The relentless acts of political parties seem unending in Tamil Nadu, especially when they hold positions in power. A recent incident, widely circulated on social media, involved party members seeking donations. Shockingly, they assaulted a shop administrator in broad daylight, demanding additional funds, leaving the community in a state of fear and anxiety.
Balakrishnan, a retired army personnel, has been managing Kali Engineering Works, a rolling shutter manufacturing and automation facility in Koranattukkaruppur, Kumbakonam, for the past twenty-five years. The operational responsibilities have been shouldered by his son, Soundaryan, while the facility is overseen by his son-in-law, Mohan.
Recently, a group of individuals claiming to be members of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) party entered the premises. They initially requested donations for a village temple festival, and Mohan, present at the facility, promptly contributed ₹2,000. However, the situation escalated when the VCK members insisted on a larger sum, demanding ₹50,000. A heated exchange ensued, culminating in an aggressive physical assault on Mohan by the VCK cadres. The attackers even dragged Mohan onto the road.
Fortunately, the gathering support from people on the road forced the assailants to flee the scene. Subsequently, Mohan was rushed to the Kumbakonam Government Hospital, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Balakrishnanan, the owner of Kali Engineering Works, filed a case with the Kumbakonam police regarding the incident.
While conversing with the news reporter, Balakrishnan, a retired army veteran, somberly conveyed the details of the incident. “I have served the country, but I am not able to protect my business in this town, and I am not able to protect my son and son-in-law. I don’t know where to go and tell this tragedy. In this regard, I have filed a complaint in Taluka police station they registered FIR have taken action and arrested.”
The Kumbakonam taluk police, aided by CCTV footage, have filed a case against Karuppur Kanagaraj, Bhoominadhan, and nine additional individuals, with seven of them currently evading arrest. Kanagaraj and Bhoominadhan have been apprehended and are currently held in custody.
Self-proclaimed preacher Abdul Basith Bhukari, possessing an MBA degree along with Islamic studies from Muslim nations, finds himself at the center of controversy. His involvement revolves around collaborating with the film industry’s director and producer, Ameer Sultan, who is currently under scrutiny for his association with the alleged international drug lord Jaffar Sadiq.
The association among these enterprises became apparent when the trio sought to expand their business. They enlisted the assistance of film star Ameer, presenting the hotel and café as his own. Prominent YouTube channels such as Behindwoods covered their grand opening, providing them with a significant boost.
Even though Abdul Basith serves as a preacher and imam, he expressed his desire to pursue financial goals in a recent interview with the YouTube channel Lee TV Network.
During the interview, Abdul Basith implicitly stated that individuals such as Ameer Sultan and Jaffar Sadiq, without directly naming them, were not associated as partners in any of his personally established businesses. He emphasized that all his ventures were self-made and categorically denied any business or financial connections with them. When questioned by the anchor about the theological aspect of earning money from forbidden means (haram) and engaging in halal (permissible) business, Abdul Basith, prompted by the inquiry, pledged to God that there is no investment in his businesses sourced from forbidden activities. He urged people them not to delve into matters they haven’t thoroughly researched and said it was better to leave financial issues to the individuals facing them, as they were better equipped to resolve their own problems. He also insisted against gossiping and spreading rumors, emphasizing a commitment to avoiding scrutiny from people and instead fearing the judgment of Allah.
When the interviewer inquired about his business ventures, he provided a succinct overview without delving into extensive details. He briefly mentioned that his primary focus is on importing and exporting dates, followed by involvement in the IT sector where he develops software. Additionally, he highlighted the presence of restaurants and cafes in his portfolio, along with travel services specifically catering to Umrah pilgrimages, among other diverse business endeavors.
The reports indicate that Self styled preacher Abdul Basith Bhukari, who owns various businesses, is linked to individuals like Director Ameer and international drug peddler Jaffer Sadiq. According to the reports, both Director Ameer and Jaffer Sadiq are mentioned as directors or partners in Abdul Basith’s enterprises. For instance, when Director Ameer and Jaffer Sadiq, the international drug peddler, jointly launched a coffee shop called 4AMCoffee and Kitchen under the Mahyan Pvt Ltd incorporation near Chennai on ECR. Abdul Basith holds the position of managing director within this organization, and he is concurrently involved with Zuko Overseas Pvt Ltd. In the latter company, he serves as a director alongside Jaffer Sadiq and Ameer Sulthan, with Ameer Sulthan also holding the title of Director.
When Zuko Overseas Pvt Ltd is mentioned, a familiar association emerges. Indeed, this is the company that came to the rescue of their partners in the Greater Bombay Session Court casee seeking the return of his Jaffar Sadiq’s passport. The representative of Jaffar Saddiq in the legal proceedings contended that the grounds outlined in the application lack substantiating evidence to hold his passport. The argument put forth is that since Jaffar Sadiq received a business invitation from Zuko Overseas Foodstuff Trading Company for meetings in Dubai, his need to travel abroad contradicts the investigating agency’s apprehension of potential absconding. Notably, the trio of directors in this company includes self-proclaimed preacher Abdul Basith Bhukari, international drug kingpin Jaffer Sadiq, and Director Ameer Sulthan.
