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“If EPS Ruled For 4 Years, It Was Safeguarded By Modi”: TTV Dhinakaran Hits Out At ADMK

By
The Commune
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In the electoral fray of Theni Parliamentary Constituency, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has nominated TTV Dhinakaran, the General Secretary of Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), as its candidate. Interestingly, the DMK has put forward Thanga Tamilselvan, who was once a colleague of Dhinakaran in the same constituency. Additionally, the AIADMK has selected V T Narayanasamy. This sets the stage for a compelling Lok Sabha election constituency, with former colleagues now competing closely against each other.

Subsequently, a consultative meeting of NDA activists convened in Andipatti. During this gathering, TTV Dhinakaran, asserted that Narendra Modi stands as the prime ministerial nominee for the NDA. Contrastingly, questioned the identity of the prime ministerial candidate within the DMK alliance, emphasizing the relative obscurity of Stalin beyond Tamil Nadu’s borders.

Later taking on ADMK, he criticized Edappadi Palaniswami’s use of the double leaf symbol, historically associated with MGR, insinuating its deployment to undermine the DMK while ostensibly supporting it. Dhinakaran accused Palaniswami of clandestinely bolstering the DMK’s interests, effectively operating as its surrogate.

While speaking about Edappadi Palaniswami, Dhinakaran stated, “Betraying former chief minister OPS, and betraying Delhi that wanted to save Amma’s regime and safeguarded them for four and a half years. Otherwise we would have blown up this regime that very day, that is the truth. Palaniswami thought we are holding them by positions and with money. Nothing like that”

Then he highlighted the Tamil Nadu electorate’s awareness of this alleged deception, suggesting a shift in support towards the NDA. Drawing upon the legacies of MGR and Jayalalithaa, Dhinakaran stressed the imperative of eradicating the DMK. He underscored the ideological alignment towards making Narendra Modi the Prime Minister once again, transcending the mere distribution of electoral tickets.

(With Inputs From Daily Thanthi)

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Why VCK Was Rejected The Pot Symbol – Here’s What The VCK and Dravidianist Media Won’t Tell You

By
The Commune
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In a recent development, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has not been allotted the pot symbol as a common symbol, a request they had fervently pursued. The decision, detailed in an order document from the Secretariat of the Election Commission of India, cites several key reasons for the denial.

Firstly, the Commission highlighted that the VCK’s application was incomplete as the party had failed to furnish a crucial component: the list of Parliamentary constituencies where it intended to field its candidates. Additionally, at the time of application, there were no authorized office bearers listed for the party, according to the Commission’s records.

Moreover, the VCK had not provided essential financial documents, including contribution statements, annual audit reports for the last three financial years, and election expenditure statements for the last two elections in which the party contested.

The Commission also noted that the VCK had availed of concessions on two previous occasions. However, to be eligible for further concessions, the party must fulfill certain criteria, including securing at least 1% of the total valid votes polled in the state during the previous election. Unfortunately for the VCK, they did not meet this requirement in the elections they contested.

 

Previously, during simultaneous general elections to the legislative assemblies of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the party had been allotted the ring symbol as its common emblem. Similarly, in the 2019 general elections, the VCK was allocated the pot and stool symbols in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

However, due to the party’s failure to meet the minimum vote threshold of 1% in the states where they contested, the Commission rejected their request for the allocation of a common symbol for the upcoming general elections in 2024 in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala.

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Incumbent South Chennai DMK MP Tamizhachi Thangapandian Turned Away By Residents Over Neglect And Disarray Of Their Homes

