Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube
Home Blog Page 803

Sun News Peddles Fake News In The Name Of Fact-Check On PMAY Scheme, Deletes Post After TN BJP Head Annamalai Busts The Lie

By
The Commune
-

Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party president K Annamalai met with reporters at Coimbatore on 22 February 2024. 

When a reporter asked about the PMAY scheme being renamed as a state government scheme, Annamalai replied, “Through PM Awas Yojana, a beneficiary receives Rs 270000 as subsidy and the money is deposited in their account in the form of 3-4 installments. This amount is given by the central government. These people are confusing you. Before 2014, under the name of Indira Gandhi Yojana, the central government built homes for people. However, only 18 lakh homes were built. At that time, the subsidy given was less. After 2014, under PM Awas Yojana, the subsidy was increased to Rs 270000. This is not 30% as per their calculation. Today 4 lakh houses have been built. Some people add extra money above this subsidy amount and build their homes while others build it within this amount. So however you look at it, our BJP legislators have only questioned what right the state government had to name the scheme Kalaignar Karunanidhi Kanavu Illam (Dream House) Scheme. The central scheme is Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Prime Minister Housing Scheme. Why have they named it Professor Anbazhagan Scheme with no connection? Samagraha Siksha is a central government scheme. If you rename these schemes with local leaders’ names, are we doing that? This is a symbol of good governance. That is what Vanathi Srinivasan and Nainar Nagendran have been talking about both inside and outside the legislative assembly.” 

DMK mouthpiece Sun News, owned by DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran’s brother Kalanithi Maran, published a “fact-check” on the amount that Annamalai had quoted. The now-deleted fact-check shared “information” on how the Tamil Nadu government was paying for 70% of each PMAY house. This deletion happened after Annamalai shared facts busting the so-called fact-check.

Annamalai on his X handle shared facts and figures on the PMAY scheme. He wrote, “So, here are some real facts: 

1) Under the PMAY-U Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme, the Central Govt’s Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs provides interest subsidy to the National Housing Bank. The maximum interest subsidy under this scheme is ₹2.7 Lakh.

2) Between 2016-17 & 2022-23, the TN Govt received ₹5541 Crore as Central Share under PMAY-G & the overall utilisation (Central Share + State Share) was ₹6921 Crore. 

It is evident that on the overall utilisation, the central government has spent 80% of the overall expenditure incurred on building houses under PMAY-G. 

3) Drilling down a bit. Take FY 2022-23, for example; 

Total central share released: ₹2004.39 Crores

Total Utilisation (including state share): ₹2290.47 Crore. 

The TN State Government spent ₹286.08 Crore. However, TN State’s demand list has a different story to tell. TN Govt claims it spent ₹555.89 Crore in FY 2022-23 on roofing, an excess of ₹269.81 Crore than the actual utilisation. We will leave this for the TN Govt to explain to the Audit authorities. Summarising, the TN Govt’s claim to be spending 70% on every PMAY-G house is untrue.”

He also ridiculed the fact-checking team constituted by the state government and said it should call itself the Far from Truth team. 

Following this lie getting busted, Sun News deleted the post.

This is not the first time Sun News has peddled fake news to show the DMK in a good light. 

In January 2024, a video of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s hands trembling during the inauguration of the Chennai Sangamam festival went viral, sparking rumors about his health. Sun News deleted the original clip which showed the trembling hands of the CM and shared an edited clip that removed the footage of Stalin’s trembling hands. The original video was deleted sparking netizen curiosity.

In December 2023, in the wake of the floods in Tamil Nadu, Sun News spread fake news regarding Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s statements in a press conference on 22 December 2023. The outlet claimed that Sitharaman stated Tamil Nadu flood damages couldn’t be declared a national disaster. However, Sitharaman had made no such statement, instead, she said that there was no practice of declaring state disasters as national disasters. 

In November 2023, Sun News propagated misinformation, suggesting that the online gambling law applied uniformly. Contrary to this, the Madras High Court ruled on a series of writ petitions filed by the All India Gaming Federation and online gaming companies. The court upheld the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022, but specified that it only applied to “games of chance” and not skill-based games like rummy and poker. The court also affirmed the state government’s authority to regulate online gaming aspects.

Sun News posted a video on social media platform X in September 2023 quoting Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party President K Annamalai’s speech during his En Mann En Makkal yatra. Annamalai was speaking about the lack of electricity at the Marudhamalai Murugan temple. The incident that Annamalai quoted at his yatra mentions how it was Chinnappa Devar popularly known as Sandow MMA Chinnappa Devar was instrumental in getting an electricity connection for the Marudhamalai Temple in Coimbatore. Sun News posted the video with the question, “Was DMK in power in 1962?” and shared a photo of the engraved inauguration stone mentioning MGR and Chinnappa Devar, trying to prove that they fact-checked the claim and it turned out to be wrong. 

In September 2021, Sun News, through its official handle had put a news card in which it claimed that BJP workers collected garbage at the Besant Nagar beach on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday and left the collected garbage in bags in the beach itself. However, BJP Tamil Nadu Youth Wing President Vinoj P. Selvam clarified that the garbage collected was taken in a corporation vehicle.

In June 2021, A tampered video of an elderly Muslim man being assaulted was shared widely which was also shared by Sun News saying that his beard was forcibly cut for not chanting ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Jai Shri Ram’. However, this fake news was busted.

In April 2021, Sun News peddled fake news about people dying due to a lack of oxygen supply at the Corona Special Ward of Vellore Government Hospital.

