Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube
Home Blog Page 775

NCB Summons Puducherry Congress Functionary Eeram Rajendran For Questioning In Ex-DMK Functionary Jaffer Sadiq’s Delhi Drug Bust Case

By
The Commune
-

In a recent development related to the Delhi drug bust case, Puducherry Congress leader Eeram Rajendran has been formally summoned for questioning regarding his alleged ties to international drug kingpin Jaffer Sadiq.

Last month, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Delhi apprehended a trio and seized narcotics 3500 kilograms of pseudoephedrine, with a market value exceeding ₹2000 crore on the global scale. Following their interrogation, it was revealed that Jaffer Sadiq, based in Chennai, orchestrated the scheme and was subsequently arrested. Another associate, Sada from Chennai, was also apprehended following investigations.

In light of these developments, the Anti-Drug Trafficking Unit issued summons to filmmaker Ameer for interrogation in the investigation. Subsequently, searches were conducted at both Ameer’s and Jaffer Sadiq’s premises by the Central Enforcement Directorate.

Now, the Central Narcotics Control Unit has directed attention to Congress leader Eeram Rajendran, summoning him to appear for questioning at their Delhi office on the 14 and 15 April 2024. Rajendran, known for his involvement in the Eeram Foundation, joined the Congress party just last February.

Last week, images of Rajendran, the Congress Party’s representative for the Muthialpet constituency in Puducherry, alongside Jaffer Sadiq, surfaced on social media platforms. Rajendran addressed the media on 8 April 2024, clarifying his involvement. He stated, “I have been involved in managing factories for the past two decades. In 2017, I initiated the ‘Eeram Foundation’ for philanthropic activities. Subsequently, I joined the Congress party and have been actively engaged in various developmental initiatives. Additionally, I am collaborating as an associate producer in the film industry, notably working on projects with my close associate, director Ameer. Our film ‘Mayavalai’ featured Jaffer Sadiq among the attendees during its promotional activities. However, my adversaries are misrepresenting these associations on social media. Ameer has a wide circle of friends, including Jaffer Sadiq. I have no direct affiliation with him and have not been implicated in any investigation related to this matter. If required, I am fully prepared to cooperate with any inquiries. I have also lodged complaints with the cybercrime authorities and local police against those spreading defamatory content about me online. My commitment to advancing the Congress party’s agenda remains steadfast, and I am determined to accelerate our initiatives for further progress.”

It’s important to highlight that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) detectives carried out searches at 30 sites across Tamil Nadu on Tuesday. These searches included locations such as Jaffer Sadiq’s residence on Arulanandam Street in Mylapore, film director Ameer’s office in T. Nagar, and his residence in Chetpet, as well as Buhari hotel owner Buhari’s residence in Shastri Nagar, Adyar, JSM hotels in Purasawalkam, a property in Kodungaiyur, and a tour and travel operator’s office in Eldams Road and Teynampet. Additionally, 25 other locations in various Tamil Nadu cities like Chennai, Madurai, and Tiruchirapalli were searched. Sadiq Jaffer’s premises are also under scrutiny under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The NCB has indicated that they are investigating Sadiq’s connections with financiers in Tamil and Hindi cinema, as well as some “high-profile” individuals and potential instances of “political funding.”

Following information obtained during the interrogation of Jaffer Sadiq and his associates by the NCB, the ED has taken up this case to trace a money trail. ED officers carried out searches at 30 sites linked to Sadiq and his associates.

(with inputs from Kamadenu)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

“After 2024, One Of The Dravidian Parties Will Disappear”: BJP TN Head Annamalai’s Firebrand Interview To Puthiya Thalaimurai

By
The Commune
-
aiadmk-admk-eps-dmk-stalin-dravidian-parties-will-disappear-in-tn-2024-annamalai-bjp-coimbatore.jpg

Tamil Nadu will be one of the first states to “inaugurate” the festival of democracy – the Great Indian Elections on 19 April 2024 and with the campaigns heating up by the minute, BJP state president and Coimbatore Lok Sabha candidate Annamalai made bold statements in an interview with Puthiya Thalaimurai channel. Speaking aboard the campaign bus in the RG Pudur area of the Coimbatore Lok Sabha constituency, Annamalai spoke in length about the Dravidian parties in the state and more particularly, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. He asserted that AIADMK would cease to exist after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He emphasised the BJP’s intention to eliminate Dravidian parties from Tamil Nadu’s political landscape if given the opportunity. Criticising AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palanisamy for perceived arrogance, Annamalai also attributed the BJP’s defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu to AIADMK’s corruption.

