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“DMK Minister Moorthy Is Responsible”: Jallikattu Player Alleges Foul Play In Competition

By
The Commune
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Jallikattu competitions were held at Madurai Palamedu and Trichy Suriyur on 16 January 2024.  DMK Sports Minister Udayanidhi Stalin flagged off the jallikattu tournament at Alanganallur, Madurai. In the 9th round of this competition, Abhisithar from Poovanthi, Karthik from Karupayurani, and Diwakar from Gunnathur exhibited equal strength, and the final round proceeded briskly. Karthik from Karuppayurani emerged as the first-place winner by taming 18 bulls in the final round. Abhisithar from Poovanthi secured the second position by taming 17 bulls, and Diwakar from Gunnathur secured the third position by taming 12 bulls. Minister P. Murthy presented a car to Karthik, the first-place winner, on behalf of Chief Minister M. K. Stalin. It is noteworthy that Karupayurani Karthik won the first prize in 2022, and Poovanthi’s Abhisithar won the first prize in 2023 in the Alanganallur Jallikattu competition

However, Abisithar says that there has been foul play with regard to announcing the winners this year. Speaking to News18, he said, ” I am Abhisithar from Poovanthi village, Sivaganga district. Last year in the Alanganallur jallikattu, I tamed 30 bulls and won the first prize but they announced that I tamed only 26. At that time also they did politics in this. This government is doing only politics. The minister is responsible for this. This year they announced about Karupayurani Karthik. But last year, he came in through a recommendation. You can ask all the others too. We need justice. Even this time, he has come in through recommendation. He tamed 11 bulls in three rounds while I tamed 11 in 2 rounds. When I asked why he was given 3 chances, they abused me and had the police assault me and throw me out. I am disheartened by this. What they did was claim that I was creating problems, this Karthik and all his team members prevented me from taming the bulls. I tamed 17 bulls and he has done the same. The committee disregarded this and announced the first prize for him. They should keep politics out of sports. I am going to court. I want them to decide after watching the video and announce the first-prize winner. In 2023, for this same person, they conducted a jallikattu in Chatrapatti till 6.30 pm – this is unheard of. Here they said the timing is only till 5.30 pm and because the government is doing as per their wishes. This is purely politics. I don’t want anything, announce me as the first prize winner after watching the video.”

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“We’re Against The Demolition Of The Mosque And Building A Temple”: I.N.D.I. Ally DMK Scion Udhayanidhi Stalin Says On Ram Mandir Consecration

By
The Commune
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As the nation gears up to welcome Lord Ram at his grand temple in Ayodhya, DMK scion Udhyanidhi Stalin has said that his party is against the demolition of the Babri Masjid and building the temple on that site.

DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin was addressing reporters at Chennai’s Anna Salai after inaugurating the torch run ahead of his party youth wing’s conference scheduled in Salem on 21 January 2024.

When a reporter asked “The AIADMK has said that participating in the Ram Temple inauguration is a matter of personal choice and that it should not be viewed politically.”, Udhayanidhi Stalin replied that the DMK was against the construction of building the temple at the site of Babri Masjid.

He said “They (AIADMK) have expressed their wishes. They sent people for the karseva. Kalaignar had already told that we’re not against the beliefs of anyone. We don’t have a problem with the temple coming there. But razing down the mosque present there and building the temple on that site is what we do not agree. Our treasurer has already said. Religion and politics shouldn’t be mixed.”

He also quipped at Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s non-participation in Ram Mandir celebration with excuse of having a leg pain.

“Since he keeps crawling every now and then, he is getting leg pain”, Udhayaindhi Stalin said in a sly jibe at Palaniswami’s act of falling at the feet of Sasikala Natarajan when he was appointed Chief Minister.

Udhayanidhi Stalin gained national spotlight in September 2023 for his abusive comments on Sanatana Dharma (aka Hinduism) at the ‘Eradicate Sanatana Dharma’ conference held by a Leftist-Dravidianist group.

The DMK Minister said “Mosquitoes, dengue, flu, malaria, corona – we should not oppose these things. They’ve to be eradicated completely. Same is the case with Santanam (Hinduism). Our first work should be to abolish/eradicate Sanatanam instead of opposing it.” 

This had led to a national outrage with even the I.N.D.I. allies distancing themselves from the DMK.

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The Hidden Agenda Behind DMK’s “Samathuva Pongal”

By
Hydra
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The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam tries to secularize the Pongal festival every single time. Right from encouraging the so-called “Samathuva Pongal” to addressing the first day of the month (Thai) in the solar calendar as New Year, it seems as if the DMK is indeed implementing the agenda of missionaries by de-Hinduizing Pongal and giving it a secular color. 

Every church in the country participates in celebrating Pongal and there are special masses that are conducted as well. Here are a few instances of these church gatherings. But one must understand why are the Churches in Tamil Nadu trying to celebrate Pongal. There is a reason.

How Vatican “Approved” Pongal Celebration In Churches In TN

Here’s a speaker at a church who states that the Second General Council of the Vatican of the Roman Catholic Church has qualified the Pongal festival as good enough to be celebrated by the church. 

