DMK Higher Education Minister Ponmudi faced strong opposition from college principals during a consultative meeting held at Anna University on 3 August 2023 to discuss the implementation of a uniform syllabus for Arts and Science colleges in Tamil Nadu. The meeting aimed to deliberate on a 900-page report proposing the adoption of a standardized syllabus across all institutions.
However, the idea of a uniform syllabus did not sit well with several college principals. Some expressed satisfaction with the existing syllabus, while others pointed out that they are bound to follow the guidelines set by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
In a show of dissent, Teynampet SIET college correspondent Faisur Rahman Sayeed vocally opposed Minister Ponmudi’s proposals and said that he cannot implement what the minister is saying, causing an embarrassment to the DMK minister Ponmudi. Subsequently, his mic was turned off. Tambaram MCC college principal Paul Wilson questioned whether they should adhere to the UGC guidelines or the new syllabus proposed by the DMK Minister.
Adding to the discontent, Madurai American College principal Davamani Christopher highlighted that certain courses offered by their college, such as BSC Data Science, were not covered in the proposed syllabus. Despite facing these questions and concerns, DMK Minister Ponmudi struggled to provide satisfactory answers, repeatedly defending the new syllabus developed with the input of 900 professors.
In contrast to the dissenting voices, Nandanam Government Arts College for Men’s Principal Jothi Venkateshwaran openly praised the new syllabus and hailed the DMK government. His positive stance received mixed reactions from other college principals present at the meeting, with some appearing displeased.
Raman, the principal of Chennai Presidency College, joined Jothi Venkateshwaran in singing paeans for thestate government.
As the meeting progressed, DMK Minister Ponmudi sought the support of the principals by asking them to raise their hands in favor of the new syllabus. However, only a few hands went up, resulting in an embarrassing situation for the Minister. Undeterred, Ponmudi suggested that many principals secretly supported the new syllabus but were hesitant to express it publicly. He further stated that he would inform the press that the majority of college principals supported the new syllabus, and subsequently, he left the venue.
The consultative meeting highlighted the sharp divisions among college principals regarding the implementation of a uniform syllabus. As the discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the DMK government will navigate the opposition and garner support for its proposed changes.
Arjun Sampath, chief of the Indu Makkal Katchi (IMK), addressed the press on 3 August 2023 and discussed various critical issues in Tamil Nadu that have been making headlines recently. In his candid briefing, he delved into matters concerning the Mekedatu Dam construction, the Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) land acquisition dispute, controversial comments by Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK)’s Seeman on minorities, and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Member of Parliament A Raja’s branding of the Arunthathiyar community.
When asked about the Mekedatu dam construction issue, he pointed out that the DMK had sought the central government’s intervention, despite being in alliance with the ruling party in Karnataka. Arjun Sampath suggested that the DMK could resolve the matter by engaging in discussions with their alliance partner, the Congress government. Drawing from the past leadership of MG Ramachandran as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, he highlighted that various river-sharing issues with neighboring states were successfully resolved through dialogue. Arjun Sampath emphasized that the DMK should prioritise the state’s rights over political alliances and not hesitate to consider breaking the alliance if necessary.
Moving on to the NLC land acquisition issue, Arjun Sampath expressed disapproval of the process adopted by NLC, stating that they had rushed into it without proper consideration. He believed that the judiciary’s decision to side with the farmers in this matter was just and fair. In his opinion, the DMK’s handling of the situation demonstrated double standards, suggesting that a smoother resolution could have been achieved if they had been more proactive in finding an amicable solution.
The press briefing also saw Arjun Sampath condemning actor Marimuthu for his insulting remarks against astrologers. He stressed that while some astrologers may be unscrupulous, it does not negate the scientific value of astrology as a whole. He believed that Marimuthu’s comments were insensitive and called for more sensible discourse on such matters.
Regarding NTK Seeman’s controversial comments calling Christians and Muslims the children of ‘Satan,’ Arjun Sampath strongly rejected such divisive statements. He asserted that in India, everyone is a child of Bharat Matha (Mother India), and such inflammatory remarks should be avoided.
