principal Denies Entry To Students Over Wearing Saffron Clothes, TNM Once Again Peddles Half Truths About The Incident

By
The Commune
-

Tensions escalated at Mother Teresa School in Kannepally, Dandepalli Mandal of Mancharyala District as devotees of Lord Hanuman gathered to protest against alleged misconduct by the school principal, Jobi. The protest, fueled by anger over the removal of saffron clothes worn by students who had taken Hanuman Deeksha, resulted in a siege of the school premises and destruction of office property.

The unrest stemmed from an incident on 16 April 2024, where fourth-grade students adorned with Hanumanmala (garlands) arrived at the school to sit for their Bangaru Deeven, Gorlavidyaditya, and Harshavardhana exams. However, Principal Jobi barred the students from taking the exams while wearing the garlands. Instead, they were instructed to remove the saffron clothes and don the school uniform before being allowed to proceed with the examinations.

News of this incident quickly spread, drawing hundreds of Hanuman devotees to the school in protest. Together with parents, they surrounded the school and vented their anger by damaging office mirrors. The demonstrators demanded swift action against Principal Jobi, accusing him of disrespecting both the students and the school’s traditions.

In response to the escalating situation, Manchiryala Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ashok Kumar, accompanied by police and CRPF forces, arrived at the scene to restore order. The protesters urged for punitive measures against Principal Jobi, including the cancellation of the school’s permission to operate.

Amidst the uproar, Manchiryala Education Officer (MEO) Ravinder issued a show cause notice to the school management, requiring them to justify within two days why the school’s permission should not be revoked. DCP Ashok Kumar assured that legal action would be taken against Principal Jobi for his actions regarding the mala-wearing students.

https://twitter.com/GemsOfKCR/status/1780686238002848138

This is what exactly happened. However, Dhanya Rajendran and her News Minute “news” portal once again peddled only half-truths about the incident, making it look like the Hindus were the ones who were imposing on the “minorities“.

In a report on their portal, they published a “report” stating that a “mob” in saffron attire, chanting “Jai Shri Ram,” attacked Mother Teresa High School in Kannepally village, Telangana. They only focused on the aftermath of the issue – vandalized property, assaulted Principal Jaimon Joseph, and forced him to chant Jai Shri Ram slogan and wrote that this was because “he allegedly refused entry” to three Hindu students observing Hanuman Deeksha. They also focused only on how “the mob coerced an apology from the principal, made him wear a saffron scarf“, and later filed an FIR against him and the school correspondent, Jobbi Dominic, for hurting religious sentiments. 

The entire piece shows only one side of the story, it does not mention anything about the students who were not allowed to enter with their saffron attire owing to their penance. 

The byline read, “The Hindu group was offended allegedly after the school administration refused to allow three Hindu students who came in saffron attire as they were observing Hanuman Deeksha.”

Peddling half-truths to show the Hindus in a poor light and trying to set a narrative that the “minorities” were “suffering” because of the “saffron Hindu mobs“. 

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Karnataka: Cong Leader’s Daughter Stabbed To Death By Fayaz For ‘Rejecting His Love’

By
The Commune
-

In a shocking and tragic incident that has shaken the community, 24-year-old Neha Hiremath, a first-year MCA student at B V Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering and Technology in Hubballi, was fatally stabbed on her college campus. Neha, the daughter of Congress Corporator Niranjan Hiremath, fell victim to a brutal attack perpetrated by her former classmate, Fayaz Khondunaik.

The harrowing incident unfolded as Neha was leaving the college premises after completing her first semester exams. CCTV footage captured the chilling moment when Fayaz, donning a mask, ambushed Neha and mercilessly stabbed her multiple times in the neck. Despite her attempts to flee, she was pinned down by Fayaz, who continued his vicious assault until several bystanders intervened. Tragically, Neha succumbed to her injuries despite being rushed to KIMS Hospital by fellow students.

