kanimozhi – The Commune https://thecommunemag.com Mainstreaming Alternate Wed, 08 Oct 2025 08:18:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://thecommunemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/cropped-TC_SF-1-32x32.jpg kanimozhi – The Commune https://thecommunemag.com 32 32 Dravidian Model Hypocrisy: DMK MP Kanimozhi Criticizes Delhi CM Rekha Gupta’s Brahmin Meet, But Attended Nadar Sangam Event Herself https://thecommunemag.com/dravidian-model-hypocrisy-dmk-mp-kanimozhi-criticizes-delhi-cm-rekha-guptas-brahmin-meet-but-attended-nadar-sangam-event-herself/ Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:39:35 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=130900 Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi has once again found herself at the centre of a controversy over selective outrage. The Thoothukudi MP criticised Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for addressing the All India Brahmin Conference organised by Shri Brahmin Sabha in Delhi’s Pitampura, accusing her of pandering to caste interests. In her post, Kanimozhi […]

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Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi has once again found herself at the centre of a controversy over selective outrage. The Thoothukudi MP criticised Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for addressing the All India Brahmin Conference organised by Shri Brahmin Sabha in Delhi’s Pitampura, accusing her of pandering to caste interests. In her post, Kanimozhi wrote, “Glorifying the caste system and elevating the made-up ‘greatness’ of a particular caste is the bane of this country. Even after several people are killed in the name of caste, an elected representative and a Chief Minister, speaking in praise of it, is repulsive, shameful and anti-national. This is the divide the BJP is deliberately deepening, the same oppressive structure that Periyar spent his life fighting to destroy. Recently, even the Tamil Nadu Governor asked why Tamil Nadu fights. He needs to understand that this is the battle we will never stop fighting.”

The Delhi Chief Minister, in her Pitampura address, said, “If anyone is igniting the flame of knowledge in society, it is our Brahmin community. They worship not only scriptures but also weapons. Only through weapons and scriptures can we protect society and the country today.”

“By igniting the flame of knowledge, propagating religion, and fostering a spirit of goodwill, the Brahmin community has always worked for the benefit of society. No matter which government is in power, it should work for the welfare of the Brahmin community to take them forward.”

However, Kanimozhi’s criticism rings hollow in light of her own participation in a similar caste-based conference just 18 months ago. In April 2024, she proudly shared photographs and posts about attending the Nadar Sangam conference in Tirunelveli, where she not only praised the community’s role in Tamil society but also used the platform to seek support for the I.N.D.I. alliance.

In her 2024 post, Kanimozhi described the event as an opportunity to “mobilise support for the INDI alliance“. But today, she has condemned another leader for doing exactly what she herself did — attending a community gathering and appreciating its contribution to society.

These remarks, praising a community’s traditional role in education and culture, are similar in tone and intent to Kanimozhi’s own public speeches at community events.

Kanimozhi’s selective outrage underscores the hypocrisy that defines DMK’s caste politics where identity-based mobilisation is celebrated when it benefits them politically but condemned when others do it.

In short, Kanimozhi’s criticism of the Delhi Chief Minister is not about principles. It’s about peddling hate against one particular community.

(With inputs from NDTV)

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The post Dravidian Model Hypocrisy: DMK MP Kanimozhi Criticizes Delhi CM Rekha Gupta’s Brahmin Meet, But Attended Nadar Sangam Event Herself appeared first on The Commune.

]]> Congress-Ally DMK MP Kanimozhi Ridicules North Indian Hindus https://thecommunemag.com/congress-ally-dmk-mocks-north-indian-hindus/ Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:57:08 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=128589 In a now-viral speech delivered in Madurai, Thoothukudi MP and DMK leader Kanimozhi appeared to mock North Indians and Hindu beliefs, questioning their rationality and scientific temper. Without naming anyone directly, she suggested that certain people from North India are so steeped in folklore that they might believe a grandmother lives on the moon rather […]

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In a now-viral speech delivered in Madurai, Thoothukudi MP and DMK leader Kanimozhi appeared to mock North Indians and Hindu beliefs, questioning their rationality and scientific temper. Without naming anyone directly, she suggested that certain people from North India are so steeped in folklore that they might believe a grandmother lives on the moon rather than accepting scientific facts.

Speaking at the event, she said, “If you ask a child who was the first to go to the moon, they will give the correct answer. What will they say? Correct. (Neil) Armstrong. But if you ask some people from the north, I’m glad they haven’t been told the story we tell our children that there’s a grandmother on the moon. Isn’t that right? They haven’t been told that story. Otherwise, they would say that the first person to land on the moon was that grandmother, and she never came back; she is still there. Now, those who are telling stories that Hanuman was the first to go to the moon are not the leaders in this state of Tamil Nadu.”

Her comment has drawn sharp reactions, as it is being seen as yet another instance of the DMK’s longstanding pattern of belittling North Indians and mocking Hindu traditions.

A Pattern of Derogatory Rhetoric Against North Indians

Kanimozhi’s speech is not an isolated case. Many DMK leaders have made similar statements in recent years, reinforcing perceptions of the party’s deep-rooted hostility towards Hindi speakers and North Indian communities.

DMK MSME Minister T.M. Anbarasan

I.N.D.I ally and the DMK MSME Minister, T.M. Anbarasan, has once again found himself at the center of controversy after making disparaging remarks about North Indians in the ongoing debate over parliamentary seat delimitation. He compared the region’s population growth to pigs giving birth, a statement that has drawn widespread criticism. This comes shortly after another contentious remark at a DMK event, where he suggested that Hindi speakers in his household were involved in cattle herding—comments seen as derogatory toward migrant laborers who work hard to earn their livelihood.

At an event organized by Pallavaram North DMK to celebrate the 72nd birthday of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, which also included the distribution of welfare assistance, DMK MSME Minister T.M. Anbarasan spoke about India’s population policies and their impact on parliamentary seat allocation.

He recalled that the family planning program was first introduced in India in 1966 to curb population growth, as India remains the most populous country after China. He mentioned that the program initially promoted the slogan “We Two, Ours Two,” which later changed to “We Two, Ours One,” emphasizing the need for population control. He noted that southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh adhered to the central government’s guidelines on family planning, leading to a decline in population growth in these regions.

However, he criticized the northern states for not following the same measures, resulting in a significant population increase. He argued that this has now led to parliamentary seat redistribution based on population, disproportionately affecting the southern states. He pointed out that Tamil Nadu’s 39 parliamentary constituencies and other southern states’ seats are being reduced, while northern states gain more representation.

He said, “Initially, they said, ‘We Two, Ours Two,’. Then they said, ‘We Two, Ours One.’ After five years, they said, ‘We are children, why we need child’. Like Tamil Nadu, the southern states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh all accepted and strictly followed the central government’s policies, ensuring that our guys did not have more than one or two children. As a result, the population in these states decreased. However, if you look at North Indians, the population has increased significantly, breeding like pigs. Now, they are using this population as a basis for seat reorganization, which is negatively impacting our constituencies.”

