- 3 hours ago
The Congress high command has named six-time legislator, VD Satheesan, as the new Chief Minister of Kerala following an 11-day deadlock.
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00:01Hello and good evening. You're watching Super 6 here on India Today. I'm Akshita Nanda Gopala.
00:06The next one hour we focus on all the big headlines coming in from the south.
00:11Yes, our top focus this evening therefore is going to be the fact that 11 days on finally the state
00:17of Kerala has a chief minister.
00:19V.D. Satishan is the chosen one prevailing over K.C. Veena Gopal.
00:24We'll decode for you why. Why the Congress High Command has taken this decision.
00:28The repercussions of this decision because already there's murmurs of dissent within the K.P.C.C.
00:35We'll be getting you details of exactly what I'm referring to but also coming up on the show this evening.
00:40What's happening in Tamil Nadu? What is the brand new chief minister of Tamil Nadu up to?
00:46Chief Minister Vijay has put the spotlight on a crackdown on liquor.
00:49Whether it's about shops that are close to educational institutions or places of worship or now ensuring underage drinking is
00:56not a crisis.
00:58We'll take a look at a reality check conducted by my colleagues on the ground on how much of these
01:03orders are actually being implemented on ground.
01:06We'll have QBK's Revant also joining us here on India today.
01:10So lots lined up for you over the next one hour.
01:12We begin with the headlines first.
01:18After a deadlock of 11 days, VD Satishan named as the next Keralam chief minister.
01:24Satishan will meet Keralam governor today to stake claim to form the government oath ceremony likely on May 18th.
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02:07And Nadei accused Manisha Vagmari in custody.
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02:20Army camp blast case.
02:22Jalandhar IED blast bomber arrested.
02:24Bomber inserted his own SIM card inside the IED.
02:27Mastermind of blast.
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02:35New Delhi hosts key BRICS foreign ministers meet.
02:39Prime Minister Modi meets Iranian FM Abbas Aragji, Russian FM Sergei Lavrov amid rising global uncertainties.
02:51And Trump meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
02:55Both discussed need to open almost straight.
02:58Xi opposed his charging toll to vessels and even signaled buying U.S. oil.
03:02Taiwan trade also discussed during meet.
03:21After an endless wait of 11 days, finally Kerala has its chief minister.
03:27And it's VD Satishan who's been named by the Congress high command.
03:31We're standing by for the first images of the legislative party meet.
03:33But we're getting you now a mega exclusive.
03:37Hours after that announcement, VD Satishan spoke exclusively to India Today's Shibimol,
03:43in which he spoke about the decision that was made by the high command.
03:46His regard for KC Venugopal, who remember was also lobbying hard, hard for that particular post of chief minister.
03:53But ultimately it's VD Satishan who's prevailed.
03:56Let's cut across to that exclusive conversation.
04:05We're joined by the man of the moment, the chief minister-elect of Kerala, VD Satishan.
04:10Sir, firstly congratulations.
04:13Sir, a big moment for you in your life also.
04:16What's your reaction actually?
04:18I express my gratitude towards Congress President Rahulji.
04:24They have taken a decision with the blessings of Madam Soniaji.
04:27I'm very grateful to them.
04:29I'm very grateful to them.
04:31And I dedicate my chief ministership to the people of Kerala.
04:37And we have made many offers that we will start a new era.
04:44We will change Kerala.
04:46We will make changes.
04:48We will bring Kerala as the number one state in India.
04:53That is our hope.
04:56We will do for that.
04:57Sir, there was a slight delay and actually Congress supporters were a little upset with the celebration.
05:01So, is it time to give them that?
05:03It's quite natural.
05:04Congress is a democratic party.
05:06The CLP meeting adopted a resolution and entrusted the Congress President to take a decision.
05:15All the leaders communicated.
05:19This is not a one-sided decision which is happening in BJP or CPM.
05:24And they have interacted with the MLA's, MP's, former PCC presidents, senior leaders, even a cross-section of the public.
05:32They have contacted.
05:34This is a democratic procedure.
05:37Not happening in anywhere, any other parties.
05:40I'm proud of that, this procedure.
05:43Maybe you can say that it is delayed.
05:45Many states, many parties are taking delaying decisions.
05:49So, this is a democratic process.
05:51I'm proud to say that that democratic process is going on in my party.
05:56I'm proud to.
05:57Sir, do you think finally it's the people's verdict that has been accepted by that?
06:01Oh, that is...
06:02Because there was a strong public saying.
06:04Yeah, people are supporting the UDF.
06:08They wanted to make UDF government as a number one government.
06:13Their hope is that.
06:14And our team UDF, thousands of workers and leaders work together as a single party.
06:21I have already stated to you that our team UDF is the model to the entire country for the coalition
06:29politics.
06:30One last question.
06:31You know, during your KSU time or Youth Congress time and also in the ministry, whenever part of it.
06:37So, do you feel like it's a poetic justice?
06:39That's right.
06:39No, this is happening in politics.
06:43Somewhere we were...
06:44Sometimes we were sidelined.
06:46Sometimes we will get opportunities.
06:48There are so many very efficient people.
06:53Those who were with us are not even an MLA.
06:56I have been in the assembly for the last 25 years.
07:00My party has given me a chance.
07:02But somebody is not getting that opportunity.