By
The Commune
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In South Chennai, a competitive race unfolds as BJP’s Tamilisai Soundararajan, AIADMK’s candidate Dr. J Jayavarthan, and the incumbent South Chennai MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian of the DMK contest against each other. The South Chennai Parliamentary Constituency comprises six constituencies: Virugambakkam, Saidapet, Thiagaraya Nagar, Mylapore, Velachery, and Sholinganallur. With the nomination process concluded, they have all embarked on roadshows across South Chennai, engaging with constituents, and garnering support for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Against this backdrop, Thamizhachi Thangapandian, vying for her second term from the DMK in the South Chennai constituency, faced a challenging situation. A commotion erupted in Mylapore as the public expressed their grievances, alleging that the MP was only visible during elections and remained oblivious to ongoing issues otherwise. The campaign vehicle of Thamizhachi Thangapandian on her 2nd day campaign was obstructed by agitated residents who bombarded her with questions. They accused her of neglecting the damaged Bharathidasan Nagar Housing Board despite assurances to rectify the situation over an extended period. Residents voiced their frustration, shouting, “Go, come next time, go away now,” while women questioned if her visits were merely to ascertain their well-being. Others angrily pointed out the significance of their votes, emphasizing the MP’s self-serving motives and questioning who suffered the consequences. The demand for the prompt repair of the damaged housing board intensified, causing a stir that prompted the MP to alter her course.

The housing units in Bharathidasan Nagar Housing Board were built over 50 years ago, and their present condition is in an extremely bad shape. The ceilings show significant wear and tear, with exposed cement and iron grills visible. The stairs are broken, and there are holes present in it. Residents recount an incident where a balcony collapsed, resulting in one resident losing three fingers. Similar concerns extend to the interiors, where ceilings occasionally collapse, posing significant risks to residents’ safety. Another female resident expressed her frustration, stating, “You’re claiming you don’t need the votes from this constituency. Do you really think you’ll win?” Thamizhachi replied affirmatively and left. Residents pointed out the lack of access to clean drinking water and the issue of contaminated water affecting them. Another resident criticized the DMK government, highlighting their failure to fulfill promises such as the construction of new housing boards after demolishing existing ones. They expressed concerns about potential displacement and the financial burden of finding alternative accommodation, particularly for low-income daily wage earners.

Previously Thangapandian said that over the past five years, she has been actively sharing her activities and contributions to the constituency through social media. Many of the issues highlighted during this period have been addressed, although some minor concerns still persist. Thangapandian assured that these remaining issues would also be addressed promptly. The statement was made in the presence of Mylapore Assembly member D. Velu, representatives from alliance parties, and members of the DMK during the vote collection event.

It can be said that Chennai serves as a bastion for the DMK, as the party consistently emerges victorious in this region. The DMK alliance secured victory in all constituencies within the Chennai city during the 2021 assembly elections. And the commotion by the residents is seen a setback.

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“No, BJP Didn’t Win Because Of Alms Given By ADMK”: BJP’s SG Suryah Slams ADMK’s C.Ve Shanmugam With Data

By
The Commune
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As the election draws closer, tensions between political parties have escalated, with party leaders resorting to rhetoric on their respective platforms. One notable instance occurred when former ADMK minister CV Shanmugam, addressing an their party candidate’s introductory meeting, lambasted the BJP for its failure to expand in Tamil Nadu. He attributed the BJP’s success of securing four MLA seats solely to the alliance with his party, dismissing the BJP’s independent growth in the state.

The Villupuram AIADMK organized an introductory meeting for their candidate for the Villupuram Parliamentary Constituency, Pakyaraj, at a private wedding hall in Villupuram. Former Minister CV Shanmugam chaired the meeting. Addressing the gathering and introducing the candidate, CV Shanmugam expressed concerns about the current state of affairs. He criticized the DMK government for neglecting the state’s welfare and accused the BJP government of disregarding the people’s needs. Shanmugam warned against the BJP’s ‘divisive politics’, suggesting that the country is approaching a critical juncture. He countered BJP’s slogan of “Modi again” with their own stance of “No Modi, No Modi,” citing potential threats to Indian democracy if the BJP were to come to power again. Shanmugam highlighted the challenges faced by businesses, alleging that government agencies like the CBI, Enforcement Department, and Income Tax Department target opposition to the BJP.

While lamenting the influence of BJP’s alliance parties in Tamil Nadu despite the BJP not yet holding power there. Shanmugam emphasized the importance of the upcoming election, noting the significance of AIADMK’s stance during this crucial period. He stated, “Is everyone in BJP, a Gandhi? Today, the BJP has not even come to power in Tamil Nadu. By our grace, with our ‘alms’, they got 4 MLAs. But what do you see everywhere in the news? All companies are being threatened and collected money from them. Even in Villupuram, because Annamalai is coming, did they leave out a shop or a businessman? They collected money from everyone.”

