Kollywood actor Vijay has found himself in hot water just before releasing his party’s official flag for the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The flag, which features a striking combination of yellow and red, prominently displays two elephants and the alleged Vaagai flower. However, this design has raised concerns because the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), a national political party, uses a similar elephant symbol. BSP representatives are now calling for removing or modifying the elephants on the TVK flag, threatening legal action if their demands are not met.

Vijay Launches TVK Flag, Anthem

Vijay launched TVK in February 2024 and intends to run in the 2026 assembly elections. After General Secretary Bussy Anand officially registered the party with the Election Commission of India on 2 February 2024, Vijay remained relatively inactive in the political sphere.

Instead, the actor focused on issuing statements for birthdays and other similar occasions, which led to online criticism and mockery of his political ambitions. Even then, his involvement was limited to traditional Dravidian party stances in Tamil Nadu. Finally, amidst growing criticism from netizens, Vijay eventually participated in a student appreciation “meet-and-greet” function organized by TVK, marking his engagement with the party.

On 21 August 2024, Vijay announced that he would unveil his party’s official flag the following day, much to the delight and excitement of his fans. The next day, he hoisted the TVK flag at the party’s office in Panaiyur. The flag, adorned with red and yellow, prominently features two elephants flanking a Vaagai flower, symbolizing victory. Additionally, Vijay introduced the party’s new song during the event.

#BREAKING | கொடியேற்றி வீட்டுக்கு சென்றதும் விஜய்க்கு காத்திருந்த அதிர்ச்சி.. – மதியமே கண்டம் ஆரம்பம் #Tvk #TvkPartyfFagHoistingCeremony #FagHoistingCeremonNews #VijayFlagHoistingNews pic.twitter.com/9eIS6EFfi4

— Thanthi TV (@ThanthiTV) August 22, 2024

TVK Flag Controversy

Online critics are mocking TVK for their lack of knowledge and basic research. Critics pointed out that despite claims of safeguarding Tamil heritage, the party seems confused about the difference between the Vaagai flower and the monkey pod flower. They also seem ignorant about the difference between Asian and African elephants which feature on the flag.

They went on to say TVK had copied the “Fevicol ad”. This has led to humorous trolling of the party on social media.

BSP Objections Over TVK Flag

Meanwhile, the BSP is taking a more serious approach.

The Mayawati-led party has condemned using the elephant symbol on TVK’s flag. BSP claims the TVK flag symbol violates election regulations because it is similar to the BSP’s blue elephant emblem. The BSP Tamil Nadu unit has issued a warning demanding the immediate removal of the elephant imagery from Vijay’s flag. They have threatened to file a complaint with the Election Commission and pursue legal action if their demands are unmet.

சிக்கல்…

தேசிய கட்சியான பகுஜன் சமாஜ் கட்சியின் ( BSP) சின்னமான யானை படத்தை பயன்படுத்துவது தேர்தல் விதியின்படி தவறானது. உடனடியாக விஜய் கட்சியின் கொடியில் உள்ள யானை படத்தை நீக்க வேண்டும்.

இல்லையென்றால் தேர்தல் ஆணையத்திடம் புகார் மனுவும் மற்றும் வழக்கும் தொடுக்கப்படும்.… pic.twitter.com/5O1cI758O9

— Abdul Muthaleef (@MuthaleefAbdul) August 22, 2024

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The post Vijay’s TVK Flag Stirs Controversy: BSP Threatens Legal Action Over Elephant Symbol appeared first on The Commune.

Aswathaman, a former Tamil Nadu Youth Congress leader, reportedly admitted to his involvement in the murder of Bahujan Samaj Party state president K. Armstrong over personal grievances, including political disputes and Armstrong’s interference in land matters. His father, Nagendran, a life convict, refused to cooperate with authorities. Both were sent to their respective prisons from the police custody.

While the investigation uncovers disturbing evidence of organised crime in Tamil Nadu, there has been little to no coverage in the media channels known for their Dravidianist leanings.

