Facebook Instagram X Youtube
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Facebook Instagram X Youtube
Home Blog Page 838

VCK Member Assaults Tehsildar Over Land Dispute, FIR Charged Under Three Sections

By
The Commune
-
VCK Functionary Assaults Tehsildar Over Land Dispute, FIR Under Three Sections

A fresh incident involving political functionaries misbehaving with government servants emerged on 20 August 2024, when Ashok, a member of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), verbally abused and physically assaulted Tehsildar Ramesh at the Ayanavaram office over a land dispute. Ashok threatened Ramesh with dire consequences before fleeing, prompting police action.

The VCK functionary verbally abused the staff at the Tehsildar office over a land dispute. When the Tehsildar intervened to address the behaviour, the VCK supporter reportedly grabbed the official by the collar, choked him, and gave him death threats, all over a land dispute.

Santhana Lakshmi, a resident of Ayanavaram, Satyamurthy Colony in Chennai, recently completed a land survey for her 1,304-square-foot property at the Ayanavaram Tehsildar office, paying a fee of ₹700. In this regard, on 27 July 2024, surveyor Ranjith Kumar personally measured the land and issued a certificate to Santhana Lakshmi’s son before departing.

However, Ashok, a VCK’s 97th ward circle secretary, opposed Santhana Lakshmi and her land. He visited the Tehsildar office and disparaged the government employees, including the women staff, accusing them of bias in favour of the landowner.

Ashok then reportedly confronted Tehsildar Ramesh, assaulting him by grabbing his shirt and dragging him. In response, Tehsildar Ramesh locked Ashok in a room and notified the K-6 TP Chatiram police. Before the police could arrive, Ashok threatened Ramesh with death and fled the scene. Following Ramesh’s complaint, the police have filed charges against Ashok under three sections for assaulting the Tehsildar.

On 25 August 2024, another episode unfolded at the Thousand Lights police station when a DMK functionary, Vetri Selvi, a member of the DMK women’s wing and a resident of Chennai West district, stormed the police station to demand the release of her 17-year-old son, who police had detained.

Selvi’s son had been apprehended while riding his father’s bike without a valid driving license. The police had seized the bike and instructed the boy to have his parents come to retrieve it. Upset by the situation, Selvi arrived at the station and confronted the officers, demanding her son’s release.

In her agitated state, Selvi not only challenged the police staff but also tore up the explanation letter issued by the officers. Additionally, she unlawfully retrieved the confiscated bike before leaving the station. This incident has caused significant disruption and underscores the increasing problem of certain political functionaries abusing their power in the state.

Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Congress Shares Fake News On Raebareli Rail Accident, DMK Mouthpiece Kalaignar News Amplifies It & Deletes Post Later

By
The Commune
-
Congress Shares Fake News On Raebareli Rail Accident

On 27 August 2024, the Congress party’s official X handle posted a misleading claim about a supposed rail accident in Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), branding it as another “small incident” ignored by the Narendra Modi-led administration. However, the Ministry of Railways swiftly debunked the post, clarifying that the collision occurred within NTPC’s Unchahar plant and involved a private goods train, not Indian Railways.

Without verifying the news, DMK’s Kalaignar News amplified the fake news, only to delete it later after being called out by netizens. This fake alarm marks another instance of the Congress party spreading misinformation about railway accidents.

Congress Fakes RaeBareli Rail Accident

On 27 August 2024, the Congress’ official X handle shared a post about an alleged railway accident in Raebareli, UP. They wrote, “Reel Minister, another small incident has happened. This time, this small incident has happened in Raebareli, UP. The loco pilot and some people are said to be injured. For your information.“

Turns out that Congress spread this alarm over a fake accident.

Railway Ministry Responds

The Ministry of Railways’ official X account fact-checked the Congress party’s alleged claim about the fake Raebareli rail accident in Uttar Pradesh. They wrote, “Don’t mislead the Nation. Neither the engine nor the driver is of Indian Railways. Please stop demoralising the Railway family.”

Officials reported on Tuesday, 27 August 2024, that a goods train and a locomotive collided within the NTPC plant premises in Unchahar, Raebareli district, on the night of 26 August 2024. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. The collision occurred as the goods train, having unloaded coal, was returning and struck a stationary locomotive inside the plant.