When asked about how he felt the “battlefield” was, Annamalai replied, “Coimbatore is a different field altogether. What began as a 3-way fight has now changed. People have moved towards the BJP, all neutral voters. Coimbatore will see 60% vote share for the BJP – this is because of the neutral voters shifting towards the BJP.”

When asked about the formidable organisational strength and vote bank possessed by the ADMK and DMK, Annamalai stressed that despite BJP’s smaller footprint, it could boast of a robust foundation, having garnered support from diverse demographics like youth, women, professionals, and first-time voters, unlike our counterparts. He compared it to a small startup challenging a large PSU. Annamalai also stated that he was very optimistic about it and the results would be available for all to see on 4 June 2024. 

Dismissing claims by the Dravidian parties that the BJP’s presence was confined to social media and lacked ground support with insufficient booth agents, Annamalai said that it was common practice for parties worldwide to downplay shortcomings publicly. He also firmly believed that BJP’s growth was undeniable in the state and said he anticipated the BJP to secure over 20% vote share, with the NDA surpassing 30%.

Annamalai also said he anticipated that both the DMK and the ADMK would come together to fight the BJP and that this would be seen especially in Coimbatore. He added that both Dravidian parties recognised that once BJP established itself in the region, it would threaten their survival. Consequently, he also alleged that they were actively attempting to impede the party’s growth wherever they perceived it. He noted that voters who previously supported these parties, particularly women, were now backing the BJP, their affinity for Modi was evident and that his victory was widely expected. He added that even the party cadre from these two parties might defect once the election results are revealed.

When asked if both parties would be decimated in this election, Annamalai replied, “One will surely be decimated in 2024. This is because one party has a strong alliance, so it will not be affected. But we do not know whether the party is strong or their alliance is strong. But if you ask me after 2024, one Dravidian party will disappear. I leave it to the people and I know that people have decided that one party doesn’t need to be in the state. Do we need a party solely to oppose the DMK? That is not an ideology, we do not need a party for that. Tamil Nadu needs a party that offers good governance. Over the past 33 months, you as a journalist know who has peeled the layers of the DMK and placed it before the people – be it corruption charges, other notes we have shared, or demonstrations or protests that we have put forth to the public. If they are talking of anti-DMK, we surely do that.”

When asked about the opposition’s efforts on the ground, Annamalai remarked that rather than effective opposition, the AIADMK mainly resorted to attacking him personally. He noted that in their videos, a significant portion was dedicated to criticising him, without addressing the Prime Minister. Regarding the decision to break the alliance, Annamalai expressed confidence in his actions, citing electoral data from 2014 and 2019. He highlighted that despite being in an alliance in 2019, the BJP and AIADMK garnered fewer votes in comparison to 2014, indicating a lack of effective vote transfer. Annamalai emphasised that the alliance did not resonate with the public, especially when they claimed to stand against corruption. As the TNBJP head, he opted to contest local body elections independently, believing it was the right course of action.

During the interview, Annamalai addressed the perception that the BJP was waiting for an alliance with the AIADMK, clarifying that the AIADMK’s viewpoint was narrow-focused, considering only itself in the state. He highlighted the presence of other parties like PMK and IJK in Tamil Nadu and emphasised the BJP’s fair treatment of all alliance partners, regardless of seat-sharing arrangements. Annamalai underscored the BJP’s commitment to equitable partnerships and its stance against corruption, citing instances of misappropriation of funds allocated for development projects by the AIADMK. He criticised the lack of basic development in Coimbatore, attributing the AIADMK’s success in the 2021 elections to its alliance with the BJP. Annamalai expressed confidence that the AIADMK would face electoral losses due to corruption and caste politics. He predicted victories for OPS in Ramanathapuram and TTV in Theni, suggesting that the AIADMK cadre would shift their support accordingly. Annamalai also challenged the notion that votes were solely for EPS, emphasising the importance of the party symbol in influencing voter decisions.

