Facebook Instagram X Youtube
Monday, May 25, 2026
Facebook Instagram X Youtube
Home Blog Page 921

“You Can Be Outstation Or For Work Or Sick, We Can Vote Online Also”: Alleged Actress Jyothika Gives Reasons For Not Voting

By
The Commune
-

Social media rejoices the recent inquiry made by a news reporter during actress Jyotika visit to Chennai for her film’s promotion. Reporters asked her why she hadn’t voted, and her response to the question surprised everyone and garnered widespread attention on social media, sparking memes and ridicule.

Actress Jyothika, during a media interaction for her film’s promotion, She was queried about her absence from the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections despite her known advocacy for social responsibility. She was surprised and slightly puzzled, not anticipating that someone would raise such a question. Addressing this, she blabbered that voting is a private matter and cited reasons such as being out of town or unwell. She emphasized the existence of online voting and the need to respect individuals’ privacy.

The reporter inquired, “You are talking about social awareness, Jyotika madam is an influence on everyone, when an election comes, you are criticized by many that you don’t come to vote, What’s your opinion and answer?”

Actress Jyothika immediately replied, “I vote year after year, sometimes...”, Before she could finish, the reporter interjected, reminding her that voting occurs once every five years. Jyothika quickly corrected herself, saying,”Yes, five years, I’m sorry. Sometimes, you can be outstation, sometimes for work, we can be out. We can be sick. It is like a private thing. Sometimes, you are not there always in town. So, I don’t know, Sometimes, privately also we vote. It is also in online right. Its not always every time, everything is publicized. There is a private side to life. I think we also have to respect that and give that space.” 

Another journalist mentioned that despite Jyothika’s firm stance on social issues, is she has idea of venturing into politics where she could potentially wield more influence, Jyothika clarified that she hadn’t received any invitations from political parties. Regarding the possibility of accepting such invitations, she firmly stated her current focus on family, particularly her children’s education and her personal fitness journey, indicating no inclination towards political involvement at present.

Netizens were taken aback by actress Jyothika’s response when she mentioned the presence of online voting in the Indian election system. They began to mock and ridicule her for her comment as the Election Commission of India (ECI) has made inclusion of home voting only for elderly citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This marks the inaugural implementation of such a provision in a national election. This service is accessible to individuals aged 85 and older, as well as PwDs meeting the 40 percent benchmark for disability. Since she wasn’t anticipating the question from anyone directly, she seemed to stutter when it was posed to her.

Indeed, in Tamil Nadu, it’s often the case that individuals woke and support the DMK go unchallenged. However, the recent scrutiny directed towards actress Jyotika for her deliberate absence on voting day has defied this norm. While her husband Suriya participated in the voting process on April 19th, it was widely speculated that Jyotika’s absence was due to her filming commitments. However, she later revealed through a post on the same day that she was actually on a trip to Nepal, sparking criticism and questioning from various quarters.

Netizens expressed frustration as actor couple Suriya and Jyothika, who were previously vocal about various societal issues connecting everything to Hindu faith and practices faced criticism. Jyothika’s earlier call to divert funds from temple renovation to support education and healthcare for the less privileged had sparked debate. Similarly, Suriya, recognized for his selective activism, particularly during the AIADMK government, faced scrutiny when questioned about Jyothika’s absence during voting but chose to stay silent. This fueled speculation and disillusionment among onlookers, especially after videos of her trekking in Nepal went viral.

A netizen commented, “Jyothika went on a pleasure trip to Nepal to celebrate the election as a holiday. But the sermon is only for the town”

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

Chennai’s City Streets Witness Shocking Assault As Intoxicated Gang Thrashes Businessman Amid Traffic Police Presence

By
The Commune
-

In an alarming incident, a group of intoxicated gang, including a retired Special Sub Inspector (SSI), in a state of high due to alcohol, violently assaulting a fellow passenger who had simply asked them about their disruptive behavior caused by their car in broad daylight on the city streets.

