Facebook Instagram X Youtube
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Facebook Instagram X Youtube
Home Blog Page 845

DMK Govt’s Fact-Checker Gets Fact-Checked, Peddles Half-Truths About Rainfall Received To Buttress DMK

By
The Commune
-
DMK Govt's Fact-Checker Gets Fact-Checked

The DMK government’s Fact-Checking Unit found itself in an embarrassing place when Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin contradicted their rebuttal to PMK founder Dr. Ramadoss’ claim about rainfall in Chennai, highlighting discrepancies in reported data amid ongoing concerns over waterlogging in the city.

DMK Fact-Checking Claims

The DMK government’s fact-checking unit (FCU) seems to be proving every single day that they are a supreme waste of public money. In fact, in this instance, their own minister unknowingly fact-checked the fact-checking unit’s claims!

It all began when Pattali Makkal Katchi founder Dr S Ramadoss made a post on his X handle regarding the heavy rains and how the people had lost faith in the ruling DMK government. He wrote, “6 cm of rain causes waterlogging in many places: Government of Tamil Nadu against Chennai Corporation People of Chennai have lost faith! In the 24 hours that ended at 8.00 am today in Chennai, only 6 cm of rain fell, and the city of Chennai could not bear the same. In many parts of the city of Chennai, rain water is stagnant in addition to the height of one foot. Water has entered the houses in many places. The results of 6 cm of rain show that flood prevention works including rainwater drainage carried out by the Tamil Nadu government and the Chennai Municipal Corporation in Chennai are not effective enough. So what will happen to Chennai if it rains 20 cm? The fear has increased. It is not enough to advertise in vain with the help of the media that the rainwater drainage works in Chennai are 90% complete and 95% complete. Actual acreage should be shown in fieldwork. If it had been shown in this way, 6 cm of rain would not have caused waterlogging in many places in Chennai. The people should have faith that the government that governs us will protect us, no matter what dangers or calamities come. The fact that the people of Chennai and its surrounding areas do not have that faith in the government shows that the people are stopping their merry-go-rounds at Velachery Bridge and Pallikaranai Bridge. Not a single one of the people who stopped drinking said that rainwater will not stagnate in their areas due to the measures taken by the Tamil Nadu government. It doesn’t matter if the police impose thousands of fines on the contrary; Their disbelief in the government has been shown by saying that they will stop our fun at the bridge. It is true that parking vehicles on bridges slows down traffic. However, no one objected to the stopping of floats at Velachery and Pallikarana Bridges. It means that the people have understood the manipulativeness of the Tamil Nadu Government and the Chennai Corporation. In the beginning, the Chennai Metropolitan Police, who threatened to remove the rickshaws by threatening and fining them, fearing the public’s opposition, have now retorted that we have not fined the rickshaws parked on the bridges. Therefore, the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Chennai Corporation should avoid indulging in vain advertisements and do fieldwork to create a situation where flood water does not stagnate in Chennai, no matter how much rain it rains. We need to gain the trust of the people to believe that this is the government that will protect us.”

In response to this, the FCU claimed that Chennai did not receive only 6 cm of rainfall. They wrote an elaborate post stating, “Misinformation being spread that only 6 cm of rain has fallen in Chennai! “Chennai received a maximum of 6 cm of rain in the 24 hours that ended at 8:00 am today, and the city of Chennai could not bear it,” Ramadoss, the founder of PMK, posted on social media. What is the truth? This is incorrect information.

In Chennai from 8.30 AM yesterday (14.10.2024) to 8.30 am today (15.10.2024) maximum 10 cm rain in Ennoor, 9 cm rain in Manali, Tiruvik Nagar, Ponneri, Royapuram, Kolathur, District Collectorate, Kodambakkam, Ambattur, Sholinganallur and Teynampet areas have also received 8 cm of rain, according to the India Meteorological Department. Don’t spread false information!”

They also shared the IMD update as “proof“. It seemed as if they wanted to prove that water logging would not be possible with just 6cm of rain.

