The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) in districts currently without these institutions. The initiative, under the Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme (a Central Sector Scheme), is set to enhance access to quality education in rural areas across the country. However, Tamil Nadu remains notably absent from the list due to its state government’s persistent opposition to implementing Navodaya schools.

The project involves a financial outlay of ₹2,359.82 crore over five years (2024-25 to 2028-29), including ₹1,944.19 crore for infrastructure development and ₹415.63 crore for operational expenses. Each of the 28 NVs will accommodate 560 students, benefitting a total of 15,680 students. These residential, co-educational schools offer modern education from Class VI to XII and are known for their merit-based admission process and consistent excellence in CBSE board results.

While the scheme has been lauded for its inclusivity—with increasing representation from girls (42%), Scheduled Castes (24%), Scheduled Tribes (20%), and Other Backward Classes (39%)—Tamil Nadu’s exclusion highlights a glaring gap. The state government has consistently opposed Navodaya schools, citing concerns over the perceived impact on its own education system and linguistic policies.

Currently, 661 Navodaya Vidyalayas have been sanctioned across India, with 653 operational, including schools designated as PM SHRI schools under the National Education Policy 2020. Tamil Nadu, however, remains one of the few states without any NVs, depriving rural students of opportunities to access high-quality education in a residential setting.

This latest expansion of Navodaya Vidyalayas continues the scheme’s legacy of promoting equitable access to quality education, even as certain states like Tamil Nadu choose to remain on the sidelines.

(With inputs from PIB)

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The post Modi Cabinet Approves 28 New Navodaya Vidyalayas Across India, None For TN, Thanks To State Policy appeared first on The Commune.

Tamil Nadu has become a critical transit point for international drug syndicates trafficking the banned narcotic methamphetamine (meth) and its precursor pseudoephedrine, with shipments heading primarily to Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Australia, where demand is high, according to recent investigations by Indian authorities.

Data from the Narcotics Control Bureau’s (NCB) Chennai zone reveals a significant surge in meth seizures bound for Sri Lanka, increasing from 12kg in 2021 to 66kg in 2022 and reaching 81kg in 2023. This rise in seizures signals the expanding scope of the transnational drug trade through Tamil Nadu.

In 2024, seizures by the NCB and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in the Chennai zone have already amounted to 57kg of meth, with a street value of Rs 360 crore, across just four cases. These cases involved meth sourced from Myanmar and headed to Sri Lanka. The most recent bust saw the DRI seize 10kg of meth last week, leading to the arrest of six individuals and the dismantling of an international drug syndicate.

Methamphetamine trafficking has proven to be a highly profitable enterprise, with officials estimating the drug’s price ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per kilogram in Manipur, increasing to Rs 7 lakh in Chennai, and multiplying several times more in markets like Sri Lanka and Malaysia. The NCB estimates the drug’s street value at Rs 10 crore per kilogram, while the DRI places it at Rs 5 crore.

Investigations have traced the methamphetamine supply to Myanmar, part of the infamous Golden Triangle along with Thailand and Laos. The drug is smuggled across the India-Myanmar border into Manipur, from where it is transported to Tamil Nadu via human carriers, primarily using trains. Upon reaching Tamil Nadu, the narcotics are concealed in vehicles and transported to coastal towns like Rameswaram, Thoothukudi, or Nagapattinam. From there, the meth is moved across the porous maritime border to Sri Lanka through mid-sea transfers conducted by local fishing boats.

Officials have also uncovered the involvement of Sri Lankan Tamils living in Tamil Nadu’s cities and refugee camps, who are employed by drug syndicates to facilitate the trade. Locals from Manipur are also playing a key role in the trafficking operations. This illicit trade has seen a noticeable increase in the last five years.

One notable case involved a vegetable trader from Koyambedu, Chennai, with trade links to Sri Lanka, who was arrested in connection with a recent meth seizure. Another accused in last week’s DRI bust was a Tamil man who had spent his school years in Manipur before moving to Tamil Nadu.

Investigators have identified Moreh, a town in Manipur located near the India-Myanmar border, as a key transit point due to its Tamil community. In 2023, the NCB arrested three Tamils in Imphal during a 4kg meth seizure in Tamil Nadu, which later led to an 11kg seizure in Manipur — the largest by the agency that year.

Following that case, authorities have been examining links between the Tamil community in Moreh and a syndicate based in Red Hills, Chennai. Sri Lankan Tamils are particularly valuable to these drug operations as they are familiar with the terrain and play a pivotal role in coordinating mid-sea transfers and facilitating hawala payments. Manipur locals, meanwhile, assist syndicates in navigating the complex smuggling routes along India’s northeastern border.