Anbarasan further alleged that the central government was prioritizing the northern states for political advantage, ensuring dominance in governance. He accused the government of withholding funds, including ₹2,150 crore meant for education, and neglecting the interests of the southern states. Additionally, he criticized the central government’s approach toward gubernatorial appointments, alleging interference in state governance.

This is not the first time Anbarasan has made such derogatory statements. Take a look at his history of such remarks.

Ridiculing Hindi Speakers 

Previous to the above disparaging remark, I.N.D.I ally and DMK’s MSME Minister, T.M. Anbarasan, made contentious remarks at a DMK event, stating that Hindi speakers in his household are engaged in cattle herding. His comments were seen as disparaging towards migrant laborers who earn their livelihood through hard work and perseverance.

He said, “Where are the ones who studied Hindi? Where are they? those who studied Hindi are rearing cows at my home. I’m not joking, It’s true. They are selling Panipuri, mason, carpenters. If we study Hindi we also have to go to North India and sell Panipuri.” 

Grudge Over Working North Indian Migrant Laborers

In March 20224, during an event organized by Alandur Government Higher Secondary School, DMK MSME Minister T.M. Anbarasan commented that men in Tamil Nadu were not engaged in work but rather loitering in TASMAC for liquor. He noted that wherever he looked, Hindi-speaking individuals and women were the ones working, despite the content of his speech being intended as humorous, seemed to overlook the harsh reality of citizens’ lives.

Anbarasan commented, “Now women are working more than men, no men are working. Our men are heading towards TASMAC after sending their wives to work. Look, I’m not saying this for laughs… This is our family, our people, so I’m talking happily. Men don’t work, I’ve said this in many gatherings, you can check who is at the tea shop. Who is there? There is only a northerner who came through migration, even if go to Adyar Ananda Bhavan there are only Hindi speaking people. He doesn’t understand what Masala Dosa is, and we don’t understand what he is saying.”

DMK General Secretary & Minister For Water Resources Duraimurugan

On 11 March 2025, DMK General Secretary and Minister for Water Resources, Duraimurugan, expressed his hostility towards Hindi-speaking people during a DMK public meeting in Chennai East District, Thiru. V.K. Nagar North Area, while celebrating DMK chief and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M.K. Stalin’s birthday.

He called the Hindi language as “peeda”, a Tamil slur word which means bad omen. Duraimurugan, stated that learning Hindi would bring dosham(inauspiciousness), theetu (impurity), and misfortune. “From that time on, we have been opposing it. If we say we are opposing, it is not the language itself that we oppose. In our community, there are people who learn multiple languages—multilingual poets. However, if you study this particular language, you will face Dosham (inauspiciousness), Theetu(impurity), and misfortune. If you study English, you will go up (progress), but if you study Hindi, you will go down (decline).”

He further said, “No matter how much you learn Hindi, you cannot speak like them. Even though I know to speak Telugu, I cannot speak like them (Telugu people). We can speak, but we cannot speak like them. Likewise, what I said in the beginning, the abolition of Hindi means… Keep one thing in mind… Consider a man who is at home with his wife and having children and has brought a saraku (a courtesan or a second wife), do you understand the implication? Say, he has brought a second wife then they (the first wife) will lose her privilege and the second wife will be given preference. Likewise, what did he do? He tried to impose on us and we said no.“

Then he claimed that North Indians call us barbarians. He said, “He says we are barbarians. North Indians dare to call us barbarians! We are at the pinnacle of civilization. We were the ones who wove clothes from rat hair and sent them to Greece, Persia, and the Far East. Our kings crossed the seas and raised our flag as far as Vietnam. We are the ones who studied Agam and Puram, who delved into Kalingathuparani and Tolkappiyam, the scholars of literature, the creators of civilization, the practitioners of hygiene. And yet, a minister looks at us and calls us barbarians? Hey, you are nothing but a person who doesn’t even bathe—nothing more! You don’t bathe.“

To substantiate his point and mock North Indians, Duraimurugan, the General Secretary of the DMK, shared a story. He recounted that a man once tied a bull and announced that anyone who touched it would receive 1,000 rupees. A few people attempted but stopped halfway, saying they couldn’t do the task and turned back. “Then, a North Indian was asked to do the same—go, touch the bull, and return. As he approached the bull, however, the bull suddenly pulled away and ran off. The reason? The bull itself had wounds and was reeking, and our men (Tamils), unable to tolerate the smell, backed away. But in a twist, the bull fled—not because of its own stench, but because it couldn’t bear the stench of the North Indian!”, he said.

Even he goes on to ridicule North Indians, equating them to pigs and piglets for having many children, exercising his individual right. However, the DMK minister and general secretary, whose party advocates for individual rights, mocks them by saying, “Our guy says ‘we two, ours one,’ but he (North Indians) has produced (kids) like pigs there.“

DMK Deputy General Secretary & MP A Raja

Similar to the above DMK deputy general secretary and Nilgiris MP A. Raja speaking at an event in Coimbatore, made derogatory remarks about Hindi speakers. He said, “They say if we learn Hindi, we will get jobs. But the Hindi speakers who have come here are only doing construction labour jobs or in fields. Earlier they were only selling panipuri. Now they are working in farms.”

He further proudly stated, “Children from TN who studied English and Tamil are studying in America, England, Australia. So why should we study Hindi? The right to ask that question has been given to us by our Chief Minister.”

Former DMK Minister of Dairy Mano Thangaraj

In October 2022, DMK Minister Mano Thangaraj was once again accused of promoting xenophobia against North Indians. He made controversial remarks, including negative stereotypes, particularly targeting Gujaratis. Thangaraj claimed that North Indians roam around in loincloths and suggested that learning Hindi would lead to jobs in labor sectors, such as working at Parotta stalls and street vendors.

Speaking at an unknown event, Mano Thangaraj said, “Today, the Tamil community and the Indian community is mired in illusion. In north India, people even today roam around in loincloth. If you get an opportunity, go to Gujarat and see. No need to go anywhere else. Once you land there, they will deceive you showing Ahmedabad, Gandhi Nagar, etc. Don’t even look that side. Ask them to show the rural area. Go see the rural area. If you see the rural areas, you will see those people only wear loincloth.”, DMK Minister Mano Thangaraj said.

He further said “In a public meeting yesterday, I asked people who are working in the parotta shops and chicken stalls here. North Indians. How can I get a job studying Hindi? They are coming to work here in parotta shops. I don’t have labourers here to work. From where am I getting labourers? I catch and bring Hindiwallas as labourers here. I pity them. They don’t know the language. They don’t know anything. If they learn Tamil, it will help them. They will get a job learning Tamil. Will I get a job learning Hindi? Such idiots they are. If we tell this, they are asking us to learn Hindi. Now a few our children know Hindi. I don’t have any problem with that. It’s not wrong. Why is the Central Government not making all 22 languages as official language?”

DMK Minister for Municipal Administration, Urban and Water Supply KN Nehru About Bihari And Lalu Yadav

In 2021, DMK Minister for Municipal Administration, Urban & Water Supply KN Nehru, while addressing an employment camp at the DMK office in Trichy, said, “Biharis lack brain as Tamilians have. People from Bihar are not as intelligent as Tamilians.”