Preacher Abdul Basid Bukhari is the proprietor of a coffee establishment known as Law Cafe, situated on Radhakrishnan Salai. This coffee shop is part of the Mahyan Group of Companies, promoted by Ameer and Sadiq, and saw various Kollywood celebrities at the cafe’s opening.
In a promotional video for Law Cafe featured on the Behindwoods YouTube channel, Abdul Basith Bhukari can be seen. He seems to be refusing to appear on camera. It is noteworthy that this portion featuring his appearance has been removed from the original video.
Ameer asking his business partner and religious preacher Abdul Basith to appear on camera who feels shy.
He claims these businesses are not funded by illegal/haraam means and says he is in the clear. However, at the launch of both these cafes, Jaffer Sadiq and Ameer are present and seem to be at the helm of things. Ameer even states that the cafes were launched together with Sadiq.
Here at the launch of 4am cafe, we see actor Soori and director Vetrimaran wishing Sadiq and Ameer for the success of the business.
This is from the launch of Law Cafe which had actor Vijay Sethupathy as the chief guest. In this too, Sethupathy wishes Ameer and Sadiq the best for the business.
While Abdul Basith Bukhari claims that he used people associated with the cinema field to attract business, the questions still linger on the funding behind these cafes.
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During the commemoration of Ayya Vaikundar’s 192nd birth anniversary, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, who presided over the event, mentioned that the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (SPG) established by the British recruited individuals who had left school prematurely. These recruits underwent basic training before being sent to India. Ayya Vaikundar, a notable social reformer from Kanniyakumari district, was central to the discussion. Governor Ravi released the Tamil version of the book titled “Sri Mahavishnu’s Avatharam – Sri Vaikundaswamy Aruliya Sanathana Varalaru” during the event.
Speaking at the event, he narrated how the East India Company was tasked with evangelising the people, changing their faith, and bringing them to the Gospel when they came to trade in India. He stated that the British initially considered transitioning from a trading focus to territorial control in Bengal, prompting debates within the British government. However, after deliberation, they concluded that the colonisation methods employed in America, Australia, and Canada, involving the destruction of local populations through diseases, were not feasible for India. Though Bharat was large, and diverse by language, food, etc the people were united because of Sanatana Dharma.
He further added, “GU Pope, they were all recruited by Society for Propagation of Gospel, SPG. Robert Caldwell, I saw written somewhere that he was a graduate. He is a school dropout, he didn’t pass even high school, this is false information given on Wikipedia and all. He was a person who couldn’t even clear his high school but they picked up such people and brought them to India. Caldwell and GU Pope, they were brought to Madras Presidency and many others, and then they started with a strong force evangelising, conversion.”
He continued, “They started closing all the native schools, running here for a long time. Only missionaries were allowed to run the schools. Admissions were allowed only if you were baptised, unless a child is baptised, it will not get admission in these schools,”
“In 1833 Ayya Vaikundaswami appeared. It was at that time, 1824, that Thiruvarutprakasa Vallalar had appeared. All these people had appeared because Sanatana Dharma was being destroyed by the British. He started targeting them and he is the one who wrote a very very fake book – Grammar of Dravidian Languages. The person who has not even entered college, who had not even finished schooling, claimed to be a philologist, a great linguist, and here people quote it. Because people here even today, there are people who want to destroy Sanatana Dharma. Sanatan means indestructible, Sanatan means it has been always there and it shall always be there, you cannot destroy. Sanatan is where all are inclusive. In fact, the world is looking forward to Sanatan because all other faiths, all other systems are divisive – my way or highway. That is how everyone says but we say no we are all family, Vasudeiva Kutumbakam, Yaadum Oorey, Yaavarum Kelir, we are all one,” he stated.
“They are the followers of those who collaborated with the British, mourned on August 15, 1947, our Independence Day, and observed it as a Black Day. Sanatan is where everything is inclusive. As all the other faiths are divisive, the world is looking forward to Sanatana Dharma. Today, our country is awake and experiencing a comprehensive resurgence. We are all fortunate that we are living in this age, witnessing and participating, playing our role,” he added.
“PM Modi is working on the path of Ayya Vaikundar to reach his dreams and to save Sanatana Dharma,” he further added.
The surge in synthetic drug activities in Tamil Nadu, coupled with the association of the international drug lord Jaffar Sadiq, who wielded influence over the DMK’s primary family and the cinema industry, has left the citizens of Tamil Nadu in a state of shock. As time progresses, the images circulating on social media and the disclosed connections unveil numerous intricate plots from diverse origins.
Surprisingly, the international drug peddler wasn’t acting alone in his endeavor to smuggle drugs, initiate drug trafficking, and garner political support. He found an ally in none other than his sibling, Mohammed Saleem, who has held significant positions Zonal Deputy Secretary Central Chennai, within the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK).
Despite the DMK dismissing the drug peddler Jaffar Sadiq, its ally VCK has not made any official announcement regarding this matter. This has been noted and discussed by several concerned critics on social media.
Jaffar Sadiq, along with his brother Mohamed Saleem, has been identified as the key orchestrator and mastermind behind an entire chain of events related to illicit drug activities. Jaffar Sadiq is alleged to have played a crucial role in the illegal export of Ketamine, contributing to the smuggling of 38.687 kg of the substance to Malaysia. Ahmed Mushraf, an employee of Jaffar Sadiq and Mohamed Saleem, provided a statement under Section 67 of the NDPS Act on 20 July 2019, revealing his active involvement in Cube Impex at the behest of Jaffar Sadiq and Mohamed Saleem in the illegal drug export business.