During the interview, Annamalai addressed the challenge of breaking the AIADMK stronghold in West Tamil Nadu by highlighting historical shifts in political allegiance. He noted that when the Congress lost influence in the region, many supporters migrated to MGR’s AIADMK and subsequently to JJ’s leadership. Annamalai emphasised the importance of distinguishing present leaders from past icons and urged voters to recognise those involved in corruption. He pointed out that the cadre understand the value of aligning with a stronger political party and highlighted the significant defection of around 25 former AIADMK MLAs to the BJP following the announcement of elections. Annamalai emphasised that these were not marginal figures but influential individuals who chose to align with the BJP.

Responding to the observations of the DMK’s approach towards Modi and the AIADMK’s stance on the BJP, Annamalai acknowledged that as an emerging party, his communication style was straightforward and heartfelt, not aimed at appeasement. Annamalai affirmed his unwavering support for Prime Minister Modi, stating that any disparaging remarks about the PM would be met with a firm response from him. He reiterated his dedication to Modi’s leadership and his belief in India’s advancement under it. Annamalai suggested that the AIADMK’s reluctance to criticise the BJP indicated a close relationship akin to relatives.

Annamalai also responded to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK Chief, MK Stalin’s criticism of the BJP’s performance, citing the central government’s allocation of funds to Tamil Nadu as evidence of its contributions. He pointed to a whitepaper on the BJP website supporting this claim. Annamalai contrasted the DMK’s record of opening five government medical colleges during their tenure with the BJP’s achievement of opening 15. He also highlighted other initiatives such as infrastructure development, Mudra loans, and the expansion of airports, etc. Annamalai criticised MK Stalin for his negative outlook, accusing him of ignoring the government’s accomplishments and exaggerating the BJP’s shortcomings. He challenged Stalin to substantiate his claims of fulfilling 99% of his poll promises and accused the DMK of only achieving a fraction of its manifesto pledges. Annamalai condemned Stalin’s resort to divisive tactics, likening it to outdated strategies from the 1960s.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

High Tension In Coimbatore As Dravidianist Thirumurugan Gandhi Creates Ruckus

By
The Commune
-

The Coimbatore constituency is experiencing heightened tension as candidates vigorously vie for attention in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Against this backdrop, a confrontational clash erupted between the BJP and the head separatist May 17 Movement ‘Thirumurugan’ Gandhi, who was advocating for an independent candidate in Coimbatore.

In a sudden turn of events in Coimbatore, the May 17 Movement, led by Thirumurugan Gandhi, emerged to campaign for Dinesh, an independent candidate vying for the Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat. What adds to the surprise is Thirumurugan Gandhi’s recent backing of Thirumavalavan, the chief of the VCK party within the DMK alliance, with a speech delivered on 7 April 2024. However, on 9 April 2024, Gandhi was seen rallying support for independent candidate Dinesh in the Ondiputhur area. This sudden shift has led to speculation about whether the candidates contesting in and around Coimbatore in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections are proxies for candidates aligned with the ruling DMK government.

At that moment, BJP members, under the leadership of BJP state executive member Balaji Uthamaramasamy, engaged in a contentious debate with Thirumurugan Gandhi of the May 17 movement, sparking a confrontation between the two factions. Amidst the chaos, both sides vociferously chanted slogans, the BJP supporters rallied behind “Bharat Matha Ki Jai,” while the May 17 movement countered with racially charged and separatist cries of “Exit! Exit! Northerner, Exit Tamilnadu is for Tamils.” Eventually, the authorities intervened upon receiving information and managed to mediate between the conflicting groups, diffusing the situation.

The atmosphere grew tense in the vicinity when the BJP halted the campaign of the May 17 movement. While the May 17 movement claimed they were conducting their campaign with proper authorization, the BJP asserted that the movement’s pamphlets contained slogans urging people not to vote for the BJP, and insisted that such materials be confiscated. They argued that while criticism in pamphlets is acceptable, advocating against voting for a specific party violates norms. Consequently, a dispute ensued between the police and the May 17 movement, exacerbating the already tense situation in the area.

