A 40-year-old man died after setting himself on fire in Madurai this evening in an incident the police suspect is suicide linked to the ongoing controversy over the lighting of a deepam on a pillar at the Thiruparankundram hilltop.


Karthigai Deepam Row: Madurai Man Sets Himself on Fire Near Police Station in Tamil Nadu 

Not too far from the heart of Madurai city, is Krishnapuram Colony, which also goes by the name Weaver’s Colony, a reference to the primary vocation of those settled there. The community of handloom weavers hails from Saurashtra, which is the peninsular region of Gujarat, that covers nearly one-third of the western Indian state. The community from Saurashtra migrated to Tamil Nadu about 400 years ago and has made cultural capital of Tamil Nadu their home.&nbsp;

Having completely assimilated into Tamil culture and traditions, they are nearly indistinguishable from the population here, speaking in Madurai Tamil and dressed like those who’ve belonged here for ages. However, the community’s connect with their mother tongue remains as intact as ever. They say that every time they meet another person from their community and region, they would strike a conversation in their own language.&nbsp;

Of the nearly 300 families that live in the weavers colony, just about 200 of them have the traditional wooden handloom weaving equipment, which nearly occupies a 150 square feet room.&nbsp;

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Haridas Vinayaga, a trader who has been closely associated with the handloom industry says that the younger generations have started moving to other professions and settling well in life.&nbsp;

“This art form is passed on from one generation to another, but today only the aged people continue it, as they are left with no other option for their livelihood. They are desperate for Government support,” he said.

In stark contrast from nearly 25 years ago, today their artistic work of handloom weaving of Cotton saris faces the threat of extinction. Over the last quarter of a century, the emergence of synthetic materials, machine-weaving looms and sales of handloom garments have dented their hopes of a better life and livelihood.&nbsp;

The weavers say that until the mid-1990s, the state government used to provide them raw material, and buy the finished saris, as a part of a cooperative system. But the government not only stopped buying from the handloom weavers, but they also started procuring machine-made saris, thus dealing a body blow. Since then, the community of weavers depend on private suppliers who sell them the raw material and later pay a paltry sum of Rs 200-250 for a handloom sari.&nbsp;

A family of four - Ganesh, Rajeshwari, Kannan and Dhanalakshmi are working at the looms setup in their homes. It takes nearly two days worth of effort by all of them to make a single sari that costs around Rs 1000, which is eventually sold in shops for over Rs 2500. The weavers lament that the intermediaries make a large share of the money under the current arrangement. They say that a family of four members must toil to make around Rs 8000 a month.&nbsp;

The major demands of the weaver families are a Geographic Indication (GI) tag for their products, authentication for genuine handloom saris, weaver’s minimum guarantee among others. They are hopeful that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will help their community that belongs to the home state of the Prime Minister himself.

On Friday, while campaigning for the NDA candidates in Madurai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech was replete with references to leaders and cultural icons from the region. The NDA’s star campaigner had also touched upon this vibrant community from Saurashtra region, who had made Madurai their home over the last 400 years.&nbsp;

Not too far from the heart of Madurai city, is Krishnapuram Colony, which also goes by the name Weaver’s Colony, a reference to the primary vocation of those settled there.

Not too far from the heart of Madurai city, is Krishnapuram Colony, which also goes by the name Weaver’s Colony, a reference to the primary vocation of those settled there. The community of handloom weavers hails from Saurashtra, which is the peninsular region of Gujarat, that covers nearly one-third of the western Indian state. The community from Saurashtra migrated to Tamil Nadu about 400 years ago and has made cultural capital of Tamil Nadu their home. Having completely assimilated into Tamil culture and traditions, they are nearly indistinguishable from the population here, speaking in Madurai Tamil and dressed like those who’ve belonged here for ages. However, the community’s connect with their mother tongue remains as intact as ever. They say that every time they meet another person from their community and region, they would strike a conversation in their own language. Of the nearly 300 families that live in the weavers colony, just about 200 of them have the traditional wooden handloom weaving equipment, which nearly occupies a 150 square feet room. Haridas Vinayaga, a trader who has been closely associated with the handloom industry says that the younger generations have started moving to other professions and settling well in life. “This art form is passed on from one generation to another, but today only the aged people continue it, as they are left with no other option for their livelihood. They are desperate for Government support,” he said. In stark contrast from nearly 25 years ago, today their artistic work of handloom weaving of Cotton saris faces the threat of extinction. Over the last quarter of a century, the emergence of synthetic materials, machine-weaving looms and sales of handloom garments have dented their hopes of a better life and livelihood. The weavers say that until the mid-1990s, the state government used to provide them raw material, and buy the finished saris, as a part of a cooperative system. But the government not only stopped buying from the handloom weavers, but they also started procuring machine-made saris, thus dealing a body blow. Since then, the community of weavers depend on private suppliers who sell them the raw material and later pay a paltry sum of Rs 200-250 for a handloom sari. A family of four - Ganesh, Rajeshwari, Kannan and Dhanalakshmi are working at the looms setup in their homes. It takes nearly two days worth of effort by all of them to make a single sari that costs around Rs 1000, which is eventually sold in shops for over Rs 2500. The weavers lament that the intermediaries make a large share of the money under the current arrangement. They say that a family of four members must toil to make around Rs 8000 a month. The major demands of the weaver families are a Geographic Indication (GI) tag for their products, authentication for genuine handloom saris, weaver’s minimum guarantee among others. They are hopeful that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will help their community that belongs to the home state of the Prime Minister himself. On Friday, while campaigning for the NDA candidates in Madurai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech was replete with references to leaders and cultural icons from the region. The NDA’s star campaigner had also touched upon this vibrant community from Saurashtra region, who had made Madurai their home over the last 400 years.

Madurai: Handloom weavers from Saurashtra demand govt support

Mohandoss, who owns a salon in the southern state of Tamil Nadu’s temple town Madurai says that he or his family didn’t expect any recognition or rewards when they donated a large part of their savings for helping the needy during the lockdown.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="India vows to 'overcome fault lines' as it takes charge at UNSC">India vows to 'overcome fault lines' as it takes charge at UNSC</a>

His deed, which was inspired by his 13-year old daughter’s concern for the poor and needy was first lauded by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his radio address Mann Ki Baat. Now, barely a couple of days after the first surprise, Mohandoss's daughter Nethra has been appointed Goodwill Ambassador to the poor for UNADAP (United Nations Association for Development and Peace) under the civil society projects.&nbsp;

According to the communication from the UN Body, she would be given an opportunity to speak at the UN conferences in New York and Geneva, addressing the civil society forums and conferences. She has also been awarded a Dixon Scholarship and 1 lakh rupees have been&nbsp;credited in her mother’s bank account.&nbsp;

Nethra’s father told WION that she aspires to become a civil servant and work towards alleviating poverty and hunger.&nbsp;

“We have spent our savings (of Rs 5 lakh) for the welfare of the needy, because our daughter felt that we could always earn it back, but that isn’t daily the case with those who are struggling for even a meal.”

Over the last 20 days, the family’s salon has been in operation, following a nearly two-month lockdown.

Mohandoss says that customers have been visiting in good numbers and also expressing their appreciation. “We have received phone calls expressing gratitude from people whom we have known and complete strangers. We never imagined that we would get calls from the IAS officers, ministers, collector, police officials etc” he said.

He adds that their philanthropic work will continue and that there are a lot of people who have approached them to offer their contributions. “We have politely said no to cash contributions and agreed to accept rice, vegetables and groceries, which we can donate to the needy.”

The family is also grateful to their daughter’s school which has been bearing her educational expenses for over two years now.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Mohandoss, who owns a salon in the southern state of Tamil Nadu’s temple town Madurai says that he or his family didn’t expect any recognition or rewards when they donated a large part of their savings for helping the needy during the lockdown.

Mohandoss, who owns a salon in the southern state of Tamil Nadu’s temple town Madurai says that he or his family didn’t expect any recognition or rewards when they donated a large part of their savings for helping the needy during the lockdown. Also read | India vows to 'overcome fault lines' as it takes charge at UNSC His deed, which was inspired by his 13-year old daughter’s concern for the poor and needy was first lauded by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his radio address Mann Ki Baat. Now, barely a couple of days after the first surprise, Mohandoss's daughter Nethra has been appointed Goodwill Ambassador to the poor for UNADAP (United Nations Association for Development and Peace) under the civil society projects. According to the communication from the UN Body, she would be given an opportunity to speak at the UN conferences in New York and Geneva, addressing the civil society forums and conferences. She has also been awarded a Dixon Scholarship and 1 lakh rupees have been credited in her mother’s bank account. Nethra’s father told WION that she aspires to become a civil servant and work towards alleviating poverty and hunger. “We have spent our savings (of Rs 5 lakh) for the welfare of the needy, because our daughter felt that we could always earn it back, but that isn’t daily the case with those who are struggling for even a meal.” Over the last 20 days, the family’s salon has been in operation, following a nearly two-month lockdown. Mohandoss says that customers have been visiting in good numbers and also expressing their appreciation. “We have received phone calls expressing gratitude from people whom we have known and complete strangers. We never imagined that we would get calls from the IAS officers, ministers, collector, police officials etc” he said. He adds that their philanthropic work will continue and that there are a lot of people who have approached them to offer their contributions. “We have politely said no to cash contributions and agreed to accept rice, vegetables and groceries, which we can donate to the needy.” The family is also grateful to their daughter’s school which has been bearing her educational expenses for over two years now.