Despite the scale of these trafficking operations, methamphetamine consumption in Tamil Nadu remains low. Local users of high-end drugs typically prefer cocaine or LSD, according to officials.

In another significant development, the seizure of meth packaged in “Yellow tea” packets with Chinese markings indicates that global drug syndicates in Southeast Asia and Australia are involved in these operations. Methamphetamine has now become the second most popular drug in Sri Lanka.

(With inputs from TNIE)

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The post Dravidian Model: Tamil Nadu Emerges As Major Transit Hub for International Meth Trafficking Syndicates appeared first on The Commune.

Tamil Nadu is witnessing a surge in honour killings, spotlighting more violence against marginalized communities. In a chilling incident in Ranipet, an 18-year-old Scheduled Caste student was found dead in a well after receiving threats from his girlfriend’s family. His family blocked a road in a sit-in protest, demanding justice for him.

Narasimhan and Maheshwari reside in Perunkanchi village, located within the Kodaikal panchayat near Sholinghur in Ranipet district. Their 18-year-old son, Kadirvel, is a second-year Diploma student at a Private Polytechnic College in Koothambakkam, Panavaram.

Kadirvel, who belongs to the Scheduled Caste, was in a relationship with Niveda, Suresh’s daughter, who is from a different community and lives in the same area. When Niveda’s family learned of this relationship, they had previously threatened Kadirvel’s mother that they would kill him.

On the night of 19 August 2024, Kadirvel left home after receiving a call from Niveda and did not return for an extended period. Despite extensive searches, he was not found. On the evening of 20 August 2024, Kadirvel’s relatives were devastated to discover his sandals floating in a nearby well and immediately informed the Sholinghur police and fire department.

Authorities arrived at the scene and retrieved Kadirvel’s body from the 30-foot-deep well. The body was then sent to the Government Medical College Hospital in Vellore for an autopsy.

Over 50 of Kadirvel’s relatives demanded justice, accusing Niveda’s father, Suresh, of being responsible for his death. In response, Suresh armed himself with a knife and attacked Kadirvel’s relatives, injuring two young men, Manikandan (24) and Vallarasu (24), who were then hospitalized at Sholinghur Government Hospital.

Ranipet District Superintendent of Police Kiran Sruthi, ADSP Kumar, and Arakkonam DSP Venkatesan visited the site to investigate the incident, which led to heightened tension in Perunkanchi village and the deployment of heavy police security.

In protest, Kadirvel’s relatives staged a demonstration on the Sholinghur -Walajah road, demanding Suresh’s immediate arrest under the Prevention of Atrocities Act.

Surge Of Honour Killings In Tamil Nadu

Recent years have seen a troubling rise in caste-based violence in Tamil Nadu. Over the past three years, there have been 48 such honour killings, with 11 occurring in just the last eight months, indicating an alarming increase in caste-based murders. The violence is predominantly perpetrated by members of dominant castes against those from Scheduled Castes and other marginalized groups.

Notable incidents include:

• Earlier this year in Pattukkottai district, parents murdered their daughter by hanging her from a tamarind tree. Then they burned her corpse in secret as a punishment for marrying a Scheduled Caste youth.
• In February 2024 in Chennai, a Scheduled Caste youth named Praveen was murdered by the woman’s brother for marrying a backward-class woman.
• In June 2024, a young man from the Paraiyar caste, Alagendran, was killed and mutilated by his father-in-law in Aruppukkottai for his relationship with a Pallar girl.
• In July 2024, in the Dharmapuri district, a similar caste-based murder occurred in where a Muslim youth named Mohammad Asiq was killed by the family of his partner, Tamilarasi from the Paraiyar caste, highlighting a growing trend of caste honour killings even within marginalized communities.

The increasing caste violence in Tamil Nadu is partly attributed to the government’s inaction and improper acts to curb this honour-killing menace.

In the last 8 months, 11 "honour" killings have taken place in Tamil Nadu.

If the DMK government continues to ignore the repeated wakeup calls, we will lose more and more youths to blood-thirsty casteist forces.

Source: Today's @Theekkathir

1/2 pic.twitter.com/YvprfsjVai

— Siddarth K.M. (சித்தார்த் கோ.மு.) (@Sidzepp) August 26, 2024

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The post Honour Killings In Ranipet – Caste Violence Escalates In Tamil Nadu appeared first on The Commune.

In a significant development in what is suspected to be a large-scale scam involving Class 12 public exams in Tamil Nadu, a CB-CID team arrested nine individuals, including four government employees, in Madurai on 25 July 2024. The arrests were made for allegedly altering the answer sheets of two Class 12 students in three subjects during the 2023 board exams.

