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Congress And Ally CMs Boycott NITI Aayog Meeting Over Alleged Favouritism Shown Towards Bihar & AP, Here’s How UPA Showed “Favouritism”

By
The Commune
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Several chief ministers, predominantly from the Congress and its alliance, are planning to skip the upcoming NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for 27 July 2024, in protest against what they consider a discriminatory Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 23 July 2024.

Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister M K Stalin announced this decision at a press conference on 23rd July. In addition, Congress leaders such as K C Venugopal took to social media to criticize the budget as unfair and against the principles of federalism. Venugopal stated that Congress CMs would boycott the NITI Aayog meeting to protest the government’s actions, which they see as contradicting constitutional principles.

Among the Congress CMs joining the boycott are Revanth Reddy of Telangana, Siddaramaiah of Karnataka, and Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh. Siddaramaiah elaborated on his decision online, expressing dissatisfaction with the budget’s neglect of Karnataka’s needs, particularly in crucial areas like infrastructure and agriculture.

Stalin criticized the budget for severely neglecting Tamil Nadu’s demands and failing to increase allocations for essential sectors like health, education, and agriculture. He highlighted concerns over rising unemployment and inflation, accusing the central government of shortsightedness in its budgetary approach.

Overall, these chief ministers are protesting what they perceive as biased budget allocations that fail to address the genuine needs of their states, opting to boycott the NITI Aayog meeting as a symbolic gesture of their discontent.

Political analysts view the current boycott by opposition parties as a calculated political maneuver, drawing parallels with past actions by the Congress-led UPA government. They scrutinize UPA budget speeches to assess whether Congress Finance Ministers prioritized coalition states like Bengal and Tamil Nadu over states such as Gujarat, led by BJP’s Modi.

The analysis reveals compelling patterns, Tamil Nadu consistently received budget mentions under the UPA when the DMK, an ally, was part of the coalition. However, mentions ceased when the DMK withdrew from the UPA. This pattern raises questions about political alliances influencing budget allocations. Similarly, West Bengal featured prominently in UPA budgets while the TMC was a coalition partner. This suggests that coalition dynamics played a significant role in budgetary allocations during the UPA tenure. Gujarat’s mentions in UPA budgets declined sharply from 2007 onwards, coinciding with strained relations between Modi and the Gandhis ahead of assembly elections. This observation prompts reflection on whether political considerations influenced budget decisions during that period.

Key takeaways include questioning the role of political instincts in budget allocations under the UPA regime. It underscores how coalition dynamics may have influenced budget priorities, evident in selective mentions and allocations favoring allied states.

It’s noteworthy that these observations contrast with the current protests against perceived favoritism, suggesting a nuanced understanding of historical political strategies in budget formulation. Additionally, the UPA’s Railway budget under Lalu Yadav is cited as an example where election dynamics sometimes overshadowed budgetary prudence, highlighting past instances where political maneuvering influenced budget outcomes.

Here’s how then Finance Minister P. Chidambaram justified the UPA government giving special package to Nitish Kumar-ruled Bihar who was back then an ally.

(This article is based on an X post by Rahul Shivshankar)

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27 Out Of 38 Districts Did Not Find Mention In TN Budget 2024-25

By
The Commune
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The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the budget for the financial year 2024-25 on 23 July 2024. While the budget was presented to achieve the Viksit Bharat agenda of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA government, members and supporters of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu questioned why Tamil Nadu did not feature in their agenda.

Dravidianist mouthpieces like The News Minute’s Shabbir Ahmed posted a misleading comment on his X handle. He mocked the budget for not “including/having anything for T.N.” The schemes and initiatives mentioned above are for women, the poor, farmers, tribals, and the youth. Netizens differed, asking whether this section of people was unavailable in Tamil Nadu.

By Shabbir’s logic, if one searched for Kerala, Karnataka, UP, or M.P., one would not find any results. The budget is presented for the country as a whole and not per state.

Applying the same logic to the budget presented by the Tamil Nadu government earlier this year, 27 districts out of a total of 38 districts in Tamil Nadu are not named in the document. So have these 27 districts of the state been ignored by the government?  

These districts include Ariyalur, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Dharmapuri, Erode, Kalakurichi, Kanchipuram, Karur, Madurai, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Kanyakumari, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, Ranipet, Tenkasi, Thanjavur, Theni, Thiruvallur, Tiruvarur, Tiruvannamalai, Tirunelveli, Tirupattur, Tiruppur, Nilgiris, Vellore and Villupuram. None of these names appears in the budget document presented by the TN Finance Minister.

