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Chennai Faces Prolonged Power Outage After Manali Substation Fire; Residents Including Those From CM Stalin’s Constituency Suffer,

By
The Commune
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Chennai Faces Prolonged Power Outage After Manali Substation Fire; Residents Including Those From CM Stalin's Constituency Suffer,

On 12 September 2024, Chennai residents endured extended power cuts, with areas like Royapuram, Tiruvottriyur, Kasimedu, Manali, Madhavaram, Egmore, and Purasaiwakkam facing severe disruptions. Initially anticipated to last only a few minutes, the power outage persisted for hours, leaving residents stranded in the sweltering urban environment. Frustration grew as the power failure continued well past the expected restoration time, leading to widespread discontent with the ruling DMK government.

On the 12th September night following a fire at the Manali substation in North Chennai, several parts of the city experienced power disruptions. TANGEDCO Managing Director Rajesh Lakhani stated that the fire originated inside the substation, with fire and rescue services working to extinguish the blaze. He clarified that an overload did not cause the fire, as the power demand was not as high as it typically is during summer.

Lakhani suggested that the incident might have been due to equipment malfunction. He mentioned that power restoration efforts were underway, with 50% of the city’s supply expected to be back online soon, particularly in areas such as RA Puram, Mylapore, and Pulianthope. Teams were also working to establish a bypass line, with the remaining power expected to be restored without significant delay.

Despite these efforts, residents reported prolonged power outages in several neighborhoods. Affected areas ranged from Manali to Mint, including prominent localities like Velachery, Besant Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, T Nagar, Kodambakkam, Vadapalani, Adyar, Perambur, and those near Chennai Central. The power cuts extended to suburban areas such as Puzhal and Red Hills. Many parts of North and Central Chennai were left in darkness, including major roads like Anna Salai, leading to traffic disruptions at Central and Ripon Building junctions.

Residents of Chief Minister MK Stalin’s own constituency marched to the TNEB office after enduring a prolonged power outage. Frustrated and demanding answers about when the power would be restored, they were reportedly met with threats from the police, who warned they might face charges for their protest.

An enraged resident asked, “Where will we go to sleep? We don’t have a terrace or getting any fresh air, so how can we sleep? In all of this, the patients are suffering. Do you know how much they are suffering?”

Another enraged resident said, “In this, if we call, they (TNEB) are not picking up the phone and there is no response from them. What shall we do with the children? There is still no response from them, and they have said something happened in Manali, but we don’t know yet.” He further stated, “the police have come but speaking on their (TNEB) support. They are saying it will come, but they don’t know when it will be.”

Angry residents reported that the police threatened to arrest them, and many were prepared for such action. One resident harshly criticized TNEB for their strictness in collecting even small overdue amounts, while failing to provide similar service when it was needed. This resident also expressed frustration over rising electricity bills, stating that they never asked for free electricity but now feel burdened by increased charges and inadequate service.

Further, in areas like KK Nagar and Periyamedu, frustrated residents took to the streets to protest against the ongoing power outage. Angry locals voiced their complaints on social media, revealing that the Minnagam helpline number 1912 was unreachable. When residents attempted to call the number twice over a span of two hours, only to receive a message indicating that the number was switched off. Major roads such as Anna Salai and Central experienced severe traffic jams as motorists and two-wheeler riders grappled with poor visibility due to the lack of street lighting.

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Woman Journalist Latha Allegedly Manhandled At TN Secretariat, Dravidianist Media Silent, ADMK Gen Secy Edappadi K. Palaniswami Slams DMK Govt

By
The Commune
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Journalist Latha, who reported on poor conditions in Adi Dravidar student hostels, was allegedly threatened by a government official during an interview at the Secretariat, sparking outrage. Latha was reportedly told she could face charges under the SC/ST Act and was forced out of the office.

In response, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami condemned the DMK government, accusing it of failing to protect women journalists and demanding that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin be held accountable for the intimidation.

