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Freedom Fighters’ Kith & Kin Ignored On Republic Day In TN; Kin Allege They Were Not Honoured Properly

By
The Commune
-

At the Republic Day ceremony held at Armed Forces ground in Madurai, the kith and kin of freedom fighters were annoyed that they were not given due respect at the function. The video of the incident was making the rounds on social media platform X.

The video begins with the police trying to pacify some angry relatives of the freedom fighters who were attending the Republic Day function. The angry relatives were also seen having some heated arguments with others who were present in the place, who were also trying to pacify them.

One of the participants, the wife of a freedom fighter, said, ‘They honoured four freedom fighters next of kin with shawls and left. For the rest of us, no shawls were offered. We are the wives of the freedom fighters. We sent them to fight for the country, and we were suffering back at home. Shouldn’t they pay the same level of respect to us as well? They didn’t do that, that’s why he is angry (referring to the elderly person at the beginning of the video). Only two rows of us are remaining, hundreds have left. Only 50 of us are remaining, if they can’t pay respect to us, then what does this mean?’

Another participant added, ‘I am from Paravai municipality. I am the son of a freedom fighter. I am the son of Sonaimuthu. My name is Subbiah. I am maintaining the Gandhi statue, I am offering my service from 2014 until now. We came to this armed forces ground to pay our respects to the district collector and the flag. But we didn’t get respect, so I am asking the district collector and CM Stalin to give us due respect. Jai Hind.’

He then continued to say, ‘Sahayam used to honour each and everyone of us without fail. He honoured us with shawls and paid respect. What we are asking the District Collector – they called the next of kin of freedom fighters for a meeting and about 24 of us participated. All we are asking now is to honour all of us next of kin with shawls and pay respect to us. Honouring ten people with shawls is not paying respect. How much time is it going to take? (The community) should know who the freedom fighters are and who their relatives are. This culture should not be destroyed. Future generations should know about the freedom fighters and what their relatives are doing now.’

While controversial people like Mohammed Zubair and Vairamuthu are being honoured by the Tamil Nadu government, it is sad to see that deserving people are being left out.

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How The Supreme Court Handled Religious Remarks Differently In Nupur Sharma & Swami Prasad Maurya Cases

By
Symbianian
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The recent proceedings in the Supreme Court have shed light on the varying approaches taken by the judiciary when dealing with alleged religious offenses, particularly remarks made by public figures. In two distinct cases involving Samajwadi Party leader Swami Prasad Maurya and political spokesperson Nupur Sharma, the court’s responses reflect the complexity of interpreting religious sentiments and the delicate balance between freedom of expression and maintaining communal harmony.

Case 1: Swami Prasad Maurya’s Plea

Swami Prasad Maurya found himself in legal turmoil over alleged remarks made about Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas. The Supreme Court, during the hearing, raised questions about the state government’s sensitivity, emphasizing the matter’s interpretational nature. Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta highlighted that the issue revolved around interpretation, questioning whether it amounted to an offense.

The government’s argument, attempting to dissuade the court from staying criminal proceedings, faced resistance. Justice Mehta asserted that burning copies of the text could not be attributed to Maurya, emphasizing the importance of recognizing diverse perspectives. Eventually, the court issued notice for a four-week returnable period, staying the proceedings. However, the Allahabad High Court had earlier found prima facie grounds against Maurya, expressing concerns about incitement to rebellion and potential damage to communal harmony.

Case 2: Nupur Sharma’s “Controversial” Statements

In the case involving Nupur Sharma, a political spokesperson, the Supreme Court took a markedly different stance. Refusing to entertain her plea seeking the transfer of FIRs against her to Delhi, the bench of Justices Surya Kant and JB Pardiwala criticized Sharma for allegedly fanning flames across the country. The court accused her of arrogance and emphasized that being a party spokesperson did not grant a licence for inflammatory remarks.

The court, in strong terms, held Sharma “single-handedly responsible” for the situation and urged her to apologize to the entire nation. The rejection of her plea led to a withdrawal, underlining the seriousness of the court’s dissatisfaction with her conduct.

The contrasting approaches in these cases highlight the judiciary’s struggle to strike a balance between freedom of expression and the prevention of communal disharmony. In Maurya’s case, the court leaned towards protecting the right to interpret religious texts freely, expressing skepticism about the state’s sensitivity. On the other hand, Sharma’s case saw a more assertive stance, with the court holding her accountable for her statements and rejecting her plea unequivocally.