“As Railway Minister, Lalu Prasad Yadav packed the Railways with Biharis, especially at lower-level jobs, despite the fact that Biharis were less brainy than Tamils,” DMK Minister KN Nehru has claimed.

“Over 4,000 Biharis work at the Southern Railway’s Golden Rock Workshop in Tiruchy. Similarly, the majority of railway crossing gatekeepers are Biharis. This is all due to the handiwork of Lalu Prasad Yadav.  When he was railway minister, he had all of his fellow Biharis copy the railway exams and then get them jobs on the railways. These people speak neither Tamil nor Hindi and lack the intelligence that we Tamils possess. Yet they are working in Tamil Nadu,” DMK Minister KN Nehru stated.

TKS Elangovan Says Hindi Will Make Tamils Shudras

Another DMK MP and senior leader TKS Elangovan spread hatred against Hindi speakers, saying, “Hindi is the language of backward states, Hindi will make us Shudra.” Elangovan also made hateful remarks citing that speaking Hindi will make us Shudras.

TKS Elangovan said, “Hindi is the native tongue in only underdeveloped states like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Look at West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Punjab. Aren’t all these developed states? Hindi is not the mother tongue of the people of these states. Hindi will convert us to Shudras. Hindi will be no good for us.”

Elangovan claimed that speaking Hindi would enslave them. Accusing Hindi lovers of destroying the culture, he added, “They are trying to destroy the culture and trying to impose Manu Dharma through Hindi. This should not be allowed. If we did, we will be slaves, Shudras.”

Hindi Speakers Do Menial Jobs Said DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran

Dhayanidhi Maran, DMK MP, stated in a public meeting that people who learned Hindi work as construction workers and wash toilets in Tamil Nadu, whereas Tamilians hold high-level positions in the IT sector.

He said, “We asked you to study Tamil and English. you studied. Look at Sundar Pichai, he is now the CEO of Google. He would have been a construction worker if he had studied Hindi. Our children hold high-level positions in IT firms and earn a good living. Look at those who studied Hindi. They work as construction workers and clean toilets.”

This other time, while speaking at a public meeting he had called north Indians and Hindi speaking people as ‘idiots’ who will vote for BJP.

Maran’s comments sparked widespread condemnation, including from Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, who criticized the disparaging remarks and stressed the importance of respecting people from different parts of the country. Former Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also challenged Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over Maran’s statement, calling for an end to disrespect towards Bihar’s people.

‘Vadakkan’ Slurs Hurled By DMK MLA TRB Rajaa And His IT Wing

DMK MLA TRB Rajaa had spewed venom against north Indians umpteen number of times. He had once said ‘Vadakkans’ (slur for North Indian) don’t have a sense of democracy adding that Biharis will remain at the bottom because of their voting choices.

Isai, the DMK state deputy secretary of the IT wing, has used slurs like “Paani puri vaayan” and “Paanparak Vaayan” to insult north Indian migrant workers.

DMK Minister of Commercial Taxes, Registration and Stamp Law, Moorthy Calling For Boycott Of North Indian Businessmen

 

Recently, DMK Minister Murthy incited hatred towards North Indian businessmen by stating that they should not be allowed to do business in Tamil Nadu and that only Tamil businessmen should do business throughout Tamil Nadu. He also suggested that Tamil businessmen come forward to help send North Indian businessmen out of Tamil Nadu.

RS Bharathi Demeaning North Indians

DMK Organizational Secretary RS Bharathi sparked a controversy by saying that North Indians sell panipuri in Tamil Nadu and the Governor is also like them. He also compared the Governor to a migrant worker from Bihar and said that he would not have left without being beaten had Jayalalitha been alive.

He said, “I had earlier stated that those who sell Soan papdi and Panipuri don`t know the pride of Tamil Nadu. I said this in a meeting. I came to know that many have come from Bihar and I think the Governor (RN Ravi) has similarly come by train,”. 

North Indians Are Fools

At a meeting (in an undated video), Bharathi was seen saying, “The reason why Tamil Nadu is the best state in India is because of the DMK. The people in the other states are fools, they have no brains, these north Indians, I am saying this openly.”

Says Bihar & UP People Eat Chapati Kurma At Amma Canteen

During a party meeting in Chennai in September 2024, RS Bharathi questioned the relevance of Amma Unavagam, the late Jayalalithaa’s pet project. He asked about the need for a low-cost meal scheme after her death and accused AIADMK leaders of exploiting it.

He also claimed that only the north Indian workers benefited from Amma Unavagam on Tamil Nadu taxpayers’ money.

During his speech, Bharathi criticized AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), dismissing claims that the DMK government had closed Amma Unavagam. He said, “Amma (Jayalalithaa) herself has left (died), then what is the need for Amma Unavagam? Edappadi and his gang ate idli and dosa for one and a half crore rupees while Amma (Jayalalithaa) was in the hospital. Now they are acting like the DMK has shut down Amma Unavagam, where just about 150 people eat daily,” Bharathi remarked.

Bharathi also attacked the Jayalalithaa government’s management of Amma Unavagam, alleging that “wasted food” was served there. He said, “The Jayalalithaa government served leftover food in Amma Unavagam. The chapati and kuruma served at night in Amma Unavagam are consumed by people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. We spend our tax money and feed him,” said RS Bharathi.

When MK Stalin Peddled Xenophobia

MK Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, himself has incited hatred against North Indians working in Tamil Nadu. He stated, while campaigning for the 2021 state assembly elections in Tiruvannamalai on 25 March 2021, “They’re conspiring to place Hindi-speaking youngsters in jobs in Tamil Nadu and grow BJP through that here. The Edappadi Palaniswami government may be a mute spectator to this. But DMK or Tamil Nadu people won’t let that happen.”

In the run up to the 2021 Assembly elections, the DMK had also released political ads in which youngsters can be seen alleging that Edappadi Palaniswami government is giving Tamil Nadu jobs to north Indians.

DMK Health Minister Blames ‘North Indian’ Students For Rising COVID Cases

In 2020, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma. Subramanian blamed ‘north Indians’ for rising number of COVID-19 cases in the state.

“The disease has started increasing in educational institutions like VIT, Anna University and Sathya Sai. The reason for that is, in many states of India, the corona virus cases has not come under control, especially Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala where cases have been rising. When students from north India come into these educational institutions, the disease is spreading through them,” the Health Minister said in a press meet on June 1, 2022 when new COVID-19 clusters were being reported in different colleges in Chennai.

“VIT Kelambakkam is an educational institution with 15,000 students. The number of 1st year students who stay in hostel is around 5600. Out of this 5600, 80% of them come from north India and stay here. They came to their hostel on May 12 and 13 and have been staying here since then. The disease has spread to other students through them and now stands at 118.”, Ma. Subramanian said.