Netizens questioned if this was the infamous “Dravidian Model” of governance.

Additionally, BJP leader H Raja noted that “Tamil Nadu was not mentioned in 6 of the 10 budgets presented during the UPA era – 2004-20014 period. So is the Congress DMK alliance an anti-Tamil Nadu alliance?”

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Delhi Court Summons YouTuber Dhruv Rathee In Defamation Case Filed By BJP Leader Suresh Nakhua

By
The Commune
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Suresh Nakhua and Dhruv Rathee

The Saket Court of Delhi has summoned YouTuber Dhruv Rathee in a defamation lawsuit initiated by Suresh Karamshi Nakhua, a spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Mumbai. Nakhua alleged that Rathee referred to him as a “violent and abusive troll” in a video posted on YouTube.

District Judge Gunjan Gupta issued the summons on 19 July 2024, setting the hearing for 6 August 2024. The court has also issued notices to the social media intermediaries involved. Nakhua is represented by advocates Raghav Awasthi and Mukesh Sharma.

The controversy centres around a video titled “My Reply to Godi Youtubers | Elvish Yadav | Dhruv Rathee,” uploaded by Rathee and garnering over one crore views. In the video, Rathee claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hosted individuals like Ankit Jain, Suresh Nakhua, and Tajinder Bagga at his residence, labelling them as violent and abusive trolls.

Nakhua’s lawsuit contends that Rathee’s statements are defamatory and have severely damaged his reputation, causing widespread condemnation and ridicule. The BJP leader described the video as highly provocative and incendiary, arguing that it spread rapidly across digital platforms and made unsubstantiated claims to link him to troll activities.

Nakhua further asserted that the defamatory content has tarnished his social standing and planted suspicion and mistrust, potentially leading to long-lasting reputational damage.

Critics of Dhruv Rathee have accused him of making derogatory remarks about Hindu gods. They say he has compared Hindus wearing saffron scarves to terrorists like Osama bin Laden. Separately, in another conversation with a YouTuber, Rathee had claimed that Bhagwan Ram was a myth. These comments have sparked significant controversy and backlash by netizens worldwide.

(With inputs from Live Mint)

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TN BJP Unveils ‘DMK Crime Files’: List Of Allegations Of Criminal Activities By Ruling Party Members In Tamil Nadu

By
The Commune
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DMK Crime Files - a dossier released by TN BJP

On 22 July 2024, the Tamil Nadu BJP unveiled a dossier called “DMK Crime Files”, detailing the alleged criminal records of several individuals associated with the state’s ruling party, the DMK. During a press conference, TN BJP Chief Annamalai labelled the DMK ‘Crime Munnetra Kazhagam’, a play on the party’s name. The “DMK Crime Files” cited 113 incidents from 2021 onwards.

Among those named in “DMK Crime Files” were international drug smuggler Jaffer Sadiq, DMK’s controversial stage speakers Shivaji Krishnamurthy, DMK MPs A Raja and Kalanidhi Veeraswamy, and Minister SS Sivasankar, all currently under scrutiny by multiple central government agencies. The BJP dossier also referenced the murder of BSP leader K Armstrong, implicating three individuals—Arul, M Srinivasan, and Sathish—alleged to have links with the DMK.

  • On 09 March 2024, Jaffer Sadiq, the Chennai West deputy organizer of the DMK’s NRI wing, was involved in smuggling drugs worth ₹2000 crores.
  • On 05 July 2024, Arul, the Thiruvallur East Union DMK leader, along with DMK Branch Secretary Kalai M. Sreenivasan and Thiruvallur Central District DMK Literary wing deputy-organizer Kumaresan’s son Satish, were implicated in the murder case of BSP State President Armstrong.
  • On 27 May 2024, Tenkasi DMK youth wing executives were accused of assaulting a woman.
  • On 11 July 2024, DMK branch secretary Palaniswami was linked to sand robbery in Salem Cauvery River.
  • On 06 July 2024, DMK functionaries Velu and Kannukutty were involved in the illegal sale of liquor in Kallakurichi.
  • On 12 July 2024, Salem Municipal Corporation 55th Ward Councillor’s husband Satish was implicated in the murder case of an AIADMK functionary.
  • On 12 July 2024, DMK functionary Muhammad Rafiq was accused of cheating a dealer of Rs.18 lakh worth of iridium in Madurai, the DMK Crime Files said.

