<p>The 2G verdict was delivered on the time and date of the choosing of the judge. But what happened in the court took most of us by surprise. For the ruling party, it was a bang from the blue. A knockout punch. For the Congress Party, it was a divine intervention. The verdict removed the stigma of corruption from the party.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The matter will go up to the higher court but will give enough time for the Congress to milk it. It was this case, particularly, Kapil Sibal&#39;s famous &quot;zero loss&quot; statement which turned 2G into a hurricane, unsettling BJP&#39;s secured nook.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;For now, the acquittal unsettles the political map. It marks the return of Manmohan Singh who was the victim of a vicious campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sympathy is a very important ingredient in Indian politics. People at large had stopped sympathising with Manmohan Singh. He was called servile and more loyal to the Congress Party than to the post of the Prime Minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>This case changes all of that. It should worry BJP.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Manmohan Singh&#39;s credibility was in tatters and the Opposition made him the face of crony capitalism.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;This verdict will enable Singh to be far more aggressive than he has ever been after 2014. Even his limited appearance in Gujarat on GST got him good coverage. This is not to say that Manmohan will regain the centre stage in the Congress. However, he has the capacity to emerge as a tool to attack BJP on many issues and gain sympathy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>For this, the former prime minister can put BJP in a dock.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;Many can argue that high and mighty never get caught and 2G is going to the Bofors way. However, Manmohan Singh&#39;s ability to gather sympathy should not be underestimated. Though the case involved corporates, bureaucrats and DMK leaders, Manmohan had to face the jibe of the Prime Minister Modi where he said that people should learn from Manmohan Singh how to bath in a bathroom wearing a raincoat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;The verdict also thickens the relationship between Congress and the DMK despite the fact Prime Minister Modi made a visit to greet Karunanidhi. Today AIDMK lies in tatters despite a solid majority. There are corruption cases against its leaders and the DMK as a house looks far more disciplined. Alighari&rsquo;s issue has been long settled and the verdict for some time will allow DMK to be politically very aggressive in Tamil Nadu. It will become even more acute for the ADMK as they don&rsquo;t have Jayalalitha to arrest the reversal of fortune.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Coming back to the moot point of BJP&rsquo;s position on corruption, the government will have to explain as to what went wrong during the argument. It will have to convince the public that it ran a genuine campaign against corruption and only the argument has gone wrong. Till then, Congress will have a field day using Manmohan Singh as a victim. After Gujarat, the 2G verdict has again opened the game for the Congress. Let&rsquo;s see what it makes of it.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).</em></p>


With 2G verdict going in his favour, Manmohan Singh has the capacity to emerge as a tool to attack BJP on many issues and gain sympathy.

The 2G verdict was delivered on the time and date of the choosing of the judge. But what happened in the court took most of us by surprise. For the ruling party, it was a bang from the blue. A knockout punch. For the Congress Party, it was a divine intervention. The verdict removed the stigma of corruption from the party. The matter will go up to the higher court but will give enough time for the Congress to milk it. It was this case, particularly, Kapil Sibal's famous "zero loss" statement which turned 2G into a hurricane, unsettling BJP's secured nook. For now, the acquittal unsettles the political map. It marks the return of Manmohan Singh who was the victim of a vicious campaign. Sympathy is a very important ingredient in Indian politics. People at large had stopped sympathising with Manmohan Singh. He was called servile and more loyal to the Congress Party than to the post of the Prime Minister. This case changes all of that. It should worry BJP. Manmohan Singh's credibility was in tatters and the Opposition made him the face of crony capitalism. This verdict will enable Singh to be far more aggressive than he has ever been after 2014. Even his limited appearance in Gujarat on GST got him good coverage. This is not to say that Manmohan will regain the centre stage in the Congress. However, he has the capacity to emerge as a tool to attack BJP on many issues and gain sympathy. For this, the former prime minister can put BJP in a dock. Many can argue that high and mighty never get caught and 2G is going to the Bofors way. However, Manmohan Singh's ability to gather sympathy should not be underestimated. Though the case involved corporates, bureaucrats and DMK leaders, Manmohan had to face the jibe of the Prime Minister Modi where he said that people should learn from Manmohan Singh how to bath in a bathroom wearing a raincoat. The verdict also thickens the relationship between Congress and the DMK despite the fact Prime Minister Modi made a visit to greet Karunanidhi. Today AIDMK lies in tatters despite a solid majority. There are corruption cases against its leaders and the DMK as a house looks far more disciplined. Alighari’s issue has been long settled and the verdict for some time will allow DMK to be politically very aggressive in Tamil Nadu. It will become even more acute for the ADMK as they don’t have Jayalalitha to arrest the reversal of fortune. Coming back to the moot point of BJP’s position on corruption, the government will have to explain as to what went wrong during the argument. It will have to convince the public that it ran a genuine campaign against corruption and only the argument has gone wrong. Till then, Congress will have a field day using Manmohan Singh as a victim. After Gujarat, the 2G verdict has again opened the game for the Congress. Let’s see what it makes of it. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: With 2G verdict, Manmohan Singh returns to glory

<p><em>&quot;To be or not to be&quot; &quot;If chance will have me king it will crown me without my stir&quot;... Shakespeare</em></p>

<p>Superstar Rajinikanth&#39;s fans are celebrating his birthday on December 12 and expect him to announce the launch of his political party. He has been dithering and delaying far too long. Expectations reached new heights in May this year when in a meeting with his fans he asked his fans to be ready for a war and he would enter politics God willing. This was by far the most definite clue that he has made the decision. Since then he has been meeting political analysts, journalists and even politicians to discuss his plan. Many seem to have advised him that this was the right time for him to take a plunge as Jayalalithaa is dead and DMK leader Karunanidhi has become completely inactive at 94.</p>

<p>More than ten thousand of his fans even gathered in the southern city of Tiruchirappalli recently under the guidance of the leader of the non-political Gandhian movement, Tamilaruvi Manian, perhaps to test the waters. Rajinikanth has consulted Manian several times before. According to Manian, Rajinikanth has made up his mind to start his own party.<br />
He has delayed it too long. Another popular star Kamal Haasan, who has been making big noises against corrupt politicians of late, has already announced his decision to start a new party. He has launched a new app for enrolling members for his new party. Another filmstar, Vijay, with a sizeable fan following, is also toying with the idea of entering politics. In view of these developments, Rajinikanth has become silent of late. People have been waiting since 1996 when he openly opposed Jayalalithaa saying if people voted for Jayalalithaa even God would not be able to save Tamil Nadu. Jayalalithaa was defeated&nbsp; in the election. But her defeat could not be attributed to Rajinikanth&#39;s campaign alone. People were highly dssatified with her regime following allegations of corruption and misrule. It was time when people of Tamil Nadu were looking for an alternative to both the Dravidian parties and the then prime minister Narasimha Rao openly invited him to join the Congress party. He dithered perhaps he had a brilliant film career ahead. But it should be noted that Jayalalithaa staged a comeback in the 1998 parliamentary elections winning 18 seats despite Rajinikanth&rsquo;s campaign against her.</p>

<p>He now seems to have realised that celebrity status alone can no longer win elections (he said this in a function to inaugurate a statue of Sivaji Ganesan in which Kamal Haasan was also present). True, he has the biggest fan following but can it be converted into votes? His fans have become older and more mature to vote for a filmstar who has no political background. All these years, he has been desisting from expressing his views on any political issue concerning the common man. His opponents say that he is a non Tamil. He is a Maharashtrian from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu should be ruled only by a Tamil. Analysts say that he is too much of a gentleman and lacks the cunning and deceit that have become the essential qualities of a modern day politician and hence will find it difficult to survive in politics. His superstar image alone is not enough to sustain in politics of intrigues. He cannot be compared to the late political giant MG Ramachandran who was nurtured and brought up by the DMK till he outgrew it.</p>

<p>MG Ramachandran very carefully nurtured his own pro-poor and pro-people image, judiciously selecting his film roles and pitched it right when the dissatisfaction against Karunanidhi&#39;s rule was at its peak. He won and till his death none could beat him politically. Jayalalithaa, who took over his party, was lucky to forge an alliance with the Congress in 1991 and catapulted to power by a sympathy wave created by the assassination of the former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. The blame was squarely on the DMK which the people rightly or wrongly thought was responsible for allowing Sri Lankan LTTE to operate in Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>People are becoming more and more politically aware to confuse the reel image with the real image. Actor Vijayakanthi who started his own party should be regretting now with his party totally in a shambles. In the past, the doyen Sivaji Ganesan who too had a large fan following could not make it in politics.</p>

<p>Rajinikanth&#39;s critics say that he usually makes such noises just before the release of his films which help them to become hits. His two films - Kaala and Entiran - are due for release shortly.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity)</em></p>


Rajinikanth seems to have realised that celebrity status alone can no longer win elections. His fans have become older and more mature to vote for a filmstar who has no political background.