In swift retaliation to the derogatory remarks made about the Tamil Nadu BJP by former AIADMK minister CV Shanmugam, SG Suryah, the state secretary of the Tamil Nadu BJP, highlighted six constituencies from the 2021 elections where the alliance between the BJP and AIADMK contributed significantly to their victory margin. Additionally, he juxtaposed this with the BJP’s performance in the 2016 elections when the party contested alone, emphasizing the impact of the BJP on electoral outcomes.

For instance, let’s consider the Kavundampalayam constituency in Coimbatore. In the 2016 elections, AIADMK secured victory with a a mere margin of 8,025 votes. However, if it had competed independently in the 2021 elections without the BJP alliance which had 8.4% vote share in 2016, AIADMK would have lost the MLA seat in this constituency. This scenario is applicable to the remaining five constituencies as well, as elucidated by SG Suruyah.

With a tone of utmost civility, SG Suyah conveyed through his official X handle directed towards CV Shanmugam that, “Minimum civility should be followed in politics Mr.@CVShanmugamofl. Alliance comes today, goes tomorrow. We can also call these 6 constituencies and many constituencies as ” ***ai” (Alms) given to BJP in 2021 elections. But, we won’t…”

Constituency2021 (ADMK + BJP) Votes

Victory Margin (2021)

BJP Votes (2016)
Coimbatore North4,00116,741
Kavundampalayam9,77622,444
Singanallur10,85416,605
Mettupalayam2,45611,036
Kinathukadavu1,09511,354
Pollachi1,7255,363

And also the victory of the four constituency suggests the following:

  • In Tirunelveli, the winner was Nainar Nagendran from BJP, securing 92,282 votes, which is 46.70% of the total votes with a margin of 23,107 votes.
  • In Nagercoil, the winner was M.R. Gandhi from BJP, receiving 88,804 votes, representing 48.21% of the total votes with a margin of 11,669 votes.
  • In Modakkurichi, the winner was Dr. C.K. Saraswathi from BJP, securing 78,125 votes, which accounts for 42.96% of the total votes.
  • In Coimbatore (South), the winner was Vanathi Srinivasan from BJP, receiving 53,209 votes, which represents 34.38% of the total votes.

Therefore, the BJP secured victory primarily due to its own effectiveness, say BJP supporters on social media.

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Polimer News Editor Velraj Confronts BDO Radha Over Negligence In Inspecting MLA’s DMK Flag-Bearing Car

By
The Commune
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Image Source: Polimer News

As India prepares for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections of 2024, the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has been initiated following the announcement of voting dates on 16 March 2024 by the Election Commission of India (ECI). In an video/audio that has gone viral on social media with regard to the MCC, a journalist is heard confronting a Block Development Officer (BDO) who allegedly allowed MLA of Sankarankovil to pass without conducting any checks on his vehicle.

During a phone conversation on 26 March 2024, Polimer News editor Velraj confronted Electoral Flying Squad officer Radha, who was overseeing vehicle checks in the TN Pudhukudi area. Velraj questioned why Radha didn’t request the Sankarankovil MLA (E Raja) to remove the party flag from their car’s flagstaff. Radha explained that the MLA possessed a vehicle pass from the collector’s office, rendering such a request unnecessary, as confirmed by the collectorate. Velraj then inquired why Radha’s team hadn’t inspected the vehicle despite stopping it. Radha insisted that they had checked the car before allowing it to proceed. Velraj countered with evidence from video footage, asserting that Radha’s team had neglected to inspect the MLA’s car. He further questioned the rationale behind scrutinizing a government bus and its passengers, predominantly common citizens, rather than focusing on potential irregularities involving the MLA.