  • On 21 November 2023, Coimbatore DMK South District Minority Wing Joint Secretary Shajil was reported to have attacked a youth while intoxicated.
  • On 29 December 2023, Thiruvannamalai DMK former city council president, and Thiruvannamalai South district executive committee member Sridhar was accused of attacking a woman guard in Annamalaiyar temple and using obscene language.
  • On 05 February 2024, Theni DMK youth sub-organizer Stephen was found guilty of cheating people of ₹30 lakh in the name of a marathon.
  • On 01 March 2024, DMK Western District Deputy Secretary Kalachelvan was involved in assaulting a Polymer News cameraman who was collecting news in Chennai.
  • On 19 March 2024, DMK panchayat council president and Kattankulathur Union DMK women’s team organizer Muthamil Selvi was implicated in the murder case of Vandalur DMK executives.
  • On 29 April 2024, Alankulam DMK union committee member Bose was caught smuggling drugs in Tenkasi.

  • On 18 August 2023, Kadavur Prabhakaran, the husband of a DMK councilor, destroyed a barrage built at a cost of 30 lakh rupees in Karur.
  • On 30 August 2023, DMK Union Committee Vice President Pachaiyappan was accused of seizing Kalpakkam government punjai land and building a house on it.
  • On 05 September 2023, Tirunelveli District DMK Deputy Secretary Prabhu was involved in the murder case of a BJP functionary in Palayamkottai.
  • On 23 September 2023, DMK functionary Senthil was reported to have illegally taken land belonging to Velankanni temple.
  • On 14 October 2023, DMK functionary Sakthivel attempted to kill the assistant of the village administrative officer who was trying to stop sand smuggling near Palani by loading a truck on him.
  • On 31 October 2023, supporters of DMK Minister Sivashankar in Perambalur engaged in rioting to disrupt the auction of a stone quarry.
  • On 27 November 2023, DMK leader Nagaraj assaulted a woman at a tea shop in Krishnagiri.

  • On 2 August 2022, Sivaganga DMK leader Ramanathan was caught preparing fake documents and cheating people out of 5 acres of land.
  • On 27 August 2022, DMK city fisherfolk organizer Daniel was involved in smuggling adulterated diesel in Tuticorin.
  • On 10 September 2022, Arcot city DMK deputy secretary Ravikumar was implicated in gold smuggling and human trafficking in Chennai.
  • On 23-September 2022, DMK 7th Ward Councillor’s husband Kodimagan was involved in a serial robbery in Thoothukudi.
  • On 06 October 2022, DMK executive Anthony Raj was accused of threatening a government official in Tirunelveli.
  • On 07 October 2022, 8 DMK officials, including Veeramurthy, Prakash, Vinod, Ramadoss, Hussain, Rishi, Prakash, and Durai, demolished a newly built house in Vandalur.
  • On 13 October 2022, DMK city secretary Veeraganesan’s supporter and 11th ward councilor Pandavar verbally insulted a woman councilor.

  • On 06 June 2022, DMK executive Karunanidhi caused disturbance to the public in Trichy.
  • On 10 June 2022, DMK leader Jayakumar was caught swindling six and a half lakhs by promising a government job.
  • On 18 June 2022, DMK executive Sivaji Krishnamurthy made inappropriate comments about women.
  • On 28 June 2022, DMK leader Praveen Kumar assaulted an employee of an old iron shop.
  • On 13 July 2022, Hari Krishnan, the son of DMK’s former panchayat president, harassed a woman in Virudhunagar.
  • On 06 August 2022, DMK youth wing executive Arun Kumar was caught smuggling ganja in Trichy.
  • On 12 August 2022, Vetri Selvan, the husband of Thathamangalam panchayat union DMK councilor, attacked a person who asked him to return a loan in Manchanallur.

  • On 29 April 2022, Madipakkam 188th DMK circle Deputy Secretary Kutty and 188th DMK circle Fisherman wing Organizer Sagayam were involved in the murder case of a DMK Circle Secretary.
  • On 01 May 2022, DMK functionary Vignesh was caught selling ganja in Viruthunagar.
  • On 11 May 2022, DMK functionary Ayyanar was accused of harassing a woman for two months in Viruthunagar.
  • On 13 May 2022, Madurai woman DMK executive Renuka, along with her husband, committed a multi-crore fraud by promising government jobs.
  • On 26 May 2022, Sridhar, an organizer of the DMK Northern Union, brutally assaulted a young girl near Virudhachalam, Cuddalore district.
  • On 30 May 2022, Chennai DMK executive Dinesh vandalized a shop after demanding Mamool – unofficial payments.
  • On 31 May 2022, Anbu, the Thiruvalur DMK Branch Secretary, broke into a house and attacked women.

