Month: March 2025

The US Supreme Court has rejected the plea of the 26/11 Mumbai attack accused, Tahawwur Rana, seeking a stay on his extradition to India.

Justice Elena Kagan on Thursday (local time) denied Rana’s application, requesting a stay on his extradition to India.

Tahawwur Rana had approached the United States Supreme Court seeking an emergency stay on his extradition to India. In his application, Rana argued that he would not survive long enough to be tried in India due to various reasons.

Rana, through an appeal, stated, “If a stay is not entered, there will be no review at all, and the US courts will lose jurisdiction, and the petitioner will soon be dead.”

The accused in the 26/11 terror attacks claimed that if extradited to India, the likelihood is very high that he will be subjected to torture as he is a Muslim of Pakistani origin.

He stated that because of his Muslim religion, his Pakistani origin, his status as a former member of the Pakistani Army, the relation of the putative charges to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and his chronic health conditions, he is even more likely to be tortured than otherwise would be the case, and that torture is very likely to kill him in short order.

He cited the Human Rights Watch 2023 World Report, which documents the BJP-led government’s systematic discrimination and stigmatization of religious minorities, particularly Muslims. Rana further argued that the Government in India is increasingly autocratic, and there are substantial grounds for believing that he would be in danger of torture if he surrendered to Indian authorities.

In addition to these concerns, Rana highlighted his deteriorating health. He suffers from a 3.5 cm abdominal aortic aneurysm at immediate risk of rupture, Parkinson’s disease with cognitive decline, and a mass suggestive of bladder cancer. He asserts that he cannot be sent into a “hornet’s nest” where he will be targeted due to national, religious, and cultural animosity.

Earlier in February, US President Donald Trump announced the extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India and said he would face justice.

He made the announcement during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi following their bilateral meeting.

Tahawwur Rana is a known associate of Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the November 26 attacks in Mumbai in 2008.

A Pakistani-origin businessman, physician, and immigration entrepreneur, Rana has alleged connections with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Rana’s alleged role in facilitating the attacks has remained a point of contention between India and the United States for years. (ANI)

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Thursday visited Chamar Studio in Dharavi, Mumbai, where he met designer Sudheer Rajbhar and his team of artisans.

The LoP emphasized the importance of inclusive production networks that ensure fair opportunities for marginalized entrepreneurs, particularly Dalits and other underrepresented communities who often struggle to access markets and support.

“Sudheer Rajbhar of Chamar Studio encapsulates the life and journey of lakhs of Dalit youth in India. Extremely talented, brimming with ideas and hungry to succeed but lacking the access and opportunity to connect with the elite in his field. However, unlike many others from his community, he got the opportunity to build his own network. He understood the latent skill of the artisans of Dharavi and he created a brand that is recognised in the most esteemed corridors of fashion global,” Rahul Gandhi posted on X.

He highlighted how Chamar Studio exemplifies his vision of “production and participation”–a model where artisans receive the necessary tools, networks, and institutional support to scale their work globally.

“Chamar Studio’s success highlights how traditional artisanship and modern entrepreneurship can work together so that skilled artisans get a piece of the success they build with their own hands,” he added.

Rahul Gandhi further said that while working with Sudheer and his team in Dharavi today, he underscored the importance of inclusive production networks that uplift skilled workers across various sectors.

“I felt it was equally important for Sudheer to share his knowledge and experience with others so we brought our friend Ramchet mochi from Sultanpur to meet him and understand how design and innovation can transform his business,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi was accompanied by Ramchet Mochi, a skilled cobbler from Uttar Pradesh whom he first met last year and continues to mentor.

“I spoke in the Lok Sabha about how a prosperous India can only be built through “production and participation”. Chamar Studio’s success shows this model works – and I hope we can replicate such a model all over India,” the LoP said.

Chamar Studio is renowned for its innovative use of recycled tires to create handcrafted bags, preserving the traditional artistry of the Dalit leather-working community after which the studio is named. By blending heritage craftsmanship with modern entrepreneurship, the studio not only celebrates this rich tradition but also provides economic empowerment to skilled artisans in Dharavi. (ANI)

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday appointed its Jharkhand unit president Babulal Marandi as the leader of its legislative party in the state assembly.