From special mention in Mann Ki Baat to recognition by UN body: Tamil Nadu girl’s philanthropy is winning hearts

In a heartbreaking case, a girl-baby, merely 4-days old was killed by her father and grandmother, as they were irked over the birth of the fourth girl child in their house.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/donald-trump-honours-indian-girl-for-gesture-towards-coronavirus-heroes-299385" hreflang="en">Donald Trump honours Indian girl for gesture towards coronavirus heroes</a>

Thavamani and Chitra are residents of Chozhavandhan in Madurai and the couple have three daughters. It was only last week that the Chitra had given birth to a baby girl at the primary health center in what was a normal delivery.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mask-of-stars-in-cinema-crazy-tamil-nadu-protective-masks-get-a-filmy-face-299377" hreflang="en">Mask of stars: In cinema-crazy Tamil Nadu protective masks get a filmy face</a>

Few days later the family claimed that the baby had died of some unknown illness and a hushed burial was conducted at a graveyard in Mutputhur. The circumstances surrounding the death, barely four days after the infant was born, led to suspicion among the neighbors who tipped off the Police.&nbsp;

The police, district officials and a medical team visited the site and exhumed the mortal remains to perform tests. It was then made clear that the baby was poisoned.&nbsp;

The cops have arrested the girl’s father Thavamani and grandmother Pandiyammal. Initially, the father and grandmother pleaded innocence and tried to mislead the investigation, but eventually they budged and confessed to the crime. The crime is said to have been perpetrated without the knowledge of the baby’s mother, that too at a time when she was away.

The father and Grandmother have been booked under Sections 201(causing disappearance of evidence of offence) and 302 (whoever commits murder shall be punished with death or imprisonment for life) of the IPC. The sections pertaining to female infanticide also would be added.&nbsp;

Earlier in March, a similar incident of female infanticide had been reported from Madurai.

In a heartbreaking case, a girl-baby, merely 4-days old was killed by her father and grandmother, as they were irked over the birth of the fourth girl child in their house.

In a heartbreaking case, a girl-baby, merely 4-days old was killed by her father and grandmother, as they were irked over the birth of the fourth girl child in their house. Also read: Donald Trump honours Indian girl for gesture towards coronavirus heroes Thavamani and Chitra are residents of Chozhavandhan in Madurai and the couple have three daughters. It was only last week that the Chitra had given birth to a baby girl at the primary health center in what was a normal delivery. Also read: Mask of stars: In cinema-crazy Tamil Nadu protective masks get a filmy face Few days later the family claimed that the baby had died of some unknown illness and a hushed burial was conducted at a graveyard in Mutputhur. The circumstances surrounding the death, barely four days after the infant was born, led to suspicion among the neighbors who tipped off the Police. The police, district officials and a medical team visited the site and exhumed the mortal remains to perform tests. It was then made clear that the baby was poisoned. The cops have arrested the girl’s father Thavamani and grandmother Pandiyammal. Initially, the father and grandmother pleaded innocence and tried to mislead the investigation, but eventually they budged and confessed to the crime. The crime is said to have been perpetrated without the knowledge of the baby’s mother, that too at a time when she was away. The father and Grandmother have been booked under Sections 201(causing disappearance of evidence of offence) and 302 (whoever commits murder shall be punished with death or imprisonment for life) of the IPC. The sections pertaining to female infanticide also would be added. Earlier in March, a similar incident of female infanticide had been reported from Madurai.

Father, grandmother held in female infanticide case in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai

At a time when journalists in few Indian states are testing positive for the Coronavirus, an event involving Tamil Nadu Minister for revenue and Disaster Management &nbsp;RB Udhayakumar and the Madurai district administration appeared to follow or encourage hardly any social distancing measures.&nbsp;

Journalists from print and electronic media, who were invited the government departments were seen jostling for space to capture the news. The journalists also say that there were hardly any precautions that were being exercised and encouraged by the authorities. &nbsp;

The event was held this morning in Madurai district’s South Masi street, where the Minister was to declare open 300 shops selling essential items. The large marketplace at South Masi street is said to have over 2000 shops, but they were all shut due to the lockdown and the restrictions that ensued. It was after an inspection by the Minister and the district authorities that 300 shops were opened today.&nbsp;

A media professional who spoke to WION said that there was no social distancing between the officials themselves and that no arrangements had been made to ensure that the on-site press meet involving over 50 journalists could take place with social distancing measures.&nbsp;

“While it important for the authorities to lead by example and act responsibly at times like these, it is also the clear responsibility of the media fraternity to collectively decide the ways and means to ensure safe coverage at such events. The way in which we were standing to cover the minister’s press only worsened our fears about the rapid spread of the pandemic. We must remind ourselves that Madurai alone has 48 COVID cases” the journalist added.

So far, according to sources in a Chennai-based private Tamil news channel, 27 employees have been tested positive for COVID-19. However, the government bulletin has not mentioned this figure specifically or gone into the details.

According to the channel staff, after 1 employee was tested positive, 94 of the channel’s staff were tested and 26 turned positive and it includes those in news and non-news functions. The channel has suspended news operations and has only a handful of staff to ensure that recorded programming is aired.&nbsp;

As per the latest government bulletin, Tamil Nadu currently has 1596 recorded coronavirus cases, of which 940 are active cases, as 635 patients have been discharged and there have been 18 casualties. Capital city Chennai alone has 358 cases, which is the highest in any district in Tamil Nadu.

At a time when journalists in few Indian states are testing positive for the Coronavirus, an event involving Tamil Nadu Minister for revenue and Disaster Management RB Udhayakumar and the Madurai district administration appeared to follow or encourage hardly any social distancing measures.

At a time when journalists in few Indian states are testing positive for the Coronavirus, an event involving Tamil Nadu Minister for revenue and Disaster Management RB Udhayakumar and the Madurai district administration appeared to follow or encourage hardly any social distancing measures. Journalists from print and electronic media, who were invited the government departments were seen jostling for space to capture the news. The journalists also say that there were hardly any precautions that were being exercised and encouraged by the authorities. The event was held this morning in Madurai district’s South Masi street, where the Minister was to declare open 300 shops selling essential items. The large marketplace at South Masi street is said to have over 2000 shops, but they were all shut due to the lockdown and the restrictions that ensued. It was after an inspection by the Minister and the district authorities that 300 shops were opened today. A media professional who spoke to WION said that there was no social distancing between the officials themselves and that no arrangements had been made to ensure that the on-site press meet involving over 50 journalists could take place with social distancing measures. “While it important for the authorities to lead by example and act responsibly at times like these, it is also the clear responsibility of the media fraternity to collectively decide the ways and means to ensure safe coverage at such events. The way in which we were standing to cover the minister’s press only worsened our fears about the rapid spread of the pandemic. We must remind ourselves that Madurai alone has 48 COVID cases” the journalist added. So far, according to sources in a Chennai-based private Tamil news channel, 27 employees have been tested positive for COVID-19. However, the government bulletin has not mentioned this figure specifically or gone into the details. According to the channel staff, after 1 employee was tested positive, 94 of the channel’s staff were tested and 26 turned positive and it includes those in news and non-news functions. The channel has suspended news operations and has only a handful of staff to ensure that recorded programming is aired. As per the latest government bulletin, Tamil Nadu currently has 1596 recorded coronavirus cases, of which 940 are active cases, as 635 patients have been discharged and there have been 18 casualties. Capital city Chennai alone has 358 cases, which is the highest in any district in Tamil Nadu.

No social distancing encouraged at Tamil Nadu Minister’s event in Madurai

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/need-serious-dialogue-for-repatriation-of-lankan-refugees-in-tamil-nadu-sri-lankan-envoy-191330">More than 200 Sri Lankan refugees</a> living in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/storeroom-security-breach-of-madurai-lok-sabha-seat-eroded-public-confidence-election-commission-214901">Tamil Nadu`s Madurai district</a> for 29 years submitted petitions to collector`s office on Monday to seek the Indian citizenship.

As many as 457 Sri Lankan refugees have been living in Madurai ever since they fled their worn-torn nation in 1990, at the height of the civil war in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Since then, they have been living in the refugee camps provided by the Tamil Nadu government."During the final war in Sri Lanka, we took refuge in India. We are grateful to the Government of India and the Government of Tamil Nadu for all the necessary facilities," Sri Lankan refugee KS Jeevan told media outside the district collector`s office.&nbsp;

The lack of Indian citizenship makes it difficult for these refugees to apply for a secured job.

