- 17 hours ago
A nationwide fuel price hike has seen petrol and diesel increase by three rupees per litre and CNG by two rupees per kilogram, sparking criticism from the Tamil Nadu government regarding the financial impact on the middle class.
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00:20Good evening, you're watching Super 6 here on India Today. I'm Akashita Nandakopala.
00:24Over the next one hour, I'll be getting you all the top stories of the day where we focus
00:28on the big news breaks from South India. We've been seeing, of course, from early this morning
00:33reporting on the fuel price hike. What does that mean for the southern states? What is the price
00:40rise looking like there? I'm going to be breaking that down for you along with ground reports from
00:45Bengaluru, from Hyderabad, from Chennai, from Tiruvannathapuram as well to get you a sense of
00:49what really the situation is, how much have prices shot up. Also coming up on the show, we're going
00:55to be focusing on Tamil Nadu, where there's a big showdown once again over Sanatana Dharm.
01:01You have the TVK and DMK now clarifying amid all of the outrage with any of these talent
01:06taking to social media to say, no, Sanatana Dharm has a different context in Tamil Nadu,
01:11that he's referring to casteism. We're going to be getting you details of that. We'll have
01:15political panelists with us also on this broadcast on that big Sanatana showdown. Let's begin
01:20with the headlines. Your fuel gets costlier starting today. Petrol diesel prices go up
01:31by three rupees per litre across India. CNG prices go up by two rupees per kg. Politics erupts over
01:37fuel price hike. Opposition hits out in Modi government as the BJP defence.
01:47Days after Prime Minister Modi's bachat message, 50% Supreme Court staff to work from home,
01:54judges to carpool, virtual hearings on Monday and Friday for now.
02:03After leak gate, neat re-examination on June 21st, Union Education Minister breaks silence
02:10as a strict CBI investigation says re-examination because government wants merit over mafia.
02:28After handshakes and hugs in UAE, Prime Minister Modi departs for Netherlands. UAE President
02:33MBZ personally sees off Prime Minister Modi. Prime Minister bats for peace in West Asia condemned
02:38them strikes on UAE. Big win for Hindu side in Bhojshala matter. Madhya Pradesh High Court
02:50declares Bhojshala Saraswati Temple asks Muslim side to approach government for separate land.
03:01Bengal Chief Minister Shuvendu suspends former Kolkata CP over RG Corr case. Shuvendu says RG Corr case
03:08was mishandled then, seeks report from Home Department on Corp's rule.
03:25So for the first time in four years, the government has hiked fuel prices, 3 rupees per litre.
03:32Before we bring your voices from the ground, here's a look at the city-wise rates from South India.
03:38Bengaluru, the price of petrol is risen to Rs. 106.17 per litre. Diesel is at Rs. 94.10 per
03:47litre.
03:47Now, as far as Chennai is concerned, petrol prices are at Rs. 103.84 per litre. Diesel at Rs. 95
03:57.25 per litre.
04:08What's the situation in Tiruvannantapuram? With that hike, one will have to pay Rs. 110.76 per litre of petrol,
04:16Rs. 99.64 per litre.
04:18For diesel. And this hike, of course, many would say was expected, considering global tensions, disruptions in West Asia.
04:25The Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route, has been affected. Nearly 45% of India's crude supply chain has
04:32been hit.
04:32So, therefore, India is importing oil, while longer, costlier routes.
04:37The question that's being asked right now, as a result of this, is are we going to see those prices
04:43shoot up in the next few days further?
04:46We give you a sense of really what the rates are looking like in the southern states of the cities.
04:51We get your ground reports.
05:00Fuel prices have been hiked across India, and I'm coming to you a place from Bengaluru, a petrol station or
05:06a fuel station,
05:07where you can see people coming here to fill in their tanks.
05:11Rs. 3 is what the hike has been put in place right now.
05:15The price right now per litre in Bengaluru is somewhere around Rs. 106.
05:21Rs. So, we can see 106.22 per litre of fuel, and diesel stands at 94.09.
05:28Starting from midnight, Rs. 3 has been hiked across Bengaluru city.
05:34Let me try speaking to one such customer as to what he or she feels at this point of time.
05:41Let me try getting in a word as to what do they feel about the price hike.
05:46Sir, you have just put in fuel there.
05:51The price has been hiked for Rs. 3 per litre. How do you see this, sir?
05:58What else to say? We have to bear it, right? What else can be done, right?
06:01It's a global crisis, so you have to.
