Latest news with #MGR
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Congress stages black flag protest against Modi's visit in Tiruchi
The Congress members staged a black flag protest in Tiruchi on Sunday, opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the city. The protest took place near the MGR statue at Marakkadai, away from the route taken by Mr. Modi's entourage, and was organised by the Tiruchi District Congress Committee. Led by city unit president and councillor L. Rex, the protest saw participation from senior leaders, including AICC Secretary Christopher Thilak and State Media Coordinator for Tiruchi Velusamy. Protesters accused the BJP-led Union Government of undermining democracy, discriminating against minorities, OBCs, and SC/STs, and denying Tamil Nadu its rightful financial allocation and welfare support. Holding black flags and raising slogans, the Congress functionaries expressed strong dissent over what they described as the systematic erosion of democratic rights. Police detained the protesters, who were later released after a few hours.
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Fare well VS Achuthanandan: The leader who never lost his soul
It's the day when Kerala is seeing the last farewell for the late VS Achuthanandan. The outpouring of love for the Communist stalwart, with 'Samaram aanu VS' booming all along the way, stands testimony to the fact that the 101-year-old will always live on in the hearts and minds of the millions who cherish their Comrade. Never an ideologue, the legendary leader was able to effectively fill the political vacuum left by EMS Namboodiripad's demise in Kerala politics. Till the end, he championed both the party's and the Leftist cause in Kerala and remained the quintessential people's leader. The election memories he left behind are many. In the state's first-ever bypoll in 1958, he brought in the one-and-only MGR to campaign for the Left. With MGR was a then unknown boy who would sing at campaign meetings. He later went on to be known as the legendary Ilayaraja. In 2015, he led the Left battle against KM Mani in the assembly. Even in the 2019 by-election—his final political outing—VS was in his element, unleashing a scathing attack on political opponents. Though a leader with limited formal education, he stood out from his peers for his political wisdom, which led him to take up a slew of people's issues—be it environmental issues like Pooyamkutty, or issues related to women's safety. People saw in him their saviour. Someone who was patient enough to lend an ear to their woes, a politician who was never reluctant to take up their causes, an Opposition within his own party, a leader of the masses. Patient listener who was open to new ideas His once close associates clearly remember how VS took up various causes like the free software movement at a time when such concepts were unheard of in Kerala. "In fact, I had met a couple of senior Left leaders at the time, and none of them were even ready to listen. That's when one of them—obviously to get rid of me—directed me to VS, who was then the Opposition Leader. I was given only five minutes to explain and was obviously worried as to how to explain in such a short period. VS was sitting in his office at Cantonment House. He gave me a patient hearing and kept jotting on a brown cover. Once I finished, he asked me to repeat everything slowly. I was sweating profusely. I repeated everything in the same order. "He kept on asking me whether I was exaggerating. He finally realised its immense significance, and could sense the politics behind it. He then asked me to come up with a statement. He told me, 'Only the truth must be told, but that doesn't necessarily mean a narration of mere facts'. This was a rare quality among politicians. It's surprising how he was able to grasp the politics of free software. At a time when even youngsters were unable to comprehend, VS immediately grasped its core concept," VK Sasidharan once told The New Indian Express. Later during his Chief Ministerial tenure too, VS actively took up the free software movement and even shared a dais with Richard Stallman, the world-renowned American free software movement activist. 'How will you profit, if you gain the world, but lose your soul?' How VS took on the late Kerala Congress supremo KM Mani in the assembly over the bar bribery scam is a lesson in itself for political aspirants. It was on March 10, 2015—just two days before the notorious Assembly bedlam—that VS tore into Mani in the Assembly, quoting from the Holy Bible: "Mr Mani, there will come a time when verses in the Bible will come true. I can't even imagine Mani rotting in hell's eternal fire, surrounded by deadly worms." He even had the audacity to read aloud from the Gospel of Matthew for Mani's benefit. Unleashing a barrage of vitriolic humour on the hapless minister, Achuthanandan solemnly quoted from the Holy Bible. "Aren't Mani, Oommen Chandy and PC George all believers? Aren't they well-versed with the Bible? Let me quote from the Gospel of Matthew: How will a man profit, if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul? - Chapter 16: Verse 26", before staging a walkout. Mani couldn't be blamed for losing his cool and terming Achuthanandan 'Antichrist'. Soul-searching leader who was CPM's biggest crowd-puller Though VS chose to be the voice of dissent within the party, he simultaneously managed to remain its most reliable soldier. A scathing internal critic, he was yet its biggest crowd-puller. A soul-searching leader, who would put his party in a spot, he was yet the one who would also come to its rescue. No wonder Achuthanandan would be remembered as a study in contrast. A revolutionary Marxist. Having said that, it wouldn't be right if we forget to say that his party—the CPI(M)—never gave up on him. VS may have nurtured political ambitions, but never at the cost of his convictions—be it political or personal—a rare characteristic that made him a true-blood comrade! Undoubtedly one of the greatest mass leaders the state ever had, frenzied masses hung on to his every word, relishing his adept feints, pointed barbs and striking analogies—all rolled out in his quintessential colloquial style. The silence and emptiness he leaves behind is numbing.
