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From Supporting CAA To Opposing Its Implementation, EPS Does A U-Turn To Appease Islamists

By
The Commune
-

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), formerly an ally of the National Democratic Alliance, has undergone a substantial transformation, resembling them as new Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Recent posts from both Dravidian parties, DMK and AIADMK, indicate a shared focus on securing their respective vote banks, particularly within the minority communities. Notably, AIADMK seems determined to rebuild trust with these communities and is employing various strategies anticipating the upcoming elections.

On 31 January 2024, a significant development unfolded as both DMK President MK Stalin and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palanisami engaged in a sharp exchange on social media. The focus of their dispute was the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Stalin accused Edappadi of being responsible for the CAA becoming an Act, claiming it adversely affects Sri Lankan Tamils and Muslims. Edappadi reverted these arguments slamming the DMK, accusing them of deceiving minorities by supporting the NIA and UAPA laws. This clash underscored the clear divergence in their approaches to securing votes.

In 2019, AIADMK’s official stance differed significantly from its current position in 2024. In that year, the official X handle of AIADMK stated, “Central Government has made it clear about Citizenship Act, Citizenship Act does not affect any religion in India – Hon’ble Edappadi K Palaniswami Interview.”

However, fast forward to 2024, and the same official X handle conveyed a contrasting message, quoting, “AIADMK will never allow minorities to be affected by CAA act – Hon’ble General Secretary of the party Edappadi K Palaniswami“.

Palaniswami too in his recent statement about CAA said “The DMK has been betraying the minorities by making a political capital of and doing drama over communal politics, while cooperate with the BJP when they are in power and opposing them when they are not in power. Having supported the NIA and UAPA laws which affects the minorities severely, people are watching the drama of the DMK, which only shows opposition to the BJP in statements and stage speeches.”

Many on social media pointed out the hypocrisy and criticized Edappadi K. Palaniswami of pandering to Islamists for the sake of their votes.

Edappadi K. Palaniswami faced criticism for his party’s current stance in recent years. Since the passing of Jayalalitha, the party appears to be in a vulnerable position, often seen seeking electoral victories without a clear strategy, and seemingly inactive in the realm of politics.

He also faced criticism for his perceived approach towards minority appeasement, accompanied by images comparing him with and without the Hindu identity vibhuthi mark on his forehead.

While both Dravidian parties DMK and AIADMK historically vying for the support of minority communities, the current AIADMK has witnessed a noteworthy shift in their approach. This shift is seen as a response to the AIADMK’s decision to break away from the BJP, actively seeking new alliances, and revisiting their historical support from minority communities.  

AIADMK’s Strategy Of Courting Minorities

 It all began with a consultative meeting on 25 September 2023. Taking a bold stance, the party decided to sever ties with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) following allegations of intentional defamation by the state BJP leadership. In an official press release, the AIADMK pointed fingers at the BJP, accusing them of intentionally tarnishing the party’s reputation and targeting leaders Annadurai and Jayalalithaa with hidden agendas. Notably, the state leadership, personified by Annamalai, was specifically accused of downplaying a significant public gathering in Madurai defaming Edappadi K. Palaniswami.

In a swift sequence of events following the accusation, AIADMK took a notable step in October 2023 by presenting a calling attention motion. The motion sought the release of Islamist terrorists who had been convicted in connection to the 1998 Coimbatore Bomb Blasts, emphasizing humanitarian considerations overlooking the severity of the actions committed, focusing instead on appeasement and securing votes for their respective vote banks. This action underscored the party’s strong dedication to minority rights, particularly in the aftermath of its separation from the BJP.

 Subsequently, Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS), the General Secretary of AIADMK, delivered a speech in Salem district in October 2023, explicitly declaring that the party had distanced itself from the BJP in response to the desires of the Muslim community. He passionately appealed to Muslims to rally behind the party in the forthcoming elections. Moreover, he urged party functionaries to proactively engage with the traditional voter base within minority communities, with a determined goal of regaining the trust that might have been lost, emphasizing AIADMK’s commitment as the authentic guardians of Muslim interests.