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

Chennai Lit Fest 4.0 To Happen On Feb 24-25

By
The Commune
-

In its much-anticipated fourth annual edition, the Chennai Litfest is set to make a resounding return in 2024, solidifying its status as a pivotal platform for literary enthusiasts, authors, and thinkers. Since its inaugural event in 2021, the festival has experienced remarkable growth, establishing itself as a cornerstone event in Chennai’s bustling cultural calendar.

This year, the Chennai Lit Fest will be uniquely centered on the theme of Bharat, with a particular focus on the Ram Mandir and the upcoming elections. Scheduled to take place on February 23rd and 24th, 2024, at Hotel Savera in Mylapore, Chennai, the festival promises an enriching experience featuring a book launch and a series of discussions with eminent speakers and authors.

The festival is curated by the esteemed temple activist and influencer, Shefali Vaidya, and organized by Indoi Analytics. While registrations for the event have reached capacity, enthusiasts can still catch the live coverage on the festival’s official YouTube channel.

The impressive lineup of speakers for this year includes prominent figures such as Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai, acclaimed filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, distinguished advocate K Parasaran, accomplished author Ami Ganatra, renowned psephologist Pradeep Bhandari, Editor of Organiser Prafulla Ketkar, Vedic speaker Dushyanth Sridhar, temple activist TR Ramesh, advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain and author Aabhas Maldahiyar. The Valedictory ceremony will be graced by the presence of the esteemed danseuse Padma Subramanyam.

Adding to the grandeur of the event, keynote addresses will be delivered by Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan.

Reflecting on the festival’s history, Indoi Analytics launched the Chennai Lit Fest in March 2021, featuring outstanding speakers such as Mrs. Sivashankari, ‘Dravida Maya’ Subbu, Charu Nivedita, Carnatic vocalist ‘Neyveli Santhanagopalan,’ and Organiser magazine’s Editor, Prafulla Ketkar. 

The second edition in March 2022 celebrated the ’75 years of Indian independence,’ acknowledging the significant contributions of the Tamil region to the Indian freedom struggle. BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai delivered the inaugural address during this edition. 

In its third installment in April 2023, the lit fest revolved around the theme of the revolutionary poet Subramania Bharati, highlighting his pivotal role in the Indian freedom struggle.

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

Visually Impaired Students Protest Over Unmet Demands Of Govt Jobs By DMK; Arrested For Protesting

By
The Commune
-

Chennai has been witnessing an extensive and prolonged protest lasting over seven days led by over 300 visually impaired students and individuals. The protest was directed against the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu, with demonstrators advocating for the fulfillment of nine demands. These demands encompassed various issues, including the request for a 1% reservation for the blind within the 4 percent seats designated for differently-abled individuals in the reservation system.

Additionally, the protesters called for prompt job placements for visually impaired individuals who have successfully passed the Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) and an augmentation of the financial assistance provided to them. These demands have resonated strongly within the community, creating shockwaves and drawing attention to the pressing issues faced by visually impaired individuals.

The protest initially commenced on 14 February 2024, with over 100 visually impaired students from different districts gathering at Valluvar Kottam to express their dissatisfaction with the government. The discontent escalated, leading to an immediate declaration of a hunger strike. Subsequently, the protesters were apprehended by the police and subsequently transported to different locations, namely in buses to their respective homes.

The following day, the demonstration persisted at various locations, prompting police intervention once again. The protesters were detained, this time in marriage halls, before being released and sent back. This pattern continued for over seven days, spanning six different locations in Chennai, including Kodambakkam, T Nagar, Basin Bridge, Nungambakkam, Saidapet, and Valluvar Kottam. Reports also indicated instances of protests in various places across Tamil Nadu.

After the announcement in the Assembly, the Department of Welfare for the differently abled issued a government order on 24 July 2023, directing all departments to pinpoint positions for disabled individuals through specialized recruitment drives and exams. Despite Chief Minister MK Stalin’s assurance seven months ago that all outstanding government vacancies under the 4% quota for disabled individuals would be addressed through special exams and recruitment, no progress has been observed, and there has been no indication of forthcoming announcements or actions regarding these special exams or recruitments. This lack of action has specifically impacted the visually impaired, leaving them in a state of dissatisfaction with the government, leading to protests.

Differently-Abled Students Arrested En-Masse in Chennai

A total of 120 individuals participating in a demonstration in T. Nagar were apprehended by authorities. Simultaneously, in Sterling Road, Nungambakkam, around 60 visually impaired students engaging in a protest were forcefully removed by the police. Some of the protesters resisted, holding onto each other tightly, prompting the use of force by the police. Consequently, at least 35 individuals, including two women, were taken into custody. Another group of at least 35 visually impaired students, located near Basin Bridge, were arrested and confined to a marriage hall in Pulianthope. Additionally, approximately 30 individuals were detained at a marriage hall in Saidapet. In instances where protesters resisted, some were physically dragged along the road, while others were transported in a bus.

All these arrests and detentions specifically targeted students with disabilities who were advocating for the fulfillment of the DMK government’s pledged employment quota for them in teaching positions. This demand stemmed from a promise made by the DMK when it was in the opposition party in 2013, committing to provide employment opportunities for differently-abled individuals.

Differently-Abled Protesters Demanded Accountability And Inclusivity from DMK Government:

Dhanalakshmi, a protester from Kodambakkam, asked, “All we are seeking is employment; nothing more. Why is the State government neglecting our pleas?”