06:05But the government is asking people to reduce going on foreign trips, reduce buying gold.
06:10Do you agree with the government, or do you think there can be solutions?
06:14There are no other options, right?
06:16If you want the foreign reserves to be in control, there are no other options.
06:20So, we have to cooperate.
06:22People still have to commute, still have to travel.
06:24Most of them do take the metro or the public transport system.
06:28But however, few of them will have to depend on their bikes or the cars.
06:31And now, by Rs. 3 increase, the petrol prices stands at 106.22 in the city of Bengaluru.
06:38Nagar Jindwar Kanath, for India Today.
06:45Prices of petrol and diesel have gone up in Chennai by Rs. 3.
06:49A lot of commuters are visibly angry, and it is almost palpable their anger.
06:55They are condemning the price rise by Rs. 3.
06:58They said that first it was LPG prices that were hiked up, and now it's petrol and diesel.
07:02And therefore, it's really burning a big hole in the pockets of middle class, is what they're saying.
07:07On the other hand, there are many other sections of middle class who are actually in support of this price
07:13rise.
07:13In fact, they're saying that for the last six months, there has been no price rise in petrol and diesel.
07:19Even when there was a war brewing in West Asia, there was so much impact.
07:23But still, the government had not increased the prices.
07:26And it's only now, after deferring, by around six months, that they have hiked the prices, which is okay.
07:31And we should be able to bear with that and adjust.
07:33And it's the game of life, is what many other middle class sections also say.
07:37So, the opinions at this point look really diverse.
07:40And that could be because of the fact that the purchasing power of different sections of middle class are different.
07:46The anger is there.
07:47At the same time, there is a section that is also saying that it's okay, let's bear with it.
07:52So, right now, what I'm hearing is that the price rise here in Chennai has garnered sufficient anger among the
08:01auto drivers,
08:02particularly, and those who are dependent on only two-wheelers for their everyday commute.
08:07And they are demanding for the rollback of the price rise.
08:12With camera person Daniel Anagar Keshiv reporting for India Today from Chennai.
08:21Well, we are at the petrol station in Bakery Junction, Thirwanakapuram, the state capital of Kerala.
08:26And the petrol price today stands at 110.76 per litre.
08:31And the diesel prices stand at 99.64 per litre.
08:37So, it was only 106 and now it's 96.
08:39There's already a LPG shortage also that we are experiencing.
08:44And we can already see how the hotels and restaurants have already started increasing the price of food items.
08:49So, that's one concern that all of them were raising.
08:52We spoke to a lot of them.
08:53Some of them also mentioned about how the elections, you know, once since the elections are over,
08:59now they can increase the price of petrol and diesel was another reaction that came in from people.
09:04Some of them say that we can't help it, we'll have to just go with the flow and, you know,
09:08we can't stop ourselves from using petrol and diesel.
09:11So, there's no way out there.
09:13We just have to follow whatever happens is what some of them said.
09:16There's a lot of criticism also coming in asking like when the price of crude oils fell internationally, why wasn't
09:21it?
09:22The benefit of it being passed on to the people is also a question and a criticism that's coming in
09:26from the political fronts here also.
09:29Pindrai Vijayan, the former chief minister of Kerala, the newly elected leader of opposition of Kerala also raised this issue
09:35that why wasn't the benefits of crude oils prices being dropped internationally, passed on to the people.
09:42And this is gross injustice, grave injustice that's being meted out to the people of India is what, is how
09:48Pindrai Vijayan responded.
09:49That's the scenes here, most of these petrol pumps, the commuters who are coming here are raising this very serious
09:55concern about how much this is going to affect their day-to-day lives.
09:58With video journalist Inku Rajshreega, Shrippi Mool KG for India Today from Tiruvannathapuram.
10:07Well yes, work from home is quite not possible in a city like Hyderabad, but what we are learning is
10:12today after the price hike of 3 rupees in the city of Hyderabad, the prices have gone to 110.89
10:18for the petrol and for the diesel it has gone to 98 rupees, more than 98 rupees.
10:23We are joined by the commuters here.
10:27What do you have to say on the price hike that has been done today, 3 rupees each on petrol
10:31and diesel?
10:45Let me show you the prices of diesel in the city of Hyderabad.
10:49The diesel prices with a hike of 3 rupees have gone to 98 rupees and 96 paise.
10:54And for the petrol the prices have now reached 110 rupees and you know 89 paise.
