From the archives: When MGR sailed on sympathy in 1984 polls

From the archives: When MGR sailed on sympathy in 1984 polls

The 1984 elections was held in the backdrop of assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Published: 28th April 2021 04:12 AM |

By S Kumaresan

Express News Service

CHENNAI: The 1984 elections was held in the backdrop of assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The parliament and State Assembly members resigned as her son and heir apparent Rajiv Gandhi sought a fresh mandate. Soon after 1980 poll victory of AIADMK, Congress ditched its ally DMK and joined hands with the MGR’s party. They both contested as allies in 1984, and swept the polls. What helped the Congress was the sympathy for Indira Gandhi and MGR.

MGR’s party earned the unique distinction of winning Assembly polls for three consecutive times and that too when its CM candidate did not even campaign. The only campaign material for AIADMK were the visuals of MGR undergoing treatment and the funeral procession of Indira Gandhi. Also were the songs seeking MGR’s well-being. And it worked. AIADMK won 132 of the 155 seats it contested and its ally Congress won 61 of the 73. DMK was pushed to a distant third with just 24 MLAs.

The party had campaigned by placing corruption charges against the AIADMK and the massacre of Sikhs by Congressmen in the wake of Indira Gandhi’s assasination. It was J Jayalalithaa who compensated for the absence of MGR by extensively campaigning for the party and this also marked a milestone in her political career. Also, for DMK leader M Karunanidhi, this period proved that despite the party losing three elections, there could not even be a word raised against his leadership.

In this tenure as the CM, MGR managed to achieve a major victory in the Sri Lankan Tamils issue. He was instrumental in signing of India-Sri Lanka accord between the then PM Rajiv Gandhi and Lankan president JR Jayewardene, aimed at resolving the Lankan civil war. For the DMK, the renewed attempt by the Congress to impose Hindi came handy to put MGR in check. The new education policy envisaged setting up of Navodaya schools where Hindi will be one of the languages taught. It was also said that the Centre was insisting that all communications with it from the States should be in Hindi.

While MGR was not very vocal in his opposition, Karunanidhi and his partymen staged massive protests. Citing the incident in which the DMK burnt copies of the section of the Constitution, 10 MLAs were disqualified by the Speaker. Karunanidhi was sentenced to 10 weeks in jail. In prison, he was given the white uniform for convicts in half trousers. His photo in the prison uniform leaked in newspapers and caused much outrage. 1986 was also an eventful year for it was in that year MGR abolished the Legislative Council. This was after his nominee, actress ‘Venniraadai’ Nirmala, could not become a member since she had declared insolvency.

DMK had subsequently tried to revive the Legislative Council and could not till date. It remains even now a poll promise of DMK. In the next year, 1987, the State was rocked by Vanniyar Sangam protests seeking exclusive reservations. Its members blocked the transport movement for about a week in northern districts and ended with police crack down, killing 13 people in firings. This was followed by talks with its representatives but no decision was taken on the issue as MGR met with a sudden death on December 24, 1987. This led to another period of turmoil.

VR Nedunchezhiyan immediately assumed as the CM. The next month, MGR’s wife Janaki Ramachandran was elected as the CM and she was sworn in. However, the party was split into two as J Jayalalithaa also laid claim to the leadership of the party. On January 28, 1988, amidst unprecedented events in the Assembly, Janaki Ramachandran won the vote of confidence with support of just 99 members. Supporters of Janaki and Jayalalithaa clashed in the Assembly and Speaker PH Pandian disqualified six supporters of Jayalalithaa.

In the afternoon session, when just 110 members were present in the house, she won the vote of confidence. However, in just two days, on January 30, the Centre dissolved the government and imposed President’s rule. Meanwhile, actor Sivaji Ganesan was upset with this move and quit Congress. He floated a new political party, Tamilaga Munnetra Munnani. After the State government was dissolved, the then PM Rajiv Gandhi frequently visited and toured across TN with the aim of reviving Congress. History showed he was not very successful in this.

