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DMK Youth Wing Leader Arrested For Smuggling Ganja In Thiruvarur District

By
The Commune
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Ramana, the son of DMK councillor Rajini Chinna alias Chinna Veeran, currently serving as the Thiruvarur District DMK Youth Wing co-convener, has been apprehended by the police for his alleged involvement in smuggling cannabis.

The arrest, which took place amid a surge in concerns over the flourishing cannabis trade in Thiruvarur district, has raised eyebrows about the purported connections between the DMK and the illicit drug market. Ramana, hailing from the 24th ward of the municipality, was taken into custody in connection with the illegal transportation and sale of cannabis.

Locals in the region have long been vocal in accusing a gang with purportedly connected to the DMK of actively facilitating the distribution of cannabis throughout Thiruvarur district. Allegations have surfaced indicating that this faction, allegedly led by Ramana’s father, has been instrumental in thwarting police efforts to crack down on cannabis trade.

The authorities are intensifying their efforts to dismantle the gang involved in the sale of cannabis.

BJP Tamil Nadu State Secretary SG Suryah criticized the DMK saying “The DMK is responsible for the rampant sale of ganja in Tiruvarur district.”

(With inputs from Janam Tamil)

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“Can We Say He’s Enjoying Power Because Of His Dad’s Assets?”: Nirmala Sitharaman Attacks DMK Scion Udhayanidhi Stalin’s ‘Are We Asking Your Dad’s Money’ Remark

By
The Commune
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On 22 December 2023, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman conducted a press conference to provide insights into the Central Government’s actions in response to the recent floods affecting Chennai and the southern districts of Tamil Nadu.

She said that the Centre has disbursed ₹900 crore in two installments for Tamil Nadu in the current fiscal year.

Commenting on the DMK government’s to give ₹6000 as relief amount, Sitharaman expressed her concern over the mode of payment, questioning why the funds were being disbursed in cash rather than through direct benefit transfer. She asserted, “This is government money, not my father’s money or your father’s money.”

The Finance Minister’s comments came in response to a remark made by DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin who had said “Are we asking their father’s money? We’re asking to give back our money”.

Sitharaman retaliated, accusing Udhayanidhi of consistently using derogatory language. Drawing parallels to a previous controversy about eradication of Sanatana Dharma, she said, “This is the pattern of their language; even during the Sanatana dharma controversy, he employed similar expressions.

“Those asking ‘Is it your dad’s money?’, can we similarly say he is enjoying power because of his dad’s assets? Can we ask like that? He has ben elected by the people and we give him the due respect for that. These talks like ‘unga appan, unga aatha’ (derogatory way of saying your father, your mother), these kind of talks are not good in politics. He wishes to progress further in politics right? That family is also aspiring right? The language they use. His grandfather was such a big Tamil scholar. The words that come through the tongue should be measured in accordance with the position they hold.“, she said.

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Over 1 Cr Ayushman Cards Created Under Ongoing Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra

By
The Commune
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In a significant milestone demonstrating strengthening of the country’s health infrastructure and propelling healthcare excellence in India, India has achieved a commendable landmark. 1,02,23,619 Ayushman cards have been created during Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.

Under the ongoing Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, the cumulative footfall has reached 1,31,66,365 in 79,487 Health camps conducted in 3,462 Gram Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies, till date.

The following activities are being carried out in the Health Camps:

Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): Under the flagship scheme of MoHFW for the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, Ayushman cards are being created using the Ayushman app and physical cards are being distributed to the beneficiaries. Till date, more than 23,83,473 physical cards have been distributed.

A total of 6,34,168 Ayushman cards have been created at the health camps held yesterday.

Tuberculosis (TB): Screening of patients for TB is carried out by screening for symptoms, sputum testing, and using NAAT machines wherever available. Case suspected to have TB are referred to higher facilities. By the end of Day 36, more than 49, 17,356 people have been screened out of which more than 3,41,499 were referred to higher Public Health Facilities.

Under Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMA), consent is being taken for patients suffering from TB for receiving assistance from Nikshay Mitras. Attendees willing to be Nikshay Mitras are also being provided on-spot registration. More than 1,17,734 patients have given consent under PMTBMBA and more than 39,819 new Nikshay Mitras were registered.

Under Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY), monetary assistance is provided to TB patients through Direct benefit Transfer. For this purpose, details of bank account of the pending beneficiaries are being collected and accounts are being Aadhaar seeded. Details of 30,093 such beneficiaries have been collected.

