In yet another tragic incident at Palani’s Dandayuthapani Swami Temple in Dindigul District, devotees from Edappadi and Erode who visited Swamy temple for darshan were allegedly dragged and beaten by temple authorities and guards on duty.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, it is alleged that the temple administration had arranged a special route for Erode devotees to carry Kavadi. The altercation arose when Edappadi devotees, overtaking due to a long waiting period, attempted to enter the temple through a special route designated for Erode devotees carrying Kavadi.
It was alleged that Chandran, a devotee from Edappadi, was reportedly dragged, beaten, and suffered a fractured skull by the temple guards and authorities.
Both Chandran and his son who were injured in this incident were admitted to the Palani Hills Temple hospital and are undergoing treatment. In this situation over 500 Edappadi devotees protested, demanding action against the security guards involved.
The temple authorities assured suspension of those responsible, leading some protestors to disperse, while others remained adamant until the security guards faced consequences.
Earlier in January 2024, Palani Murugan Temple administration especially Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department faced criticism as worshippers were allegedly charged ₹1000 for mobile phone safekeeping, despite an initial notification stating a fee of ₹5. After completing the darshan, over 200 devotees confronted temple staff and engaged in a heated verbal exchange with temple staff over the high charges, resulting in a reduction to ₹500, with a warning that those unable to pay would be placed in the donation box.
In another incident during the same month on 5 January 2024, disappointment struck devotees preparing for Pongal and Thaipoosam celebrations at Palani’s Dandayuthapani Swami Temple, as the HR&CE Department allegedly denied permission to play drums during the festivities. This decision caused dismay among worshippers, especially during the sacred Thaipoosam festival, known for strict moral codes and fasting. Assistant Commissioner Lakshmi clarified that drumming is prohibited on the hilltop temple premises.
மேளதாளம் அடிக்க அனுமதி மறுப்பு.. அத்துமீறும் அறநிலையத்துறை..
அருள்மிகு தண்டாயுதபாணி சாமி திருக்கோயில் பழனியில் மலையின் மேல் மேளதாளம் அடிக்க அனுமதி இல்லை என்று இணை ஆணையாளர் லட்சுமி அவர்கள் கூறியுள்ளார்.
The Madras High Court is currently considering the bail plea of Tamil Nadu Minister without portfolio V Senthil Balaji, arrested by the ED in connection with a money laundering case.
The hearing took place on 30 January 2024 before Justice Anand Venkatesh. Senior Advocate Aryama Sundaram, representing Balaji, pointed out an error in the sessions court order regarding his brother’s alleged absconding, citing a recent Supreme Court judgment that says the absconding of co-accused was not a ground to deny bail.
Justice Anand Venkatesh expressed concern over Balaji being in custody for over 230 days and questioned the fairness of him continuing as a minister without portfolio. The judge emphasized the equality of the law for all, noting that the circumstances leading to the previous bail denial seemed unchanged, and asked the ED to file a counter, and the case has been adjourned to 14th February 2024.
Breaking :Senthil Balaji bail plea: Justice Anand Venkatesh asks Sr counsel representing VSB ,how will it look if a judge is accused of such an offence and continues to be a judge without any portfolio allocated to him by the CJ?
Justice Anand Venkatesh opined, “He has been inside for more than 230 days. Already a division bench had expressed that it will not be in fairness to continue him as minister without portfolio for a long time. Even a lowest rank employee, if arrested is considered to be suspended within 48 hrs. Here he’s been in arrest for so long. If suppose a judge is accused of a criminal case. What will be the message sent out if he continues to be in position even after that?”
The counsel for Senthil Balaji replied saying that Balaji being a minister was crucial for S.439 but shouldn’t come in the way of him seeking bail as a human being.
Senthil Balaji, the former Excise and Transport Minister in the Tamil Nadu Cabinet, was apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on 14 June 2023, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. This arrest is linked to a money laundering case associated with a cash-for-jobs scam that occurred while he served as the Transport Minister in the AIADMK regime from 2011 to 2016.
Shortly after being arrested, he underwent a bypass surgery in a private hospital. Subsequently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) detained him for questioning, leading to his placement in judicial custody. The court consistently extended his remand at regular intervals. His custody has been extended 17 times, with the latest extension granted by Principal Sessions Court Judge S. Alli after a video conference with the minister, who is currently held at the Puzhal Central Prison.
Balaji, accused of amassing wealth beyond known sources of income, underwent a bypass surgery after his arrest. The ED filed a 3,000-page charge sheet on 12 August 2023, alleging his involvement in turning the recruitment process in the Tamil Nadu Transport Department into a corrupt affair.
Despite multiple bail pleas, including one in the Supreme Court, citing health issues, Balaji’s requests have been denied based on concerns of potential influence on witnesses and the serious nature of the charges. Recently The Madras High Court also emphasized that his release on bail could lead to interference with the case with reasoned concerns about his past conduct, current role as Minister without Portfolio, his brother’s abscondence, and an attack on Income Tax Officials, collectively suggesting a potential influence on witnesses if granted bail. The court concluded that these factors make his release on bail undesirable.
