Home Blog Page 779

Meet Kompella Madhavi Latha: The Fiery Unapologetic Hindu Lady Taking On AIMIM Head Owaisi

The Telugu electorate had seen the first of the unforgettable Madhavi Latha five years ago, but certainly not the last of her! Kompella Madhavi Latha first contested as a BJP candidate from the Guntur constituency in Andhra Pradesh back in 2019. She lost the election but her party, the BJP, took note of her for her RSS roots, her social activism and social service, her passionate speeches in both Telugu and English and her optimistic, cheerful, indomitable spirit.

In 2024, The BJP stands a higher chance of a significantly higher vote share on its own standing, in Telangana than it does in Andhra, where it is in partnership with the TDP-JSP, relying on its alliance parties to raise its A.P tally. Given the negotiations for seat sharing among the three NDA parties in Andhra and wisely accepting the reality of lower chances in A.P relative to Telangana, the BJP has chosen to field the charismatic Kompella Madhavi Latha from Hyderabad, Telangana for the 2024 national elections.

There was a palpable, clearly visible excitement in the air, with the announcement of Madhavi’s candidature in the Hyderabad constituency (old city) pitted against none other than, the leader of the muslim AIMIM party, Asaduddin Owaisi. The BJP’s choice for this tough constituency against a seasoned, veteran, minority-political heavyweight, has piqued the curiosity of both the media and common people. Kompella Madhavi Latha is well spoken, articulate, not afraid to tell it like it is and ready to take on a formidable opponent regardless of the outcome! She is reminiscent of Smriti Irani in her early years of political involvement.

For the BJP, a proudly-Hindu woman candidate, K Madhavi Latha’s endorsement in an electoral constituency, dominated by the muslim minority and the AIMIM party leaders since 1984 is an interesting move aimed at the future, with a bit of disruptive, out-of-the-box thinking. It is a bold strategy, hoping to gain favour with minority women voters, who can appreciate the social activism and social work done by a fellow woman, with a reputation for sincere intent, honesty and integrity.

What’s more – Madhavi Latha has a proven track record of advocating for women’s and children’s causes including muslim women’s issues such as the now-outlawed Triple Talaq and educational opportunities for girls. The BJP’s decision to field a Hindu female candidate against a muslim male, chief of the AIMIM party and four-time Hyderabad MP (Member of Parliament) is a deliberate one, aimed at breaking stereotypes. This strategy is a current chess move that carries a near-future goal. In the short term, how will Madhavi Latha do and for the longer term, can she help the BJP make inroads into a bastion of Hyderabadi muslims? The BJP’s master plan appears to be one of investing in short term efforts in furthering their long term goals, with the help of a woman known for her charitable works.

In recent interviews to Telugu channels, Madhavi Latha encouraged all women to exercise their franchise and cast their votes fearlessly, including muslim women. She mentioned that many muslim women are misled by muslim men, into believing that their voting choices would become public knowledge, which makes them hesitant of voting for a person of their choice. Many of them are afraid of the consequences of voting for a candidate, opposed by the men of the community. Madhavi Latha went on record, requesting all women, including muslim women to vote for the right candidate, assuring them of the strict privacy of the voting process. She requested Hindu women to help their muslim sisters make the right choice.

Madhavi Latha has also committed to bringing about the necessary clarity to the BJP’s proposed CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) among muslim men and women who are currently being fed false propaganda against the Act by many muslim leaders, barring a few. She spoke about several years of voter-id tampering in the Hyderabad old city constituency, alleging that a significant number of Hindu votes were negated. She has requested the EC (Election Commission) to look into the issue. Madhavi has promised better education, hygiene, transportation services, health care, development and equal opportunities for all, in the Hyderabad old city constituency…stating that this constituency has not made much progress relative to other parts of Hyderabad and Secunderabad cities, in spite of electing the Owaisi family to power, since the 1980s.

Who is this firebrand Telugu lady with excellent oratory skills in Telugu, Hindi and English? Who is this lady that has aroused the curiosity of the media and the common people alike in the Telugu speaking states as well as the national BJP circles?

She is a stauch advocate of women’s and children’s rights, who has earned the trust of hundreds of Hindu and Muslim women. K Madhavi Latha’s personal, educational, professional, social, charitable and religious accomplishments are impressive enough for most people to take note.

Social, Religious, Charitable:

– Madhavi Latha was an NCC cadet with an RSS background.
– She first gained recognition for her social activism and social work:
1) Worked with muslim women’s groups in Hyderabad ahead of the Triple Talak verdict in 2019.
2) She is an advocate and active sponsor of girls’ education across the religious divide.
3) She is recognized and appreciated for organizing health camps for the needy and for her efforts in aiding flood victims.
4) She established the Lopamudra charitable trust, which provides free eye care services to needy women, pregnant women.
5) Also runs the LathaMa Charitable Foundation with the aim of improving the lives of the underprivileged (especially women), regardless of caste, creed and religion.
6) Madhavi Latha set up a fund for destitute Muslim women.
7) She was associated with organisations like Forum for Awareness of National Security and Samskruthi Telangana State.
8) She is known to offer her time, advice and guidance to many women, free of cost, in matters of education and health.
9) She supports various Hindu dharmic causes including issues of temple maintenance and relocation.
10) She also runs a gaushala (cow shelter) and gives regular talks on Hindutva and Indian culture in schools and colleges.
11) Founder and trustee of Viswanadha Foundation, another charitable trust for the underprivileged.

