Actor Karthi found himself in the middle of the uproar after making allegedly insensitive comments about the Tirupati laddu issue at a film event, prompting a sharp response from Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, who called for more respect toward Hindu traditions.
The controversy surrounding the sanctity of the famous Tirupati Laddu has escalated after lab reports suggested adulteration with animal fat and fish oil. The issue has since gained national attention, prompting a significant public outcry. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan called for a “Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board” to prevent such incidents.
In response to the uproar, the Andhra Pradesh government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.
Several Dravidianists and Hinduphobic handles on social media, as well as politicians, have been mocking Hindus ever since the report was released. Kollywood actors are not far behind their Hinduphobic Dravidianist friends. During a pre-release event for the movie Sathyam Sundaram (titled Meiyazhagan in Tamil), Tamil actor Karthi was caught in the controversy after a meme referencing the Laddu issue was shown at the event.
The anchor said about the meme, “Do you want laddu?” Karthi distanced himself from the controversy, stating,“We should not talk about Laddu now. It is a sensitive topic. I don’t want it.“His comments, intended to deflect the conversation, went viral and caught the attention of Pawan Kalyan.
Pawan Kalyan, visibly upset by Karthi’s remarks, responded during a media briefing in Vijayawada, saying,“People are making fun of laddoo. I saw at a cinema function where it was said that laddoo is a sensitive topic. Don’t you ever dare to say that? I respect you as actors, but when it comes to Sanatana Dharma, you have to think a hundred times before saying a word.”
Unfortunate that Tamil actors have Zero sensitivity when it comes hurting feelings of Majority Hindus, the same people who fund their and their kids lives through movie tickets!
Glad that Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan condemned the insensitive ways in which actor Karthi and the anchor… pic.twitter.com/g26FIETFJi
Karthi’s remarks, initially seen as an attempt to avoid controversy, have since sparked heated debates. Pawan Kalyan, who is observing an 11-day purification ritual following the Laddu controversy, further emphasized the importance of respecting Hindu traditions and called for restraint when discussing sensitive religious issues.“If people from the film industry want to discuss this issue, they should speak up in support. Otherwise, refrain from making comments that mock the issue,” Kalyan urged.
Following Pawan Kalyan’s stern remarks, the jittered actor Karthi has apologized for the comments. He wrote,“Dear @PawanKalyan sir, with deep respects to you, I apologize for any unintended misunderstanding caused. As a humble devotee of Lord Venkateswara, I always hold our traditions dear.
Best regards.”
Dear @PawanKalyan sir, with deep respects to you, I apologize for any unintended misunderstanding caused. As a humble devotee of Lord Venkateswara, I always hold our traditions dear. Best regards.
The Tirunelveli Police have stated that the alleged attack on a young man, whose sacred thread was cut by four men, in the Perumalpuram area was a false claim following a detailed investigation.
The incident came to light when a Brahmin youth, Akhilesh (27), a resident of Thiagarajan Nagar in Nellai, told his family he was ambushed by a gang of four while going to a bhajan programme. According to Akhilesh, the assailants verbally abused him and cut off the sacred thread he was wearing. Disturbed by the account, his family filed a complaint at the Perumalpuram police station.
The story quickly spread on social media, sparking outrage—Union Minister of State L. Murugan, who was visiting the city, even met the family to express his reassurance and called for swift action against those allegedly involved.
*Tamil Nadu Sacred Thread Story* – As per the complaint copy, Akilesh was on his way to attend a religious event when 4 unidentified men in bike had cut off Akhilesh's sacred thread and warned him from wearing the sacred threat. The incident took place at 430 pm on Sept 21st. The… pic.twitter.com/ai9V2LPajE
However, police reviewed CCTV footage from the area where the attack supposedly took place. The police stated that the footage revealed no evidence of such an incident, with no suspicious activity detected at the reported time. Upon further questioning, the police concluded that Akhilesh’s claim was false and that he had misled both his family and the authorities.
The police have since received a complaint from Akhilesh’s parents, acknowledging that their son had fabricated the story. In a statement, the Tirunelveli Police emphasized that no such attack occurred, and the youth had been spreading false information.
Tamil cinema’s leading actor Vijay’s new political outfit, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has barred members who consume liquor from attending the party’s first state conference on October 27 and has also set some etiquette rules for the attendees.
TVK General Secretary and former MLA from Puducherry N Anand has issued the liquor advisory at Vijay’s direction.
According to TVK leaders, Anand, in the advisory, has said that the party cadres must desist from attending the first state conference if they consume liquor.
Party sources also said that Anand directed the party cadres in the advisory to provide adequate protection and support to women members and sympathisers who attend the conference.
The advisory, issued by the party general secretary, also directed the cadres to observe proper road etiquette and not disturb other vehicles. The cadres, who are arriving at the venue in two-wheelers, must also avoid indulging in bike stunts.
The TVK advisory also asked the members to provide adequate facilities for the medical team and the fire and rescue service personnel on duty during the conference.
