Medical camp held at Madurai Central Prison
Congress cadre stage protestin Madurai
Chain-snatcher held by Madurai city police
Madurai city police to auction 317 vehicles on April 25
Madurai Institute of Social Sciences celebrates college day
Man held for killing neighbour over argument in Tamil Nadu's Sulur
COIMBATORE: A 34-year-old man bludgeoned his neighbour to death, following a heated altercation on Sunday night at Sulur in the city. The accused, Manikandan, a native of Tenkasi, had been living separately from his wife. He had left his two young children under his parents' care at Gandhi Nagar in Pappampatti near Sulur. He regularly visited them during weekends and holidays. Police said Manikandan had arrived in Pappampatti a few days ago to spend time with his children. His neighbour, Sikandar (47), a native of Madurai, was also working as a construction labourer in the area and lived alone in a rented house nearby. On Sunday night, an argument erupted between the two men after Sikandar, allegedly inebriated, objected to Manikandan stacking firewood outside his house. The confrontation intensified when Sikandar allegedly hurled verbal abuses at Manikandan's children, further provoking him. In the ensuing altercation, Manikandan is said to have retrieved a cricket bat from his house and attacked Sikandar multiple times. The victim sustained severe injuries to the face and head. Police believe Manikandan then dragged the wounded man and left him on the Pappampatti-Selakarachal roadside, where Sikandar succumbed to his injuries. After being alerted by nearby residents, Sulur police recovered the body and sent it to Singanallur ESI Hospital for post-mortem. A case of murder has been registered. After a search through the night, police apprehended Manikandan who was found hiding in the vicinity. He is currently in custody and being interrogated.
Gale and rain uproot electric poles, disrupt power supply in tamil Nadu's Melur
MADURAI: Strong winds and rain on Saturday night caused massive power disruptions in many villages in Melur taluk. The Saruguvalayapatti, Arittapatti, Aiyappapatti, Oththapatti, Pappapatti, Therukkutheru, and Narasingampatti villages were without power for more than 12 hours. Arun Devi, former president of Saruguvalayapatti Panchayat, said, There are more than 7,000 families in our panchayat. Due to the sudden rain and winds, several trees were uprooted, damaging around 10 electric poles in villages such as Aiyappa Patti, Ariyappatti, Oththapatti, and Pappapatti. As a result, there was a power cut from Saturday night. This lasted for more than eight hours in our villages. However, it was restored by Sunday evening. S Vasuki, former president of Therukkutheru panchayat, said, Strong winds uprooted many trees, damaging more than five electric poles in our panchayat. The power cut lasted for more than six hours. However, it was restored on Sunday morning. Not just our village, but other villages like Sengur, Muthuramalingampatti, Vinayagapuram, Muniyampatti, and Nagalingampuram were also affected. A top official from Tangedco (Madurai) said, Due to the strong winds, several trees were uprooted and around 12 electric poles were completely damaged. Tree clearances were carried out in 10 spots. Though we were able to restore power to all villages by Sunday afternoon, we had to switch to alternate supplies. Saruguvalayapatti panchayat was affected the most, and 10 electric poles under low tension (LT) services were severely damaged.
No Kavach in Madurai division trains
MADURAI: The Kavach (anti-collision system for trains) has not been installed on trains in the Madurai division, Indian Railways stated in a reply to a query filed by TNIE under the RTI Act. In the quest for safer and more efficient train journeys, Indian Railways had unveiled Kavach, a state-of-the-art Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system to provide an unyielding layer of protection, ensuring the highest safety standards for train operations. The ATP is a train safety system designed to ensure that a trains speed remains within the limits set by the signalling system. It continuously monitors the trains speed and automatically enforces compliance with permitted speed restrictions. If the train exceeds the allowed speed or fails to respond to specific signal aspects, ATP promptly activates the emergency brakes to bring the train to a stop. The Southern Railway in 2024 had stated that the Kavach system would be installed in a phased manner for 2,216 km of tracks across the state and Kerala. However, it is yet to be provided in many trains in the Madurai division. A retired staff from the Madurai railway division said that the importance of installing Kavach is being given to other divisions. The railway minister had announced Kavach 5.0 for Mumbai suburban trains, whereas the division has not yet received a single version of Kavach. Recalling the importance of Kavach for the Madurai division, he said, a near-miss accident occurred near Thirumangalam in Madurai when two passenger trains were on a collision course in 2019. Human error is unavoidable, he said adding, the division, though, has many double line sections; it still has single line sections too, like Madurai-Rameswaram, Madurai-Bodi, Tiruchendur- Tirunelveli, Tirunelveli-Sengottai-Kollam, Sengottai-Virudhunagar, Dindigul-Palani-Pollachi-Coimbatore, and Manamadurai-Trichy. The railways should provide funds to the Madurai division, like how they provide funds for other works. The division may take a call and install the Kavach.
Telangana Bhadrakali temple set for major facelift on lines of Madurai Meenakshi shrine
HANAMKONDA : Drawing inspiration from the renowned Meenakshi temple in Madurai, the historic Bhadrakali temple will soon undergo a major transformation. Sources said that in the 1980s, the temples then chief priest, BS Ganesh Shastri, had appealed for its development. Though a Congress-led government had sanctioned Rs 54 crore for the construction of Mada Veedhulu (circumambulatory paths) and Raja Gopurams (grand entrance towers), little progress was made. Now, the state government has revived the project. District in-charge minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy and Endowments Minister Konda Surekha recently laid the foundation stone for the Mada Veedhulu to be developed at Rs 30 crore. The works are progressing at a brisk pace, officials said, adding that they are expected to be completed before the onset of the monsoon. The remaining Rs 24 crore has been allocated for the Raja Gopurams. For their construction, the Endowments department has consulted sculptors and architects associated with the Meenakshi temple in Madurai to ensure traditional aesthetics and precision. Ahead of the Gopuram construction, the engineering wing of the Endowments department levelled the temple premises on all four sides to align with the required height. A portion of the hillock at the rear of the temple was also cleared to make way for the Mada Veedhulu. The officials say the facelift has also led to a rise in footfall, especially after Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent visit. On auspicious days, over 20,000 devotees visit the shrine, while the daily average ranges between 5,000 and 10,000. Speaking to TNIE, KUDA Executive Engineer S Bheem Rao said, We are preparing to submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) under the Union governments PRASAD scheme to secure more funds for temple development. Endowments officials will also forward a separate DPR for the Raja Gopurams.
BJP deal continues to rattle AIADMK
CHENNAI/TIRUPPUR: A few days after the revival of the alliance between the AIADMK and the BJP, the rumblings within the Dravidian party show that at least a sizeable section of the AIADMK leaders are not comfortable with joining hands with the saffron party. Though no AIADMK leader went on record criticising the alliance, social media is abuzz with messages from long-time supporters that the decision is wrong. On Sunday, in Madurai, when a reporter asked whether the AIADMK would form its government or a coalition government, former minister Sellur K Raju said, The government will be headed by the AIADMK. He added that while BJP could say a lot of things, what AIADMK says would only matter. On Monday, when reporters asked him again about the alliance, Raju said he would respond after 15 days, a reply that has intrigued many. Meanwhile, AIADMK functionary and former MLA S Gunasekaran on Sunday in Tiruppur, at an internal meeting of the party, said though the decision to ally with the BJP was unfortunate, it was done to protect the party and it cannot face election without an alliance. I am not saying that the party cadre are unhappy. I said this alliance is a sad thing for Muslims. But I explained that AIADMK will always be with Muslims, Gunasekaran later told TNIE . Stalin jittery over AIADMK-BJP alliance: Nagenthran slams DMK On Monday, addressing another party meeting chaired by Pollachi V Jayaraman, AIADMK corporation councillor M Kannappan tearfully explained that the AIADMK allied with the BJP to save the party since traitors are planning to break it. Sources said he assured that the AIADMK would not give up the Muslim community. The party leadership should issue a statement saying that it will always support Muslims, he added. However, Jayaraman denied such comments being made by the functionary. Former minister D Jayakumar, who has remained silent for a couple of weeks, denied speculations about him joining another party because of the alliance. He said he would remain with the AIADMK till his death. AIADMK minority wing functionary KS Mohamed Kani from Alangudi in Pudukottai district announced his resignation from the party on Sunday, citing the alliance as the reason. Meanwhile, former AIADMK MLA Pazha Karuppaiah, who was expelled from the party, contended that AIADMK allied with the BJP since its efforts to form an alliance with the TVK did not fructify. BJP-AIADMK alliance: Will lotus bloom on two leaves in Tamil Nadu?
Highways department to build new bridge across Koraiyar on Madurai Road in Tiruchi
A new four-lane bridge will be constructed in the place of the existing structure which will be demolished. Land acquisition had been completed for widening the approach roads
DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai criticized Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi for urging students to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' at a Madurai event, calling it majoritarian muscle-flexing. Annadurai argued the Governor's actions undermine secularism and questioned what the reaction would be if a Muslim governor promoted 'Allahu Akbar'.
Helping accused get job not harbouring without evidence: Madras HC
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ruled that merely assisting an accused person in securing a job does not constitute harbouring, in the absence of any incriminating evidence beyond the accuseds own confession. Justice P Dhanabal made the observation while allowing a petition filed by B Karthick, who sought to quash a chargesheet against him in connection with a ganja smuggling case registered by the Thondi police in Ramanathapuram district last year. According to the prosecution, Karthick and six others had allegedly attempted to smuggle 105 kg of ganja to Sri Lanka in November 2023. Police intercepted their vehicle near Mangalakudi Vilakku Road and seized the goods, although three of the accused managed to flee the scene. The charges against Karthick were based on the confession of the third accused, who is his brother-in-law. In his statement, the third accused claimed that Karthick had helped him secure a job at a private company in Tirupur. The police alleged that Karthick had harboured the accused, knowing his involvement in the smuggling case, and subsequently filed a chargesheet against him. However, Justice Dhanabal noted that the investigating agency had failed to produce any evidence apart from the confession against Karthick. Arranging employment for an accused cannot be equated to harbouring, the judge observed. He further stated that subjecting Karthick to the ordeal of trial without substantial evidence would be unjust, and accordingly quashed the proceedings against him.
Coimbatore police deny condicting searches for Madurai-based rowdy, plans to shoot him
Madurai Adheenam condemns Minister Ponmudy for his remarks
TN Guv in fresh trouble over 'Jai Shri Ram' call
Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi has sparked controversy by asking students at a government-aided college in Madurai to chant Jai Shri Ram. The State Platform for Common School System-Tamil Nadu (SPCSS-TN) has demanded his removal, alleging that he violated his oath of office and secular principles. The group claims Ravi's actions were against the Constitution, which outlines India as a secular country and emphasizes the importance of upholding secular values in education. The incident follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that overruled Ravi's decision to withhold 10 Bills passed by the Tamil Nadu government, highlighting ongoing tensions between the Governor and the state administration.
Palm Sunday observed in Madurai
Dhinakaran against bio medical waste treatment unit in Manamadurai
TN Governor under fire for Jai Shri Ram chants in Madurai college event
Controversy does not seem to leave TN Governor RN Ravi. At a recent event at Thiagarajar Engineering College in Madurai, where he was invited as the chief guest, he allegedly asked students to chant Jai Shri Ram while distributing prizes to the winners in a literary contest. Controversy does not seem to leave Tamil Nadu Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Comments made by a person in high office threat to culture, dignity: Governor R N Ravi
MADURAI: In an indirect attack on forest minister K Ponmudy for his controversial remarks about women and Hindu sects , Governor R N Ravi said his speech was a threat to Tamil Nadus culture. Speaking at an event held at Thiagarajar College of Engineering in Madurai on Saturday, Ravi, without mentioning Ponmudys name, said, A person who is in high position in the ruling party used vulgar words on women. This is the land where woman Nayanmaras and Alwar (Andal) are revered. The remarks have wounded the feelings of devotees and are shocking. They are a serious threat to our culture and dignity. Further, Ravi said, the gentleman insulted the devotees of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu , the deities worshipped across the country. That gentleman is part of an eco system. For the past seven to eight decades, they are trying a political-driven cultural assault by garlanding our gods and goddesses with footwear. These people compared sanathana dharma with dengue and malaria. They are continuously attempting to destroy our culture through various means by insulting women and peoples beliefs, Ravi added. Thiagaraja College of Engineering president K Hari Thiagarajan, Director of SASTRA University, Chennai, Dr Sudha Seshayyan, and others spoke on the occasion.