According to sources from the CB-CID, those arrested include superintendent Rama Prabakaran and junior assistant Kannan from the Madurai District Education Officer (Elementary) office; Paramasivan, a government schoolteacher from Melur; Karthick Raja, a lab assistant at Kottampatti government school; the parents of the two students, and one of the students involved. Authorities are still searching for the second student, who is currently on the run. Both students attended a private school in Madurai city.

The malpractice came to light in 2023 when an exam official noticed that the answer sheets of the two students had similar handwriting during a super check. Further investigation revealed the same handwriting across answer sheets for mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

The school education department responded by issuing memos to the students, questioning why they should not be barred for five years due to the malpractice. Their mark sheets were also withheld. Initially, the students maintained that their answer sheets were genuine but later retracted their statements.

One of the parents took the matter to the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, seeking to quash the memo and compel the department to issue the mark sheet to his son. The court directed Tallakulam police to register a formal case based on a complaint from the joint director (higher secondary), which was later transferred to the CB-CID in November 2023. Another parent filed a similar petition, but the court dismissed it.

During the investigation, police discovered that Kannan and Prabakaran, with assistance from Paramasivan and Karthick Raja, had replaced the students’ answer sheets for a payment of ₹1 lakh per paper. Handwriting analysis revealed that one of the four government staff members’ handwriting matched that on the answer sheets. The answer sheets have been sent for further analysis, sources said to TNIE.

https://twitter.com/SaffronTweetz/status/1817121353591562335

(with inputs from TNIE)

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The post Class 12 Answer Sheet Tampering Scam In TN; 9 Arrested appeared first on The Commune.

Most Indians diligently pay their electricity bills on time, yet state governments owe staggering sums to power distribution companies (discoms), which are drowning in debt. According to a recent report, Indian states and union territories (UTs) collectively owe over ₹1 trillion to power generation companies (gencos) and ₹1.3 trillion to discoms. In states like Tamil Nadu, discoms are heavily indebted, owing several thousand crores to power generation companies.  A 2022 report states that Tamil Nadu discoms have the highest outstanding dues of ₹22,756 crore to gencos.

What’s the reason for this predicament?

The root cause lies in how political parties like the DMK and ADMK have made electricity into a political product. While industries bear the burden of higher power costs, free electricity for farmers and households up to a few hundred units are often included in poll promises.

This severely strains the financial health of state power distribution companies, burdening the exchequer with massive deficits and ultimately leading to poor electricity services.

The Tamil Nadu government’s decision to hike electricity tariffs by over 4% which has resulted in a lot of criticism from all quarters of society, should be seen in this light. To add to this, the policy of the government to bill consumers on a bi-monthly basis will cause a huge burden on the pockets of the middle class and small and medium-sized industries.

The impact is evident in regions like Coimbatore and Tiruppur, where power looms and small industries are shutting down due to exorbitant power bills and frequent outages.

The government has hiked the electricity prices to address budget deficits, but the repercussions of this measure can be multifaceted and far-reaching, often negatively impacting the economy in several significant ways. Here is how this move will affect the economy.

Increased Production Costs and Inflation

The immediate consequence of rising electricity tariffs is a surge in production costs across various sectors, including manufacturing, processing, and services. These increased operational expenses often lead businesses to raise prices for goods and services, triggering cost-push inflation. As a result, consumers face higher prices for essentials like food, clothing, and transportation, which reduces their purchasing power and leaves them with less disposable income for non-essential expenditures.

Strain on Consumers and MSMEs

The ripple effect of higher electricity costs extends to households, where increased utility bills reduce disposable income. Consumers are forced to tighten their belts, cutting back on discretionary spending and thereby reducing aggregate demand. This drop in consumer spending can lead to slower economic activity and potentially dampen business profitability.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which generally operate on narrower profit margins, are particularly vulnerable to cost increases. Unlike larger corporations, SMEs may struggle to absorb higher energy costs, risking closures or layoffs. This not only impacts individual businesses but also the broader job market and local economies reliant on these enterprises.

Investment Deterrence 

The increased cost of electricity can deter investment, especially in energy-intensive industries. With higher operational costs, investors may shy away from regions with steep energy prices, stalling economic growth and job creation. The relocation of businesses to areas with more favorable energy costs could further exacerbate regional economic disparities.

Supply Chain Strain 

The ripple effect of higher electricity costs extends through the supply chain. Suppliers and distributors experience elevated costs for logistics and raw materials, which further exacerbates price increases. This strain on the supply chain can lead to a cycle of rising costs and diminished economic activity.