The speaker says, “Today we are celebrating the Pongal festival with much fanfare. Culture is intertwined with society, culture in a society is always closely tied to the religion prevailing in that society. That is why, in the Second Vatican Council, this is the continuation of number 53 in that book which in today’s world is called the Church. When we look there, we see aspects of purity and truth outside of the system of being there. Therefore, the Second General Council of the Vatican exhorts us that whenever the festivals that are customary in other months or religions coincide with the Christian burial, then we should also celebrate those festivals. Similarly, when we think that this Pongal festival, which is a special feature of Tamil culture, is worthy of being accepted in the Christian ministry, it is considered a worthy festival. That’s why today we celebrate this Pongal Festival in our holy church along with the Tamils.”

How A Preacher Brainwashes People To Just Hold On To Pongal For Their Benefit

A video from Angel TV where the preacher Sundar Selvarah, who dresses up strikingly similar to Jesus and preaches on the channel says, “Indian culture, the Indian society is made of two things – one is culture and the other is the ritual of the worship of their gods. Let us keep the worship of their gods aside. Why must we skip/avoid culture? Let us hold on to their culture. Let us stay away from the things that involve the worship of their gods. We can avoid that and we can just take their culture, right? For example, Pongal. Pongal is a harvest festival, isn’t it? For the harvest festival, I read that Hindus would dedicate the harvest to the Sun god and thank him. You can remove/skip that part. It is a harvest festival only, right? We can prepare Pongal and eat it, right? Is that right or wrong? This is our culture. Why should we throw away our culture?”

Approved By Catholic Church

Back in 1996, the Catholic Church endorsed the predominantly Hindu festival of Pongal, citing its relevance to local Christians. As per a report in Union of Catholic Asian News, the Catholic Church in Tamil Nadu embraced Pongal as a way to promote “Christian values” of gratitude and sharing, emphasizing unity with others in the community.

The Tamil Nadu Catholic Bishops’ Council’s liturgical committee officially included Pongal in the missal in 1993. The report also says that despite differing opinions, many view the Christianized celebration of Pongal as a means for the Church to connect with local culture, fostering acceptance and growth. Advocates argue that celebrating Pongal does not conflict with Christian beliefs and provides an opportunity for the Church to engage with the community in a “meaningful way”.

Jallikattu – A “Secular” Festival

Another report in February 2023 in the Times Of India states that the traditional bull-taming sport of Jallikattu has been added into churches’ festival itinerary, particularly during celebrations for St. Antony, St. Sebastian, and St. James the Great. This integration is attributed to a process known as ‘inculturation,’ where Christian missionaries, particularly Jesuits, adopted local practices, including “secular events” like Jallikattu held during harvest festivals. Pongal, celebrated by Hindus, came to be embraced by Christians as “St. Antony’s Pongal or St. Sebastian’s Pongal.” During these Christianized Pongal celebrations, livestock, a crucial aspect for local farmers, are brought to the church for prayers, seeking protection from animal attacks and diseases. Following the blessings by the priest with holy water, the Jallikattu event takes place.

Jallikattu in churches is seen as an example of “communal harmony”, cutting across religious lines and fostering cooperation between Christian and Hindu communities. The events are said to be often organized with the involvement and consent of local Hindu leaders, emphasizing shared responsibilities and contributions to the festivities. The church-organized Jallikattu is similar to temple Jallikattu events, with the only “notable” distinction being the presence of a Catholic priest overseeing or coordinating the event.

Pongal Is Pentecost Day

Mohan C Lazarus, a Christian preacher from Nalumavadi, Tuticorin district, who is known for his rabid Hindu hate that he spreads during his sermons had also spoken about Pongal a few years ago. In such a public gathering held in Avadi, Chennai in 2016, he said that Tamil Nadu has more Satans than any other state in India.

In the video, he said, “Pongal is a harvest festival. It is called the festival of harvest in the congregations. This harvest festival is called Pentecost Day. That harvest should be shown to the lord on the day by taking a bundle of rays. It is our God who blesses the land and increases the harvest. We are the ones who should celebrate the harvest festival. We should thank the Lord and pray for the protection of agricultural lands. But, we do not do that. We have given too much too much space to the foreign culture and we have forgotten the Tamil culture. That is why we are unable to understand its repercussions. Even those who do not believe in God are celebrating Pongal. Even athesists celebrate Pongal because this is not a festival related to any religion. Many Christians do not know this because we have been brought up in this tradition. This is a festival to be celebrated by all Tamils. Even in schools and colleges they celebrate it as Samathuva Pongal. They just prepare Pongal and sit together and eat it. They don’t bow down to any God there because it is not related to any God or any Purana. It is a harvest festival. It is a festival for the Tamils to celebrate. It is mentioned very clearly in the Bible about it.”

A Preacher Who Questions Inclusion Of Pongal

In another instance, a speaker who is delivering a “Tamil Christian Message” questions how Pongal and indirectly Sun worship became a part of Christianity.