  • On 02 February 2022, DMK functionary Jayakumar defrauded a lawyer of Rs. 30 lakh in Nagercoil.
  • On 08 February 2022, Ayangudi DMK Panchayat President Raja Manickam cheated more than 6 crore rupees from over 100 people by promising them jobs abroad.
  • On 14 February 2022, DMK functionary Karthik attempted to kill a commoner from Tambaram.
  • On 22 February 2022, DMK functionaries Kathir and Selvakumar were involved in breaking a voting machine in Ward 179, Odai Kuppam, Besant Nagar, Chennai.
  • On 11 March 2022, DMK functionary Vasantakumar from Tiruvallur Vellakulam robbed jewelry and money by pretending to be officials.
  • On 22 March 2022, DMK functionary Hariharan, Junaid, and 6 others threatened a young woman with a video and raped her alternately for 8 months in Viruthunagar.
  • On 24 March 2022, DMK functionary Sivakumar from Tirupur harassed a 3-year-old girl.

  • On 26 October 2021, DMK functionary Arogyaraj kidnapped the Vice Principal of a Trichy Private College and extorted money.
  • On 30 October 2021, DMK 177th Circle Youth Wing Organizer Nagarajan robbed a massage center with a knife.
  • On 31 October 2021, DMK union vice-president Palanisami and his assistant Velmurugan expropriated land in Perumanallur, Tirupur.
  • On 16 November 2021, the POCSO Act was filed against DMK functionary Muthuswamy from Alankulam for harassing a school girl.
  • On 25 November 2021, DMK Northern District Secretary Chelladurai seized the land of a Muslim family in Tenkasi.
  • On 22 November 2021, DMK Ottapidaram Panchayat Council President Ilayaraja abducted and beat a practicing doctor in Tuticorin.
  • On 31 December 2021, former DMK councilor Eshwaramurthy was involved in the murder case of a BJP leader in Erode.

  • On 1 August 2021, Babu, the organizer of Chennai DMK 53rd Circle Trader Wing, was behind the sale of drug pills that corrupt the younger generation in Chennai.
  • On 2 September 2021, DMK Ex-Councilor & Manapparai City Treasurer Gopi attacked the Trichy Manapparai Tahsildar.
  • On 7 September 2021, Coimbatore DMK executive Kaliappan harassed a woman who was alone at home while under the influence of alcohol.

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Residents Of Suleeswarapatti In Pollachi Oppose Establishment Of Tamil Nadu Jama-athul Ulema Office, Fear Conversion Into Mosque

By
The Commune
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Suspicions arose in Suleeswarapatti after a residential structure took a mosque's design and became the Jama-athul Ulema's new office.
Representative Image Source: Jamiat Ulama Tamilnadu

Residents of Suleeswarapatti in Pollachi have submitted a petition to the District Collector opposing the establishment of a Tamil Nadu Jama-athul Ulema office in their locality. The petitioners expressed concerns that the office may eventually be converted into a mosque and madrassa.

The petition highlighted that Muslim groups purchased the land, knowing that Suleeswarapatti is predominantly a Hindu area. Representatives from the Hindu Munnani, who joined the delegation, stated that there had been a pattern of Muslim groups buying land in Hindu-majority areas to build mosques. They urged the District Collector to take immediate action to maintain communal harmony.

Background in Suleeswarapatti demography

Akshaya Garden, a new residential plot development, has recently emerged in Suleeswaranpatti. This area is just 2 kilometres from the central station in Pollachi town, which is part of the Coimbatore district. The area, primarily Hindu, has quickly transformed into a bustling residential colony.

Residents of Akshaya Garden expressed concerns over the construction on Plot No. 25B, recently purchased by a Muslim individual. Initially thought to be a residential house, suspicions arose as the structure took the design of a mosque. It was revealed that the building is intended as the new office for the Tamil Nadu Jama-athul Ulema’s Pollachi unit, with its inauguration announced for 24 July 2024 through flex banners across Pollachi.

On 15 July 2024, members of the Suleeswaranpatti Residential Association met with the Coimbatore District Collector to submit a memorandum demanding the halt of the office inauguration. The memorandum alleged that the Muslim individuals who purchased land at Akshaya Garden were aware of the predominantly Hindu demographic and intended to establish the office under the guise of the Jama-athul Ulema. They expressed concerns that the office might eventually be converted into a mosque and later into a madrassa, urging immediate intervention.