Authorities are actively pursuing a retired SSI and his associates who were involved in a violent altercation with a hotel owner. The incident occurred when Manivannan, a resident of Dayappan Street in Georgetown, Chennai, was driving to his establishment in the OMR area with his girlfriend. A red car abruptly stopped at the junction of the Pattinapakkam loop road, causing Manivannan to brake suddenly to avoid a collision. When he inquired about the sudden stop, the occupants of the car, five individuals, assaulted him.

Despite Manivannan’s cries for help, bystanders and an assistant traffic inspector, who happened to be present but have not swiftly intervened. One of the assailants, allegedly inebriated and claiming to be retired police officer Loka prakasam, verbally threatened Manivannan. The attackers proceeded to tear his shirt in front of onlookers and pursued him onto the road, issuing death threats.

Despite pleas from the public, the traffic police on the scene failed to intervene, instead choosing to record the incident on their phones, much to the shock of witnesses. Eventually, Manivannan was rescued and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the assailants fled the scene in a car.

Manivannan lodged a complaint at the Pattinapakkam police station, prompting an investigation. A special task force has been assembled to apprehend the perpetrators, particularly focusing on those who were intoxicated during the attack. Simultaneously, authorities are scrutinizing the conduct of the traffic police who were observed enjoying the situation rather than intervening.

Meanwhile, the video capturing the harrowing ordeal, including Manivannan being pursued and his shirt torn in front of his girlfriend, has surfaced on social media, went viral.

(With inputs From Kamadenu)

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

Stalin Chills In Kodaikanal, His Son Udhayanidhi Chills In London, People Get Baked In Heatwave

By
The Commune
-

Tamil Nadu stands out in many ways, and recent events underscore this fact. The DMK-led government’s apparent indifference has left citizens to suffer in the scorching heatwave. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, along with his wife, took a week-long trip to Kodaikanal. Additionally, DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin, the perceived future CM, has embarked on a ten-day trip to London.

Political circles, commentators, and netizens have equally condemned this reckless conduct, as the state is seen to be plagued by significant lawlessness. Reports indicate that intoxicated youths and individuals, under the influence of both alcohol and drugs, have been roaming the streets, assaulting people, and causing public disorder. Victims have included bus conductors, working professionals returning home, and even police officers who have been targeted in attacks.

Several major cities have exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and there are reports indicating a gradual depletion of major water sources. Additionally, areas like Saidapet in Chennai are encountering frequent and prolonged power outages.

Threat of Water Scarcity Looms as Water Levels Continue to Deplete

The primary sources of potable water for the inhabitants of Chennai are Pondi, Puzhal, Sembarambakkam, Cholavaram, and Kannan Fort lakes. Collectively, these five lakes have a storage capacity of 11,757 million cubic feet.

As the summer season commences, the water levels in these lakes have dwindled to 75% of their capacity. Currently, the combined reservoir holds approximately 8,931 million cubic feet of water. Contrasting with the same period last year, the water volume in these lakes exceeded 10 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet), indicating a shortfall of 2 TMC this year.

With the impending rise in temperatures exacerbating the situation, the demand for potable water is expected to surge, causing a rapid decline in lake water levels. Veeranam Lake in the Cuddalore district has already dried up, halting the supply of drinking water to Chennai. Consequently, authorities are devising plans to source water from the Krishna River via the Kandaleru Dam in Andhra Pradesh to alleviate the water scarcity in Chennai during the summer months.

Breaking down the individual lake capacities, Puzhal Lake can hold up to 3300 million cubic feet of water, presently containing 2253 million cubic feet. It releases 159 million cubic feet of water to fulfill Chennai’s drinking water requirements.