In an undated video, the speaker says “Do we have Sun worship in the church or not? Come on tell me. Some evangelists are encouraging this saying it is not wrong to make Pongal in the church, Pongal is a Tamil festival, and beyond that, Pongal is a Christian festival. Where is it written? What reference are they giving for this? 23rd Chapter of the (unclear) book. They claim that the festival to celebrate the first harvest is only Pongal. They offered their first harvest to God. And that is Pongal. Is that so? From the books (he names a few scriptures), the first harvest is when Jesus resurrects from the dead. Today, without knowing the history of Pongal nor that of the first harvest, they are saying to prepare Pongal in all the churches. Say Pongalo Pongal instead of Hallelujah. How will you say Hallelujah after preparing Pongal? When the food boils over, will you say Hallelujah? Preparing pongal in church – that is Sun worship. What is the truth of the Pongal festival? They celebrate it for 3 days. On the first day, the reason for the prosperity/fertile soil (harvest), the Sun is worshipped. On the second day, the cows/bulls are celebrated. On the third day, the farmer is celebrated. The festival is for 3 days. How did this enter into our books? Why should we celebrate it? Are you celebrating the Festival of Tabernacles? (he names a few other festivals and asks if Christians celebrate those). You don’t celebrate them, then why do you celebrate this? Because we want Pongal. This is a disguise for the world. The fake wolves are ruining the Church. This is what Kappar says, “Abominations will enter the congregations/Church”

This contradictory statement from a Christian himself exposes the duplicity of the missionary Church in secularizing and de-Hinduizing the Pongal festival while being ably aided by the ruling DMK by calling it “Samathuva Pongal” (Equality Pongal). 

Hydra is a freelance writer and columnist.

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Dravidian Model Jallikattu: Paraiyars Allege Discrimination In Govt-Organized Jallikattu In Palamedu, Accuse DMK Min Moorthy Of Not Resolving The Issue

By
The Commune
-

Jallikattu is a traditional spectacle where a bull is set free among a gathering of individuals, and numerous participants strive to seize the hump on the bull’s back with both arms, endeavoring to cling to it while the bull tries to break free. Participants aim to grasp the hump for an extended period, endeavoring to halt the bull. This traditional activity serves as a display of pride and valor for both the bulls and their tamers.

However, this year the Jallikattu event held in Palamedu village on 16 January 2024, has become controversial due to caste-related issues. Despite a Madras High Court directive and the order of the Madurai district collector, a bull raised by a Dalit hamlet was not permitted to participate in the renowned Palamedu Jallikattu. Palamedu has a century-long history of conducting Jallikattu, second only to Allanganallur.

Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench recently addressed a public interest litigation petition filed by C. Selvakumar from Madurai. The petitioner sought a directive for the authorities to regulate jallikattu events by establishing conditions and ensuring that the caste names of bull owners were not mentioned during the events, in accordance with a 2019 High Court order. The court has instructed the state to guarantee that the caste names of bull owners are not referenced during jallikattu events and has dismissed the petition.

The Palamedu Madathu Committee, representing all communities in the village, traditionally conducts the sport. Before the event begins, temple bulls from around Palamedu are released from the “Vadivasal,” the place where bulls are released into the arena. These temple bulls are not tamed or touched by participants, and it is believed that releasing them brings rain to the village. Each community raises a bull on behalf of their deity.

Unfortunately, the bull raised by the Paraiyar community has been consistently barred from participating in the customary releasing event of Jallikattu for several years. Upon the ban of their temple bull, the villagers approached the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court seeking directions to allow the bull to participate. 

A division bench instructed the district collector to consider the petitioner’s plea and issue orders in accordance with the law. Subsequently, the Madurai District Collector convened a peace meeting between the village committee and the SC representatives, directing the Jallikattu organizing committee to allow the temple bull and issuing orders in line with his decision.

In a recent interview to IBC Tamil YouTube channel a resident from Palamedu spoke about the caste issue strongly vested in Jallikattu despite High Court orders.

He said “Palamedu Parayar Uravin Murai Sangam that is Ambedkar Uravin Murai Organization… particularly parayar community people..Today, after 2017, government is conducting the Palamedu Jalikattu event. If we see who has the right to conduct Jalikattu is the collector who is the head and has the power to form an organizing committee. He has the power and responsibility to form but instead, they are recognizing the Madathu Committee (Local Committee) as Organising Committee.. They are only releasing 7 temple bulls, there are 22 castes here. If we consider equal rights, it will be there when 22 bulls are unleashed. Then only it becomes Mariyadhai Maadu (Respected Bulls – They are temple bulls unleashed under the name of temple which is not for sport)”

He further said “Even in the organizing committee they are not allowing every caste to participate. Just calling on stage to adorn shawl. They are not seeing that every caste is represented in the organizing committee instead they covert the private Madathu Committee into the organization. This is completely wrong. Instead of accepting completely, the collector should recognize everyone into the committee. Only 7 bulls are released as Mariyadhai Madu. To participate we are fighting for 20 years and are still fighting for it.”