"To be or not to be" "If chance will have me king it will crown me without my stir"... Shakespeare Superstar Rajinikanth's fans are celebrating his birthday on December 12 and expect him to announce the launch of his political party. He has been dithering and delaying far too long. Expectations reached new heights in May this year when in a meeting with his fans he asked his fans to be ready for a war and he would enter politics God willing. This was by far the most definite clue that he has made the decision. Since then he has been meeting political analysts, journalists and even politicians to discuss his plan. Many seem to have advised him that this was the right time for him to take a plunge as Jayalalithaa is dead and DMK leader Karunanidhi has become completely inactive at 94. More than ten thousand of his fans even gathered in the southern city of Tiruchirappalli recently under the guidance of the leader of the non-political Gandhian movement, Tamilaruvi Manian, perhaps to test the waters. Rajinikanth has consulted Manian several times before. According to Manian, Rajinikanth has made up his mind to start his own party. He has delayed it too long. Another popular star Kamal Haasan, who has been making big noises against corrupt politicians of late, has already announced his decision to start a new party. He has launched a new app for enrolling members for his new party. Another filmstar, Vijay, with a sizeable fan following, is also toying with the idea of entering politics. In view of these developments, Rajinikanth has become silent of late. People have been waiting since 1996 when he openly opposed Jayalalithaa saying if people voted for Jayalalithaa even God would not be able to save Tamil Nadu. Jayalalithaa was defeated in the election. But her defeat could not be attributed to Rajinikanth's campaign alone. People were highly dssatified with her regime following allegations of corruption and misrule. It was time when people of Tamil Nadu were looking for an alternative to both the Dravidian parties and the then prime minister Narasimha Rao openly invited him to join the Congress party. He dithered perhaps he had a brilliant film career ahead. But it should be noted that Jayalalithaa staged a comeback in the 1998 parliamentary elections winning 18 seats despite Rajinikanth’s campaign against her. He now seems to have realised that celebrity status alone can no longer win elections (he said this in a function to inaugurate a statue of Sivaji Ganesan in which Kamal Haasan was also present). True, he has the biggest fan following but can it be converted into votes? His fans have become older and more mature to vote for a filmstar who has no political background. All these years, he has been desisting from expressing his views on any political issue concerning the common man. His opponents say that he is a non Tamil. He is a Maharashtrian from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu should be ruled only by a Tamil. Analysts say that he is too much of a gentleman and lacks the cunning and deceit that have become the essential qualities of a modern day politician and hence will find it difficult to survive in politics. His superstar image alone is not enough to sustain in politics of intrigues. He cannot be compared to the late political giant MG Ramachandran who was nurtured and brought up by the DMK till he outgrew it. MG Ramachandran very carefully nurtured his own pro-poor and pro-people image, judiciously selecting his film roles and pitched it right when the dissatisfaction against Karunanidhi's rule was at its peak. He won and till his death none could beat him politically. Jayalalithaa, who took over his party, was lucky to forge an alliance with the Congress in 1991 and catapulted to power by a sympathy wave created by the assassination of the former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. The blame was squarely on the DMK which the people rightly or wrongly thought was responsible for allowing Sri Lankan LTTE to operate in Tamil Nadu. People are becoming more and more politically aware to confuse the reel image with the real image. Actor Vijayakanthi who started his own party should be regretting now with his party totally in a shambles. In the past, the doyen Sivaji Ganesan who too had a large fan following could not make it in politics. Rajinikanth's critics say that he usually makes such noises just before the release of his films which help them to become hits. His two films - Kaala and Entiran - are due for release shortly. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity)

Opinion: What Rajinikanth has to learn before joining politics

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be meeting DMK President M Karunanidhi here today, both the BJP and the DMK said.</p>

<p>Modi will visit the city today to attend the platinum jubilee function of a vernacular daily.</p>

<p>&quot;During his visit to Tamil Nadu today, PM Sh Narendra Modiji will visit senior-most leader from the state and former CM M Karunanidhi,&quot; BJP national general secretary P Mualidhar Rao said in a tweet.</p>

<p>DMK sources also confirmed the meet, saying the two leaders are scheduled to meet at 12.30 pm at Karunanidhi&#39;s Gopalapuram residence.</p>

<p>The prime minister will also attend the wedding of the daughter of Dr.TV Somanathan, a retired PMO official, at Raja Annamalaipuram.</p>

<p>Karunanidhi fell ill in October 2016 due to a drug-induced allergy. In December last, he was admitted to the Kauvery Hospital here twice.</p>

<p>The veteran leader was admitted to the hospital for &quot;optimisation of nutrition and hydration&quot; in the first week of December and later, due to a throat and lung infection.</p>

<p>He had undergone tracheostomy, a procedure to optimise breathing.</p>

<p>Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi had called on the DMK patriarch at his residence in December 2016.</p>

<p>The nonagenarian leader had made his first public appearance on October 19 this year, the first since his illness, when he visited an exhibition here held to showcase the 75-year journey of DMK&#39;s mouthpiece, &#39;Murasoli&#39;.</p>


Modi will visit the city today to attend the platinum jubilee function of a vernacular daily.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be meeting DMK President M Karunanidhi here today, both the BJP and the DMK said. Modi will visit the city today to attend the platinum jubilee function of a vernacular daily. "During his visit to Tamil Nadu today, PM Sh Narendra Modiji will visit senior-most leader from the state and former CM M Karunanidhi," BJP national general secretary P Mualidhar Rao said in a tweet. DMK sources also confirmed the meet, saying the two leaders are scheduled to meet at 12.30 pm at Karunanidhi's Gopalapuram residence. The prime minister will also attend the wedding of the daughter of Dr.TV Somanathan, a retired PMO official, at Raja Annamalaipuram. Karunanidhi fell ill in October 2016 due to a drug-induced allergy. In December last, he was admitted to the Kauvery Hospital here twice. The veteran leader was admitted to the hospital for "optimisation of nutrition and hydration" in the first week of December and later, due to a throat and lung infection. He had undergone tracheostomy, a procedure to optimise breathing. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi had called on the DMK patriarch at his residence in December 2016. The nonagenarian leader had made his first public appearance on October 19 this year, the first since his illness, when he visited an exhibition here held to showcase the 75-year journey of DMK's mouthpiece, 'Murasoli'.

PM Modi to visit Chennai today, will meet Karunanidhi

<p>Even as DMK working president MK Stalin lashed out at the Tamil Nadu government and said that the state government had not learned its lesson from the 2015 floods in Chennai, two Tamil Nadu ministers put on a brave face and said the government was more than prepared to deal with the rains.</p>

<p>SP&nbsp;Velumani, minister of municipal administration and rural development said that the state government has done more work than several developed nations to deal with the rains.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Recently heavy rain lashed Bengaluru,&nbsp;London&nbsp;and America but I assure we&#39;ve done more work compared to these developed nations,&#39;&#39; the minister was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.</p>

<p>D Jayakumar, minister of finance and fishing, went a step further and claimed to have solved&nbsp;98&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of rain-related&nbsp;issues in the city.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&quot;We are having the capacity (to solve the problem) like foreign,&#39;&#39; the minister said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">98% of the problem has been settled. We are having the capacity (to solve the problem) like foreign: TN Min D Jayakumar on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChennaiRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChennaiRains</a> <a href="https://t.co/GpnYm6DZer">pic.twitter.com/GpnYm6DZer</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/925287026856837120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Recently heavy rain lashed Bengaluru,London&amp;America but I assure we&#39;ve done more work compared to these developed nations-SP Velumani,TN Min <a href="https://t.co/Fgdvn2JctR">pic.twitter.com/Fgdvn2JctR</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/925289006463467520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The state government had&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-chennai-rain-brings-city-to-a-halt-schools-and-colleges-shut-on-tuesday-one-dead-in-thanjavur-23174">declared a holiday for schools and colleges</a> on Tuesday as the weather office forecast heavy to very heavy rains in some areas of coastal districts, including the capital city and its neighbourhood, in the next 24 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many parts of Tamil Nadu received heavy rainfall on Monday, disrupting normal life.</p>