This was when Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin unknowingly fact-checked their own FCU. Speaking to reporters, he said, “Since yesterday, around 5cm average rainfall has been recorded in Chennai in the last 24 hours. Things are very much under control. Highest rainfall has been recorded at Sholinganallur and Teynampet areas – around 6cm and the lowest in Tondaiarpet – around 2.8cm—no power cut was encountered in any areas in Chennai. Tree falling has been reported in around 8 areas and the team is already on duty to clear it. All the trees will be cleared in approximately 1-1.5 hours after the rain has stopped. 26 teams from NDRF and SDRF have been readily positioned in Chennai and all the coastal areas. Out of 22 subways in Chennai, 2 subways have been flooded and traffic has been closed. The pumping motors are ready and the draining will be done as soon as the rain settles for at least 30-45 minutes. Water stagnation has been reported in 300 locations and pumping work is in progress. Apart from all the above, calls received in the call centre are also being regularly attended by the GCC control centre. Around 1500 calls have been attended to and received since yesterday. Solution has been given for 600 of those calls by GCC. TN special health camp for rainy season has been started in 1000 locations all over TN and around 100 health camps have been started in Chennai alone by the concerned department.”

The claim made by the FCU did not match Udhayanidhi Stalin’s statement because they were focusing on the individual rainfall measurements instead of the average rainfall that Dr Ramadoss had mentioned.

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

Kanyakumari District All Minority Federation Praises AIADMK For Dismissal Of MLA Thalavai Sundaram Over RSS Rally Participation

By
The Commune
-
Kanyakumari District All Minority Federation Praises AIADMK For Dismissal Of MLA Thalavai Sundaram Over RSS Rally Participation

In a surprising turn of events, the Kanyakumari District All Minority Federation (KKMF) has commended the AIADMK and its General Secretary, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, for removing MLA and senior member Thalavai N. Sundaram from all party positions. This action was taken due to Sundaram’s participation in a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) rally, which he flagged off in Kanyakumari last week.

KKMF, led by General Secretary A Meeran Mydeen, expressed their support through a special appreciation letter, passing a resolution favoring the AIADMK decision to dismiss Sundaram from his roles as organizing secretary and Kanyakumari East district secretary on 12 October 2024.

The letter states that the participation of AIADMK’s Kanyakumari MLA and East District Secretary in the RSS rally, which he flagged off, has hurt the sentiments of the minority community. It praises General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami for recognizing these sentiments and making the bold decision to remove Thalavai N. Sundaram from all party positions. The Kanyakumari District All Minority Federation welcomes this military-like discipline within the party and expresses heartfelt gratitude through a resolution and an appreciation letter sent to EPS to showcase their support.

 

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

 

“Don’t Get Worried About People Branding You”: D-Stock Anchor Buttresses D-Stock Weatherman Buttressing DMK Govt While Disparaging IMD

By
The Commune
-

As usual, when the ruling DMK government’s incompetence in administration becomes evident in Tamil Nadu, proponents of Dravidian ideology emerge like mushrooms, rallying around the DMK with the support of Tamil news media. One such figure is Pradeep John, known as Tamil Nadu Weatherman, a private weather reporter who favoured the DMK during the 2023 Michaung Cyclone.

He has now been mobilized again to present data that buttresses the DMK government over its inefficiency. Alongside him, Dravidianist journalist Karthigaichelvan S is also positioned to serve this agenda, further amplifying their narrative.

When there is a qualified weatherman like Dr. S. Balachandran, head of the RMC Chennai and a scientist from the IMD, the DMK often opts for Dravidian weather blogger Pradeep John, over established scientists.

In the interview on a private Tamil news channel, Dravidian journalist Karthigaichelvan aimed to showcase Pradeep John and his team’s predictions as accurate. His questioning technique and hints at specific answers indicated a calculated approach throughout the discussion. For instance, he asked how they accessed their data, then paused briefly before emphasizing that their predictions had indeed been proven correct, so that they may answer to that accordingly.