Personal:

– Madhavi Latha does not hail from a political family and can be called a passionate, political novice.
– Born and raised in a middle class family in Hyderabad’s old city, she is familiar with both Hindu and Muslim culture and way of life.
– Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Nizam College.
– Master’s degree in Political Science from Koti Women’s College, Osmania University. and a Master’s degree in Fashion Design from Coventry university.
– Madhavi Latha is the chairperson of Hyderabad based Virinchi Hospitals, along with her husband, Kompella Vishwanath.
– She was also involved with her husband’s software firm for a few years before their healthcare/ hospital venture.
– The mother of three, is noted for her decision to home school all her children, becoming all the more prominent, when the two older children were admitted to the BTech program in IIT Chennai while the youngest appears to be an equally promising eleventh grade school student.
– Her children’s homeschooling included cultural and spiritual aspects of a traditional education including the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Panchatantra.
– She is an ex teacher and when her children no longer require her, she hopes to continue teaching with the goal of helping under privileged children.
– She is also an accomplished bharatanatyam dancer with many performances to her credit.
– She is known to speak freely and openly about Hindu Dharma and Bharatiya Sanskriti (culture) with many of her talks and interviews going viral.
– She is an admirer of PM Modi’s vision for India, his dedication to the country and his hard work in laying the foundations for a strong, confident, culturally proud nation.
– Madhavi has often stated that her charitable work was inspired by Mr. Modi’s ideas and selfless service to the nation.

Wishing the BJP’s well accomplished, Kompella Madhavi Latha, the very best! A bold, well educated lady of many talents: a bharatanatyam dancer, a business woman, an educator, a social activist and a politician ready to take on a challenge. Fun fact: her children’s names are Lopamudra, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Modini. Unique names that are a testament to their parent’s respect and reverence for Indian culture and Hindu spiritualism.

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

“DMK’s Claim Of Being Protector Of Minorities Is A Hoax”, Says Rev. Fr. Kithiyon Chellamuthu Of Tamil Desiya Christian Iyyakam

xr:d:DAGBjnDMUcI:6,j:735636562327083868,t:24040514

In a recent interview, Rev. Fr. Kithiyon Chellamuthu, the state coordinator of Tamil Deshiya Christian Iyyakam, expressed profound disappointment over the silence of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party regarding an incident that unfolded at Kodambakkam Church. The incident, which occurred on the night of 30 March 2024, just hours before Easter, has stirred controversy and raised questions.

According to Rev. Fr. Chellamuthu, during a routine worship session at Fathima Nagar Church, government officials, including the static officer responsible for election affairs, abruptly interrupted the proceedings. Allegedly, without any prior notice or order, the officer demanded the cessation of the ritual and questioned the legality of the worship. This action, which occurred within the confines of the church, where such rituals had been conducted for the past 50 years, shocked the worshippers and sparked a confrontation between church representatives and the official.

LCU Fernandez, a prominent figure present at the scene, challenged the officer, questioning the legality and motive behind the interruption. However, what adds to the concern is the purported intervention of a DMK official in the crowd, who urged Fernandez not to escalate the matter and assured that Chief Minister Stalin would address the issue satisfactorily.

Rev. Fr. Chellamuthu raised pertinent questions about DMK’s commitment to protecting the rights of Christians, especially given their conspicuous silence on the incident. He said, “That any political party purporting to be a guardian of minority interests is merely deceptive. Those parties professing such a stance have failed to acknowledge or address this issue in any manner.”

He also criticized the party for not fielding a single Christian candidate among its 21 candidates for election and accused them of exploiting minority sentiments for political gains. He said, “They oppose Annamalai, but why the party DMK hasn’t nominated a candidate from their own ranks but instead opted for one from their alliance, notably from the same caste as Annamalai, which could exacerbate caste tensions.”

Furthermore, Rev. Fr. Chellamuthu highlighted historical grievances, citing instances where the Congress government, of which DMK is an ally, allegedly curtailed financial support to Christian institutions. He said, “During the Congress era, financial support to Christian institutions was terminated under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) due to protests by certain churches against the Kudankulam Atomic Energy Unit.”

He said, “DMK is deemed responsible for instigating all societal vices. Whenever Christian religious institutions acquiesce to governmental interference, ordinary individuals ultimately suffer dire consequences, such as the tragic case of Xavier Kumar, who was murdered by a group of 13 individuals, reportedly including a DMK functionary, in Kanyakumari.

He claimed, “The adverse events are not solely a result of actions by church administrations or the DMK, but rather stem from compromises between the DMK and the churches.”

Rev. Fr. Kithiyon Chellamuthu emphasized that even the entire lineage of the Karunanidhi family cannot rescue the churches from these challenges. Furthermore, he alleged that influential figures within churches seek assistance from the DMK and other political parties to conceal mistakes within their institutions.

