As campaigning kicks off for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu, Congress MP Jyotimani finds herself under scrutiny in her bid for reelection from the Karur constituency. The incumbent MP, contesting once again under the DMK alliance, faced tough questions from constituents during her campaign in Kodankipatti Adi Dravidar residential area.
A woman, holding an aarti plate, confronted Jyotimani, questioning her absence, over the past five years and expressing skepticism about her sudden appearance seeking votes. She said, “I haven’t seen you for five years. Never came here. Now you have come only to ask for votes.” The exchange caused a stir, with DMK officials intervening to defuse the situation.
Jyotimani responded, “I’ve been actively participating in Parliament, raising questions, and advocating for people’s issues.” She defended her record amidst the scrutiny.
As the election season progresses, the incident highlights the challenges facing incumbents seeking reelection and underscores the importance of accountability and responsiveness to constituents’ concerns.
The outcome of the elections will ultimately determine whether Jyotimani secures another term as the Karur Member of Parliament.
Earlier, incumbent DMK MPs Tamizhachi Thangapandian from South Chennai, Dayanidhi Maran from Central Chennai constituency, and Kalanidhi Veerasamy from North Chennai constituency also faced the ire of the public who questioned their long absence and expressed their disappointment over unfulfilled promises. Tamizhachi Thangapandian was sent back by the people in the Mylapore locality while Maran faced public ire in the Lock Nagar area. Kalanidhi Veerasamy was questioned as to why the people of Korattur were not given relief during the floods.
— நாட்டாமை ⚖️(WarRoom Commander 😎 ) (@Agmarksanghi) March 26, 2024
Am proud of you Chennai, first they slapped South Chennai DMK candidate, now they have kicked out the useless Central Chennai DMK candidate the arrogant dynastic jerk Dayanithi Maran 🔥🔥🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/DT5jLvuPkx
— Vishwatma 🇮🇳 ( மோடியின் குடும்பம் ) (@HLKodo) March 29, 2024
DMK candidate Kalanidhi Veerasamy initiated his campaign in Tiruvottiyur for the North Chennai Lok Sabha constituency, followed by a vote collection program at the Urban Habitat Development Board residence in Kolathur constituency Gautamapuram. Mayor R. Priya and Minister P. K. Shekharbabu led the event, distributing leaflets outlining DMK’s achievements and election manifesto features to voters.
However, tensions arose when women in the area questioned the party’s motives, citing their exclusion from relief efforts during the December floods despite residing in the Urban Habitat Development Board flats. The women expressed frustration, stating that they were being approached for votes despite being neglected during times of need. During the event, the women gathered there looked at the DMK members and said, “Why have you come here?”. They started an argument saying that our votes are not eligible for relief on behalf of the party.
In this regard, the women said, “840 families live in these Urban Habitat Development Board flats. We were all affected by the floods last December, unable to go out. At that time only certain people were given tokens and provided relief and welfare assistance on behalf of the party. When we asked the party members why they did not give us relief, the party members said ‘Did you hold the party flag, raise slogans, come in a procession, why should we give you relief?'”
The ladies complained that they were asking why candidates come to ask for votes from them especially when they are told htat they are not even eligible for such relief.
DMK officials intervened to placate the situation, with Minister Sekhar Babu and candidate Kalanidhi addressing the concerns before the situation escalated.
— Aryabhata | ஆர்யபட்டா 🕉️ (@Aryabhata99) March 29, 2024
This incident echoes similar treatment received by DMK MPs in South Chennai and Central Chennai constituencies. In Mylapore, the incumbent South Chennai MP Tamizhachi Thangapandian was turned away by residents in Bharathi Nagar in the Mylapore locality of South Chennai constituency.
தென்சென்னையின் சிட்டிங் MP திமுகவை சேர்ந்த @ThamizhachiTh அவர்களை ஓட விட்ட மயிலாப்பூர் தொகுதி மக்கள்🔥🔥
— நாட்டாமை ⚖️(WarRoom Commander 😎 ) (@Agmarksanghi) March 26, 2024
This saw a repeat with DMK’s Central Chennai incumbent MP Dayanidhi Maran. Maran seeking re-election from the same constituency, faced opposition from Lock Nagar residents over unfulfilled promises.
