Facebook Instagram X Youtube
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Facebook Instagram X Youtube
Home Blog Page 795

TN To Detect Land Encroachments Using AI, Pilot Study In Coimbatore

By
The Commune
-

The Tamil Nadu government is set to launch an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based application to detect land and property encroachments across the state, starting with a pilot programme in Coimbatore. Following the pilot study, the software will be customised for deployment across other urban local bodies to detect encroachments.

The state’s Town Planning Department has invited consultants to develop the AI-powered software and smartphone application. Consultants have been instructed to roll out the application within six months, after which it will operate for 12 months on a trial basis. Upon completion, the Department of Town Planning will take over the operation and maintenance of the platform.

According to the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP), the software platform and database will be developed using advanced technologies, including satellite imagery, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and data science.

This AI-based platform will facilitate the automatic detection of encroachments, supported by a database of plot boundaries, existing building footprints, and related information.

The platform will obtain data from city master plans, detailed development plans, and local body records of building and layout approvals for both planned and unplanned areas. Using this data, the AI system will track progressive changes in land use on both government and private properties, alerting officials to land-use changes, unauthorised constructions, and encroachments.

The application will also monitor green cover across different regions, aiding in the tracking of deforestation and urban expansion. A senior official of the Tamil Nadu town planning department while speaking to IANS on conditions of anonymity said, “The AI-driven study on encroachments is a huge move which will help detect all encroachments. The green cover will also be on an increase by this technology-driven detection of encroachments.”

–IANS

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

Police Search For 20 Kerala Youth CPI-M Workers For Celebrating Birthday, Holding Up Traffic

By
The Commune
-
Police Search For 20 Kerala Youth CPI-M Workers For Celebrating Birthday, Holding Up Traffic.

A day after youth wing members of Communist Party of India – Marxist (CPI-M) in Pathanamthitta took over the control of the main road near here on Saturday night to celebrate birthday, Kerala Police is on the lookout for 20 of them.

The police have already arrested Shiyas, the birthday boy who led the celebrations by taking over the St Peter’s Junction here. For an hour, the youths, all allegedly belonging to the Democratic Youth Federation of India who came in around 20 cars, celebrated the birthday of Shiyas by cutting a cake placed on the bonnet of a car in the middle of the road.

The celebrations began at 9.15 p.m. and lasted an hour and eyebrows were raised on the way the police acted when the celebrations were going on. The youth are members of the local club named Kammatipaddom and came in their cars to St Peter’s Junction.

Of late, there has been an increase of the youth members, especially those attached to CPI-M to take the law into their hands. While Shiyas has already been arrested, the police have begun a manhunt to take into custody around 20 more youths and reports indicate that many of them are now in hiding.

Incidentally, this is the second time the youth wing of CPI-M in the district is engaged in such a celebration causing widespread criticism from across the society. However, the district leadership of the DYFI has feigned ignorance of such an event taking place.

The Pathanamthitta district is a stronghold of the CPI-M-led Left and all five Assembly constituencies are with the ruling CPI-M-led Left Democratic Front. Journalist turned State Health Minister Vienna George hails from the district.

–IANS

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

AIADMK Gen Secy EPS Greenlights Possibility Of Coalition With “Like-Minded” Parties Ahead Of 2026 Elections

By
The Commune
-
AIADMK Gen Secy EPS Greenlights Possibility Of Coalition With "Like-Minded" Parties Ahead Of 2026 Elections

Previous reports have indicated that former senior ministers and current MLAs from the AIADMK have been pressuring General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) to adopt a more unified approach ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. While EPS had previously rejected the idea of a coalition, have now hinted that an alliance, even with the BJP, could be a strategic option. This shift in stance comes after a two-year break in the coalition between the AIADMK and the BJP.

Edappadi Palaniswami, who had attended various events in Thanjavur and Trichy before flying back to Chennai, addressed the media at the airport. He responded to Chief Minister MK Stalin’s recent criticisms, where Stalin claimed that under EPS’s leadership, little was achieved during his tenure.