During their conversation, news editor Velraj questioned BDO Radha, “Why did you not ask to remove the flag from the MLA’s car?” Radha responded, “They have a vehicle pass for that, sir.” Velraj retorted, “If there is a vehicle pass, anyone can tie a flag?” Radha explained, “If collectorate conformed the pass, with the vehicle pass they have said that flag can be kept” Velraj pressed further, “Okay, why didn’t you check the car?” Radha insisted, “We did check the car, sir.” Velraj disagreed, stating, “No, you did not check the car. In the visuals, no one stepped out, the dickey wasn’t opened, none opened the door, and nothing was inspected.” Radha defended, “No sir, after seeing the MLA, after receiving it we sent them”  Velraj accused, “No, the MLA is giving you something like a chit, and you signed it before sending them.” Radha clarified, “I did not sign anything, it’s just the vehicle pass. I confirmed it with the collectorate and speaking to you.” Velraj persisted, “No no, getting a vehicle pass is different, if there is vehicle pass won’t they take the money in it? Who will carry the money for the elections?” Radha countered, “No sir, police have stopped the vehicle and checked”  Velraj disagreed, citing visuals as evidence, “You have not checked. Why didn’t you check the MLA’s vehicle? I need an explanation from you.” Radha promised, “Sir, the police is with me, I’ll speak to them and call you.” Velraj drew parallels, “You are stopping the government bus which is used by common people and check everyone’s bag, who will carry money for elections? Is it the MLA or the normal pubic? What is your answer? “

The news editor persisted, emphasizing that nobody had checked the vehicle and raising concerns about its contents, whether it was money or gifts. “I’m not the only one asking this; people are calling me, questioning how this could lead to a fair election,” the editor stated. A member of the public alleged that ₹5 crores were transported in the vehicle and complained that the official left without inspecting it. BDO Radha initially stated that the vehicle had been checked twice but later promised to call back.

On 26 March 2024, in Chennai alone, gold bars valued at ₹5.26 crore and ₹59.13 lakh were confiscated during raids conducted by the Election Flying Squad. It is disheartening that incidents like these, where MLA vehicles are not subjected to thorough checks, persist.

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NTK Candidate Reveals How A Sugar Factory Became A Liquor Manufacturing Plant Under The DMK Depriving Farmer Families Of Livelihood

By
The Commune
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Sugarcane farmers in Tamil Nadu, particularly in Thirumandangudi in Papanasam, have been embroiled in protests and demonstrations for several months due to unpaid dues and concerns over the conversion of “defunct” sugar mills into distilleries.

Speaking to a YouTube channel, Naam Tamilar Katchi’s Kaliammal revealed several facts which pointed to DMK MPs Kanimozhi and TR Baalu. Kaliammal revealed that a sit-in protest was initiated by sugarcane farmers on 30 November 2022 and it has crossed 480+ days in March 2024. The farmers accuse the state government of not fulfilling promises made regarding the recovery of dues from Thiru Arooran Sugars Limited, which fraudulently obtained loans in the name of farmers between 2016 and 2018.

The protesting farmers are advocating for the reopening of the nearby Thiru Arooran Sugars Ltd, a sugar factory that had ceased operations due to purported losses. The livelihoods of 10,000 to 15,000 families depended on the factory, with many having invested in it. Approximately ₹202 crores, owed to the farmers, remained inaccessible. However, the factory, valued at ₹1516 crores, was acquired for a mere ₹87 crores by Kanimozhi and TR Baalu of the DMK under the pretext of repaying the factory’s loans in installments.

Instead of reopening the sugar factory, NTK’s Kaliammal alleges that Kanimozhi and TR Baalu converted it into a liquor manufacturing plant. Although officially designated as a sugar factory on paper, access for inspection has been restricted. Despite numerous petitions, no action has been taken.

Despite assurances from the state agriculture department, including the provision of no objection certificates (NOC) from banks and appealing against the National Company Law Tribunal’s decision for full payment of dues, progress has been lacking. It is noteworthy that the locality has been designated as a Protected Agricultural Zone.

Concerns have been raised over the adverse impact of setting up a distillery in the agriculturally rich Cauvery delta area, potentially jeopardizing agricultural operations and the local economy.
The situation has garnered significant attention, with large-scale rallies and demonstrations organized in solidarity with the protesting farmers.