11:17This is what the reaction that are coming in from petrol stations here after the 3 rupees hike in the
11:23city of Hyderabad as well.
11:24Let me show you the prices here 110 rupees and 89 paise for the petrol right now where people are
11:30right now filling in fuel at the petrol station here in Vidyanagar of Hyderabad.
11:40Let's get your news coming in from Tamil Nadu where Chief Minister Vijay in one of the important consultative meetings
11:47met with CEOs of top companies.
11:50The meeting happened in Chennai. Why is this crucial? Because one of the biggest tests for Chief Minister Vijay is
11:55to ensure investments pour in for the state of Tamil Nadu.
11:59So these are CEOs, senior officials from companies like BMW, like TVS and other companies who all came together and
12:07that meeting images on your screens are of the same.
12:10Let me bring in our reporters also on this broadcast. We've got Anagar Keshav live with us from Chennai with
12:17more details on this.
12:18Anagar, you know, one of the points that will be noted and we know that today Chief Minister Vijay has
12:23held back-to-back meetings with different sectors, different individuals.
12:27This one with CEOs is crucial because on one hand there are questions about what Chief Minister Vijay will do
12:33as far as attracting investment is concerned.
12:36The previous government, the DMK government constantly spoke of the Dravidian model.
12:40And so for the TVK for Chief Minister Vijay to essentially ensure that, you know, there is investment, that there
12:46is growth for the state will be the biggest challenge.
12:53That's right. In fact, one of the biggest criticisms that the erstwhile DMK government faced was the lack of conversion
13:00of MOUs into actual investments.
13:03In fact, the erstwhile DMK government had been countering these criticisms with facts and figures and data and now there
13:11is going to be a lot of pressure on Vijay's shoulders to surpass what the DMK government had done.
13:17Last year, the GSDP growth was around 11% and now Vijay would have to exceed that.
13:23One of the key important meetings of today was the meeting with the BMW head which already has a plant
13:29existing in the OMR road.
13:31Other one was a meeting with TVS and the other one with the TAFE group.
13:36In fact, we believe that officials who knew about what happened in the meeting have told us that Vijay had
13:42pushed in for a lot more importance on the EV manufacturing sector.
13:47So, that was the main topics of discussion in his meeting with the BMW head.
13:53We need to wait and watch. Will Vijay really be able to surpass what the DMK government had done till
13:58now?
13:59Or for that matter, you know, what previously the AIE DMK government managed to do at a time when COVID
14:04had hit Tamil Nadu.
14:05So, we'll have to see how really Vijay Delaware is on that front.
14:08Look, there's a lot of focus on how he performs.
14:10One week in, he is continuing with a lot of meet and greets to kind of get a sense of,
14:15you know, how he should move forward on the governance front.
14:19Thanks very much, Anaga, for those details.
14:21But let's get you now a detailed report of the big political showdown that's dominated this week in Tamil Nadu.
14:27Sanatana Dharam. Not the first time we've seen it in Tamil Nadu.
14:29This time, once again, at the core of it was Udenadi Stalin.
14:33He went ahead and again spoke of Sanatanam this time in the floor of the house.
14:39Issuing a clarification, however, he says that it's not against the religion of Hinduism.
14:43It's rather against Casterson, a stand that even the TVK has taken down.
14:52The Sanatan debate is not dying down anytime soon.
14:56Ever since Tamil Nadu leader of opposition Udenadi Stalin called for the eradication of Sanatan Dharm
15:02and TVK MLA VNS Mustafa backed his statement, both TVK and the DMK now appear to be in damage control
15:10mode.
15:10While clarifying his remarks of Sanatan Dharm, Udenadi Stalin said his statement was taken out of context.
15:18Stalin Jr. claimed that by saying destroying Sanatan, he never meant that people should stop going to temples.
15:25He said what needs to be abolished is the practice of dividing people into upper and lower castes.
15:32Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Minister Ardha Varjuna has defended TVK MLA VNS Mustafa for backing Udenadi Stalin.
15:40Mr. Udenadi, mentioning Sanatan Dharma, of course, there is two.
15:49The system of caste system, the system of women's slavery system, we are always against.
15:58We are not against Hindus.
16:01We are against Indutuwa.
16:03Indutuwa means forcing one religion.
16:07The BJP is leaving no stone unturned in attacking TVK.
16:12BJP leader Anna Malai called Adhav Arjuna's statement confusing.
16:16He claimed that Adhav was not just defending Mustafa, but also backing Udenadi Stalin's controversial remarks.