Marandi, a former Chief Minister of state, said the party will continue to raise issues concerning the Dalits, the tribals and women.

“The people of Jharkhand, the poor of Jharkhand, the Dalits, the tribals, women, they are our priority. We will fight for them in the House as well as outside the House,” Marandi told ANI.

Marandi was elected leader of the BJP Legislative Party in the presence of central observers – Union Forest and Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav and president of the party’s OBC Morcha, K Laxman.

“Today, in the meeting of the legislative party held in the presence of Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav ji, the observer appointed for the leader of the legislative party, and the National President of OBC Front K Laxman ji, the State President Babulal Marandi ji was elected as the leader of the legislative party,” BJP Jharkhand posted on X.

Bhupendra Yadav and K Laxman were assigned the responsibility of supervising the process.

BJP lost the assembly polls last year in Jharkhand. The ruling JMM returned to power along with its allies. (ANI)

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday took potshots at the BJP members in assembly over some of the decisions of the party-led government at the Centre, saying it had divided Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories, which is not how the then Maharaja Hari Singh shaped it.

The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister also referred to a recent remark of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and asked who is stopping the BJP government from “bringing back” Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

“If we look at the legacy of Maharaja Sahab, what were the biggest things – Jammu and Kashmir state, what have you done to this…He gave it shape… one portion is in Pakistan occupation. On this, the Foreign Minister said that we will bring it back. Who stopped…have we ever said don’t bring it back…Congress was targeted in speeches here (by BJP members) that you left this, that…tell what was brought back during the Kargil War. That was an opportunity you should have brought back. You had a reason, Pakistan had attacked…should have done at that time…okay bring it back now,” Omar Abdullah said.

The National Conference leader said that in the map of Jammu and Kashmir, one portion is under Pakistan occupation, but there is a portion under the illegal occupation of China as well. “Why is not talked of, when you bring back from that side, bring back that with China also,” he said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, at an event at Chatham House in London as part of his visit to the United Kingdom, referred to steps taken by the BJP-led government to usher speedy development including abrogation of Article 370, restoring growth and economic and holding elections which saw high turnout.

“In Kashmir, we have done a good job solving most of it. I think removing Article 370 was one step. Then, restoring growth, economic activity and social justice in Kashmir was step number two. Holding elections, which were done with a very high turnout, was step number three. I think the part we are waiting for is the return of the stolen part of Kashmir, which is on the illegal Pakistani occupation. When that’s done, I assure you, Kashmir solved,” he said in sharp response to a question.

Pakistan has been in illegal occupation of approximately 78,000 sq km of Indian territory in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. China continues to be in illegal occupation of approximately 38,000 sq km. of Indian territory in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Pakistan had illegally ceded 5,180 sq km of Indian territory in Shaksgam Valley from areas illegally occupied by Pakistan in Union Territory of Ladakh to China.

India’s consistent and principled position, as also enunciated in the 1994 Parliament resolution adopted unanimously, is that the entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are and shall be an integral part of India. The fact has been clearly conveyed to Pakistani and Chinese authorities several times.

In his speech in the assembly, Omar Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir was divided into two Union Territories in August 2019 and while people in Kargil were not in support of the decision and sections in Ladakh, who had supported it then, now feel that they were better off when the state was not divided into two UTs.

He also said that the governments in Jammu and Kashmir never changed the names of (historical places)

“Pratap Singh Park stands as Pratap Singh Park. Sri Maharaja Gulab Singh (SMGS) Hospital, and Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hosipital (SMHS). Names of the roads have not been changed. The legacy of the Maharaja was the state of Jammu and Kashmir. What have you done with the State?” he said.

The alliance led by National Conference won the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir last year. (ANI)

The much-anticipated International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2025 has set a new benchmark in the world of invitations with a stunning creation that blends Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage with Bollywood glamour.