Am proud of you Chennai, first they slapped South Chennai DMK candidate, now they have kicked out the useless Central Chennai DMK candidate the arrogant dynastic jerk Dayanithi Maran 🔥🔥🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/DT5jLvuPkx
— Vishwatma 🇮🇳 ( மோடியின் குடும்பம் ) (@HLKodo) March 29, 2024
In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, a notable absence has sparked debate and raised eyebrows: the absence of Muslim candidates in key parties – the DMK and ADMK’s nominations. As the political arena heats up, accusations and counterclaims fly, painting a complex picture of alliances, representation, and political maneuvering.
The major players in Tamil Nadu politics, including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK), and Congress, have all refrained from nominating Muslim candidates. This absence has drawn criticism, especially in light of the parties’ alliances with Muslim-centric parties like the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), who have fielded their own candidates but aren’t direct nominees of their alliance partners.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), often labelled as anti-Muslim by opposition parties, finds itself in the spotlight as it counters these claims. Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary SG Suryah has been vocal in defending the party’s stance, highlighting the hypocrisy of the Dravidian parties in blaming the Bharatiya Janata Party as being anti-Muslim. Speaking at a television debate, Suryah said, “They call BJP a party that is against Muslims. Congress has not nominated a Muslim candidate yet, neither have the DMK or ADMK.”
No Muslim Candidates in Tamil Nadu by DMK, ADMK & Congress.
Note: DMK’s alliance partner IUML & ADMK’s alliance partner SDPI both being Muslim parties fielded a candidate each; they’re not direct nominees of DMK & ADMK… https://t.co/FKqiEjTl3hpic.twitter.com/pB0qJYnnIS
Interestingly, even the Congress, which has historically championed secularism, has refrained from nominating Muslim candidates in this election cycle, prompting questions about its commitment to minority representation.
The Leftist/Dravidianist media’s predictable silence on the absence of Muslim candidates in key parties’ nominations reflects their bias, as they continue to focus on trivial matters to vilify the BJP while amplifying the Dravidianist agenda.
As the election fervor intensifies, the absence of Muslim candidates raises broader questions about inclusivity, representation, and the political dynamics at play in Tamil Nadu.
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On the one hand, there’s a palpable intensity surrounding the upcoming elections, with parties vehemently criticizing each other and residents expressing their discontent by questioning incumbent politicians. However, on the other hand, the Lok Sabha 2024 elections offer some lighter moments.
The curious case of six candidates named ‘O Paneerselvam’ vying for the Ramanathapuram constituency.
A contender vying for victory in the Tirupur constituency pledges freebies that, if he is elected, men will receive free bikes, women will receive complimentary cellphones, and there will be strict no regulation on the sale of liquor in the region.
Lastly, the Indian Lovers Party, contesting in the South Chennai constituency, advocates for the protection of lovers who frequent beaches.
OPS Vs OPS Vs OPS Vs OPS Vs OPS Vs OPS
Intriguingly, the Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha constituency in Tamil Nadu is currently witnessing a captivating electoral phenomenon as five candidates share the name O Panneerselvam (OPS). Have you seen what kind of test they have given to the former Tamil Nadu chief minister who will also be contesting as an independent candidate? This electoral showdown holds immense importance as it signifies his first participation in the Lok Sabha elections. It’s a high-stakes struggle, akin to a battle for survival. Intuition tells us that this contest involves two Dravidian parties that have stirred calm waters into turbulence.
With his political stature at stake, OPS cannot afford to lose ground to other Panneerselvams vying for the same constituency. Even though the relief provided by the election machinery’s system to assist voters in distinguishing between candidates via photographs and individual symbols allocated to each contender, there remains a glaring test for OPS’s stature. Highlighting the stark reality of the situation, one is reminded of Prabhu’s dialogue, “Enna koduma Saravanan sir idhu!!”
Arumugam, introduced as the Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Alcohol Drinkers Awareness Association, alongside Chellapandian, the association’s president, addressed reporters. Arumugam, contesting for the first time in the Sriperumbudur parliamentary constituency, outlined his electoral promises seriously. He shocked everyone by emphasizing to identify and prioritize government job opportunities for young widows. However, his kindness wasn’t universal; rather, it was directed specifically towards widows abandoned by alcoholics.
Arumugam passionately advocated for a nationwide restriction on liquor production, proposing that it should exclusively utilize seawater throughout India. Do you know why? It’s because his party aims to preserve fresh water for agricultural purposes and also suggested installing Syntex tank water systems for drinking purposes in all TASMAC outlets exclusively for citizens who consume liquor. Furthermore, he criticized the unfulfilled promises of both major Dravidian parties, especially targeting DMK MP Kanimozhi for her failure to follow through on commitments regarding the closure of liquor shops.
