Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is in the middle of strong allegations. A group of civil contractors in the city has raised concerns about the stormwater drain project on OMR, alleging irregularities. The contractors’ association has filed a complaint with the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), asserting that tenders for the ₹738 crore project funded by the KfW German Bank were allocated to specific contractors through cartels.

Commenting on the complaint, R Rama Rao, president of GCCWA, said the corporation restricted entry of contractors by revising tender conditions by fixing contractors’ financial turn over from 50% of tender value to 120%.
“This restricted the participation of contractors for…

— Omjasvin M D (@omjasvinMD) February 27, 2024

Several weeks following the impact of Cyclone Michaung, the GCC had initiated an extensive stormwater drain initiative valued at ₹738 crore. This mega project was dedicated to address the flood-affected regions of ECR, OMR, Perungudi, and Pallikaranai in South Chennai. With a project timeline set at 18 months, the comprehensive plan spans a length of 122 km. The construction involves the establishment of a direct channel from Semmencherry to Buckingham Canal, and the majority of other drains will persist in draining into the Pallikaranai marshland.

Against the backdrop of this situation, the Greater Chennai Contractors Welfare Association, comprising 259 contractors in a complaint to DVAC claimed that tenders for the project funded by the KfW German Bank were ‘allocated’ by cartels in exchange for ‘kickbacks’ to Chennai Corporation officials and politicians and pointed out longstanding corrupt practices and claimed that when questioned, the superintending engineer justified his actions, citing instructions from higher authorities. They urged the DVAC to conduct an investigation, emphasizing the potential loss to the GCC.

The complaint also included a list of ‘dummy contractors,’ alleging that the GCC orchestrated competition in tenders mentioned packages of No.13 to No.21. While Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) guidelines specify a turnover rate of 40% of the project cost for eligible contractors in competitive bidding, and the same was mentioned in the pre-mid meeting, the conditions were reportedly changed for the OMR-SWD project, prompting widespread questioning.

The association members asserted that the selection of the lowest bidders was predetermined even before the technical evaluation, financial bidding, and negotiations occurred. They alleged that, before the tender due date, influential contractors were awarded tenders by GCC officials, including the superintending engineer responsible for inviting tenders, and politicians seeking kickbacks.

In a communication to the DVAC, the association revealed that, when questioned, the superintendent justified his actions by stating that he was following instructions from higher authorities. GCC commissioner J Radhakrishnan assured that appropriate action would be taken if any irregularities were uncovered.

Regarding the list of allocated contractors mentioned in the DVAC complaint, Superintending Engineer S Bhaskaran clarified that he may have indicated consulting higher authorities in response to the contractors’ representation.

R Rama Rao, president of the Greater Chennai Contractors Welfare Association, criticized the corporation for restricting contractor entry by revising tender conditions. He claimed that the financial turnover requirement was increased from 50% to 120% of the tender value, limiting competitive bidding. Rao alleged that despite having successfully bid for various stormwater drain projects at a negative cost, recent contracts were awarded at higher costs without a significant increase in material expenses.

(With Inputs From TOI)

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The post Civil Contractors Association Levels Corruption Allegations Of ₹738 Crore In Stormwater Drain Project Against GCC appeared first on The Commune.

Cyclone Michaung hit the shores of Chennai on 04 & 05 December 2023. The cyclone left behind a trail of destruction and left the city paralysed for more than a week. Though the rescue operations were swift, some areas in the city were more affected than the others, especially the suburbs. The Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin announced that flood relief money for those were impacted. This has become a cause of anguish among the people since then.

Gaps In Communication

On 12 December 2023, Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu announced during a meeting with reporters that the government will provide the flood relief funds to all ration cardholders in Chennai. He even said for those who do not have a ration card in Chennai district, assistance will be provided based on alternative documents demonstrating their residency in Chennai. A dedicated camp will be organized to verify the additional documents of those without ration cards, the minister announced.

However, on 13 December 2023, the government had announced that the authorities from both the central and state government, as well as individuals paying income tax and possessing sugar cards were required to submit information about the extent of the losses they have incurred. Additionally, they had to provide their bank account details at the ration shops to access financial aid. The government will then verify their claims and deposit the assistance directly into their bank accounts. This effectively reduced the number of claimants.

Current Situation

Many flood victims, despite applying, have not received the promised Rs 6000 relief. Allegations arise that the corporation did not conduct damage surveys. Some applicants say they were randomly contacted for details, but a significant number did not receive any calls. The lower-floor residents in Chennai suffered the most. Determining the applicants’ floor level without direct visits poses a challenge. Over 40 days post-disaster, countless homeless individuals await government relief, causing distress. The delay has surpassed expectations, and victims demand immediate flood relief from the government.

Many downtrodden families have lost their wealth and family to the disaster. The Tamil Nadu government should re-consider the scale of the damage and hasten to provide the promised monetary relief to the affected families.