The IMK chief expressed his strong disapproval of DMK MP A Raja’s branding of the Arunthathiyar community as scavengers.
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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on 4 August 2023 wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting his intervention in urging Karnataka to release the Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu as per the agreed schedule. The Chief Minister also asked for the immediate clearance of the water shortfall that occurred during June and July.
I seek the immediate attention of Hon'ble @PMOIndia to save the farmers of Cauvery delta. The Kuruvai paddy crop, vital for Tamil Nadu's rice production, is in jeopardy due to a massive shortfall of 28.8 TMC of Cauvery water.
He accused the Karnataka government of not honouring the Supreme Court order in letter and spirit and not adhering to the directions of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).
He stated that during the water year of 2023-24, Karnataka failed to meet its obligations in releasing water to Tamil Nadu and that they released only 11.6 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of water, which was significantly lower than the agreed-upon amount of 40.4 tmcft at Biligundlu, the inter-state border, for the period between 1 June and 31 July 2023. (The water year commences in June.)
“Such a huge shortfall of 28.8tmcft has been thrust on Tamil Nadu, even while Karnataka has a gross storage of 91tmcft in its four major reservoirs, against their full storage capacity of 114.6tmcft,” Stalin wrote in his letter to Prime Minister Modi. Stalin highlighted the critical situation faced by the farmers in the Cauvery Delta region. He brought to the Prime Minister’s attention the challenges the farmers are encountering while attempting to save their kuruvai, which is a short-term paddy crop.
He stated in his letter that as of 2 August 2023, the Mettur reservoir, which is the lifeline of the Cauvery Delta, is experiencing a low water level. It currently holds only 26.6 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of water, which he stated was considerably below its total storage capacity of 93.6 tmcft. He added that considering the allocation for drinking water and other essential requirements, the available water in the Mettur reservoir can sustain the standing kuruvai crop for an additional 15 days. However, for the crop to reach maturity and achieve optimal yield, it would need water for another 45 days.
Due to the “precarious situation”, the Chief Minister mentioned that the state government had already raised the matter with Union jal shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on two occasions, July 5 and 19. During these interactions, they requested the minister to advise Karnataka to follow the schedule set by the Supreme Court and also instructed the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) to oversee and ensure compliance with the schedule.
“However, Karnataka has not relented and except for the runoff from the fully filled Kabini reservoir, no water has been released from its major reservoirs, which are 80% full and continue to receive good inflows,” Stalin said.
It is indeed ironic that the Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party, which is in alliance with the Congress as part of the I.N.D.I. Alliance, opted to write directly to the Prime Minister instead of resolving the matter with the Karnataka Chief Minister directly.
National President of Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha & MP for Bengaluru South Lok Sabha Constituency, Tejasvi Surya tweeted that “I.N.D.I.A or India – both need PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji to solve its problems. This letter highlights the reality of a pseudo opposition alliance and its deluded ‘common’ agenda, which has fast degraded to writing complaints about its own alliance partners. A mutually warring group like I.N.D.I.A alliance can only distract the nation.”
I.N.D.I.A or India – both need PM Shri @narendramodi Ji to solve its problems. This letter highlights the reality of a pseudo opposition alliance and its deluded 'common' agenda, which has fast degraded to writing complaints about its own alliance partners.
Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party President K Annamalai also shared similar thoughts. He tweeted, “This is the reality of I.N.D.I. Alliance. They come to our Hon PM Thiru Narendra Modi avl complaining about their alliance partners. The grim scenario faced by the farmers today has to do much with the Corrupt DMK government’s pledging of the interests of the people of TN for their political gains.”
This is the reality of I.N.D.I. Alliance. They come to our Hon PM Thiru @narendramodi avl complaining about their alliance partners.
The grim scenario faced by the farmers today has to do much with the Corrupt DMK government’s pledging of the interests of the people of TN for… https://t.co/PN1AUg4Qjo
Kerala Assembly Speaker AN Shamseer of the ruling CPI-M is once again in the news for another set of controversial comments he made. This time, it was at the inauguration of a new building at RMHSS Melattur in Malappuram, Kerala.