Going on narrating the manipulation he said “What they’ve done this year was.. Last year, based on the direction of the High Court collector issued an order. When one person went there it became a tussle with the police, so they said openly ‘We will call you only on stage, but will not let release your bulls’”

He said that they threatened them “7 caste of madathu committee said ‘you Paraiyars bull will not be unleashed even if CM comes here’. We have video footage for that. Such atrocities happen particularly against Paraiyar in government-organized Palamedu Jallikattu, they are neglecting us” he added

Despite approaching DMK Minister P. Moorthy, who hails from Madurai they found that he, too, showed no interest in resolving the issue and neglected their concerns “Last year we saw Minister Moorthy 100 times regarding this. He said now and then but Minister Moorthy has not done anything regarding this. No one has accepted us in the organizing committee. If Minister Moorthy decides he can do, but refuses to do so. Particularly in the west constituency, there are 50000 Paraiyars he won by getting the vote from us even for that he did not show any courtesy I’m stating this openly.” he said

He also stated this practice was against influential people too “In 2006 they said not to bring Thirumavalavan to the village but the Paraiyar community brought him. Because of disrespecting the decision by bringing him, they did not give respect to the bulls”

“Last year we fought through the law and got directions for respecting the bulls but here ministers are not willing to implement, Collector is also not willing to implement, DRO, RDO, and Police, are not ready to implement government or laws directive.

He asserted the power of local influence as “Here Madathu Committee is the government, there is no government here”.

While the reporter was asking about the bull he replied “This bull belongs to Parayar Uravin Murai named Paarai Karupu Samy Madu, the community here collectively invests to make somehow 8th respected bull… fight is not for 1 or 2 years it’s for 20 years. We will not leave this protest we will protest for years as it takes. Next year they can’t divert us, next year by law we will win, at least next year the minister and police should implement the direction, last year they did not implement, If next year too they do not implement, our protest will be vigorous.” 

“We got orders to participate here it is … DRO and RDO said.. Including collector by word directive ‘after unleashing 7 Karai Bulls, your bull will be the 1st bull to be unleashed in the event’ and all. To divert us and not to protest, the police came at 3 AM here and said let’s bring the bull. We brought the bull around 4:30 AM to 5:30 AM. Should he not take the bull to the front side? Instead, he took it to the backside of Vaadi. Further said all bulls have come whatever you do only you shall unleash as 50th bull. Is this protest for releasing the bull as 50th? We protested as this village’s indigenous people to unleash as 8th one. We did not ask for 1st respect, 2nd respect, 5th or 7th respect.. I’m asking after all bulls are unleashed, this village’s respected bull be released. What is there in that?” He asked devastatingly 

As a resident, he raised queries and sought clarification “The government is spending money; it has spent 38 lakhs on palamedu. On whose tax money? I’m paying for corporation right? There are 100-150 families paying corporation tax, water tax, and whatever the taxes are there, we pay to the government. Why in a government-organized event you are not giving the right to all 22 castes to unleash their bulls?”

He finally requested interference from the government “Is it not sanathanam?.. Palamedu is the biggest sanathanam village… Atleast next year, the chief minister and Minister Moorthy should give rights to all 22 castes to release their bulls and I place this demand on behalf of Paraiyar Uravin Murai and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi” 

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‘Think-Tank’ Centre For Policy Research Loses FCRA License Over Alleged Foreign Funding Violations

By
The Commune
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The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has revoked the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) license of the prominent think-tank Centre for Policy Research (CPR), approximately a year after suspending it. The cancellation is based on allegations of violating provisions of the foreign funding law.

CPR’s FCRA license had initially been suspended in February 2023 for 180 days, and subsequently, the suspension was extended for an additional 180 days. Established in 1973, CPR is a nonprofit, policy think-tank that specializes in advanced and comprehensive research on a diverse range of policies related to climate change, Social Justice, Public finance & accountability, Urbanisation, and others with a specific emphasis on addressing India’s challenges in the 21st century.

In September 2022, the Income Tax Department conducted an operation against CPR as part of an investigation into their foreign funding activities. In response to CPR’s legal challenge in the Delhi High Court against the license suspension, the MHA contended that the think-tank’s foreign funding should cease due to its alleged receipt of foreign contributions for “undesirable purposes” that could negatively impact the economic interests of the country. The MHA further claimed that CPR had transferred foreign contributions to other entities and placed them in non-designated accounts, thereby violating FCRA regulations.

‘The FCRA license has been revoked as per the directive received on 10 January 2024’ conveyed by Yamini Aiyar, President of CPR, to ANI.

 

What is the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act?

The FCRA, enacted during the Emergency in 1976, aimed to address concerns about foreign interference in India by regulating foreign donations to individuals and associations. The law was amended in 2010 to consolidate regulations on the use of foreign funds and to prevent their utilization for activities detrimental to the national interest. The 2020 amendment granted the government increased control over the receipt and utilization of foreign funds by NGOs.

According to FCRA criteria, individuals or NGOs seeking foreign donations must be registered under the Act, open a designated bank account in the State Bank of India, New Delhi, and utilize the funds only for the specified purposes outlined in the Act. Registrations are granted to entities with specific cultural, economic, educational, religious, and social programs.