Rev. Fr. Kithiyon Chellamuthu urged Christian religious institutions to maintain their independence from political affiliations. He showed an event scheduled for 7 April 2024 held by a pastor named Dr. George Anthonysamy. The event implicitly hints at Christians to vote for the INDI Alliance. He warned against aligning with any party and emphasized the importance of safeguarding the integrity and autonomy of religious institutions, regardless of political pressures.

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

 

Nyay Patra Or A-Nyay Patra? Congress’ Manifesto Leaves People With More Questions Than Answers

congress-manifesto-panch-nyay-nyay-patra-kharge-rahul-gandhi-sonia-elections-2024-lok-sabha.jpg

With Lok Sabha elections just around the corner, the Congress party has unveiled its manifesto, focusing on what it has termed the “five pillars of justice.” Released on 5 April 2024, the manifesto emphasizes issues such as cash transfers for women, employment opportunities, and a caste census.

We observed a few things as we read through the manifesto. Here’s our list of observations:

Hindi Imposition

The manifesto itself is called Nyay Patra! The 5 “pillars of justice” are also named in Hindi. Titled ‘Paanch Nyay,’ the manifesto outlines five pillars of justice, including ‘Yuva Nyay,’ ‘Naari Nyay,’ ‘Kisaan Nyay,’ ‘Shramik Nyay,’ and ‘Hissedari Nyay.’ – all in Hindi.

This is the case even though a large chunk of the party’s voters reside in non-Hindi-speaking states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Their alliance party member, the DMK, known for crying at the drop of the hat for any of BJP’s schemes which may be in Hindi as “Hindi imposition”, has not uttered a single word against this blatant Hindi imposition by the Congress. 

Uses Images From Other Countries To Denote India

The manifesto uses New York’s Buffalo River picture to show a “dirty” river in India

Even Thailand’s images can be seen as a part of the manifesto to show “lush green” fields!

Hypocrisy Over Democracy

Congress claims to champion democracy in India while simultaneously pledging in its manifesto to remove the elected government of Manipur. This raises questions about the party’s commitment to constitutional principles.

Legalising LGBTQIA+ Marriages

Back in June 2023, the Congress’ X handle shared a post showing support for the “Pride Month” that year. This year, in its election manifesto, it brings back that woke agenda to legalise same-sex marriages.

Weakening The Armed Forces

Here are a few indications as to how Congress will weaken the Armed forces if it comes to power. 

Abolition of the Agnipath Scheme

The Congress has consistently opposed the Agnipath scheme, introduced in 2022, which aims to recruit soldiers on short service contracts. Despite arguments from experts about the potential benefits of keeping the army younger and reducing military pension burdens, the party advocates for canceling Agnipath and reverting to the previous system of long-service recruitment, citing concerns about the scheme weakening the army and depriving Indian youth of employment opportunities.

Defence Reforms

The Congress pledges to unveil a National Security Strategy and intends to overturn the reduction in defense expenditures witnessed during the Modi government’s tenure. Currently, India’s defence allocation for the financial year stands at less than 2% of GDP and approximately 13% of the budget, providing context for the proposed policy shift.

On China

The Congress condemns the Modi government for absolving China of responsibility for the border crisis that began in 2020, asserting that Chinese troops have encroached upon Indian territory. The party pledges to reinstate the status quo along the border and uphold the patrolling rights of Indian soldiers.

Other Promises

The Congress promises to implement a new operational directive for India’s military, focusing on readiness for a two-front war. They also aim to bring the National Security Advisor under parliamentary oversight. Furthermore, they propose the creation of a National Economic Security Board to safeguard vital supply chains. The Congress pledges to increase the involvement of women in both combat and non-combat roles within the military.

Taking The Country Back To Stone Age With Ballot Papers

Congress has promised to make amendments to election laws to integrate the efficiency of electronic voting machines (EVMs) with the transparency of ballot papers. Their proposal includes the fact that voters will cast their votes using EVMs while also having the option to insert the machine-generated voting slip into the voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) unit. The electronic vote count will then be cross-verified against the tally of VVPAT slips. 

This will only allow booth capturing to take place freely and the entire election process to go backward and more cumbersome for the voters and the officials. 

Rahul Gandhi’s grandmother and former PM of India, Indira Gandhi is seen in pictures from 1980 observing the demonstration of EVMs.

Sharia-Compliant Manifesto?

The manifesto states that it will increase scholarships for Muslim students and reinstate the Maulana Azad Scholarships for studying abroad. Additionally, they indicated a willingness to repeal the Triple Talaq Act and support the freedom of choice regarding religious clothing and personal laws for minorities. These proposals align closely with the positions advocated by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, highlighting a convergence of interests between the two entities.

The Congress party has made several promises in its manifesto regarding judicial appointments and the autonomy of various commissions. They pledged to appoint more judges from SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities to the High Courts and Supreme Court. Additionally, they assured to “strengthen” the autonomy of commissions for SC, ST, minorities, and OBC. Furthermore, the manifesto includes a commitment to provide collateral-free education loans up to ₹7.5 lakhs, particularly for students belonging to SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and minority communities.