Cholavaram Lake boasts a total capacity of 1081 million cubic feet, currently holding 745 million cubic feet. Similarly, Bundi Lake has a capacity of 3231 million cubic feet with 2404 million cubic feet of water. Sembarambakkam Lake’s total capacity is 3064 million cubic feet, presently at 3645 million cubic feet. Lastly, Kannan Fort Lake has a capacity of 500 million cubic feet, currently brimming with 465 million cubic feet of water. Notably, the water level in these lakes remains substantial.

Recurring And Extended Power Blackouts

Tamil Nadu is experiencing yet another wave of frequent and extended power interruptions. There’s a perception that whenever the DMK comes into power, power cuts follow suit. This time, regions like Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, and Coimbatore are bearing the brunt, particularly during nighttime. The delta districts are hit hard by these outages, jeopardizing the irrigation needed for crops, potentially leading to crop failure. In a recent incident, residents of Saidapet in Chennai took to the streets to protest against the recurring power cuts, blocking the National Highway in frustration

https://twitter.com/ItsyourMB/status/1786246954793796044

As a result, most of the criticism is aimed at the DMK failed to addressing the challenges, the father-son duo has opted to retreat to cooler climates, leaving citizens to endure the harsh summer heat in Tamil Nadu.

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

Methamphetamine Drug Network In Chennai Busted, Two Arrested

By
The Commune
-

The Chennai North Zone police have cracked down on a methamphetamine distribution network operating in Old Vannarpettai, following a tip-off. Methamphetamine, an expensive and highly addictive drug.

Acting on the information received, the police formed a special squad and conducted a thorough search in the Old Vannarpettai area. During the operation, they apprehended Kader Moideen, a resident of Old Vannarpettai, in possession of 8 grams of methamphetamine.

Further investigation led the police to uncover the sources of the drug. It was revealed that Kader Moideen had been purchasing the methamphetamine from Sultan, a resident of Triplicane, Chennai, through a WhatsApp group. Additionally, it was discovered that another individual, Rahul from Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, was involved in supplying the drug to Sultan.

Following this revelation, the Chennai North Zone police arrested Rahul from Thiruvanmiyur.

During interrogation, it was disclosed that Rahul was involved in swimming pool maintenance business and is allegedly related to former AIADMK minister Jayakumar. The police are further questioning Rahul to gather more information about the network and to ascertain if there are more individuals involved in the racket.

(With inputs from ETVBHARAT)

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

 

Periyarist AUT Professors Oppose Kongunadu College’s Plan To Introduce SOGIESC Studies

By
The Commune
-

Kongunadu College in Coimbatore has announced its intention to introduce a non-major elective paper titled ‘SOGIESC Studies’ (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics). However, this decision has faced opposition from Association of University Teachers (AUT) professors with Periyarist ideology.

The Association of University Teachers (AUT) – Zone 7 has raised concerns over the introduction of this course, urging the higher education department to intervene and halt the process at Kongunadu College. They claim that the institution has not obtained the necessary approval for this course.

According to AUT, Kongunadu College listed the SOGIESC Studies paper as mandatory under non-major electives without proper approval from academic bodies, UGC, or the state and central government’s higher education departments.

“As of now, no syllabus has been prescribed for the SOGIESC Studies, and no contents or topics of the subject have been made known, including prescribed texts and reference books,” stated AUT in a report.

They have urged the higher education department to issue appropriate orders to Kongunadu College, halting the introduction of the course until proper approval is obtained and due procedure followed.

In response to the allegations, Kongunadu College has clarified that the introduction of SOGIESC Studies was merely a suggestion and that they would follow the necessary procedures to obtain approval. However, AUT remains adamant that the college should not proceed without proper authorization.

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

How Dhruv Rathee Cherry-Picks History To Peddle Propaganda

By
The Commune
-

Pro-Congress and pro-AAP propagandist YouTuber peddler Dhruv Rathee seems to be fixated on Hitler, regularly studying the dictator’s tactics and incorporating them into his videos. Recently, during the crucial election period, Rathee released a video likening Modi to Hitler, drawing parallels between their leadership styles and citing incidents like bomb blasts from Germany to Russia as examples of dictatorship tactics. However, it’s important to note that these comparisons often involve cherry-picked narratives, presenting a selective view of history.