One must also remember how DMK’s Kanimozhi waxed eloquently about the impact of liquor and TASMAC on families and that it left many a young woman widowed in Tamil Nadu. She has often promised to close down TASMAC.

She also promised that the first signature that the DMK will put when it comes to power would be to eradicate liquor and TASMAC from the state.

However, she also does double speak stating that DMK never promised to close down TASMAC completely.

Overall, the plight of sugarcane farmers in Tamil Nadu reflects broader issues surrounding agricultural practices, debt burdens, and industrial conversions in rural areas. Despite assurances and protests, concrete action from government authorities remains elusive, leaving farmers in a state of uncertainty and financial distress. As the protests persist and calls for intervention grow louder, the fate of these farmers and the future of agricultural livelihoods in the region hang in the balance.

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BJP Leader Annamalai’s UPSC Score Was Higher Than General Category Cut-Off, More Details

By
The Commune
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The DMK IT Wing has been resorting to spreading false narratives about BJP leaders over and over again. Just recently, they reshared an old video featuring South Chennai BJP candidate Tamilisai Soundararajan as if the incident happened in the present. Another instance was when they caught wind of a news channel twisting Tamil Nadu BJP President Annamalai’s statements over “quota system”. The DMK IT wing hastily opposed him and initiated a campaign to criticize him. However, to their misfortune couldn’t have been so worse, as their efforts to undermine the Tamil Nadu BJP and Annamalai typically end up backfiring on them.

Shortly after skimming through the video titles of the news, without thoroughly examining Annamalai’s complete video statement, S Bala, the State Deputy Secretary of the DMK IT Wing, released a video statement accusing Annamalai of deceiving the people, saying, “After studying IPS, IIM, BE through quota, you are cheating the town like this @annamalai_k”

In the video statement S Bala said, “Hello Annamalai, you are campaigning stating that you didn’t study through quota system. You have studied BE engineering in PSG Tech, how did you study that? You studied through BC quota, who gave that BC reservation? You studied engineering in PSG Tech in the BC quota brought in 1975 when Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) was the Chief Minister. After that you studied management in IIM Ahmedabad, what is that quota? That was the quota brought in by Manmohan Singh’s higher education reservation in 2006 as advised by Kalaignar (Karunanidhi), that’s how you studied at IIM. After that, you were selected for IPS how was that? that’s when VP Singh brought 27% OBC reservation in 1990, that too was advised by Kalainar (Karunanidhi) from that you became IPS. So, when you studied BE, the quota was brought in by Karunanidhi, studied IIM with quota, then IPS also with quota brought in by VP Singh.” Then S Bala, the Deputy Secretary of the DMK IT Wing, expressed his disbelief in the statements made by Annamalai, alleging deceitfulness. Bala pointed out Annamalai’s contradictory claims regarding his educational background, accusing him of misleading the educated populace. Bala challenged Annamalai, questioning whether he would deceive others as well.

He referred to Annamalai’s anecdote about traveling to college with his father using three buses and two tin boxes, suggesting that Annamalai inquire about how his father managed to afford his education. Bala attributed Annamalai’s ability to get education because of the free electricity provided during the tenure of Karunanidhi as the Chief Minister, insinuating that Annamalai owed his education to the Dravidian movement. Bala concluded with a tone of superiority, asserting that in Tamil Nadu, those who once carried tin boxes have risen to prominent positions due to Dravidian ideologies, contrasting Annamalai’s “alignment” with Gujaratis and Nagpur RSS, which, according to him, could lead Tamil Nadu back to a state where people would have to resort to carrying tin boxes for survival.

As the quota debate ignited across social media platforms, everyone expressed frustration towards the apparent arrogance of the DMK. The DMK IT Wing state deputy secretary’s speech, explicitly linking Annamalai’s success to fidelity to the DMK and Dravidian ideology, fueled this ire. This sentiment is not novel; previously, a DMK Organising Secretary RS Bharathi insinuated that Dalit judges in the Madras High Court owed their positions to the alms provided by the Dravidian movement. Such statements echo the DMK’s historical stance, akin to a feudal landlord asserting dominion over land and its inhabitants.