Promoting Love Jihad & Beef-Eating

In its manifesto, Congress subtly legitimises both beef consumption and the concept of “love jihad,” which has sparked widespread debate. 

The promise reads, “We promise not to interfere with personal choices of food and dress, to love and marry, and to travel and reside in any part of India. All laws and rules that interfere unreasonably with personal freedoms will be repealed.”

While this promise may appear innocuous at first glance, they indirectly endorse practices that have only created a menace. Despite attempts by Congress leaders to downplay the issue of love jihad, numerous cases continue to surface regularly, prompting concerns from various quarters.

To Implement Communal Violence Bill?

The Congress party’s manifesto states a proposal to implement stringent measures against hate crimes and communal conflicts, citing an increase in crimes against women, SC, ST, and minorities according to NCRB data. This is straight out of the draconian Communal Violence Bill that they tried to pass in Parliament. They have also pledged to oppose extra-judicial actions like mob lynching and police encounter killings, aiming to put an end to such practices and punish perpetrators within the bounds of the law.

Investigative Agencies To Be Under Parliament Purview?

Included in the Congress manifesto is a concerning proposal to subject police, investigative, and intelligence agencies to parliamentary oversight. This move has raised alarms as it could potentially compromise the independence of these agencies, making them vulnerable to interference from lawmakers and undermining their ability to operate impartially.

It’s important to note that similar efforts were made during the UPA II regime. In 2012, a draft legislation was introduced in parliament aiming to establish these agencies as statutory bodies accountable to a committee under the prime minister’s authority. The proposed legislation aimed to subject agencies such as the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), and National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) to parliamentary oversight.

Foreign Policy

The manifesto’s proposal on foreign policy is slightly dizzying to read but here is a deconstruct of the points elucidated. 

  • First, they want to restore the Nehruvian consensus. This so-called Nehruvian approach cost India a very large part of its land – PoK, Aksai Chin, Coco Island, etc, a seat at the UNSC, taking the Kashmir issue to the UN, etc.
  • Stating that the Modi government’s foreign policy on Gaza is a departure from this approach is a lie. India’s stand on Gaza is still the same. However, under Modi, India condemned Hamas terrorism, does the Congress intend to undo this? 
  • The manifesto also states that it will engage with Pakistan. It also states that Modi ruined India’s image. Had it been so, would it have been possible to pause a war to allow our students to pass during the Russia-Ukraine conflict? 
  • On China, the manifesto states, “We will take the necessary steps to adjust our policy towards China until this is achieved.”  
  • Point 8 says Congress will “adjust” policy with China. The Modi government has spent a lot of time in setting right the wrong policies that were initiated by the UPA government and in building border infrastructure. Imports from China made local products and businesses perish but the same are seeing better days now. 
  • The next point says – “We will repair relations with the Maldives and work with Myanmar to protect the political and human rights of the people of Myanmar.” One wonders if it refers to the Rohingyas in Myanmar. 

The Caste Census

The Caste census is a way to divide the country on caste lines and will take the country back by decades.

Hypocrisy On Farm Laws

The Congress once criticized the farm laws, advocating for better provisions for farmers, yet their new manifesto proposes giving farmers the option to sell their produce anywhere to anyone. 

Other Problematic Points In Manifesto Include:

  • Bringing back the Planning commission
  • Waiving off student loans
  • Paying 1 lakh to all women 

  • Allowing “minorities” to live according to their laws (Read Muslim law)
  • Managing territorial disputes (read more like not caring about frontier territories)
  • Detailed “investigation” of Electoral Bond scheme 
  • Reopening defence-related “scams” like Rafale 

There is nothing for Hindus in the manifesto, but this is one manifesto that entirely appeases minorities.

Overall, this is a manifesto that will undo all the progress that has been achieved in the past decade. Voters need to discern which government will give them progress and which one will make the country go bankrupt. 

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

Kerala: Muslim Students Federation & SFI Members Threaten & Abuse Ponnani BJP Candidate Nivedida Subramanian From Entering KMCT Law College

ponnani-kuttipuram-malappuram-law-college-nivedida-subramanian-sfi-activists-bjp-muslim-league.jpg

In a recent incident at KMCT law college campus in Kuttippuram, Malappuram, Kerala BJP candidate Nivedida Subramanian was barred from entering by members of of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and Muslim Students Federation (MSF). The incident occurred during Nivedida’s campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. 

According to reports, Subramanian was interacting with students on one side of the campus when she attempted to move to the other and was obstructed by SFI and MSF students who staged a protest. Despite her attempts to reason with them, she was unable to proceed and eventually left at the request of campus authorities.

The incident, captured in a viral video on social media, depicts SFI and MSF members clad in white clothing, outnumbering her. The presence of some demonstrators in burqas has also been noted, prompting criticism from netizens for what they perceive as an act of intimidation.

In response to the incident, Nivedida took to social media platform X to denounce it, asserting her party’s resilience. She wrote, “Don’t need threats and nothing, this party is different… “

The BJP has alleged a larger conspiracy behind the incident, citing a similar occurrence in Kollam where SFI students blocked NDA candidate G Krishnakumar. Despite these protests, Krishnakumar was able to address the audience.

