Facebook Instagram X Youtube
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Facebook Instagram X Youtube
Home Blog Page 856

Plot To Assassinate BJP TN Gen Secy Muruganandam Foiled; Arrested Bangladeshi Nationals Allegedly Confess Says Report

By
The Commune
-
Tamil Nadu police foiled at the last moment a plot to assassinate BJP State General Secretary A P Muruganandam.

In a sensational revelation, the Tamil Nadu police have uncovered a plot to assassinate BJP Tamil Nadu State General Secretary, A P Muruganandam. The conspiracy was allegedly foiled at the last moment, creating a wave of shock across political circles.

AP Muruganandam, hailing from Coimbatore, has been a key figure in the BJP, serving as the State General Secretary. He has played a significant role in several party campaigns, including his work as a coordinator for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Varanasi constituency during the 2019 parliamentary elections. He is also known for his active involvement in protests in states like Kerala, West Bengal, and other regions outside of BJP control.

Muruganandam was a vocal critic of the banned organization, Popular Front of India (PFI), and was instrumental in the campaign leading to the group’s proscription. Recently, he contested in the Tirupur constituency during the parliamentary elections.

Over the past few weeks, police across various states, including Tamil Nadu, have arrested several youths who infiltrated from West Bengal, many of whom were reportedly linked to Bangladeshi networks. Among those arrested by the Tirupur police, a group of infiltrators from Bangladesh is believed to have been involved in the plot to assassinate Muruganandam.

During interrogation, the arrested individuals revealed that they had been planning to eliminate Muruganandam as part of a larger operation targeting BJP leaders. The group, which had carried out acts of vandalism in several states, had Muruganandam on their list due to his prominent role within the BJP and his stance against extremist organizations.

Following this discovery, security around Muruganandam has been significantly tightened. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has also issued an advisory, urging him to remain vigilant. The thwarted assassination plot has sent shockwaves through the party and the public alike, highlighting concerns over the safety of political leaders in the state.

Further investigations are ongoing, and law enforcement agencies are working to uncover more details about the group’s activities and any potential collaborators involved in the plot.

(With inputs from Thandoraa)

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

Red Flag For Investors: CITU Protests Against Samsung Exposes Tamil Nadu’s Communist Conundrum

By
The Commune
-
CITU Samsung Protests: A Trojan Horse For China's Manufacturing Dominance?

Industry confederations have raised concerns that foreign companies might be reluctant to invest in Tamil Nadu due to unnecessary issues raised by CITU, especially in the wake of the Samsung workers strike. The closure of numerous factories in Pudukottai during the labor strike has led to reports that industrial firms are hesitant to invest in the district, citing ongoing labor-related problems, despite they comply with legal regulations. This information comes amidst significant protests by Samsung employees.

The ongoing strike at Samsung’s factory in Tamil Nadu is yet another example of how union-backed protests, especially those supported by Communist parties, can disrupt industrial operations in India. About 1,500 workers from the South Korean tech giant’s Chennai plant, one of Samsung’s two major factories in India, have halted production for weeks. The workers, represented by the newly formed Samsung India Labour Welfare Union (SILWU), are demanding better wages, improved working conditions, and, most importantly, formal recognition of their union.

This protest, which has seen daily gatherings of workers in Samsung uniforms, has led to significant production slowdowns, impacting the company’s ability to meet demand for consumer goods like air conditioners, refrigerators, and televisions. The Chennai plant contributes a substantial portion of Samsung’s $12 billion annual revenue in India, making the disruptions a costly affair.

The striking workers, supported by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) – the labour wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) – are pushing for wage hikes, improved conditions, and union recognition. They argue that Samsung’s current wage of approximately ₹25,000 per month ($298) does not account for rising living costs. CITU has been vocal in accusing Samsung of mistreating workers by forcing them to meet unrealistic production targets and providing unsafe working conditions. While Samsung denies these allegations, the protests have escalated to the point where the company has had to rely on temporary workers to maintain minimal operations.

This isn’t the first time Communist-backed unions have disrupted international companies operating in India. These strikes raise concerns about India’s ability to retain foreign investment, particularly in manufacturing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to attract foreign manufacturers—positioning India as an alternative to China—are now at risk as these protests continue to generate negative publicity and disrupt business operations.