Ancient copper object, historic inscriptions found near Kalaiyarkovil, Ramanathapuram
MADURAI: An ancient copper object filled with iron was found near Pandian Kottai in Kalaiyarkovil recently. K Kaliraja, founder of Sivaganga Thoolnadai Kulu, stated on Friday that a lot of artefacts were from the Pandian Kottai (a fort constructed in a circular shape) of Kalaiyarkovil. Now we have found a glass bead and a copper object stuffed with iron. It could either be a broken piece of sword or a short knife. The team that recently found a 174-year-old inscription at Kaavaanur near Rajasingamangalam in Ramanathapuram, explained that it belonged to the Jamin 2nd Muthuramalinga Sethupathy (also known as Muthukathapathi) period, and the inscription is one and a half feet high with 16 lines. The inscription talks about the installation of a gods statue, and Muthukathapathys son, Baskarasethupathy, was the one who sponsored Swami Vivekananda for Chicago. Meanwhile, the team recently spotted another inscription, which is 250 years old, in Koovanur, and the inscription talks about the madapalli (temple kitchen).
Graduate teachers seek equal pay, workload as PG teachers for board exam paper evaluation
MADURAI: Tamil Nadu Graduate Teachers Federation demanded the state government to provide remuneration and work responsibility on par with PG teachers in evaluating the board examination papers. TN Graduate Teachers Federation General Secretary Patrick Raymond said that PG teachers who evaluate Class 11 and 12 board examination papers are asked to evaluate 24 papers in a day, for which they get Rs 10 for each paper. Graduate teachers who engage in evaluating Class 10 board examination papers are asked to evaluate 30 papers in a day, and they are getting Rs 8 per paper. He further stated that only six PG teachers are evaluating under one chief examiner in Class 11, and Class 12 evaluation, whereas in Class 10 each chief examiner is asked to verify the evaluation of 10 graduate teachers, automatically increasing the workload of the graduate teachers. He also stated that in the year of 2018 only honorariums have been fixed, till now it has not been revised. He requested the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to look into this issue, and distribute the honorarium and work load on par with PG teachers.
Chola-era stone inscription found in Tamil Nadu's Somagiri hills
MADURAI: A stone inscription, believed to belong to 1000 CE, pertaining to Chola emperor Rajaraja has been found atop the Somagiri hills at Melavalavu village near Melur. The inscription was found during a field study conducted by Thamizhthaasan, a cultural ecologist with the Madurai Nature Cultural Foundation, and Professor P Devi Arivu Selvam, temple architect and sculpture researcher. C Santhalingam, Pandya Nadu Centre for Historical Research secretary, who deciphered the inscription, said finding Rajaraja Cholas record in Pandya country is rare. The inscription begins with an honorific title, Rajaraja Mumudichola, a unique salutation found in this region, known as the Pandya country. The inscription talks of Rajaraja Cholas reign in the Pandya region and how a military commander called Viranarana Pallavaraiyan had captured the area and ruled here. It also tells of Malaiyappa Sambu, who hewed the steps on the rock to reach a ledge where a temple had been constructed. Local people say that a bronze idol of Lord Muruga was kept there but now, it has been taken down and installed in a new temple in the village, where it is being worshipped. R Udhaya Kumar and T Muthupandi, research assistants at the Pandya Nadu Centre for Historical Research in Madurai, copied the inscription.
Keelnattukurichi residents urge officials to begin long-awaited road construction work
THOOTHUKUDI: Residents of Keelnattukurichi have urged the officials to start relaying the Thappathi-Sakkilipatti-Keelnattukurichi-Kailasapuram road, which has been pending for a long time. After several years of demand to relay the damaged Sakkilipatti-Keelnattukurichi road, the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) floated a tender for an estimate of Rs 3.5 crore to reconstruct the Thapathi-Sakkilipatti-Keelnattukurichi-Kailasapuram road in November 2023. Subsequently, a bhoomi puja was also conducted in December. Sources said that the contractor had constructed four minor bridges on the proposed section, however, the road construction did not start, leaving the public in misery. Thangaraj, a farmer and the former president of Keelnattukurichi panchayat, said that the road has been a primary access for the villagers to reach the Thoothukudi-Madurai National Highway. The road is filled with potholes, and is unmotarable. It is even hard to shift people to hospitals during an emergency. Another farmer said that this is a key road that leads to the Irukkankudi temple, and several hundred devotees, workers, students, and farmers depend on this stretch. The district administration must take necessary steps to begin the road project for the benefit of the public. When asked, an official who wished to remain anonymous said that a notice has been served to the contractor asking him to expedite the road work.
Tiruchy sees spike in drug-resistant Madras Eye cases; doctors warn of severe complications
TIRUCHY: There is a spike in conjunctivitis, popularly known as Madras Eye, in Tiruchy as summer is peaking. Doctors attribute it to the virus becoming drug resistant. At the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital (MGMGH), at least five to nine new outpatients are being treated daily over the past two weeks. Last year we saw three to four cases daily but this year, the spread of infection is severe. Further, patients are reporting with severe complications. I rarely used to encounter swelling, discharge, and bleeding lasting for up to a week. The virus is becoming more resistant to medication, said Dr Parthiban Purushothaman, Head of Ophthalmology at KAP Viswanatham Medical College-MGMGH. Earlier, we mostly dealt with adenovirus. Now, were seeing microsporidial infections, often from contaminated water, Dr. Parthiban noted, citing a study done by Dr Rathinam Sivakumar of Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai. It was published in the Indian journal of Ophthalmology in 2022-2023. Doctors also said there has been instances of acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC), a more severe form caused by the picoRNA virus. AHC leads to sudden bleeding in the eye and extreme redness. Even after recovery, redness can persist for up to 10 days, said a senior ophthalmologist. Alarmingly, the infection is no longer restricted to the conjunctiva. Many patients are showing signs of Superficial Punctate Keratitis (SPK) and pseudomembrane formation signs that the cornea is affected, Dr Parthiban said. SPK causes irritation and light sensitivity. If someone develops photophobia, it means the infection has reached the cornea and requires urgent treatment, he added. The infection is spreading primarily through schools, swimming pools with poor water hygiene, and barber shops using shared grooming tools. Even newborns are being brought in with symptoms. Mothers often transmit the infection unknowingly through touch or breastfeeding, he added. He urged the public to avoid sharing personal items and crowded events.
Madras HC directs action on land encroachment plea by 76-year-old woman in Ramanathapuram
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has granted relief to a 76-year-old woman from Ramanathapuram, who knocked the doors of the court after her plea to revenue officials about an encroachment on her property was not attended to for two years. Justice L Victoria Gowri directed Paramakudi tahsildar to hold an inquiry by hearing both the petitioner N Pandiammal, and the alleged encroacher. Also, the judge directed the collector to take a decision based on the inquiry report, within a reasonable time. Pandiammal, a widow, submitted that she has been living alone after marrying off her three daughters. She claimed that a stranger, under the guise of surveying his property, encroached upon her land. Though she gave a detailed representation in April 2023, seeking to remove the encroachment, no action has been taken. The government counsel argued that the case ought to be heard by a division bench since it is an encroachment. But Justice Gowri considered it under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 and Rules, 2009. She observed that in a democratic country, when the family system has failed and the senior citizens are thrown to the streets, it is the bounden duty of the state to protect the senior citizens and to take care of their safety and security till they breathe their last, she added. In the petitioners case, since she is a senior citizen who lives alone, the district collector would be her guardian, the court opined and passed the above order.
NHEV secures land in Tirunelveli for next-gen EV charging station as part of national rollout
CHENNAI: National Highways for Electric Vehicles (NHEV) has secured a 4.7-acre land parcel in Tirunelveli to establish a next-generation electric vehicle (EV) charging station. This move is part of NHEVs larger initiative to develop a nationwide network of 3G charging stations along critical freight corridors. The upcoming facility will be situated along the KanniyakumariMadurai highway. It will be the second 3G charging station along this corridor and the fifth freight-focused route under NHEVs national rollout plan. The development follows the successful technical trial conducted in September 2024 on the ChennaiTrichy route, which featured electric trucks from Ashok Leyland and LNG-powered vehicles from Blue Energy Motors. The Tirunelveli site is expected to serve not only as a charging station but also as a logistics hub, capitalising on its proximity to major ports and transportation links. Our third technical trial in South India gave us the confidence to move ahead with multiple 3G charging locations, said Abhijeet Sinha, NHEVs project director.
Process for registering locked door details made easier in Madurai city
Man, kin get bail in Madurai; plea claims case foisted by encroachers
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of Madras HC recently granted bail to a man and his family members in an assault case, after he claimed the case was foisted at the instance of some encroachers as he has been filing Public Interest Litigations to remove encroachments made by them on three waterbodies in his village A Vellalapatti in Madurai since 2012. Justice B Pugalendhi passed the order on the appeals filed by M Gopalakrishnan, and his relatives challenging an order passed by a Sessions Court in Madurai rejecting their bail plea. Noting that the accused have also been booked for the murder of a witness in the assault case, the judge directed the trial court to try both cases together. The assault* case was registered in 2020 under various sections of IPC and SC/ST Act, on charges that the accused had assaulted Lakshmanan, son-in-law of one of the encroachers Kusalavan, and Suresh, who had purchased the property from Kusalavan. Since Suresh, who was added as witness in the assault case, was found dead near Melur in 2022, the bail granted to the accused were cancelled and they were booked for Sureshs murder.
Madras High Court issues stay on circular banning caste names in temple festival invites
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court has ordered interim stay on a circular issued by the commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE) department, prohibiting the use of caste names in temple festival invitations across the state. A bench of justices J Nisha Banu and S Srimathy passed the interim order on a petition filed by state general secretary of Hindu Temple Protection Committee S Arumuga Nainar seeking to quash the HR&CE dept circular and to allow mentioning names of mandagapadi members (donors) in the invitation of the ongoing Panguni festival at the Kasinathaswamy and Papanasaswamy temples in Ambasamudram, Tirunelveli. The petitioner stated that the circular was issued on March 5, based on an order passed by the court on February 17, not to print caste names of donors in the invitation of Pattukkottai Nadiamman temple festival. The HR&CE commissioner misinterpreted it as a blanket order and issued the circular, he added. Hearing the plea, the judges observed that the HC order was only limited to the temple concerned and ordered interim stay on the circular for a month. Dont put caste names in temple festival invites: Madras High Court
Road demand not met, Agamalai tribals trek nine kilometres for basic needs
THENI: The long-standing demand of Agamalai panchayat villagers for a road from Kannakarai to Maruthaiyanur continues to be an unfulfilled dream, numerous poll promises later. Many of the people are dependent on farming, including cultivation of coffee, pepper, lemon, and orange, or farm labour, with the parcels of land located primarily in Maruthaiyanur. Every day, people from the over 500 tribal families living in remote villages in the panchayat have no option than to walk for over nine kilometres to work, buy essential commodities or access healthcare. Worse, it has become their routine to carry sick individuals from the settlements in 'dolis' for over nine kilometres to Sothuparai for access to emergency medical services. Transport via jeeps, operated by private persons, is the only available option for the villagers to reach Sothuparai from Sokkanalai, however, it costs Rs 100 per person. Theni Tribal Welfare Committee member B Kannan told TNIE, On Tuesday, 17-year-old S Rajini fell from a tree and sustained severe injuries. We carried him in a 'doli' for 10 km to Sothuparai, where we could get an ambulance. Now he is receiving treatment at the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai. He added that the two-kilometre paved road between Kannakarai and Sokkanalai -- laid under the MGNREGS -- has almost eroded due to rainfall. The villagers said nothing came of the promises made by former chief minister and Bodinayakanur MLA O Panneerselvam and MP Thanga Tamilselvan of DMK to lay a road between Kannakarai and Maruthaiyanur. Repeated petitions to the collector and respective authorities made very little headway, they added. Tamilaga Vivasayigal Sangam office-bearer M Vetrivel said, Numerous farmers residing in Bodinayakanur own land in Agamalai. Due to high transport costs, many are hesitant to resume cultivation. On the condition of anonymity, an official said the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) has been awaiting stage-two clearance from the forest department on a proposal to lay a road between Kanakarai and Maruthaiyanur. The gravel foundation for the road between Kannakarai and Sokkanalai is over, with the concrete paving yet to be completed, said the official. Responding to the issue, Collector Ranjeet Singh said he learned about the people's plight during a recent mass contact programme. I will convene a meeting with officials concerned soon and expedite the process to lay the road, he told TNIE.