16:24And this is not the first time Udenadi has sparked a row over Sanatan Dharm.
16:29Back in 2023, he had compared Sanatan Dharm to diseases like Dengu and Malaria.
16:49And amid the growing controversy, which is yet to break his silence.
16:54A silence that is now being closely watched.
16:57Bureau Report, India Today.
17:03And let's open this up.
17:04Joining us here on Super 6 is A. Surya Narayanan, TVK supporter, Harish Mohamed Ibrahim, who sides with the DMK,
17:11and Ramakrishna Rajagopal, spokesperson of the Tabernato BJP.
17:15Vanakam, good evening.
17:15Thank you all very much for your time.
17:17Mr. Surya Narayanan, I'd like to begin with you.
17:19Or what really for the TVK is the definition of Sanatan Dharm, sir?
17:25Is it linked to Hinduism or is it not?
17:28No.
17:29In fact, TVK leader, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Mr. Vijay,
17:34declared in the floor of the assembly that we treat all the religions equal.
17:40This is the first time the anti-Dravideer parties not at all spent,
17:45the TVK leader spent that he treats all religions equal.
17:49In fact, Mr. TVK leader, Mr. Vijay, went to the Tirichandur Supramanya Swami temple along with the divine veil.
17:57No, but if he feels so strongly, if he feels so strongly, sir,
18:00why don't he stop Udeniti's talent from making that comment about Sanatanam in the house?
18:05See, he become chief minister only two days.
18:09He first did his job to get a vote of confidence.
18:12Today he meets BMU, TVS, industrial CEO.
18:17Sir, sir, those are meetings, policies.
18:19I'm not saying that he has to take a decision.
18:21I'm saying when someone says something in front of him, why isn't he reacting?
18:25Why didn't he object if he didn't stand by the comment that Udeniti Stalin made?
18:29I really understand your feeling, but now he concentrate on governance.
18:35Because Tamil Nadu was affected, suffered the last five years because of the poor governance.
18:42Our load has become more than 10 lakhs.
18:44But he told that in this Florada family yesterday that he treats all religions equal.
18:52He made a public statement and Mr. Adiv Arjuna clearly told they are not against Hindus.
18:58What you need?
18:59Even Mr. Mustafa retracted his statement of Sanatir Dharma and he also told he treats all religions equal.
19:08No, sir, I'm asking you a simple question, sir.
19:10What is Anatir Dharma to you?
19:13Is it to do with Hinduism?
19:14Is it to do with religion or no?
19:16No, you're treating based on the casteism.
19:20See, we have to treat all caste equal.
19:23There is no upper caste, no law.
19:25There is no doubt about it.
19:26But this is the definition that constantly the DMK has put forth.
19:30It's good to know that the TV case on the same note, same page as the DMK, Mr. Ramakrishna Rajagopal.
19:36Good evening, sir.
19:37Your view on this, you know, the constant narrative in Tamil Nadu is we don't know what Sanatir Dharma is.
19:41And that it's got to do with casteism.
19:43I'll come back to you, sir.
19:44I'll come back to you.
19:47I think if they don't know what it is, they should first understand what it is before they give comments
19:53about it.
19:54Now, there's no point in using a term and then coming to say, well, I really didn't understand what that
19:59term meant.
20:00You used it a second time and you used it to wound the feelings of Hindus.
20:06Sanatir Dharma basically talks about the civilizational values of Bharat, of India.
20:11And why are you bringing in religious aspects?
20:15Better focus on governance.
20:17And I'm talking for the TV, against the TV care.
20:20I'm looking at the DMK.
20:21I think the DMK is incorrigible.
20:24I mean, they keep making these comments in a very irresponsible way.
20:27It's meant to actually hurt people's sentiments.
20:31They've always been making anti-Hindu statements.
20:33It's been their practice all along.
20:35And this is no different.
20:37And then, you know, to say that, well, Sanatir Dharma is not about eternal dharam,
20:41but it's actually about, you know, caste discrimination.
20:45Why don't you say it straight?
20:46Well, I'm against caste discrimination.
20:48And that's what we are all against.
20:49Nobody is speaking for caste discrimination.
20:54I think you should make it clear.
20:55And rather than use terms which are confusing, rather than use terms which are wounding, rather
21:00than use terms about which there is a lot of controversy.
21:03It's being done deliberately to cultivate a specific oat bank.
21:07Okay, that's an interesting charge you're making.
21:10Harish, you want to comment on this?