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During a TV debate titled “I.N.D.I.A VS N.D.A Alliance: What impact is going to have on Nitish Kumar politics?” on News7 Tamil’s Kelvi Neram show on 29 January 2024, SG Suryah, the State Secretary of Bharatiya Janata Party Tamil Nadu, exposed yet another instance of misinformation by Organisation Secretary of DMK, TKS Elangovan.
The host of the debate Sugitha Sarangaraj questioned TKS Elangovan that “How You and I.N.D.I.A ally See the Alliance Shift, Nitish Kumar?”
TKS Elangovan replied “It was Nitish Kumar who held the first meeting of this alliance in Patna and on that day he made many comments against the BJP, joined the alliance, and held the meeting in a grand scale in Patna. I don’t know what kind of pressure was put on him today. But as far as Bihar is concerned, the BJP is frightened. The departure of Nitish Kumar on the one side, but their newfound affection for Karpoori Thakur, he was an enemy of Jana Sangh, they showed affection for him and gave him an award as well, right? So BJP believes that Bihar will not be in their favour and thus they put pressure on Nitish and today they are keeping Nitish under their control. Last time, there was only one Sushil Modi, today there are two Deputy Chief Ministers from BJP so they are suggesting that you should rule under our control – this is what they want to convey through this.”
He further said that in his view, the award given to Karpoori Thakur, the appointment of two Deputy Chief Ministers, and the evident pressure on Nitish Kumar are indicative of the BJP’s concerns and apprehensions about the political situation in Bihar.
Additionally, he said that Nitish Kumar, a follower of eminent leaders like Lohia, has maintained an anti-BJP and anti-Jana Sangh stance since their inception. They have consistently rejected the policies advocated by the BJP.
In response to TKS Elangovan’s remarks, the host turned to the panel member SG Suryah and asked, “Why does BJP need Nitish Kumar?”
Suryah replied saying, “I found what the senior leader (TKS Elangovan) said about Karpoori Thakur because in 1967, Karpoori Thakur became the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar with the support of our Jana Sangh MLAs and he became the Chief Minister in 1972 and 1977 elections also with Jana Sangh MLAs. Janata Party was started by joining BJP, what he saying is wrong, why because they were anti-Congress minded, never against BJP, in fact, people who have worked with BJP belong to Janata Party so I want to correct that.”
Further, he said if Karpoori Thakur was against BJP there was no need to ally with us three times. Moreover, he stated that if Karpoori Thakur held opposition views towards the BJP and Jana Sangh, there would have been no necessity for allying with us on three occasions.
Following the debate, SG Suryah also posted on his official X handle, he shared the video and wrote, “The instance during the live debate when a senior DMK leader assumed I lacked historical knowledge and provided incorrect information about Karpoori Thakur, and my subsequent correction.”
Dr. SG சூர்யா சின்ன பையன், இவனுக்கு வரலாறு தெரியாது என்று யூகித்து கர்ப்பூரி தாக்கூர் குறித்து தவறான தகவலை கூறிய தி.மு.க மூத்த தலைவரை நேரலை விவாதத்தில் திருத்திய தருணம்! 😌 pic.twitter.com/chpXoDD2Mh
The late former Chief Minister of Bihar, Karpoori Thakur, received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, posthumously on 26 January 2024. This prestigious award recognises Karpoori Thakur’s enduring dedication as a champion for the marginalised and a steadfast advocate for equality and empowerment.
Karpoori Thakur, affectionately known as “Jan Nayak” or the people’s hero, gained widespread admiration for his unwavering dedication to the well-being of the common people. He served as Bihar’s Chief Minister twice, earning recognition for championing the cause of the backward classes and implementing policies to empower the underprivileged.
A crucial ally of Jaya Prakash Narayan, Thakur played a pivotal role in the “Total Revolution” movement during the 1975-77 emergency against Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Later in the 1977 Bihar Legislative Assembly election, he aligned himself with the Janata Party, contributing to the alliance’s landslide victory. Thakur served as Chief Minister once again from 1977 to 1979. Subsequently, he affiliated with the Janata Dal.
Despite his passing in February 1988, the current honour bestowed upon him not only recognises his significant contributions but also serves as an inspiration for society to continue his mission of fostering a more just and equitable social order.
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In a landmark ruling, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ordered today that non-Hindus should not be allowed into Palani Murugan Temple. The judgement mentions that non-Hindus and those without Hindu beliefs should not be allowed beyond the ‘kodimaram‘ of the temple. It also says that placards notifying this should be placed visibly at multiple places in the temple.