In a two minute video clip Dhruv rathee stated that, “Some politicians are so power hungry that they can go to any extant to continue being in power. History is full of such examples. In 1933, there was a fire in the German parliament (Reichstag). A communist man was blamed for this, at the time, Hitler was the chancellor, but he used this incident to spread fear all over the country and altered the German Constitution. Only one month after this incident, he passed laws where he took away people’s right to disagree  or protest. But do you know that later it was found that the people who set fire in the parliament were from Hitler’s Nazi party. This is how dictatorship began in Germany, such incidents are known as False Flag operations. Putin did this too, in 1999, in Russia there were horrible bomb blast at peoples home in it more than 300 people died. Putin was the new Prime Minister in Russia and he pinned the blame of this incident on the separatists. But these incidents are used to spread fear all over the country. To show that there is a danger to the nation from separatists and only Putin can save the country, months later Putin became Russia’s president. Later it was found that the Russian intelligence agencies was behind the Russian bomb blast, the opposition had demanded parliamentary investigations into the blasts, but Putin didn’t let it happen.”

 Dhruv Rathee’s Cherry-Picked Weimar Constitution

Following the 1918 revolution, the Weimar Constitution, formulated by legal expert and liberal figure Hugo Preuss, superseded the Constitution of the German Empire. This constitutional transition was administered by the German National Assembly in Weimar. Disagreements among delegates arose on various matters, including the national flag, religious education for young people, and the autonomy of the states (Länder). Retaining the bicameral parliamentary structure of prior constitutions, it consisted of the Reichstag, elected through a proportional representation system, and a regionally representative Reichstrat. The Weimar Constitution faced challenges due to factors like the Great Depression, the stringent peace terms of the Treaty of Versailles, and a series of unstable governments, ultimately weakening its authority.

Amid dissatisfaction with the Weimar government, the Nazi Party ascended to power in the 1930s. After several unsuccessful cabinets, President Paul von Hindenburg appointed Adolf Hitler as Chancellor of Germany on 30 January, 1933. Following an arson incident at the Reichstag building in February 1933, attributed to a Dutch Communist, the Reichstag passed the Enabling Act on March 23, granting Hitler sweeping legislative authority. Hitler exploited this newfound power to establish a centralized totalitarian regime. Despite holding three Reichstag elections during Hitler’s tenure, voting lacked anonymity, and candidates were restricted to a single Nazi list alongside “guest candidates.”

Dhruv Rathee has drawn parallels between PM Modi and Adolf Hitler, yet omits significant details about the actions of the Catholic Church and German “liberals.” The Catholic Party, led by Konrad Adenauer, allied with the Nazis in 1933 to amend the constitution, effectively granting Hitler dictatorial powers with the requisite two-thirds majority. Following the war, Adenauer governed Germany from 1949 to 1963, rebranding his party as the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which has since held power for over five decades. Adenauer notably pardoned numerous Nazi war criminals during his tenure, portraying them as “liberals.” Notably, his Chief of Staff, Hans Globke, had aided in drafting the anti-Semitic Nuremberg laws during Hitler’s regime. Similarly, Chancellor Kurt Keisinger, from 1966 to 1969, had ties to the Nazi Ministry of Josef Goebbels, known for propagating anti-Semitic messages. Even socialist leader Helmut Schmidt, who governed from 1974 to 1982, had been affiliated with the Hitler Youth and supported the HIAG organization, formed by ex-members of the Nazi Waffen-SS. Despite these connections to Nazi elements, “liberals” have been quick to criticize the BJP.