Later establishing narrative for some time about their background as significant predictors, Karthigaichelvan shifted to direct accusations against the IMD. He questioned when the IMD could fail how Pradeep John and his team managed to make accurate predictions. Karthigaichelvan remarked, “As far as I can see there is a lot of negativity in the digital world but in that you all have relatively positive response and I think people like you to that extent.” He then questioned another weatherman, Srikanth, asking, “Everyone has a view that how can private weatherman predict exactly. How is that possible, when you are also taking the data from IMD and predict, when they (IMD) can’t?”

In response, Srikanth explained that when data is provided in a generic form, it can lead to inaccuracies. He stated that the IMD needs to offer comprehensive data for all of Tamil Nadu, rather than just general information. He emphasized that there are many factors to consider. He added that while he or Pradeep might rely on intuition, the government cannot afford to use intuition at an official level.

During the interview, Pradeep also echoed the DMK’s narrative regarding the recent tragedy at the IAF Marina Air Show, attributing the loss of lives to humidity. This indirectly downplayed the acknowledged inefficiencies and mismanagement by the event organizers.

Later, Pradeep John addressed the perception that he was favoring the ruling government, clarifying that his focus was solely on serving the citizens, not supporting any political party. Karthigaichelvan reinforced this, stating that such branding is intended to undermine their work, urging Pradeep to disregard these claims and continue his efforts. Pradeep John said, “This has severe political sensitivity. If we post a comment like this, the branding that comes with it is very difficult. (They say) he is favoring them, for that government, but it is not like that. Our idea is whoever comes to power, we should work closely with them, benefit the people, and give as much as possible.”

When Pradeep attempted to clarify that they did not undermine the IMD, Karthigaichelvan quickly interrupted,  complimenting his work as the testament will contradict their agenda, opined, “Generally, branding is an attempt to curtail your activities so you don’t have to worry about it. There is big branding for you among people.”

Finally, before concluding, Karthigaichelvan, expressing his disdain for India’s premier institution, the IMD, posed a narrative question to ridicule it while praising American institutions. He questioned why, if Americans can accurately predict the weather using the same sites and data, India struggles with its predictions. In response, Srikanth explained that Indian models are improving and are on the right track, even though there are currently some errors due to reliance on external data thereby effectively countering the Dravidian journalist’s claims.

From the start to the end of the interview, it was clear that the entire discussion was scripted in advance. Whenever Pradeep John misspoke, Karthigaichelvan strategically intervened to change the topic or redirect attention to his team member, Srikanth. However, what were Pradeep John’s actual predictions like?

Weather Blogger Pradeep John’s Fudged Data During 2023 Floods

During the Michaung Cyclone that caused significant devastation to residents of Chennai, leading to widespread flooding across the city, the private weather blogger Pradeep John appeared at a press meeting with DMK ministers, where he manipulated the 36-hour rainfall data by comparing it to 24-hour data, claiming that the current administration is performing better. It’s important to note that Pradeep rose to prominence during the 2015 floods.

What Was The Reality Like?

In reality, the city was inundated like no other. Areas that had never been flooded even during the 2015 floods like Annanagar, Madambakkam etc which do not flood during the monsoon season, were all inundated and water had entered most of the ground floor homes by 4 December 2023. Kollywood actor Vishal who took to social media platform X shared his plight from his Annanagar home. He said, “During such rains, we all know what will happen and is happening. First they switch off the power, then waterlogging starts on the streets and then it enters homes. I am in Annanagar and water has entered my home. If this is the state of Annanagar, then imagine how it will be in low-lying areas. In 2015, we were able to help others as much as possible, but after 8 years, the situation is even worse. They announced a stormwater drain project, I am not able to find anything related to that – when was it started, when did they finish it, I have no idea. This is a request as a voter in the state, all MLAs from Chennai, please come out of your homes and have a look at the city and do whatever your constituency needs. This is not a political remark, this is a remark against the waterlogging problem. Even for a small rain, water gets logged in T Nagar but this time the entire city is waterlogged and it is a disgusting and embarrassing situation we are in. Please take immediate measures for resolving this.”