Protesting employees not sufficient to transfer government officials without inquiry: Madras HC
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court recently observed that government officials should not be transferred merely due to complaints against them or protests by some employees or employee associations without conducting a comprehensive inquiry. Justice Battu Devanand made the observation while quashing the transfer order passed against a superintendent G Neelanarayanan by the school education department owing to complaints made by Tamil Nadu Elementary Education School Federation that he did not maintain a smooth relationship with teachers. The government advocate contended that aggrieved teachers conducted protests against the petitioner and that he was transferred in order to maintain smooth administration. However, the petitioner claimed that as part of his duties, he had informed the department about wrong fixation of salary of some teachers and the affected teachers filed complaints against him. Justice Devanand observed that the power to transfer should be exercised fairly and should not be misused to harass employees. He also opined that complaints of the employees associations or protests conducted by them should not be a ground for transferring government officials without examining the entire issue comprehensively. If such type of practices are allowed, no government employee can serve with sincerity, honesty and commitment, he added.
Madurai's Melur PHCs refer pregnant women to private scan centres; health officer orders probe
MADURAI: Pregnant women receiving ante-natal care at PHCs in Thaniyamangalam and Keelavalavu complained that doctors in the centres refer them to private scan centres instead of other PHCs where the facility is available for free. The District Health Officer has ordered an inquiry into the issue. A pregnant woman, M Aarthi (27) from Othacheri, told TNIE that she has been referred to a private centre in Melur even though scan facility is available at the Vellalore PHC, which is located close to Thaniyamangalam, where she is receiving ante-natal care. I received treatment in this facility for my two deliveries. When it comes to taking scans, doctors refer us to private centres in Melur which is 16 kms away. We are afraid to question the doctors, said Aarthi, adding she has to spend Rs 1,200 for the scan. She added, Not just abdomen scans, even for echo cardiogram, ECG, thyroid test and other tests, we are referred to the private facility. People visiting PHC in Keelavalavu also say they are referred to Melur. Ramachandran (name changed) said, My pregnant wife has been receiving treatment from Keelavalavu PHC for the past eight months. During the initial period, the doctors were friendly and all treatments were carried out free of cost. Later, the doctor suggested a abdomen scan and referred us to a private scan centre in Melur, which is 13 kilometres away. Whereas the nearest PHC is Vellalore, which is three kilometres away. Since we are expecting our first baby, we didnt question the doctor and travelled to Melur for the past 8 months. We have so far spent over Rs 8,000 on scans and tests. A Veronica Mary, an activist, said, Most of the women who visit PHCs are from economically weaker section. This has been regular practice for doctors in PHC. Despite the change and rotation of doctors, the referrals to private scan centres havent changed. Speaking to TNIE , district health officer (Madurai) Dr P Kumaraguruparan said, I have ordered an inquiry into the issue. Government doctors must refer scans to government facilities alone. I have instructed PHCs to refer pregnant women to Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) for scans. But sometimes, when there are more patients in the queue, the patients may not be able to wait or stand. So, they might go to private scan centres.
STP dismantled for flyover work; sewage flows into Vaigai river in Madurai
MADURAI: A huge volume of sewage is flowing into the Vaigai river as the sewage treatment plant (STP) located near the Panthalkudi canal has been dismantled to facilitate construction of a flyover. After a huge outcry from residents and activists, the Madurai City Municipal Corporation has started work to rebuild the STP to stop the sewage flow before the Chithirai festival. The Panthalkudi canal connects Sellur tank to Vaigai river. Over the years, it has turned into sewage channel connecting the 2 MLD treatment plant located near a private college. Treated water is released into the Vaigai river through the canal. The STP was removed recently in view of the Goripalayam flyover construction. This resulted in untreated sewage flowing into the river. M Raja, president of Vaigai Makkal Iyakkam, said, Though a court has directed authorities to take action to prevent sewage flowing into the Vaigai river, it is released through the Panthalkudi canal. Nearly eight MLD sewage is flowing into the river. In a couple of weeks, thousands of people would enter the river in view of the Kallalagar procession. Considering the health risks, the corporation should either reinstall the STP or use lengthy pipes and release sewage in the far side. S Pandian, activist and a resident of Sellur, said, Owing to the ongoing bridge works the pipelines in Panthalkudi canal often get clogged affecting the water flow in the canal. On Wednesday, the canal was flowing to capacity, if the pipes are not cleared regularly, the canal could overflow near the Kansapuram main road. A senior official from the corporation said the flyover work in the area has been completed, and that the STP would be reinstalled soon. Further, he said STP will become functional before Kallalagars procession reaches the city. Also, he said periodical cleaning is being done in the pipelines placed in the canals to prevent clogging. Also, a special proposal is being made for building a lift well along with the treatment plant to improve efficiency.
Guindy, Ambattur, Madurai and Ranipet to get co-working spaces, says T. M. Anbarasan
Lost and found mobile phones handed over to owners in Madurai City
Teacher Eligibility Test qualification mandatory for minority schools too: Madras HC
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras HC has held that TET (Teacher Eligibility Test) qualification is mandatory for teachers working in all educational institutions, including minorities-run schools. A bench comprising justices J Nisha Banu and S Srimathy observed so while allowing an appeal filed by the school education department challenging an order passed by a single judge directing the department to approve the promotion of a teacher of a minority aided school, which was earlier rejected by authorities because she did not have TET qualification. The division bench held that the Supreme Court case, which the single judges order had relied on, never dealt with Section 23 of RTE Act, 2009, under which qualifications for teachers are prescribed. Moreover, the said judgment was later referred to a larger bench and the matter is sub judice. Therefore, the argument that the entire RTE Act is not applicable to minority institutions is incorrect. As per an amendment made to RTE Act in 2017, neither the centre nor state has power to grant any exemption from the prescription of basic minimum qualification. As NCTE has prescribed TET as one such qualification, it is applicable to all educational institutions, the judges held.
District team inspects health of temple elephant Deivanai at Tamil Nadu's Kozhikamuthi
COIMBATORE: Members of District-Level Captive Elephant Welfare Committee (DLCEWC) on Tuesday checked the health of Deivanai, a female elephant, maintained at the Kozhikamuthi tribal settlement after she tried to attack her caretaker in 2022. DLCEWC team will soon submit a report about the animals health to the field director of Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) who will then send it to the chief wildlife warden and principal chief conservator of forest (PCCF). The 17-year-old pachyderm belonging to Subramaniya Swamy Thirukovil in Thirupparakundram in Madurai district is being taken care of at Kozhikamuthi for the last two years following its aggressive behaviour in 2022 at the temple. The animal will complete two years at Kozhikamuthi on April 13. Sources in the forest department said that the health of the animal has improved. It is consuming proper food and taken care of by mahouts round the clock in the natural environment as per the recommendation of the veterinarians. The aggressiveness of Deivanai has come down drastically. The animal is calm now and obeys the commands of the mahout completely. It is socialising with other captive elephants as well, said sources.
Academics expect Vice-Chancellor selection process to begin
Currently, 12 universities, including Madurai Kamaraj University, Anna University, and University of Madras, are without Vice-Chancellors
School teachers forum conducts EC meeting in Madurai
M A Baby: From Altar boy to 'Pope' of Communist party
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When the old Altar boy, Mariam Alexander Baby becomes the new Pope of the Communist party of India (Marxist), after vigorous discussions similar to the papal conclave, the Latin Catholic Church in Kerala has many things to cherish. MA Babys elevation to the post of all India general secretary on Sunday in Madurai Party Congress was received with joy and happiness by his parish at Aipuzha -Prakkulam in Kundara in Kollam. And in the powerful Diocese of Kollam, the first diocese formed in India, the new general secretarys selection was keenly discussed. Baby in his early days as a God fearing catholic was the Altar boy at his parish St.Elizabeth's Church, Prakkulam, vicar of the parish Fr. Joe Antony told The New Indian Express . His father Alexanders family was then residing here under this parish. Though he later became an atheist, even now many of his relatives have joined the Church as nuns and vicars. When there were news reports that he will be the next party chief, the Almayars on Sunday after the church service were over discussed among themselves his new post and his relation with the church. I called Baby on Sunday night and congratulated on his new post. Though he did not attend the church services I used to see him on occasions of wedding or at the funeral services, he said. The vicar Fr. Koe has also invited Baby to attend the Jubilee celebration of the 150 -year- old church. We will also invite him to the function after the renovations are completed, he added. The Latin Catholic Church in general in the state has received and responded well to the elevation of a leader who comes from the community. This is the first time in the history of any political party in India a leader from the Latin Catholic community was elected to lead it nationally. At a time when Christians are attacked in the name of religion and belief it is a good message that a party decided to take an inclusive step, a higher official in the Thiruvananthapuram Latin Catholic Diocese told this paper on request of anonymity. However, the Kollam Diocese of the Latin Church has welcomed the decision openly. The Diocese of Kollam is the first diocese in India to be established by the Vatican in 1329 extending from Kanyakumari to Pamba. MA Baby is new CPM boss We discussed the news of Babys election with utmost happiness at the headquarters with Bishop Paul Antony Mullassery, Vicar general Fr. Baiju Julian told TNIE . In the morning discussion the Bishop talked about Baby's selection. He also expressed his happiness. He would also meet Baby in the coming days. Babys election to this post shows if anyone who belongs to this community has qualification they could reach this position. The CPM could have elected some other leader. But they decided to put their trust in him. This is a clear message, he said. The Vicar general also said that the Church had differences of opinions rather than indifference to the CPM. The earlier position of the church comes as part of a world wide position taken in the 1930s. We opposed atheism. Now there is good change, he said. Theorist and art buff, MA Baby paints a stable picture for CPM
Remember Smart Cities? What Happened?
Among the cities that have fully implemented their projects are Agra, Varanasi, Madurai, Coimbatore, Udaipur, Pune, Surat, and Vadodara
Kerala couple held by Thoothukudi cyber crime wing for duping man of Rs 33.7 lakh
THOOTHUKUDI: A couple from Kerala was arrested by the Thoothukudi cyber crime wing for duping a man of Rs 33.7 lakh after befriending him via Facebook. According to the sources, suspect G Balamurugan and his wife Kiruba (25) got acquainted with the victim, also named Balamurugan, an autorickshaw driver from Thoothukudi, on Facebook. After a few months, Kiruba requested money from the victim to go to abroad for a job that she was selected for. Balamurugan gave Rs 33.7 lakh on various occasions and even sold his properties to send her the money. When he demanded the money back, the couple did not respond. Realising that he had been cheated, Balamurugan filed a complaint at the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Upon investigation, the cybercrime police arrested the couple from Idukki, Kerala, and remanded G Balamurugan at the Perurani district jail and Kiruba at the Madurai Central jail. The investigation revealed that G Balamurguan was earlier arrested by the Thanjavur police in a cheating case.