07:05That is happening everywhere, in all the parties.
07:08But I am happy with that.
07:10Thank you, sir.
07:17And you've got the first hints of a rebellion within the KPCC as a result of VD Satisham being chosen.
07:24And guess what?
07:25It's not KC Venagopal.
07:26It's Ramesh Chanitala, who is also in contention for the post.
07:31Ramesh Chanitala is reportedly miffed, likely to say very clearly he doesn't want a cabinet post.
07:36And even is, in all likelihood, going to be skipping the legislative party meet.
07:41What we're hearing is that Ramesh Chanitala, who really fancied his chances this time,
07:46has expressed his displeasure also to the high command.
07:49So because of three factions in the KPCC, Ramesh Chanitala is the one who's objecting now.
07:56And mind you, Rahul Gandhi met with KC Venagopal this morning.
07:59There was no such meeting with Ramesh Chanitala
08:02because the assumption was that he was someone who would be okay with whatever the high command decides.
08:08Clearly not.
08:08He's put down his foot to say, I will not be a part of the cabinet.
08:12Let me bring in Shibhimul, who's joining us live from Tirvanantapuram.
08:15Shibhimul, first of all, congratulations on having that conversation with VD Satisham,
08:19who's clearly elated with the fact that he's finally been chosen by the Congress high command.
08:24But already you're seeing now ripple effects off that.
08:27Ramesh Chanitala reportedly very, very upset.
08:29And he's not just staying away from the cabinet, he's not even going to attend the legislative party meet.
08:39Well, actually, interestingly, we don't know where is he also.
08:43Because, you know, he came out before the announcement from his residence.
08:47He greeted the media and said that he doesn't want to speak now.
08:49Let's wait for the announcement.
08:51Post that nobody has seen him.
08:53He's not answering any calls or anything.
08:55We're assuming that he's at his residence itself.
08:57But from his camp, we're learning that he will not be attending the CLP meeting today.
09:02He has expressed this displeasure before the high commander,
09:05also saying that he will not be part of the ministry also.
09:09So, this is, you know, we expected this faction to, this rift to take place right after the minister's name
09:17was announced.
09:17Not just VD Sadishnu, whoever's name would, you know, high command could have chosen anybody.
09:22And there was a faction or there was a rift that was expected already.
09:26So, that's something that we're witnessing right now.
09:28Even in case of Yanagobal's response also, there was a question posed to him whether, you know,
09:33he will be moving away from the AIC's general secretary post.
09:35And his immediate reaction was, do you want me to give away that post also?
09:38So, there's a clear-cut fiction and, you know, factualism that's going to continue within the Congress party.
09:45So, VD Sadishnu has a very, very major task ahead to bring all these people.
09:49He know very well that his MLAs, more than half of his MLAs are not standing with him.
09:54But they stood very strongly with KC Vindu Gopal.
09:57So, the big task for him will be to bring all these people together and also first sort out Ramesh
10:02Shintala's issue.
10:03Because KC Vindu Gopal, as and such, will not be part of the cabinet or the government here.
10:08But Ramesh Shintala is not like that.
10:10He's a very senior leader.
10:11The senior most leader right now in the party.
10:13And VD Sadishnu will have to sort out this issue with Ramesh Shintala and bring him back and convince him
10:18about being part of the ministry
10:20and also being part of the party's F.S.
10:22Because you cannot lose a leader like him as you move ahead in the five years of governance in Kerala.
10:27So, a lot of challenges ahead for VD Sadishnu.
10:29But right now, the Congress party has solved one of its biggest crises that was announcing a name as chief
10:34minister.
10:35And that's been done.
10:35You know, the assumption was always that this was largely a fight between KC Vindu Gopal and VD Sadishnu.
10:41And that Ramesh Shintala would be okay with the choice of VD Sadishnu.
10:45Clearly not.
10:45He's making it clear that he is not happy.
10:48Many would also say that this is because Shintala fancied his chances this time as a result of the factualism
10:54that he would be the most neutral and perhaps safest choice.
10:58But that didn't happen.
10:59And secondly also, that perhaps this is his last shot at really the CM chair.
11:03Which is why perhaps he's also upset.
11:05We'll have to see if the high command reaches out to him in any way.
11:09But Shibi, I'll request you to stay with me.
11:11Let's just break down for our viewers all that's transpired in the last few hours.
11:15You know, every single day questions were being asked of how long the Congress will drag this on.
11:21That 11 days, there was still no clarity on who would be the chief minister.
11:25It wasn't an easy decision to make, a rather difficult one.
11:29But having said that, finally, the Congress took their pick.
11:32It was essentially about whether they go with KC Venagopal, who had the MLA support,
11:37or go with VD Satishan, public sentiment.
11:39Since the people of Keralam largely believe VD Satishan should be the chief minister.
11:44He's been the face of the UDA for the last five years.
11:46And clearly what's prevailed is public sentiment.
11:52After 11 days of suspense, endless lobbying, backroom power games, and a battle between the Kader's choice and the high
12:01command's favorite,
12:02Keralam finally has its chief minister.
12:05Based on all these discussions, it has been decided that Sri VD Satishan be appointed as the leader of the
12:16CLP.
12:17Thank you so much.