While addressing students and discussing education, Shamseer expressed concern about the latest NCERT syllabus in which history textbooks do not include significant historical figures. He criticised the distortion of history by focusing on individuals who made little or no contribution to history or the freedom struggle. He said that this deliberate manipulation aims to influence the younger generation’s thinking and push forward a hidden agenda and warned that this strategy sought to capture the minds of students and shape the way an entire generation perceives historical events.
He said, “Our generation is very well aware of Mahatma Gandhi but whether the next generation will even know him because they are trying to remove lessons about Gandhi from textbooks. We know that he was murdered but they are establishing that he was killed. In this way, they are distorting history and hence it is time now for us to really read the right history.”
He also said in his speech, “Children must be taught the Constitution. India is a secular country and it means that the country does not have a religion but the citizens can have a religion. You can practice and preach your religion. India is not a religious country but there is a concerted attempt to make it one.”
The Constitution begins with the words “We the people of India” and this was written by Dr BR Ambedkar who was chairman of the drafting committee. But HV Kamath brought in an amendment saying that it should not begin with “We the people of India” but rather should be “In the name of the Lord..”. There were heated debates on this and it was finally decided to go with “We the people of India”
He pointed out to the student crowd and said, “Everyone must be able to live harmoniously just like this and share their opinions with each other. That is India, that is Kerala.”
He added, “Onam is just around the corner, Ramzan just got over. When a Muslim wants to break his fast, he invites all his non-muslim friends. When Onam arrives, even though the entire state celebrates the festival, it is a Hindu festival. This is Kerala.”
Kerala speaker AN Shamseer from CPM is all out to humiliate Hindus. As per his latest statement, Hindus should be thankful to Muslims as it is because of the evening Azan from nearby Mosques, Hindus get reminded of lighting the lamp in their pooja rooms. pic.twitter.com/7Ubqt05VrT
“When you hear the Azaan from the mosque, it serves as a reminder for Hindus to chant their evening prayers and light the Sandhya vilakku (evening lamp). That is Kerala. We should not allow any forces to break this unity. Whatever anyone says or does, this secularism must never be let go.”, Shamseer said.
He also said that the news coming from Manipur was distressing and asked whether Kerala should become like Manipur and Haryana. He said, “Kerala is a state that is humanist in nature and we will not let any power break us or our secular culture. “
Shamseer spoke about the importance of empathy among students and urges them to understand and support their peers instead of being preoccupied with their mobile phones. They stress the need for teachers and students to know each other well to create a safe environment. The speaker also highlights the vulnerability of teenagers to online influences that are waiting to get hold of them and said that the teacher’s role in guiding them during this critical phase to prevent them from going astray.
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The University Grants Commission (UGC) of India has listed Bible Open University India International, Visakhapatnam as a fake university following several complaints about the Christian institution.
In September 2021, the Legal Rights Protection Forum filed a complaint with the University Grants Commission, urging them to impose a ban on the ‘Bible Open University of India’ located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The complaint highlighted that the institution was operating without proper recognition and misleadingly using the term ‘University.’ Moreover, it had been unlawfully awarding Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D. degrees for a considerable period of time.
Lodged complaint with University Grants Commission @ugc_india seeking ban on 'Bible Open University of India', Visakhapatnam, AP functioning without recognition and using the word ‘University’ and has been awarding Bachelor/Master & Ph.D Degrees for several years. (1/1). https://t.co/VZz6yR7RrNpic.twitter.com/eMG9ZQylF0
The Legal Rights Protection Forum also lodged a complaint with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) against ‘Bible Open University of India’ Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh for alleged sexual exploitation of minor girls.
The Twitter handle of Legal Rights Protection Forum then shared a video of the university’s founder accusing his son of involving in the sexual harassment of minor girls. However, the video has since been removed from the platform.
In August 2021, the Legal Rights Protection Forum sent a letter to the Home Ministry, requesting action to be taken against the ‘All India True Christian Council’ and ‘Bible Open University of India,’ represented by PD Sundar Rao and E Santosh Kumar. The complaint accused them of promoting sedition, advocating for the partition of the nation, disrespecting the National Flag and Anthem, and abusing Dr. BR Ambedkar.