Last MGR cabinet

Cabinet members of

MGR’s third regime

(1985-1987): VR

Nedunchezhiyan,

S Ramachandran,

KA Krishnaswamy,

RM Veerappan, C

Aranganayagam,

K Kalimuthu, C

Ponnaiyan, HV Hande,

S Muthusamy, S

Thirunavukkarasu,

R Soundararajan,

MR Govendhan,

Gomathi Srinivasan,

Vijayalakshmi

Palanisamy, YSM Yusuf,

KKSSR Ramachandran,

K Rajaram, VV

Swaminathan,

T Veerasamy, N

Nallusamy, Anoor

PG Jagadeesan,

T Ramasamy, A

Arunachalam

1984 POLLS

Tota l seats :234

AIADMK won : 132

(37.03% vote share)

INC: 61 (16.28%)

DMK : 24 (29.34%)

CPI : 2 (2.62%)

CPM: 5 (2.76%)

Janata: 3 (2.28%)

Gandhi Kamaraj

Congress: 2 (0.56%)

Ambedkar

Kranti Dal: 1 (0.22%)

Independents: 4

Remdesivir: Higher demand, longer wait

Remdesivir: Higher demand, longer wait

Govt hospital lands in controversy after complaints that Remdesivir was being diverted to the grey market; cost of one vial touches Rs 30K

Published: 29th April 2021 04:34 AM 

Kin of patients waiting to buy the drug at Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital in Chennai

By Express News Service

CHENNAI/SALEM/TIRUNELVELI: With the demand for Remdesivir soaring, and queues outside counters getting longer, TS Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health, in a video message on Wednesday clarified that the drug is not a life-saving one and is not recommended as mandatory by the WHO.

“Unnecessary panic buying is a cause for concern. Not all patients need Remdesivir, and it does not increase one’s survival chances; it can only reduce the duration of hospital stay for symptomatic patients,” he added. Noting that all government hospitals have sufficient stock, purchased through TNMSC, he said private hospitals should not make people run pillar to post.

Meanwhile, relatives of a Covid patient, admitted to Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital, alleged that the nurses had written Remdesivir in the case sheet for three days without administering it. Speaking to media, one Saravanan, said: “As soon as I raised the issue, the nurses struck out Remdesivir from the list.

When I checked other patients’ case sheets, I realised that the staff had done the same. I suspect malpractice,” he added. Express contacted a hospital authority who refuted the allegations and said the staff might have written Remdesivir “by mistake”.

As State gasps, some are busy stuffing coffers

Not very far away, in Salem, the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital (GMKMCH) landed in a controversy after complaints that Remdesivir was being diverted to the grey market. A single dose is allegedly sold in Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000 range in the district. The hospital administration refuted the charges but has ordered an inquiry. Hospital sources, however, admitted that the drug was being diverted to the grey market. “It is a fact that Remdesivir is sold to private hospitals in Salem and also in other districts. Records were fudged to show that it was given to in-patients.

DE BADATTA ADATTAADATTA ADATTA MA LLICK

This started in January and people involved in this are making a lot of money,” said a doctor on condition of anonymity. While officials in the district medical warehouse did not respond to questions on the stock supplied to the GMKMCH, Dr R Murugaesan, who is the dean of the hospital, said: “After assuming office, I verified availability of the drug and doses administered to patients.

There is no mismatch.” Relatives of a 70-year-old Covid patient, admitted to a private hospital, said, “The hospital told us that it did not have Remdesivir in stock and that it could be bought from the GMKMCH. When we approached them, officials told us that it was meant for in-patients only. We then got to know that the State is selling Remdesivir at Kilpauk Medical College in Chennai for Rs 1,500.

We will be going to Chennai to buy it.” Meanwhile, serpentine queues are being witnessed at Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, where a special counter for the sale of Remdesivir was opened on Monday. Some even fainted while standing under the scorching sun. A request from one of the treating doctors stating that the patient is receiving oxygen support, with the hospital’s name, RT-PCR positive report, CT scan report showing severe lung involvement, and Aadhaar card are mandatory to purchase the drug. T he counter will be open from 10 am to 5 pm.

What is this drug for?

The treatment protocol issued by AIIMS, ICMR-Covid national task force and the joint monitoring group states Remdesivir can be used in patients with moderate to severe disease within 10 days of onset of symptoms. It is not to be used in patients not on oxygen support, or in home settings, the Health Ministry had said.