12:21After the UDF's thumping victory in 102 seats in the 140-member assembly,
12:28the Congress has finally chosen VD Satishan as the next chief minister of Keralam.
12:33A six-time MLA and the aggressive face of the UDF campaign,
12:38Satishan has beaten Congress High Command's favorite and heavyweight KC Venagopal
12:43in a high-voltage leadership battle that kept the party on edge for over a week.
12:49We have to make changes.
12:50We have to start a new era.
12:54I promise to the people of Kerala that there should be a new Kerala.
13:00For the youngsters, those who are coming up, the next generation, for the next generation also,
13:06we will be very careful.
13:07We will dedicate.
13:08We are going to change the definition of political work.
13:15I hope that political work should be a dedication to the people to change their living standard.
13:25Satishan also thanked KC Venagopal and Ramesh Janithala, both contenders for the post,
13:31for extending him their support.
13:33Both are my leaders and my seniors.
13:36I'm junior to them.
13:38They have helped a lot for this wonderful victory.
13:43As I had, General Secretary Organization, he helped a lot in the elections.
13:48It is his state.
13:49He is an MP from Kerala.
13:52And Ramesh Janithala was the campaign committee chairman.
13:55He was my leader for a long time.
13:58I was with him.
14:00I was a close left-hand of him.
14:02But now the party intercepted me.
14:05They selected me to lead Kerala.
14:10Venagopal welcomed the decision and reaffirmed that the party and its workers are supreme to him.
14:16Full, wholeheartedly, I am welcoming that decision.
14:19I am congratulating VD Sadishan for this position.
14:23I think that people of Kerala have given a big verdict for the UDF.
14:27The government under the leadership of VD Sadishan can fulfill the aspirations and promises of the people of Kerala.
14:36Sources say the battle was never straightforward.
14:40While Venagopal reportedly enjoyed strong backing from sections of the high command and many MLAs,
14:46Sadishan had what Congress simply could not ignore.
14:49Grassroots momentum and public connect.
14:51So why the 11-day delay?
14:54The delay was driven by a deadlock between the camps backing VD Sadishan and KC Venugopal,
15:00with MLAs and party carders divided over the choice.
15:04The party was also trying to maintain factional balance and ensure a smooth transition of power after the UDF's massive
15:11victory.
15:11The Congress also held consultations with UDF allies,
15:15while Cabinet formation and power-sharing talks further delayed the final decision.
15:25In the end, the Congress chose the leader the carders wanted,
15:29the face voters identified with,
15:32and the man many in Kerala already saw as Chief Minister.
15:43So why did the Congress high command go with the VD Sadishan and not with the KC Venugopal?
15:49Let's break it down for you point by point of what worked out in favor of VD Sadishan.
15:54Someone who has a strong grassroots connect has been the face of the UDF for the last five years as
15:59the leader of opposition.
16:01And then on the other hand, you have KC Venugopal.
16:03See, in his Delhi-based and the constant criticism was that he would be kind of parachuted,
16:07paradropped into Kerala when he's had nothing to do with state politics
16:11and has always been with the AICC for the last many years.
16:14That was the one issue that most majorly went in favor of VD Sadishan.
16:18But besides that, there's also the fact that he is a seasoned Kerala face.
16:23He's a six-time MLA from Paravur and has won consecutively six times over.
16:29And that tells you really that he has a track record of success of performing irrespective of whether the UDF
16:34came to power or not.
16:35As far as KC Venugopal is concerned, there was a lot of backlash from rivals.
16:40And the biggest point was that he didn't even contest the assembly election.
16:43He's a member of parliament.
16:45And so that local flavor again missing as far as KC Venugopal goes.
16:48He's been the face of UDF, as I said, leader of opposition for the last five years.
16:52So he's been leading the UDF, been extremely critical of the previous Pinarai Vijayan government
16:58and has led the front as far as Kerala is concerned.
17:01As far as Venugopal is concerned, yes, most of the MLAs were from his camp.
17:06But he had a limited campaign.
17:08Largely he was orchestrating and pulling the strings from Delhi, but not really visible on ground.
17:13Another factor that went against him.
17:16VD Sadishan also has a very clean image.
17:18Known to be a vocal leader, extremely approachable.
17:21All of that has helped in gaining that public support and public sentiment.
17:25KC Venugopal, we did see that as far as the Kerala Congress carders concern, the KPCC carder,
17:32they largely opposed him so much so that there were protests against KC Venugopal
17:36and for VD Satishan in the last 10 days that we've seen this going forward.
17:41It's snowballing.
17:42Allies like the IUML with 22 seats, obviously the IUML had a big say in the decision.
17:48And IUML made it very clear that they are for VD Satishan.
17:51Why?
17:51Because they said public sentiment is for him.
17:53That's all that should matter.
17:55KC Venugopal lacked that mass appeal, didn't have a support base.
17:59Yes, MLAs were with him.
18:00But beyond that, absolutely nothing.
18:03So between the two, the choice was very clear for the high command.
18:06The only question is, were they willing to take that chance?
18:09And clearly, they were.
18:11Let me take this back across to Shibimol for more details.
18:14Shibimol, when is the legislative party meet expected to begin or if it already has?
18:19Give us a sense really of where the MLAs stand now.
18:21Because for the longest time in the last 10 days, the constant question was,
18:26how will VD Satishan get the support from the Congress high command
18:30when 40 plus MLAs of the 63 are backing KC Venugopal?