The incident has reignited debates surrounding the activities of SFI and MSF, with the former being accused of fostering a climate of intimidation and violence, particularly in West Bengal and Kerala. MSF, as the student wing of IUML, a political organization associated with the Congress in Kerala, has also faced scrutiny.

Nivedida Subramanian entered her first electoral contest at the age of 45 in 2016 in Guruvayur. She is BJP’s candidate for Ponnani, a Muslim League stronghold, and aims to make BJP’s presence felt in Kerala. State President of BJP’s Mahila Morcha, she gained visibility for organising PM Modi’s Sthree Shakti meet in Thrissur and was also seen standing next to Modi during the Thrissur road show. Subramanian’s political journey began at age three, when she accompanied her mother, Radha Balakrishnan, and was jailed during the Emergency. Her mother served as the state president of Mahila Morcha. 

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

Following Social Media Outcry, Pathway Leading To Church With Tiles Having Hindu Symbols Removed

holy-trinity-daiva-mandir-church-chemidthi-village-gudur-nellore-andhra-pradesh-tiles-om-swastik.jpg

A video recently emerged from Andhra Pradesh, revealing a contentious sight at the pathway leading to the Holy Trinity Daiva Mandiram in Chemidthi Village, Gudur Mandal, Nellore. This church, reportedly managed by Smt. Dr. Srilakshmi, featured tiles adorned with sacred Hindu symbols like Om and Swastika.

The presence of these symbols has sparked widespread controversy, especially given the apparent Hindu association of the individual managing the institution. This occurrence raises questions about whether the inclusion of these symbols was deliberate or a result of oversight.

Debates have ensued, with some suggesting intentional placement while others argue it might be due to ignorance. The issue has garnered attention from various quarters, prompting activists to request an investigation by the Andhra Pradesh Police.

The placement of Hindu symbols at the entrance of a church has stirred public concern, evoking historical parallels to the desecration of temples by Islamic invaders in the past.

Subsequently, following an outcry on social media, action has been taken. Pressure from Hindu organizations and social media has compelled the church to remove the pathway adorned with Hindu symbols.

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

Permission Denied For ‘Professionals In Politics’ Event Featuring TN BJP Head Annamalai Citing ‘Law & Order Concerns’

The highly anticipated event, “Professionals In Politics,” scheduled to take place in Coimbatore on 6 April 2024, is facing unexpected challenges as the organizers encounter obstacles in obtaining permission from authorities.

The Singhanallur Assembly Constituency Assistant Returning Officer denied permission for the “Professional in Politics” programme, citing concerns of potential law and order issues during the ongoing Parliamentary Elections. The decision followed objections raised by the Singhanallur Sub-Inspector of Police, referencing a previous political program that led to tension.

Despite the request from SMaRT Media platform and The Nationalist Madarasi who are co-presenting the event, the event scheduled for this weekend at Srisai Vivaha Mahal, Coimbatore, was rejected. The denial was communicated by the Assistant Returning Officer, with copies sent to relevant authorities for information.

The event, aimed at discussing the role of professionals in shaping politics, boasts an impressive lineup of speakers from diverse backgrounds, including BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai, renowned journalist Rangaraj Pandey, and literary figure Badri Seshadri.
Annamalai’s transition from law enforcement to politics has drawn attention, making him a fitting keynote speaker for the occasion. Joined by other distinguished speakers such as biotechnologist Murali and chess coach RB Ramesh, the event promises to provide valuable insights into the intersection of various professions with the political landscape.

Despite the enthusiasm and interest generated with over 600 registrations, the organizers are facing last-minute hurdles. The venue owner has been subjected to pressure and harassment as the authorities demand to categorize the event expenses as part of Annamalai’s political campaign expenditure.

This unexpected turn of events has left the organizers in a difficult position, with organisers spending the entire day at the commissioner’s office, enduring abuse and harassment. With hopes of attracting over 1000 participants, the organizers remain committed to providing an engaging platform for dialogue on the vital role of professionals in driving positive societal change through political engagement.

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

Savukku Shankar Says That Seeman Is Christian

seeman-christian-sebastian-simon-ntk-savukku-shankar-youtube.jpg

There is a debate raging on social media regarding the religious affiliation of Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief coordinator, Seeman. This controversy emerged from a recent show where the controversial political commentator Savukku Shankar discussed NTK’s performance in preparation for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The discussion quickly went viral, reigniting the longstanding dispute between online users and supporters of NTK.

Political commentator Savukku Shankar on his YouTube channel Savukku Media, in a conversation with hosts Abdul Muthaleef and Lenin, Savukku Shankar discussed things that revolved around Seeman who initially claimed to be a Marxist and atheist but later began praising Periyar and later identified himself with the Hindu Tamil community. Shankar expresses skepticism about this sudden change, pointing out Seeman’s previous attempts to conceal his religion. He also mentions Seeman’s past arrest during the DMK period and their involvement in legal proceedings as proof. Overall, the discussion highlights concerns about the Seeman shifting identity and potential exploitation of religious affiliations for personal gain. Here is a transcript of the conversation where they discuss Seeman.