Another participant shared a distressing account of their encounters with the police, stating, “Each day, the police forcefully relocate us from the protest site, abandoning us near the highway on the outskirts of the city, usually at 2 a.m. or 3 a.m.”

Aranga Raja, a protester from T Nagar, expressed disappointment, mentioning, “Despite meeting Minister for Social Welfare Geetha Jeevan with our demands, no action has been taken yet. It seems she needs to consult with the Chief Minister on this matter. Why hasn’t Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who oversees the Differently Abled Welfare portfolio, personally engaged with us? Conversations always involve the Social Welfare Minister. Where is our designated Minister?”

Deepak Nathan of the December 3 Movement remarked, “The protesters are also urging the government to enforce the 4% reservation in promotions, as mandated by the Supreme Court. There is a noticeable absence of representation for disabled individuals in the government, and implementing this reservation in both recruitment and promotions is crucial for fostering inclusivity.”

Rubanmuthu, the General Secretary of the College Students and Graduates Association of the Blind, expressed agitation, stating, “We urge the Chief Minister, who oversees the differently-abled department, to meet with us and address our concerns. The Teachers’ Recruitment Board should organize a special examination for the recruitment of PG assistants, and the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) should do the same for filling positions in all departments under categories A, B, C, and D to ensure reservation implementation. This initiative should extend to government universities and colleges. Additionally, we propose an exemption for visually-impaired candidates who have cleared the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) from the TRB examination, enabling their appointment as graduate teachers.”

He also emphasized that if government had fulfilled its promise and implemented the reservation, many educated differently-abled individuals would now have secured employment.

In an official statement on the X platform, K Annamalai, the Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party president, emphasized the demands of individuals with disabilities in the state. He urged the government to prioritize the implementation of these demands, specifically emphasizing the need for a 1% seat reservation and the announced increase of Rs. 1000 assistance for differently-abled persons. “People with disabilities all over Tamil Nadu have been making demands for many years, insisting on reasonable demands, including that 1% seat reservation should be given to visually impaired persons in government and government-aided schools in Tamil Nadu, as per the seat reservation system of the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission.”

“The visually impaired people who have been protesting in Chennai for the last six days, demanding that the Tamil Nadu government, which has been waiting for many years and not providing them with proper educational qualification and success in the qualifying examination, have been arrested by the DMK government yesterday. The question arises as to why the DMK, which has been deceiving people for years by talking about fake social justice, is hesitating to implement the reservation procedure of the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission. Apart from that, since the announcement of increasing ₹1000 assistance for differently abled persons in August 2023, shocking information has also come out that in many districts the assistance has not been given at all. Actually for whom is this DMK government being run?” the statement read.

“I urge the DMK government to immediately accept all the reasonable demands of the visually impaired and issue appointment orders to them. If there is an intention to delay the appointments of differently-abled persons in order to collect money, I would like to remind you of the current situation of non-departmental ministers,” it further stated.

(With inputs from TNIE)

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

Amma Unavagam: Dying A Slow Death Under The DMK Govt

By
The Commune
-

Amma Unavagam or Amma Canteen – the flagship project of the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu J Jayalalithaa seems to be dying a slow death ever since the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government came to power. The canteens that once flourished are now faced with declining income projections, budget inconsistencies, and difficulties in managing expenditures, particularly in terms of compensating the staff. Despite the Corporation’s claim of possessing a surplus of ₹315 crore in its capital account, this revelation has sparked discussions among netizens on social media and stirred concerns among the city’s residents.

Amma Unavagams constitute a system of subsidized food outlets managed by the Greater Chennai Corporation established in the year 2013. The primary objective is to ensure affordable and easily accessible meals for the urban underprivileged in Chennai. These canteens provide a diverse range of dishes at subsidized rates, with major items priced at ₹5. Other items such as idly are offered at ₹1, curd rice for ₹3.

On 22 February 2024, The Hindu reported that the GCC is still experiencing financial setbacks stemming from Amma Canteens. The number of these canteens, initially launched in Chennai with 407 outlets, has decreased to 399 over the span of ten years.

Budget estimates detail the expenses associated with the canteens, covering payment to casual staff, maintenance, security charges, food safety licenses, and equipment. Notably, a significant portion of the expenditure is allocated to payments for casual staff, with an estimated expenditure of ₹41.7 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25. Income generated from Amma Canteens is projected to be ₹15.35 crore in the current fiscal year. However, historical data shows that the estimated income has consistently fallen below the revised estimates announced each subsequent year. For instance, in FY 2021-22, the estimated income was ₹24.55 crore, but the figure was revised down to ₹12.4 crore the following year, marking an almost 50% decrease.

Similarly, the budget estimate for FY 2022-23 anticipated an income of ₹14.55 crore, with the revised estimate slightly lower at ₹14.45 crore. In the case of FY 2023-24, the budget estimate indicated an income of ₹15.85 crore, but the revised estimate for the current year places the figure at ₹14.55 crore.

An interesting observation is the allocation for equipment in the budgets. While the budget estimate for FY 2022-23 projected an expenditure of ₹22 lakh on equipment for the canteens, the revised estimate reported no expense. Likewise, for FY 2023-24, a potential expenditure of ₹2 lakh on equipment was mentioned in the budget, but the revised estimate showed no actual spending.

Netizen Outrage

Users on the micro-blogging platform X expressed strong disapproval towards the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and the DMK government, suggesting that there may be a strategy in place to shut down the Amma Canteens.