Palaniswami defended the AIADMK’s governance from 2011 to 2021, citing the successful completion of several major projects, including the establishment of 11 medical colleges and law colleges, as well as the ongoing development of institutions in Salem. He emphasized that the AIADMK’s leadership under Jayalalithaa had delivered what he called the “best governance,” contrasting it with the current DMK government’s inefficiency. He also criticized the cancellation of key welfare schemes like the Amma Mini Clinics and the fertiliser distribution program.

“The DMK government is failing on multiple fronts,” Palaniswami said, highlighting that the promises made by Stalin during the election campaign had largely gone unfulfilled. He pointed out that out of the 525 promises made by the DMK during the election, less than 10 percent had been implemented. He also drew attention to the growing drug problem in Tamil Nadu, which, according to him, the DMK government has failed to curb.

Palaniswami further claimed that while Stalin criticized his leadership, he himself had risen through the ranks of the AIADMK because of his talent, whereas Stalin’s political rise was attributed to his familial connection to the late Karunanidhi. He also took aim at Udhayanidhi Stalin, asserting that his appointment as Deputy Chief Minister was due to his lineage rather than his merit.

In response to questions about the potential for an alliance with the BJP, Palaniswami maintained that any coalition would depend on the political climate closer to the election. He reiterated that AIADMK was open to working with like-minded parties to challenge the DMK government but emphasized that no formal decision about an alliance had been made yet. He dismissed concerns about fractures within the AIADMK-BJP alliance, suggesting that such speculation was unfounded and that the opposition’s goal was to unite against the DMK.

“Coalition is not like opening or closing the door. I may like that in other parties, but according to AIADMK and my opinion is like minded parties should today join and defeat this anti people and corrupt government and whoever comes to the alliance they are considered like-minded parties. Based on our parties’ principles whoever wishes to join under our coalition is like minded parties”. Schooling the media about election coalition EPS said, “Parliamentary or assembly elections comes once in five years, the alliance is based on the politics only nearing the election we could come to know who has allied with whom before that whatever we say it won’t stand.”

EPS further stated, “A coalition isn’t something simply be opening or closing a door. While other parties may approach it like that, but in my view, and in the view of the AIADMK, like-minded parties should come together today to defeat this anti-people, corrupt government.” He further explained, “Anyone who joins the alliance is considered a like-minded party. Those who wish to align with us, based on the principles of our party are like-minded party.”

Addressing the media on the nature of electoral coalitions, EPS emphasized, “the parliamentary or assembly elections, happen once every five years. The formation of an alliance is based on the political fervor made closer to the election. Only then will we know who has allied with whom. Anything said before that doesn’t hold true.”

Palaniswami stated, adding that AIADMK’s primary focus was to unite with parties that were aligned in their opposition to the DMK and could accept AIADMK’s leadership in any future alliance.

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

Vellore Villagers Allege Harassment By Missionaries Over Temple Construction On Govt-Allotted Land

By
The Commune
-
Vellore Villagers Allege Harassment By Missionaries Over Temple Construction On Govt-Allotted Land

In a troubling incident in Vellore district, Christian missionaries have allegedly been threatening a group of poor, unsuspecting villagers, insisting that they cannot build a temple on government-allotted land.

The villagers, devout followers of the Goddess “Om Sakthi,” had secured the land and planned to construct a small temple. However, when they began the construction, it is claimed that local Christian missionaries initially warned them against building the temple. The situation escalated when the missionaries reportedly confronted the villagers with beef, further threatening them and insulting their religious beliefs. The villagers, many of whom are illiterate, expressed their distress, explaining that they revere the cow as sacred and were deeply offended by the actions of the missionaries.

One of the village leaders who spoke to the media said, “We have been living here for forty years, and the government has allocated separate land for us. We want to build an ‘Om Sakthi’ temple on this land, which is what we are fighting for. Two hundred fifty people are living here, and I am their leader. Recently, Christians have come to the area to take over the land. They have been bringing cow’s leg meat and showing it to us as a threat. We have always revered cows as sacred, but they are using this to intimidate us and drive us off the land. The people here have long dreamed of building this temple, but now they are coming to provoke a fight and threaten us. We ask for your help to protect our land and our right to build the temple.”

In response to these threats and intimidation by missionaries, the villagers have submitted a petition to the Deputy Collector of Vellore urging the government to intervene and allow them to build the temple on their land to continue their religious practices without fear or interference.