Regarding the judgement, temple activist TR Ramesh shared a post on his X handle, he wrote, ‘The @tnhrcedept in violation of the Temple Entry Authorisation Act, 1947 and the Rules framed thereunder wanted to allow Non-Hindus in the temple without any restrictions – leading to Agama violations and increased security risks.I impleaded in the main Writ Petition which challenged the TN Govt’s HR&CE Department’s illegal and anti-Hindu decision.’
He also wrote, ‘Today Hon’ble Single Judge who heard the matters was pleased to allow the Writ Petition against the @tnhrcedept orders. Hon’ble Judge was pleased to direct that a Board be kept that Non-Hindus will not be permitted beyond ‘Kodi Maram’ (Dwajasthamba – Holy Flagpost of the temple). Direction issued that Non-Hindus not be permitted beyond ‘Kodi Maram’. If any Non-Hindu wants to visit, declaration that he/she believes in the Deity and will follow the customs and traditions of the temple. Such register of clear undertaking to be maintained. The Hon’ble Judge was pleased to make an Intervener in the Writ Petition.‘
He also added, “Earlier the position of Executive Officer in this temple was declared illegal by Learned Single Judge of Madras High Court. Appeal against this order and seeking to set aside the order was not allowed by Hon’ble Division Bench. Govt and Commissioner of @tnhrcedept lost their appeals. Yet the illegal Executive Officer shameless continues in the temple in Contempt of the orders of the Courts. I will soon move for the removal of the abject and illegal presence of Executive Officer and the @tnhrcedept from this ancient temple.”
Great news regarding Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Pazhani !
This is the ancient Sri Subramanya Temple which draws the maximum crowd of devotees in Tamil Nadu – Devotees come in large numbers from Kerala, Srilanka, Malaysia and Singapore.
In July 2023, it was reported that the petitioner, D. Senthilkumar, sought a direction to the temple authorities to install a board stating that non-Hindus are not allowed on the temple premises, which was removed earlier due to renovation work. The petitioner said that recently, a few non-Hindus wanted to use the winch car to reach the hilltop. When they were told that they were not allowed, they argued with the temple authorities and the members of Hindu outfits who supported them. Justice S. Srimathy passed an interim order of status quo ante, meaning restoring the situation as it existed before, and adjourned the hearing in the case.
In Aug 2023, the Additional Advocate General during the proceedings representing the State Government, asserted that in accordance with the Constitution of India, particularly under Articles 13 and 15, and specifically under clause 15(1), the rights of individuals are safeguarded. In response, Senthilkumar countered this argument, contending that Article 15(2) of the Constitution excludes temples and prohibits their use as picnic spots.
The banner controversy started in June 2023 when the HR&CE department put up a banner saying that “only Hindus are allowed” inside the Palani temple, but removed it in a few hours for reasons unknown. The banner was put up after some Muslims tried to enter the temple as tourists. Hindu activists protested against the removal of the notice. A Muslim fruit seller named Sahul argued with the temple employees that the temple was a tourist place and that he and his relatives wearing burqas should be allowed to enter. He also questioned why there were no banners prohibiting non-Hindus. Hindu outfits supported the temple employees and condemned the HR&CE for failing to put up banners saying that non-Hindus were not allowed. They also accused the HR&CE of being pressured from some quarters to remove the banners. Some Dravidianists and Islamists opposed the banners and claimed that they were illegal and against the Madras High Court ruling that anyone who believes in the deity can enter temples. A Muslim party announced that it will invite Hindus to masjids and plan an event #Welcome_Our_Masjid.
In a clever play on words, Sun TV’s social media handle reported the news update that non-Hindus can enter the temple after giving the affidavit of their faith.
#BREAKING | பழனி கோயிலுக்குள் இந்து அல்லாதோர் உறுதிமொழி தந்துவிட்டு செல்லலாம்
As usual, the news did not go well with the Dravidianists and ‘minorities’. They started a barrage of abuse against Hindus, RSS, BJP and the Hon’ble Judge on social media. A few samples of the abuses are compiled here.
நீதிபதியா இருந்தா விமர்சனம் செய்யக்கூடாதா??
யார் இந்துனு அந்த நீதிபதிய வரைமுறை பண்ண சொல்லுங்க..
அப்டியே இந்துக்கள் எல்லாம் கருவரை வரைக்கும் போய் வழிபடலாம்னு சொல்ல சொல்லுங்க…
சங்கிக தான் நீதிபதி அணியும் வச்சிருக்கானுங்க 🤦♂️🤦♂️
போனவாரம் கூட போயிட்டு வந்தேன் நண்பர்களோட, கடவுள் நம்பிக்கை இல்லாதவன் தான், இனிமேலும் போவோம், இந்தமாதிரி கி.கூ தனமான தீர்ப்பு யார் குடுத்துருப்பான்னு தெரியும், அதெல்லாம் இங்க மயிருக்கு கூட ஆகாது…
நீதிபதி உண்மையிலேயே படித்து தான் பதவி க்கு வந்திருக்கீர்களா..?