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The post Delayed Michaung Flood Relief Money Causes Anguish Among Chennai Residents appeared first on The Commune.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Tamil Nadu state government has come under scrutiny for its handling of the distribution of relief funds to flood victims, as citizens decry the inefficient and demeaning process involved in claiming the allocated ₹6000. The criticism has sparked calls for a shift towards more modern and direct transfer methods.

#CycloneMichaung நிவாரணத் தொகை pic.twitter.com/kcxoxvmCJl

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) December 17, 2023

Despite technological advancements and the widespread use of digital solutions such as internet banking and Aadhaar verification, citizens across Chennai were seen standing in long queues over the weekend to collect tokens for the flood relief funds. This manual process is seen as outdated and unnecessary and has raised concerns about the dignity of affected individuals and the overall effectiveness of the relief effort.

In various areas of the city, reports indicate that the distribution process has been marred by inefficiencies and discrepancies. Long queues formed outside ration shops as people sought to verify their eligibility for the relief funds. Complaints about the uncertainty and time-consuming nature of collecting tokens have been voiced, with some citizens, including senior citizens, enduring hardship during the process.

Speaking to Times of India, an Ambattur resident Muralidharan lamented, “I stood from 2.30 pm to 4 pm in the park but returned empty-handed because my name was not on the list,”. Similar scenes were witnessed across the city, with individuals being turned away despite being in need of assistance.

Critics argue that the state government’s insistence on a manual token system reflects a lack of transparency and efficiency in the relief distribution process. Calls have been made for the list of beneficiaries to be made public online to ensure transparency and accountability.

In Nanganallur as reported by TOI, concerns were raised as only 700 tokens were issued to approximately 1,500 individuals holding rice ration cards. V. Rama Rao, secretary of the People’s Awareness Association, highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the token distribution process, adding that it was particularly challenging for senior citizens.

The state government’s decision to utilise traditional methods for relief disbursement has sparked accusations of sadism and unnecessary hardship, especially considering the availability of digital alternatives. Critics argue that in the 21st century, with advanced technologies like UPI at our disposal, the manual distribution process is out of step with the state’s claim of being a developed region.

https://twitter.com/anbezhil12/status/1736603759525175443

Scientific DMK Corruption activated

Instead of directly depositing Rs 6000 into bank accounts of those affected, why is the DMK Government making people stand in long queues ? Is this another trick in the corruption play book of DMK ? I strongly believe so. https://t.co/9nnqRczZww pic.twitter.com/FOU9svaMmP

— Amar Prasad Reddy (@amarprasadreddy) December 17, 2023

As citizens endure long queues and uncertain processes, questions linger about the necessity of such antiquated methods in the face of contemporary digital solutions. The public awaits a response from the authorities regarding the number of families that have received tokens and demands for greater transparency in the relief distribution process.

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The post Flood-Affected Chennai Residents Encounter Long Queues To Get Tokens For ₹6000 Relief appeared first on The Commune.

With claims of unprecedented rains going around to justify the failures of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government in the 2023 floods, several channels kept running reports to prove that the rains were worse in 2023 rather than in 2015.

Alleged fact-checking website YouTurn (whose former Editor-in-Chief Iyan Karthikeyan is now the ‘Mission Director’ of DMK government’s Fact-Checking Unit) claimed that the rains were more in 2023 than in 2015. What was the basis of this claim? An article published by The News Minute. 

The News Minute is popularly known for being a Dravidianist-cum-Leftist outlet that peddles propaganda favourable to the DMK. The alleged fact-checking website YouTurn falls under the same category.

In the nearly 20-minute video, YouTurn claims it was only news channels like NewsJ that were spreading “fake news” that 2015 saw more rain than 2023. In TNM’s article, they quoted weather bloggers Chennai Rains’ Srikanth insisting on examining a 48-hour timeframe in the context of the 2023 floods. This distinction he said arises because the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) records rainfall data from 8.30 am to 8.30 am the following day. In the recent floods, the peak rainfall occurred between 8.30 pm on December 3 and 8.30 pm on 4 December 2023. 

However, in the YouTurn video, they quote IMD’s numbers which allegedly say that the rains in 2023 were higher than in 2015. 

But IMD’s data comparing 2015 and 2023 clearly prove that the rains in 2015 were much more than the present rains.

As per request from Public , Daily cumulative rainfall during 1 Oct. to 10 Dec. of 2015 & 2023 – Nungambakkam & Meenambakkam posted below pic.twitter.com/0foV26c1YS

— IMD-Tamilnadu Weather (@ChennaiRmc) December 11, 2023

This claim by YouTurn was also debunked by RedPix’s Felix who shared data from various sources which prove that the rains in 2015 were genuinely unprecedented and those of 2023 were not labelled as unprecedented or a disaster by the IMD or any other weather agency. 

Felix also shared data from various agencies and papers published in different journals and websites that indicate the monstrosity of the 2015 rains. 