<p>One person was killed in Thanjavur district in a rain-related incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports attributed the rainfall to the cyclonic circulation that is currently persisting over Southwest Bay of Bengal, off the Sri Lanka coast and the adjoining Tamil Nadu coast.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>


SP?Velumani, minister of municipal administration and rural development said that the state government has done more work than several developed nations to deal with the rains

Even as DMK working president MK Stalin lashed out at the Tamil Nadu government and said that the state government had not learned its lesson from the 2015 floods in Chennai, two Tamil Nadu ministers put on a brave face and said the government was more than prepared to deal with the rains. SP Velumani, minister of municipal administration and rural development said that the state government has done more work than several developed nations to deal with the rains. "Recently heavy rain lashed Bengaluru, London and America but I assure we've done more work compared to these developed nations,'' the minister was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. D Jayakumar, minister of finance and fishing, went a step further and claimed to have solved 98 per cent of rain-related issues in the city. "We are having the capacity (to solve the problem) like foreign,'' the minister said. 98% of the problem has been settled. We are having the capacity (to solve the problem) like foreign: TN Min D Jayakumar on #ChennaiRains pic.twitter.com/GpnYm6DZer — ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2017 × Recently heavy rain lashed Bengaluru,London&America but I assure we've done more work compared to these developed nations-SP Velumani,TN Min pic.twitter.com/Fgdvn2JctR — ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2017 × The state government had declared a holiday for schools and colleges on Tuesday as the weather office forecast heavy to very heavy rains in some areas of coastal districts, including the capital city and its neighbourhood, in the next 24 hours. Many parts of Tamil Nadu received heavy rainfall on Monday, disrupting normal life. One person was killed in Thanjavur district in a rain-related incident. Reports attributed the rainfall to the cyclonic circulation that is currently persisting over Southwest Bay of Bengal, off the Sri Lanka coast and the adjoining Tamil Nadu coast. (With inputs from ANI)

Tamil Nadu well prepared to tackle rains like foreign countries, say ministers

<p>A special CBI court, hearing the 2G spectrum allocation case against former Telecom Minister A&nbsp;Raja, DMK Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi, adjounred the hearing&nbsp;on Wednesday. It will now hear the case on&nbsp;November 7&nbsp;after the judge said that documents filed in the case are voluminous and technical in nature which were still under perusal.</p>

<p>The court said it might decide the date of judgement on the next date fixed for hearing.</p>

<p>The court&nbsp;also issued production warrant against Unitech Managing Director Sanjay Chandra and Bollywood producer Karim Morani. All the accused have been asked to be&nbsp;present on the next date of hearing.</p>

<p>The court was hearing two separate cases related to sale of 2G spectrum in 2007-2008. One is being probed by the CBI and the other by the Enforcement Directorate.</p>

<p>According to the CBI, Raja was biased in allocating 2G mobile airwaves and operating licenses to telecom firms, causing a huge loss to the&nbsp;exchequer. The CBI chargesheet said Rs 200 crore was transferred from DB Group to Kalaignar TV, which was kickbacks in lieu of allocation of 2G spectrum to Swan Telecom Pvt Ltd.</p>

<p>The ED has filed a separate case related to money laundering alleging that a conspiracy was hatched by Raja, Kanimozhi, DMK supremo M&nbsp;Karunanidhi&rsquo;s wife Dayalu Ammal and others.</p>

<p>All the accused, including Raja, are out on bail.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The case is currently pending against former telecom minister A Raja, DMK Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi

A special CBI court, hearing the 2G spectrum allocation case against former Telecom Minister A Raja, DMK Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi, adjounred the hearing on Wednesday. It will now hear the case on November 7 after the judge said that documents filed in the case are voluminous and technical in nature which were still under perusal. The court said it might decide the date of judgement on the next date fixed for hearing. The court also issued production warrant against Unitech Managing Director Sanjay Chandra and Bollywood producer Karim Morani. All the accused have been asked to be present on the next date of hearing. The court was hearing two separate cases related to sale of 2G spectrum in 2007-2008. One is being probed by the CBI and the other by the Enforcement Directorate. According to the CBI, Raja was biased in allocating 2G mobile airwaves and operating licenses to telecom firms, causing a huge loss to the exchequer. The CBI chargesheet said Rs 200 crore was transferred from DB Group to Kalaignar TV, which was kickbacks in lieu of allocation of 2G spectrum to Swan Telecom Pvt Ltd. The ED has filed a separate case related to money laundering alleging that a conspiracy was hatched by Raja, Kanimozhi, DMK supremo M Karunanidhi’s wife Dayalu Ammal and others. All the accused, including Raja, are out on bail. (With inputs from agencies)

2G scam case: CBI court defers hearing against A Raja, others to November 7

<p>Tamil Nadu Minister KT Rajendra has said &quot;nobody can shake&quot; the AIADMK as long as Prime Minister Narendra Modi &quot;supports the party.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The state dairy minister also expressed his confidence that chief minister E Palanswami&#39;s camp would get the &quot;two leaves&quot; election symbol.</p>

<p>&quot;The symbol will come to EPS camp...There is no doubt about it,&quot; PTI quoted him as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The minister was addressing a party meeting in Andipatti, at which PTI quoted him as saying that &quot;as long as &#39;Prime Minister is with us, nobody can shake our party...nobody can destroy AIADMK.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also said that no one could oppose the ruling AIADMK, including the DMK.</p>

<p>And claimed that 92 per cent of general council members supported the Palaniswami camp.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/aiadmk-poll-symbol-impasse-sasikala-gets-hat-ops-gets-electricity-pole-13696" target="_blank">On March 23</a>, the election commission had frozen the name AIADMK and its election symbol after the factions led by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aiadmk-party-meeting-plans-to-sack-sasikala-19592" target="_blank">Sasikala</a> and former chief minister O Panneerselvam staked claim to it ahead of the RK Nagar bypoll, brought about by the the death of party supremo J Jayalalithaa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On August 21, the two rival AIADMK factions led by Palaniswami and Panneerselvam merged, ending a nearly seven-month-long feud.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam was made deputy CM after the merger.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A third faction of the AIADMK is led by TTV Dinakaran.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dinakaran is Sasikala&#39;s nephew, who had taken over the party after Jayalalithaa&#39;s death.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ouster of Sasikala and her family members from the party had been one of the conditions put down by Panneerselvam for the merger of his faction with that of Chief Minister Palaniswami.&nbsp;</p>


Tamil Nadu dairy minister KT Rajendra also expressed his confidence that chief minister E Palaniswami's camp would get the 'two leaves' election symbol

Tamil Nadu Minister KT Rajendra has said "nobody can shake" the AIADMK as long as Prime Minister Narendra Modi "supports the party." The state dairy minister also expressed his confidence that chief minister E Palanswami's camp would get the "two leaves" election symbol. "The symbol will come to EPS camp...There is no doubt about it," PTI quoted him as saying. The minister was addressing a party meeting in Andipatti, at which PTI quoted him as saying that "as long as 'Prime Minister is with us, nobody can shake our party...nobody can destroy AIADMK." He also said that no one could oppose the ruling AIADMK, including the DMK. And claimed that 92 per cent of general council members supported the Palaniswami camp. On March 23, the election commission had frozen the name AIADMK and its election symbol after the factions led by Sasikala and former chief minister O Panneerselvam staked claim to it ahead of the RK Nagar bypoll, brought about by the the death of party supremo J Jayalalithaa. On August 21, the two rival AIADMK factions led by Palaniswami and Panneerselvam merged, ending a nearly seven-month-long feud. Panneerselvam was made deputy CM after the merger. A third faction of the AIADMK is led by TTV Dinakaran. Dinakaran is Sasikala's nephew, who had taken over the party after Jayalalithaa's death. The ouster of Sasikala and her family members from the party had been one of the conditions put down by Panneerselvam for the merger of his faction with that of Chief Minister Palaniswami.