Father-Son In Prison

Aswathaman, a former State General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Youth Congress and a practising lawyer spent four days in police custody. At the same time, his father, Nagendran, a life convict, was held for three days. Both have returned to Poonamallee Jail and Vellore Central Prison, respectively.

During the investigation, Aswathaman revealed his connection to Armstrong and allegedly admitted to his involvement in the plot to murder him. He claimed that his agreement to Armstrong’s killing stemmed from personal grievances, including Armstrong’s interference in land disputes. Armstrong also instigated a police complaint against him and falsely included Nagendran in a separate murder case.

Nagendran has refused to cooperate with the police. However, Aswathaman, despite initially claiming friendship with Armstrong, has disclosed that he was motivated by several issues, including a belief that Armstrong jeopardised his political future. According to Aswathaman, he was approached by Arul with the murder plan and, after discussing it with his father, consented to the act in hopes of resolving these personal conflicts.

In the broader context of the investigation, several individuals linked to the case, including five lawyers, have been arrested. Police are still seeking Sambo Senthil, a suspect believed to be in Thailand. The investigation is ongoing, with the police recording statements and scrutinising connections to the murder.

Investigations

On 14 August 2024, the Egmore Magistrate Court authorised the police to question Aswathaman regarding unresolved aspects of the 5 July 2024 murder. Then the police transported Aswathaman to the anti-gangster squad office in Pudupet, where he was interrogated about his involvement in the conspiracy to kill K Armstrong. To date, 22 individuals have been arrested concerning the case, including Ponnai Balu, the brother of gangster Arcot Suresh, and their cousin, lawyer Arul.

Additionally, K. Thiruvengadam, a suspect in the murder, was shot dead by the police during an early morning encounter. The investigation into Armstrong’s murder has uncovered disturbing evidence of kangaroo courts operating in the city. The motive behind the murder is linked to Armstrong’s growing influence and efforts to curb his power. Aswathaman, a close associate of TNCC chief K Selvaperunthagai, is among those arrested for the murder of K Armstrong.

Bahujan Samaj Party President Armstrong

K Armstrong was brutally murdered on 5 July 2024 evening near Perambur in Chennai. He was attacked by a gang of six assailants while chatting with friends and supporters near his residence. The attackers, armed with machetes and sickles, threatened anyone who tried to intervene, causing Armstrong’s friends to flee. His family rushed to the scene upon hearing his cries. They found him grievously wounded and lying in a pool of blood. They quickly took him to a nearby private hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.

The police are exploring the possibility of a rivalry with a criminal from North Chennai, currently incarcerated, as a motive for the murder. In August 2023, Arcot Suresh and his associate Madhavan were assaulted by a gang near Pattinampakkam in Chennai.

During the incident, Arcot Suresh tragically lost his life, while Madhavan survived. Five months later, Madhavan died in another attack by a separate gang. Ponnai Balu, the brother of Arcot Suresh, has been implicated in the murder of BSP leader Thennarsu back in 2015. His other brother, known as bomb Saravanan, is suspected in the murder of Arcot Suresh last year, according to police sources.

Currently, Ponnai Balu is accused in the murder case of BSP leader Armstrong. He is the sibling of Arcot Suresh, a notorious criminal who was slain by a rival gang in Chennai the previous year. Chennai police have arrested Arcot Balu, along with seven others, in connection with Armstrong’s murder, a senior police official confirmed.

Armstrong, a lawyer, had a troubled past with previous criminal cases, though his legal troubles reportedly ceased a decade ago. So far, 22 people have been arrested by the police in connection to the crime.

Despite the gravity of the revelations surrounding the murder of K. Armstrong, Dravidianist media stays silent. This silence raises questions about their selective reporting of issues that challenge their narrative.

(With inputs from OneIndia)

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The post Former TNCC Leader Aswathaman Confesses To Plot Against TN BSP Chief Armstrong; Father-Son Duo Back In Prison, Dravidianist Media Maintain Pin-Drop Silence appeared first on The Commune.