DMK Higher Education Minister Takes Jibe At Hindi Speakers As ‘Pani Poori Sellers’

Speaking at the convocation ceremony of Bharthiar Univeristy in Coimbatore on 13 May 2022, Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudy said that it is not necessary to learn Hindi as speakers of that language can be found selling only Pani Pooris.

“In Tamil Nadu, there are two languages – English and Tamil. While English is an international language, Tamil is a local language. We were told that learning Hindi would fetch us jobs, did we get (jobs)? You go and see in our state, in Coimbatore, who sells pani puris? They are Hindi speakers,”, the DMK Minister said.

“Many say that if you study Hindi, you will get a job. But, many are coming to work in Chennai from northern states. A few are selling pani puri here.”, Minister Ponmudy said while addressing members of the DMK Students Wing on 30 April 2022.

DMK MP Calls North Indian States As ‘Cow Piss States’

DMK MP from Dharmapuri DNV Senthilkumar while speaking about the National Education Policy in Lok Sabha said, “The goal of the government in the National Education Policy is to have a Gross Enrollment ratio (GER) of 50%. This has already been achieved by Tamil Nadu. Whereas, India’s national GER is around 24.6%. We are much ahead of the American GER. Why is it that the Central Government is seeing to thrust the National Education Policy upon us? We have set principles and we have set models, the Dravidian principle models, which are successful models. If they want to implement it to make India a developed state, let them implement Tamil Nadu’s model throughout the state. Instead, why is it being thrust upon us? We totally reject it. If they want, they can go implement them in Gomutra states, which they are very keen upon.”

DMK Minister Insinuates ‘Lack Of Education’ As Reason For BJP’s Victories In The ‘Hindi Belt’

In an interview to Hindustan Times, the then-Tamil Nadu Finance Minister PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan said that he can’t fathom how the BJP keeps getting re-elected in the ‘Hindi Belt’ and wondered if lack of education is the reason for it.

To a question by the anchor on BJP’s model of politics that couples welfare politics with Hindutva, the DMK Minister said “It is hard for me to see how BJP governments keep getting re-elected both at the Union and in other parts in the Hindi belt. And some part of me wonders whether it is lack of education, the lack of kind of opportunity and therefore the lack of hope.”

Later when the anchor tried to  his position, Palanivel Thiagarajan tread cautiously saying that he cannot understand how in the Hindi belt “these guys” keep getting re-elected.

“I’m looking for explanations. I’m trying to find maybe one of the explanation is that the lowest income levels and the worst per capita education levels are highly correlated with this outcome. I don’t have any proof. I don’t have anything. I also said there is a second alternative. That as bad as their performance looks compared to me, it may be that they are the best of bad choices. I don’t know. I just don’t have data.”, the DMK Minister said.

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]]> Hundreds Of Auto Drivers Petition DMK MP Kanimozhi To Support Reopening Sterlite Plant With Green Copper Production https://thecommunemag.com/hundreds-of-auto-drivers-petition-dmk-mp-kanimozhi-to-support-reopening-sterlite-plant-with-green-copper-production/ Thu, 04 Sep 2025 12:24:15 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=127260 [Image Credit: Kadivaalam News] Hundreds of auto rickshaw drivers from Thoothukudi, led by Karuppasamy, Secretary of the Muthunagar Auto Drivers Welfare Association, met DMK MP Kanimozhi at her camp office on 4 September 2025 to submit a formal petition. In the petition, the drivers urged the MP to initiate a special resolution in the Tamil […]

The post Hundreds Of Auto Drivers Petition DMK MP Kanimozhi To Support Reopening Sterlite Plant With Green Copper Production appeared first on The Commune.

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[Image Credit: Kadivaalam News]

Hundreds of auto rickshaw drivers from Thoothukudi, led by Karuppasamy, Secretary of the Muthunagar Auto Drivers Welfare Association, met DMK MP Kanimozhi at her camp office on 4 September 2025 to submit a formal petition.

In the petition, the drivers urged the MP to initiate a special resolution in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly for the reopening of the Sterlite Copper plant in Thoothukudi under a “green copper” production model.

The petition highlighted that over a thousand families in Thoothukudi depend on auto driving for their livelihood, with many small businesses and informal workers relying on large-scale industries in the region. The Sterlite Copper plant, they said, had once supported the employment of nearly two lakh people both directly and indirectly.

They noted that the closure of the Sterlite plant allegedly without legal justification had caused widespread economic disruption, not only affecting local livelihoods but also impacting Tamil Nadu’s economy and the nation’s copper supply. Since the shutdown, copper demand has increased, leading to adverse effects such as inflation and rising import costs.

The petition referenced expert recommendations from environmental scientists, including Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Ganapathy D. Yadav and retired environmental professor Dr. R. Nagendran, who have laid out a roadmap for operating the plant under environmentally sustainable conditions.

The auto drivers appealed to MP Kanimozhi to champion their cause by advocating for the plant’s reopening through a special legislative resolution, enabling it to resume operations with a green production approach and restore thousands of lost livelihoods in the region.

Sterlite protest & Shut Down

In 2018, fringe outfits and missionary-backed groups led a campaign against the Sterlite Copper plant, which the DMK leveraged as a political opportunity to push for its closure. However, the situation has since reversed the people of Thoothukudi are now leading calls for the plant’s revival.

The shutdown dealt a major blow to Tamil Nadu’s economy, stripping Thoothukudi of jobs and triggering financial distress. Meanwhile, Gujarat swiftly capitalized on the gap in copper production. What was once hailed as an environmental win has come full circle, with the DMK now facing the fallout of a decision it once championed.

Mounting Protests from the Ground

In July 2025, hundreds of residents staged a protest outside the District Collector’s Office, demanding the reopening of the Sterlite plant they once opposed. Villagers from Pandaram Patti South, Veerapandiapuram, fisherfolk from Threspuram, and members of women’s self-help groups rallied, stating that the plant’s closure had robbed them of jobs and economic security.

Amid heightened tensions, a strong police presence was deployed. Only a few representatives were permitted to meet the Collector and submit a petition on behalf of the demonstrators.

On 16 June 2025, villagers from South Veerapandiapuram, Saminatham, and nearby communities gathered outside the Thoothukudi District Collector’s Office. Their demand was simple: reopen the Sterlite Copper plant and the associated thermal power station. Many of the protesters were former employees, who now struggle to survive as low-paid laborers. According to their statements, over 300 youth from these villages had worked at the plant, and the shutdown pushed them into economic instability.

Surprisingly, the call for reopening the facility has come not just from locals, but also from the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) a key ally of the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu. INTUC national secretary Kathirvelu openly questioned the inconsistency in allowing copper smelters to operate in other states while Sterlite remains shut. He pointed out that if pollution was the concern, it should be addressed with uniform regulations across India.

INTUC maintained that the economic cost of closure has been immense. Thousands of jobs were lost—not only within Sterlite itself but across hundreds of ancillary businesses that depended on the plant’s operations.