Tamil Nadu Weather Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai published some data on the rains received as of 5 December 2023.  

Seasonal rainfall from 1st October 2023 to December 4th 2023 at Chennai. Normal: 69cm, Actual: 89cm . Departure from Normal : +29%.
December 1st to 4th
Nugambakkam
Normal rainfall : 5cm
Actual : 58cm
Meenambakkam
Normal rainfall : 5cm
Actual : 50cm

— IMD-Tamilnadu Weather (@ChennaiRmc) December 5, 2023

It is clear from this data that the rains were 29% more than normal. The post also has data from 1 December 2023 to 4 December 2023.

Data published by Astrophysics Data Systems – A NASA-aided organisation indicates that normal rainfall in 2015 from 1 November 2015 to 5 December 2015 was 408.4 mm while what we received was 1418.4 mm. 

A paper published by the American Meteorological Society also states that “November had been the second wettest month in Chennai (1049 mm) in more than 100 years, but the main floods were caused by one day of extreme precipitation on 1 December. The commercial center, Chennai (formerly known as Madras), reported 24-hr precipitation from 0830 LT ranging from 77 to 494 mm at 18 stations, with a citywide-average of 286 mm (Fig. 17.1a). The city was declared a disaster area on 2 December after many areas, including the airport, were flooded.”

A weather-based initiative named World Weather Attribution on a page dedicated to the 2015 floods states that “A relentless downpour pounded Tamil Nadu’s capital city of Chennai on December 1, 2015, flooding and submerging one of India’s largest cities. The heaviest one-day rainfall in the region in more than a century – as much as 494 mm (19.45 inches) left more than three million people without basic services, collapsed roads and bridges, and halted air and train travel in and out of the city, stranding hundreds of passengers. “Chennai has become a small island,” said India Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The catastrophic rains not only isolated the city, but forced tens of thousands from their homes. The military dropped food supplies to residents stranded on rooftops. For the first time in its 137-year history, the local paper went unpublished because staff could not reach the press. On December 2, authorities declared Chennai a disaster zone.”

Felix in his video also shares data about the existing number of stormwater drains, and how these rainwater harvesting water systems and drains were blocked because of the dumping of garbage into these systems. 

The YouTurn video parrots the same line as the DMK government saying people returned to their normal lives in 1-2 days, faster compared to 2015. They attribute this to the fact that stormwater drains worked! They also blamed the high tide as a reason for the slow draining of water into the sea. The video also states that stormwater drains were not functional in low-lying areas such as Tambaram, Pallikaranai, and Velachery. 

During the floods, there were several fake pieces of information spreading on social media, however, these self-proclaimed fact-checking websites failed to do anything to quell rumours during a crisis. 

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The post YouTurn Uses TNM’s Rain Statistics To “Fact-Check” Rainfall Data Claims, IMD’s Data Gives A Completely Different Picture appeared first on The Commune.

In a heart-wrenching incident amidst the devastating Chennai floods, a 20-year-old woman, Sowmya, delivered a stillborn baby at home on 6 December 2023 as they could not go to a hospital owing to the floods in their locality, Pulianthope. Despite desperate attempts to find an ambulance, the inundated neighbourhood posed insurmountable challenges. The family’s anguish continued after the stillborn delivery. With no means to sever the umbilical cord and unable to secure an ambulance, compassionate neighbors used a cycle rickshaw to transport the mother and child to G3 hospital. Encountering locked gates and unresponsive staff at G3, they sought help at Muthu Hospital, where treatment was reluctantly administered after police intervention.

Amidst the family’s distress, the tragedy deepened at Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital (KMC). Disturbingly, on December 10, the grief-stricken father, Masood, a daily wage worker, received the stillborn baby’s body in a cardboard carton. Masood alleged that hospital staff demanded a bribe of ₹2,500 for the baby’s cremation, a fee he couldn’t afford.

Meanwhile, the mother, Sowmya, remains hospitalized and is undergoing treatment. The baby girl’s body was transferred to the hospital mortuary following a comprehensive examination by the paediatrician. Shockingly, after a police inquiry, the body was handed over to the father on December 10, without any proper shrouding, highlighting a lapse in the hospital’s procedures.

In response to the distressing incident, a staff member of Chennai’s Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital has been suspended. 

The Dean of KMC, R Muthuselvan, has formed a three-member panel of senior doctors to investigate the incident. The hospital, responding to media reports, suspended the staff involved on Monday (11 December 2023). Dr. Muthuselvan stated that the committee, instructed by the Director of Medical Education and Research, aims to examine why the staff failed to use appropriate wrapping materials, despite the availability. The hospital emphasized that corrective actions, including staff suspension and departmental action, have been taken.

Talking to the press on the matter, Minister M. Subramanian stated, “The parents requested to give the mortal remains of their child without post-mortem. It is customary to tie white cloth all over the body during an autopsy. But if the parents had asked to wrap the child’s body with cloths, we would have given it. They didn’t ask for anything,”. 