An irate netizen expressed frustration, noting that “A lot of sign board hung up the outside the Amma canteens were taken off. These fanatics”

Another netizen expressed criticism, stating, “There is money to go around the towns, there is money to erect a pen (memorial), there is no money to give food, but you know how to plan a robbery.”

Another netizen expressed view that, “Most probably #dmk wants to close it down and later reopen a newer version but in the name of their leader . Old wine in new bottle”

Another concerned netizen lamented the current government’s situation, stating, “There is no fund for Amma canteens, which caters to the hunger of the underprivileged. There is no fund to provide laptops to the students. The elites are not prohibited from holding a car race. Government for common man.”

Another online user expressed criticism, highlighting the government’s inability to function as a welfare state rather than a profit-driven enterprise. The comment emphasized that, “First of, Amma unavagam is not for revenue and it is for people who can not afford big money to buy food. This DMK government does not even know that ,then how can they take care of these .wherever they get money to loot, they keep their hands dirty. Waste government it is”

Another internet user pleaded that, “Instead of Amma canteen, let they keep other names. But the project should not be closed”

Upon assuming power in 2021, the DMK faced speculation regarding the potential discontinuation of the Amma canteen program, particularly hinted with the introduction of 500 new Kalaignar Canteens. Viral videos featuring DMK party cadres vandalizing shops and tearing down banners of Amma Canteens fueled these concerns. The DMK asserted their commitment to preserving the Amma Canteens. They promptly took action against party members involved in vandalizing the canteens, signaling their intention to maintain the existing initiatives.

However, according to a report by Hindustan Times, the situation behind the scenes appears to be different. Women affiliated with self-help groups, responsible for operating the canteens, reportedly faced indirect pressure to resign. A worker from a Chennai canteen, with six years of experience, disclosed to Hindustan Times that out of the 13 individuals working in both the morning and evening shifts, five have been compelled to leave their positions.

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

TN BJP Functionary Jayalakshmi Arrested On Complaint By MNM’s Snehan Over Foundation Name

By
The Commune
-

In a recent development in Chennai, a jealousy-fueled dispute transcended political boundaries and entered the cine field. Actor and BJP functionary, along with MNM functionary and lyricist Snehan, filed complaints against each other. Surprisingly, Thirumangalam Police arrested only Jayalakshmi on 20 February 2024.

Sneham Foundation Vs Snehan Foundation

In 2022, Actress Jayalakshmi and film lyricist Snehan filed complaints with the Chennai Police Commissioner’s office regarding the ownership of Sneham Foundation. Snehan accused Jayalakshmi of operating a foundation under the same name, which he claims started in 2021. He alleged that she was soliciting funds through social media, damaging his reputation. In response, Jayalakshmi filed a counter complaint, asserting that Snehan was spreading misinformation and causing unwarranted problems. She argued that her NGO has been operational since 2018, engaged in significant social work, and all her activities are transparently documented on her Facebook page. Jayalakshmi also initiated legal action by filing a case in the Chennai Egmore court regarding the incident.

Subsequently, the investigating judges instructed the police to initiate a defamation lawsuit against the lyricist Snehan. Following the court’s directive, the Thirumangalam police, in 2022, filed charges against Snehan under three sections, encompassing allegations of defamation, using indecent language, and insulting the dignity of a woman.

In the aftermath, lyricist Snehan responded by filing a counter case at the Egmore court, accusing actress Jayalakshmi of misusing her trust’s name and engaging in fraudulent collection of public funds. Following an inquiry by the judges, they directed the registration of a case against Jayalakshmi. Subsequently, the Tirumangalam police registered a case against the actress under two sections. A raid was conducted at her residence, lasting for over two and a half hours and involving more than a dozen policemen.

Upon being apprehended by the police, she vehemently resisted arrest and informed members of the media that she had already submitted documents refuting Snehan’s accusations. She asserted that the ordeal she was experiencing was solely due to her affiliation with the BJP. Subsequently, she was taken to the police station and later presented before the metropolitan magistrate court.

She said, “I have not committed any mistake, then why should I come? I have given you all the documents sir, and after that, why you are asking me to come to the police station? What are you going to do by arresting us innocent people in BJP to satisfy those in DMK?  Can you show one piece evidence to these many TV channels here sir? The inspectors have been in my house for so long, please tell them a little bit. This is unfair, there is no proof of even a small document that I have taken money or taken money from Snehan. I have given all the proof after all this time and submitted everything. I don’t understand why they are calling me to the station for investigation, I have not done anything wrong. Already when this case began, I shared all documents in front of media. “

“What justification is in this? What AC sir, what is the justification? You were seated and talked with me for so long, what did you find, was there any tiny proof? If you did, I will come to the police station but I will come to station in my own vehicle. I did not commit mistake so that you can arrest me and go. I will come in my vehicle. I will cooperate with you. I did not run, I’m coming in my vehicle, why you are doing this to bring me, is this the way you should show the DMK you are doing justice? Go and arrest those who committed crime but without any evidence you have come to arrest innocents.” she said.

Subsequently, during her interaction with reporters, she expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that there was no inquiry conducted against Snehan Foundation by the V5 police station, and she alleged bias even after a court directive. She emphasized that there was no evidence against her, and she felt unjustly targeted. Referring to her visit to the commissioner’s office they said there was no prima facie evidence. she also questioned the rationale behind her arrest when AC said there is no evidence . She raised concerns whether this action was driven by an agenda to appease the DMK and Chief Minister Stalin.