"It has been 29 years since we came to India and we need to get Indian citizenship. Due to the lack of Indian citizenship, we could not go to any job. We have come to the Madurai District collector today demanding Need for Indian citizenship of Tamil Nadu government," he added.

"We want Indian citizenship, especially for our children," said Pumati, a refugee.

"Whenever we tell them they could go back to Sri Lanka, they refuse and tell us that they were born in India and would live in India. They should be granted Indian citizenship."

More than 200 Sri Lankan refugees living in Tamil Nadu`s Madurai district for 29 years submitted petitions to collector`s office on Monday to seek the Indian citizenship.

More than 200 Sri Lankan refugees living in Tamil Nadu`s Madurai district for 29 years submitted petitions to collector`s office on Monday to seek the Indian citizenship. As many as 457 Sri Lankan refugees have been living in Madurai ever since they fled their worn-torn nation in 1990, at the height of the civil war in Sri Lanka. Since then, they have been living in the refugee camps provided by the Tamil Nadu government."During the final war in Sri Lanka, we took refuge in India. We are grateful to the Government of India and the Government of Tamil Nadu for all the necessary facilities," Sri Lankan refugee KS Jeevan told media outside the district collector`s office. The lack of Indian citizenship makes it difficult for these refugees to apply for a secured job. "It has been 29 years since we came to India and we need to get Indian citizenship. Due to the lack of Indian citizenship, we could not go to any job. We have come to the Madurai District collector today demanding Need for Indian citizenship of Tamil Nadu government," he added. "We want Indian citizenship, especially for our children," said Pumati, a refugee. "Whenever we tell them they could go back to Sri Lanka, they refuse and tell us that they were born in India and would live in India. They should be granted Indian citizenship."

Tamil Nadu: Sri Lankan refugees submit petitions to seek Indian citizenship

The Election Commission on Tuesday submitted in the Madras High Court that the security breach in the storage room, where poll related documents of Madurai Lok Sabha seat were kept, has eroded public confidence to a significant extent about the fairness of the election process.

"The incident has created a dent and serious apprehension in the minds of public, media, candidates and political parties," Satyabrata Sahoo, Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer said through a counter filed in the plea by CPI-M candidate Su Venkatesan, seeking a probe by a Special Investigation Team.

Sahoo said the lapse shows the need for substantial improvement in the coordination between the police and the district administration.

"For counting and results, one additional counting observer from the state civil service in the rank of the additional magistrate will be appointed to report to the general observer for the constituency," Sahoo said.

Earlier, the division bench of Justices S Manikumar and Subramonium Prasad refused to vacate the interim order directing the Election Commission (EC) to initiate disciplinary action against the transferred Madurai returning officer S Natarajan and others who were responsible for the security breach.

Technically, it was not the court's direction, while the court was about to pass orders, the EC produced a communication informing their decision to transfer the officials and take disciplinary action against them. The same was recorded in the order, the bench said, rejecting Natarajan's request.

Senior counsel ARL Sundaresan, appearing for Natarajan, submitted it was only the assistant returning officer who instructed the tahsildar to visit the room which was under his custody without obtaining prior permission from the returning officer.

Claiming that he was facing action for no fault on his part, Natarajan submitted that even the additional chief electoral officer who conducted an inquiry into the incident did not get any explanation from him.

"He had not been given fair opportunities to know the statements of others and to defend the allegations against him," Sundaresan said.

Similarly, M Rajasekaran, Personal Assistant (General) to the Madurai Collector, who was alleged to have instructed the ARO to send the tahsildar to visit the room, moved an impleading petition claiming that he has no role in the election works as it was handled by a separate designated PA.

"My name has been included in the issue and action has been ordered by mistake," he said.

As the petitioners' counsel did not object for his impleading, the court added him as a party respondent and posted the plea to June 6 for further hearing.

On Saturday, the court directed the Election Commission to initiate disciplinary action or prosecution against M Rajasekaran and two officials for allowing polling staff to enter a storage room where records of the April 18 polls are kept.

Besides the PA, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime), who was in charge of election duty that day, and police personnel present there reportedly allowed a woman tahsildar and three other polling staff to enter the room.

The Tahsildar is now under suspension.

The court had passed the interim order on a petition filed by CPI(M)'s Venkatesan.

According to Venkatesan, the tahsildar allegedly trespassed into the documents storage room on April 20 without any authority and remained there for three hours.

Venkatesan has submitted that three staff members of Madurai Municipal Corporation had also accompanied her.

Alleging that the unlawful incident would not have occurred without the knowledge of District Collector Natarajan, who is the Returning Officer, Venkatesan had sought an interim direction for appointment of a special observer of the rank of an IAS officer for counting the postal ballots.

Besides, the petitioner also sought three-tier security for the counting centre, transfer of the returning officer and appointment of a Special Investigation Team.&nbsp;

The Election Commission on Tuesday submitted in the Madras High Court that the security breach in the storage room, where poll related documents of Madurai Lok Sabha seat were kept, has eroded public confidence to a significant extent about the fairness of the election process.

The Election Commission on Tuesday submitted in the Madras High Court that the security breach in the storage room, where poll related documents of Madurai Lok Sabha seat were kept, has eroded public confidence to a significant extent about the fairness of the election process. "The incident has created a dent and serious apprehension in the minds of public, media, candidates and political parties," Satyabrata Sahoo, Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer said through a counter filed in the plea by CPI-M candidate Su Venkatesan, seeking a probe by a Special Investigation Team. Sahoo said the lapse shows the need for substantial improvement in the coordination between the police and the district administration. "For counting and results, one additional counting observer from the state civil service in the rank of the additional magistrate will be appointed to report to the general observer for the constituency," Sahoo said. Earlier, the division bench of Justices S Manikumar and Subramonium Prasad refused to vacate the interim order directing the Election Commission (EC) to initiate disciplinary action against the transferred Madurai returning officer S Natarajan and others who were responsible for the security breach. Technically, it was not the court's direction, while the court was about to pass orders, the EC produced a communication informing their decision to transfer the officials and take disciplinary action against them. The same was recorded in the order, the bench said, rejecting Natarajan's request. Senior counsel ARL Sundaresan, appearing for Natarajan, submitted it was only the assistant returning officer who instructed the tahsildar to visit the room which was under his custody without obtaining prior permission from the returning officer. Claiming that he was facing action for no fault on his part, Natarajan submitted that even the additional chief electoral officer who conducted an inquiry into the incident did not get any explanation from him. "He had not been given fair opportunities to know the statements of others and to defend the allegations against him," Sundaresan said. Similarly, M Rajasekaran, Personal Assistant (General) to the Madurai Collector, who was alleged to have instructed the ARO to send the tahsildar to visit the room, moved an impleading petition claiming that he has no role in the election works as it was handled by a separate designated PA. "My name has been included in the issue and action has been ordered by mistake," he said. As the petitioners' counsel did not object for his impleading, the court added him as a party respondent and posted the plea to June 6 for further hearing. On Saturday, the court directed the Election Commission to initiate disciplinary action or prosecution against M Rajasekaran and two officials for allowing polling staff to enter a storage room where records of the April 18 polls are kept. Besides the PA, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime), who was in charge of election duty that day, and police personnel present there reportedly allowed a woman tahsildar and three other polling staff to enter the room. The Tahsildar is now under suspension. The court had passed the interim order on a petition filed by CPI(M)'s Venkatesan. According to Venkatesan, the tahsildar allegedly trespassed into the documents storage room on April 20 without any authority and remained there for three hours. Venkatesan has submitted that three staff members of Madurai Municipal Corporation had also accompanied her. Alleging that the unlawful incident would not have occurred without the knowledge of District Collector Natarajan, who is the Returning Officer, Venkatesan had sought an interim direction for appointment of a special observer of the rank of an IAS officer for counting the postal ballots. Besides, the petitioner also sought three-tier security for the counting centre, transfer of the returning officer and appointment of a Special Investigation Team.

Storeroom security breach of Madurai Lok Sabha seat eroded public confidence: Election Commission

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday lifted the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-madras-high-court-doesnt-decide-by-april-24-ban-on-tiktok-will-be-lifted-supreme-court-212501">ban on TikTok video application</a>.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court of India told Chinese company Bytedance Technology, the maker of hugely popular video-sharing app TikTok, that if Madras the High Court fails to decide by April 24 its plea for relief, then its ban order will stand vacated.

The company had told the court that the Madras High Court gave the order banning the app in India without hearing its side of the story. It also said that the ban has led to a loss of crores of rupees.

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The Supreme Court bench then said the next date of hearing is April 24, and if the high court doesn't decide on the plea against the ban, the order will stand vacated.

Google had last week blocked access to TikTok on its Play Store in India. The decision was taken hours after the Madras High Court refused a request by Bytedance Technology to suspend a ban on TikTok, putting its future in one of its key markets in doubt.

The Madras High Court had on April 3 asked the central government to ban TikTok, saying it encouraged pornography and made child users vulnerable to sexual predators. It's ruling came after an individual launched public interest litigation calling for a ban.

The Centre had sent a letter to Apple and Google to abide by the state court's order.