1999 Apartment Bombings in Russia

Dhruv Rathee highlighted the significance of the 1999 bombings in Russia, which tragically claimed the lives of 300 civilians. These events marked a crucial turning point in the nation’s post-Soviet history. While initially attributed to Chechen terrorists, there is currently no concrete evidence linking these bombings to Putin or Russian intelligence agencies. However, the aftermath of these bombings saw a renewed military campaign in Chechnya, contributing to Putin’s rise in popularity and eventual ascension to the presidency.

Efforts made to uncover the truth, including Freedom of Information Act requests filed with U.S. government agencies, claims significant evidence suggesting Russian government complicity in the bombings. Despite claiming evidence, successive U.S. administrations opted to ignore or downplay these findings.

Some of Dhruv Rathee’s repeatedly caught false information and baseless claims

Dhruv Rathee has been repeatedly caught spreading false information and baseless claims, tarnishing India’s democracy and credibility. In one instance, he falsely asserted that India was veering towards a dictatorial regime, insinuating parallels with North Korea and Russia’s election dynamics. However, this claim was debunked by various social media influencers and The Print, citing examples like the Modi government’s adherence to Supreme Court decisions regarding significant matters like the Ram Mandir. Additionally, Rathee’s video contained a distorted map of India, leading to its blocking by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Similarly, Rathee has misrepresented data from the World Happiness Report, claiming Pakistan to be happier than India, a claim refuted by the report’s methodology, which relies on individuals’ assessments of their own lives. He has also faced scrutiny from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights for allegedly threatening a minor on social media, prompting an inquiry.

Furthermore, Rathee has distorted historical facts, falsely claiming that India’s partition wasn’t based on religion, and has made erroneous statements regarding BJP-ruled states’ aid to flood-hit Kerala. His false allegations, like accusing the BJP IT Cell of bribery, have led to police complaints against him and individuals like Arvind Kejriwal. Even Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal admitted to mistakenly retweeting a defamatory video circulated by Rathee in 2018.

In conclusion, Dhruv Rathee has been found to manipulate facts and spread one-sided narratives, especially targeting the central government and BJP, while censoring positive aspects of the NDA government.

In the recent Supreme Court hearing, Kejriwal’s admission of wrongdoing highlights the contentious nature of sharing Rathee’s content. It underscores broader concerns about the veracity and impartiality of Rathee’s narratives, which often seem one-sided and partisan, targeting the central government and BJP states while ignoring other political entities. This pattern suggests a deliberate effort to manipulate facts rather than present a balanced view.

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

The Hindu’s Propaganda Busted: Claims Modi Photo Removed From Vaccine Certificate, Was Removed Due To MCC

By
The Commune
-

The internet was ablaze with discussions about the side effects of the Covishield vaccine, stirring up a frenzy across online platforms. Amidst this, rumors circulated claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image had been removed from Covid certificates. The opposition party, Congress, seized upon this opportunity to push their agenda, while certain newspapers including The Hindu, devoid of fact-checking, eagerly spread the false narrative. Initially, speculation pointed towards various reasons for the alleged removal, but it was later clarified that it was actually due to the implementation of the model code of conduct. This revelation left those involved in spreading the misinformation feeling embarrassed and exposed.

Recently, there has been a controversy surrounding the Covishield vaccine following AstraZeneca’s acknowledgment in the UK High Court that the vaccine can, albeit extremely rarely, lead to Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), a condition characterized by blood clots and low blood platelet count, It was also clarified that symptoms would appear within 42 days, so there’s no reason to panic.

