Reaching the top, one step at a time -- Stalin style

Reaching the top, one step at a time -- Stalin style

MK Stalin has risen from a grassroots DMK worker to Chief Minister

Published: 07th May 2021 06:09 AM |

An artist readying name board identifying MK Stalin as Chief Minister, at Secretariat on Thursday | P Jawahar

By S Kumaresan

Express News Service

CHENNAI: MK Stalin, the DMK president, is taking the reins of the State as the Chief Minister with five decades of experience in politics and administration. He will be the oldest first-time Chief Minister to be sworn in at the age of 69 and only the third of DMK after CN Annadurai and M Karunanidhi. Elected to the State Assembly for the seventh term, Stalin has served in various capacities, including as a minister, deputy chief minister and opposition leader in the Assembly, before.

Stalin was born to M Karunanidhi, a seasoned politician and a five-time Chief Minister of the State, on March 1, 1953. In 1967, at the age of just 14, he floated a DMK youth club, well before the party officially established a youth wing. Later, in the early 70s, he was appointed as in-charge of the party’s 75th ward unit in Chennai district. In 1972, he was elected as a general council member of the DMK at the age of 19 years and as an executive council member in 1979.

Meanwhile, in 1976, Stalin was arrested on February 2 under Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) and imprisoned at Chennai Central Prison for nearly a year till January 27,1977. Undeterred, he continued to engage in active politics. When DMK youth wing was established in Madurai on June 20, 1980, he was appointed as one of its seven organisers. In appreciation of his dedicated involvement for expanding the services of the youth wing, Stalin was appointed as State youth wing secretary of the party in 1983. The next year, as party youth wing cadres and leaders of the party supported, he was given a ticket to contest from Thousand Lights in Assembly general elections in which he lost.

Before Anna Arivalayam, DMK headquarters, was constructed, DMK had been functioning from Anbagam building at Teynampet. After the headquarters was moved to Anna Arivalayam in 1987, Stalin got the Anbagam for the youth wing by collecting donations from DMK cadre and youth wing members across the State. For the purpose, he had made an extensive tour across the State and met thousands of people beyond the party line, which helped him create an impression among the general public that he is a capable leader.

Given party ticket again to contest from Thousand Lights constituency in 1989, Stalin won the polls. DMK too won the Assembly general elections to form a government in the State after a gap of 13 years. His campaign for the polls was well attended by the party cadres as well as general public. He played a vital role in infusing fresh blood for the party by pulling in many youths in 1990s. Notwithstanding DMK losing the 1991 polls, he continued his extensive works for the party and maintained a connection with cadres through his frequent statewide tours.

Stalin also became the first Mayor of Chennai Corporation to be elected by voters. Though people voted out DMK in 2001, Stalin returned to the Assembly elected from Thousand Lights again. The same year, he was again elected as Mayor of Chennai Corporation, despite the Opposition’s all-out campaign against him. However, he had to resign from the post in 2002 after the AIADMK-led government at the time brought in TN Municipal Laws (Amendment) Act, 2002, which debarred him from serving as the Mayor and an MLA simultaneously.

Meanwhile, Stalin was appointed as deputy general secretary of the party on June 2, 2003. He was made Minister for Municipal Administration in 2006. During this tenure, he was instrumental in the extensive spread of Women Self Help Groups across the State by establishing 1,75,493 Women SHGs. He also established various comprehensive drinking water projects such as Hogenekal and Ramanathapuram water schemes.

In May 2009, just two years before DMK lost power in the State, Stalin was appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister. Before that, he had been made treasurer of the party on December 27, 2008, which he retained till January 3, 2017. Stalin was then elected as the working president of the party on January 4, 2017.

After the demise of former Chief Minister and DMK president Karunanidhi, MK Stalin was unanimously elected as the president of the party on August 28, 2019, by the general council of the party. Ever since, he has brought two major victories for the party, one of which is making DMK the third-largest party in the Parliament and other is leading the party to form its sixth government in the State.

Five decades in public life

March 1, 1953: Born to M Karunanidhi - Dayalu

1964: Established DMK youth club at Gopalapuram

1968: Made first public speech in a party meeting at Kodambakkam.

1972: Elected as party general council member

1979: Elected as party executive council member

1980: Established party youth wing and became one of the organisers

1983: Made youth wing state secretary of the party

1989, 1996, 2001 & 2006: Elected as MLA from Thousand Lights Assembly constituency

1996 & 2001: Elected as Mayor of Chennai Corporation

2003: Made party’s deputy general secretary

2008: Elected as party treasurer

2009: Appointed as Deputy Chief Minister

2011, 2016 & 2021: Elected as MLA from Kolathur Assembly constituency

2016- 2011: Served as Principal Opposition Party Leader

May 4, 2021: Elected as a Legislative Party Leader

Gave a push to Chennai infra as Mayor

During his tenure as Mayor of Chennai Corporation, MK Stalin took steps to decongest the city roads and constructed nine big bridges and 49 small ones in the city. He also improved the standard of Corporation Schools to be on par with private schools

Doctors, nurses seek full lockdown in Tamil Nadu

Doctors, nurses seek full lockdown in Tamil Nadu

There is no use in increasing the bed capacity when there isn’t adequate manpower, and resources like oxygen are depleting in the State, said the doctors.

Published: 07th May 2021 04:26 AM 

By Sinduja Jane

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Even as the fresh set of restriction kicked in on Thursday, healthcare professionals on Covid duty called for a total lockdown in the State as the health system is over stretched and they couldn’t manage with the available manpower.

There is no use in increasing the bed capacity when there isn’t adequate manpower, and resources like oxygen are depleting in the State, said the doctors. As a result, patients are not getting the care they need and there is a risk of more deaths, they added. Vaccination for those above 18 years is yet to begin, and in such a case, lockdown is the only solution.