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

Manipur Conflict: MLAs Of Meitei, Kuki, Naga Meet In Delhi To Find Solutions

By
The Commune
-

The all-important meeting to find a way out to resolve the over 17-month-long ethnic strife in Manipur was held in New Delhi on Tuesday, sources said. Sources said that Ministers and MLAs belonging to the Meitei, Kuki and Naga communities attended the meeting called by the Intelligence Bureau under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

“Several rounds of meetings between the MHA officials and the elected representatives, civil societies and NGOs would be held in the upcoming weeks to find out a lasting solution to the ethnic crisis in Manipur,” the sources said. After around a four-hour-long meeting, neither the officials nor the Ministers and MLAs talked to the media to disclose the outcome of the meeting. Manipur Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, MLA Thongam Biswajit, belonging to the Meitei community, and representatives from the Kuki community — Letpao Haokip and Nemcha Kipgen, both ministers — attended the meeting. MLAs Ram Muviah, Awangbow Newmai and L. Dikho attended the meeting from the Naga community.

However, a highly placed source told IANS that several Ministers and legislators from the three communities — Meitei, Kuki and Naga — attended the meeting and raised their demands and viewpoints over the ethnic riot. An MLA, belonging to the Kuki community, on condition of anonymity said that they would discuss the matters of Tuesday’s meeting with their community leaders and functionaries then they would disclose their next course of action. “Because the meeting was called by the Central government, that’s why they attended the meeting. We do not have any faith in the Manipur state government,” the legislator told IANS over the phone from New Delhi.

He said that MHA’s advisor, North East Affairs, A. K. Mishra and other senior officials were present at the meeting. Tuesday’s meeting was the first deliberations convened by the government after the ethnic conflict broke out between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur on May 3 last year. The vital meeting was held on Tuesday after Home Minister Amit Shah last month indicated to resolve the ethnic imbroglio in Manipur through discussions between the Meiteis and Kukis. On June 17, the Home Minister during a review meeting on the law and order situation in Manipur gave similar indications. Meanwhile, 10 MLAs, including seven BJP legislators, and several Kuki-Zo organisations including Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) and Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) since the ethnic violence started in Manipur in May last year, have been demanding separate administrations or a Union Territory for the Kuki-Zo tribals in Manipur.

The 10 legislators included Letpao Haokip and Nemcha Kipgen, who are ministers in Chief Minister N. Biren Singh-led 12-member ministry in Manipur. The state and the Central governments have on a number of occasions rejected the demand for separate administrations or a Union Territory. The ethnic violence between the non-tribals Meiteis and tribal Kuki-Zo broke out in the northeastern state on May 3 last year after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

So far, over 230 people have been killed in the strife. As many as 11,133 houses have been set on fire, out of which 4,569 homes have been completely destroyed. A total of 11,892 cases have been registered in different police stations in connection with the ethnic violence. The state government has established 302 relief camps to provide shelter to 59,414 internally displaced persons.

–IANS

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

After CPI(M) Leader’s Remarks At Public Event, Kannur ADM Found Hanging At Residence

By
The Commune
-
Kerala ADM Suicide: Court Adjourns CPI-M Leader’s Anticipatory Bail Plea Till Oct 29

In a tragic incident, Kannur Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu was on Tuesday found hanging at his residence near here. Babu was found dead in the morning even as his wife was waiting for him at the Chengannur railway station. He had seven more months to retire and had been transferred to his home district Pathanamthitta. Babu, according to people, was deeply hurt when at his send-off function held here on Monday afternoon, a top CPI(M) leader PP Divya, the Kannur district panchayat president had made some impolite remarks against him.