Given that the uniformed services police officer was unable to intervene in Thirumurugan Gandhi speaking, as it could potentially escalate tensions further, Thirumurugan shamelessly exploited and misrepresented the situation for his own propaganda purposes. Thirumurugan Gandhi inquired, “Is it your job to talk about the electoral alliance?” The police officer responded, “I did not spoke about electoral alliance, When did I spoke?.” Thirumurugan Gandhi persisted, asking, “How can you ask that are you in the alliance then?” Despite repeated questioning, the officer consistently denied any association with Thirumurugan Gandhi’s claims, reiterating, “I did not inquire about your electoral alliance.” Even at that moment, Thirumurugan Gandhi suggested that the police officer had instructed him to take off the t-shirts bearing the logo of the May 17 Movement, but the officer refuted this claim. Thirumurugan Gandhi took advantage of the officer’s inability to speak up against him due to professional constraints, leveraging the situation to his benefit he spoke, “Who do you work for? Who pays you? Does Annamalay pays you? I am asking you whether Annamalai is paying your salary? Or are you getting salary from BJP? Tell me Mr. Kularasan, From whom you get salary and work?”


Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Sun News Peddles Lies, Says Crowd Chanted “Abki Baar Chocobar” Instead Of “Abki Baar 400 Paar”, Deletes Post After Netizens Call Out Lie

By
The Commune
-
abki-baar-chocobar-abki-baar-400-paar-modi-roadshow-tnagar-pondy-bazaar-chennai-sun-news-fake-busted.jpg

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadshow in Chennai on 9 April 2024, the crowd erupted in jubilation, chanting the slogan “Abki Baar Chaar Sow Paar.” However, the DMK’s mouthpiece Sun News channel peddled lies regarding the event. The channel claimed that the crowd chanted “Abki Baar Chocobar” instead of Abki Baar Chaar Sow Paar.

It is pretty clear in the video that the people were chanting Abki Baar 400 Paar and not as Sun News had claimed.

After netizens pointed out the lies, the channel handle silently deleted the video and let DMK supporters spread the fake news.

Earlier, the same handle shared pictures of the roadshow from the afternoon and passed it off as a poor show up of people for Prime Minister Modi’s roadshow. This was also debunked by netizens who attended the roadshow.

Modi was accompanied by Coimbatore LS candidate and TN BJP chief Annamalai and the 3 Chennai constituency candidates – Paul Kanakaraj, Vinoj Selvam, and Tamizhisai Soundararajan.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

“Shameless”: Netizens Slam Kamal Haasan For Campaiginng For DMK’s Dayanidhi Maran Who Once Called Him “BJP’s B-Team”

By
The Commune
-
dayanidhi-maran-dmk-kamal-haasan-mnm-campaign-indi-alliance.jpg

About three years ago, at the India Today Conclave, DMK MP and former Union Minister Dayanidhi Maran, in a conversation with India Today journalist, Shiv Aroor, accused Kamal Haasan who had recently made an entry into politics, the B-team of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He also accused Kamal Haasan of “quickly changing colours”. 

Here is a transcript of the conversation Maran had with Shiv Aroor. 

Shiv Aroor: The other superstar in politics is currently involved in a big slugfest with your leader, Kamal Hassan he’s going to be here shortly at the conclave as well it’s got, it’s kind of deteriorated into a very personal kind of spat between Kamal Haasan and Mr Stalin, which is strange because otherwise he is seen as a friendly face.  

Dayanidhi Maran: No, we wish Kamal Haasan all the very best. But unfortunately, we are sorry. 

Shiv Aroor: You must expand on that point.

Dayanidhi Maran: It explains everything, I’m sorry.

Shiv Aroor: Because he’s been out on the campaign trail right? Now you’re being condescending to the latest entrant into Tamil Nadu politics and you’re saying you’re sorry.

Dayanidhi Maran: I didn’t say anything.

Shiv Aroor: You shook your head and said you’re sorry twice to Kamal Hassan, I’m sure he’s going to be peeved before he arrives.

Dayanidhi Maran: Okay, I’ll say sorry thrice.

Shiv Aroor: But honestly, what kind of role do you think someone like a Kamal Haasan will play in this election?

Dayanidhi Maran: You should ask his boss you should ask Amit Shah or Modi.

Shiv Aroor: You’re saying the BJP is controlling Kamal Haasan also?

