Ever faced hate, abuse or slander on Twitter? Well, as is usual with the platform, the call for action came via a hashtag, that was trended to prevent such content and keep Twitter clean and free of lies.&nbsp;

The Hashtag #EmptyTwitterTrash trended on Twitter from late Saturday until Sunday evening, with over 62K tweets put out by individual accounts and those of social media influencers, celebrities and famous personalities from across domains. This trend was started by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s Isha Foundation.&nbsp;

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“Twitter has become an important public forum in our society and vital to out democracies. It's important keep it clean of abuse, slander and vitriol. “EmptyTwitterTrash @TwitterIndia” read the tweet from Isha Foundation.&nbsp;

The tweet was in context of land grab charges that the Foundation has been facing for years, despite putting out all documents and records in public space. According to the&nbsp;foundation, they have shared answers to all charges - from land grab, encroachment of forests, illegal constructions at the ashram or being present in an elephant corridor, in a publicly available document called “slander sans substance” that was released two years ago.

The foundation maintains that “a band of motivated or misinformed people, continue to throw muck at their globally-recognised non-profit organisation, that's been working towards people's well-being and spiritual growth for decades”.

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When will <a href="https://twitter.com/TwitterIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TwitterIndia</a> take a stand against being a platform to peddle lies? In this country, are we going to continue to allow such a Band of Liars with obviously vested interests to rampantly propagate their fabrications by abusing public spaces? <a href="https://twitter.com/MIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MIB_India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rsprasad?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rsprasad</a> <a href="https://t.co/iFI0BXAKnV">pic.twitter.com/iFI0BXAKnV</a>
— Isha Foundation (@ishafoundation) <a href="https://twitter.com/ishafoundation/status/1330124382719578118?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Many were quick to retweet or share their own experience of how they faced similar experience on Twitter and why users must be held accountable for the abusive content they post.&nbsp;

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw of Biocon, former Infosys Director Mohandas Pai, French Journalist Francois Gautier were among those who had retweeted about this cause.

Ever faced hate, abuse or slander on Twitter? Well, as is usual with the platform, the call for action came via a hashtag, that was trended to prevent such content and keep Twitter clean and free of lies.

Ever faced hate, abuse or slander on Twitter? Well, as is usual with the platform, the call for action came via a hashtag, that was trended to prevent such content and keep Twitter clean and free of lies. The Hashtag #EmptyTwitterTrash trended on Twitter from late Saturday until Sunday evening, with over 62K tweets put out by individual accounts and those of social media influencers, celebrities and famous personalities from across domains. This trend was started by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s Isha Foundation. “Twitter has become an important public forum in our society and vital to out democracies. It's important keep it clean of abuse, slander and vitriol. “EmptyTwitterTrash @TwitterIndia” read the tweet from Isha Foundation. The tweet was in context of land grab charges that the Foundation has been facing for years, despite putting out all documents and records in public space. According to the foundation, they have shared answers to all charges - from land grab, encroachment of forests, illegal constructions at the ashram or being present in an elephant corridor, in a publicly available document called “slander sans substance” that was released two years ago. The foundation maintains that “a band of motivated or misinformed people, continue to throw muck at their globally-recognised non-profit organisation, that's been working towards people's well-being and spiritual growth for decades”. When will @TwitterIndia take a stand against being a platform to peddle lies? In this country, are we going to continue to allow such a Band of Liars with obviously vested interests to rampantly propagate their fabrications by abusing public spaces? @MIB_India @rsprasad pic.twitter.com/iFI0BXAKnV — Isha Foundation (@ishafoundation) November 21, 2020 × Many were quick to retweet or share their own experience of how they faced similar experience on Twitter and why users must be held accountable for the abusive content they post. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw of Biocon, former Infosys Director Mohandas Pai, French Journalist Francois Gautier were among those who had retweeted about this cause.

What’s #EmptyTwitterTrash and why did it trend?

Actor-turned politician Kamal Haasan has urged adults from across social strata in Tamil Nadu to get their Voter ID cards or Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) ready. This message, in the form of a video comes days prior to the camps that the Election Commission would be organizing in Tamil Nadu, where voters can visit voting centers and apply for corrections and changes in their details.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India on Monday released the draft electoral rolls for Tamil Nadu, which is headed for Assembly polls in 2021.&nbsp;

According to the statistics mentioned in the draft electoral rolls for Tamil Nadu, there are about 6.10crore voters in total and this comprises 3.09crore women, 3.01crore men and 6,385 transgenders. In terms of new electors or first-time voters, there are a total of 2.08lakh voters, which comprises of 1.06lakh females, 1.01lakh males and 132 transgenders.&nbsp;

Special camps will be held at the voting centres where voters can apply for corrections or changes to be made. The first camp will be held on November 21st &amp; 22nd and the next camp will be organized on December 12th and 13th.

Haasan stated that the highest honour of merit a person receives when he/she turns 18, is the right to vote and that the most powerful weapon one could possess was a Voter ID.&nbsp;

“When a society fails to discharge the mandatory duties, people of that society lose whatever is rightfully theirs. The real peril is lurking in the issues that we think are redundant or unrelated to us” he said.&nbsp;

Making a mention of those ranting online about a corrupt system and corrupt politicians, Haasan emphasized that it would be in vain in one didn’t possess a voter ID.&nbsp;

Recalling the Bihar elections where a large number of women voters and homemakers had voted in large numbers, he highlighted the scenario where a candidate had lost with a margin of 12 votes.&nbsp;

“You are not voting for someone. You are voting for yourself. You decide on who should decide for you. Your constant mantra should be &nbsp;-I will change; I will vote" he said in the video&nbsp;

Haasan has been actively prepping his party Makkal Needhi Maiam for the 2021 Assembly Polls in the state and is hopeful that his party emerges as &nbsp;the third front in the state, after the Dravidian majors.&nbsp;

Haasan is expected to announce his campaign tour of the state towards the end of November. &nbsp;Earlier, he had said that the party’s manifesto was getting ready and over one lakh members had joined the party in recent times. He said that his party’s candidates would be people from wide-ranging fields who are known for their good work.&nbsp;

Actor-turned politician Kamal Haasan has urged adults from across social strata in Tamil Nadu to get their Voter ID cards or Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) ready.