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

Copper Plate Reveals Historical Syncretism: Misappropriation Of Dargah Property Linked To Sin Of Cow Slaughter, Says Ancient Tamil Inscription

By
The Commune
-

A recently rediscovered copper plate belonging to the Muthukumara Vijayaragunatha Sethupathi Kaathathevar sheds light on an age-old belief linking religious responsibility with moral consequences across faiths. The copper plate, held by the Habil and Qabil Dargah in Rameswaram, contains an inscription stating that any misappropriation of the proceeds from Pakkiri Puthukulam village, donated to the dargah, would incur the severe spiritual sin associated with cow slaughter. This sin, traditionally regarded as one of the most severe in Hinduism, would also extend to Muslims or anyone else guilty of such an act, according to the inscription.

The dargah, located close to the residence of the late Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, has a long history of attracting devotees across religious backgrounds. The copper plate, currently in the possession of Ahamed Jallaudin, son of Arulmozhi alias Asiammal, trustee of the dargah, links the religious site’s property with strict moral stipulations. According to historian S.M. Kamal’s modern translation of the text, “He who properly maintains the property will be blessed with the benefit of offering food (annadhanam) in Mecca, Madina, the Ganga, and the Sethu [Rameswaram].” However, anyone who misappropriates its proceeds “will incur the sin of killing his parents and a cow in Mecca, Madina, on the banks of the Ganga, and in the Sethu,” the inscription declares.

The Habil and Qabil Dargah believed to be a resting place for the Biblical Cain and Abel, or Habil and Qabil in Islamic tradition, sits within a lush campus surrounded by banyan and palm trees. The graves, each a striking 57 feet long, draw a steady stream of visitors, especially from Kerala, who come to offer prayers at the memorials. According to local tradition, the dargah’s unusually long graves reflect the belief that these ancient figures were of superhuman size.

The historical inscription also reveals deep ties between the Sethupathis of Ramanathapuram and the Muslim community. The grant of Pakkiri Puthukulam to the dargah underscores the bond of friendship and mutual respect, famously demonstrated by merchant prince Shaikh Abdul Qadir, also known as Seethakathi, a close associate of Vijaya Raghunatha Thevar, the Sethupathi ruler of Ramanathapuram.

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who grew up near the dargah, shared memories of his family’s close connection to local Hindu traditions in his memoir Wings of Fire. He recounted how his family, through generations, was honored during the annual Shri Sita Rama Kalyanam ceremony at the nearby Ramanathaswamy Temple. “My great-great-grandfather was treated like a hero,” he wrote, recalling a rare tradition where the temple awarded his family the first honor, or Mudhal Mariadhai, in recognition of their longstanding service.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

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

BJP Supporter Johny Raja Who Posts Against DMK On Social Media Arrested By TN Police, Later Released On Bail

By
The Commune
-

In a recent development, BJP supporter Johny Raja was arrested in Chennai by Vellore police following social media posts allegedly targeting the ruling DMK party. Raja was taken into custody and subsequently presented before the Vellore magistrate, where he was granted bail.

BJP officials in the Vellore district, alongside party supporters, coordinated efforts to secure his release on the day police arrested Johny Raja. Acknowledging the swift action taken by the party, district BJP officials expressed gratitude to the legal and IT wings and local leaders who liaised with Johny Raja’s family and provided immediate assistance.

Reports indicate that Raja had been vocal on social media, openly opposing DMK policies, which allegedly led to his arrest. BJP leaders and supporters condemned the arrest, describing it as an attempt by law enforcement to suppress dissent. “The DMK’s use of police force to silence opposing views is unacceptable and intimidatory,” stated BJP spokespersons, who criticized the incident as an infringement on freedom of speech. Party officials have assured that Johny Raja will receive all necessary legal support.

This comes as yet another incident that highlights the concerning trend of Tamil Nadu Police prioritizing the prosecution of individuals expressing dissenting views online over addressing more serious crimes such as drug peddling, rape, and murder.

Below is the list of past actions of the DMK government, which involved stifling the expression of dissenting opinions, and led to a crackdown on freedom of speech.

