SDPI joins TVK protest against Waqf Bill; Speculation rises over AIADMK alliance
TIRUCHY: The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) joined hands with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in a state-wide protest on Friday against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, fuelling speculation over a possible shift in the SDPI’s alliance with the AIADMK. The protest, held in Tiruchy, marked the first time SDPI, known for its Muslim voter base, publicly participated in a demonstration led by the TVK, which is positioning itself as a pro-minority force.
Despite the timing and political undercurrents, SDPI state president VMS Mohammed Mubarak, also known as Nellai Mubarak, downplayed the speculation. “The protest was issue-based. Whoever opposes the Waqf Bill, we consider them a democratic force. Our participation was in response to the TVK’s call,” he told TNIE.
On the party’s existing alliance with the AIADMK, Mubarak maintained a cautious tone, stating, “We will join hands with whoever is against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.” However, a senior SDPI member, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed discomfort with the AIADMK’s perceived ambiguity regarding its ties with the BJP.
“We no longer trust the AIADMK to firmly oppose the BJP. Their position is inconsistent, one day they oppose the BJP, the next they keep the door open. Such ambiguity is dangerous for the community,” the member said, pointing to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent claim that talks with the AIADMK were “ongoing and positive.”
The lack of a clear response from AIADMK leadership to Shah’s remarks has reportedly deepened concerns within SDPI ranks. However, senior AIADMK leader and former minister D Jayakumar dismissed talks of a rift. “We are still in alliance. The SDPI may have joined the TVK protest for a common cause, but nothing has changed officially,” he said.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the AIADMK had allotted the Dindigul seat to SDPI, which played a role in reaching out to Muslim voters. Despite that, scepticism remained among sections of the Muslim community, especially in areas like Tiruchy, over the AIADMK’s past alliance with the BJP.
Commenting on the development, writer and political observer Nagore Rizwan noted that TVK’s early opposition to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) helped the party project itself as a pro-minority alternative. “The DMK can no longer brand the TVK as the BJP’s B-team. The AIADMK failed to win minority support despite opposing the Waqf Bill. Now, with the TVK demanding a share in power, its bargaining power has grown,” he said.
Rizwan added that while Muslim political groups had largely consolidated behind the DMK after the demise of Jayalalithaa, TVK’s rise could disrupt the traditional minority support base of both the DMK and the AIADMK.
Meanwhile, a faction of the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MJK) also participated in the protest. While the party’s founder Tamimun Ansari, currently aligned with the DMK, remains critical of both the TVK and AIADMK, sources say a section within the MJK is leaning towards the TVK for its vocal stance on minority rights.
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Mangaluru: Bajpe police arrests young man for alleged derogatory posts against police
Bajpe: Police have arrested a youth for allegedly posting derogatory and defamatory content against the Bajpe police on social media.
The arrested accused has been identified as Abhishek M. (23), a resident of Katipalla, Surathkal.
According to the police, Abhishek posted a photograph of Bajpe Nisarga Hotel on his Instagram account mr_a_titude_22, alleging that accused persons in a murder case under the jurisdiction of the Bajpe police station were being treated “like royalty” by the police and were being served beef meals from the hotel every day. In his post, he further accused the police of colluding with criminals and misusing their authority, stating that public trust in the police was being betrayed.
Following which, the Bajpe police registered a case and arrested the accused.
Police records reveal that Abhishek is already facing multiple criminal cases. A case of murder, attempt to murder, assault and robbery has been registered against him at the Surathkal police station. At the same time, a robbery case has also been registered at the Kaup police station.
After his arrest, Abhishek was handed over to the custody of the CEN police for further investigation. He was later produced before a court, police said.
