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Temple Activist TR Ramesh Slams TN HR & CE Dept Over Alleged Illegal Demolition Of Heritage Wall At Madurai Kallazhagar Temple For “Renovation”

By
The Commune
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Prominent temple activist TR Ramesh has raised an alarm concerning the alleged illegal demolition of the historic fortified wall surrounding the ancient Sri Kallazhagar Temple, located in the wooded area of Azhagar Malai near Madurai. 

Ramesh accused the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR and CE) department of the Tamil Nadu government, which has been in place since December 13, 1951, of unauthorized demolition under the guise of renovation.

Expressing his concerns on social media, Ramesh voiced apprehension about the potentially irreversible harm being done to the temple’s age and heritage values. The Kallazhagar Temple, with a history spanning over 15 centuries, is well-known for its impressive architectural features.

In a strongly-worded statement, Ramesh criticized what he perceives as the greed for money driving these alleged renovation efforts. He drew parallels between the current temple demolitions and historical figures like Aurangzeb and Hyder Ali, notorious for their acts of desecration.

Despite the Kallazhagar Temple drawing a large number of devotees during festivals, Ramesh highlighted a perceived lack of accountability and scrutiny regarding the destruction of the temple and its surroundings. He emphasized the importance of vigilance in preserving this sacred site.

He wrote, “The officials of the tnhrcedept – A Department that thrives on FRAUD and that is illegally present in Sri Kallazhagar Temple, Azhagarkoil near Madurai from 13.12.1951 – have started to demolish the heritage Fortified Wall of the temple in the name of Renovation. Sri Kallazhagar Temple set in Forest Area is an ancient temple that is more than 15 Centuries old. It is resplendent with wonderful works of architecture. The greed for money – and consequently carrying out unnecessary and unlawful Civil Works – with the temple funds – make corrupt officials and politicians inflict permanent damages to the antiquity and heritage values of extraordinary temples. 

What is the difference between such demolishers of temples and the marauders of temples like Aurangzeb and Hyder Ali? The Bhagwan there draws lakhs of Devotees to His temple and His festivals. But no one to question the destruction of His Temple and its environs.”

(with inputs from Organiser)

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More Skeletons Tumble Out Of Draviadianist Film Director Ameer’s Closet – Biryani Shop Owned By Sadiq Inaugurated By Ameer Allegedly Selling Drugs

By
The Commune
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The recent drug bust worth over ₹2000 crores connecting a Tamil film producer and former DMK NRI Wing office bearer, Jaffer Sadiq, has caused a lot of skeletons to tumble. 

A new allegation has surfaced now. It is alleged that Jaffer Sadiq was supplying meth in Chennai from Saleem Bhai Biriyani shop in Nungambakkam. It is also alleged that through this shop, meth was supplied to students and that Sadiq was controlling the meth supply in Chennai. Saleem Bhai Biriyani chain is apparently owned by Jaffer Sadiq himself.

In this video shot at the inauguration of the Nungambakkam branch of the Biriyani outlet in May 2022, we see that Director Ameer was the chief guest. Jaffer Sadiq was also present at the inauguration function and he is seen seated next to Ameer during the press meet. As he interacts with the press and news channels, Ameer discloses that Saleem Bhai Biriyani shop is one of Sadiq’s ventures. He also praises Sadiq for taking him back to his hometown Madurai because of the “flavourful biriyani.” 

The outlet featured in the video is located in Nungambakkam opposite Palmgrove Hotel. Additionally, Ameer was also the chief guest for the opening of the Valsarawakkam branch of Saleem Bhai Biriyani. 

A point to note here is that this outlet is located in the vicinity of some of the premier colleges in Chennai. 

Who Is Jaffer Sadiq?

The now-expelled DMK functionary Jaffer Sadiq’s background reveals a network of his family’s involvement in diverse businesses. Notably, two companies, Zoya Deliveries LLP and Rush Deliveries LLP, registered in 2021, are engaged in “delivery services” throughout Chennai. 