An intriguing aspect of Arumugam’s stance is his commitment to providing life insurance coverage for those affected by alcohol-related tragedies and his proposal for separate vehicle number plates for alcoholics. He questions the fairness of the government’s neglect of alcoholics while establishing TASMAC outlets, which leads to alcoholics driving to taste alcohol using their own vehicles, only to be labeled as drunkards and fined by the police, further exacerbating their situation.
Arumugam also exhibited a deep attachment to the Tamil language, suggesting the use of Tamil names for all alcohol brands and bottles. In contrast to those Dravidianists who politicize every issue, he advocates for a cultural approach that respects and celebrates Tamil heritage.
He also identified the dominant players in the Tamil Nadu political landscape as the “Bar/Bottle alliance” groups represented by the Bakthi alliance BJP and the “Rational” alliance Dravidar Kazhagam. One can’t help but wonder in Telugu, “Arey! enti ra idhi?”
Freebie Man Who Puts In A Lot Of Thought
He introduced himself as Sheikh Dawood, stating that he has pursued education up to the BA level. He declared his candidacy for the tenth time in the Tirupur parliamentary constituency. He expressed his commitment to empowering families, asserting that if elected as an MP, he would provide electric scooters worth ₹1,56,000 free of charge to the heads of households, showcasing his dedication to promoting e-vehicles for a progressive Bharat. Additionally, he pledged to offer cellphones valued at ₹30,000 to women heading households. Criticizing the current government’s assistance to women as insufficient, he promised to increase their monthly allowance from ₹1000 to ₹10,000. He further announced a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 for college students, regardless of their economic background or language of instruction.
Dawood also criticized the DMK government’s policy of providing free bus passes exclusively to women, vowing to extend the benefit to men as well. Additionally, he addressed the issue of unemployment by pledging to ensure a government job for each household. When asked about the prevalent issue of alcohol consumption in the country, Dawood commented, “Everyone enjoys drinking, I cannot abolish liquor as it is their democratic right.” What an admirable man he is, showing respect to all, dedicated to upholding the rights of every citizen, with a particular commitment to Article 15.
To file his nomination, Karate master Rangasamy arrived throwing his Karate punches here and there in the air. Like Samantha’s dialogue, ‘Your feet are not on the ground, stand first and then speak’, This Karate Master’s feet were never on the ground.
Later, addressing the reporters, he stated, “I’ve dedicated thirty years of my life to teaching karate, eleven of which have been in a government school.” and mentioned, ‘I have a passion for helping children and students in whatever way I can.'” He concluded by promising, “This is not the end; I will contest in the MLA election of 2026 as well.”
Dancing Rose Of Dindigul
Another independent candidate arrived clad in a red shirt and blue jeans to seek nomination for the 2024 Lok Sabha election. What set him apart was his unique approach throughout the nomination process: he danced to the tune of the song “Everyone is a thief” from the movie “Sigappu Manidhan.” His endurance under this scorching summer sun made the police and commoners wonder akin to Vadivelu’s dialogue “Panguni heat is baring its teeth, how can only you be so cheerful?”
Finally, a candidate with insight – Kumar SriSai, is contesting from the Chennai South parliamentary constituency. He represents the “Indian Lovers Party.” Can you hear the background music of Gautham Vasudev Menon? Yes, that’s the vibe. To our surprise, he has contested three times from the same constituency. Shame on us for not voting for him earlier.
He promises something worthy. His focus is to protect lovers. According to him, only by contesting and winning elections, he can safeguard the rights of lovers. He emphasizes that there’s currently no support for lovers; they suffer without having anyone to listen to them. He believes that with a party like his, lovers will have the strength of knowing someone is there for them, ready to speak up and face problems on their behalf.
When reporters asked him about the issues faced by lovers in society, Kumar SriSai promptly replied that there’s a lack of protection for them. Wherever they go, they feel scrutinized. Even at beaches, they don’t feel safe. He argues that with a party backing them, there would be no disturbance.
As he was expressing his thoughts to the camera, someone called out to him, and he promptly vanished into thin air, yet his thoughts and words fill the void.
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-elected again 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 shy away, realizing the challenge they face in convincing constituents amidst their unresolved commitments.
The electoral region of Chennai Central encompasses Villivakkam, Egmore, Harbour, Chepauk-Triplicane, Thousand Lights, and Anna Nagar. In the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections of 2024, the primary contenders vying for the parliamentary seat are the current Member of Parliament, Dayanidhi Maran, alongside Vinoj P Selvam representing the BJP, and Parthasarathy from the DMDK party. Notably, the Maran family has held a stronghold in this constituency for over 15 years.