Vijay had earlier announced that the party’s political ideology, its state office-bearers, and the policy-based action plan would be announced at this state conference.
The Tamil Superstar said in a statement, “Our first-ever state conference will be celebrated as a political festival and celebration of ideologies that will guide us and the goals that we will achieve.
The conference would spell out the ideology based on which the party will function.“ He also said that preparatory work for the conference had already commenced and would be accelerated soon.
The Tamil star said in the statement that TVK general secretary N. Anand would meet the Villupuram District Collector and Superintendent of Police with a fresh letter seeking permission and security.
It may be recalled that the party’s first state conference was earlier scheduled for September 23, but it was postponed due to various factors, including permission-related issues.
TVK received the Election Commission of India (ECI ) recognition on September 8. In May 2024, the party published legal notices and invited stakeholders to express objections to the party‘s registration.
Tamizhaga Vaazhuvumurai Katchi of Velmurugan had objected to the TVK’s abbreviation, but now Vijay has announced that all hurdles have been cleared and that the party has received formal ECI recognition.
The Superstar then announced that the party was now battle-ready and would contest the 2026 Assembly elections from Tamil Nadu.
Vijay announced his party in February and said that TVK would not contest the 2024 Lok Sabha polls as the party aimed to contest the 2026 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.
He then said that his fan club, ‘All India Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyyakam,’ has been working for the welfare of the people for many years but cannot bring full-fledged social, economic, and political reforms on its own, and for that, political power is required. In August, Vijay released his party flag, which is red on top and bottom with yellow in the middle.
The flag depicts a flower resembling Vaagai surrounded by 28 stars at the centre, with two trumpeting tuskers facing each other on either side. It may be noted that ancient Tamil kings used to wear Vagai flower garlands to symbolise their victory.
His ideological inclination is not different from that of DMK’s Dravidian Model.
In the last local body polls in 2021, the All India Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyyakam (AITVMI) won 115 seats of the 169 seats they contested.
Interestingly, Kamal Haasan‘s party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), actor, and director Seeman’s Naam Thamizhar Katchi (NTK) drew a blank in those polls.
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Central Chennai DMK Lok Sabha MP Dayanidhi Maran has once again trained his guns on Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Disrespectful language, spewing lies, and venom are notable characteristics that Maran always espouses.
Speaking to the press in Coimbatore, Maran, when asked about the GST-bun-Annapoorna Hotel owner’s alleged apology issue, said, “We are elected by the people and become MPs and thus we know people’s problems. But some are not elected by the people and are appointed. She has been in the role of a minister for the past 10 years. They do not know people’s problems. If we ask, she will say, I don’t eat onion, I don’t eat that. Is this how one should talk? As our leader says, we will work for those who vote for us and do not vote for us. I will even go further and say our leader tells us we are not MPsbutwe must solve people’s problems like a councilor does.This is the role the organization gave us. That is the tradition we come from. These people do not meet the people ever andthey only know how to abuse power. What did Annapoorna Srinivasan ask? He had an issue andhe put it forward. What is wrong with asking? He even asked to make the tax uniform, he even said FM could increase the tax but make it simple. Is this wrong? To call him over and threaten him, is that right?This shows her animosity and bitterness towards the people of Coimbatore. She thought she could threaten the people of Coimbatore, if anyone speaks anything in public, they can be summoned the next day and threatened. Is this right? A while ago, there was a meeting in Mumbai. A person from Gujarat questioned the government over surcharges and taxes and even called the government a sleeping partner, and that the government was surviving on his tax money. Nirmala Sitharaman responded to him with a smile. If he is from Gujarat and speaks Hindi, then one should give respect. If we speak in Tamil, is it so cheap? Won’t we question it? The people here are also Indian citizens. It is our right to question. If we have a query, the government/minister has to address it properly. The action of the irresponsible minister is regrettable.”
A reporter then mentioned Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s comments on NEET, stating that more poor students are now able to study medical degrees because of NEET and do not have to pay much fees. Maran replied, “Earlier there was a capitation fee. They first said they were going to get rid of the capitation fee. At that time, the annual fees for medicine were around ₹25,000-₹30,000. Today a private college charges ₹25 lakhs. Who is responsible for this? The union (ondriya) government.” Then he goes on to speak disrespectfully and says “Indha amma.”
He continued, “In 2018, this lady came, the (ondriya) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, after Jayalalithaa died, as if this lady is going to become the Chief Minister, she camped here (dera) for 3 months. Why did she do that? She hoped to become CM and topple the “slave” rule (adimai aatchi). At that time, she said there would be no NEET that year. She said we are struggling with that. When you had a dream of becoming CM, you speak differently.” Here he used the word you as “nee” to address Nirmala Sitharaman in singular (disrespectful).
It is noteworthy that former TN CM J Jayalalithaa passed away in 2016.
He continued, “Now you don’t have that dream, so you speak differently. What did you achieve out of this? There are doctors who treat the PM, President, andeven Nirmala Sitharaman, did they write NEET? The best doctors are the ones who did not write NEET.”