Wider Impact Across Industries

The plant’s closure didn’t just affect direct employees. On 6 January 2024, members of the Namakkal Lorry Owners’ and Trailer Owners’ Associations staged protests, claiming the shutdown paralyzed the logistics sector in the region. Over 6,500 trucks were impacted, and more than 600 vehicle owners had to seek alternative sources of income. Daily revenue losses were estimated at around ₹10 crore. Protesters proposed restarting the plant under strict environmental guidelines to balance development and sustainability.

In February 2025, the Thoothukudi Contractors’ Association joined the demand, highlighting job losses for 20,000 workers and severe financial strain on 400 SMEs, with income levels dropping by 40%. They have called for a Government Order to restart operations.

On 13 May 2025, representatives from the Thoothukudi People Livelihood Protection Association met with MP Kanimozhi, urging her to support efforts to revive the copper plant. Their appeal noted that the facility had supported 20,000+ families across 50 villages for over two decades. Around 64 contractors had invested in trucks and machinery solely to serve Sterlite’s logistics operations. When the plant was shut, many were left facing crippling debts, having mortgaged personal property to finance their businesses.

Association president S. Thiyagarajan criticized the misleading narrative that labeled Thoothukudi as the “cancer capital” due to the plant’s presence. He pointed to multiple independent environmental assessments that found no such link, yet the perception persisted, fueling protests and ultimately the closure.

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]]> “A Very Erudite Politician, Knowledgeable Leader”: BJP Leader Annamalai Praises DMK MP Kanimozhi https://thecommunemag.com/a-very-erudite-politician-knowledgeable-leader-bjp-leader-annamalai-praises-dmk-mp-kanimozhi/ Fri, 13 Jun 2025 06:51:53 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=117547 In a recent press interaction held in Coimbatore, former Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai praised Members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu, including senior AIADMK leader and former Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M. Thambidurai, and DMK MP Kanimozhi, for effectively representing India’s united front against terrorism on the international stage following Operation Sindoor. Annamalai lauded […]

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In a recent press interaction held in Coimbatore, former Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai praised Members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu, including senior AIADMK leader and former Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M. Thambidurai, and DMK MP Kanimozhi, for effectively representing India’s united front against terrorism on the international stage following Operation Sindoor.

Annamalai lauded Kanimozhi for her intellect and composure, stating that she is a well-informed and articulate leader who strongly conveyed India’s position during international briefings. He extended similar praise to Shashi Tharoor, calling him an outstanding political figure who also played a key role in international briefings. Others, including Manish Tewari and Supriya Sule, were also acknowledged for their commendable participation.

He emphasized that there was no political divide in supporting the operation and also highlighted the personal initiative of Tamil Nadu MPs, noting that both Thambidurai and Kanimozhi had visited the Prime Minister’s residence to show their support.

Annamalai in the press briefing said, “As far as Kanimozhi is concerned, she is a very erudite politician, a knowledgeable leader. She represented India’s interests very well—in fact, exceptionally well. Similarly, Shashi Tharoor also went for the press briefing to key countries—he is also a fantastic politician, and he did a great job too. Manish Tewari, Supriya Sule, and others also performed very well. There’s no politics in this regarding Operation Sindoor, everyone supported it wholeheartedly. But once it concluded, many went out speak outside about Sindoor—that’s how I see it. On a personal level, as Members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu, Thambidurai and Kanimozhi both went to the Prime Minister’s residence and met him. In this matter, everyone deserves appreciation.  Kanimozhi’s remarks in the press meet about “Unity and Diversity” went quite viral. But beyond that, she also spoke at several places. Beyond the “Unity and Diversity” message, in multiple press briefings, she articulated the Central government’s stance on Operation Sindoor beautifully. So, at this moment, it is our duty to extend our appreciation and congratulations to all of them. That’s exactly what Prime Minister Modi himself did as well.”

As part of India’s diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, MP Kanimozhi is leading Delegation 6, which includes leaders from across party lines such as Rajeev Rai (SP), Mian Altaf Ahmad (NC), Brijesh Chowta (BJP), Prem Chand Gupta (RJD), Ashok Kumar Mittal (AAP), and former diplomats Manjeev Puri and Jawed Ashraf. This team will travel to Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia, and Russia to communicate India’s anti-terror stance.

Separately, AIADMK MP M. Thambidurai, a member of another all-party team led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, addressed the Indian diaspora in Berlin. He strongly criticized Pakistan, calling it a “name-sake democracy” and linking its reliance on terrorism to consistent military failures. Thambidurai also praised Prime Minister Modi’s decisive actions against terrorism and emphasized India’s democratic progress from “Kashmir to Kanyakumari.”

He stated, “India has made significant democratic strides and has firmly responded to terrorism. PM Modi’s leadership has focused on eliminating terrorist bases, not harming civilians. That’s why we must reach out globally to garner support—because the world increasingly agrees that terrorism must end.”

This extensive global outreach includes 59 MPs, former ministers, and politicians from both the ruling NDA and opposition parties, organized into seven delegations. These teams will visit 32 countries and the European Union headquarters in Brussels.

The initiative reflects a rare bipartisan effort led by the Government of India to present a unified message: India is committed to combating terrorism at all levels and is seeking international solidarity in that mission. Each delegation is supported by experienced diplomats and comprises a diverse mix of political voices.

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]]> “India’s National Language Is Unity In Diversity”, Says DMK MP Kanimozhi Sparking Applause In Spain https://thecommunemag.com/indias-national-language-is-unity-in-diversity-says-dmk-mp-kanimozhi-sparking-applause-in-spain/ Tue, 03 Jun 2025 07:19:19 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=116274 DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, heading an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation to Europe, asserted on Monday that “the national language of India is unity in diversity.” Her remark came in response to a question from the Indian diaspora during an interaction in Madrid, Spain—the final leg of the delegation’s five-nation tour aimed at engaging the global […]

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DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, heading an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation to Europe, asserted on Monday that “the national language of India is unity in diversity.” Her remark came in response to a question from the Indian diaspora during an interaction in Madrid, Spain—the final leg of the delegation’s five-nation tour aimed at engaging the global community on terrorism and India’s counterterrorism operations following Operation Sindoor.

“The national language of India is unity in diversity. That is the message this delegation brings to the world, and that is the most important thing today,” Kanimozhi said, reinforcing India’s commitment to pluralism and coexistence.

Her statement holds particular weight given the DMK’s strong opposition to the Centre’s proposed three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The DMK has long argued that the policy amounts to the imposition of Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking states, especially Tamil Nadu, and has instead advocated for a two-language formula—Tamil and English. The party sees the push for Hindi as a threat to federalism and linguistic autonomy.

The row flared again recently after the Union Education Ministry reiterated its emphasis on Hindi as a “link language,” drawing criticism from DMK leaders who accuse the Centre of promoting a “Hindi-Hindutva agenda” in the guise of education reform.

Addressing another question from the diaspora on terrorism, Kanimozhi said, “So much has to be done in our country and we want to do that. Unfortunately, we are being diverted. We have to deal with terrorism, war—which is absolutely unnecessary.” She assured the audience that India remains a secure nation, adding, “They may try whatever they want, they cannot derail us. We will ensure that Kashmir remains a safe place.”