Additionally, there are two tour and travel agencies facilitating the movement of goods. The ventures extend to the seafood industry, with JSM Sea Foods India Pvt Ltd, alongside the establishment of restaurants and a peculiarly named pharmaceutical company, J Square.

It is noteworthy that the delivery companies, the production house, and the seafood company were incorporated in 2021, the year the DMK came to power. Rush Deliveries LLP and JSM Sea Foods India Pvt Ltd were established in July 2021 and September 2021 respectively.

Sadiq’s closeness with Director Ameer was seen in our earlier report – Director Ameer and Jaffer Sadiq launched a coffee shop named 4AMCoffee and Kitchen under the Mahyan Pvt Ltd incorporation at ECR near Chennai. The managing director of this organisation, Abdul Basith, is also a director of Zuko Overseas Pvt Ltd along with Jaffer Sadiq. Interestingly, Ameer Sulthan aka director Ameer is also a director of Zuko Overseas Pvt Ltd. 

For the launch of the coffee shop, director Vetrimaran and actor Soori were present. Another coffee shop named Law Cafe was opened at Radhakrishnan Salai under the Mahyan Group of Companies banner run by Ameer and Sadiq.

Director Ameer denied his closeness with Jaffer and claimed he never knew this side of Jafer Sadiq. He stated that he first met Sadiq at the filming of Iraivan Miga Periyavan. He also asserted that the filming was stopped all of a sudden and was not in contact with Sadiq for a while. 

It is noteworthy that Sadiq and Ameer have been friends since 2015. Around this time, Ameer was directing a film called Achamillai Achamillai but the film was not completed because of production issues. In 2017, Jaffer Sadiq allegedly invested ₹70 lakhs in this film. While they both try to portray a producer-director relationship, it has now come to light that the duo are also business partners – as seen above, they both own 2 cafes in Chennai.

It is questionable that Ameer who claims ignorance of the illicit activities of Sadiq was either the chief guest at the inauguration of the restaurants or a business partner of the “druglord” on the run. 

(With inputs from Savukku Media)

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“I Don’t Think India Has Declared China As An Enemy Country”, DMK MP Kanimozhi Defends Advertisement Featuring Chinese Rockets

By
The Commune
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Earlier in the day on 28 February 2024, social media channels were abuzz with pictures of full-page advertisements in Tamil dailies intimating its readers of PM Modi’s arrival in Tamil Nadu to inaugurate the spaceport facility at Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi district. The advertisement which seems to have been published by DMK Minister of Animal Husbandry, Anitha R Radhakrishnan, shows multiple foreign rockets including Chinese rockets, and not a single Indian rocket or a flag anywhere in the advertisement. 

The advertisement received criticism from all sections of the society and netizens expressed their discontent on social media. 

Speaking to ANI, Thoothukudi DMK MP Kanimozhi, when asked about the newspaper advertisement in the state having an image of a rocket with a Chinese flag, she said, “I don’t know from where the person who did the artwork, found this picture from. I don’t think India has declared China as an enemy country. I have seen that the Prime Minister has invited the Chinese PM and they have gone to Mahabalipuram. Just because you do not want to accept the truth, you are finding reasons to divert the issue…”

Netizens slammed Kanimozhi for her insensitive comments and disregard for ISRO scientists and their achievements.

 

 

 

During his speech in Thirunelveli, Prime Minister Modi criticised the DMK government as unwilling to acknowledge India’s advancements in the space sector. “They are not ready to accept India’s progress in the space sector and with the taxes that you pay, they give advertisements and do not even include a picture of India’s space in it. They did not want to present India’s space success in front of the world, they insulted our scientists, our space sector, and your tax money. Now it’s high time that the DMK is punished for their deeds,” he said. 