According to Section 22(1) of the UGC Act, degrees can only be conferred by a University that is established under a Central, State/Provincial Act, or an Institution that is deemed to be a University under section 3 of the UGC Act. Degrees can also be awarded by an Institution that is specifically empowered by an Act of Parliament to grant degrees.
In April 2022, in response to the complaint lodged by the Legal Rights Protection Forum, the University Grants Commission of India issued a warning to Bible Open University India International, Visakhapatnam. The warning was issued because the institution was found to be operating without proper recognition, falsely using the term ‘University’ in its name, and illegally awarding Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D. degrees to students.
Following our complaint, University Grants Commission of India issued warning to Bible Open University India International, Visakhapatnam for functioning without recognition, using word 'University' in its name & has been awarding Bachelor/Master & PhD Degrees to students (1/2) https://t.co/D6aEvlUBd6pic.twitter.com/ijlpu6lBwj
— Legal Rights Protection Forum (@lawinforce) April 20, 2022
And finally, in 2023, UGC listed the ‘Bible Open University India International’, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh in the Fake Universities Category.
Source: UGC
Following our complaint, finally the University Grants Commission of India listed the 'Bible Open University India International', Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh in the Fake Universities Category.
During a clash between two rival gangs, Dani, son of Airport Sajan, a CPI-M leader, encountered a youngster. The original intention was to physically assault the youngster, but upon the youngster’s arrival, Dani decided to alter his approach.
Warning ⚠️ Abusive Language!!!
Meet Mr Danny, Son of CPM Gunda Sajan who is busy with his true communist character!! After checking their mobiles, He is insisting the local boys to kiss his feet !!! This is the level of fascism the ruling party leaders carry in Kerala.. Most… pic.twitter.com/KeJVC5N72j
He intercepted the youngster and confiscated the bike key and phone he was carrying. Then, he demanded the youngster to touch his feet several times and later compelled him to kiss his feet while abusing him verbally. He said, “You shouldn’t have don’t this f* thing to me. Come on touch my feet you m*****f*****, you slut kiss my feet!”.
After the youngster did what he was told to, Dani returned the phone and keys to the youngster. The video capturing the incident was recorded by Dani’s gang and later shared on social media. Along with the footage, there are also accusations circulating about a police officer who is suspected of aiding the gangs. The incident, which occurred close to the Secretariat, has caused concern among Thiruvananthapuram residents. There are serious allegations pointing toward the influential police officer’s involvement and support for the gangs, especially given their ties to the ruling party.
Naam Tamilar Katchi’s fiery leader, Seeman, has once again found himself at the center of a heated controversy following his recent statements regarding Christians and Muslims in Tamil Nadu. Seeman’s incendiary remarks have drawn sharp criticism from various political quarters, and his attempt to clarify his stance seems to have further fueled the fire.
The controversy began a few days ago during a protest condemning violence in Manipur when Seeman called Christian and Muslim voters as “children of Satan” castigating their voting patterns, particularly their support for Congress and the DMK. Unsurprisingly, his statements were met with swift condemnation from the DMK and its allies, including demands for an apology from Manithaneyam Makkal Katchi Chief M. H. Jawahirullah.
However, instead of offering an apology, Seeman remained defiant, stating that he wouldn’t apologize for his comments. He questioned whether the minorities would vote for him even if he did apologize, claiming that they had not supported him in the past and were unlikely to do so in the future.
In an apparent attempt to regain some ground and woo minority communities, Seeman took a defensive stance on 3 August 2023. He asserted that he would use a slipper to hit anyone who referred to Christians and Muslims as minorities. Seeman contended that both communities were integral to Tamil Nadu, hailing them as “sons of the soil” who were true Tamils. He clarified that his ire was directed only at those who supported the DMK and Congress, not at the entire Christian and Muslim communities.
Seeman went on to praise Christianity and Islam, portraying them as religions born to fight against injustice. He quoted Palani Baba (A Muslim extremist), who called Islam and Christianity a revolution against injustice, rather than a religion per se.