The all-party delegation includes Rajeev Rai (Samajwadi Party), Mian Altaf Ahmad (Jammu and Kashmir National Conference), Brijesh Chowta (BJP), Prem Chand Gupta (RJD), Ashok Kumar Mittal (AAP), and former diplomats Manjeev Singh Puri and Jawed Ashraf.

Their tour, which covered Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia, and Russia, is part of a broader outreach programme by the Indian government. Seven such delegations have been sent to 33 global capitals to counter misinformation from Pakistan and strengthen international support for India’s counterterrorism stance.

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]]> DMK MP Kanimozhi-Led Delegation Arrives In Slovenia To Convey India’s Message On Counter-Terrorism https://thecommunemag.com/dmk-mp-kanimozhi-led-delegation-arrives-in-slovenia-to-convey-indias-message-on-counter-terrorism/ Mon, 26 May 2025 05:05:28 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=115511 The all-party parliamentary delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi has arrived in Slovenia as part of India’s Operation Sindoor global outreach campaign. The delegation was briefed by Indian Ambassador to Slovenia Amit Narang on Monday regarding India’s relations with the European country and stance against cross-border terrorism. “India and Slovenia share a warm and […]

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The all-party parliamentary delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi has arrived in Slovenia as part of India’s Operation Sindoor global outreach campaign. The delegation was briefed by Indian Ambassador to Slovenia Amit Narang on Monday regarding India’s relations with the European country and stance against cross-border terrorism.

“India and Slovenia share a warm and friendly relationship marked by mutual trust and shared values. As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Slovenia is also playing an important role in global discussions on counter-terrorism and the promotion of global peace. India’s message of national unity on zero tolerance for cross-border terrorism will further strengthen bilateral cooperation on ending terror globally,” the Indian Embassy posted on X on Monday.

The delegation, a part of India’s global diplomatic outreach campaign to highlight the significance of Operation Sindoor and India’s continued fight against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, was received by Ambassador Amit Narang and Embassy officials on their arrival in Slovenia. The Kanimozhi-led parliamentarians include Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai, BJP MP Captain Brijesh Chowta (Retd.); RJD MP Prem Chand Gupta, AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal; and Former Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri. The delegation reached Slovenia following a successful visit to Russia, reaffirming India’s firm stance on combating terrorism.

“Our visit to Moscow, Russia has been highly successful. We received unwavering support from all quarters, government, legislature, think tanks, and media. Russia has firmly stood by India in its stand against terrorism and clearly stated that it will not tolerate terror in any form, from any soil,” said Ashok Mittal in a post on X. “As we now engage with Slovenia, a peace-loving, progressive nation, we carry forward Bharat’s strong stance.

Terrorism anywhere affects peace everywhere. India, as the world’s 4th largest economy, cannot be isolated from global consequences, and neither can any other nation. We look forward to Slovenia’s solidarity in this global fight for peace and prosperity,” the post further added.

–IANS

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]]> Thoothukudi Locals Urge DMK MP Kanimozhi To Push For Sterlite Copper Reopening https://thecommunemag.com/thoothukudi-locals-urge-dmk-mp-kanimozhi-to-push-for-sterlite-copper-reopening/ Wed, 14 May 2025 14:42:49 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=114975 Representatives from the Thoothukudi People Livelihood Protection Association, along with residents from nearby villages, submitted a formal request to Member of Parliament Kanimozhi on 13 May, appealing for the reopening of the Sterlite Copper plant. In their plea, the group highlighted that for over two decades, the Sterlite Copper facility had provided direct and indirect […]

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Representatives from the Thoothukudi People Livelihood Protection Association, along with residents from nearby villages, submitted a formal request to Member of Parliament Kanimozhi on 13 May, appealing for the reopening of the Sterlite Copper plant.

In their plea, the group highlighted that for over two decades, the Sterlite Copper facility had provided direct and indirect employment to more than 20,000 individuals from Thoothukudi and over 50 neighboring villages. Additionally, 64 contractors depended on operations at the plant. Many had invested heavily in infrastructure—purchasing and customizing trucks solely for transporting copper concentrate from the VOC Port to the SIPCOT Industrial Estate.

The abrupt shutdown of the smelter not only stripped thousands of their livelihood but also pushed several contractors into financial ruin. Having taken substantial loans—often secured by mortgaging personal properties—many were left with no choice but to sell their vehicles at a loss after the closure.

According to S. Thiyagarajan, president of the association, the plant was unfairly targeted by a campaign that falsely linked it to a rise in cancer cases, branding Thoothukudi the “cancer capital.” He stated that environmental tests from multiple independent agencies found no basis for such claims. Nevertheless, the narrative persisted, leading to unrest and ultimately the closure of the facility. This move, he added, forced India to shift from being a copper exporter to a copper importer.

The petitioners also pointed to Sterlite’s humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 crisis. The company produced and distributed 2,266 tonnes of medical oxygen at no cost, providing life-saving support across 32 districts.

Despite incurring massive losses following the shutdown—estimated in thousands of crores—the plant has continued its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. These include scholarships for over 10,500 children whose families lost income during the pandemic, financial aid for women-led self-help groups, and funding for development initiatives in rural areas around Thoothukudi.

Given the scale of its socio-economic impact and the continued demand for employment, the petitioners urged the government to take immediate steps toward reopening the Sterlite Copper plant for the betterment of workers and local communities alike.

(With Inputs From The Hindu)

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]]> News 18 Tamil Nadu Peddles Half-Truth: Falsely Claims ‘Zero’ Tamil Teachers In Kendriya Vidyalayas Despite Official Data Confirming 24 https://thecommunemag.com/news-18-tamil-nadu-peddles-half-truth-falsely-claims-zero-tamil-teachers-in-kendriya-vidyalayas-despite-official-data-confirming-24/ Tue, 25 Mar 2025 08:41:12 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=110996 In yet another bid to buttress the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu, the news channel News 18 Tamil Nadu has been caught spreading misleading information to align with the DMK’s narrative that the central government is targeting the state. In its latest claim, the channel falsely reported that there are “zero Tamil teachers in […]

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In yet another bid to buttress the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu, the news channel News 18 Tamil Nadu has been caught spreading misleading information to align with the DMK’s narrative that the central government is targeting the state. In its latest claim, the channel falsely reported that there are “zero Tamil teachers in Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) schools in Tamil Nadu,” despite official parliamentary records confirming that 24 Tamil teachers are currently employed in these schools.

On 24 March 2025, News 18 Tamil Nadu published a post claiming, “Number of Tamil teachers in Kendriya Vidyalaya schools in Tamil Nadu – 0. DMK Parliamentary Chairperson, Kanimozhi posted on X.” The post included a news card highlighting that, “The answer given by the central government to the question of the number of permanent teachers appointed to teach Tamil in Kendriya Vidyalaya schools in Tamil Nadu is “0”; but it says that there are 86 teachers to teach Hindi and 65 teachers to teach Sanskrit. BJP government, has the Constitution defined Hindi or Sanskrit as the national language or is that the nationalism that the BJP wants to build? Which mother tongue are you protecting or teaching through Kendriya Vidyalaya schools? The DMK has been opposing this imposition of Hindi and Sanskrit in the guise of a three-language policy for a long time.”