Actor-turned politician Kamal Haasan has urged adults from across social strata in Tamil Nadu to get their Voter ID cards or Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) ready. This message, in the form of a video comes days prior to the camps that the Election Commission would be organizing in Tamil Nadu, where voters can visit voting centers and apply for corrections and changes in their details. The Election Commission of India on Monday released the draft electoral rolls for Tamil Nadu, which is headed for Assembly polls in 2021. According to the statistics mentioned in the draft electoral rolls for Tamil Nadu, there are about 6.10crore voters in total and this comprises 3.09crore women, 3.01crore men and 6,385 transgenders. In terms of new electors or first-time voters, there are a total of 2.08lakh voters, which comprises of 1.06lakh females, 1.01lakh males and 132 transgenders. Special camps will be held at the voting centres where voters can apply for corrections or changes to be made. The first camp will be held on November 21st & 22nd and the next camp will be organized on December 12th and 13th. Haasan stated that the highest honour of merit a person receives when he/she turns 18, is the right to vote and that the most powerful weapon one could possess was a Voter ID. “When a society fails to discharge the mandatory duties, people of that society lose whatever is rightfully theirs. The real peril is lurking in the issues that we think are redundant or unrelated to us” he said. Making a mention of those ranting online about a corrupt system and corrupt politicians, Haasan emphasized that it would be in vain in one didn’t possess a voter ID. Recalling the Bihar elections where a large number of women voters and homemakers had voted in large numbers, he highlighted the scenario where a candidate had lost with a margin of 12 votes. “You are not voting for someone. You are voting for yourself. You decide on who should decide for you. Your constant mantra should be -I will change; I will vote" he said in the video Haasan has been actively prepping his party Makkal Needhi Maiam for the 2021 Assembly Polls in the state and is hopeful that his party emerges as the third front in the state, after the Dravidian majors. Haasan is expected to announce his campaign tour of the state towards the end of November. Earlier, he had said that the party’s manifesto was getting ready and over one lakh members had joined the party in recent times. He said that his party’s candidates would be people from wide-ranging fields who are known for their good work.

Ahead of TN Polls, Kamal Haasan urges fans to get Voters IDs checked and ready

With Chennai city and outlying districts receiving regular rains in the recent weeks, water levels in reservoirs that cater to the city’s needs are on the rise. In what is a respite for people a drought-prone city, the combined storage of the reservoirs have surpassed the halfway mark.

As per data on the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply &amp; Sewerage Board or Chennai Metro Water, the total storage of four reservoirs - Poondi, Cholavaram, Red Hills, Chambarambakkam is twice as much as the water that was available last year.

The four reservoirs have a combined storage of 6706 Million Cubic feet (Mcft) as on date, whereas they had 3148Mcft on the same day the previous year. Current storage of 6706Mcft is nearly 60% of the total capacity, which stands at 11257Mcft.&nbsp;

Officials hold the opinion that the current water levels, which are likely to further increase quite well after the impending rains, will be sufficient for the city to tide over the summer of 2021.

In stark contrast, on November 16th 2018, the combined storage of all four reservoirs were 1641Mcft, hardly 10per cent of the total capacity. It was this sharp decline in water levels by November, poor planning and management and also a failed monsoon in 2018 that led to a severe drought in the summer of 2019. Hence, indicating how crucial an optimal water level in these reservoirs is for the city.&nbsp;

It was the mismanagement of the water levels in one of these reservoirs,-Chembarambakkam amid heavy rains that led to large parts of Chennai city and its outskirts being flooded in December 2015.

The meteorological department has predicted heavy rain at isolated places over Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Cuddalore, Thoothukudi, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts of Tamil Nadu.

This year, the North-East monsoon had set in around the last week of October and particularly 29th October saw parts of Chennai city being lashed by heavy rains, of 150-200mm intensity within a few hours.

With Chennai city and outlying districts receiving regular rains in the recent weeks, water levels in reservoirs that cater to the city’s needs are on the rise. In what is a respite for people a drought-prone city, the combined storage of the reservoirs have surpassed the halfway mark.

With Chennai city and outlying districts receiving regular rains in the recent weeks, water levels in reservoirs that cater to the city’s needs are on the rise. In what is a respite for people a drought-prone city, the combined storage of the reservoirs have surpassed the halfway mark. As per data on the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board or Chennai Metro Water, the total storage of four reservoirs - Poondi, Cholavaram, Red Hills, Chambarambakkam is twice as much as the water that was available last year. The four reservoirs have a combined storage of 6706 Million Cubic feet (Mcft) as on date, whereas they had 3148Mcft on the same day the previous year. Current storage of 6706Mcft is nearly 60% of the total capacity, which stands at 11257Mcft. Officials hold the opinion that the current water levels, which are likely to further increase quite well after the impending rains, will be sufficient for the city to tide over the summer of 2021. In stark contrast, on November 16th 2018, the combined storage of all four reservoirs were 1641Mcft, hardly 10per cent of the total capacity. It was this sharp decline in water levels by November, poor planning and management and also a failed monsoon in 2018 that led to a severe drought in the summer of 2019. Hence, indicating how crucial an optimal water level in these reservoirs is for the city. It was the mismanagement of the water levels in one of these reservoirs,-Chembarambakkam amid heavy rains that led to large parts of Chennai city and its outskirts being flooded in December 2015. The meteorological department has predicted heavy rain at isolated places over Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Cuddalore, Thoothukudi, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts of Tamil Nadu. This year, the North-East monsoon had set in around the last week of October and particularly 29th October saw parts of Chennai city being lashed by heavy rains, of 150-200mm intensity within a few hours.

Amid monsoon, water levels in reservoirs around Chennai over half capacity 

On the occasion of actor Juhi Chawla’s 53rd birthday on Friday, farmers from the Cauvery basin in Tamil Nadu planted trees to convey their wishes to the actor. On Thursday, during the ever of her birthday, the actor had appealed her Twitter followers to pledge trees instead of giving her birthday presents.&nbsp;

“The flowers you send in affection will die away in 3 days but tress you plant will benefit your children &amp; mine for years. I’m never so grateful for all the love but our farmers &amp; our Earth need it more” read her tweet.&nbsp;

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Thank you so much to allll at Isha and all the farming community of Cauvery ...!!! 🙏🙏🌟🌟🙏I was not expecting this .. it moved me to tears !! 🙈💕🙏😇🌿Thank you very much 💖<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CauveryCalling?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CauveryCalling</a><a href="https://twitter.com/ishafoundation?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ishafoundation</a> <a href="https://t.co/spONJ0v1Nr">pic.twitter.com/spONJ0v1Nr</a>
— Juhi Chawla (@iam_juhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/iam_juhi/status/1327203416653787136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In a video shared by the actor, many farmers from Tamil Nadu are seen conveying their wishes, while holding saplings that they would be planting.&nbsp;

“You have been providing us saplings for planting, on the occasions of your family members and friends birthdays via the Cauvery calling movement” a farmer is seen telling in the video. Another farmer said that he was sourcing 100 saplings from Isha Foundation and planting them.&nbsp;

Thanking Isha community and farmers for this gesture, the Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner, tweeted, “Thank you so much to allll at Isha and all the farming community of Cauvery! I was not expecting this.. it moved me to tears!! Thank you very much.”