Regional Disparities and Social Inequality

The impact of increased tariffs is not uniform across regions. Rural or less developed areas, which often face higher energy costs due to lower infrastructure investment, can experience more severe economic strain compared to urban centers. This disparity can exacerbate regional inequalities, as poorer areas struggle more to cope with the rising costs.

Furthermore, higher electricity tariffs disproportionately affect low-income households, who spend a larger share of their income on utilities. Without targeted support measures or subsidies, these households could face increased poverty and social inequality.

Whether the state government will push for a move towards solar energy or roll back the price hikes or at least implement the monthly billing system is something that we must wait and watch. But given the history of the DMK government, especially over the past 3 years, none of this might happen. The burden is solely for the common man to bear while the governments cry hoarse and spread fake news about the central government’s policies that have “led” to the policy decision of the Tamil Nadu state government.

It is crucial for people to understand that what appears as a free benefit today will eventually cost much more in the long run.

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The post Dear Tamil Nadu People, The Cost Of Free Power Is Costlier Than You Think, Be Ready To Pay For It appeared first on The Commune.

Over a year after receiving free bicycles from the DMK government in Tamil Nadu, many Class 11 students have sold them off due to alleged poor quality. Parents in need of money have also been found selling the bicycles, as reported by The New Indian Express (TNIE).

Shops on Selvapuram and Chetty Street in Coimbatore were found displaying numerous government-issued bicycles for resale; these included both boys’ and girls’ models. The male model bicycles were priced between ₹2,000 and ₹2,300, while the female models ranged from ₹1,800 to ₹2,000.

A shop owner, preferring to remain anonymous, told TNIE that the bicycles were of substandard quality, leading students to sell them instead of paying for repairs. “Many bicycles had faulty brakes, misshapen wheel rims, torn tubes, and improperly fitted seat covers. The accessories were of poor quality. Students would need to spend ₹500 to ₹700 on repairs to make them safe to ride,” he explained.

Instead of repairing the bicycles, many students opted to sell them for ₹800 to ₹ 1,000. The shop owner suggested that if the government had provided better quality bicycles, fewer students would have sold them.

An employee at another shop mentioned to TNIE, “We buy these bicycles from students for a maximum of Rs 900 since we need to refit them, change tire tubes, and make other repairs. We then sell them for Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,300 depending on their condition.” He added that some fathers struggling with alcohol addiction had sold their daughters’ bicycles to purchase liquor.

A Class 12 student at Corporation Higher Secondary School in Selvapuram shared his experience with TNIE. “I received a bicycle in February last year when I was in Class 11, but it was of substandard quality. The repair costs were too high, so I sold it for Rs 900 and used the money as pocket money,” he said.

The headmaster of a government higher secondary school emphasized that the objective of the cost-free bicycle scheme is to encourage regular school attendance, especially for students from rural areas. However, the poor quality of the bicycles has led many students to sell them instead. “Shop owners are benefiting from this situation, and it should be stopped immediately. In our school, most students come by walking or by bus,” he noted.

As reported in TNIE, R Ramkumar, President of the Tamil Nadu Teachers and School Protection Association, highlighted that this issue is prevalent across the state. He urged the school education department to ensure that students receive good-quality bicycles.

A senior official in the school education department acknowledged the problem, stated that selling the bicycles is illegal, and assured that they would look into this matter immediately.

Tamil Nadu government school students selling off free bicycles over poor quality https://t.co/NRPaaPiYOp pic.twitter.com/N8wUIr1cml

— Thinakaran Rajamani (@thinak_) June 29, 2024

(with inputs from TNIE)

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The post Pedalling Backwards: DMK Govt’s Free Bicycles End Up In Resale Shops, Students Cite Poor Quality appeared first on The Commune.

Two weeks after the tragic hooch incident in Kallakurichi, which claimed 65 lives, Tamil Nadu has witnessed a third incident involving illicit liquor under Chief Minister Stalin’s DMK rule. In the latest occurrence, two people have allegedly died and five others are hospitalized due to the consumption of illegal liquor in Udumalai.

It’s been 2 weeks since the #Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, and now a third incident has occurred in Stalin's DMK rule in #TamilNadu. Two died and five are hospitalized due to illicit liquor in #Udumalai. Biased Tamil media should speak up! #Resign_Stalin pic.twitter.com/euHAE1GVy0

— Karthik (@skarthikdotin) June 29, 2024

The recent incident occurred in the Mavadu tribal settlement, located under the Udumalai Forestry within the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve. Reports indicate that liquor was brewed and sold in the area, leading to the severe illness of five individuals. These victims, hailing from Manja Naikkanur village, are currently receiving intensive treatment at a private hospital in Coimbatore.