Tamil Nadu minister: Nobody can shake AIADMK as long as Modi supports party

<p>Famous Tamil superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan once again sparked rumours of their political ambitions after they graced a DMK event on Thursday (August 10).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both the actors, who have a huge fan following in Tamil Nadu, attended an event to mark 75 years of the founding of DMK mouthpiece &quot;Murasoli.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">Tamil Nadu: MK Stalin, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth at the 75th anniversary celebrations of DMK&#39;s mouthpiece Murasoli, in Chennai. <a href="https://t.co/W0IGfR0f3A">pic.twitter.com/W0IGfR0f3A</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/895644117962706945">August 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kamal Haasan, who has taken on the ruling AIADMK government for alleged corruption, shared the stage with DMK leaders. Rajinikanth was seated among the audience in the front row. &nbsp;Asked whether he was joining politics, Kamal Haasan said that in 1983, DMK chief Karunanidhi sent him a telegram asking him to join the party and that he had not been able to give him an answer till now.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tamil Nadu: Rajinikanth at the 75th anniversary celebrations of DMK&#39;s mouthpiece Murasoli, in Chennai. <a href="https://t.co/SPn3g6hsZW">pic.twitter.com/SPn3g6hsZW</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/895617323599446018">August 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kamal Haasan sat next to DMK Working President MK Stalin, who had backed him after a strident attack by Tamil Nadu Ministers for being critical of the government, and other senior party leaders.</p>

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<p>The participation of the two stars at the DMK event assumes significance in view of their recent statements suggesting that they could be joining politics.</p>

<p>Other celebrities who attended the celebrations included former cricket board chief, industrialist N Srinivasan and actor Prabhu, son of late actor Sivaji Ganesan.</p>

<p>Kamal Haasan has taken on the ruling AIADMK (Amma) government over alleged corruption. Several state ministers had attacked the actor after he asked his followers to use social media to lodge graft complaints, and questioned the contribution of his fan clubs to the welfare of the people of the state.</p>

<p>Chief Minister K Palaniswami had challenged him to join politics.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu politics has been dominated by the two Dravidian parties - the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) - since 1956.</p>

<p>Their top leaders have been closely associated with the film industry.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong></p>

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<p>Actor Kamal Haasan, who has taken on the Tamil Nadu government on corruption issue, on Thursday shared the dais with opposition DMK leaders at a party event in Chennai. Superstar Rajinikanth chose to sit among the audience (WION)</p>
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The participation of the two actors at the DMK event assumes significance in view of their recent statements suggesting that they could be joining politics

Famous Tamil superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan once again sparked rumours of their political ambitions after they graced a DMK event on Thursday (August 10). Both the actors, who have a huge fan following in Tamil Nadu, attended an event to mark 75 years of the founding of DMK mouthpiece "Murasoli." Tamil Nadu: MK Stalin, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth at the 75th anniversary celebrations of DMK's mouthpiece Murasoli, in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/W0IGfR0f3A — ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2017 × Kamal Haasan, who has taken on the ruling AIADMK government for alleged corruption, shared the stage with DMK leaders. Rajinikanth was seated among the audience in the front row. Asked whether he was joining politics, Kamal Haasan said that in 1983, DMK chief Karunanidhi sent him a telegram asking him to join the party and that he had not been able to give him an answer till now. Tamil Nadu: Rajinikanth at the 75th anniversary celebrations of DMK's mouthpiece Murasoli, in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/SPn3g6hsZW — ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2017 × Kamal Haasan sat next to DMK Working President MK Stalin, who had backed him after a strident attack by Tamil Nadu Ministers for being critical of the government, and other senior party leaders. × The participation of the two stars at the DMK event assumes significance in view of their recent statements suggesting that they could be joining politics. Other celebrities who attended the celebrations included former cricket board chief, industrialist N Srinivasan and actor Prabhu, son of late actor Sivaji Ganesan. Kamal Haasan has taken on the ruling AIADMK (Amma) government over alleged corruption. Several state ministers had attacked the actor after he asked his followers to use social media to lodge graft complaints, and questioned the contribution of his fan clubs to the welfare of the people of the state. Chief Minister K Palaniswami had challenged him to join politics. Tamil Nadu politics has been dominated by the two Dravidian parties - the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) - since 1956. Their top leaders have been closely associated with the film industry. Watch: Actor Kamal Haasan, who has taken on the Tamil Nadu government on corruption issue, on Thursday shared the dais with opposition DMK leaders at a party event in Chennai. Superstar Rajinikanth chose to sit among the audience (WION) ×

Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan attend DMK event, spark rumours of joining politics

<p>Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) acting president MK Stalin on Saturday met Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao and asked him to dissolve the Edappadi K&nbsp;Palaniswami-led government,&nbsp;which has been facing horse-trading allegations.</p>

<p>Stalin said that he decided to meet the Governor after the assembly did not let him to submit the CD (compact disc) as&nbsp;proof that the Sasikala camp sought the &nbsp;AIADMK&nbsp;MLAs&#39; support&nbsp;for the February trust vote.</p>

<p>&quot;We have requested the Governor to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter. We have also asked him to dissolve this government and re-conduct fresh vote of confidence immediately,&quot; Stalin said.</p>

<p>Stalin said the Governor has assured to take immediate action.</p>

<p>The Tamil Nadu Assembly has been witnessing pandemonium over the alleged sting operation conducted by a news channel.</p>

<p>The video revealed that all the AIADMK MLAs were lured in by cash and gold by the rival Sasikala camp to support Palaniswamy in the February trust vote conducted in Tamil Nadu Assembly.</p>

<p>Palanisamy won the trust vote held in the state assembly on the back of support offered by 122 AIADMK legislators.</p>

<p>South Madurai MLA Saravanan, who had defected to the OPS faction, admitted on camera that Sasikala camp offered him money between Rs. 2 crore to 6 crore for his support to Chief Minister Palaniswamy&nbsp;</p>

<p>(ANI)</p>


Stalin alleged the assembly did not let him to submit the CD as proof that the Sasikala camp sought the ?AIADMK?MLAs' support?for the February trust vote

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) acting president MK Stalin on Saturday met Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao and asked him to dissolve the Edappadi K Palaniswami-led government, which has been facing horse-trading allegations. Stalin said that he decided to meet the Governor after the assembly did not let him to submit the CD (compact disc) as proof that the Sasikala camp sought the AIADMK MLAs' support for the February trust vote. "We have requested the Governor to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter. We have also asked him to dissolve this government and re-conduct fresh vote of confidence immediately," Stalin said. Stalin said the Governor has assured to take immediate action. The Tamil Nadu Assembly has been witnessing pandemonium over the alleged sting operation conducted by a news channel. The video revealed that all the AIADMK MLAs were lured in by cash and gold by the rival Sasikala camp to support Palaniswamy in the February trust vote conducted in Tamil Nadu Assembly. Palanisamy won the trust vote held in the state assembly on the back of support offered by 122 AIADMK legislators. South Madurai MLA Saravanan, who had defected to the OPS faction, admitted on camera that Sasikala camp offered him money between Rs. 2 crore to 6 crore for his support to Chief Minister Palaniswamy (ANI)

DMK's Stalin asks Tamil Nadu Governor to dissolve Palaniswamy govt over horsetrading allegations

<p>The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Monday slammed the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for its lack of transparency in latter&#39;s office affairs in relation to Sasikala Natrajan&#39;s appointment as the legislative party leader of the AIADMK.</p>

<p>The DMK also expressed its confidence in its party leader MK Stalin for facing the AIADMK in the elections and yielding great results. &quot;We have always pointed out there is no transparency in how the affairs of the AIADMK are functioning. Right from the hospital association of the chief minister or yesterday&#39;s incident on how the resignation letters were sought from top advisors of the government. Everything is shrouded in mystery,&quot; DMK spokesperson A Saravanan told ANI.</p>