கொஞ்சம் கூட அறிவு இருந்தால் இது போன்று ஒரு அறிவிப்பு அறிவிப்பார்களா..?
— 🔥𝕵𝖎𝖑𝖑𝖆𓃵𝕾𝖆𝖐𝖙𝖍𝖎 ᵗʰᵃˡᵃᵖᵃᵗʰʸ😎ᴹⁱ💙 (@Jilla_Sakthi13) January 30, 2024
சில வழக்குகளில் நான் வழக்கில் தொடர்பு உடைய குறிப்பிட்ட மாநிலத்தை பூர்வீகமாக கொண்டவன் – குறிப்பிட்ட வழக்கில் ஒரு தரப்பிற்காக வக்கீலாக ஆஜரானவன் என சில நீதிபதிகள் விலகி கொள்கிறார்கள். உண்மையில் அவர்கள் நல்லவர்கள், நீதி காக்கப்பட வேண்டும் என்ற உணர்வு கொண்டவர்கள். அந்த வகையில் இது..
சங்கி ங்க கைல நீதிமன்றம் போனால் இதான் கதி.. இவன்லாம் சமயபுரம் போயிருக்கானா வேளாங்கண்ணி போயிருக்கானா போயி பாத்தா தெரியும் எத்தனை மாற்று மதத்தினர் வராய்ங்கன்னு..
எவனும் மெனக்கட்டு மேலே ஏறி போக மாட்டான் 😂😂😂 சமீப காலமாக நீதிமன்றத்தின் தீர்ப்புகளை தொகுத்து பார்க்கும் போது நீதித்துறையும் #திருட்டு_பாஜக போல் மதவெறி மயமாகிவிட்டதை எவரும் எளிதில் அறிய முடியும்…!
இதே மாதிரி வேளாங்கன்னி மாதா கோவிலுக்கு Rule போட்டால் அந்த மாதா கோவில் வெறிச்சோடி காணப்படும் .. ஏன்னா போற பாதி போரு இந்து தான் 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣. இது ஒரு தீர்ப்பா ?
During a recent public gathering organized by the Ranipet Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) to commemorate “Mozhipor Tyagigal Veeravanaka Day” (Language Martyrs’ Salutation Day), a video surfaced on social media capturing the portfolio minister uttering derogatory remarks from the stage. Ironically, the same people celebrating the martyrs were making speeches with derogatory language.
R. Gandhi, is a DMK district secretary and the incumbent Minister for Handlooms and Textiles of Tamil Nadu
While he was speaking at the meeting he said, “Look… thevdiya payan (Bastard’s son) look at what he talks, he will not speak now, he will keep silent but will speak when he goes out, speaks whatever comes to his mouth”
There was widespread condemnation on social media from netizens and political commentators.
The State Vice President – Social Media cell, for the Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party, Karthik Gopinath shared this video clipping on his X handle and posed a question: “What is dravida model ? Answer: A minister calling someone bast**d on stage. The irony is the name of this minister – Mr. Gandhi!”
What is dravida model ? Answer 👇🏽 A minister calling someone bast**d on stage 👏🏼 The irony is the name of this minister – Mr. Gandhi ! pic.twitter.com/PUmtpPykpb
YouTuber and political commentator Savukku Shankar tagged the Tamil Nadu Police handle and asked, “Do you possess the courage to file a lawsuit against the minister under section 294(b)?” (Section 294 (b) IPC – uttering obscene words, in or near any public place)
Another netizen expressed sadness over the derogatory language used by the minister during the language war martyrs meeting. And he considered the minister should apologize and resign.
மொழிப்போர் தியாகிகள் கூட்டத்தில் இப்படி ஒரு இழிவான மொழி பேசிய அமைச்சர். இதற்கு அவர் வருத்தம் தெரிவித்து ராஜினாமா செய்ய வேண்டும் @CMOTamilnadu@R_Gandhi_MLA
This isn’t the initial occurrence of such behavior from the DMK. Recently, The Commune provided a comprehensive account of instances where members of the DMK employed offensive language, engaged in personal attacks, and delivered controversial statements.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of the Chief Minister and current Sports Minister of Tamil Nadu, was observed making disparaging comments about Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami. His remarks implied subservience to Prime Minister Modi and ridiculed an incident of prostration before Sasikala, leading to laughter from the audience. The video has stirred controversy due to its offensive content.
குற்றமுள்ள நெஞ்சு குறுகுறுக்கும்!
எவன் அந்த மாதிரி பன்றானோ அவன் தான் அண்ணாமலை அண்ணா சொன்னது நெனச்சு கதறிட்டு இருக்கன்…🥱
"கொஞ்சம் விட்டு இருந்த அந்த அம்மா காலுக்கு இடையில் புகுந்து இருப்பாரு".
Udhayanidhi also shared photos comparing former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa with actor Namitha, accompanied by a caption denying any photoshop. The images portrayed both figures raising their hands in a similar pose.