“There are only two doctors for 200 patients in our hospital, and we won’t know even if one patient needs immediate care or dies suddenly. That is the reason we are allowing attenders now, so that when their loved ones fall sick they can alert us,” said a doctor on Covid duty at the Chengalpattu GH.

He added that though they prescribe medicines for the patients, the nurses are not getting time to administer it as they are burdened with so much paper work on admissions and discharges. “I have even seen a few patients dying before they could get the medicine. I am very disturbed.”

As oxygen beds are almost full in Chennai and the queues are getting longer daily, the hospitals are also falling short in extending help. Even severe cases, with saturation as low as 75, who were supposed to be managed at tertiary care hospitals, are being sent to the newly set-up healthcare centres.

‘Lockdown necessary to break virus spread’

Dr T Janakiraman, an anaesthesiologist on Covid duty at a private hospital in the city, said, “We need some breathing time. So, we need complete lockdown at least for seven days if not for a month, to break the chain. This gap is needed to rebuild our resources, such as oxygen and medicines. This is not going to prevent the impending crisis. But it will give us breathing time. We are really exhausted.”

“As vaccination for people above 18 years of age is yet to begin and there is no stock, lockdown is the only solution as of now,” he added. Dr S Perumal Pillai, president, Legal Coordination Committee for Government Doctors, said that their workload has increased four times compared to last year.

“As we have utilised all available space for Covid treatment, we don’t have space in hospitals as non-Covid cases are also coming in. We don’t have manpower as well. Not only ICU and oxygen beds, even normal beds are full,” he said. A staff nurse at a government hospital, echoed with the doctors and said there are only two nurses attending over 250 patients.

JEE (Main) postponed

Chennai: Due to the spike in Covid cases, the National Testing Agency (NTA) on Thursday decided to reschedule the JEE Main (May) 2021. The notification for the exam schedule was to be released this month. The May sessions exams were to be conducted from May 24-28. The JEE Main (April) session was already postponed. “Looking at the present situation of Covid and keeping students safety in mind, JEE (Main) May 2021 session has been postponed,” tweeted Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’

Third Covid wave will hit children hard: Advisory

Third Covid wave will hit children hard: Advisory

The common symptoms seen in children are spike in fever, gastroenteritis symptoms and respiratory issues.

Published: 07th May 2021 05:12 AM 

By Express News Service

BENGALURU: The next and third Covid wave will be more dangerous for children, warned Motherhood Hospitals, while issuing an advisory against rising infections among children.Already, in the present second wave, more children are testing positive and are being hospitalised with different variants and double mutants, which are highly contagious, infecting those in the age group of 0-16, it said. Parents must be cautious and not let their guard down, it said.

“Since the newborns too are vulnerable, breastfeeding is highly recommended as it builds baby’s immunity. It is also advisable for parents to strictly follow the vaccination schedule of their babies and not miss any doses, as this will shield the baby from infections and therefore a very crucial element in preventing the Covid infection,” said Dr Santosh Kumar, Consultant Neonatologist and Paediatrician, Motherhood Hospitals.

The common symptoms seen in children are spike in fever, gastroenteritis symptoms and respiratory issues. Dr Kumar said that most people are not following Covid-appropriate behaviour and once they contract the virus, they pass it on to their children.Some of these kids could be asymptomatic, spreading the infection among their grandparents, who are in the high-risk group. The children are more susceptible as there is no vaccination available yet for those in the age group of 0-10, he added.

Southern Railway temporarily cancels several inter-State trains in TN

Southern Railway temporarily cancels several inter-State trains in TN

Similarly, as per the directives of Railway Board and Tamil Nadu State government, nine pairs of unreserved special trains are also temporarily cancelled for varying periods from May 8 to June 1.

Published: 07th May 2021 06:04 AM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Southern Railway has temporarily cancelled a total of 14 inter-State trains in Tamil Nadu, 7 inter-State trains in Kerala, 4 trains between Tamil Nadu-Kerala, 4 trains between Tamil Nadu-Karnataka, 1 train between Tamil Nadu-Puducherry, 4 trains between Kerala and Karnataka, 1 train between Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh, 1 train between Tamil Nadu-Delhi and 1 train between Kerala-Delhi.

Similarly, as per the directives of Railway Board and Tamil Nadu State government, nine pairs of unreserved special trains are also temporarily cancelled for varying periods from May 8 to June 1.

Also, the statement said in view of the pandemic situation and cancellation of less-patronised trains, only limited number of PRS counters will be operated in all stations with reservation facility. Passengers are requested to make use of online reservation facilities for booking in train services that are being operated.

Inter-State trains cancelled in TN (pairs)

Egmore- Karaikudi

Egmore-Madurai (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun)

Egmore-Madurai (Daily)

Egmore-Tiruchchirapalli

Egmore-Madurai (Fri, Sun)

Central-Erode

Central-Coimbatore (Daily)

Central-Coimbatore (Sat)

Central-Madurai

Egmore-Nagercoil

Tambaram-Nagercoil

Central-Jolarpettai

Tambaram-Nagercoil

Kerala

Ernakulam-Trivandrum

Alappuzha-Kollam

Ernakulam-Alappuzha

Shoranur-Ernakulam

Shoranur-Kannur

Shoranur-Trivandrum

Kannur-Trivandrum

Inter-State trains cancelled between TN-Kerala

Central-Trivandrum (Sun & Sat)

Central-Trivandrum (Daily)