He further said, “In the 60s, what did you do? You said knowledge of Sanskrit is mandatory. What is the connection between Sanskrit and learning medicine? There is only one connection. Only the upper caste can study medicine. Other caste people should not study. Now what are they doing with NEET? There is so much confusion with the question papers. They are saying you can write the exam in Japan. The paper leaked there and came to India, wherethey leaked the answer sheet. So much corruption has happened, anda CBI inquiry is going on. Did the concerned minister resign? They are covering it up. In the south, the NEET exam is very difficult, by the time they check the questions, they forget what they have studied but if you check the states in the north, parents and teachers help the students to copy during the exam, especially in UP and Gujarat. To qualify for NEET, students must have at least 50% marks in 12th standard. But in Gujarat, a student got 720/720 but did she pass 12th? She failed. She attempts once again, andeven then she fails but in NEET alone she gets 100%. What does this show, there are problems and with these, the Union government is trying to oppress us. We oppose this.”
BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan slammed Maran for his disrespectful remarks. She wrote, “Is this your Dravidian upbringing @Dayanidhi_Maran? Spreading false slander about a woman minister holding a key position in our Union Cabinet as a “campaign with dreams of becoming Chief Minister” and saying “you, come, go (nee va po)” without respect and civility in public is highly condemnable. We have seen that if a woman rises in politics and power, you and your party leaders, your coalition leaders, and your mercenary speakers will not hesitate to criticize her. But you and your alliance leader Mr. @EVKSElangovan take turns criticizing our Union Finance Minister Mrs. @nsitharaman. Is this the Dravidian policy? Is this what the I.N.D.I.Alliance is proclaiming as their policy? Do you, who were embroiled in corruption cases, have the basic qualification to talk about our Union Finance Minister who was the first woman Defence Minister? Therefore, we urge you to stop criticizing the rising women in politics and the shining women in power and stop being jealous of them with such low-level comments, and at least promote “civilized politics” that your party members are not used to.”
இதுதான் உங்கள் திராவிடத்தின் வளர்ப்பா திரு. @Dayanidhi_Maran அவர்களே?
நமது மத்திய அமைச்சரவையில் முக்கிய பொறுப்பில் இருக்கும், ஒரு பெண் அமைச்சரைப் பற்றி, “முதல்வராகும் கனவுடன் டேரா போட்டவர்” என்ற பொய் அவதூறுகளைப் பரப்புவதும், “நீ, வா, போ” என மரியாதையும் நாகரிகமுமின்றி பொதுவில்…
This is not the first time Dayanidhi Maran has spoken disrespectfully about Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
“Nirmala Mami”
In August 2023, the DMK organised a “day-long fast” on 20 August 2023 to protest against the union government’s insistence on continuing with the exam. Speaking at the event, DMK MP and former Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Dayanidhi Maran, made several casteist remarks against Brahmins and in particular against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
He said, “Anitha’s (the girl who died by suicide in 2017 after being unable to secure a medical seat) brother spoke here today and he said 2017, the year Anitha died, was an important year. Why do you think is it an important year? It is because in 2016, J Jayalalithaa passed away and BJP wanted to use every opportunity to come to power with the help of the “slaves” and that is why they sent “Nirmala Mami”. Ok, they sent Nirmala Sitharaman. What she does is (laughs, as someone points out why he mentioned the word Mami – he responds by saying, I said it inadvertently.)
He continued to say, “That woman has no work in Tamil Nadu, she is not even an elected Rajya Sabha MP from Tamil Nadu, and she has never come to this side. She claims to have been born here and probably has her roots in Tamil Nadu, she knows several languages but doesn’t care for the state at all.”
In a nearly 18-minute-long tirade in Parliament in February 2024, Dayanidhi Maran went on a lengthy rant and peddled lies about the Finance Minister, the Prime Minister, and the BJP government at the centre while hiding facts from the members of the House.
He started by saying, “This interim budget is an eyewash, it is a huge disappointment especially since this budget is useless for the poor. The middle-class people were expecting tax benefits since they kept on saying they are doing good things but all they got was ‘naamam’” – a derogatory representation of the Vaishnavite mark on the forehead connected to cheating.
After fumbling through numbers and mumbling some nonsense on the budget, he starts to target Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. He said, “We are proud of her since she is a Tamilian, she was born in TN and belongs to the state, we thought she was a good person, a mighty person, but all that comes out of her mouth is different from the truth. She said this interim budget was focused on the poor, youth, and women. But the truth is that the rich such as Ambani, Adani, and Tata are becoming richer and the poor becoming poorer. The revenue of India – 40% of it is held by the Tatas, Ambanis, and Adanis. The middle class is becoming poor, they are not having any income. They said they would provide jobs for youth, when – after they are re-elected to power. Mr Prime Minister, in 2014 you said you would generate 2 crore jobs per year, what happened to that? For 10 years you were all talk and no action – Dayanidhi Maran used the Tamil phrase “Vaaila Vadai Sudardu” to explain this. Opportunities for women are decreasing”, he further mumbled some numbers fumbling all the while.