This new incident follows the devastating Kallakurichi tragedy, where 65 people succumbed to illicit liquor, shocking the entire state. The Crime Branch Criminal Investigation Department (CBCID) police are investigating the Kallakurichi incident, which has so far led to over 20 arrests and the destruction of thousands of liters of bootleg liquor. Efforts are also being made to dismantle gangs selling illegal liquor across the Southeast.

In Mavadu village near Anamalai reserve forest area 5 PPL consumed illicit liquor. In a late night effort the SP instructed his men to go in plain clothes on Jeep and begged the family members. 2 of them admitted in cbe pvt hospital.
Gag order for TN media.#shameStalin

— Kovai Sathyan (@KovaiSathyan) June 29, 2024

Despite this, conflicting reports have emerged regarding the Udumalai incident. The Tiruppur District Superintendent of Police Office has denied the severity of the situation, declaring that the social media claims about five people being in critical condition due to illegal liquor consumption in the Udumalai forest area are false. The police have urged the public not to believe these rumors.

திருப்பூர் மாவட்ட காவல்துறை இந்த அறிவிப்பை சற்றுமுன் வெளியிட்டுள்ளது,

கலெக்டர் ஒருவரே நேரடியாக கருணாபுரம் கள்ளச்சாராயம் மரணங்களில் பொய் சொல்லி இருக்கும்போது இந்த அறிவிப்பை மட்டும் எப்படி நம்புவது!#பொய்சொல்லி_விடியாஅரசு pic.twitter.com/8HKcO1KSXO

— Raj Satyen – SayYesToWomenSafety&AIADMK (@satyenaiadmk) June 29, 2024

However, other sources indicate that individuals from Manjanayakanur village, who consumed the tainted liquor, are indeed in critical condition and undergoing treatment. An investigation is underway to ascertain the exact circumstances and the possibility of mixing counterfeit substances with the liquor.

The repeated incidents of illicit liquor consumption and the resulting fatalities raise serious concerns about the effectiveness of measures to control the illegal liquor trade in Tamil Nadu.

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The post Yet Another Alleged Illicit Liquor Incident In TN Under DMK Rule: Two Dead, Five Hospitalized; Tiruppur Police Calls It Fake News appeared first on The Commune.

The Minority Welfare Minister, Senji Mastan, unveiled ten new initiatives during the recent Legislative Assembly session, which commenced on 20 June 2024. These proposals, presented on 25 June 2024 during the debate on the Minority Welfare Department’s grant request, aim to “enhance support” for minority communities:

• A plan to distribute 2,500 motorized sewing machines to women from minority groups, with an allocated budget of ₹1.6 crores.
• An increase in pension payments for registered members of the Ulama and Staff Welfare Board, raising the amount from ₹1,000 to ₹1,200. Additionally, the eyewear allowance will be increased from ₹500 to ₹750 rupees.
• A boost in stipends for registered members of the Christian church preachers and staff welfare board. This includes a new educational stipend of ₹1,000 for students in grades 6-9 from members’ families.
• The development of a dedicated software and web portal by the Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency to streamline welfare assistance distribution for both the Ulama and Staff Welfare Board and the Christian church workers’ welfare boards. This project has a budget of ₹25 lakhs.
• Construction of a dedicated building for the minority welfare college student hostel in Cuddalore district, with a budget of ₹3.96 crores.
• Establishment of a new minority welfare college student hostel in Pudukottai district, designed to accommodate 100 students, with an allocation of ₹56 lakhs.
• Creation of additional Muslim Women’s Aid Societies in eight districts (Tirupur, Tiruvallur, Vellore, Dindigul, Thanjavur, Chengalpattu, Madurai, and Erode) and new Christian Women’s Aid Societies in two districts (Tiruvallur and Sivagangai). This initiative has a budget of ₹10 lakhs.
• Allocation of ₹5 crores to improve facilities at six historically significant dargahs that attract numerous visitors.
• A fund of ₹1 crore dedicated to the assessment and measurement of Waqf properties.

Interestingly, along with these initiatives, the Tamil Nadu government has also announced a subsidy of ₹25,000 for first-time Haj pilgrims, despite a Supreme Court ruling and subsequent actions to eliminate such subsidies. The Supreme Court of India, in its 2012 verdict, ordered that the Haj subsidy must end by 2022, deeming it unconstitutional and inconsistent with the teachings of the Quran. Following this ruling, the central government ceased giving Haj subsidies in 2017.