Tirunelveli-Palakkad

Tiruchi-Palakkad Town

Trains cancelled TN- K’taka

Central-KSR Bangalore

Central-Mangalore

Mangalore- Nagarcoil

Trains cancelled between TN-Puducherry

Egmore-Puducherry

Trains cancelled between Kerala and Karnataka

Trivandrum-Mangalore

KSR Bangalore-Ernakulam

Ernakulam-Banaswadi

Kochuveli-Mangalore

Trains cancelled between TN-AP

Central-Tirupathi

Trains cancelled between TN-Delhi

Central-Nizamuddin

Trains cancelled between Kerala-Delhi

Trivandrum-Nizamuddin

Unreserved special trains cancelled

Mettupalayam-Coimbatore

Tambaram-Villupuram

Villupuram-Tambaram

Arakkonam-Jolarpettai

Vriddhachalam-Salem

Tiruchi-Karur Tiruchi-KKDI

Madurai-Villupuram

Salem-Arakkonam

Chennai-Puducherry

Chennai yet to take new Covid restrictions seriously

Chennai yet to take new Covid restrictions seriously

On Day 1, some TASMAC shops witness huge crowds while hotels function with half-opened shutters; more vehicles seen on roads till 2 pm

Published: 07th May 2021 06:08 AM 

Throwing caution to the wind, local residents throng a TASMAC shop at Puliyanthope in Chennai on Thursday | P Jawahar

By Sahaya Novinston Lobo

Express News Service

CHENNAI: With the new restrictions coming into effect in the State from Thursday, there were fewer vehicular movements in the capital city. All the non-essential shops were closed down by 12 pm and MTC buses and trains ran almost empty. Police were deployed to make sure that the shops were closed. Meanwhile, Kancheepuram Municipal officials have issued fines for shops that were open after 12 pm.

As soon as the clock hit 11.45 am, police personnel in patrol vehicles started making rounds around areas, announcing over microphones that shops have to be closed within a few minutes. In Parrys and Broadway, the police went from one shop to the other, forcing the reluctant shopkeepers to pull down their shutters.

Until 2 pm, the roads were filled with vehicles of people returning from shops that were closed. Throughout the city, hotels functioned with half-opened shutters and a person waiting at the door to take order for parcels. “The business is not fast running as it used to be.

Most people are inside the house by 12 pm and prefer cooking for themselves. Mostly, bachelors and others who go to work, come to get packaged food,” said H Govindan, who runs a hotel in Eldams Road. In spite of the shops being closed at 12 pm, several vehicles could be seen on the roads, including a few youngsters taking a trip around the city, given the reduced traffic.

Police ask shopkeepers at Badrian Street in Broadway to down their shutters  after 12 pm | Ashwin Prasath

Tasmac outlets in a few places in the city saw a busy crowd with police deployed to maintain order. Pulianthope, Mogappair, Ayapakkam, Perumbakkam, Perungudi, and Navalur were a few places where Tasmac shops were overflowing with people. Police personnel deployed at the shops said they had to distance themselves from the crowd since most of them neither wore a mask nor maintained physical distancing. From 11 am to 12 pm, the crowd reached its peak in most of the places.

The bus conductors whom spoke to Express said that most of the trips, even the longer ones, had to be plied with ten or twelve people at the most. Since the local train services are restricted only to government staff and frontline workers, RPF personnel are placed at the entrance and exit of railway stations to check the ID cards of people before letting them inside.

In Kancheepuram district, Municipal Commissioner Maheswari, raided several shops in Gandhi Salai and issued challans to shops that were open even after warning. Tailor shops, studios, and fancy stores were issued a fine of Rs 500, while jewellery shops, textile shops were fined Rs 5,000. The State had announced new restrictions from Thursday (May 6) till May 20.

All shops except pharmacies and milk outlets are to be closed after 12 pm. Hotels will provide parcels only. Tasmacs will operate between 8 am and 12 pm. All government and private hospitals will function with only 50 per cent employees. Public transports would operate with only 50 per cent capacity.

பயணியர் வருகை குறைவால் 34 ரயில்கள் ரத்து

பயணியர் வருகை குறைவால் 34 ரயில்கள் ரத்து

Added : மே 07, 2021 00:46

சென்னை:பயணியர் வருகை குறைவால் தமிழகத்தில் பல்லவன் வைகை தேஜஸ் உட்பட 34 ரயில்கள் ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டு உள்ளன.

* சென்னை எழும்பூர் - காரைக்குடி இடையே தினமும் இயக்கப்படும் பல்லவன் எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் நாளை முதல் ஜூன் 1 வரையும்; சென்னை எழும்பூர் - மதுரை இடையே இயக்கப்படும் தேஜஸ் ரயில் நாளை முதல் 31ம் தேதி வரையும் ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது

* சென்னை எழும்பூர் - மதுரை இடையே இயக்கப்படும் வைகை எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் எழும்பூரில் இருந்து 9ம் தேதி முதல் ஜூன் 1 வரையும் மதுரையில் இருந்து நாளை முதல் 31ம் தேதி வரையும் ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது

சென்னை எழும்பூர் - திருச்சி மலைக்கோட்டை எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் எழும்பூரில் இருந்து 9ம் தேதி முதல் ஜூன் 1 வரையும்; திருச்சியில் இருந்து நாளை முதல் 31ம் தேதி வரையும் ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது

* சென்னை எழும்பூரில் இருந்து மதுரைக்கு சனி மற்றும் ஞாயிற்று கிழமைகளில் இயக்கப் படும் சிறப்பு ரயில் வரும் 13ம் தேதியில் இருந்து 30ம் தேதி வரை ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது

* சென்னை எம்.ஜி. ஆர். சென்ட்ரல்-ஈரோடு இடையே இயக்கப்படும் ஏற்காடு எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் கோவைக்கு இயக்கப்படும் சேரன் இன்டர்சிட்டி எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் சிறப்பு ரயில்கள் நாளை முதல் 31ம் தேதி வரை ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளன

* சென்னை எம்.ஜி.ஆர். சென்ட்ரலில் இருந்து கோவைக்கு சனிக்கிழமைகளில் இயக்கப்படும் சிறப்பு ரயில் 15ம் தேதியில் இருந்து 29ம் தேதி வரையும்; கோவையில் இருந்து வெள்ளிக்கிழமைகளில் இயக்கப்படும் சிறப்பு ரயில் 14 முதல் 28ம் தேதி வரையும் ரத்து செய்யப்படுள்ளன