18:38Well, the CLP meeting is about to begin.
18:41Just now, Deepa Das, Munshi, the Kerala Inchar, and also the ICC observers
18:44have just gone inside the Assembly.
18:46It's inside the Assembly building that the CLP meeting is going to take place.
18:51In fact, we were at VD Satishan's residence,
18:53the Contourment House, which is the official residence of Opposition Leader.
18:56We saw some of the Ramesh Randitala side MLAs coming and greeting
19:00and meeting VD Satishan, particularly in person.
19:03So it looks like they will have to stay together as a group and lead this fight.
19:08So we're seeing some signs of it.
19:10But how much effective it is, to what extent it is possible
19:13when we start looking at things practically,
19:16something that we'll have to wait and see.
19:18But right now, Satishan, all the MLAs are reaching out to Satishan.
19:22And Satishan also trying to ensure that he also understands
19:25that he needs the support of his MLAs and ministers moving forward.
19:29There will be a lot of crisis, a lot of issues.
19:31Remember, the opposition is not just CPM.
19:33You have three NDA MLAs also in the Assembly
19:37that are going to fight against the ruling front.
19:39So he will need the backing office ministers and MLAs.
19:42But, you know, that's the biggest challenge ahead for VD Satishan.
19:46He might have had the support of the party workers,
19:48the public also to an extent.
19:50But what about your own MLAs and your own ministers?
19:53Because KC Vedugopal is surely going to take,
19:56you know, might have surely placed a demand before the high command
19:59that some of his close people should get some important portfolios.
20:03So that was something that we heard from KC sources also,
20:06that there will be this demand put forward
20:08that main ministries should be granted to his people.
20:11So Satishan, will he agree to that?
20:13What will be his take on it?
20:14The IUML and the other alliance partners will also have a say
20:18when it comes to a lot of ministry portfolios.
20:20So a lot of issues, to be honest, in the coming week.
20:23And I don't think the drama is ending here
20:25with the declaration of the Chief Minister's name.
20:27There will be a lot more coming up within the Congress itself
20:30in the coming days because there will be a lot of issues to sort out
20:33from choosing ministers.
20:34So first hurdle crossed based on what you're telling us, Shribe.
20:36And then there are a lot more now,
20:38which will be now taken up by VD Satishan.
20:41He's been named, so now the honours will be on him
20:43to iron out all of these issues.
20:45Shribe, we're going to keep coming across to you
20:47for the updates from Tirvanantapuram for the moment.
20:50Thanks very much for joining us.
20:53Why VD Satishan?
20:54I gave you a couple of factors that really worked in his favour.
20:57But perhaps the biggest is that he is someone
21:00who's a grassroots worker,
21:01who's worked in Keralam for the last many decades.
21:04Six-time Emily.
21:06And that itself tells you the goodwill that he's enjoyed
21:08among the people.
21:10In our next report, we tell you all that you need to know
21:12about VD Satishan and why he's been chosen
21:15as the next Keralam Chief Minister.
21:38VD Satishan, elected as an MLA five times earlier,
21:43but never made a minister,
21:45has found recognition in his sixth innings.
21:56Much of his career till 2021 was about missed chances,
22:02never made a KSU chief or youth congress chief.
22:06Satishan, now popular as VDS,
22:11was in the I group of the Congress,
22:14led by K Karnakarni,
22:16but was yet an outsider.
22:20In 2011, Satishan was an obvious choice to join the government,
22:25but didn't make the cut because the Nair Service Society
22:29recommended another leader.
22:34So when the Congress lost the election to the left front a second consecutive time in 2021,
22:40Satishan put his foot down.
22:44With the support of KC Venu Gopal,
22:47he sought the post of leader of opposition.
22:50The high command overlooked the claims of Ramesh Chennitala
22:54and handed the baton to Satishan.
22:58A few doubted the decision.
23:01Satishan was seen as aggressive,
23:04uncompromising and too blunt for consensus politics.
23:08But that very image soon became his biggest strength.
23:12He changed the tone of Kerala's opposition politics.
23:16Three CPM senior leaders are in the jail.
23:20The CPM is not ready to take any disciplinary action.
23:24Those who are involved in the gold pilferage case,
23:28it is a surprise.
23:29It is a surprise to the entire Kerala.
23:34No longer reacting emotionally,
23:37Satishan turned the UDF into a disciplined, issue-based force.
23:43From the assembly floor to public rallies,
23:47every attack on the LDF government was backed with research,
23:50numbers and facts.
23:54Whether it was allegations around Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund board,
23:59unemployment, healthcare failures, rising debt,
24:03or the growing brain drain from Kerala,
24:06Satishan sharpened the UDF's campaign
24:09into a focused narrative against the ruling front.
24:22And slowly, the Congress-led alliance began reconnecting with Kerala's middle-class youth
24:27and frustrated voters.
24:31In his role as leader of opposition,
24:34Satishan excelled as an election manager.
24:36The UDF won by polls,
24:39looks or by elections,
24:40and local body polls.
24:42All strategized by Satishan,
24:45who ensured alliance coordination stayed intact.
24:49He even raised the political stakes personally.
24:53Satishan declared that if the UDF failed to win,
24:56he would accept political exile.
