Former TN minister Semmalai predicts further AIADMK exits

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Salem (Tamil Nadu), Oct 1 (IANS) Former Tamil Nadu minister M. Semmalai, who quit the AIADMK to join the TVK, on Thursday predicted further defections from his former party, accusing its leadership of sidelining party workers, while praising Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

Semmalai joined the TVK at an election campaign rally in Dharapuram in Tiruppur district on Wednesday in Vijay’s presence. The Chief Minister had welcomed the veteran politician with a party shawl.

Addressing his first press conference in Salem, after the switch, Semmalai said his entry into TVK had been delayed, although he had taken the decision earlier. He described Vijay as a good person, a selfless leader, and an able administrator who had earned a place in people’s hearts by presenting himself as a member of every family.

Semmalai said he was particularly impressed by Vijay’s decision to identify former chief ministers C.N. Annadurai and M.G. Ramachandran as his guiding political figures.

Explaining his departure from the AIADMK, he alleged that the party had lacked proper leadership since 2017 and had become a “limited company” controlled by Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Party workers were not receiving the respect they deserved, he claimed, adding that this had prompted several leaders to leave.

Others who remained felt their hard work was being wasted, he said.

Predicting more departures, Semmalai claimed the AIADMK’s ranks would eventually empty. He also said supporters committed to MGR’s legacy were attracted to Vijay’s approach and administration.

Semmalai argued that Vijay had challenged the influence of money, caste, and religion in politics. He praised the Chief Minister’s promises to eliminate corruption and curb bribery, describing these commitments as key reasons for accepting his leadership.

A veteran of several electoral contests, Semmalai represented Tharamangalam in Salem district after winning the Assembly elections in 1980 and 1984. He subsequently won from Omalur in 2001 and served as Health and Education Minister. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Salem on an AIADMK ticket in 2009 and served as the Tamil Nadu Assembly’s pro tem Speaker in 2016. Semmalai, who had also served as the AIADMK’s chief spokesperson, resigned from the party in May amid differences among senior leaders following the Assembly election.

His entry into TVK comes as campaigning intensifies for the Dharapuram and Madurantakam bypolls, scheduled for October 6 in both Assembly constituencies.

–IANS

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Manipur CM calls for collective efforts to bridge trust deficit, restore peace

Imphal, Aug 28 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday called for sustained and collective efforts by all sections of society to overcome the prevailing trust deficit among different communities and restore lasting peace in the violence-hit state.

Recalling the situation in Manipur before the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3, 2023, the Chief Minister said that he had regularly travelled to the hill areas and witnessed an atmosphere of peace, harmony and cooperation among the different communities.

Khemchand Singh was addressing a gathering on “Guest lecture on Manipur Situation: Prevailing Trust Deficit and the Path Towards Trust Building,” organised by the Assam Rifles, held at the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) Auditorium, Palace Compound in Imphal.

He said that restoring the spirit of mutual trust and coexistence would require the collective commitment and cooperation of people from all communities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

The Chief Minister emphasised the need to strengthen dialogue and understanding among communities to heal the wounds caused by the prolonged ethnic conflict and ensure durable peace and normalcy in the state. However, he said the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, fundamentally changed the situation in Manipur.

On the prevailing trust deficit, he said that it cannot be overcome merely through discussions or rhetoric, but requires sustained interaction, dialogue and understanding among communities. Stating that restoration of peace is the foremost priority of the new government, Khemchand Singh said that the government would not compromise on this objective and that justice would be delivered to the victims.

The Chief Minister said that during his visits to various relief camps and hill districts, he had interacted with people from different communities and found that their common desire was to live in peace and return to their respective homes. Referring to his visits to Jiribam district, he said that people belonging to Meitei, Kuki, Hmar and Paite communities had come together and shared a meal, demonstrating that common people continue to desire peace and harmonious coexistence.

Expressing his concern that incidents of violence continue to undermine efforts towards peace, he said that certain individuals and groups who seek to spread hatred and conflict must be identified, while stressing that the issue should not be viewed as a conflict between different communities.

The Chief Minister also acknowledged the role of the state Police, Assam Rifles and other security forces in protecting lives during the crisis. He said that members of different communities had also helped one another to save human lives during the difficult period.

Khemchand Singh said that Assam Rifles and other security forces helped in the evacuation of 47,000 people to safer places during the ethnic conflict. He appealed to all communities, civil society organisations, political leaders and other stakeholders to cooperate and work collectively towards removing the prevailing trust deficit and restoring peace in Manipur.

Lt. Gen Vikas Lakhera, Director General, Assam Rifles, said that the Assam Rifles has always been a friend of the people of the Northeast and that, for a beautiful State like Manipur, it remains their utmost duty to contribute towards restoring peace and stability. He emphasised that the trust deficit cannot be addressed by security forces alone and requires a collective and sustained effort from all communities and stakeholders.

The programme was attended by Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Lt Gen (Rtd) K. Himalay Singh, guest speaker Sudeep Chakravarti, retired IAS R.K. Nimai, retired IPS Thangjam Brojen Singh, Senior journalist Pradip Phanjoubam, other senior officers and dignitaries.

–IANS

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Arunachal CM hails capture of two rogue elephants after fatal attacks

Itanagar, April 6 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday lauded forest officials and wildlife experts for the successful tranquilization and capture of two rogue elephants following a prolonged period of fear that led to the loss of at least seven human lives.