However, the Tamil Nadu government has continued to provide financial aid for Haj pilgrims, recently enhancing the subsidy amount. This decision has sparked criticism, particularly from those who argue that taxpayer money should not be used for funding religious pilgrimages. Critics point out that while the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department earns revenue from Hindu temples through special darshan and Archana tickets, Hindus receive no similar subsidies for their pilgrimages.

Critics argue that the state’s allocation of taxpayer funds for Haj subsidies while neglecting Hindu pilgrimages, highlights a disparity. They also accuse the HR&CE department of exploiting temple revenues for government coffers rather than supporting the Hindu community’s religious activities.

யாரு அப்பன் வீட்டு பணத்தை யார் வாரி இறைப்பது?#HajjYatra #Hajj #GingeeMasthan #TNAssembly #TamilNews pic.twitter.com/gfXhvTtLTp

— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) June 26, 2024

(with inputs from ETV Bharat)

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The post DMK Government To Give ₹25,000 Haj Subsidy For First-Time Haj Pilgrims From TN Despite Supreme Court Verdict, Other Welfare Measures Spending Increased appeared first on The Commune.

On 25 June 2024, DMK organised a public meeting in Velachery, Chennai. The meeting was presided over by DK’s Suba Veerapandian, Karu Pazhaniappan, and DMK Minister Ma Subramaniam among others.

At the end of the meeting, the cadre and the public took the chairs that had been arranged for seating purposes and went home. They carried a chair each on their heads and returned home.

திமுக பொதுக்கூட்டத்தின் முடிவில் ஆளுக்கொரு நாற்காலியை எடுத்துக் கொண்டு நடையை கட்டிய மக்கள்…#Chennai #DMK #Meeting #Chairs #NewsTamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/l7oPz02Rlu

— News Tamil 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) June 26, 2024

The video that has gone viral on social media drew hilarious responses from netizens.

One wrote, “Are you taking it home so that when it rains and water floods your home, you can climb on the chairs and stand on it?”

மழை அப்போ வீட்டுக்குள்ள தண்ணி வந்தா இதுல ஏறி நிக்க தூக்கிட்டு போறீங்களா? https://t.co/lIPdP4cyNK pic.twitter.com/rLcjkBCuK9

— அனாமிகா (@anamika_sj) June 26, 2024

Another wrote, “Had you given them ₹300 each as agreed upon, why would they have taken the chairs home?”

பேசுன மாதிரி ₹300 ருபாய் குடுத்திருந்தா அவங்க ஏண்டா நாற்காலிய தூக்கிட்டு போக போராங்க https://t.co/on3I8VLnzR pic.twitter.com/ZnwbVsmNfx

— சிலந்தி (@spyder_man_1) June 26, 2024

Some other responses include:

Plastic Veils for Dravidiya Model powered Rustic minds!! https://t.co/bXSJmqRsyd

— Arvind Chettiar (@litmuszine) June 26, 2024

a good way to avail compensation after ordeal one is put through https://t.co/nAHb3V7iSi

— WorshipNature (@piscean59) June 26, 2024

This level of benefit which other party gives:)))) RT https://t.co/tBdDKTMwiN

— RVAIDYA2000 (@rvaidya2000) June 26, 2024

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The post Dravidian Model: DMK Cadre & Public Take Home Chairs From Public Meeting At Chennai appeared first on The Commune.

There seems to be a palpable amount of displeasure and dissatisfaction among the people with regard to the performance of the ruling DMK. This is very evident from the fact that the public is courageously questioning their MPs and MLAs as they are visiting the constituencies after a gap of 5 years.

In this report, we bring to you the various instances of such an open display of displeasure by the public in Tamil Nadu.

P Chidambaram

In the Karaikudi region, P Chidambaram who was canvassing for votes for his son Karthi Chidambaram contesting from the Sivagangai constituency, was confronted by women voters who expressed their dissatisfaction and raised pointed queries, including the persistence of a TASMAC shop despite fatalities and lack of job opportunities. Angered women demanded accountability, warning against seeking votes without addressing concerns. Karthi’s absence in the constituency added to discontent. Administrators intervened to calm tensions, and Chidambaram left midway. 

எங்கய்யா உன் புள்ளைய காணோம்ன்னு ப.சிதம்பரத்தை விரட்டியிருக்காக மக்கள்! தேவையா இந்த அசிங்கம்…. pic.twitter.com/3Yon64rrrk

— Annapurna Pillai – BJP Tamilnadu (@AnnapurnaPillai) April 2, 2024

Sasikanth Senthil

Former IAS officer Sasikanth Senthil, now Congress candidate for Tiruvallur Lok Sabha Constituency, faced scrutiny during campaigning. A video captured DMK MLA VG Rajendran who was campaigning for Sasikatnth giving an aggressive response to a villager’s query about unfulfilled promises. Rajendran boasted about developmental projects, shifting blame to critics. He then diverted focus to the DMK’s initiatives, insinuating arrogance. DMK supporters subsequently intimidated the questioner.