AIADMK Slams DMK Over Women’s Safety

AIADMK General Secretary and Tamil Nadu Opposition Leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami condemned the ruling DMK government, asserting that it offers no protection for women journalists. He demanded that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin be held accountable for the ongoing atrocities occurring under his watch.

It is alleged that a Tamil news channel journalist Latha was summoned by the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department at the Secretariat to explain a recent report she made on poor conditions in student hostels. During the interview with Lakshmi Priya IAS, Secretary of the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, it was announced that the hostels would be renovated within three months. However, Latha pressed the issue, questioning why students should endure conditions for an additional three months. During the interview, Latha was allegedly threatened by district-level official Vetrichelvan, who said, “Who gave you permission to visit the hostel? I will file a case against you under the SC/ST Act,” and subsequently forced her out of the Secretary’s office.

The original video published by the Tamil news channel has been removed from all social media platforms, and major media outlets have not covered the issue.

Tamil Nadu Opposition Leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami condemned the situation, stating, “There is no protection for women journalists in Tamil Nadu – Chief Minister M.K. Stalin Must Respond. As news surfaced about the situation in Adi Dravidar student hostels, the Secretary of the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department at the Chief Secretariat called journalist Latha to explain it but have threatened her and sent her out of the office. This incident exposes the double standards of the DMK government, which talks a lot about social justice and women’s empowerment.”

“While Adi Dravidar Welfare Secretary Lakshmi Priya IAS have called her to the Secretariat for an interview, and the news that in the middle of the interview, the female journalist Latha was threatened by a government official Vethichelvan and forced out of the secretary’s room is shocking.” He added.

“It is the height of fascism for the DMK government to threaten the media, the fourth pillar of democracy, in the name of the Prevention of Atrocities Act, which brought out the reality of the Adi Dravidar Student Hostel to the people. Is this how a female journalist is treated in the honourable chief secretariat under the DMK regime?” He questioned

“I urge DMK Chief Minister to take strict action against the government officials and the department secretary who threatened the woman journalist and give up the attempts to suppress the media with pride of power. Also, Chief Minister @mkstalin should provide an answer to the fact that the officials threatening to file a case under the Prevention of Atrocities Act against journalist Latha, who went to collect news for the welfare of students in Adi Dravidars in the chief secretariat itself. My strong condemnation of the DMK Chief Minister who only talks about “Press freedom” and “freedom of expression” and tries to suppress and intimidate the media. “ He further added.

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“I Sincerely Apologise”: BJP TN Head Annamalai Regrets Hotel Annapoorna Owner’s Apology Video To Nirmala Sitharaman

By
The Commune
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"I Sincerely Apologise": BJP TN Head Annamalai Regrets Video with Hotel Sri Annapoorna Owner Srinivasan apologizing To FM Nirmala Sitharaman

BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai offered an apology on behalf of his party after a video of Sri Annapoorna hotel owner Srinivasan apologizing to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman went viral. Srinivasan allegedly apologised out of his will after his hilarious request to Nirmala Sitharaman on GST reforms.

Srinivasan’s Amusing Comments On GST

Srinivasan, the chairman of Sri Annapoorna Hotel, had hilariously highlighted the inconsistencies in GST rates and appealed for rationalization during the Finance Minister’s meeting with entrepreneurs from different sectors at Coimbatore.

“There is 5% GST on sweets but 12% on savouries, and 18% on cream-filled buns, whereas there is no GST on buns! Customers often complain, saying, ‘Just give me the bun, I’ll add the cream and jam myself,’” said Srinivasan, leading to laughter from the crowd.

The owner of the Sri Annapoorna Hotel emphasized the need for a uniform GST rate on food items, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where sweet and savoury items are consumed together. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman responded by assuring that the government is working to simplify GST and address these concerns. She promised to raise the issue with the GST Council and noted that many outdated industrial laws have already been removed.

His comical interaction with jabs at BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan went viral on social media. However, the next day, the Tamil Nadu BJP social media convener posted a video in which the Annapoorna hotel owner was seen apologizing to Nirmala Sitharaman in the presence of Vanathi Srinivasan.