AIIMS Madurai Executive Director Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline
AIIMS Madurai Recruitment 2025 Apply Offline: All India Institute of Medical Sciences Madurai (AIIMS Madurai) has announced the recruitment of Executive Director in 2025. Candidates With MS/MD Can Apply Offline on or before 07-06-2025.
NHRC urged to lift Andhra HC stay on Chittoor encounter case
MADURAI: The Joint Action Against Custodial Torture -Tamil Nadu & Puducherry (JAACTTN) has urged the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to take steps to get the interim stay of Andhra Pradesh High Court vacated so that the commissions directions regarding the Chittoor encounter killings can be implemented. In a release issued on Monday to mark the 10th anniversary of the incident when 20 loggers from Tamil Nadu were shot dead in self defence by Andhra Pradesh Red Sanders Anti Smuggling Special Task Force (STF) in an encounter inside the Seshachalam forest in Chittoor district on April 7, 2015, JAACTTN legal advisor Henri Tiphange said due to the interim stay, proceedings on the writ petition has been pending. In the aftermath of the incident, the NHRC gave a slew of directions including magisterial inquiry, safe custody of weapons used by the STF and the deceased, not tamper with evidence such as police register, log books till trial is completed. It also directed the AP government to pay Rs 5 lakh interim relief to kin of each victims and suggested a CBI probe into the incident. The AP government filed a writ petition in the Andhra Pradesh High Court challenging the commissions directions and got a stay order.
Madurai residents outraged as heavy rainfall exposes poor infrastructure
MADURAI: Intense downpour on Sunday night, averaging at 32.6 mm, resulted in sewage overflow at several parts of the city. Besides waterlogged roads, rainwater entered several houses in a few residential areas. Residents of Avaniyapuram alleged that the poor maintenance of drains by the corporation exacerbated the problem during the rainy season. Several busy roads -- seemingly in a poor condition -- were damaged further due to the rain on Sunday night. In the 24 hours ending 8.30 am on Monday, Madurai district received sporadic rainfall, with Periyar and Avaniyapuram receiving over 50 mm, according to the India Meteorological Department. However, the daytime temperature reached approximately 38 degree Celsius on Monday. Residents in the extension areas, including Avaniyapuram and Villapuram, encountered sewage overflow at night, largely due to open drains in the areas. T Daniel from Avaniyapuram said, A couple of minutes of downpour is enough to cause the open drains, which are often filled with cow dung, to overflow into the bus stand. Wading through the sewage-mixed water at the Avaniyapuram bus stand had been a distressing ordeal for the residents every rainy season, he said. Several residents of the area urged the corporation to take action on maintaining the drains. Similarly, the residents of ward 100 alleged that sewage entered several houses due to clogged drains. Busy roads, including Villapuram-Avaniyapuram stretch, Keelavasal Road and Old Ramnad Road, were severely damaged in the rain. Censuring the corporation for not implementing road maintenance measures, Muthuvel, a resident of Madurai, said, The road stretch from Crime branch till Therkuvasal was in a poor condition, with massive potholes posing a grave risk for commuters. The rainfall intensified the risk. When contacted, senior officials from the city corporation said steps were being taken to re-lay roads and desilt open drains to prevent sewage overflow. On Monday, corporation mayor Indirani Ponvasanth and corporation commissioner Chithra Vijayan inspected waterlogged streets in Kalpalam and assured people that action would be taken to prevent flooding in future.
Banana plants damaged as rain wreaks havoc in Erode district
ERODE/TIRUPPUR: Following heavy rain and strong winds, over 50,000 banana plants have collapsed in various villages in Nambiyur, Bhavani and Anthiyur taluks of Erode district. Meanwhile, the affected farmers have urged the authorities to take steps and provide compensation of Rs 2 lakh per acre. Sixteen houses were also damaged in Nambiyur. Heavy rain, accompanied by strong winds, lashed various parts of Erode district, including Nambiyur, Perundurai, Bhavani, Ammapet, and Anthiyur on Sunday night. M Karuppasamy, a farmer from Mettukadai in Nambiyur, said, I had cultivated bananas on about two-and- a-half acres. About 1,200 banana plants have fallen. Only about 60 plants survived. I have spent up to Rs 350 per plant. The government should take steps to provide compensation of Rs 2 lakh per acre. Local authorities should take appropriate steps because many farmers have been affected. I have cultivated bananas and harvested only about 30 plants so far. Last year, the price of bananas was Rs 17 per kg, but now it is Rs 49 per kg. The banana plants on my farmland were ready for harvest, but now, they have all collapsed, he added. An official of the revenue department in Erode said, Around 15,000 banana plants have collapsed in various villages in Nambiyur. A survey is ongoing. Survey is also under way in Anthiyur and Bhavani. However, farmers have claimed that around 50,000 banana plants have collapsed in Bhavani, Nambiyur, and Anthiyur taluks. Speaking to TNIE, Gobichettipalayam RDO S Sivanandam said, A report on damaged banana plants will be submitted to the district collector and the disaster management department, and follow up action will be taken. Around 16 houses were also damaged due to strong winds in KS Nagar of Paruthikattupalayam, near Nambiyur. In addition, trees and electricity poles fell in some places. A revenue official from Nambiyur taluk said, Three thatched houses and a tiled house were completely damaged. Twelve other houses with cement sheet roofs were partially damaged. There were no casualties. The government is likely to provide compensation of Rs 8,000 each for residents of thatched houses and Rs 1.2 lakh for tiled houses. The fallen trees have been removed in Nambiyur, and the electricity poles have also been repaired. As on Monday morning, Tiruppur recorded 183 mm of rainfall and Erode, 162 mm. Man dies as house wall collapses on him A 28-year-old man died when the sidewall of his rental house collapsed, in Tiruppur. The deceased was identified as E Raju (28) of Aradapattu in Thiruvannamalai. He was residing in Vetrivel Nagar near Rakkiyapalayam in Tiruppur. Raju worked as a contract labourer. A sidewall of the room he was staying in collapsed due to rain on Sunday night. A hollow block fell on his head and severely injured him. The workers staying with him took him to the Avinashi government hospital, but the doctors declared him dead. The TM Poondi police are investigating. In a separate incident, M Vinothkumar (34) of Madurai, residing at Palladam in Tiruppur, was electrocuted on Sunday night after he accidentally stepped on a power line that had fallen near his house after rain.
Omni bus catches fire near Kalligudi in Madurai district
Boards signal dissatisfaction over his exclusion from partys central committee
MTC bus drivers to undergo breath analyser test before start of shift
CHENNAI: To enhance road safety and prevent accidents, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has introduced breath analysers at all of its 32 depots to monitor bus drivers for alcohol consumption. Drivers will be tested before the start of their morning and afternoon shifts, according to officials. Until recently, alcohol detection machines were used randomly to check whether a driver is under the influence. Now, like airline and locomotive pilots, bus drivers will be subjected to regular breath analyser tests, an official said. During 2022-23, according to official data, 1,000 people lost their lives in 906 accidents involving government buses. In 2023-24, fatalities reduced to 971 across 878 fatal accidents. The permissible blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 30mg per 100ml of blood. We restrict drivers from duty even if the breath analyser shows a reading between 10-15 mg, an MTC official added. All the depots were given breath analysers last week. Currently, when an accident occurs, the police conduct blood tests to determine whether the bus driver was under the influence of alcohol. Regardless of the circumstances of the accident, the police often register a case of negligence against the larger vehicle involved - which, in most cases, is a government bus. If the driver tests positive, compensation can run into several lakhs, even if the accident wasnt the drivers fault, said an official. We have requested the transport corporations to implement breathalyser tests as a routine measure, a source from State Road Safety Council (SRSC) said. This initiative has assumed significance following the recruitment of a significant number of temporary drivers in MTC, TNSTC, and SETC. Recently, several videos have surfaced showing bus drivers appearing to be under the influence while driving. Officials also acknowledged that in some cases, drivers may test positive due to medication taken before duty, and such practical concerns will be considered when interpreting results. Similar breathalyser devices have now been introduced in SETC and all six TNSTC divisions recently. A total of 339 devices have been procured and distributed across divisions in Villupuram (70), Salem (39), Coimbatore (82), Kumbakonam (50), Madurai (58), and Tirunelveli (20). SETC has also received 20 breathalyser units. Unlike private and commercial vehicles, government buses are not covered under accident insurance schemes. In the event of an accident, victims must file claims through courts. To address this, the government has set up an Accident Claim Settlement Fund, which receives an annual allocation of Rs 60 crore.
Could not accompany PM in Pamban bridge inauguration as it is a government event: Annamalai
MADURAI: Change in post is not going to affect anything as I will continue to be the same Annamalai with the same energy, said the BJP state president while responding to a query on Sunday at the Madurai airport that many preferred him to continue as state president. Addressing the media, he said all BJP party members are cadres. One day a cadre can occupy a post, and on another he becomes a cadre. He clarified that he is not in the race for BJP state president. It is disappointing that CM MK Stalin has not taken part in PM Narendra Modi's event, who visited to inaugurate and flag off the projects that are meant for the state. The reason stated by the CM for his inability to visit is not acceptable. Being a representative of Tamil people, he must have been present. Stalin should apologize, he said. Responding to a question posed by the chief minister whether Edappadi K Palaniswami would form an alliance with BJP under the condition of NEET exemption, Annamalai said the Congress formed an alliance with DMK over threat of raids. As Stalin was not able to answer questions on NEET exemption for many years, he was redirecting the topic. When asked why he was not sitting with the prime minister on the dias during the Pamban bridge inauguration event, he added that it was a government event. However, he accompanied the prime minister during all other events, he added. Responding to the technical slag in the bridge after inauguration, the state president said that he cannot comment on the issue as the railways is yet to respond.
HR&CE reply sought on plea against circular prohibiting caste names in temple fest invite
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court has sought a response from the HR and CE department on a PIL petition filed challenging a circular issued by the department prohibiting the use of caste names in temple festival invitations. The litigant, G Ramalingam, a devotee of Baskareswarar temple in Thanjavur, said the temple was established 1,100 years ago by the Cholas. While attempting to celebrate the 10-day annual festival, which is ongoing now, they came to know about the prohibitory circular. He said mentioning family/caste names of sponsors in invitations is a tradition which has been in practice for centuries and the circular undermines it. Citing that the circular was issued based on a recent order passed by the high court in connection with the festival of Pattukkottai Nadiamman temple and the said order has already been stayed by the Supreme Court on March 24, Ramalingam requested the high court to stay or quash the circular. A bench, which heard the plea, refused to stay the operation of the circular but directed the HR and CE authorities to file a response in a month.
Notice on plea to quash portion of RBI circular
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently issued notice to the union government, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), among others on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition filed challenging a portion of the recent guidelines issued by the RBI, which mandates repayment of both principal amount and interest for renewal of jewel loans. The litigant S Pitchairajan, secretary of TN Farmers Union, stated in his petition that earlier, banks used to allow annual renewal of gold loans, if the borrower pays the interest amount. However, due to clauses ix, x and xi mentioned in the annexure of a circular issued by the RBI on September 30, 2024, which observed certain irregularities in grant of gold loans by banks, Pitchairajan claimed the banks have now started demanding repayment of both the principal amount and the interest to renew gold loans. As many people may find it difficult to arrange for the principal amount, they will lose their gold jewels which are the only tangible assets that comes to their aid for getting immediate cash during any financial crises, the litigant added. He further requested the court to quash the above clauses of the circular. A bench comprising Justices J Nisha Banu and S Srimathy issued notice and adjourned the case for two months.