Dayanidhi Maran: Yes, yes, you should ask them, you should ask their bosses what will be the future of Kamal Haasan. Ask Modi, he is BJP’s B team. Shamelessly he’s doing the job.

Shiv Aroor: Why do you say that? Explain that. What kind of role does Kamal Haasan play in this, in your view the B team of the BJP?

Dayanidhi Maran: See, unfortunately, see the way he’s been going around with things, it is very evident for the people of Tamil Nadu. see one thing is we have been watching him. see he’s not a superstar like Rajini but he’s been liked by everybody and I have all respects for him as an individual, as a hero. As politics, we all judge him and see how fast he changes colours. He’s been changing colours very fast and this, we know why it happens. Because he’s been getting instructions from top. At one point, he was ready to merge his party with Rajinikanth and you know you yourself know who was trying to bring Rajnikanth to politics. So what do you say about it? What do you gather with it? We are very clear probably people in the north should spend more time in the south, stop coming only once in five years when there’s an election in Tamil Nadu. I’ll also request not only the India Today group but all the other groups; don’t come to Tamil Nadu or don’t try to have two or three contacts, have more contacts with us.

Well, Dayanidhi Maran might have been right about the changing colours point because just recently Kamal Haasan’s party the Makkal Needhi Maiam said it will support the DMK in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. 

The same person who called Kamal Haasan the B-team of BJP was seen with Kamal Haasan at an election campaign. 

Dayanidhi Maran is contesting for the Central Chennai constituency and is up against BJP’s Vinoj Selvam who is said to be a formidable candidate for this seat. Recently Dayanidhi Maran faced resistance and questions from the people of his constituency over unfulfilled promises. 

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

MDMK Chief Vaiko’s Rally In Thanjavur In Support Of DMK Candidate Sees Party Cadre Distributing Money, Violating MCC

By
The Commune
-

The upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections is witnessing widespread practice of distributing money in various forms to individuals attending the speeches of prominent political campaigners. This practice directly violates the model code of conduct put forth by the Election Commission. Despite this prohibition, such occurrences have become common. A recent example took place in Thanjavur on 8 April 2024, following a rally where Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) General Secretary Vaiko lent his support to DMK candidate S Murasoli in the Thanjavur Lok Sabha constituency. After Vaiko’s departure, local party members were observed distributing money to attendees of the rally.

In the viral video, MDMK members were observed expressing their frustration, stating, “We are not a ruling party, we got this money for  interest and are spending it.”

During the rally on Abraham Pandit Road, Vaiko, the General Secretary of MDMK, underscored the significance of the upcoming election as a battle for safeguarding the nation’s democracy. Vaiko praised Chief Minister Stalin’s initiatives, emphasizing Tamil Nadu’s “leadership role” in setting examples for other states. However, he later peddled misinformation similar to DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin regarding the breakfast scheme for school children, that has allegedly gained international recognition, that even the Prime Minister of Canada praised it. Vaiko also spoke about the free bus travel for women and providing free electricity connections to 2.50 lakh farmers to address their grievances.

Vaiko portrayed the upcoming election as “pivotal” for India’s democratic trajectory, urging voters to support DMK candidate Murasoli in the Thanjavur Constituency. Expressing concern over emerging “threats”, he claimed that a recent conference of Hindu Sanatana forces proposing drastic measures like altering the constitution, restricting Muslim voting rights, and declaring Varanasi as the capital. He urged people to acknowledge these dangers and safeguard democracy, likening the election to a second struggle for independence. Vaiko called for collective action, urging each individual to mobilize at least ten voters to support the Rising Sun symbol.

Recently Congress candidates Karti Chidambaram and Manickam Tagore‘s campaign events were also saw cash distribution after the leader left.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Cash Distribution At Virudhunagar Constituency Campaign Event For Congress Candidate Manickam Tagore

By
The Commune
-
virudhunagar-manickam-tagore-congress-cash-for-votes-distribution-dmk.jpg

Accusations regarding the distribution of cash gained attention following the emergence of a video depicting cash being handed out to attendees of the campaign event for Manickam Tagore, the Congress candidate in Virudhunagar. In the video, a woman can be heard expressing dissatisfaction over the small amount of money being offered.