Against the backdrop of the election campaign, Dayanidhi Maran, the incumbent DMK MP seeking re-election from the same constituency, faced opposition from Lock Nagar residents. In 2019, the DMK had put out nearly 100 poll promises in their manifesto. However, whether any of those promises were fulfilled is something that was writ large on the faces of the residents of these constituencies.
Just a few days ago, the incumbent South Chennai MP was turned away by residents in Bharathi Nagar in the Mylapore locality of South Chennai constituency. This saw a repeat with DMK’s Central Chennai incumbent MP Dayanidhi Maran.
During a procession on Adams Road, residents blocked Maran’s vehicle, expressing anger over his unfulfilled promise to build housing board houses for Lock Nagar. Maran caught off guard, attempted to justify himself to a woman who questioned him over not getting houses constructed for the residents there. However, amidst the crowd, another woman expressed disbelief and frustration, remarking, “They come just to ask votes” Maran, visibly agitated, retorted sharply, singling out the woman who spoke pointed a finger at her, and stated, “Hey! Be quiet, You are speaking like a fool (Loosu), I’m talking here, she is also talking. I’m speaking for you (Singular Tone), am I speaking for myself?”.
Maran was seen speaking in circles to make the woman understand the reason for the delay in implementing the project.
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The Tamil Nadu elections always bring unexpected twists, and this time was no different. People were surprised to witness Thirumavalavan, the leader of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), offering prayers at a temple before officially filing his nomination for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
— Thol. Thirumavalavan (@thirumaofficial) March 27, 2024
The VCK, a member of the I.N.D.I coalition led by the DMK in Tamil Nadu, has been allocated two constituencies, Chidambaram and Villupuram, where it has already established a presence and secured victories in previous elections. Thirumavalavan, the leader of VCK, is poised to contest in the Chidambaram constituency.
Following this, on 27 March 2024, Thirumavalavan personally visited the Mayavan temple, the deity of his clan, in his native village of Anganur in Ariyalur district. During this visit, the temple priest welcomed Thirumavalavan by garlanding him and performing a ceremonial ritual of tying headgear (Thalaipagai) on his head. After completing special worship at the temple, Thirumavalavan submitted his nomination papers to Ariyalur District Collector and Election Conducting Officer Annie Mary Swarna, accompanied by Ministers Sivashankar and Panneerselvam. This action took place before the formal filing of his nomination papers.
— Thol. Thirumavalavan (@thirumaofficial) March 27, 2024
What captivated the general populace was the sight of Thirumavalavan, known for his outspoken criticism of Sanathana Dharma and his stance on Hinduism perpetuating caste divisions, and said temples features sculptures of nude figures only, has now earnestly engaging in worship at temples.
In this context, an older video featuring Thirumavalavan has gained traction on social media. In the video, he addresses a gathering, expressing opposition to educational policies based on Sanatana Dharma and humorously criticizes Hindu temples in front of the audience that, ““if the building has a dome, it is a mosque. If it is tall and straight, it is a church. And if it has dirty figurines, it is a temple”.
In 2017, Thirumavalavan said, “Destroy all hindu temples and in it place build Buddhist Viharas“. Addressing a gathering convened in Perambalur, VCK Chief Thirumavalavan, asserted that areas housing Shiva and Perumal temples were originally sites of Buddhist monasteries. He contended that these Buddhist structures were replaced by the construction of Shiva and Perumal temples, advocating for their demolition to pave the way for the erection of Buddhist temples in their stead. Furthermore, he proposed the establishment of Buddhist temples at the purported sites of Lord Thiruvaranganathar’s presence and the Kanji Kamachi Amman Temple.
In another occurrence during a webinar hosted by Periyarist groups, Thirumavalavan referred to women adhering to the Sanatana tradition as prostitutes. A particular excerpt from his speech circulating on social media highlights, “how are women valued in Sanatana Dharma, how are they treated? From time immemorial, how they have been oppressed and exploited… what does Sanatana Dharma say about women? Basically, women are created as prostitutes by God. All women are prostitutes as per Hindu Dharma…Manu Dharma… All women are prostitutes… that’s how they were created by God… they’re of a status lower than men. It applies to Brahmin women as well as to other women”.