* சென்னை எம்.ஜி. ஆர். சென்ட்ரலில் இருந்து மதுரைக்கு வாரம் மூன்று நாட்கள் இயக்கப்படும் துரந்தோ சிறப்பு ரயில் 10ம் தேதியில் இருந்து 30ம் தேதி வரை ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது

* சென்னை எழும்பூரில் இருந்து நாகர்கோவிலுக்கு வியாழக்கிழமைகளில் இயக்கப்படும் சிறப்பு ரயில் 13 முதல் 27ம் தேதி வரையும்; நாகர்கோவிலில் இருந்து எழும்பூருக்கு வெள்ளிக்கிழமைகளில் இயக்கப்படும் ரயில் வரும் 14 முதல் 28ம் தேதி வரையும் ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளன* தாம்பரம் - நாகர்கோவில் இடையே வாரத்தில் மூன்று நாட்கள் இயக்கப்படும் அந்தியோதயா எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் நாளை முதல் ஜூன் 1வரை ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது

* சென்னை எம்.ஜி.ஆர். சென்ட்ரல் - ஜோலார்பேட்டை இடையே தினமும் இயக்கப்படும் ஏலகிரி எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் நாளை முதல் ஜூன் 1ம் தேதி வரை ரத்து செய்யப்படுள்ளது* தாம்பரம் - நாகர்கோவில் இடையே வாரம் மூன்று நாட்கள் இயக்கப்படும் சிறப்பு ரயில் 9ம் தேதி முதல் ஜூன் 1 வரை ரத்து செய்யப்படுள்ளது

* சென்னை எம்.ஜி.ஆர். சென்ட்ரலில் இருந்து கேரளா மாநிலம் திருவனந்தபுரத்துக்கு ஞாயிற்று கிழமைகளிலும் திருவனந்தபுரத்தில் இருந்து சென்ட்ரலுக்கு சனிக்கிழமைகளிலும் இயக்கப்படும் சிறப்பு ரயில்கள் நாளை முதல் 30ம் தேதி வரை ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளன

* சென்னை எம்.ஜி. ஆர். சென்ட்ரல் - திருவனந்தபுரம் இடையே தினமும் இயக்கப்படும் சிறப்பு ரயில் நாளை முதல் ஜூன் 1 வரை ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது. இந்த ரயில்கள் இருவழியிலும் ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளன.

‘Ovvoru Pookalume’ singer dies after contracting Covid

M J C COMAGAN 1973-2021

‘Ovvoru Pookalume’ singer dies after contracting Covid

Aditi.R@timesgroup.com

Chennai:07.05.2021

Kalaimamani awardee M J C Comagan died of Covid-19 on Thursday. The visually impaired singer was 48 years old. “His death was unexpected. We are unable to come to terms with it,” said V Anitha, his wife.

Comagan was best known as the voice behind the hit song ‘Ovvoru Pookalume’ in the 2003 Tamil film ‘Autograph’. His blind orchestra, Comaganin Raaga Priya, made its way into the 2008 Guinness Book of World Record after the group sang 682 songs for 50 straight hours. Comagan called it one of his greatest accomplishments.

According to Anitha, Comagan began developing Covid symptoms on April 17. He had high fever lasting more than 10 days. On April 24, his family took him to a hospital for the RT-PCR test, but he got a negative result. “When the doctors took a CT scan, they found that his lungs were infected and suspected Covid,” said Anitha.

On Wednesday morning, Anitha said Comagan began complaining of severe shortness of breath. They rushed him to a hospital and got him tested again and this time the test came back positive. He was immediately admitted. “When we checked his oxygen levels after a while, it was around 91-92. He was fine until late evening, when his oxygen levels dropped drastically to 40. They put him on ventilator support. At1.15am, he passed away,” she said.

Comagan was due for his second dose of the Covid vaccine this week. “He got the first dose on April 3 and in a few days, he fell ill. He never had any breathing difficulties before. It was all so sudden,” said his grieving wife.

Comagan’s journey began in 1991 with he and nine friends began an orchestra, comprising of visually impaired artists. For nearly two years, the group didn’t get opportunities to perform, but kept meeting every week, practising tirelessly.

Slowly, they began performing at music festivals, sabhas and marriage functions till ‘Autograph’ gave them their big break. Over the years, the group grew to 25 members and has given 3,500 musical performances across nine countries.

In February, Comagan was awarded the Kalaimamani award for excellence in the field of art. During an interview after the award ceremony, Comagan told TOI that it was a dream to start a music school. “I want to see an inclusive society, and also show people that anybody can achieve what they want,” he said. Comagan is survived by his wife and two children.

Now, Nehru, Gandhi will report to Stalin

Now, Nehru, Gandhi will report to Stalin

Chennai:07.05.2021

Call it by design or coincidence – Tamil Nadu’s newly minted cabinet will have a Gandhi running the Khadi and rural employment department, and a Nehru captaining urban development.

Only ticklish aspect is both this Gandhi and Nehru had faced corruption charges in the past, before being cleared of all charges by courts. Only the prospective speaker will have trouble calling out the names of Gandhi or Nehru, ordering them either to speak out or shut up. It is tough to shout: “Gandhi, your time is up. Let Nehru begin his reply now.”

For the record, however, it has to be noted R Gandhi, the four-time MLA from Ranipet constituency, is minister for Khadi, village industries, and Bhoodhan. Five-time Trichy-West MLA K N Nehru is minister for urban development and municipal administration.

In 2005, Gandhi, along with his wife and son faced a case for amassing assets disproportionate to known sources of income. The charges were quashed by courts in 2015 for want of evidence.

Nehru, too, battled a slew of corruption and grave criminal cases slapped on him by the Jayalalithaa dispensation after 2001. He battled land grab and criminal intimidation cases too. He has not been found guilty in any of them.