I don't believe he would actually have said this. The body of the baby was handed over to the parents in a cardboard box and the Minister says that had the parents asked for a sheet to cover the body they would have given one? https://t.co/bfDHk3Epum

— Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) December 11, 2023

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The post “Would’ve Wrapped In Shroud If Parents Had Asked”: DMK Health Min Says On KMC Handing Over Stillborn Baby’s Body In Cardboard Box, Mortuary Staff Suspended appeared first on The Commune.

Telecommunication in Chennai faced significant challenges after the cyclone hit, leading to blackouts in some telephone exchanges. This disruption severely impacted internet services and mobile connectivity, affecting people working from home and hindering communication. Services of major telecom operators including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and BSNL were disrupted across Chennai. 

What is puzzling is that the city was flooded over the past few years and also encountered massive cyclones. During all those times, cellphone towers and thus signals were functioning fairly normally. Then why did it happen this time? People were not able to reach out to their relatives/friends due to lack of signal. They were not even able to get in touch with emergency numbers. 

There are approximately 36000-40000 cellphone towers in Chennai and surrounding areas such as Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, and Thiruvallur. It was observed that 70-80% of the towers were not functioning properly. 

Why did this occur? Business Standard reported that the challenges primarily stemmed from difficulties in procuring and transporting diesel to tower sites, compounded by issues related to batteries. The state government had precautionarily cut off power when it rained, prompting reliance on backup diesel generator sets, which also subsequently depleted. 

Maridhas in his YouTube video says that TANGEDCO could provide power to such towers to continue providing signal to consumers. 

It is noteworthy that almost the whole of Chennai shifted to underground electrical cables in 2021 itself, except for a few parts. The cables are so sturdy that even when attacked by thunder and lightning, nothing will happen. The difference between the overhead and underground wires is that the underground ones are sturdy dry and also very expensive. This has been recommended by the United Nations themselves.

It is also notable that the World Bank has lent about 4300 crores to the Tamil Nadu government for disaster mitigation efforts. This agreement was signed in 2013. 

These cables are underground to provide electricity for essential services like hospitals, communication devices, and the functioning of the government. So it becomes the basic duty of the TANGEDCO to provide power to the various service providers’ substations in times of disaster. 

If such communication services are not provided by the service provider, they can even be arrested. In 2014, in Andhra Pradesh, the then Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu called for the arrest of agencies in Vishakapatnam for failing to provide services during times of distress.

Maridhas in his YouTube video alleges the reason as to why the power supply to the substations was cut off. He alleges that the ruling DMK government is worried about the issue of the cyclone and subsequent flooding becoming viral on social media and that they conspired to make social media inaccessible to users. The press release states that the team was headed by 20 Ministers

Subsequently, on 9 December 2023, TN Chief Minister MK Stalin shared a 6-page press release on his social media handle. He stated that all the disaster relief teams were ready for rescue.

Questions to be asked to the DMK government

1. How many people were a part of the rescue team?
2. What was the emergency centre number that people could reach out to in case of emergency?
3. Who were the ministers/MLAs/MPs involved in the team – since no one was visible on the ground?

When mobile signals were practically absent, how were people supposed to communicate and lodge their complaints? And what feedback will the rescue team get if they do not receive any complaints? 

There have been many instances of people losing their lives, especially during this disaster. 

People could not even get in touch with volunteers to help them. Had the communication lines been available, the government departments could have communicated to the people about the approximate time it could rain further, the amount of rainfall they could expect in the next 24 hours, and how people could take precautionary measures accordingly. 

Thanks to the inundation, all electrical appliances, wood furniture, clothes, and everything else including vehicles were totally spoiled thanks to the water inside the homes. 

(This article is based on inputs from the video of Maridhas)

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The post Why Did Mobile Signals That Worked During 2015 Chennai Floods Not Work During Cyclone Michaung? appeared first on The Commune.

In the aftermath of the devastating floods caused by Cyclone Michaung, the heroic efforts of the Indian Armed Forces in undertaking extensive rescue and relief operations have gone unnoticed, prompting a need for recognition.  

The impact of Cyclone Michaung was severe on Chennai, prompting the activation of the Indian Army on 4 December 2023. In response to deployment orders, the 12 Madras Regiment, under the HQ Dakshin Bharat Area of the Southern Command, swiftly initiated flood relief columns. Army troops were promptly dispatched to conduct rescue and relief operations in critical areas, including Manapakkam, Muklaivakkam, Madipakkam, Pallikaranai, Thoraipakkam, Velachery, Perumbakkam, and Semmancheri.

Faced with numerous stranded and distressed individuals, including the elderly, children, toddlers, infants, and their parents, who lacked essentials like medical aid, food, and water due to power and supply disruptions, the Army utilised its available resources. Brave soldiers ventured into the most inaccessible flooded areas, navigating without network or light, ensuring the successful rescue of people. Regardless of the time of day, the army fearlessly executed their assigned tasks, prioritising the needs of the people, even in the slightest distress.