M A Baby is a refined cadre, jack of all trades and true asset for CPM': N K Vasudevan
KOCHI: When Mariam Alexander Baby was elected general secretary of the CPM at the 24th party congress in Madurai, a wave of joy swept through a house in Thrikkakaras Pipeline Road. This was the same residence where the newly elected leader had visited for lunch just a week earlier. The house owner, N K Vasudevan, wore a calm smile. Everything that has happened is just right and no one is more deserving of the post than my friend and fellow comrade, he emphasised. An unusual spark was visible in Vasudevans eyes as he recounted the old days when he, along with Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, M A Baby, T M Thomas Isaac, and others marched shoulder to shoulder during protests, waving red flags. He [Baby] is a leader who rose from the grassroots, a refined cadre, a jack of all trades, and a true asset for the party, said Vasudevan. His leadership and organisational skills, and comprehensive knowledge will undoubtedly strengthen the party at the national level, he added. Recalling their days together, Vasudevan said, We were among the founding members of the Students Federation of India (SFI), formed by merging the state units of the Kerala Students Federation. Isaac and I were classmates at Maharajas College and led student movements from Ernakulam, while Baby, G Sudhakaran, and M Vijayakumar were based in Thiruvananthapuram. But we often met to strategise and organise. During the Emergency, we were all part of protests. Kodiyeri was arrested in Kannur, Baby and 25 others were arrested in Thiruvananthapuram. I was arrested and granted conditional bail after a week, only to be rearrested. I was severely tortured. In Kodiyeris absence, during the time, I served as acting state secretary of the SFI, he said. In those days of imprisonment and torture, Baby even contracted chicken pox and had to be moved to an isolated cell. Eventually, we were released after lawyers such as Varkala Balakrishnan appealed in court, arguing that we were all students. Baby is one of those who suffered for peoples rights, Vasudevan told TNIE. He also highlighted the new CPM chiefs connection with the arts, music, literature, and sports. Speaking of Babys passion for sports, especially football and badminton, Vasudevan said, Once, he came to Ernakulam to pay tributes to late actor N F Varghese. This was during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. As the ceremony in Aluva was delayed, he visited my house in Thrikkakara, and after lunch we sat down and watched a match, despite his packed schedule. Baby is a regular at arts and literature festivals, particularly those hosted by Malayali associations in Delhi, Vasudevan said. Whenever he visits my home, we never discuss politics, but stick to reminiscing about our old days. I am nervous talking politics with a leader who has served on the party politburo for so long, he added.
Churning in AIADMK, BJP ahead of Shahs visit to Tamil Nadu
CHENNAI: Behind-the-screens churnings and intense speculations over the AIADMK-BJP dynamics and whether K Annamalai would remain BJPs state president continue with Union Home Minister and BJPs chief strategist Amit Shahs anticipated visit to the state soon. There were strong rumours that AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and expelled leader O Panneerselvam could separately meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Tamil Nadu on Sunday and this would offer some clarity. These rumours, as it is usually the case with rumours, did not come true. The PMs visit neither offered any clarity on Annamalai, as expected by certain sections. Sources close to Palaniswami in fact strongly denied that there were any efforts from his side to meet Modi. BJP sources said the PM too did not prefer to meet the leaders of any other parties, including BJPs allies, during this visit. Meanwhile, AIADMKs senior leader and MLA KA Sengottaiyan, who had a friction with EPS recently, and its former MP and expelled leader KC Palanisamy, who continues to be vocal about AIADMKs affairs, seem to have separately met Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman who came to Chennai on Saturday. Sengottaiyan did not say anything, including whether the meeting happened, but Palanisamy acknowledged meeting her. He declined to comment on what transpired when TNIE contacted, but sources close to him said he certainly discussed the issues that matter to the 2026 Assembly election. KA Sengottaiyan On the Annamalai front, BJPs state vice president VP Duraisamy, who addressed media on Sunday to condemn the manner in which DMK opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Assembly, said Annamalai would continue as state president, while responding to a question. However, he immediately added a caveat that everyone will accept any decision taken by the national leadership. When asked about Duraisamys view that Annamalai would stay back in his present position, a senior BJP leader said 97% of the partys rank and file want Annamalai to continue. Acknowledging that some in the party may not want him, he said, There is jealousy about Annamalais popularity. What happened when he was out of the country for three months? It was Annamalai who brought the party that stayed inside the office to the public domain. He has been keeping the party in the limelight always. When asked about Duraisamys comment, Annamalai told the media in Madurai that he had already clarified that he was not in the race for president. Why do you drag me in again, he asked. Meeting with FM? AIADMK senior leader and MLA KA Sengottaiyan, who had a friction with EPS, and its former MP and expelled leader K C Palanisamy, who is vocal about AIADMKs affairs, seem to have separately met Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman who came to Chennai on Saturday
MADURAI: The 24th Congress of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which culminated on a more-or-less uneventful note in Madurai on Sunday barring a surprise election to the Central Committee elected veteran leader M A Baby as its sixth general secretary. The 71-year-olds elevation to the top post was on expected lines, though there was some opposition initially from the West Bengal unit. A former Kerala minister, Baby is the second leader from the state CPM to lead the party, after Communist patriarch E M S Namboodiripad. He is also the first leader from the Christian minority to lead the party. The party congress also elected an 85-member Central Committee with 20% women representation and 30 new faces. The congress, which chose to strictly adhere to the age cap of 75 years, saw seven veterans, including Prakash Karat, Manik Sarkar, Brinda Karat and Subhashini Ali stepping down from the politburo (PB), making way for eight new faces. The Karats, Sarkar and Ali along with three veterans Biman Basu, S Ramachandran Pillai and Hannan Mollah were made special invitees to the CC. Jammu & Kashmir leader Mohammed Yusuf Tarigami and P K Sreemathy from Kerala too were exempted from the age criterion and retained in CC. The PB strength has been increased to 18 from the previous 17. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan already on extension was given another extension to retain him in the PB. The eight new faces inducted into the PB include All India Democratic Womens Association general secretary Mariam Dhawale of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu trade unionist U Vasuki, Delhi-based Keralite and All India Kisan Sabha general secretary Vijoo Krishnan, R Arun Kumar from Andhra Pradesh, Tripura secretary Jiten Choudhury, Tamil Nadu leader K Balakrishnan, Srideep Bhattacharya from West Bengal and Rajasthan MP Amra Ram. Sources said the decision to induct K Balakrishnan was taken at the last minute, after concerns came up over lack of Tamil Nadu representation in the PB. Theorist and art buff, MA Baby paints a stable picture for CPM It was a unanimous decision: M A Baby In a first, election was held to the CC, after Maharashtra CITU leader D L Karad challenged the official panel and chose to contest. Though he lost polling only 31 votes out of around 729 who voted the unprecedented development took even the party leaders by surprise. Kerala got increased representation in the CC with three more members LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan, secretariat member Dineshan Puthalath and senior woman leader from Malabar K S Saleekha being inducted into the committee, in addition to John Brittas who has been made a permanent invitee. A K Balan was dropped from CC. Speaking to TNIE after being elected, Baby said the election was unanimous. It was West Bengal secretary Mohammed Salim who proposed my name, and it was backed by Dr Ashok Dhawale, whom some of you had projected as the general secretary candidate, Baby said. Being chosen to lead the party through the worst ever crisis in its history, Baby said building up the party at places where it is weak, increasing the independent strength of the party, and taking on the Sangh Parivar-led BJP are the major tasks before him. Baby takes over at a time when the CPM has been mostly confined to the southern end of the country, specifically Kerala. He has a challenging task ahead, to win back the partys lost appeal in other parts of the country, especially West Bengal and Tripura, where the party suffered colossal electoral losses. Major challenges await CPM General Secretary MA Baby, both politically and organisationally New faces in PB Jiten Choudhury K Balakrishnan U Vasuki Amra Ram Srideep Bhattacharya Vijoo Krishnan Mariam Dhawale R Arun Kumar Those who stepped down from PB Prakash Karat Manik Sarkar Brinda Karat Subhashini Ali Surjya Kanta Mishra G Ramakrishnan Central Committee Permanent Invitees Sudeep Dutta Bal Singh John Brittas Sudhanva Deshpande Special Invitees Manik Sarkar Prakash Karat Brinda Karat (W) Subhashini Ali (W) S Ramachandran Pillai Biman Basu Hannan Mollah Control commission G Ramakrishnan will chair the Control Commission. Kerala leader M Vijayakumar and West Bengal leader Rabin Deb too are part of the commission. AT THE HELM An outstanding Marxist theorist and art connoisseur, M A Baby will lead the CPM for the next three years He was inducted into the Central Committee in 1989, even before Pinarayi made it to the top panel However, he got elevated to the politburo only in 2012, after Pinarayi and Kodiyeri Balakrishnan 85-member CC Kerala gets bigger representation in Central Committee. Age relaxation given to P K Sreemathy in CC. John Brittas made permanent invitee to the committee Politburo strength increased to 18 from 17. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan gets yet another extension in PB Mariam and Ashok Dhawale become second couple to reach politburo, after Brinda and Prakash Karat
Major challenges await CPM General Secretary MA Baby, both politically and organisationally
MADURAI: Taking over CPMs reins during its worst ever crisis, M A Baby will have to deal major challenges ahead head-on, both politically and organisationally. Manoeuvring through the thin line of the INDIA bloc while remaining relevant in national politics will be his most significant challenge. The immediate task before him is to increase the independent strength of the CPM, while also striving to build up on the currently fragmented Left unity. Maintaining good relations with other Left parties, leading leftist struggles, and still being on the same page with other INDIA bloc parties is set to be a particularly challenging task. Going by the current tactical line, the party will have to formulate state-specific LDF-like alliances. Being the general secretary, the onus will now lie on Baby to lead such alliances. On the other hand, Baby as party secretary could also pose challenges to the CPM in Kerala. Occupying the top post, he will have to share many a dais with parties like Congress, being part of the INDIA bloc. A familiar face in Kerala, his elevation could also lend an impression that the central leadership is not independent of the powerful Kerala unit. Keeping the party intact, at least in Kerala, will thus be another big challenge. With elections coming up in 2026, retaining power will be a key task. CPM party Congress with a Dhawale effect Organisationally, rebuilding the partys base in its once-upon-a-time strongholds like West Bengal and Tripura will be the biggest challenge, especially with the party admitting to drastic erosion in its mass base, lack of quality membership, and failure to take up mass and class struggles. The Party Congress has come out with detailed rectification plans that include a self-critical approach. Implementing these on a sustained basis too gains significance. Yet another major challenge before the new secretary will be handling the differences of opinion within the top brass and among state units. It is no secret the Bengal unit was not in his favour. How the Dhawale factor reflects on the partys affairs remains to be seen. That a senior trade union leader challenged the official central committee panel clearly shows more such dissenting voices could soon spill out into the open. Take all along while leading from the front and stopping the partys downward spiral. That is what the CPM expects from its sixth secretary at this crucial juncture in its history. Kerala gets bigger pie in central committee TPuram: In proportion with its membership strength, the Kerala CPM has got bigger representation in the central committee. Of the 85 members, the state has 17 members, including five women. Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas was made permanent invitee. AIDWA president PK Sreemathy was given extension, while K S Saleekha was included as surprise entry. T P Ramakrishnan and Dineshan Puthalath got in CC. There were speculations Mohamed Riyas could be considered to CC. In the case of politburo too, there were speculations that E P Jayarajan would be considered to the top panel. A K Balan stepped down due to age criteria while there was already a vacancy following the demise of Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. Senior leaders including E P Jayarajan, Thomas Isaac, K K Shailaja and K Radhakrishnan from the state will continue in CC.