Nooruddeen, whose statement was recorded on the same date, disclosed that he undertook foreign trips sponsored by Jaffar Sadiq and Mohamed Saleem. These revelations point to the overall management and control exercised by the duo in forming Cube Impex for illegal exports, using fake ID proof documents in the name of Abdul Raheem Jinnah.
Jaffar Sadiq and Mohamed Saleem are implicated in a criminal conspiracy related to the illegal exports of Ketamine, with Jaffar Sadiq remaining absconding for over a year until 30 December 2019. The interception of the Ketamine consignment on 30 October 2018, led to the initiation of the investigation. Both brothers, along with their accomplices, have played key role utilizing firms like Cube Impex and Hitech Traders under the guise of bangles and jaggery trade.
The Intelligence Officer received information on 31 October 2018, indicating the smuggling of a substantial quantity of Ketamine to Malaysia through Air Cargo Complex, Mumbai. The consignment, initially declared as “Bangles,” was examined to reveal 38.687 kgs. of Ketamine. Nuruddin and Mohamed Saleem were arrested on 23 February 2019, while arrest warrants were issued against others.
The investigation suggests the involvement of Jaffar Sadiq in arranging the shipment through PYC Logistics, actively participating in the attempt to smuggle Ketamine to Malaysia, leading to the interception.
During a recent press conference, VCK party chief Thirumavalavan did not exhibit any inclination to launch an investigation into the allegations against Mohamed Saleem, as raised by reporters. When questioned about Annamalai’s statement regarding Jaffar Sadiq’s brother holding a prominent position in VCK, Thirumavalavan responded by stating, “There is no name in the FIR, only Annamalai saying like that, even in that case we will investigate the allegation.”
Several netizens and political observers called out the inaction despite NIA raids.
The official microblogging account X, belonging to Mohamed Saleem, highlights his notable influence within his political party. The account reveals instances where he interacted with prominent figures from the VCK party, such as the party chief Thirumavalavan, VCK General Secretary Vanni Arasu, as well as key members of the DMK, including the son of the Chief Minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin, and the DMK Agriculture Minister MRK Paneerselvam.
Following the outrage, VCK chief shared a press release on his official X handle. It stated, “Mr. A. Muhammad Salim, Deputy Secretary of Chennai District, Mychennai Zone, has been removed from the basic membership of the party as he is acting in a way that harms the reputation of the party. No one should have any association with him regarding the party.”
It comes as no surprise that whenever A Raja, Member of Parliament for the Nilgiris constituency and deputy general secretary for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), steps onto the stage to deliver a speech, it is often controversial and marked by abusive language. On this occasion, he targeted Hindu beliefs and made unsubstantiated claims against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adhering to the familiar rhetoric peddled by the DMK and Dravidianists.
On 3 March 2024, a public gathering took place at Coimbatore Rajaveedi Thermuti Thidal to commemorate the 71st birthday of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. The event aimed to elucidate the accomplishments of the DMK government under the theme “Dravidian Model Government: Everything for Everyone.” N Karthik, the Secretary of Coimbatore District DMK, presided over the proceedings, while A. Raja, the Deputy General Secretary of the association, served as the guest speaker, highlighting the achievements of the DMK government.
He commenced his address by discussing the concerted efforts made by businessman Gautam Adani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to substantiate their assertions. “There is a man named Adani. He was at 110th place, before he (PM Modi) became the Minister. Where? In Gujarat, When he became the Prime Minister, he came to 66th position, and in 10 years he became the richest man in the world. How did it come? No one knows. Everyone thought that he earned as much as he could. Who invited him to all places and bought contract? It is truly Modi.”
To support the claims, A Raja referred to Hindenburg report, which emphasized the imperative “stock manipulation and fraud accounting” Employing strategic language, A Raja acknowledged these as allegations, highlighting the common place nature of such accusations in public life and quoted “Allegations and counter allegations are quite common in public life”.
He also called the Prime Minister a “fraud”.
During his subsequent remarks, he commended the British government and endorsed the perspective presented by the state-owned broadcaster, BBC. He said “ When he was the chief minister of Gujarat, Muslims were slaughtered in groups. They were slaughtered like goats and cows. Women’s purdah were lifted to check if they were Muslim and raped. Children were killed. He (BBC) put everything in document in film. It ran for 5 hours. Will it have run for 5 hours? Yes it ran. They have banned it. They banned the broadcast. We asked about it in Parliament. We asked him to tell us whether it was true or false, but he never came. Modi did not open his mouth until the end, he blocked it.”
He consistently propagated a narrative without interruption, claiming that individuals affiliated with the RSS were apprehended for the assault on Bilkis Bano. “A woman named Bilkis Bano, 23, 26 years old, a woman with a six-month-old baby in her hand, 13 Muslims are walking with wearing purdah and cap, RSS cadre is coming from there, he sees that they are wearing purdah, immediately he says Jai Shri Ram. Immediately they pulled the girl and stripped her naked, even that is fine, we can say that they are some kind of animal, but they grabbed the child’s leg and beat like a coconut that shatters on a rock. Double life sentence for raping 16 people.”