Divya had not been invited to the function and had barged in. She said that a person had approached her to speak to Babu with regards to the sanctioning of a petrol pump station despite several requests, which he had not been giving. But, just two days before his retirement, Babu gave the sanction, she alleged, adding that she knows how the sanction was given and will be revealed in two days. After saying this, the uninvited Divya left the venue. After his wife found out that Babu had not boarded the train she made attempts to reach her husband and it was then the news surfaced that Babu had committed suicide by hanging to death at his residence in Kannur.

Meanwhile, the Congress party was protesting near the house of the deceased. “We do not believe or have trust in the police. We demand that the inquest should be prepared in the presence of clean officers. We do not want to have people like Divya to be part of the team when the police make the report,” said Kannur district Congress president Martin George, who added that Divya should be charged for the death of Babu. An uncle of Babu, who identified himself as a local CPI(M) official in Pathanamthitta said Babu is known for his clean public life and good track record.

State BJP president K.Surendran said the need of the hour is for Divya to quit her post and face a probe. “The entire episode happened in the presence of the Kannur district collector and the police should take a statement from the collector. The police should probe the role of Divya,” said Surendran.

–IANS

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

India To Make Digital Connectivity Affordable For Emerging Economies: Piyush Goyal

By
The Commune
-
India To Make Digital Connectivity Affordable For Emerging Economies: Piyush Goyal

India has a key role to play in making technology available in the Global South and in leading the world in fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to make digital connectivity affordable across the globe, Union Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the inauguration of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA) 2024 and the eighth edition of ‘India Mobile Congress’ in the national capital, the minister said India is all set to become a provider of telecom services and domestic companies will become providers of high security and quality technological equipment to emerging economies. The ITU-WTSA is being hosted in India and the Asia-Pacific for the first time. The global event has brought together more than 3,000 industry leaders, policy makers and tech experts from over 190 countries.

According to the Commerce Minister, India’s stable network connectivity across rural and urban areas is an achievement of the flagship ‘Digital India’ campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015. Highlighting PM Modi’s foresight of using technology as an enabler for good governance, for providing business opportunities and as an enabler to expand the country’s economic activities, Goyal said the country today thinks as one nation. “When countries work with India, they are assured of high quality, affordability and cost-effective solutions and are assured of uninterrupted business activities allowing companies to look up to India for their global capability centres (GCCs),” said the minister.

The entire ecosystem of digitalisation involving machine learning, artificial intelligence and data analytics has its imprint in India. “India is recognised for its innovation, talent and the large market it provides. Innovation defines the India growth story and the world recognises India as a leader in democratising technology for the deprived and the whole world,” said Minister Goyal. The minister also praised the Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC) for instilling confidence in making India self-reliant in technological achievements.

–IANS

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

India’s Inland Waterways Transport Offers Robust Growth Opportunities Via PPPs

By
The Commune
-

The Indian inland waterways transport (IWT) sector presents significant opportunities for growth through public-private partnerships (PPPs), and the government is eyeing expansion of the PPP model to drive development, according to a report on Tuesday.

The focus on expanding PPPs and offering financial incentives, such as discounts up to 35 per cent on freight transported via key national waterways (NW), aims to further attract private sector participation, according to the report by Crisil Market Intelligence and Analytics. A subsidy scheme is being formulated for NW-1, NW-2 and NW-16, which traverse key states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Assam, to promote the use of inland waterways for freight transport, the report mentioned. Since the government’s strategic shift in 2016, operational waterways have increased from just three in fiscal 2014 to 26 by fiscal 2024, driven by substantial budgetary support and key initiatives like the Jal Marg Vikas Project.

Launched in 2018 with a financial outlay of Rs 5,369.18 crore, the project aims to enhance the capacity of National Waterway 1 (NW), spanning 1,390 km along the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system. “India’s inland waterways are witnessing significant revitalization driven by targeted investments and policy reforms. The cost advantage is clearly benefiting this mode of transportation, transporting 1 tonne of freight by waterways is approximately Rs 1.06 per km, notably less than Rs 1.36 per km by rail and Rs 2.50 per km by road,” the report argued. The resurgence in the sector has resulted in a marked increase in cargo volumes, surging from 18.1 million tonnes in fiscal 2014 to 132.9 million tonnes in fiscal 2024, with the government setting ambitious targets of 200 million tonnes by fiscal 2030 and 500 million tonnes by fiscal 2047.

