Facebook Instagram X Youtube
Monday, May 25, 2026
Facebook Instagram X Youtube
Home Blog Page 918

DMK Propaganda Journo Peddles Half-Truths About RTI On Katchatheevu Issue; DMK MP Wilson, Congress Supporter Sumanth Raman Amplifies

By
The Commune
-

The recent activity on social media has been ignited by the actions of a self-proclaimed journalist, Aravindakshan B R. Since 7 May 2024, he has been utilizing his official social media platform, X, to propagate a series of tweets purporting to expose the truth behind a previous allegation involving the DMK’s involvement in ceding the Kachchatheevu island to Sri Lanka. In these tweets, he claimed to shed light on the alleged collaboration between Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar in this matter.

This so-called exposé by the journalist aimed to discredit the previous narrative but ended up being riddled with contradictions. As a result, all the constructed narratives fell apart, causing embarrassment to those who initially believed in the authenticity of the claims. Dravidian journalists, activists, and ministers who had endorsed the allegations faced public scrutiny and subsequently deleted their posts upon realizing the falsity of the narratives.

On 7 May 2024, self-proclaimed journalist Aravindakshan, associated with Sathiyam TV, made a statement on his official X account. He announced a big breaking, as Sathyam news will soon expose with evidence of the fraud of the ‘Katchatheevu island’ political drama orchestrated by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and Tamil Nadu BJP President Annamalai K to sway the parliamentary elections in Tamil Nadu.

Later in a series of threaded posts, Aravindakshan launched into a tirade, leveling numerous baseless and unsubstantiated allegations against the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the minister, and the RTI process, displaying a lack of understanding of common RTI procedures.  Aravindakshan claimed, “Before the Tamil Nadu election polling, MEA India, the BJP, and Times of India conspired against the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government and Congress to propagate slander and false news for the benefit of the Tamil Nadu BJP. Complementing the BJP’s electoral strategy, the Ministry of External Affairs of India was involved. It’s a part of BJP’s efforts to instigate trouble in opposition-led states for political gain.”

He pointed to an article published by Times of India on 31 March 2024, authored by Diwakar and Akhilesh Singh, allegedly revealing sensitive information obtained through an RTI query made by Tamil Nadu BJP President Annamalai to the MEA. Aravindakshan questioned the timing of the release of the RTI response and its subsequent publication by Times of India on the same day, implying collusion between the newspaper and the ministry. He suggested that the responses were leaked to the press before the petitioner received them, likening it to a breach of legal protocol. Aravindakshan also criticized Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for allegedly participating in the dissemination of these documents for electoral gain, calling it an “illegal act” and a “disgraceful act.” He further accused the MEA of fraudulent behavior, citing discrepancies in the official names listed on the ministry’s website and those mentioned in the RTI response. Aravindakshan concluded by condemning the alleged actions of the MEA, calling it “the stupidest thing any ministry in India has ever done” and suggesting that the ministry should feel ashamed of its actions.

Aravindakshan, a Dravidian journo, focused his contention on the identity of Ajay Jain, asserting that Jain was not affiliated with the Ministry of External Affairs, thus branding the entire scheme as fraudulent.

Soon after the propagation of unsubstantiated claims, Congress supporter and ‘All-in-All’ commentator Sumanth Raman, along with DMK MP P Wilson, swiftly shared this propaganda on their official social media platforms. However, as netizens quickly began debunking these claims, citing Ajay Jain’s designation as the CPIO under the Ministry of External Affairs with sourced data, the DMK MP was compelled to remove his post.

In another attempt to promote his agenda, Aravindakshan straightforwardly shared a copy of an RTI response, stating that, “The list of holding charge as the Under Secretary in CNV & I division of Ministry of External Affairs is a s follows:

  1. Smt. Monika Aggarwal, Under Secretary (Vigilance-I) &CPIO
  2. Shri Sheelmani, Under Secretary (Vigilance-II)”

This assertion is highly debatable since the CPIO’s authority is limited to responding to specific inquiries. As there are possibility that the inquiry was about the current CPIO of the CNV & I Division, to which the MEA provided information, hence its debatable and there’s no indication of any inquiry about Ajay Jain or any response from the MEA regarding him. This appears to be a clear case of propagandist misinformation from the alleged journalist. However, the journalist is cleverly framing propaganda in his X post instead of filing an RTI request.

Example, Aravindakshan in his X post states, “India’s External Affairs Ministry @MEAIndia says no one named Ajay Jain has worked as Under Secretary in the CNV &I Division of MEA. If so, Mr. Jaishankar, who is Ajay Jain who provided documents related to “Kachchatheevu island” to @annamalai_k‘s RTI application? @DrSJaishankar Did you order the External Affairs Ministry to fraudulently and illegally issue documents in the name of a fake person?”