The army’s dedication extended to addressing emergency cases, including rescuing pregnant women, unwell infants, and individuals with imminent plans, such as those awaiting their wedding on 6 December 2023. Over three days, from 4 to 6 December 2023, the Army successfully rescued approximately 3500 people. 

Unsung Heroes: Armed Forces’ Remarkable Role

In the face of a media blackout surrounding their contributions, Defence PRO shed light on the extraordinary efforts of the armed forces in Chennai. The unparalleled dedication of the Armed Forces needs to a commendable mention and the people of the state should not forget their sacrifice wading through dirty chest/neck-deep waters, braving insects, and other rodent bites to take them to safer places. 

The way the media has blacked out their service stands in stark contrast to the acknowledgment received during the recent tunnel rescue mission in Uttarakhand where the armed forces were personally greeted by the Chief Minister.

Operational Overview: Army And Air Force Deployment

Defence PRO provided us with a detailed breakdown of the armed forces’ operations, specifying the units and locations involved. The 12 Madras unit of the Indian Army, Dakshin Bharat Area, played a pivotal role in areas such as Velachery Railway Station, Manappakam River View Road, Pulidhivakkam, Medavakkam, Puzhudivakkam, and North Chennai. The Air Force Station Tambaram also made significant contributions, conducting air drops in hard-hit areas, delivering essential supplies, and ensuring swift responses to affected regions.

In the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung, critical relief efforts were deployed in both South and North Chennai by the Indian Air Force and Flying Instructors’ School. Two helicopters were actively engaged in providing aid from Medavakkam to Puzhudivakkam metro station, covering eight locations in South Chennai. Simultaneously, in North Chennai, two helicopters delivered essential relief supplies along the route from Manali Petro Chemicals, through the Inner Ring Road, to Nappalayam, spanning eight locations. 

Additionally, Air Force Station Tambaram had been a steadfast source of support, with four Chetak helicopters executing air drops in both regions. The relief efforts proved crucial, distributing approximately 400 kg of essential supplies to areas severely affected by the cyclone.

The Air Force efficiently transported food supplies, generously provided by the Tambaram Municipal Corporation, to the below areas within a 30-minute timeframe.

1. Kumaran Nagar 3rd Street 
2. CTO Colony 
3. CASA GRAND
4. FCI Nagar
5. IMA Building 
6. Moovendar Nagar Bharathi Nagar
7. Krishna Nagar 

Coordinated Efforts Of Various Forces – Army, Navy & Coast Guard

Recognising its role as the primary maritime agency for Safety, Security, and Environment Protection in Indian Waters, the Coast Guard took proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the disaster. These measures included issuing advisories well in advance from 27 November 2023, providing regular weather updates, advising against fishing activities, directing fishing boats to return to the nearest harbours, broadcasting continuous advisories through VHF radio at Coast Guard Radar stations, advising oil handling agencies to relocate rigs/platforms and evacuate as necessary, instructing all ports to shift vessels to safer berths, forming and deploying disaster response teams, and maintaining coordination with relevant authorities for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) assistance.

During the cyclone, a total of 8 Indian Coast Guard ships and 2 aircrafts were deployed to brave rough seas, patrolling the coastal waters of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Their efforts ensured the safe return of approximately 3000 boats to harbour, safeguarding personnel manning oil rigs in the KG basin, and providing guidance to hundreds of merchant vessels in the area. Through persistent dedication, the Indian Coast Guard achieved a remarkable outcome, ensuring zero loss of life and property at sea during Cyclone Michaung.

In parallel, the Defence PRO stated that, the count of people rescued in the operations includes approximately 450 rescued individuals in Pallikaranai, 200 in Madipakkam, 65 in Velachery, and 1200 in Perumbakkam, with efforts still underway and counting. 

The Need For Recognition

As the flood-ravaged citizens of Chennai begin to rebuild their lives, it is the duty of the citizens as well as the government in the state to recognise the selfless efforts of the armed forces. The media playing second fiddle to pursue the “all is well” propaganda failed to showcase their contributions and did not share footage showcasing the indomitable spirit and dedication displayed by these unsung heroes.

In the bleakest moments when hope appeared elusive, the Armed Forces emerged as beacons, rescuing stranded individuals and ushering them to safety during their most challenging hours.

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The post Indian Armed Forces’ Heroic Rescue And Relief Operations Amidst Chennai Floods: What The Media Did Not Show You appeared first on The Commune.

Actor-turned-politician, Kamal Haasan, who recently blamed the heavy rains for the deluge that the city is still grappling with, met with the press today making even more controversial and insensitive statements. He went to the extent of saying that despite the best efforts of the government, the city had faced floods. As the founder of a party that claimed to do clean politics, Kamal Haasan has been repeatedly found to be subservient to the DMK government.