In a book release event held in Chennai, Thirumavalavan said, “Building a temple is a business. I am not joking. Building temples, unlike any other business, is the most profitable and provides the highest income. Which other business is more profitable than the income generated by the Tirupati temple? What are the temple’s income and expenditure? People donate money to the Tirupathi temple. People pour money into the Ayyappan temple.”
On International Women’s Day (8 March 2024), a special symposium took place at Chennai Ambedkar Thital, with Thirumavalavan as the chief guest discussing “Revolutionary Ambedkar and Women’s Rights.” He said, “Take Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, or any other religion, the core fundamental philosophy of it would be fraternity i.e brotherhood. There is one religion in the world that denies brotherhood completely, they are asking do you know what is Sanatana Dharma? Sanatana Dharma is a dharma that says there should not be brotherhood, they say that we have understood it wrongly. Today a women judge in High Court has said that Sanatana Dharma is different from rituals, yes that’s correct, as we say, rituals and principles are different, but this Sanatana Dharma’s particular principle defines hierarchy based on birth and no one can deny it.”
Thirumavalavan, MP from TN compares Sanatana Dharma & other religions. says – Sanatana dharma is only religion in world that denies brotherhood, discrimination is lifeline of Sanatana dharma. RC or CSI can have discrimination as they are institutions. How is this not hate speech? pic.twitter.com/uZWUo71QZM
He also took part in the September 2023 Eradicate Sanatana Dharma conference where Udhayanidhi Stalin had compared Sanatana Dharma to mosquito and dengue and said that it had to be eradicated. In the same conference, Thirumavalavan had said“Sanatana Dharma can be destroyed when we turn OBC against FC (Forward Caste).”
தமிழ்நாடு முற்போக்கு எழுத்தாளர் கலைஞர்கள் சங்கத்தின் சார்பில் நடைபெற்ற #சனாதன ஒழிப்பு மாநாட்டில் கலந்துகொண்டு உரையாற்றினேன். pic.twitter.com/LW6cfV8X9s
Based on intelligence gathered by the Railway Protection Force (RPF), it has come to light that several clandestine groups are trafficking various narcotics, including substances like ganja and gutka, from multiple northern states of India to southern regions. To counter this illicit activity, both State railway police and railway protection force have intensified surveillance efforts at the central railway station.
Amidst these efforts, alarming reports emerged of the arrest of a female journalist for attempting to smuggle 10 kg of ganja bundles during rigorous monitoring and raids conducted at Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Chennai Central railway station.
The Poonamallee Prohibition Enforcement Division received confidential information pertaining to ganja smuggling at Chennai Central Railway Station. Consequently, they implemented extensive surveillance measures. During one such operation, a young woman arriving from Odisha on the Dhanbad express train was intercepted and subjected to a search, leading to the discovery of 10 kg of ganja concealed in bundles.
Subsequently, the police seized the contraband and detained the young woman involved in the smuggling operation for interrogation. Identified as Jyotika Das (25) from Odisha, she claimed to work as a journalist for a newspaper in her home state. The apprehension of a female journalist in connection with the transportation of 10 kg of ganja via train has elicited considerable astonishment.
Three days ago, M Dolikhatum and H Pooja Kumari Dass were detained by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) at a Central Railway Station for attempting to smuggle 14 kg of ganja on the Mangalore Express. The illegal substance was concealed within their luggage. Both suspects, originating from West Bengal, have been taken into custody, and inquiries are currently ongoing.
Prior to this, two individuals, Jayasurya, aged 24, residing in Kolathur, and Kishok Lal, aged 25, hailing from Anna Nagar, were apprehended near Ambattur railway station for smuggling ganja from Kolkata to Chennai. Following a tip-off, the police inspected the leather bags they were carrying and discovered 13.2 kg of ganja concealed beneath their clothing. During questioning, the suspects admitted to transporting the illegal substance from Kolkata through Andhra Pradesh by train, with their journey culminating at Tiruvallur before boarding an EMU train to Ambattur. Subsequently, the police presented them in court, leading to their remand in Puzhal prison.
The decision of the Supreme Court to make public the details of the Electoral bonds made the likes of left-leaning “news” portals” such as The News Minute and its jingbang go on a tizzy. Right from the get-go, they have been trying relentlessly to prove that the Electoral Bonds are a scam. They have persistently attempted to paint the BJP-led central government as the primary/biggest beneficiary and the alleged orchestrator of the scam.
They tried to link Future Gaming’s Lottery Martin with the BJP but it turned out that the DMK was the biggest recipient of their funds and that narrative fell flat – however The News Minute did not establish quid pro quo, one wonders why. Over the past weeks, they claim that a 25-member team is working on the details of the Electoral Bonds and matching them with all things possible to establish a scam.