The judgments indicate the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining communal harmony and preventing the incitement of violence based on religious sentiments. However, the challenge lies in consistently applying these principles across cases, ensuring that the interpretation of religious remarks remains nuanced and unbiased. These cases serve as a reminder of the delicate nature of handling religious sentiments and the nuanced approach required to uphold constitutional values while safeguarding the social fabric.

Symbianian is a freelance writer.

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Dravidian Model: I.N.D.I. Ally DMK Govt Awards Islamist And Self-Styled “Fact-Checker” Mohammed Zubair Who Had Mocked Hindu Gods

By
The Commune
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The MK Stalin-led DMK government in Tamil Nadu has conferred the Kottai Ameer Communal Harmony Award on Mohammed Zubair of Alt News for “rendering various services to promote communal harmony”.

In a press released, the DMK government said “Thiru. Mohammad Zubair has created a website called ‘Alt News’ and has been analyzing the veracity of the news coming out on social media and posting only the real news on his website. His work helps to prevent the occurrence of violence in society likely to be caused by fake news.”

However, there have been several instances when Zubair and his propagandist outlet Alt News has been caught peddling fake news.

The official press release of the DMK government further went on to cite the incident when North Indian migrant labourers, primarily from Tiruppur and surrounding areas, were fleeing the state fearing attacks against them.

“In March 2023, there was a rapid spread on social media that migrant workers were being attacked in Tamil Nadu. After verifying the authenticity of the video footage, he has published on his website ‘Alt News’ website that the footage in the video posted on social media was not actually taken place in Tamil Nadu and thus stopped the spread of rumors against Tamil Nadu and acted to prevent violence caused by caste, religion, race and language in Tamil Nadu.“, the DMK government’s official press release said.

“In appreciation of the services rendered by him in maintenance of communal harmony, Thiru. Mohammed Zubair is presented with KOTTAI AMEER COMMUNAL HARMONY AWARD for the year 2024.“, the DMK government said.

The North Indian Migrant Workers Controversy

In March 2023, was based on the report of Hindi Daily Dainik Bhaskar which stated that several migrant labourers from Bihar working in Tamil Nadu were attacked and that more than a dozen of them had lost their lives. The article published in Hindi daily Dainik Bhaskar on 2 March 2023 claimed that as many as 15 Hindi-speaking migrant labourers lost their lives in “Talibani” style attacks in Tamil Nadu. This article which was published by Dainik Bhaskar in both print and online.

However, these reports were found to be exaggerated with many incidents cited in the original Hindi article being feuds and altercations that happened in other states.

When the exodus happened, Mohammed Zubair had gone out of his way to buttress the DMK government.

However, what the serial fake news peddler Zubair didn’t tell was how there was a climate of hate created against north Indian workers, with several DMK leaders spewing hate against them.

The weeks before the exodus saw several incidents of violence reported against workers from other states across Tamil Nadu.

In Tiruppur, a feud broke out between a local and a migrant worker from a garment unit at Thilagar Nagar West in Velampalayam after the former blew cigarette smoke at his face. The migrant worker retaliated and moved away from the spot. Later, the local along with a few friends entered the garment unit and attacked the worker. With the support of his colleagues, he retaliated.

Students at the RVS Engineering College in Kannampalayam, Coimbatore clashed with migrant workers at the college mess over the quality of chicken dish served.

A Bengali construction worker who was stranded near Kelambakkam in Chengalpattu district was blindly attacked by local youths who mistook him for a thief. Six people were arrested and charged with murder in connection with the attack.

North Indian migrant workers travelling in Vaigai Express train were abused and attacked by a Vizhupuram man who claimed that their jobs were taken by Hindi speakers. He was arrested after the video of the attack became viral.

These multiple instances of violence against migrant workers from other states can be seen as a fallout of the continuous hate campaign unleashed by DMK leaders including several Ministers, Seeman’s Naam Tamilar Katchi, Dravidian Stock YouTube channels and other fringe elements. Slurs like ‘Vadakkan’, ‘Paani Puri wala’, ‘Panparag vaayan’ have been normalised by DMK leaders and their sympathizers on through social media. The DMK had hitherto of peddled hate against north Indians with xenophobic rhetoric. In the run up to the 2021 Assembly elections, the DMK had also released political ads in which youngsters can be seen alleging that Edappadi Palaniswami government is giving Tamil Nadu jobs to north Indians. Full page ads were given in which it was peddled that Hindi-speaking north Indians were grabbing jobs of Tamils.