A Raja began narrating the familiar narrative of Dravidian ideology, asserting that the Gujarat government, through its cabinet, made a decision claiming that the accused, identified as Brahmins, and so they were released from prison.
“Say that love is God. Say that God is there in the humanity shown between individuals. Say that God’s abode is a heart with no ill intentions. Say that you can see God in a poor person’s smile. On such a God neither we, nor Kalaignar, nor Anna nor Periyar don’t have any anger! But if you say this is the God. If this is your Jai Sri Ram, if this is your Bharat Mata Ki Jai, we will never accept that Jai Sri Ram and Bharat Mata. Tamil Nadu won’t accept. You go and tell, we’re enemies of Ram.“, A Raja went on a rant.
Later he recounted the tale Kamba Ramayana. However, in a surprising twist at the conclusion, he confidently affirmed his own perspective “I don’t have faith on Ramayana, and lord Ram“.
Then he conveyed strong disdain saying “If you say that the in name of the Ramayana is human harmony, where four brothers are born as siblings, one Kuravar as brother, one Hunter as brother, another monkey as another brother, another monkey as the 6th brother, then your Jai Sri Ram is Chi! Idiots!
He leveled accusations of corruption against the Prime Minister on the stage, making claims without presenting substantial evidence. “Now ₹7 Lakh Crore accusation on Modi, ₹7 Lakh Crore Accusation. You know what? They have given insurance for the dead body and written a medicine and pills for the dead. ₹7 Lakh Crore. All nine holes in the body are laughing.”
Speaking at another event in Coimbatore on 3 February 2024, the DMK MP made inappropriate comments directed at the Chief Minister of Manipur.
While speaking about Manipur, A Raja accused Prime Minister Modi of not visiting Manipur following the riots in the state. In response to the incident, a resolution was presented in Parliament to draw attention to the matter. Manipur’s Chief Minister, Biren Singh, dismissed the severity of the situation, stating, ‘It’s not a significant issue; such occurrences are common in our state.’ Addressing the public, he questioned whether BJP-affiliated Chief Minister Byron Singh had resigned in the aftermath of the incident, referring to him as a rhinoceros.
He then turned the focus on Modi and Amit Shah, questioning what appellations should be attributed to them for their support. He urged the people of Coimbatore to make their own judgments. He also emphasized that despite Modi’s visits to various places, he has not visited Manipur. He also peddled misleading information and half-truths about the sexual violence inflicted on a tribal women in Manipur.
A Raja has claimed that during the election, numerous individuals, including Adani, clandestinely contributed ₹6500 crore to Modi.
He said that if the DMK alliance wins all 40 seats and brings about a change of government at the centre, PM Modi will go to jail.
“Mr. Modi, you’ll be prosecuted“, he threatened.
A Raja MP continued his discourse, challenging whether Prime Minister Modi is prepared to elucidate the allegations against him in Parliament. He questioned Modi’s ability to confront the corruption charges with the same honesty and willingness to face both the court and parliament, as he himself did when emerging from a similar case.
Further in his speech, the DMK MP said that India was not a nation but a sub-continent, similar to the divisive notion of India peddled by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
“India is not a nation. Understand this well. India is never a nation. One nation means one language, one tradition and one culture. Then only it is one nation. India is not a nation but a subcontinent. What’s the reason? Here, Tamil is one nation and one country. Malayalam is one language, one nation and one country. Oriya is a nation, a language and a country. All these nations make up India. So, India is not country it is a subcontinent. There are so many traditions and cultures. If you come to Tamil Nadu, there’s a culture. In Kerala, there’s another culture. In Delhi, there’s another culture. In Oriya, there’s another culture. Why in Manipur, as RS Bharathi said, they eat dog meat. Yes, it is true, they eat. That’s a culture. There’s nothing wrong. It’s all in our mind.” DMK MP A Raja said.
Back in November 2023, DMK’s Organizational Secretary RS Bharathi while hitting out at Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi had said “The people of Nagaland eat dog meat. If someone who eats dog meat themselves has so much self-respect that they chased away this governor, then imagine how much self-respect Tamils, who consume food with salt, would have.”
Coming back to the speech of DMK MP A. Raja, he drew a parallel between the culinary practices in the north-eastern states, where dog meat is consumed, and those in other regions, using the analogy of how water from the same source can be perceived differently when used in the kitchen versus in the toilet.
“From the water tank, water comes to the kitchen. We will use the water in the kitchen. Same water from the water tank comes in toilet but we won’t use it from there. What’s the reason? We’re having a problem psychologically. Water is the same but there’s a difference from where it comes. We acknowledge both. That’s toilet and this is kitchen. Similarly, in Kashmir there’s a culture. Acknowledge it. In Manipur, people eat dog meat, acknowledge it. If a community eats beef, what is your problem? Did they ask you to eat? So, unity in diversity. We’ve differences. Acknowledge it.”
While peddling canards about the BJP wanting to throw away Constitution, the DMK MP A. Raja also made seditious comments saying Tamil Nadu would secede from India if BJP comes to power.