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday lifted the ban on TikTok video application. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court of India told Chinese company Bytedance Technology, the maker of hugely popular video-sharing app TikTok, that if Madras the High Court fails to decide by April 24 its plea for relief, then its ban order will stand vacated.

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday lifted the ban on TikTok video application. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court of India told Chinese company Bytedance Technology, the maker of hugely popular video-sharing app TikTok, that if Madras the High Court fails to decide by April 24 its plea for relief, then its ban order will stand vacated. The company had told the court that the Madras High Court gave the order banning the app in India without hearing its side of the story. It also said that the ban has led to a loss of crores of rupees. Madurai bench of the Madras High Court lifts ban on TikTok video app. pic.twitter.com/1oFP4oYncs — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2019 × The Supreme Court bench then said the next date of hearing is April 24, and if the high court doesn't decide on the plea against the ban, the order will stand vacated. Google had last week blocked access to TikTok on its Play Store in India. The decision was taken hours after the Madras High Court refused a request by Bytedance Technology to suspend a ban on TikTok, putting its future in one of its key markets in doubt. The Madras High Court had on April 3 asked the central government to ban TikTok, saying it encouraged pornography and made child users vulnerable to sexual predators. It's ruling came after an individual launched public interest litigation calling for a ban. The Centre had sent a letter to Apple and Google to abide by the state court's order.

Madras High Court lifts ban on TikTok video app

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has asked the Tamil Nadu government why it can’t make the Aadhaar card mandatory for purchasing liquor from state-run TASMAC outlets. The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) is responsible for the sales of liquor and enjoys a monopoly over the Indian-made foreign liquor.

This comes after Arun Pandian, a Madurai resident approached the court pleading for an interim ban on applying for bar licenses attached to TASMAC outlets. The Judges also raised questions about why the business hours of liquor shops were not limited between 2 pm and 10 pm (the existing working hours are from 12 noon to 10 pm). Why not shut down the bars that are attached to these outlets, asked the judges.&nbsp;

These questions were raised given that school students and those below the legal age for alcohol consumption were able to purchase liquor from the state-run outlets. They also made a mention of how this could lead to a rising in illegal activities and road accidents. The judges also pointed out that various crimes took place at the bars attached to TASMAC outlets. The case has been adjourned and the Managing Director of TASMAC is required to file his reply before March 12th.&nbsp;

Prohibition has been a contentious issue in Tamil Nadu. In their poll manifesto ahead of the 2016 elections few parties had promised total prohibition if voted to power. Whereas the AIADMK that ended up winning the 2016 Assembly Polls had promised ‘phased prohibition’, which meant that 500 liquor shops would be closed down every year. However, it is important to note that revenue obtained from liquor sales contributes a significant chunk to the State Exchequer.&nbsp;

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has asked the Tamil Nadu government why it can’t make the Aadhaar card mandatory for purchasing liquor from state-run TASMAC outlets.

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has asked the Tamil Nadu government why it can’t make the Aadhaar card mandatory for purchasing liquor from state-run TASMAC outlets. The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) is responsible for the sales of liquor and enjoys a monopoly over the Indian-made foreign liquor. This comes after Arun Pandian, a Madurai resident approached the court pleading for an interim ban on applying for bar licenses attached to TASMAC outlets. The Judges also raised questions about why the business hours of liquor shops were not limited between 2 pm and 10 pm (the existing working hours are from 12 noon to 10 pm). Why not shut down the bars that are attached to these outlets, asked the judges. These questions were raised given that school students and those below the legal age for alcohol consumption were able to purchase liquor from the state-run outlets. They also made a mention of how this could lead to a rising in illegal activities and road accidents. The judges also pointed out that various crimes took place at the bars attached to TASMAC outlets. The case has been adjourned and the Managing Director of TASMAC is required to file his reply before March 12th. Prohibition has been a contentious issue in Tamil Nadu. In their poll manifesto ahead of the 2016 elections few parties had promised total prohibition if voted to power. Whereas the AIADMK that ended up winning the 2016 Assembly Polls had promised ‘phased prohibition’, which meant that 500 liquor shops would be closed down every year. However, it is important to note that revenue obtained from liquor sales contributes a significant chunk to the State Exchequer.

Madurai Bench of Madras HC: Why not make Aadhaar card mandatory for purchasing liquor from state-run outlets? 

Arulmozhi Saravanan, a Mudra Yojana beneficiary, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi Narendra Modi in Madurai on Sunday during his visit to the city to lay the foundation stone of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Saravanan, whose thermo flasks were ordered by the Prime Minister Office (PMO) via Government e-Marketplace, decided to meet the Prime Minister after learning about his visit to the city.

Earlier, when Saravanan learnt about the Central government's Mudra Yojana for small entrepreneurs to get loans without collateral, she had applied for the same and obtained a Mudra loan for her business-to supply simple goods and products to government offices.

When she heard of the GeM, she herself registered on it. In 2017, while browsing the GeM site, Saravanan noticed that the PMO was interested in purchasing a few thermo flasks, which she could supply. She responded, and soon PMO confirmed the order.&nbsp;

The flasks were later supplied, and the payment was made to Saravanan.

Saravanan shared this story with Prime Minister Modi, through a letter. The Prime Minister later mentioned it on his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme in mid-2017. 
It is worth mentioning that in her letters to PM, she addresses PM Modi as her father.

Thereafter, by supplying products to various offices, her business grew. Recently, she wrote to the Prime Minister again, informing him of the updates in her business, and the transformation in her life.

Interestingly, the turnover of her enterprise has crossed Rs 1 crore in the current financial year. It all started with an order of Rs 234 on GeM.

Saravanan, who earlier used firewood for cooking, now has moved over to a gas cylinder.&nbsp;

She is now planning to give up her cooking gas subsidy. Next on her agenda will be a home loan.

She said that her experience using GeM makes her believe that it is a great platform for the government offices to save public money. For her, GeM is now not just a means to a business. She describes it as a service to the nation.

Saravanan also believes that doing business has become easier after the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

From Mudra to GeM to GST, Saravanan, undoubtedly, is just one illustration of how the government's reforms are working on the ground to improve the ease the people's life.&nbsp;

Arulmozhi Saravanan, a Mudra Yojana beneficiary, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi Narendra Modi in Madurai on Sunday during his visit to the city to lay the foundation stone of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Arulmozhi Saravanan, a Mudra Yojana beneficiary, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi Narendra Modi in Madurai on Sunday during his visit to the city to lay the foundation stone of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Saravanan, whose thermo flasks were ordered by the Prime Minister Office (PMO) via Government e-Marketplace, decided to meet the Prime Minister after learning about his visit to the city. Earlier, when Saravanan learnt about the Central government's Mudra Yojana for small entrepreneurs to get loans without collateral, she had applied for the same and obtained a Mudra loan for her business-to supply simple goods and products to government offices. When she heard of the GeM, she herself registered on it. In 2017, while browsing the GeM site, Saravanan noticed that the PMO was interested in purchasing a few thermo flasks, which she could supply. She responded, and soon PMO confirmed the order. The flasks were later supplied, and the payment was made to Saravanan. Saravanan shared this story with Prime Minister Modi, through a letter. The Prime Minister later mentioned it on his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme in mid-2017. It is worth mentioning that in her letters to PM, she addresses PM Modi as her father. Thereafter, by supplying products to various offices, her business grew. Recently, she wrote to the Prime Minister again, informing him of the updates in her business, and the transformation in her life. Interestingly, the turnover of her enterprise has crossed Rs 1 crore in the current financial year. It all started with an order of Rs 234 on GeM. Saravanan, who earlier used firewood for cooking, now has moved over to a gas cylinder. She is now planning to give up her cooking gas subsidy. Next on her agenda will be a home loan. She said that her experience using GeM makes her believe that it is a great platform for the government offices to save public money. For her, GeM is now not just a means to a business. She describes it as a service to the nation. Saravanan also believes that doing business has become easier after the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST). From Mudra to GeM to GST, Saravanan, undoubtedly, is just one illustration of how the government's reforms are working on the ground to improve the ease the people's life.

PM Modi meets Mudra entrepreneur Arulmozhi Saravanan in Madurai

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan has invited people to &#39;create a new era&#39; even as he gears up to launch his political party on Wednesday in Madurai.&nbsp;

Haasan began his political journey from the house of former President APJ Abdul Kalam. Hours before launching his political party, he visited the residence of Kalam&nbsp;and interacted with his family members.

Haasan was warmly received by the family members of the former President.&nbsp;The actor slightly tweaked his schedule for the day, cancelling his visit to a school, after the local administration reportedly denied him permission to visit it.

The actor will take out a rally from the house of&nbsp;Kalam&nbsp;at Rameswaram, culminating in Madurai where he will address a rally to announce the party&rsquo;s name and launch its flag. According to sources close to the actor Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to attend the rally; Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar too have been invited, however, they could send video messages as they could not reach Madurai.