While being apprehended, with tears in her eyes, she conveyed to the reporters that, “A small request if you can. Look at Snehan from Makkal Needhi Maiam alliance which is aligned with DMK and ask him to bring a person in front of you, who has a proof that I bought money, in the complaint filed against me. Please bring a proof and put it in front of you, a proof please. “

“Police is biased. Thank you very much Ms. Tamizhselvi for making paying a fine of fifty thousand on behalf of the DMK and thanks to biased police and thanks to everyone. I sold my property and standing for my party without earning single rupee, without a single rupee, even now the reason I am broke is because I’m going in without making a mistake, if I had earned one rupee I would have gone in saying I made a mistake, I am going in without making any mistake. For the sole reason of being in BJP, had I just been an actress, I wouldn’t have come to this situation today, I wouldn’t have gone in under the name of my trust. The trust I used was registered as Sneham and I continued to work for people. Do you know anything that Snehan did? Has anyone seen it? Have you seen him do anything for the people? Have you seen standing on the street? Have you ever seen someone giving food? Go and look at my social media, I have done, I have done for people, done to so many people, I have given education fund to fatherless children, what has Snehan done? Ask Snehan. I came to politics for people not for money, nor for position. because we are in BJP ,wont you give? Won’t DMK deliver justice? How many people will you arrest? How many people will you remand? How many cases will you register?” She raised her voice while being taken away by the police.

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

Karnataka Cong Govt Passes Anti-Hindu HR&CE Amendment Bill, Now Non-Hindus Can Become Temple Trustees

By
The Commune
-
siddaramaiah temple priest

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly, in its sixteenth assembly during the third session, introduced the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Charities (Amendment) Bill, 2024, identified as Assembly Bill No-11 of 2024 on 21 February 2024. This bill sought to amend the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act, 1997 (Karnataka Act 33 of 2001) and the bill was passed in the Karnataka Assembly as well.

The revised provisions entail the following:

a. Temples with an annual income surpassing ₹one crore must allocate 10% of their earnings to a newly established ‘Common Pool Fund’ (CPF).

b. Similarly, temples generating an annual income ranging from ₹10 lakh to one crore rupees are obliged to contribute 5% of their income to the same fund.

Section 19(a) specifies that the resources amassed within the Common Pool Fund may be utilized for the welfare of “poor and needy organizations,” a term that lacks a clear definition. Detractors contend that this ambiguous language creates a potential loophole, raising concerns about the misuse of temple funds, and diverting them from their intended religious and community-oriented objectives.

Adding to the controversy, Section 25 introduces a provision permitting the inclusion of members from both Hindu and other religious communities in the management committee of composite institutions. Critics argue that this decision infringes upon the autonomy and traditional management frameworks of Hindu temples.

The provision states that the Management Committee shall consist of not more than nine members chosen from among the devotees and followers of Hindu religious institutions and beneficiaries of charitable institutions. This committee will include the head priest or priest related to a temple, one individual from the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, two women, and a person residing at the location where the establishment is situated.

Critics of these amendments vehemently oppose them, denouncing the measures as ‘anti-Hindu’ tactics designed to divert funds from temples and redistribute them to other religious institutions. They assert that such measures erode the autonomy and sanctity of Hindu religious institutions, giving rise to apprehensions regarding the fair allocation and administration of temple resources.

The introduced amendments have ignited a fervent debate within the state. Supporters contend that the changes foster inclusivity and fair resource distribution, while dissenting voices stand firm in their objection, perceiving the provisions as a potential encroachment on the sacredness and autonomy of Hindu temples.

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly denounced the amendments, labeling them as ‘anti-Hindu.’ Users on social media platform X have expressed strong disapproval towards the Karnataka government, characterising the move as a ‘legal method of looting temples.’

(with inputs from Swarajya)

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

Bigg Boss Host & Part-Time Politician Kamal Says People Have No Right To Question Him As They Are Not Even Full-Time Citizens

By
The Commune
-
kamal haasan mnm mla

Full-time actor and part-time politician Kamal Haasan celebrated the 7th anniversary of the launch of his political party Makkal Needhi Maiyyam. He launched the party in 2018 after the demise of Tamil Nadu’s former Chief Ministers Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi. 

Kamal Haasan met the party volunteers, hoisted the party flag, and distributed sweets at the party office in Alwarpet. Speaking to the party cadre, Kamal Haasan said, “I did not come to politics out of anger. I came to politics out of sadness.”

Responding to the most common grouse that people in Tamil Nadu have against Haasan about being a part-time politician, he said, “Everyone around me, even my own party people asked me that since I am acting in cinema, I am not a full-time politician. The truth is that there is no such thing as a full-time politician here. There is no full-time father. No full-time husband. No full-time children. Everyone needs to sleep 8 hours. Everyone needs to work 8 hours and stay at home for 4 hours. So tell me who is a full-time politician? I will tell you why I am acting in films. You have given me this house, another house, a car, and everything, why should I come into politics? If I have come, then it is because I have not given anything in return to you yet. I have acted in movies, paid taxes, and do what I know, I can’t leave as my duty is not done. I haven’t even paid interest for the love you gave me.

“For those asking why I haven’t joined full-time politics yet, today’s meeting, the flag raised in the meeting, the refreshments that will be served here, and the platform I am standing on now are all made from the money I have earned. If you say that I am speaking arrogantly, I got all this arrogance from Periyar. When someone asked account of expenses to Periyar, he said that the one who spends another’s money only must show an account of expenditure. This is my money, he said. This is what my party men also must say. This is my money and I am doing whatever I want with it,” he continued.

