Latest news with #Vaishnavism
Hindustan Times
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
DMK gen secy Duraimurugan alloted law ministry in reshuffle
In yet another portfolio change in Tamil Nadu, minister for water resources and DMK general secretary Duraimurugan was allotted the law ministry on Thursday. S Regupathy who was law minister has been designated as minister for natural resources with the portfolios of minerals and mines, the Raj Bhavan said in a statement. Duraimurugan is the second in the pecking order after chief minister M K Stalin in the cabinet as well as in the party. This move comes after controversial ministers and senior DMK leaders Senthil Balaji and K Ponmudi resigned from the TN cabinet on April 27. Balaji resigned days after the Supreme Court on April 24 asked him to choose between his post and freedom and a day before his next hearing. Balaji, was released on bail by the Supreme Court in a case filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on September 26, 2024, after he spent 15 months in prison. He was re-inducted into the cabinet just three days later, and given back his portfolios of Electricity and Excise. The top court has now closed the plea to cancel his bail. Ponmudi, was pulled up by the Madras high court over his vulgar joke on women, Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Ponmudy, was recently removed as deputy secretary of the DMK after his speech on April 6 created the controversy following which the Madras HC has initiated a sup moto case against him. Stalin went with a minor reshuffle of his cabinet by allocating Balaji's heavyweight portfolios of Electricity, and Excise and Prohibition to Transport Minister S S Sivasankar and Housing Minister S Muthusamy respectively. Ponmudy's Forest ministry has been allocated to Khadi Minister R S Rajakannappan as an additional charge. Stalin also brought back T Mano Thangaraj, who was dropped from the cabinet in September 2024. He been given the portfolios of milk and dairy development.
Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Opinion Jagannath temple in West Bengal is TMC's response to BJP's Hindutva
The construction and inauguration of the Jagannath Temple in West Bengal's Digha transcends a mere religious ceremony. It marks a significant political manoeuvre, weaving together threads of regional identity, cultural assertion, and electoral strategy. Situated on the coast, overlooking the Bay of Bengal, this temple, a replica of the iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, carries a weight far beyond its architectural grandeur. It serves as a potent symbol within the complex political landscape of West Bengal, particularly in the context of its relationship with its neighbouring states and the broader national narrative. To fully understand the significance of choosing the Jagannath cult as an alternative to the attempted unifying cult of Ram, it is crucial to understand the politico-religious background of the move. There is a broad consensus that the origin of Jagannath is connected to the Sabara tribe. The early form of Jagannath is believed to have been a wooden log, reflecting tribal forms of worship. This connection is supported by the continued involvement of the Daitapati servitors (who have tribal origins) in the rituals of the Jagannath Temple, especially during the Navakalevara (the ritualistic renewal of the deities' wooden forms). The development of the Jagannath cult is a classic anthropological example of the universalisation of a little tradition. Such a bottom-up move of the cult involves a degree of syncretism with various major religious traditions. Saivism, Saktism, Vaishnavism, Jainism and Buddhism have been assimilated into this cult. It was also deeply influenced by the Bengal-origin Chaitanya's Bhakti movement. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's relationship with Lord Jagannath was a transformative one, marked by intense devotion, ecstatic expression, and profound philosophical insights. He revitalised the Jagannath cult, emphasising its devotional aspects and making it more accessible to people from all walks of life. His legacy continues to shape the spiritual and cultural landscape of Odisha and beyond. Furthermore, the cult of Jagannath received significant patronage from various royal dynasties, including the Ganga dynasty. The construction of the magnificent Jagannath Temple in Puri in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva solidified Jagannath's stature as a major deity. This all-encompassing nature of religious tradition has a deeper cultural significance. Jagannath is not merely a deity but the cornerstone of Odia cultural identity. He is considered the state deity, and the Jagannath Temple is the epicentre of Odisha's religious, social, and cultural life. The cult of Jagannath profoundly shapes Odia art, architecture, literature, and performing arts. The most conspicuous manifestation is to be found in the dance form Odissi, Pattachitra, and