When results started trickling in on on May 2, meme factories in Tamil Nadu came alive pointing out that the Assembly will have a lot of renowned national and international giants — two Gandhis, one Nehru and a Stalin. The second Gandhi, bearing initials M R, could not get into the cabinet because he got elected in BJP ticket, representing Nagercoil constituency. TNN

Stalin’s 1st cabinet is mixed bag of experience & youth

Stalin’s 1st cabinet is mixed bag of experience & youth

Julie.Mariappan@timesgroup.com

Chennai:07.05.2021

It is a mix of old timers, young and new faces in the 34-member cabinet of M K Stalin that will steer the state government for the next five years. The DMK chief has inducted15 new faces, reinforcing the party’s commitment to bring in versatility, but kept his son and first time MLA Udhayanidhi out of the council of ministers.

There are two women members, former minister P Geetha Jeevan, and N Kayalvizhi Selvaraj, who defeated BJP president L Murugan in Dharapuram in Tirupur district by a slender margin. The new faces include former party whip R Sakkarapani, Vellore East district secretary R Gandhi, Chennai former mayor Ma Subramanian, P K Sekar Babu (Harbour), Palanivel Thiagarajan (Madurai Central), and Thiruverumbur MLA and close confidante of Udhayanidhi, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi.

The party has rewarded erstwhile heavyweights of the AIADMK, who switched loyalties in the past two decades, including K K S S R Ramachandran, S Muthusamy, S R Rajakannappan, Anitha R Radhakrishnan and V Senthil Balaji. Ramachandran had served in the cabinets led by M G Ramachandran, J Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi, holding PWD, cooperation, health and BC welfare portfolios. Erode strongman Muthusamy was minister in MGR and Jayalalithaa regimes, before switching sides. Senthil Balaji has been rewarded for helping the DMK win all four seats in Karur district for which he was in charge. Rajakannappan was an influential minister in Jayalalithaa’s first cabinet and briefly led a party, Makkal Tamil Desam.

“About half the cabinet is new. It consists of rich, experienced partymen and able youngsters, who can deliver the best to the state,” DMK Rajya Sabha MP and spokesperson T K S Elangovan said. Except for K Ponmudi, who got back the higher education portfolio and Geetha Jeevan, social welfare, other seniors did not get previously held portfolios. Thangam Thennarasu, who was speculated to retain school education, has been given industries.

In a statement later in the day, Stalin explained the rationale behind formation of a new ministry called water resources, and changes in nomenclature of a few other ministries, including agriculturefarmers’ welfare, environment-climate change, medical and family welfare, fisheriesfishermen welfare, labour welfare and skill development, information, social welfare and women empowerment, human resources management and non-resident Tamils welfare.

“Functioning of the ministries and departments have undergone changes in the current situation. There is a compulsion to change the names of the ministries and departments with a long-term vision, considering the expectations of people, welfare of workforce, confronting challenges, the fixed targets and government goals,” Stalin said.

A RERUN OF 2020

A RERUN OF 2020

As curbs kick in, city turns into ghost town

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:07.05.2021

Crowded shopping hub Ranganathan Street fell silent around 12.30pm on Thursday when the last of the shops and vegetable vendors closed up for the day as the government’s stringent restrictions to control spread of Covid-19 kicked in.

By 6pm, only a handful of commuters who alighted from suburban trains at Mambalam station were found on the street. Similar was the scene at pedestrian plaza on Pondy Bazaar.

The deserted pavement turned into a play ground for homeless children, who rocked away on the toy ducks as bored auto drivers looked on.

The sparse traffic and shuttered shops brought back memories of the complete lockdown imposed last year when the pandemic was at its peak.

Arterial roads like Anna Salai, Poonamallee High Road and 100ft Road did not see heavy traffic. “Around 50% of vehicles were off the road in most places in the evening,” said a motorist.

“It’s not a full shutdown yet. But it looks like we are headed there. This is not a good sign,” said Muthu, an auto driver.

Suburban stations only saw railway staff and frontline workers, while metro trains had a moderate occupancy as people used them to get back home.

Railway staff deployed on the platforms checked identity cards of commuters at suburban stations and at MRTS stations to ensure that they are eligible for travel.

Railways has also cancelled its unreserved special trains to small towns including services from Tambaram to Villupuram and Chennai to Puducherry following a request from the state government.

Police were back on patrol, warning owners at markets and crowded areas like Mylapore, Royapettah and Anna Nagar. “We moved around to ensure that traders followed the noon deadline. No action was taken as it’s the first day. People who took time to close the shops were given a warning,” said an officer.

T K Pandian, who travelled by bus to Parrys Corner said the occupancy was moderate. “The frequency was also good from Anna Nagar. I took a metro train to return home. I saw around 12 to 14 people walking into the station at high court,” he said.

“The government should allow plumbing, auto repairs, electrical and electronics servicing centres to work. These are essential,” he added.

Few buses, crowded share autos could turn hotspots

Few buses, crowded share autos could turn hotspots

And Drivers Use Curbs To Fleece Commuters

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:07.05.2021

With the state limiting options for public transport, share auto-rickshaws are cashing in on the demand. People too seem to prefer travelling in share auto rickshaws, unmindful of the risk involved. The drivers ferry more than eight to 10 passengers at a time without adhering to Covid guidelines, putting everyone involved at risk.

Share autos are in great demand on major routes like Koyambedu to Madhavaram Koot Road, Nugambakkam to Anna Nagar, Chennai Central to Vyasarpadi and Washermenpet areas. In Chennai alone, there are as many as 61,000 share autos. Usually at least four lakh use MTC buses during peak hours. “With buses being operated only with limited seats, it is tough for me to reach my workplace. Once the seats are full, buses don’t stop. So, I am forced to take autos. They are also charging more than the usual amount,” said Parimala, who is employed at a private company.