He added, “Brothers and sisters, these are the leaders of Tamil Nadu DMK. Now they cannot see anything and you know what they call the one who cannot see? And that is why they are not ready to see the progress of India. They are not ready to see the progress of India’s space and with the money that you pay, the taxes that the brothers and sisters of Tamil Nadu pay, they gave advertisements and by giving advertisements, they included not India’s space photo. They do not want to present the success of India’s space programmes to the people of Tamil Nadu or the world. They have insulted our scientists, insulted our space sector, insulted your tax money. They have insulted you in such a way that with eyes closed, this DMK is unable to see things differently. Now is the time to punish the DMK.”

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PM Modi Attacks DMK Govt For The Second Time In A Day; Slams Them For Advertisement Featuring Chinese Rockets, Says “The Time To Punish The DMK Has Come”

By
The Commune
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Prime Minister Modi has been in Tamil Nadu since 27 February 2024. He was first in Palladam, Tirupur for the concluding ceremony of the En Mann En Makkal padayatra. Later he was in Madurai and visited the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. On 28 February 2024, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several projects in Thoothukudi and Thirunelveli. 

We had earlier reported the goof-up done by the DMK with regard to the full-page advertisements in Tamil newspapers on 28 February 2024 intimating to the people of the inauguration of the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport. The backdrop of the advertisement showed multiple foreign rockets including Chinese rockets, and not a single Indian rocket or a flag anywhere in the advertisement. 

Speaking to cadre and the public in Thirunelveli, in what came across as a strong condemnation of the Tamil Nadu government led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the ruling party for this advertisement showing a Chinese rocket. PM Modi conveyed his dissatisfaction with the advertisement, highlighting that it diminished the achievements of Indian scientists, especially those involved in the successful space missions of ISRO, including the forthcoming Chandrayaan-3.

Speaking to the audience, Prime Minister Modi asserted that the DMK government, through its deeds, was not only wasting the people’s earned income but also devaluing the efforts of scientists who have been instrumental in advancing India’s pursuits in space exploration.

He said, “DMK is a party that does not work but stands ahead to take false credit. These people paste their stickers on our schemes. Now they have crossed the limits, they have pasted China’s sticker to take credit for the ISRO launch pad in Tamil Nadu,” 

PM Modi argued that the DMK was unwilling to acknowledge India’s advancements in the space sector. “They are not ready to accept India’s progress in the space sector and with the taxes that you pay, they give advertisements and do not even include a picture of India’s space in it. They did not want to present India’s space success in front of the world, they insulted our scientists, our space sector, and your tax money. Now it’s high time that the DMK is punished for their deeds,” he said.

He added, “Brothers and sisters, these are the leaders of Tamil Nadu DMK. Now they cannot see anything and you know what they call the one who cannot see? And that is why they are not ready to see the progress of India. They are not ready to see the progress of India’s space and with the money that you pay, the taxes that the brothers and sisters of Tamil Nadu pay, they gave advertisements and by giving advertisements, they included not India’s space photo. They do not want to present the success of India’s space programmes to the people of Tamil Nadu or the world. They have insulted our scientists, insulted our space sector, insulted your tax money. They have insulted you in such a way that with eyes closed, this DMK is unable to see things differently. Now is the time to punish the DMK.”

This is his second attack on the DMK on the same day. Earlier in the day, speaking to the public in Thoothukudi, PM Modi attacked the DMK government over the Tamil Nadu media and its political alignments with ruling DMK government, he explicitly criticized the partiality of the media in the state and said, “My friends, I am obliged and willing to place an ideal before you. What I am addressing here, all the ideas that I am conveying to you, is not the ideology of a political party or my personal ideology, it is the ideology of development, the idea of development and progress. Yes, when I say this, newspapers here in Tamil Nadu will not publish these. Because the government here will not allow the news to be published. ” Immediately the crowd responded with enthusiasm, cheering and applauding Modi, Modi. He continued, “However, despite all these obstacles, the development journey and development plan for Tamil Nadu will be implemented by the central government.”

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“Media Here Won’t Circulate This Because The Govt Here (DMK) Won’t Allow Them”: PM Modi Attacks Dravidian Model Press Freedom

By
The Commune
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On 28 February 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled and laid the foundation for numerous developmental projects valued at approximately Rs 17,300 crore in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. Speaking to the public which comprised of cadre of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Prime Minister Modi attacked the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam led-Tamil Nadu state government hinting at their control over media.