NTPC Repairing Track

NTPC’s public relations officer, Komal Sharma, stated, “There has been no loss of life, and repair work on the railway track is underway.”

As reported by PTI, officials said a coal rake arrived at the NTPC facility on 26 August 2024. After unloading late at night, the goods train was preparing to depart when it collided with the locomotive a short distance from the plant, causing it to derail. Upon learning of the incident, NTPC officials and CISF personnel quickly arrived at the scene, and efforts to repair the track and re-align the locomotive began promptly the next day.

DMK Dramatises Fake News

This fake news was amplified by DMK’s mouthpiece Kalaignar News. In a dramatic post, they wrote, “Endless rail accidents” and shared the same pictures as shared by the INC handle. The image caption read, “The train heading to Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh suddenly derailed and overturned. It is reported that some people, including the driver, were injured.”

Kalaignar News later deleted the post after netizens called out the fakery.

Not The First Time! 

This is not the first time the INC handle has shared fake news about railway accidents in India.

Addressing the Railway Minister as “Reel Mantri” (same as in this post), the Congress handle, on 11 August 2024, shared a video of a derailed goods train on its X page. The handle mockingly added, “Reel Minister, A goods train derailed in Sonbhadra, UP. Add this also to the ‘small’ incidents.”

The Ministry of Railways promptly addressed the false claims on X, stating, “Sir, the locomotive does not belong to Indian Railways, the track is not part of Indian Railways’ infrastructure, and the wagon is also not owned by Indian Railways.”

In reality, this was what happened at Sonbhadra. On 11 August 2024, at around 11:30 AM, a private goods train transporting coal from Northern Coalfield Limited (NCL) in Khadia to the Anpara power plant derailed in the Shaktinagar area of Sonbhadra. Two wagons and the locomotive left the track, which the power plant managed. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Officials clarified that the power plant owned the track, wagons, and locomotive. The incident sparked online mockery as the Congress party made baseless allegations, which netizens eagerly trolled, viewing the claims as an attempt to gain political leverage.

Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels to get the day’s best stories. 

PM Jan Dhan Yojana Becomes World’s Largest Financial Inclusion Scheme With 53.14 Cr Beneficiaries

By
The Commune
-
PM Jan Dhan Yojana Becomes World's Largest Financial Inclusion Scheme With 53.14 Cr Beneficiaries

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 28, 2014, has become the world’s largest financial inclusion scheme — with more than 53.14 crore beneficiaries and total deposit balances at ₹2,31,236 crore, the government said on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Finance said in a recent statement that PMJDY accounts grew 3.6-fold from 15.67 crore in March 2015 to 53.14 crore as of August 14.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that universal and affordable access to formal banking services is essential for achieving financial inclusion and empowerment, as “it integrates the poor into the economic mainstream and plays a crucial role in the development of marginalised communities.” “PM Jan Dhan Yojana has transformed the banking and financial landscape of the country over the last decade.

These bank accounts have garnered a deposit balance of ₹2.3 lakh crore, and resulted in the issuance of over 36 crore free-of-cost RuPay cards, which also provide for a ₹2 lakh accident insurance cover,” Minister Sitharaman noted. Notably, there are no account opening fees or maintenance charges and no requirement to maintain a minimum balance.

The PMJDY scheme provides one primary bank account for every unbanked adult. This account does not require balance maintenance and does not incur charges. PMJDY account holders are also eligible for an overdraft of up to ₹10,000 to cover exigencies. The Finance Minister said it is heartening that 67 per cent of the accounts have been opened in rural or semi-urban areas, and women have opened 55 per cent of accounts.

The Jan-Dhan Aadhaar and mobile (JAM) trinity, with PMJDY as one of its pillars, has proven to be a diversion-proof subsidy delivery mechanism. Union Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, said that PMJDY is a “transformation movement that has enabled financial independence of many of the unbanked population and has instilled a sense of financial security.”

In his 2021 Independence Day speech, the Prime Minister announced that every household should have a bank account and every adult should have insurance and pension coverage. “With the continuous efforts in this direction through various saturation drives carried out across the country, we have achieved near saturation in bank accounts, and there has been a continuous increase in insurance and pension coverage across the country,” said Chaudhary.

The PMJDY accounts have been instrumental in receiving Direct Benefit Transfers and served as a platform for hassle-free subsidies/payments made by the government to the intended beneficiary without any middlemen, seamless transactions, and savings accumulation.