Drivers cruise the city withouta a care as police and transport department officials turn a blind eye to this blatant violation. As per the health department’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), only three people, including the driver, are allowed in autos at a time.

Auto driver Palanivel said they strictly follow Covid guidelines. “We never allow passengers to board autos without masks. Before they boad the share autos, we give them sanitisers. With only limited seats in MTC, sometimes passengers themselves beg us to ferry them over the stipulated capacity,” he said.

An official said the transport department came across complaints that some autos were ferrying more than permissible limit of passengers. “We will ensure that all the drivers strictly adhere to SOP while ferrying passengers. If drivers continue to violate the SOP, an enforcement drive would be done to ensure safety of the passengers,” he said.

JUST GET ME THERE! More than 10 people are crammed inside an auto when the SOP says only 3, incluing the driver are allowed

Veteran Tamil actor Pandu dies of Covid-19 at 74

Veteran Tamil actor Pandu dies of Covid-19 at 74

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:07.05.2021

On Thursday, Kollywood lost yet another of its veterans as actor Pandu, best known for his performances in ‘Pammal K Samandham’, ‘Kadhal Kottai’ and ‘Kanchana 2’, passed away after being hospitalised for Covid-19. He was 74.

Pandu, who was born in Namakkal, made his acting debut in 1970 with the Tamil film ‘Maanavan’. He went on to act in more than 100 films with roles alongside superstars such as Rajinikanth, Vijay and Ajith. Most recently, he acted in films like ‘Itly’ (2018) and ‘Indha Nilai Maarum’ (2020). The actor’s passing drew condolences from the film fraternity, with many expressing their shock and disbelief over the loss.

“When actors like Goundamani uncle and Senthil sir were ruling the 90’s, he held his own with his unique style, expressions and dialogue delivery,” tweeted actor Sibi Sathyaraj. “He was very close to our family and a kind man,” said actor-choreographer and politician Gayathri Raghuram.

In previous interviews to news and television channels, Pandu spoke of how he felt proud to have shared the screen with three generations of Sivaji Ganesan’s family – Sivaji himself, his son Prabhu and his grandson Vikram Prabhu – in one lifetime.

In addition to acting, Pandu was known for his art and design sense and ran a company called ‘Capital letters’ that designed name boards. He is also famously credited with designing the AIADMK’s two-leaves logo and also the party flag, following his association with party founder and former chief minister M G Ramachandran.

“He used to design shields and trophies for various Tamil cinema anniversary programmes,” says actor and director Manobala whose film ‘Naina’ starred Pandu. “He easily became friends with the big stars he worked with, and always bought gifts for everyone when he went on his travels.”

Pandu’s demise also drew condolences from AIADMK leaders Edappadi K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam, who remembered his contributions to the party, as well as his prowess as an artiste. Pandu is survived by his wife Kumudha, who is also undergoing treatment for Covid, and three sons.

Remdesivir vials go missing in Salem

Remdesivir vials go missing in Salem

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Salem:07.05.2021

Police here have initiated an inquiry with doctors and nurses of Salem Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital (SGMKMCH) on Thursday evening after the hospital management lodged the complaint with them about 29 Remdesivir vials missing from the hospital.

According to a senior doctor of the SGMKMCH, a pack of Remdesivir injections, being used for Covid-19 treatment, was kept with the staff nurse on Tuesday night. “The next morning, the nurse reported to the hospital management that the vials were found missing,” the doctor said. He also said that the hospital management, after conducting an inquiry with doctors and nurses of the Covid-19 care centre, was not able to find how the vials went disappeared.

Hospital dean Dr R Murugesan then lodged the complaint with Salem GH police, who forwarded it to Shevapet police.

An official from Shevapet police said, “We also were checking the CCTV footage that is functioning on the hospital premises.”

IN DEMAND: Police are scanning CCTV footage at the Covidcare centre in Salem to find out how the Remdesivir vials went missing

State govt advises pregnant women not to get vaccines

State govt advises pregnant women not to get vaccines

Ram.Sundaram@timesgroup.com

Chennai:07.05.2021

Tamil Nadu Department of Public Health (DPH) has advised pregnant and lactating women not to get vaccinated as they were not a part of the vaccine trial.

“Vaccines at present in use are contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women. Moreover the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech vaccine literature also does not recommend such vaccination,” the DPH said in its internal circular to all health authorities on Thursday.

The advisory comes a week after the Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI) recommended Covid-19 vaccines for pregnant and breastfeeding women, but with precautions to manage adverse events.

“It is a risk worth its benefit,” said Ramani Devi, vicepresident of FOGSI said, referring to international research studies. Due to an acute viral infection during the antenatal period, particularly when they are nearing the term, the baby might go into a sudden death. So they should be prioritized during vaccination along with other high-risk groups, she said.

In case pregnant women missed getting vaccinated during the antenatal period, FOGSI strongly advises lactating women to get vaccinated as there is a chance that antibodies might get transmitted to the newborn through mother’s milk.

In contrast, a senior doctor from the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Egmore, said that there was no solid data about the adverse reactions to the newborn and mothers, who were already in an immunocompromised state. “It is better not to take any risk,” she said.

Meanwhile, K Vinay Kumar, Joint Director of DPH, on Thursday requested all districtlevel health authorities to escalate the matter with their respective collectors and has advised pregnant and lactating women, working in government and private sector, not to get vaccinated now and highrisk among them to avail leave as per rules in force.

DPH in an advisory said the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech vaccine literature does not recommend vaccination for pregnant and lactating women

TN registers close to 25K cases of Covid-19, 197 deaths

TN registers close to 25K cases of Covid-19, 197 deaths

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:07.05.2021

Tamil Nadu logged 195 deaths and 24,898 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, when all districts barring Ariyalur and Perambalur reported more than 100 cases. The surge left the state with 1.3 lakh active cases as the case tally crossed 12.9 lakh. The cumulative death toll reached 14,974.