21:11Ultimately, look, why can't that message be put forth?
21:14We're against casteism.
21:15Why use the word Sanatir Dharma when you know it's controversial?
21:18When Udeni D. Stalin, years ago, after saying it, faced backlash across the country,
21:22so many Hindus said their sentiments were hurt.
21:25Then, when it's again repeated, when again the word Sanatir Dharma is used in the assembly,
21:29isn't it clearly with the intention of again hurting those very people of the same religion?
21:34Yes, correct.
21:37Yeah.
21:38Achita, having said that, your query is totally relatable.
21:43By 2023, the first term was being called then because there has been an equation which is given
21:50in Bahavad-Keetha, is what the minister had told by then.
21:53The then deputy chief minister had told then that the Bahavad-Keetha 4.3 equated the Sanatir
21:59Dharmas equal to the four Varnashiras, which is classified into Brahmanas, Vaishyas, Satriyas
22:05and Sutras, where we have the class discrimination.
22:08And that is the one thing which we always oppose.
22:10And even the BJP spokesperson happily said that no one is against caste discrimination
22:16and no one is up for the caste discrimination.
22:19So having said that, there ends the story.
22:21If everyone is leveling upon, everyone is working upon to discriminate, to make sure
22:27the eradication of these kind of caste discrimination, then that's it.
22:31That's not the definition of Sanatir Dharmas, is it, Harish?
22:35You've burnt your fingers once.
22:37Surely you stay away post that.
22:38When you know you've heard sentiments, if you repeatedly do it, it's clear the intention
22:42is to constantly continue to hear sentiments.
22:45Chinta, that we will have a debatable topic because as I said on the Bahavad-Keetha 4.3,
22:50which equates the Sanatir Dharmas, which is with the gunas and the qualities,
22:54where the karma is being played upon the four Varnashrams.
22:58The four Varnashrams which classified Brahmanas, Vaishyas, Satras, Sutras and Panjamas,
23:03where those kind of caste discriminations come in place.
23:06The Brahmanas are born from the head and the Sutras are born from the legs,
23:11is what the class discrimination started.
23:13Even for that, the reason the hundred years of Dravidian culture,
23:17the Dravidian ideology stands for.
23:19So, we don't want to have any upper caste or lower caste.
23:22Okay, so you're saying that this is against caste discrimination.
23:25Why do you not talk of the same discrimination in other communities?
23:28Why is the conversation only about Sanatana dharna?
23:31There is no exclusion, whether it is be it in Islam or Christianity or Judaism.
23:35You'll never hear that.
23:37Arish, tell me, did Uday Nidhi's talent say that he said Sanatana?
23:40Then he was selective.
23:40Then he was selective in thinking of the news.
23:42No, no, one second.
23:43Tell me, Uday Nidhi, a couple of days ago, a couple of days ago when he spoke,
23:48did he use the word Sanatana?
23:49Did he use the word or no?
23:51Sutta, even today, even today when he has reclarified,
23:54he has given that it is not only with Hinduism,
23:57even if it is in Islam, even if it is in Christianity,
23:59even if some atheists are doing that, then it has to be reprimanded.
24:03There is no other go that only the caste hierarchy or the caste manipulation
24:07or the discrimination in regards to caste freedom, religion,
24:12happening only with Hinduism.
24:13No, that is not.
24:14Even in Islam, there are some disparities out there.
24:17It has to be questioned.
24:18In Christianity, there are so much of disparities,
24:21and there is a class discrimination.
24:23We have to oppose each and everything.
24:25Only when these kind of Pandora's box are being opened,
24:28only then we have clear-cut qualities for the next generation to come up with.
24:34So, having said that, we don't rely upon that.
24:38The media spin narrative is always about...
24:41No, no, this is not...
24:42I'm sorry, this is not a media narrative.
24:44We have on record what Uday Nidhi's talent said.
24:47We have on record, sir.
24:49Come on, this is not a media narrative.
24:50We haven't twisted any words here for you to point fingers at the media.
24:53If you want to back up, it is not a media narrative.
24:55Then glad, we are glad, very much glad.
24:57Mr. Surya Narayanan.
24:59It is not a media narrative.
25:01Actually, Uday Nidhi's talent is having the habit of
25:03talking about Hindu dharma right from 2023.
25:07He has court cases in so many places.
25:10Mr. Surya Narayanan, you backed him.
25:13You said Sanatana Dharma is about caste inequality.
25:16You yourself said it just a few moments ago.