Sickle Cell Disease: In areas with predominant tribal population, screening of eligible population (up to 40 years of age) is being done for the detection of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) through the Point of Care (PoC) tests for SCD or through Solubility Test. Cases testing positive are being referred to higher centers for management. More than 5,08,701 people have been screened so far, out of which 21,793 were found to be positive and referred to higher public health facilities.

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Screening of eligible population (30 years and above) is being done for Hypertension and Diabetes and cases suspected to be positive are being referred to higher centers. Around 10,297,809 people have been screened for Hypertension and Diabetes. More than 4,82,667 people were suspected to be positive for Hypertension and more than 3,45,898 were suspected to have Diabetes and more than 7,59,451 people were referred to higher public health facilities.

Background:

The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on November 15 from Khunti, Jharkhand to saturate the benefits of central government schemes across the nation. As a part of on-spot services under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, Health Camps are being organized at the places of halt of the IEC Van in the Gram Panchayats.

(Published form PIB)

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“When Disaster Struck TN, CM Was Sitting In I.N.D.I. Meeting”: Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman Hits Back At MK Stalin

By
The Commune
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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed a press conference on Friday (22 December 2023) to brief about the Central Government’s response to the recent floods that struck Chennai and southern districts of Tamil Nadu.

Addressing the media in New Delhi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Centre has disbursed ₹900 crore in two installments for Tamil Nadu in the current fiscal year.

She said that the DMK government in Tamil Nadu failed to take adequate precautions steps to tackle the monsoons adding that no lessons had been learnt from the 2015 floods.

Sitharaman emphasized the advanced capabilities of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai, including three dopplers, which accurately predicted heavy rainfall in specified districts.

She refuted claims by DMK Minister Mano Thangaraj regarding delayed weather updates, asserting that the Centre’s assistance in 2015 should have been effectively utilized by the Tamil Nadu government.

“Initially, a minister said 92% of ₹4,000 crore given for Chennai basin deveopment was spent. After the floods, the government says only 42% has been spen so far. If the funds were utilised properly, the rain impact would not have turned this bad.“, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.

Sitharaman clarified that there is no official term “National disaster” and highlighted the absence of such declarations even for Uttarakhand, emphasizing the need for states to follow disaster announcement guidelines.

Responding to Stalin’s allegations of inadequate relief funds, she countered that the state government is using its own funds for relief work. She also hit back at CM MK Stalin saying that when disaster struck the southern districts of Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi, he was in Delhi to participate in the I.N.D.I. Alliance meeting.

“Despite us giving warning 5 days ago on 12 December 2023, and saying they would’ve done a great job if accurate forecasts with cm-wise data were given, the same Chief Minister, the same Hon’ble Chief Minister.. We were sending NDRF teams then. Where was the Hon’ble CM? Unprecedented historic rains in 4 districts of the state. People are suffering. Instead of being on the ground and demanding the Centre to send NDRF teams, he was in Delhi. After 3 days he is visiting Tirunelveli and speaking, we will respectfully listen to it. But he was here for the whole day for the meeting (I.N.D.I. Alliance) and seeks time to meet the PM just on the go, and the PM had obliged to his request despite being late at night. I can understand what his (Stalin’s) priorities are.” she took a jibe at MK Stalin.

“At a time when disaster struck, CM was sitting with I.N.D.I Alliance.”, Nirmala Sitharaman hit back.

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DMK Spokie Has A ‘Moye Moye’ Moment When Confronted By BJP’s Shehzad Poonawalla

By
The Commune
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DMK Spokesperson S Dharanidharan found himself perplexed and speechless during a debate on Times Now recently. 

Dharanidharan claimed the ED was an arm of the BJP. To this, BJP spokesperson, Shehzad Poonawalla who was also part of the panel replied, “Mr Dharanidharan just said that the ED is an extension of the Modi government. Right now, just about one hour ago, former DMK minister P Palaniswami’s son, a DMK functionary Pynthamil Pari, was raided by Karnataka Lokayukta for illegal mining. Is the Karnataka Lokayukta an extension of the Congress-run Karnataka government?”

https://twitter.com/PsyiconicBing/status/1737849690392351211

A tongue-tied Dharanidharan replies, “See firstly, you’ll have to understand the most corrupt party in the world is the BJP. BJP is the one which legalised corruption by electoral bonds. When countries across the world are banning corporate donations,….”