So Did Annamalai Achieve So Much Through The Quota System As Claimed?

Annamalai’s academic achievements suggest that irrespective of his background, he achieved all that he did through hardwork and merit. However, the DMK expects any Tamil individual who achieves eminence from humble beginnings to acknowledge their indebtedness to the party’s leadership and its supposed benevolence. Over its 70-year existence, the DMK has sustained itself by eroding the self-assurance of Tamils, consistently propagating the notion that reservation is their sole avenue for advancement. Yet, increasingly, people from various communities in Tamil Nadu regard Annamalai as one of their own. His narrative of self-assurance and unwavering conviction unsettles the DMK.

Annamalai was a topper in All India Civil Services exam in the IPS cadre conducted by the UPSC in 2010, he surpassed the General Category cut-off marks, scoring 970 against the mains cut-off of 904, and 1180 against the combined mains and interview cut-off of 1134. It’s notable that in the UPSC exam, if a Reserved Candidate utilizes any of the relaxations provided for the Reserved Category, they are then eligible solely for Reserved Category seats. By this standard, it’s evident that Annamalai exceeded the General Category cut-off even in the prelims, as he did not utilize any Reserved Category relaxations, thereby securing an Unreserved seat purely on merit.

 

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Notably, the highest achiever in each IPS cadre earns the opportunity to make an address at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Annamalai delivered his speech before President Pranab Mukherjee in 2011.

Despite Annamalai’s statement to the reporters had no mention of the reservation quota system, the DMK’s aim to criticize Annamalai resulted futile. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of Annamalai’s accomplishments and serves as a lesson to the DMK regarding their approach and mentality.

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What TNM-NL Won’t Disclose In Their ‘Project Electoral Bond’

By
The Commune
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Since the Supreme Court ruling on 11 February 2024, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has disclosed comprehensive details regarding the purchases of electoral bonds, including information on donors, amount donated, and recipients. Consequently, a wave of commotion erupted, with political parties pointing fingers at each other regarding who has benefited more.

Furthermore, media outlets with aligned ideologies, such as Newslaundry and The News Minute, have come under scrutiny for selectively focusing on donations received by the BJP while neglecting to highlight contributions to the I.N.D.I alliance parties in an attempt to peddle a favourable narrative to them.

What the news media and the journalists who are purportedly leaning with the I.N.D.I Alliance fail to disclose regarding the Electoral Bonds is exemplified by the case of IFB Agro Industries Ltd, a distillery and bottling company situated in Kolkata.

IFB Agro Industries Ltd

In June 2020, IFB Agro Industries Ltd made a public announcement through the National Stock Exchange concerning the temporary shutdown of its Noorpur facility in South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, due to an assault by approximately “150 armed individuals“. The company expressed frustration at the perceived ineffectiveness of law enforcement in addressing the situation. Notably, the affected distillery unit fell within the jurisdiction of the Diamond Harbour constituency, represented by Abhishek Banerjee, who is the nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

By December 2020, IFB Agro, in a regulatory filing, lamented that despite seeking assistance from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and key ministers responsible for finance, commerce, and industry in the state, no perpetrators had been apprehended.

In January 2021, the company’s third-quarter financial results highlighted the challenges faced by its alcohol business in West Bengal, citing pressure from certain excise officials who were allegedly making unlawful demands and targeting IFB Agro.

In October 2021, IFB Agro disclosed its decision to allocate funds for political party contributions through Electoral Bonds, citing the company’s interests and the ongoing challenges it encountered. Initially capped at ₹25 crore, this contribution was later increased to ₹40 crore, as reiterated in an April 2022 stock exchange filing.

In a filing to the stock exchange on 1 April 2022, IFB Agro Industries Ltd announced that, with the utmost consideration for the company’s welfare and the interests of all its stakeholders, the board has sanctioned contributions to political parties. These contributions would be made through subscriptions to electoral bonds, amounting to a total of up to ₹40 crore for the fiscal year 2023. Additionally, the board deliberated on matters pertaining to excise that have been impacting the company. In total, IFB Agro Industries invested ₹92 crore in Electoral Bonds, with a significant portion, ₹42 crore, directed towards the Trinamool Congress, the ruling party in West Bengal. This scenario depicts a clear instance of coercion and bullying orchestrated by regulatory bodies and local individuals affiliated with political groups. The implication is that in order for the company to conduct business smoothly, they are expected to make financial contributions to the political parties operating within the state.