Talking about his loss in the 2021 TN Assembly elections when he contested from Coimbatore South constituency which he lost to BJP’s Vanathi Srinivasan, he said, “The Election Commission says that a candidate spends ₹95 lakhs for the election. Tell me what will happen if you spend only ₹95 lakhs in reality. What happened in Coimbatore South – the same will happen. I lost in Coimbatore, not by 1728 votes. 90,000 people did not vote in that constituency. I consider this my failure. 40% of people across India do not vote. If they all vote, everything will be fine. Those who ask me who is a full-time politician can ask who are these 40% who don’t vote. You ask me if I am a full-time politician, I ask you, are you even a full-time citizen? Those 40% who sit at home without voting. If this is the case, an honest person who spends only 95 lakh rupees will never succeed.”

Taking to criticise the central government, he said, “When the citizenship of the nation is at stake, party lines are secondary, the nation is the first. First the nation, then my Tamil Nadu, then the language… If they are talking only about the language, they will give us “halva”. The Union has not done even 10% of what Tamil Nadu has done for farmers today,” thus toeing the DMK stance. He continued to criticise the central government regarding the “farmer” protests. He added, “There is an organisation that doesn’t mind if the South perishes. We are being punished for the charity we have done for the nation. They are increasing the number of seats for them. We practiced family planning for the betterment of the nation. But we are getting punished for that. We don’t have a place, we do not have a voice.”

He went on to peddle the same 29 paise per rupee lie criticising the central government for financial discrimination that the Dravidianists are peddling as he concluded his speech. 

It is noteworthy that Kamal Haasan contested the 2019 parliamentary elections a year after he formed the party. He also contested in the 2021 elections. 

Crackers Burst & Loud Music In A Hospital Zone

For all the virtue-signalling that Kamal Haasan did with the people who questioned his dual careers, the party workers gathered at a place where there is a hospital (Kauvery Hospital) and burst crackers and indulged in loud music to celebrate the event. 

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

North Is Flourishing, South Is Perishing: South Districts Get Paltry Allocation In TN Budget 2024-25 Compared To KTCC

By
The Commune
-

Typically, politicians in Tamil Nadu, particularly those from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), assert that the central government, led by any ruling party, tends to overlook the concerns of southern states, echoing the sentiment encapsulated in the saying, “North Is Flourishing, South Is Perishing” as coined by the former Chief Minister and founder of DMK, Annadurai. Their reasoning behind this claim is that the central government allegedly provides a lesser share of tax distribution to states in the south, despite these states contributing more in taxes compared to their northern counterparts.

Ironically, it appears that the DMK should be reminded of their own statement, as since coming to power in 2021, they seem to be staying true to the statement “North Is Flourishing, South Is Perishing” when it comes to their own budget allocations. This year’s budget allocations seem to consistently remain within the confines of Chennai, occasionally extending to Kanchipuram and Chengalpattu, without crossing the borders to benefit the broader northern regions majorly.

Tamil Nadu comprises 38 districts, each characterized by distinct strengths and weaknesses shaped by their historical, socio-political, and economic landscapes. However, the current DMK government appears to predominantly concentrate on Chennai, neglecting the aspirations of other districts. These regions are often acknowledged only when infrastructural developments, such as the establishment of bus stands, or the naming of new arenas, occur. Notably, instances like the Annai Anjugam Ammal Bus Stand in Senji, Viluppuram, and the Kalaignar Centenary Jallikattu Arena in Keelakarai, Madurai, reflect this pattern.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=755265653301030

2024 Tamil Nadu Budget Has A Special Focus On Chennai

Here we list the budget allocations for areas in and around Chennai for the upcoming financial year.

  • Cutting-edge public infrastructure facilities, such as an urban public square featuring natural landscapes, exhibition halls, and open-air theaters, will be constructed at Island Ground cost of ₹104 crore, and modern amenities will be added to the beaches at Besant Nagar, Ennore, and Kovalam cost of ₹100 crore.
  • A State of Art advanced Film City will be developed in Poonamallee, Chennai at a cost of ₹500 crores.
  • The Adyar River, originating from Guduvanchery in the Chengalpet district, is slated for restoration and beautification at a cost of ₹1500 crore.
  •  A ‘Global Start-up Summit, is set to be organized in January 2025 in Chennai providing a platform for prominent startups and successful young entrepreneurs.
  • A Modern ‘Kalaignar International Convention Centre,’ covering an area of 300,000 square feet, is set to be constructed along the East Coast Road in Muttukadu, Chennai.
  • A comprehensive facility showcasing handlooms and handicrafts is set to be established in Chennai at a cost of ₹227 crore.
  • A special package of ₹1000 crore is allocated especially to North Chennai.

The budget expenditure for Chennai alone amounts to ₹3,431 crore from the total mentioned above.

Budget Allocations Inadequate For Other Districts 

It has been noted that when it comes to other districts in Tamil Nadu, their allocation is inadequate, often overlooked, or scarcely noticeable, except for Madurai and Coimbatore. In particular, coastal districts appear to be the most impoverished and highly neglected among all regions.

It seems to tell a story that the DMK feels that districts like Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Madurai, Salem, Perambalur, Namakkal, and Dindigul primarily require attention only in terms of irrigation, continuous drinking water supply, and safe drinking water. Other economic activities in these districts seem to be self-sustaining, leading to a limited focus in the TN Budget 2024, where the emphasis is predominantly on addressing water crises in these specific regions.