At a press conference on 8 December 2023, he blamed climate change for the heavy rain. He also peddled fake news saying the city received 56cm of rain in 24 hours. This surely does not match with the IMD figures.

He continues by saying, “Instead of complaining and pointing out the shortcomings, it is time to set aside criticism against the government”. He also said we must take necessary precautions ourselves.

He said, “Criticising the government can be set aside for now, we can criticise them later.”

“It is not possible for the government machinery to reach one crore people, so we must be prepared by ourselves,” he added.

Ellame naangale pannikanum na, Enna idhuku ungala laam elect pannanum ? @ikamalhaasan pic.twitter.com/GgyASsBDFv

— S (@saidapetakokku) December 8, 2023

He praised the media for not “sensationalising” news and reporting as is.

He also went on to blame the people for purchasing houses in low-lying areas.

He said, “We are just grabbing land, covering it with sand and we are the ones doing it. The government comes in later. It is our collective mistake, we have to rectify it.”

நாமதான் தப்பு பண்றோம்!#Chennai #Michaung #Chennaimichaung #Kamalhassan #Rain pic.twitter.com/OsIpojXKqE

— பசுமை விகடன் (@PasumaiVikatan) December 8, 2023

Earlier, netizens slammed Kamal Haasan for his duplicity when he posted on his X handle in a manner that seemed to blame the cyclone for the entire problem while turning a blind eye to the mismanagement, poor or absence of preparedness from the establishment.

Back in 2015, the same Kamal Haasan had gone ballistic in his criticism of the then ADMK government. Speak to media, he said, “I am feeling ashamed to watch my fellow citizens from the window of my house, struggle in the floods. If this is the situation of Chennai, the capital city, then one can image the state of the other areas. Even though the rains have stopped, the city will take months to recover from the collapse. He also blamed the total failure of government machinery. He also added that one was not aware where the taxpayers’ money is going.

He further said, “It seems that the tax money that I have worked hard and paid is not reaching those who deserve it.I do not believe in God but I do not trust the decisions of those politicians who are ruling us and have declared themselves as God.”

He also added that if such unprecedented incidents occur, the government expects financial help from people like him. “The ruling government forgets that we have elected them to handle situations like this. The relief fund I am giving is not the money from a rich man who has sucked people’s blood but the money from a man who adores the people.“, he had said.

இப்படியும் பேசியுள்ளார் ! #நக்கிட்டுபோன_4000கோடி pic.twitter.com/9YrbDNqTHg

— Selva Kumar (@Selvakumar_IN) December 8, 2023

Many on social media slammed the actor and part-time politician for stooping so low to get an MP ticket as part of the ruling DMK alliance.

An enraged BJP Tamil Nadu State Secretary lambasted Kamal saying “Do you have the guts to come and say the same buttressing you gave in front of people. I dare you. First come out of your house man.”

கேவலம் ஒரு சீட்டுக்காக இப்பிழைப்பா
@ikamalhaasan ??

நீங்க குடுக்குற ஆளுங்கட்சி முட்ட சென்னைல மக்கள்ட்ட வந்து நேர்ல சொல்ல துப்போ, திராணியோ இருக்கா?

நேரடி சவால்! மொதல்ல வீட்டவிட்டு வெளியவாய்யா… pic.twitter.com/PVOxc8lkhf

— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) December 8, 2023

Political commentator Sumanth Raman said “The things to be said for an MP seat.”

ஒரு MP சீட்டுக்காக எப்புடியெல்லாம் பேசவேண்டிருக்கு . https://t.co/hcutQqXgni

— Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) December 8, 2023

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The post “Stooping Low For 1 MP Seat?”: Kamal Haasan Gets Slammed For Trying To Buttress DMK Govt Amidst Public Anger Over Govt’s Failure To Provide Relief appeared first on The Commune.

Cyclone Michaung mercilessly wrecked havoc upon the city of Chennai and its suburbs on 4 December 2023. The release of water from various dams in and around the city is also said to have caused the city and other areas to be submerged, an inundation that persists to this very day.

Amidst the desperate pleas for rescue, food, and drinking water, a disturbing and dismaying twist unfolded. For a faction within society known as Dravidianists, the distress of their fellow citizens transformed into a spectacle — a tragic reality became a heartless game of ridicule.

Here is where it started. DMK spokie Salma made an insensitive post on a distress call on 4 December 2023. She wrote, “Have they licked clean the rice and dal at home? The announcements given by the government that the storm is coming are also for you. Simple people can say this.”

In another comment on her Facebook, Salma wrote “They want milk it seems sir! They’re putting posts asking for food in just half a day (of rains). One can manage for two days if they had bought bread, banana and oats. Providing food is not disaster management.” while justifying her argument saying that the person delivering is also a human right and that electricity Board worker is putting his life at stake.

She even went on to say that human body can bear hunger for 21 days.

“Can’t they eat bread?”, the DMK spokesperson who has been platformed by leftists media like The News Minute, Scroll, etc. said.