Digital innovations have played a key role in improving efficiency in the IWT sector. Platforms such as the IWAI Vessel Tracker, PANI Portal and Car-D Portal provide real-time navigation information, updates on cargo tracking, and efficient management of cargo and passenger data. Water transport also produces lower emissions, less noise and consumes less energy, making it an environmentally-friendly alternative to the traditional road and rail transport. Waterways are suitable for moving bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, iron ore fines, sand and minerals.

–IANS

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

Global Telecom Standards Should Ensure Security, Dignity And Equity: PM Modi

By
The Commune
-
Global Telecommunication Standards Should Ensure Security, Dignity And Equity: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that there is a need for a human-centric dimension to the ongoing technological revolution, stressing that principles of security, dignity, and equity should be central to global telecommunication standards. Inaugurating the historic International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) ‘World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024’ in the national capital, PM Modi said that standards set here will determine the future direction.

“Our goal should be that no country, no region and no community is left behind in this digital transformation,” said the Prime Minister, underscoring the need for innovation balanced with inclusion. “The time has come to accept the importance of a global framework for digital technology. We have to ensure that our future is both technically strong and ethically sound,” PM Modi told the gathering. PM Modi also inaugurated the 8th edition of the ‘India Mobile Congress 2024,’ saying that while WTSA’s objective is to work on global standards, the role of the ‘India Mobile Congress’ is associated with services and both the events “bring global standards and services on a single platform”. Discussing telecom sector reforms, the Prime Minister noted India’s efforts in lowering data costs. The cost of internet data in India is now as low as 12 cents per GB compared to many countries in the world where one GB of data is 10 to 20 times more expensive. “Today, every Indian consumes about 30 GB of data on an average every month”, said PM Modi.

Today, the country has a mobile phone user base of 120 crore, 95 crore internet users and digital transactions of more than 40 per cent of the entire world in real-time. “India had showcased how digital connectivity had become an effective tool for last-mile delivery,” said PM Modi. “India’s mobile and telecom journey in the 21st century is a subject of study for the whole world. Telecom is not just a medium of connectivity but also a medium of equity and opportunity in India,” the Prime Minister emphasised. The four pillars of Digital India — low-priced devices, extensive reach of digital connectivity to every nook and corner of the country, easily accessible data and goal of ‘Digital First’, are leading to robust results. The Prime Minister also underscored the remarkable advancements in infrastructure, including the rapid installation of Wi-Fi facilities at public places like railway stations and the connection of islands like Andaman-Nicobar and Lakshadweep through undersea cables.

“In just 10 years, India has laid optical fibre which is eight times the distance between Earth and the Moon”, said PM Modi, adding that the country is already progressing towards 6G technology, ensuring a future-ready telecommunication infrastructure. India democratised digital technology and created digital platforms where innovations on these platforms created millions of new opportunities The transformative power of the JAM Trinity—Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile—has laid the foundation for countless innovations. PM Modi said that Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has provided new opportunities for many companies and ONDC is revolutionising digital commerce. “In an interconnected world, security cannot be an afterthought. India’s Data Protection Act and National Cyber Security Strategy reflect our commitment to building a safe digital environment”, noted PM Modi.

It is for the first time that the ITU-WTSA is being hosted in India and the Asia-Pacific. The global event has brought together more than 3,000 industry leaders, policy makers and tech experts from over 190 countries, representing telecom, digital and ICT sectors. Union Minister for Communication Jyotiradiya Scindia, Minister of State for Communication, Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasan, and Secretary General of ITU, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, were also present at the inaugural session.

–IANS

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

“Gap Between Expectation And Reality Can Lead To Frustration”: Chief Election Commissioner Trolls Congress, Dismisses Allegation Of EVM Tampering

By
The Commune
-

On Tuesday, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar once again dismissed charges of possible tampering with EVMs or their batteries. He also suggested introspection over the sample size chosen by exit poll agencies to avoid distorted expectations. The CEC also promised to develop an FAQ to dispel doubts about EVMs.

