The carefully crafted DMK narrative seems to be backfiring as the truth behind the accusations against Modi unfolds. This exposes the party’s reliance on deception and propaganda, leaving its credibility in tatters. Known for its oratory prowess and influence over various communication channels, including cinema, drama, public meetings, and social media, the DMK has historically employed these platforms to spread its ideologies.
Political observers and journalists in Tamil Nadu are no strangers to the DMK’s tactics of using alliterative speeches and captivating rhetoric to influence public opinion. However, recent developments suggest that the party’s efforts to create a negative image of PM Modi and his government are facing challenges as the truth emerges, unravelling the carefully crafted narrative. The unfolding reality appears to debunk the falsehoods propagated by the DMK through various media channels.
In Tamil Nadu, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) continues to wield significant influence over various media platforms, despite being out of power. This control extends to visual and print media, the film industry, and, more recently, social media. However, recent events have cast a spotlight on the party’s alleged use of media to propagate narratives and falsehoods, drawing parallels to historical figures like Paul Joseph Goebbels from the Nazi era.
One of the most recent controversies involves the DMK government’s decision to invoke the Goondas Act against seven farmers participating in a sit-in protest against land acquisition for the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) project in Melma, Cheyyar taluk, Tiruvannamalai district. This move, treating the farmers akin to terrorists, raised eyebrows and faced widespread criticism. It is noteworthy that the DMK had previously supported farmers’ protests in Delhi against the three amended farm laws, yet their own state government resorted to stringent measures.
The farmers’ protest, which opposed the land acquisition for the SIPCOT project, led to the invocation of the Goondas Act in November 2023. This marked the first instance in Bharat, or India, where such a strict legal measure was employed against farmers. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, however, faced backlash, prompting the government to reverse the decision on November 17, 2023. Six out of the seven detainees were released after their families approached Cheyyar MLA and Minister for Public Works, Highways, and Minor Ports, E V Velu.
Notably, the government maintained its stance in the case of environmental activist Arul Arumugam, who opposed the Chennai-Salem eight-lane highway project during the previous AIADMK regime. Arul, a former software engineer, turned to agriculture, actively protesting against the eight-lane expressway project. Despite supporting the DMK in the 2021 elections based on their promise to halt the expressway project, the government went ahead with its implementation, leaving Arul disillusioned. As the state Chairman of Uzhavan Urimai Iyakkam, he continued his advocacy for farmers affected by projects like the SIPCOT initiative.
It is Arul who needs support. Not victims of 7 months old incident.
None of these journalists seem to be bothered about his incarceration.
There are no write ups. There are no tears.
There are no questions against the government.
There is no outrage.
There are no… https://t.co/mXboJUUg8U
— Savukku Shankar (@SavukkuOfficial) January 4, 2024
In a concerning turn of events, on January 15, 2017, Salem Forest Guard, Forest Officer Sirajeedin, Divisional Forester P. Ponnusamy, and Beat Conservator of Forests A. Murugan visited Atthar Vattam, Ramanayakanpalayam, Karamanitattu, following information about an electric fence set up by Chinnuswami’s sons, Krishnan and Kannayanai. The brothers voluntarily admitted to installing the electric fence on their land during the night of January 1, 2017.
Tragically, a male and female bison became entangled in the electric fence and lost their lives on January 2, 2017. In an attempt to conceal the incident, the brothers buried the deceased bisons in a pit in their village. When questioned about the burial spot, Kannaiyan disclosed the location where they discovered the male and female bison dead and decaying.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) initially pursued a case against the two Dalit farmers. However, upon the revelation of the incident, the ED took the decision to cease further investigation into the matter. The controversial bison deaths and subsequent actions of the Dalit farmers have raised concerns, shedding light on the complexities surrounding the case.
கெட்டிகாரன் புளுகு எட்டு நாளைக்கு தாங்காது.
காட்டெருமையை கரன்ட் வைத்து கொன்ற வழக்கில் தமிழக அரசின் வனத்துறை சார்பாக அமலாக்கதுறை விடுத்த நோட்டீஸுக்கு மத்திய அரசை குறை சொல்லி திமுக்காரன் பரப்பிய பொய் செய்தி அம்பலமானது. pic.twitter.com/waflaXfgjI
— Selva Kumar (@Selvakumar_IN) January 3, 2024
In a twist to the case involving Dalit farmers Krishnan and Kannayanai, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) decided to halt its pursuit after what seems to be a politically charged media saga. The News Minute (TNM) actively covered the matter, highlighting letters from IRS officer Balamurugan and his wife Dalit Praveena. This report gained traction in other Dravidianist outlets like Sun News and Kalignar Seithigal. Questions arose about the political motivation behind these stories, especially when TNM alleged BJP involvement in the land grabbing saga. The ED’s intervention raises concerns about the broader narrative and potential political spins in the case.
#CPM to hold an agitation in Salem today condemning ED summons to farmers who accused a local #BJP leader of trying to grab their land.
Story that summons were issued in connection with a 2017 Wildlife act case fell flat, as the farmers were acquitted in the case in 2021.
— Shabbir Ahmed (@Ahmedshabbir20) January 3, 2024
It had been focusing on cases involving Dalit farmers under ED purview that recently made headlines and had not been supporting activists like Arul. There have been accusations that the DMK government through its state intelligence, is trying to plant stories to embarrass ED.
https://x.com/SavukkuOfficial/status/1742207501687513181?s=20
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has officially closed its investigation into Dalit farmers Kannaiyan and Krishnan from Attur in Tamil Nadu’s Salem district. The farmers received summons in July 2023, with the ED allegedly categorising them as ‘Hindu Pallars.’ The agency clarified that the case was closed, emphasising the end of the predicate offence that initiated the probe. ED officials assured there was no intention to harass the farmers. However, the episode sparked condemnation from political figures, including Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol Thirumavalavan and Puthiya Tamilagam chief K. Krishnasamy.
In another turn of events, TNM’s reporting on the Chennai floods following Cyclone Michaung faced a backlash. Journalist Shabbir, who reported on the DMK government’s alleged mismanagement, became the target of a troll army. Accusations arose, linking him to an alleged diary of mining baron Sekhar Reddy. TNM’s Editor-in-Chief Dhanya Rajendran later expressed gratitude to DMK IT wing chief TRB Rajaa for controlling his IT wing functionaries.
Critics argue that TNM’s editorial approach appears to prioritize aligning with a specific narrative, depicting the central government negatively and boosting the image of the BJP as a fascist entity. Some even suggest a name change from “The News Minute” to “The New Murasoli,” implying an alignment with DMK’s perspective.
This incident has sparked debates on the DMK’s changing stance from pre-election promises to post-election actions, prompting criticisms of the party’s credibility. The episode also underscores the party’s continued use of media influence and its potential implications on public perception.