He continued his tirade and peddled the same lies that the DMK has been peddling all this time. He said, “You waived off all the loans given to Ambani, Adani, and Tata (instead of saying write off)
You never waived off farmer loans but did that only for the rich people’s loans. You brought anti-farmer laws but the people opposed them and you repealed them.”
He again fumbles mentioning numbers about inflation. He claimed that the price of essential commodities was going up constantly, the highest in 30 years. He also added that people were instead losing their savings.
Now comes the anti-TN stance claim. He said, “Last year when the Michaung cyclone hit Chennai, our CM Stalin met PM and asked for ₹7033 crores as relief. ₹12655 crores was also asked. But till now what did we get? Zero. We did not receive even a naya paisa from the “Union” government. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh came to TN to oversee the relief efforts, and even Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also came, she saw, waved her hands, spoke some things, gave interviews, and left without giving even a single rupee. The cruelty of this is that we said we are not asking for your money, just give us from our tax revenue share, our TN’s future Udhayanidhi Stalin asked. He said, we are not asking for your money or your father’s money, just give our tax revenue share. In response to that, our Finance minister held a press conference, and for one hour she lashed out at us. What did she say? That Udhayanidhi Stalin did not speak respectfully, he should not say words like your father’s money or mother’s money. But she didn’t realise that the PM himself once asked if it was your “grandfather’s money”. Didn’t Nirmala Sitharaman find time to advise him? I am asking her, Madam Nirmala Sitharaman, you are speaking about mother’s money, I ask you in return, is it your father’s (thopanaar) money? (Here Dayanidhi Maran has used the word Thopanaar, which is a Tambram dialect directed at the background of Nirmala Sitharaman). If I say that, will it be nice? No, right? It is exactly that, your speech was filled with vehemence.”
“This Lady”
At a protest in Chennai in July 2024 protesting the “neglect” on TN, Maran spoke about Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. He said, “The one who reads the budget, every single time, this Nirmala is there no, she always quotes a Thirukkural. This time, she neither quoted a Kural nor Tamil or Tamil Nadu. When they did not get votes from here (TN), they did this. I don’t know where this lady Nirmala Sitharaman studied on this earth. She created a new “East“. She says Bihar is East, Andhra Pradesh is East, andothers are not. West Bengal is not East for her, nor is Odisha. Even though Andhra is only a short distance from here, it is east, and we are not. This is cheating. Nirmala Sitharaman has created a new earth.”
He further said, “I asked her, what is this, madam? Why are you saying this? Who elected you? She is not an elected member but a nominated member. So, she is not worried about the problems faced by the people.”
Recalling the floods of 2023 in TN, he said, “When the state was affected by the floods last year, it was a never-before-seen type of flood. The rains hit Thoothukudi in January 2024 after affecting Chennai in December 2023. It was an unprecedented flood. We asked them ₹35,000 crores; they gave us only ₹257 crores. They gave us peanuts and asked us to pick it up. But Bihar got ₹35,000 crores. Last year, Gujarat faced floods. They gave ₹1000 crores the next day without even being asked. Our CM is so great, he said he will ‘save the people whether you give us the money or not.”
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During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 55-hour US visit, India achieved notable success in both bilateral and multilateral arenas, according to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The trip, which included meetings with US President Joe Biden, participation in Quad and UN summits, and an address to the Indian diaspora, allowed India to share its perspectives on the global stage. Misri emphasized that the visit yielded “significant outcomes,” particularly in technology, with discussions on AI, quantum computing, digital public infrastructure, and collaborations with tech CEOs. The US-India strategic partnership was further strengthened through agreements on AI innovation, semiconductor R&D, and support for India’s National Quantum Mission.
Despite attempts to create tension, including meetings between Khalistani Sikhs and US officials, Misri underscored the importance of the India-US relationship, noting India’s commitment to focusing on key issues. He dismissed these distractions as minor in the context of the broader partnership.
India also abstained from a UN resolution concerning Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, but Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed appreciation for India’s continued support. The UN Summit of the Future highlighted Security Council reform, with the summit’s final document, for the first time, including a detailed paragraph on the issue. Misri viewed this as a positive step toward future negotiations.
Other key outcomes of the visit included the US supporting India’s bid for permanent UN Security Council membership, the establishment of a new semiconductor plant in Uttar Pradesh, the procurement of 31 MQ-9B armed drones, the opening of Indian consulates in Boston and Los Angeles, and the return of 297 smuggled Indian antiquities. In total, 578 cultural artefacts have been repatriated from the US since 2016, thanks to efforts led by PM Modi to reclaim India’s heritage.
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Tamil Nadu police have reportedly arrested film director Mohan G, known for his pathbreaking films such as Draupadi and Bakasuran. However, the exact reason behind his arrest remains unclear, with speculation pointing to his recent inflammatory comments on religious matters.