Officials from the Arunachal Pradesh Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department, in collaboration with counterparts from the Karnataka government, carried out the operation to capture the elephants.

The animals had been responsible for multiple human deaths and widespread damage to crops, property, and other assets in Tirap and Lohit districts.

Experts from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) also played a crucial role in the operation.

A senior forest department official stated that the mission began on March 30. The first elephant was captured on April 1 near Ramakrishna Mission School at Narottam Nagar in Deomali. This elephant was allegedly responsible for the deaths of five people, including former MLA Kapchen Rajkumar, who was trampled to death during a morning walk from Namsang to Deomali town on July 9, 2025.

In a second operation conducted on Sunday afternoon, another rogue elephant was captured near Jecko village. This elephant had been linked to the deaths of at least two individuals, including police officer Martin Lego in February this year.

At the request of the state government, a 12-member expert team from Karnataka was deployed to assist in the operation. The team worked closely with Arunachal Pradesh’s Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department.

The Karnataka team was led by Dr Ramesha H, Senior Veterinary Officer and Elephant In-Charge, associated with Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, and Bandipur National Park & Tiger Reserve.

According to officials, the operation employed advanced technology, including specialised AI-enabled thermal forestry drones and other modern equipment brought from Bandipur and Nagarhole Tiger Reserves in Karnataka.

State Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Wangki Lowang also praised the officials and experts involved in the operation. He thanked the state government, particularly Chief Minister Pema Khandu, for facilitating the deployment of the Karnataka expert team.

Taking to social media platform X, CM Khandu wrote: “The successful tranquilization and capture of two rogue elephants, after prolonged fear and tragic loss of human lives, reflects exceptional coordination, courage, and professionalism.”

He noted that operations of such scale, especially in difficult forest terrain, require not only technical expertise but also immense dedication and risk-taking at the ground level.

Khandu further highlighted that the joint effort of the Arunachal Forest Department, the Karnataka expert team, and institutions such as NTCA, MoEFCC, and WII exemplifies strong inter-state and institutional cooperation.

“It is especially noteworthy how advanced technologies such as AI-enabled thermal drones were effectively deployed, demonstrating how modern tools can strengthen wildlife management and human safety,” he said.

“Heartfelt appreciation goes to all officers, veterinarians, technical experts, and field staff who carried out this mission under strong leadership. Such decisive and well-executed action not only safeguards human lives but also ensures that wildlife is handled with responsibility and scientific care,” the Chief Minister added.

Meanwhile, forest officials have advised residents, particularly those living near forested areas, to remain vigilant. They cautioned against leaving food waste near homes, as it attracts elephants, and recommended planting king chilli plants as a natural deterrent.

–IANS

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Had Indian Navy been fully unleashed, Pakistan would have been split into four: Rajnath Singh

Panaji, May 30 (IANS) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday asserted that had the Indian Navy been fully deployed during ‘Operation Sindoor’, Pakistan could have been split into four parts.

Speaking onboard INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously-built aircraft carrier, off the coast of Goa, the Defence Minister said, “The events of 1971 are proof that when the Indian Navy enters the battlefield, the course of history changes. If the Navy had gone into full action during ‘Operation Sindoor’, Pakistan would not just have been divided into two — it might have broken into four parts.”

He added that ‘Operation Sindoor’ was not over, but merely a “pause and a warning.”

“If Pakistan repeats its mistake, India’s response will be even harsher. And this time, Pakistan won’t get a chance to recover,” he said.

The Defence Minister described ‘Operation Sindoor’ not merely as a military action, but as “India’s direct assault on terrorism.”

“We will employ every method Pakistan can imagine, and even those it cannot,” Singh said.

He lauded the deployment of the INS Vikrant Carrier Battle Group as a clear demonstration of India’s maritime strength and strategic intent.

“Your mere preparation broke the enemy’s spirit. Pakistan did not need to see action — your readiness alone stunned them,” he told naval personnel.

Referring to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Singh said, “Hafiz Saeed is the mastermind of the Mumbai carnage. Justice must be done for that heinous crime committed through the sea route. But justice cannot be delivered in Pakistan.”

He noted that India has recently secured the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, another accused in the Mumbai attacks.

“Pakistan keeps offering dialogue — their Prime Minister reiterated it yesterday — but we’ve made it clear — talks will only be about terrorism and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. If Pakistan is serious, it must hand over terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar,” Singh stated.

Highlighting the operational capabilities of INS Vikrant, the Minister said the carrier can accommodate more than 30 aircraft, including fighter jets and helicopters.

“Standing on Vikrant, the pride of India’s maritime power, fills me with happiness, pride, and confidence. As long as India’s maritime borders are in your capable hands, no one can dare challenge us,” Singh declared.

“Within 96 hours, our Western Fleet executed multiple successful firings of surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles and torpedoes from both eastern and western coasts. This reflects not only our combat readiness but also our strategic reach,” he said.

Singh also stressed that modern warfare extends beyond conventional combat.

“Today, wars are fought not only with bullets and bombs but also through cyber capabilities, space dominance, and strategic deterrence. I am proud to say that our Navy is advancing in all these domains. It is not just the guardian of the Indian Ocean but has become a strategic force globally,” he said.

He commended the synergy between the three armed forces and coordination with other ministries and agencies during ‘Operation Sindoor’.

–IANS

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