An internet user remarked “Modi ji no more visible on Covid Vaccine certificates, Just downloaded to check – yes, his pic is gone,” 

https://twitter.com/sandeep_PT/status/1785614681463288023

Another account affiliated with Congress also mentioned that only the QR code remained visible, with the Prime Minister’s photo having disappeared. He stated, “Yes, I just checked and PM Modi’s photo has disappeared and there is only a QR code instead of his photo. Guys, Please check your covid vaccination certificate”

This narrative gained traction through respected outlets such as The Hindu, but was eventually retracted following pressure from online users who highlighted the truth. Ironically, in 2021, The Hindu reported that the Election Commission of India (ECI) requested the Health Ministry to find a solution within a few days to prevent COVID-19 vaccine certificates in poll-bound States and Union Territory from featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photo while the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) was in effect. The certificates, which recipients could download from the CoWIN portal and app, violated the EC’s guidelines against using images of living political figures in government advertisements during elections. An EC official emphasized the importance of adhering to the MCC and instructed the Ministry to devise a technical solution to remove the photo promptly. The elections for the Assemblies of Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry were announced on February 26, overlapping with the vaccination drive that started in January. The Trinamool Congress raised concerns with the EC, urging the removal of the photo. Yet it has peddled the narrative.

 

Netizens has jumped in to clarify what was previously stated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, emphasizing that Modi’s photo was excluded from the vaccine certificates because of the Model Code of Conduct being enforced during the current Lok Sabha elections. This isn’t the first instance of the Prime Minister’s photo being removed from such certificates. During the assembly elections in five states in 2022 (Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur, and Goa), the Election Commission of India directed the removal of Modi’s photo from the certificates.

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

“Sanatana Pigs & Dogs, Will Slipper You”: AIADMK IT Wing Functionary Spews Hindu Hate In Order To Back Its Ally AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi

By
The Commune
-

Since severing ties with the BJP, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has faced sporadic unrest, though no significant upheaval initially. However, as parliamentary elections drew near, the AIADMK’s definitive break from the BJP compelled its members to oppose BJP in the line of its rival DMK in the state. This marks a peculiar predicament for the AIADMK, particularly after ousting former leader O Panneerselvam, a favorite of Jayalalitha, along with TTV Dinakaran and their 18 rebel MLAs. This has left the AIADMK stranded, unsure of its direction in the parliamentary elections and its stance contradicted through all its previous decisions. Currently, the party’s general secretary, Edappadi K Palaniswami, also seems to only engage in X platform (formally Twitter) condemnations, failing to address crucial issues that could bolster his standing, thus leaving him and party vulnerable to chip away at his authority.

In this context, the AIADMK IT wing has sparked controversy by adopting novel tactics under the guise of criticizing the BJP. Rather than engaging in direct, civil critique, they have resorted to attacking Hindu beliefs. This shift is exemplified by RK Jeyabalan, Joint Secretary of the IT wing, who has hurled derogatory remarks at the BJP, referring to them as “Sanathana pigs and dogs.” Additionally, he propagated a false narrative claiming that women are prohibited from performing poojas in temples according to Vedic culture and are restricted from participating in temple rituals outside of Tamil Nadu.

AIADMK IT wing Joint Secretary RK Jeyabalan stated, “Modi’s family (who) doesn’t have original name, father’s name, are you all ready? If this madam, Madhavi Latha intention is meant to perform “pooja”, would you defy your Sanathana dharma and appoint as female priest in a Hindu temple beyond Tamil Nadu? (Because Tamil Nadu Vedics won’t allow it). I’m not going to say, “Sanatana pigs…dogs…will slipper you”. (Already snapped).

BJP had ruled for ten years. Shouldn’t its candidates campaign by saying what they’re going to do? Is this religious bigotry right, Modi’s monkeys?”

https://twitter.com/jeyabalanrk/status/1785856025062764681

This Hindu hate is emanating from the AIADMK against the backdrop of Madhavi Latha, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, challenging Asaduddin Owaisi, the four-time MP from the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), in Hyderabad. Owaisi, who recently lent support to AIADMK in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is now facing opposition from Latha.

It’s truly disheartening to witness the present direction of the AIADMK, especially considering its rich legacy with stalwarts like MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalitha, who staunchly advocated for Hinduism and safeguarded its principles in Tamil Nadu. However, the current leadership seems to be veering towards the path of the DMK, espousing anti-Hindu sentiments and propagating falsehoods to align with its rival, the DMK.