Impacts Of Unnecessary Labor Strikes

Unnecessary labor strikes can have several negative consequences on employment and investment in countries like India, which has a large and diverse labor force. Here are some key impacts:

1. Reduced Investor Confidence: Frequent strikes can create an unpredictable business environment, discouraging both domestic and foreign investors from committing resources.

2. Job Losses: Prolonged strikes can lead to layoffs or the closure of businesses, resulting in job losses and increased unemployment rates. Example: Sterlite Copper in Tuticorin

3. Economic Slowdown: Strikes can halt production, causing delays in output that may negatively impact the overall economy, affecting both growth and stability. This situation can lead to losses for India, as seen in the rise of Pakistan’s copper exports to China amid increased net copper imports by India. The protests in Thoothukudi, led by NGOs and activists like The Other Media (TOM), contributed to the closure of Sterlite Copper, highlighting how social unrest can influence market dynamics.

4. Supply Chain Disruptions: Strikes can interrupt supply chains, impacting not only local businesses but also international partners, leading to broader economic ramifications.

5. Increased Costs: Businesses may face increased costs due to lost production, hiring temporary workers, or paying overtime, which can erode profit margins and deter investment.

6. Labor Relations Tensions: Ongoing strikes can foster a confrontational dynamic between employers and employees, complicating future negotiations. As a result, companies may seek more favorable and protective environments in other states. Currently, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are competing for these opportunities.

7. Sector-Specific Decline: Certain industries may be more vulnerable to strikes, leading to a decline in specific sectors, which can affect regional economies and job opportunities.

8. Reputational Damage: A history of strikes can tarnish a country’s reputation as a stable place for investment, making it less attractive to potential investors.

9. Impact on Skilled Workers: Skilled workers may leave for more stable job markets, leading to a brain drain that undermines long-term economic growth.

Settlement Reached But CITU Demands Union Recognition

After multiple discussions between Samsung India’s management and the workers at its Sriperumbudur manufacturing facility, a settlement has been reached regarding the ongoing strike. However, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) announced that the strike would continue, citing the company’s refusal to recognize the newly formed Samsung India Workers’ Union (SIWU) as a significant unresolved issue.

The discussions, which took place on 7 October 2024 at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat, involved Labour Minister CV Ganesan, Industries Minister TRB Rajaa, and MSME Minister TM Anbarasan. The company and the workers’ committee signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). According to the MoA, Samsung agreed to implement a temporary “Productivity Stabilisation Incentive” of ₹5,000 per month, effective from October 2024 to March 2025, along with future wage hikes to be discussed in the upcoming wage negotiations for the 2025–2026 financial year.

Industries Minister Rajaa acknowledged that Samsung’s management had met most workers’ demands, including wage increases and additional benefits. He expressed optimism that the strike would soon end and emphasized the importance of Samsung’s role in Tamil Nadu’s journey toward becoming a trillion-dollar economy.

Despite these developments, CITU district secretary E Muthukumar confirmed that the strike would continue until Samsung officially recognized the SIWU. He argued that the agreement was signed only with a workers’ committee, which is seen as more favourable to the company and not with the union.

The strike, which began on 9 September 2024, initially involved over 1,000 out of the 1,800 workers at the Sriperumbudur plant. Established in 2007, the facility manufactures consumer electronics such as televisions, washing machines, and air conditioners.

On 9 October 2024, tensions escalated as police arrested several protesting workers and union members, dismantling a protest pandal without notice. Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu assured us that the detained workers had been released and clarified that the government’s actions aimed to manage protests held without prior permission. He reiterated that the matter of union recognition was sub-judice and was awaiting a decision from the Madras High Court.

Potential Relocation Of Samsung’s Sriperumbudur Plant Amid Labor Unrest – A Loss To TN

Meanwhile, reports have surfaced that Samsung may be considering relocating its Sriperumbudur plant, with Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat reportedly vying to host the facility. Sources suggest that Samsung could shift operations to its Noida plant due to the ongoing labour unrest, though no official confirmation has been made. Samsung has denied any relocation plans, stating that all worker demands except for union recognition have been addressed.

Despite these assurances, hundreds of workers protested, insisting on union recognition. Videos showing police intervention at the protest site have gone viral on social media, further fueling tensions. Political leaders, including those from the ruling DMK alliance parties, have expressed solidarity with the workers.

The Tamil Nadu unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) condemned the police crackdown, with MP Su. Venkatesan criticised the suppression of workers’ democratic rights.