People in Tamil Nadu are waiting for to know who are the other party key members and whether the actor will announce their names at the meeting in Madurai today. While some source said that the actor will announce the list of office bearers including party&rsquo;s district committees at the rally in Madurai, other reports suggested that the actor likely to follow the path of late chief minister J Jayalalithaa, who was the single power centre in the party she ran until her death and unlikely project anyone. &nbsp;

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Tamil Nadu: Kamal Haasan visits APJ Abdul Kalam&#39;s house in Rameswaram. <a href="https://t.co/fp10vi4atL">pic.twitter.com/fp10vi4atL</a>
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&ldquo;There are intellectuals, activists and anti-corruption groups guiding and advising him, but he is unlikely to project a second leader next to him in the initial stages,&rdquo; reports said quoting a source. The party will be in the line of &nbsp; Aam Aadmi Party and similar anti-corruption movements in Tamil Nadu. The party&#39;s name may not include words such as &lsquo;Dravida&rsquo; or &lsquo;Kazhagam&rsquo;. Some of the final designs selected for the flag are simple ones in two or three colours.&rdquo;

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Hassan is expected to Ramanathapuram, his hometown, where he will address a gathering that is expected to be of 2,000 or more people

He will meet people at two more places on the way to Madurai, in Paramakudi and Manamadurai. Organisers expect a few hundred people in both places and he may also deliver speeches.

On the eve of the party launch, DMK working president M K Stalin ridiculed the actor&rsquo;s political venture. Taking a veiled dig once again at top actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan for their political ambitions, DMK Working President M K Stalin likened them to &#39;glamorous paper flowers&#39; which do not spread fragrance.

&quot;Owing to seasonal changes some flowers may suddenly bloom and later wither. Similarly, in Tamil Nadu&#39;s political arena too glamorous paper flowers may bloom,&quot; he said in an apparent reference to top actors Rajinikanth and Haasan&#39;s political entry.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, in a letter to party cadres said though &quot;such flowers may bloom, they do not spread fragrance,&quot; which is seen as an indication that the duo could not succeed and shine in politics though they could enter the fray.

Kamal Haasan was quick to retort to Stalin&#39;s jibe, telling reporters at Madurai that &quot;I am not a flower, I am a seed, sow me, I will grow.&quot;

Kamal Haasan, who has been meeting senior politicians in the last one week, including DMK&rsquo;s M Karunanidhi and CPI&rsquo;s R Nallakannu, besides Rajinikanth, has also visited Vijayakanth, the film-star who turned politician in 2005.&nbsp;

Asked why he did not meet any leaders of the ruling AIADMK, Kamal Haasan said he does not like this government. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want to meet them.&rdquo;

On the eve of the party launch, DMK working president M K Stalin ridiculed the actor’s political venture.

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan has invited people to 'create a new era' even as he gears up to launch his political party on Wednesday in Madurai. Haasan began his political journey from the house of former President APJ Abdul Kalam. Hours before launching his political party, he visited the residence of Kalam and interacted with his family members. Haasan was warmly received by the family members of the former President. The actor slightly tweaked his schedule for the day, cancelling his visit to a school, after the local administration reportedly denied him permission to visit it. The actor will take out a rally from the house of Kalam at Rameswaram, culminating in Madurai where he will address a rally to announce the party’s name and launch its flag. According to sources close to the actor Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to attend the rally; Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar too have been invited, however, they could send video messages as they could not reach Madurai. People in Tamil Nadu are waiting for to know who are the other party key members and whether the actor will announce their names at the meeting in Madurai today. While some source said that the actor will announce the list of office bearers including party’s district committees at the rally in Madurai, other reports suggested that the actor likely to follow the path of late chief minister J Jayalalithaa, who was the single power centre in the party she ran until her death and unlikely project anyone. Tamil Nadu: Kamal Haasan visits APJ Abdul Kalam's house in Rameswaram. pic.twitter.com/fp10vi4atL — ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018 × “There are intellectuals, activists and anti-corruption groups guiding and advising him, but he is unlikely to project a second leader next to him in the initial stages,” reports said quoting a source. The party will be in the line of Aam Aadmi Party and similar anti-corruption movements in Tamil Nadu. The party's name may not include words such as ‘Dravida’ or ‘Kazhagam’. Some of the final designs selected for the flag are simple ones in two or three colours.” Tamil Nadu: Kamal Haasan leaves after visiting APJ Abdul Kalam's house in Rameswaram. pic.twitter.com/m8NxR8V8he — ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018 × Hassan is expected to Ramanathapuram, his hometown, where he will address a gathering that is expected to be of 2,000 or more people He will meet people at two more places on the way to Madurai, in Paramakudi and Manamadurai. Organisers expect a few hundred people in both places and he may also deliver speeches. On the eve of the party launch, DMK working president M K Stalin ridiculed the actor’s political venture. Taking a veiled dig once again at top actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan for their political ambitions, DMK Working President M K Stalin likened them to 'glamorous paper flowers' which do not spread fragrance. "Owing to seasonal changes some flowers may suddenly bloom and later wither. Similarly, in Tamil Nadu's political arena too glamorous paper flowers may bloom," he said in an apparent reference to top actors Rajinikanth and Haasan's political entry. The Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, in a letter to party cadres said though "such flowers may bloom, they do not spread fragrance," which is seen as an indication that the duo could not succeed and shine in politics though they could enter the fray. Kamal Haasan was quick to retort to Stalin's jibe, telling reporters at Madurai that "I am not a flower, I am a seed, sow me, I will grow." Kamal Haasan, who has been meeting senior politicians in the last one week, including DMK’s M Karunanidhi and CPI’s R Nallakannu, besides Rajinikanth, has also visited Vijayakanth, the film-star who turned politician in 2005. Asked why he did not meet any leaders of the ruling AIADMK, Kamal Haasan said he does not like this government. “I don’t want to meet them.”

Kamal Haasan to launch political party today, invites people to 'create a new era'

Leading actor Kamal Haasan today formally entered politics by launching a party named Makkal Needhi Maiam (People&#39;s Justice Party) at a public meeting in Madurai. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was present at the meeting where the actor said he is &quot;going to create a people&#39;s government&quot; amid much fanfare. Haasan had said on Tuesday that he in entering politics &quot;only because the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) party is bad&quot;.

Here are the top developments leading up to Kamal Haasan&#39;s party launch:

1. &quot;This is not a one day celebration. With this joy comes great responsibility. I am not going to tell you what to do, I&#39;m going to listen. I am duty bound for my Tamil motherland,&quot; Haasan said at the launch of his party today.

2. The actor began his political journey on Wednesday by visiting the house of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamal-is-a-second-kalam-posters-hit-the-streets-in-madurai-33619">A P J Abdul Kalam in Rameswaram</a>, describing the former president as his &quot;role model&quot;. He then undertook a 170-km-long road journey to reach Madurai where he announced the name of his party and unveiled its flag.

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நாம் கனவு காண்கிறோம். ஒரு புதிய கட்சி, ஒரு புதிய பாதை, ஒரு புதிய கொள்கை. &lsquo;மக்கள் நீதி மய்யம்&rsquo; 
தமிழகம் விழித்தெழட்டும்.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%AF%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#மய்யம்</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%B3%E0%AF%8D_%E0%AE%A8%E0%AF%80%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF_%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%AF%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#மக்கள்_நீதி_மய்யம்</a> 
 
official website: <a href="https://t.co/cql8kgqGkk">https://t.co/cql8kgqGkk</a> 
fb: <a href="https://t.co/2Gz1xRg5vf">https://t.co/2Gz1xRg5vf</a> 
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&mdash; Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ikamalhaasan/status/966314176447594496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

3. To the supporters who had gathered at the village in Rameswaram, Haasan said he is no more a movie star but a lamp in the homes of people. &quot;Like the lamp in your homes you should protect me,&quot; the 62-year-old actor told the gathering on his way to Madurai.

4. Haasan was greeted with chants of &#39;Nammavar&#39;, which translates to our man in English. &quot;It is the name of a film. My fans are aware of it. It&#39;s owning me up, it&#39;s our man,&quot; the actor said.

5. Before starting his road journey, Haasan called on DMK president M Karunanidhi at his Gopalapuram residence to seek his blessings. Stalin was also present there.

6. Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily said that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/will-kamal-haasan-fill-the-void-in-tamil-nadu-politics-8511">Haasan&#39;s party in Tamil Nadu</a> does not have much political space to grow. Moily said DMK and AIADMK are dominant regional political parties in the state. &quot;So, I don&#39;t think there will be much (political) space left for other regional parties, unless they align with these mainstream regional parties (DMK and AIADMK),&quot; Moily said.

7. Bharatiya Janata Party&#39;s Tamil Nadu unit leader Tamilisai Soundararajan told reporters that Kamal appeared to have &quot;started a political party to compete against someone&quot;, an apparent reference to superstar Rajinikanth who has also announced plans to launch his political entry. On the other hand, Dalit party leader Thol Thirumavalan told reporters that Kamal and Rajinikanth are agents of the BJP to affect DMK in Tamil Nadu.