Hindu Munnani supported the residents’ concerns, posting on social media for the permanent closure of the Jama-athul Ulema office. They criticized the construction as illegal and reiterated their demand for its cessation.

Recent developments have sparked concern among residents regarding land acquisitions by Muslim groups in areas traditionally populated by Hindus. These purchases are reportedly aimed at establishing mosques and madrassas. Some observers suggest this could be part of a broader plan to initially foster an image of interfaith cooperation while potentially expanding their community’s presence and impact in the long term.

Inviting local Hindus to mosque inaugurations and publicizing these events through mainstream and social media is seen as a practice to create a façade of Hindu-Muslim unity. Critics argue that once the mosques are established, the Muslim community will assert their identity more strongly.

Recent Controversies

In June 2024, in Koyambedu, Chennai, despite orders from the Supreme Court and High Court to demolish an illegal mosque, the structure remains standing after Islamists took to the streets to protest the demolition.

In July 2022, in Tirupur, officials attempted to seal an illegal mosque following a court order, sparking widespread protests by the Muslim community and bringing traffic to a standstill. Originally a banian firm, the building was converted to a mosque without permission, leading to complaints.

Critics state that Muslim groups demonstrated their influence by mobilizing large crowds and securing political assurances that these mosques would not be demolished, reflecting a pattern of political appeasement.

This issue has sparked a debate about the broader implications, with some arguing that Hindus are beginning to recognize the strategic motives behind these land acquisitions and constructions. It is argued that there is a gradual erosion of Hindu rights in Tamil Nadu, similar to trends observed in West Bengal and Kerala, where minority communities have been perceived to gain increasing influence.

(With inputs from Organiser)

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DMK Govt Appoints Controversial Catholic Jesuit Priest As TN State Minorities Commission Chairman

By
The Commune
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DMK Govt Appoints Controversial Catholic Priest As TN State Minorities Commission Chairman

Rev. Fr. C. Joe Arun, SJ, has recently been appointed as the Chairman of the Tamil Nadu State Minorities Commission, a move that has generated significant debate and controversy. Fr. Joe Arun, who is currently the Director of Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA), replaces senior Congress leader Peter Alphonse in this prestigious position.

However, his past tenure as the Secretary of Loyola College, Chennai, from 2010 to 2012, has been marred by controversies that continue to cast a shadow over his new appointment in the minorities commission.

Fr. Joe Arun is the only Loyola College secretary to have served a two-year term instead of the customary three-year tenure. According to sources within the college, he was relieved from his position before completing his term due to serious allegations of financial corruption and deviations from Jesuit core tenets. These allegations have never been officially substantiated, but they have left a lasting impact on his reputation.

The newly-appointed chairman of the state minorities commission has been known for his outspoken views and controversial actions throughout his career. He has been vocal in his support of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a stance that has drawn both criticism and support from various quarters. During his tenure at Loyola College, he was instrumental in organizing a media interaction with Seeman, the head of Naam Tamilar Katchi, who made inflammatory statements about the situation in Sri Lanka. This event was part of a broader pattern where Loyola College, under his leadership, provided platforms for fringe political outfits advocating for a separate Tamil Nadu.

In November 2018, while delivering a lecture at the National Conference on “Excellence in Higher Education”, Joe Arun said “The State Government of Tamil Nadu, asked me to revise the syllabus [for] Standard 1-12 Social Sciences. I was one of the mentors to design. If you go and today you see 1st Standard students, Social Science textbook [sic], there’s plenty of Jesuit ideology have been injected into it. And nobody knows. More and more are inserted there. And you’ll see only pictures in the first standard textbook, only pictures.”

During the 2018 Christmas celebrations organized by Christhuva Nallenna Iyakkam, led by Inigo Irudhayaraj (elected as MLA in 2021 on a DMK ticket), DMK President MK Stalin, senior leaders KN Nehru and Anbil Mahesh, and controversial Christian priest Ezra Sargunam, presided over the event. During the celebration, Joe Arun made a biblical prophecy, declaring MK Stalin as the godsend to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Narrating how the period before Jesus birth was a dark time, Joe says “According to me, Jesus who was born then… the period of his birth, someone with the fortitude and capabilities like a sun (DMK’s symbol) will rise. Who told this? Isiah. Who is saying? First Book of Maccabees. During the dark times he will be born, Isiah says, during the dark times, how will he be born? Not as someone who has capabilities, not as someone with wealth, but a man will be born who has the fortitude. Who will send him? His father (Karunanidhi) will send him. He will be born. He will be born and he will rule us. And we’ll be there in that regime.”