Muthaleef: What is the problem here is, he had said in the beginning that he believed in Marxism and does not believe in God.
Shankar: Yes, how much has he spoken on the stage praising Periyar?
Muthaleef: He spoke, but hasn’t he proved that he has no faith in God? But now he suddenly (one day) wakes up and says I’m Tamil.
Shankar:  First, he tried to hide his religion, his on-record name is Simon, how am I so sure you ask? Remember he was arrested and jailed during the DMK rule in 2006? Do you remember they filed a case under Goondas Act? He was in Vellore prison, right? I and Pugazhendi filed a Habeas Corpus.

Shankar continued, “As we were analysing the case, I became aware of his religious background, he is a Christian. However, he’s now attempting to alter his identity by professing devotion to Murugan and such. Regardless of his religious affiliation, he’s exploiting it to his advantage, which is problematic.”

Is Seeman’s Alleged Christian Affiliation True?

It appears to be factually accurate based on Seeman’s past activities and the news reports confirming that he is Christian, and his name is Sebastian Seeman, not simply Seeman. The Hindu reported on two occasions: in 2009, Canadian immigration officials arrested and deported Tamil film director Sebastian Seeman for allegedly delivering inflammatory speeches coinciding with the birth anniversary of the LTTE chief, Velupillai Prabakaran. Another report elaborated on Sebastian Seeman’s path from advocating for Tamil Eezham to his involvement in current political party structures. In both articles, he is referred to as Sebastian Seeman, and it’s noteworthy that the name Sebastian is typically associated with Christians, as it originated from Saint Sebastian, a third-century pastor.

During an episode of the “Nerukku Ner” show on Sathyam TV, hosted by Mukthar Ahmed, Kalanjiyam, a director and the chief of Tamilar Nalan Periyakkam organization, who has a close association with Seeman and has actively participated in numerous election campaigns supporting Seeman, was invited as a guest. When questioned by the host Mukthar about Seeman and his family’s religious affiliation, Kalanjiyam confirmed that they are Christians, citing the family members’ names: James (brother), Sebastian (father), Annamal (mother), and highlighted that the entire family follows the Christian faith.

It is also mentioned on Wikipedia that Seeman’s brother is James Peter.

Seeman also faced allegations of selectively criticizing Sakthi Masala products for not printing in Tamil on their packaging while overlooking other brands like Aachi masala, allegedly due to Sakthi Masala being Hindu-owned and Aachi masala being Christian-owned, with Seeman himself being Christian. In the past, social media witnessed a stir when members of the Naam Tamilar Katchi and its IT wing advocated for a boycott of Sakthi Masala. The reason behind this call was the placement of Tamil text beneath English and Hindi on the masala packets. This move garnered attention due to suspicions that it was not merely a fringe activity of the party, but rather, it was perceived to serve an underlying agenda aimed at supporting Aachi Masala, Sakthi’s competitor. It’s being suggested that Aachi Masala has a history of endorsing individuals with anti-Hindu sentiments.

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

“It’s Been 4 Yrs Since You Came, What Have You Done For Us?” DMK MLA Prabhakaran Faces Severe Backlash From V.Kalathur Village Youth In Perambalur During A Campaign For DMK’s Arun Nehru

The Perambalur constituency is presently immersed in a fervent and spirited campaign, as candidates Parivendar of the BJP, Chandramohan of the ADMK, and Arun Nehru of the DMK vigorously compete for votes to secure a seat in the Lok Sabha as the Member of Parliament. However, a significant event has caused a stir on social media as the villagers chased away the DMK MLA who was attempting to gather votes in support of Arun Nehru, the DMK candidate.

A video depicting DMK MLA and alliance party members visiting fever-afflicted individuals near Perambalur has surfaced, showcasing a confrontational encounter with locals. The MLA, alongside DMK cadres, ventured to Rayappa Nagar, V Kalathur Village, Vepanthatta Circle, Perambalur District, aiming to console victims and bereaved families affected by the mysterious fever outbreak. However, they were met with a barrage of criticism and sarcastic remarks from the public, captured in the viral video circulating on social media.

The residents’ intense anger stems from recent events in Rayappa Nagar. In March 2024, two deaths occurred in the area due to a mysterious fever. Despite assurances from District Collector K Karpagam that there was no dengue outbreak, concerns remained. Further investigations revealed that sewage had mixed with the drinking water supply, originating from a borewell in the locality. Despite this, there was no immediate response from authorities. When the DMK cadres, led by MLA Prabhakaran, visited the victims’ houses, attempting to portray sympathy, their actions were seen as insincere by residents and youth, leading to resentment and the eventual expulsion of DMK party members from the area.

The enraged young individuals interrogated the members of the DMK party, “Only last time, he (MLA) came to ask for votes in the election, if he had come when the victims died, then this problem (protest) would not have happened, what have you done for us?” 

Okay, he was busy, where did the others go? You came to the town only to ask for votes, it has been four years since you came, and what did you do? Will you come only after our death? If this was your son, would you be idle? Won’t you ask then?”

With parliamentary elections looming, the widespread circulation of viral videos depicting severe criticism faced by DMK MPs and MLAs has emerged as a headache for the DMK and its affiliated parties. Notably, during a recent campaign Perambalur DMK MLA Prabhakaran campaigning for Arun Nehru faced a barrage of questions from the gathered crowd asking what he did for the people of the constituency; disheartened by the reception, abruptly ended his campaign and left the locality.