Did the RTI response received by the purveyor of false narrative RTI activist, Aravindakshan, indicate that there is no individual named Ajay Jain employed at the Ministry of External Affairs? No!

In conclusion, Aravindakshan’s attempt to promote narratives favoring both the DMK and Congress regarding the Kachchatheevu island issue backfired. While his narrative initially appeared successful, with endorsement from a DMK MP, it eventually unraveled. Later, when all else failed, he resorted to openly pleading for support from Congress officials, highlighting the stark contrast in reactions of the Congress. He lamented out that if a Congress functionary were to express an incorrect opinion in an interview, it would be swiftly seized upon by BJP leaders, key figures, and supporters, including the Prime Minister, making it a major issue.

However, Congress and all its administrators, including the chief, remained conspicuously silent, seemingly unable to voice any opposition. Similarly, He dragged Tamil Nadu Congress as a quiet observation from Tamil Nadu Congress functionaries even after a leader’s interview, as noted by Selvaperunthagai. This disparity led him to suggest, metaphorically, that it seemed as if the mouths of state-level officials were sealed shut, urging them to practice speaking out against such injustices.

 

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

 

 

“Ganja Trade Not Possible Without Connivance Of Police”: Madurai High Court Demands Accountability From TN Govt

By
The Commune
-

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court has strongly criticized the Tamil Nadu police for the incident involving intoxicated youths under the influence of ganja assaulting the public while riding their two-wheelers home after work in Madurai. The court has demanded answers regarding the number of cases registered for the sale and smuggling of ganja, the status of final reports filed in courts, and the submission of seized cannabis to court. These inquiries come as part of a wider investigation into the incident.

The court’s scrutiny stems from a Public interest Litigation (PIL) petition filed by Thirumurugan from Ramanathapuram, following an incident on 22 April 2024 where seven individuals, intoxicated in the Othakadai area of Madurai, attacked Khan Mohammad as he passed by, resulting in serious injuries. The incident, captured on video and circulated on social media, led to the subsequent police case. Allegations surfaced suggesting collusion between the police and ganja sellers in the area, dissuading the public from filing complaints.

As a result, the petitioner advocated for the establishment of outposts in key areas like Neelamega Nagar and Ayyappan Nagar, urging the police to crack down on individuals commuting under the influence of alcohol and ganja, even proposing the creation of a specialized unit within the police force to tackle narcotics trafficking and related criminal activities.

During the court proceedings, it was asserted by the government that those involved in the Othakadai area riots had consumed alcohol but not ganja. Additionally, it was stated that over the past three years, 2,486 individuals from foreign states have been arrested for involvement in ganja sales, with ongoing actions being taken in this regard.

However, the court raised concerns about the possibility of ganja trafficking thriving without the involvement of both judiciary and law enforcement officials. They questioned the effectiveness of efforts to combat ganja sales and smuggling under such circumstances. Consequently, they directed pertinent authorities, including the Tamil Nadu Home Secretary, Tamil Nadu Police DGP, and Director of Narcotics Control Division, to provide a comprehensive response to their inquiries and adjourned the hearing until 15 May 2024.

(With Inputs From Hindu Tamil)

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

Social Media Influencer Bhupendra Jogi Who Trolled Dhruv Rathee Assaulted, Hospitalized Sustaining Severe Injuries

By
The Commune
-

A 38-year-old trader, who doubles as a social media influencer, reportedly faced an assault as he headed home in the Arera Hills area on 7 May 2024. According to the complaint, two masked individuals riding a scooter attacked Bhupendra Jogi with a knife while he was traveling from Roshanpura towards Raj Bhavan, causing severe injuries to his shoulders and hands before fleeing the scene.

Arera Hills police have initiated an investigation, registering a case of attempted murder against the assailants, who remain unidentified. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, prompting authorities to review CCTV footage in the vicinity to identify the perpetrators.

Jogi, residing in Jogipura, Barkhedi, Jehangirabad, operates a garment store in New Market and is active on social media, creating video content. The attack occurred around 9:30 pm on 7 May 2024, shortly after he closed his shop and commenced his journey home. Despite sustaining significant injuries and receiving over 40 stitches in the hospital, Jogi cooperated with police inquiries.

In an Instagram post, Jogi appealed to the public for assistance in locating the attackers, recounting the incident and expressing his desire for justice. Additionally, it was revealed that Jogi had plans to audition for a role on an OTT platform in Mumbai, potentially alongside Salman Khan. Family members speculate that the attack may be related to these auditions. Bhupendra Jogi gained prominence following the viral spread of a meme featuring his “naam kya hai” catchphrase in 2018. Leveraging his newfound fame, he amassed a substantial following on Instagram, currently standing at approximately 196,000 followers. Jogi’s online presence facilitated encounters with influential figures, including former Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Minister Smriti Irani.