Fr. Joe Arun’s actions and affiliations have sparked intense debate about the role of educational institutions in political discourse. Some have seen his willingness to support and provide platforms for controversial and fringe ideologies as a commitment to free speech and open dialogue. However, others argue that it has promoted divisive and destabilizing ideas, particularly within the sensitive and diverse environment of a college campus.

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Madras High Court Stays Demolition Of Sri Rathina Vinayagar Temple Gopuram For Chennai Metro Phase II

By
The Commune
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Sri Rathina Vinayagar Temple and Madras HC

In response to mounting opposition from Royapettah residents, the Madras High Court has issued a stay on any construction or demolition work by Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) that would affect the Sri Rathina Vinayagar Temple and the Sri Durgai Amman Temple on Whites Road. This decision announced on 23 July 2024, halts the planned demolition of the temple’s tower as part of the Metro Phase II project.

Background And Legal Proceedings

The controversy began when residents and devotees protested the CMRL’s plan to demolish the five-tier Raja Gopuram of the Sri Rathina Vinayagar Temple, which is approximately 30-40 years old. The temple itself has stood for over 250 years. The temple, also known as the Sri Durgai Amman Temple, is the only Durga Temple in Chennai facing North. The residents argue that the gopuram’s demolition would be a significant cultural loss.

The Madras High Court previously asked CMRL and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department to explore the possibility of relocating the gopuram using advanced technology. However, a CMRL official expressed doubts about the viability of this solution.

Residents and devotees, represented by the Aalayam Kappom Foundation, challenged the demolition through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). The court was scheduled to hear reports from the respective counsels on the feasibility of relocating the gopuram.

On 23 July 2024, temple activist TR Ramesh announced via his social media handle that the Hon’ble 1st Bench of the Madras High Court had issued a stay order on any construction or demolition activities by CMRL in and around the ancient temples. Advocate Muthuraj Ramamoorthi was representing the Aalayam Kappom Foundation. Ramesh emphasized the cultural significance of these temples, noting their mention in records dating back to British India over 100 years ago.

The stay order requires CMRL to reassess its plans and consider alternative sites for the Metro line that do not interfere with these historically and culturally significant temples.

(with inputs from TNIE)

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Kalaignar Seithigal Claims BJP Govt’s Working Women Hostels Scheme Is TN’s ‘Dravidian Model’ Initiative, BJP Leader Suryah Busts The Lie

By
The Commune
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SG Suryah, Thozhi hostels

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the Union Budget 2024-25 on 23 July 2024 that the government will establish working women hostels in collaboration with industries and create creches to boost women’s workforce participation.

However, the ruling DMK’s mouthpiece, their family-run media channel Kalaignar Seithigal, had to twist this to suit their narrative. They posted an image on their social media handle stating, “The Union Government following the Dravidian Model Project! Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the Union Budget that special hostels will be set up for working women across the country! Even before the announcement of the Union Government, the Dravidian Model Government led by Chief Minister M.K.Stalin is implementing the Thozhi hostel scheme for working women in Tamil Nadu!”

Is This Claim True?

Well, like all other claims made by the mouthpiece of the DMK, this also turns out to be false. Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party’s State Secretary SG Suryah busted this fake propaganda by sharing the truth. He shared data from August 2021, when the Ministry of Women and Child Development released the first instalment to the State government of TN for the construction of a hostel building for working women with a daycare centre by the Tamil Nadu Working Women Hostel Corporation Limited (TNWWHCL) in Tambaram District, TN. The document states the central government sanctioned a non-recurring grant of ₹7,00,50,000 (seven crore fifty thousand) as the central government’s share for the construction.

It further states that the grant for the construction of the hostel building represents 60% of the total approved cost of ₹11.67,50,000 (eleven crore sixty-seven lakh and fifty thousand rupees).

The first instalment of this amount was a sum of ₹3,50,25,000 (three crores fifty lakh and 25 thousand rupees) (50% central govt share) for the construction of the building.

The document also states that the Working Women Hostel is a sub-scheme of the Centrally Sponsored Umbrella Scheme “Mission for Protection & Empowerment for Women“. The central and state govt contribution has been calculated as a 60:40 ratio.

He wrote on his X handle, “Good joke. Thozhi Hostel in itself is a Modi Govt. introduced 60:40 scheme where 60% of funding is borne by Central Govt…Are you not ashamed? @Kalaignarnews??