Designed by Chandra Prakash Goyal and Ashish Goyal from Hamporio by Friends, the invitation box for IIFA 2025 is a masterpiece that captures the essence of Rajasthani artistry in a modern light.

Weighing an impressive 7 kilograms, the invitation box is a striking example of traditional craftsmanship.

Adorned with Barmeri cloth–one of Rajasthan’s iconic textiles–the box also incorporates elements of blue pottery, a heritage art form unique to Jaipur.

“The IIFA invitation is not just an invite; it’s a celebration of Rajasthan’s rich heritage,” said Ashish Goyal in a conversation with ANI.

“We aimed to create something unique, blending the state’s timeless traditions with a contemporary flair that embodies the spirit of Bollywood,” he added.

The box is designed in the shape of a trunk, symbolizing strength, stability, and resilience. It features intricate hand-painted artwork, including a procession of elephants and a stunning depiction of peacocks–motifs deeply embedded in Rajasthani culture.

The use of gold paint and Makrana marble further elevates its grandeur, showcasing the talents of Rajasthan’s finest artisans.

Every detail in this design was executed without the use of machines, ensuring that each invitation is a true work of art.

“This invitation is more than just a design,” said Goyal, adding, “It’s a gift–a token of appreciation and a memory that will last long after the event is over. IIFA tasked us with bringing the heart of Rajasthan to the world stage, and we’ve done that with all our love and dedication.”

The design process for the IIFA 2025 invitation took over three weeks to complete–15 to 20 days for conceptualizing the design and another 8 to 10 days to bring it to life.

In addition to the 7-kg heavyweight version, a lighter version of 3-4 kg has been created, both of which share the same artistic design but differ in size.

What makes this invitation truly special is the thoughtfulness behind it. The Goyals’ Hamporio by Friends brand has previously worked on other prestigious invitations for high-profile clients, including celebrities like Allu Arjun and Niharika Konidela.

Meanwhile, on March 4, members of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards organising committee met Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma at his residence and invited him to attend the ceremony.

The committee members gave detailed information about various programs, including the ceremony to be held in Jaipur on March 8 and 9, and requested the CM to attend the 25th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA).

The Additional Chief Secretary to CM Shikhar Agrawal, Administrative Secretary Tourism Ravi Jain, IIFA awards organizing committee members Andre Timmins, Viraf Sarkari, Sabbas Joseph, and others were present.

The 25th edition of the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) is set to take place in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

The festivities will begin on Saturday, March 8, with Sobha Realty IIFA Digital Awards Co-Presented By NEXA as they make their debut, celebrating the innovative brilliance of OTT and digital entertainment and underscoring IIFA’s embrace of the industry’s evolving landscape.

The grand finale will be held on Sunday, March 9, honouring cinematic excellence and celebrating Indian cinema’s profound impact on the global stage.

This year, the audience will see Kartik Aaryan as the host of the IIFA Awards.

The 25th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) is bound to make all cinema buffs nostalgic with a special celebration of Ramesh Sippy’s iconic film ‘Sholay’.

Marking the 50th anniversary of ‘Sholay’, the organisers of IIFA have decided to organise an exclusive screening of the film at Jaipur’s legendary Raj Mandir Cinema.

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2025 is set to make history with an electrifying blend of sports and entertainment.

Celebrating its grand Silver Jubilee edition, IIFA has announced a partnership with the Indian Pro Boxing League (IPBL).

The event will see legendary MMA fighter and combat sports trailblazer Anthony Pettis making a special appearance.

Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan is all set to attend the 25th edition of IIFA as a performer this March, and this time, the audience will see Kareena paying tribute to her grandfather and legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor at the awards show. (ANI)

Veteran Bollywood filmmaker Subhash Ghai has raised significant concerns over the growing number of empty cinema halls in India, attributing it to the steep cost of movie tickets.

Taking to social media, Ghai shared a picture of an almost empty theater and questioned the sustainability of the cinema industry under the current circumstances.