Following these several netizens spotted Dravidianists making insensitive comments on many such distress calls. This led to a hashtag trend on social media platform X. A netizen started collating screenshots of such insensitive comments under the hashtag #திமிர்_பேச்சு_திமுக or Arrogant Speech DMK. Here are a few examples of heights of insensitivity demonstrated by the Dravidian stocks.

Let's populate a thread on #திமிர்_பேச்சு_திமுக

Please keep replying to this tweet with screen grabs of #திமிர்_பேச்சு_திமுக. pic.twitter.com/eyeAFTMYRV

— Alan (@cbe_sam) December 7, 2023

Everyone is now aware of the workers buried in the Velachery building collapse on Five Furlong Road. Responding to a post on that incident, a D Stock says, “You can’t lift it, you go and put a clamp on your mouth, hahaha haha hahaha ha. No matter what you try, nothing will work“

https://twitter.com/Dharmic_Jana/status/1732664940690112563

When people were worried about not getting milk, here is one shining example of a Dravidian stock who says, “Most people have a fridge at home. Why buy milk every day? Can’t buy in bulk?”

Done Sam… pic.twitter.com/eqORBO2SNz

— ArunmozhiVarman (@Arunmozhi_Raaja) December 7, 2023

Here is yet another below-the-belt comment made by a D stock to someone asking where the 4000 crores for flood management was utilised. He says, “What happened to the 4000 crores? That is why you are alive. Otherwise to receive the flood relief money, your wife would have been standing in the queue. What happened to the 4000 crores? Tonight you are sleeping with your wife, otherwise, you would have died once again thinking about who she will be sleeping with, after your death.”

Too much disgusting pic.twitter.com/8ebFWemUyu

— Venkatesh Iyer (மோடியின் குடும்பம்) (@VenkateshViyer) December 7, 2023

Here is a sample from the state deputy secretary, DMK student wing. Tamil Ka. Amutharasan says, “The vitriol and poison spewed by the Brahmins against the DMK government is more than the rain and flood.”

Does this qualify under #திமிர்_பேச்சு_திமுக pic.twitter.com/aX8Y1xUZqx

— ௐ ஹிந்து (@isitso15) December 7, 2023

Another compared the Gaja cyclone to the aftereffects of the Michaung cyclone. He says, “When it rains in Chennai and there is damage, the dogs are barking like this. When the Gaja cyclone hit our areas, where were you all?”

#திமிர்_பேச்சு_திமுக pic.twitter.com/9BfF6MHuvo

— Living Temples Of Bharat (@Saigeet36566874) December 7, 2023

Here’s another one who calls people asking for relief “egoistic”.

Those who ask for relief to get to them are EGOISTIC pic.twitter.com/LGafSWtq8j

— Arvintha (@ArvinthaB) December 7, 2023

Another one claimed it was a natural disaster and not a man-made one.

#திமிர்_பேச்சு_திமுக pic.twitter.com/IqL1gCEtXv

— Living Temples Of Bharat (@Saigeet36566874) December 7, 2023

There were people making fun of those who had died in the floods too.

Insensitive comments over a death pic.twitter.com/yjMS1XaG8k

— Arvintha (@ArvinthaB) December 7, 2023

Here is an intellectual asking people who wanted milk, “Breastfeeding is sufficient for children under one year of age. Other solid foods can be given to babies above one year of age. Even if children and adults have basic needs, a neighbor can help them. Government’s focus should be on life-saving services. Door-to-door delivery in a city with a population of 64 lakh is impossible for any government.”

#திமிர்_பேச்சு_திமுக pic.twitter.com/IqL1gCEtXv

— Living Temples Of Bharat (@Saigeet36566874) December 7, 2023

Netizens wondered if the same people would make the same statements had the party in power been anyone other than the DMK.

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The post How DMK Spokie Salma Platformed By Leftist Media Ridiculed And Made Insensitive Remarks Amidst SOS Cries During Cyclone Michaung appeared first on The Commune.

It has been four days since torrential rains lashed Chennai city owing to Cyclone Michaung and many parts of Chennai continue to remain inundated with flood waters.

Localities like Pallikaranai, Perungulathur, Mylapore, Perumbakkam, Valasaravakkam, Velachery, and several areas of north Chennai have been under water even after the rains have stopped. Some of the areas have been severely hit with power outage with residents staging road-roko in several arterial roads.

There has been a severe shortage of Aavin milk and other essential supplies. According to reports, milk was sold at an exorbitant price of 200-250 rupees in some areas of Chennai. A majority of the people noted that none of the helplines given by Chennai Corporation was working. In many areas, despite desperate cries no help had come their way.

Left to fend for themselves with no signs of relief, people took to the streets to protest against the DMK government. In light of this mounting anger against the DMK government, State Deputy Secretary of DMK’s Student Wing, Tamil Ka. Amutharasan unleashed a verbal attack on Brahmins, accusing them of spewing poison and hatred against the DMK government.