Zubair had completely whitewashed the hate speeches of DMK leaders.

About Mohammed Zubair

Self-proclaimed ‘fact-checker’ Mohammed Zubair of Alt News has a history of peddling fake news and propaganda against Hindus. It was Zubair who had shared an edited clip of former BJP leader Nupur Sharma’s remarks, which eventually led to targeted reverberation of ‘Sar Tan Se Juda’ solgans in different parts of the country with mobs baying for Nupur Sharma’s blood. It also led to the killing of several innocent Hindus who had supported Nupur Sharma.

He ran a page called Unofficial Sususwamy in which he mocked and ridiculed Hindu Gods and symbols. He had later deleted this Facebook account and deleted some of his old controversial tweets that had come across as hurting Hindu sentiments.

Recently, Kobbi Shoshani who is the Consul General of Israel to India had called out the self-styled “fact-checker” for peddling fake news and hate against Israel.

Very recently, he tried to buttress DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran’s hate speech against north Indians/Hindi speakers saying that it was a four-year-old video.

He had twisted former cricketer Venkatesh Prasad’s tweet out of context and politicized it.

Mohammed Zubair and his fellow colleague, insinuated that Annamalai was attributing the victory of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in cricket to the BJP. The intention was to make it seem like Annamalai was crediting a political party for a sporting win. However, the truth behind the video, which is often the case with Zubair and his team, was quite different. A longer version of the video shared by netizens reveals that Annamalai was not claiming credit for CSK’s win but was responding to the politicization of the victory by the ruling party in Tamil Nadu, DMK.

He has also been slapped with an FIR for harassing a minor girl online under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

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Kerala Communist MLA Apologizes For Derogatory Comments On Hindu Gods Rama, Lakshmana And Sita After Police Complaint

By
The Commune
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Thrissur CPI MLA P Balachandran apologised for his contentious remark on Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana, hours after the BJP filed a police complaint against him and his party distanced themselves from his remarks.

The MLA’s controversial social media post said, “Ram was innocent, and as he was suffering from a plantar wart, he was not arrogant. Lakshmana brought Porotta and meat one day, and Sita served it to the brothers. At that time, a deer came that way. Sita asked Ram to catch that deer and cook it for her.”

Although the post has been deleted, several screenshots of the content were circulated and criticized online. 

BJP Thrissur district president K K Aneesh Kumar filed a police complaint against Balachandran, accusing him of hurting religious sentiments. According to agency reports, he demanded to book a case under section 153 of the Indian Penal Code against the MLA for wantonly giving provocation to cause a riot.

“I am a practising Hindu and a devotee of Lord Ram. Denigrating Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman Thrissur MLA P Balachandran has hurt my religious sentiments. this social media post is aimed at hurting religious sentiments and causing riot. I urge you to initiate action against the MLA for hurting religious sentiments and attempting to cause riot,” he said in a social media post.

“Only a Communist can use such derogatory words to denigrate the faith of Hindus. They have been trying for a long time to win the support of fundamentalists by disparaging the culture of the state. Let the people who elected this representative hang their heads in shame,” Kumar added.

Meanwhile, CPI officials distanced themselves from the controversy, with Thrissur district secretary K K Valsaraj describing Balachandran’s post as a mistake. He added that the MLA’s post did not reflect the party’s views.

Balachandran apologised for the post on Facebook following the furore.

“I had posted an old story in my FB page. I never intended to hurt anyone and the story was deleted within minutes. I regret posting that story,” he said in the post.

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TN BJP Slams CM MK Stalin For Muted Response To Journalist Attack, Brands Him ‘#DummyCM’

By
The Commune
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Nesa Prabhu, a television journalist hailing from Tiruppur district in the state, has been uncovering violations and irregularities related to the sale of liquor, as per claims made by local journalists.

According to reports, the journalist made multiple frantic calls to the police control room, describing being followed by a group of motorcycle riders without license plates and requesting assistance. However, he was instructed to go to the nearest police station and file a formal complaint. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin strongly condemned the assault and pledged to take strict action against those responsible. He also directed that a police inspector be placed on a waiting list due to alleged inaction despite the journalist’s repeated pleas before the attack.

Mr. Stalin announced a financial aid of ₹3 lakh for Mr. Prabhu’s medical treatment and expressed his distress, stating, “I am deeply saddened. Whoever is responsible for this attack will face severe consequences.”