தொகுதிக்கு எதுவுமே செய்யவில்லை என கேள்வி கேட்ட பொதுமக்கள் கோபமடைந்த திமுக எம்எல்ஏ ராஜேந்திரன். தைரியம் இருந்தா மேல வாங்க டா இங்க வந்து கேளுங்கடா என்று ஆவேசம் அடைந்த எம்எல்ஏ தலைதரித்து ஓடினார். திமுகவினருக்கு சென்ற இடமெல்லாம் மக்கள் தரமான செருப்படி கொடுக்கின்றனர். pic.twitter.com/GKpXaFdb0u

— Krishnaraj (@Krishna73674119) April 1, 2024

MK Stalin

The DMK pledged a monthly allowance of ₹1,000 to all women in the state under the Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme, but currently, only 30% receive it. During an interaction with the public, a woman queried Chief Minister MK Stalin about the unfulfilled promise. However, Stalin dismissed her, claiming she was ineligible and was wrong to ask for the allowance. 

திமுக தனது தேர்தல் வாக்குறுதியில் அனைத்து மகளிருக்கும் மாதம் ஆயிரம் ரூபாய் உரிமை தொகை வழங்குவோம் என்று சொல்லித்தான் ஆட்சிக்கு வந்தது. ஆனால் தற்போது வெறும் 30 சதவீத மகளிருக்கு மட்டுமே மாதம் ஆயிரம் ரூபாய் உரிமை தொகை வழங்கப்படுகிறது.

எனக்கு ஏன் ஆயிரம் ரூபாய் நீங்கள் வழங்கவில்லை… pic.twitter.com/bn2x3U27mN

— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) March 31, 2024

Udhayanidhi Stalin

During Udhayanidhi Stalin’s campaign in Madurantakam, tensions flared as women voters confronted him about shutting down TASMAC liquor stores, challenging DMK’s promises. Udhayanidhi reminded them of DMK’s pledge to close TASMAC outlets in 2016 but blamed the people for voting for ADMK and thus deflecting blame onto the previous ADMK government for not doing anything. The women demanded the closure of all TASMAC shops, but Udhayanidhi avoided making any commitments, opting for evasion tactics. 

A small proof that Annamalai’s Anti TASMAC narrative for the past 9 months is resonating well on the ground.

But look how shamelessly this guy is responding!

pic.twitter.com/dGej1LTxY3

— Indhavaainko (இந்தாவாய்ங்கோ) (@indhavaainko) March 30, 2024

Kathir Anand

During a campaign event in Vellore, Kathir Anand commented on the appearance of women, suggesting that their faces were shining due to the use of fairness cream and powder. He questioned whether they had already received ₹1,000, seemingly referring to the state’s scheme providing financial assistance to women homemakers. Anand’s remarks have sparked controversy and criticism. When this video was shown to women across the state, they said they felt insulted, the comments were derogatory, and that most of them had not even received the money for him to make those comments.

கதிர் ஆனந்த் வெற்றி உறுதி செய்யப்பட்டது. pic.twitter.com/74k7wKGwoI

— Savukku Shankar (@SavukkuOfficial) March 29, 2024

Dayanidhi Maran

Chennai Central’s Dayanidhi Maran, aiming for re-election, encountered resident backlash for undelivered commitments, notably housing projects. During a procession, Maran faced resident anger, with one woman rebuking him, highlighting politicians’ vote-seeking nature. Maran’s retort, calling the woman a fool, further escalated tensions. Despite attempts to justify delays, constituents remain dissatisfied, reflecting broader discontent towards DMK’s performance. 

செல்லுமிடமெல்லாம் சாட்டையடி வாங்கும் வாரிசுகள்!

ஐந்தாண்டுகள் நாடாளுமன்ற உறுப்பினராக இருந்த நீங்கள், உங்கள் கடமைகளை சரியாக செய்திருந்தால் செல்லும் இடமெல்லாம் மக்கள் உங்களிடம் இப்படி கேள்வி கேட்க மாட்டார்கள் @Dayanidhi_Maran !

அவர்களின் நியாயமான கேள்விகளுக்கு பதில் சொல்ல… pic.twitter.com/0JH5MYWU7j

— BJP Tamilnadu (@BJP4TamilNadu) March 29, 2024

Periyasamy

In Dindigul, the visibly angry public warned DMK MLA I Periyasamy who also functions as the Minister of Rural Development, Panchayats and Panchayat Union from entering their village and sent him back. He went there to campaign for INDI alliance member Communist party candidate Sachidanandam. However, the people chased him away stating there was no water or jobs in the village and he didn’t have to come there seeking votes. 