Amidst the enthusiastic gathering, a woman stepped forward to voice her discontent, claiming that attendees were only receiving meager sums of ₹50 or ₹100, reminiscent of the “old days.” She lamented that the candidate had amassed so much wealth that he had several cars but was showing miserliness in handing out money to the women attendants.

“It’s like the old days when they used to give us ₹100,” she remarked, expressing disappointment.

Adding fuel to the fire, another woman present at the event was heard advising her counterpart to conceal the money received, hinting at potential repercussions if the cash distribution came under scrutiny.

A few days ago, Congress candidate and incumbent Sivaganga constituency MP Karti Chidambaram conducted a campaign event in the Manamadurai constituency. Following Karti Chidambaram’s departure, it was reported widely that the DMK panchayat president of Idaikattur distributed money to the women attendees ₹50 each. This action, which took place in violation of election conduct rules, drew attention to the ongoing issue of monetary inducements in the electoral process.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

“Only Those Who Have Worked Before In Life Would Know” Central Chennai BJP Candidate Vinoj P Selvam Hits Back At DMK’s Dayanidhi Maran

By
The Commune
-
xr:d:DAGB-AwsO3Q:3,j:1185996984111541095,t:24041001

Central Chennai BJP candidate Vinoj P Selvam, took a swipe at his opponent, DMK’s Dayanidhi Maran, accusing him of peddling false information and accusations during a recent interview.

In the interview, Dayanidhi Maran is heard boasting, “You want everyone to do their father’s occupation. If your father is a plumber, he should be a plumber. Whereas if I am an upper caste, I will become a doctor or any other thing, is that wrong? Here we want equality.”

Responding to Dayanidhi Maran’s comments, Vinoj P Selvam took to social media platform X to express his disapproval, stating, “Looks like the Chennai heat is getting to Dayanidhi Maran. It is the DMK that wants the downtrodden to remain the same whereas the ruling class of DMK continues to offer plum posts and party tickets to their offspring.” Selvam further emphasized the importance of not discriminating against any job, asserting, “Only those who have worked before in life would know all that.”

The contest for Central Chennai constituency is said to be a very close fight with several people showing their dissatisfaction with the incumbent DMK MP at his election campaigns. Dayanidhi Maran faced opposition from Lock Nagar residents where he was campaigning earlier this month over unfulfilled poll promises.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

“If BJP Comes To Power Again, They Will Ban Goat & Rooster Sacrifice In Rural Temples” Sivanganga Congress Candidate Karti Chidambaram Peddles Fake News

By
The Commune
-

Sivaganga’s parliamentary Congress candidate, Karti Chidambaram, encountered a barrage of inquiries from women as he arrived to gather votes, leaving him unable to offer satisfactory responses. His reaction, standing frozen with a smile, sparked considerable commotion.

During his campaign on 8 April 2024 in the Sakkottai area of the Sivaganga Lok Sabha Constituency, Karti Chidambaram was approached by a group of women, among whom an elderly lady was particularly vocal. Touched by her fervor, Karti approached her with a smiling gesture. The woman, however, promptly rebuked him, stating that she had been a loyal voter of Karunanidhi’s DMK since childhood, and it was his alliance that she was now associated with. She further criticized the Congress, cautioning against their lofty promises of ₹1 lakh per year to the poor, and threw this admonition at Karti before he departed with a smile, assuring he would handle matters.

Subsequently, during his visit to Mithiravayal, Karti stated, “20 years ago in ADMK regime, they banned slaughtering of goats and votive offering of roosters, do you remember? Similarly, if BJP comes to power they will ban slaughtering goats, so if you want to have our rural customs then vote for our hand symbol. Similarly, the chief minister’s assistance comes to ₹1,000 per month, girls get ₹1,000 to go to college, bus (travel) is free, and children get tiffin at school. If you want this project to continue, you should vote for the hand symbol.” Women who had initially welcomed him turned confrontational, demanding accountability for his actions regarding the constituency’s welfare. In response, Karti Chidambaram’s supporters resorted to intimidation tactics against the women raising questions, further fueling tensions.

The shocking revelation was that the parliamentary candidate from Sivagangai, who is also the incumbent Congress MP, appears to believe in the social media misinformation circulating as news cards from reputed news channels like Thanthi TV and Puthiya Thalaimurai TV. Despite the repeated debunking of these news items, a misconception persists that the Tamil Nadu BJP president stated that the slaughter of goats and roosters goes against Sanatana Dharma and that if the BJP gains power, it will be banned.