The assault on Jogi also alleged to be linked to a recent video he posted on 20 April 2024, wherein he mocked YouTuber Dhruv Rathee. In the video, Jogi and his companions ridiculed Rathee, indicating potential motives for the attack. The video faced strong criticism on Instagram, with Jogi’s remarks inundated with comments from Rathee’s supporters urging others to stop following him. Some went as far as accusing him of aligning with the BJP. Authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the situation.

https://twitter.com/trunicle/status/1788204222300803497

(With Inputs From OpIndia)

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

DMK Govt Arrests Ex Air Force Officer For Sharing Video With ‘Contentious’ Comment Of Pottalpudur ‘Moideen Andavar Dargah’ Which Resembles A Temple

By
The Commune
-

The cybercrime police in Chennai detained a retired air force officer for making contentious remarks on social media regarding the PottalPudur Moideen Andavar Dargah in Tenkasi district.

Srinivasa Subramanian shared a video on his social media platform that showed the inside of PottalPudur ‘Moideen Andavar Dargah’ with a caption in Tamil. Srinivasa Subramanian had just wondered ‘which deity could have resided here’.

The Pottalpudur Dargah stands out for its remarkable architecture, with intricate carvings and elegant calligraphy adorning its main entrance, with pillars and the temple architecture resembling a temple. The inner sanctum houses the tomb, covered by an intricate silver canopy. Visitors to the dargah receive sacred ashes, known as ‘Nerchai,’ made from ghee, tamarind bark, and flowers. Interestingly, this dargah wasn’t solely constructed by Muslims but allegedly also involved contributions from Hindus and Christians.

As per details provided on the Tamil Nadu state tourism website, the Pottalpudur Dargah “showcases the architectural splendor of Tamil Nadu, attracting art and architecture enthusiasts”. Attributing the history of the mosque to “legend”, the state website claims that Sufi saints, on their journey from Iran to India, settled in Pottalpudur village, spreading Islam among the locals adding that following the passing of the leading Sufi saint, a tomb was erected in 1674, becoming a focal point of worship in the mosque.

In a legal case concerning the management of the Pottalpudur Dargah trust in the Madras High Court, it’s noted that this dargah, dating back to 1674, is among the oldest, attracting devotees from various faiths, including Hindus and Christians, alongside Muslims.

Following a complaint by one Asan Mydeen, the Cyber Crime Police arrested Subramanian in Tenkasi and launched an ‘investigation’.

Going by the handle of Srinivasa Subramanian, he comes across as a BJP supporter with many tweets in supportive of the BJP and critical of the DMK in Tamil Nadu.

The leader of Hindu Makkal Katchi (IMK), Arjun Sampath, strongly condemned the fact-checking channel YouTurn, a favored outlet of the DMK. IMK accused Iyan Karthikeyan, a former YouTuber who has been appointed as the ‘Mission Director’ of the DMK government’s draconian Fact-Checking Unit, of deliberately targeting a former Air Force officer while ignoring similar accounts sharing the same posts. In response, IMK announced plans to stage a protest at the Tenkasi collector’s office, demanding an ASI survey of the structure.

 

Many on social media pointed out how DMK government’s ‘Fact-Checking Unit’ headed by a former Dravidian Stock YouTuber, dog-whistles netizens critical of the DMK following which the state machinery is unleashed in an attempt to strike down dissenting voices on social media.

This latest arrest of a former IAF officer comes as yet another incident that highlights the concerning trend of Tamil Nadu Police prioritizing the prosecution of individuals expressing dissenting views online over addressing more serious crimes such as drug peddling, rape, and murder.

Below are the list of past actions of the DMK government, which involved stifling the expression of dissenting opinions, led to a crackdown on freedom of speech.