Exceptions include the requirement that the applicant must not be fictitious, have a criminal record related to conversion activities or communal disharmony, or engage in the propagation of sedition. The Act also prohibits certain entities, such as election candidates, journalists, judges, government servants, political parties, and their office-bearers, from receiving foreign funds.

FCRA registration is valid for five years, and NGOs must apply for renewal within six months of the expiry date. The government has the authority to cancel the registration if violations are identified, if the NGO has been inactive for two consecutive years, or if it has become defunct. Once canceled, re-registration is not allowed for three years.

(Inputs With Hindustan Times)

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Transformative Progress India’s Remarkable Strides In Multidimensional Poverty Eradication Over The Past Decade

By
The Commune
-

In the past nine years, a staggering 24.82 crore individuals in India have transitioned out of multidimensional poverty, according to the findings of the NITI Aayog’s Discussion Paper titled ‘Multidimensional Poverty in India since 2005-06’. The discussion paper, unveiled by Prof Ramesh Chand, a Member of NITI Aayog, integrates technical contributions from the Oxford Policy and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) who were the architects of the index in 2010.

The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), a globally accepted measure, extends beyond monetary aspects to comprehensively gauge poverty in various dimensions. Utilizing the Alkire and Foster (AF) method, the MPI identifies individuals as impoverished based on metrics designed to assess acute poverty, providing an additional perspective to conventional monetary poverty measures.

According to the Discussion Paper, India has witnessed a substantial decline in multidimensional poverty, decreasing from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23, marking a reduction of 17.89 percentage points. The paper also highlights a faster decline in the poverty headcount ratio between 2015-16 and 2019-21 with 10.66% annual rate of decline compared to the period from 2005-06 to 2015-16 of 7.69% annual rate of decline.

 

Consequently, India is on track to achieve its Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of halving multidimensional poverty well before 2030.

Notable initiatives such as Poshan Abhiyan and Anemia Mukt Bharat have significantly improved access to healthcare, resulting in a substantial reduction in deprivation. The Targeted Public Distribution System, one of the world’s largest food security programs, covers 81.35 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act, ensuring the provision of food grains to both rural and urban populations. Recent decisions, including the extension of free food grain distribution under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana for an additional five years, underscore the government’s commitment.

Various programs addressing maternal health, the distribution of clean cooking fuel through Ujjwala Yojana, expanded electricity coverage via Saubhagya, and transformative campaigns like Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission have collectively elevated living conditions and overall well-being.

Additionally, flagship programs such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and PM Awas Yojana have played pivotal roles in financial inclusion and providing secure housing for the underprivileged.

Some traditionally high-poverty states have made noteworthy progress in helping people escape poverty, contributing to a reduction in inter-state disparities in multidimensional poverty such as Uttar Pradesh witnessed the most significant decrease, with 5.94 crore people escaping multidimensional poverty in the last nine years, followed by Bihar at 3.77 crore, Madhya Pradesh at 2.30 crore, and Rajasthan at 1.87 crore.

What is National Multidimensional Poverty Index?

The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), overseen by NITI Aayog, serves as a key tool for assessing and monitoring the performance of States and Union Territories in addressing multidimensional poverty. NITI Aayog, functioning as the nodal agency for MPI, has played a pivotal role in developing an indigenous index tailored to the specific needs of the country. To institutionalize this process, NITI Aayog has established an inter-ministerial MPI Coordination Committee, garnering support from various entities such as NFHS (National Family Health Survey), the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as well as experts from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). Technical partners, including OPHI and UNDP, have also contributed to this collaborative effort.

The National MPI comprises three dimensions—Health, Education, and Standard of Living—each assigned equal weight and represented by a total of 12 indicators. Initiatives like the State Support Mission provide assistance to States and Union Territories in capacity building and the establishment of State Institutions for Transformation.

To ensure effective monitoring of implementation progress, a dashboard has been developed by the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO), an attached office under NITI Aayog. This dashboard is designed to facilitate real-time tracking of select Global Indices, including MPI, and allows for the monitoring of State-led reforms. These efforts represent proactive steps taken to reduce multidimensional poverty in the country.

(Inputs with PIB)

ADMK Cadres Confuse Arvind Swami For MGR, Gets Trolled By Netizens

By
The Commune
-

In Tamil Nadu, it’s a common tradition for fans to display enormous banners or posters in honour of their favourite film stars or political leaders. Today, the entire state is abuzz with celebrations for the birthday of the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MGR. Party members and ardent fans are enthusiastically participating in various festivities.

A particular banner from the Tiruppattur district has become an online sensation, provoking laughter among netizens.

Erected by the ADMK branch secretary Ananraj in the Keezhmittaalam panchayat of Tiruppattur district, the banner showcases past and present leaders of ADMK, including ex-CM Jayalalithaa, ex-CM Edappadi K. Palaniswami, and notably, a life-size image of actor Aravind Samy portraying MGR in the 2021 film “Thalaivii.”

This film is a biographical drama recounting the life of ex-CM Jayalalithaa, chronicling her journey from a film actress to a prominent figure in Tamil Nadu politics. Aravind Samy plays the role of MGR in the film, sharing significant screen time with Kangana Ranaut, who portrays Jayalalithaa.