Investigations reveal that Fayaz, a BCA student and a resident of Savadatti in Belagavi district, had been relentlessly pursuing Neha romantically, despite her consistent rejections. It is believed that his frustration over the rejection led him to plan and execute the heinous crime.

Fayaz’s actions were premeditated, as he had confided in friends about his intention to harm Neha before the attack. His decision to wield a knife and target Neha’s neck confirms his intent to cause fatal harm.

City Police Commissioner Renuka K Sukumar confirmed that both Neha and Fayaz were classmates during their BCA studies, after which Neha continued her education while Fayaz discontinued. Fayaz, the son of government school teachers, had ceased attending college six months before the incident.

Expressing shock and grief over the loss, Neha’s family revealed that they were unaware of Fayaz’s existence, and Neha had never mentioned him. The community has been plunged into mourning, with several Congress leaders, including MLA Prasad Abbayya, extending condolences to Neha’s bereaved family.

In the wake of the tragedy, student groups and local residents have called for stringent action against Fayaz, demanding justice for Neha. ABVP staged protests outside the college, while pro-Hindu groups and BJP supporters demonstrated outside the Vidyanagar Police Station.

Fayaz has been apprehended by the police and is currently in custody as investigations continue to unravel the motive behind this senseless act of violence. 

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What If India Does Not Get Narendra Modi As PM In 2024?

By
Ananth Mahadevan
-

2014 proved to be a very auspicious year for India as in that year this great country got a great leader called Narendra Damodardas Modi. A terrible thought suddenly made me wake up abruptly in the wee hours of the morning today. The thought was “If India does not get Narendra Modi as PM in 2024, then what we as Indians would have been witness to in our country”. Let me delve into this scenario in more detail. 

The first thing that comes to my mind is if Narendra Modi was not elected in 2014, we would have been helpless witnesses to the gory dance of terrorism in several cities in India. Serial blasts would have been a regular feature and the government action would have been nothing more than having a dialogue with the neighboring country that is known to harbour terrorists with scant regard towards the safety of Indian citizens. Surgical strikes would not have been even a discussion point as cordial relationship with the neighbors albeit they being rogue would have been more important than the lives of even citizens of our own country. 

We would have seen the status quo in Jammu & Kashmir with youth still arming themselves with stones instead of laptops and going about their daily chore diligently of throwing stones at the armed forces for a petty sum of Rs.500. Article 370 would have continued to be a carefully guarded clause and the Abdullahs and Muftis in power there would have been happily doing their business of politics enriching their coffers silently. 

We would still be carrying cash in our wallets to pay the small vendors as they would not have had the UPI facility and as a prominent ex-finance minister doubted how villages would have a network to use UPIs in India, no one would have bothered to invest time and energy in scaling up digital India initiative.

No one would have pushed hard for the Ram Mandir resolution in courts and no one would have bothered to fight the Gyanvapi battle to preserve their votebanks. Kashi would have continued to be a congested town and there would never have been straight access from the sacred Ganga River to the Mahadev Mandir. The ghats in Varanasi would have been shabby and dirty. We wouldn’t have had a Vande Bharat train. We wouldn’t have had a COVID-19 vaccine made proudly in India and the imported medicines from foreign pharma companies would have been injected into our bodies. The indoctrination and intoxication of the West would have continued in our lives. 

When the Ukraine war happened, India would have immediately and submissively followed the US/West in opposing Russia which would have had a catastrophic oil price rise in India leading to great damage to the Indian economy. India wouldn’t have managed to be a bright spot in the world. India would never have done the G20 Summit on such a grand scale and would never have been such a strong consensus builder on the world stage. Indian diaspora wouldn’t have gotten so much respect that they enjoy today in almost every country in the world. 

Our income tax refunds would have taken months to get credited to our bank accounts. Our passports would have taken months to get renewed following the usual traditional methods. The poor in India wouldn’t have had their own bank accounts and only 15% of the welfare benefits they are entitled to would reach them after passing through a lot of hands as once a popular ex-Prime Minister of India lamented. Several populist welfare schemes would have been rolled out and a lot of loan waivers would have happened. 