  • The Commune and its directors faced legal action for reporting on the confrontation between Podu Deekshitars of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple and HR&CE officials.
  • BJP IT Wing and Social Media State Secretary Trichy Pugal Machendran was arrested for an alleged provocative Facebook post celebrating the death of the terrorist Palani Baba on his death anniversary. The post referred to Palani Baba as a “poisonous influence.”
  • TN BJP Functionary Pravin Raj was arrested in the wee hours of 1 October 2023 for his posts targeting the ruling party and the Congress.
  • The Tamil Nadu police even went up to Noida to try to arrest journalist Abhijit Majumder for his article on Udhayanidhi Stalin’s eradicate Sanathana Dharma remarks. 
  • Critic of the DMK, Badri Seshadri, was arrested for his comments in an interview on a YouTube channel regarding the Manipur issue, during which he made remarks about the Chief Justice of India.
  • Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary SG Suryah was taken into custody under non-bailable sections for his comments regarding Madurai CPI-M MP Su Venkatesan concerning a sanitation worker’s tragic death during drain cleaning in Pennadam town, Cuddalore district.
  • An AIADMK IT wing member was apprehended under non-bailable sections for sharing a video meme that humorously referenced MK Stalin’s video statement on Senthilbalaji’s arrest. The meme did not contain derogatory content.
  • A Pro-BJP Twitter user was arrested for sharing an old article and allegedly misattributing DMK to an illegal liquor-producing gang in Tiruppur, following the recent hooch tragedy in Marakkanam.
  • A Pro-BJP Twitter user was arrested for sharing an old article and allegedly misattributing DMK to an illegal liquor-producing gang in Tiruppur, following the recent hooch tragedy in Marakkanam.
  • Vice President of Tamil Nadu BJP’s Industrial Cell, Selva Kumar, was arrested for criticizing DMK Minister Senthilbalaji.
  • The admin of Voice of Savukku Shankar X handle was arrested for a video meme targeting CM MK Stalin and DMK Minister PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan regarding the “eligible household” clause in the monthly assistance scheme for women.
  • The DMK government traveled to Gujarat to arrest BJP cadre John Ravi, who had made satirical social media posts about CM MK Stalin and his late father, Karunanidhi.
  • N Muthuramalingam, the State Propaganda Secretary of South India Forward Bloc, was arrested for expressing his views on Facebook regarding the release of terrorists convicted in the 1998 Coimbatore serial blasts case. Muthuramalingam had criticized Dravidian parties for considering the release of 36 prisoners, including those convicted for life in the Coimbatore terror attack, leading to his arrest.
  •  YouTuber A Duraimurugan Pandiyan alias Sattai, was accused & arrested of making derogatory comments against Tamilnadu CM MK Stalin. The panel of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan overturned the decision to revoke Sattai’s bail, stating that there was no evidence to suggest he had abused the freedom granted to him.
  • Minjur Saleem, a pro-BJP activist, was detained and arrested for criticizing the DMK’s governance on social media platform X. Despite promptly deleting his posts, Saleem was issued a Lookout Circular, detained upon arrival from San Francisco, USA, at Bengaluru International Airport.
  • At the latest,  Tamil Nadu Police target netizen who had shared the video of the news report about Gomathi’s death, TN Police warned the netizen of legal action for sharing “false news”. Despite the it was reported by many reputed that a woman named Gomathi was beaten to death allegedly by DMK goons in Pakkirimaniyam village, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. 
  • Recently, Tamil Nadu Police targeted a Netizen for sharing a post about Gomathi’s death, warning of legal action over allegedly “false news” regarding her demise, despite widespread reports of her alleged assault by DMK affiliates.

(With Inputs From SeithiPunal)

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

Hindu Population Shrunk By 7.8%, Muslim Population Grew By 43%: PM’s Economic Council Report Reveals

By
The Commune
-

A report by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) indicates a significant decline in the proportion of India’s majority religion, Hindus, by 7.8% from 1950 to 2015. Meanwhile, neighboring countries experienced a surge in the population of their predominant communities.

India saw a decrease in the Hindu population share, while minorities such as Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and Buddhists witnessed an increase. However, the Jain and Parsi populations declined during the same period.

Between 1950 and 2015, the Muslim population share increased by 43.15%, Christians by 5.38%, Sikhs by 6.58%, and Buddhists slightly increased.

The Hindu population share in India decreased from 84% in 1950 to 78% in 2015, while the Muslim population share increased from 9.84% to 14.09%. This decline in the majority population is the second largest in the immediate neighborhood after Myanmar, which experienced a 10% decline.

Apart from India, Nepal also witnessed a 3.6% decline in its Hindu majority population share.

The study, released in May 2024, examined demographic trends in 167 countries worldwide.

The authors emphasize that India’s demographic changes align with global trends, showcasing minorities’ thriving status in the country despite contrary perceptions.

India’s population dynamics contrast with its neighboring Muslim-majority countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, where the Muslim population share increased.

Pakistan, despite the partition in 1971, observed a 3.75% increase in the share of Hanafi Muslims and a 10% increase in the total Muslim population.

Myanmar experienced the largest decline in the majority Theravada Buddhists’ share, while Nepal and Maldives also saw declines in their Hindu and Sunni Muslim majorities, respectively.

However, countries like Bhutan and Sri Lanka, with majority Buddhist populations, witnessed an increase.

The study indicates that changes in minority proportions reflect societal inclusivity, fostered by policies and institutional frameworks.