Regarding his earlier controversial remarks, Seeman claimed that his anger stemmed from the minorities’ consistent voting for the DMK and Congress, even though he contested in multiple elections without receiving their support.
Shifting the focus to Tamil identity, Seeman highlighted the importance of language over religion in shaping the destiny of nations. He stressed that Christians and Muslims in Tamil Nadu were Tamil at their core, asserting that people could change their religion but not their race.
In a tangent, Seeman also questioned the presence of Inbanidhi, the son of actor Udhayanidhi Stalin, at government functions, questioning whether Tamils had become subservient to the Karunanidhi family.
Seeman’s latest statements have only intensified the controversy, with political leaders and civil society expressing concern over the potential polarizing impact of his rhetoric.
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Karnataka Minister of Information Technology and Rural Development, Priyank Kharge of the Congress, has been embroiled in a controversy following his recent comments on migration of people from Uttar Pradesh to southern part of India for job opportunities. In his remarks, Kharge allegedly denigrated the social infrastructure of north Indian states, sparking criticism from various quarters.
Congress after winning Karnataka wants North vs South divide for Poltics.
Congress leader @PriyankKharge insults UP, MP and whole Hindi Heartland.
Rahul Gandhi did Bharat 'Jodo' Yatra, kept alliance name I.N.D.I.A but this is its real face.
Kharge in his remark said, “Have you ever heard any Kannadiga say I am going to Uttar Pradesh for a job? I will show you how many people from UP and Madhya Pradesh are there in Karnataka. They come here because of the ecosystem. The Hindi heartland thinks that they can come to South India and earn a livelihood. Nobody from the South thinks they can go to the Hindi heartland and earn a livelihood because of the social infrastructure there.”
Kharge’s comments are typical of those peddled by his Dravidian Stock allies in Tamil Nadu, who often resort to belittling migrant workers from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, etc who come to southern states to eke out a living.
Kharge’s comments have ignited a fierce debate, with many accusing the Congress Minister of resorting to divisive tactics and indulging in regional politics. Critics have raised questions about the Congress party’s rule at the center for over six decades and how Kharge’s remarks reflect on its governance and approach towards national integration.
The Karnataka Congress Minister’s statements were deemed unwelcoming and unbecoming of a national party member. Instead of promoting unity and inclusivity, Kharge’s comments seemed to take a dig at Indian states in the north of India and their social structure, further adding fuel to the fire of regionalism.
Moreover, Kharge’s factual inaccuracies have been called out, as it is observed that migrants from various states predominantly converge in Bengaluru, not throughout Karnataka. Several parts of the state, excluding Bengaluru and Mysuru, continue to grapple with underdevelopment and inadequate infrastructure.
One such region is Kalaburagi, a district in North Karnataka considered a bastion of the Kharge family’s political stronghold for 65 years under the Indian National Congress’s rule. Priyank Kharge is an MLA from Chittapur constituency.
Despite this long-standing association, the district remains plagued by underdevelopment, with 18.63% of the population classified as multidimensionally poor by the National Family Health Survey (2019-21), ranking it third among the poorest districts in Karnataka, behind Yadgir and Raichur.
The NITI Aayog National Multidimensional Poverty Index 2023 gives plenty of insights into the details of each of the states. Here is some information from the report for Karnataka.
Source: NITI Aayog
The average income in Bengaluru Urban region is five times higher than the average income in Kalaburagi, which stands as the poorest district in Karnataka with a per capita income of ₹1.2 lakh in FY22 as per the Karnataka Economic Survey 2022-23. It appears that the more affluent districts of Karnataka experience faster economic growth compared to the less prosperous ones.
Source: Karnataka Economic Survey 2022-23
The report states that Kalaburgi revenue region (comprising Ballari, Bidar, Kalaburgi, Koppal, Raichuru and Yadagiri districts), stood lowest in the per capita income followed by Belagavi and Mysore divisions due to less presence of industries and services sectors in these regions indicating a dire need for development of industries and services in these regions.
