Udhayanidhi Stalin, a rising political figure in Tamil Nadu, used simple yet effective messaging to challenge the BJP-led Centre in the lead up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. With his '29 paisa' campaign, he targeted the government for allegedly not allocating enough funds to the state. This ultimately led to his elevation as Deputy Chief Minister in September 2024. Under his leadership, the DMK youth wing focused on engaging with the Dravidian spirit and utilizing technology to expand party membership. His successful 'single brick' campaign also gained him widespread praise. Despite controversies surrounding his comments on Sanatan Dharma, Udhayanidhi's natural ability to connect with people has solidified his position as a prominent leader in the political arena.
Udhayanidhi Stalin: A Rising Star in Tamil Nadu Politics
Background: Udhayanidhi Stalin is a young and charismatic politician from Tamil Nadu, India. He is the son of M.K. Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and the President of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party. Udhayanidhi entered politics in 2021, contesting and winning the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni assembly constituency.
"29 Paisa" Campaign and Political Ascendancy: In the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Udhayanidhi launched a simple yet effective campaign known as "29 paisa." He targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre, alleging that it had allocated only 29 paisa per capita for Tamil Nadu in the Union Budget. The campaign resonated with voters, and it is believed to have contributed to the DMK's strong performance in the elections.
Following the elections, Udhayanidhi was elevated to the position of Deputy Chief Minister in September 2024. His appointment was seen as a reward for his political savvy and popularity.
Focus on Dravidian Identity and Technology: As the head of the DMK youth wing, Udhayanidhi has focused on engaging with the Dravidian spirit, which emphasizes Tamil culture and language. He has also utilized technology to expand party membership and connect with the youth.
Controversies and Leadership: Despite his rising popularity, Udhayanidhi has faced some controversies, particularly over his comments on Sanatan Dharma, the prevailing religious belief system in Hinduism. However, his natural ability to connect with people has solidified his position as a prominent leader in Tamil Nadu's political arena.
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Vaikuntha Ekadashi is a significant day for Hindus, particularly in South India. It is a time to fast and pray to Lord Vishnu for forgiveness and a chance to go to heaven. This year, it falls on January 10, 2025, and devotees celebrate by lighting lamps, chanting mantras, and visiting temples for blessings. The holiday is rooted in the belief that observing it dedicatedly can bring good fortune and a peaceful afterlife.
In the aftermath of a tragic stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has taken swift action by suspending officials and ordering a judicial probe into the incident. Criticizing the lack of responsibility and failure to assess the situation, Naidu's political opponents are also utilizing the incident to attack his government. Amidst the controversy, the temple's reputation for managing large crowds has taken a hit and measures are being suggested to prevent such incidents in the future.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her distress and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of devotees who lost their lives in a stampede at Tirupati on Thursday. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and urged for better crowd management at religious places. The stampede occurred on Wednesday night as devotees were jostling for tickets at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam.
Greenland, the world's largest island, has been in the news for its melting glaciers and concerns about climate change. However, its strategic importance has also caught the attention of leaders like President Trump who recently expressed interest in purchasing the island. This is not a new idea, as previous presidents have also considered acquiring Greenland due to its location, potential energy resources, and role in the Arctic region. This article explores the history of this proposition and the current geopolitical considerations surrounding Greenland.
The Supreme Court has agreed to examine the Central Bureau of Investigation's appeal against the acquittal of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and four others in the murder case of former sect manager Ranjit Singh. The case, which has seen multiple twists and turns, has been referred to Justice Bela M. Trivedi's bench, which is already hearing a related petition filed by the victim's father. The CBI has argued that Ram Rahim orchestrated the murder after suspecting Singh of leaking an anonymous letter accusing him of sexual misconduct. The case has attracted widespread public attention due to Ram Rahim's involvement and frequent paroles from prison.
As Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule voices the public demand for Minister Dhananjay Munde's resignation, a petition filed in the Bombay High Court by Dhananjay Deshmukh, brother of the murdered sarpanch, is withdrawn. The petition had alleged that Munde was linked to a criminal syndicate involved in the murder of his sibling in 2024. Sule cites a precedent in which a former Maharashtra CM resigned over a scam, calling for similar sensitivity towards this case.
The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025, with voting to take place on February 5 and counting of votes on February 8. The recent release of the final electoral roll shows a 1.09 per cent increase in the number of voters since the last draft. CEC Rajiv Kumar addressed concerns over EVMs and the election procedure, asserting the transparency and credibility of the Indian election process. The AAP, BJP and Congress are gearing up for a three-way battle, with the AAP currently in the lead after sweeping 2020 Delhi elections.
With the Delhi Assembly elections just around the corner, AICC Delhi in-charge Qazi Nizamuddin believes that the Congress party will successfully appeal to voters by focusing on key issues affecting citizens. He emphasized that the party only makes promises that have been fulfilled in Congress-ruled states and will prioritize cleaning the Yamuna, improving women's safety, reducing corruption, and addressing unemployment, all of which have been neglected by the current AAP government.
The BJP has refuted Delhi CM Atishi's accusation that her official residence was taken away by the Centre, stating that the allotment was withdrawn for her failure to take possession and ongoing CBI/ED investigation. The AAP leader, however, remains undeterred and vows to work for the people of Delhi even if it means operating from the streets. Delhi's 2025 election poll schedule has also been announced, with voting to take place on February 5 and results on February 8.
During a news conference in Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump announced his plan to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Trump believes that the new name has a "beautiful ring" and is more appropriate, especially given the current state of relations between the US and Mexico. While this isn't the first time renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America has been proposed, Trump's announcement has caused controversy and garnered attention.