While the study doesn’t delve into causality, it suggests that India’s policies have nurtured diversity, leading to increased minority representation.

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

“Prajwal Revanna Will Come Knocking Your Door, May You Learn The Hard Way”: Twitter Feminist & ‘Activist’ Chinmayi Sripraada Wishes For Rape Of Women BJP Supporters

By
The Commune
-

Following the emergence of multiple videos allegedly showing JD(S) leader Prajwal Revanna, Hassan MP involved in the sexual assault of several women, surfaced after the initial phase of polling in the state, Controversial singer Chinmayi Sripada took to Twitter in a flurry of tweets. She engaged in a heated exchange with a college student who raised questions about the sudden awakening regarding the Prajwal Revanna issue while remaining silent on the Sandeshkhali Horror. Sripada then went on to express desires for harm towards BJP supporters, even depicting the college student as one.

On 2nd May, 2024, Chinmayi posted on her verified X account, cautioning BJP supporters that, “If you are a BJP supporter and yet lacked the spine to question about Prajwal Revanna. A Prajwal Revanna will come knocking your door with all the Blessings of his Gurus. You ll have nowhere to run. Nowhere to go. Wait and watch.”

 

This particular post marked a turning point for Chinmayi. Previously, she had been actively sharing various posts she encountered on the X handle of reports. However, sudden burst like a toolkit, she insinuated that BJP supporters were backing Prajwal Revanna, even going as far as cursing them with a “will come knocking your door” warning. This incited anger among netizens, sparking a heated debate. Many accused her of hypocrisy, questioning why she hadn’t spoken out about other incidents, such as the glorification of Shahjahan from Sandeshkhali or the murder of Neha Hiremath in the same Karnataka. They suggested she seemed to prioritize certain issues and knew exactly who and where to lend her support.

Some netizens also pointed out the inconsistency in targeting the BJP when it was the Congress who had supported Prajwal Revanna’s candidacy. Others highlighted that the crimes allegedly occurred during the JDS-Congress rule, questioning her feminist stance and accusing her of political opportunism. In response, netizens labeled her actions as indicative of FOMO (fear of missing out) syndrome, criticizing her for selectively speaking out on issues while remaining silent on others. This backlash highlighted perceived hypocrisy, as she appeared to don a feminist mask for certain cases while ignoring others.

The uproar escalated dramatically when online users pointed out the contradiction in Chinmayi’s actions. Despite accusing lyricist Vairamuthu of sexual harassment in 2018, she had sought his blessings by touching his feet during her 2014 wedding. This apparent inconsistency stirred intense criticism. Adding fuel to the fire, a female college student labeled this behavior as hypocrisy, triggering a torrent of enraged responses directed at her.

Chinmayi in response stated, “Survivor shaming is your DNA. Garlanding the rapists of Bilkis Bano is more up your alley. Giving tickets to Kuldeep Sengar or a Ramdular Gond (who was actually kicked out of a party for raping a minor but inducted into the BJP anyway despite having such a serious allegation) and when your leaders ask for votes for him, NOT questioning or asking for better candidates, instead of whitewashing rapists is more your style. Inviting Brij Bhushan to Parliament, dancing around with MJ Akbar, more your style. Hathras is more your style. BJP or DMK Survivor shaming is in Indian DNA Be it so called Progressive -Feminist-Atheist Left or whatever-you-are like you. Nobody in their right mind has any respect for you or your ilk @rishibagree
 Since you are such a staunch Hindu, I am sure you believe in Karma – May all this shaming and harassment of trolling return to you and yours.“

The female college student Priyanka retorted, “That doesn’t justify your hypocrisy.” In response, Chinmayi cursed Priyanka, saying, “That’s fine, Priya. I am not the rapist politician you support. I lead my own private life that doesn’t affect you. Your politician will. May you learn the hard way.” Priyanka replied, “Ma’am, I have never supported any rapist. If anyone can show me any post of mine where I have supported a rapist, I will delete my account today and never return. I have spoken out against Prajwal, against Shahjahan Sheikh, against the rapists of Bilkis Bano and Girija Tickoo. If anybody harasses me today (even if they’re from the BJP), then today itself I will protest and sever any association with that person. I will not bow down, get name, fame & money then after 2 decades come up with me too allegations. I have that priceless spine.. @Chinmayi.” In response, Chinmayi retorted, “Your priceless spine however makes sure you vote rapists to power so that other women pay for your rapist protecting spine 🙂 You are that mob that garlands rapists after they get released.“

 

Chinmayi Sripada’s response to accusations of hypocrisy remains consistent: those who question her are often met with blame, harassment, and abuse, a pattern not unfamiliar to her.

https://twitter.com/Kunthavi5/status/1787985491591323934

 

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

Coimbatore Farmers Protest Against TN Govt’s Report On Elephant Corridors, Say Their Ancestral Farm Lands At Risk

By
The Commune
-

On 6 May 2024, Farmers from the Thondamuthur region in Coimbatore staged a protest against the Tamil Nadu Forest Department’s recommendation to designate agricultural lands, which have been thriving for generations, as elephant corridors.