<p>He further asserted that there is nothing new or shocking about the quick development as the AIADMK has always worked in mysterious ways.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beaming with confidence in his leader MK Stalin and the DMK&#39;s history of defeating the AIADMK on many accounts he said, &quot;Ever since our leader MK Stalin took charge as our working president and especially as the opposition leader, he has been commended a lot for his dignified politics, courteous manner and how he brought back lot of bonhomie into politics. He is gaining appreciation. That will definitely guide us to victory in whatever we face,&quot; Sarvanan said.</p>

<p>He added that the DMK has seen a lot of famous political leaders in the opposition and has fought and won fair and square. &quot;Be it the case of great leader Ram Raj, Raja ji or MGR all of them we have fought them and we have won them, so there is nothing for us to&nbsp;fear, we have the faith in people, we have the faith in our ideologies and policies, and the way we have implemented our policies for the development of Tamil Nadu,&quot; Sarvanan said.</p>

<p>AIADMK general secretary Sasikala Natarajan on Sunday was elected as the legislative party leader of the party and with this, she is all set to take over as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. Incumbent chief minister of Tamil Nadu O Panneerselvam proposed the name of Chinnamma (Sasikala Natarajan) as the AIADMK legislative party leader.</p>

<p>Speculations were rife that party general secretary Sasikala would be chosen as the new legislative party leader -- paving the way for her to assume the chief minister&#39;s mantle. Though many party leaders favour such a move, a few believe Panneerselvam should be retained because he is doing a good job at the helm of affairs.</p>

<p>Earlier, Rajya Sabha MP Sasikala Pushpa and AIADMK leader KC Palaniswamy complained to the Election Commission (EC) that Sasikala&#39;s appointment as the party&#39;s interim general secretary was carried out in an undemocratic manner. The Election Commission then issued a notice to the AIADMK, seeking clarifications in this regard.</p>

<p>Sasikala will be the third woman chief minister of Tamil Nadu after Janaki Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(ANI)&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The DMK also expressed its confidence in its party leader MK Stalin for facing the AIADMK in the elections and yielding great results

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Monday slammed the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for its lack of transparency in latter's office affairs in relation to Sasikala Natrajan's appointment as the legislative party leader of the AIADMK. The DMK also expressed its confidence in its party leader MK Stalin for facing the AIADMK in the elections and yielding great results. "We have always pointed out there is no transparency in how the affairs of the AIADMK are functioning. Right from the hospital association of the chief minister or yesterday's incident on how the resignation letters were sought from top advisors of the government. Everything is shrouded in mystery," DMK spokesperson A Saravanan told ANI. He further asserted that there is nothing new or shocking about the quick development as the AIADMK has always worked in mysterious ways. Beaming with confidence in his leader MK Stalin and the DMK's history of defeating the AIADMK on many accounts he said, "Ever since our leader MK Stalin took charge as our working president and especially as the opposition leader, he has been commended a lot for his dignified politics, courteous manner and how he brought back lot of bonhomie into politics. He is gaining appreciation. That will definitely guide us to victory in whatever we face," Sarvanan said. He added that the DMK has seen a lot of famous political leaders in the opposition and has fought and won fair and square. "Be it the case of great leader Ram Raj, Raja ji or MGR all of them we have fought them and we have won them, so there is nothing for us to fear, we have the faith in people, we have the faith in our ideologies and policies, and the way we have implemented our policies for the development of Tamil Nadu," Sarvanan said. AIADMK general secretary Sasikala Natarajan on Sunday was elected as the legislative party leader of the party and with this, she is all set to take over as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. Incumbent chief minister of Tamil Nadu O Panneerselvam proposed the name of Chinnamma (Sasikala Natarajan) as the AIADMK legislative party leader. Speculations were rife that party general secretary Sasikala would be chosen as the new legislative party leader -- paving the way for her to assume the chief minister's mantle. Though many party leaders favour such a move, a few believe Panneerselvam should be retained because he is doing a good job at the helm of affairs. Earlier, Rajya Sabha MP Sasikala Pushpa and AIADMK leader KC Palaniswamy complained to the Election Commission (EC) that Sasikala's appointment as the party's interim general secretary was carried out in an undemocratic manner. The Election Commission then issued a notice to the AIADMK, seeking clarifications in this regard. Sasikala will be the third woman chief minister of Tamil Nadu after Janaki Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa. (ANI)

Sasikala as Tamil Nadu CM: DMK slams AIADMK for lack of transparency

<p>An ordinance was promulgated to lift the ban on Jallikattu, an ancient bull-taming sport, has been approved by the Indian government.</p>

<p>The ordinance sent by Tamil Nadu was approved by the federal law ministry. Only President Pranab Mukherjee needs to give his assent to lift the ban.<br />
<br />
Thousands of protestors, who have gathered at Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach since Tuesday, said they will not disperse till the ban is officially listed.</p>

<p>The latest development comes hours after the Tamil Nadu government had promised to issue an ordinance in a day or two as massive protests raged on across the state for close to four days.</p>

<p>After discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and consultations with legal experts, the Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam had announced the state government would amend a federal animal cruelty law to allow the&nbsp;conduct of Jallikattu.</p>

<p>&quot;To take up the draft of the amendment further with the Union government, I have deputed senior officials of the state to work with the Centre,&quot; Tamil Nadu chief minister said, adding, &quot;I believe the draft would be approved in one or two days which will pave way for Jalikattu.&quot; Tamil Nadu government has submitted the draft of the ordinance to the Union home ministry, the chief minister said earlier.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam said the ordinance was awaiting the assent of the President who would reach Delhi only tonight after his state visits.</p>

<p>&quot;It was also decided to issue an ordinance to make this amendment. Under the Constitution of India, this draft ordinance has to be sent to Union Home Ministry and on Centre&#39;s recommendation it has to be sent to the President for his approval,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
The ruling AIADMK&#39;s legislators met home minister Rajnath Singh today, pressing for an ordinance. He assured them the government would process the file as early as possible so that the Tamil Nadu government could promulgate the ordinance in the next few days.</p>

<p>&quot;The Home Minister has assured us that the file on ordinance will be processed as early as possible so that the ordinance can be promulgated in next two-three days,&quot; Parliament&#39;s Lower House Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, who led the delegation, told PTI.</p>

<p><strong>Top court defers to government&#39;s wishes, says will not pass order for a week</strong><br />
<br />
Earlier, the Supreme Court decided not to pass any interim or any order for a week on the Jallikattu issue at the behest of the federal government. Attorney general Mukul Rohatgi told the CJI court that Jallikattu judgement should be deferred till next week as the federal and the state governments were trying to solve the issue.<br />
<br />
<strong>Here&#39;s how the protests unfolded across the state today:</strong><br />
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We&#39;ve been spearheading various protests on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jallikattu?src=hash">#jallikattu</a>.Appreciate efforts by youths.Statement of TN CM has come as a relief: MK Stalin, DMK <a href="https://t.co/ayqBVZhlDM">pic.twitter.com/ayqBVZhlDM</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/822356649729867776">January 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Join me on periscope today at 6.14 pm IST as I have the first glass of water&nbsp;to break my fast..</p>
&mdash; A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) <a href="https://twitter.com/arrahman/status/822298998941908992">January 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">Proud of each and every ?????? who came together to support <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a> and our ????? ??????????. ?????? ????????. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/unitedforourculture?src=hash">#unitedforourculture</a>.</p>
&mdash; Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) <a href="https://twitter.com/dhanushkraja/status/821389832211443712">January 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">DMK leader and MP Kanimozhi takes part in &#39;Rail Roko&#39; protest at Chennai Egmore railway station in support of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a> <a href="https://t.co/MSwkYrb7MG">pic.twitter.com/MSwkYrb7MG</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/822312428184535044">January 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We all have to come together. All we are asking is for Supreme Court to show sensitivity in this issue:Ganesh Venkatraman, Actor <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jallikattu?src=hash">#jallikattu</a> <a href="https://t.co/H1e8hwJqi5">pic.twitter.com/H1e8hwJqi5</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/822363690250842113">January 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The protesters&nbsp;have&nbsp;refused to give up with thousands congregating at Marina beach in Chennai, the epicentre of the campaign for Jallikattu. Members of South Indian Artists association, Nadigar Sangam, has&nbsp;decided to support the Jallikattu agitation with music maestro A.R. Rahman deciding to fast in favour of Jallikattu. Actor Rajnikanth has also joined the protests. Marina beach in Chennai continued to receive people who seek revival of the bull-taming game where protests continue day and night.</p>