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

Complaint Filed Against American Evangelist For Alleged Visa Violations In Hyderabad

By
The Commune
-
Complaint Filed Against American Evangelist For Alleged Visa Violations In Hyderabad

The Legal Rights Protection Forum has lodged a formal complaint against American evangelist William Samuel Winston, also known as Bill Winston, accusing him of violating Indian visa regulations. The complaint, addressed to the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer in Hyderabad and copied to the Ministry of Home Affairs, raises concerns about Winston’s participation in religious activities during his upcoming visit to Hyderabad.

According to the complaint, Winston, who is scheduled to attend the ‘Hyderabad Faith Conference’ from October 18 to 21, 2024, at the SVIT College Auditorium, Secunderabad, is a regular guest at the event organized by Kings Temple Church. The forum claims that Winston, an international pastor and founder of Bill Winston Ministries in the United States, has been attending this conference as the chief guest and principal speaker since 2010, allegedly violating Indian visa rules.

As per Section 14(b) of the Foreigners Act of 1946, foreign nationals are prohibited from participating in religious activities in India under most types of visas. The Legal Rights Protection Forum has urged the authorities to take immediate action to prevent American evangelist Winston from attending the conference, citing concerns about the violation of visa norms. The complaint has also been forwarded to the Home Secretary and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for further action.

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

“An Attempt To Intimidate The Press”, Madras HC Rebuked TN Police For Filing Case Against YouTuber Maridhas And TOI Journo For Exposing TN Police’s Handling Of Minor’s Rape Case

By
The Commune
-
Madras HC Rebuked TN Police For Filing Case Against YouTuber Maridhas And TOI Journo For Exposing TN Police’s Handling Of Minor’s Rape Case

The Madras High Court has severely criticized the Tamil Nadu police for their mishandling of the case, including allegations of harassment against the victim’s family and procedural violations during the investigation. The court has ordered the case to be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation.

Case Details

The disturbing case centers on the brutal sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl in Chennai, which remained hidden for almost a week before coming to light on 29 August 2024. The incident was revealed when the child’s mother, a cook by profession, sought medical attention for her daughter, who was suffering from severe stomach pain. At Kilpauk Medical College, doctors discovered signs of repeated sexual assault, triggering the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) at the Anna Nagar all-women police station on 30 August 2024. The police named a 31-year-old water delivery man, Satish, as the primary suspect in the case.

Despite the gravity of the crime, there were serious delays and lapses in the police investigation. The accused, Satish, was not arrested until 12 days later, after media reports brought attention to the case. This delay fueled allegations that the authorities were attempting to downplay the case and avoid public scrutiny. In the wake of these accusations, the victim’s mother came forward with shocking claims that she had been mistreated by the police during the investigation, including allegations of physical assault by a police inspector named Raji.

YouTuber Maridhas & TOI Journo Selvaraj Expose Police Mishandling

On 9 September 2024, YouTuber Maridhas released an explosive video on his channel, revealing audio evidence that cast the Tamil Nadu police in a negative light. The audio, which featured the child victim’s voice, exposed numerous failures in how the police handled the case. Maridhas accused the authorities of being more concerned with quickly closing the case than ensuring justice for the minor girl. He highlighted the alarming delay in arresting the main suspect and pointed out how the police allegedly harassed the victim’s family instead of protecting them.

In the audio clip, the child initially expressed fear of the police, concerned that they might hit her. Under the questioning of a female police officer, she retracted her earlier accusations against Satish and instead named a minor boy as the perpetrator, stating the abuse had occurred two years earlier. The police officer could be heard telling the child that it was late, and they were conducting the questioning well past her bedtime. Maridhas noted in his video that the interrogation continued until 1 AM, a violation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

TOI journalist Selvaraj also released this clip.

Madras HC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance

Two days after Maridhas released the video, on 10 September 2024, the Madras High Court took suo motu cognizance of the case. The victim’s mother had filed a habeas corpus petition, alleging that the police had mistreated her and violated numerous legal protocols during the investigation. In her complaint, the mother claimed that she was called to the police station while her daughter was still in the hospital. During her visit, she alleged that she was physically assaulted by Inspector Raji, who twisted her hands and beat her while demanding answers about her daughter’s condition. The police, however, denied these allegations.

Upon reviewing the circumstances, the court found several procedural violations. These included questioning the child in the hospital without the presence of her parents, recording her statement late at night, and failing to adhere to trauma-informed interviewing techniques. Under the POCSO Act, a child’s statement should be recorded at home or in a location of their choosing in a child-friendly manner. The police’s failure to follow these guidelines raised serious concerns.