Kumar, a farmer from Thondamuthur and the chairman of Velliangiri Uzhavan Producer Company Limited located in Coimbatore, voiced his concerns on this matter. He stated that a recent news article highlighted the Tamil Nadu Forest Department’s identification of 42 new elephant corridors across Tamil Nadu. Upon reviewing the draft report published on the department’s website, it was discovered that 4 new elephant corridors were proposed in Coimbatore alone. The areas listed as elephant corridors included farmlands, residences, and temples belonging to agricultural members.

Kumar expressed dismay over the fact that no farmers from their area were consulted during the purported study conducted by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. The draft report was formulated by individuals with limited knowledge of the region’s intricate topography and ecological dynamics. It was disconcerting to see areas where farming has sustained families for generations being recommended as elephant corridors. The absence of any historical instances of elephant migration in their area raised doubts about the credibility of such designations.

The proposal to acquire 450 acres of land to establish and expand non-existent elephant corridors, as outlined in the report, was vehemently opposed by the farmers. They argued that displacing them under the pretext of protecting elephants would violate their fundamental rights. Furthermore, the designation of areas housing Hindu temples, including the Velliangiri Andavar Temple, Marudamalai Temple, Anuvavi Temple, Pannari Temple, and Ponnuthu Amman Temple, as elephant corridors was seen as an infringement on their right to worship.

The farmers urged the Tamil Nadu government to reconsider the designation of the “Velliangiri Andavar Temple – Marudamalai” as an elephant corridor. They emphasized the need for proper field studies and consultations with local stakeholders, including farmers and community members, before making such decisions.

(With Inputs From Covaipost)

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

Congress Supporter Sumanth Raman Tries To Defend Sam Pitroda’s Racist Comments

By
The Commune
-

Sam Pitroda, the former head of the Indian Overseas Congress, has once again become embroiled in controversy. After facing backlash for his comments regarding “inheritance tax,” Pitroda has incited fresh outrage with remarks concerning India’s diversity and Hindu faith.

In an interview with The Statesman, he expressed concerns about the impact on various aspects such as the economy, employment, and safety, emphasizing differing perspectives regarding issues like the Ram temple, historical heritage, and the secular ideals upheld by India’s founders. He acknowledged the country’s remarkable diversity, likening it to a harmonious tapestry where individuals of different appearances, languages, and customs coexist as brothers and sisters. Pitroda emphasized his belief in an inclusive India where everyone finds acceptance and mutual compromise.

He said “We could hold a country together as diverse as India where people on the East look like Chinese, people on the West look like Arab, people on the North look like maybe White and people in the South look like Africa. Doesn’t matter. We are all brothers and sisters. We all respect different languages. We all respect different religions, different looks, different customs. different food and as a Gujarati, I love dosa, I love idli. That’s my food. That’s no longer South Indian food. Okay, that’s the India I believe in where everybody has a place and everybody compromises a little bit.”

He also lamented the perceived challenge to the foundational principles of Indian democracy, citing instances such as the focus on the Ram temple and the Prime Minister’s visits to temples, which he feels overshadow the broader national identity in favor of partisan affiliations.

“That idea of India rooted in Democracy, Freedom, Liberty, Fraternity is being challenged by Ram temple and Ram Navami, Prime Minister going to the temple all the time, talking not as a National leader but talking as the leader of BJP”, Pitroda had said

This time the Congress party has distanced itself from Sam Pitroda’s comments.

On the other hand, ‘all-in-all’ commentator and alleged doctor Sumanth Raman came to the rescue of Sam Pitroda and defended the racist comments.

Sumanth Raman is a Congress supporter masquerading as a neutral ‘commentator’ on everything under the sun.

Earlier, he had derided journalist Palki Sharma Upadhyay known for her pro-India views as ‘This Lady’ while hailing propagandist YouTuber Dhruv Rathee.

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

Uncle Sam’s 7 Gems: From Racism To Hindumisia To Peddling Pro-Pak Agenda

By
The Commune
-

Sam Pitroda, former chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, has found himself embroiled in controversy once again. Following the uproar over his remarks on “inheritance tax,” Pitroda has sparked fresh outrage with comments on India’s diversity and Hindu belief.