BJP Tamil Nadu State Secretary Aswathaman announced the arrest on social media, claiming that Mohan G was detained without formal communication to his family, which he alleged violated Supreme Court orders. Aswathaman criticized the arrest, stating, “Illegal arrests of dissidents have become routine under the DMK’s rule. The Dravidian model of policing, which cannot control ganja smuggling, only carries out such crackdowns.” Despite these claims, there has been no official statement from the police on the reason or location of Mohan G’s detention.
சினிமா இயக்குனர் நண்பர் திரௌபதி மோகன் G @mohandreamer அவர்கள் சற்று முன் தமிழக காவல் துறையினரால் கைது செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளார்.
என்ன காரணம், எந்த வழக்கு என்று எந்த முறைப்படியான தகவலும் குடும்பத்தினருக்கு கூறப்படவில்லை. இது உச்சநீதிமன்ற ஆணைக்கு எதிரானது. அவர் எங்கு வைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளார்… pic.twitter.com/kpHp3Kmffa
The arrest has triggered widespread speculation. Many believe it could be linked to Mohan G’s controversial remarks regarding religious prasad (offerings). Recently, Mohan G stirred outrage after alleging that ghee, pig fat, cow fat, and fish oil were mixed into the laddoos offered as prasad to devotees at Tirumala Tirupati. He also made allegations regarding the Palani temple’s panchamirtham, stating he had heard rumours that contraceptive pills were mixed into the prasad.
பழனி பஞ்சாமிர்தத்தில் கருத்தடை மருந்து கலப்பதாக கூறி இந்துகளின் மனதை புண்படுத்தியதாக பல்வேறு தரப்பிலும் புகார்கள் எழுந்த நிலையில் இயக்குநர் மோகன் ஜி யை கைது செய்தது சென்னை காவல்துறை pic.twitter.com/RWK4tu6mNc
Mohan G’s comments, which he shared in interviews and on social media, provoked sharp criticism, with many demanding strict action against him for spreading unverified information. In one video, he mentioned hearing rumors about contraceptives being added to the panchamirtham offered in a temple, but when pressed, he said he was only repeating hearsay. This sparked further outrage, leading to calls for his arrest.
The controversy has been further fueled by his recent remarks about actor Vijay’s political involvement and the ongoing laddoo controversy at Tirupati. Many now speculate that his arrest is related to his comments about the Palani panchamirtham, as his social media posts have frequently touched on the subject.
While the reason behind his arrest remains unconfirmed, it is widely believed that his contentious remarks on religious offerings may have played a role. The police are expected to release an official statement clarifying the details of his arrest soon.
DMK Deputy General Secretary A Raja criticized VCK’s deputy general secretary Aadhav Arjuna for his statement suggesting that the DMK cannot succeed in the northern districts without VCK’s support. The DMK MP pointed out that Aadhav’s remarks, made without fully grasping the DMK’s ideology, seemed to benefit the BJP indirectly.
Aadhav in an interview to Thanthi TV had said “if your party has a 30% vote share, why don’t you contest the polls by yourself and win? Why do you need 2% and 6% to add to that ‘big’30% vote share? Because there is an alliance, we are contesting only two seats. You can contest alone. In 2014, Madam Jayalalithaa contested alone and did not speak to anyone. Like that, you can contest all 234 constituencies alone. Both DMK and VCK need each other. If there were no alliance, DMK would not have won.”
He further said “In the north constituencies in TN, without VCK’s vote bank, DMK cannot win. You can check statistics for yourself. We have that much of an influence. If DMK has to win 50 out of 58 constituencies in north TN, they can win in the delta region; in the south, it is 50-50; in the west, it is difficult; only then can they cross 120. Since 1996, they have never formed a majority government. The victory in the northern constituencies is important for the DMK and VCK has a 60% share. 100% of the votes from Dalits and OBCs will vote for VCK. Everyone fights for the elections and wins but the victory is enjoyed only by DMK.”
He also said, “What can VCK’s principles be? Should it be what DMK thinks and acts upon? Or should we focus on how to improve the party and make it grow, focus on how to make VCK members minister? We want to make our leader the Dy CM or Chief Minister. What DMK think about that, will DMK suffer because of that, or what ADMK or other parties will think is not our cadres’ job?”
Aadhav Arjuna also jibed at Udhayanidhi Stalin, saying, “Someone who was in the film industry yesterday wants to become the Chief Minister, someone who came to politics yesterday is going to become the Deputy CM, they say, so why is my leader still not one?”
In an apparent jibe at MK Stalin’s reading abilities, Adhav Arjuna said, “He (Thirumavalavan) has been in politics for 40 years, a PhD holder, a Periyarist, Ambedkarite, well-read, he can read without any form of paper in hand for 2 hours, but if he wants to come to power, everyone belittles him and talks him down.”
Regarding these remarks, DMK MP A Raja emphasized his long-standing relationship with VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan, highlighting their shared leftist values that have gained national prominence. He expressed pride in VCK’s role within the DMK alliance, particularly in the fight against communalism and for social justice. However, he noted that Aadhav’s comments were politically misguided, and he was confident that Thirumavalavan would disapprove of them and take corrective action.
