Skip to content

Tamil Nadu News

Latest news from Tamil Nadu - Politics, Business, Sports, Entertainment and more

AIADMK candidates uneasy as Sasikala, Krishnasamy enter southern fray
Politics • 01 Apr 2026

AIADMK candidates uneasy as Sasikala, Krishnasamy enter southern fray

AIADMK candidates in Tamil Nadu’s southern districts are worried that separate electoral moves by Sasikala and Puthiya Tamilagam leader Krishnasamy could split key community votes and weaken the party’s prospects, according to a section of AIADMK organisational secretaries. They said southern district functionaries had urged party leader Edappadi K Palaniswami to bring Sasikala back into the party, but the request was not accepted. Angered by what they described as continued sidelining, Sasikala has now launched a new party, announced a candidate, and is preparing to face the election.

TamilURL Editorial Desk
Centre mandates blood banks to update stocks on e-RaktKosh
Health

Centre mandates blood banks to update stocks on e-RaktKosh

Chennai: The Union government has made it mandatory for all blood banks in the country to register and update details of blood units and blood components on the e-RaktKosh website. The decision follows a recent regulatory meeting convened by the Union Health Ministry to monitor and streamline the functioning of blood banks and storage centres nationwide. Citing the outcomes of the meeting, the ministry has issued a circular to all state governments, asking them to ensure transparency in blood bank operations and to take steps to obtain accurate, real-time information on available stocks.

Sonia Gandhi discharged after treatment for infection in Delhi
Politics

Sonia Gandhi discharged after treatment for infection in Delhi

New Delhi Congress senior leader Sonia Gandhi has been discharged from a private hospital in Delhi after recovering from an infection, according to hospital officials. She was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on March 24 after developing fever. The hospital said she received treatment for the infection for the past seven days. Hospital chairman Dr Ajay Swaroop said infections can spread through the body when bacteria and other germs enter the bloodstream. He added that medicines aimed at boosting immunity were administered during her treatment.

Durai Murugan remark to VCK leader sparks discontent in Katpadi
Politics

Durai Murugan remark to VCK leader sparks discontent in Katpadi

Minister Durai Murugan, contesting on the DMK ticket from Katpadi in Vellore district, has landed in a controversy following an incident during election campaigning. According to reports from Katpadi, when Durai Murugan was canvassing for votes on Monday, VCK Vellore City district secretary Philip boarded the campaign van. The minister allegedly told him not to get on the van and asked him to get down. The remark has triggered shock and resentment among VCK cadres. Party members said that in previous elections, DMK campaigners had removed the VCK flag while visiting certain localities and avoided mentioning their leader’s name in wall advertisements, and that the latest incident was seen as an insult to their party.

Modi inaugurates semiconductor chip plant in Gujarat, cites global role
Business

Modi inaugurates semiconductor chip plant in Gujarat, cites global role

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Gujarat, underscoring India’s push to become a dependable supplier of chips to the global market. The plant, set up by Kaynes Semicon, is located at Sanand near Ahmedabad. Addressing the gathering, Modi said the facility marks India’s entry into the global semiconductor supply chain. He recalled that the government launched a semiconductor vision plan in 2021 when the world faced a shortage of chips. Modi said the initiative was not merely an industrial policy, but a statement of the country’s resolve to build capabilities in the sector.

Stalin urges Thirumavalavan to rethink Assembly poll plan
Politics

Stalin urges Thirumavalavan to rethink Assembly poll plan

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, after filing his nomination papers, hosted a tea reception for alliance partners. During the interaction, he reportedly urged Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan to reconsider his plan to contest the upcoming Assembly election. Stalin is said to have argued that Thirumavalavan, currently a Lok Sabha MP from Chidambaram, entering the Assembly race could weaken the strength of the INDIA bloc in Parliament. In response, Thirumavalavan maintained that he must contest this time, citing feedback from within his party.

Illegal kidney donation racket busted in Kanpur; 5 doctors held
Crime

Illegal kidney donation racket busted in Kanpur; 5 doctors held

Police in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, have uncovered an illegal kidney donation racket operating through multiple private hospitals. Five doctors and one broker have been arrested in connection with unauthorised organ removal and transplant procedures. The case came to light after a kidney donor alleged that he was not paid the amount promised. According to the complaint, Ayush, an MBA graduate from a poor family originally from Bihar and currently living in Meerut for work, was approached by Shivam Agarwal with an offer of Rs 10 lakh to donate a kidney for a relative suffering kidney failure.

BJP manifesto for Kerala promises ₹3,000 monthly aid for women
Politics

BJP manifesto for Kerala promises ₹3,000 monthly aid for women

Thiruvananthapuram: With Kerala heading to Assembly elections, the BJP has released its manifesto aimed at attracting women voters, alongside a set of promises on health, jobs and infrastructure. Polling for all 140 constituencies is scheduled for April 9. The contest is expected to be triangular among the ruling Left Democratic Front led by the CPI(M), the Congress-led United Democratic Front, and the BJP. The manifesto, released in Thiruvananthapuram by BJP national president Nitin Nabin in the presence of state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and NDA allies, is framed under the goal of building an “advanced Kerala”.