<p>Many other towns including Alanganallur in Madurai known for the bull-taming sport also witnessed protests. A strike call has been given by traders, truckers and van and taxi operators, and private schools in many districts including Chennai have announced a holiday today.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My state rises again. In unison . In peace. Proud to be a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tamizhanda?src=hash">#tamizhanda</a>.Genext here are modern yet culturally rooted. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JusticeforJallikattu?src=hash">#JusticeforJallikattu</a></p>
&mdash; Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) <a href="https://twitter.com/vishy64theking/status/821929984801599488">January 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach continues to witness massive crowd coming out in support of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a> <a href="https://t.co/v7SqiepBJc">pic.twitter.com/v7SqiepBJc</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/822293825573924864">January 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a>: Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach continues to witness massive crowd coming out in support of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash">#Jallikattu</a> <a href="https://t.co/Elspz4uFOK">pic.twitter.com/Elspz4uFOK</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/822297187811889152">January 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has announced a statewide &#39;rail roko agitation&#39; where they will create a massive blockade around the state&#39;s railway stations. The Left has also decided to join the rail blockade&nbsp;campaign. Jallikattu remains stalled since May 2014 due to a ban imposed by the Supreme Court, which is due to deliver its verdict on a related case that has been reserved earlier. The widespread pro-Jallikattu protests has led to charges and counter-charges by political parties, even as the call for legal remedies to revive the bull-taming game is getting louder.</p>

<p>The state BJP and the ruling AIADMK blame it on a 2011 Central notification that included bulls in the list of animals that are banned for public entertainment. The DMK and the Congress claim&nbsp;the game has been conducted for three years since then. The agitators continue to raise slogans against People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), though the NGO denies taking up the case originally, saying it only joined the issue at a later stage along with other like-minded bodies.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from agencies)</p>


The federal government has given its approval to overturn the ban on the ancient sport. The president's assent remains lone hurdle

An ordinance was promulgated to lift the ban on Jallikattu, an ancient bull-taming sport, has been approved by the Indian government. The ordinance sent by Tamil Nadu was approved by the federal law ministry. Only President Pranab Mukherjee needs to give his assent to lift the ban. Thousands of protestors, who have gathered at Chennai's Marina Beach since Tuesday, said they will not disperse till the ban is officially listed. The latest development comes hours after the Tamil Nadu government had promised to issue an ordinance in a day or two as massive protests raged on across the state for close to four days. After discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and consultations with legal experts, the Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam had announced the state government would amend a federal animal cruelty law to allow the conduct of Jallikattu. "To take up the draft of the amendment further with the Union government, I have deputed senior officials of the state to work with the Centre," Tamil Nadu chief minister said, adding, "I believe the draft would be approved in one or two days which will pave way for Jalikattu." Tamil Nadu government has submitted the draft of the ordinance to the Union home ministry, the chief minister said earlier. Panneerselvam said the ordinance was awaiting the assent of the President who would reach Delhi only tonight after his state visits. "It was also decided to issue an ordinance to make this amendment. Under the Constitution of India, this draft ordinance has to be sent to Union Home Ministry and on Centre's recommendation it has to be sent to the President for his approval," he said. The ruling AIADMK's legislators met home minister Rajnath Singh today, pressing for an ordinance. He assured them the government would process the file as early as possible so that the Tamil Nadu government could promulgate the ordinance in the next few days. "The Home Minister has assured us that the file on ordinance will be processed as early as possible so that the ordinance can be promulgated in next two-three days," Parliament's Lower House Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, who led the delegation, told PTI. Top court defers to government's wishes, says will not pass order for a week Earlier, the Supreme Court decided not to pass any interim or any order for a week on the Jallikattu issue at the behest of the federal government. Attorney general Mukul Rohatgi told the CJI court that Jallikattu judgement should be deferred till next week as the federal and the state governments were trying to solve the issue. Here's how the protests unfolded across the state today: We've been spearheading various protests on #jallikattu.Appreciate efforts by youths.Statement of TN CM has come as a relief: MK Stalin, DMK pic.twitter.com/ayqBVZhlDM — ANI (@ANI_news) January 20, 2017 × Join me on periscope today at 6.14 pm IST as I have the first glass of water to break my fast.. — A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) January 20, 2017 × × Proud of each and every ?????? who came together to support #Jallikattu and our ????? ??????????. ?????? ????????. #unitedforourculture. — Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) January 17, 2017 × DMK leader and MP Kanimozhi takes part in 'Rail Roko' protest at Chennai Egmore railway station in support of #Jallikattu pic.twitter.com/MSwkYrb7MG — ANI (@ANI_news) January 20, 2017 × We all have to come together. All we are asking is for Supreme Court to show sensitivity in this issue:Ganesh Venkatraman, Actor #jallikattu pic.twitter.com/H1e8hwJqi5 — ANI (@ANI_news) January 20, 2017 × The protesters have refused to give up with thousands congregating at Marina beach in Chennai, the epicentre of the campaign for Jallikattu. Members of South Indian Artists association, Nadigar Sangam, has decided to support the Jallikattu agitation with music maestro A.R. Rahman deciding to fast in favour of Jallikattu. Actor Rajnikanth has also joined the protests. Marina beach in Chennai continued to receive people who seek revival of the bull-taming game where protests continue day and night. Many other towns including Alanganallur in Madurai known for the bull-taming sport also witnessed protests. A strike call has been given by traders, truckers and van and taxi operators, and private schools in many districts including Chennai have announced a holiday today. My state rises again. In unison . In peace. Proud to be a #tamizhanda.Genext here are modern yet culturally rooted. #JusticeforJallikattu — Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) January 19, 2017 × Chennai's Marina Beach continues to witness massive crowd coming out in support of #Jallikattu pic.twitter.com/v7SqiepBJc — ANI (@ANI_news) January 20, 2017 × #WATCH: Chennai's Marina Beach continues to witness massive crowd coming out in support of #Jallikattu pic.twitter.com/Elspz4uFOK — ANI (@ANI_news) January 20, 2017 × The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has announced a statewide 'rail roko agitation' where they will create a massive blockade around the state's railway stations. The Left has also decided to join the rail blockade campaign. Jallikattu remains stalled since May 2014 due to a ban imposed by the Supreme Court, which is due to deliver its verdict on a related case that has been reserved earlier. The widespread pro-Jallikattu protests has led to charges and counter-charges by political parties, even as the call for legal remedies to revive the bull-taming game is getting louder. The state BJP and the ruling AIADMK blame it on a 2011 Central notification that included bulls in the list of animals that are banned for public entertainment. The DMK and the Congress claim the game has been conducted for three years since then. The agitators continue to raise slogans against People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), though the NGO denies taking up the case originally, saying it only joined the issue at a later stage along with other like-minded bodies. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India: Lifting of Jallikattu ban moves a step closer

<p><br />
The opposition party in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, DMK, today, dubbed animal rights advocacy group PETA as &quot;anti-national&quot; and said it&#39;s working against Tamil culture.</p>

<p>It sought a ban on the NGO which has been stridently opposing the bull-taming festival Jallikattu.</p>

<p>&quot;Centre should immediately ban the international NGO PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) which is against our culture and is anti-national,&quot; DMK working president and Tamil Nadu opposition leader MK Stalin said.</p>

<p>He also urged the central&nbsp;government to &#39;disband&#39; the incumbent Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and replace it with a body which has more representation for Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>He said the centre&nbsp;and the state government should realise the &quot;negative impact&quot; of having &quot;failed to protect the heritage identity of the Tamil culture&quot;.</p>

<p>Stalin strongly argued in favour of replacing AWBI with a body with &quot;adequate representation for Tamil Nadu as that alone would prove&quot; sports like Jallikattu do not involve any cruelty to the animals.</p>

<p>Jallikattu was a system to rear the native cattle breed, he said.</p>

<p>Targeting PETA, which has been in the forefront of anti-Jallikattu protests, Stalin said such &quot;international NGOs did not realise the diversity of India and aspects of its heritage.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>He charged them with working with &quot;ulterior motives&quot;.</p>