This apology video did not go down well with the party supporters, who felt the entrepreneur had the right to express his grievances and that there was nothing objectionable in what he said.

Annamalai Offers Apology For Srinivasan Video

As the apology video became a fodder for DMK and Dravidianists, BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai, currently in the UK for his fellowship, posted on his social media, expressing regret over the episode.

He said, “On behalf of @BJP4TamilNadu, I sincerely apologise for the actions of our functionaries who shared a private conversation between a respected business owner and our Hon. FM. I spoke with Thiru Srinivasan Avl, the esteemed owner of the Annapoorna chain of Restaurants, to express regret for this unintended breach of privacy. Annapoorna Srinivasan Anna is a pillar of Tamil Nadu’s business community, contributing significantly to the state’s and nation’s economic growth. I request everyone to lay the matter to rest with due respect.“

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Reviving Vedic Heritage: A Landmark Initiative By Sri Abhinava Shankara Bharati Swamiji Of Kudali Sringeri Maha-Samsthan

By
The Commune
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To address the long-standing neglect of traditional Vedic scholars, Sri Abhinava Shankara Bharati Swamiji of Kudali Sringeri Mahasamsthan has launched the historic Ghana-Parayanam. This initiative will feature a recitation of ten key Vedic scriptures, including 10,552 verses of the Rigveda Samhita.

The recitation, which spans 90 days and involves seven hours of daily chanting, demonstrates intellectual and memorization prowess. Scholars from all over India will witness this rigorous process, ensuring its accuracy, and the reciting scholar will receive a ten-lakh rupee honorarium. This event streamed live on the Kudali Mutt YouTube channel, began on Gurupoornima, 21 July 2024, aiming to revive India’s endangered oral traditions.

Despite the profound contributions of Vedic scholars to Indian civilization, they remain largely overlooked in modern society, where recognition often favours achievers in popular fields like sports and cinema. This initiative is a vital step toward preserving the country’s ancient knowledge.

The Neglect Of Vedic Scholars: A National Concern

In stark contrast, traditional Vedic scholars, despite their profound contributions to Indian civilization, remain largely overlooked. Vedic knowledge has been integral to India’s political, economic, cultural, and educational fabric for centuries. However, the lack of recognition for these scholars is glaring. The President of India may confer awards for Sanskrit. Still, these honours are generally literary. They do not specifically acknowledge traditional Vedic scholars, especially those from oral traditions marginalized within modern academic frameworks.
The absence of social recognition has led many Vedic students to abandon traditional Gurukul studies in favour of formal Sanskrit universities, where they hope to gain academic degrees and social respect. This shift jeopardizes the survival of India’s rich oral traditions. Without intervention, the invaluable knowledge passed down through generations in Gurukuls may face extinction as existing scholars age and pass away without trained successors.

A Landmark Initiative To Revive And Recognize Vedic Traditions

In response to this pressing issue, Sri Abhinava Shankara Bharati Swamiji of Kudali Sringeri Mahasamsthan spearheads a historic initiative: the Ghana-Parayanam. This event aims to bring much-needed recognition and respect to Vedic scholars. It will feature the recitation of ten key Vedic scriptures, including Shiksha, Vyakarana, Chhandas, Nirukta, Jyotish, Kalpa. The scholars will cover the three sections of the Vedas—Samhita, Brahmana, Aranyaka, and Pratishakhya.

Notably, a single scholar will recite the Ghana-Patha of all 10,552 verses of the Rigveda Samhita, showcasing extraordinary intellectual skills.

The recitation will occur over 90 days and involve seven hours of chanting daily. Scholars from across India will observe this rigorous process, known as Ekaakee Ghana-Parayana or Vakta-Shrota Parayana, to ensure its accuracy. The scholar will be awarded a significant honorarium of ten lakh rupees.

Where To Watch It?

This recitation commenced on Gurupoornima, 21 July 2024, during the Chaturmasa Vrat. It is being streamed live on the Kudali Mutt YouTube channel.