In response to CM MK Stalin’s statement, the Tamil Nadu BJP official Twitter handle has issued a tweet.

It said, “MK Stalin has overlooked the fact that his political party holds the reins of power, and he himself is the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Despite being at the helm, he disapproves of the current administration as if it has no connection to him. Instances of law and order being compromised while innocent citizens bear the brunt are not unfamiliar when the DMK assumes control. Every time the DMK takes charge, Tamil Nadu experiences a state of chaos.”

It further added “Within a mere 2.5 years, the public has encountered challenges comparable to those faced over a span of 5 years between 2006 and 2011. Chief Minister Stalin is seemingly proud of this, leading to the observation that “Stalin is more perilous than Karunanidhi.” The Arivalayam appears poised to exert its authoritarian control, suppressing social activists, opposition figures, and ordinary citizens who critique the government. The administration seems paralyzed and intimidated by ruthless criminals who are actively undermining law and order. In this distressing moment, to drive home the Chief Minister’s predicament, the Tamil Nadu BJP has coined the term “#DummyCM” to symbolize the anguish caused by the current regime.”

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India-France Relations: A Comprehensive Exploration Of Bilateral Cooperation And Strategic Partnership

By
Satheesh
-

French President Emmanuel Macron landed in Jaipur on 25 January 24 for a two-day state visit to India and will be the guest of honor at this year’s Republic Day celebrations. After landing, he spent considerable time in Jaipur, exploring iconic landmarks like the Amber Palace in Rajasthan. Additionally, he participated in a joint road show with Prime Minister Narendra Modi starting from Jantar Mantar and ending at Hawa Mahal.

 

Macron’s visit holds significance as it marks the culmination of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the India-France Strategic Partnership forged in 1998. Notably, Macron’s official visit to India marks the sixth occasion of France being the distinguished chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations, reflecting the highest level of participation by any nation. This visit follows PM Modi’s trip to Paris on France’s Bastille Day on 14 July 2023, showcasing a unique and reciprocal exchange in national day celebrations. This gesture underscores the profound mutual trust and steadfast friendship underlying Indo-French ties.

Macron’s visit serves to strengthen the ambitious renewal of the France-India strategic partnership, which was charted out by the two leaders in Paris on 14 July through the “Horizon 2047 Roadmap.” This roadmap outlines shared objectives for the next 25 years, highlighting a commitment to common goals and a deepening of the Indo-French relationship.

During the Republic Day parade, a contingent from the French armed forces will join Indian troops and aviators in a flypast.

Key Areas Of Cooperation

Defense Partnership: France has solidified its position as a vital defense partner for India, accounting for 30%, and emerged as the second-largest defense supplier between 2018 and 2022. Notable joint endeavors include the induction of French P-75 Scorpene submarines and the acquisition of 36 Rafale fighter jets by the Indian Air Force. Expanding on this cooperation, the Tata group, based in Vadodara, Gujarat, collaborates with Airbus in the production of C-295 tactical transport aircraft. Another key aspect of defense collaboration is the Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) manufacturing facility located in Mihan, Maharashtra. This facility represents a joint venture between India’s Reliance Group and the French aerospace company Dassault Aviation.

 

Military Collaboration: Regular joint military exercises between India and France, such as Shakti (Army), Varuna (Navy), and Garuda (Air Force), vividly showcase the depth of military cooperation between the two nations.

Economic Relations: France holds a prominent position as a crucial trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching USD 12.42 billion in the fiscal year 2021-22. Additionally, it stands as the 11th largest foreign investor in India, contributing a cumulative investment of USD 10.5 billion. France has emerged as a significant source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for India.

During the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi’s visit to France in May 2022, both nations solidified their economic ties through the signing of numerous Memoranda of Understanding and the issuance of Joint Statements. These documents underscored the deepening cooperation between the two countries and highlighted their commitment to initiatives such as the “Make In India” program. 

It is noteworthy that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited France in 2019 for the G7 summit, where India was recognized as a ‘Goodwill Partner,’ further emphasizing the positive and collaborative nature of their diplomatic relations.

Civil Nuclear Collaboration:  France played a crucial role in mitigating India’s isolation within the non-proliferation framework after the nuclear tests conducted in 1998. It is noteworthy that France was the first country to voice support for India during that period.