literature, including the works of the Pancha Sakha (five poet-saints of Odisha). Clearly, the Jagannath cult, particularly through the influence of Shri Chaitanya, has significantly impacted Bengali tradition. Chaitanya's emphasis on kirtan and bhakti became deeply ingrained in Bengali religious practices. The Ratha Yatra is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Bengal, and many Bengali devotional songs and art forms are inspired by Jagannath and the philosophy of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. The cult is significantly institutionalised with the rapid development of ISKCON. Apart from that, Puri has been a staple visit for many Bengali families, part of the 'Di-Pu-Da', namely Digha, Puri and Darjeeling. The spread of the Jagannath cult — from savouring sweet Gaja to the logo of Jagannath's face printed on t-shirts and car windshields — has been powerful. In Bengal, it is much older and organic than the later cultural iconisation of Ram and the angry Hanuman face that the Hindutva fold has been trying to install in Bengal. The choice of Jagannath, a deity deeply revered in Odisha and with a growing following in West Bengal, is therefore strategic. It taps into the shared cultural heritage of the two states, a heritage often overshadowed by political rivalries. The building of the temple is a clear attempt to forge a cultural bridge, appealing to the significant Odia-speaking population residing in the southern districts of West Bengal, as well as the Bengali population who have a deep reverence for Lord Jagannath. It's a move that aims to cultivate a sense of shared belonging and foster a regional identity that transcends state borders. Politically, this needs to be seen as a counter-narrative to the rising tide of nationalistic Hindutva in West Bengal that peaks around Ram Navami. While the BJP has sought to consolidate Hindu votes under a pan-India umbrella, Mamata Banerjee 's Trinamool Congress (TMC) is strategically emphasising regional deities and cultural symbols, thus asserting a distinct Bengali Hindu identity. This approach allows the TMC to engage with the Hindu electorate while simultaneously distancing itself from the BJP's brand of Hindutva. The state BJP, as it appears, didn't have much strong response to this. They criticised the involvement of Firhad Hakim, chairperson of the WBHIDCO (West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation), in the construction of the temple, due to his religious identity. However, as this didn't offer much political gain, the Leader of the Opposition, Subhendu Adhikari, whose district is housing the Jagannath Temple, announced a Sanatani assemblage on the same date. This is a desperate attempt by the Opposition in Bengal to capture public attention amidst the grandeur of the temple's inauguration. Just ahead of the assembly elections, and amidst the BJP's intensive projection of TMC as a 'Muslim appeaser', the construction of the Jagannath temple is a well-thought-out response. It's a political statement, a cultural symbol, and a strategic manoeuvre designed to consolidate political power and cultivate a distinct regional identity.
The Hindu
28-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Mano Thangaraj re-inducted into Cabinet as Milk and Dairy Development Minister
DMK's Padmanabhapuram MLA T. Mano Thangaraj was sworn in as a State Minister and re-inducted into Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's Cabinet by Governor R.N. Ravi, who administered the oath of office at Raj Bhavan on Monday. Mr. Thangaraj will take over as Minister of Milk and Dairy Development, which was earlier held by R.S. Rajakannappan, who now holds the Forest and Khadi portfolio, earlier held by K. Ponmudy. Mr. Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Water Resources Minister R. Duraimurugan, Minister for Municipal Administration K.N. Nehru, Minister for Rural Development I. Periyasamy, Minister for Public Works E.V. Velu, Congress' Assembly Floor Leader S. Rajesh Kumar, and Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam were present. The swearing-in was also significant for the fact that Mr. Stalin and Mr. Ravi were meeting each other for the first time since the Supreme Court verdict, which held that the latter's decision to withhold assent for 10 Bills was 'unconstitutional', prompting the DMK to claim a major victory against the Governor. Both leaders exchanged pleasantries. Reason for reshuffle The Chief Minister reshuffled his Cabinet after Mr. Ponmudy and State Minister for Electricity, Prohibition and Excise V. Senthilbalaji resigned on Sunday. While the Madras High Court had held that Mr. Ponmudy had made derogatory remarks regarding Saivism and Vaishnavism, the Supreme Court had made it clear that Mr. Senthibalaji had to choose between Minister's post and his freedom. Mr. Thangaraj previously held the Information Technology portfolio, which is now being held by Mr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan.