“VCK is prominent among the political parties that stand with the DMK in eradicating communalism and protecting social justice. But a new one (VCK deputy general secretary Aadhav Arjuna) in the party has criticised the DMK. He has spoken without political understanding. It is not right. Thol Thirumavalavan would certainly not agree with his opinion. He would certainly take a stand against this view. We hope Thirumavalavan will not allow this and will take action against him.” he said in a report.
Raja also stated that the DMK alliance remains united on core principles and dismissed Aadhav’s call for a common minimum programme as immature and misinformed, implying that it could inadvertently support the BJP. He reiterated his belief that Thirumavalavan would soon address the issue.
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The DMK government in Tamil Nadu made yet another significant reversal in its stance before the Madras High Court on Monday, 23 September 2024. Within the same day, it took two opposing positions regarding the possession of lands leased to the Madras Race Club (MRC).
In the forenoon session, Additional Advocate General (AAG) J. Ravindran, representing the government, assured the court that it stood by the statements made by Advocate General (A-G) P.S. Raman regarding the MRC case. However, by the afternoon session, the government’s legal team contradicted this position, asserting that the A-G’s statements were “wrong both in law and on facts.”
The issue arose during a hearing before Justice RMT Teekaa Raman. In the morning, AAG Ravindran said,“I am instructed to say that this government stands by the undertaking given by the A-G. At no point in time have we differed from his undertaking. We respect his words, and the government stands by them.”
This clarification was significant since senior counsel P. Wilson, representing the Revenue Secretary, had informed the court on 19 September 2024 that the government had resumed possession of the leased lands at Guindy from Madras Race Club on 9 September 2024, contradicting a statement made by A-G Raman to a Division Bench earlier that day.
Senior counsel A.L. Somayaji, representing the MRC, and Gopal Sankaranarayanan, representing the Tamil Nadu Race Horse Owners Association and the Tamil Nadu Race Horse Trainers Welfare Association, requested that the court record the AAG’s morning submission. They argued that it confirmed MRC’s continued possession of the disputed lands.
However, when Wilson requested a brief adjournment, Justice Raman, in a lighthearted comment, asked,“Do you expect another turn of events by 2:30 PM?”Though the remark drew laughter, it turned out to be prescient when the government’s position changed in the afternoon.
Senior counsel Dushyant Dave, appearing for the Revenue Secretary, asserted in the afternoon session that the government had taken possession of the lands on 9 September 2024 at 8 AM. He argued that Madras Race Club could not rely on the A-G’s earlier statement to claim continued possession of the property. “A statement that is wrong in law and fact is never binding on the client,”Dave said.
Sankaranarayanan intervened, pointing out that the AAG had reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the A-G’s statement earlier that morning. The AAG, however, objected, stating that the horse owners and trainers had no role at this stage, as MRC’s civil suit had yet to be formally numbered. The MRC had only filed an application seeking an exemption from the requirement to issue a two-month pre-suit notice.
Dave continued his argument, stating that MRC had received a show cause notice in 2018 for violating the terms of its 1946 lease. The club had responded, but the reply was deemed unsatisfactory. As a result, a Government Order (G.O.) was issued on 6 September 2024, terminating the lease and instructing the Chennai Collector to take possession of the lands immediately.
“It is in the context of this G.O. that the A-G’s statements must be understood,”Dave argued. He contended that the A-G’s statement had been made in error.“We all make mistakes at the Bar as counsel,”he added, emphasizing that the A-G’s statement should not be grounds for challenging the government’s possession of the land.
In response, Somayaji argued that the MRC remained in possession of the land and presented evidence, including horse races conducted on 14 and 21 September 2024. He insisted that the government’s 15-day notice to vacate the property justified waiving the usual two-month pre-suit notice requirement.
When the judge inquired if any revenue proceedings existed to prove the government had taken possession of the land, Dave said no such documents were immediately available. However, he maintained that the government had the right to repossess the land due to the lease violations.
The day’s hearing concluded without a final resolution, and the case will continue on Tuesday. In a related development, Revenue Secretary P. Amudha filed an affidavit stating that the lease with MRC had been officially terminated on 6 September 2024, and possession of the land was taken at 8 AM on 9 September 2024. The MRC had been given 14 days to remove all movable property from the site.
This high-profile case is set to continue with further arguments on Tuesday, 24 September 2024.
Israel’s military issued a warning on Monday that it was about to attack sites in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, where Hezbollah is allegedly storing strategic weapons, urging civilians to evacuate.
“Distance yourself from houses where weapons are located, for your own protection,” Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesman Daniel Hagari said during a press briefing in the afternoon, adding that the attack would begin within the next two hours without providing further details.
This marked the second warning from Hagari on Monday, following an earlier message in the morning for residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate immediately, as Israel planned airstrikes targeting homes allegedly storing Hezbollah’s cruise missiles.
So far, Israel has struck about 300 homes where Hezbollah allegedly hide missiles, Israeli army spokesperson Avichai Adraee said in a statement, Xinhua news agency reported. Israel has launched on Monday a third wave of airstrikes on Lebanon, the IDF said in a statement, resuming an assault that has killed over 100 people since early the day, according to Lebanese health officials.