 

Bilateral Cooperation: France actively endorses India’s endeavor to secure a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council and its membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Moreover, France has consistently championed and played a crucial role in facilitating India’s inclusion and accession to all four major multilateral export control regimes such as the Wassenaar Arrangement, the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Missile Technology Control Regime, and the Australia Group.

 

Climate Initiatives: Both countries share concerns about climate change, evident through India’s endorsement of the Paris Agreement and their joint launch of the International Solar Alliance in 2015.

Maritime Relations: The Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region and joint efforts like the Indo-Pacific Trilateral Development Cooperation Fund underscore their collective commitment to maritime security.

Space Exploration Partnership: Continual collaborative endeavors in space exploration, such as the ISRO-CNES Joint Working Group, joint missions to Mars, collective initiatives targeting space debris, and the formulation of plans for a collaborative Earth observation mission, alongside joint Indo-French satellites like TRISHNA and Megha-Tropiques, underline the resilient character of their space alliance. An agreement for cooperation on the Gaganyaan Mission further emphasizes the strength of their space partnership. 

In conclusion, the enduring diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between India and France stand as evidence of their resilience. The ongoing collaboration in diverse sectors reflects an evolution fueled by shared values and a commitment to mutual progress and development. Additionally, the relationship between the two nations underscores a focus on strategic autonomy within the context of a multi-polar world.

Satheesh is a freelance writer.

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Ilaiyaraaja’s Daughter And Playback Singer Bhavatharini Passes Away Due To Cancer

By
The Commune
-

The daughter of renowned music director Ilaiyaraaja and accomplished playback singer Bhavatharini passed away on January 25 after battling cancer. Reports indicate that she sought treatment for liver cancer in Sri Lanka, where she ultimately succumbed at approximately 5 pm. Her remains will be transported to Chennai on January 26 for the final rites. Bhavatharini, survived by her husband, was 47 years old.

Bhavatharini achieved recognition by winning the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the Tamil song ‘Mayil Pola Ponnu Onnu’ from the movie ‘Bharathi.’

Commencing her singing career with ‘Raasaiya,’ Bhavatharini went on to lend her vocals to compositions by her father, Ilaiyaraaja, and brothers, Karthik Raja and Yuvan Shankar Raja. Additionally, she contributed her singing talent to works by composers Deva and Sirpy.

In 2002, Bhavatharini made her mark as a composer with the Revathy-directed film ‘Mitr, My Friend.’ Subsequently, she composed for ‘Phir Milenge’ and several other films, with her last music album being for the Malayalam film ‘Maayanadhi.’

Her singing repertoire includes contributions to Tamil films such as ‘Kadhalukku Mariyadhai,’ ‘Bharathi,’ ‘Azhagi,’ ‘Friends,’ ‘Paa,’ ‘Mankatha,’ and ‘Anegan,’ among others.

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SC Prohibits Mandatory Religious Instructions In State Minority Institutions

By
The Commune
-
Supreme Court and Minority Institutions
SC ruling prohibits compulsory religious education in state-funded institutions.

The Supreme Court has prohibited mandatory religious instruction in state-funded minority educational institutions, regardless of the extent of state contribution towards their budget. The judgement specifically discussed the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), a fully state-funded institution.

Ruling on minority educational institutions

The bench, including CJI D Y Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, Surya Kant, J B Pardiwala, Dipankar Datta, Manoj Misra, and Satish Sharma, clarified that once the government recognises a minority institution, the organisation cannot make religious teachings compulsory for its students. These remarks came in response to the 1951 AMU Act 1920 amendment, which eliminated mandatory religious teaching for Muslim students.

The bench said that the conditions of government grants apply to all educational institutions, regardless of their minority or non-minority status, as the Times of India reported.

The report said Justice Khanna emphasised that such institutions receiving any government grant, even as low as one per cent of their budget, can offer religious teaching only to students who volunteer for it.

“We accept the position that a minority institution, wholly funded by the state, cannot impart any religious teaching to its students. When it receives any grant, even if one per cent of its budget comes from the government, the minority institutions can provide religious teaching only to students volunteering for it.”

Additionally, the bench highlighted that the university’s historical non-minority character, as defined in the AMU Act, cannot be altered based on post-constitutional considerations. 

The TOI report added that Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also noted the significant government grants received by AMU from multiple communities, emphasising its national importance and high ranking among universities. 