  • The Commune and its directors faced legal action for reporting on the confrontation between Podu Deekshitars of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple and HR&CE officials.
  • BJP IT Wing and Social Media State Secretary Trichy Pugal Machendran was arrested for an alleged provocative Facebook post celebrating the death of the terrorist Palani Baba on his death anniversary. The post referred to Palani Baba as a “poisonous influence.”
  • TN BJP Functionary Pravin Raj was arrested in the wee hours of 1 October 2023 for his posts targeting the ruling party and the Congress.
  • The Tamil Nadu police even went up to Noida to try to arrest journalist Abhijit Majumder for his article on Udhayanidhi Stalin’s eradicate Sanathana Dharma remarks. 
  • A critic of the DMK, Badri Seshadri, was arrested for his comments in an interview on a YouTube channel regarding the Manipur issue, during which he made remarks about the Chief Justice of India.
  • Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary SG Suryah was taken into custody under non-bailable sections for his comments regarding Madurai CPI-M MP Su Venkatesan concerning a sanitation worker’s tragic death during drain cleaning in Pennadam town, Cuddalore district.
  • An AIADMK IT wing member was apprehended under non-bailable sections for sharing a video meme that humorously referenced MK Stalin’s video statement on Senthilbalaji’s arrest. The meme did not contain derogatory content.
  • A Pro-BJP Twitter user was arrested for sharing an old article and allegedly misattributing DMK to an illegal liquor-producing gang in Tiruppur, following the recent hooch tragedy in Marakkanam.
  • A Pro-BJP Twitter user was arrested for sharing an old article and allegedly misattributing DMK to an illegal liquor-producing gang in Tiruppur, following the recent hooch tragedy in Marakkanam.
  • Vice President of Tamil Nadu BJP’s Industrial Cell, Selva Kumar, was arrested for criticizing DMK Minister Senthilbalaji.
  • The admin of Voice of Savukku Shankar X handle was arrested for a video meme targeting CM MK Stalin and DMK Minister PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan regarding the “eligible household” clause in the monthly assistance scheme for women.
  • The DMK government traveled to Gujarat to arrest BJP cadre John Ravi, who had made satirical social media posts about CM MK Stalin and his late father, Karunanidhi.
  • N Muthuramalingam, the State Propaganda Secretary of South India Forward Bloc, was arrested for expressing his views on Facebook regarding the release of terrorists convicted in the 1998 Coimbatore serial blasts case. Muthuramalingam had criticized Dravidian parties for considering the release of 36 prisoners, including those convicted for life in the Coimbatore terror attack, leading to his arrest.
  • In March 2024, Minjur Saleem, a pro-BJP activist found himself detained and later arrested for his dissenting views regarding the DMK Party’s governance, which he expressed on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

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

Remembering Indra Soundar Rajan, Master Storyteller Whose Marmadesam And Vidathu Karuppu Can Give Today’s Web Series A Run For Their Money

By
The Commune
-
Remembering Indra Soundar Rajan, Master Storyteller Whose Marmadesam And Vidathu Karuppu Can Give Today's Web Series A Run For Their Money.

Every Wednesday, when the clock strikes 9:00 PM, kids in Tamil homes get goosebumps and wet their pants as the eerie title introduction of Marmadesam plays. First, it is the dog’s bark, and then it is the horse’s neigh.

If you thought today’s OTT platforms are churning out great content, you might be mistaken. Perhaps you are born in the wrong generation if you haven’t experienced the thrilling suspense of television series like Marmadesam, especially the unforgettable Vidaathu Karuppu. This legendary show left many a youngster with literal goosebumps after each episode.

Fans of these groundbreaking series were deeply shocked to hear about the passing of their creator, the iconic storyteller Indra Soundar Rajan. Known for his riveting supernatural tales that combined spiritual lore, psychological depth, and suspense, Rajan’s work continues to stand as a gold standard for gripping storytelling.

Born Soundar Rajan on 13 November 1958, in Salem, Tamil Nadu, Indra Soundar Rajan left an indelible mark on Tamil literature and television, weaving divine intervention, reincarnation, and myths into narratives that captivated millions. He passed away on 10 November 2024, at the age of 65, following a fall at his Madurai residence. With over 700 short stories, 340 novels, and more than 100 television serials to his credit, Rajan’s prolific output and unique voice have enriched Tamil culture for generations.