During a Lok Sabha session on 24 March 2025, DMK Deputy General Secretary and Thoothukkudi MP Kanimozhi raised questions regarding the implementation of the three-language formula in schools across India. She sought details on:

(a) The languages taught under the policy in different states, along with state-wise data.
(b) The number of students enrolled in these languages.
(c) The number of students studying non-Hindi Indian languages in Hindi-speaking states.
(d) The current number of Tamil, Hindi, and Sanskrit teachers in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) in Tamil Nadu.
(e) Whether KVs have any plans to teach students in their mother tongues.
(f) If such plans exist, their details; if not, the reasons for their absence.

In response Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, addressed these concerns, stating:

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 upholds the three-language formula, ensuring no language is imposed on any state. The choice of languages remains with the states, regions, and students, provided at least two of the three are Indian languages. Students can switch one or more languages in Grade 6 or 7, as long as they attain basic proficiency in three languages by the end of secondary school. The National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) has been developed to guide the implementation of NEP 2020’s language policies. A state-wise report on schools offering one, two, or three languages, along with student enrollment numbers, has been annexed.

Kendriya Vidyalaya Language Policies in Tamil Nadu

Kendriya Vidyalayas operate under a uniform education policy and officially sanction Hindi, English, and Sanskrit as language subjects. However, students in Classes VI to VIII can opt for other languages under Article 112 of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Education Code, provided at least 15 students enroll. In such cases, part-time contractual teachers can be hired. Currently, 24 Tamil teachers are engaged on a part-time contractual basis in Kendriya Vidyalayas across Tamil Nadu. Additionally, Tamil is taught in 21 Kendriya Vidyalayas through the Tamil Virtual Academy (TVA), an initiative by the Tamil Nadu government. At present, there are 86 Hindi teachers and 65 Sanskrit teachers in KVs across Tamil Nadu.

Despite official data confirming that 24 Tamil teachers are engaged on a part-time contractual basis in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) across Tamil Nadu, and that Tamil is taught in 21 KVs through the Tamil Virtual Academy (TVA), News 18 Tamil Nadu conveniently omitted these details. Instead, the channel, which has been accused of favoring the ruling DMK government, falsely reported that “0” Tamil teachers were employed in Kendriya Vidyalayas.

Excerpt from Parliamentary answer reads, “Kendriya Vidyalayas are “specified category” schools as defined in Right to Education (RTE) Act and have been established with a mandate to have a uniform scheme of education. Therefore, the sanctioned posts of language teachers are that of Hindi, English and Sanskrit. However, there is an enabling provision for teaching of other languages for the willing students between classes VI to VIII vide Art 112 of the Education Code for Kendriya Vidyalaya. As per this provision, a teacher can be engaged on part time contractual basis if 15 or more students opt for it. The teachers engaged in Kendriya Vidyalayas on part time contractual basis for teaching of Tamil as opted by the students is 24. Additionally, learning of Tamil language in 21 KVs is being undertaken through Tamil Virtual Academy (TVA), an autonomous organization under Tamil Nadu State for the students interested in learning of the language. There are 86 Hindi and 65 Sanskrit faculty working in the state of Tamil Nadu at present.”

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]]> “Kanimozhi’s Son Studies Multiple Languages In Singapore, But She Advocates Two-Language Policy For TN Kids”, BJP TN Chief Annamalai Questions DMK MP Kanimozhi’s Double Standards https://thecommunemag.com/kanimozhis-son-studies-multiple-languages-in-singapore-but-she-advocates-two-language-policy-for-tn-kids-bjp-tn-chief-annamalai-questions-dmk-mp-kanimozhis-double-standards/ Fri, 07 Mar 2025 06:08:28 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=109970 Tamil Nadu BJP president Annamalai has criticized DMK Deputy General Secretary and Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi, accusing her of having “selective amnesia.” He stated that she conveniently forgets the events that took place between 2006 and 2014 when the DMK was part of the Congress-led coalition government. During that period, the central government allocated ₹675 crore […]

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Tamil Nadu BJP president Annamalai has criticized DMK Deputy General Secretary and Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi, accusing her of having “selective amnesia.” He stated that she conveniently forgets the events that took place between 2006 and 2014 when the DMK was part of the Congress-led coalition government. During that period, the central government allocated ₹675 crore for the promotion of Sanskrit while only ₹75 crore was allotted for Tamil, a major lapse under the DMK’s governance. However, Kanimozhi has failed to respond to his questions on this issue.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai during the BJP’s statewide signature campaign in support of the three-language policy, Annamalai noted that the initiative had received a strong response. Within 24 hours, one lakh people had signed in favor of the new education policy, believing it would ensure a better future for children. He also strongly condemned the manner in which former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan was treated by the Chennai police, stating that it is the duty of political parties to interact with people on the streets. He criticized the DMK government, alleging that its actions reflect fear and cowardice, as they first arrested Tamilisai and later released her, knowing their order was unjust.

Further, Annamalai accused VCK leader Thirumavalavan of hypocrisy, stating that while he runs a CBSE school that follows the three-language policy, he lacks the courage to openly support it. He claimed that the BJP is exposing fake politicians daily and declared that every day marks a new victory for the party.

Referring to DMK MP Kanimozhi once again, Annamalai reiterated that when the DMK was in power at the center, they did little for Tamil development. He also criticized former Union Minister P. Chidambaram, who, during his tenure, made 170 recommendations in Parliament for Hindi promotion but now speaks against Hindi at public events in Tamil Nadu. Annamalai remarked that the people of the state are now forced to witness such political contradictions.

Annamalai stated, “For sister Kanimozhi, there is a nice word in English called ‘selective amnesia.’ Selective amnesia means forgetting things often. Suriya has acted in a movie, tend to forget things frequently. As far as sister Kanimozhi is concerned, she seems to have forgotten everything between 2006 and 2014. Those eight years have become a case of selective amnesia in sister Kanimozhi’s brain. Today, I am asking the same sister Kanimozhi—’You allocated ₹675 crore for Sanskrit but only ₹75 crore for Tamil. Why?’ But she never responds to this. It was a blunder that happened under your regime.”

He further criticized, “Sister Kanimozhi’s son is a citizen of Singapore. He is studying in a world-class country. Will you insist the son of sister Kanimozhi, studying in Singapore, should learn only Tamil? While sister Kanimozhi’s son, as a Singaporean citizen, has the opportunity to study multiple languages, but she takes the mic and tells the children of Tamil Nadu that they should learn only two languages. If she believes that, why didn’t she enroll her son in a government school in Tamil Nadu and make him study under the two-language policy? Today, she speaks a lot about language, right? She calls herself the granddaughter of Periyar and the daughter of Kalaignar Karunanidhi. So why there is a different justice with her children as a Singapore citizen while the children of poor parents in Tamil Nadu’s government schools have another kind of justice? We will certainly question that!”