The State General Secretary of  Tamil Nadu Youth Congress, N Aswathaman, was apprehended by Sembium Police on 7 August 2024 in connection with the slaying of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader K. Armstrong. Armstrong was brutally murdered by a gang on 5 July 2024 close to his residence in Perambur.

A high-ranking official from Chennai City Police confirmed that Aswathaman, serving as the state general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Youth Congress, is the offspring of north Chennai don Nagendran, presently incarcerated in Puzhal penitentiary.

Upon probing, it was revealed that Aswathaman, a lawyer, had longstanding animosity with Armstrong. At one juncture, Aswathaman had menaced Armstrong with a firearm some months earlier during a dispute over a piece of land in Morai near Sholavaram. Nagendran, recently released on parole, attempted to mediate in the land quarrel by contacting Armstrong, who, however, declined to engage with him, as stated by the police official.

Following an inquiry conducted by the special police unit with Aswathaman on Tuesday, he was detained on Wednesday, 7 August 2024. In connection to the Armstrong homicide case, a total of 22 individuals, including Aswathaman, have been taken into custody, with one of the suspects, Thiruvengadam, meeting his demise in a police encounter near Madhavaram on 14th July.

TNCC’s Dismissal Of Aswathaman

Following his arrest, Aswathaman was ousted from membership of the Tamil Nadu Youth Congress promptly. In an announcement, M. Lenin Prasath, the president of the Tamil Nadu Youth Congress, declared that Aswathaman’s actions prompted the expulsion. These actions were judged incompatible with the values and principles of their party.

“The Tamil Nadu Youth Congress is dedicated to upholding the utmost standards of honesty and discipline among its members,” the statement outlined.

Insiders within the Tamil Nadu Youth Congress revealed that Aswathaman, a general secretary of TN Youth Congress, also held the position of president in the National Students Union of India, the student faction affiliated with the Indian National Congress.

Bahujan Samaj Party President Armstrong

K Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu state unit president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), was brutally murdered on 5 July 2024 evening near Perambur in Chennai. He was attacked by a gang of six assailants while chatting with friends and supporters near his residence. The attackers, armed with machetes and sickles, threatened anyone who tried to intervene, causing Armstrong’s friends to flee. His family rushed to the scene upon hearing his cries, only to find him grievously wounded and lying in a pool of blood. They quickly took him to a nearby private hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.

The police are exploring the possibility of a rivalry with a criminal from North Chennai, currently incarcerated, as a motive for the murder. In August 2023, Arcot Suresh and his associate Madhavan were assaulted by a gang near Pattinampakkam in Chennai.

During the incident, Arcot Suresh tragically lost his life, while Madhavan survived. Five months later, Madhavan died in another attack by a separate gang. Ponnai Balu, the brother of Arcot Suresh, has been implicated in the murder of BSP leader Thennarsu back in 2015. His other brother, known as bomb Saravanan, is suspected in the murder of Arcot Suresh last year, according to police sources.

Currently, Ponnai Balu is accused in the murder case of BSP leader Armstrong. He is the sibling of Arcot Suresh, a notorious criminal who was slain by a rival gang in Chennai the previous year. Chennai police have arrested Arcot Balu, along with seven others, in connection with Armstrong’s murder, a senior police official confirmed.

Armstrong, a lawyer, had a troubled past with previous criminal cases, though his legal troubles reportedly ceased a decade ago. So far in connection to the crime, 22 individuals have been arrested by the police.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

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The post TN Congress Leader Arrested In BSP Chief Armstrong Murder Case appeared first on The Commune.

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thirumavalavan has emphasized that those who surrendered in connection with the murder of  Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief K Armstrong are not the actual perpetrators. He urged the DMK government to apprehend the real culprits to avoid tarnishing its reputation.

However, Chief Minister MK Stalin in his social media post condoling Armstrong’s death said that those involved in the murder have already been arrested.

