作者： bharat.cn

The non-descript mausoleum at the corner of Rundall’s Road, opposite the police commissioner’s office in Chennai, does not compare as a daily draw for visitors like Rajghat does for Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi. But E.V. Ramasamy Naicker, whose remains are interred here and is eulogised as Thanthai Periyar (Respected Father), wields huge influence among Tamilians, dominating the socio-cultural-political sphere more than any other personality. The Tamil nationalist, self -respect movement started by him has touched people from all walks of life. Acolytes and supporters of the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK), which he founded, may not pay regular homage at his mausoleum ‘Periyar Thidal’ but they are ever ready to rise in defence of their iconoclast at the slightest provocation.

Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth knows the Tamil psyche well, but he may have bit off more than he can chew with his refusal to apologise for his Periyar comments. At the golden jubilee celebrations of Thuglak magazine in Chennai on January 14, Rajini referred to the magazine’s reportage of the Superstition Eradication Conference. He recalled the references by Periyar, the alleged outrageous depictions of Hindu deities at a tableau there, and Thuglak’s critical comments, which he claimed no other publication had reported. “The magazine reported that Rama and Sita were paraded naked and garlanded with slippers at Periyar’s rally in 1971 in Salem. I have not said something that did not happen. I have not imagined it. Lakshmanan (then Jan Sangh and now BJP leader) who took part in a dharna (against the rally in 1971) has corroborated it,” Rajini emphasised later, rejecting the demand for an apology.

While, states like Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are regulars at the economic summit, a Karnataka CM has set up a pavilion at the WEF after 17 years.

Talking about his new image, BS Yediyurappa said that he still identifies himself as the farmer’s son but now he knows that industries are equally important. “Farmers and irrigation are my first priority, but I know industries are important as well. I am very happy that we chose to come to WEF after so many years. It has surely helped the investors know our mind and eagerness to invite investments. We have shown them we are serious in our business.”

Yediyurappa told India Today TV that out of the 40 investor meets he attended, several companies have expressed interest in bringing their businesses to Karnataka. “We will make sure that all their concerned in a time-bound manner, we will listen to them and make sure all their hurdles are removed as soon as possible,” he said.

Speaking about the anti-CAA protests in Karnataka and the rest of India, Yediyurppa said that they were baseless and politically motivated. “I want to ask my Muslim friends to give me one example where Muslims are going to be affected [by CAA]. I posed this question a few days ago at a gathering of Haj leaders and they agreed with me that since Congress has no other issue they are creating an issue out of this. Students who are protesting will soon realise their mistake,” he said.

Thousand of security personnel have been deployed and CCTV cameras installed at strategic locations in the national capital to keep vigil ahead of the Republic Day celebrations.

Multi-layered security arrangements are in place. Sharpshooters and snipers will be deployed atop high-rise buildings to keep a watch on the 8km-long parade route from Rajpath to the Red Fort on January 26, officials said.

In view of widespread protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and National Register of Citizens (NRC), the officials have imposed restrictions on wearing black caps or scarves during Republic Day celebrations. However, the officials said that this has been the practise every year.

Police have been directed to stay utmost alert since Delhi polls are also around the corner. Anti-terror measures like tenant and servant verification, border checking, security of vital installations, malls and markets, patrolling in heavy footfall areas are being taken, they said.

“We have intensified patrolling in public places. Group patrolling, night patrolling and vehicle checking is being carried out with the help of Central Armed Police Forces. Frisking at metro stations, railway stations, airport and bus terminals have also been tightened,” a senior police official said.

At least 150 CCTV cameras have been installed in areas covering Red Fort, Chandni Chowk and Yamuna Khadar, the officer added.