His iconic series Marmadesam, particularly the celebrated segment Vidaathu Karuppu, is etched into viewers’ memories as one of the most thrilling and suspenseful television experiences. Airing in the late 1990s, Marmadesam captivated audiences with its unique blend of mythology and psychological thriller that was far ahead of its time.

Marmadesam (Ragasiyam)

Ragasiyam is the first season of the popular Tamil mystery series, focusing on the mystical healing powers of Navabhashanam Lingams in a fictional village called Chitharpatti. The village’s Chitheswarar temple is believed to have miraculous healing abilities, attracting devotees from far and wide. The temple is locked from 6 PM to 6 AM, with locals believing that Siddhars perform secret rituals at night, protected by a divine guardian dog known as Kaalabhairavar.

The story begins when a journalist named Srikanth tries to investigate these beliefs but is mysteriously killed by a dog, reinforcing the villagers’ superstitions. Mani Sundaram, the rationalist son of the temple priest, along with Dr. KR, a once-famous psychiatrist pretending to be mentally ill, and Prasad, Dr. KR’s son, decide to uncover the truth behind the deaths.

They discover that the murders are not supernatural but are part of a plot by two men using trained dogs to search for the Navabhashanam Lingams hidden in the temple. The mastermind behind the killings is Vaithiyar, who manipulates villagers’ fears for his gain, with guidance from a mysterious figure called Guruji.

The investigation reveals that the true culprits behind the scheme are Mani’s neighbors Govindaraj and Rangaraj, who are eventually exposed. The series ends with a twist, where characters presumed dead address the audience, leading into the next season, Vidathu Karuppu.

Vidathu Karuppu

The second season of the Marmadesam series, titled Vidathu Karuppu, became the most popular and successful installment of the franchise. This season explores the psychological concept of split personality disorder while delving into the rural cult worship of Karuppu Sami, a guardian deity revered in the southern regions of Tamil Nadu. The show features a talented cast, including C. T. Rajakantham, Chetan, Devadarshini, Meenakumari, and others, achieving significant commercial success and inspiring many supernatural thrillers on Tamil television.

The story is told across two timelines. The first part, set in 1970, focuses on the Anaimudi family through the eyes of a young boy, Rajendran. The second part, set in 1995, follows Reena, a skeptical medical student, and her superstitious boss, Dr. Nanda, as they investigate mysterious deaths linked to Karuppu Sami in a village.

As Reena and Dr. Nanda explore the village’s customs, they encounter gruesome deaths believed to be divine punishments from Karuppu Sami. Flashbacks reveal the dark past of Pechi, a ruthless moneylender, and a hidden treasure that many villagers are desperate to find. Reena discovers that the hauntings and deaths are tied to a local schoolteacher and a deeper mystery involving Rajendran.

The shocking twist reveals that Rajendran, due to past trauma, suffers from a split personality and unknowingly commits the murders as “Karuppu”. Realizing the truth, he takes his own life. The series ends on a suspenseful note, suggesting that the cycle of vengeance linked to Karuppu Sami will continue.

The season was so impactful that it inspired numerous other supernatural thrillers on Tamil television.

The show’s gripping narrative, which seamlessly wove folklore with psychological elements, could easily rival the best offerings on today’s streaming platforms. Rajan’s ability to craft such layered tales with depth and suspense was a testament to his mastery, making Marmadesam timeless.

Rajan began his career in the TVS Group but eventually transitioned to writing full-time, driven by his passion for Tamil folklore, spirituality, and the supernatural. His collaboration with director Naga brought to life some of Tamil television’s most impactful series, and together, they revolutionized the genre with high-quality storytelling. His ability to write profound spiritual thrillers made him a household name and inspired generations of viewers and readers alike.

From novels like Sornajaalam and Rudra Veenai to television adaptations like Krishnadasi and Kaal Bhairav Rahasya, his works expanded across languages and formats, winning the hearts of diverse audiences. Indra Soundar Rajan leaves behind a towering legacy that will continue to inspire and captivate for generations. His departure is a tremendous loss, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of his readers and viewers, particularly in the timeless suspense of Vidaathu Karuppu.