During an interview with The Statesman, he remarked, “This will ultimately affect our economy, employment, future, safety and security. That’s one view and that centres around the Ram temple, God, history, heritage, Bhagwan (Lord) Hanuman, Bajrang Dal and all kinds of issues. Fine, I respect their view. There is another group which says look our founding fathers fought against the British Raj, not for Hindu Rashtra but for a secular nation. Pakistan decided to create a nation based on religion and see what happened to them. We are a shining example of democracy in the world. We have survived 70-75 years in a very happy environment where people could live together leaving aside a few fights here and there.”

He further stated, “We could hold a country together as diverse as India where people on the East look like Chinese, people on the West look like Arab, people on the North look like maybe White and people in the South look like Africa. Doesn’t matter. We are all brothers and sisters. We all respect different languages. We all respect different religions, different looks, different customs. different food and as a Gujarati, I love dosa, I love idli. That’s my food. That’s no longer South Indian food. Okay, that’s the India I believe in where everybody has a place and everybody compromises a little bit.”

Later Pitroda said, “That idea of India rooted in Democracy, Freedom, Liberty, Fraternity is being challenged by Ram temple and Ram Navami, Prime Minister going to the temple all the time, taking not as a National leader but talking as the leader of BJP”

This time the Congress party has distanced itself from Sam Pitroda’s comments. The general secretary in charge of communication Jairam Ramesh issued an statement via his X handle, expressing that “The analogies drawn by Mr. Sam Pitroda in a podcast to illustrate India’s diversity are most unfortunate and unacceptable. The Indian National Congress completely dissociates itself from these analogies.” 

This comes at the backdrop with several leaders including the Bharatiya Janata Party have condemned Pitroda, branding him as “racist.”

Past Spark Controversies Of Sam Pitroda

Inheritance Tax Controversy

Last month, Sam Pitroda sparked a debate while discussing the concept of inheritance tax in America. He noted that in the US, individuals with $100 million in wealth could only transfer 45% to their children upon death, with the government claiming the remaining 55%. Pitroda deemed this law fair, suggesting that it ensures a portion of wealth benefits the public. Following the controversy, Pitroda clarified that he had simply used the inheritance tax as an example.

Sam Pitroda said, “In America, there is an inheritance tax. If one has $100 million worth of wealth and when he dies he can only transfer probably 45% to his children, 55% is grabbed by the government. That’s an interesting law. It says you in your generation, made wealth and you are leaving now, you must leave your wealth for the public, not all of it, half of it, which to me sounds fair. In India, you don’t have that. If somebody is worth 10 billion and he dies, his children get 10 billion and the public gets nothing…So these are the kind of issues people will have to debate and discuss. I don’t know what the conclusion would be at the end of the day but when we talk about redistributing wealth, we are talking about new policies and new programs that are in the interest of the people and not in the interest of super-rich only.”

Ram Temple Controversy

In June 2023, ahead of the Ram Mandir’s grand opening, Sam Pitroda’s remarks stirred controversy. He argued that temples wouldn’t address India’s critical issues like unemployment, inflation, education, and health. His comments provided fodder for BJP criticism against the Congress, highlighting a perceived focus on temple construction over socio-economic concerns.

Pitroda remarked, “I’m worried about it because too much importance is given to religion. I see that democracy is being undermined. When the Prime Minister of a country for 10 years does not give a press conference. That bothers me. When the Prime Minister has no problem, giving name to a national stadium in his own name. While he’s alive, that bothers me. So there are signals I’m getting. Which says we are in the wrong direction.”

“When a nation is involved in Ram Temple. That bothers me. To me, religion is a personal thing. Don’t confuse it with the national agenda. The national agenda should focus on education, employment, growth, economy, inflation, health, environment, and pollution. This is not how you build a modern nation…I don’t care what religion you practice. I have to respect you for who you are. And not what religion you follow. I’m not gonna dictate what you eat, or what you pray for, That’s your personal freedom.” added

“And when the entire nation is hung up on Ram Temple and Ram Janmabhoomi. It really upsets me and bothers me…Religion is something very personal. Don’t nationalize it. Don’t use it for political gains. A Prime Minister is spending time in temples all the time. It bothers me. I would rather have him go to schools, libraries and scientific institutions and not visit lots of temples” further added

‘Hua-toh-Hua’ Controversy

In May 2019, Sam Pitroda faced backlash for his dismissive response, “hua toh hua” (“so what”), when questioned about the 1984 anti-Sikh riots although he later apologized. He deflected attention to the current government’s failures, avoiding accountability for the tragic events of 1984.

The Congress party issued a statement distancing from Sam Pitroda’s comments stated, “We continue to support the quest for justice for 1984 riot victims. Any opinion remark made by any individual to the contrary including Sam Pitroda is not the opinion of Congress party”.