Enumerating the welfare initiatives, such as rail infrastructure and other infrastructural developmental work implemented by the BJP-led central government in Tamil Nadu, Modi pointed out how this is enabling ease of living in Tamil Nadu.

Modi emphasized the BJP’s commitment to Tamil Nadu’s growth, asserting that the party had contributed more to the state in the last decade. Despite not being in power in the state, the BJP has garnered support from the people because of the developmental projects implemented by the central government.

He attributed the spread of falsehoods, confusion, and division to those who had exploited Tamil Nadu for years and were now desperate to cling to power. Modi asserted that their deceptive tactics had been exposed, and their corruption was being revealed through ongoing investigations, alluding to corruption cases involving DMK ministers.

Subsequently, when discussing Tamil Nadu’s media and its political alignments with ruling DMK government, he explicitly criticized the partiality of the media in the state and said, “My friends, I am obliged and willing to place an ideal before you. What I am addressing here, all the ideas that I am conveying to you, is not the ideology of a political party or my personal ideology, it is the ideology of development, the idea of development and progress. Yes, when I say this, newspapers here in Tamil Nadu will not publish these. Because the government here will not allow the news to be published. ” Immediately the crowd responded with enthusiasm, cheering and applauding Modi, Modi. He continued, “However, despite all these obstacles, the development journey and development plan for Tamil Nadu will be implemented by the central government.”

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Financial Crisis Grips University Of Madras: Frozen Accounts, Tax Liabilities, And Declining Government Funding

By
The Commune
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The University of Madras is grappling with a severe financial crisis, impacting its day-to-day operations, salaries, and other crucial expenses, income tax issues, lack of government grants, and alleged government neglect. This fate came to the varsity primarily due to an alleged failure to pay income tax and subsequent freezing of bank accounts by the Income Tax (I-T) department.

The university is currently under the leadership of a four-member convenor committee, with the higher education secretary serving as the chairman in the absence of a vice-chancellor and is facing a substantial income tax liability of ₹424 crore for the period from 2017-18 to 2021-22. The I-T department has frozen 37 bank accounts due to alleged nonpayment of tax dues. The university is required to pay ₹20 crore immediately to lift the freeze, an amount it cannot afford.

The university is reportedly incurring monthly expenditures of ₹20 crore, with a major portion allocated to salaries and pensions. Despite the total expenses being around ₹240 crore and revenue reaching around ₹100 crore, the state government has allocated only a small amount annually since 2015-16, citing audit objections. The frozen accounts are causing financial strain, leading to bounced cheques and the potential risk of a complete power outage if electricity bills are not paid. The financial crisis is affecting salaries, pensions, fellowship, and scholarship dues, impacting employees, pensioners, and students.

The university, which is supposed to be exempt from income tax if it receives over 51% of its revenue as grants from the state or central government, has not received grants from the Tamil Nadu government since 2017. Consequently, the I-T department considers it a private institution and imposes a hefty tax.

University officials attribute the financial crisis to government neglect and corruption over the years. Audit objections have hampered the university’s ability to secure grants, and the absence of a full-time auditor worsens the situation. The Joint Action Committee of the University of Madras Professors and Officials Welfare Associations is expressing concern and organizing protests, including a one-day token hunger strike, to draw government attention to the issue. They highlight the state government’s significant funding cuts, leading to a severe financial crisis.

Against this backdrop, TNIE reported that the state government has declined to offer direct financial aid and is considering seeking legal counsel to provide an undertaking to the Income Tax (I-T) Department in an attempt to unfreeze the bank accounts of the University.

On 27  February 2024, an urgent meeting was called by the state government to address the financial crisis at the University of Madras. Following their participation in the meeting, representatives from the joint action committee, which includes teaching and non-teaching staff, stated that the state government rejected immediate financial assistance. Instead, the government suggested that the university appeal the I-T department’s demand to pay ₹424 crore in dues. The university’s financial situation worsened as ₹12.5 crore was deducted from its frozen accounts.