The latest entrant in this “scam conspiracy theory” is Bharti Airtel’s donation via electoral bonds to the BJP as a return “favour” for the satellite rights. The News Minute is trying to make a story along the lines of the 2G Spectrum scam!
Their article titled “Bharti group’s ₹150 crore bond donation to BJP coincided with Modi government’s telecom U-turn” is entirely based on assumptions and the misunderstanding that satellite and telecom are the same.
First, let us understand a little bit about the satellite spectrum:
Satellite spectrum refers to the range of radio frequencies allocated for communication between satellites in space and ground-based stations on Earth. These frequencies are managed and regulated by international organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Satellite spectrum is essential for various satellite-based services, including telecommunications, broadcasting, navigation, and Earth observation. It enables satellites to transmit signals to and receive signals from Earth, facilitating a wide range of applications and services that rely on satellite technology.
Most countries allocate terrestrial spectrum through auctions, while satellite spectrum is typically assigned administratively due to its unique challenges. Unlike terrestrial networks, satellite systems require coordination to avoid fragmentation of the spectrum, crucial for maximizing capacity. Despite this, satellite operators prefer spectrum sharing to maintain capacity and avoid competition. Regulators, like the FCC, refine rules to balance existing operators’ investments with new entrants’ competition. Coordination at both ITU and national levels ensures fair spectrum use. In India, TRAI recommends the coexistence of satellite and 5G services in certain bands, suggesting auctions only for overlapping frequencies to mitigate conflicts. Flexible spectrum use, including shared satellite and 5G services, can optimize spectrum efficiency while addressing industry needs and regulatory concerns.
Why Is An Auction Not Conducted For Satellite Spectrum?
Here are some reasons a telecom expert put forth when questioned why an auction was not conducted for satellite spectrums:
Auctioning all satellite spectrums reduces overall data throughput capacities.
For 27.5 to 28.5 GHz, auctioning is viable as it won’t reduce satellite capacities due to limited overlapping frequencies.
Only two satellite players overlap with this band, preserving satellite network capacities.
Gateways remain unaffected and retain full spectrum access.
Advantages include uninterrupted satellite services, 5G deployment in economically viable bands, efficient spectrum usage, government revenue generation, and simplified coordination rules.
Overall, it’s a win-win situation for all stakeholders.
Satellite spectrum licensing differs from traditional telecom spectrum auctions. Instead of auctioning the spectrum, licenses are granted to companies with existing infrastructure. For instance, OneWeb’s established satellite infrastructure enabled them to secure a license. Bharti Airtel’s partnership with OneWeb facilitated their license acquisition. Similarly, Reliance Jio and Starlink await approval for their applications. Unlike regular spectrum, governments only license and regulate satellite spectrum usage, as satellites are owned by private entities like OneWeb. The government assigns frequency ranges, and the Department of Telecom (DoT) determines licensing fees and grants operating licenses accordingly.
🚨🚨🚨🚨 MISINFORMATION !!! Stop spreading your conspiracy theories !!
SATCOM spectrum is not like telecom spectrum!!!! There’s no auction !!! License is given to companies who has ready infrastructure. Bharati had arrangements with European OneWeb, they got it. Application of…
With its own constellation of both GEO (geostationary) and LEO (low earth orbit) satellites, OneWeb has established readiness far ahead of its rivals. In contrast, Jio had to collaborate with Luxembourg SES Satellites, trailing behind in infrastructure. This readiness positions OneWeb to offer uninterrupted services to the public. Unlike the 2G spectrum, which was allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis at a fixed price of ₹2800 crores for a band of 2G, subsequent auctions saw significantly reduced allocations.
The government is yet to decide on spectrum allocation, whether through auction or administrative decision. It is noteworthy that Airtel has received clearance from IN-SPACe but is still awaiting spectrum allocation. A subsidiary of Ambani’s company has contributed over ₹400 crores to the BJP but is still awaiting approval. Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has not received approval due to his company Verizon Communications’ shareholding in firms associated with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Claim: BJP gave SATCOM licence to Bharti Airtel in return of 150 Crore Donations via bonds.
Reality:
– Satcom Licence is given via Administrative order all over the world
– Bharti Airtel's subsidiary "One Web India" already has the infrastructure ready for providing Satcom… https://t.co/QeMveygFCT
The article talks of a “hurried new telecom law” which was passed in December 2023 in Parliament that allowed satellite spectrum to be assigned through an administrative order. If the whole thing was a scam, why would the government go to the Supreme Court seeking judicial approval?