Shehzad interrupts Dharanidharan asking if the raid is okay. Dharanidharan continued to speak irrelevantly by mentioning the CAG audits. Shehzad continues asking him, “Is the Karnataka Lokayukta an extension of the Karnataka government?” To which, Dharanidharan replied, “That is a different issue”.

It is noteworthy that the several ministers of the DMK have been accused of corruption. Senthilbalaji who continues to be a Minister without portfolio continues to be under arrest for his involvement in the cash-for-jobs scam. Spokespersons such as Dharanidharan are often left flummoxed when it comes to responding to questions that show them the mirror. 

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BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan Calls For Action Against Judges Who Acquitted DMK Leader Ponmudi

By
The Commune
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Following the conviction and sentencing of senior DMK leader and now dethroned Minister K. Ponmudi, BJP MLA from Coimbatore South has called for taking action against the errant judges who had acquitted him.

The Higher Education Minister, formerly in charge of Higher Education and Mineral Resources during the 2006-2011 DMK regime, received a three-year prison sentence along with a ₹50 lakh fine from the Madras High Court.

In a recent press release, Vanathi Srinivasan, emphasised that the judiciary’s decision, coming 12 years after the case was filed in 2011, instills confidence in the legal system. Despite Ponmudi’s acquittal by the Villupuram District Anti-Corruption Special Court, the Madras High Court’s conviction serves as a crucial lesson for individuals in power and public life.

The press release delves into another disproportionate asset case against Minister Ponmudi, which was initially pending in the Villupuram District Principal Court. The sudden transfer of the case to Vellore District Court, followed by an ex officio order by the Madras High Court in 2022, resulted in Ponmudi’s acquittal from the disproportionate asset charges.

Vanathi Srinivasan expressed concern over the controversy surrounding Ponmudi’s cases. Notably, the Madras High Court took up the case independently while another case was still pending, leading to Ponmudi’s conviction. A previous report from 17 August 2023 condemned what was described as an abuse of power to shield Ponmudi in one of the cases. The High Court was shocked by Ponmudi’s attempts to evade the corruption charges, utilising various means, including leveraging the power of the government.

In her press release, Vanathi Srinivasan called attention to the need for a transfer of corruption cases involving DMK ministers. She cited the precedent set by the DMK itself during the case against Ms. Jayalalithaa, advocating for the transfer of her corruption case to Bengaluru during her tenure as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. With multiple ministers in the current DMK government facing corruption investigations, Vanathi Srinivasan proposed moving these cases to states where DMK alliance parties are not in power.

Speaking to reporters, the BJP woman leader also called for taking action against judges who had helped in getting the DMK Minister acquitted.

“The trials against Ponmudi was happening at Vizhuppuram court. That was transferred to another court through an administrative order. He did not ask for the case to be transferred. Nobody had petitioned to transfer the case from Vizhuppuram to another court. But those in power transferred and made a judge who was about to retire to hear the case and acquit him. Ministers, MPs, MLAs getting involved in corruption and convicted is one thing. On the other hand, action should be taken against those judges who are helping them.”, Vanathi Srinivasan said.

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BJP TN, Sadhguru Slam I.N.D.I. Ally Nitish Kumar For Hindi Imposition While DMK And Other Dravidianists Have Their Mouths Zipped

By
The Commune
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Renowned spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev has criticised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his outburst regarding the use of Hindi as the national language during a political meeting. Sadhguru emphasised that “Hindustan” refers to the land between the Himalayas and the Indu Sagara, signifying the land of Hindus and not the language of Hindi.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Sadhguru urged Nitish Kumar to respect India’s linguistic diversity and avoid making divisive statements. He stated that the linguistic division of states was implemented to ensure equal status for all languages in India, irrespective of the number of speakers. he wrote, “Respected Shri Nitish Kumar ji, Hindustan means the land that lies between the Himalayas and Indu Sagara or the land of Hindus not the land of Hindi language. Linguistic division of states was done with the wisdom that all languages in the country will have same status even though there may be big differences in the populations that speak them. Respectfully request you to avoid such banal statements as there are many states with their own language, literature and culture associated with it. -Sg”

The controversy unfolded during the I.N.D.I.A bloc meeting, where DMK leader TR Baalu requested a translation of Nitish Kumar’s Hindi speech. Nitish Kumar, asserting that “Hindi is our national language,” rejected the offer for translation, leading to a heated exchange. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha’s attempt to provide translation was rebuffed by Nitish Kumar, who insisted that everyone should know the language.