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Complaint Of ₹68 Crore BBMP Fraud Filed Against Karnataka Congress CM Siddaramaiah In MLAs/MPs Court

By
The Commune
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Complaint Of ₹68 Crore BBMP Fraud Filed Against Karnataka Congress CM Siddaramaiah In MLAs/MPs Court siddaramaiah temple priest dussehra Karnataka Congress Govt’s Hate Speech Bill: A Framework Built To Silence Hindus?

Adding to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s woes, yet another private complaint has been lodged against him and others in the Special Court for MLAs/MPs in Bengaluru, alleging a fraud of over ₹68 crore committed against the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

Senior BJP leader and RTI activist N.R. Ramesh filed a complaint on Friday seeking the court to grant permission to file a criminal case against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others.

The petitioner has also made Minister of Energy K.J. George, then Principal Secretary Lakshminarayan, Major P. Manivannan, then Principal Secretary, and Manjunath Prasad, then Commissioner of BBMP, and others parties in the case.

Ramesh has submitted the memorandum of complaint under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. The complainant stated on Friday, “During the previous term of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah from 2013-2018, the complaint was lodged with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and Lokayukta agencies against the Siddaramaiah government.”

The petition is regarding the state government misusing 493 bus shelters owned by the BBMP for promoting the achievements of Siddaramaiah government without paying the fee of ₹68.14 crore to BBMP.” “Complaints were filed with the ACB and the Lokayukta, backed by records, alleging that from 2015 to 2017, the Siddaramaiah government used 493 bus shelters of BBMP for promotional activities without paying a single penny as advertisement fees,” Ramesh states.

He maintained that BBMP, which has limited revenue sources such as property tax, map approval fees, trade license fees, road digging fees, and advertisement fees, spends a minimum of ₹10,000 crore annually on the salaries of its officials/employees and on maintaining parks, street lights, and damaged roads.

In such a scenario, after complaints were filed with the ACB and Lokayukta, the then Special Commissioner (Finance) of BBMP, on July 5, 2017, issued a ‘Demand Notice’ to the then Siddaramaiah-led state government to pay a total amount of ₹12.98 crore to BBMP.

However, Ramesh alleged that the Siddaramaiah government ignored the Demand Notice. After Siddaramaiah became the Chief Minister for the second time, under his influence and pressure, the Lokayukta police, without any notification, closed the complaint related to “the scam of Rs 68.14 crore in advertisement fees by the Siddaramaiah government to BBMP” on July 26, 2024, he alleged.

Despite providing complete records of this massive scam, the Lokayukta police, allegedly under pressure from CM Siddaramaiah and showing bias, closed the case.

In his petition, Ramesh stated that he had filed a “Private Complaint” in the “Special Court for People’s Representatives ” to protest this move.

He stated that a private complaint register (PCR) has been filed with the court seeking an “order for investigation” against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others. CM Siddaramaiah is facing allegations in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case and has approached the High Court for relief against Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s order to prosecute him. The court has reserved the matter for order.

— IANS

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SC Grants Bail To CM Kejriwal In Delhi Liquor Scam Case

By
The Commune
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SC Grants Bail To CM Kejriwal In Delhi Liquor Scam Case

On Friday, the Supreme Court granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the corruption case linked to the alleged liquor scam case. In a crucial judgment, the apex Court said, “conditions to be fixed by the trial court.”

Two concurring judgments by two justices were pronounced. In his opinion, Justice Surya Kant granted bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in the case.

The other judge, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, authored a separate opinion raising serious questions about the timing of the CBI’s arrest and holding the central agency’s “belated arrest” to be unjustified.

Last week, the Bench of Justices Kant and Bhuyan reserved its decision after hearing the oral arguments advanced by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo, and Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju, who appeared on behalf of the CBI.

During the hearing, Singhvi contended that the CBI did not arrest CM Kejriwal for two years but made an “insurance arrest in a hurry” to prevent his release in the money laundering case.