In the last one week, the state has added 1,041 Covid -19 deaths and 1.4 lakh new cases. This includes 319 deaths and 42,727 new cases in Chennai. The city now has 33316 active cases in its registry.

On Thursday, four districts reported more than 1000 new cases, a dozen of them had more than 500 cases each. Chennai continued to report the maximum number of cases in the state, followed by Coimbatore, Chengalpet and Tiruvallur. While Chennai had 6,678 new cases, Coimbatore recorded 2068, Chengalpet registered 2039 and Tiruvallur had 1560. Madurai added 996 and Kancheepuram had (826). Ariyalur and Perambalur reported 88 and 60 cases respectively.

Together the four districts in the Chennai region reported 11,113 cases and 110 deaths, leaving 54,847 still under treatment – just about the same number of active cases the entire state had on April 14. The other districts in the north reported 2376 new cases followed by 2072 in the central zone. While the western districts together reported 4770 new cases, 4565 Meanwhile, among 29 districts reported deaths, Chennai had 69 deaths, Chengalpet reported 16, followed by 14 in Kanyakumari, 13 in Kancheepuram and 12 in Tiruvallur. The Chennai region reported 110 deaths and the rest of the north added another16. The ten districts in the south reported 35 deaths, followed by 20 in the central zone and 14 in the west.

1,510 cases in Pondy

Puducherry reported1,510 fresh cases on Thursday even as 779 patients recovered, taking the total number of active cases to12,430. Of them,10,394 patients are in home isolation and treatment. The number of patients succumbing to the infection crossed 900 on Thursday. Eighteen patients including six women died of the infection in the last 24 hours ending at10am on Thursday taking the death toll to

901. Puducherry headquarters reported17 deaths while Yanam one. Puducherry headquarters has the maximum fatalities with 737 followed by Karaikal (96), Yanam (54) and Mahe (14). The fatality rate of the infection stood at 1.4%. TNN

Vaccination drive stutters in city as vials in short supply

Covaxin Used Only For Administering Second Dose

Komal Gautham@timesgroup.com

Chennai:07.05.2021

The Greater Chennai Corporation that was vaccinating more than 25,000 people on an average daily has, for the last four days, been vaccinating only around 9,000 a day. All those seeking covaxin are sent back and with Covishield doses also in short supply, vaccination numbers dipped sharply.

“We had placed orders with two vendors, 7.65 lakh vials from one and 2.65 lakh vials from another. We will start receiving the order from today (Thursday). Apart from that we are working on placing more orders,” said J Radhakrishnan, state health secretary.

However, districts such as Madurai have been continuing the same number of vaccinations despite the shortage. “Only Covaxin is in short supply. We are administering only Covishield so we don’t have much issue,” said an official from Madurai.

In Coimbatore and Chennai, however, with both being administered in corporation hospitals and UPHCs, people are being turned away.

“We are prioritizing only the second dose of Covaxin and are not administering it as first dose to anyone. Covishield supply remains the same,” said a senior health official in Chennai corporation.

Roopa R, a resident of Saidapet, said she isn't able to get Covaxin anywhere even in private hospitals. “We preferred Covaxin over Covishield though experts have said both vaccines have the same results. But because of the lack of availability, we have delayed the vaccination now,” she said.

Many like Satish G of Sholinganallur are waiting for the second dose. His was due on May 4, but he is still waiting for the corporation to give him a call. “They have said a delay of a week won’t make any difference but I am not too sure and am trying private hospitals,” he said.

Health experts said that with vaccination the only option, the government should work on getting vaccines from open market and place big orders.

“A day of lockdown will cost them more than paying for the vaccinations. They can use the money to vaccinate people at a faster pace to avoid a crisis like in Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi,” said a senior epidemiologist in the city.

‘Madras HC remarks on EC inappropriate’

‘Madras HC remarks on EC inappropriate’

New Delhi:

The Supreme Court on Thursday termed the Madras high court’s “murder charge” remarks against the Election Commission “harsh” and the “metaphor inappropriate” as it walked a tightrope between praising the role of HCs during the pandemic and advising judges against making off-the cuff remarks during hearings, reports Dhananjay Mahapatra.

In a 31-page judgment on the EC’s plea against the HC’s remarks, a bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and M R Shah achieved three objectives — assuaged the EC’s hurt, ensured that judges did not feel restrained from questioning the actions of constitutional bodies and the executive during the pandemic, and expanded the media’s right to cover court proceedings.

Can’t gag media on court matters

Moving away from a nine-year-old order over curbs on court proceedings to protect the rights of the accused, the SC on Thursday said the media had an unfettered right to report exchanges during hearings. It rejected the EC’s plea to make media publish only orders and judgments.P 8

Oral remarks not part of judicial record: Bench

Writing the judgment, Justice Chandrachud said, “The remarks of the high court were harsh. The metaphor inappropriate.”

However, it was quick to clarify that it was not blaming the HC for remarks that could have been made during the flow of dialogue process intrinsic to judicial scrutiny of actions of constitutional bodies and the executive during the pandemic.

“The HC, if indeed it did make the oral observations which have been alluded to, did not seek to attribute culpability for the Covid-19 pandemic in the country to the EC. What it would have instead intended to do was to urge the EC to ensure stricter compliance of Covid-19 related protocols during elections,” the bench said.

It further clarified that oral observations by judges of superior courts during a hearing did not form part of court records and were at best meant to elicit a studied response from the authorities for reaching a just conclusion. “These oral remarks are not a part of the official judicial record and, therefore, the question of expunging them does not arise. It is trite to say that a formal opinion of a judicial institution is reflected through its judgments and orders, and not its oral observations during the hearing,” it said.

However, the bench appeared worried about an emerging trend of judges making needless caustic observations against litigants during hearings, be it constitutional bodies, governments or individual litigants. “We must emphasise the need for judges to exercise caution in off-the-cuff remarks in open court, which may be susceptible to misinterpretation,” Justice Chandrachud said.