Source: Karnataka Economic Survey 2022-23
In Bengaluru Urban, the agriculture sector’s contribution to its GDP is only 0.5%, while in all other districts, agriculture constitutes at least 10 per cent of the GDP. However, in Yadgir, one of the poorest districts, agriculture makes up about 50% of the GDP.
The Karnataka Economic Survey 2022-23, Bengaluru Urban district accounted for 35.6% of the state’s GDP in 2021-22, reflecting its significant contribution to the total value of final goods and services in the state, followed by Dakshina Kannada (5.7%), Belagavi (4.2%).
Source: NITI Aayog
Before the launch of PM Modi’s Jal Jeevan Mission, only 15.06% households had a tap water connection. Now it has increased to 60.45%.
It is to be noted that barring 1998 and 2019, it was the Congress which had held this constituency. Priyank Kharge’s father and the so-called Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge was the MP of Kalaburagi from 2009 to 2019. Yet, the people of the region are getting as basic as tap water and bank accounts only now.
Critics argue that Kharge’s own constituency and political domain should be the primary focus of development, rather than making unwarranted comments about labor migration from other states. They point out that the lack of opportunities and development in North Karnataka, coupled with political leadership, has contributed to locals seeking employment in other states, including major cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad.
Prank minister Sorry Troll Minister Your family is ruling North Karnataka since 5 decades And the highest labour migration from Karnataka happens from these districts People from Kalaburgi and Bidar go to mumbai, hyderabad as coolies, construction labour and low wage workers… pic.twitter.com/SKuIytf8L4
Kharge’s apprehensions about labour migration from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to Karnataka have been met with further scrutiny, as critics remind him of his alliance partners’ political reign in those states. They urge Kharge to address the issue within the context of collaborative efforts with leaders like Akhilesh Yadav, Nitish Kumar, and Lalu Yadav.
It has also been pointed out that the presence of people from various states in tier-1 cities is not an anomaly, as cities like Mumbai and Delhi also demonstrate diverse migrant populations. Thus, the claim of a lack of social infrastructure in North Indian states has been contested as factually incorrect.
Notwithstanding Kharge’s remarks, it should be acknowledged that Uttar Pradesh has demonstrated remarkable economic growth in recent years, shedding the label of a “BIMARU state.” The impressive 16.8% GDP growth in 2022-23, surpassing the national average, reflects improved law and order and increased foreign investments.
In light of the mounting criticism, Priyank Kharge faces growing calls to reflect on the developmental needs within his own constituency and work towards comprehensive solutions for the betterment of the region. As a national party member and now a state Minister, responsible and inclusive political discourse should be at the forefront of his agenda, rather than indulging in divisive rhetoric and acting like a troll on social media, say many.
Kaathavaraayan is a columnist and political commentator.
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The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court issued a directive to the Tamil Nadu government’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department to reinstate the banner that stated, “Only Hindus are allowed,” within the Pazhani Dhandayudhapani Swamy temple. The court made this decision while responding to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a Hindu activist. Emphasising that removing the notice board could lead to unnecessary controversies, the court promptly ordered the authorities to maintain the notice board in its original location.
A few days ago on 22 June 2023, a controversy arose when a Muslim family expressed their desire to visit the temple. The temple staff allegedly attempted to retrieve the tickets issued to the Muslim women in the family who were wearing burqas for Darshan. Subsequently, a heated argument ensued between the Muslim family and the temple staff. Shortly after this incident, the banner at the entrance of the temple, which stated that only Hindus are allowed, was removed.
Upon learning about the removal of the banner, several pro-Hindu organizations converged at the administrative office of the Pazhani temple. They engaged in discussions with the temple authorities and demanded that the banner be reinstated.
According to reports, the Tamil Nadu government’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department removed the banner stating that only Hindus are allowed at the entrance of the Pazhani Murugan temple following opposition from a Muslim family.
In a petition that was presented for hearing before the judge at the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court. Advocate Arun Swaminathan, representing the petitioner, argued that Section 48 of the Hindu Charities Act, 1947 clearly prohibits non-Hindus from entering Hindu temples. Therefore, the advocate insisted on maintaining the ban on non-Hindus entering the Pazhani temple. The advocate also requested the re-installation of the “no entry” banner for non-Hindus at the same location.