Court Criticizes Police For Targeting YouTuber & Journalist

In a move that attracted further scrutiny, the Tamil Nadu police filed FIRs against YouTuber Maridhas and journalist A Selvaraj of The Times of India for sharing the audio clip related to the case. During court proceedings, the State Public Prosecutor, Hasan Mohamed Jinnah, informed the court of the FIRs, claiming that the audio release violated confidentiality rules.

The bench, however, was unimpressed by this argument. In a strongly worded rebuke, the court criticized the police for targeting those exposed to the leaks rather than focusing on the culprits responsible for the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive material. The court questioned why the police had chosen to file criminal cases against a YouTuber and a journalist, instead of investigating the source of the leak.

The judgment emphasized that such actions against journalists and YouTubers were a threat to press freedom, a constitutionally protected right. The court noted that “The practice of registering cases only against journalists and YouTubers, leaving out the real accused, suggests an attempt to intimidate the press.” The judges stressed that such actions undermine the constitutional right to press freedom, which cannot be compromised in a democracy. The court made it clear that whenever such leaks happen, it is the responsibility of the police to trace the source of the information, not to punish those who report it.

Court Orders Investigation Transfer To CBI

Expressing its dissatisfaction with the Tamil Nadu police’s handling of the investigation, the Madras High Court ordered that the case be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). A bench comprising Justices S.M. Subramaniam and V. Sivagnanam noted the egregious violations of legal procedures and expressed concern that the local authorities had compromised the integrity of the investigation.

The court highlighted the fact that, despite the horrific nature of the crime — involving the repeated rape of a 10-year-old child — the police delayed the arrest of the main suspect and harassed the victim’s family. The judges cited the loss of confidence by the victim’s parents in the Tamil Nadu police as a key reason for transferring the case to the CBI. The court underscored the need for a thorough, unbiased investigation to ensure justice for the victim and her family.

Numerous Procedural Violations By Police In Handling The Case

Beyond the mishandling of the case against Maridhas and Selvaraj, the court also criticized the police for several procedural violations related to the handling of the victim’s statement. According to the POCSO Act, a child’s statement should be recorded in a child-friendly environment, ideally at the child’s home or a place of their choosing, and in the presence of their parents or a trusted guardian. None of these conditions were met in this case. Instead, the police interrogated the child late at night in a hospital, without the presence of her mother.

The court also criticized the police for failing to conduct a proper forensic interview with the child, which should have been done to avoid leading or suggestive questions. This was a significant lapse, as trauma-informed interviews are crucial in ensuring that a child’s testimony remains untainted and truthful.

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

128 Bangladeshi Infiltrators Pushed Back In Last Two Months: Assam CM

By
The Commune
-
128 Bangladeshi Infiltrators Pushed Back In Last Two Months: Assam CM

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said that 128 Bangladeshi nationals, who were trying to cross over to India illegally, were pushed back in the last two months. Two Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended by the security forces along the India-Bangladesh border and pushed back to the neighbouring country in the wee hours on Wednesday.

The persons were identified as Babul Hussain and Sakib Mia. Taking to social media platform X, CM Sarma wrote, “Maintaining strict vigil along the Indo-Bangla border, @assampolice has pushed back 128 infiltrators across the border in last two months.” Earlier, CM Sarma asserted that although some Bangladeshi infiltrators managed to get Aadhaar cards, they could not enrol themselves on the voters’ list.

He said, “There is no chance that people from Bangladesh illegally enter India and get themselves enrolled in the voters’ list in Assam. We have caught many people who were trying to gain illegal entry into the Indian territory and pushed them back within a few hours. Most of the infiltrators were apprehended in the morning around 5 a.m., and before 9 a.m., they were pushed back. In two or three hours, they cannot register themselves in the voters’ list.”

However, the Chief Minister sees no harm in remaining extra vigilant. “We have decided to take a slew of measures for the detection of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh because there is a possibility that a few infiltrators might have escaped the clutches of the security personnel,” he added.

Assam Police have been directed to take all necessary preventive and precautionary measures to intensify detection and proactively curb the movement of Bangladeshi illegal migrants. The infiltrators from Bangladesh cross over the border and enter India for the sake of jobs.