பகுஜன் சமாஜ் கட்சியின் மாநிலத் தலைவர் திரு. ஆம்ஸ்ட்ராங் அவர்கள் படுகொலை செய்யப்பட்ட சம்பவம் பேரதிர்ச்சியையும் பெரும் வருத்தத்தையும் அளிக்கிறது. கொலையில் சம்பந்தப்பட்டவர்களைக் காவல்துறை இரவோடு இரவாகக் கைது செய்திருக்கிறது.

திரு. ஆம்ஸ்ட்ராங் அவர்களை இழந்து வாடும் அவரது கட்சியினர்,…

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) July 6, 2024

Stalin said “Bahujan Samaj Party State President Mr. Armstrong’s assassination is shocking and deeply saddening. The police arrested those involved in the murder overnight.”

Armstrong, the president of BSP in Tamil Nadu, was fatally assaulted by unknown attackers in Chennai recently. His body underwent a post-mortem examination at Rajiv Gandhi Hospital in Chennai, and Thirumavalavan paid his respects on 6 July 2024. Following this, Thirumavalavan spoke to reporters outside the hospital, advocating for Armstrong’s body to be publicly displayed at a private school in Perambur, a request that received approval from the Tamil Nadu government.

Thirumavalavan also mentioned the BSP’s wish to cremate Armstrong’s remains at the party office premises, supported by the Viduthalai Chiruthigal Katchi. He urged the state government to facilitate this request. Finally, Thirumavalavan emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend the true masterminds and perpetrators behind Armstrong’s murder, stressing that the surrender of certain individuals should not prematurely conclude the investigation.

Speaking with the reporters VCK chief Thirumavalavan stated, “The individuals who surrendered in the case of Bahujan Samaj Party Tamil Nadu president Armstrong’s murder are not the true criminals. Therefore, the authorities must arrest those truly responsible for the crime.”

Later he said, “Steps should be taken to find the real culprits behind this murder. Those who have surrendered now are not real criminals. All those involved in this murder, including those who incited them, should be arrested. You should not stop the investigation by saying ‘we have arrested the real culprits behind this, ‘ you should arrest all those involved in this murder, including those who incited them. We are making this request to the Tamil Nadu government on behalf of the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and other organisation gathered here.”

Thirumavalavan further said Armstrong has voiced public concerns. Due to this, enmity and animosity arose for him from here and there. The police know this very well. Therefore, the police should have given him protection. Now the police should be vigilant in arresting criminals. We urge you not to be indifferent. Dalits continue to be murdered in Tamil Nadu, especially in the southern districts. Today a political leader was murdered near his home. I would like to inform that if the government fails to stop such mercenary gangs, casteist and murderous gangs, it will lead to chaos. This is a challenge to the police and the Tamil Nadu government.

#BREAKING | சரணடைந்தவர்கள் உண்மையான குற்றவாளிகள் இல்லை – திருமாவளவன் #Armstrong | #BahujanSamajParty | #BSP | #Murder | #Chennai | #Thirumavalavan pic.twitter.com/74uXVcQVZa

— PuthiyathalaimuraiTV (@PTTVOnlineNews) July 6, 2024

K Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu state unit president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), was brutally murdered on 5 July 2024 evening near Perambur in Chennai. He was attacked by a gang of six assailants while chatting with friends and supporters near his residence. The attackers, armed with machetes and sickles, threatened anyone who tried to intervene, causing Armstrong’s friends to flee. His family rushed to the scene upon hearing his cries, only to find him grievously wounded and lying in a pool of blood. He was quickly taken to a nearby private hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.

According to police sources, the gang arrived on three motorcycles around 7 pm, carried out the attack, and fled before supporters could respond. Senior police officials including Deputy Commissioner I Eswaran and Assistant Commissioner Praveen Kumar visited the crime scene. A special investigative team under Sembium Inspector of Police Chiranjeevi has been formed to apprehend the suspects, and security in the area has been tightened to prevent further violence.