Indian Express
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
V S Achuthanandan: From the freedom struggle to free software, to bringing MGR and Ilaiyaraaja – he always thought of the people
Comrade V S Achuthanandan was a rare breed of leader: He rose from the ranks of Alleppey's coir workers to become the Chief Minister of Kerala. He attended only primary school, but with self-education, he became fully at ease with the English-educated. He was a mass agitator par excellence, but also proved to be one of the best administrators. Wherever he was, he never lost his link with the people. He was a man of the masses. In the 1930s and 1940s, the industrial port town of Alleppey was a crucible for a generation of revolutionaries who fought caste discrimination, struggled for labour rights and threw themselves into the freedom struggle against the army of Travancore. The estimate is that around 500 workers were massacred in what has come to be known as the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising. V S Achuthanandan was one of the leaders of the pinnacle of the freedom movement in southern Kerala. As with many other Alappuzha worker-leaders, it was P Krishna Pillai who identified the organiser in young Achuthanandan and deputed him to organise the agricultural workers in Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala. Since then, the story of the mobilisation of agricultural workers in Kerala has been intertwined with that of V S Achuthanandan. The struggle was not only for better wages but also against caste and for self-respect and dignity. During the Punnapra-Vayalar armed uprising, V S was arrested and brutally tortured. His main contribution came during the post-insurrection period when he played a key role in resisting repression and rebuilding the movement. He rose rapidly in the party leadership and, as the district secretary, earned widespread admiration for winning nine out of 11 seats in the then-unbifurcated Kollam district in the 1957 legislative assembly election. It was for the above reason that he was deputed to lead the election campaign in the prestigious by-election in Devikulam in 1958. The election campaign focused on new initiatives of the Communist government for the welfare of the plantation labourers, most of whom were migrants from Tamil Nadu. While Congress brought leaders and ministers from Tamil Nadu, V S stole the limelight by bringing M G Ramachandran (MGR) to campaign, making it the only time that MGR campaigned in Kerala elections. The musician Ilaiyaraaja was also a key player in the music troupe. The CPI candidate Rosamma Punnoose had a resounding victory. In the inner party struggle during the early 1960s, V S was one of the 32 members who walked out of the CPI National Council, which led to the split in the Communist Party. Since then, he has been one of the foremost leaders of CPI(M), being state secretary for 12 years and a Politburo member for 24 years. He was a member of the legislative assembly for 35 years. Whether in power or outside, he always identified himself with the struggles of the poor for land, wages and livelihood. He could communicate with them easily and endeared himself to the masses. There were two occasions for me to closely interact with and work with him. The first was during the People`s Plan Campaign when, after the demise of E M S Naboodiripad, he became the Chairman of its High-Power Guidance Council. Every month, we would undertake tours visiting panchayats, reviewing the work and learning from practice. One incident that I remember specifically occurred during our visit to an IT co-operative setup by Ernakulam District Panchayat. V S closely listened to the enthusiastic narrative of a bunch of youngsters about the digital future and the importance of free software in the people's struggles against the monopolistic control of the IT industry. A decade later, as Chief Minister of Kerala, he would draw up an IT policy where free software figured importantly and set up the International Centre for Free and Open-Source Solutions (ICFOSS). The picture of his meeting with Richard Stallman is as iconic as the many images of him among the people leading the agitations. The second occasion was when I worked as a member of his cabinet. I have watched with tremendous admiration his determined pursuit of some development projects. For example, he had a clear vision about the role the Vizhinjam port could play in Kerala`s development, and he tenaciously pursued the project against odds. Although delayed by a decade, the Vizhinjam deep water port has today become a reality. Another occasion was my 2009 budget when I startled many by announcing an anti-recession package of Rs 5,000 crore, after the plan and budget accounts were finalised. I found the chief minister receptive to my explanations of Keynesian tactics. This rather audacious action, which was later favourably commented on by the RBI, could not have been carried out but for his support. He oversaw the expansion of social security measures and also the revival of public sector units and the revamping of public education and public health. He was vocal about women's rights, and women constituted an important support base. He was uncompromising on corruption, and his dramatic campaign against encroachment of public land in Munnar raised a hornet's nest. His last contribution to the state was the Administrative Reforms Commission Report. The focus of his recommendations was on simplifying administration and making it more citizen-friendly. Each department was meticulously examined, and detailed recommendations were listed. V S Achuthanandan will always be remembered as one of the key architects of modern and egalitarian Kerala. The writer is former finance minister of Kerala