Critics suggest that rather than resorting to fear-mongering tactics and manipulating the trust of rural communities for votes, Members of Parliament should focus on genuinely representing their accomplishments within the constituency. Additionally, they argue that outlining their plans for the future, if elected, would be a more appropriate approach.

(with inputs from Kumudam)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Dravidian Model: Pregnant Tribal Woman Carried In Makeshift Cradle Through Hilly Region To Reach Hospital, Lack Of Roads Plagues Tribal Communities In Udumalaipet

By
The Commune
-

The lack of roads in a remote hilly area near Udumalaipet has resulted in a distressing situation where a tribal family had to transport a pregnant woman in an improvised cloth cradle through the forest for three kilometers to reach the nearest village. From there, they traveled to a health center in the plains on 8 April 2024.

Reports indicate that the husband and relatives of the eight-month-pregnant woman constructed a cradle attached to bamboo poles to carry her when she began experiencing pain. They traversed through the forest for several hours until they reached the foothills, where they arranged for transportation.

Nagammal, a 22-year-old resident of Kuzhi Patti hamlet, experienced labor pains persisting for two days. On 8 April 2024, her family decided to transport her to either the Udumalaipet GH or PHC in Erisanampatti for medical assistance. However, the nearest village with available transportation was Kurumalai, situated 3.5 kilometers away, yet hindered by muddy roads. To overcome this obstacle, the family devised a plan to reach Thirumoorthy Hill settlement, approximately 15 kilometers away from the PHC in Erisanampatti, where they could arrange transportation. They opted for a forest route, traversing mountain slopes, covering about seven kilometers through Ponnan Amman Solai. In a resourceful effort, they crafted a makeshift cradle using four sarees and large sticks, which relatives carried. Despite the challenging terrain, the men persevered, navigating the rough landscape for over three hours. Eventually, they arrived at the Udumalaipet Government Hospital around 6 pm.

Speaking to The New Indian Express, N Manikandan, the Treasurer of the Tamil Nadu Hill Tribes Association, highlighted the challenges faced by the tribal communities in Udumalaipet taluk. He noted that over 3,000 individuals reside in 15 tribal settlements in the area, yet access to medical facilities is hindered by the lack of proper roads. Specifically, he pointed out the plight of the 170 families in Kuzhi Patti, all belonging to the Malai Pulaiya community.

Murugan, a member of the tribal community, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the absence of road connectivity among the settlements in Udumalaipet. He explained that much of the terrain falls within the Anamalai tiger reserve, making road construction challenging. Furthermore, existing pathways are riddled with rocks and potholes, rendering them impassable for both ambulances and motorcycles.

An official from the Tiruppur district administration revealed that a proposal has been sanctioned by Dhali Town Panchayat to construct a road linking Kurumalai and Thirumoorthy Malai settlements, at a cost of ₹49 lakh. Despite ongoing efforts to level rocks and improve accessibility, many tribes still resort to using mountain routes to reach the primary healthcare center in Erichanampatti. The administration assured that they are closely monitoring the situation.

In this context, the president of the BJP in Tamil Nadu, K Annamalai, has openly criticized and mocked the DMK government led by MK Stalin. He released a statement via his official X handle, stating, “It is shocking to see the video of a pregnant woman being carried to the hospital by tying a dolly with cloth in a hilly village in Udumalaipet area of Tirupur district due to a lack of road facilities. In the year 2000, through the then Prime Minister of India Vajpayee’s Rural Roads Scheme, funds worth thousands of crores were allocated to Tamil Nadu, but the fact that the people in the hilly villages including Tirupur and Vellore still did not have access to road facilities is evidence of the plight of the regimes in Tamil Nadu over the years.

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Stalin, who is only keen on changing the name of the central government projects, stops those projects for a day’s publicity, with a mere notification, and does not execute them. Chief Minister Mr. Stalin should make it clear what kind of model it is to not provide even the basic facilities required for the people?”

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

1...774775776...1,712Page 775 of 1,712
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.
Contact us: thecommune.news@gmail.com
Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube

NATIONAL NEWS

© The Commune 2025. All Rights Reserved.