25:18No, no, I am not backing.
25:20No, I am...
25:21See, no one, even BJP, nobody is backing caste system.
25:26Actually, but Uday Nidhi's talent, as a responsible leader of the opposition,
25:30should not have used the word Sanatana.
25:32Sanatana, and now, when he got a lot of big bags of doubt, then he talked about casteism,
25:38then he settled correct.
25:39I am glad you have said that.
25:40I am glad you have said that, sir.
25:41Then what about a TVK MLA, Mr. Mustafa from Madurai Central, who makes a similar comment,
25:46saying abolishing Sanatana is something we are also for.
25:49I do, I do agree.
25:50He told the first time.
25:52Then he retracted his words, and he apologized in the media.
25:56Then he also, you should know, no TV media informed that when he was in Madurai Central,
26:02the MLA, when he was campaigning, there was a overflowing of drainage, seawake.
26:08He told, he given a poor promise that he will clean around the Mirachi temple.
26:14So, when he is against Saati Sanatana, how he will say he wants to clean near the temple at all?
26:21Okay.
26:21He told clearly that he wants to clean.
26:22Then I take it back.
26:24Okay, let me bring in Mr. Raju Koppal.
26:26Mr. Raju Koppal, essentially, the message from the DMK and TVK is what we're...
26:31Sir, I'll come back to you.
26:32I'll come back to you.
26:32Let me give a chance to Mr. Raju Koppal to speak, please.
26:35Mr. Raju Koppal, ultimately, the message seems to be that,
26:38look, we are not targeting one religion, we're not targeting one community.
26:42Inequality across, discrimination across is what we've condemned.
26:46Do you buy that?
26:49Yeah, I mean, I think the point is,
26:51if they are not familiar with the terms in Tamil or in English,
26:56they better learn the right vocabulary before they speak.
26:59If that is...
27:00I mean, this is no excuse.
27:01They have been reprimanded by the Supreme Court, by the High Court of Madras.
27:06And in spite of that, they are not willing to correct themselves,
27:09clearly shows what kind of a character they are built of.
27:12That's point number one.
27:14Point number two, why did he say it in the Assembly?
27:16Because he knows he will get protection.
27:18If he said it outside, there would be an FIR against him,
27:21there would be a case against him.
27:23And that is the reason he said it in the Assembly.
27:25And why did he say it?
27:27He said it because he has realized that the minority vote is now getting split.
27:32And now he has realized that the TVK is now challenging the DMK's control over the minorities.
27:38He is trying to appease minorities by doing this.
27:41But no minority is going to be appeased by this.
27:43They are very clear.
27:44Unless you have development, there is going to be no voting for anybody.
27:48That's the position.
27:49You better understand that.
27:51People want development.
27:52People want progress.
27:53People want jobs.
27:54People don't want your 100-year-old talk of Sanatana and, you know,
27:59all kinds of propaganda that you've been indulging in for the last 100 years.
28:04It's all outdated.
28:06No, Harish, that's really the question that's being asked.
28:09Why, after so many years, did Udeniti Stalin once again resort to using the name Sanatana
28:14and saying it discriminates in the floor of the house?
28:17When 2023, we've seen the backlash.
28:20And Udeniti Stalin, right after that, chose to stay away from that entire controversy.
28:24What was with the conscious choice of making that comment again in the assembly this time?
28:29Ujtida, do you think that the parlance of the general mood of the people in Tamil Nadu
28:34doesn't change when it comes to the caste discrimination?
28:36Are you saying that there is no caste discriminations ever happening in Tamil Nadu?
28:40Harish, how hard is it for the comment to be, we are against all kinds of discrimination?
28:45Call it caste discrimination.
28:46We are against all types of discrimination.
28:48There should be no inequality.
28:50Plain, simple, vanilla.
28:51There's no reading between the lines there.
28:53Why use the word Sanatana?
28:55Then it has to be reprimanded.
28:57It has to be discussed on a day-to-day basis until the entire caste system has been briefed.
29:02Why use the word Sanatana, Harish?
29:03Why use the word Sanatana?
29:05You're saying not against one community.
29:07Why use that word then?
29:08Of course, because as a larger community, 85% of the people who hails from that one particular
29:14religion and the majority of people hails from that particular AC, EST, OBCs and MBCs,
29:19they want to use it.
29:20They want to reform it.
29:21As I said earlier, there is no other, say, whether in Hinduism or it is happening only in
29:26Hinduism, no, of course not.