25:00From just 41 seats in 2021,
25:04the alliance stormed past the majority mark in 2026,
25:09scripting one of Kerala Congress's biggest political comebacks.
25:17By then, surveys had already projected him
25:21as the most popular chief ministerial face in Kerala.
25:24He enjoyed strong backing from the UDF allies,
25:28including Muslim League and Kerala Congress factions,
25:32while his grassroots image expanded far beyond traditional Congress voters.
25:38For supporters,
25:39VD Satishan represents a rare mix in modern politics,
25:43which soon was appreciated by the Congress High Command.
25:48Based on all these discussions,
25:51it has been decided that
25:54Sri VD Satishan be appointed as the leader of the CLP.
26:02From being the face of opposition
26:05to now becoming the face of governance,
26:07VD Satishan's rise marks not just a personal victory,
26:12but a victory for people of Kerala.
26:15With Simran Tharoa,
26:17Bureau Report, India Today.
26:22So, in all likelihood,
26:23the swearing-in ceremony will take place on Monday.
26:26So, we'll track that very closely here on India Today.
26:29But let's shift focus to neighbouring Tamil Nadu
26:31and what's happening there.
26:33There's a huge controversy
26:34over the kind of comments made over Sanatana Dharm.
26:37It's not new,
26:38considering what happened years ago to Daniti Stalin.
26:40That was followed up by the leader of opposition
26:42once again making a comment on Sanatana Dharm,
26:45calling it Sanatanam.
26:47And he said this again in the assembly.
26:49So, there were criticism that poured in
26:51not just for Udeniti Stalin this time,
26:53but also Chief Minister Vijay saying,
26:55why didn't he react?
26:56Why didn't he object to what Udeniti Stalin said?
26:59And then add fuel to fire,
27:01a TVK MLA,
27:03Mustafa,
27:03who's the MLA from Madurai Central,
27:05has also in fact padded up
27:08and added to what Udeniti Stalin has said,
27:10leading to a whole lot of controversy
27:12and questions being asked of the TVK on the subject.
27:16Here's that report.
27:21This is a new beginning.
27:25A new era of a real, secular, social justice starts now.
27:38The TVK began its term in power
27:40by announcing its commitment to secularism.
27:43But not long after that declaration,
27:46CM Vijay's MLA has reignited the Sanatana Dharm controversy.
27:50Aligning with the views of Tamil Nadu leader of opposition,
27:53Udeniti Stalin,
27:54TVK MLA VNS Mustafa backed Stalin Jr.'s call
27:58to eradicate Sanatana.
28:18Meanwhile, the DMK has offered its own explanation,
28:21saying it only opposes Manu Dharma.
28:34The BJP has demanded that Vijay break his silence,
28:38as such remarks could damage religious harmony.
28:44Even daring to say things like this should be condemned.
28:47And if Vijay really claims to be secular,
28:49as he says he is,
28:50he should dismiss this MLA from the party
28:52and he should not bother about the consequences.
28:55Otherwise, it just goes to show that the TVK
28:57is going down the way of the DMK
28:59and they will also face the same consequences
29:01which the DMK has electorally faced
29:03for talking about eradication of Sanatana Dharma.
29:06This is not the first time Sanatana Dharm
29:09has become a major flashpoint in Tamil Nadu politics.
29:12In 2023, then-deputy CM Udeniti Stalin
29:16compared Sanatana Dharm with diseases
29:18like dengue and malaria.
29:36Now Vijay's next move will determine
29:39how he wants his government to function.
29:42Will he stand by his own words
29:44or continue with the old Dravidian political model?
29:48With Pramod Madhav, Miro Report, India Today.
29:56So the Sanatana Dharm controversy
29:58once again back in focus in Tamil Nadu.
30:00But what really is the TVK stand on this?
30:03Let me bring in Pramod Madhav for more details.
30:05Pramod, on two issues now,
30:07Chief Minister Vijay faces fire.
30:09One of what Udeniti Stalin said
30:11in the floor of the house
30:12while Chief Minister Vijay was there
30:13and second over his MLA, Mustafa's comments.
30:16Is the TVK planning to respond to this, tackle this?
30:20How are they looking at this particular issue?
30:22Do they back what Mustafa said
30:24about the fact that they are on the same stand
30:26as DMK on this issue?
30:31Well, Akshita, one important aspect here
30:33we have to bring also that
30:34what happened is that this issue
30:36was actually brought in the assembly
30:37by the leader of the opposition, Udeniti Stalin,
30:40who very clearly said that
30:41using the Vande Mataram issue
30:43that it should be, Sanatana Dharma should be eradicated.
30:46And that question was put forward
30:47to Mustafa, the MLA,
30:48and for that only he responded claiming
30:50that we too have Piriyar,
30:53we too have Ambedkar,
30:54and we are on the ground
30:55to eradicate Sanatana Dharma.
30:56But when I called him in the morning
30:58and had a conversation
30:58where he said
30:59that he was not even aware
31:00where he said,
31:01I know, gave such a kind of comment,
31:03he also claimed
31:04that he will look at the video
31:05and come back to us,
31:06but after that we could not
31:07correct him at all.
31:08But what Mustafa has done
31:09is that on his Twitter page
31:10he went ahead and claimed
31:11that TVK will not in any form
31:13hurt the sentiments of anybody
31:15in the state of Tamil Nadu or so.