8. Haasan had dropped hints of taking the political plunge in September last year. As the first step, the actor launched a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamal-haasan-confirms-his-debut-in-politics-to-launch-an-app-on-his-birthday-23566">mobile application</a> of his political party on his birthday on November 7, 2017. The actor said that the app will help him stay connected to his fans as well as help him book-keeping.

9. Kejriwal had called on Haasan in September, 2017, and had then said it was &quot;important at this point when the country is facing strong forces of corruption and communalism, all like minded people should talk to each other on these issues and work in tandem.&quot;

10. Besides Kejriwal, Haasan also met the chief ministers of Kerala and West Bengal, Pinarayi Vijayan and Mamata Banerjee, respectively, and &#39;superstar&#39; Rajinikanth ahead of his political foray.

&nbsp;

Haasan had dropped hints of taking the political plunge in September last year.

Leading actor Kamal Haasan today formally entered politics by launching a party named Makkal Needhi Maiam (People's Justice Party) at a public meeting in Madurai. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was present at the meeting where the actor said he is "going to create a people's government" amid much fanfare. Haasan had said on Tuesday that he in entering politics "only because the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) party is bad". Here are the top developments leading up to Kamal Haasan's party launch: 1. "This is not a one day celebration. With this joy comes great responsibility. I am not going to tell you what to do, I'm going to listen. I am duty bound for my Tamil motherland," Haasan said at the launch of his party today. 2. The actor began his political journey on Wednesday by visiting the house of A P J Abdul Kalam in Rameswaram, describing the former president as his "role model". He then undertook a 170-km-long road journey to reach Madurai where he announced the name of his party and unveiled its flag. நாம் கனவு காண்கிறோம். ஒரு புதிய கட்சி, ஒரு புதிய பாதை, ஒரு புதிய கொள்கை. ‘மக்கள் நீதி மய்யம்’ தமிழகம் விழித்தெழட்டும்.#மய்யம் #மக்கள்_நீதி_மய்யம் official website: https://t.co/cql8kgqGkk fb: https://t.co/2Gz1xRg5vf twitter: https://t.co/J9ywXrunOb pic.twitter.com/pmq5wTGbwL — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) February 21, 2018 × 3. To the supporters who had gathered at the village in Rameswaram, Haasan said he is no more a movie star but a lamp in the homes of people. "Like the lamp in your homes you should protect me," the 62-year-old actor told the gathering on his way to Madurai. 4. Haasan was greeted with chants of 'Nammavar', which translates to our man in English. "It is the name of a film. My fans are aware of it. It's owning me up, it's our man," the actor said. 5. Before starting his road journey, Haasan called on DMK president M Karunanidhi at his Gopalapuram residence to seek his blessings. Stalin was also present there. 6. Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily said that Haasan's party in Tamil Nadu does not have much political space to grow. Moily said DMK and AIADMK are dominant regional political parties in the state. "So, I don't think there will be much (political) space left for other regional parties, unless they align with these mainstream regional parties (DMK and AIADMK)," Moily said. 7. Bharatiya Janata Party's Tamil Nadu unit leader Tamilisai Soundararajan told reporters that Kamal appeared to have "started a political party to compete against someone", an apparent reference to superstar Rajinikanth who has also announced plans to launch his political entry. On the other hand, Dalit party leader Thol Thirumavalan told reporters that Kamal and Rajinikanth are agents of the BJP to affect DMK in Tamil Nadu. 8. Haasan had dropped hints of taking the political plunge in September last year. As the first step, the actor launched a mobile application of his political party on his birthday on November 7, 2017. The actor said that the app will help him stay connected to his fans as well as help him book-keeping. 9. Kejriwal had called on Haasan in September, 2017, and had then said it was "important at this point when the country is facing strong forces of corruption and communalism, all like minded people should talk to each other on these issues and work in tandem." 10. Besides Kejriwal, Haasan also met the chief ministers of Kerala and West Bengal, Pinarayi Vijayan and Mamata Banerjee, respectively, and 'superstar' Rajinikanth ahead of his political foray.

Kamal Haasan takes political plunge, launches People's Justice Party in Madurai

Actor Kamal Haasan will launch his political party today.&nbsp;

He arrived in Rameswaram on Tuesday where he was given a rousing welcome by his supporters.

Haasan is scheduled to set out on a yatra from this island and launch the political party in Madurai, about 170 km from here.

His supporters raised slogans &quot;Hail Varungala Muthalvere&quot;(future chief minister) Hail Kamal Haasan&quot; as he arrived here in his native Ramanathapuram district in southern Tamil Nadu.

The 62-year old popular actor greeted the gathering outside the hotel where he was staying and said he would speak about everything on his political journey tomorrow.

He is expected to address the fishermen after vising former president A P J Abdul Kalam&#39;s house here and getting blessings from the late leader&#39;s elder brother tomorrow morning.

Haasan would also visit the memorial of Kalam here, his fan association sources said.

Later, he would leave for Madurai and address public meetings in Ramanathapuram, Manamadurai and Paramakudi, his home town.

While announcing his political tour last month, the actor had said he too shared the vision of Kalam who dreamt of a &quot;good Tamil Nadu.&quot;

By launching his tour from the residence of Kalam, he would be moving forward towards that goal, he had said.

Meanwhile, in a tweet today, Haasan welcomed people to attend his party launch to &quot;create a new era.&quot;

&quot;I am going to explain (about my) new party and the gyst of our policies.. Please come, to create a new era,&quot; he said.

&quot;Our long journey is starting tomorrow. I am going to hoist our party flag at 6 PM at Othakadai grounds in Madurai,&quot; he added.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will attend Haasan&#39;s party launch, the actor&#39;s camp said.

&quot;Kejriwal will attend the evening public meeting in Madurai tomorrow,&quot; sources close to the actor said.

The AAP supremo was also likely to address the meeting, they added.

Kejriwal had called on Haasan in Chennai in September 2017, when the award-winning actor had started dropping hints of taking the political plunge.

The Delhi Chief Minister had then said it was &quot;important at this point when the country is facing strong forces of corruption and communalism, all like minded people should talk to each other on these issues and work in tandem.&quot;

Besides Kejriwal, Haasan has also met the Chief Ministers of Kerala and West Bengal, Pinarayi Vijayan and Mamata Banerjee, respectively, DMK President M Karunanidhi and &#39;superstar&#39; Rajinikanth ahead of his political foray.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Actor Kamal Haasan will launch his political party today. He arrived in Rameswaram on Tuesday where he was given a rousing welcome by his supporters. Haasan is scheduled to set out on a yatra from this island and launch the political party in Madurai, about 170 km from here. His supporters raised slogans "Hail Varungala Muthalvere"(future chief minister) Hail Kamal Haasan" as he arrived here in his native Ramanathapuram district in southern Tamil Nadu. The 62-year old popular actor greeted the gathering outside the hotel where he was staying and said he would speak about everything on his political journey tomorrow. He is expected to address the fishermen after vising former president A P J Abdul Kalam's house here and getting blessings from the late leader's elder brother tomorrow morning. Haasan would also visit the memorial of Kalam here, his fan association sources said. Later, he would leave for Madurai and address public meetings in Ramanathapuram, Manamadurai and Paramakudi, his home town. While announcing his political tour last month, the actor had said he too shared the vision of Kalam who dreamt of a "good Tamil Nadu." By launching his tour from the residence of Kalam, he would be moving forward towards that goal, he had said. Meanwhile, in a tweet today, Haasan welcomed people to attend his party launch to "create a new era." "I am going to explain (about my) new party and the gyst of our policies.. Please come, to create a new era," he said. "Our long journey is starting tomorrow. I am going to hoist our party flag at 6 PM at Othakadai grounds in Madurai," he added. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will attend Haasan's party launch, the actor's camp said. "Kejriwal will attend the evening public meeting in Madurai tomorrow," sources close to the actor said. The AAP supremo was also likely to address the meeting, they added. Kejriwal had called on Haasan in Chennai in September 2017, when the award-winning actor had started dropping hints of taking the political plunge. The Delhi Chief Minister had then said it was "important at this point when the country is facing strong forces of corruption and communalism, all like minded people should talk to each other on these issues and work in tandem." Besides Kejriwal, Haasan has also met the Chief Ministers of Kerala and West Bengal, Pinarayi Vijayan and Mamata Banerjee, respectively, DMK President M Karunanidhi and 'superstar' Rajinikanth ahead of his political foray.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-his-63rd-birthday-kamal-haasan-launches-a-whistleblower-app-says-needs-time-to-launch-political-party-23660" target="_blank">Kamal Haasan</a> will announce his political party&#39;s name on February 21 at Tamil Nadu&#39;s Ramanathapuram and begin a state-wide tour the same day.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/welcome-welcome-kamal-haasan-on-rajinikanth-joining-politics-28154" target="_blank">Welcome welcome: Kamal Haasan on Rajinikanth joining politics</a>

The tour will be held in phases. He will begin the journey from Ramanathapuram -- his hometown -- and later visit people from the districts of Madurai, Dindigul and Sivagangai.