  • Initiation of the second phase of the ‘Extension, Renovation, and Modernization of Grand Anicut Canal system’ at an estimated cost of ₹400 crore, benefiting 2.3 lakh acres in Thanjavur and Pudukottai Districts.
  • Additionally, efforts ensure continuous 24×7 drinking water supply in Madurai and Salem Corporations. A collaborative water supply project, using the Kollidam River as the source, will serve approximately 65,000 individuals in Perambalur Municipality and the SIPCOT Industrial Complex in Erayur and Padalur within the Perambalur District.
  • To provide safe drinking water to around 200,000 residents in 216 rural settlements across four Panchayat Unions in Namakkal district, a joint water supply scheme utilizing the Cauvery River as the source will be implemented in Senthamangalam, Erumapatti, Kapilarmalai, and Paramathi.
  • Furthermore, a comprehensive water supply project utilizing the Vaigai River as the source will be undertaken at a specified cost. This initiative aims to benefit approximately 600,000 residents across 425 rural habitations, including Dindigul Corporation, Chinnalapatti, and Sevukambatti Town Panchayats, as well as Panchayat Unions of Attur, Nilakottai, and Vathalakundu.

Infrastructure & Economic Diversification Across Districts

In the Tamil Nadu budget for the year 2024, infrastructure plans were announced, and these included the establishment of textile parks and industrial centers in Karur, Erode, Virudhunagar, Madurai, and Coimbatore, among the 38 districts. However, the question arises about the application of the concept of economic diversification, as these announcements predominantly focus on developed areas, raising concerns about the equitable distribution of development initiatives.

In the domain of infrastructure development projects, the TN budget for 2024 reflects the DMK’s central emphasis only on road construction and extensions across various districts. These projects, with a combined estimated cost of ₹665 crore.

Surprisingly TN 2024 budget unveiled plans for the establishment of 10 mini textile parks by the Government across different districts, such as Karur, Erode, and Virudhunagar, with a budget allocation of ₹20 crore. Meanwhile, progress still continues on the Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel Park in Virudhunagar, which was initiated with a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the central government in March 2023.

Fortunately for Madurai, there are two upcoming projects. The first is the Industrial Innovation Centre, covering 26,500 sq. ft with an estimated cost of ₹24 crore. The second project involves TANSIDCO’s plan to construct a three-storied industrial complex on a 5-acre plot in Sakkimangalam Industrial Estate with an investment of ₹118 crore and job opportunities for 4,500 individuals.

Coimbatore, on the other hand, is quite fortunate with two industrial projects and additional offers of recreational facilities. TANSIDCO plans to construct a four-storied industrial complex with plug-and-play facilities at Kurichi Industrial Estate in Coimbatore district at a cost of ₹37 crore. ELCOT is set to undertake the development of an IT Park in two phases in Vilankurichi, Coimbatore with an estimated cost of ₹1,100 crore. Moreover, a library and science center dedicated to Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar will be established in Coimbatore, along with a model home named ‘Poonjolai’.

Coastal Districts

Coastal districts of Tamil Nadu consist of Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Kanniyakumari. However in the TN budget 2024, only ₹700 crores were seen to be expended on them.

  • Coastal protection and infrastructure projects, including the construction of bait arches, fish landing centers, dredging, and artificial reefs, will be initiated in districts such as Kanyakumari, Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, Thanjavur, Mayiladuthurai, Thiruvarur, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Thiruvallur, and Thoothukudi with an approximate cost of ₹450 crore.
  • Furthermore, significant beach development projects encompassing renowned beaches like Marina in Chennai, Ariyaman in Ramanathapuram, Kayalpattinam in Thoothukudi, Kodavilai in Tirunelveli, Kameswaram in Nagapattinam, Kattumavadi in Pudukottai, Silver Beach in Cuddalore, and Marakkanam in Villupuram to secure blue flag certification with an estimated investment of ₹250 crore. While three beaches of Chennai Besant Nagar, Ennore, and Kovalam cost of ₹100 crore.
  • In addition, the establishment of India’s inaugural Tamil Nadu Olympic Water Sports Academy is slated for Pirappanvalasai in Ramanathapuram district.

Vishnu Venugopal, the Managing Director and CEO of Guidance Tamilnadu addressed a session in December 2023 titled ‘Tamil Nadu’s region-wise growth: A trend-setter’ at the ‘Tamil Nadu Unlimited’ summit organized by The Hindu in Chennai. He highlighted that a significant portion of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in Tamil Nadu is generated by eight districts. Additionally, Venugopal pointed out that the Hosur belt has become a prominent electric vehicle hub, and Thoothukudi is poised to emerge as a hub for green hydrogen. Neither Krishnagiri nor Thoothukudi found a place of economic importance in this year’s budget.

Evaluating DMK Budget Allocation And Resource Redistribution

Referring to the data from the Department of Economics and Statistics in the Statistical Handbook of Tamil Nadu-2020-21, the leading 10 districts with the highest Net District Domestic Product at Constant Prices (Base year 2011-12) in Lakhs of Rupees for the year 2019-20 are as follows: Thiruvallur: 10,664,047; Chennai: 9,242,907; Coimbatore: 9,202,231; Salem: 4,021,715; Tiruchirapalli: 4,703,782; Thiruppur: 4,468,865; Erode: 5,427,567; Namakkal: 4,405,812; Madurai: 4,136,006; Vellore: 5,755,807.