After deliberations during the meeting, university sources expressed their intention to seek legal guidance on providing an undertaking to the I-T department. This involves proposing to pay 20% of the demanded amount in installments. A committee member disclosed that I-T officials had requested the university to commit to paying 20% of the demanded tax amount in subsequent months to unfreeze the accounts.

Subsequently, the university would be able to file an appeal against the payment demand. Despite the joint action committee’s plea for the government to cover salaries due in the next two to three days, there are reports that the state government has refused to provide financial assistance. If the state government continues to withhold funds, the university may be forced to tap into its corpus (once unfrozen), which holds over ₹300 crore, generating interest used for pensions. However, relying on the corpus fund is considered a temporary solution, and the university would only be able to manage for a limited period with the available amount.

Ensuring the university’s long-term financial stability will undoubtedly require support from the state government. Despite current audit objections amounting to approximately ₹6 to ₹7 crore, sources allege that the state government has been reducing funding by over 75% in recent years.

Officials from the higher education department disclosed that the primary focus of the meeting was deciding how to disburse this month’s salary. They anticipate making decisions on the university’s financial situation in the next two to three days.

In the meantime, educators are urgently calling on the state government to intervene. Prince Gajendra Babu, the general secretary of the State Platform for Common School System, has launched an online campaign urging the higher education minister to announce grants to “Save the University of Madras.” Founded 166 years ago, the University of Madras, renowned for nurturing six former Presidents and two Nobel Laureates, currently finds itself in a dire financial predicament.

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DMK’s Full Page Ad Of PM Modi Inaugurating Upcoming Spaceport At Kulasekarapattinam Shows Chinese Rockets, No Indian Rocket/Flag Found

By
The Commune
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Tamil Nadu inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for various projects in the region, amounting to a total investment of over ₹17,000 crore.

Among the initiatives, PM Modi is laying the foundation stone for the upcoming ISRO launch complex at Kulasekarapattinam, Thoothukudi district, valued at approximately ₹986 crore. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to support 24 launches annually and encompasses 35 facilities. Notably, it incorporates a mobile launch structure (MLS) equipped with checkout computers, signifying a substantial advancement in space exploration capabilities.

How The DMK Goofed This Up

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu posted full-page advertisements in Tamil newspapers intimating readers of PM Modi’s arrival in the state to inaugurate the facility. However, the advertisement shows multiple foreign rockets including Chinese rockets, and not a single Indian rocket or a flag anywhere in the advertisement. 

The text in the advertisement glorifies Thoothukudi district DMK MP Kanimozhi (sister of MK Stalin) for having “voiced this out in the Parliament and continued to insist for the completion of the project.”

Netizens criticised the advert and questioned the “loyalties” of the DMK government while also ridiculing the idea of the imagery.

https://twitter.com/RaghuTweetbook/status/1762686418210468113

WION reporter Sidharth pointed out that in reality, the newly inaugurated spaceport was specifically intended for launching smaller-class rockets, including ISRO’s SSLV and those developed by Indian startups. Contrary to the depictions in the advertisement, which showcase mega-size heavy-lift rockets, Sidharth wrote that the facility was tailored for the safety and optimal performance of smaller-scale launches. Launching large rockets from Kulasekarapattinam would pose a safety hazard.

It is noteworthy that in the late 1960s, a DMK minister, Mathiyazhagan, reportedly behaved inappropriately towards Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the visionary founder of the Indian space programme, when he approached for land to establish a spaceport in TamilNadu. Andhra Pradesh extended a warm welcome to Sarabhai, offering a vast expanse of 44,000 acres at Sriharikota. 

Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party president K Annamalai called out the DMK’s commitment to China and disregard for India’s sovereignty. He wrote on his X handle, “This advertisement by DMK Minister Thiru Anita Radhakrishnan to leading Tamil dailies today is a manifestation of DMK’s commitment to China & their total disregard for our country’s sovereignty. DMK, a party flighing high on corruption, has been desperate to paste stickers ever since the announcement of ISRO’s second launch pad in Kulasekarapatinam was released. The amount of desperation only proves their attempt to bury their past misdeeds, but we must remind them that DMK was why the Satish Dhawan Space Centre is today in Andhra Pradesh & not Tamil Nadu. When the 1st launch pad of ISRO was conceptualised, TN was the first choice of ISRO. TN CM Thiru Annadurai, who could not attend the meeting because of severe shoulder pain, deputed Mathiyazhagan, one of his ministers, for the meeting. ISRO officials were kept waiting for a long, and Mathiyazhagan was finally brought to the meeting in an “inebriated state” & was incoherent throughout the meeting. And, this was the treatment our country’s space programme received 60 years ago. DMK hasn’t changed much & has only become worse!”

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“Wonderful, Charming, Not Kalaignar Samadhi But Kalaignar Taj Mahal”: Rajinikanth Hails Memorial Built For Late DMK Patriarch Karunanidhi On Taxpayer’s Money

By
The Commune
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On 26 February 2024, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin officially unveiled the refurbished memorial dedicated to the founder of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), C N Annadurai, along with a new memorial erected in honor of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on the Marina beach.

The memorial dedicated to the former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi incorporates an underground digital museum that displays his tenure through touchscreen exhibits. In addition to this, the sea-facing Karunanidhi memorial, built on 8.57 acres of land at the Anna complex on Kamarajar Salai at a cost of ₹39 crore, features a library and selfie points. Positioned in proximity, the memorial for former Chief Minister C N Annadurai stands in front of Karunanidhi’s memorial.

While the unveiling of the refurbished memorial was unexpected, Chief Minister Stalin announced in the state legislative assembly that the inauguration would take place on February 26. In response to a query from DMK MLA N Ezhilan, Stalin clarified, “I am addressing this here because the state government has not issued any invitations for the inauguration. We have chosen to conduct the memorial’s inauguration as an event rather than a formal function. I extend an invitation to all MLAs, whether from opposition parties or those in alliance with us, through the assembly speaker.”

During the event, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin was accompanied by his Cabinet minister, various leaders, and Tamil film star Rajinikanth, who wore a black shirt as a symbol of support. Surprisingly, the Congress was the only party absent from the gathering. Following the tribute to Annadurai’s statue, the Chief Minister revealed a sculpture commemorating his father, the former DMK president, Karunanidhi.

When questioned by reporters about his participation in the event, actor Rajinikanth responded, “Yes sir, have seen all the mausoleums, it is amazing, charming, more like a Kalaingar’s Taj Mahal than a kalaingar’s mausoleums.”

However, netizens expressed discontent, asserting that Tamil Nadu has been excessively focused on statues and memorials. They questioned the allocation of funds for the new memorial and strongly criticized the government. They pointed out that the ruling state government had previously raised similar concerns about the central government, emphasizing the extravagant spending of taxpayers’ money.

An online user queried the memorial by referencing the video of the memorial and Rajini’s speech, posing the question, “Who is spending for this, DMK or taxpayers?”

 

Another online user conveyed their frustration, questioning “Why are we suddenly falling in love with memorials? I am against turning Marina Beach into a graveyard“

Another online user conveyed their frustration, stating, “This is really too much. I don’t know whose father’s house money this is. Not a martyr of freedom struggle, Have not done anything for the country. It is as if they will usurp the whole of Chennai.”

Another online user recalled occasions when advocates of Dravidian ideology suggested that instead of constructing a Ram temple, resources could be utilized to build schools, libraries, and hospitals. The user expressed, “Come and stand in line who said that the cost of building a Ram temple can be built, a school and a hospital can be built.”

Another online user conveyed frustration, asking, “On whose money did you refurbish? with DMK party money?