This story is based on an IANS-syndicated feed.

Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and instantly get the day’s best stories.

Honour Killings In Ranipet – Caste Violence Escalates In Tamil Nadu

By
The Commune
-

Tamil Nadu is witnessing a surge in honour killings, spotlighting more violence against marginalized communities. In a chilling incident in Ranipet, an 18-year-old Scheduled Caste student was found dead in a well after receiving threats from his girlfriend’s family. His family blocked a road in a sit-in protest, demanding justice for him.

Narasimhan and Maheshwari reside in Perunkanchi village, located within the Kodaikal panchayat near Sholinghur in Ranipet district. Their 18-year-old son, Kadirvel, is a second-year Diploma student at a Private Polytechnic College in Koothambakkam, Panavaram.

Kadirvel, who belongs to the Scheduled Caste, was in a relationship with Niveda, Suresh’s daughter, who is from a different community and lives in the same area. When Niveda’s family learned of this relationship, they had previously threatened Kadirvel’s mother that they would kill him.

On the night of 19 August 2024, Kadirvel left home after receiving a call from Niveda and did not return for an extended period. Despite extensive searches, he was not found. On the evening of 20 August 2024, Kadirvel’s relatives were devastated to discover his sandals floating in a nearby well and immediately informed the Sholinghur police and fire department.

Authorities arrived at the scene and retrieved Kadirvel’s body from the 30-foot-deep well. The body was then sent to the Government Medical College Hospital in Vellore for an autopsy.

Over 50 of Kadirvel’s relatives demanded justice, accusing Niveda’s father, Suresh, of being responsible for his death. In response, Suresh armed himself with a knife and attacked Kadirvel’s relatives, injuring two young men, Manikandan (24) and Vallarasu (24), who were then hospitalized at Sholinghur Government Hospital.

Ranipet District Superintendent of Police Kiran Sruthi, ADSP Kumar, and Arakkonam DSP Venkatesan visited the site to investigate the incident, which led to heightened tension in Perunkanchi village and the deployment of heavy police security.

In protest, Kadirvel’s relatives staged a demonstration on the Sholinghur -Walajah road, demanding Suresh’s immediate arrest under the Prevention of Atrocities Act.

Surge Of Honour Killings In Tamil Nadu

Recent years have seen a troubling rise in caste-based violence in Tamil Nadu. Over the past three years, there have been 48 such honour killings, with 11 occurring in just the last eight months, indicating an alarming increase in caste-based murders. The violence is predominantly perpetrated by members of dominant castes against those from Scheduled Castes and other marginalized groups.

Notable incidents include:

  • Earlier this year in Pattukkottai district, parents murdered their daughter by hanging her from a tamarind tree. Then they burned her corpse in secret as a punishment for marrying a Scheduled Caste youth.
  • In February 2024 in Chennai, a Scheduled Caste youth named Praveen was murdered by the woman’s brother for marrying a backward-class woman.
  • In June 2024, a young man from the Paraiyar caste, Alagendran, was killed and mutilated by his father-in-law in Aruppukkottai for his relationship with a Pallar girl.
  • In July 2024, in the Dharmapuri district, a similar caste-based murder occurred in where a Muslim youth named Mohammad Asiq was killed by the family of his partner, Tamilarasi from the Paraiyar caste, highlighting a growing trend of caste honour killings even within marginalized communities.

The increasing caste violence in Tamil Nadu is partly attributed to the government’s inaction and improper acts to curb this honour-killing menace.

Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Despite India’s Denials, Leftist US Media CNN Peddles Fake Propaganda Blaming India For Bangladesh Floods

By
The Commune
-

Even though India has vehemently denied any responsibility for the recent Bangladesh floods, American news outlets like CNN continue an outright fake news campaign against the Narendra Modi-led government, reiterating the groundless charges. New Delhi cautions against such fake news, saying both countries should address the flood issue through cooperative efforts.

Leftist news outlets like CNN also persist in promoting the false narrative that Bangladeshis are blaming India. This smear campaign has continued even after India provided contradicting evidence on August 26, 2024.

India EAM Cautions Against Fake News

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the issue at a press conference: “We have observed the spread of false videos, rumours, and fear-mongering designed to create misunderstandings. Such misinformation should be countered with factual information.”