We wouldn’t have seen true history being penned down and articulated by authors like Vikram Sampath, J. Sai Deepak, and the likes of Anand Ranganathan which would act as a counter to the planned narrative established by the leftist historians who would have had a monopoly and free ride on the academic space. 

Political parties would have happily taken donations from the corporates in cash without having to show anything to the public, so much for transparency in political funding. There would have been a red carpet welcome for Rohingyas and such illegal immigrants who would have been great additions to the votebanks of parties. The Khalistani movement would have gotten great momentum. In a lighter vein, the New York Times would have hailed the secular fabric of India and democracy would never have been in danger. The CBI, Enforcement Directorate, and such institutions would have conducted raids but miniscule amounts of cash would have been attached. No prominent political leader would have been arrested except for a few top leaders from the BJP. EVMs would have worked like magic. 

The list is too long and I choose not to continue to give myself further pain with these depressing thoughts. Although I can’t talk on behalf of anyone else, I for one would never want to have the pre-2014 nightmare again and I would use my vote wisely. I definitely don’t want India to be still a developing nation even in 2047. I rest my case.

Ananth Mahadevan is a political commentator based in Bengaluru.

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Sumanth Raman Tries To Pit Tamil Brahmins Against Annamalai And BJP, Gets Schooled By Netizens

By
The Commune
-

All-in-all commentator Sumanth Raman is back in the news. This time he has targeted Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party president and the Tamil Brahmin community in Tamil Nadu. 

In what seemed like a targeted attack on both Annamalai and the Tamil Brahmins, Sumanth Raman posted the following on his X handle. 

“A large group of people from a community in Tamil Nadu rooting strongly for a man who despises their community, has not given a single ticket to a member of that community and has systematically purged the State unit of the party of leaders from that community is the strangest thing I’m seeing in the TN elections in 2024.”

Netizens taught him a lesson how how neither the Brahmins of the state nor Annamalai are casteist by nature. 

Some shared pictures of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar indicating that the BJP is not averse to Brahmins in any way. 

Others questioned whether Congress or any other political party did anything for Brahmins of the state.

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Dravidian Model Of Fascism: Madan Gowri Faces More Opposition From Dravidian Stocks For Podcast With Annamalai

By
The Commune
-

The surge of criticism directed by Dravidianists towards YouTuber Madan Gowri for his podcast on his official YouTube channel with the BJP Tamil Nadu chief is alarming. The latest addition to the criticism comes from an ‘unknown’ Tamil Nadu Podcasters Association.

On 16 April 2024, an organisation named Tamil Nadu Podcasters Association, which doesn’t even have a website of its own, strongly criticized YouTuber Madan Gowri for his latest podcast series. The podcast series titled, “Voice of Tamil Nadu 2024,” aims to present political discussions with politicians in a fresh format, allowing them more space to express themselves, diverging from the traditional biased scrutiny like TV debates.

The association expressed dissatisfaction, particularly regarding the choice of the first guest, K Annamalai, the Tamil Nadu BJP president and the Coimbatore Lok Sabha 2024 candidate. This decision was perceived unfavorably within the Dravidian ecosystem, as it seemed to grant immediate prominence to the BJP. Consequently, there was a wave of criticism against Madan Gowri, accusing him of promoting narratives that were not aligned with the interests of the Dravidian ideology.

The condemnation issued by the Tamil Nadu Podcasters Association lacked decorum. They directly referred to YouTuber Madan Gowri as a “dog” and asserted that their “association” promotes left-wing ideology. Additionally, they implied that one must adhere to Dravidian ideology or face confrontation with them to survive displaying a concerning trend toward fascism. The “association” emphasized their disapproval and urged Gowri to reconsider his approach, cautioning against aligning with far-right ideologies. They emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in content creation and discouraged association with fascist rhetoric. They urged Gowri to be transparent in his intentions and condemned any attempts to conceal affiliations with such ideologies.