31:17So that is the only kind of explanation
31:18given so far.
31:19However, when we tried to contact TVK
31:21over certain issues
31:22where TVK needs to respond,
31:23they claim that only the flow test
31:25has occurred yesterday
31:26and they are completely pressed
31:28into the official matters
31:29of the state government.
31:30Like, you know,
31:31tomorrow they have to release
31:321,000 rupees
31:33for almost 1.44 crore women and such.
31:36So all these things are like,
31:37they are actually pressed into
31:38and they claim
31:39soon they will respond
31:40on this, Akshita.
31:41So far, TVK choosing
31:42to keep quiet.
31:43They are saying
31:44that they are addressing
31:45other issues
31:46but this is snowballing
31:47especially with national parties
31:49like the BJP
31:49raising this to say
31:51that this is what
31:52the parties like TVK
31:53and DMK stand for.
31:54Pramod, thanks for those details.
31:55Let's cut across
31:56to more breaking news
31:56coming in.
32:05Former Chief Minister,
32:06DMK Chief,
32:07M.K. Stalin
32:08has released a video message
32:09in which he's taken the blame
32:11for the DMK's loss
32:13saying we will make ourselves better,
32:15we'll work on what's happened
32:16but he said
32:17that this,
32:18what's played out
32:19with the DMK
32:20is my fault.
32:21The fact that the DMK
32:22lost in this election
32:24he's also sought
32:25advice, feedback
32:26from people
32:27while taking to social media
32:28in that message.
32:30Listen in.
32:31the DMK,
32:34the DMK,
32:36I was born in a kind and the very strange environment.
32:39What we are going to do is to get a job.
32:42It's not necessary to be able to get a job.
32:46We are having a job,
32:47and we are still happy.
32:51I will be trying to help with a new job.
32:55That's why we need to take it.
32:58Okay, we will unpack it.
32:59We will make it take the time for our change.
33:02Can I tell you?
33:03We will start to the full update.
33:27Okay, let's move on and talk about what Chief Minister Vijay has brought on to the ground
33:32after taking oath as the Chief Minister.
33:34And one of the big focuses has been a crackdown on TASMAC shops, on liquor shops in Tamil Nadu.
33:40First an order that said no liquor shops, about 717 of them will be shut.
33:45Those which are close to educational institutions, those which are close to places of worship as well.
33:50And that was followed by Chief Minister Vijay highlighting that now liquor shops will have to be extremely strict
33:56about checking the age of those who buy or purchase alcohol.
34:01And so IDs are a must.
34:03That verification will be made tighter, stricter.
34:06But on that order of shutting down of liquor shops, is that actually happening?
34:10Remember the deadline is still a few weeks away.
34:13But my team on ground in Tamil Nadu conducted a reality check to show you a couple of things.
34:19Why this is the need of the hour?
34:21Why there's a need to shut down these TASMAC shops?
34:23And whether it's actually started, whether it's actually happening.
34:26Take a look at this report.
34:27Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay's first big step since taking oath focuses on the youth.
34:39Chief Minister Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 state-run liquor shops located within 500 metres of temples, schools
34:49and bus stands across the state.
34:55These shops, operated by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation, or TASMAC, are to be shut within two weeks.
35:03The decision has been welcomed by many.
35:11In a viral video, a grandmother and residents of her area recount their struggle to get a TASMAC shop near
35:18a school shot.
35:20Her struggle has finally found an answer.
35:28India Today reporters on the ground find the policy revamp has many supporters who expressed fears about increasing alcoholism in
35:37society.
35:39There's a video that's going viral about a TASMAC shop in Tienagar, very close to the Shrine Velangandi school that
35:46was being shut.
35:47That was the narrative being peddled on social media.
35:50And I just want to show you the reality here.
35:52The TASMAC shop is still operational.
35:54This is just a few buildings away from the Shrine Velangandi school.
35:58And as soon as the clock struck 12, people started buying their liquor from this TASMAC shop.
36:05The chief minister of Tamil Nadu has given officials time till two weeks to clear out all 700 TASMAC shops,
36:11as long as they fall under the 500 metre radius of educational institutions and places of worship.
36:20These images from right outside a college show the concerns are real.
36:26Liquor, it is a huge problem in our state, Tamil Nadu as well.
36:30And CM Vijay has also said a lot about TASMAC.
36:34Whatever claims he's made, I hope he's able to live up to them.
36:38And I hope he's able to carry it out efficiently.
36:41TVK plus government has closed around 700 TASMACs.
36:45It's a very good thing and I think 700 is not enough.
36:49We need lots and lots of TASMACs to be closed.
36:52This is exactly an impressive move by TVK.
36:57And this will make a new impression among youth, among women and especially among elders.
37:04This is not the condition of just one college.
37:07In Tamil Nadu, TASMAC currently operates 4,765 liquor shops across the state.
37:14Of these, 276 are near places of worship, 186 are near educational institutes and 255 are near bus stands.
37:26I just want to give you an example of a TASMAC shop that is operating just outside a school.
37:32This is in Virugambakam area, the La Chatleen School.
37:36This is one of the school gate entry.
37:39It's the entry for Viveka Fine Arts Auditorium, which belongs to the La Chatleen School.