Sadhguru’s rebuke and Nitish Kumar’s assertion have added fuel to the ongoing debate over language politics in the country.

This comes at a time when the Dravidianists who pride themselves on their Tamil language went completely into mute mode over the matter. The Chief Minister who has been to challenge the centre over trivial things by stating “thottu paar, thatti paar” (touch me and see, hit me and see) has not responded with “Hindi Theriyadu Poda”, the preferred slogan of the Dravidianists whenever they encounter anything remotely Hindi.

Netizens called out the hypocrisy of the Dravidianists as well as the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam members.

 

“Those Who Doubt This Govt Will Be Proven Wrong”: Highlights From PM Modi’s Financial Times Interview

By
The Commune
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The Financial Times published an interview of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 21 December 2023 which covered a wide range of topics from foreign policy to the criticism levelled against him. The Prime Minister deftly navigated all the tricky questions, expressed confidence in India’s progress and dismissed concerns raised by critics. Here are some key quotes from the interview:

Asserting the evolving aspirations of the Indian populace, Modi stated that the nation stands on the brink of a transformative era. He highlighted the electorate’s confidence in his party’s ability to expedite India’s progress, especially after recent victories in state elections. The criticisms about “democratic backsliding” and alleged attacks on secular principles, were dismissed by the Prime Minister. He labeled such criticisms as insults to the intelligence of the Indian people, emphasizing their deep commitment to values like diversity and democracy.

Addressing concerns about constitutional amendments, Modi declared any talk of such changes as meaningless. He defended the transformative initiatives undertaken by his government, ranging from a nationwide toilet-building campaign to digital infrastructure development, asserting that these achievements were realized through public participation without amending the constitution.

Discussing India’s foreign policy, Modi emphasized the nation’s commitment to engaging with other countries based on mutual interests and an awareness of contemporary geopolitical complexities. Regarding India’s relationship with the United States, Modi described it as broader, deeper, and warmer than ever before.

On the economic front, Modi highlighted India’s progress from the “Fragile Five” to the world’s fifth-largest economy. Despite achievements, concerns about unemployment, corruption, administrative hurdles, and a perceived skills gap persist. Modi countered unemployment worries with data indicating a consistent decline in rates, emphasizing India’s acceleration in employment generation.

Responding to criticisms about potential threats to democracy in a third term, Modi expressed confidence that doubters would be proven wrong, drawing parallels with historical instances where predictions about India’s future proved false.

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DMK Min Ponmudi Pleaded Court To Show Concern Considering Old Age & Health; Dravidianists Had Earlier Called For Jailing An Old Man For Comments On Ambedkar

By
The Commune
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Back in September 2023, after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s son, Udhayanidhi Stalin stirred controversy by likening Sanatana Dharma to mosquito-borne diseases and Corona, calling for its eradication during the “Eradicate Sanatanam Conclave” on 2 September 2023, a slew of arrests were made and several FIRs were issued on those critiquing the remarks.

Among those arrested inhumanely was RBVS Manian, a former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader, aged around 76, in the wee hours (around 3 AM) of 14 September 2023 for making “offensive remarks” against Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Following the speech, Dravidianists vociferously called for the arrest of the elderly RBVS Manian; these included so-called “journalists” as well as DMK members and supporters of the party.

Cut to the present. Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister K Ponmudi, who has been sentenced to a three-year jail term in a disproportionate assets case, has pleaded with the court to consider his age and health.

 

Netizens call out the irony of the situation.

Many on social media lashed out at the apparent hypocrisy of the DMK leader whether asking whether his age didn’t matter when looting or deriding poor women as people who travel “OC”.

 

It is noteworthy that Ponmudi has been given 30 days to appeal before imprisonment.

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Beyond Numbers: Pradeep Bhandari’s Journey In Understanding The Pulse Of A Rising Nation

By
The Commune
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A young man who’s faced mockery, abuse, and applause – Pradeep Bhandari and his team have achieved an impressive track record in predicting election outcomes. His success lies in decoding the pulse of the average voter. What is it, you ask? The Commune delves into conversation with Pradeep Bhandari, who talks to us about the secret sauce and methods that make him the man of the moment in election forecasting.