Then they bring in the “Draconian” telecommunications bill which has powers for internet suspension and surveillance to make the law look suspicious and sow the seeds of doubt among the readers.
What is the global scenario with respect to the satellite spectrum, one might wonder – as mentioned above and also concurred by the Telecom minister Ashwani Vaishnaw in Parliament, across the world, satellite spectrum has been allocated administratively, and nowhere has it been auctioned.
The article attempts to draw connections by presenting coincidences, implying a correlation between Bharti Airtel’s license acquisition and their purchase of electoral bonds totaling ₹100 crores. Allegedly, the BJP cashed these bonds just four days later. Subsequently, on 21 November 2024, OneWeb received satellite authorisation. Following these events, a telecom bill was passed, “coinciding” with Bharti Airtel’s additional purchase of electoral bonds worth ₹50 crores, later encashed by the BJP.
Despite efforts to link the BJP with corporate entities, the said portals seem not to be interested in investigating potential connections such as Lottery Martin’s purchase of DMK electoral bonds or that of the TMC. Is this because of conflicting agendas?
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Two former civil servants hailing from the Karnataka cadre, K Annamalai of the Indian Police Service (IPS) and Sasikanth Senthil of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), decided to step down from their positions in 2019 and enter the political arena. Annamalai aligned himself with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while Senthil chose the Congress, owing to their differing ideologies. Both are now poised to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in their home state of Tamil Nadu. Annamalai is vying for the Coimbatore parliamentary constituency, while Senthil is eyeing the Thiruvallur reserved constituency.
Having served in various capacities across Karnataka for about a decade, Annamalai, a member of the 2011 IPS batch, and Senthil, who belongs to the 2009 IAS batch, decided to leave their bureaucratic roles due to their dissatisfaction with the system. Senthil, who resigned as deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district in September 2019, cited the compromise of national values as his reason for leaving. He subsequently joined the Congress in Tamil Nadu and actively participated in movements against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Much to everyone’s surprise, the remarks made by former bureaucrat Sasikanth Senthil, who has been nominated as a candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, are truly startling. While it’s not uncommon for politicians to engage in actions to enhance their public image and garner popularity, the direct and unabashed statements from a former IAS officer are quite unexpected. Aligning with the stance of their alliance, the DMK, Congress candidate Senthil has asserted in a press statement that Annamalai is opposed to the quota system, suggesting that his views could potentially sway others to oppose it as well.
Sasikanth Senthil speaking to reporters said, “Rather than how I see it, we know what kind of a mentality he is showing. As everyone know, in Tamil Nadu we created quota system for backward classes since 1960. Many of those who are here today have come with that (quota). You can see to what extent that dominant mentality, ‘I am superior, you are inferior’ concept, is displayed when he speaks forgetting the path he travelled and why he has come here. If you see today, if many grassroots people influenced by this ideology, they will also say that we don’t need all this, ‘we are a superior caste, caste pride, we all are ruling lineage’, all this is the thought process that comes from that mentality. It reflects his thought process.”
அண்ணாமலை தெளிவாக சொல்கிறார்… தன் தந்தை முன்னாள் MLA, முன்னாள் அமைச்சர் என்கிற செல்வாக்கு மூலம் கிடைத்த quota என்று… ஒரு இடத்தில கூட ஜாதி quota வை பற்றி பேசவில்லை… ஆனால் நம்ம சவுக்கு மச்சான் மற்றும் காங்கிரஸ் வேட்பாளர் சசிகாந்த் செந்தில் எப்படி ஜாதி quota ன்னு மடை மாத்தறான்… pic.twitter.com/iqfM7BxL8B
However, what BJP President Annamalai conveyed on that occasion was that the opposition candidate nominated by the AIADMK, Singai Ramachandran, came from a political lineage, which granted him certain advantages and secured him the MP ticket easily. Regarding educational background, Annamalai noted that Singai Ramachandran’s father, a former MLA, wielded influence and secured a seat in PSG Tech College through the MLA quota. In contrast, Annamalai, hailing from an agricultural background, did not have such privileges. However, the Tamil Nadu news channels sensationalized the narrative with sensational headlines. Subsequently, the DMK initiated propaganda with a similar stance, prompting the former bureaucrat Sasikanth Senthil, a candidate of the alliance, to echo the same rhetoric, which is regrettable considering his background as a former bureaucrat.