“PM Modi asserts that there will be no DMK in Tamil Nadu after elections. If DMK is not there after elections, there won’t be India. Beware! You playing a game is it? I’m not joking. Constitution of India saying ‘We the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a sovereign, secular, socialist, republic, democratic republic’. This is the first line of the Constitution. They want to thrown away this Constitution. Why did I say India won’t be there? If you come to power again, Constitution won’t be there. If Constitution is not there, India won’t be there. If India is not there, Tamil Nadu won’t stay as Tamil Nadu and we will secede. Does India want this?”
INDI alliance partner DMK minister says that he will send PM Narendra Modi to jail and if there is no DMK there will be no India. .@narendramodi .@HMOIndia We are only asking you to take action on the corrupt, how can the nation move forward if such corrupt politicians are… pic.twitter.com/ASLIuHSlhO
— Vishwatma 🇮🇳 ( மோடியின் குடும்பம் ) (@HLKodo) March 3, 2024
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In a dramatic turn of events, a 27-year-old woman from Trichy staged a dharna protest in the middle of the road in front of the Villupuram Collector’s Office Perunditta Complex, alleging sexual assault under the pretext of marriage by a celebrity.
The woman, identified as YouTuber Girija from Trichy, shared her harrowing experience with the police. According to Girija, she had come to Villupuram for personal work and contacted Sabu Vignesh, a member of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, to arrange accommodation. However, the man who assisted her in booking a hotel room allegedly sexually assaulted her and claimed they were going to get married. Shockingly, further investigation revealed that the accused was already married.
When Girija confronted him about his marital status, she alleged that he threatened to harm her. Despite filing a complaint with the Villupuram all-women police station, Girija claimed that no action was taken.
Subsequently, during an attempt by the police and women constables to bring her in for questioning, a scuffle ensued, leading to a temporary disruption in traffic. The woman, who resisted being taken into custody, accused the women constables of using force and claimed that they grabbed her by the arms and legs.
Eventually, she was taken to the Villupuram women’s police station for further inquiry. The dharna protest caused a brief disturbance in the area, impacting traffic flow for a certain period. The incident sheds light on the challenges faced by victims in seeking justice and the need for a thorough investigation into the allegations raised by Girija.
The Supreme Court today criticized DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for his controversial comments on ‘Sanatana Dharma,’ stating that he “abused his rights.” The court was addressing Udhayanidhi Stalin’s plea to combine FIRs related to his alleged remarks.
“You have abused your rights… You know what you have said. You should have realized the consequences. You are a Minister, not a layman,” remarked the Supreme Court during the hearing.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Udhayanidhi Stalin, referred to previous judgments involving Arnab Goswami, Mohammad Zubair, and others while arguing for the consolidation of FIRs. However, the Supreme Court suggested that the DMK leader could approach the High Court instead.
“If I have to move multiple courts, I’ll be tied up in this. This is persecution before the prosecution,” Singhvi argued. In response, the court decided to list the case for a hearing next week – 15 March 2024.
The controversy surrounding Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, originated from remarks he made in September 2023, where he called for the eradication of ‘Sanatana Dharma,’ claiming it was based on the caste system and discrimination. He compared ‘Sanatana Dharma’ to coronavirus and malaria.
'You have abused your rights under 19(1)a and 25! You know what you have said and now have come under 32? You should have realised the consequences, you are a minister not a layman"
The AIADMK, formerly aligned with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), participated in the 2019 Lok Sabha and 2021 Assembly elections with BJP support until it terminated its association with the NDA in September 2023. Since the passing of the late Chief Minister J Jayalalitha, the AIADMK has grappled with internal conflicts over party leadership, hindering its ability to engage in active criticism of the ruling DMK. This vacuum has been strategically exploited by the TN BJP, leading to a significant surge in popularity and recognition as a formidable opposition party among the people of Tamil Nadu.
Following the recent severance of ties, and with the Lok Sabha election looming, both the AIADMK and DMK have started to voice criticism against the BJP. This dissatisfaction has become apparent as their ministers express displeasure during public gatherings. In the midst of this rift, K P Munusamy, the deputy general secretary of AIADMK and the incumbent member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly representing the Krishnagiri Constituency, has recently joined the criticism.
During a public meeting organized by AIADMK Krishnagiri on the sidelines of the birth anniversary of AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister late J Jayalalithaa, K P Munusamy openly expressed criticism and animosity towards the BJP. This development underscores the growing discord between the AIADMK and the BJP, marking a shift in their once-cooperative relationship.
K P Munusamy raised concerns about the BJP’s decision to prevent Union Minister L Murugan from participating in the Lok Sabha elections. Munusamy argued that the party is well aware that if Murugan were to contest, he might not secure a victory. Contrary to his belief, in the 2021 state legislative election, when Union Minister L Murugan contested in the Dharapuram constituency, he experienced a narrow defeat with just a 1393-vote margin. This result demonstrated significant support from the constituents.
“Why did you make L Murugan a Rajya Sabha MP? You can make him contest in an election, right? Why didn’t you do it? You can’t win if you contest. It seems you know that, then why are you deceiving the people? ”
He advocated for the BJP to nominate S Jaishankar, the Union Minister of External Affairs, and Nirmala Sitharaman, the Finance Minister, as candidates from Tamil Nadu in the Lok Sabha elections, acknowledging the party’s awareness of the challenging electoral landscape in the state.