The police are exploring the possibility of a rivalry with a criminal from North Chennai, currently incarcerated, as a motive for the murder. In August 2023, Arcot Suresh and his associate Madhavan were assaulted by a gang near Pattinampakkam in Chennai. During the incident, Arcot Suresh tragically lost his life, while Madhavan survived. Five months later, Madhavan himself was killed in another attack by a separate gang. Ponnai Balu, the brother of Arcot Suresh, has been implicated in the murder of BSP leader Thennarsu back in 2015. His other brother, known as bomb Saravanan, is suspected in the murder of Arcot Suresh last year, according to police sources. Currently, Ponnai Balu is accused in the murder of BSP leader Armstrong. He is the sibling of Arcot Suresh, a notorious criminal who was slain by a rival gang in Chennai the previous year. Chennai police have arrested Arcot Balu, along with seven others, in connection with Armstrong’s murder a senior police official confirmed.

Armstrong, a lawyer by profession, had a troubled past with previous criminal cases, though his legal troubles reportedly ceased a decade ago. He rose to prominence through his association with former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, organizing rallies in Chennai and establishing himself as a prominent Dalit leader despite the BSP’s limited influence in Tamil Nadu. So far, 8 suspects have been arrested.

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The post VCK Chief Thirumavalavan Urges DMK Govt To Find Real Culprits In Armstrong Murder Case While CM Stalin Says Those Involved Have Already Been Arrested appeared first on The Commune.

K Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu state unit president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), was brutally murdered on 5 July 2024 evening near Perambur in Chennai. He was attacked by a gang of six assailants while chatting with friends and supporters near his residence. The attackers, armed with machetes and sickles, threatened anyone who tried to intervene, causing Armstrong’s friends to flee. His family rushed to the scene upon hearing his cries, only to find him grievously wounded and lying in a pool of blood. He was quickly taken to a nearby private hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.

According to police sources, the gang arrived on three motorcycles around 7 pm, carried out the attack, and fled before supporters could respond. Senior police officials including Deputy Commissioner I Eswaran and Assistant Commissioner Praveen Kumar visited the crime scene. A special investigative team under Sembium Inspector of Police Chiranjeevi has been formed to apprehend the suspects, and security in the area has been tightened to prevent further violence.

Important Update:

Armstrong, State President, Bahujan Samaj Party was assaulted by unknown persons with knives at Venugopal Samy Kovil Street, Perambur in Sembium Police station limits, due to previous enmity.

He was admitted to the hospital for treatment but succumbed to…

— GREATER CHENNAI POLICE -GCP (@chennaipolice_) July 5, 2024

The police are exploring the possibility of a rivalry with a criminal from North Chennai, currently incarcerated, as a motive for the murder. In August 2023, Arcot Suresh and his associate Madhavan were assaulted by a gang near Pattinampakkam in Chennai. During the incident, Arcot Suresh tragically lost his life, while Madhavan survived. Five months later, Madhavan himself was killed in another attack by a separate gang. Ponnai Balu, the brother of Arcot Suresh, has been implicated in the murder of BSP leader Thennarsu back in 2015. His other brother, known as bomb Saravanan, is suspected in the murder of Arcot Suresh last year, according to police sources. Currently, Ponnai Balu is accused in the murder of BSP leader Armstrong. He is the sibling of Arcot Suresh, a notorious criminal who was slain by a rival gang in Chennai the previous year. Chennai police have arrested Arcot Balu, along with seven others, in connection with Armstrong’s murder a senior police official confirmed.

Armstrong, a lawyer by profession, had a troubled past with previous criminal cases, though his legal troubles reportedly ceased a decade ago. He rose to prominence through his association with former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, organizing rallies in Chennai and establishing himself as a prominent Dalit leader despite the BSP’s limited influence in Tamil Nadu.

As news came of his murder, his supporters flocked to the streets and slammed the DMK government over crumbling law and order in the state.