Contrary to the AIADMK’s claims, the existence of women priests and priests from non-Brahmin castes in Tamil Nadu is not a novel concept. Numerous smaller temples across the nation, along with renowned ones have a long-standing tradition of female priests and inclusive practices, allowing women to engage in rituals and even touch idols. Moreover, the hereditary system of women priests is prevalent in many temples, particularly those dedicated to village deities in North eastern India.

The Hindu scriptures do not forbid women from assuming religious leadership roles, as evidenced by examples such as Megha Gokhle, who has been performing priestly duties in Navi Mumbai for over 40 years. Additionally, temples like the Gokarnanatheshwara Temple in Mangalore took a progressive step by appointing women priests, including widows, a decade ago. In Pune, individuals like Chitralekha are breaking gender barriers by serving as Hindu priests, with organizations like the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute and Jnana Prabhodini actively training and empowering around 1,600 women for such roles.

The Vitthal Rukhmini Temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, often referred to as the Southern Kashi of India, set a precedent by appointing non-Brahmin and female priests, highlighting a broader trend towards inclusivity and social integration within Hinduism, championed even in Gujarat under the leadership of Narendra Modi. Therefore, this fabricated story is untrue and it’s unfortunate to witness.

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

Report Says Past Feud Between HR&CE Official And Trustee Resulted In Arrest Of Archakas In Mettupalayam Temple, Activist To File Criminal Complaint Against EOs

By
The Commune
-

New revelations have emerged concerning the troubling situation surrounding the priests of the Mettupalayam Vana Badrakaliamman temple, who have been apprehended and detained by the authorities.

Situated in Thekkampatti near Mettupalayam, Coimbatore district, the Vanabadrakaliamman Temple falls under the jurisdiction of the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE). It draws thousands of devotees from various districts of Tamil Nadu, such as Coimbatore, Tirupur, and Erode, as well as from other states, on special occasions.

A dispute has emerged between Vasantha, the hereditary trustee of the temple, and Kailasamurthy, the Assistant Commissioner, which has reportedly been ongoing for several months.

Kailasamurthy, in his capacity as the temple’s assistant commissioner, lodged a complaint with the Mettupalayam court, alleging that the priests—Raghupathi, Thandapani, Vishnukumar, and Saravanan—mishandled the offerings brought by devotees to the temple. Despite being made aware of these allegations, Trustee Vasantha purportedly delayed taking appropriate action. Consequently, immediate measures were urged against the implicated individuals.

Following a court directive, the Mettupalayam police initiated legal proceedings against five individuals, including Vasantha, the hereditary trustee. While the priests Raghupathi, Thandapani, Vishnukumar, and Saravanan were arrested and detained on 25 April 2024, Trustee Vasantha absconded. Notably, Raghupathi is Vasantha’s nephew, and their arrests mark the climax of tensions between the trustee and the assistant commissioner.

In response to inquiries about the matter, relatives of the hereditary trustee pointed out a shift in Kailasamurthy’s behavior over the past four months, suggesting a previously unproblematic tenure of nearly two years. They assert that Kailasamurthy has imposed arbitrary rules, such as prohibiting priests from accepting plate offerings at the Vanabadrakaliamman temple, while turning a blind eye to similar practices at other temples like the Subra Maniyaswamy Temple near the Bhavani River and the Sakthi Vinayagar Temple near the Mettupalayam bus stand.

Further, they accuse Kailasamurthy of engaging in various irregularities, including making unauthorized purchases such as a costly television set for the temple without proper procurement procedures or tender. Additionally, they allege that he falsely promised to construct a four lactation room but had built only three. Moreover, the trustee’s relatives contested claims of nepotism in priest appointments manipulated job interviews, resulting in Trustee Vasantha canceling interviews scheduled for the following day, asserting that the selection process was conducted transparently, with only qualified candidates being hired later.