–IANS
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The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has faced significant scrutiny regarding various appointments involving individuals of Christian faith. Here are six notable cases that have stirred controversy:
Bhumana Karunakar Reddy As TTD Chairman
In August 2023, Tirupati MLA Bhumana Karunakar Reddy was appointedas the Chairman of TTD. It is noteworthy that his first tenure as TTD chairman was from 2006 to 2008, during the Congress government led by Dr. YS Rajasekhar Reddy, father of the current Chief Minister, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. At the time, Karunakar Reddy was a loyal member of the Congress and a close associate of the YSR family. In 2016, Karunakar Reddy’s daughter, Neeha Reddy, married Y.S. Sumadhur Reddy, a cousin of Jagan Reddy, strengthening his ties with the YSR family. The outgoing TTD Chairman, YV Subba Reddy, is also closely related to Jagan, being his uncle through marriage to Jagan’s maternal aunt.
Additionally, controversy escalated after a video surfaced in which ex-CM Y.S. Jagan Reddy’s mother stated, “We are a Christian family. We go to temples only for Hindu votes.”
There areimages of Bhumana Reddy’s daughter’s wedding circulating in social media where the bride and groom are seento be wearing clothes pertinent to a Christian wedding.
File Picture : Bhumana Karunakar Reddy daughter's marriage attended by current CM YS Jagan pic.twitter.com/us6doN4oy7
Appointment Of Christian Teachers At Venkateswara School
In January 2023, the State School Education Department automatically appointed three surplus teachers of Christian faith to fill vacant positions at the Sri Venkateswara Higher Secondary School, which is managed by TTD in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. The principal, Napoleon, allowed the teachers to begin work without informing TTD, sparking protests from Hindu staff and local Hindus, as TTD mandates only Hindus can be employed. Following the backlash, the principal informed the District Chief Education Officer that the appointments would require TTD’s permission, and the teachers were sent back to their previous positions.
Hindu activists planned to raise the issue with TTD board members, but the School Education Department later withdrew the appointments after learning that non-Hindus cannot be employed by TTD institutions. The incident adds to ongoing concerns over TTD’s management, with accusations of non-Hindus being employed in its institutions, linked to alleged anti-Hindu actions under Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government.
A. Rajasekhar Rao’s Dual Identity
In February 2020, a media report revealed that A Rajasekhar Rao, Assistant Executive Officer (AEO) of the Sri Venkateswara (SV) Group of temples, was seen praying at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Puttur. Rao, who was in charge of overseeing the “Parakamani” (Hundi counting) at the Tirumala Mandir, had claimed to be a Hindu while acknowledging that his wife had converted to Christianity. He initially denied participating in any church prayers, stating that he had only entered the church premises with his wife. Following these allegations, Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam (TTD) launched an inquiry on 20 April 2020 (Roc No. DA1/9968/2019) under the supervision of Shri Rajendradu, Special Grade Deputy Executive Officer, SV Group of temples, Vijayawada. The investigation concluded that the charges against Rao were proven. According to the GO 1060 of 1989, appointments to TTD institutions, except for teaching positions, are restricted to individuals professing the Hindu faith. This rule was further strengthened in 2007 by GO 1372, which mandates that all appointments across all categories in TTD-administered or funded institutions must be made exclusively among individuals professing the Hindu religion.
Discovery Of Appointment Of 44 Non-Hindu Employees In AP (TTD)
In 2019, the Andhra Pradesh government under Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy sparked controversy by ordering that non-Hindus would not be allowed employment at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which manages the Sri Venkateswara temple, one of the richest Hindu temples globally. The new directive stated that only those who converted to Hinduism could retain their jobs, while others would be dismissed. Surprise checks were planned to verify the religious identities of employees.
The controversy was ignited by advertisements on state government bus tickets promoting pilgrimages to Jerusalem for Christians and Haj for Muslims, leading to significant backlash. Accusations against previous administrations also resurfaced, with claims that the proliferation of churches in Tirupati began during Y.S. Reddy’s tenure as Chief Minister.
A sting operation revealed that a senior TTD official regularly attended church, the TTD began identifying non-Hindu staff, ultimately finding 44 employees in violation of guidelines that prohibit non-Hindus from working in temple services. Although most were employed in non-religious roles, the TTD plans to reassign them to other state departments. New measures will require all TTD employees to wear “Thiru Namam,” a traditional Hindu mark, to ensure adherence to the temple’s religious identity and prevent further controversy over non-Hindu appointments.
Vangalapudi Anita On TTD Trust Board
In 2018, the appointment of Payakaraopet legislator Vangalapudi Anita, reportedly a Christian, to the then-newly constituted Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Trust Board sparked controversy. A video of her confirming her Christian background went viral, prompting criticism from right-wing organizations. The Andhra Pradesh government, which reformed the board after the previous term ended, faced backlash, particularly for appointing chairman Putta Sudhakar Yadav, who was accused of attending Christian events, raising concerns about his suitability to lead an organization meant to uphold Hindu Dharma.