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Arappor Iyakkam Reveals Massive Faculty Fraud In TN Engg Colleges Affiliated With Anna University

By
The Commune
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The NGO Arappor Iyakkam recently revealed significant irregularities within private engineering colleges affiliated with Anna University.

Arappor Iyakkam, an anti-corruption NGO, recently revealed significant irregularities within private engineering colleges affiliated with Anna University in Tamil Nadu. It was discovered that approximately 352 full-time faculty members are simultaneously employed by multiple colleges, ranging from 2 to 11 institutions each. As a result, Arappor Iyakkam has formally complained to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) and called for an investigation into these malpractices.

It’s important to note that each engineering college must meet specific criteria to obtain affiliation/accreditation from Anna University and the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). These criteria include infrastructure, laboratory facilities, and an adequate number of qualified faculty members. Colleges declare compliance with these criteria, verified through inspections conducted by Anna University’s Center for Affiliation of Institutions and AICTE before approvals are granted. The approval process also determines the permissible intake of students for each course based on these factors. This stringent process is essential to maintain educational quality, as inadequate infrastructure and qualified faculty directly impact students’ education.

Arappor Iyakkam utilized data from Anna University’s Center for Affiliation of Institutions (CAI) and information obtained through RTI requests regarding inspections. Analysis of this data reveals that in the academic year 2023-24, approximately 353 individuals concurrently served as full-time faculty members across multiple engineering colleges. Matching photographs, dates of birth, and educational qualifications of these faculty members corroborated this finding.

Some professors are listed as faculty members in as many as 11 different engineering colleges for the specified academic year. Anna University’s CAI has conducted visits to these colleges and confirmed the presence of these professors as full-time faculty members concurrently at multiple institutions. This situation underscores the extent of collusion and its profound implications. For instance, Dr. S. Marichamy, born on 3rd June 1980, is reported to be working as a full-time faculty member in all 11 colleges listed below:

  1. Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Engineering College (Autonomous), Perambalur
  2. M R K Institute of Technology, Cuddalore
  3. A K T Memorial College of Engineering and Technology, Kallakurichi
  4. A R J College of Engineering and Technology, Tiruvarur
  5. Angel College of Engineering and Technology, Tiruppur
  6. Fatima Michael College of Engineering and Technology, Madurai
  7. Kathir College of Engineering, Coimbatore
  8. Meenakshi College of Engineering, Chennai
  9. Renganayagi Varatharaj College of Engineering, Virudhunagar
  10. RRASE College of Engineering, Kancheepuram
  11. Sri Muthukumaran Institute of Technology, Kancheepuram

There are reports of 353 individuals holding positions in 972 different colleges. Among these, 175 individuals hold PhDs in Engineering, indicating that this malpractice extends beyond entry-level lecturers to include professors. Engineering colleges depend on qualified professors to clearly understand engineering concepts to students. However, many colleges allegedly engage in widespread fraudulent activities instead of hiring such qualified individuals full-time to avoid salary expenses. They falsely portray the availability of these “ghost” professors who exist only on paper, deceiving innocent parents and students who seek quality education and end up paying substantial sums under false pretences.

Arappor Iyakkam alleges collusion among several colleges, professors, and officials from Anna University and AICTE in falsifying the presence of qualified faculty members, thereby compromising the quality of education. They condemn this as a complete breach of trust, fraud, and cheating by engineering colleges, professors, and public officials.

Therefore, Arappor Iyakkam demands an immediate investigation into the fraud and malpractice perpetrated by those complicit in this scheme. They call for scrutiny of the roles played by members of the Inspection Committee and Standing Committee of Anna University who neglected their oversight responsibilities, the Vice-Chancellor who approved affiliation for the fraudulent colleges, members of the Expert Visit Committee of AICTE who failed to monitor compliance with AICTE norms. Additionally, Arappor Iyakkam recommends cancelling the affiliation of the colleges involved in the fraud as per section 7.9 of CAI Statutes and Regulations 2004 (Amended in 2007), debar faculty members involved from working in any AICTE-accredited or Anna University-affiliated colleges and initiate both criminal and departmental actions against all public servants involved in the scam.

(With inputs from Arappor Iyakkam)

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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Presents Budget For “Viksit Bharat”; TNM’s Shabbir Ahmed Says “Tamil Nadu Not Found”

By
The Commune
-
Nirmala Sitharaman and TNM Shabbir Ahmed

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2024-25 in the parliament today. This is the first budget of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term. The budget focused on nine key priorities to create opportunities for all sectors.