The letter stated, “To Non-Virtuous Madan Gowri, Madan, who runs on the mantra of one video every day, does not know how many more bloodstained currency notes he would have counted on his fingers when he gets this letter of reprimand. But his depraved videos touch the poor millions unfortunately. We have never been angry with Madan, who acts as a representative of Wikipedia with one video a day and whatever content is the talk of the moment. But recently, the path he treads and the interviews he takes in the name of podcasts have made not only us but all social activists curl up.

It is clear from his ‘Annamalai’ interview that Madan Gowri, who talked about the woes of the people of Manipur through his videos, saw it all as content for monetisation. It is his right to invite someone who is in far-right politics and no one is denying that. But despite having so many questions to ask, he took an interview without political color and making Annamalai look like “He is a man just like us!” is a fascist positivist tendency to such ingrained idiocy.

Madan, who used to say something half-witted and later regretted it, we also ask him not to think of using the same strategy this time. It’s like we can’t lift the tail of something, will it even survive this? On behalf of the Tamil Nadu Podcast Producers Association, we express our strong condemnation to Madan Gowri who is immersed in that survival. Further, you are also requested not to disparage any of your posts of chatter with your fascist friends by citing them as podcasts. From now come without hiding the bund! Thanks. Long live Periyar.. Long live Ambedkar…”

It is noteworthy that this “Association” with no website was seen on social media platforms like Instagram and X from June 2023. Here is how big a presence it has on X. No one seemed to know some such organisation existed in the first place!

It is also noteworthy that the series features other politicians like DMK’s Kanimozhi, ADMK’s D Jayakumar and NTK’s Seeman.

In today’s technological era, decentralized social media platforms safeguard freedom of speech by granting users enhanced control over their content, and mitigate the likelihood of censorship or control by a singular entity. Additionally, they cultivate a broader spectrum of perspectives by enabling the emergence of niche communities and viewpoints that might otherwise be sidelined on centralized platforms. Consequently, they foster a more inclusive digital environment where freedom of expression flourishes. However, resorting to intimidation tactics, such as issuing warnings to isolate individuals for their viewpoints and content, is a disingenuous strategy employed by TNPA, as it undermines the principles of open dialogue and diversity of opinions endorsed by their ideologues such as EVR.

And the abusive and negative comments made the YouTuber turn off the comments section of the video.

The comments section was later visible, it is not clear why and how this happened.

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TNM Shown Its Place By TN BJP Chief & Coimbatore LS Candidate Annamalai 

By
The Commune
-

The News Minute has been covering the elections for the past few days on the ground. Recently, they published a video interview with TRB Rajaa, DMK Minister for Industries and Investment in Coimbatore. Like any other TNM interview, it was a softball one with questions that favoured the DMK while undermining and deriding the BJP. 

The next installment of their coverage was focused on the three candidates in the fray – BJP’s Annamalai, DMK’s Ganapathy Rajkumar, and AIADMK’s Singai Ramachandran. 

When the TNM reporter Pooja Prasanna approached Annamalai for an interview, in what seemed like a barging in by Pooja at an election canvassing event, Annamalai turned down her request and told her to get in touch with the media coordinator to fix a time. She requested him over and over again for 5 minutes to speak on Coimbatore but Annamalai politely asked her to check with the media coordinator before fixing up a time. She said, “I have come from Bangalore, just 5 minutes, just a couple of questions.” When Annamalai asked her to check with the coordinator, she said, “I have been trying to get in touch with them. Can I try a little later in the evening?” Annamalai again requested her to discuss it with the coordinator. Then she again ambushed him at another location and kept on egging Annamalai for “a couple of questions.” Once again Annamalai asked her to get in touch with the coordinator. She said, “I spoke with your coordinator, I just have a couple of questions about Coimbatore.” Annamalai, all through these two encounters, politely declined her requests and directed her to the proper channel. They claim that he “ran away” because he could not dare to face a “well-prepared Pooja”

Well, we know how prepared Pooja can be, especially if it was to ask questions of the DMK and the BJP. 