Sadhguru, founder of Isha Foundation, also took to Twitter to wish the Bollywood actress on her birthday. “Namaskaram Juhi - Best Wishes &amp; Blessings on your birthday. No better way to celebrate than to nurture Life that will nurture us for generations to come. Thank you for your consistent support to #CauveryCalling. May you inspire a generation of dedicated eco ambassadors.”

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Namaskaram Juhi- Best Wishes &amp; Blessings on your birthday. No better way to celebrate than to nurture Life that will nurture us for generations to come. Thank you for your consistent support to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CauveryCalling?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CauveryCalling</a>. May you inspire a generation of dedicated eco ambassadors. –Sg <a href="https://t.co/SCyHf4sTo0">https://t.co/SCyHf4sTo0</a> <a href="https://t.co/1R4p9GGaHl">pic.twitter.com/1R4p9GGaHl</a>
— Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) <a href="https://twitter.com/SadhguruJV/status/1327101764475097089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Juhi Chawla has been a supporter of the Cauvery Calling campaign and has been pledging trees as birthday gifts for many actors and personalities that she looks up to. To celebrate her friend Shah Rukh Khan's birthday earlier this month, she pledged to plant 500 trees.

A first of its kind campaign, Cauvery Calling is aimed at revitalizing India’s lifelines - the country’s rivers. Launched by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, the campaign will support farmers to plant 242 crore trees in Cauvery basin, across the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The movement promotes tree-based agriculture that will incentivise farmers to plant high-value trees for economic gain and simultaneously restore green cover in the denuded Cauvery basin.

On the occasion of actor Juhi Chawla’s 53rd birthday on Friday, farmers from the Cauvery basin in Tamil Nadu planted trees to convey their wishes to the actor. On Thursday, during the ever of her birthday, the actor had appealed her Twitter followers to pledge trees instead of giving her birthday presents.

On the occasion of actor Juhi Chawla’s 53rd birthday on Friday, farmers from the Cauvery basin in Tamil Nadu planted trees to convey their wishes to the actor. On Thursday, during the ever of her birthday, the actor had appealed her Twitter followers to pledge trees instead of giving her birthday presents. “The flowers you send in affection will die away in 3 days but tress you plant will benefit your children & mine for years. I’m never so grateful for all the love but our farmers & our Earth need it more” read her tweet. Thank you so much to allll at Isha and all the farming community of Cauvery ...!!! 🙏🙏🌟🌟🙏I was not expecting this .. it moved me to tears !! 🙈💕🙏😇🌿Thank you very much 💖#CauveryCalling@ishafoundation pic.twitter.com/spONJ0v1Nr — Juhi Chawla (@iam_juhi) November 13, 2020 × In a video shared by the actor, many farmers from Tamil Nadu are seen conveying their wishes, while holding saplings that they would be planting. “You have been providing us saplings for planting, on the occasions of your family members and friends birthdays via the Cauvery calling movement” a farmer is seen telling in the video. Another farmer said that he was sourcing 100 saplings from Isha Foundation and planting them. Thanking Isha community and farmers for this gesture, the Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner, tweeted, “Thank you so much to allll at Isha and all the farming community of Cauvery! I was not expecting this.. it moved me to tears!! Thank you very much.” Sadhguru, founder of Isha Foundation, also took to Twitter to wish the Bollywood actress on her birthday. “Namaskaram Juhi - Best Wishes & Blessings on your birthday. No better way to celebrate than to nurture Life that will nurture us for generations to come. Thank you for your consistent support to #CauveryCalling. May you inspire a generation of dedicated eco ambassadors.” Namaskaram Juhi- Best Wishes & Blessings on your birthday. No better way to celebrate than to nurture Life that will nurture us for generations to come. Thank you for your consistent support to #CauveryCalling. May you inspire a generation of dedicated eco ambassadors. –Sg https://t.co/SCyHf4sTo0 pic.twitter.com/1R4p9GGaHl — Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) November 13, 2020 × Juhi Chawla has been a supporter of the Cauvery Calling campaign and has been pledging trees as birthday gifts for many actors and personalities that she looks up to. To celebrate her friend Shah Rukh Khan's birthday earlier this month, she pledged to plant 500 trees. A first of its kind campaign, Cauvery Calling is aimed at revitalizing India’s lifelines - the country’s rivers. Launched by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, the campaign will support farmers to plant 242 crore trees in Cauvery basin, across the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The movement promotes tree-based agriculture that will incentivise farmers to plant high-value trees for economic gain and simultaneously restore green cover in the denuded Cauvery basin.

Farmers plant trees to wish Bollywood actor Juhi Chawla on her birthday

A Tamil Nadu University’s decision to remove Arundhati Roy’s book from their syllabus, based on a petition from the ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad is the BJP’s student wing) has riled opposition parties in the state.

Although there is no official letter yet in this regard, the Vice Chancellor of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli has confirmed to WION on having scrapped the book ‘Walking with the Comrades’, which is about the author’s (Arundhati Roy’s) visit to Maoist hideouts, from the institution's postgraduate English syllabus.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/swami-vivekananda-at-jnu-pm-narendra-modi-to-unveil-life-size-statue-via-video-conferencing-342617" hreflang="en">Swami Vivekananda at JNU: PM Narendra Modi to unveil life-size statue via video conferencing</a>

“This book blatantly glorifies the armed revolution being called for by anti-National Maoists,” reads the ABVP letter, which also states that they would highlight the issue to the Ministry of Human Resource Development, if not acted upon expeditiously.&nbsp;

The letter expresses the BJP student body’s disappointment with the book being a part of the syllabus over the last three years and the manner in which it was imposing Naxalite and Maoist ideology on the students. “Even the faculty were imparting lessons that were of anti-National nature. Students are under mental turmoil as this book as turned out to be one that stokes feelings of hatred against our country,” stated the letter signed by Vignesh, ABVP State Joint Secretary.