Macro-Economic Initiatives

The fiscal deficit target for FY25 has been reduced to 4.5%. The new regime introduced a revised income tax structure and increased the long-term capital gains tax.

Development Of Industrial Parks

A significant proposal includes developing investment-ready “plug and play” industrial parks in or near 100 cities. Additionally, 12 industrial parks have been sanctioned under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme. Notably, the budget also mentions a Critical Mineral Mission to boost domestic production, recycling, and overseas acquisition of critical mineral assets.

Boost To Skilling Programs

The budget outlines a comprehensive skilling package:

  • Upgrading Industrial Training Institutes: 1,000 ITIs will be upgraded in a hub-and-spoke arrangement over five years, focusing on outcomes and quality in collaboration with states and industry.
  • Internships: Over the next five years, one crore youth will be skilled by top Indian companies, and a 12-month Prime Minister’s Internship will provide a monthly allowance of ₹5,000.

Support For M.S.M.E.s

The Centre also introduced several measures to support M.S.M.E.s:

  • A new mechanism will facilitate the continuation of bank credit during stress periods.
  • The Mudra loan limit will increase from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh.
  • The turnover threshold for mandatory onboarding on the TReDS platform reduces from ₹500 crore to ₹250 crore.
  • Financial support for 50 multi-product food irradiation units.
  • E-Commerce Export Hubs will be established in P.P.P. mode to help M.S.M.E.s and traditional artisans sell products internationally.

Revised Model Skill Loan Scheme

The Model Skill Loan Scheme will be revised to provide loans up to ₹7.5 lakh with a government-promoted fund guarantee, expected to benefit 25,000 students annually. E-vouchers up to ₹10 lakh for higher education in domestic institutions will be issued to 1 lakh students each year, with an annual interest subvention of 3%.

Employment-Linked Incentives

Three new schemes for employment-linked incentives were introduced:

  • Scheme A: First-time employees will receive one month’s wage upon entering the workforce in all formal sectors, up to ₹15,000, provided in three instalments.
  • Scheme B: Job creation in the manufacturing sector will be incentivized through a scheme linked to the employment of first-time employees, with incentives based on E.P.F.O. contributions for the first four years.
  • Scheme C: Employers will be reimbursed up to ₹3,000 per month for two years towards their E.P.F.O. contribution for each additional employee, benefiting 2.1 lakh youths.

Agricultural And Allied Sector Support

The budget allocated ₹1.52 lakh crore to the agriculture and allied sectors. Key initiatives include:

  • Establishing 10,000 bio-research centres.
  • Initiating one crore farmers into natural farming over the next two years, supported by branding and certification.
  • Developing large clusters for vegetable production and supply chains closer to consumption centres.
  • Providing financial support for shrimp breeding centres, facilitated by N.A.B.A.R.D.
  • Launching Kisan Credit Cards in five states.
  • Releasing 109 varieties of 32 crops to help natural farmers with verification and branding.
  • To bring six crore farmers and their land into the farmer and land registry to ensure self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds.

With all these allocations and initiatives, the budget is said to be one that will take India on the path of Viksit Bharat—the entire country, including Tamil Nadu.

However, Dravidianists and mouthpieces of the ruling DMK government felt otherwise. They felt that Tamil Nadu had not been specifically allocated any budgetary resources.

T.N.M Looking For Needle In Haystack

The News Minute’s Shabbir Ahmed posted a misleading post on his X handle. He mocked the budget for not “including/having anything for T.N.”.

The schemes and initiatives mentioned above are for women, the poor, farmers, tribals, and the youth. Netizens differed, asking whether this section of people was unavailable in Tamil Nadu.

By Shabbir’s logic, if one searched for Kerala, Karnataka, UP, or M.P., one would not find any results. The budget is presented for the country as a whole and not per state.

Netizens also pointed out to Shabbir that the people of Tamil Nadu were also availing themselves of ELI-linked schemes, Mudra loans, and M.S.M.E. credits.

Additionally, a part of the budget has been allocated for promoting industrial development, and funds would be provided for essential infrastructure such as water, power, railways, and roads in the Kopparthy node on the Vishakapatnam-Chennai Industrial corridor.

https://twitter.com/Bagavathprathee/status/1815655287501807968

Agreed that additional schemes and allocations have been made for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. However, the allocations seem justified.

Additionally, Tamil Nadu did not vote for the B.J.P. but rather the I.N.D.I.Alliance, which has a habit of finding fault with every government scheme.

(with inputs from Live Mint)

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