Subsequently, Edappadi Palaniswami made a significant appearance at the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) conference held on 7 January 2023 in Madurai. Notably, during this conference, he shared the stage with Nellai Mubarak, the SDPI state president, who had gained notoriety due to NIA raids conducted in July 2023 in connection with the Ramalingam murder case. Palaniswami, took this opportunity to strategically address the gathering and emphatically reassured minorities that the AIADMK, under his leadership, would stand as an unwavering defender of the rights and interests of minority communities. Even he went on to formalize an alliance with the Islamist party, which operates as an auxiliary outfit affiliated with the banned terror organization, Popular Front of India. This calculated move marked a clear departure from the party’s previous affiliations and served as a strategic step towards consolidating support from minority communities.

 At the latest, Edappadi Palaniswami attributed his non-participation in the Pran Prathishta ceremony to leg pain and concerns over the incomplete construction of the temple. This abstention is perceived as a strategic maneuver gearing up for the impending Lok Sabha elections, strategically showcasing unity and solidarity to appeal to minority voters.

All these efforts to form alliances with minority parties indicate a strategic move aimed at securing crucial constituencies in the upcoming elections. The impact of these outreach initiatives on electoral results remains uncertain. Critics suggests that parties may be driven by the fear of potential losses, lack effective strategies, or, as Rajinikanth suggested, acknowledge a political vacuum in Tamil Nadu that cannot be filled solely by minority votes but requires winning the hearts of all voters in a democratic setup.

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Modi Govt Confers Bharat Ratna On Veteran BJP Leader LK Advani

By
The Commune
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Lal Krishna Advani, one of the tallest political leaders of India the man behind the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, has been conferred the Bharat Ratna by the Narendra Modi Government.

Taking to X, Prime Minister Modi said “I am very happy to share that Shri LK Advani Ji will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. I also spoke to him and congratulated him on being conferred this honour.”

He added that Advani remains one of the most respected statesmen of our times and his contribution to the development of India is monumental.

“His is a life that started from working at the grassroots to serving the nation as our Deputy Prime Minister. He distinguished himself as our Home Minister and I&B Minister as well. His Parliamentary interventions have always been exemplary, full of rich insights.”, PM Modi said.

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Puthiya Thalaimurai’s Serial Fake News Peddler Niranjan Kumar Peddles Propaganda Once Again, Connects Flight Cancellations To Jharkhand Political Crisis

By
The Commune
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Once again, Niranjan Kumar, an alleged journalist working for Puthiya Thalaimurai TV (PTTV) and identified by the handle @niranjan2428 on social media platform X, has been exposed for spreading false information. In a recent post, he drew a connection between the arrest of Hemant Soren and alleged horse-trading of MLAs, framing it as a conspiracy involving the BJP. He wrote, “When JMM party thought that they could save Jharkhand MLAs by air to another state, citing bad weather all flights have been cancelled. Even though the next Chief Minister has been elected in Jharkhand and has the support of enough MLAs, after former Chief Minister Hemant Soren has been arrested. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha Party is struggling to prevent other parties from buying MLAs and not blackmailing them. They have planned to somehow take their MLAs from Ranchi to other states but all flights have been cancelled due to inclement weather in case”. 

The post triggered a range of responses and comments, but Only Truth, an independent fact-checking organization, debunked the actual facts. Reports from reputable journals and news outlets, when considered collectively, presented a contrasting narrative. In Ranchi, visibility fluctuated between 50 meters and 500 meters until 2 PM on 1 February 2024, according to information provided by weather officials. TOI reported on 20 January 2024 that fog disrupted flight services at city airport for the second day that day.

However the propagandist masquerading as journalist put a tweet justifying his earlier tweet.