The CBI arrested Kejriwal for “his non-cooperation and evasive replies,” but several apex court judgments held that cooperation with the probe should not mean that the accused should incriminate himself and confess to the offences alleged, he said.

Singhvi added that CM Kejriwal, a constitutional functionary holding the position of Delhi Chief Minister, satisfied the triple test for grant of bail. “He is not a flight risk. He will turn up to answer the questions of the investigative agency and cannot tamper with documents, running into lakhs of pages, and digital evidence after two years,” he submitted.

On the other hand, the central agency apprehended that the release of CM Kejriwal would turn many witnesses “hostile” and urged the apex court not to release him on bail in the liquor scam case. ASG Raju said that many AAP candidates in the Goa Assembly election came forward to give their statements to the central agency only after CM Kejriwal was arrested. “They (witnesses) will turn hostile if your lordships release Kejriwal on bail,” he argued.

He argued that CM Kejriwal’s plea for bail should be remanded to the trial court and that he should not have petitioned the Delhi High Court for bail in the first place.

The ASG submitted that the arrest is part of the liquor scam case investigation. Ordinarily, an investigating officer does not require permission from a court to make an arrest. “But, in the present case, there was an order of the court granting the power (to arrest),” he said.

He added that when an arrest is made according to a court order, an accused cannot plead a violation of fundamental rights. Recently, the top court allowed the bail pleas of senior AAP leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, BRS leader K. Kavitha, and AAP’s former communication-in-charge Vijay Nair in the excise policy case.

In his special leave petition filed before the Supreme Court, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor challenged his arrest and subsequent remand orders while pressing for bail in the corruption case. On the other hand, seeking dismissal of CM Kejriwal’s plea, the CBI said that the AAP supremo was attempting to politically sensationalise the matter, despite repeated orders passed by various courts being prima facie satisfied with the commission of the offences, for which cognisance already has been taken.

The agency said that while CM Kejriwal “does not hold any ministerial portfolio in Government National Capital Territory (GNCT) of Delhi, all decisions of the government, as well as the party, are taken on his concurrence and directions”, adding that these include not only the decisions in Delhi but also throughout the country where AAP has a presence. The Supreme Court, on July 12, ordered CM Kejriwal to be released on interim bail in connection with the money laundering case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

However, he was not able to walk out of jail since the CBI arrested him. A Delhi court on Wednesday extended the judicial custody of CM Kejriwal, who was produced through videoconferencing from Tihar Jail upon the expiry of previously granted judicial custody, until September 25.

— IANS

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Comrade Sitaram Yechury: A Look At His Anti-Hindu And Pro-China Political Career

By
The Commune
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Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) general secretary and former Rajya Sabha MP, passed away at the age of 72 following a prolonged illness. He had been receiving treatment for an acute respiratory infection at AIIMS, Delhi. A prominent figure in Indian politics, Yechury joined the CPI(M) in 1975 and was arrested during the Emergency. He became CPI(M) general secretary in 2015, succeeding Prakash Karat.

Known for his admiration of China and secular politics, Yechury played a key role during the UPA government and was vocal on various national and international issues, including his defense of China’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the passing of this “comrade“, let’s take a look at his love for China over the years, a love that will make even Chinese citizens look unpatriotic.

When the world lost loved ones to the COVID-19 virus that originated in China, Yechury penned glowing tributes praising how well Communist China managed the pandemic.

In 2006, when the Chinese Ambassador claimed that Arunachal Pradesh was part of China, all political parties united to condemn the statement—except one. As expected, Yechury chose to stand by his Chinese masters.

When the infamous Tiananmen Square massacre occurred, Sitaram Yechury went to JNU and attempted to justify the brutal crackdown on students. However, the students saw through his defense and humiliated him for it. This issue even led to the CPIM losing the JNU elections at the time.

In 2008, when China brutally cracked down on human rights in Tibet, Yechury astonishingly blamed the protesting Tibetans for the repression. Critics wonder how one could make such a statement while being a citizen of the very country that hosts the Dalai Lama!