He said that over the past few elections, exit poll outcomes have been creating distorted expectations, and all responsible for this issue need to consider steps for self-regulation. “The gap between expectation and reality can lead to frustration,” he said, criticising some TV channels for running incorrect trends in an alleged bid to match the findings of their exit polls.

Addressing media persons after announcing the dates of the Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly elections, CEC Kumar replied to a question about the difference between the results of the Haryana Assembly elections and the drastically opposite projections by exit polls. The CEC also ruled out any scope for EVM tampering and promised to reply to all 20 candidates complaining about the voting machine malfunction in the recent Assembly polls. “The answers will carry details of when the battery was commissioned and where all it was used,” he said.

Expressing displeasure at rumours about EVMs, the Chief Election Commissioner said that sometimes it is said pagers can be tampered with, so EVMs can also be tinkered with, and sometimes it said the vote does not go to the candidate whose button is pressed. Indirectly answering the doubts raised by some Haryana Congress candidates who lost the election, the CEC said the batteries are loaded into EVMs when commissioning and even candidates’ agents are made to sign on the seal.

Some Congress candidates had complained on the counting day on October 8 that some of the EVMs were charged up to 99 per cent despite use for voting. To this, the CEC said: “EVMs have a single-use battery that is used at a stretch for five years. After commissioning, it is checked in mock polls, which are also held at polling stations, and the number of candidates is also different in all seats.”

–IANS

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

Rajnath Singh Lays Foundation For Navy’s VLF Station In Telangana

By
The Commune
-
Rajnath Singh Lays Foundation For Navy's VLF Station In Telangana

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for the Indian Navy’s Very Low Frequency (VLF) communication transmission station in Telangana’s Vikarabad district on Tuesday. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy and Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar attended the programme at Puduru village.

The state government in January this year transferred 1,174 hectares of forest land for the station, which is expected to be completed in 2027. The Navy uses VLF communication transmission stations to communicate with ships and submarines. This will be the second such station in the country. INS Kattabomman Radar Station at Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu was the first of its kind. It has been serving the Navy since 1990. The Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam had identified Telangana as a suitable area for setting up a second radar station. The Union Forest and Environment Department approved the Navy’s proposals in 2014. Campa funds of Rs 133.54 crore for handing over forest land have been paid. The Navy has also paid Rs 18.56 crore for the works undertaken for land conservation measures. Meanwhile, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K T Rama Rao has opposed setting up the VLF radar station in Telangana, saying it threatens the ecosystem of the Musi River.

He said the VLF station was coming up in Damagundam forest, where the Musi originates. He slammed the Congress government for its “double standards”. On one hand, the Telangana government has taken up a project for the beautification of Musi River while on the other it is writing a “death warrant” for the river by agreeing to VLF radar station, he said. The BRS leader alleged that the installation of a radar station would cause serious damage to the environment. He said the project will be undertaken by cutting down 12 lakh trees along with around 2900 acres of forest land.

Rama Rao said for 10 years, the BRS government did not give permission for the radar station and asked the Congress government why it agreed to the project. However, the Congress government claimed that the final approval for the radar station was given in 2017 when TRS (BRS) was in power. It clarified that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy merely respected the age-old concept of continuity of governance, and cooperative federalism, and supported a project of national security and significance. The ruling party alleged that with KTR opposing the project, BRS’ “hypocrisy was exposed”.

–IANS

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

1...844845846...1,962Page 845 of 1,962
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

Chidambaram As India's Home Minister Said He's Not Asking Naxals To Lay Down Arms

Yes, P. Chidambaram Is Right, He Is A Proud Dimagi Naxal

The Commune - 0
Senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Sunday declared that he was “proud” to be a “dimagi naxal” after Prime...
© The Commune 2025. All Rights Reserved.