The News Minute and its minions have made this a big issue claiming, “Annamalai ran away like a coward.”

However, The News Minute would not raise any questions against Dayanidhi Maran who did not even pay heed to the requests of an India Today journalist a few days ago – they will not support fellow journalists too, in solidarity. When approached by India Today’s ‘So South’ anchor Akshita Nandagopal for a brief discussion on Chennai Central constituency, Maran hastily retreated, ignoring the reporter’s attempts to engage him in dialogue, even when assured of discussing only local issues without controversy. Akshita said, “Sir, just a few minutes on Chennai Central and nothing else… No controversy sir.” Maran was seen quickly boarding his campaign jeep, accompanied by HR&CE Minister P K Sekar Babu, thus avoiding further media interaction.

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TNM Once Again Proves It Is Unofficial DMK Mouthpiece, Asks Easy Questions To Stalin, Nothing On Vengaivayal, Non-Fulfilment Of Promises

By
The Commune
-

In a recent interview conducted by The News Minute’s Shabbir Ahmed, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, and DMK chief MK Stalin was subjected to a series of soft questions, once again proving the news outlet’s so-called “impartiality and journalistic integrity”. Despite the myriad pressing issues facing Tamil Nadu, TNM chose to lob easy questions at Stalin, further solidifying its reputation as a de facto mouthpiece for the DMK.

TNM failed to hold Stalin accountable for his government’s failures and shortcomings. Instead, the interview largely revolved around the BJP and non-existent issues, allowing Stalin to deflect responsibility and evade scrutiny.

One of the most egregious oversights was TNM’s failure to question the alarming rise in caste-based violence and discrimination, especially the Vengaivayal incident, under Stalin’s watch. Instances of caste crimes have become rampant in Tamil Nadu, yet TNM conveniently chose to sidestep such crucial issues. By centering the discourse around the BJP, TNM effectively allowed Stalin to deflect attention away from his government’s unfulfilled promises and administrative failures.

Reproducing a few questions here for our readers to understand the quality of “journalism”.

“Q: Why have you termed this election as a fight between Democracy and Dictatorship?

A: The Indian Constitution has given fundamental rights to every citizen of India. The BJP rule led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the last 10 years is against every such right, it’s against secularism, diversity, federalism, and state autonomy. No one, no matter what side they take, can live peacefully and without fear in India today. People have been pushed to live with a constant sense of anxiety. The well-being of several states including Tamil Nadu have been ignored. All of this is against the ethos of democracy and the principle of cooperative federalism. The goal of the DMK and the INDIA alliance is to change this dangerous situation and reinstate democracy. The 2024 Lok Sabha election is the battlefield where the political parties who believe in democracy will defeat authoritarianism with the help of the people. I’ve been warning that if Modi comes to power once again, there will be no elections in India anymore. And yet, Modi has not denied my allegation even once!”

It is noteworthy that TNM has never once raised its voice against the freedom of speech issues that are being seen increasingly in Tamil Nadu. Oh, wait, why will a mouthpiece have an issue with that?

The Commune has covered the number of times citizens and political party members from the opposition have had cases filed against them in Tamil Nadu for posting something against the state government! 

Here’s another one. 

“Q: The BJP has taken a high moral ground on the electoral bond scheme. Has the opposition failed in cornering them?

A: The Supreme Court has ruled that electoral bonds are illegal. Based on the data released by the bank post the SC verdict, it came out in the open that the BJP used agencies like the ED and IT to threaten companies and collect huge funds. The people clearly understand how BJP has legalised corruption in an unprecedented manner.”

“Q: Opposition parties like the DMK too have been questioned for the kind of money they have got through bonds.

A: Our party treasurer transparently declared the details of funds we received through electoral bonds. DMK did not receive any funds as a quid-pro-quo. Nor did we use the government machinery to threaten anyone to get funds.”