Jaiswal further explained that documents related to the Farakka Barrage have been regularly shared with Bangladesh’s Joint River Commission officials.

He noted, “We’ve seen media reports claiming that the gates of the Farakka Barrage have been opened, allowing over 1.1 million cusecs of water to flow downstream into the Ganga/Padma river.” 

In response to media inquiries about the floods in Bangladesh, Jaiswal elaborated on the Barrage’s function: “It is important to understand that the Farakka is a barrage, not a dam. It only diverts up to 40,000 cusecs of water into the Farakka Canal through a system of gates, while the remaining water continues to flow into the main river, reaching Bangladesh.”

Last week, India similarly rejected claims that floods in parts of Bangladesh were caused by opening a dam on the Gumti River in Tripura. New Delhi called those reports factually incorrect, reiterating that floods affecting shared rivers are a common issue for both countries and should be addressed through cooperative efforts.

However, CNN has been promoting the fake narrative that “India did not issue any warnings about these developments” since the floods began.

Despite the External Affairs Ministry of India’s refutation on 27 August 2024, CNN continued to circulate sorrowful videos under the title “Millions in this country are stranded by flooding. Many blame their neighbour.” This approach appears to be a deliberate attempt to undermine India’s international reputation. Flooding in Bangladesh generally starts around June and can last through October, coinciding with the monsoon season, bringing heavy rains and increasing river water levels annually. Yet, this time, American media seems intent on shifting the blame for these natural events onto India, seemingly with ulterior motives.

Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

 

Dravidian Model: Report Reveals Rampant Substance Abuse Among Chennai Govt School Students; Beer, Beedi, ‘Cool Lip’ Being Consumed

By
The Commune
-

A Chennai schoolyard has become a troubling ground zero for underage substance abuse, with students as young as pre-teens indulging in beer and tobacco products. The disturbing revelations, uncovered by The Times of India, paint a picture of a school culture gone awry.

On 23 August 2024, a Times of India report highlighted troubling incidents of substance abuse at a higher secondary school in Kalyanapuram, Vyasarpadi. The report revealed a disturbing trend of a Class IX girl celebrating her birthday by drinking beer in the classroom, with her Class VII brother purchasing it for her. Shortly after, three Class X boys were caught smoking Beedis on campus.

Despite bans, the report also noted the circulation of a tobacco product called ‘Cool Lip’ among students. Sold for ₹150 per box of 25 packets, ‘Cool Lip’ provides a brief high and is used by students after lunch.

The report also shed light on systemic failures at the school, including poor infrastructure, such as locked labs and libraries, inadequate water supply, and lack of sports facilities. Despite the school’s attempts to manage these issues, such as employing psychologists and building sports courts, the problems persist.

TOI Women journalist Padmaja J highlighted the substance abuse menace among school students in her X official account.

“A shocking reality at a @chennaicorp  higher secondary school in Kalyanapuram, Vyasarpadi, reveals a disturbing trend among students. Earlier this week, a Class IX girl celebrated her birthday by drinking beer in her classroom, with her Class VII brother purchasing it for her. Just days later, three Class X boys were caught smoking beedis on campus.”

“Substance abuse is becoming alarmingly common, with tobacco products like ‘Cool Lip’ being distributed among students, despite strict bans. This Cool Lip comes from Bengaluru and is sold among students for Rs150/box with 25 packets. It is used by students after lunch and gives them a 45-minute high and coolness. (Pic 1: Cool Lip),” She added.

“This isn’t just about the students—it’s a systemic failure. The school itself is in disrepair. Labs and libraries remain locked, toilets don’t have much running water, and there’s no drinking water. Students pool Rs30/day for water and face harsh conditions daily. They say they can only go to toilets outside the school. There is no PT teacher or sports equipment, let alone a PT period,” She further added.

“School HM says that she asks students to stand or sit outside if they take substances inside campus to reform them. But the school also does not allow students of class 9 and above to play in the ground or go outside to use toilets, for ensuring discipline and order. HM says that students also vandalise school infrastructure, damaging the school, despite Rs50k repair funds/year. @chennaicorp  hired 10 psychologists to address these issues in their 420 schools and officials said that they are building football and volleyball courts to channel such anti-social behaviours into physical activities for healthy reforms among students. The Vyasarpadi school, near the Vyasarpadi flyover has a sprawling large ground and still awaits a new building to be handed over to accommodate students and also set up proper labs,” She further added.