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When MGR ‘clapped' for M K Muthu
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, goes the old saw. But in the case of M K Muthu, it became the obvious but not sole reason for his fall in the Tamil film industry. This despite debuting in a film scripted by the redoubtable pen of his father M Karunanidhi . Muthu's debut film 'Pillaiyo Pillai' in 1972 had script, screenplay and dialogue by Karunanidhi and was directed by veteran filmmaker duo Krishnan-Panju, who made 'Parasakthi', the film that cemented Karunanidhi's place as a screen writer. It was a hit and ran for more than hundred days in theatres. Around this time, Murasoli Maran, nephew of Karunanidhi, decided not to produce any more films under his banner Mekala Pictures. This despite the success of its last venture, MGR starrer 'Engal Thangam' (1970). This was also when MGR gradually started to distance himself from Karunanidhi. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai At that point, Karunanidhi brought Muthu to tinsel town. The production house Anjugam Pictures was founded to launch Muthu. Though there were misunderstandings between Karunanidhi and MGR, they tried not to show it in public. That is why MGR had inaugurated the shooting of 'Pillaiyo Pillai' wielding the clapperboard. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Many years later, the film distribution of 'Pillaiyo Pillai' was included in the investigation by Sarkaria Commission. It was alleged the distributors were compelled to buy the film by the then DMK govt. Muthu's second film 'Pookkari' was also scripted by Karunanidhi. Though Muthu also acted in the films written by others, it was in the scripts of Karunanidhi that he got memorable roles. In the first two films, from his hairstyle, body language to sartorial choices, Muthu imitated MGR. Many of film critics consider this lack of originality led to Muthu's downfall. Muthu was also a singer He had a light music troupe, which was famous for the song 'Tamilar ellaam maanathodu thalai nimirnthu nirpatharku yaar kaaranam', an anthem for Periyarist organisations. The moniker 'Nadippisai Thilagam' given to Muthu in his third film 'Samayalkaran' (1974) also added fuel to the talk that Muthu was pitted against MGR who was called 'Makkal Thilagam'. Though many considered Muthu as a rival to MGR, they both shared a bonding beyond politics and films. Muthu used to call MGR 'periyappa'. Muthu's time in tinsel twon ended with a cameo in 'Nyaya Tharasu' (1989) written by Karunanidhi.
The Hindu
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Mu. Ka. Muthu, Karunanidhi's eldest son, is no more
Mu. Ka. Muthu, the eldest son of the late Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and half-brother of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, died in Chennai on Saturday (July 19, 2025). He had been ailing for a long time. He was 77 and is survived by his wife, son, and daughter. Mr. Muthu was born to Karunanidhi's first wife Padmavathi, daughter of Chidambaram Padagasundaram Pillai, a renowned musician and composer. His maternal uncle, C.S. Jayaraman — a playback singer — rendered many songs for Sivaji Ganesan-starrers, including his debut film Parasakthi. The way Mr. Muthu styled himself after MGR, even affecting a physical resemblance, was a source of some discomfort for his family. Mr. Muthu was promoted as an actor by Karunanidhi's family to produce a home-grown hero, as there was always tension between the DMK and film stars associated with the party. Actors like Sivaji Ganesan, M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), and poet Kannadasan were all once close to Karunanidhi. Trained in music, Mr. Muthu also rendere songs for films in which he was cast as a hero. His maiden feature film was Pillaiyo Pillai, released in 1970. Interestingly, it was MGR who launched this film, the first in which Mr. Muthu was cast as a hero, and he even presented him with a gold watch. He later appeared in films such as Samayalkaran, Anayavilaku, Ingeyum Manidhargal, and Pookari. The songs from these films — particularly 'Kaadhalin Pon Veethiyil' and 'Muthupal Siripennavo' in Pookari; 'Meenattam Kankonda Meenatchi' and 'Moontru Thamizh' in Pillaiyo Pillai; and 'Nalla Manathil Kudiyirukkum Nagoor Andava,' sung by Muthu in Anayavilaku — continue to enchant generations of cinema lovers. 'Mr. Muthu could have emerged as a successful film personality had he relied on his talents as a singer and actor. But his language, song sequences, and even hairstyle resembled those of MGR. This was one of the factors that contributed to the misunderstandings between MGR and Karunanidhi,' Subagunarajan, editor, Katchipizhai, once told The Hindu, noting that MGR continued to patronise Mr. Muthu even after leaving the DMK. When Mr. Muthu wanted to join the AIADMK, MGR refused to admit him into the party. However, he eventually received financial assistance from Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in the early 1990s. While his film career failed to take off, he also was not successful in politics. He faded into obscurity over the years. Karunanidhi and mr. Muthu finally came together again in 2008 when the latter turned 60. It was then that he sought to remake his public image by singing a song composed by Deva for the film Maatu Thavani. His body is being brought to his father's residence in Gopalapuram.