Pulwama Attack Commentary

After the Pulwama attack in February 2019, Sam Pitroda ignited controversy by questioning the effectiveness of retaliatory airstrikes on Balakot. His remarks spurred discussions on India’s response to terrorism and appropriate diplomatic strategies during crises. Sam Pitroda asked “I would like to know more as I have read in New York Times and other newspapers, what did we really attack, we really killed 300 people?”  Pitroda claimed that according to global media reports, there were no casualties, whereas a segment of the Indian media stated that 300 terrorists had been eliminated. Further added, “If you say 300 people were killed, we all need to know that, all Indians need to know that. Then comes the global media which says nobody was killed, I look bad as an Indian citizen.”

Nehru vs Ambedkar on Constitution

Referring to an article by Sudheendra Kulkarni, Sam Pitroda asserted on social media that Jawaharlal Nehru played a more significant role than BR Ambedkar in framing the Constitution. His statement triggered debate and was later retracted, underscoring the sensitivity surrounding discussions about the Constitution’s architects.

(Image Credit: OpIndia)

Selfishness Of Middle Class Controversy

Sam Pitroda stirred controversy again in 2019 with remarks suggesting that taxes might increase slightly under the Nyuntam Aay Yojna (NYAY) scheme. He urged the middle class to demonstrate generosity and embrace the idea of increased taxation, stating, “The middle class should not be selfish and should have a ‘big heart’.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi subsequently criticized the Congress party for Pitroda’s statement. Modi accused the Congress of intending to burden the middle class with high taxes and regress the country to the era of excessive regulation. During an election rally, he questioned whether the Congress and other parties advocating for higher taxes wished to return to the days of the license raj, characterized by tax rates as high as 70-80 percent.

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

Tamil Nadu’s First BJP MLA C Velayutham Passes Away

By
The Commune
-

C Velayutham, a renowned social activist and the first South India BJP MLA, passed away early today at the age of 73. Velayutham achieved a historic milestone by winning the Padmanabhapuram assembly constituency in the 1996 Tamil Nadu state elections, thereby becoming the inaugural BJP member to secure a seat in the state assembly in South India. His victory over DMK’s Bala Janathipathy was highly significant.

Despite the BJP only gaining one seat in the 1996 elections, Velayutham’s win marked a momentous occasion for the party’s foothold in Tamil Nadu. Even though subsequent elections saw the BJP attain the second and third positions in 2001 and 2006, respectively, Velayutham’s pioneering achievement remained a notable landmark in the state’s political landscape.

Before his electoral triumph, Velayutham served as an independent member of the Tamil Nadu assembly in 1984. Even after his term, he continued his social endeavors and remained dedicated to serving the community. His deep-rooted commitment to social work and his affiliation with the Hindu Munnani were defining aspects of his life, having been a devout Swayamsevak since the age of 13.

Following the Mandaikadu clashes, Velayutham joined the Hindu Munnani and contested the 1989 assembly polls, representing the Hindu minority community. Despite facing various challenges, including financial constraints, Velayutham’s perseverance led him to sell a portion of his agricultural land to finance his election campaign. His determination bore fruit when he emerged victorious in the 1996 elections.

Expressing condolences over Velayutham’s demise, BJP National President JP Nadda acknowledged his significant contributions to both the party and society. In a post on social media platform X, Nadda praised Velayutham’s commitment and dedication, highlighting his pivotal role in advancing BJP politics in Tamil Nadu. Nadda stated, “Deeply saddened by the passing away of former MLA and social worker C. Velayutham ji. He was the first-ever assembly candidate elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from the BJP, representing the Padmanabhapuram constituency in the 1996 elections. His commitment and dedication to the party and to society will always be remembered. My deepest condolences to his family and supporters in this difficult time. Om Shanti!”

Similarly, K Annamalai, the Tamilnadu BJP President remembered Velayutham, “The news of the passing away of Mr. C. Velayuthan, the first legislator of Tamil Nadu BJP and one of the pioneers of the party, is deeply saddening. He was devoted to the development of the party, a principled person and a hard worker. He who sowed hope for the growth of BJP in Tamil Nadu. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family and relatives of Sir Velayuthan. May his soul rest in feet of lord. Om Shanti!”

The last rites are scheduled to take place in his hometown of Keezkaruppukkodu village on 9 May 2024.

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

1...917918919...1,873Page 918 of 1,873
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

Mother Teresa: A Fraud Wrapped In A Sari Whose Empire Ran On Poverty, Pain And Conversion

Mother Teresa: A Fraud Wrapped In A Sari Whose Empire Ran...

The Commune - 0
On 23 May 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio kicked off his first official four-day tour of India by making a high-profile visit...
© The Commune 2025. All Rights Reserved.