In response, Karti P. Chidambaram took to X to advocate for a comprehensive crackdown on the distribution of ‘Cool Lip’ and underage drinking. He called for stricter protocols at Tasmac outlets, including the use of CCTV cameras and Aadhaar-linked sales to curb these issues.

Karti P Chidambaram stated, “‘Cool lip” is a problem in my constituency too, been flagging it regularly to the district administration, need a statewide crack down on its supply & distribution. Under age drinking is increasing too. Stricter protocols in Tasmac outlets is needed. CC TV cameras & Aadhar linked sales could be an option.” 

Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

DMK Women Cadre Threatens Police To Release Son Who Was Detained For Riding Bike Without Valid License

By
The Commune
-

In a troubling incident raising concerns about political functionaries overstepping legal boundaries in Tamil Nadu, a DMK functionary named Vetri Selvi barged into the Thousand Lights police station in Chennai on the night of August 25, 2024, to forcibly secure the release of her minor son, who was detained for riding a bike without a license or helmet.

Vetri Selvi, a member of the DMK women’s wing from Chennai West district, forcibly intervened to secure the release of her 17-year-old son. The incident escalated as Selvi defied police procedures, tore up an official explanation letter, and unlawfully retrieved the confiscated vehicle.

Vetri Selvi Abusing Political Influence

Selvi’s son had been apprehended while riding his father’s bike without a valid driving license. The police had seized the bike and instructed the boy to have his parents come to retrieve it. Upset by the situation, Selvi arrived at the station and confronted the officers, demanding her son’s release.

In her agitated state, Selvi not only challenged the police staff but also tore up the explanation letter issued by the officers. Additionally, she unlawfully retrieved the confiscated bike before leaving the station.

This incident has caused significant disruption and underscores the increasing problem of certain political functionaries abusing their power in the state.

Last week, a tense standoff erupted in Mayiladuthurai district after Dravidar Kazhagam(DK) members allegedly attempted to assault a police officer who intervened to prevent inflammatory speeches targeting Hindus during a religious procession. The sub-inspector was reportedly physically threatened and verbally abused near Chinna Kadai Street.

During the event, DK’s Mathivathini delivered a speech that allegedly included derogatory remarks about Brahmins and criticized the procession of the Mayuranathar Swamy temple. Sub-Inspector Kannan, stationed to maintain order, requested that Mathivathini’s speech be halted until the procession had passed. About 20 individuals, including Panchayat Council President Selvamani and DMK Councilor Rajini, confronted the officer in response.

Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

 

“Do Not Dare Touch Our Temples,” BJP Leader Madhavi Latha Warns Amidst Vandalism At Hyderabad’s Bhoolaxmi Temple, Massive Protests And Tensions Erupt

By
The Commune
-

Protests erupted in Hyderabad, Telangana, following the vandalism of a goddess idol at the Bhoolaxmi Temple in Rakshapuram, Santosh Nagar police station area on the night of August 26, 2024. The attack occurred around 11:30 PM, during Krishna Janmashtami, and has ignited significant public outrage. Locals believe the assault was aimed at disturbing communal peace and disrupting the upcoming Ganesh festival.

As news of the vandalism spread, a large crowd of Hindus, including members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other Hindutva organizations, gathered at the Bhoolaxmi temple. They chanted bhajans and slogans, blocking Rakshapuram Road and demanding immediate action. The group said the attackers were targeting the historic temple, which has seen multiple attacks over the past five years. They reported that four FIRs have been filed previously for similar incidents.

In response to the escalating situation, Hyderabad police deployed the Task Force and CAR police to restore order in the Santosh Nagar area. Senior officials announced the arrest of two suspects believed to be involved in the attack.

In an unusual development, a local Muslim leader has presented two individuals accused of vandalism to the police. There is confusion about whether the police are investigating the case or the claims made by the local leader, who identified one suspect as mentally unstable, raising concerns about the motives behind the incident.

Several Hindu and BJP leaders, including Hyderabad BJP MP candidate Kompella Madhavi Latha, visited the vandalized Bhoolaxmi temple. She voiced her concern on social media, condemning the attack as an assault on Hindu sentiments and demanding immediate justice.