No follow-up on that, and no question on why the DMK has received maximum funds from Lottery Martin. No questions were asked about their connection. But TNM will create article after article and “reports” how some random company is by default connected to the BJP.

Equally troubling is TNM’s apparent reluctance to confront Stalin on the pressing matter of the drug menace gripping Tamil Nadu. Despite a DMK member’s implication in the international drug bust just recently, TNM conspicuously failed to press the Chief Minister on this important issue. Under a regime like that of the DMK, where crucial issues are brushed aside, how can the common man trust any positive change if they were to assume power at the centre? 

The media’s role as a watchdog is indispensable in a democracy, but TNM’s cozy relationship with the ruling party undermines this fundamental principle, compromising the public’s right to information and accountability.

Shabbir Ahmed was himself hounded by DMK goons, their editor-in-chief, Dhanya was hounded for her comments on Karunanidhi that she made in the past and yet the “ethics” disappear when it comes to the ruling party.

TNM’s softball interview with Stalin is a disservice to its audience and a betrayal of journalistic ethics. All their muscle flexing about “speaking truth to power” is only aimed at one party – the BJP. It only looks like their spine escapes through the posterior once they reach Arivalayam.

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Annamalai Urges Coimbatore Voters To Reject Monetary Inducements, Embrace Change In Upcoming LS Polls

By
The Commune
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K Annamalai, the Tamil Nadu BJP state president and BJP candidate for the Coimbatore parliamentary seat, released a video urging citizens to exercise their democratic right and cast their votes in the upcoming election.

Addressing the voters, Annamalai emphasized the momentum building towards change, stating, “Dear Coimbatore voters, in the last 25 days of campaigning, I have witnessed overwhelming support from you. It’s evident that you stand for change and have chosen to support the representative of Modi’s vision.”

Expressing concern over alleged attempts to manipulate voters through monetary inducements, Annamalai decried the practice, likening it to auctioning cattle. “Our opponents are resorting to offering paltry sums like 1000, 500, 250 rupees to sway your votes. They underestimate the people of Coimbatore and their self-respect,” he remarked.

He added, “We are confident that with your support, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will secure a third term in office. When he assumes this responsibility once again, it is imperative that both his representatives and your chosen representatives collaborate to address your needs effectively in parliament. This symbiotic relationship between elected officials and constituents is fundamental to the democratic process.”

He said, “Today, the DMK has made promises regarding state control works in their election campaign, pledges that have yet to be fulfilled for Coimbatore. At this juncture, I, your local representative Annamalai, alongside the BJP candidates and NDA alliance members, stand before you. I firmly declare that you will consistently find yourselves aligned with the forces of change. We have laid out 100 commitments to be fulfilled within 500 days, catering to the needs of various sections of society including MSMEs, homemakers, weavers, industrialists, the underprivileged, and the youth. Coimbatore will undergo a transformation, and I assure you of this pledge. The foundation of ethical politics will take root in Coimbatore, signaling a new era of governance.”

He added, “Ethical politics will find its inception in Coimbatore. The funds accrued from activities such as liquor and drug sales, as well as exploiting the populace, are now being diverted towards influencing voters. Despite these challenges, I am confident that you will grant the BJP a resounding victory.”

He appealed to the voters by saying, “For those casting their votes for the first time, it’s imperative that everyone participates in the electoral process. A laborer’s vote holds the same weight as that of a Prime Minister; this exemplifies democracy where every vote carries significance. It’s crucial to be among the first to cast your vote on polling day. Youngsters, in particular, should not hesitate to wait in queues and exercise their right to vote. This action is essential to instigate change. Your vote matters significantly. The 20,83,000 voters of Coimbatore must unite and vote for the betterment of our nation and Tamil Nadu. Let us seize this election as an opportunity to drive positive change. Together, let’s kickstart Tamil Nadu’s resurgence from Coimbatore.”

Tamil Nadu goes to polls on 19 April 2024 in a single phase.

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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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