In response, the judge questioned the removal of the banner that prohibited non-Hindus from entering the temple. Further, the judge ordered the restoration of the banner at the same place. The case hearing has been adjourned for two weeks.
HR&CE Minister Sekar Babu announced his intention to appeal against the High Court order. In response to this development, temple activist TR Ramesh took to Twitter to say that he will intervene in the matter to safeguard the interests of the temple.
The Minister for @tnhrcedept ‘s announcement that he will appeal against the order of a learned Single Judge that only Hindus shd be allowed in Palani Temple – is against temple traditions & TN Temple Entry Authorisation Act. I will intervene in this case to safeguard temple. pic.twitter.com/aI3XnnkhVc
Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party President K Annamalai, as a part of his ‘En Mann En Makkal’ Padayatra was speaking to an audience in Aranthangi in Pudukottai district in Tamil Nadu.
ரேஷன் கடையில் ஸ்டிக்கர் ஒட்ட உங்க போட்டோவ வைக்குறீங்களே, டாஸ்மாக் கடையில் போய் உங்க போட்டோவ ஒட்டுங்க – அறந்தாங்கியில் தலைவர் @annamalai_kpic.twitter.com/MFU81a1Q0K
Addressing the audience, Annamalai raised concerns about the Chief Minister’s actions, claiming that he puts his sticker on central government schemes implemented in the state. “Whatever schemes that PM Modi has given, our CM here will put his sticker on it,” Annamalai stated, highlighting what he perceived as an attempt to take undue credit for initiatives funded predominantly by the central government.
He said that the central government contributes ₹33 and the state government contributes ₹2 per kilo of rice sold at the ration shop. So in total, a kilo of rice costs ₹35. Allegations of corruption were also made, with Annamalai claiming that officials at these shops demand commissions of ₹6 per kilo of rice, further burdening the citizens.
Taking a swipe at the Chief Minister’s approach, Annamalai questioned the presence of the Chief Minister’s large photographs at ration shops while criticizing the lack of similar branding at TASMAC outlets which is a state government undertaking, where alcohol is sold. “If they (DMK government) don’t do it, we (BJP karyakartas) will do it on their behalf. There should be the CM’s photo at TASMAC outlets too,” Annamalai remarked, suggesting that the CM should take responsibility for promoting alcohol consumption as well.
He also questioned, “When you can put your sticker/face on schemes funded almost 99% primarily by the central govt (PM Modi), why not place your photo as someone who encouraged drinking?”
“This is also an example of how the Dravidian model government functions,” he said.
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Congress Minister Priyank Kharge’s Remarks About North Indian Migrant Workers And The Plight Of His Family’s Own Turf Kalaburagi
Karnataka Minister of Information Technology and Rural Development, Priyank Kharge of the Congress, has been embroiled in a controversy following his recent comments on migration of people from Uttar Pradesh to southern part of India for job opportunities. In his remarks, Kharge allegedly denigrated the social infrastructure of north Indian states, sparking criticism from various quarters.
Kharge in his remark said, “Have you ever heard any Kannadiga say I am going to Uttar Pradesh for a job? I will show you how many people from UP and Madhya Pradesh are there in Karnataka. They come here because of the ecosystem. The Hindi heartland thinks that they can come to South India and earn a livelihood. Nobody from the South thinks they can go to the Hindi heartland and earn a livelihood because of the social infrastructure there.”
Kharge’s comments are typical of those peddled by his Dravidian Stock allies in Tamil Nadu, who often resort to belittling migrant workers from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, etc who come to southern states to eke out a living.
Kharge’s comments have ignited a fierce debate, with many accusing the Congress Minister of resorting to divisive tactics and indulging in regional politics. Critics have raised questions about the Congress party’s rule at the center for over six decades and how Kharge’s remarks reflect on its governance and approach towards national integration.