Madhavi Latha stated, “In the old city of Hyderabad, within the Chandrayangutta Assembly constituency, specifically in the Rakshapuram area, I’m providing these details so that the entire nation understands what happened yesterday during Gokulashtami, a day celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. Our temples were vandalized today—can this be a joke? With Vinayak Chaturthi approaching, it’s shocking that the police station is just 10 meters away and four surveillance cameras are installed, yet they could not prevent this. MIM goons came and desecrated our Mata Durga. I want to clarify to the entire country: do not dare touch our temples. And the MIM MP or the Chandrayangutta MLA should come and seek forgiveness from our goddess.”

Dr. Shashidhar, Joint Secretary of VHP Telangana, arrived at the scene and expressed strong concerns, describing the attack as a targeted hate crime. He linked it to illegal settlements of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas in a nearby sensitive area, alleging that MIM supporters might have orchestrated the attack to disrupt the Ganesh festival. Dr. Shashidhar called for an impartial investigation to reveal what he termed the ‘Darussalam agenda,’ suggesting a broader conspiracy to target Hindu temples and convert land into Wakf properties. He also questioned the reasons behind the identification of suspects as mentally ill and reported that multiple motorcycle riders were involved in the attack.

The incident has intensified scrutiny on AIMIM leaders, particularly MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi, who represents Chandrayangutta, where the attack occurred. Owaisi is accused of using such incidents to incite unrest and distract from allegations of land encroachments tied to his party. The vandalism, occurring alongside recent attacks on Hindu temples in Bangladesh, has raised suspicions that it may be part of a larger strategy by AIMIM to divert attention from its controversial activities.

The Hindu community in Hyderabad’s Old City remains on high alert. They suspect this attack might be part of a series of orchestrated efforts to disrupt religious harmony and gain political leverage.

The local population claims that the area, once predominantly Hindu 30-40 years ago, has seen a significant demographic shift, with many Muslims, including alleged illegal immigrants, now residing there.

(With Inputs From Organiser)

Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

TNEB Drowns In Govt-Run School Electricity Bill Arrears While DMK Govt Focuses Spending On F4 Race

By
The Commune
-
TNEB Drowns In Govt-Run School Electricity Bill Arrears

On the one hand, Tamil Nadu’s Sports Development Minister and DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin is preparing for the Formula 4 (F4) streetcar races, which are set to take place in the heart of Chennai on 31 August and 1 September 2024. On the other hand, the government is facing criticism over its handling of school finances. The Dravidian model government is accused of not ensuring that schools have paid their electricity bills since taking office, exacerbating the already severe revenue shortfall for the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TNEB).

The accusation of non-payment of electricity bills involves two government-run primary and elementary schools in Keezhadi, Sivaganga district.

The primary school has an outstanding electricity bill of approximately ₹47,121, with arrears amounting to ₹43,111. The elementary school owes ₹65,603, with arrears of 55,400, although its current monthly bill is only between ₹3,000 and ₹4,000.

This discrepancy is due to years of unpaid electricity bills, which have accumulated into a substantial debt. The Tamil Nadu Education Department has been criticized for not taking responsibility for the unpaid electricity bills. When questioned about these dues, the department has shifted blame to other departments. This evasive stance has frustrated TNEB officials, who lament the lack of accountability and the failure to address the growing arrears.

Critics argue that if similar situations are found in other schools, TNEB’s total loss could be around ₹300 crores. If one adds government-run Anganwadis and libraries to this assessment, the total loss could rise to approximately ₹650 crores.

Furthermore, critics believe this issue extends beyond schools to other government offices and argue for a comprehensive audit. They also question the rationale behind DMK honoring former CM Karunanidhi with statues and pursuing high-profile Formula 4 race events while TNEB struggles with significant arrears.

(With inputs from Maridhas)

Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

“Biden Govt Pressured Meta Repeatedly During Pandemic”, Says Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg In Letter, US Media Fails To Report Statement

By
The Commune
-
Biden Govt Pressured Meta Repeatedly During Pandemic

In a recent letter to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee of the Republican Party, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta Platforms Inc., revealed that the Biden-Harris administration was involved in content moderation on Facebook during the COVID-19 pandemic. Zuckerberg’s letter, which has garnered widespread attention, alleges that his company faced repeated pressure from senior officials within the Biden administration to censor specific COVID-19-related content, including humorous or satirical posts.