“The book was part of the syllabus from 2017 for 3rd semester MA English Literature course. Last week, some controversial contents of the book regarding Maoists were brought to our notice. ABVP gave a written request and other syndicate members also informed us. So we formed a committee involving three deans and two chairmen of the board of studies and took a call to have this book scrapped and replaced from our syllabus” Dr. K. Pitchumani, Vice Chancellor told WION.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-atmanirbhar-bharat-rozgar-yojana-and-who-can-avail-it-342612" hreflang="en">What is Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana and who can avail it?</a>

The panel has decided to replace Roy’s book with “My native land- essays on nature” by M.Krishnan, a naturalist, who is a native of Tirunelveli and a Padma Shri awardee.&nbsp;

Opposition leaders in the state have criticised this move stating that governments and politics determining what students should read would destroy the diverse nature of society. Some have asked the State government to intervene in the matter and ensure that Roy’s book is reinstated in the syllabus.&nbsp;

Reacting to the development, Arundhati Roy maintained that she hadn’t known of the book has been on the syllabus and that it was her duty as a writer to write it and that it was not her duty to fight to include in University curricula.&nbsp;

“Either way it has been widely read and as we know bans and purged do not prevent writers from being read. This narrow, shallow, insecure atttitude towards literature displayed by the current regime is not just detrimental to its critics. It is detrimental to millions of its own supporters” she said, stating that it would stunt the intellectual capacity of a country that was striving for a place of respect and dignity in the world.&nbsp;

A Tamil Nadu University’s decision to remove Arundhati Roy’s book from their syllabus, based on a petition from the ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad is the BJP’s student wing) has riled opposition parties in the state.

A Tamil Nadu University’s decision to remove Arundhati Roy’s book from their syllabus, based on a petition from the ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad is the BJP’s student wing) has riled opposition parties in the state. Although there is no official letter yet in this regard, the Vice Chancellor of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli has confirmed to WION on having scrapped the book ‘Walking with the Comrades’, which is about the author’s (Arundhati Roy’s) visit to Maoist hideouts, from the institution's postgraduate English syllabus. Also read| Swami Vivekananda at JNU: PM Narendra Modi to unveil life-size statue via video conferencing “This book blatantly glorifies the armed revolution being called for by anti-National Maoists,” reads the ABVP letter, which also states that they would highlight the issue to the Ministry of Human Resource Development, if not acted upon expeditiously. The letter expresses the BJP student body’s disappointment with the book being a part of the syllabus over the last three years and the manner in which it was imposing Naxalite and Maoist ideology on the students. “Even the faculty were imparting lessons that were of anti-National nature. Students are under mental turmoil as this book as turned out to be one that stokes feelings of hatred against our country,” stated the letter signed by Vignesh, ABVP State Joint Secretary. “The book was part of the syllabus from 2017 for 3rd semester MA English Literature course. Last week, some controversial contents of the book regarding Maoists were brought to our notice. ABVP gave a written request and other syndicate members also informed us. So we formed a committee involving three deans and two chairmen of the board of studies and took a call to have this book scrapped and replaced from our syllabus” Dr. K. Pitchumani, Vice Chancellor told WION. Also read| What is Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana and who can avail it? The panel has decided to replace Roy’s book with “My native land- essays on nature” by M.Krishnan, a naturalist, who is a native of Tirunelveli and a Padma Shri awardee. Opposition leaders in the state have criticised this move stating that governments and politics determining what students should read would destroy the diverse nature of society. Some have asked the State government to intervene in the matter and ensure that Roy’s book is reinstated in the syllabus. Reacting to the development, Arundhati Roy maintained that she hadn’t known of the book has been on the syllabus and that it was her duty as a writer to write it and that it was not her duty to fight to include in University curricula. “Either way it has been widely read and as we know bans and purged do not prevent writers from being read. This narrow, shallow, insecure atttitude towards literature displayed by the current regime is not just detrimental to its critics. It is detrimental to millions of its own supporters” she said, stating that it would stunt the intellectual capacity of a country that was striving for a place of respect and dignity in the world.

Tamil Nadu: Arundhati Roy’s book removed from university syllabus after ABVP plaint

Over the last few days, Ministers in Tamil Nadu have expressed hope and spoken of the possibilities regarding the release of seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.&nbsp;&nbsp;While this can be seen as comments that are coming close on the heels of Assembly polls due in 2021, there are also some indications that the Ministers’ hopes on Governor Banwarilal Purohit may bear fruit.&nbsp;

On Friday, Law Minister C.Ve Shanmugam said that there was a possibility of the seven convicts getting released without further delay.

Also see| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-nalini-sriharan-and-her-role-in-rajiv-gandhis-assasination-314863">In pics: Nalini Sriharan and her role in Rajiv Gandhi's assasination</a>

“The honorable Governor will announce a good decision soon” he said. On Thursday, speaking in Coimbatore, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said that their government had already forwarded the Assembly resolution regarding the release to the Governor and it was for him to decide.&nbsp;

Interestingly, these statements have come shortly after Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit visited Delhi to meet the Prime Minister, Home Minister, MoS Prime Minister’s Office, and the Vice President of India to discuss what the Governor’s office referred to as, “important issues related to Tamil Nadu”.

On November 3, a Supreme Court bench expressed unhappiness over the fact that the recommendation for the release of Rajiv Gandhi convicts sent to the Governor by the State government was pending for over two years.&nbsp;

Earlier, it was informed that the reason behind the delay from the Governor’s end was owing to the probe of the Multi-Disciplinary Monitoring Agency (MDMA) which is looking into the larger conspiracy behind the Rajiv Gandhi Assassination case. However, the Court had held that the MDMA probe should not have any impact on the Governor’s decision to pardon the convicts.