It remains unclear whether the inclusion of Aravind Samy’s picture in the banner was intentional or an unintentional mistake. Questions arise as to why the party members chose an actor’s portrayal of MGR rather than using the original image of MGR himself. In response to online trolling, it appears that the image of Aravind Samy has been covered with another poster featuring the authentic picture of MGR.

The incident adds a touch of humour to the celebrations, while highlighting the unpredictable nature of such events in the age of social media.

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DMK Files Part 3: BJP TN Exposes How Then State Intel Chief Jaffar Sait And Then Union Min A Raja Manipulated The CBI Enquiry During 2G Probe

By
The Commune
-

Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party President K Annamalai unveiled the second audio tape in an ongoing exposé, shedding light on a conversation between former Union Minister A. Raja and ex-Intelligence Chief Jaffar Sait IPS. In the audio recording, Raja and Jaffar discuss strategies to sabotage the 2G investigation conducted by the CBI during the UPA regime. The dialogue delves into manipulating witnesses and accused individuals to influence the outcome of the probe. This revelation is part of a series exposing how the DMK allegedly manipulated the CBI inquiry during the 2G Probe. The first tape involved DMK MP TR Baalu where he connived with MS Jaffar Sait, the former Intelligence Chief of Tamil Nadu during the 2G Scam case hearings in 2010-11

Here is a transcript of the audio file.

Raja: Where are you, sir? 

Jaffar Sait: Tell me sir

Raja: Nothing, it’s good news. Things are going well. 

Sait: Very good, sir

Raja: They came and went. They coordinated it themselves. 

Sait: OK, sir.

Raja: They tackled the issue well. 

Sait: Is it the issue that we discussed?

Raja: Yes, they will make sure it won’t arise again

Sait: yes sir, yes sir

Raja: They are making another arrangement. A person joined yesterday, right? 

Sait: Yes

Raja: He was informed of it. It will not come into the picture at all.

Sait: Who joined yesterday, sir?

Raja: The head of that organisation

Sait: Ah yes yes, AP yes yes

Raja: With our people, we had our Bombay people 

Sait: Very good, sir

Raja: We arrived at a conclusion on what has to be included, what has to be excluded, and what has to be there for formality.

Sait: Yes, sir

Raja: At any cost, the name of the party must not be revealed.

Sait: OK, sir

Raja: You may ask questions, but it should not be harsh

Sait: Yes, sir

Raja: They concluded it that way

Sait: Ok sir, very good, sir, who spoke..

Raja: Swan Unit (Swan Telecom) took over

Sait: Both of them? Ok

Raja: Both of them came in a Benz car, met and left

Sait: OK, sir

Raja: They asked us not to worry, they asked what it was, and we informed them. They asked what the message was. He answered a few questions. He said he would become an approver and asked if he could know more. They said it would be a serious situation if he became an approver. 

Sait: Ok

Raja: They will record your statement if you have anything to say and conclude it in the presence of Harish Salve. 

Sait: They are giving it

Raja: Harish Salve will take over and will ask the statements from their side – how they know Raja, how the minister was met with etc

Sait: If we get the copy, that will be great.

Raja: I will ask them to get a copy

Sait: yes sir

Raja: They bravely came to the house and left. I asked them why, and they said it was ok. They are working with other operators also. 

Sait: Yeah, fine sir, it will be correct

Raja: Between Unitech and Swan, those datacon, videocon and all, they are interacting with them too. 

Sait: OK, sir

Raja: They will explain to them how to face this and everything 

Sait: OK, sir, good

Raja: After that, they will give me the questionnaire. But they will handle it gently. 

Sait: That’s all sir, let us get it done with.

Raja: They didn’t go abroad also it seems. 

Sait: OK, sir

Raja: When going abroad, they wanted to go to the Swiss for Etisalat 

Sait: Yes Yes

Jaffair Sait is also involved in a corruption case. The ED’s investigation found that there were improper allocations of Government Discretionary Quota (GDQ) plots orchestrated by I Periyasamy, who served as the Minister for Housing and Urban Development at the time. Specifically, a plot was allocated to Jaffar Sait under his wife’s name, even though he did not meet the eligibility criteria for such an allocation.

In part one of DMK Files, Annamalai released the asset details of DMK leaders. The second part was a 16 minute video detailing three alleged scams which includes ₹3000 Crore ETL Infrastructure Services Limited Scam, ₹2000 Transport Department Scam and ₹600 Crore Scam in Tamil Nadu Medical Service Corporation.

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Delayed Michaung Flood Relief Money Causes Anguish Among Chennai Residents

By
The Commune
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Cyclone Michaung hit the shores of Chennai on 04 & 05 December 2023. The cyclone left behind a trail of destruction and left the city paralysed for more than a week. Though the rescue operations were swift, some areas in the city were more affected than the others, especially the suburbs. The Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin announced that flood relief money for those were impacted. This has become a cause of anguish among the people since then.