Anita Radhakrishnan

Campaigning for Thirunelveli Congress candidate Robert Bruce, DMK Minister of Animal Husbandry of Tamil Nadu, Anita R Radhakrishnan faced backlash from the public, especially women at Mukkudal. The women demanded why they were not given the promised ₹1,000. To this, Radhakrishnan replied saying that the needful will be done after the elections. However, the women chased him out stating that they were not going to vote this time, and warned him not to make an appearance again seeking votes. 

DMK Candidate Prakash & DMK Minister Kayalvizhi

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu, DMK’s Prakash contests from Erode constituency amidst farmer protests demanding water release from Thirumurthy to Upparu Dam. Despite appeals for negotiations, no action has been taken, prompting farmers to display black flags in protest. Adi Dravidar Welfare Minister Kayalvizhi’s campaign visit to Kundadam Therpadhai faced tensions as locals, frustrated by the water crisis, urged politicians not to seek votes without addressing concerns. Kayalvizhi stayed inside her vehicle amid protests, while Prakash hastily concluded the campaign amidst the tense atmosphere.

அடுத்த படியாக ஈரோடு திமுக வேட்பாளரை விரட்டி அடித்த பொதுமக்கள். pic.twitter.com/fet1JWPCxe

— மினி மோகன்(மோடியின் குடும்பம்) (@Mini52614198) April 2, 2024

Tamizhachi Thangapandian

In South Chennai’s parliamentary constituency, during incumbent DMK MP Tamizhachi Thangapandian‘s campaign, residents in Mylapore erupted in discontent, accusing her of neglecting critical issues like damaged housing boards despite assurances. They questioned her commitment beyond elections, emphasizing the urgency of repairs and highlighting concerns about clean water access. Thangapandian affirmed her dedication but faced skepticism. She was turned away by the residents.

தென்சென்னையின் சிட்டிங் MP திமுகவை சேர்ந்த @ThamizhachiTh அவர்களை ஓட விட்ட மயிலாப்பூர் தொகுதி மக்கள்

இந்த மக்கள் எழுச்சி அனைத்து பகுதிகளுக்கும் வர வேண்டும்#Annamalai4Coimbatore #CovaiMPAnnamalai #ModiAgainIn2024 #MODIfiedTN #ModiKaParivar #annamalaiBJP pic.twitter.com/Km34G7EViP

— நாட்டாமை (WarRoom Commander ) (@Agmarksanghi) March 26, 2024

Kalanidhi Veerasamy

DMK candidate Kalanidhi Veerasamy kicked off his campaign in Tiruvottiyur for the North Chennai Lok Sabha seat, followed by a voter outreach program at the Urban Habitat Development Board residence in Kolathur constituency. However, tensions flared as women residents, feeling neglected during the December floods, questioned the party’s intentions. They lamented their exclusion from relief efforts despite residing in the affected flats and expressed frustration at being approached for votes afterward.

Jothimani

Congress MP Jyotimani, contesting for reelection in Tamil Nadu’s Karur constituency under the DMK alliance, faced tough questions from constituents during campaigning. A resident expressed skepticism over her sudden appearance, questioning her absence in the past five years. Jyotimani defended her record, emphasizing her parliamentary participation.

#BREAKING || ஜோதிமணியிடம் பெண்கள் கேள்வி #Jothimani #Congress #Election2024 #ParliamentElection2024 #NewsTamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/9AlUgcXxdt

— News Tamil 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) March 28, 2024

Thanga Tamil Selvan

Campaigning for the Theni Lok Sabha seat, Thanga Tamil Selvan faced scrutiny over long-standing road issues in Alagarsamipuram village. His response, attributing lack of engagement to fatigue, disappointed residents. Subsequent altercations between DMK officials and the questioning youth highlight the disconnect between politicians and constituents.

20 வருஷமா சாலை இல்லை.. பிரச்சாரத்தை பாதியில் நிறுத்திய தேனி DMK வேட்பாளர் Thanga Tamil Selvan#thangatamilselvan #dmk #theni #Elections2024 #2024Elections #tamilnadu #LokSabhaElection2024 #kumudamreporter pic.twitter.com/o7uIlw93u9

— Kumudam Reporter (@ReporterKumudam) March 29, 2024

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The post Ground Reality Of The DMK: A Recap Of Instances Of Voter Discontent In TN Ahead Of Lok Sabha Elections appeared first on The Commune.