Avees Trading And Finance Pvt Ltd

In another instance, Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, has been notably silent on the matter of Electoral Bonds. However, there seem to be compelling reasons behind this silence. A Kolkata-based company named Avees Trading and Finance Pvt Ltd has emerged as a significant player in this context. Despite being incurring financial losses, Avees purchased Electoral Bonds worth ₹112.5 crore. The primary beneficiaries of these bonds were the Congress party (receiving ₹53 crore) and the Trinamool Congress (receiving ₹45.5 crore). Notably, Avees also contributed ₹10 crore to the Aam Aadmi Party, ₹3 crore to the Biju Janata Dal, and only ₹1 crore to the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Interestingly, Avees Trading, despite its financial downturn, engaged in substantial transactions involving Electoral Bonds. For instance, in the fiscal year 2019-20, it faced a loss of ₹51.7 crore but still purchased Electoral Bonds worth ₹24 crore. Similarly, in 2022-23, Avees bought bonds worth ₹13 crore despite incurring a loss of ₹29.1 crore.

What raises eyebrows is the fact that loss-making companies like Avees had contributed sizable sums to political parties such as the INC and TMC. This prompts questions about the nature and motives behind such contributions. Will Mamata Banerjee provide an explanation for this apparent contradiction? Furthermore, it beckons the attention of news agencies like The News Minute and Newslaundry, who have been vocal about the issue of Electoral Bonds, to scrutinize these dubious transactions.

Avees Trading, headquartered in Kolkata, is a company with opaque operations with no website on its name. Its registered office is situated on Waterloo Street, a location notorious for housing numerous companies that share the same registered address. The company, led by three directors – Bhal Chandra Khaitan, Ramesh Kumar Saraogi, and Mahesh Kumar Dhanuka – has drawn attention due to its involvement in significant financial transactions despite its directors’ affiliations with various industries.

Portals like TNM seem to willfully propagate the claim that the companies subjected to ED and CBI raids donated to BJP through Electoral Bonds. Upon examination by The Indian Express, total bonds purchased by these companies from April 2019 to February 2024 amounted to ₹5,179 crore. Contrary to the assertion, it was found that the parties benefitting from these donations included BJP, which secured the bonds purchased by these companies, as well as other ruling parties such as TMC (18.29%), DMK (11.35%), BJD (4.48%), and BRS (8.59%). The Congress, governing in three states, received 11.97%. This indicates BJP got only 37% and Opposition Parties got 63%, This distribution clearly illustrates that there is no direct correlation between CBI and ED raids and the Electoral Bonds donated to political parties.

Between April 2019 and February 2024, these 26 companies bought ₹700.65 crore in bonds before facing agencies’ actions and ₹4,479.6 crore after. Notably, ten of these companies each donated at least ₹100 crore. For instance, Future Gaming, a top donor owned by Santiago Martin (Lottery Martin), did not purchase any electoral bonds until a year after facing an ED probe for alleged money laundering. Surprisingly, it purchased bonds worth ₹503 crore favouring the DMK and ₹542 crore favouring the TMC, with only ₹100 crore going to the BJP. This challenges TNM’s claim that companies only purchased bonds after coming under central agencies’ scrutiny, as the funds were distributed to state parties like TMC and DMK not wholly to the BJP.

In July 2019, the Enforcement Directorate seized assets of a company valued at more than ₹250 crore following the commencement of a money laundering investigation earlier that year. Future Gaming entered the electoral bond arena in October 2020, directing all purchases until October 2021 to the DMK, YSRCP, and TMC. It only began acquiring bonds favouring the BJP in October 2021, initially investing ₹50 crore, and repeating the same amount in January 2022.