Nalini’s advocate Radhakrishnan is optimistic about the release of the seven convicts.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, he said, “State cabinet has passed a resolution in September 2018 and it is binding on the Governor. All seven of them should have been released on 9&nbsp;September 2018. There are 3 earlier cases that were adjudged by a Constitutional bench, where it was ruled that the Governor has no discretion under Article 161. The Governor merely is a signing authority. Even without the Governor’s assent the State Government can release them”. He adds that their release is likely by the end of the year, also stating that cases filed by Perarivalan and Nalini are pending in the Supreme Court and Madras High Court respectively.

Seven people including Nalini and her husband were convicted by the special TADA court for their role in the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on May 21&nbsp;by an LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur, in the outskirts of Chennai.&nbsp;

Over the last few days, Ministers in Tamil Nadu have expressed hope and spoken of the possibilities regarding the release of seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

Over the last few days, Ministers in Tamil Nadu have expressed hope and spoken of the possibilities regarding the release of seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. While this can be seen as comments that are coming close on the heels of Assembly polls due in 2021, there are also some indications that the Ministers’ hopes on Governor Banwarilal Purohit may bear fruit. On Friday, Law Minister C.Ve Shanmugam said that there was a possibility of the seven convicts getting released without further delay. Also see| In pics: Nalini Sriharan and her role in Rajiv Gandhi's assasination “The honorable Governor will announce a good decision soon” he said. On Thursday, speaking in Coimbatore, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said that their government had already forwarded the Assembly resolution regarding the release to the Governor and it was for him to decide. Interestingly, these statements have come shortly after Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit visited Delhi to meet the Prime Minister, Home Minister, MoS Prime Minister’s Office, and the Vice President of India to discuss what the Governor’s office referred to as, “important issues related to Tamil Nadu”. On November 3, a Supreme Court bench expressed unhappiness over the fact that the recommendation for the release of Rajiv Gandhi convicts sent to the Governor by the State government was pending for over two years. Earlier, it was informed that the reason behind the delay from the Governor’s end was owing to the probe of the Multi-Disciplinary Monitoring Agency (MDMA) which is looking into the larger conspiracy behind the Rajiv Gandhi Assassination case. However, the Court had held that the MDMA probe should not have any impact on the Governor’s decision to pardon the convicts. Nalini’s advocate Radhakrishnan is optimistic about the release of the seven convicts. Speaking to WION, he said, “State cabinet has passed a resolution in September 2018 and it is binding on the Governor. All seven of them should have been released on 9 September 2018. There are 3 earlier cases that were adjudged by a Constitutional bench, where it was ruled that the Governor has no discretion under Article 161. The Governor merely is a signing authority. Even without the Governor’s assent the State Government can release them”. He adds that their release is likely by the end of the year, also stating that cases filed by Perarivalan and Nalini are pending in the Supreme Court and Madras High Court respectively. Seven people including Nalini and her husband were convicted by the special TADA court for their role in the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on May 21 by an LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur, in the outskirts of Chennai.

Rajiv Gandhi assassination case: Nalini’s counsel optimistic on release of all 7 convicts by December

The Tamil Nadu Government has decided to reject permission for the month-long Vetri Vel Yatra that the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party had planned across the state, invoking Lord Murugan. The Yatra, the BJP’s first ahead of the Assembly elections in 2021 was to begin on November 6th and conclude on December 6th, covering all six abodes of Lord Murugan by traversing from Tiruttani to Tiruchendur. However, after the setback, it is understood that the party is discussing on the way ahead for the Yatra and awaiting word from their leadership in Delhi.&nbsp;

Advocate General Vijay Narayan has informed the Madras High Court that the rejection order would be served on the BJP State unit office bearers on Thursday. Among the reasons cited for the rejection were the threat of Covid-19 and the overtones related to the Yatra.&nbsp;

Referring to a Government Order dated 31st October, the Advocate General told the Court that religious, social and political gatherings would be permitted with not more than 100 people, only after November 15th.&nbsp;

Representing the BJP state unit, Advocate Raghavachari questioned the government’s decision to reject permission, by countering that the Central Government had not prohibited religious congregations due to Covid-19 and that it had only insisted that physical distancing be maintained.

Chief Justice AP Sahi and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy said that the BJP could not take such a stand without challenging the GO that prevented gatherings, which was issued by the State government on October 31st.

The advocate representing the BJP said that they would have challenged the GO, if the State had rejected their request for permission citing the Government Order. He also added that the concerned authorities hadn’t passed any orders on the same.

The Bench said that it was open to the Tamil Nadu government to pass appropriate orders on the representation seeking permission for the rally, and also added that if any of the parties are aggrieved by the order, they could challenge the order in Court.

In this context, it must be noted that the birth anniversary of freedom fighter and spiritual leader Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar was celebrated in a grand manner amid the pandemic and had major state leaders in attendance, barely a week ago.

In August too, allies BJP and AIADMK were on collision course over the celebrations of Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Chaturthi across the state amid the pandemic, thus leaving it for the Madras High Court to decide.&nbsp;

Back then, the Court had permitted only individuals and families to install Ganesha idols and immerse them in nearby water bodies. Immersion in large public spaces such as Marina beach was prohibited.&nbsp;

The Court also emphasized that the Tamil Nadu’s government’s ban on public celebrations, processions, installation of idols in public will be in force. The Court also clarified that no organization would be able to carry out celebration activities and processions. The bench also recorded the undertaking made by the outfit Hindu Munnani, which stated that they would not undertake any processions and would cooperate with the state authorities.&nbsp;

The state government’s decision to permit opening of liquor shops in Chennai city(from Aug 18th), while not permitting installing of Ganesha idols, taking them on processions, immersion rituals had irked the BJP state leadership. BJP leaders had questioned the Tamil Nadu government, asking them to take a cue from the neighbouring Karnataka government that has permitted the festival to be celebrated amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Tamil Nadu Government has decided to reject permission for the month-long Vetri Vel Yatra that the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party had planned across the state, invoking Lord Murugan.