Fare thee well, Indra Soundar Rajan, an author, a spiritual seeker, and an unforgettable storyteller.

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

Nominated Posts Filled After Screening 30,000 Applications: Chandrababu Naidu

By
The Commune
-
Nominated Posts Filled After Screening 30,000 Applications: Chandrababu Naidu

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday said that appointments on nominated posts were made after selecting eligible persons from 30,000 applications. Day after filling 62 nominated posts, Naidu said after a prolonged exercise to screen the applications, those found eligible and qualified were appointed. Last month, the TDP-led NDA government filled the chairperson posts for 20 corporations in the first list.

On Saturday, it announced a second list of nominated posts. Out of 62 posts for various corporations announced in the second list, the TDP took 49, while the JSP and the BJP were given ten and three posts, respectively.

Congratulating those appointed, Naidu said that all of them got a very good opportunity to serve the people. “We have already made it clear that ours is political governance and the selection has been made keeping this in view,” the Chief Minister remarked.

Maintaining that political governance means that those who got these nominated posts too should become partners in the welfare that is extended to the people, Chandrababu asked them to take their posts as a responsibility in serving the people. “Utilise this opportunity to serve the people and try to get a good name to the Government and the party,” he added.

There are several aspirants for various posts in the State and the selection has been made to do justice to those who have worked hard for the success of the party, Chandrababu Naidu said in a statement. The selection has been made taking into consideration their hard work, sacrifices made by them, their style of functioning and their discipline, he added. Recalling that the selection of the party candidates has been made in the recent election taking the people’s view through IVRS, he said that the people have welcomed this system and thus they have given a historic verdict to the NDA with a 93 per cent success rate. In the selection of the nominated posts too, preference is given to those who have faced the atrocities of the previous government for a full five years in a daring manner, he stated.

Chandrababu said that the TDP takes the credit of giving state-level posts to the booth-level activists and made it clear that in the coming days, too such posts will be offered to more and more party leaders. Admitting that there are several others who strived hard for the success of the TDP, he said that those who got positing are given preference on a priority basis.

“We will also respect others in the coming days by offering them proper nominated posts. Many leaders will get posts of directors of various corporations. If you work hard, you will get further rise politically in the coming days,” Chandrababu Naidu maintained. The Chief Minister advised those who got the nominated posts to function keeping in view the slogan ‘simple government and effective governance’ and by mingling with people.

–IANS

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

India’s Identity Extends Beyond Nehru, Claims TN BJP

By
The Commune
-

Tamil Nadu BJP Spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad claimed on Sunday that India’s identity goes beyond India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and urged the DMK government to recognise the collective contributions of all national leaders. He warned that any attempt to distort history would backfire, and history would judge the DMK harshly.

Prasad stated, “Politics should be kept out of education, and fact-based narratives must be instilled in students.” The BJP leader acknowledged that the Tamil Development Department has announced a speech competition scheduled for November 12 and 13 to commemorate the birthday of India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. He said this initiative aims to honour leaders who contributed to India’s independence and development. “By organising such competitions on the birthdays and anniversaries of these leaders, we pay tribute to their legacies and inspire future generations to learn from their experiences and ideals,” Prasad said. However, he emphasised that India’s struggle for independence and subsequent progress involved many leaders beyond Nehru and his family. Prasad stressed the importance of recognising contributions from other visionary leaders who helped shape India’s history.

The BJP leader suggested that the Tamil Development Department should hold similar speech and essay competitions for students on the birth and memorial days of a wider range of national leaders, including freedom fighters like Mahakavi Bharathiyar, V.U. Chidambaranar, Subramania Siva, Subramania Bharathi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Subhash Chandra Bose, Babasaheb Ambedkar, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He also recommended honouring national leaders such as Lal Bahadur Shastri, Jayaprakash Narayan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and APJ Abdul Kalam. “It is essential that these competitions are not restricted to leaders aligned with the ruling party’s ideology,” Prasad noted.