HC: Holding Kumbh made Uttarakhand a laughing stock

HC: Holding Kumbh made Uttarakhand a laughing stock

Prashant.Jha@timesgroup.com

Nainital:29.04.2021

The Uttarakhand high court (HC) on Wednesday took to task the state government over the Covid-19 situation, saying that the “state has become a laughing stock” over organising the Kumbh Mela in the midst of a raging pandemic.

The remarks came in the form of an oral observation from the bench of Chief Justice RS Chauhan and Justice Alok Kumar Verma while it was hearing a bunch of PILs about the state's handling of the Covid-19 situation.

The judges also questioned the decision of going ahead with the Char Dham Yatra which is slated to begin from next month, saying that the prospect of conducting the pilgrimage in these times is “a frightening one.” The government, meanwhile, said that it will come with the SOPs for the yatra very soon.

The court also issued a series of directions after it was informed by counsels appearing for the petitioners about the shortage of beds and oxygen which is causing panic among patients and their kin.

Full report on www.toi.in

Tips for students to stay motivated during these uncertain times

MISSION EXAMINATION

Tips for students to stay motivated during these uncertain times

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

29.04.2021 

Today’s generation needs to equip itself with multiple skill sets and interest sets as that is the key to preparing for the future, said Anil Srinivasan at the twopart Facebook Live webinar Mission Examination held on Wednesday, an initiative by The Times of India and presented by Amrita School of Engineering, Chennai.

The Kalaimamani award winner and pianist, who was part of the first session on helping students of class 10, 11 and 12 stay motivated and focused in these uncertain times, also advised students to look for short term online courses to upskill. “Try this three-step formula -- create an information database; take short term courses that you are interested in; and pursue your passions.”

Education consultant Ruchi Mohunta said children need to start thinking about what they want to do when they are in class 9, then revisit their choices in class 11, and again when they are in college. “It is never too late to change your career,” she said. “Career guidance for children begins with conversations at home with parents.”

V Jayakumar, Chairperson, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amrita School of Engineering, said he believed there is no short cut to hard work. “Put a little extra effort each day. It will translate to so much more over the months and years. For instance, I wanted to improve my English vocabulary. Every day I learn ten new words.”

In the second session on ‘Clearing your mind and destressing during uncertain times’, health and education experts shared their views and clarified doubts of viewers on how to stay motivated while locked at home and the way forward in the education system.

Psychiatrist Dr Kannan Gireesh advised plus two students waiting to write their board exams to look for patterns of negative thoughts and seek help through parents, friends or helplines to release themselves of these thoughts while they prepare for exams. “Use the diary technique to write and release your thoughts, and use peer learning to prepare for exams,” he said.

For students preparing for both board and competitive exams, Balaji Sampath, director of Ahaguru said students should spend an hour and half for school homework and consistently spend three to four daily to prepare for competitive exams. “Three hours of daily preparation is enough to top all competitive exams,” he said.

With virtual classes becoming the only option for teaching school and colleges for the last one year, Prof Vinata Sai, chairperson, Department of science and humanities, Amrita School of Engineering, Chennai, said education institutions may adopt a blended learning where students will experience both online and face to face teaching. “The initial euphoria about online classes has died down. Today we understand we have to supplant online teaching with face to face teaching. Though online classes have become an integral part of teaching, a teacher cannot be replaced,” she said.

GCC to hire 150 doctors, nurses in two days

GCC to hire 150 doctors, nurses in two days

Chennai:29.04.2021 

Greater Chennai Corporation will hire 150 doctors and nurses on a temporary basis in the next two days to manage crowd at triaging centres as many people flock hospitals due to the Covid-19 second wave.

The doctors will be paid ₹60,000 per month and nurses ₹15,000.

Interested candidates can walk-in directly to Ripon Buildings for the interview on April 29 and 30, with their original documents. They will not be made permanent employees. The doctors and nurses will have to work at the fever camps, screening centres and vaccination centres during the pandemic. TNN

SII cuts vax price for states to ₹300/dose

SII cuts vax price for states to ₹300/dose

Rupali.Mukherjee@timesgroup.com

29.04.2021

Facing a public outcry over pricing of Covishield, Serum Institute of India on Wednesday announced a 25% or ₹100 reduction in its price for state governments, describing it as a “philanthropic gesture”. The bad news is that at ₹300 a shot, it will still be twice what the Centre is paying. For private hospitals, the price has been left unchanged at ₹600 a shot.