Did you get people’s permission to renew with people’s tax money? Have you ever visited the Raja Raja Cholan Memorial?”

https://twitter.com/Makkalatchi_NTK/status/1762153668436959293

It is to be noted that the late former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, who passed away, was laid to rest with full state honors at Marina Beach, alongside his mentor and DMK founder Annadurai. Memorials for both leaders were previously built at the Marina Beach site in Chennai. 

About Karunanidhi

Born as Dakshinamurthy, Karunanidhi went on to become the DMK president after CN Annadurai. Karunanidhi has made several controversial statements regarding Hindus and Hinduism. One such remark in 2002, Karunanidhi referred to Hindus as ‘thieves’.

At that time, Karunanidhi argued that all he said was that even those who supported the Hindu religion interpret the word Hindu as thief. “Maybe it means someone who steals the heart.”, he had said during the controversy.

In 2007 the plan Sethusamudram project was withdrawn due to technical difficulties of shallow water. At the backdrop, Karunanidhi rhetorically asked, “Who is this Raman? In which engineering college did he study and become a civil engineer? When did he build this so-called bridge? Is there any evidence for this?“.

Karunanidhi has also written short stories and sometimes employed Hindu deities as characters in his stories, often distorting and misrepresenting them to fictionalize his sexual perversion.

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Civil Contractors Association Levels Corruption Allegations Of ₹738 Crore In Stormwater Drain Project Against GCC

By
The Commune
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Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is in the middle of strong allegations. A group of civil contractors in the city has raised concerns about the stormwater drain project on OMR, alleging irregularities. The contractors’ association has filed a complaint with the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), asserting that tenders for the ₹738 crore project funded by the KfW German Bank were allocated to specific contractors through cartels.

Several weeks following the impact of Cyclone Michaung, the GCC had initiated an extensive stormwater drain initiative valued at ₹738 crore. This mega project was dedicated to address the flood-affected regions of ECR, OMR, Perungudi, and Pallikaranai in South Chennai. With a project timeline set at 18 months, the comprehensive plan spans a length of 122 km. The construction involves the establishment of a direct channel from Semmencherry to Buckingham Canal, and the majority of other drains will persist in draining into the Pallikaranai marshland.

Against the backdrop of this situation, the Greater Chennai Contractors Welfare Association, comprising 259 contractors in a complaint to DVAC claimed that tenders for the project funded by the KfW German Bank were ‘allocated’ by cartels in exchange for ‘kickbacks’ to Chennai Corporation officials and politicians and pointed out longstanding corrupt practices and claimed that when questioned, the superintending engineer justified his actions, citing instructions from higher authorities. They urged the DVAC to conduct an investigation, emphasizing the potential loss to the GCC.

The complaint also included a list of ‘dummy contractors,’ alleging that the GCC orchestrated competition in tenders mentioned packages of No.13 to No.21. While Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) guidelines specify a turnover rate of 40% of the project cost for eligible contractors in competitive bidding, and the same was mentioned in the pre-mid meeting, the conditions were reportedly changed for the OMR-SWD project, prompting widespread questioning.

The association members asserted that the selection of the lowest bidders was predetermined even before the technical evaluation, financial bidding, and negotiations occurred. They alleged that, before the tender due date, influential contractors were awarded tenders by GCC officials, including the superintending engineer responsible for inviting tenders, and politicians seeking kickbacks.

In a communication to the DVAC, the association revealed that, when questioned, the superintendent justified his actions by stating that he was following instructions from higher authorities. GCC commissioner J Radhakrishnan assured that appropriate action would be taken if any irregularities were uncovered.

Regarding the list of allocated contractors mentioned in the DVAC complaint, Superintending Engineer S Bhaskaran clarified that he may have indicated consulting higher authorities in response to the contractors’ representation.

R Rama Rao, president of the Greater Chennai Contractors Welfare Association, criticized the corporation for restricting contractor entry by revising tender conditions. He claimed that the financial turnover requirement was increased from 50% to 120% of the tender value, limiting competitive bidding. Rao alleged that despite having successfully bid for various stormwater drain projects at a negative cost, recent contracts were awarded at higher costs without a significant increase in material expenses.