It will mark Haasan&#39;s official entry into <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rk-nagar-bypoll-win-was-a-purchased-one-kamal-haasan-28524" target="_blank">politics </a>about which he has been making overtures since last year.

&quot;At the commencement of the journey, I intend to announce the name of my political party along with the guiding principles we intend to live by,&quot; Haasan said in a statement yesterday.

The veteran actor said he intends to challenge the status quo &quot;that has been plaguing the politics of Tamil Nadu for some time now&quot;.

&quot;However, for this to happen, my thoughts and actions need to collectively resonate with the people,&quot; he said, adding that through the state-wide tour he wants to familiarise himself with the people&#39;s concerns.&quot;...To truly understand as to what the needs of my people are, what is afflicting them, what their aspirations are,&quot; he said.

Haasan said the tour was &quot;neither an act of rebellion nor a gathering for glamour&quot;.

&quot;This is a journey of discovery and learning and an opportunity for me to truly understand my people,&quot; said Haasan.

He exhorted the people of Tamil Nadu to &quot;question mediocrity&quot; and &quot;raise the bar&quot; of governance and welfare in the state.

&quot;This journey is intended towards that goal. I begin this journey with your support. Join hands with me to empower our country and state,&quot; said Haasan.

&quot;I will see you soon,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The tour will be held in phases. He will begin the journey from Ramanathapuram, his hometown, and later visit people from the districts of Madurai, Dindigul and Sivagangai

Kamal Haasan will announce his political party's name on February 21 at Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram and begin a state-wide tour the same day. Also read: Welcome welcome: Kamal Haasan on Rajinikanth joining politics The tour will be held in phases. He will begin the journey from Ramanathapuram -- his hometown -- and later visit people from the districts of Madurai, Dindigul and Sivagangai. It will mark Haasan's official entry into politics about which he has been making overtures since last year. "At the commencement of the journey, I intend to announce the name of my political party along with the guiding principles we intend to live by," Haasan said in a statement yesterday. The veteran actor said he intends to challenge the status quo "that has been plaguing the politics of Tamil Nadu for some time now". "However, for this to happen, my thoughts and actions need to collectively resonate with the people," he said, adding that through the state-wide tour he wants to familiarise himself with the people's concerns."...To truly understand as to what the needs of my people are, what is afflicting them, what their aspirations are," he said. Haasan said the tour was "neither an act of rebellion nor a gathering for glamour". "This is a journey of discovery and learning and an opportunity for me to truly understand my people," said Haasan. He exhorted the people of Tamil Nadu to "question mediocrity" and "raise the bar" of governance and welfare in the state. "This journey is intended towards that goal. I begin this journey with your support. Join hands with me to empower our country and state," said Haasan. "I will see you soon," he said.

Kamal Haasan to announce political party's name on February 21

One man died at a Jallikattu event in Palamedu in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu on Monday.

News reports said the man, 19, was a spectator. He has been identified as S Kalimuthu of Sanarpatti in Dindigul.

Kalimuthu was gored to death by a bull near the finish point of the bull run where owners collect&nbsp;their animals.

News reports said more than 25 people were injured at the event, of which six people have been admitted to hospital.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Bull-taming sport <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jallikattu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jallikattu</a> performed in Tamil Nadu&#39;s Madurai, earlier today. <a href="https://t.co/PaIzFrLuVW">pic.twitter.com/PaIzFrLuVW</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/952937565690056704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The reports said some 1,200 bulls were used at the event. And that an equal number of policeman were present.

On the first day of the event, on Sunday, some 79 people were injured.

Revenue minister RB Udaykumar and President of Jallikattu, Peravai P Rajasekar were seen attending the event.

Jallikattu was banned by the Supreme Court in 2014, the petitioners had alleged extreme cruelty to the animals.

But after massive protest and campaigns, Tamil Nadu enacted a law to bypass the court&#39;s verdict.

&nbsp;

The man, identified as a S Kalimuthu, was a spectator

One man died at a Jallikattu event in Palamedu in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu on Monday. News reports said the man, 19, was a spectator. He has been identified as S Kalimuthu of Sanarpatti in Dindigul. Kalimuthu was gored to death by a bull near the finish point of the bull run where owners collect their animals. News reports said more than 25 people were injured at the event, of which six people have been admitted to hospital. #WATCH: Bull-taming sport #Jallikattu performed in Tamil Nadu's Madurai, earlier today. pic.twitter.com/PaIzFrLuVW — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2018 × The reports said some 1,200 bulls were used at the event. And that an equal number of policeman were present. On the first day of the event, on Sunday, some 79 people were injured. Revenue minister RB Udaykumar and President of Jallikattu, Peravai P Rajasekar were seen attending the event. Jallikattu was banned by the Supreme Court in 2014, the petitioners had alleged extreme cruelty to the animals. But after massive protest and campaigns, Tamil Nadu enacted a law to bypass the court's verdict.

19-year-old gored to death at Jallikattu event in Tamil Nadu

Nothing matches an Indian wedding -- everything from the functions to the clothes have a grand feel to it. Perhaps this is what charmed this Japanese couple.&nbsp;

A Japanese couple,&nbsp;Chiharu Obata and Yuto Ninaga&nbsp;got married in a south Indian city Madurai on Sunday for their love for Tamil Nadu and its culture.&nbsp;

The wedding was carried out in a traditional manner -- complete with south Indian wedding attire for both the bride and groom, cards printed in Tamil, food served on leaves, and everything you can think of in a Tamilian wedding.&nbsp;

The couple took wedding vows in Tamil, took &#39;sathapathi&#39; or seven rounds around the wedding fire.&nbsp;

Watch their wedding ceremony:

<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PfR8aHksubM" width="970"></iframe>

The couple, according to an Indian news channel had gotten married in April last year in a small ceremony in Japan. They, however, got interested in renewing their vows in traditional Tamil style after Obata, who is doing linguistic research in Tamil Nadu since 2014, developed a special love for the state and its culture.

Obata came in touch with&nbsp;V Vinodhini and her husband Venkatesh - a couple from Madurai now settled in Japan. The Indian couple helped Obata and Ninaga to arrange a Hindu ceremony in the temple city.&nbsp;

Speaking to a leading newspaper, Obata said,&nbsp;&ldquo;Many people in Japan desist from marrying the traditional way. Some get married in a church but we decided to do it here. Both sides of the family barely needed any convincing. I&rsquo;m really happy today.&quot;

Obata, who now speaks smooth Tamil, credits the fluency to her research on similarities between the south Indian and Japanese culture.

Her now-husband Ninaga&nbsp;is getting used&nbsp;to the Tamil culture, even as the rituals were foreign to him.

The wedding was&nbsp;attended by their respective families, all dressed in traditional dresses.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Influenced by the culture of the state, the Japanese couple flew 6400km from Tokyo to a south Indian city to tie the knot in a traditional ceremony on Sunday

Nothing matches an Indian wedding -- everything from the functions to the clothes have a grand feel to it. Perhaps this is what charmed this Japanese couple. A Japanese couple, Chiharu Obata and Yuto Ninaga got married in a south Indian city Madurai on Sunday for their love for Tamil Nadu and its culture. The wedding was carried out in a traditional manner -- complete with south Indian wedding attire for both the bride and groom, cards printed in Tamil, food served on leaves, and everything you can think of in a Tamilian wedding. The couple took wedding vows in Tamil, took 'sathapathi' or seven rounds around the wedding fire. Watch their wedding ceremony: The couple, according to an Indian news channel had gotten married in April last year in a small ceremony in Japan. They, however, got interested in renewing their vows in traditional Tamil style after Obata, who is doing linguistic research in Tamil Nadu since 2014, developed a special love for the state and its culture. Obata came in touch with V Vinodhini and her husband Venkatesh - a couple from Madurai now settled in Japan. The Indian couple helped Obata and Ninaga to arrange a Hindu ceremony in the temple city. Speaking to a leading newspaper, Obata said, “Many people in Japan desist from marrying the traditional way. Some get married in a church but we decided to do it here. Both sides of the family barely needed any convincing. I’m really happy today." Obata, who now speaks smooth Tamil, credits the fluency to her research on similarities between the south Indian and Japanese culture. Her now-husband Ninaga is getting used to the Tamil culture, even as the rituals were foreign to him. The wedding was attended by their respective families, all dressed in traditional dresses.