The vaccine is also unlikely to be easily available in private market until September-October.

A Serum Institute official had earlier told TOI: “Owing to the complexity and urgency of the situation, it is challenging to supply it independently to each corporate entity.”

Criticism from state governments and civil society, however, seems to have forced Serum Institute to reduce prices. A news agency report had also said that the Centre has taken up the issue with Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech as both companies had raised prices.

Covaxin neutralises Indian strain: Fauci

America’s leading pandemic expert Dr Anthony Fauci said most recent data from people who received Covaxin, India’s domestically made Covid-19 vaccine, found it neutralised the 617 variant rampaging through India. “So, despite the real difficulty that we're seeing in India, vaccination could be a very, very important antidote against this virus,” Dr Fauci said at a White House briefing. P 10

Move will save countless lives, says Poonawalla

“As a philanthropic gesture on behalf of @SerumInstIndia, I hereby reduce the price to the states from ₹400 to ₹300 per dose, effective immediately; this will save thousands of crores of state funds going forward. This will enable more vaccinations and save countless lives,” the company CEO Adar Poonawalla said on Wednesday, four days after defending his company’s pricing policy.

He, however, did not comment on his company’s efforts to link Centre’s procurement price with that for states. The Centre’s procurement price was around ₹150 per jab for the initial orders placed in January and March.

Covishield price in India is higher than other countries such as South Africa and Sri Lanka (around ₹390 per dose each), European Union $2.15 (around ₹160) and UN initiative, Covax $3 (around ₹225).

With infection rising at a rapid pace, there is greater demand for vaccines and calls for the government to step up the drive. But manufacturers are unable to step up production.

SHOT OF HOPE: With infection rising at a rapid pace, there is greater demand for vaccines and calls for the government to step up the drive

1.2cr 18+ register for shot, but appointment may get delayed

1.2cr 18+ register for shot, but appointment may get delayed

Time Slots Based On Availability Of Centres: Govt

Sushmi.Dey@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:29.04.2021 

An enthusiastic response greeted the opening of online registrations for Covid-19 vaccination for those above 18 on Wednesday with the Co-Win platform recording over 1.23 crore registrations even though scheduling of appointments for May 1 onwards is not possible as yet.

There were more than 1 crore online registrations with 90% users registered after 4pm, when the portal began accepting 18-plus beneficiaries, a senior official said. The exact numbers of new beneficiaries would be a dynamic figure, officials said. In the first three hours (4-7 pm), 383 million API hits, initially as high as 2.7 million hits per minute, were recorded. As many as 1.45 crore SMS were successfully delivered, the health ministry said.

The registration process was accompanied by the announcement that appointments at state government centres and private centres will depend on how many vaccination centres are ready on May 1 for vaccination of 18-plus beneficiaries. Several states have indicated they may not be able to begin the 18-plus vaccination on May 1. The platform experienced initial glitches as the system was flooded with registration requests and OTPs were not received for a while. The portal, however, became accessible after a while and registrations proceeded smoothly shortly after being opened to the widest category of beneficiaries after 4pm on Wednesday.

A SHOT OF HOPE

Surge in registrations a welcome sign

Though scheduling was not possible, the surge in registrations and high interest in the younger population as evident on social media and WhatsApp conversations was a welcome sign amid concerns that fresh infections are discouraging people from getting vaccinated. It will help convince states, private hospitals and vaccine-makers that there is a demand for vaccination.

As of now, vaccinations are available in private hospitals only for 45 plus people till the end of the month. Thereafter the Centre-supported vaccine rollout for this category will be available only in government hospitals. Under the new scheme, states, private hospitals and corporates can access 50% production of Covishield and Covaxin for the 18 and above category. The intention, according to central officials, is to allow states more leeway in planning vaccinations and creating incentives for vaccine- manufacturers to boost production. The higher price at private hospitals will also allow those who can pay to reduce the load on government facilities.

So far, the vaccination drive was driven by walk-in registrations. Of the total 14.71 crore registrations so far, 9.33 crore are walk-ins, whereas 2.82 crore people are online. Around 2.55 crore health and frontline workers have also been registered by state governments. According to officials, online registrations witnessed a major jump after 4pm on Wednesday. For people between 18-44 years, online registration and booking of appointments is mandatory for receiving a vaccine against Covid-19.