Gaps In Communication

On 12 December 2023, Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu announced during a meeting with reporters that the government will provide the flood relief funds to all ration cardholders in Chennai. He even said for those who do not have a ration card in Chennai district, assistance will be provided based on alternative documents demonstrating their residency in Chennai. A dedicated camp will be organized to verify the additional documents of those without ration cards, the minister announced.

However, on 13 December 2023, the government had announced that the authorities from both the central and state government, as well as individuals paying income tax and possessing sugar cards were required to submit information about the extent of the losses they have incurred. Additionally, they had to provide their bank account details at the ration shops to access financial aid. The government will then verify their claims and deposit the assistance directly into their bank accounts. This effectively reduced the number of claimants.

Current Situation

Many flood victims, despite applying, have not received the promised Rs 6000 relief. Allegations arise that the corporation did not conduct damage surveys. Some applicants say they were randomly contacted for details, but a significant number did not receive any calls. The lower-floor residents in Chennai suffered the most. Determining the applicants’ floor level without direct visits poses a challenge. Over 40 days post-disaster, countless homeless individuals await government relief, causing distress. The delay has surpassed expectations, and victims demand immediate flood relief from the government.

Many downtrodden families have lost their wealth and family to the disaster. The Tamil Nadu government should re-consider the scale of the damage and hasten to provide the promised monetary relief to the affected families.

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How I.N.D.I. Ally DMK, Its Ideologue EVR And Its Partners Have Abused Lord Ram Over The Years

By
The Commune
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With anticipation, joy, and unwavering devotion, people from every corner of the country eagerly await the inauguration of the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya on 22 January 2024. Prime Minister Modi, having observed an 11-day fast leading up to the event, urged the nation to join in this momentous occasion by lighting a diya at home on 22  January be celebrated as Diwali across India.

In the wake of this event, we witness a series of rejections from I.N.D.I alliance and parties declining participation in the temple inauguration, including notable names such as Congress, DMK, Communist parties, and others.

In Tamil Nadu, the DMK has historically been vocal, particularly on Hindus their festivals and deities, consistently expressing strong aversion towards Lord Ram. Instances of their intolerance towards the Hindu religion have been evident after the Supreme Court’s 2019 judgment, allocating the Ram Janmabhoomi for Hindus based on the ASI report, seems to have intensified their discontent.

Adding fuel to the fire as the successful construction of the temple progresses, their resistance appears unwavering, highlighting their continued reluctance to accept the developments. 

But the DMK’s contempt for Lord Ram and Hinduism in general has a long history. Right from its parent body Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) created by EV Ramasamy (EVR hailed as ‘Periyar’ by his followers to the DMK, the party and its leaders have aligned themselves with anti-Hindu and often maligning Lord Ram. In simpler terms, the party’s journey evolved from “Ondre Kulam Oruvane Devan” to “Sanadhana Ozhipu Manadu.” (One Community, One God to Eradication of Sanadhanam Conclave).

Here are a few instances of DK-DMK’s tirade against Lord Ram.

EVR’s “Notes On Ramayana”

EVR had written an abusive commentary on Ramayana in which he slandered Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. The book which is read by Dravidianists to this day, calls Sita as a “bajari” (a loud-mouthed woman having sexual relations with a number of partners on a casual basis) in the chapter titled “Seethayin Bajarithanam” (Sita’s Bajari-ness). EVR makes a slanderous interpretation of how Dasaratha’s wives conceived. He also distorts the epic saying that Seetha went with Ravana of her own willing and “enjoyed” with Ravana.

His other book on Ramayana titled “Ramayana Paathirangal” is another abusive commentary on the Hindu epic giving commentaries on each of the characters. EVR characterization revolves around sex and money. He portrays Dasaratha as being consumed by passion, Sita showing excessive fondness for jewelry, Laksmana harboring desires to have sexual relations with his brother’s wife Sita, and so on. He accuses Rama of bad behaviour through out the book.

EVR’s work inspired a play called Keemayanam created and played by MR Radha and other Dravidianists in which Rama was portrayed as a drunkard and Sita as a woman of loose character.

He also said that the Tamil’s attitude towards Ramayana (since it holds a dear place in their hearts with Tamil poet Kamba Ramayanam being another famed version of the epic), was slavish.

EVR Rally At Marina Beach 1956

On 1 August 1956, EVR intended to lead his followers in burning images of Lord Ram at Marina beach. Where he perceived the Ramayana as a narrative depicting a war between Aryans and Dravidians an interpretation devoid of any factual basis. On the day of the planned day of protest, EVR was arrested by police, but his followers proceeded with the demonstration and later they were dispersed by Police who brandished their batons, resulting in the arrest of around 890 people either before or during the event. Periyar was released after two and a half hours.

Garlanding Lord Ram With Slippers 

During the Salem conference of the Dravidar Kazhagam in 1971, EV Ramasamy the founder not only struck the portrait of Lord Rama with slippers but also adorned it with a garland made of slippers. Various versions of this incident exist, with conflicting claims. 