Tokyo to Tamil Nadu: Japanese couple wed in Madurai for love of Tamil culture

Tollywood&nbsp;producer-director B. Ashok Kumar committed suicide in his home Alwarthirunagar near Valasaravakkam, on Tuesday, reports confirmed.&nbsp;

Kumar, who was a relative of director-actor Sasikumar, also wrote a suicide note in which he blamed a film financer - Anbu Chezhiya, from Madurai, from whom his production company had been taking loans - for leading him to take the severe step, reports said.&nbsp;

According to reports, an official from the Valasaravakkam police station informed that Kumar committed suicide by hanging in his&nbsp;apartment at Arcot Road in Alwarthirunagar after reportedly being coerced by Chezhiya to pay the loan he had taken&nbsp;seven years ago along with an exorbitant amount of interest.&nbsp;

Chezhiya&nbsp;was allegedly harassing the producer-director and had reportedly&nbsp;threatened to kidnap his family. Kumar&#39;s suicide note reportedly stated&nbsp;there were only two options left for him - either to kill the financier or end his life.&nbsp;

Sasikumar, along with filmmakers Bala, Samuthirakani, Karu Pazhaniappan and Ameer have lodged a complaint with Valasaravakkam police station, reports said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Vishal, the President of Tamil Nadu Producers&#39; Council and Secretary of Nadigar Sangam, expressed his condolences and requested the police to take it as a &quot;murder charge&quot;&nbsp;rather than &quot;suicide&quot;.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vishal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vishal</a> voices his concern on the sad demise of Producer <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashok?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashok</a>, who succumbed to the pressures of his mafia like financier. <a href="https://t.co/dC6RdUVX1b">pic.twitter.com/dC6RdUVX1b</a>
&mdash; Sreedhar Pillai (@sri50) <a href="https://twitter.com/sri50/status/933148472915533825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Ashok Kumar had co-produced&nbsp;Sasikumar&#39;s films Eesan,&nbsp;Poraali&nbsp;and the yet-to-be-released&nbsp;Kodi Veeran.

Kumar, who was a relative of director-actor Sasikumar, also wrote a suicide note in which he has blamed a film financer - Anbu Chezhiya.

Tollywood producer-director B. Ashok Kumar committed suicide in his home Alwarthirunagar near Valasaravakkam, on Tuesday, reports confirmed. Kumar, who was a relative of director-actor Sasikumar, also wrote a suicide note in which he blamed a film financer - Anbu Chezhiya, from Madurai, from whom his production company had been taking loans - for leading him to take the severe step, reports said. According to reports, an official from the Valasaravakkam police station informed that Kumar committed suicide by hanging in his apartment at Arcot Road in Alwarthirunagar after reportedly being coerced by Chezhiya to pay the loan he had taken seven years ago along with an exorbitant amount of interest. Chezhiya was allegedly harassing the producer-director and had reportedly threatened to kidnap his family. Kumar's suicide note reportedly stated there were only two options left for him - either to kill the financier or end his life. Sasikumar, along with filmmakers Bala, Samuthirakani, Karu Pazhaniappan and Ameer have lodged a complaint with Valasaravakkam police station, reports said. Meanwhile, Vishal, the President of Tamil Nadu Producers' Council and Secretary of Nadigar Sangam, expressed his condolences and requested the police to take it as a "murder charge" rather than "suicide". #Vishal voices his concern on the sad demise of Producer #Ashok, who succumbed to the pressures of his mafia like financier. pic.twitter.com/dC6RdUVX1b — Sreedhar Pillai (@sri50) November 22, 2017 × Ashok Kumar had co-produced Sasikumar's films Eesan, Poraali and the yet-to-be-released Kodi Veeran.

Film producer-director B. Ashok Kumar commits suicide, blames film financier: Reports

Thirty-six people were injured, one of them seriously, in a Jallikattu event held at Avanipuram in the district amid high-security today in which more than 900 bulls were used, police said. All the injured were being treated at the medical camp put up near the venue, police said.

More than 700 bull-tamers participated in the events, which were witnessed by thousands of spectators.

The bull-taming sport was formally inaugurated by Revenue Minister R B Udhayakumar and District Collector Veeraraghava Rao. Top officials of the district and police administrations, including Superintendent of Police, were also present at the venue.

Police said all precautionary measures, including mandatory medical tests for bulls and participants as laid down by the state government, were taken before the conduct of the traditional rural sport.

Normally, Jallikattu is held as part of the Pongal festivities in Tamil Nadu. However, it was not held during Pongal this year due to a Supreme Court ban.

Amid continuing protests over Jallikattu ban across the state, the Tamil Nadu Assembly had on January 23 unanimously passed an amendment bill, clearing the path for conducting Jallikattu without any hindrance.

(PTI) 
&nbsp;

All the injured were being treated at the medical camp put up near the venue, police said

Thirty-six people were injured, one of them seriously, in a Jallikattu event held at Avanipuram in the district amid high-security today in which more than 900 bulls were used, police said. All the injured were being treated at the medical camp put up near the venue, police said. More than 700 bull-tamers participated in the events, which were witnessed by thousands of spectators. The bull-taming sport was formally inaugurated by Revenue Minister R B Udhayakumar and District Collector Veeraraghava Rao. Top officials of the district and police administrations, including Superintendent of Police, were also present at the venue. Police said all precautionary measures, including mandatory medical tests for bulls and participants as laid down by the state government, were taken before the conduct of the traditional rural sport. Normally, Jallikattu is held as part of the Pongal festivities in Tamil Nadu. However, it was not held during Pongal this year due to a Supreme Court ban. Amid continuing protests over Jallikattu ban across the state, the Tamil Nadu Assembly had on January 23 unanimously passed an amendment bill, clearing the path for conducting Jallikattu without any hindrance. (PTI)

Tamil Nadu: 36 injured in Jallikattu event at Avanipuram

Two people have died and dozens injured during a Jallikattu event&nbsp;in Pudukottai district in India&#39;s southern state of Tamil Nadu.

The people injured during the incident were discharged after providing first-aid, according to the Press Trust of India.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam was to inaugurate the&nbsp;Alanganallur Jallikattu today but that was not to be with organisers&nbsp;there refusing to conduct the bull-taming sport.

The organisers said they wanted a &quot;permanent solution&quot;, not the ordinance promulgated on Saturday by the state government, allowing the holding of the sport in the state for six months.&nbsp;

To press home their point, the residents of Alanganallur in Madurai district blocked all entry points into the village. And organisers removed all bulls from the local arena.&nbsp;

But the sport -- in which groups of men face off with a bull in an open field, and try to grab hold of the hump on its back -- was held in other parts of the state.

PTI reported that Jallikattu was held in&nbsp;Tiruchirappalli district with traditional fervour.&nbsp;

In Manapparai in Tiruchirappali district, it said thousands witnessed the event as bulls roared out into the sporting arena.

Youths tried to hold on to their humps for a brief distance as the animals sped towards the exit.

Hundreds of bulls and youths participated in the show. The owners of winning animals and youngsters were awarded prize money.

&quot;Manjuvirattu&quot;, another form of jallikattu , was reported from villages in Dharmpauri district.

&nbsp;It is Alanganallur however which is famous for the sport, and the only place in the state where the sport is conducted as an official function. So holding it there would mean the sport has &quot;officially&quot;&nbsp;started in the state. &nbsp;

Jallikattu was banned in 2014 by the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, PTI reported that officials were making arrangements for the holding of Jallikattu in Alanganallur. And that officials were trying to pacify and convince the organisers that the ordinance is a permanent solution.

Agitators were told that the ordinance will be replaced by a law. That a bill will be introduced in the state&nbsp;assembly and passed into law, making for a permanent solution.

As for Panneerselvam, he is now expected to inaugurate the Jallikattu in neighbouring Dindigul district.

(With inputs from PTI)

Earlier, head of Tamil Nadu state was not allowed to inaugurate the?Alanganallur Jallikattu as organisers refused to conduct the sport

Two people have died and dozens injured during a Jallikattu event in Pudukottai district in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu. The people injured during the incident were discharged after providing first-aid, according to the Press Trust of India. Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam was to inaugurate the Alanganallur Jallikattu today but that was not to be with organisers there refusing to conduct the bull-taming sport. The organisers said they wanted a "permanent solution", not the ordinance promulgated on Saturday by the state government, allowing the holding of the sport in the state for six months. To press home their point, the residents of Alanganallur in Madurai district blocked all entry points into the village. And organisers removed all bulls from the local arena. But the sport -- in which groups of men face off with a bull in an open field, and try to grab hold of the hump on its back -- was held in other parts of the state. PTI reported that Jallikattu was held in Tiruchirappalli district with traditional fervour. In Manapparai in Tiruchirappali district, it said thousands witnessed the event as bulls roared out into the sporting arena. Youths tried to hold on to their humps for a brief distance as the animals sped towards the exit. Hundreds of bulls and youths participated in the show. The owners of winning animals and youngsters were awarded prize money. "Manjuvirattu", another form of jallikattu , was reported from villages in Dharmpauri district. It is Alanganallur however which is famous for the sport, and the only place in the state where the sport is conducted as an official function. So holding it there would mean the sport has "officially" started in the state. Jallikattu was banned in 2014 by the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, PTI reported that officials were making arrangements for the holding of Jallikattu in Alanganallur. And that officials were trying to pacify and convince the organisers that the ordinance is a permanent solution. Agitators were told that the ordinance will be replaced by a law. That a bill will be introduced in the state assembly and passed into law, making for a permanent solution. As for Panneerselvam, he is now expected to inaugurate the Jallikattu in neighbouring Dindigul district. (With inputs from PTI)

Two dead, dozens wounded during bull-taming event in India's southern state

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