Netizens mocked Niranjan for his stand as below.

https://twitter.com/SaffronSurge3/status/1753093525703729226

 

Only Truth, an independent fact-checking organisation in their official X handle wrote, “The flights to Ranchi in Jharkhand were cancelled due to heavy fog for more than 20 days last month. Flights from Jharkhand to other states were also cancelled. The news was published in this regard. The day before yesterday, the flight from Delhi to Ranchi had to wait with passengers and crew. Why is the journalist wrongly reporting connecting the political situation in the state of Jharkhand with the flights that have been cancelled continuously?”

https://twitter.com/OnlyTruth2024/status/1753573888532083160

Instances Where Niranjan Kumar Has Been Peddling Misinformation In The Garb Of A Journalist 

Instances of disseminating misinformation have been a recurring pattern for Niranjan and PTTV. Prior incidents reveal a consistent trend of spreading false narratives and promoting divisive agendas under the guise of news reporting.

In January 2024, Niranjan’s claim about spending two days in Manali and making statements about the state’s education system was debunked by data, revealing that even Manali had a higher literacy rate compared to Tamil Nadu. His assertions about better facilities in the state were contradicted by the state’s move to seek donations for school development and concerns over the use of Hindu temple funds for schools. The deplorable condition of government model schools in the state’s capital highlighted the deterioration of the education system.

In December 2023, Niranjan, posing as a journalist, sought to stoke caste-based animosity by spotlighting the name “Sagar Sharma” in connection with the Lok Sabha security breach. By emphasizing Sharma’s surname and linking it predominantly to Brahmins, he aimed to escalate caste tensions surrounding the incident.

In February 2023, when the Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee raised the repo rate to 6.50 percent, ostensibly to address retail inflation concerns, Niranjan Kumar propagated misinformation. He erroneously linked the rate hike to discouraging home purchases without considering the broader economic context and the policy’s role in managing inflation and economic cycles.

In January 2023 witnessed Niranjan contributing to the misrepresentation of Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi’s statements. The governor’s call for using “Thamizhagam” instead of “Tamil Nadu” was distorted by certain media outlets, including alleged journalist Niranjan, leading to the trending of separatist tweets with the hashtag #தமிழ்நாடு.

In March 2022, amid the Russia-Ukraine war, Niranjan alleged discrimination against South Indian students in the evacuation operation from Ukraine. However, his claim lacked credible evidence or corroboration, relying solely on an unverified source—a parent of a returned student.

In February 2022 saw Niranjan peddling fake news against BJP candidate Uma Anandan, falsely asserting she lost with only 8 votes when, in reality, she emerged victorious with 5635 votes.

In January 2022 involved the dissemination of false information about the Modi Government rejecting Tamil Nadu’s tableau for the Republic Day Parade. Niranjan failed to acknowledge the annual selection process based on expert committee recommendations.

In January 2021, Niranjan was rebuked by the Office of Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for spreading fake news claiming the Minister had refused to meet Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, citing budget consultation work.

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DMK Govt’s Decision To Withdraw Appeal Against Probe Into Alleged Irregularities In ‘New Secretariat’ Construction Sparks Row

By
The Commune
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The legal tussle over the investigation into irregularities surrounding the construction of the Omandur Government Estate Secretariat in Chennai, initiated during the DMK government led by the late Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, has taken a new turn.

The construction of the new Secretariat, which took place between 2006 and 2010, faced scrutiny after the change in government in 2011, with Jayalalithaa assuming the role of Chief Minister. The new administration not only deemed the Secretariat non-functional and turned it into a hospital but also established a commission of inquiry, led by Justice Raghupathy, to delve into alleged irregularities during the construction process.

However, this move faced a setback when the Madras High Court dissolved the Justice Raghupathy Commission, directing the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department to register a case if evidence of wrongdoing surfaced from the commission’s findings.

Subsequently, during the tenure of the AIADMK government, an inquiry was ordered by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department. DMK president MK Stalin and Durai Murugan challenged this decision through legal petitions. The ongoing legal saga witnessed a fresh twist as the present DMK government, currently in power, decided to withdraw the appeal filed by the previous administration.

In a recent hearing, a bench of Justices Suresh Kumar and Kumaresh Babu dismissed a petition from former AIADMK MP Jayavardhan, who sought inclusion in the case. The government’s legal representative, Advocate General P S Raman, argued that a third party could not intervene at the last moment, especially after the government had decided to withdraw the appeal.