Pradeep Bhandari’s journey from engineering to journalism is woven with threads of passion for societal impact and a genuine desire to shape narratives. From his formative years through engineering, public policy, and theatre studies, Pradeep’s focus remained on contributing to societal welfare. The shift occurred during his time with a Haryana-based think tank, leading to the founding of Jan Ki Baat in 2017.

As the founder, Pradeep embarked on a mission beyond traditional journalism, evolving Jan Ki Baat into a groundbreaking venture in election surveys. The accuracy of predictions, notably in the 2017 Uttar Pradesh election, highlighted not just statistical prowess but a deep understanding of the nation’s pulse.

Pradeep’s journey goes beyond numbers, marked by forming a dynamic team of 100 passionate youngsters dedicated to the cause. Covering an impressive one lakh kilometres by foot across 22 states, Pradeep and his team achieved unparalleled journalistic exploration in a diverse nation.

Pradeep’s tireless on-the-ground efforts set him apart at such a young age, emphasising a commitment to a nationalist perspective. This commitment echoes the voices he encountered during extensive travels. His roles at News X, India News, and Republic, where he served as a News Director and Consulting Editor, reflect his refusal to be neutrally complacent. Pradeep’s conviction lies in voicing opinions reflective of the pulse of a nation in transition, extending beyond reporting facts.

Jan Ki Baat

Pradeep Bhandari embarked on his Jan Ki Baat journey in 2017, facing scepticism about the impact of youth in media and politics. Supported by his family, he challenged the notion that age limits capability, advocating for a change in India’s risk appetite. The 2017 Gujarat elections marked a pivotal moment when Bhandari’s accurate predictions revealed the detachment of traditional psephologists from the ground reality. Jan Ki Baat’s methodology, centred on the Probability Map of Outcome, rejects the distant analysis of a nation’s pulse, emphasising on-the-ground insights. The young and dynamic Jan Ki Baat team, combining fresh perspectives with experience, contributes to nuanced election understanding. Pradeep’s firsthand experiences – from traversing villages to decoding Bengal’s 2021 elections – depict Jan Ki Baat as more than a forecasting agency—it’s a force unravelling Indian democracy intricacies. The methodology involves general questions, understanding ground sentiments, and decoding voter psyche. Pradeep acknowledges the complexity of predicting individual voting choices but believes in the magic of combining science, art, and behavioural science. Frustrated with the lack of standards and transparency in Indian psephology, he advocates for rewriting the narrative beyond speculation and satta baazi, aiming for informed analysis.

Success Rate

For Pradeep, the honesty and integrity that should underscore journalism similarly apply to psephology. He asserts that transparency should be non-negotiable, and his commitment to factual reporting is evident in Jan Ki Baat’s track record—39 out of 43 elections accurately predicted. 

Over the past eight years, he has consistently demonstrated his astute political forecasting by accurately predicting key elections across India. His track record includes successful predictions for major states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Delhi, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra, Haryana, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa, and more. Additionally, he has successfully attempted and predicted results in crucial by-polls, including Gorakhpur, Bawana, Phulpur, Patkura, and Narela, showcasing a remarkable proficiency in anticipating electoral outcomes.

2024 – Who Will It Be?

Now, for the all-important question – the 2024 parliamentary elections! Pradeep Bhandari feels people have already made up their minds, unanimously echoing a desire to see Prime Minister Narendra Modi return for a historic third term. His analysis, rooted in the three pillars of ground-level progress, the revival of Sanatan culture, and the elevated global image of India, paints a vivid picture of the BJP’s dominance.

In 2014, he says, Narendra Modi secured a majority when fewer knew him; by 2019, his work had elevated his popularity. In 2024, Pradeep envisions a comfortable majority, emphasising that he will be able to predict the exact figures in the coming months closer to the elections. The anticipation is not just about seat shares but an undeniable surge in the BJP’s vote share eclipsing the 2019 results. Pradeep predicts a strengthened BJP in key states like Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Bihar, where Nitish Kumar’s influence wanes. 

On Annamalai & BJP In TN

When talking to someone like Pradeep, we surely must ask him about TN BJP and Annamalai. He offers a nuanced perspective on the BJP’s foray with Annamalai. Pradeep asserts that the BJP’s approach in Tamil Nadu signals a departure from divisive politics, emphasising consolidation over polarisation. He expresses measured optimism for the party’s prospects, highlighting the importance of allowing Annamalai the freedom to craft a narrative resonant with the people. In his view, Tamil Nadu is not just a political battleground; it’s a canvas where the BJP, led by Annamalai, is diligently establishing the foundation for a lasting political presence.