K P Munusamy said “I am asking on this stage, I am questioning Annamalai, I am questioning the Prime Minister of India, if you say that you have influence, there are two Union Ministers, one of those two Union Ministers is from Tamil Nadu, other born and brought up in Tamil Nadu, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar – make them contest from any constituency in Tamil Nadu. If the Bharatiya Janata Party dares, has the guts, hopes that the people of Tamil Nadu will vote for them, then make these two, Finance Minister and External Affairs Ministry contest in any constituency in Tamil Nadu. Then you will know, only then will you know how the people of Tamil Nadu will teach you a lesson.”
Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu | AIADMK leader K P Munusamy says, "Can BJP field Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and S Jaishankar from any constituency in Tamil Nadu for the upcoming general elections if they indeed believe their support has grown in the state?" (29.02.2024) pic.twitter.com/mH5bIvnBeV
In response to allegations made by Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai, claiming that the state of Tamil Nadu has deteriorated under the influence of the two Dravidian parties AIADMK and DMK, Munusamy asserted that Tamil Nadu has excelled in education, health, and water management. Without careful consideration, K P Munusamy initially offered support to DMK and commended it, but subsequently acknowledged and attributed the accomplishment to his party, ADMK.
“This is Dravidian soil.. I ask Annamalai who says we have degraded it. Today Tamil Nadu is the premier state in all fields. Take the health department, take the public welfare department, Tamil Nadu is number one, take education, Tamil Nadu is the premier state, water management, Tamil Nadu is the premier state, farmer produce, Tamil Nadu is the premier state.”
“Your government is in 17 states, Bharatiya Janata Party is functioning in 17 states, central government gives an award, under ADMK rule, many awards came only under ADMK rule, why BJP, ruling in the other states could not get it, don’t you know that?”
Munusamy concluded by commending the people for their role in not allowing any national parties in the state. He emphasized that this approach by Dravidian parties has effectively safeguarded the interests of the state for the past 50 years.
Blatant racial hatred by ADMK top leader saying that NS and SJ can’t win in TN bcos it’s “Dravidian soil” And ADMK sympathizers and agents will come after me if I say that there are more similarities than differences between the DMK and ADMK 🤷♂️
It is noteworthy that KP Munusamy had previously taken the same position of not criticizing the ruling DMK. When reporters asked him about the DMK’s one-year term, he immediately refused to comment, saying he would save that for another day. The DMK members who were present with him at the time thanked him for his refusal to comment.
Netizens hinted at the sly criticism of Brahmins.
AIADMK Deputy Gen Secy KP Munusamy – dares the BJP to field @nsitharaman and @DrSJaishankar from Tamilnadu – says "they will be taught a lesson in Dravidian land" – whats common to these two ministers? pic.twitter.com/XP0YEdH0yb
— Reality Check India (@realitycheckind) March 3, 2024
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Images circulating on social media indicate that Jaffar Sadiq, an international drug peddler and DMK’s former NRI wing functionary, has formed a notable association with the DMK’s first family. The plot has now thickened as Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai has recently brought forth additional evidence that Jaffar Sadiq was previously under legal scrutiny for attempted drug smuggling prompting the question of whether the DMK was cognizant of these accusations against him.
On 3 March 2024, the BJP leader posted on his social media about a drug case in which he was charged.
He said, “DMK functionary Jaffar Sadiq is a notorious criminal and an international drug lord is a fact known to everyone now. In 2019, Jaffar Sadiq, his brother Mohammed Salim & few others were caught under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act) for smuggling 38.687 Kg of Ketamine to Malaysia. The name Zuko Overseas appears in this case and is the same company started by Jaffar Sadiq & a celebrity in 2021. Jaffar Sadiq made TN their abode after DMK came to power in May 2021 & colluded with leaders in DMK to expand their empire. DMK & others denying any knowledge of Jaffar’s arrest in 2013 for drug trafficking & escaping arrest in 2019 for drug trafficking should be gently reminded that the people of the state aren’t like DMK Dimwits. Thiru @mkstalin, we demand answers.”
DMK functionary Jaffar Sadiq is a notorious criminal and an international drug lord is a fact known to everyone now.
In 2019, Jaffar Sadiq, his brother Mohammed Salim & few others were caught under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act) for smuggling… pic.twitter.com/0ygJvSGOSQ
Moreover, Annamalai has included the document of the Bombay High Court as additional support for his allegations. The case is regarding the Intelligence Officer petitioning the court not to grant passport to the drug-peddler Jaffer Sadiq. The summary of the case is outlined below.
The case involves a consignment of Ketamine intercepted on 30 October 2018, with Sadiq and others implicated in illicit trafficking.
In the Bombay High Court’s Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction, P.V.N. Suresh Babu, an Intelligence Officer from the Special Intelligence Investigation Branch (SIIB) in Mumbai challenges the order issued by the Special Judge, NDPS, Sessions Court, Greater Bombay. The primary subject is Jaffer Sadiq, who sought the return of his passport for international travel spanning from June 20 to June 30, 2022. The Special Judge approved the application, granting Sadiq permission and specifying conditions such as submitting a travel itinerary, place of stay, and relevant documents.