Senior advocate Wilson, representing Stalin and Duraimurugan, highlighted various irregularities reported during the previous regime, including allegations against the petitioner’s father, former minister Jayakumar, in the walkie-talkie purchase scam.

Justice Raghupathy’s stance on the government not accepting the commission’s report was noted, stating that its recommendations couldn’t be considered as evidence. Senior advocate Raghavachari, speaking for Jayavardhan, questioned the withdrawal of a case involving public interest, emphasizing the demand for inclusion in the case.

As the legal battle unfolds, the court has adjourned the hearing to February 6 for further arguments, ensuring that the complexity of the matter continues to unravel in the public eye.

(With inputs from etvbharat)

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“Politics Is Not A Hobby For Me, It’s Sacred Service For People, Learnt Lessons From My Predecessors”: Vijay’s Sly Dig At Kamal Haasan?

By
The Commune
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In a significant development, actor Vijay has formally entered the political arena by establishing the “Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam.” In a heartfelt press release issued on 2 February 2024, Vijay expressed his sincere intentions to contribute to the welfare and progress of the people of Tamil Nadu through political means.

The press release acknowledged the various welfare initiatives undertaken by the “Vijay Makkal Iyakkam” over the years. However, he emphasised the limitations of voluntary organisations in bringing about comprehensive social, economic, and political reforms, stating that political power is crucial for such transformations.

Highlighting the current political climate marked by administrative malpractices and divisive tendencies, Vijay articulated the collective yearning for a fundamental political change in Tamil Nadu. He envisions a transparent, caste-free, visionary, and corruption-free administration, firmly rooted in the principles of the Indian constitution. 

Vijay also shared his long-term intention and desire to serve the people of Tamil Nadu, which led to the establishment of the political entity. He also added that the party’s application for registration with the Chief Election Commission of India has been submitted, following the approval of the party’s constitution and bylaws in a State General Committee and Executive Committee meeting.

The actor-turned-politician outlined the party’s goals, aiming to contest and win the upcoming 2026 assembly elections to bring about the desired political change. He assured that the political journey will commence after receiving the Election Commission’s approval, with public meetings, the presentation of the party’s principles, flag, symbol, and plans for Tamil Nadu’s success.

Vijay also clarified that the party will not participate in the 2024 parliamentary elections and emphasised their non-alignment with any other political party. The press release concluded with Vijay expressing his commitment to politics as a sacred people’s work, distancing himself from the notion of politics as merely another career.

In what can be seen as an apparent dig at Kamal Haasan, Vijay said “Finally, according to me, politics is not just another job but a sacred service for people. Not just the height of politics but I also have understood the length and breadth of it by taking lessons from my predecessors and preparing myself for it mentally too. Politics is not a hobby for me. It is my deep quest. I wish to fully indulge myself in that.”

Significantly, Vijay acknowledges his decision to fulfill existing film commitments without interfering with party work and emphasised that politics was not a hobby but his deepest desire. This departure from films underscores his dedication to full-time political engagement, differentiating himself from those who juggle both acting and politics part-time.

In what can be presumed to be a subtle dig at actor Kamal Haasan, Vijay’s press release implied that his commitment to politics is unwavering and full-time, distinguishing him from those who engage in politics without leaving their primary career. 

Kamal Haasan – The Part-Time Politician

Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder Kamal Haasan in an interview back in 2018 had stated that he did not aspire to be a full-time politician. Responding to a reporter’s query, Haasan emphasised that dedicating some time to politics was sufficient, and being a full-time politician was unnecessary. He extended this sentiment to himself, stating he also did not want to pursue politics on a full-time basis. Haasan also clarified that engaging in politics did not necessitate abandoning other commitments – he compared both politics and cinema as a dual role in cinema, which he viewed as not being a full-time profession.

Staying true to his words, to this day, Kamal Haasan continues to be a part-time politician and appears in front of press reporters and meets with the public on a once-in-a-while basis.