Allegations Of Pressure On Meta From Biden Administration

Zuckerberg stated unequivocally that in 2021, “senior officials from the Biden Administration, including the White House, repeatedly pressured our teams for months to censor certain COVID-19 content, including humour and satire.” He noted that when Meta did not fully comply with the administration’s demands, the White House expressed significant frustration. Despite the pressure, Zuckerberg emphasized that the final decision to remove or demote content rested with Meta, saying, “Ultimately, it was our decision whether or not to take content down, and we own our decisions, including COVID-19-related changes we made to our enforcement in the wake of this pressure.”

Reflecting on these events, Zuckerberg expressed regret that his company did not take a firmer stance against the government’s requests. “The government pressure was wrong, and I regret that we were not more outspoken about it,” he wrote. He further asserted that Meta should not have compromised its content standards due to pressure from any administration, adding, “We’re ready to push back if something like this happens again.”

The Hunter Biden Laptop Story

In his letter, Zuckerberg also addressed the controversial decision to down-rank a story from the New York Post regarding allegations of corruption involving then-Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s family. Zuckerberg recounted that in the lead-up to the 2020 U.S. presidential election, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had warned Meta about a potential Russian disinformation operation targeting the Biden family and Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company. Acting on this warning, Meta decided to temporarily demote the story while it was sent to fact-checkers for review. However, Zuckerberg acknowledged that this decision was a mistake. “It’s since been made clear that the reporting was not Russian disinformation, and in retrospect, we shouldn’t have demoted the story,” he stated. Zuckerberg indicated that the company has since revised its policies and processes to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future, noting, “We no longer temporarily demote things in the U.S. while waiting for fact-checkers.”

The House Judiciary Committee, which posted the letter on X (formerly Twitter), highlighted three critical admissions by Zuckerberg: that the Biden-Harris administration pressured Facebook to censor Americans, that Facebook complied with this censorship, and that Facebook throttled the Hunter Biden laptop story. The Committee’s post described these admissions as a “big win for free speech.”

As the US approaches another presidential election, Zuckerberg reiterated his commitment to maintaining neutrality in the electoral process. He emphasized that his goal is “to be neutral and not play a role one way or another — or to even appear to be playing a role,” suggesting that Meta will take a more hands-off approach in the upcoming electoral cycle.

Mark Zuckerberg’s letter to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee about the Biden administration’s pressure on Meta to censor content and Meta’s subsequent actions have raised important questions about free speech and content moderation.

US Media Fails To Report This Development

While Mark Zuckerberg’s letter has made waves in certain corners of the world, particularly in India, it has not received the same level of attention in the United States. There is a growing concern about media freedom and transparency in America. Despite the gravity of Zuckerberg’s admissions, coverage of this story in the U.S. media has been notably muted.

In stark contrast, Indian media outlets have been at the forefront of reporting on Zuckerberg’s letter. Critics question the current state of press freedom in the United States, where it appears that questioning the Biden administration is increasingly off-limits. The silence of major U.S. outlets on this issue may reflect broader concerns about the influence of political power on media coverage.

It is noteworthy that the Biden DOJ jailed a man for a meme on Hillary Clinton. Douglass Mackey was an internet personality known as “Ricky Vaughn” online. He was sentenced to seven months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to interfere with the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Mackey created and distributed misleading memes, falsely encouraging Hillary Clinton supporters, particularly Black, Hispanic, and female voters, to “vote” via text, a method that is not legally valid. The U.S. Department of Justice charged Mackey with conspiracy against rights, arguing his actions deliberately disenfranchised voters. Mackey was found guilty and sentenced to prison despite his defence citing free speech.

Free speech seems to work differently for the US government, especially under the Biden-Harris administration.

Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

1...837838839...1,871Page 838 of 1,871
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.
Contact us: thecommune.news@gmail.com
Facebook Instagram X Youtube

NATIONAL NEWS

Abhijeet Dipke, AAP’s Former Operative Who Made Seditious Posts About Kashmir, Is Now Trying To Trigger Gen Z Unrest Through ‘Cockroach Janta Party’

Abhijeet Dipke, AAP’s Former Operative Who Made Seditious Posts About Kashmir,...

The Commune - 0
A new online political outfit calling itself the “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP) has rapidly gone viral across social media platforms after emerging in the...
© The Commune 2025. All Rights Reserved.