The Tamil Nadu Government has decided to reject permission for the month-long Vetri Vel Yatra that the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party had planned across the state, invoking Lord Murugan. The Yatra, the BJP’s first ahead of the Assembly elections in 2021 was to begin on November 6th and conclude on December 6th, covering all six abodes of Lord Murugan by traversing from Tiruttani to Tiruchendur. However, after the setback, it is understood that the party is discussing on the way ahead for the Yatra and awaiting word from their leadership in Delhi. Advocate General Vijay Narayan has informed the Madras High Court that the rejection order would be served on the BJP State unit office bearers on Thursday. Among the reasons cited for the rejection were the threat of Covid-19 and the overtones related to the Yatra. Referring to a Government Order dated 31st October, the Advocate General told the Court that religious, social and political gatherings would be permitted with not more than 100 people, only after November 15th. Representing the BJP state unit, Advocate Raghavachari questioned the government’s decision to reject permission, by countering that the Central Government had not prohibited religious congregations due to Covid-19 and that it had only insisted that physical distancing be maintained. Chief Justice AP Sahi and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy said that the BJP could not take such a stand without challenging the GO that prevented gatherings, which was issued by the State government on October 31st. The advocate representing the BJP said that they would have challenged the GO, if the State had rejected their request for permission citing the Government Order. He also added that the concerned authorities hadn’t passed any orders on the same. The Bench said that it was open to the Tamil Nadu government to pass appropriate orders on the representation seeking permission for the rally, and also added that if any of the parties are aggrieved by the order, they could challenge the order in Court. In this context, it must be noted that the birth anniversary of freedom fighter and spiritual leader Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar was celebrated in a grand manner amid the pandemic and had major state leaders in attendance, barely a week ago. In August too, allies BJP and AIADMK were on collision course over the celebrations of Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Chaturthi across the state amid the pandemic, thus leaving it for the Madras High Court to decide. Back then, the Court had permitted only individuals and families to install Ganesha idols and immerse them in nearby water bodies. Immersion in large public spaces such as Marina beach was prohibited. The Court also emphasized that the Tamil Nadu’s government’s ban on public celebrations, processions, installation of idols in public will be in force. The Court also clarified that no organization would be able to carry out celebration activities and processions. The bench also recorded the undertaking made by the outfit Hindu Munnani, which stated that they would not undertake any processions and would cooperate with the state authorities. The state government’s decision to permit opening of liquor shops in Chennai city(from Aug 18th), while not permitting installing of Ganesha idols, taking them on processions, immersion rituals had irked the BJP state leadership. BJP leaders had questioned the Tamil Nadu government, asking them to take a cue from the neighbouring Karnataka government that has permitted the festival to be celebrated amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tamil Nadu government denies permission for BJP’s Vel Yatra; BJP awaits word from Delhi

Kamala Harris' ancestral village in India prays for her victory in US Election 2020 | Photos

Kamala Harris has occasionally used her mother’s Indian roots and her American success story to garner support while campaigning for the US elections, but villagers in Tamil Nadu’s Thulasenthirapuram-Painganaadu have taken it several notches further for Kamala, whose ancestors were from the village.&nbsp;

The Sri Dharmasastha Temple in the village had performed two special pujas (holy offerings) and other offerings on Tuesday - one in the morning and one in the afternoon, for Kamala’s victory as the Vice President of the United States. Kamala’s maternal grandfather P.V. Gopalan Iyer is said to have hailed from this village in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvarur district. 
 
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Goin by engravings on the temple wall, Kamala’s relatives who live in India had donated a small sum to the temple fund in 2014. The engraving bears the name Kamala Harris, with the donation sum Rs. 5000 (about 70USD) written beside it.&nbsp;

According to the village head, they consider Harris’ family their own people and take pride in it, adding that they had performed Pujas and erected banners in prominent parts of the village. Around 200 people are said to have visited the temple on Tuesday, as the temple had offered ‘Annadhaanam’ a custom where food is served as an offering.&nbsp;

“Idly-sambhar and meals were offered today after the pujas. We have kept laddoos (sweets) and firecrackers ready to celebrate in the event of her win tomorrow”, village head J.Sudhakar told Zee media.&nbsp;

When contacted, Kamala’s Uncle Gopalan Balachandran, a Delhi resident told Zee media that their family had donated to the temple long ago and that they came across reports of the villagers themselves conducting prayers, offerings for Kamala’s win.

Kamala Harris has occasionally used her mother’s Indian roots and her American success story to garner support while campaigning for the US elections, but villagers in Tamil Nadu’s Thulasenthirapuram-Painganaadu have taken it several notches further for Kamala, whose ancestors were from the village.

Kamala Harris has occasionally used her mother’s Indian roots and her American success story to garner support while campaigning for the US elections, but villagers in Tamil Nadu’s Thulasenthirapuram-Painganaadu have taken it several notches further for Kamala, whose ancestors were from the village. The Sri Dharmasastha Temple in the village had performed two special pujas (holy offerings) and other offerings on Tuesday - one in the morning and one in the afternoon, for Kamala’s victory as the Vice President of the United States. Kamala’s maternal grandfather P.V. Gopalan Iyer is said to have hailed from this village in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvarur district. Goin by engravings on the temple wall, Kamala’s relatives who live in India had donated a small sum to the temple fund in 2014. The engraving bears the name Kamala Harris, with the donation sum Rs. 5000 (about 70USD) written beside it. According to the village head, they consider Harris’ family their own people and take pride in it, adding that they had performed Pujas and erected banners in prominent parts of the village. Around 200 people are said to have visited the temple on Tuesday, as the temple had offered ‘Annadhaanam’ a custom where food is served as an offering. “Idly-sambhar and meals were offered today after the pujas. We have kept laddoos (sweets) and firecrackers ready to celebrate in the event of her win tomorrow”, village head J.Sudhakar told Zee media. When contacted, Kamala’s Uncle Gopalan Balachandran, a Delhi resident told Zee media that their family had donated to the temple long ago and that they came across reports of the villagers themselves conducting prayers, offerings for Kamala’s win.

US election 2020: Ancestral village keeps sweets, firecrackers ready, hoping for Kamala Harris’ win

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan is holding an in-person meeting with his party district secretaries to chalk out a strategy for the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. This meeting comes after the party empowered Haasan to take decisions on the party’s alliance ahead of the crucial polls, where the ruling AIADMK faces a double anti-incumbency.&nbsp;

It is understood that the main agenda of the meeting is to work on establishing booth committees for all constituencies and to draw the plans for the actor’s state-wide campaign tour, besides working out the funding for the party.&nbsp;

In terms of their party’s stance, Haasan has been vocal against the ruling BJP and also the AIADMK government in the state. The actor has held regular meetings with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and also Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, besides Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee, The veteran act has been quite firmly stated that his ideology takes inspiration from the Left and also the Dravidian movement.&nbsp;

Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam(People’s Centre for Justice), which was launched in February 2018 had contested the 2019 Parliamentary polls in 39 seats across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as well as the by-polls to 22 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

While the fledgling party had not bagged any seats on debut, they exceeded one lakh votes in few constituencies and were placed third in few others. The actor had expressed that the main obstacles for his party were widespread poverty and money distribution in the rural pockets, where they did not perform well, as opposed to urban areas where they secured more votes.