37:44And if you just come off this gate, there is a TASMAC shop that operates right on the other side
37:52of that road.
37:53As my camera person Danny is pointing out, you can see that the TASMAC shop is still operating there.
37:58The time, however, given is still two weeks and that's why they haven't shut it till now.
38:04But it is also true that TASMAC liquor sales make up a large chunk of state's revenue.
38:10In 2025, total revenue from liquor sales crossed 48,000 crore rupees.
38:17Chief Minister Vijay's challenge will be fulfilling his promise of addiction-free Tamil Nadu and finding new sources of revenue.
38:25With Anika Kesha, Bureau Report, India Today.
38:32So, we know that there is another two weeks to go for the deadline of shutting down over those 700
38:38liquor shops.
38:39717 to be exact.
38:40But the reason we did the reality check now is to show you why this is the need of the
38:45hour.
38:46That there are so many of these liquor shops that are so inappropriately placed right next to schools,
38:52right next to educational institutions.
38:54And so, what the TVK has announced is not just educational institutions.
38:58Near bus stands too, they will be shut down.
39:02Let's bring you a sense.
39:03Is this something that's unprecedented?
39:05Is this something we've never seen before?
39:07Just to put it in context, the AIA-DMK has also done this.
39:11In 2016, on her first day as Chief Minister, which was on May 23rd,
39:15Jayalalitha shut down 500 liquor shops.
39:18The DMK, in June 2023, announced the shutdown of 500 retail liquor shops.
39:25And now, you've got the TVK, where Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 TASMAX shops near sensitive sites.
39:32So, here, there's a definition of exactly which shops are being shut.
39:35And if you look at the numbers, TVK is promising 717.
39:40Many would argue that that number definitely needs to go up beyond that.
39:45Let me bring in on this broadcast, Revant Charan, TVK MLA from Maduro Boyle.
39:51Revant, thank you for joining us here on India Today.
39:54We've seen two announcements in the last three days, Revant,
39:57all based on TASMAX, on a liquor crackdown by Chief Minister Vijay.
40:02So, then, is this priority number one for the TVK, to curb alcohol menace?
40:11Certainly, yes, because closing down on task marks and the working hours,
40:16not just, it's just, it's a multifactor, because it will lead to women's safety,
40:23it will lead to youth empowerment and distract people.
40:26So, this is something which our Honorable Chief Minister was having in mind
40:30much before the elections.
40:32And this is something which will touch and benefit the women of the society.
40:38So, this has been a topmost priority at the moment.
40:42Now, so, is this the first step that's being taken by the Chief Minister
40:46towards, perhaps, total prohibition?
40:49You know, this came up in the Assembly.
40:50The PMK raised it.
40:52Soumya Anbhumani made a very passionate speech about the need
40:54for maybe a total prohibition of alcohol in Tamil Nadu.
40:58Is that the next step of the TVK?
41:03As of now, the High Camera has not taken any decision on that.
41:06We will ensure that there are no task marks which will affect the public at large.
41:13Nothing in places where there is a lot of public movement,
41:17not next to schools and worship places.
41:18That's going to be our agenda as of now.
41:22You know, since we're talking about addiction, about bad practices,
41:27and so you're seeing that crackdown on liquor.
41:29What about drugs, Revantha?
41:31A force, yes, has been set up and Chief Minister Vijay has announced
41:34that there will be an anti-drug force in every district of Tamil Nadu.
41:38But what next to all that fraud?
41:39Because that's a real issue, especially among youngsters in Tamil Nadu.
41:45Yes, in the last few years, especially in the DMK government,
41:49there has been a lot of drugs available throughout.
41:53Even school kids get access to drugs and narcotics.
41:56This is a very worrying sign moving forward.
41:59And this is affecting a lot of women and young children.
42:03In order to curtail the easy access,
42:08our government is going to form a department
42:10just to warn it to this
42:12and ensure that the access and availability of these drugs
42:15is drastically reduced.
42:17Now, so what I've noticed, Revanth,
42:20is that your party and the government
42:23is taking a lot of steps focused on public welfare.
42:26So a lot of headlines as well.
42:27But the question that will be asked,
42:30and I don't know if you caught a reality check,
42:32it shows a lot of liquor shops still very much open.
42:35I agree that the deadline is still far away.
42:37You've still got two weeks.
42:38But is implementation ultimately a challenge?
42:40Because the scale of the problem here is huge.
42:43So is it possible to meet that deadline?
42:49Yes, it has been less than 48 hours
42:51since the order has been passed
42:53by the Honorable Chief Minister.
42:55In fact, the MLAs have started to conduct
42:58inspections in their respective constituencies
43:01and noting down the task mark shops
43:03which are situated in the areas
43:06as mentioned by our Honorable Chief Minister.
43:08We have 12 more days to go.
43:10Of course, we will do our best
43:12to ensure all the task marks
43:14which affects the public at large
43:15will be shut down.
43:17Okay, that's good that you've given us that reassurance.
43:19Revant, can I ask you to stay with me?
43:21The other big announcement
43:23that was made by Chief Minister Vijay
43:24was about no hoardings,
43:27no giant cutouts,
43:28no traffic-blocking banners,
43:30no flex-board politics
43:31which we see so very often in Tamil Nadu.
