News Special Reports Tamil Nadu

How DMK Government And Dravidianist Media Is Grabbing News Cycle To Deflect From Real Issues

November 18, 2024
The Commune

Tamil Nadu CM and DMK chief MK Stalin hailed fearless journalism as a pillar of democracy, but the state media seems increasingly compromised, prioritizing trivial issues over serious concerns. While scandals involving DMK-linked figures involve serious charges such as corruption and drug trafficking allegations, the media remains fixated on celebrity feuds and sensationalism, raising questions about its role in holding power to account.

On National Press Day, 16 November 2024, CM Stalin took to his official X account to emphasize the importance of fearless journalism. He expressed, “On this #NationalPressDay, we honour the relentless efforts of journalists who uphold truth and accountability. In an era of rising intolerance, their courage remains democracy’s last line of defence. Journalism must thrive, unshackled by fear or favour. Let us stand firm to protect the voices that safeguard our democracy.“

However, while the Chief Minister called for brave and independent journalism, the reality on the ground raises a significant question: does the media in Tamil Nadu report the truth, or is it compromised? Serious issues are unfolding across the state, but the Dravidianist media seems more focused on shielding its political masters in the DMK from criticism.

Rather than highlighting pressing concerns, the media appears to be diverting attention to trivial matters and sensationalizing them. Current, critical issues are being deliberately downplayed, while less significant stories are given undue prominence—raising doubts about the true role of media in holding power to account.

  1. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently raided the home of Lottery Martin and confiscated ₹8.8 crore in cash. Martin, known for his significant political donations, had previously donated ₹1,368 crore in electoral bonds. Of this amount, 77% came from his company, which contributed primarily to the DMK.
  2. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint against former DMK NRI Wing chief Jaffer Sadiq, accusing him of running an international drug trafficking ring. The ED has also attached 21 of his businesses across Tamil Nadu, which were allegedly used to launder black money through various channels, including financing films with illicit funds. Sadiq’s buddy, Dravidianist director and actor Ameer Sulthan, is also implicated in these activities.
  3. Three days ago, the AIADMK IT wing lodged a complaint with the DVAC, accusing Minister Senthil Balaji of a ₹397 crore corruption scandal. Balaji, who was jailed for over a year in an money laundering linked to cash-for-jobs scam case, was recently granted bail and resumed his ministerial role in the reshuffled cabinet.
  4. In contrast to the arrest of actress Kasthuri Shankar, who was taken from her home in Hyderabad, Minister Senthil Balaji’s brother, despite being sought by the High Court, remains on the run with no progress in his arrest. Meanwhile, controversial YouTuber Mohammed Irfan, who has a history of violating state laws, and Dravidianist journalist Mukhthar, known for producing content that abuses, shames, and insults the dignity of women, continue to roam free.

Instead of focusing on the pressing issues facing the state, Dravidian media has been preoccupied with trivial matters like the arrest of actress Kasthuri Shankar, portraying it as if she were in hiding, or obsessing over the release of the latest Dravidianist actor Suriya’s film ‘Kanguva’, despite it receiving harsh criticism from audiences. The media also gave excessive attention to comments made by Suriya’s wife, who blamed the film’s poor performance on audience criticism. Additionally, there was much focus on a public spat between actor Dhanush and actress Nayanthara over the rights to movie clips, with both accusing each other of immoral behavior in real life.

What was truly shocking was a private news channel dedicating a prime-time debate to the Dhanush-Nayanthara feud—an example of how today’s media in the state has descended to new lows.

Political critics suggest that the media’s deliberate focus on trivial issues is a result of its alignment, either directly or indirectly, with the ruling DMK party. This comes at a time when the DMK is facing severe criticism for its deteriorating law and order situation. For example, a theater in Tirunelveli was recently attacked with three petrol bombs for screening a movie that depicted the life of an army officer and promoted nationalism.

Additionally, the DMK’s allies have started voicing their discontent, especially after Udhayanidhi Stalin, the DMK scion, was promoted to the position of Deputy Chief Minister. These allies, who have long been working with the DMK since as a opposition party, now find themselves sidelined and excluded from meaningful power within the administration.

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