“In certain areas we have 12per cent vote share and our average vote share is nearly 5 per cent”, he said in 2019, expressing happiness over his party’s then decision to go alone, sans alignments with major parties. He said that analysts and advisors on their side foresaw a bright future for the fledgling party.&nbsp;

Kamal Haasan who will be celebrating his 66th birthday on November 7th had announced his 232nd film with director Lokesh Kanagaraj in September. Announcing the flick with Kanagaraj, Kamal had tweeted “Another journey begins”, with a picture that depicted a collage of the actor that was designed by arranging weapons that included assault rifles, pistols, bullets etc.. By the look of it, it seemed like an action-oriented film and the poster which sported a bright red background had the words “Once upon a time there lived a ghost” written in bold.

The veteran actor has been actively commenting on contemporary issues and taking potshots at the central and state governments over their functioning. In 2019, both Kamal Haasan and Rajinkanth had hinted that there was a possibility of them joining hands in their political journey. Hassan is also part of the Shankar-directed big-budget film Indian 2 and another project Thalaivan Irukkindran, which is said to be a sequel. Hassan is also busy with helming the fourth season of TV reality show Big boss.&nbsp;

He was last seen on the large screen in spy-thriller Vishwaroopam 2.&nbsp;

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan is holding an in-person meeting with his party district secretaries to chalk out a strategy for the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan is holding an in-person meeting with his party district secretaries to chalk out a strategy for the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. This meeting comes after the party empowered Haasan to take decisions on the party’s alliance ahead of the crucial polls, where the ruling AIADMK faces a double anti-incumbency. It is understood that the main agenda of the meeting is to work on establishing booth committees for all constituencies and to draw the plans for the actor’s state-wide campaign tour, besides working out the funding for the party. In terms of their party’s stance, Haasan has been vocal against the ruling BJP and also the AIADMK government in the state. The actor has held regular meetings with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and also Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, besides Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee, The veteran act has been quite firmly stated that his ideology takes inspiration from the Left and also the Dravidian movement. Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam(People’s Centre for Justice), which was launched in February 2018 had contested the 2019 Parliamentary polls in 39 seats across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as well as the by-polls to 22 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu. While the fledgling party had not bagged any seats on debut, they exceeded one lakh votes in few constituencies and were placed third in few others. The actor had expressed that the main obstacles for his party were widespread poverty and money distribution in the rural pockets, where they did not perform well, as opposed to urban areas where they secured more votes. “In certain areas we have 12per cent vote share and our average vote share is nearly 5 per cent”, he said in 2019, expressing happiness over his party’s then decision to go alone, sans alignments with major parties. He said that analysts and advisors on their side foresaw a bright future for the fledgling party. Kamal Haasan who will be celebrating his 66th birthday on November 7th had announced his 232nd film with director Lokesh Kanagaraj in September. Announcing the flick with Kanagaraj, Kamal had tweeted “Another journey begins”, with a picture that depicted a collage of the actor that was designed by arranging weapons that included assault rifles, pistols, bullets etc.. By the look of it, it seemed like an action-oriented film and the poster which sported a bright red background had the words “Once upon a time there lived a ghost” written in bold. The veteran actor has been actively commenting on contemporary issues and taking potshots at the central and state governments over their functioning. In 2019, both Kamal Haasan and Rajinkanth had hinted that there was a possibility of them joining hands in their political journey. Hassan is also part of the Shankar-directed big-budget film Indian 2 and another project Thalaivan Irukkindran, which is said to be a sequel. Hassan is also busy with helming the fourth season of TV reality show Big boss. He was last seen on the large screen in spy-thriller Vishwaroopam 2.

Kamal Haasan chairs MNM party meeting to strategise for 2021 polls

In view of the rapidly declining coronavirus cases and considering the need to revive economic activity, the Tamil Nadu government has announced further set of relaxations in lockdown norms, while also extending few existing restrictions until 30th November. The Government has also emphasized the need to maintain physical distancing and the habit of mask-wearing and frequent Hand-washing.

According to the Government, over the last one week, the daily cases have been consistently below 3000 and total Active cases across the state have come down to less than 25,000.&nbsp;

What’s relaxed and can function in accordance with respective Guidelines (In areas other than Containment Zones):&nbsp;

<ol>
	<li>Schools (Only Classes 9,10,11,12) and all colleges and research institutions from 16th Nov&nbsp;</li>
	<li>School, college and related hostel facilities from 16th Nov&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Suburban electric trains, based on Centre’s decision, in line with central government guidelines&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Television and Cinema shooting with 150 crew on-site and no spectators&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Multiplexes, Cinema halls in shopping malls and all other cinema halls can function with 50% occupancy from 10th Nov</li>
	<li>Cultural, social, religious, educational, political and general events are permitted with a maximum of 100 participants from 16th Nov&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Entertainment, amusement parks, large auditorium, zoo, museum etc. from 10th Nov</li>
	<li>Marriages functions with a maximum of 100 persons; funeral procession with a limit of 100 persons&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Gyms can permit users aged 60 and below from 1st Nov onwards&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

What continues to be restricted:

<ol>
	<li>Swimming pools, beaches, tourist places&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Tourists/visitors from other states (except Puducherry) coming to tourists spots like Ooty, Kodaikanal and Yercaud need to complete E-registration formality&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

In view of the rapidly declining coronavirus cases and considering the need to revive economic activity, the Tamil Nadu government has announced further set of relaxations in lockdown norms, while also extending few existing restrictions until 30th November.