<p>The centre should not allow PETA to function any more, he demanded.</p>

<p>He also urged the centre to come out with court-approved mechanism for the conduct of the bull-taming sport in future.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


Stalin, working president of the opposition party DMK, urged the central government to 'disband' the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)

The opposition party in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, DMK, today, dubbed animal rights advocacy group PETA as "anti-national" and said it's working against Tamil culture. It sought a ban on the NGO which has been stridently opposing the bull-taming festival Jallikattu. "Centre should immediately ban the international NGO PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) which is against our culture and is anti-national," DMK working president and Tamil Nadu opposition leader MK Stalin said. He also urged the central government to 'disband' the incumbent Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and replace it with a body which has more representation for Tamil Nadu. He said the centre and the state government should realise the "negative impact" of having "failed to protect the heritage identity of the Tamil culture". Stalin strongly argued in favour of replacing AWBI with a body with "adequate representation for Tamil Nadu as that alone would prove" sports like Jallikattu do not involve any cruelty to the animals. Jallikattu was a system to rear the native cattle breed, he said. Targeting PETA, which has been in the forefront of anti-Jallikattu protests, Stalin said such "international NGOs did not realise the diversity of India and aspects of its heritage." He charged them with working with "ulterior motives". The centre should not allow PETA to function any more, he demanded. He also urged the centre to come out with court-approved mechanism for the conduct of the bull-taming sport in future. (PTI)

Politician from southern India's Tamil Nadu state calls PETA 'anti-national' for opposing bull-taming festival

<p>M Karunanidhi, the supremo of the&nbsp;Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), a political party in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, has officially named his 63-year-old younger&nbsp;son MK Stalin his political successor.</p>

<p>In an interview to a Tamil weekly, the 92-year-old said, &ldquo;Stalin is my political heir and I am not missing Alagiri in any way.&rdquo;</p>

<p>MK Alagiri is Stalin&#39;s elder brother.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is expected that the statement will put an end to the long-running succession battle between the two brothers in one of the country&#39;s most powerful political families.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stalin has been a four-time MLA in the Tamil Nadu Legislative assembly and a one-time deputy chief minister of the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The DMK has been headed since 1969&nbsp;by M Karunanidhi, who has been chief minister of Tamil Nadu five times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


The 92-year-old said In an interview to a Tamil weekly, 'Stalin is my political heir and I am not missing Alagiri in any way'

M Karunanidhi, the supremo of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), a political party in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, has officially named his 63-year-old younger son MK Stalin his political successor. In an interview to a Tamil weekly, the 92-year-old said, “Stalin is my political heir and I am not missing Alagiri in any way.” MK Alagiri is Stalin's elder brother. It is expected that the statement will put an end to the long-running succession battle between the two brothers in one of the country's most powerful political families. Stalin has been a four-time MLA in the Tamil Nadu Legislative assembly and a one-time deputy chief minister of the state. The DMK has been headed since 1969 by M Karunanidhi, who has been chief minister of Tamil Nadu five times. (WION)

India: DMK supremo Karunanidhi officially names younger son MK Stalin his political successor

Sasikala Pushpa, member of parliament (MP) in the upper house, who reportedly slapped another MP Trichy Siva at national capital Delhi&#39;s airport on Saturday, was today expelled from All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), a state political party, by its supremo Jayalalithaa on a day when she claimed she faced threat to her life in India&#39;s southern state of Tamil Nadu.<br />
<br />
In a brief statement, Jayalalithaa said that Sasikala, a Rajya Sabha (upper house) MP, was being expelled from all party posts, including primary membership, as she had acted in violation of the party principles and ethics for &quot;bringing disrepute to the party&quot;.<br />
<br />
&quot;Her behaviour has brought great disrepute to the party,&quot; the Tamil Nadu chief minister said in Chennai, the state capital.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
She asked party supporters not to have any truck henceforth with the Thoothukudi-based MP.<br />
<br />
<strong>Sasikala finds support in opposition&nbsp;</strong><br />
<br />
In the upper house, Sasikala alleged she was being forced to resign from the &#39;constitutional post&#39;.<br />
<br />
She first rushed into the &#39;Well of the House&#39; to get permission to make her statement and then broke down several times as she said she faced &quot;life threat&quot; from state government and alluded to her being slapped by a &quot;leader&quot;.<br />
<br />
She, however, did not make it clear who slapped her and when.<br />
<br />
Outside the upper house, Sasikala claimed her expulsion had no link with the airport incident involving Siva, also a Rajya Sabha MP, and that pressure was being put on her for the last two months to resign.<br />
<br />
&quot;They are harassing me.&quot;<br />
<br />
She replied in the affirmative when asked whether Jayalalithaa was behind this.<br />
<br />
Sasikala also claimed that she was warned of consequences if she does not resign.<br />
<br />
Raising the issue in the upper house, she said, &quot;If an MP is being slapped by a leader, where is human dignity?&quot; triggering strong protest from members of her own party.<br />
<br />
As she found support in opposition members who wanted the chair to allow her to make her full submission, A Navaneethakrishnan (AIADMK) walked into the well and out of it multiple times demanding that her remarks be expunged.<br />
<br />
&quot;I have life threat... I am being compelled to resign from my constitutional post,&quot; she said. &quot;Where is women&#39;s safety in this country? ... I am being harassed. I need protection. In Tamil Nadu, I don&#39;t have safety. There is threat to my life.&quot;<br />
<br />
Sasikala said she was thankful to her party leader for sending her to Rajya Sabha but &quot;if a leader can slap an MP, I need protection. I need government&#39;s protection.&quot;<br />
<br />
&quot;I want to serve the country (and not resign),&quot; she said. &quot;I am not here in Rajya Sabha for any benefit.&quot;<br />
<br />
Deputy chairman P J Kurien said the chairman was custodian of all members of the House and he will protect her too.<br />
<br />
He, however, asked her not to mention anyone&#39;s name who cannot come to the house to defend himself or herself.<br />
<br />
The aggrieved member can write to the chairman for necessary action, Kurien said.<br />
<br />
But the opposition benches broke into protest saying she should be allowed to make her full submission. Women members of Congress party moved to the aisles and vociferously raised the issue of her plight as a fellow member.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
(PTI)&nbsp;

Upper house MP Sasikala was sacked for 'bringing disrepute' to the state political party AIADMK after she alleged 'threat to life'

Sasikala Pushpa, member of parliament (MP) in the upper house, who reportedly slapped another MP Trichy Siva at national capital Delhi's airport on Saturday, was today expelled from All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), a state political party, by its supremo Jayalalithaa on a day when she claimed she faced threat to her life in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu. In a brief statement, Jayalalithaa said that Sasikala, a Rajya Sabha (upper house) MP, was being expelled from all party posts, including primary membership, as she had acted in violation of the party principles and ethics for "bringing disrepute to the party". "Her behaviour has brought great disrepute to the party," the Tamil Nadu chief minister said in Chennai, the state capital. She asked party supporters not to have any truck henceforth with the Thoothukudi-based MP. Sasikala finds support in opposition In the upper house, Sasikala alleged she was being forced to resign from the 'constitutional post'. She first rushed into the 'Well of the House' to get permission to make her statement and then broke down several times as she said she faced "life threat" from state government and alluded to her being slapped by a "leader". She, however, did not make it clear who slapped her and when. Outside the upper house, Sasikala claimed her expulsion had no link with the airport incident involving Siva, also a Rajya Sabha MP, and that pressure was being put on her for the last two months to resign. "They are harassing me." She replied in the affirmative when asked whether Jayalalithaa was behind this. Sasikala also claimed that she was warned of consequences if she does not resign. Raising the issue in the upper house, she said, "If an MP is being slapped by a leader, where is human dignity?" triggering strong protest from members of her own party. As she found support in opposition members who wanted the chair to allow her to make her full submission, A Navaneethakrishnan (AIADMK) walked into the well and out of it multiple times demanding that her remarks be expunged. "I have life threat... I am being compelled to resign from my constitutional post," she said. "Where is women's safety in this country? ... I am being harassed. I need protection. In Tamil Nadu, I don't have safety. There is threat to my life." Sasikala said she was thankful to her party leader for sending her to Rajya Sabha but "if a leader can slap an MP, I need protection. I need government's protection." "I want to serve the country (and not resign)," she said. "I am not here in Rajya Sabha for any benefit." Deputy chairman P J Kurien said the chairman was custodian of all members of the House and he will protect her too. He, however, asked her not to mention anyone's name who cannot come to the house to defend himself or herself. The aggrieved member can write to the chairman for necessary action, Kurien said. But the opposition benches broke into protest saying she should be allowed to make her full submission. Women members of Congress party moved to the aisles and vociferously raised the issue of her plight as a fellow member. (PTI)