The SC also advised judges to be careful in choosing the words and the language they use and said if the Madras HC had exercised restraint, the grievance of a constitutional body against another would not have arisen. “Language, both on the bench and in judgments, must comport with judicial propriety. Language is an important instrument of a judicial process which is sensitive to constitutional values. Judicial language is a window to a conscience sensitive to constitutional ethos,” the bench said.

NEED FOR CAUTION

Rly cancels premium trains citing low bookings

Rly cancels premium trains citing low bookings

New Delhi:07.05.2021

The Northern Railways on Thursday cancelled two Rajdhani, eight Shatabdi, two Duronto and one Vande Bharat trains from Delhi effective from May 9 till further orders citing low bookings and surging Covid cases. This is the first time when these premium trains have been cancelled after the railways had restored the train operation post the nationwide lockdown last year. TNN

Kerala govt announces total lockdown from tomorrow till May 16

Kerala govt announces total lockdown from tomorrow till May 16

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Thiruvananthapuram:07.05.2021

The Kerala government on Thursday announced a total lockdown in the state from May 8 to 16 in view of the worsening Covid-19 situation and the rising test positivity rate (TPR).

Though lockdown-like restrictions have already been in force since May 4, the government decided to go for stricter curbs after public health experts said the present restrictions are not yielding desired results. The health department has been demanding a total lockdown ever since the daily cases went beyond 30,000.

The daily cases being reported in Kerala have gone above 40,000 over the past two days — 41,953 cases on Wednesday and 42,464 on Thursday. The TPR also rose to 27.28% on Thursday, with the total number of active cases reaching 3,90,906. As many as 63 fatalities were reported on the day. Most districts have a TPR above 20% for the past two weeks while hospital beds are filling up at an alarming rate.

All central and state government offices, including the autonomous bodies but except those in active Covid-19 duty, will not function during the lockdown. The government has, however, given more exemptions than the national lockdown last year, apparently in consideration of the hardships being faced by the public in a total shutdown.

Full report on www.toi-.in

SHOT OF HOPE: People wait to receive Covid-19 vaccine doses outside a centre in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday

Second wave has launched deadly attack on lungs

Second wave has launched deadly attack on lungs

Parth.Shastri@timesgroup.com

Ahmedabad:07.05.2021

Prakash Chandra, 59, did not have any symptoms of Covid-19 but got himself tested after his son tested positive. His report came positive. When his doctor insisted for a CT scan after his blood tests revealed high sugar levels and inflammatory markers, it was found that 50% of his lung was involved. His oxygen saturation too had dipped to 85. All this on Day-1! He is now admitted in the hospital with his son whose scan has revealed nearly 60% damage to his lungs by the virus.

Even as the debate on importance of HRCT rages on after the statement of AIIMS-D director Dr Randeep Guleria that HRCT did not serve any purpose in mild and home isolated Covid-19 patients, city-based radiologists are busy with high number of infected and suspected patients lining up for high-resolution CT (HRCT) of thorax (chest and lungs) to understand lung involvement and severity of the infection. Doctors say CT score of lungs is helping save many lives especially in the current wave when the strain seems to be attacking lungs more ferociously than ever.“Current strain seems to attack lungs more furiously. More young patients are found to have moderate to severe lung disease compared to earlier waves,” said senior radiologist Dr Hemant Patel.

 PROMISE DASHED

‘Stressed’ MBBS student on Covid duty hangs to death

Long Note Makes Cops Suspect It’s Pre-Planned

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Vadodara:

The medical fraternity in Vadodara was left in a deep shock after a 22-year-old MBBS student committed suicide, reportedly due to stress.

Siddharth Bhadrecha, a third-year-student of GMERS Medical College and Hospital, Gotri, was found hanging in his hostel room early on Wednesday morning.

Siddharth, a native of Mangrol taluka of Junagadh, left a suicide note written in English wherein he said that he was ending his life due to stress.

“The first few lines of the note said that he was committing suicide due to stress. But there was no mention of the reason behind the stress. We are trying to ascertain why he was so stressed. His friends had no idea of his condition and neither his parents knew anything,” said R C Kanamia, Gorwa police inspector.

Siddharth had been doing Covid duty at Gotri GMERS hospital. Kanamia said, “His Covid duty was over on April 30 and he was off duty. We are not sure if his suicide was due to any work pressure. His mobile phone is locked but we will go through the call details to get more clues.”

Siddharth’s room partner had a brief chat with him on Tuesday night and then left for his duty. Police claimed that his room partner told them that Siddharth didn’t appear tense or in any problem. When he returned from duty and knocked on their hostel room’s door, Siddharth didn’t answer. The door was locked from inside so he put his mobile phone camera through the window to check and saw Siddharth hanging from the ceiling.

“He ended his life between 1.30am and 7 am. In his three-page suicide note, Siddharth wrote that he couldn’t be a good son and brother. He thanked his parents and even mentioned his friends as well as lecturers. The deceased said that he was lucky to have good friends and teachers who taught him a lot,” Kanamia told TOI.

He also wrote about his dreams of buying a car and a motorbike, and how he wanted to live his life as a good person. Siddharth’s father is into fishing business.

Investigators said that he may have planned to commit suicide as he wrote a long note.

Resident doctors and interns are reeling under severe work pressure. Sources said they also complained of relentless work without break or leave.

On April 23, the death of 22-year-old physiotherapy student had sparked massive outrage among the students who had alleged that she was forced to work in the Covid-19 ward despite her comorbidities.

Siddharth Bhadrecha was a third-year student

‘Donate my organs’

In his suicide note, Siddharth Bhadrecha mentioned two wishes. He said that his body organs should be donated to the needy. “Siddharth’s second wish was that the police shouldn’t waste their time and investigate his suicide case,” said R C Kanamia, Gorwa police inspector.