The Intelligence Officer contends that Jaffer Sadiq is the central figure in orchestrating unlawful activities, particularly in the illegal export of Ketamine. Sadiq, accused of playing a vital role in smuggling 38.687 kg of Ketamine to Malaysia, had been in hiding for over a year before seeking anticipatory bail. The officer argues that Sadiq’s involvement in serious offenses, unexplained wealth, and past orders under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators Act raise concerns about the misuse of the passport.
The Intelligence Officer highlights Sadiq’s connection with Cube Impex and Hitech Traders, firms allegedly created for illegal drug exports. The investigation reveals Sadiq’s involvement in forming fake identities and managing an illicit drug business in collaboration with Mohamed Saleem (the brother of Jaffer Sadiq). The officer expresses apprehension that allowing Sadiq to travel may lead to his fleeing the country.
The court order also made mention of Mohamed Saleem, the brother of Jaffer Sadiq, who played a role in overseeing the illicit drug trade alongside Jaffer Sadiq and Abdul Raheem Jinnah. The latter two individuals were pivotal in establishing the Cube Impex company for the purpose of illegal exports.
The case originated from the interception of a Ketamine consignment in October 2018, implicating Sadiq and others in illicit trafficking. The Special Judge had granted anticipatory bail to Sadiq with certain conditions, including surrendering his passport. The Intelligence Officer challenges this decision, emphasizing Sadiq’s alleged role as the mastermind and the ongoing investigation’s incriminating evidence..
In conclusion, the High Court, on 22 June 2022, allows the Intelligence Officer’s application, setting aside the Special Judge’s order, and emphasizes the need to reconsider the permission granted to Sadiq for overseas travel based on the factual aspects of the case.
Since its inception, the Tamil Nadu BJP has played a pivotal role in the state by raising multiple corruption allegations against sitting MLAs and ministers. Presently, the party is actively addressing the issue of drug smuggling in Tamil Nadu. However, the current DMK government has chosen to remain silent on this matter.
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Neelakanta Brahmachari was a multi-layered personality who personified the famous George Bernard Shaw’s quote with a slight twist:
“If at age 20 you are not a Communist, then you have no heart. If at age 30 you are not a Capitalist, then you have no brains.”
Just when he hit his 20s, he translated and published the Communist Manifesto in Tamil in 1911. This was well before the Russians decided on a revolution against the Tsar1. In his 30s, he practiced a capitalism of a different type. His capital was Sanatana Dharma – he practiced a Vedanta capitalism.
Neelakantan was born in Erukkur near Sirkali in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamilnadu to Smt. Subbuthai on December 4, 1889. His father, Sri. Sivaramakrishna Ganapatigal was a Samaveda scholar. The eldest in a family of eight children. Although the family wasn’t well off, Neelakantan grew up according to the Vedic maxim – Speak the truth, Abide by the Dharma, Never be complacent/ idle in your studies2.
While the basics he learnt in Erukkur were helpful throughout his life, an interesting episode illustrates his integrity. There was a time when his family was going through severe financial stress. So much so that they had to sell their ancestral property in Erukkur and move to Mayavaram. His father was to take employment in a Veda Patashala there. His father sent Neelakantan a message to pitch in and help them monetarily. This was also when Neelakantan handled a lot of public money collected for the cause he was fighting for, Swarajya of Bharata. Neelakantan did the unexpected, he completely cut off his ties and all communication channels with his family and let things pass.
Neelakantan had finished his ninth standard in Sirkali Sabhanayakar Hindu Higher Secondary School when the monetary situation in the family became apparent. He had to quit school and take employment as a lower-level clerk at Triplicane Urban Co-operative Society (TUCS) in the Madras of those days. He was settling down in his job at TUCS, Triplicane when Bipin Chandra Pal of the Lal–Bal–Pal triumvirate visited Madras for a series of lectures. He was there on the invitation of a group including Mahakavi Bharatiyar. Luckily for Neelakantan, the venue of the lectures was the Marina Beach which was only a stone’s throw from Triplicane. Mesmerised by Bipin Chandra Pal’s oratory, the fire of Swarajya started burning bright in his heart. The idea of revolution took over his mind. He resigned from his job at TUCS and took employment in India, the weekly Mahakavi Bharathiyar was running then.
It was not long before India was closed down by the British authorities for publishing seditious content. There was a rumour that Bharatiyar, the publisher, might get arrested soon. His well-wishers pressured him to move away to the French-administered town of Pondicherry to avoid arrest. Neelakantan followed Bharatiyar to Pondicherry, which was the safe haven for many revolutionaries wanted by the authorities from the British-administered Bharata. Neelakantan became the editor of a magazine published from there called Sooryodayam (Sunrise).
This was also when Neelakanta Brahmachari became the wandering Pracharak of Swarajya thought. His magnetic personality, amazing clarity of thought and speech that hit its target every time, like Arjuna’s arrows, made him create an army of followers for the cause of Bharata Mata. The Bharatha Mata Sangam he created in Tenkasi, Tuticorin etc. gave birth to some of the most famous sons of Bharata Mata like Veera Vanchinathan, Krishnapuram Sankarakrishnan, Madathukkadai Chidambaram Pillai and Ottapidaram Madasami Pillai. He operated under many aliases like Bharadwajan, Govinda Narayan Dube, Govind Narayan, Swami Brahmachari and Neelakanta Dutta. Interestingly, he also had a French alias, Le Fraile, when he wrote for the Vedanta Kesari magazine in Mylapore, Chennai.