Impact Of Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Remarks

If you were wondering whether Tamil Nadu DMK’s Udhayanidhi Stalin’s “eradicate Sanatana Dharma” remarks had any impact on the lay voter, Pradeep contends that statements resonate far beyond their geographical origin in today’s interconnected age. He reveals a ground-level response that reverberated across the Hindi heartland. The candid critique of the INDI Alliance leaders becomes a tacit endorsement, leaving many questioning the political trajectory.

Will Sonia Gandhi Win Rae Bareli This Time?

Speaking of the “top” people of the Congress, Rahul Gandhi’s constituency choice and the potential shift of Sonia Gandhi from Rae Bareli hint at a strategic chess game. Pradeep boldly predicts, “I will not be surprised if Rae Bareli also, the Congress loses this time.” When asked whether the “South vs. North” narrative will have an impact, Pradeep dispels it as bunkum rhetoric, warning against its potential backfire. He repeatedly underscores the disconnect between political think tanks and the ground reality, portraying only Narendra Modi as a contender capable of challenging Narendra Modi. 

His Journey Through The NorthEast

Recalling his journey through the Northeast, where he was able to predict the 2018 Tripura polls to perfection, Pradeep recounts the month and a half he spent traversing every constituency, defying conventional narratives and predicting a BJP victory against widespread scepticism. The indomitable spirit of his reporting, marked by an attack from the opposition, became a beacon of accurate foresight, resonating across the nation. Venturing further into Assam, Pradeep becomes a witness to the transformative impact of BJP’s development initiatives. He paints a vivid picture of infrastructure metamorphosis, exemplified by the evolution of airports and roads, symbolic of a Northeast undergoing a developmental renaissance. For Pradeep, the Northeast, often overlooked in the past, emerges as an integral part of India’s developmental surge under Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Stories Close To His Heart

When we asked him about an experience or a story closest to his heart, Pradeep Bhandari shared a poignant story from Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, illustrating the transformative impact of grassroots governance. Despite the political rhetoric, a 71-year-old Bhil Bhilala woman supported Modi in fulfilling his promise of providing her with a home. Anecdotes of a street food seller in Jharkhand embracing UPI payments to a cancer survivor benefiting from Ayushman Bharat in Chhattisgarh highlight the tangible changes under Modi’s governance. Beyond political affiliations, he emphasises the emergence of collective confidence, a belief Modi instilled that India is on the path to becoming a developed nation. He said, “It is not about BJP or Congress; it is about Modi.”  He recalls being the lone voice on television amplifying the grievances of post-poll violence victims in Bengal and standing with Arnab Goswami amid Maharashtra’s political turmoil. Despite criticism and FIRs, Bhandari remains steadfast, proud of his journalism anchored in genuine commitment to nationalism and professional excellence. He emphatically declares, “I’m not a commercial nationalist or an opportunistic nationalist. I’m a true nationalist by heart and also professional excellence, and we have proof of that.”

Vision For A Developed India

Pradeep Bhandari envisions Jan Ki Baat as the resounding voice for India’s 130 crore people, poised to shape the nation’s narrative. With a keen focus on the upcoming 2024 elections, he aims to impact millions, positioning the platform as the definitive voice of a developed India. Going beyond electoral predictions, Bhandari commits to expanding Jan Ki Baat into a multifaceted entity, exploring strategic narratives with a comprehensive 360-degree approach. He invites the youth to actively participate in building a media legacy that resonates for decades.

Pradeep has travelled to 22 states and expressed a keen interest in exploring Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and deep Jammu and Kashmir in the future. When asked about his vision for Indore, his hometown, he says he envisions transformative growth, aspiring for it to lead central India’s development, akin to Singapore’s ascent. Bhandari champions the idea that a developed Indore will significantly contribute to a developed Madhya Pradesh and India. 

For Pradeep, being a journalist means shaping the collective opinion of a nation on its path to development. As India stands at a critical juncture under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Pradeep sees his role as a professional, politically opinionated journalist and psephologist as a critical contribution to the ongoing narrative of a rising nation. His dream is to be the voice of 100 crore Indians, actively contributing to the vision of a Developed India by 2047. Journalistically, he aims to ensure that every person in India engages with the narrative of a Developed India.

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