In his post, the director wrote, “Why is Bollywood bleeding today? Because of the heavy cost to watch a film in cinema halls. Cinema lovers have stopped going to theatres to experience a collective movie-watching experience on the big screen.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/DG2Bp4no4-q

Ghai proposed a potential solution to the issue writing, “The only solution… If Bollywood, along with state governments, formulate a rule to cap 30 per cent of cinema hall tickets at affordable prices, akin to the ‘economy class’ tickets in Tamil Nadu, then perhaps more viewers will return. This is a big question today.”

With his long-standing legacy in the film industry, Ghai’s comments have struck a chord with many, especially given his iconic films such as Karz, Pardes, Vishwanath, Saudagar, and Khalnayak.

The director’s post comes at a time when the film industry is grappling with the changing behavior of audiences, with many preferring the convenience and affordability of streaming platforms over traditional cinema.

The high cost of tickets, particularly in major metropolitan areas, has been identified as a significant barrier to cinema-goers.

Ghai’s call for capping ticket prices has garnered attention on social media, especially in light of similar measures in Tamil Nadu, where a percentage of cinema tickets are sold at subsidized rates.

Subhash Ghai, who celebrated his 80th birthday in January, is also known for his contributions to film education.

He recently commemorated the occasion with a special event at Whistling Woods International Film School, where he shared his thoughts on the distinction between learning acting and learning direction.

During the convocation ceremony, Ghai, along with his dear friend and writer Javed Akhtar, conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award to Akhtar and actor Pankaj Kapur for their contributions to Indian cinema.

In a discussion during the event, Ghai explained the nuanced differences between the craft of acting and the art of direction.

“Learning acting and other things is a craft while learning direction is about one’s growth. Direction and writing are two things associated with one’s life, the society from where we come, and its struggles. We made films based on our experiences and the lessons we’ve learned along the way,” Ghai stated.

He further emphasized the importance of vision in directing and scriptwriting. “No director has got a break before 8-10 years. It is because as a director, you need to first understand your vision and narrative,” he added.

Ghai also highlighted the role of writers and directors in filmmaking, saying, “Writers and directors are the architects, while others are craftsmen. It’s not a technical craft; it’s a creative craft.” (ANI)

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday inspected a girls school and assessed the condition of drinking water, sanitation and roads in her constituency Shalimar Bagh.

CM Gupta visited Shalimar Village Chowk, Max Road, Haiderpur Village Chowk and other areas of Ward No. 55 under Shalimar Bagh Assembly constituency.

During the inspection, the Chief Minister instructed the officials to solve all the issues related to water, sanitation and roads.

The Delhi CM reiterated that the government’s aim is to properly provide basic facilities to all citizens, and they are continuously working towards this goal. She also interacted with the people during her visit to the Shalimar Bagh constituency.

After inspecting the Shalimar Bagh Assembly constituency, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta said, “People here are upset due to the sewage, the drains are still not built…the work that had to be done in an industrial area is yet to be done. Small market complexes are also facing the same problem. Big market areas are facing issues like sanitation. The previous govt used to just advertise people’s problems and pain, but I will try to solve these issues.”

Earlier, CM Gupta also took to social media with a post on X to inform about her visit and wrote, “Along with the officials, I visited Shalimar Village Chowk, Max Road, Haiderpur Village Chowk and other areas of Ward No. 55 under Shalimar Bagh Assembly constituency to conduct a thorough assessment of the condition of drinking water, sanitation and roads. During this, I talked to the local citizens about their problems and based on their feedback, directed the officials to ensure quick solution to the problems related to water, roads and sanitation. Our aim is that all basic facilities reach every citizen of Delhi properly, and for this we are continuously working. #viksitdelhi.”

On Wednesday, CM Gupta conducted two separate interactive sessions–one with women from diverse sectors and the other with educationists and school principals from across the national capital–to gather their suggestions for the upcoming ‘Viksit Delhi Budget 2025’ for the national capital.

The Chief Minister spoke to the media about the interactive session held with the women and educationists ahead of the Delhi budget 2025 and said, “This budget will be the budget of the people of Delhi.”