In the video, Anita admits to marrying a Hindu but maintains her Christian identity, stating, “I always keep a Bible in my bag.” This incident follows a previous controversy in January, when the TTD relocated 45 non-Hindu employees after a video of one staff member visiting a church went viral, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding non-Hindus in temple management.
Snehalatha’s Church Visits
In 2017, Snehalatha, a Deputy Executive Officer in TTD’s Welfare Department, was found to be in gross violation of service rules by regularly attending a Christian Lutheran church in an official car. Additionally, she reportedly never took ‘Prasadam’ but accepted gifts during Brahmotsavam, leading to questions about her adherence to TTD’s Hindu traditions.
#Tirupati-Church .Now see the TTD officer who used official car to visit Church. Telugu TV Channel found She is Snehalatha , Deputy Executive officer,in Welfare Department of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams .So religious that she never touches Prasadam. https://t.co/SDLKS6p3CG
This lady is a Christian, working as deputy EO of TTD BALAJI TEMPLE welfare department. Doesn't take 'Prasadam' but takes all costly gifts during 'Brahmosthvam'. Uses official car to go to Church everyday in the morning. 😡😡😡 #CongExposedOnAyodhya#CongMandirDoubleCrosspic.twitter.com/U4UGt4OOnc
The TTD is governed by the A.P. Charitable & Hindu Religious Institutions & Endowments Act (1987), which mandates that executive officers must be Hindu. Past investigations have highlighted similar issues, recommending thorough probes into the backgrounds of non-Hindu employees and prohibiting the propagation of non-Hindu religions within Tirumala. Despite a pledge by TTD employees to uphold Hindu Dharma, concerns persist about Christian proselytization and the presence of non-Hindus in key positions.
Nawaz Appointed At Shri Avimukteshwara Swamy Temple
In 2024, a Muslim man named Nawaz was appointedto the committee responsible for organizing the Brahmotsavam festivities at the Shri Avimukteshwara Swamy Temple, located in the Bangalore Rural District of Karnataka. His appointment raised eyebrows, considering the religious significance of the temple and the traditional expectations surrounding its administration.
Mr. Nawaz has been appointed to the committee responsible for overseeing the Brahmotsavam festivities of Shri Avimukteshwara Swamy in Hoskote, located in the Bangalore Rural District.
In 2023, the Madhya Pradesh government’s Department of Culture announced the removal of non-Hindu employees associated with the Maa Sharda Temple in Maihar, Satna district. The individuals affected by this decision included Abid Hussain, Ayub Khan, and Yusuf Khan. Till 2023, the Maa Sharda Management Committee had three Muslim employees, who had been working there since 1988 including legal advisor Abid Hussain, who faced criticism for the committee’s inability to win court cases. Following a memorandum from Hindu organizations demanding the removal of Muslim staff and the closure of meat and liquor shops, SDM Dharmendra Mishra announced a meeting to discuss potential actions.
Non-Hindus Appointed At Maa Jwalamukhi Temple, Kangra
In 2021, in Himachal Pradesh, the state government appointed Jashan Deen and Shakeen Mohhamad, both from the non-Hindu community, as langar sevakars at the Maa Jwalamukhi Temple in Kangra. This decision faced opposition from the nine non-government members of the temple, who expressed their discontent with the appointments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the temple’s Hindu identity.
17 Non-Hindu Employees At Srisailam Devasthanams
In 2019, a shocking revelation came when it was reportedthat 17 non-Hindu employees were appointed at various levels within the administration of the Srisailam Devasthanams in Andhra Pradesh. Among these non-Hindu employees were Muslims like S. Khasim Vali, S. A. Wahab, and S. A. Rasool, alongside Christians including Ch. Yohan, D. Ibrahim, K. Yebu, M. Chandi Bai, Y. Israel, P.Daniel, K.Benjamin, C.Emanuel, Ch. Isak, D.Devaraju, G.Mery, J.Lazar, J.Mariyamma, K.K. Mariamma.
Accessed the list of 17 Non Hindu Employees (as per available data) appointed in Srisailam Temple as Regular & Non Regular basis at different levels in the Administration Department. Taken the matter to the notice of AP Special Chief Secretary and Endowments Commissioner. pic.twitter.com/5N1PRHRrcy
— Legal Rights Protection Forum (@lawinforce) August 19, 2019
It is noteworthy that in January 2021, the Andhra High Court stated, “If a person is known after a name found in the Bible, attended a Christian meeting, read the Holy Bible, and kept the Cross in his house, all these cannot be construed to mean he’s a Christian.”
In October 2021, the Madras High Court stated, ‘going to Church or displaying Holy Cross cannot be grounds to cancel SCcertificate.’
In July 2023, the Mumbai High Court stated, ‘Mere’ cross at entrance and bust of Jesus inside house is no basis to discard claim for Hindu Mahar scheduled caste certificate’.
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