A collection of clippings featuring speeches and statements made by various members of the DMK, showcasing instances of vulgar language and controversial remarks.
A Raja makes a controversial statement about Stalin’s birth being from a legitimate relationship, while EPS was born out of wedlock
Shivaji Krishnamoorthy censures Narendra Modi, using the derogatory term “Okkala Oli,” and raises the question of whether people prefer him or Rahul Gandhi. He ridicules Modi in Hindi and makes offensive comments about Chinnamma (Sasikala). Additionally, he disparages CR Shastri from ADMK, employing offensive language. He mocks the use of the term “Pappu” for Rahul Gandhi by drawing a comparison to the Hindi word for “monkey.” Using explicit language, he criticizes the treatment of Sasikala by ADMK members.
Another speaker from the DMK recounts an incident where Kalaignar and Anna advocated for the establishment of a separate state, Dravidanadu, in the Assembly. However, the speaker employs explicit language, implying that discovering Dravidanadu involves removing a thread and lifting a skirt.
In a separate instance, a member of the DMK makes a disrespectful and transphobic remark about an individual named Velumani, drawing comparisons between their appearance and transgender features.
Gudiyatham Ramesh uses explicit and offensive language while discussing an individual named Vindhya. Ramesh accuses her of participating in immoral activities across different locations and provides details of an alleged rape accusation, along with the doctors’ response who examined her.
அண்ணாதுரை,,கருணாநிதி ,, துரைமுருகன், ஸ்டாலின் RS பாரதி,,உதயநிதி 'A" ராஜா,வெற்றிகொண்டான் போன்ற #திமுக வின் இரட்டை அர்த்த ஆபாச பேச்சுகளை விடவா தலைவர் அண்ணாமலை Avl பேசிவிட்டார் துத்துக்குடி MP கனிமொழி மோடம்?? https://t.co/wyqF4Rd6mtpic.twitter.com/TxgPerttGS
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) Chief, Thol. Thirumavalavan, showed inconsistency regarding his stance on the entry of the common man into the sanctum of temples. Recently, during the Kalaignar 100 function organized by the DMK, he spoke vehemently about the exclusion of individuals, regardless of their status, from entering the sanctum sanctorum (garbagriha) of temples.
He said, “The pain that pierced Periyar’s heart was the realization that, regardless of one’s status as a king or Chakravarthi, they are not allowed to enter the garbagriha of the temple he himself built. This societal curse dictates that while one can enter a fortress, ascend the pinnacle of a temple’s gopuram, or even conquer Everest, but they are forbidden from entering the sanctum sanctorum of a temple.”
However, post the Pran Prathishta ceremony of Ayodhya Ram Mandir, he took a totally opposite stance, as he questioned whether Modi qualifies as the head of a Hindu religious organization.
He stated, “If you truly had genuine devotion to God, you would have gone there as a chief guest. There, a Shankaracharya or a head of a religious institution should have been the one to perform the consecration ceremony for the Ram idol. Are you the head of any such an religious institution? Is Modi the head of any organization like that? This is just politics.”
The second video seems to have been a speech made at the Vellum Sananayagam event organized by VCK.
— Indhavaainko (இந்தாவாய்ங்கோ) 👊 (@indhavaainko) January 29, 2024
Many on social media called out the duplicity of political leaders like Thirumavalavan. On the one hand, they speak about entry into the sanctum sanctorum of temples while on the other, when PM Modi was in fact present in the sanctum sanctorum performing the rituals during the Pran Prathishta, they take a diametrically opposite stand.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Supreme Court of India on 28 January 2024, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s legal history. Alongside, he unveiled citizen-centric information and technology initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility and efficiency within the judicial system. Among these initiatives are the Digital Supreme Court Reports (Digi SCR), Digital Courts 2.0, and the launch of a new bilingual website for the Supreme Court. Prime Minister Modi commended the Supreme Court’s digital initiatives, including the availability of judgments in electronic formats and the localization of legal content. He envisioned broader adoption of such technology across the country’s judicial landscape, underscoring its role in advancing “Ease of Justice” for all citizens.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi extended congratulations and gratitude as the Supreme Court embarked on its 75th year, coinciding with the 75th year of the Indian Constitution. He underscored the foundational principles of freedom, equality, and justice envisioned by the constitution’s architects, highlighting the Supreme Court’s steadfast commitment to upholding these ideals.
Emphasizing the pivotal role of the Supreme Court in safeguarding individual rights and fostering socio-political progress, Prime Minister Modi outlined a vision for the next 25 years, stressing the significance of current policies in shaping India’s future. Against the backdrop of evolving global dynamics, he emphasized India’s rising prominence and the imperative to seize emerging opportunities across various sectors, including justice.