Throughout his political career, Yechury maintained a supportive stance towards China, often seen as toeing the CCP line.

He praised China’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that it highlighted the superiority of socialism over capitalism while overlooking India’s achievements in vaccination. The CPI-M under his leadership praised China’s vaccination efforts while overlooking India’s stupendous achievement of administering over 1 crore doses.

He commended China’s economic growth, reduction of inequality, and anti-corruption measures, highlighting these as successes of socialism. He also praised China’s efforts in reducing inequality and corruption, claiming that the country is on track to meet its centennial goal of becoming a “modern socialist nation” by 2049.

In an interview with a YouTuber, he downplayed the issue of the persecution of Uyghur Muslims in China. He said, “Go check it out, once. Come back and let us know. Actually, why don’t you just take a visa and go?”  Yechury refused to acknowledge or condemn the persecution of Uyghur Muslims by the Chinese Communist Party in Xinjiang. Instead, he downplayed the issue, stating, “These are problems that need to be properly resolved… Problems are everywhere,” deflecting criticism of China’s actions.”

A Look At His Anti-Hindu Stances

Now let us take a look at the anti-Hindu face of Sitaram Yechury.

In 2015, Yechury controversially remarked that yoga postures resemble a dog’s movements, citing how dogs stretch and breathe. He criticized the BJP-led government’s mass promotion of Yoga Day, calling it a Hindutva agenda and comparing it to tactics used by dictators to divert attention from pressing social issues like hunger. “Such mass mobilisation for yoga sessions is a tactic similar to that adopted by dictators in the past. Through such exercise, attention is diverted from basic issues confronting people,” Yechury said.

In 2017, in the Rajya Sabha, Sitaram Yechury warned against creating a ‘Hindu Pakistan’ in India while discussing the 75th anniversary of the Quit India Movement. “Now, Sir, what is that objective? In 1947, we became Independent. We are all proud… In those five years, we also saw the partition of India. We saw the communal polarisation that led to this unfortunate partition, aided by the British. So, if you are alluding to those five years, there is an ominous sign. It is a very dark cloud,” Yechury said. He referenced Prime Minister Modi’s call for addressing national problems within five years, cautioning that this could echo the communal polarization and partition of India from 1942-1947.

In 2019, Yechury stirred controversy when he remarked that both the Ramayana and Mahabharata are filled with violent episodes, challenging the notion that Hindus are inherently non-violent. At an event, Yechury said, “The Ramayana and Mahabharata depict numerous acts of violence and war. How can someone who recites these epics as a pracharak still claim that Hindus are incapable of violence? What justifies saying one religion resorts to violence while Hindus do not?”

 

In 2019, Yechury filed a habeas corpus petition for Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami, a fellow comrade who wanted international human rights organizations to establish offices in Kashmir and opposed the abrogation of Article 370.

In 2023, Yechury criticized the ruling BJP’s use of “President of Bharat” on a G20 dinner invite, calling it an “immature reaction” to the opposition alliance named INDIA. “This is the destruction of the Constitution of India…. It is a very immature reaction,” the Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader said. He argued that this change undermines the Constitution, which refers to the country as “India, that is Bharat,” and questioned the motives behind the shift. Yechury also highlighted that institutions like ISRO and IITs use “India” in their names, suggesting the change is an unnecessary distraction.

(With inputs from X threads)

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BJP TN Shoots Itself In The Foot By Posting Video Of Sri Annapoorna Hotel Owner Apologizing To Nirmala Sitharaman

By
The Commune
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BJP TN Shoots Itself In The Foot By Posting Video Of Sri Annapoorna Hotel Owner Apologizing To Nirmala Sitharaman

Hours after the GST meeting video of an interaction between Sri Annapoorna Hotel owner Srinivasan and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman went viral, Bharatiya Janata Party’s Tamil Nadu unit shot itself in the foot by posting a video of the entrepreneur allegedly apologizing to the Minister.