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Tamil Nadu BJP Welcomes Actor Vijay’s Political Entry

By
The Commune
-

In a significant development, Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President K Annamalai extended a warm welcome to actor Vijay as he officially entered the political arena by launching his party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam. The BJP leader, who had earlier encouragingly spoken about new entrants into politics, expressed his congratulations to Vijay.
In November 2023, Annamalai welcomed the idea of actors like Vijay entering politics, stating that individuals, including the popular actor, should present their ideologies and plans to the public. He emphasised the importance of democracy is about choices and encouraged the entry of more parties to provide diverse options for the electorate.

Fast forward to February 2024, with Vijay making his political debut by unveiling Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam, as a response to this development, Annamalai took to his official X handle to convey his happiness and extend warm wishes to the actor-turned-politician. In his post, Annamalai expressed his joy in congratulating and welcoming Vijay to the political landscape. He wrote, “I am happy to congratulate and welcome brother Mr. @actorvijay who has started a new party in the name of ‘Tamilaka Vetri Kazhagam’ to work for the people against the corrupt politics that is exploiting the people of Tamil Nadu and for a non-partisan, honest and political change.”

The BJP leader’s supportive message indicates an open-minded approach towards the entry of new political players and signals a positive reception within the political spectrum for Vijay’s endeavour. As the actor embarks on this new journey, the political landscape in Tamil Nadu is likely to witness increased dynamism with the emergence of Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam.

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“Not Anti-Hindu”: Gave Permission To 4 Out Of 288 Ram Temple Pran Prathishta Events In Tamil Nadu, TN Police Admits In Supreme Court

By
The Commune
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The Director General of Police and Chief of Police Force in Tamil Nadu has submitted a sworn statement before the Supreme Court acknowledging that it sanctioned merely 4 out of 288 applications for Ayodhya Ram Temple ‘Pran Pratishta‘ related ceremonies on January 22. This was before the intervention of the Madras High Court. The affidavit also asserts that the state government does not hold an anti-Hindu stance as portrayed by the petitioner. The submission was made in response to a plea seeking to lift the alleged prohibition on the live broadcast of the “Pran Pratishta” event. The Supreme Court had taken note of the plea and duly recorded the representation made on behalf of Tamil Nadu, clarifying that there is no prohibition on any event related to Pran Pratishta.

However, according to the affidavit filed by the DGP before the High Court’s directive, out of the total 288 applications received, only 4 were granted approval, while 146 were declined and 138 were held pending for verification. None of the 22 applications for livestreaming of the event in public spaces were accepted, as per the DGP’s submission. Among the 15 applications received for livestreaming events from Ayodhya in temples and other indoor locations in the state, 7 were refused, and 8 were kept pending for verification. Out of the 226 applications for Bhajans, Annadhanams, and special poojas in public spaces, only 4 were sanctioned while 94 were rejected.

The Madras High Court, while granting permission for the livestreaming of the event to a Hindu organization, affirmed that singing Bhajans, chanting Rama Nama, and conducting Annadhanams are not inherently prohibited or restricted. After the High Court’s directive, the DGP’s affidavit submitted before the Apex Court revealed that out of the 288 applications, only 4 were rejected while 248 were executed.

Moreover, the affidavit rebuts the portrayal of the Tamil Nadu government as anti-Hindu, branding it as “totally false and condemnable.” It also asserts that the petition has been utilized to malign the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, with certain assertions deemed derogatory against him. The DGP further clarifies that the Chief Minister did not issue any oral directive to prohibit any Pran Pratishtha-related events. “The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has not issued any such instructions to the police department. This allegation is made by the petitioner only to suit his convenience for filing this writ petition,” states the counter affidavit filed by the Director General of Police and Chief of Police Force of Tamil Nadu before the Apex Court.