Recognizing the Supreme Court as the cornerstone of the nation’s justice system, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing accessibility, particularly in remote areas. He highlighted the expansion of the E-Courts Mission Project and increased funding for digitization efforts, acknowledging the transformative impact of technology in streamlining judicial processes.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the harmonization of Indian values with modern legal frameworks, advocating for laws that resonate with contemporary realities. He highlighted legislative reforms aimed at abolishing outdated statutes and introducing progressive legislation reflective of current needs. In line with efforts to modernize legal infrastructure, Prime Minister Modi announced significant investments in court facilities, including the expansion of the Supreme Court Building Complex. He underscored the importance of seamless transitions from antiquated laws to contemporary statutes, emphasizing capacity-building initiatives for stakeholders. Looking ahead, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the collective responsibility of citizens in realizing India’s vision for 2047, urging active engagement in the country’s developmental journey. He acknowledged the pivotal role of the Supreme Court in shaping India’s future trajectory and applauded its contributions over the past 75 years.
The event, graced by the Chief Justice of India, Dr. D Y Chandrachud, and other dignitaries, underscored the profound significance of the Supreme Court’s legacy and its ongoing evolution in serving the interests of justice and democracy in India.
The Puthiya Thalaimurai TV Channel (PTTV) news reporter Niranjan Kumar, who goes by the handle @niranjan2428 on social media platform X, has once again been found peddling fake news. In the post he wrote, ‘I have spent 2 days in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. I am talking to anyone who is available. Based on this, I say it again, we can’t see a state like ours where students are educated. No other government or families stress on education like ours does. Boys & girls, don’t listen to anyone. Study well, our state has facilities that are not available in any other state, keep reading and keep moving forward…’
Another netizen pointed out that HP students outperformed TN students in basic reading, basic arithmetic and basic English in the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023 assessments.
/ நம்ம ஊரு மாதிரி புள்ளைங்க படிக்குற வைக்குற ஊர பார்க்க முடியாது/
அப்ப ஏன் ASER ரிப்போர்ட் ஹிமாச்சல் தான் டாப்னு சொல்லுது. ?? 2022, 2023 ( one rural dist ) ASER Report படி பார்த்தா தமிழக மாணவர்கள விட ஹிமாச்சல் மாணவர்கள் தான் டாப். போய் ரிப்போர்ட் படிங்க பாஸ். pic.twitter.com/iuEjND5SSn
Another netizen posted a 2016 newspaper report which says Tamil Nadu produces unemployable engineers, which showed the standard of education in the state.
Is Niranjan Right In His Claim?
Data shows that even Manali has a higher literacy rate compared to the state of Tamil Nadu. The literacy rate of Manali city is 82.91% compared to 80.09% of Tamil Nadu.
Speaking of ‘better facilities’ in the state, in the year 2022, the CM of Tamil Nadu sought donations from alumni, Tamil diaspora, local population and corporates to develop the government schools.
Apart from this, the Tamil Nadu government made a move in the previous budget to bring schools run by the HR&CE department under the school education department, sparking fears of using Hindu temple funds to run schools.
Even Govt. model school which are supposed to be setting a standard in infrastructure are in a deplorable situation in the state’s capital, which shows that the education system is slowly crumbling.
Past Instances Of Peddling Misinformation
This is not the first time that Niranjan and PTTV have spread fake news. He has been caught red-handed previously spreading fake news and a divisive agenda masquerading as ‘news’.
In December 2023, alleged journalist Niranjan attempted to incite caste-based hatred by emphasizing the name “Sagar Sharma,” one of the individuals involved in the recent Lok Sabha security breach. Kumar’s tweet, highlighting the surname Sharma as mostly associated with Brahmins, is seen as an effort to fuel caste tensions surrounding the incident.
In Feb 2023, when the Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.50 percent to address retail inflation concerns. Puthiya Thalaimurai journalist Niranjan Kumar, in spreading misinformation, erroneously linked the rate hike to discouraging dreams of buying a house without considering the broader economic context and the purpose of such policy measures in managing inflation and economic cycles.
In January 2023, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi spoke at an event in Chennai, where he said that the state has experienced “regressive politics” over the past 50 years and that Thamizhagam would be a more appropriate name than Tamil Nadu. This triggered some Dravidian Stockists in the Tamil media, who misrepresented the governor’s message and trended separatist tweets with the hashtag #தமிழ்நாடு in opposition to the governor, including alleged journalist Niranjan.
In March 2022, during the Russia-Ukraine war, Niranjan alleged that South Indian students were discriminated in the evacuation operation from Ukraine. The journalist based his claim on an unverified source, a parent of a student who had returned from Ukraine, and did not provide any credible evidence or corroboration for his allegation.
In February 2022, the alleged ‘journalist had peddled fake news against BJP candidate of Ward No. 134. Uma Anandan, saying that she had lost by securing just 8 votes while she emerged as a winner with 5635 votes.