CPI (M) senior leader from Khammam dies of heart attack
CPI (M) State committee member Yerra Srikanth dies of heart attack at CPI (M) Congress in Madurai
Karats out of politburo, former Kerala minister Baby named CPM general secretary
Mariam Alexander Baby has been appointed as CPM's new general secretary during the 24th congress in Madurai. Baby, 71, is the second person from Kerala to hold this position, succeeding Sitaram Yechury. His appointment faced some opposition, but he secured broad support, including endorsements from key members.
MA Baby elected CPI(M) chief: Pinarayi, 79, gets age waiver to stay in top team
Senior leader MA Baby has been elected as the new general secretary of CPI(M) at the 24th party congress in Madurai. Several senior leaders retired from the Polit Bureau due to age restrictions, allowing new entries. Fighting RSS-BJP and strengthening CPI(M) are among Baby's top priorities.
Red Volunteers take out march on concluding day of CPI(M)s 24th party congress in Madurai
Senior Leader MA Baby Selected As New CPI(M) General Secretary
Senior CPI-M leader and Politburo member MA Baby has been selected as the new General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) during the party's 24th Congress, currently underway in Madurai.
M.A. Baby elected general secretary of CPI(M)
The 24th congress of the party, which ended in Madurai on Sunday (April 6, 2025), also elected an 18-member Polit Bureau with eight new members
CPI-M selects MA Baby as new general secretary
Chennai: Senior CPI-M leader and Politburo member MA Baby has been selected as the new General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) during the partys 24th Congress, currently underway in Madurai. With the Politburo approving the recommendation for Babys elevation, he becomes the second leader from Kerala to hold the position, after the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
CPM elects Kerala ex-minister MA Baby as party chief
Former Kerala minister M A Baby was elected as the CPI(M) general secretary at the 24th party congress in Madurai. Baby, who was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1986 to 1998, has been a member of the Politburo since 2012. He succeeds Sitaram Yechury, who passed away last year.
Kerala leader M A Baby elected as CPIM's sixth general secretary
MADURAI: Former Kerala minister M A Baby was elected as the CPI(M) general secretary at the 24th party congress here on Sunday, sources said. A section of the party leaders had backed All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) president Ashok Dhawale for the post. Born to P M Alexander and Lilly Alexander in Kerala's Prakkulam in 1954, Baby's first exposure to politics came when he joined the Kerala Students Federation, the predecessor of the Students Federation of India, during his school days. He was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1986 to 1998. Baby has been a member of the Politburo, the highest decision-making body of the CPI(M), since 2012. The post of the party general secretary fell vacant following the death of Sitaram Yechury last year, after which Prakash Karat took over as the interim coordinator. The 24th party congress of the CPI(M) began on April 2 and will end on Sunday.
CPI(M) Demands Immediate Restoration of Full Statehood and Democratic Rights in Jammu Kashmir
MADURAI: The Communist Party of India (Marxist), after its 24th Party Congress held in Madurai from April 2 to 6, passed a resolution demanding the immediate restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, along with the revival of democratic rights and civil liberties. The party described the August 5, 2019, decisions of the BJP-led [] The post CPI(M) Demands Immediate Restoration of Full Statehood and Democratic Rights in Jammu Kashmir appeared first on Kashmir Life .
Madurai corporation fines Rs 40,000 for illegal dumping in Vaigai river
MADURAI: Tightening its grip on the illegal dumping of garbage into Vaigai River, the Madurai city corporation has imposed a total fine of Rs 40,000 against the violators in one month. With the corporation's announcement to impose heavy fines on violators from the second week of March this year, the civic body has increased vigil along the south and north banks of the Vaigai river to prevent open dumping of waste. So far, a total of Rs 40,000 has been collected from violators in the last one month, and several others have been issued notices. Further, the city corporation has warned that repeated violation will result in the seizure of vehicles and criminal action against the violators. It may be noted that the civic body has been taking a series of measures, including the installation of CCTVs, patrolling and others, to prevent the dumping of waste into the river. Meanwhile, activists alleged that the city corporation has failed to prevent the menace, despite many people dumping tonnes of waste into the Vaigai regularly. Recently, a video of workers dumping rice mill waste into the river in the night near Vaigai south banks road in Ward 43 went viral on social media. Speaking to TNIE, M Raja of Vaigai Makkal Iyakkam in Madurai said, Though we have been lodging a series of complaints with the corporation flagging the illegal waste dumping in the river, the authorities did not take any action. The mill waste dumped into the river has piled up to a height of 4-5 feet. When contacted, a senior official from the city health department stated that the corporation has imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on the mill owner, with regard to the mill waste dumped into the river near Ward 43. The violator was directed to remove the dumped waste within the next 24 hours. Besides, for the safe disposal of waste, the corporation has suggested a venue where the people can dump mill waste, from where it will be cleared off by the corporation on a regular basis, the official added.
TN Water resources minister calls for swift DPR on Papanasam-Manimuthar dam inter-linking project
TIRUNELVELI: Minister for Water Resources, Mines and Minerals Durai Murugan conducted a review meeting on Saturday and instructed officials to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the Papanasam-Manimuthar dam-linking project and complete desiltation works in eight canal stretches in the Thamirabarani river basin expeditiously. The meeting was held at the Circuit House in Vannarpettai, Tirunelveli in the presence of District Collector Dr R Sukumar. It was attended by senior engineers and officials of the Water Resources Department (WRD), who assessed the progress of ongoing schemes and projects announced during the Assembly session. Durai Murugan said the proposal to interlink the Papanasam and Manimuthar dams has been long-pending a demand of the public, and instructed the officials to expedite the preparation of the DPR. He also directed them to take immediate steps to complete the desilting works in eight canal stretches in the Thamirabarani basin under a special programme. Highlighting various development initiatives announced in the Assembly, the minister reviewed the upcoming restoration of Mayilapudur anicut in Radhapuram taluk at a cost of Rs 1.3 crore, renovation of Ariyanayagipuram anicut in Mukkudal at Rs 3.68 crore, and the strengthening of the Tharuvai surplus regulator in Palayam canal, where it merges with the Pachaiyar river at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore. He also reviewed the Rs 40-crore Kanjiparai anicut enhancement work in Radhapuram taluk and emphasised the need to initiate all these projects swiftly in accordance with the norms set by the government. Tenkasi Dr Rani Srikumar, Palayamkottai MLA M Abdul Wahab, Tirunelveli Corporation Mayor K Ramakrishnan, District Revenue Officer M Suganya and WRD Madurai Zone Chief Engineer S Ramesh were present.
Kerala leader MA Baby set to become CPM's sixth general secretary
MADURAI: With eleven out of the 16 member party politburo supporting his name, veteran Kerala leader MA Baby is all set to become the CPM's sixth general secretary. Though the West Bengal faction was in favour of Maharashtra leader Ashok Dhawale, Baby got majority support. It has also been decided to give extension to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the Politburo. At the Politburo meeting on Saturday night, Prakash Karat proposed MA Baby's name. Sources said five of the 16-member Politburo - Surjya Kanta Mishra, WB secretary Mohammed Salim, Nilotpal Basu, Ramachandra Dome and Dhawale - opposed the same. The final decision will be taken at the central committee meeting on Sunday morning. It's learnt that the Politburo has arrived at a consensus on the new names to be included. Mariyam Dhawale, U Vasuki, Amra Ram, Vijoo Krishnan, Arun Kumar, Sreedeep Bhattacharya are likely to make into the Politburo. Of those who crossed the age cap of 75 years, Prakash Karat, Brinda Karat and Manik Sarkar would be made invitees. There are reports that the PB decided to give extension to Central Committee members PK Sreemathy and Mohammed Yusuf Tarigami.
CPM to address quality erosion, member retention post Madurai conference
'Quality erosion, no touch with masses, mass agitations'
Duo from Andhra Pradesh travel 6 days on bicycles to attend CPI(M) congress in Madurai
Centre Does Not Appear Inclined To Restore J&K Statehood: CPI(M) MLA Tarigami
Madurai, Apr 5: The Centre does not appear inclined to restore Jammu and Kashmirs statehood, Kulgam MLA and CPI(M) central committee member MY Tarigami said on Saturday. His comments came in the backdrop of the 24th party congress of the CPI(M) adopting a resolution demanding statehood restoration for Jammu and Kashmir as a step towards restoration of special status. In an interview with PTI, Tarigami said the BJP was disappointed with election results in the Union Territory and wondered which [] The post Centre Does Not Appear Inclined To Restore J&K Statehood: CPI(M) MLA Tarigami appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Speculation rife as CPI-M set to pick new general secy
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) is set to elect its next general secretary, with speculation rife over who will lead the party. Leading contenders include M A Baby, backed by the party's Kerala unit, and Ashok Dhawale, who enjoys support from the West Bengal lobby. Other potential candidates include Mohammed Salim, B V Raghavulu, and Brinda Karat. The election will take place at the 24th CPI(M) congress in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Kerala adventurously experimenting with alternatives for investment: MB Rajesh
Madurai: With Kerala headed towards assembly polls next year, the CPI(M)-led LDF has pitched the concept of Nava Kerala, and the state government is adventurously experimenting with alternatives for investment amid constraints imposed by the BJP-led Union government, Kerala Minister MB Rajesh told PTI. In an interview with PTI, Rajesh, Minister for Local Self Government Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
To defeat the BJP, the primary task before the CPM is to strengthen its independent image
MADURAI: The CPM leadership has failed to implement earlier decisions taken by the party and has been lax in monitoring the same, says veteran Politburo member Subhashini Ali. The 24th Congress is underway. What are the immediate priorities before the CPM? Both the party and the country are passing through a critical stage. The BJP government is pursuing the Manuvadi principles at breakneck speed. Defeating the BJP and its fascist ideology, while simultaneously strengthening our party are two sides of the same coin. To defeat the BJP, the primary task before the party is to strengthen its independent image. What are the plans for the same? The way everybody came together against the Waqf bill is an indication...those who came together under the INDIA Bloc...they too realised that its necessary to stand together to defeat the BJP on crucial issues. The main challenge is to get rid of our own weaknesses and to reclaim our base...to have a greater connect with the masses. Have you identified the weaknesses? Yes. There has been a general change. An earlier generation had once supported us. But its not necessary that their children will toe the same line. Serious efforts are being made to identify various means needed to attract the younger generations...the apt slogans needed...the alternatives that need to be placed before them. Isnt it a fact that the party is no longer appealing to the general public? That's not true. We are trying to fight an adverse enemy in very adverse circumstances. Though we have limited resources in hand, we are still able to stand up and resist such forces consistently. Much bigger parties have often hesitated to take up such issues or confront the BJP head-on. The CPM has failed to convert its mass support to electoral gains. Why? Yes. Theres a gap that needs to be filled. We are conscious of this fact. We do know what is to be done in addressing the same. Its now a question of doing it and constantly monitoring that it continues to be done. Implementing decisions taken, and monitoring the same, are essential tasks. Youve been part of the top leadership for the last one decade. Doesn't this reflect a failure of leadership too? Of course. We have to admit that its our failure too, because in the Communist party, things happen from the top. Obviously, we have failed in monitoring whether decisions taken are actually being implemented on ground or not. We need to step out ourselves and take on responsibility for its implementation, while ensuring to carry the masses with us on this journey. This has to be done. Dont you think mechanical implementation of the 75-year age cap will not actually help in the long run? I dont think it's being implemented in a mechanical manner. There are bound to be areas, wherein other considerations have also been given due weightage. Will we soon see a woman general secretary at the helm? Im not an astrologer! Will the CPM have a woman general secretary at least sometime in the future? Obviously it will...definitely.