Tamil film actor Rajinikanth stirred controversy when he stated that, during a rally in Salem district in 1971 attended by EV Ramasamy, “naked” images of Lord Rama and his consort Sita were paraded with a garland of slippers. He mentioned that only Thuglak magazine reported this incident critically

Later The Hindu claimed that an article titled “Demonstration against obscene tableaux” published on 25 January 1971 reported on the ‘Superstition Eradication Conference’ organized by the DK. It mentioned that the tableaux included obscene pictures, and a 10-foot-long image of Lord Rama was carried on a vehicle, with people beating it with chappals. EVR was noted to be at the rear of the procession, and an image of Lord Rama cut out in wood was set on fire at the end. The conference passed resolutions, one of which requested the government to ensure that coveting another man’s wife is not made an offense under the Indian Penal Code.

Ravana Leela A Drama 1974

Tamil Nadu witnessed its inaugural Ravana Leela in 1974, a year following EVR’s demise. The Dravida Kazhagam orchestrated the event at its headquarters, led by Maniyammai, EVR’s wife. This initiative aligned with EVR’s expressed desire in his notes before his 1973 passing, advocating for an annual Ravana Leela in response to the Ram Leela tradition.

In 1974, letters were sent to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, urging her to stop Ram Leela celebrations in Tamil Nadu. Maniyammai, in one such letter, argued that Gandhi’s participation in Ramlila, burning the effigy of the Dravidian hero Ravanan, was provocative and against secular principles. She warned of mass effigy burnings of Rama and Gandhi throughout Tamil Nadu if the act continued. Gandhi responded, emphasizing the universal significance of Ramayana, denying any racial connotation in Ramleela celebrations. She urged against politicizing the events.

No Historical Proof Of Ram

In 2007 the plan Sethusamudram project was withdrawn due to technical difficulties of shallow water. At the backdrop, Karunanidhi rhetorically asked, “Who is this Raman? In which engineering college did he study and become a civil engineer? When did he build this so-called bridge? Is there any evidence for this?“.

During the discussion on the Sethusamudram canal project in the state legislative assembly, CPI-M’s V P Nagaimaali highlighted the significance of the project, considering it a longstanding aspiration for the people, especially those in south Tamil Nadu. Numerous protests had been organized by the public advocating for its implementation. However, the Union government, citing ‘Ramar Palam’ (Ram Sethu) and invoking the name of Lord Ram, sidelined the project. Nagaimaali criticized the characterization of certain aspects as historical when they are, in reality, “fiction, imaginations, and beliefs,” attempting to influence public perception. He emphasized that fiction, imagination, and beliefs should not be misconstrued as history. 

Lord Ram is a Myth

In response to the invitation extended to PM Modi for the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, DMK leader TKS Elangovan expressed his views, stating, “What can I say? They have demolished history and replaced it with mythology. Any country should take pride in its history and be knowledgeable about it. Ram’s birth is a myth, a story from Ramayana. It is literature. They aim to substitute history with mythology, and that is what the BJP is attempting to do. With these people in power, what can we expect?… He wants to exploit it as a political tool. His interest is not in Ram. The BJP does not view Ram as a priority; instead, their political gain takes precedence, and they are leveraging Ram for their political interests.“

 

Pugazh Gandhi, National DMK spokesperson in the Times Now TV debate stated, “Let me put it in a single line, even if Ram comes and contests here (Tamil Nadu), people may fall on his feet, people may light diyas, etc but people will not vote for him. That is the rationalist viewpoint of the people of Tamil Nadu under the Dravidian movement.”

“We Do Not Know Lord Ram”: Congress MP Jothimani

Jothimani, a Congress MP representing Karur and a member of the I.N.D.I. Alliance, claimed to be unaware of Lord Ram during an interview with Padmaja Joshi of Times Now. She remarked, “I’m from Tamil Nadu, and I dont know about Ram because we are indigenous people. We follow or ‘ancestral worship.’ ask anybody in Tamil Nadu there no Ram temple Every week ill go to my temple because my clan goes to that temple.“

“Rama A Figment Of Imagination”: VCK MP Thol. Thirumavalavan

Speaking at a public meeting in December 2017 on the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary, VCK head Thol. Thirumavalavan had said: “Lord Rama is a figment of imagination. There is no truth that he ever lived. The demand to build a temple for him on the place where Babri Masjid was pulled down is ridiculous and uncalled for.”

Additionally, during a television debate, he made a statement, “The famous Hindu temples in Srirangam and Kancheepuram were built on Buddhist shrines after demolishing them and hence these Hindu temples should be demolished.”

Lord Ram Is A Drunkard And Sita Is A Prostitute: DK Head Veeramani

The ideological mentor of DMK, K. Veeramani had also called Lord Rama a drunkard and Goddess Sita a prostitute.

Jai Sri Ram Slogan In Cricket Stadium

DMK scion and Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin had voiced criticism over the chanting of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans to taunt a Pakistani cricketer during the India-Pakistan World Cup match in Ahmedabad.  

Even today, Dravidianists and DMK supporters in their social media abuse Lord Ram day in and day out. Their spewing of hate against Lord Ram goes unchecked by the MK Stalin-led DMK government.

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TheCommune
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