Amutharasan’s tweet, which reads, “In the last three days, more than the floods, it is the poison and hatred that the Brahmins have spewed against the DMK government,” has drawn sharp rebuke across social media platforms.

Such sweeping generalizations and blame games on Brahmins has been a recurring theme of the DMK. But the insensitive tweet from a representative of the ruling party especially during challenging times reeks of hate and insensitivity to the plight of people say many.

Tamil Ka. Mutharasan has been seen with many DMK Ministers like KN Nehru and Mathivendhan, DMK MLA Ezhilarasan and Dravidian hate monger K. Veeramani.

It is noteworthy to remember that DMK Student Wing leader Rajiv Gandhi had earlier called for the genocide of Tamil Brahmins as mooted by Dravidian fountainhead EV Ramasamy Naicker (hailed as ‘Periyar’ by his followers)

Veeramani is the head of rabid anti-Hindu outfit Dravidar Kazhagam who has abused Hindus and Hindu Gods number of times.

உங்களுக்கெல்லாம் துளியும் கூடவா வெட்கம் மானம் சூடு சொரணை இல்லை? உங்க கையாலாகாத்தனத்துக்கும் ப்ராஹணர்கள்தான் பொறுப்பா? கேவலம்!!!! https://t.co/ykvjulhzQ6 pic.twitter.com/zSvLExl4As

— Rangarajan Narasimhan (@OurTemples) December 7, 2023

An AIADMK supporting netizen roasted the DMK saying “We need Brahmins to campaign for elections, we need Brahmins to sing praises when the Chief Minister goes for a walk, we need Brahmins to say that the rain water has dried up. We need Brahmins also to cover up the incompetency of the government. This is the only party which cannot function without Brahmins.”

தேர்தல் ஜெய்ச்சு கொடுக்க பிராமணர்கள் வேண்டும், முதல்வர் நடைபயிற்சி போகும்போது புகழ் பாட பிராமணர் வேண்டும், மழை நீர் வடிந்ததாக சொல்ல பிராமணர் வேண்டும். இப்படி எல்லாம் பண்ணியும் அரசின் சரியில்லாத செயல்பாட்டை மூடி மறைக்கவும் பிராமணர்கள் வேண்டும். பிராமணர்கள் இன்றி செயல்பட முடியாத… https://t.co/APMVt0O4uL

— VOMMspotter (@VinTN) December 7, 2023

Another pointed out that the tweet reeks of anti-semitism and hate speech against Brahmins.

The #DravidianDiscourse is anti-semitic adaption

this public face in says in Tamil language:

That more than the rains and flood waters the poison spewed by the TamizhBrahmins on the Dravidian (Kazhaga) govt is more .. https://t.co/lHEGlLVU3n pic.twitter.com/63byUo7FnV

— Reality Check India (@realitycheckind) December 7, 2023

Here’s another reaction from a netizen.

Lol.. people who were spitting on this government were not Brahmins. The only way these guys try to escape is to put things on Brahmins
How long will you survive like this https://t.co/bRN9yq5m6v

— தங்கபுஷ்பம் (@thangapushpam03) December 7, 2023

Another netizen wrote “I was suffering without sleep as I couldn’t find anyone bashing Brahmins for the fiasco. Now I can sleep peacefully.”

என்னடா எவனும் பாப்பான புடிச்சு தொங்கலையேனு மூனு நாளா தூக்கம் இல்லாம தவிச்சேன்..தாழ்வு டாய்லீ இதோ போட்டுட்டான் இன்னிக்கி நிம்மதியா தூங்கலாம்.. https://t.co/UuwEcjRLeP

— Krish Sriram (@Ashvalayanam) December 7, 2023

Others asked whether those in Pallikaranai and north Chennai criticizing the government were Brahmins.

ஆமாம் வடசென்னை பள்ளிக்கரணை வேளச்சேரியில் பிராமணர்கள் தான் உங்கள துப்பிக்கிட்டிருக்காங்க பாரு , எப்ப பார்த்தாலும் பிராமணன் மணியை புடிச்சுகிட்டு தொங்க வேண்டியது https://t.co/8Q8i1Omxik

— kishore k swamy (@sansbarrier) December 7, 2023

வட சென்னை முழுசா பார்ப்பனர்கள் மட்டும் தான் இருக்காங்களா என்ன ?

இது தான் #களத்தில்_திமுக வா ?

#நக்கிட்டுபோன_4000கோடி https://t.co/als961ivVK

— Tinku Venkatesh | ಟಿಂಕು ವೆಂಕಟೇಶ್ (@tweets_tinku) December 7, 2023

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The post “Venom Spewed By Brahmins Against DMK Govt More Than Flood”: I.N.D.I. Ally DMK Functionary Spews Hate Against Brahmins As Public Anger Mounts In Cyclone’s Aftermath appeared first on The Commune.