He questioned why the Tamil Nadu government is creating societal divisions and engaging in unnecessary debates about constituency reorganization. He asserted that the government has no real answers to these concerns and accused the ruling party of blocking language policies for political gain rather than genuine public interest.

Mocking the DMK’s usual tactics, he sarcastically suggested that they might attempt to divert attention by making a party member’s child release a video about the benefits of bilingualism. Concluding his statement, Annamalai called this an act of shame.

In a 2021 interview with India Today, she stated, “My husband is a Singapore citizen, and my son is also a Singapore citizen. I have no intention of changing his citizenship.”

The fact that DMK leaders and their family members have comfortably settled in foreign countries while denying even the underprivileged citizens of Tamil Nadu the chance to learn another language for better opportunities has sparked debate across the state.

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]]> TN BJP Chief Annamalai Slams Kanimozhi’s DMK Rhetoric, Demands Straightforward Answers https://thecommunemag.com/tn-bjp-chief-annamalai-slams-kanimozhis-dmk-rhetoric-demands-straightforward-answers/ Tue, 04 Mar 2025 12:51:33 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=109721 The war of words over the National Education Policy (NEP) escalated when DMK Deputy General Secretary and Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi, using the typical victim card tactics employed by the DMK, urged Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Annamalai to ensure that the Centre released education funds if he truly cared about students. This shifted the focus away […]

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The war of words over the National Education Policy (NEP) escalated when DMK Deputy General Secretary and Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi, using the typical victim card tactics employed by the DMK, urged Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Annamalai to ensure that the Centre released education funds if he truly cared about students. This shifted the focus away from the original issue. Annamalai had earlier raised concerns about the DMK’s opposition to the third language policy, especially regarding Hindi, highlighting how it neglects only government school students who are excluded from the policy, while private run matriculation and CBSE school students are given the option to choose. Over the past two days, DMK MP Kanimozhi entered the fray, attempting to buttress the party’s stance, but ignoring the core issue. This time, Annamalai slammed the her political hypocrisy and urged her to get to the point and answer the question directly.

Tamil Nadu BJP President Annamalai, through his official X account, took to task DMK MP Kanimozhi, saying, “Anbu Akka Tmt @KanimozhiDMK, if the GOI-published data is critical of the TN Govt, you would call it biased. If the data is appreciative, you will publish it on the front page of Murasoli & Dhinakaran – typical of Review Gating (Receptive only to positive reviews & filters out negative feedback). The Pseudo truth environment that the DMK wishes to construct will be dismantled even if the GoTN commissions a survey to understand the quality of education imparted. We are confident that the results would point out the deteriorating education standards in TN today under your brother’s regime. Ennum ezhuthum, illam thedi kalvi & morning breakfast scheme were proposed in NEP2020/ Samagra Siksha. As a member of Parliament, you should have known that many of the NEP recommendations were rolled out for implementation in other states even before they were introduced in TN (without the effort of having to invent a new name for pasting stickers). For DMK, politics takes precedence over the future of our children. Did @BJP4TamilNadu compel the DMK Govt to send a letter to the Central Govt committing that PM Shri would be implemented starting this academic year? We are sure you know that PM Shri has subsumed many aspects of Samagra Siksha, even if you & the part-time school education minister of TN say otherwise in front of the media. Your brother and nephew have been avoiding answering this question. Would you at least care to answer? “Why is the opportunity to learn a third language denied to our government school students when it is provided to students studying in private CBSE/ Matriculation schools, including private schools that your family and your ministers run?”

This sharp yet respectful rebuke came from Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Annamalai in response to DMK Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi’s remarks. Kanimozhi had criticized the ASER 2024 report, claiming that the data provided was manipulated and selectively presented. She repeated the familiar rhetoric, accusing the BJP of financially strangling states while failing to implement schemes for receiving funds.

DMK MP Kanimozhi stated, “Thiru @annamalai_k, the world knows how BJP manipulates data—Dr. Parakala Prabhakar exposed it in The Crooked Timber of New India: Essays on a Republic in Crisis. BJP thrives on selectively quoting statistics, twisting numbers to fit its propaganda. Your ASER data? We know how it’s cooked up, which is why we’re conducting our own survey on the real impact of education policies. Even your 2025 Economic Survey praised Tamil Nadu for revolutionizing education through landmark schemes like Illam Thedi Kalvi, Ennum Ezhuthum, and the breakfast scheme for schoolchildren. Unlike BJP-ruled states struggling with literacy, we invest in our students’ future. You claim to care about Tamil Nadu’s students—then why has your government withheld ₹2,152 crore in Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds rightfully owed to Tamil Nadu? If you truly care, tell your union government to release these funds instead of preaching to us. You talk about fairness, yet Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) have removed German and other foreign languages while continuing to impose Hindi and Sanskrit, depriving students of global exposure while pushing BJP’s divisive ideological agenda. If you are truly advocating for a three-language policy, give us the data about how many KV schools teach Tamil? Do you even know that many KVs in Tamil Nadu don’t have Tamil teachers? Tamil Nadu will never accept BJP’s agenda of misinformation, financial strangulation, and Hindi imposition.” 

The exchange of words between DMK Deputy General Secretary and Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi, and Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Annamalai, was sparked by Annamalai’s criticism of Kanimozhi’s brother, Chief Minister MK Stalin. Stalin had raised concerns about the teaching of a third language in Tamil Nadu schools, questioning why students were being denied this opportunity. He stated, “Some guardians of lopsided policies, wailing in great concern, ask, “Why are you denying Tamil Nadu students the opportunity to learn a third language?” Well, why don’t they first say which third language is being taught up north? If they had just taught two languages properly there, where’s the need for us to learn a third?”

In response, Annamalai argued that supporting the new National Education Policy, which aims to create equality in education, was not a “lopsided” stance. He added, “The education system you wish to impose only on our Govt school students forever, while allowing a different standard for private school students, is lopsided. We are surprised that you trimmed our question to suit your convenience. Our question was, “Why is the opportunity to learn a third language denied to our government school students when it is provided to students studying in private CBSE/ Matriculation schools, including private schools that your family and your ministers run?”

Annamalai also expressed surprise at Stalin’s implication that people in northern India are not proficient in English, challenging him to reflect on Tamil Nadu’s own education system. “We are also surprised that you indicate that the people in the north of India are not conversant in English. How conversant are you, Thiru@mkstalin? Thiru @mkstalin, we humbly request you to take time to read the recent ASER Rural 2024 report on the Tamil language proficiency of our students in Class III, V, and VIII before demeaning others for one’s language proficiency as your part-time School Education Minister is living in denial and jeopardising the future of our children.”

Feeling hurt by the pointed criticism and questions by Annamalai aimed at her brother, Chief Minister MK Stalin, Kanimozhi responded to Annamalai’s post, dismissing the ASER data as false and malicious, claiming it portrayed the state in a negative light.

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The post TN BJP Chief Annamalai Slams Kanimozhi’s DMK Rhetoric, Demands Straightforward Answers appeared first on The Commune.

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