–IANS

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

Integrative System Of Medicine Becoming Popular Worldwide: Droupadi Murmu

By
The Commune
-
Integrative System Of Medicine Becoming Popular Worldwide: Droupadi Murmu

The idea of an integrative system of medicine is becoming popular worldwide, said President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday. She said this at the seventh foundation day of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi. “Ayurveda is one of the oldest medical systems in the world. It is India’s invaluable gift to the world. Ayurveda emphasises holistic health management while maintaining a balance between mind, body, and spirit,” Murmu said.

While there has been awareness around the medicinal value of the trees and plants, modernised society “moved away from nature, and stopped using traditional knowledge”, the President said. “It became easier to get medicine from a doctor than adopt home remedies. “Now awareness among people is increasing. Today, the idea of an Integrative System of Medicine is becoming popular all over the world. Different medical systems are helping to provide health to people as complementary systems to each other,” Murmu said. The President said that although faith in Ayurveda is “unwavering”, some people take advantage and cheat innocent people; spread misleading information and make false claims.

“This not only harms the money and health of the public but also defames Ayurveda,” she said, adding that “more qualified doctors are needed so that people do not have to go to uneducated doctors”. She was happy to note that in the past few years, the number of Ayurveda colleges and students has increased significantly; which is expected to increase further. Development of Ayurveda will benefit humans, animals and the environment, the President said.

Further, noting that it is “good to have healthy competition” among different medicine systems, Murmu asked to avoid criticising each other and to foster a “sense of cooperation”. Murmu also called on to increase “focus on research and continuous improvement in the quality of medicines to ensure the relevance of Ayurveda”.

–IANS

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

India To Become Global Leader In Biopharmaceuticals, Bio-Manufacturing By 2030: Jitendra Singh

By
The Commune
-
India To Become Global Leader In Biopharmaceuticals, Bio-Manufacturing By 2030: Jitendra Singh

India will become a global leader in biopharmaceuticals, bio-manufacturing, and life sciences by 2030, said Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, on Wednesday. Singh said this while speaking at the sixth CII Pharma and Life Sciences Summit: 2024, held in the national capital on Wednesday.

He commended the country for “emerging as a hub for affordable and high-quality medicines”. India must now also focus on vaccine equity, and technology transfer to boost global vaccination efforts, Singh said. “The ‘Make in India’ initiative is pivotal in reducing our dependence on imported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). By strengthening our domestic manufacturing, we are bolstering self-reliance and ensuring critical healthcare supplies are readily available,” the Minister said.

“We now rank third in pharmaceutical production by volume and 14th by value,” he added. Lauding the pharma industry, Singh said the transition from a generic-focused model to the development of biopharmaceuticals and biosimilars, has been one of the “most remarkable shifts”. Further, the Minister said the next industrial revolution will come from the biotech sector. “Thanks to initiatives like the PLI scheme, India is well on its way to becoming a global leader in biopharmaceuticals, bio-manufacturing, and life sciences by 2030,” he said, adding “There is still much to be achieved”.

The development of the world’s first DNA vaccine for COVID-19 and the efforts to develop the first human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for adolescent girls, which will prevent cervical cancer exemplified India’s leadership in global health. India has also significantly transformed health outcomes, especially for low- and middle-income countries, by producing 65 per cent of the world’s vaccines.

–IANS

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

Calcutta HC Orders CBI Probe Into Torture Of Two Women In Police Custody

By
The Commune
-
Calcutta HC Orders CBI Probe Into Torture Of Two Women In Police Custody calcutta high court the bengal files

A single-judge Bench of the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the alleged torture of two women BJP activists in police custody.

State police arrested the two women activists of the BJP after a complaint was lodged against them, accusing them of making derogatory comments about the minor daughter of Trinamool Congress’ General Secretary and the party’s Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee.

Later, the two women approached the single-judge Bench of Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj, accusing police of excesses, including physical assault, while they were in custody.

On Tuesday, while ordering a CBI probe into the matter, Justice Bharadwaj observed such actions on part of the state police were simply unacceptable.

According to him, due to the seriousness of the complaint of assault in police custody, the investigation cannot be entrusted to the state police, and hence, the CBI should probe the matter.

Recently a video surfaced where these two woman activists of the BJP were allegedly heard making derogatory remarks against Abhishek Banerjee’s minor daughter from a rally organised to protest against the rape and murder of a woman junior doctor of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata in August.