Conversely, the bottom 10 districts with the lowest Net District Domestic Product at Constant Prices (Base year 2011-12) in Lakhs of Rupees for the year 2019-20 are as follows: Perambalur: 366,541; Thiruvarur: 946,177; Nagapatinam: 1,391,778; The Nilgiris: 1,073,492; Sivagangai: 1,207,133; Theni: 1,254,923; Ariyalur: 806,814; Pudukkotai: 1,601,370; Dharmapuri: 1,892,624; Ramanathapuram: 1,338,195.

Do you notice any significant support allocated by the DMK government in its budget to the districts ranking in the bottom 10, or at the very least, a return of resources to the districts that have contributed significantly to the state’s GDP?

(Note: District domestic product (DDP) is the total monetary or market value of all the finished goods and services produced within a district of a state in a specific time period.)

Unaddressed Socio-economic Challenges Under Dravidian Model Budget

With each passing day, the growing disparities in per capita income among districts in Tamil Nadu pose significant challenges for the state. This trend is concerning as it can result in a variety of socio-economic issues, including heightened income inequality, limited access to opportunities, regional imbalances, health disparities, and migration patterns. Ultimately, these challenges were never addressed by the Dravidian model government in the budget.

Disparities In MSME Support Across Tamil Nadu Districts

Insufficient attention has been given to underdeveloped areas when it comes to offering support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that are crucial for the country’s economic development. These enterprises play a pivotal role in various aspects, including employment generation, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among youths, economic diversification by reducing reliance on specific industries, and contributing to the resilience of the economy against external shocks. They also contribute to local and regional development, raising living standards and addressing socio-economic disparities. Additionally, MSMEs contribute to financial inclusion, particularly in rural and underserved areas. 

Analyzing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) data for the fiscal year 2020-21 in Tamil Nadu and comparing with TN budget 2024 reveals surprising neglect in most districts, both in terms of attention and understanding of the concept of MSMEs.

Examining districts with the highest number of MSMEs, the top 5 include Chennai with 47,086 MSMEs, Coimbatore with 30,058 MSMEs, Salem with 19,008 MSMEs, Tiruchirappalli with 9,475 MSMEs, Thiruppur with 20,424 MSMEs. Conversely, the bottom 5 districts with the lowest number of MSMEs include Perambalur with 1,124 MSMEs, Thiruvarur with 2,694 MSMEs, Nagapattinam with 3,406 MSMEs, The Nilgiris with 1,220 MSMEs, Sivagangai with 3,324 MSMEs.

In essence, the Tamil Nadu budget for 2024 appears to be a superficial attempt at financial planning, lacking substance and inclusivity for the majority of districts. The discrepancy between promises and allocations raises concerns about the true commitment to holistic development and whether the budget truly serves the interests of the entire state or merely caters to select areas, primarily Chennai.

The Dravidian governance model aligns with its founder’s belief that the North is thriving while the South is struggling. When such disparities exist within their own region, it raises questions about accusing the central government of creating inequality. Maybe it will do some good for the DMK government to look within before placing accusations.

(With inputs from Department of Economics and Statistics & Tamil Nadu Finance Department)

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

Padres Clash At Thoothukudi Church As Factions Vie For Power In Upcoming Church Elections

By
The Commune
-

Recently a dispute emerged between two rival parties over the organization of a meeting at Thoothukudi St. Patrick’s Church, leading to a tumultuous situation. The factions engaged in a heated altercation, exchanging offensive language and hurling insults, and the video of the incident went viral on social media. Police and the revenue department intervened, facilitating negotiations that successfully dispersed the conflicting parties through peace talks. As a resolution, it was decided that no committee meetings would be held at St. Patrick’s Church.

Once again, tensions have erupted between two factions in the Thoothukudi-Nazareth Diocese during the church prayers at St. Peter’s CSI Church in Sanmugapuram, a clash erupted between two parties, namely DSF and SDK Rajan, creating sensational scenes as they vie for power in the upcoming church elections. The current members, set to expire in the coming months, were allegedly conspiring against potential contenders for the future election.

NewsTamil24x7 reported that during a CSI Caldwell assembly meeting organized by Pastorate Chairman Immanuel Vanstraw, chaos allegedly ensued after Father David Adhisayam of Chidambaram began to speak. Following his speech, Toovipuram Rakshakan blocked his way down from the stage, questioning his right to speak. The situation escalated, leading to a heated argument, and in the midst of the chaos, Vattakovil diocese member Paul Jebarsingh was allegedly questioned for sitting in the front row without being church member. Another argument ensued between SDK Rajan and Giftson parties as they went to have food, eventually resulting in their expulsion by others in the church.

Following their expulsion, DSF party Diwan was said to be transported to the government hospital in an ambulance, claiming he was beaten with a rod. Similarly, SDK party’s Paul Jebasingh was also admitted to the hospital, stating that he had sustained injuries.

Addressing reporters, Lay member Johnson stated, “A total of 32 people have been removed from the church. Due to their removal from the church, there was a problem in Vattakovil, and there was a problem in Patrick’s Church for two days. This kind of problem is going on continuously. If you look the reason, the only answer is that they have been dismissed from the church. They are dismissing us for asking a question.”

“Paul Jebasingh was beaten up by outsiders who were not CC members of the congregation, and they made it look like a caste riot. By bringing in other caste people, they beat this caste people like goons, they have beat them up. Without being a CC member, they have brought and sat in the front row in the church and had done this scandal. Unless priests follow justice and honesty, this diocese will continue to perish, and these kinds of fights will keep coming,” he further said.

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

1...802803804...1,708Page 803 of 1,708
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 Twitter Youtube

NATIONAL NEWS

© The Commune 2025. All Rights Reserved.