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PMK MLA Arul Prostrates In Front Of Students After DMK Members Allegedly Get Into A Brawl For Not Giving Them Centrestage

By
The Commune
-

A government-organised bicycle distribution program for school students in Salem’s Bagalpatti descended into disarray yesterday after the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party members engaged in a verbal dispute with the school authorities allegedly over not giving the centrestage to the ruling party for arranging the giveaways.

The brawl ended with MLA Arul, belonging to the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), offering an apology to the students and falling on their feet for having to witness the brawl.

The video of this event and Arul’s public apology has since gone viral on social media.

MLA Arul stated that since the students had to leave to participate in a science exhibition in a nearby college, he said he would distribute the cycles and wind up the event soon. However, DMK members felt slighted because they were not given opportunity to speak.

“We are the ruling party. If not for us, there wouldn’t have been any cycles to distribute,” DMK members reportedly said. To this, MLA Arul is said to have requested them not to politicise the event especially in front of the students.

However, DMK Agriculture Team District Deputy organiser Raju continued to create an issue and allegedly prevented the event from progressing smoothly.

Frustrated by the turn of events, MLA Arul was heard again requesting them to not politicise the event and create a scene in front of impressionable students. Following this, Arul prostrated on the floor in front of the students.

Expressing deep regret for the brawl, the MLA took the mic and told the gathering of students “We have made you witness something uncivilised in a place where you are supposed to learn about good values and conduct. I sincerely apologise for this and I would like to fall at your feet and apologise.” Despite being prevented by the others in the vicinity, Arul prostrated on the floor in front of them and sought apology.

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Chaos And Confusion Leaves Commuters In Disarray At Koyambedu; Asked To Board Buses At Kilambakkam Bus Station

By
The Commune
-

The Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) at Kilambakkam has faced various controversies since its inception, involving issues such as traffic congestion, alleged corruption, the demolition of a wall, the overnight demolition of a Vinayakar temple etc. Commuters and residents have raised concerns about the terminus’s inadequate facilities and the challenges in accessing it from the Vandalur Railway Station. Now omnibus associations are protesting the state transport department, citing insufficient capacity at KCBT requesting additional parking space, and pleading for more time.

Despite their pleas, the Transport Corporation issued a stern warning instructing compliance, failing which legal action could be initiated against those failing to adhere the government order.

Amid this, travellers who had made reservations for omnibuses during the extended four-day weekend encompassing Thaipusam and Republic Day holidays from 25 January to 28 January 2024, faced a setback. Passengers were prohibited from boarding omnibuses at the Koyambedu bus station, leading to heightened tensions as the Transport Corporation denied permission for the operation of omnibuses from that location.

In Koyambedu, it was communicated that omnibuses heading to southern districts should not carry passengers after 5 PM. This was opposed by the omnibus owners, leading to the deployment of over 100 policemen around the omnibus complex. Arguments ensued between omnibus owners, drivers, and the police, resulting in the placing barricades to control the situation.

Passengers who had booked tickets for 7 PM were advised to go to Kilambakkam bus station, with entry prohibited at the omnibus bus Station. This confused passengers, leading to a chaotic situation. Families arriving at the omnibus bus stand at night were left without proper instructions and were redirected to government buses after a prolonged wait. Some omnibuses were also redirected to Kilambakkam, sparking frustration among enraged passengers.

Consequently, omnibuses from southern districts coming to Chennai were directed to stop at Vandalur and proceed to Kilambakkam instead of the Koyambedu bus station. This rerouting resulted in omnibuses dropping off passengers at Kilambakkam.

Passengers expressed significant disappointment as omnibuses initially chosen for their convenience in reaching Koyambedu bus station, were no longer operating to that destination. The lack of government buses to Koyambedu compounded the inconvenience, and the recent directive rerouting omnibuses away from Koyambedu  left passengers uncertain about travel options from both Kilambakkam and Koyambedu. Additionally, the challenge of transporting numerous belongings and luggage on government buses worsened the situation, and the alternative options of auto-rickshaws or taxi cars were expensive due to additional fees, as conveyed by passengers.

The inconvenience caused to passengers by the Tamil Nadu government was widely discussed on social media platforms.

During an interview with Thanthi TV, a passenger from the southern district expressed frustration, stating, “I paid ₹750 for the bus ticket, but they are asking for ₹500 for an auto.”

“Do not make us suffer inconvenience because of your ego,” said a passenger who has been waiting for an extended period.

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TheCommune
The Commune is a news and views portal focusing on social and political issues of the southern part of India with a focus on Tamil Nadu.
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