On 2 April 2022, the Enforcement Directorate attached assets worth ₹410 crore. Subsequently, the company procured ₹100 crore in bonds favouring the DMK not to the BJP. In July 2022, it acquired ₹25 crore in bonds favouring the TMC and ₹50 crore favouring the DMK and not the BJP.

Therefore, the assertions made by these news outlets seem to be aimed at garnering approval from their political superiors rather than portraying the truth.

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Condolences Pour In For BJP Supporter And Activist ‘Roaming’ Raman

By
The Commune
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Pattabi Raman, a prominent supporter of BJP and fondly called as ‘Roaming Raman’ passed away on 26 March 2024. Roaming Raman was known for his social media posts supportive of BJP and also a pro-BJP activist who many recalled as an altruistic man extending help to the needy.

Raman hailing from Madippakkam, Chennai was a former franchise sales manager at BSNL and later went to found his own business enterprise Rams Tectronix that deals electrical and electronic items and their repairs.

Condolences are flooding in following the passing of ‘Roaming’ Raman, known for his tireless efforts in promoting the party’s ideals and initiatives. His unwavering dedication and commitment to the BJP’s cause earned him respect and admiration within political circles and beyond.

A few hours before his death, he had posted on his X page about the need to redesign railway platforms. He reportedly passed away when he was travelling to Trichy by train.

As news of his demise spreads, tributes pour in from fellow party members, supporters, and individuals from all walks of life who have been touched by his work and passion.

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Puthiya Thalaimurai Distorts Annamalai’s Statement On MLA Quota Seat To Peddle Propaganda

By
The Commune
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Lately, whenever the Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai makes a statement, it quickly gains popularity in the region. Media outlets often swarm around him to boost their viewership ratings.

However, Puthiya Thalaimurai news seems to have adopted a different tactic to gain attention by twisting Annamalai’s words to spread propaganda. Puthiya Thalaimurai recently uploaded a video on its official platform with the headline “None of us came under quota system… I came with two tin boxes…” attributing to Annamalai, aiming to maximize its audience reach.

In the Coimbatore Lok Sabha constituency, three strong contenders are vying for victory: Annamalai, the Tamil Nadu BJP leader; Ganapathi Rajkumar, a former mayor and DMK candidate; and Singai Ramachandran, the President of the AIADMK IT Wing. Annamalai, addressing reporters in Coimbatore on 25 March 2024, remarked, “In 2002, he (ADMK candidate Singai Ramachandran) didn’t know his father being an MLA got him a seat to study in the college using the quota benefit. AIADMK’s candidate father is an MLA, it’s dynasty politics, Govindaraj. He has come to politics using quota. I came to Coimbatore for the first time in 2002. I was wearing trousers, my father wearing a veshti, we brought two tin boxes from the village, took three buses and came to Coimbatore in 2002.

That was 22 years ago. My age was 17 years. I took a town bus from Gandhipuram bus stand and got down to Peelamedu with two tin boxes. I mean in 2002, my father and I stood in front of PSG Engineering College in Peelamedu with two tin boxes. Then I asked my father, will this town be kind to us? We all come from the village.. 40 houses in total. We reached Coimbatore by boarding three different buses. It is a big city. Will I be able to survive in this city? 

Because I got an opportunity to study in PSG College of Engineering. I was not privileged, I did not get a seat through MLA quota. I came to Coimbatore in 2002 with 2 tin boxes, just as you all work hard as individuals and are in this land. I studied in PSG College of Engineering for 5 years. My wife studied in the same college and was a year junior to me. She studied in PSG College and we both got married and settled in Coimbatore. You have to understand one thing, Annamalai didn’t come in quota system.. Vanathi didn’t come in through quota system, Vanathi did not come here through quota system, Modi did not come here through quota system, no one here achieved all this through quota system.”

Just as in the past, this video title quickly caught the attention of numerous netizens, especially those inclined towards the opposition. Without even watching the video, they immediately began making statements based solely on the title, claiming that the Tamil Nadu BJP chief opposes the quota system and speaks negatively about it. It was only after others provided clarification that they deleted their posts upon gaining clarity. Among those jumping the gun include Dalit activist Shalin Maria Lawrence and political commentator Sumanth Raman.

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