An episode from this time illustrates the kind of revolutionary Neelakanta Brahmachari was. In Cuddalore, New Town, there was a very affluent lawyer, Sri. Chakravarthi Ayyangar. He was also a sympathizer and a subtle patron of Swadeshi activities. Neelakantan once had a very heated argument with him about armed revolution. In a state of near trance, Neelakantan loudly declared that the day when we will question the British openly for their oppression of Bharata Mata is not too far. And he added that on that day, they would answer our questions with their blood. Slightly shaken, Ayyangar proceeded to ask Neelakantan when that day would dawn. Neelakantan with a violent thump of the table in front of him declared loudly that it would happen within ten years by the blessing of Bharata Mata.
On March 12, 1908, Swadeshi leaders V O Chidambaram Pillai and Subramanya Sivam were arrested by the Collector of Tirunelveli, Winch and sent to the Palayamkottai prison. This act of Collector Winch shook the conscience of the right-minded people in Bharata. The Bharata Mata Sangham under Neelakanta Brahmachari swore to take revenge for this act by the British, especially Winch. But then, Winch moved and Robert Ashe took his place as the collector of Tirunelveli. It turned out that Ashe was a worse tyrant than Winch.
Neelakanta Brahmachari’s protégé, Vanchinathan shot Robert Ashe in Maniyachi Railway Station near Tirunelveli when he was enroute Kodaikanal for a vacation and also committed suicide to prevent capture. The case that followed was famously called the Tirunelveli Conspiracy Case and Neelatantan was added as the prime accused (A1). Neelakanta Brahmachari was captured from a hotel in Calcutta and brought back to Tamilnadu to face the law. He was charged under Section 121A for conspiring to commit certain offences against the government and the British Crown. 280 prosecution witnesses took stand while the accused produced 200 witnesses from their side. Neelakantan was sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and lodged in the Bellary jail.
He escaped in a daring jailbreak only to be arrested at the nearby Dharmavaram railway station. The trial this time resulted in the cancellation of all good conduct credit he had earned during the two previous years of incarceration plus an addition of six months to the overall sentence, making it seven and a half months. The seven and a half years were spent in seven different jails – Bellary, Madras, Palayamkottai, Kannur, Coimbatore, Rajamahendrapuram and Vishakapatnam. He was finally released after serving seven and a half years in August 1919.
Back in Madras, Neelakantan resumed his Swadeshi activities. But it turned out to be the darkest days of his life, days he spent in abject poverty and days and nights of hunger. He has recorded in his memoirs that there were times when he continuously went without food for four or more days. There were also nights when he begged for food, unable to withstand hunger. One of those streaks without food led him to his Guru, Mahakavi Bharatiyar, who was then living in Triplicane. Embarrassed yet overcome by severe hunger, Neelakantan is supposed to have asked for four Annas to have his first meal in four days. The Mahakavi became so angry that he immediately uttered one of his most famous poems, “Let us destroy this world if even one person goes without food.”3 and of course fed his disciple well. Neelakanta Brahmachari’s was one of the shoulders that bore the weight of the Mahakavi as one of the four pallbearers when he passed away.
Later, Neelakantan became disillusioned with the worldly Loukika life and decided to become a wandering mendicant. He traversed across Bharata to finally take the Sanyasa Patta of Sadguru Omkar and settled in an Ashram at the foot of Nandi Hills near Bangalore. He had many disciples – famous people and commoners from across Bharat who flocked to his Ashram in Nandi Hills. The Yagna he performed during Shivaratri and Durgashtami were so famous across Bharata that people came in droves to receive the Vibooti and Kumkuma Prasada which were said to have medicinal effect. Sadguru Omkar wrote a series on Sanatana Dharma for the Organiser magazine in 1954, which was widely popular among the magazine’s audience.
The great Yati, Sadguru Omkar who served Bharata Mata and Sanatana Dharma attained Mukti and went into Samadhi on March 4, 1978.
Today, on the day of his Mukti, let us remember his great service to Bharata and Dharma.
Notes and References
Neelakanta Brahmachari translated the Communist Manifesto into Tamil and published the Tamil translation and the English original in India in 1911 and that was a full six years before the Russian revolution
தனியருவனுக்கு உணவில்லையெனில் இந்த ஜகத்தினை அழித்திடுவோம் is one of the most famous lines of Mahakavi Bharatiyar. He wrote this when he saw a starving Neelakanta Brahmachari asking for four Annas to have a meal.
Sadguru Omkar, Confessions, Updadesh and Talks, Akshaya Prakashan (2008)
Ragami, Veera Vanchi (Tamil), 75th Anniversary of Indian Independence Release, Bharathi Noolagam, Thepperumal Nallur
S Jeeva Christy, Tirunelveli Conspiracy Case – Neelakanta Brahmachari. Online Source (2018)
Bharati Ilakkiya Payilagam, Tirunelveli Conspiracy Case (Tamil), Online Source (2011)
Raja Baradwaj is a marketing communications professional who is currently working with a leading technology multi-national company. He is an avid reader, a history buff, cricket player, writer, Sanskrit & Dharma Sastra student.
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