National

Opposition Criticizes Nirmala Sitharaman for Her Comments on Periyar Amid Language Controversy

Published

11 months ago

March 12, 2025

Opposition lawmakers criticized Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday following her accusations of hypocrisy against the DMK regarding the ongoing language controversy. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman challenged the DMK’s position on the New Education Policy (NEP) and its proposed three-language model.

She mentioned that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had to retract his remarks after referring to their protests as “uncivil.” Furthermore, Sitharaman claimed that a leader revered by the DMK once labeled Tamil as a “barbaric” language that was “useless” for even beggars seeking alms. Although she didn’t name the individual, her reference was understood to be aimed at Periyar, a prominent figure in the Dravidian movement.

“It is quite hypocritical for a party to honor someone who has repeatedly referred to Tamil as a barbaric language while displaying his photograph in every room and worshipping him as an icon of the Dravidian movement,” she stated.

Her comments drew immediate backlash from opposition members, who accused her of undermining the interests of southern states. MDMK MP Durai Vaiko defended Periyar, asserting, “He never disrespected the Tamil language, and no one can question his dedication and contributions to Tamil society. As a senior politician, Nirmala Sitharaman is well aware of this but appears to be politicizing the matter. The people of Tamil Nadu and India expect more from a leader of her stature.”

CPI MP P. Sandosh Kumar also condemned Sitharaman’s remarks, stating, “She has a reputation for making controversial statements. In her blind support of the BJP, she often acts against the interests of southern states. As Finance Minister, she must ensure equal treatment for all states; it seems she has a personal vendetta against the southern region.”

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram reiterated Tamil Nadu’s dedication to a two-language policy, emphasizing that there is no need to mandate a third language. “Tamil Nadu is well served by its two-language formula: English and Tamil,” he explained. “English connects us to global commerce and science, while Tamil maintains our cultural identity. Those who wish to learn a third language can do so voluntarily; imposing it on us is wholly unacceptable, and the Union government should be adaptable in its policies.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also took issue with the Finance Minister’s comments, stating, “On a matter that involves states, it is regrettable that such decisions are made without proper discussion and debate. The arrogance displayed by the BJP over this issue is extremely disheartening.”

National

Three Burned Alive as Car Falls from Bridge in Gujarat’s Rajkot

Published

2 weeks ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gujarat: A tragic accident claimed the lives of three people in Gujarat’s Rajkot district on Monday.A car fell from a bridge and caught fire, killing all occupants on the spot.

The incident occurred on the Gondal–Atkot highway.The car was travelling from Chhota Udepur towards Gondal.

According to reports, the vehicle hit the bridge’s safety barrier.After the collision, the car fell nearly eight feet into a small stream below the bridge.

Soon after the fall, the car caught fire.The occupants were trapped inside the vehicle and were unable to escape.All three were burned alive and died at the scene.

Police and fire personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information.The fire was later brought under control.The bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.

The exact cause of the accident is under investigation. Further details are awaited.

National

Girl Records Reels Inside Jail, Video Sparks Debate

Published

2 weeks ago

January 30, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bhopal: A young woman has come under public attention after recording reels inside a jail while meeting her boyfriend.

The incident happened at Raipur Central Jail in Chhattisgarh, which is known for high security. Mobile phones are strictly not allowed inside the jail. Despite this rule, the woman carried her phone into the visitor room.

She recorded videos while talking to her boyfriend during the meeting. In the video, she speaks emotionally about visiting him on his birthday. She says she feels sad because she cannot stay with him on his special day.

After the meeting, she uploaded the video on her social media account. The video quickly went viral on different platforms. The inmate seen in the video is identified as Tarakeshwar.

He is currently lodged in Raipur Central Jail. He is an accused in a case under the NDPS Act. The incident has raised serious questions about jail security.

People on social media are criticising jail staff and officials. Many users are asking how a mobile phone was allowed inside the jail.

They are also questioning the checking process at the jail entrance. So far, jail authorities have not given any official reaction.

National

MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

Published

4 months ago

October 6, 2025

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.

According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.

The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.

The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.

In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.