29:28Even if it is there in Islam, even if it is there in Christianity, everyone should be
29:31talking about it.
29:33Everywhere the reforms and evolution has to happen, there is no second thought about it.
29:38But having said that, we want to make sure to categorically deny that putting across the
29:44DMK as an anti-Hindu is totally, which is unwarranted and uncalled for.
29:49Because the only Dravidian movement where even though it does want to allow all kind of
29:54equals to be prevailing across the society, the one community where entirely the population
30:02have been benefited out of it through the DMK government is all the Hindu community.
30:07Ultimately, Mr. Surya Narayanan, because I told you I would give you a chance to speak,
30:11ultimately I'll come back to the same question.
30:12Why didn't the TVK object when these comments were made in the floor of the house?
30:16Sir, you're saying the DMK is targeting one religion, targeting Hinduism.
30:19Why didn't the TVK stop it?
30:21Actually, Madam, see, TVK leader just to become one day, what of confidence?
30:27And there are a lot of procedures, programs, but after assuming a new place as a CM, he
30:33don't want to talk, but he used the word.
30:35No, are you suggesting the Chief Minister didn't understand what was said?
30:39No, no, not like that.
30:40No, he is concentrating more on governance.
30:43So then what stopped him, sir, what stopped him from issuing a statement condemning what
30:47the leader of opposition said?
30:49I saw a detailed post.
30:50I saw a detailed post by the Chief Minister.
30:52Why was there no mention even of what the leader of opposition said, if he had a problem
30:56with it?
30:57No, no, no.
30:58You know, when Mr. Vijay visited Sri Chavdur, Subramanian Swami temple with a divine speck,
31:06with a veil, and he wears a thilak.
31:08And so he acted, he became like a sanatani when he went to temple.
31:13He went to Shirdi temple.
31:15Sir, you are saying Vijay is a sanatani?
31:17No, not like that.
31:19Sir, you just used the words.
31:21No, he is taught against sanatani, he is taught against any religion.
31:26He loves all the religion.
31:28He goes to temple, he goes to churches, he goes to mosque, he treats every religion as
31:33a responsible Chief Minister.
31:35Okay.
31:36He respects all religion.
31:38We certainly hope so.
31:39We certainly hope so.
31:40But that question will still arise, Mr. Surya Narayanan.
31:44That question will still arise on why the Chief Minister didn't object if he doesn't agree
31:48with what the DNP said.
31:49She will definitely object now that he is concentrating on governance.
31:53Governance is more important on petty politics.
31:56Governance is more important because...
31:58Okay, okay, fine.
31:59We leave it at that.
31:59We leave it at that.
32:00I've run out of time, sir, please.
32:02Thank you very much, gentlemen, for joining us here on India Today with your views on this.
32:06Ultimately, we've seen this.
32:08It's a rerun of politics that's played out just years ago in Tamil Nadu.
32:12The question is, how will the TVK tackle this?
32:14At this point, they seem rather conflicted on one hand, addressing it on the other.
32:18Suggesting that, no, these kind of words are unacceptable, but at the same time, we're
32:23against inequality.
32:24How has it come to be that Sanatana dharam means caste inequality?
32:29That's at least the narrative that the DNK and TVK are putting forth right now.
32:33Let's cut across to breaking news coming in.
32:43Remember that we're going to be seeing a grand swearing and ceremony in Tiruvannantapuram
32:48for V.D. Satishan as the Chief Minister of Kerala on Monday.
32:51And here's what we're picking up.
32:52There have been questions about whether Chief Minister Vijay will be attending.
32:56Congress sources have confirmed to us that an official invite has gone across to Chief Minister Vijay
33:02to attend the ceremony, considering, of course, that Congress is an ally of the TVK.
33:08And you had Rahul Gandhi at, in fact, Vijay's uptaking.
33:11There is a possibility that the Chief Minister will attend.
33:14It will ultimately be based on his schedule.
33:16But an invite has gone out.
33:18We know that Karnataka Chief Minister Sidramaya, Revant Reddy have been invited.
33:23In all likelihood, they will be there.
33:24So, if you see Chief Minister Vijay there too, it will be a big, big show of strength by the
33:30Congress.
33:30The fact that they've got their presence now in every southern state except for Andhra Pradesh.
33:36Will Vijay attend the ceremony or not?
33:39I'll bring in Anaka Keshia for more on that.
33:41Anaka, we are hearing an official invite has gone across to Chief Minister Vijay.