He urged the DMK government to ensure that competitions are held to honour all notable leaders, not just Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, to foster a comprehensive understanding of India’s diverse political heritage among students. “Organising such competitions will encourage students to learn about the contributions of these leaders and inspire future generations to work towards the nation’s progress,” Prasad stated. He argued that recognising the roles of various leaders in India’s independence struggle and development, rather than focusing on a select few, would promote a more inclusive understanding of India’s history. He highlighted that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister largely due to Mahatma Gandhi’s preference.

Following the deaths of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Prasad claimed the Congress party became dominated by the Nehru family, whose stronghold prevented the rise of any opposing party, creating an environment without opposition. “Consequently, India remained under the Nehru family’s influence for 55 years post-independence,” he said, adding that many national projects and government buildings were named after Nehru family members, including Motilal Nehru, Kamala Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and Sanjay Gandhi. Prasad noted that this trend continued until the coalition government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1998. “Only after Vajpayee’s tenure did leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Lal Bahadur Shastri, previously overshadowed by Congress, begin to receive recognition,” he claimed.

He expressed concerns that the DMK, following Congress’s legacy, might also overlook other leaders’ contributions in favour of its own. He highlighted a growing trend of naming state projects and buildings after former Chief Minister Karunanidhi under the pretext of his centenary celebrations, cautioning that this sets a troubling precedent. Prasad advised Chief Minister Stalin to recognise that altering history could lead to unintended consequences, and history may ultimately redefine his legacy. The BJP leader concluded by urging the DMK government to acknowledge the sacrifices and achievements of all leaders, rather than solely honouring Karunanidhi.

–IANS

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

Pawan Kalyan Warns YSRCP Leaders Against Threatening Officials

By
The Commune
-
Pawan Kalyan Warns YSRCP Leaders Against Threatening Officials.

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Sunday warned leaders of the opposition YSR Congress Party that if any harm is caused to IAS and IPS officials, suo moto cases will be booked against them. The Jana Sena leader lashed out at former chief minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and other leaders of YSRCP for threatening police officers.

Pawan Kalyan, who holds the portfolio of forests and environment, attended a programme a Guntur to remember the sacrifices of forest officials who laid down their lives while performing their duties. Later, the Deputy Chief Minister told media persons that the former chief minister used the officers at his whims and fancies by claiming that he would remain in power for 20 years. The actor-turned-politician said that the former chief minister is now only an MLA but he should act with responsibility. The Jana Sena leader took exception to the YSRCP leader warning Tirupati SP Subbarayudu and DGP. Stating that the officials were discharging their responsibilities, the Deputy Chief Minister said they would not be cowed down by threats.

He made it clear that the government would not keep quiet if there was any harm caused to officials. Pawan Kalyan came out in defence of the police officials after his recent remarks pulling out them for their inaction to check crimes against women and children. Last week, he had also publicly criticised Home Minister V. Anitha for not discharging her responsibilities and had even remarked that he would be forced to take over the home portfolio. The Jana Sena leader was unhappy with the way police handling the cases relating to inappropriate social media posts against leaders of the ruling coalition. “Why are you in police force if you don’t have courage,” he had asked.

Anitha, who belongs to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), had met Pawan Kalyan two days ago. She told the media that she had taken the Deputy Chief Minister’s comments positively. On Saturday, Pawan Kalyan expressed displeasure over the attitude of police towards victims. He on behalf of Kakinada police apologised to the families of two students who died in a road accident near Tuni. He warned police against bringing a bad name to the coalition government. Pawan Kalyan also met Director General of Police Dwarka Tirumala Rao, who admitted last week that there were lapses on the part of police officers during the rule of the YSR Congress Party.

–IANS

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

1...794795796...1,960Page 795 of 1,960
TheCommune
The Commune is a news and views portal focusing on social and political issues of the southern part of India with a focus on Tamil Nadu.
Contact us: thecommune.news@gmail.com
Facebook Instagram X Youtube

NATIONAL NEWS

sonia gandhi vande mataram congress

Sonia Gandhi Appears Upset As Full Vande Mataram Plays At Congress...

The Commune - 0
The Congress’ long-standing discomfort with the full rendition of Vande Mataram came under the spotlight once again on Independence Day, after the complete national...
© The Commune 2025. All Rights Reserved.