On 22 January 2024, on the occasion of the Pran Pratishta of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, celebrations were held all over India. However, in Tamil Nadu, the celebrations were surrounded by controversies. The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticized the Tamil Nadu government for allegedly preventing people from celebrating the Ram Mandir Pran Prathishtha ceremony in Ayodhya by installing LED screens in temples. She accused the TN government of repressing the Hindu devotees and challenged the minister of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments to facilitate the live telecast of the ceremony in temples.

In response to the restrictions laid by the police and HR&CE, a writ petition was filed in the Madras High Court. The Madras High Court ruled that no permission is needed for live telecast of the ceremony in private enclosures. However, prior information to the police and the HR & CE Department is required for events in public spaces and temples under their control.

Despite the claims of the police and the HR&CE dept., several examples of permission denial notes, leaked audio recordings, and police interventions show how the devotees in Tamil Nadu were denied the right to celebrate the Ram Mandir consecration. The devotees in Tamil Nadu were denied the right to celebrate the Ram Mandir consecration in various ways. Devotees were also allegedly obstructed by the police while trying to do a ritual at Srirangam temple as an offering to Shri Ram and Shri Ranganatha Swamy on January 22, 2024.

(With inputs from Verdictum)

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NIA Conducts Raids At NTK Office Bearers Residences In TN Over Suspected LTTE Funding To Aid Its Revival

By
The Commune
-

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) launched raids at more than 10 locations in Tamil Nadu due to concerns about the potential resurgence of funding for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a group banned in India since 1992. Among the places under scrutiny are premises linked to members of the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) party. The NIA aims to uncover any financial networks aiding the LTTE’s resurgence, designated a terrorist organization by India and other nations.

The raids are ongoing in Coimbatore, Trichy, Sivagangai and Tenkasi districts. News reports say that important documents have been confiscated from Vishnu Prathap, the Sivagangai district secretary of NTK. Another office bearer of NTK, Sattai Duraimurugan, has been issued a summons from the NIA.

Meanwhile, NTK has made an urgent appeal against the raids in the Madras High Court. The party has claimed that they were not given enough time to appear before NIA for the summons issued, and the raids are being conducted hastily.

https://twitter.com/updatenews360/status/1753301399406850177

This is not the first time that the NIA has conducted raids in relation to Sri Lankan refugees and the LTTE.

In April 2023, the NIA arrested Muhammad Iliyaz, a trader in Chennai, for having links with Sri Lankan Tamil smugglers who are allegedly trying to revive the banned LTTE through drug and arms trafficking.

In December 2022, the NIA arrested nine Sri Lankans from a refugee camp in Tamil Nadu for their alleged involvement in illegal drugs and arms trade to revive the LTTE terror group.

In October 2022, the NIA raided the residence of Vigneswaran (27) at Sivaganga, who is alleged to have links with some cadres of the now-defunct LTTE and who was working in Chennai.

In March 2022, investigated into the terror funding for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The NIA had filed a charge sheet against six people who conspired with foreign entities to siphon off money from dormant bank accounts using forged identity documents.

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Turmoil At Trichy DMK Event As Minister KN Nehru’s Son Faces Opposition From Public Over Unresolved Complaints

By
The Commune
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In a surprising turn of events at a function attended by Arun Nehru, the son of Tamil Nadu Minister for Municipal Administration, Urban and Water Supply KN Nehru, the atmosphere shifted dramatically from joy to discontent. The event, organized by DMK in North Trichy constituency as Arun Nehru’s potential entry into politics, took an unexpected turn as he faced vehement opposition from the local residents.

Despite not holding any official government post, Arun Nehru inaugurated a government bus service from Trichy to Maruthaandakurichi, sparking further discontent among the residents who criticized him for neglecting their immediate concerns. He initially arrived at the function with a cheerful demeanor, but Arun Nehru’s mood quickly soured as disgruntled locals confronted him about the unaddressed issue of a sewage canal in their constituency.

Amidst the distribution of sarees and dhotis, a group of residents approached Arun Nehru with more than 50 DMK membership cards, intending to return them in protest. Expressing their frustration with living conditions near the sewage canal and the prevalence of mosquitoes leading to mosquito bites, the group handed over the membership cards while conveying their grievances.