In a viral video, a supporter of Armstrong can be heard lashing out at MK Stalin saying “You shameless Stalin!” Another supporter can be heard using vulgar Tamil slangs against the Chief Minister.

“What is the intelligence department doing?”, asks another.

மானங்கெட்ட ஸ்டாலின் என பாதிக்கப்பட்டவர்களின் உறவினர்கள் குமுரல் #கையாலாகாத_ஸ்டாலின் #Resign_Stalin #கொலைகார_மாடல் pic.twitter.com/xIot7ALH0a

— Bagavath Pratheep (@Bagavathprathee) July 5, 2024

In this regard, Mayawati the National President of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and a four time Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh condemned the incident in her X official account stated, “The gruesome killing of Mr. K. Armstrong, Tamil Nadu state Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president, outside his Chennai house is highly deplorable and condemnable. An advocate by profession, he was known as a strong Dalit voice in the state. The state Govt. must punish the guilty.”

The gruesome killing of Mr. K. Armstrong, Tamil Nadu state Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president, outside his Chennai house is highly deplorable and condemnable. An advocate by profession, he was known as a strong Dalit voice in the state. The state Govt. must punish the guilty.

— Mayawati (@Mayawati) July 5, 2024

In response to the murder, Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai condemned the incident, criticizing the law and order situation under the DMK government led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. He expressed shock at Armstrong’s killing and questioned the moral responsibility of the Chief Minister in light of escalating violence in the state over the past three years.

Annamalai in his official X account stated, “Deeply shocked by the news of the brutal murder of the State President of the Bahujan Samaj Party, Thiru Armstrong avl, in Chennai today. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family & the cadres of the Bahujan Samaj Party at this time. Violence & brutality has no place in our society but has become a norm in TN in the last 3 years under the DMK regime. Having left the law & order of the State in shatters, Thiru @mkstalin should ask himself if he has the moral responsibility to continue as the CM of the State.”

Deeply shocked by the news of the brutal murder of the State President of the Bahujan Samaj Party, Thiru Armstrong avl, in Chennai today. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family & the cadres of the Bahujan Samaj Party at this time.

Violence & brutality has no place in our…

— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) July 5, 2024

The brutal murder has deeply affected society, especially the party workers and supporters, leading to significant protests outside Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital in Chennai. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) workers and supporters have blocked Poonamallee High Road, causing traffic congestion, as they demand a CBI investigation into the killing of their state president, Armstrong. He was fatally attacked by an unidentified group of six individuals near his home in Perambur, Chennai. Police efforts are currently focused on locating the perpetrators.

#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Police prevent protestors from entering hospital premises as Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) workers and supporters protest outside Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital demanding a CBI probe of the murder of their state president, Armstrong. pic.twitter.com/RmmiP5yZ2M

— ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2024

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu | Traffic jam at Poonamallee High Road, in Chennai as Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) workers and supporters block the road outside Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital.

They are demanding a CBI inquiry into the matter. Armstrong was hacked to death by an unidentified… pic.twitter.com/FQ3YzERdGR

— ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2024

UPDATE | 10 special teams have been formed under the leadership of Tr. Asra Garg IPS., Addl.COP (North) to probe the murder of Tamil Nadu BSP president Armstrong: Chennai Police

— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2024

In this regard the Greater Chennai Police have said that, “Armstrong, State President, Bahujan Samaj Party was assaulted by unknown persons with knives at Venugopal Samy Kovil Street, Perambur in Sembium Police station limits, due to previous enmity. He was admitted to the hospital for treatment but succumbed to injuries. 10 teams led by Tr. Asra Garg IPS ACoP North have been formed immediately and traced 8 accused within hours of the incident and arrested them. Police are investigating.”

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The post “Shameless, Resign”: Brutal Murder Of BSP TN Head Armstrong Triggers Law & Order Crisis, Massive Protest Brings Central Chennai To Halt, Opposition Demands Stalin’s Resignation appeared first on The Commune.