This follows the pattern of the public openly showing their emotions over their increasing dissatisfaction with the ruling DMK. In the past week, several such incidents occurred in Chennai:

  • South Chennai DMK MP Tamizhachi Thangapandian was turned away by the residents of Mylapore over unfulfilled promises and her long absence. 
  • Central Chennai DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran faced hard questions from his constituents over unfulfilled promises.
  • North Chennai DMK MP Kalanidhi Veerasamy also faced similar treatment by the public especially over his absence after the devastating floods following Cyclone Michaung.
  • DMK MLA VG Rajendran, an assembly member, who was campaigning for Congress candidate Sasikanth Senthil in Tiruvallur faced a barrage of questions and opposition from the people. 
  • DMK candidate Thanga Tamil Selvan‘s campaign in Theni was interrupted by a youth to voice concerns about the lack of road facilities in his area for over two decades. 
  • Karur Congress MP Jothimani also faced tough questions from constituents during her campaign in Kodankipatti Adi Dravidar residential area.
  • Minister Anitha Radhakrishnan campaigned for Congress candidate C Robert Bruce in Tirunelveli Lok Sabha Constituency, local residents in Mukkudal town questioned the minister on Mahalir Urimi and water supply shortages, prompting his hasty retreat in his car.
  • P Chidambaram, campaigning for his son Karthi Chidambaram in Sivagangai, faced discontent from women voters over issues like a TASMAC shop’s presence, they demanded accountability, warning against seeking votes without addressing concerns, while Karthi’s absence added to discontent. This made Chidambaram hastily leave the scene midway.
  • Madurantakam campaign Udhayanidhi Stalin faced criticism from women voters over shutting down TASMAC liquor stores, which challenged DMK’s commitments. He deflected responsibilities onto the former government, sidestepping direct commitments to shut down all TASMAC shops.
  • Perambalur DMK MLA Prabhakaran campaigning for Arun Nehru, son of Minister KN Nehru, faced a barrage of questions from the gathered crowd asking what he did for the people of the constituency; disheartened by the reception, abruptly ended his campaign and left the locality.
  • Perambalur Campaign for DMK MP Kathir Anand faced harsh questioning from a resident about unfulfilled promises, prompting an altercation. The DMK MLA Prabhakaran responded disrespectfully, leading to further criticism, culminating in both officials abruptly leaving the scene.

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

“Where Did You Go After Making Promises 5 Years Ago”? Constituents Demand Answers From DMK MP Kathir Anand At Kandaneri Village, Vellore During His Campaign

The DMK appeared to have made a mistake by clinging to their old belief that simply relying on their party symbol would secure votes, even without actively engaging in fieldwork. However, the political landscape in Tamil Nadu has shifted significantly, with the electorate now favoring candidates and parties that offer tangible promises of development. This shift is evident across all constituencies and is truly remarkable to witness ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha election in 2024.

Just like the humorous analogy from a Vadivelu comedy, ‘There is a minefield everywhere you step’ the situation for the incumbent DMK MPs seeking re-election in their constituencies feels similarly precarious. Each time they approach voters for support in the upcoming elections, they are met with a barrage of probing questions regarding unfulfilled promises from their previous campaigns. This scrutiny is causing many MPs to literally scoot, realizing the challenge they face in convincing constituents amidst their unresolved commitments.

This time, it was incumbent DMK MP Kathir Anand who encountered significant criticism when he accompanied DMK Anicut MLA AP Nanda Kumar, on stage. Together, they were highlighting DMK’s accomplishments and soliciting support for re-election in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the Kandaneri village within the Vellore constituency. Suddenly, an angered resident posed tough questions to the DMK MP who was canvassing for votes.

A disgruntled constituent loudly challenged MP Kathir Anand, questioning, “Sir stop, sir stop, what promise did you make five years ago, and then where did you go?”, The MLA responded disrespectfully and in a condescending manner. Meanwhile, another observer, standing on a terrace, supported the disgruntled constituent, cautioning the MLA against using a disrespectful tone. In response, the MLA invited the observer to come down and confront the situation directly. As is customary, given the unfavorable circumstances, both the DMK MP and MLA fled the scene.

Previously during a rally in Vellore, Kathir Anand made remarks about women’s appearance, implying that their glowing faces were due to the use of fairness cream and powder. He also questioned if they had already received ₹1,000, possibly alluding to the state’s financial assistance scheme for homemakers. Anand’s comments have stirred controversy and received widespread criticism. Women across the state expressed feeling insulted by his derogatory remarks, stating that many hadn’t even received the promised money.