Efforts to reconcile the situation failed, leading to an abrupt halt of the event by Arun Nehru. As media personnel gathered to capture the unfolding drama, they were met with resistance from DMK supporters who aggressively threatened and assaulted reporters to cease recording. The atmosphere escalated as one supporter physically pushed a media person, while another threatened to break the camera and resorted to verbal abuse.

Despite Arun Nehru’s attempts to pacify the situation, the discontented residents and the aggressive response from DMK supporters left the event in disarray.

After the unsuccessful conclusion of the event, a resident approached members of the media to share the challenges resulting from uncleared sewage canals. However, the individual’s attempt to communicate was disrupted by DMK workers who verbally abused him.

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TN Congress Leader Mocks Reclamation Of Ancient Hindu Temples, Her Husband Was Earlier Disturbed By ‘Jai Sri Ram’ Kolams In Their Apartments On Ram Mandir Consecration Day

By
The Commune
-

Tamil Nadu Congress General Secretary and TNCC Committee Spokesperson, Lakshmi Ramachandran, is once again in the news. Earlier it was her posting a video of her husband ranting about the 22 January 2024 Pran Prathishta related celebrations at their society. This time she posted a meme on her X handle ridiculing Hindus trying to reclaim temples to uphold her ‘secular’ credentials. In a meme template using the popular Tamil comedian Koundamani, the ‘joke’ which is a conversation between a tenant and the house owner, reads as:

Tenant (to house owner): “What?! You are hiking the rent by ₹1000 from next month? Wait, I will inform the ASI that there is a Hanuman temple beneath the house.”

This is with reference to the recent developments in the Gyanvapi mosque land dispute issue. The ASI report definitively indicates that there was a Hindu temple beneath the mosque and the mosque had been constructed upon it. The ASI report included clear pictures of the Hindu Gods Ganesha, Hanuman, Nandi and the Yonipatta of Shivaling. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who represents the Hindu side, said that the ASI report proves that a grand Hindu temple, Adivishwara, was demolished by Aurangzeb in the 17th century to build the mosque. Akhlaq Ahmed, who represents the Anjuman Anjamiya Masjid Committee, as dismissing the Hindu side’s claims as unfounded and lacking expert validation. He questions the authenticity and age of the idols and stones found by the ASI. Following this development, the Varanasi court permitted for puja to be conducted at the mosque’s basement and today the puja ceremony had started.

‘Secular’ politicians like Lakshmi are trying to trivialise the matter and make mockery of Hindu sentiments by making jokes about discovering Hindu temple ruins under mosques. However, this is not the first time that Lakshmi has proudly displayed her ‘secular’ colours by speaking against the Hindu sentiments or making a mockery of Hindus.

In the video Lakshmi had posted regarding the Pran Prathishta ceremony (mentioned above), Swaminathan, her husband, claimed that the ceremony was a divisive event that stemmed from the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid. He urged the Hindu residents not to pass on their wrong values to their children and to respect the feelings of the Muslim and minority community members. The video sparked widespread condemnation online, with many criticising Swaminathan’s remarks as insensitive and divisive. Some also questioned the political agenda behind the video and the credibility of the speaker.

In September 2023, when TN Sports Minister Udhayanidhi made the controversial “Sanathana Dharma should be eradicated” statement, several Congress leaders in Tamil Nadu, who are allies of the DMK, came to the support of Udhayanidhi Stalin and tried to justify his remarks by differentiating between Hinduism and Hindutva, and claiming that Sanathana Dharma was a casteist and oppressive ideology. Lakshmi Ramachandran, the General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, claimed that Sanathanam is another name for the hate-mongering, casteist Hindutva which has its origins in the North.

In October 2022, she targeted the TN BJP chief Annamalai, misinterpreting his statements about Christian missionaries and accused him of spreading hatred and resentment against Christian missionaries and Christians in the state. Annamalai had claimed that Tamil Nadu ADGP (Intelligence) Davidson Devasirvatham had links with Christian missionaries and was working to promote his religion in south Tamil Nadu.

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