To address these irregularities, a case has been filed in the Madras High Court. Consequently, Kailasamurthy lodged a complaint with the Mettupalayam police station alleging that the trustee was unaware of the priests accepting plate offerings.

Initially, Kailasamurthy refrained from filing a First Information Report (FIR) at the police station, instead opting to file it through the Mettupalayam court. Additionally, it is alleged that the arrested priests, who have not been on permanent payroll for two to three years, have not received their due compensation. This clash between the hereditary trustee and the assistant commissioner has deeply unsettled the temple’s devotees, who are calling for government intervention to resolve the situation amicably.

Assistant Commissioner Kailasamurthy refuted the allegations, citing video evidence and emphasizing that all temple operations adhere to tender procedures. He maintains that the accusations against him are baseless.

In light of this recent incident, temple activist TR Ramesh has slammed the HR&CE department saying “The @tnhrcedept which has done many many financial and administrative frauds in Sri Vanabadrakaliamman Temple, Tekkampatti, Tamil Nadu – had got four poojaris of the temple arrested for taking the plate offerings – dakshina – given to them by devotees. The Executive Officer of the temple is functioning in this temple from 1973 – Only by a FRAUD on the HR&CE Act.”

 He said that he is willing to help the Hereditary Trustee and other devotees of this temple to legally throw out the illegally present “Executive Officer”.

“The Dept has to answer many financial and administrative illegalities it has done in this temple – Time to file criminal cases against current and past Executive Officers of this temples – the Commissioners of the @tnhrcedept for criminal misappropriation of this temple funds. I am sure TN Govt will agree with me since they seem to approve arrest of poojaris for taking plate offerings given by Devotees. Crores of monies have been taken by @tnhrcedept officials without legal procedures or authority – they should be arrested too!“, he said. 

(With inputs From Dinamalar)

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

Salem: Bank Holds Debtor’s Wife Hostage Until Loan Repayment

By
The Commune
-

A disturbing incident unfolded when an employee of a private bank in Vazhappadi, Salem district, took the wife of a laborer to the bank and only released her after her husband paid the installment of a loan he had taken. This action sparked widespread condemnation and was deemed outrageous by internet users.

It has been revealed that the wife was held in the private bank until 7:30 PM and the money was collected from her husband.

Prashanth, aged 27 and residing in Thukkiyampalayam near Vazhapadi, Salem district, works as a construction worker. He had borrowed ₹35,000 from a bank in Vazhapadi four months ago due to family issues.

Reportedly, the loan was taken with a weekly repayment of ₹770, to be paid in 52 installments. It appears that there are still 10 weeks of installments remaining. According to reports, when a female employee named Subha from the private bank tried to contact Prasanth by phone on 30 April 2024, he did not answer. Consequently, the female employee went to Prashanth’s residence to collect the installment in person and waited there since the afternoon. Subha then took Gauri Shankari to the bank branch, stating that if Prashanth wasn’t at home, she should accompany her, and her husband could retrieve her after paying the installment.

Upon learning of this, Prashanth was shocked and lodged a complaint with Deputy Superintendent of Police Anand at the Vazhappadi Police Station when Gauri Shankari contacted him via cellphone, urging him to pay the installment and retrieve her promptly. In response to the complaint, the Vazhappadi police, under the orders of Deputy Superintendent of Police Anand, personally intervened and questioned the bank manager, asking if the bank had permission to operate until 8 PM. The manager claimed ignorance and stated that he was unaware of the directive to pay the loan installment and retrieve Prashanth’s wife.

At 7:30 PM last night, Prashanth paid ₹770 in the presence of the police and rescued his wife, Gauri Shankari. Following this, the police proceeded to interrogate both parties.

While the Reserve Bank had previously instructed that customers should not be harassed for money after 6 PM, the public expects strict action against the bank that detained the woman until 7:30 PM to collect money from her husband.

https://twitter.com/News18TamilNadu/status/1785618134675669029

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

1...920921922...1,873Page 921 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.