In January 2022, he had peddled fake news that the Modi Government at the Centre had ‘rejected’ Tamil Nadu’s tableau for the Republic Day Parade for not having ‘prominent freedom fighters’ while the fact is that each year only limited number of tableaus from states are selected based on the recommendations of an expert committee appointed by the Ministry of Defence.
The audio launch event of Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s third directorial venture, “Lal Salaam,” was held on 26 January 2024 where she addressed the speculation of personal attacks about her father stating that ‘Rajinikanth is not a Sanghi, if he were, he wouldn’t have acted in the movie “Lal Salaam.”
Despite this clarification, the term “Sanghi” continues to linger, leading to criticism and support for Aishwarya and her father, with many accusing Rajinikanth of hypocrisy. There were mixed responses among netizens.
One netizen commented ‘Yes he is not Sanghi. He is more than that‘ and he emphasized this by sharing a picture that suggests he is from a different state.
Another netizen posted a video of Rajinikanth’s visit to the residence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on August 2023. In the video, Rajinikanth respectfully bowed and touched Yogi Adityanath’s feet, but this gesture sparked criticism and ridicule.
Following this, actor Rajinikanth, who was at Chennai airport en route to Vijayawada, was questioned by the media who wanted to clarify their doubts. Rajinikanth dismissed the notion asserting that this statment was not a promotional tactic for the Lal Salaam film.
The reporters questioned Rajinikanth saying his daughter asked everyone not to refer her father as a “Sanghi”. Rajinikanth replied, “Aishwarya did not mention Sanghi as a derogatory term anywhere, her view is why everyone is referring to him like that when Dad is a spiritualist and loves all religions.”. Rajinikanth also mentioned that the movie Lal Salaam was based on religious harmony.
Sanghi is a term referring to a devout Hindu, a subscriber of Hindutva ideology, a support of BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and everything in that spectrum. However, it is used by leftists, Islamists and Dravidianists to derogate their ideological and political opponents.
It can be inferred from Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s statement that the term ‘Sanghi’ was used pejoratively with a negative connotation. She had said that “only a person with humanity would do Lal Salaam” implies that “Sanghis” lack humanity.
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At an event held a few weeks ago, before the Pran Prathishta ceremony in Ayodhya, the Dravidian ideologues were working hard in the background to use every opportunity possible to badmouth the ceremony and the temple. This was also an opportunity to bash Hindus and Brahmins alike to serve their agenda of not letting the Bharatiya Janata Party make inroads in Tamil Nadu.
Speaking at an event, Deputy General Secretary of the Dravidar Kazhagam Thamizhar Peravai (Dravida Kazhagam’s Tamil Council), Uma Ilakkiya who is also an anchor with DMK mouthpiece Kalaignar Seithigal, spoke at length about the Ram Mandir, BJP and RSS while also taking potshots at Brahmins.
About Appropriating Pongal
She first started with how the BJP was trying to appropriate Pongal festival and then claimed that soon the temples and schools will not be theirs and how BJP wants to establish Hindurashtra along with the RSS. She said, “They changed Pongal to Sankaranti. They are prescribing auspicious times for it now, you’ll read in the papers tomorrow about this. We celebrate it as a gratitude to the sun, so ideally we must make the Pongal when the sun rises. We have been doing this all these years. What is the need for an auspicious time for it? They plan to keep us entangled in religion and superstitions. We have preserved this Pongal festival somehow. Now even this will not be ours, nothing will be ours going forward. Schools will not be ours, courts are already like how Periyar said even if we bring in the laws, the ones sitting in courts will be Brahmins. Even temples will leave our hands. When the BJP gang speaks about the HR&CE department, no one realises the seriousness of it. They speak about it especially when the DMK is in power in the state. That’s because when the DMK is in power, the HR&CE department functions perfectly. They just create issues out of nothing just to go against the state and want to dismiss the government. They started this within 10 days of Stalin taking over as CM – about dismissing the government.
She further went on to add “We should understand their goal. Although we are in power, we have to do things with fear today. Why are we talking about 2024? Because even the BJP and RSS are looking at the 2024 elections only. The RSS completes 100 years in 2025 and at that time they will announce that this country is a Hindurashtra, a Ram Rajya – how UP is today, the kind of government that is in power, the same religious fanatical government is what they envision for the entire country. That’s why they keep talking of 25 years in the future. After 2024 (elections), India will not remain India. They are not accepting India as a Union or a country, they are saying this is not India but Bharat. That’s why the TN CM keeps mentioning the Prime Minister as the Indian Prime Minister repeatedly to remind him. That this is not Bharat but India, the Indian Union, we take lessons for them on this every time they come to TN. Modi says he feels energised whenever he visits TN, we are giving him that energy. Everything that they do is cheating. He says he speaks about Tamil wherever he goes, about Tamil culture, he lied about it when he came to Trichy, the Indian Union’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But what are they doing in reality? The exact opposite of it.Every time we have to fight for a holiday for Pongal in central government offices.”