In view of the rapidly declining coronavirus cases and considering the need to revive economic activity, the Tamil Nadu government has announced further set of relaxations in lockdown norms, while also extending few existing restrictions until 30th November. The Government has also emphasized the need to maintain physical distancing and the habit of mask-wearing and frequent Hand-washing. According to the Government, over the last one week, the daily cases have been consistently below 3000 and total Active cases across the state have come down to less than 25,000. What’s relaxed and can function in accordance with respective Guidelines (In areas other than Containment Zones): Schools (Only Classes 9,10,11,12) and all colleges and research institutions from 16th Nov School, college and related hostel facilities from 16th Nov Suburban electric trains, based on Centre’s decision, in line with central government guidelines Television and Cinema shooting with 150 crew on-site and no spectators Multiplexes, Cinema halls in shopping malls and all other cinema halls can function with 50% occupancy from 10th Nov Cultural, social, religious, educational, political and general events are permitted with a maximum of 100 participants from 16th Nov Entertainment, amusement parks, large auditorium, zoo, museum etc. from 10th Nov Marriages functions with a maximum of 100 persons; funeral procession with a limit of 100 persons Gyms can permit users aged 60 and below from 1st Nov onwards What continues to be restricted: Swimming pools, beaches, tourist places Tourists/visitors from other states (except Puducherry) coming to tourists spots like Ooty, Kodaikanal and Yercaud need to complete E-registration formality

Tamil Nadu: New guidelines for coronavirus unlock declared

Thevar Jayanthi is celebrated every year on October 30th, particularly in the Southern districts of Tamil Nadu to commemorate the birth anniversary of freedom fighter and spiritual leader Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar.&nbsp;

As Thevar is revered as a deity by certain communities and respected by various others, political leaders of the state unfailingly pay their rich tributes. However, Thevar Jayanthi this year witnessed a peculiar trend on Twitter - #GoBackStalin. Aimed at DMK president MK Stalin, this hashtag was a pan-India trend for much of the day hours.&nbsp;

Despite the looming risk of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, Deputy CM O Panneerselvam, senior ministers, BJP State President L.Murugan and also DMK President MK Stalin visited the late leader’s statue in Madurai and garlanded it amid fanfare, following which they proceeded to the Thevar Memorial located in Pasumpon.&nbsp;

In what was a first, #GoBackStalin trend started gaining traction on social media, while he was in his home state. In the past, top BJP leaders visiting Tamil Nadu were the ones to be at the receiving end go such hashtags. It is notable that such #GoBack hashtags had come up when Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had visited the southern state on different occasions.&nbsp;

Many social media users and BJP, AIAMDK supporters were quick to further boost the trend, while sharing media critical of the DMK and its leadership. Some of them stated Thevar’s credentials and&nbsp;&nbsp;repute, while contrasting it with the DMK and Periyarist ideology. “Both Nationalism and Spiritualism are my two eyes said Thevar. What is DMK that doesn’t believe in both, doing at his memorial today?” read a popular tweet.

Referring to #GoBackStalin trend, BJP leader H.Raja had said it was ‘Karma’. He had quoted a couplet from the Thirukkural, which implied that what was inflicted upon others would come back to them.&nbsp;

“What are those who supported ‘Karuppar Kootam’ (group which denigrated Lord Muruga) doing at the memorial of a Muruga devotee” handles linked to the AIADMK questioned.&nbsp;

“Tremendous growth of Tamil Nadu RW Twitter users off-late. Back in June 2018 we did trend&nbsp;#GoBackStalin&nbsp;- but then we had limited Twitter users from TN. Today, we have grown in strength as a much stronger team. Exposing&nbsp;#DMK&nbsp;is a challenging task in the runup of 2021 Elections” BJP spokesperson SG Surya had commented, pointing out that their party and supporters had attempted to trend this hashtag earlier as well.

During the Prime Minister’s and Home Minister’s visits in the past, BJP leaders had trended hashtags welcoming them, but the #Goback hashtags, which were shared by opposition parties, their supporters and other social media users had far surpassed them.&nbsp;

Later in the afternoon, #TNwithMKStalin was also trending, with many supporters referring to the DMK leader as the "hope" for people of Tamil Nadu.

Thevar Jayanthi is celebrated every year on October 30th, particularly in the Southern districts of Tamil Nadu to commemorate the birth anniversary of freedom fighter and spiritual leader Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar.

Thevar Jayanthi is celebrated every year on October 30th, particularly in the Southern districts of Tamil Nadu to commemorate the birth anniversary of freedom fighter and spiritual leader Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar. As Thevar is revered as a deity by certain communities and respected by various others, political leaders of the state unfailingly pay their rich tributes. However, Thevar Jayanthi this year witnessed a peculiar trend on Twitter - #GoBackStalin. Aimed at DMK president MK Stalin, this hashtag was a pan-India trend for much of the day hours. Despite the looming risk of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, Deputy CM O Panneerselvam, senior ministers, BJP State President L.Murugan and also DMK President MK Stalin visited the late leader’s statue in Madurai and garlanded it amid fanfare, following which they proceeded to the Thevar Memorial located in Pasumpon. In what was a first, #GoBackStalin trend started gaining traction on social media, while he was in his home state. In the past, top BJP leaders visiting Tamil Nadu were the ones to be at the receiving end go such hashtags. It is notable that such #GoBack hashtags had come up when Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had visited the southern state on different occasions. Many social media users and BJP, AIAMDK supporters were quick to further boost the trend, while sharing media critical of the DMK and its leadership. Some of them stated Thevar’s credentials and repute, while contrasting it with the DMK and Periyarist ideology. “Both Nationalism and Spiritualism are my two eyes said Thevar. What is DMK that doesn’t believe in both, doing at his memorial today?” read a popular tweet. Referring to #GoBackStalin trend, BJP leader H.Raja had said it was ‘Karma’. He had quoted a couplet from the Thirukkural, which implied that what was inflicted upon others would come back to them. “What are those who supported ‘Karuppar Kootam’ (group which denigrated Lord Muruga) doing at the memorial of a Muruga devotee” handles linked to the AIADMK questioned. “Tremendous growth of Tamil Nadu RW Twitter users off-late. Back in June 2018 we did trend #GoBackStalin - but then we had limited Twitter users from TN. Today, we have grown in strength as a much stronger team. Exposing #DMK is a challenging task in the runup of 2021 Elections” BJP spokesperson SG Surya had commented, pointing out that their party and supporters had attempted to trend this hashtag earlier as well. During the Prime Minister’s and Home Minister’s visits in the past, BJP leaders had trended hashtags welcoming them, but the #Goback hashtags, which were shared by opposition parties, their supporters and other social media users had far surpassed them. Later in the afternoon, #TNwithMKStalin was also trending, with many supporters referring to the DMK leader as the "hope" for people of Tamil Nadu.

#GoBackStalin trends on Twitter against DMK chief

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