43:34A glimpse of that on your screens.
43:35But on the ground,
43:36is that message really being followed?
43:39Or are all political habits
43:41refusing to disappear from Tamil Nadu's streets?
43:43Much like what we've done
43:44as far as these liquor shops are concerned,
43:47here's a reality check
43:48on whether hoardings have actually disappeared
43:50from the streets of Chennai.
43:52Apoorva Jay Chandra gets you this report.
43:54They call it political presence,
43:56but for the netizens,
43:59for the public of Tamil Nadu
44:00and especially people
44:02who have voted for Tamil Gavitri Karagam
44:04to power here,
44:05less than four days into new governance
44:08and the banners and posters
44:10do not have a break
44:14for the people of Tamil Nadu.
44:16In fact, this is Vonsha's banner
44:18that has been set up here
44:20at Tirwanmayoor
44:21and if you can see,
44:23the banner has completely blocked off
44:25the signage of which area
44:27we are currently in.
44:29This is supposed to be
44:30the Kasturi Nagar 2nd Avenue of MG Road
44:33but if you can see here,
44:34this banner has been completely blocked off
44:38what is the signage
44:39and where it is treated.
44:40This is one of the major junctions
44:42here in Tirwanmayoor
44:43which is a four-way cross junction.
44:45You have buses coming on one side.
44:48You also have other vehicles,
44:50common public,
44:51who are inconvenienced
44:52by this kind of banners
44:54that are erupted.
44:55Right on the other end as well,
44:57you can see yet another banner
44:58that has been erupted
45:00over there blocking the signage
45:02very close to the stop sign as well.
45:05Netizen's question
45:06that though the TVK chief Vijay
45:09had promised for change,
45:11had promised for clean government.
45:15Two hoardings
45:16in that one spot
45:17that Apoorva was reporting from
45:18and Revant,
45:19I want to bring you in on this.
45:20I've seen that you also posted
45:22a lot on social media
45:23about directives
45:25that you've issued also
45:26to remove these hoardings
45:27but has anything really changed?
45:30You know,
45:30this is something that's so intrinsic
45:31in Tamil Nadu politics,
45:33this kind of hero worship,
45:35these posters,
45:35banners everywhere,
45:37that is it a challenge
45:38to actually remove that mindset?
45:45This is an age-old culture
45:47in Tamil Nadu as such.
45:49Not just TVK,
45:50but every party
45:52has this banner culture.
45:54They do it for their favorite actors,
45:56for cinema stars and stuff.
45:58This has to be cut down
46:00and an official release
46:01has been done
46:02by a high command
46:03to not entertain
46:04any such activities.
46:05So as MLAs
46:07and as district secretaries,
46:09it is our responsibility
46:10to ensure
46:11there's no such activities
46:13in the future.
46:14We cannot promise
46:15100% guarantee
46:17but we'll do our best
46:18to curtail
46:20these unsafe
46:21banal actions.
46:23You call it unsafe.
46:24Is that why we're seeing
46:25this kind of a crackdown
46:27because you believe
46:27it's unsafe
46:28or is it also about
46:29stopping that sycophancy
46:30that you see of posters
46:31with massive pictures
46:33of the leaders
46:33in this case
46:34of Vijay all over
46:35the city,
46:36all over the state?
46:39We can keep banners
46:41and holdings
46:42inside private properties
46:43and private buildings
46:44but we will avoid
46:45keeping it in public places
46:46like road junctions
46:48or any place
46:49where public commute.
46:53Okay, I hope so.
46:54I hope we see
46:54that becoming a reality
46:56because I think
46:56it's enough of holdings
46:58and banners.
46:58You have social media.
47:00This is no longer
47:01a need of the hour
47:02to have photos
47:03of everyone around
47:04Vijay is a superstar himself.
47:06He doesn't need
47:06banners everywhere
47:07but Rayman Charan
47:08thank you for your time.
47:09Thank you for joining us
47:10here on India Today.
47:11You've heard from the TVK
47:11making promises
47:13that as far as
47:14the liquor crackdown goes
47:15as far as the crackdown
47:16on holdings go
47:16they are working on it.
47:18They promise
47:18that within the deadline
47:20they will ensure
47:20it's all implemented.
47:21So you can count on us
47:22to get you a reality check
47:24once that deadline
47:24is also crossed
47:26on whether we're seeing
47:27that impact
47:27on ground as well.
47:29That's all we have time
47:30for in this edition
47:31of Super 6.
47:31Thanks very much
47:32for tuning in.
47:33I'm leaving you however
47:34with a video
47:34that's been posted
47:35by Karnataka
47:36Deputy Chief Minister
47:37DK Shruvkumar
47:37in conversation
47:39with Chief Minister
47:40Vijay congratulating him
47:41giving him a piece
47:42of advice as well.
47:45Good evening, Vijay.
47:48Fine, thank you.
47:49Congratulations.
47:50You have treated in history.
47:52But you should take
47:53everyone together.
47:56That is very important
47:57because youngsters' emotions
47:59will be very too high
48:01and their aspirations
48:02also will be very high.
48:04We all are there.
48:05We'll try to help you out
48:06whatever power,
48:07what we tell,
48:08we'll do it.
48:09Good luck.
48:10Bless wishes to you.
48:12Thank you, thank you.
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