Annamalai, addressing reporters in Coimbatore on 25 March 2024, remarked, “In 2002, he (ADMK candidate Singai Ramachandran) didn’t know his father being an MLA got him a seat to study in the college using the quota benefit. AIADMK’s candidate father is an MLA, it’s dynasty politics, Govindaraj. He has come to politics using quota. I came to Coimbatore for the first time in 2002. I was wearing trousers, my father wearing a veshti, we brought two tin boxes from the village, took three buses and came to Coimbatore in 2002.
That was 22 years ago. My age was 17 years. I took a town bus from Gandhipuram bus stand and got down to Peelamedu with two tin boxes. I mean in 2002, my father and I stood in front of PSG Engineering College in Peelamedu with two tin boxes. Then I asked my father, will this town be kind to us? We all come from the village.. 40 houses in total. We reached Coimbatore by boarding three different buses. It is a big city. Will I be able to survive in this city?
Because I got an opportunity to study in PSG College of Engineering. I was not privileged, I did not get a seat through MLA quota. I came to Coimbatore in 2002 with 2 tin boxes, just as you all work hard as individuals and are in this land. I studied in PSG College of Engineering for 5 years. My wife studied in the same college and was a year junior to me. She studied in PSG College and we both got married and settled in Coimbatore. You have to understand one thing, Annamalai didn’t come in quota system. Vanathi didn’t come in through quota system, Modi did not come here through quota system, no one here achieved all this through quota system.”
In Tamil Nadu, there’s a prevailing expectation among the populace for a highly educated and elite individual to lead and manage administrative affairs. People warmly embrace those from educated backgrounds, viewing them as fitting leaders. With Annamalai’s ascension to the presidency of the BJP in Tamil Nadu, his capabilities have been recognized, bolstering both his own image and that of the party throughout the region. However, Sasikanth Senthil, who has primarily been involved in war room experiences in Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Delhi, is yet to establish himself in Tamil Nadu. Despite his reputation as a soft-spoken administrator, some have critiqued his transition into politics, arguing that merely skimming news headlines without full context is inadequate for someone with his bureaucratic background. Fielded by the I.N.D.I alliance in the Thiruvallur constituency, Senthil still has a long way to go in proving himself to the electorate.
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In the electoral fray of Theni Parliamentary Constituency, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has nominated TTV Dhinakaran, the General Secretary of Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), as its candidate. Interestingly, the DMK has put forward Thanga Tamilselvan, who was once a colleague of Dhinakaran in the same constituency. Additionally, the AIADMK has selected V T Narayanasamy. This sets the stage for a compelling Lok Sabha election constituency, with former colleagues now competing closely against each other.
Subsequently, a consultative meeting of NDA activists convened in Andipatti. During this gathering, TTV Dhinakaran, asserted that Narendra Modi stands as the prime ministerial nominee for the NDA. Contrastingly, questioned the identity of the prime ministerial candidate within the DMK alliance, emphasizing the relative obscurity of Stalin beyond Tamil Nadu’s borders.
Later taking on ADMK, he criticized Edappadi Palaniswami’s use of the double leaf symbol, historically associated with MGR, insinuating its deployment to undermine the DMK while ostensibly supporting it. Dhinakaran accused Palaniswami of clandestinely bolstering the DMK’s interests, effectively operating as its surrogate.
While speaking about Edappadi Palaniswami, Dhinakaran stated, “Betraying former chief minister OPS, and betraying Delhi that wanted to save Amma’s regime and safeguarded them for four and a half years. Otherwise we would have blown up this regime that very day, that is the truth. Palaniswami thought we are holding them by positions and with money. Nothing like that”
பாஜக இல்லை என்றால், மோடி துணை இல்லை என்றால் ஒரு நொடி கூட எடப்பாடியால் ஆட்சி நடத்தியிருக்க முடியாது என்பது ஊரறிந்த உண்மை..
— SundarRajaCholan☀𑌸𑍁𑌨𑍍𑌦𑌰𑍍 𑌰𑌾𑌜 𑌚𑍋𑌳𑌼𑌨☀ (@sundarrajachola) March 26, 2024
Then he highlighted the Tamil Nadu electorate’s awareness of this alleged deception, suggesting a shift in support towards the NDA. Drawing upon the legacies of MGR and Jayalalithaa, Dhinakaran stressed the imperative of eradicating the DMK. He underscored the ideological alignment towards making Narendra Modi the Prime Minister once again, transcending the mere distribution of electoral tickets.
