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Time of India
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
BJP Chief JP Nadda's Bulletproof Vehicle Halts After Close Call in Tamil Nadu
CHENNAI: A bullet-resistant vehicle carrying Union Health Minister and BJP National President J.P. Nadda was forced to halt on Saturday evening due to technical concerns while returning from Vellore to Chennai Airport, the Tamil Nadu police DGP office clarified in an official statement issued on Tuesday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The incident occurred near Thirumudivakkam on the Vandalur-Minjur Outer Ring Road within Tambaram City limits, around 7.30 pm. No injuries were reported, and the minister was safely escorted to the airport in an alternative vehicle as per protocol. J.P. Nadda, who is provided 'Z+' security with cover, was visiting Chennai on May 2 and attended the sixth Saiva Siddhanta Conference at SRM University before proceeding to the Golden Temple in Vellore. A security convoy comprising bullet-resistant vehicles, escort vehicles for CRPF and police personnel, a protocol vehicle, and an ambulance was arranged. According to police sources, the bulletproof vehicle—manufactured in Union govt-approved workshops—began to emit unusual friction noise from its rear wheels while being driven at speeds exceeding 120 km/hr. This was reportedly due to pressure from the minister's personal assistant who urged CRPF personnel to increase the convoy's speed despite the technical limitations of such heavily armoured vehicles. Noting the abnormal noise, the driver reduced speed and safely pulled the vehicle over to the roadside. The Union Minister was quickly transferred to another vehicle, and the journey to Chennai Airport resumed without further incident. Authorities confirmed that the bulletproof car was undamaged and there was no compromise to the Minister's safety. However, a minor collision occurred when a police escort vehicle in the tenth position collided with another vehicle in the eighth position, which was carrying the Minister's belongings. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The damage was minimal, and no injuries were reported. Following the incident, Tamil Nadu Police issued instructions to all personnel and accompanying staff not to exceed the designated speed limits of bulletproof vehicles. Officials emphasised that the state's bulletproof fleet is well-maintained and regularly deployed to neighbouring states during VVIP visits. The incident did not affect the Union Minister's scheduled departure to Delhi, and he boarded his flight as planned.
New Indian Express
04-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
‘Saiva Siddhanta shaped Tamil identity': Union Health Minister JP Nadda
CHENNAI: BJP national president and Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Saturday said 'Saiva Siddhanta', deeply rooted in Tamil soil, has significantly shaped Tamil identity through its profound emphasis on devotion, virtue and liberation by divine grace. He was delivering the inaugural address at the sixth international Saiva Siddhanta Conference held near Chennai. The event was jointly organised by Thiru Kailaya Parambarai Dharmapuram Adheenam, the International Institute of Saiva Siddhanta Research (Dharmapuram), and the Tamil Academy of SRM University. 'Saiva Siddhanta is not just a religious philosophy but a civilisational ethos. It teaches the connection between the soul, God and the world,' Nadda said. He hailed Tamil Nadu as a 'blessed land' enriched by Sangam poets and Saiva saints who nurtured this spiritual tradition through works like 'Thevaram' and 'Thiruvasagam' which echo the ageless devotion of ancestors and continue to inspire spiritual seekers. 'In an era increasingly dominated by materialism, 'Saiva Siddhanta' calls upon humanity to awaken to its divine nature, recognising that God dwells within each being,' Nadda said. He also released a special souvenir to mark the occasion, and Governor R N Ravi received the first copy. BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran participated in the event. Later, Nadda chaired a core committee meeting of the BJP's Tamil Nadu unit. According to sources, Nadda told the state leaders to begin the groundwork for the 2026 election and strengthen organisational activities. In a post on platform X, Nadda said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to the development of Tamil Nadu and preservation of Tamil culture. BJP workers are actively engaging in door-to-door campaign to raise awareness about the centre's schemes, he added.