Establishing Ram Rajya = Brahmin Rajya
She further said, “We have to break all these, we have to protect our children from this. Whether they are planning to bring in a Ram Rajya or a Hindurashtra, it is going to be a Brahmin Rajya. Today everyone is praising about Ayodhya temple, which the government gave funds and Modi was at the helm. But do you know what problem is arising? Shankaracharyas are saying they will not attend the ceremony because Modi is going to touch the idol and do the Prathishta at Ayodhya. One of them even posted a video saying Modi did not live with his wife, so how can he participate in the ceremony? We will not permit that, the north Indian swamijis are raising the battle flag. said. Rama also did not live together with his wife. Why do they not let things be as both (Modi and Bhagwan Ram)are matching in this aspect? They have decided that they are going to inaugurate the temple, so let someone do it. Shankaracharyas are upholding the rules as per their religion and it has to do with Brahmin and non-brahmin.”
President Is Powerless
Speaking about the President, Uma said, “So today what is the state of the President? They did not permit her inside the new Parliament building, they did not invite her to the temple inauguration. Then why have you made her the President? Simply, for a representation, for namesake. She was denied permission to attend the new parliament building inauguration because she is from a Scheduled Tribe community and also because she is a widow. Leave all this, the President did not open her mouth when the women in Manipur were paraded like that during the riots. That is a position of authority, why did you not condemn it? That is the level at which the BJP-RSS power has locked up her mouth from saying anything. The President herself is in such a situation, so what will happen to the people if they come back to power? The 2024 election is a do-or-die situation. BJP should not be mentioned anywhere in the country – we must bring about that situation. The way they are mixing religion and politics and making fools out of people, we must chase them out of the political scene completely. BJP is a communal organisation, a religious fundamentalist organisation. The 2024 elections are the only way we can do this.”
Akshadai Is Vaaikiarisi For Entire Nation
She continued saying, “This BJP-RSS religious fanatic group wants to destroy our culture and send women back to the kitchens and the bedrooms. They are going to achieve this by using Ayodhya as a symbol for this. If you build a temple, those who want to visit will come, this is what we do in our state. Who goes from door to door and gives invitations, there is an instruction to do things as well. They say we have to celebrate it like Deepavali, we know why and how to celebrate the festival. There are foolish stories about his as well – about Narakasuran. Now they are asking us to celebrate the ceremony like Deepavali. The Prime Minister doesn’t open his mouth for anything else but for this he did. Along with the invitation they have given a few grains of rice mixed with turmeric powder. I immediately thought of something – were they planning to give “vaaikiarisi” (final offering of rice grains to the mortal remains of a person before the funeral) to the entire country? For a temple being inaugurated there (in Ayodhya), why are they giving this yellow rice here? In the end that is all there is for you – this is what Modi and Amit Shah are trying to say symbolically.”. She further said, “Even today 2 magicians are fooling India – one is Modi and the other is Amit Shah. They are a great pair, they are doing the same atrocities that they did when they were in Gujarat but at a national level.”
Attacking The Ram Mandir
Talking about the Ram Mandir, she said this event was being used to make the people even more superstitious. She said, “Already the north is soaked in religion and the people there cannot think beyond it. They are using this for their politics. To use religion for politics began from Savarkar, he was an atheist – a better atheist than us. When he died in 1966, he wrote a will. Cremate my body in an electric crematorium without any rituals. But he instituted a concept called Hindutva because he made religion into politics and politics into religion and these people are continuing that. If Savarkar was alive today, he would not have participated in all this ceremony at Ayodhya. All he wanted to do was convert the country into a Hindutva country so he did that. They are doing this through the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. Our Tamil race is very forward, you can see that from the Keeladi excavations.”
She continued, “The temple is for a child Rama, they have built this temple on a baseless lie that he was born there and even got a court order for it. What will be the address of this temple? Ram temple or Ramjanmabhoomi, c/o Babri Masjid, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. You are building the temple where the masjid once existed. When we say we want to name our children after a leader, we do it because we want the child to be like the leader. Some women want to give birth on that particular day, it is so startling. Why do they want to be associated with Rama? What kind of an example is he?”
Rama Was Characterless
Uma continued her tirade against Lord Rama and said, “As per Valmiki Ramayanam, Rama was said to have lived with several thousands of women in the palace, making merry with drinks. Are you going to give him as an example for your children? He had no courage to live so he committed suicide by drowning in the Sarayu river with his people. Are you going to bring up your children with him as an example? What kind of foolishness is this? He doubted his own wife and sent her to the forest, what will you show as an example of this Ram? He was a murderer – he killed Vaali by hiding himself, and he beheaded Sambhukan when he was meditating without even enquiring the reason, is this kind of a person an idol for your children? This BJP-RSS is taking the country to such a bad state. They are not going to stop with this, they have started in Mathura already – wherever there is a mosque, they are establishing that there was a temple before that.”
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