This follows the pattern of the public openly showing their emotions over their increasing dissatisfaction with the ruling DMK. In the past week, several such incidents occurred in Chennai:

  • South Chennai DMK MP Tamizhachi Thangapandian was turned away by the residents of Mylapore over unfulfilled promises and her long absence. 
  • Central Chennai DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran faced hard questions from his constituents over unfulfilled promises.
  • North Chennai DMK MP Kalanidhi Veerasamy also faced similar treatment by the public especially over his absence after the devastating floods following Cyclone Michaung.
  • DMK MLA VG Rajendran, an assembly member, who was campaigning for Congress candidate Sasikanth Senthil in Tiruvallur faced a barrage of questions and opposition from the people. 
  • DMK candidate Thanga Tamil Selvan‘s campaign in Theni was interrupted by a youth to voice concerns about the lack of road facilities in his area for over two decades. 
  • Karur Congress MP Jothimani also faced tough questions from constituents during her campaign in Kodankipatti Adi Dravidar residential area.
  • Minister Anitha Radhakrishnan campaigned for Congress candidate C Robert Bruce in Tirunelveli Lok Sabha Constituency, local residents in Mukkudal town questioned the minister on Mahalir Urimi and water supply shortages, prompting his hasty retreat in his car.
  • P Chidambaram, campaigning for his son Karthi Chidambaram in Sivagangai, faced discontent from women voters over issues like a TASMAC shop’s presence, they demanded accountability, warning against seeking votes without addressing concerns, while Karthi’s absence added to discontent. This made Chidambaram hastily leave the scene midway.
  • Madurantakam campaign Udhayanidhi Stalin faced criticism from women voters over shutting down TASMAC liquor stores, which challenged DMK’s commitments. He deflected responsibilities onto the former government, sidestepping direct commitments to shut down all TASMAC shops.
  • Perambalur DMK MLA Prabhakaran campaigning for Arun Nehru, son of Minister KN Nehru, faced a barrage of questions from the gathered crowd asking what he did for the people of the constituency; disheartened by the reception, abruptly ended his campaign and left the locality.

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

No, Dravidian Political Ecosystem Did Not Celebrate Bharathiyar – They Peddled Hatred Towards Him – Here’s Proof!

The animosity of the Dravidian political ecosystem towards the renowned Tamil poet Bharathiyar has been well-documented over the years, stemming from various instances of disdain and mockery directed at the poet and his works. Here, is a comprehensive thread highlighting the relentless campaign of hatred peddled against Bharathiyar by figures within the Dravidian movement:

EVR’s Mockery Of Bharathiyar’s Patriotism

E.V. Ramasamy (EVR) also known as Periyar, a prominent figure in the Dravidian movement, was recorded making disparaging remarks about Bharathiyar’s patriotic poems. In a derisive tone, EVR belittled Bharathiyar’s work, stating, “On hearing the word Senthamizhnaadu, honey does not flow in one’s ears, but onion. It feels like a scorpion stinging the ear.” This instance exemplifies the contemptuous attitude towards Bharathiyar’s literary contributions.

How Kuthoosi Gurusami Derogated Bharathiyar

Kuthoosi Gurusami, another figure associated with the Dravidian movement, likened Bharathiyar’s poems to “Unsold Omapodi” and “foul-smelling Boondi (a snacks),” disparaging his works and attempting to diminish their significance. He said, “Although poet Bharathiyar’s birthday is commemorated across the nation, his verses resemble stale and unappealing snacks with a bad odor, akin to a shop peddling secondhand and aged merchandise.”

Maniyammai’s Disparagement

In 1944, Maniyammai, a proponent of the Dravidian movement, subtly discouraged Tamils from attending Bharathiyar’s memorial events. Maniyammai raised the question of whether Bharathiyar leans more towards the Aryan race or the Dravidian race. She cast doubt on the intentions behind Bharathiyar’s poems, insinuating that they were irrelevant and unworthy of commemoration.

EVR’s Criticism in Theechudar

EVRamasamy criticized Bharathiyar in the journal Theechudar. He questioned the elevation of Bharathiyar as an immortal poet, suggesting that such praise was unwarranted and influenced by Bharathiyar’s Brahmin caste. EVR’s remarks aimed to undermine Bharathiyar’s literary legacy and cast doubt on his poetic prowess. He wrote, “They say Bharathi is an immortal poet…even if a rat dies in an agraharam, they would declare it to be immortal. ..of Tamil Nadu praises him. Why should this be so?”.

Pulavar Kulandhai’s Accusation

Pulavar Kulandhai, a Dravidian poet, accused Bharathiyar of inserting Sanskrit into Tamil under the guise of nationalism. He claimed that Bharathiyar’s advocacy for the unity of Sanskrit and Tamil led to a loss of pride among Tamil speakers and their subjugation to Northern influences. He wrote, “In the name of nationalism, Bharathi inserted Sanskrit into Tamil, caused themselves to lose pride in their own community and enslaved them to northerners.”

These instances collectively demonstrate the systematic vilification of Bharathiyar by elements within the Dravidian political ecosystem. Despite attempts to tarnish his reputation and legacy, Bharathiyar’s enduring influence and contributions to Tamil literature remain indelible. As the saying goes, “Dogs keep barking at the rising sun won’t do harm for the sun,” indicating that the greatness of Bharathiyar transcends the petty criticisms of detractors.

You can also read how Bharathiyar exposed the Dravidian Movement here.

(This article based on the X thread by Tamil Labs 2.0)

Tamil Labs provide high quality Tamil Content written interestingly in English.

 

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