24th Madurai Conference: CPM to emulate Kerala's LDF model across country
MADURAI: The CPM will formulate state-specific political understandings akin to that of the Left Democratic Front in Kerala with secular parties to take on the BJP. As decided in the past, there wont be any political alliance with the Indian National Congress anywhere. However, at the time of polls, depending on the prevailing political situation, there can be understanding with these parties, including the Congress. The Party Congress on Friday issued its nod for the political resolution, which is more or less in line with the draft resolution. Platforms of Left and democratic parties, similar to that of the LDF in Kerala, will be formed across the country, based on prevailing political situations at the regional levels, in order to prevent erosion of anti-BJP votes. Congress can be part of such an understanding during the elections, said sources. Various state units like Tamil Nadu and Telangana have demanded that the party give its nod for the formation of such vast platforms, to which the top leadership assented. It has also been pointed out that the state-specific political understandings would not be an alternative to the INDIA Bloc. On Friday, Politburo coordinator Prakash Karat responded to discussions on the political review. In his reply, Karat appreciated the efforts taken by the Kerala government. Referring to the new Kerala initiatives, the leadership assured that the state will ensure all mandatory norms, including reservation in these universities. He pointed out that students from the state have been going abroad for studies, and thats why the government decided to allow private varsities. He made it clear that such institutions will have student councils too. Rising communalism Kerala has been seeing rising extremism of all sorts be it Hindu, Christian and Islamic - observed the party organisational report. It pointed out that the BJP has been trying to cash in on such communal elements. The party should also strive to attract professionals and the urban middle class to its platforms. The report underscored the need to set up a propaganda machinery using new-age technologies. In a self-critical note, the CPM observed that the party is not up-to-date on ground-level developments. CPM set for Madurai Congress with calls for the deepest introspection On a day Kerala hogged the limelight, criticism cropped up from a couple of delegates against Kerala government over the Asha workers'strike and policy deviations. Referring to the strike, AP delegate Remadevi said this is not the kind of approach expected from a Left government towards a womens agitation. She pointed out that the strike has been going on for two months, with some agitators even cutting their hair in protest. Yet the government failed to resolve the same, she said. Later speaking at the discussion, TN Seema defended the government. She referred to the strike as a politically motivated agitation led by SUCI. Delegates from Delhi also warned against policy deviations while implementing new reforms. Membership fee hiked Joining the CPM would now be a _costly_ affair. In a decision to move with the times, the party has decided to hike the membership fee to Rs 10 from the earlier Rs 5. The party meet gave its nod to an amendment on Friday, that sought to revise the membership fee. It was almost a decade ago that the party had revised the fee from Rs.2 to Rs.5. Pinarayi-Karat driven CPM readies to enter ideologically obstinate realm in Madurai
Madras HC withdraws injunction order, allows consecration ceremony at Kasi Viswanathar Temple
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Friday vacated the interim injunction passed by it on Thursday, restraining the HR&CE department from conducting the consecration ceremony at the Kasi Viswanathar Temple in Tenkasi on April 7. A bench of Justices J Nisha Banu and S Srimathy said the ceremony may go on, but the directions regarding the inspection, to be conducted by the advocate commissioner and IIT Madras experts, stay intact and the inspection report be submitted before the court on April 21 as directed. The bench changed its decision after additional advocate general Veera Kathiravan contended that the renovation works are almost over, and the defects pointed out by the petitioner are unrelated to the consecration ceremony. Moreover, several rituals relating to the ceremony, including the Ganapathi Homam, palalayam, etc, have already been carried out, and many devotees and pilgrims have started gathering at the temple in view of the ceremony, Kathiravan added. The officials also submitted photographs of the completed renovation works before the court to back their claim. Following this, the judges modified the interim order and adjourned the matter to April 21. Earlier, the court had restrained the HR&CE department from conducting the consecration ceremony at the temple based on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition filed by M Nambirajan, who claimed that the renovation works have not been undertaken properly and the allotted funds have been misappropriated. The petition was listed for clarification on Friday based on the request made by the government not to stop the ceremony at this stage.
For most of history, Anonymous was a woman is an iconic rephrasing of Virginia Woolfs words. This statement is undeniable because a sneak into history tells us that women wrote or created art in secrecy, their voices muffled by the norms of a patriarchal society. When these standards were shattered and women claimed their words and created a world of their own, freedom was still a far-fetched concept. They were expected to fit within the confines of what was acceptable to please, to pacify, to moralise. Their creativity was filtered through the lens of societal expectations. A classic example is Louisa May Alcotts Little Women (1868), where the author was persuaded to give a lived happily ever after end to the story that was hers to tell. Over time, the fight took on new forms not just protest, but presence. Women began claiming spaces. The fight is still on to expand what stories women are allowed to tell, and how they are heard. Because in todays digital age, when everything is a click away, female artistes still lack recognition. Usha Rani To bring that recognition, document the work, the stories, and the legacy of three artistes Seethalakshmi, Usha Rani, and Narthaki Nataraj Goethe Institut, the Kala collective, a team of photographers, videographers, and editors, and Shreya Nagarajan Singh, an art development consultancy, have come up with an exhibition. Titled The Female Legacy Project, this display is a four-month-long hard work put in by four creators writer Saritha Rao, illustrator Sahitya Rani, photographer and videographer Bhuvana Sekar and Habiba Begum. Legacy and limelight The Internet takes you nowhere if you search for Usha Rani, a theatre artiste. With roots from Andhra but settled in Tamil Nadu, Usha cannot read or write. This did not hinder her ambition to become an actor. She gets into the skin of any character within seconds. She asks people around her to narrate scenes, and then she would memorise the dialogues. She observes their expressions while reading. How are they acting out? How do they emphasise certain words? And then she performs, explains Habiba Begum, a lens-based artiste. Seethalakshmi Then there is Seethalakshmi, a shadow puppetry artiste. She brought a revolution in performing the art form. She records her shows and has taken the theatrical art to international museums. There is nothing about her on the Internet. But the minute we entered her house, we could see walls full of photos and framed awards. Its an archive. Its material that has just not been seen by the outside world, notes Habiba. Another performer, Narthaki Nataraj, a Bharatanatyam artiste, is a Padma Shri recipient. Habiba says, Her journey is testimony to what shes doing. This trans woman from Madurai came out along with her friend, Shakti. They continue as dancers now. Its just the support they have had, highlighting the women that each of them has in their life. Katharina Goergen, director of the Goethe-Institut In this specific project, we wanted to highlight the fact that women are written less about, there are fewer texts, there are less newspaper articles. For them, this means it is harder to build a legacy. They are more often forgotten even if they did something great in their art form. More than a setting The creators interviewed the artistes individually to get their stories and display them at an art show. It is kind of their (creators) individual depiction of the life story, to honour these three female artistes, says Katharina Goergen, director of the Goethe-Institut. Each of the three artistes lives is documented in a short film accompanied by beautiful portraits. She adds, The illustrator has made original illustrations depicting parts of the life story, and the author has written the text to bring all of thse together. At its heart, the installations are lived experiences of perseverance, resistance, and a quiet, enduring strength. Writer Saritha Rao shares, It is not about my words. Its about their stories the stories of the three women were featuring. Writing for this project was similar to composing a biography. She says, The words had to be efficient, but at the same time, they had to convey the highlights of the subject we are writing about. When capturing an artistes performance, she often chose to dig deeper, seeking out the performances cultural context rather than simply stating what was done. Narthaki Nataraj Dared to create According to Saritha, female artistes are like thread, which is also the crux of the exhibition. You do not notice each strand of threads woven into a dress. But once you start noticing it, you will start noticing it more. Similarly, as a writer, I have written a lot, but once I started working with female artistes and a team full of creative women, the next I would really like to write more about women artistes. There are a lot of similarities in our lives and lived experiences. Mostly, you would see them on centre stage, relate to and admire the work they do. You see the performance side of them. But when you go behind the stage, behind the scenes of them just talking about their stories and experiences, the space shifts to a place where they are vulnerable and just sharing, says Habiba. She goes on to add that in the journey of success, many pairs of hands lift her. That is what is so beautiful about these three artistes they have all had that community or those people who have always had their backs and pushed them for opportunities that have made their life and their legacy what it is, she says. Art is a medium of communication, and women add different angles and layers of life experiences to it. This exhibition documents a legacy of such different perspectives and creates new ones for future generations. Learn the legacies Inaugurated on Friday, the exhibition has a guided tour from today till April 13, from 10 am to 7 pm. Special tours in the Bharatanatyam language will be held today and tomorrow and April 12 and 13 at 5 pm.
CPI(M) party congress adopts resolution condemning Waqf bill passage
MADURAI: The 24th party congress of the CPI(M) on Friday adopted a resolution condemning the passage of the Waqf bill and called on secular and democratic-minded citizens to unite and demand its withdrawal. Parliament approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 , early on Friday after the Rajya Sabha gave its nod to the contentious legislation following an over 13-hour debate. The Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 128 members voting in favour and 95 opposing it. It was passed in the Lok Sabha early on Thursday, with 288 members supporting it and 232 against it. The Bill is now awaiting the president's assent before it becomes law. This 24th congress of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) condemns the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill by Parliament. This legislation is an assault on the Constitution and the rights of minorities, according to the resolution adopted by the CPI(M). The CPI(M) calls upon all secular people and organisations of the country to protest against this Act which will only increase communal polarisation and damage the secular fabric of the nation, the Left party said. According to the resolution, the earlier law was a legal framework governing Waqf properties and ensuring their proper administration, protection and utilisation for religious and charitable purposes. However, the amended legislation makes significant changes that will undermine the foundational principles laid out in the earlier legislation, the CPI(M) said. Through this amendment, the BJP government is pushing its Hindutva agenda, aiming to divide people. It has been repeatedly claiming that the earlier Act has been used for extensive land grab by Muslims, according to the resolution. Congress to challenge Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Supreme Court Despite Islamic injunctions prohibiting non-Muslims from managing Waqf properties, the amended legislation provides for including non-Muslims in Waqf boards, according to the resolution. This is an attack on the constitutional right of Muslims to practice their religion, the CPI(M) said. By making it mandatory that only a Muslim who can prove that he or she has followed the religion for at least five years can donate land to Waqf boards, the amended legislation is opening the way for harassment of Muslims and can actually prevent them from creating or contributing to Waqf properties, it further said. Many non-Muslims also contribute to building of mosques etc and this expression of brotherhood and fraternity will no longer be possible under the amended law, it added. Under the new amendments, the majority of Waqf properties in the country - those declared orally or through usage - will become vulnerable to government takeover, the CPI(M) said in the resolution. Through the amended legislation, states such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala that have large Waqf holdings will face targeted appropriation of these assets, the Left party warned. By transferring the authority to determine Waqf properties from the survey commissioner to government-appointed revenue officials, the government aims to seize places of worship, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and vocational centres, thereby consolidating control over Waqf assets, according to the resolution. The CPI(M) said the new mandate requiring the registration of thousands of Waqf properties historically established through long-term usage exposed the government's covert agenda to confiscate them. Through these amendments, the central government is advancing its agenda of eradicating the rights of Muslims, mirroring the exclusionary intent of the Citizenship Amendment Act, the Left party added. The CPI(M), in its resolution, called on all secular and democratic-minded citizens to unite to demand withdrawal of the proposed legislation. J&K ruling NC, alliance passes two resolutions condemning Waqf Bill, transfer of 48 JKAS officers
CPM faces internal divisions, political backlash over CM Pinarayi Vijayans daughter in CMRL case
MADURAI: The CPM has found itself on the defensive after prosecution sanction against CMs daughter Veena T in the CMRL case . Even as the Kerala CPM attempted to put up a united face of resistance, differences within the leadership have now spilled out in the open. While a slew of Kerala leaders along with Politburo coordinator Prakash Karat chose to term it a politically motivated case, which will be fought legally and politically, West Bengal secretary Mohammed Salim however opined that the party has nothing to do with the matter. The differences in opinion within the central leadership about the SFIO case and the confusion in this regard came out after Mohammed Salim made it clear that the individuals concerned would opt for legal recourse. Responding to questions at the media briefing on the sidelines of the party Congress, Salim said central agencies are being utilized against the chief ministers office, his family and the CM himself. Responding to media queries, Salim said, It has nothing to do with the party. Those who are now being investigated would take the legal recourse. They are capable of handling it, he said. To repeated questions on whether legal recourse would be taken by the party or the individual concerned, Salim said, The party concerned will fight the case. In an apparent indication that the party would not get involved in the matter, Salim said, all those party people or non-party people who are being investigated, they have to take legal recourse. CPM Party Congress passes resolution to defend Left government in Kerala Earlier in the day, the CPM leadership had rallied behind Pinarayi, and stated in unison that it was a politically-motivated case. If they think they can target the chief minister by targetting his family members, we are prepared to face it. Im sure it will be fought politically and legally, said Prakash Karat. The Centre's move, at a time when the party Congress is in progress, is being viewed as a deliberate action to corner the ruling Left. Sensing a political conspiracy, a slew of leaders came out questioning the move and its timing. Senior Politburo member MA Baby raised suspicions that a deliberate conspiracy behind the move is to be suspected. He pointed out that the SFIO action came, when Kerala and Tamil Nadu chief ministers were attending a session against the Union government. State secretary MV Govindan said theres a clear political agenda behind the move. Neither the government nor the chief minister has gone out of the way to help in the contract between two companies. Three vigilance courts have made it clear that theres no evidence to link the CM with the matter. Later the High Court too rejected all such accusations in this regard, Govindan pointed out. Senior leaders including ministers KN Balagopal, P Rajeeve and central committee members KK Shailaja and AK Balan too came out in defence of the CM and his daughter. They pointed out that the SFIO move comes, hardly a week after the High Court turned down a demand for a vigilance investigation into the matter. Even as the Kerala party rallied behind the CM, concerns still abound within the party. The case against the CM's daughter has hogged headlines at a time when the party Congress has been highlighting the Kerala model as an alternative.