She described people’s expectations and the government’s aims for the national capital in the budget.

“Today, we had a discussion with women’s organisations regarding our Viksit Delhi Budget. Women from all sections of Delhi participated. Discussions were held on security, education, and essential issues concerning women. I want to assure people that we will meet their expectations,” the Delhi CM said. (ANI)

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray has demanded a sedition case be registered against Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi for his remarks that “people coming to Mumbai don’t have to learn Marathi.

“A sedition case should be registered against Bhaiyyaji Joshi,” Uddhav Thackeray told reporters.

Joshi, speaking at a program in Mumbai on Wednesday, said that those coming to Mumbai need not learn Marathi. He also said that Gujarati is the “language of the Ghatkopar area in Mumbai.” His remark sparked outrage, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray accusing him of attempting to divide Maharashtra and disrespecting its linguistic and cultural identity.

“Constantly we see that we from Koshyari to Koratkar to Solapurkar – all of them have been insulting Maharashtra, Maharashtra’s heroes and Maharashtra’s gods. If you see Mr Koshyari, Mr Koratkar and Solapurkar – they have insulted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule. Today, Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi has insulted Marathi. This will not be tolerated. I challenge him to say something like this in Tamil Nadu or Gujarat. But only because he wants to divide Maharashtra, he is coming and doing this. This is the thought process of Sangh,” Aaditya Thackeray said.

Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized that the language of Mumbai and the whole state is Marathi.

“In Mumbai, Maharashtra, and the State government’s language is Marathi, and people who live here should learn it. Marathi is a part of the state’s culture and identity, and it is the duty of every citizen to learn it,” Devendra Fadnavis said in the Assembly.

The Maharashtra Assembly was adjourned for five minutes today after a heated debated broke out between the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT) over the Marathi language issue.

After the Chief Minister’s statement, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) and the BJP members in the House got into a verbal duel that escalated to such an extent that the Speaker was forced to adjourn proceedings for five minutes.

Congress leader Nana Patole criticized him for shifting focus from critical issues like farmer distress and unemployment in Maharashtra.

“It is their government, it is RSS’s government. Today, farmers’ crops are drying up in Maharashtra. Can’t RSS give suggestions to the government on this?” Patole said.

This comes amid an ongoing war of words between Tamil Nadu and the Centre over the three-language policy. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin has objected to what he describes as the “Hindi Imposition” on the state. (ANI)

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) “nudging campaign” has yielded significant results with 30,161 taxpayers declaring foreign assets worth over Rs 29,000 crore, government sources told ANI.

According to the sources, 24,678 taxpayers reviewed their ITRs and 5,483 taxpayers filed belated returns for AY 2024-25, declaring foreign assets worth Rs 29,208 crore and additional foreign income of Rs 1,089.88 crore.

Furthermore, 6,734 taxpayers revised their residential status from Resident to Non-Resident.

Overall, approximately 62 per cent of nudged taxpayers responded positively, voluntarily revising their ITRs to declare foreign assets and income.

The number of taxpayers disclosing foreign assets and income on a voluntary basis has steadily grown from 60,000 in AY 2021-22 to 2,31,452 taxpayers in AY 2024-25. This year, due to extensive outreach and awareness efforts, voluntary disclosures witnessed a significant 45.17 per cent growth compared to Assessment Year (AY) 2023-24.

In September 2024, India received financial information from over 108 countries regarding foreign accounts and income in the form of interest and dividends earned outside India.

Using this data received under the automatic exchange of information, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) launched a Compliance-Cum-Awareness Campaign on November 17, 2024, urging taxpayers to declare their foreign assets and income in revised ITRs for Assessment Year (AY) 2024-25.

This campaign followed a system-driven and taxpayer-friendly approach, utilizing the information received through CRS and FATCA.

The Income Tax Department (ITD) facilitated taxpayers by providing a step-by-step guide to filling Schedule Foreign Assets and Schedule Foreign Source Income, along with explanatory materials to help them understand the information received under these frameworks.

