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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Railway minister announces launch of Kavach 5.0 for Mumbai's suburban trains
New Delhi (PTI): Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday announced the upcoming launch of the automatic train protection system Kavach 5.0 for Mumbai's suburban trains.
The railway ministry said the state-of-the-art safety and signalling system has been tailored for the suburban section in Mumbai.
"Kavach 5.0 is expected to significantly reduce the inter-train headway, enabling more trains to run safely and efficiently," it said.
Vaishnaw, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, interacted with reporters to highlight the transformative progress in railway infrastructure across the state.
According to the railway ministry, Vaishnaw emphasised that infrastructure development is the cornerstone for increasing suburban services and projects worth nearly Rs 17,000 crore, covering more than 300 kilometres of new lines, are currently underway at a rapid pace.
"These initiatives aim to decongest existing lines, improve service frequency and cater to the ever-growing demand of Mumbai's suburban commuters," the ministry said.
Announcing a major upgrade in passenger comfort, Vaishnaw said 238 new air-conditioned suburban rakes, uniquely designed keeping in mind the needs of Mumbai's commuters, would soon be introduced.
"A major announcement during the interaction was the doubling of the Gondia-Ballarshah railway line, a 240-km strategic corridor, with an investment of Rs 4,819 crore," the ministry said.
"This key project connects Vidarbha and Marathwada, easing congestion and enabling faster passenger and freight movement. It will also strengthen Maharashtra's rail links with Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, boosting regional trade and integration," it added.
This infrastructure push was announced on April 7, when the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved four projects of the railway ministry with a total cost of Rs 18,658 crore.