Scroll.in
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Scroll.in
Tamil Nadu ministers V Senthil Balaji, K Ponmudy resign
Tamil Nadu ministers K Ponmudy and V Senthil Balaji submitted their resignations from the state's Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government on Sunday, The Hindu reported. The Supreme Court had on April 23 warned Balaji that his bail in a money-laundering case would be cancelled if he did not resign from his post. Ponmudy, on the other, had come under criticism from the Madras High Court and within the DMK for his allegedly defamatory remarks about women and two denominations of Hinduism. While Ponmudy held the forest portfolio, Balaji handled the electricity, prohibition and excise departments. On Sunday, a release from the Raj Bhavan said that Chief Minister MK Stalin made a recommendation for Governor RN Ravi to accept their resignations, according to The Hindu. Stalin also recommended the induction of former minister Mano Thangaraj into the Cabinet, with the swearing-in to be held on April 28. Ponmudy's portfolio was allotted to Milk and Dairy Development Minister RS Rajakannappan while Transport Minister S Sivasankar will handle the electricity department held by Balaji. Housing and Urban Development Minister S Muthusamy will take over the prohibition and excise departments. On April 23, the Supreme Court had asked Balaji to decide 'between his minister post and liberty' by Monday. The petitioners had argued that witnesses in the case might be facing intimidation because Balaji had become a minister after being released. He was reinstated as a minister in the state Cabinet on September 29, three days after he was granted bail. The Enforcement Directorate had arrested him in June 2023 for allegedly conspiring with transport corporation officials to appoint candidates recommended by his aides in exchange for money. On the same day that Balaji was given an ultimatum by the Supreme Court, the Madras High Court also ordered the registration of a case against Ponmudy for his allegedly defamatory remarks. Justice N Anand Venkatesh said that Ponmudy's statements amounted to hate speech and directed the court registry to place the case before the chief justice. Earlier this month, a video of Ponmudy purportedly linking sexual positions to Hindu denominations Shaivism and Vaishnavism at a public event on April 6 was circulated widely on social media. The comments were made in the context of a joke involving a sex worker and her client. After outrage against his remarks Ponmudy was sacked as deputy general secretary of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam by Chief Minister MK Stalin on April 11. However, he had continued to serve as the state forest minister. After Ponmudy's dismissal from his post in the DMK, party colleague MP Kanimozhi had criticised his remarks. 'Regardless of the reason for the speech, such vulgar remarks are condemnable,' she had said on social media.
India Today
27-04-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Senthil Balaji quits as Tamil Nadu Minister days after Supreme Court ultimatum
Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK leader V Senthil Balaji resigned from the MK Stalin Cabinet on Sunday, days after the Supreme Court issued an ultimatum in connection with a money laundering case. The top court had asked Balaji to choose between his "post and freedom," warning that his bail could be cancelled if he did not step down as minister, K Ponmudy, also resigned amid backlash over his controversial remarks linking Shaivism and Vaishnavism to a sex worker. His resignation came days after the Madras High Court initiated suo motu proceedings in the who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in June 2023 in connection with a money laundering case linked to a cash-for-jobs scam, was granted bail by the Supreme Court in September last year. Although he had resigned from the Cabinet while in jail, Balaji was reinstated after securing bail. The Supreme Court found his reinstatement troubling, citing the serious nature of the charges against him. Earlier this month, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and AG Masih warned Balaji to choose between his ministerial post and his liberty, giving him time until Monday to decide. The court was hearing applications seeking to recall the bail granted to Balaji, citing allegations that he was influencing Ponmudy is facing legal action over a controversial speech allegedly targeting Saivites, Vaishnavites, and women. Last week, the Madras High Court registered a suo motu case against the DMK leader, observing that the speech 'prima facie appeared to be hate speech'.advertisementThe DMK had removed Ponmudy from a key party post, with opposition parties and other groups demanding his removal from the Minister SS Sivasankar will now handle the electricity portfolio, previously held by Senthil Balaji. Housing Minister S Muthusamy has been assigned the Excise and Prohibition portfolio, also previously held by to the government, RS Rajakannappan will take on Ponmudy's responsibilities for Forests and Khadi, in addition to his existing Milk and Dairy Development Watch IN THIS STORY#Tamil Nadu