During the meeting, several entrepreneurs from diverse sectors voiced grievances regarding GST rates, loan schemes, and other pressing issues affecting their businesses. One of the key demands was from hoteliers, represented by Srinivasan, the chairman of Sri Annapoorna Hotel, who highlighted the inconsistencies in GST rates. He pointed out that different rates were applied to items on the same bill, causing customer confusion and dissatisfaction.

“There is 5% GST on sweets but 12% on savouries, and 18% on cream-filled buns, whereas there is no GST on buns! Customers often complain, saying, ‘Just give me the bun, I’ll add the cream and jam myself,’” said Srinivasan, leading to laughter from the crowd.

The owner of the Sri Annapoorna Hotel emphasized the need for a uniform GST rate on food items, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where sweet and savoury items are consumed together.

Taking a dig at BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan, he said, “So please increase it uniformly for everything. Secondly, this MLA, madam, is from our constituency. She said they are eating too many sweets in the North of India, so the GST has been fixed at 5% and 12% for savouries. I said no. In TN, we call it sweet karma coffee (sweets, savouries, and coffee). So please consider it, madam; please make it uniform.”

Srinivasan further criticized the complexity of the GST system, stating, “The computer crashes when we try to input different GST percentages in a single bill. Even the GST officials are confused, as all items have the same input but different tax rates. This inconsistency is causing issues for both shopkeepers and customers.”

In response, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman acknowledged the entrepreneurs’ concerns, stating that the government was working to simplify the GST system. She assured the attendees that she would bring these concerns to the GST Council, particularly the varying tax rates on food items. Sitharaman highlighted that GST, Customs, Income Tax, MSME, EOB, and Canara Bank officials had come from Delhi to address the grievances of the industrialists. “We will take steps to address each petition given,” she assured, adding that 1,500 outdated industrial laws have already been removed, and 40,000 complaints have been resolved nationwide.

While many thought the entrepreneur’s use of those anecdotes was hilarious, the Tamil Nadu BJP seemed to be in a different world.

Their Social Media Cell State Convenor posted a video late evening on 12 September 2024. In the video, the entrepreneur is seen talking to FM Nirmala Sitharaman in the presence of Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan.

The post read, “Coimbatore Annapoorna Srinivasan today met Union Finance Minister Mrs. @nsitharaman and Coimbatore South Assembly Member Mrs. @VanathiBJP and expressed his regret and apology for the speech he gave in the meeting was wrongly encouraged and his speech was indecent and wrong..!”

https://twitter.com/MSBalajiMSB/status/1834260098195288218

This did not sit well with the party’s supporters in Tamil Nadu, who criticized the move. Here are some netizen reactions saying it was bad optics. It seemed as if the entrepreneur was forced to apologize to FM.

Netizens also argued that whether an apology was tendered, it was not necessary to display it to the public as it would send a wrong message and give DMK a chance to deride the party and Nirmala Sitharaman. Here is an example of how Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman’s caste got dragged into the issue.

Some supporters of Congress/DMK/ADMK even called it an arm-twisting tactic against Sri Annapoorna hotel owner Srinivasan!

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“Rahul Gandhi Is A F-Ing Disgrace”: US Diplomat Allegedly Said, The Print’s Scathing Article Calls Rahul Gandhi A “Fool” And His Family A “Plague On India”

By
The Commune
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"Rahul Gandhi Is A F-Ing Disgrace": US Diplomat Allegedly Said, The Print's Scathing Article Calls Rahul Gandhi A "Fool" And His Family A "Plague On India"

According to an article published by Kapil Komireddi in The Print, a mid-level US diplomat apparently said “Rahul Gandhi is a f*ing disgrace” for his comments peddling false victimhood of Sikhs in India.

The Congress MP during his recent US tour said that the fight in India is about whether Sikhs will be able to publicly display their religious faith – wearing a turban and kada, praying at Gurudwara – in India. His comments were quickly endorsed by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Pannu, sparking further controversy.

The diplomat, a strong advocate for India as quoted by the The Print article’s author, was apparently shocked to see Rahul Gandhi seemingly align with separatist views, likening the Khalistan supporters in North America to Confederate sympathizers from the American Civil War.