33:45Considering Rahul Gandhi had attended his swearing-in ceremony,
33:48does it seem like Vijay also could do the same almost as a goodwill gesture, Anaka?
33:53Yeah, that is quite likely, Akshita.
33:56In fact, what I'm hearing from my Congress sources based out of Delhi is that
33:59an invite has been gone to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
34:02to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Kerala's Chief Minister Vidi Satishan on the 18th of May.
34:09Of course, like you mentioned, it will completely depend on his availability
34:12given the fact that he's just taken the Chief Minister's office
34:16and back-to-back, he's likely to be packed with meetings.
34:19It's quite likely that Vijay will attend this ceremony as a goodwill gesture
34:23because remember, Rahul Gandhi was a part of his swearing-in ceremony
34:27and politically, this will seal the deal and make it look like a grand alliance
34:33if Vijay does attend the swearing-in ceremony of Vidi Satishan.
34:37Because remember, Vijay has also promised for a cabinet birth of Congress, MLA's,
34:41so him attending will really send out that show of strength between the TVK and the Congress.
34:47So it's quite likely...
34:48But here's also what makes it interesting, right?
34:49The fact that there's been so much talk that Vijay is next going to iKeralam
34:53and expanding the TVK into Keralam.
34:55If that happens, it's a direct threat to the Congress in the state.
34:59And maybe when you see him and if he goes to Keralam on Monday for the oath-taking,
35:04the kind of support, the kind of fanfare will give you a sense
35:07of really how hugely popular he is in Keralam as well.
35:10Thanks, Anaga, for joining us with all of those details.
35:13Let's move on now and get you a report.
35:16One week in, Vijay as Chief Minister.
35:19That's something we're still getting used to saying.
35:21But along with that, what also people are getting used to
35:24is seeing Vijay all suited up every time he reports to duty.
35:29This is a new look for Vijay.
35:31It's also a new look for India
35:32because we've never actually seen a Chief Minister suited up in a suit
35:36taking all official business.
35:38Let's get you this report on what led to Vijay choosing this look.
35:52Looks familiar, right?
35:55It is this look from his film Beast
35:57that Vijay has chosen to emulate while in office.
36:05Black suit, white shirt, dapper informals
36:09and perhaps the first Chief Minister in India to wear a suit.
36:16Chief Minister Vijay's style is meant to send a message
36:20that it's time to get down to business
36:22and the first time we got a glimpse of this look
36:25was fittingly on the day he took oath as Chief Minister.
36:50Since then, this has become his Chief Minister look.
36:54Whether it was for the historic moment when he took oath
37:02or while diligently taking notes during Assembly proceedings
37:05or even official government meetings,
37:11Vijay has introduced his own signature style as the Chief Minister.
37:16Let's take you back to the heated election campaign.
37:21Wearing a white shirt and khaki pants with the TVK colours of red and yellow on his shoulders,
37:27sometimes wearing shades, sometimes wearing glasses,
37:31Vijay kept it cool and simple.
37:34But soon enough, the khaki and white shirt combo became a TVK symbol.
37:40Anyone wearing this combo was considered a Vijay voter and a fan.
37:48Before politics, Vijay was known for a simple style,
37:52opting for a shirt and jeans at most events.
37:56But the switch to suits began at the Jananayagan audio launch.
38:11Chief Minister Vijay with his stubble and unkempt hair with the suit
38:15has got everyone talking
38:18about power dressing
38:20and truly looking the part of a talapati of his state.
38:24Bureau Report, India Today.
38:33It's interesting to see how many firsts we're seeing
38:36as a result of Vijay becoming the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
38:40Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has now questioned
38:44the fuel price hike by the central government.
38:47Questioning the timing of it, he's called it unacceptable.
38:50He says this will be a burden for poor and for the middle class in the country.
38:55Chief Minister Vijay has also questioned the timing,
38:57saying this has happened right after the elections in four states
39:01and one union territory, suggesting essentially
39:03that the government held back right up until now.
39:06Now, one of the questions that's constantly being asked
39:08and Vijay has raised that too is
39:10why do benefits not get passed down to the common man
39:13and yet when there's a price hike, that's being passed down to the common man.
39:17So you've got one more voice now questioning the union government
39:20and it gives you a sense really of where Vijay stands in the scheme of things.
39:24The fact that he's taken the line that the opposition has
39:26in questioning the central government.
39:28We're going to continue tracking all of those reactions for you here on India Today.
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