As part of the campaign, SMS and emails were sent to 19,501 taxpayers with high foreign account balances or significant foreign income from interest or dividends above a specified threshold.

This communication requested taxpayers to revise their Income Tax Returns (ITRs) to reflect their foreign assets and income accurately.

Additionally, 30 outreach sessions, seminars, and webinars were conducted across India, engaging over 8,500 participants directly. Pamphlets, brochures, and elaborate Samvaad sessions on social media further amplified awareness.

Government sources said that at the heart of this campaign lies the Trust First approach, which prioritises voluntary compliance over enforcement. Instead of immediate verification or intrusive actions, the Department has trusted taxpayers first, giving them ample opportunity to make true and complete disclosures of their foreign income and assets.

They said by fostering transparency, education, and cooperation, the initiative has reinforced a compliance-friendly tax environment, ensuring that taxpayers can correct their filings proactively before any formal verification measures are undertaken.

“This shift towards a collaborative and trust-driven approach marks a significant step in strengthening India’s tax compliance framework while maintaining fairness and encouraging responsible financial disclosures,” a source said.

India is one of the early adopters of Common Reporting Standards (CRS) and has been receiving data since 2018 for the calendar year 2016 and onwards.

More than 125 countries have agreed to share financial information of individuals linked to other jurisdictions on an automatic basis, including details of accounts held, account balances, dividends, interest received, and gross payments.

A similar exchange occurs with the US under the Inter-Governmental Agreement pursuant to the Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), 2010. (ANI)

Former Telangana Governor and BJP Leader Tamilisai Soundarajan was stopped by police in her attempt to carry forward the BJP Signature Campaign in support of the National Education Policy in Chennai.

Tamilisai Soundararajan, BJP State President K Annamalai, and others participated in the campaign questioning DMK’s opposition to the three-language policy under NEP.

The BJP leader Soundararajan questioned why children are denied the opportunity to study another language which will open new job opportunities

BJP state president Annamalai claimed that police have “arrested” Tamilisai Soundararajan and said the party will not back down.

Annamalai, taking to X, claimed, “The Tamil Nadu Police have arrested Dr Tamilisai, former Governor of Telangana and Puducherry, who was leading a signature campaign on behalf of BJP Tamilnadu in Chennai today in support of the National Education Policy, which provides poor and vulnerable children with quality education and the opportunity to learn their preferred languages.”

Annamalai accused DMK of “making” Tamil a commercial language for sixty years and allowing the trilingual policy only in private schools.

He added that People have understood the “drama” of DMK and CM Stalin and there’s a massive support for the trilingual policy.

The double role of the DMK, which has been making Tamil a commercial language for sixty years and allowing the trilingual policy only in private schools, is being exposed today. The public is starting to realize the drama of the DMK and is seeing the massive support for the trilingual policy, and the Chief Minister Mr.MK Stalin is reeling in fear. As a result, the democratic signature movement is being blocked and arrested.” Annamalai wrote on X.

Annamalai said the state’s BJP will not back down over these “illegal” arrests.

“The Tamil Nadu BJP will not back down in fear after all this arrest spree. We will go to every house in Tamil Nadu. How many people can you arrest illegally, Chief Minister? The National Education Policy provides quality education and the opportunity to learn multiple languages in government schools for free to the children of your party’s cadre of volunteers. Why are you blocking that?” Annamalai wrote.

Earlier today, MK Stalin expressed his strong opposition to the imposition of Hindi and defended Tamil’s rightful place. Referring to a popular quote, Stalin stated, “When you are accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.”

Stalin emphasized that demanding Linguistic Equality is not chauvinism, and stressed that true chauvinism is seen when laws that govern all citizens are written in a language that Tamils cannot comprehend.

The Chief Minister further spoke about what he called were the inequities Tamil Nadu faces, despite being the most contributing state to the nation.

“Chauvinism is treating the state that contributes the most to the nation as second-class citizens and denying its fair share for refusing to swallow the poison called NEP,” he posted on X.

Stalin in his post stated that the imposition of any language breeds division and enmity, threatening national unity. (ANI)