The article penned by Kapil Komireddi further reflected on a troubling historical pattern within the Gandhi family, pointing out that Rahul’s grandmother, Indira Gandhi, and uncle had backed controversial figures in Punjab, while his father, Rajiv Gandhi, was associated with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

“His father presided over a pogrom of Sikhs in Delhi. And now Rahul Gandhi has micturated on the sacrifices of two generations of Sikhs who stood by their country against murderous separatists and a homicidal state run by his father. As Rahul Gandhi was prating glibly in an auditorium in Washington, DC, tens of thousands of Sikhs in uniform were patrolling the borders of India. What were they defending? A country in which they are about to become extinct?“, the article stated.

The author questioned Gandhi’s motivations, suggesting two possible reasons for his comments – either he was trying to atone for the sins of his grandmother and father or he was just a “fool”.

He went on to make suggestions for how Rahul Gandhi could atone for his family draining Sikh blood – by serving langar in a Gurudwara, discarding his family’s tainted name or just disappearing from public life.

“The second reason why Rahul Gandhi did what he did is perhaps closer to the truth: he is a fool.“, Kapil Komireddi said in his article.

He also said that no politician in India is more self-unaware than Rahul Gandhi adding that he is misguided and vulnerable to the influence of sycophants. “Do the debased minions and lickspittles and trolls who cheer them on, defend them, and abuse their critics—do they feel shame?“, he lambasted.

He then contrasted Gandhi’s approach with that of Shashi Tharoor, another Congress MP who was also in the U.S. at the time. Tharoor’s speeches were noted for their intellectual rigor and defense of democracy, setting him apart from Gandhi. Despite some talk of a resurgence in Gandhi’s popularity, the diplomat highlighted that the Congress leader had led his party to three consecutive electoral defeats, questioning his fitness for public office.

H underscored deep concerns about Rahul Gandhi’s leadership and the potential damage his words could cause to India’s political and social unity and said that Rahul Gandhi and his family are a plague on India.

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Dravidian Model: Madurai Kamaraj University Professors Protest Against DMK Govt Over Unpaid Salaries For Two Months

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The Commune
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Despite the DMK government’s claims of efficient financial management, it is now struggling under the weight of its deception, as it has even failed to pay the salaries of university professors. Last week, around 100 faculty members from various departments at Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) protested at the main building’s portico, demanding the release of their salaries for July and August.

The faculty members informed the media that they had not been paid for the past two months. “To address this issue without disrupting regular classes, we have decided to start this protest to draw the government’s attention,” they stated.

Some faculty members plan to remain in their departments until 10 p.m. to further highlight the issue. If necessary, they may escalate their protest with hunger strikes and other methods.

The Kamaraj University has been struggling with severe financial difficulties for several years. According to a senior professor, MKU requires approximately ₹2.50 crore monthly to pay salaries for its 140 staff members. Additionally, ₹5.90 crore is needed to cover pensions for 1,100 retirees. However, the university’s monthly revenue from student fees and other sources is only between ₹2 crore and ₹2.50 crore.

Prof. S. Murugesan emphasized that the government should address over 3,000 audit objections to help stabilize the university’s finances. He stressed the importance of preserving the institution’s esteemed legacy and hoped for urgent intervention from the Higher Education Department to ensure its survival.

Another faculty member suggested that the State government not only release funds to address the university’s financial issues but also establish a corpus to pay pensioners. Many vacant positions due to retirements need to be filled.

The university administration had submitted a comprehensive financial proposal to the government a few months ago, which needs to be reviewed and implemented promptly.

Last year, the government provided ₹58.5 crore from its block grants to cover salaries. Vice-Chancellor J. Kumar had resigned a few months ago for personal reasons, and a convenors’ committee has been managing the V-C’s duties since then. Faculty members expressed that the university’s reputation is at stake and stressed the urgent need to protect it.

(With Inputs From The Hindu)

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