Based on that video, whose authenticity could not be cross-checked by IANS, a third woman filed a complaint at Diamond Harbour Police Station. Acting on that complaint, the police arrested the two women.

The hearing in the matter concluded on Monday. Justice Bharadwaj then kept the order on reserve. During the hearing, Justice Bharadwaj also raised the question of how FIRs were filed in different police stations in various districts in this single case.

–IANS

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

Army Commanders Conference In Two Phases, First Leg In Sikkim From Oct 10

By
The Commune
-
Army Commanders Conference

The Indian Army’s second Army Commanders Conference for 2024 will be organized in a hybrid, two-part mode, with the first phase beginning on Thursday at a forward location at Gangtok, showcasing the force’s focus on ground realities, amid the numerous regional security challenges. Serving as a forum for senior army commanders to review current operational preparedness, deliberate on critical strategies and outline future directives, the conference’s first phase will focus on critical national security issues and strategic aspects aimed at sharpening warfighting capabilities, a Defence Ministry release said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will deliver a keynote address to the assembled senior army leadership in Sikkim and will be briefed on the emerging security challenges and the army’s response in the security domain. The key issues to be deliberated during the two-day session will include the growing importance of a multi-pronged national security strategy that incorporates integration of civil-military fusion and the diplomatic, information, military, and economic (DIME) pillars to counter contemporary threats besides the need for developing low-cost technologies and alternate strategies to counter the rapidly evolving character of warfare.

Aligned with the goal of technological absorption, the senior hierarchy will deliberate on various issues, including the infusion of technology in professional military education and explore the possibilities of recruiting domain specialists in niche domains. Other matters under deliberation will focus on enhancing the overall organisational health and easing the processes of the field formations to make them more resilient and responsive.

In the second phase of the Army Commanders Conference, the senior hierarchy of the army will congregate in Delhi on October 28-29. There will be a discussion on the evolving geopolitical landscape, followed by brainstorming on operational matters and meetings of various Boards of Governors to deliberate upon welfare measures and schemes for the financial security of serving soldiers, veterans, and their families.

The army’s top brass will also be addressed by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. This gathering of the Indian Army’s senior leadership reinforces the Army’s enduring resolve to stay prepared, adapt swiftly, and defend with precision to ensure the force remains progressive, forward-looking, adaptive and future-ready, the statement said.

–IANS

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

Complaint Filed Against Gangadhara Nellore TDP MLA For Allegedly Misusing Scheduled Caste Status

By
The Commune
-
Complaint Filed Against Gangadhara Nellore TDP MLA For Allegedly Misusing Scheduled Caste Status

A formal complaint has been lodged against VM Thomas, the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Gangadhara Nellore constituency in Chittoor District, alleging misuse of his Scheduled Caste (SC) status. The SC ST Rights Forum, a non-government organization, submitted the complaint to the Chief Electoral Officer of Andhra Pradesh, accusing Thomas of contesting from a reserved SC constituency despite being a Christian, which violates the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order of 1950.

According to the complaint, Thomas was elected in the 2024 General Elections from the Gangadhara Nellore SC Reserved constituency. However, during a recent visit to Tirumala, Thomas allegedly signed a declaration stating that he is a Christian while expressing respect for Hindu beliefs. News outlets, including Zee Telugu and Andhra Watch, reported on this declaration, raising concerns over his eligibility to hold an SC certificate.

The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order of 1950 states that individuals who convert to Christianity or Islam are no longer eligible for SC status. The forum alleges that Thomas concealed his religious identity to contest in the SC-reserved constituency, thereby misusing reservation benefits meant for the welfare of the SC community.

The SC ST Rights Forum has requested the Chief Electoral Officer to direct the District Collector of Chittoor to initiate an inquiry into the matter and refer it to the District Level Scrutiny Committee. The complaint seeks a thorough investigation to determine whether Thomas is ineligible for the SC certificate and if any legal actions need to be taken.

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

1...855856857...1,963Page 856 of 1,963
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

Gujarat High Court Refuses To Quash FIR Against Soros-Lackey Ravi Nair Over Adani-LIC Report, Dhanya Rajendran Suffers A Meltdown

Gujarat High Court Refuses To Quash FIR Against Soros-Lackey Ravi Nair...

The Commune - 0
The Gujarat High Court has refused to quash an FIR against journalist and Adani hater Ravi Nair over an October 2025 report alleging that...
© The Commune 2025. All Rights Reserved.