Madurai city police creating awareness of cybercrime
CPM Party Congress passes resolution to defend Left government in Kerala
MADURAI: The ongoing CPM Party Congress on Friday made call to defend Keralas left government which has been fighting a fiscal blockade imposed by the BJP government at the Centre. The party meet on Friday adopted a resolution in this regard. Moved by West Bengal secretary Mohammed Salim and backed by Tripura secretary Jitendra Choudhury, the resolution pointed at the distinctive features of the LDF government including opposing the Hindutva ideology and providing an alternative to neo liberal policies. Union government has been conducting false, baseless and malicious propaganda against the state government, alleged the resolution. The resolution said the BJP government at the Centre has virtually imposed a fiscal blockade against the state. It also alleged that the opposition Congress has also joined the destabilization attempt. The alternative development policies pursued by successive Left Governments in Kerala have focused on strategy of redistribution for inclusive growth. Land reforms have been implemented. Trade unions and minimum wage laws have ensured the highest wages. Government policies have ensured universal education, health care and social security. Absolute poverty will be eradicated in 2025-26. Kerala has ensured a decent and better life for its ordinary citizens. Kerala CPM calls for immediate action against BJP's growing influence on Christian minorities Kerala leads India in social and welfare achievements and its GDP growth during the past three decades is higher than the countrys growth. Currently it is trying to address the challenge of educated unemployment. It would require a transformation of the technological base of the economy into one based on advanced scientific knowledge and high productivity. To achieve it, Kerala`s knowledge and skill intensive industries must become an attractive investment destination. A new generation of start-up enterprises must mushroom. Kerala should become a knowledge economy. The state is taking major strides under the present LDF government to overcome the key impediments to such a transformation through the following initiatives: (a) Making Kerala an attractive investment destination, (b) Overcoming the infrastructure deficit through extra budgetary resource mobilization by special SPVs, (c) Revamping the higher education sector, and (d) Launching Knowledge Kerala People's Campaign to skill the students and the unemployed. The above paradigm shift does not imply that the state would move away from its redistributive strategy of development. The public sector units, public education and public health will be strengthened. There will be no abridgement of democratic rights or labour rights. Democratic decentralization and participation will continue to characterize our interventions in the social and small-scale sectors. The fight against all forms of caste and gender discrimination and for secular and scientific values will continue. It is precisely such an outcome that the BJP-NDA regime at the Centre wants to prevent. Besides deploying the agency of Governor for administrative manipulations and undermining the legislative power of the state by withholding assent to bills, the Union government is systematically squeezing the fiscal space of the state government. Tamil Nadu lends 'full support' to Kerala in fight against Centre's borrowing restrictions The Finance Commissions share of tax devolution to Kerala has declined from 3.9 per cent during the 10th UFC period to 1.9 per cent during the current 15th UFC. The states share of the centrally sponsored schemes is only 1.6 per cent. Its share in the CAPEX is only 1.1 per cent. It has received virtually nothing from the special packages announced for different states. In 2024-25 the Union government`s total transfer to all the state governments in India was Rs 25 lakh crore. With 2.8 per cent of the population share, proportionately Kerala should have received Rs 70,000 crore. Actually, the transfers to the states were only Rs 35,000 crore, only half of what was its due. The Union government has also arbitrarily reduced the normal borrowing of the state government on the pretext that the capital borrowing made by KIIFB, a SPV similar to the National Highway Authority of India, is equivalent to indirect borrowing by the state. Worse, the central government decided to give retrospective effect to its new rule on extra budgetary borrowing by the state. As a result, during the past three years more than Rs 10,000 crore have been reduced from the states market loans. All this has pushed the state governments finances into a crisis. To cover up its discrimination, the Union government and its followers are conducting completely false, baseless and malicious propaganda against the state government, said the resolution. Kerala gets Rs 21 while Bihar gets Rs 70 from every Rs 100 collected as tax: Finance Minister Balagopal Left to its own devices, Kerala government leans towards the centre
Madurai divisional engineers saved British-era Pamban rail bridge
CPI(M) gets CPC message on what India-China ties can achieve
The Communist Party of China expressed that better India-China relations benefit both nations and the region. The CPC conveyed this in a message to the CPI(M) during its congress in Madurai. Multiple Left parties from around the world have also sent their support. The strengthening of China-India ties and regional peace and stability were emphasized.
Improving India-China relations serves interest of both countries: CPC in message to CPI(M)
MADURAI: Improving India-China ties serves the common interest of both the countries and the region, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has said in a message to the CPI(M), extending wishes for the party congress underway in Madurai. According to a document shared by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), 34 Left parties from across the world have sent it messages wishing success to its 24th party congress. Besides the CPC, they include Workers' Party of Korea, Communist Party of Vietnam, Communist Party of Cuba, Communist Party of Australia, Workers' Party of Belgium, Palestinian People's Party, besides communist parties from the US, France and Germany among others. Communist Party of Bangladesh, Workers Party of Bangladesh, Communist Party of Nepal (United Socialist), Awami Workers' Party, Pakistan, Communist Party of Pakistan and Communist Party of Burma also sent messages wishing success to the CPI(M) congress. The CPC in its message said in the present international landscape, an improving China-India relationship serves the common interest of both countries and the region. The international landscape and world order are now in a new round of transformation. An improving China-India relationship serves the common interests of both countries and the region, CPC said. While noting that the two parties have long maintained friendly exchanges, the CPC said it is ready to strengthen exchanges and strategic communication as well as experience sharing of party and state governance with the CPI(M) and other Indian political parties to promote continued progress of China-India relations as well as peace and stability of the region. In a recent interview to PTI, CPI(M) Interim Coordinator Prakash Karat had advocated improving relations with China without actually becoming allies, saying it will improve India's position in a multipolar world and balance the challenges posed by Donald Trump's presidency. The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) in its message claimed the aggressive continuation of the Hindutva drive and the passing of various laws targeting Muslim minorities explicitly exposed violation of federal character of the Indian Constitution and heavily disrupt the communal harmony in India. It also said Bangladesh is passing through a very critical period, and the Sheikh Hasina- led Awami regime fell by a popular uprising led by united students and common masses in which the Left parties also participated. However, due to lack of organizational strength in the party and Left Democratic Alliance, they missed the leadership of this uprising. Taking the advantage of this vacuum, communal fundamentalist forces are fully carrying forward their anti-national agenda of reverting our country back to the abandoned reactionary Pakistani ideology, the party alleged. It also said the CPI(M) and CPB were born and grew up in their early years as parts of the same undivided party during the days of the British colonial period. The Workers Party of Bangladesh meanwhile urged the CPI(M) to adopt a resolution in relation to the release of their party president Rashed Menon, who has been arrested by the present government. Communist Party of Pakistan (CPP) said it has a strong opinion that Pakistan should have good relations with all its neighbours, specially with India. We in Pakistan Communist Party always consider ourselves as part of the Indian subcontinent communist movement and Indian Communist party as our maternal party. Despite the partition we remained connected ideologically and continued our struggle in the most difficult situation in Pakistan, it said. Communist Party of Burma said as a party from a nation that is deeply involved in civil war for many decades, it appreciates and admires the condition of the CPI(M) to hold congresses. Your good opportunity of being able to meet with the comrades from all over the world is also a point of our envy, it said. Palestinian People's Party appreciated the position of solidarity taken by the CPI(M). Our party and people highly appreciate your firm position of solidarity with the just struggle of our people for ending the occupation and self- determination especially in this crucial moment where the occupation state is committing a genocide against our people in Gaza and West Bank, it said. The 24th CPI(M) congress, which began here on April 2, will conclude on April 6.
Kerala CPM calls for immediate action against BJP's growing influence on Christian minorities
MADURAI: The CPM party congress emphasised the need for immediate steps to resist the BJPs growing influence across the country, especially its attempts to enter the party's political space, including among Christian minorities. On the second day of the party meet, discussions primarily focused on countering the BJP-RSS Hindutva campaign. A senior leader warned, BJP and right-wing politics have strengthened across the country except in Kerala. In the last LS poll, it was proved that Hindutva forces are finding a foothold in Kerala too. A section of Left votes too have gone their way. That needs to be kept in mind. Criticism was directed at the Central Committee (CC) for its failure to publicise the Kerala governments achievements across other parts of the country. Earlier in the day, KK Ragesh, speaking on behalf of Kerala, highlighted government initiatives such as K-FON and the Nava Kerala movement. This backdrop led to strong reactions from delegates. Representatives from Uttar Pradesh raised concerns that the Kerala governments performance was not being effectively communicated to other regions. They said such efforts would have aided the partys expansion. Delegates from Jharkhand, however, praised Kerala for electing consecutive CPM governments. Concerns were also raised by a Telangana delegate over the partys failure to ensure womens representation and to establish a unified Left front. Meanwhile, West Bengal delegates expressed worry over the strengthening of extremist Islamic organisations in the state. They noted that the BJPs rise in the region inadvertently benefits such outfits. The Kerala CPM called for national-level Left unity, with Anil Kumar stating, This is essential, especially in the backdrop of ongoing discussions over a common platform. The party also acknowledged its failure to defend cultural spaces, which it said were increasingly being taken over by Hindutva forces. While focusing on the economic and political struggle, the party failed to effectively resist Hindutva forces occupying the cultural space. Efforts in this direction through libraries, cinemas and art platforms should be carried out, said a CC member. Additionally, general discussions were held on the 75-year age limit for leaders. Some delegates argued during group discussions that such a criterion does not exist in other parts of the world and should be reconsidered.