Chief minister in India's Tamil Nadu expels former aide over 'anti-party activities'

Bharatiya Janata Party&#39;s Uttar Pradesh vice president Dayashankar Singh has been relieved of all responsibilities with immediate effect for derogatory statement against Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati, said BJP UP president Keshav Prasad Maurya.<br />
<br />
Singh stoked a major row by making derogatory remarks against BSP Chief Mayawati that drew severe condemnation from parties, while an embarrassed BJP expressed regret, but furore over the issue forced adjournment of Rajya Sabha for the day.<br />
<br />
&quot;Mayawati is breaking the dream of Kanshi Ram into pieces. Mayawati is selling tickets like...,&quot; BJP Vice President Dayashankar Singh told reporters in Mau.<br />
<br />
&quot;Mayawati gives tickets for Rs 1 crore and if there is someone who can give Rs 2 crore than she sells it for Rs 2 crore within an hour. If someone is ready to give Rs 3 crore by the evening, she gives the ticket to him,&quot; Singh alleged.<br />
<br />
&quot;She is even worse than....The BSP workers, who are in BSP since Kanshi Ram&#39;s days are deserting the party,&quot; said Singh, who was in Mau for the first time after becoming party vice president to meet party workers this morning.<br />
<br />
Singh&#39;s remarks drew severe flak from members in the Rajya Sabha, including women MPs, with Deputy Chairperson P J Kurien saying that the House wants the Government to ensure that stringent action is taken against the BJP leader, as per law, for his &quot;unforgivable&quot; comments.<br />
<br />
There was all-round condemnation of Singh for his remarks by MPs, including Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam&#39;s Kanimozhi, Congress&#39; Kumari Selja and Renuka Chowdhury, TK Rangarajan of Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Satish Chandra Mishra of BSP and demands were made for action against him.<br />
<br />
Leader of the House Arun Jaitley got up to offer regret on behalf of the party, and said the remarks were highly condemnable.<br />
<br />
&quot;It is highly condemnable that a political leader uses such words against a prominent woman leader. I regret the use of such words and will ensure that the matter is taken up by the concerned. I personally express regret to Mayawatiji and we are with you on the issue of protecting dignity,&quot; Jaitley said.<br />
<br />
A visibly agitated Mayawati, who was present in the House, thanked Jaitley and all other members for their condemnation of Singh&#39;s remarks, but demanded that BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah discuss the matter, expel Singh from the party and take action against him.<br />
<br />
She said mere expression of regret will not suffice and added, &quot;His (Singh&#39;s) remarks apply for his sister and daughter and not for me. The whole country will not forgive BJP. People will come on the streets.&quot;<br />
<br />
Mayawati said the remarks by the BJP leader reflected the &quot;capitalistic mindset&quot; and asserted that never in her political career had she used any derogatory or personal remarks against her adversaries or questioned their character, though there could be ideological differences.<br />
<br />
The BSP chief said she represented the most oppressed and exploited people of the country and had dedicated her whole life to them. She said the BSP always collected funds from the poor to carry forward the movement started by Kanshi Ram so that it does not have to rely on capitalists.<br />
<br />
&quot;On my birthday, I have told my supporters not to give me any expensive gifts like gold and jewellery, but make economic contributions to the party,&quot; she said.<br />
<br />
Mayawati attacked the BJP, saying it was jittery, and its anti-dalit mindset has been exposed as it has still not sacked a minister who had compared dalits to dogs, an apparent reference to Minister of State V K Singh.&nbsp;As the uproar over the issue continued, the Deputy Chairperson adjourned the House till tomorrow.<br />
<br />
BSP MP S C Mishra said that the party will carry forward the issue and take legal action against Singh for his utterances under the<br />
SC/ST Act, as they do not expect the government to take any action in this regard. &quot;We will drag him to court,&quot; he said outside Parliament.<br />
<br />
Later in Ballia, Dayashankar Singh sought to do damage control saying it was a slip of tongue.<br />
<br />
&quot;Mayawati is a big leader and came from a small family. I did not want to hurt anyone. I regret the slip of tongue. I never meant to hurt the dignity of anyone,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
(PTI)

Singh stoked a major row by making derogatory remarks against Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati that drew severe condemnation from parties

Bharatiya Janata Party's Uttar Pradesh vice president Dayashankar Singh has been relieved of all responsibilities with immediate effect for derogatory statement against Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati, said BJP UP president Keshav Prasad Maurya. Singh stoked a major row by making derogatory remarks against BSP Chief Mayawati that drew severe condemnation from parties, while an embarrassed BJP expressed regret, but furore over the issue forced adjournment of Rajya Sabha for the day. "Mayawati is breaking the dream of Kanshi Ram into pieces. Mayawati is selling tickets like...," BJP Vice President Dayashankar Singh told reporters in Mau. "Mayawati gives tickets for Rs 1 crore and if there is someone who can give Rs 2 crore than she sells it for Rs 2 crore within an hour. If someone is ready to give Rs 3 crore by the evening, she gives the ticket to him," Singh alleged. "She is even worse than....The BSP workers, who are in BSP since Kanshi Ram's days are deserting the party," said Singh, who was in Mau for the first time after becoming party vice president to meet party workers this morning. Singh's remarks drew severe flak from members in the Rajya Sabha, including women MPs, with Deputy Chairperson P J Kurien saying that the House wants the Government to ensure that stringent action is taken against the BJP leader, as per law, for his "unforgivable" comments. There was all-round condemnation of Singh for his remarks by MPs, including Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's Kanimozhi, Congress' Kumari Selja and Renuka Chowdhury, TK Rangarajan of Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Satish Chandra Mishra of BSP and demands were made for action against him. Leader of the House Arun Jaitley got up to offer regret on behalf of the party, and said the remarks were highly condemnable. "It is highly condemnable that a political leader uses such words against a prominent woman leader. I regret the use of such words and will ensure that the matter is taken up by the concerned. I personally express regret to Mayawatiji and we are with you on the issue of protecting dignity," Jaitley said. A visibly agitated Mayawati, who was present in the House, thanked Jaitley and all other members for their condemnation of Singh's remarks, but demanded that BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah discuss the matter, expel Singh from the party and take action against him. She said mere expression of regret will not suffice and added, "His (Singh's) remarks apply for his sister and daughter and not for me. The whole country will not forgive BJP. People will come on the streets." Mayawati said the remarks by the BJP leader reflected the "capitalistic mindset" and asserted that never in her political career had she used any derogatory or personal remarks against her adversaries or questioned their character, though there could be ideological differences. The BSP chief said she represented the most oppressed and exploited people of the country and had dedicated her whole life to them. She said the BSP always collected funds from the poor to carry forward the movement started by Kanshi Ram so that it does not have to rely on capitalists. "On my birthday, I have told my supporters not to give me any expensive gifts like gold and jewellery, but make economic contributions to the party," she said. Mayawati attacked the BJP, saying it was jittery, and its anti-dalit mindset has been exposed as it has still not sacked a minister who had compared dalits to dogs, an apparent reference to Minister of State V K Singh. As the uproar over the issue continued, the Deputy Chairperson adjourned the House till tomorrow. BSP MP S C Mishra said that the party will carry forward the issue and take legal action against Singh for his utterances under the SC/ST Act, as they do not expect the government to take any action in this regard. "We will drag him to court," he said outside Parliament. Later in Ballia, Dayashankar Singh sought to do damage control saying it was a slip of tongue. "Mayawati is a big leader and came from a small family. I did not want to hurt anyone. I regret the slip of tongue. I never meant to hurt the dignity of anyone," he said. (PTI)

Dayashankar Singh removed as Bharatiya Janata Party's Uttar Pradesh vice president

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