The Karnataka Congress Minister’s statements were deemed unwelcoming and unbecoming of a national party member. Instead of promoting unity and inclusivity, Kharge’s comments seemed to take a dig at Indian states in the north of India and their social structure, further adding fuel to the fire of regionalism.
Moreover, Kharge’s factual inaccuracies have been called out, as it is observed that migrants from various states predominantly converge in Bengaluru, not throughout Karnataka. Several parts of the state, excluding Bengaluru and Mysuru, continue to grapple with underdevelopment and inadequate infrastructure.
One such region is Kalaburagi, a district in North Karnataka considered a bastion of the Kharge family’s political stronghold for 65 years under the Indian National Congress’s rule. Priyank Kharge is an MLA from Chittapur constituency.
Despite this long-standing association, the district remains plagued by underdevelopment, with 18.63% of the population classified as multidimensionally poor by the National Family Health Survey (2019-21), ranking it third among the poorest districts in Karnataka, behind Yadgir and Raichur.
The NITI Aayog National Multidimensional Poverty Index 2023 gives plenty of insights into the details of each of the states. Here is some information from the report for Karnataka.
The average income in Bengaluru Urban region is five times higher than the average income in Kalaburagi, which stands as the poorest district in Karnataka with a per capita income of ₹1.2 lakh in FY22 as per the Karnataka Economic Survey 2022-23. It appears that the more affluent districts of Karnataka experience faster economic growth compared to the less prosperous ones.
The report states that Kalaburgi revenue region (comprising Ballari, Bidar, Kalaburgi, Koppal, Raichuru and Yadagiri districts), stood lowest in the per capita income followed by Belagavi and Mysore divisions due to less presence of industries and services sectors in these regions indicating a dire need for development of industries and services in these regions.
In Bengaluru Urban, the agriculture sector’s contribution to its GDP is only 0.5%, while in all other districts, agriculture constitutes at least 10 per cent of the GDP. However, in Yadgir, one of the poorest districts, agriculture makes up about 50% of the GDP.
The Karnataka Economic Survey 2022-23, Bengaluru Urban district accounted for 35.6% of the state’s GDP in 2021-22, reflecting its significant contribution to the total value of final goods and services in the state, followed by Dakshina Kannada (5.7%), Belagavi (4.2%).
Before the launch of PM Modi’s Jal Jeevan Mission, only 15.06% households had a tap water connection. Now it has increased to 60.45%.
It is to be noted that barring 1998 and 2019, it was the Congress which had held this constituency. Priyank Kharge’s father and the so-called Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge was the MP of Kalaburagi from 2009 to 2019. Yet, the people of the region are getting as basic as tap water and bank accounts only now.
Critics argue that Kharge’s own constituency and political domain should be the primary focus of development, rather than making unwarranted comments about labor migration from other states. They point out that the lack of opportunities and development in North Karnataka, coupled with political leadership, has contributed to locals seeking employment in other states, including major cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad.
Kharge’s apprehensions about labour migration from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to Karnataka have been met with further scrutiny, as critics remind him of his alliance partners’ political reign in those states. They urge Kharge to address the issue within the context of collaborative efforts with leaders like Akhilesh Yadav, Nitish Kumar, and Lalu Yadav.
It has also been pointed out that the presence of people from various states in tier-1 cities is not an anomaly, as cities like Mumbai and Delhi also demonstrate diverse migrant populations. Thus, the claim of a lack of social infrastructure in North Indian states has been contested as factually incorrect.
Notwithstanding Kharge’s remarks, it should be acknowledged that Uttar Pradesh has demonstrated remarkable economic growth in recent years, shedding the label of a “BIMARU state.” The impressive 16.8% GDP growth in 2022-23, surpassing the national average, reflects improved law and order and increased foreign investments.
In light of the mounting criticism, Priyank Kharge faces growing calls to reflect on the developmental needs within his own constituency and work towards comprehensive solutions for the betterment of the region. As a national party member and now a state Minister, responsible and inclusive political discourse should be at the forefront of his agenda, rather than indulging in divisive rhetoric and acting like a troll on social media, say many.
Kaathavaraayan is a columnist and political commentator.
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