(With Inputs From TOI)

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Fencing Athlete Siblings Expose Alleged Corruption and Coercion In TN Fencing Association

By
The Commune
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Fencing athlete siblings from Tamil Nadu have raised alarming allegations, claiming that the fencing association is coercing them to pay a commission ranging from 15% to 25% from the scholarship they receive. In response to this issue, the duo petitioned to Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Minister of Youth Welfare and Sports Development in Tamil Nadu.

The allegations came to light during an event organized by the Department of Youth Welfare and Sports Development in Chennai, which aimed to recognize and reward athletes for their achievements in the International, National, and Khelo India Youth Games. At the award ceremony, siblings Godwin and Jeferlin presented a petition letter on stage and later spoke to news reporters, revealing their grievances. Additionally, they released three audio recordings containing conversations between themselves and members of the Kanyakumari district association, as well as the coach.

In a conversation with news reporters, fencing athlete Godwin said, “The district secretary, our coach from the Kanyakumari Fencing Club’s coach, and the convener Karunamurthy sir in the state association are mentally torturing us by saying that we must give money or else we will not be allowed to play and we will not be allowed to progress in anything.“

Female athlete Jeferlin expressed that she faced mental pressure before the competition, stating, “They are pressurizing us mentally before the competition, and threatening us if we raise any questions, they are threatening saying we will not let you play fencing for Tamil Nadu, asking what will you achieve, we will end your career and demanded percentage of 25%, 50% on any scholarship that we get, I want, the association wants, should give to the minister, to give here and there.”

In the revealed first audio recording, the Secretary of the Kanyakumari District Fencing Association, Amritaraj, is heard pressuring the fencing athlete Godwin regarding a commission. Amritaraj mentions an amount of twenty lakhs and urges Godwin to be resilient despite financial difficulties. The conversation suggests that Godwin is being compelled to pay ten lakhs for him and another ten lakhs for her sister, and Amritaraj implies potential repercussions if the athlete fails to comply.

Amritaraj inquired, “Did you put twenty?” Athlete Godwin responded, “Twenty is hard for now, sir” In a stern tone, Amritaraj retorted, “Okay you don’t spend so much, remain in the hardship, I will take care of that hardship okay.” He persisted, insinuating, “It seems other children are not suffering you are the only one suffering.” Athlete Godwin explained, “No sir, they said do not have in my home.” Amritaraj, in a desperate tone, issued a threat, stating, “Even for her, your home does not have ten lakh rupees, you too… I will not let you do anything. You cannot play for Tamil Nadu okay, I will not allow you to, others will play but not you, they will cut your name” Athlete Godwin asked “How much should I pay sir”, Amritaraj angrily said “You do not need to pay, I will not let you play, you will not play for Tamil Nadu.”

In the released second audio, a conversation unfolded between the coach Selva Kumar and female fencing athlete Jeferlin. During the dialogue, the coach subjected her to repeated verbal abuse, using derogatory language. He made indecent allegations by comparing her to male friends and issued threats, stating that she would be stripped of all the medals she had earned. This mistreatment was allegedly linked to the coach seeking a commission. Notably, even when Jeferlin mentioned recording the conversation, the coach displayed arrogance and remained unafraid, possibly due to his influential position and support.

In the last and concluding audio disclosure, Nagappan, the former secretary of the TN Fencing Association, engaged in a conversation with the mother of the athletes. Expressing frustration over not receiving a commission, Nagappan criticized the mother for not informing the association about her siblings’ participation in an international event in Bahrain. Despite the mother’s denial and explanation that she was unaware of the need to inform the association, the audio also captured her mentioning that she had already given a commission of ten lakhs, which Nagappan acknowledged. Later in the conversation, she discloses the coach’s prejudice, indicating that the coach perceives her daughter as an adversary, leading to her daughter experiencing emotional distress as well.

Despite the state possessing considerable talent, its performance in national and international events falls short. This is attributed to the unwarranted interference of political influence and corruption in sports, creating an environment that hinders athletes from achieving their full potential and causes mental distress.

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