News Tamil Nadu

“Don’t Get Worried About People Branding You”: D-Stock Anchor Buttresses D-Stock Weatherman Buttressing DMK Govt While Disparaging IMD

October 15, 2024
The Commune

As usual, when the ruling DMK government’s incompetence in administration becomes evident in Tamil Nadu, proponents of Dravidian ideology emerge like mushrooms, rallying around the DMK with the support of Tamil news media. One such figure is Pradeep John, known as Tamil Nadu Weatherman, a private weather reporter who favoured the DMK during the 2023 Michaung Cyclone.

He has now been mobilized again to present data that buttresses the DMK government over its inefficiency. Alongside him, Dravidianist journalist Karthigaichelvan S is also positioned to serve this agenda, further amplifying their narrative.

When there is a qualified weatherman like Dr. S. Balachandran, head of the RMC Chennai and a scientist from the IMD, the DMK often opts for Dravidian weather blogger Pradeep John, over established scientists.

In the interview on a private Tamil news channel, Dravidian journalist Karthigaichelvan aimed to showcase Pradeep John and his team’s predictions as accurate. His questioning technique and hints at specific answers indicated a calculated approach throughout the discussion. For instance, he asked how they accessed their data, then paused briefly before emphasizing that their predictions had indeed been proven correct, so that they may answer to that accordingly.

Later establishing narrative for some time about their background as significant predictors, Karthigaichelvan shifted to direct accusations against the IMD. He questioned when the IMD could fail how Pradeep John and his team managed to make accurate predictions. Karthigaichelvan remarked, “As far as I can see there is a lot of negativity in the digital world but in that you all have relatively positive response and I think people like you to that extent.” He then questioned another weatherman, Srikanth, asking, “Everyone has a view that how can private weatherman predict exactly. How is that possible, when you are also taking the data from IMD and predict, when they (IMD) can’t?”

In response, Srikanth explained that when data is provided in a generic form, it can lead to inaccuracies. He stated that the IMD needs to offer comprehensive data for all of Tamil Nadu, rather than just general information. He emphasized that there are many factors to consider. He added that while he or Pradeep might rely on intuition, the government cannot afford to use intuition at an official level.

During the interview, Pradeep also echoed the DMK’s narrative regarding the recent tragedy at the IAF Marina Air Show, attributing the loss of lives to humidity. This indirectly downplayed the acknowledged inefficiencies and mismanagement by the event organizers.

Later, Pradeep John addressed the perception that he was favoring the ruling government, clarifying that his focus was solely on serving the citizens, not supporting any political party. Karthigaichelvan reinforced this, stating that such branding is intended to undermine their work, urging Pradeep to disregard these claims and continue his efforts. Pradeep John said, “This has severe political sensitivity. If we post a comment like this, the branding that comes with it is very difficult. (They say) he is favoring them, for that government, but it is not like that. Our idea is whoever comes to power, we should work closely with them, benefit the people, and give as much as possible.”

When Pradeep attempted to clarify that they did not undermine the IMD, Karthigaichelvan quickly interrupted,  complimenting his work as the testament will contradict their agenda, opined, “Generally, branding is an attempt to curtail your activities so you don’t have to worry about it. There is big branding for you among people.”

Finally, before concluding, Karthigaichelvan, expressing his disdain for India’s premier institution, the IMD, posed a narrative question to ridicule it while praising American institutions. He questioned why, if Americans can accurately predict the weather using the same sites and data, India struggles with its predictions. In response, Srikanth explained that Indian models are improving and are on the right track, even though there are currently some errors due to reliance on external data thereby effectively countering the Dravidian journalist’s claims.

From the start to the end of the interview, it was clear that the entire discussion was scripted in advance. Whenever Pradeep John misspoke, Karthigaichelvan strategically intervened to change the topic or redirect attention to his team member, Srikanth. However, what were Pradeep John’s actual predictions like?

Weather Blogger Pradeep John’s Fudged Data During 2023 Floods

During the Michaung Cyclone that caused significant devastation to residents of Chennai, leading to widespread flooding across the city, the private weather blogger Pradeep John appeared at a press meeting with DMK ministers, where he manipulated the 36-hour rainfall data by comparing it to 24-hour data, claiming that the current administration is performing better. It’s important to note that Pradeep rose to prominence during the 2015 floods.

What Was The Reality Like?

In reality, the city was inundated like no other. Areas that had never been flooded even during the 2015 floods like Annanagar, Madambakkam etc which do not flood during the monsoon season, were all inundated and water had entered most of the ground floor homes by 4 December 2023. Kollywood actor Vishal who took to social media platform X shared his plight from his Annanagar home. He said, “During such rains, we all know what will happen and is happening. First they switch off the power, then waterlogging starts on the streets and then it enters homes. I am in Annanagar and water has entered my home. If this is the state of Annanagar, then imagine how it will be in low-lying areas. In 2015, we were able to help others as much as possible, but after 8 years, the situation is even worse. They announced a stormwater drain project, I am not able to find anything related to that – when was it started, when did they finish it, I have no idea. This is a request as a voter in the state, all MLAs from Chennai, please come out of your homes and have a look at the city and do whatever your constituency needs. This is not a political remark, this is a remark against the waterlogging problem. Even for a small rain, water gets logged in T Nagar but this time the entire city is waterlogged and it is a disgusting and embarrassing situation we are in. Please take immediate measures for resolving this.”

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