Mamata alleges BJP bid to add out-of-state voters to Bengal rolls
Politics

Mamata alleges BJP bid to add out-of-state voters to Bengal rolls

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that the BJP is attempting to add people from Bihar, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to the state’s voter list to gain an advantage in the Assembly elections. West Bengal, governed by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), is voting for its 294 Assembly constituencies in two phases, with a fierce contest between the ruling TMC and the opposition BJP. Speaking at a TMC election campaign meeting in Chandrakona in West Midnapore district, Banerjee urged voters to back TMC candidates across constituencies, saying they should vote as if she were contesting everywhere. She claimed the BJP was taking “shortcuts” to secure victory.

Vijay to file nomination in Trichy East tomorrow
Politics

Vijay to file nomination in Trichy East tomorrow

Actor-politician Vijay, who has announced he will contest from both Chennai’s Perambur and Trichy East constituencies, is set to file his nomination in Trichy East on Wednesday. He had submitted his nomination papers in Perambur on March 30. According to the plan, Vijay will travel from Chennai to Trichy by a special flight on Wednesday morning. From the Trichy airport, he will proceed in a procession to the Ariyamangalam municipal zonal office to file his nomination.

Stalin alleges BJP aims to drain poor, says AIADMK 'bought out'
Politics

Stalin alleges BJP aims to drain poor, says AIADMK 'bought out'

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday launched his election campaign from Tiruvarur, a day after filing his nomination to contest from Chennai’s Kolathur constituency. Addressing a public meeting in support of DMK and alliance candidates, Stalin said the BJP was “planning to drain even the last rupee from the pockets of the poor”. He argued that the DMK government’s direct cash assistance to people was what the BJP could not tolerate.

Ramadoss, Sasikala announce rival candidates for Mayiladuthurai seat
Politics

Ramadoss, Sasikala announce rival candidates for Mayiladuthurai seat

PMK founder Dr. S. Ramadoss and All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam leader Sasikala had announced that they would contest the election as allies. However, with no seat-sharing agreement finalised between the two parties, Sasikala on March 29 released a list of candidates for 23 constituencies. In that list, she named Sudhakar as the party’s candidate for Mayiladuthurai. Subsequently, Ramadoss announced candidates for five constituencies the day before yesterday. In his list, he said Paakkam Sakthivel would contest from Mayiladuthurai.

Iran war disrupts trade; freight movement in Tamil Nadu slows
Business

Iran war disrupts trade; freight movement in Tamil Nadu slows

Freight movement in Tamil Nadu is gradually slowing as exports and imports face disruption amid the US–Israel–Iran conflict, according to officials. The report said Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz and is allowing cargo vessels to pass only after collecting crude-oil charges, while restricting ships linked to countries supporting the US and Israel. This has affected the flow of crude oil and other goods to India, and has also impacted food exports.

TN BJP asks cadres to promote Modi govt schemes on social media
Politics

TN BJP asks cadres to promote Modi govt schemes on social media

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu BJP leadership has instructed office-bearers of its seven wings and 25 professional cells to publicise Central government schemes implemented in the state through social media. According to party sources, the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has provided projects worth about Rs 11 lakh crore to Tamil Nadu over the past 11 years. They cited initiatives such as Mudra loans, drinking water connections for homes and the Prime Minister’s health insurance scheme among the programmes rolled out.

Israel passes law allowing death penalty for West Bank Palestinians
Politics

Israel passes law allowing death penalty for West Bank Palestinians

Israel and Palestine have been locked in a long-running conflict, with tensions continuing across the region. Amid this backdrop, Israel’s parliament has passed a new law that allows courts to impose the death penalty on West Bank Palestinians found guilty of carrying out terror attacks that result in deaths. The legislation also mandates that once a sentence is delivered, it must be carried out within 90 days. Reports said the bill was approved in a vote of 62 in favour and 47 against.

US gasoline prices top $4 a gallon as Iran war lifts fuel costs
General

US gasoline prices top $4 a gallon as Iran war lifts fuel costs

Average gasoline prices in the United States have climbed above $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022, as global fuel costs rise amid the Iran war. The national average price for regular gasoline is now $4.02 per gallon (3.78 litres), which is about ₹378 in Indian currency. This is more than $1 higher than levels seen before the conflict began. Diesel, widely used by freight and delivery trucks, has also jumped sharply. Before the war, diesel was around ₹353 per gallon; it has now risen to about ₹512 per gallon, raising concerns that prices could climb further if the war continues.

Annamalai to contest only with assurance, say BJP sources
Politics

Annamalai to contest only with assurance, say BJP sources

Puducherry campaign interrupted by urgent call Tamil Nadu BJP former president K Annamalai was campaigning in Puducherry on Monday morning for the party’s candidates when he received a phone call from Union Minister Piyush Goyal, according to party sources. Asked to rush to Chennai for core meeting Sources said Goyal asked Annamalai to immediately travel to Chennai for a consultation meeting with key party functionaries, offering to arrange a helicopter. Annamalai subsequently attended the core committee meeting held at the BJP’s Kamalalayam office in Chennai.

E20 petrol becomes mandatory nationwide from today
Business

E20 petrol becomes mandatory nationwide from today

New Delhi: The sale of E20 petrol—petrol blended with 20% ethanol—has been made mandatory across India from today. As per the Union government’s directive, all petrol pumps nationwide will begin supplying E20 fuel with effect from April 1. The move is aimed at reducing crude oil imports, cutting environmental pollution, and improving farmers’ income through higher ethanol demand. Alongside the rollout, vehicle prices are set to rise by 0.5% to 2% from today. Tata cars will see hikes of up to 0.5%, Tata commercial vehicles up to 1.5%, MG cars up to 2%, and luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi up to 2%.

TVK chief Vijay reportedly roams alone on a moped to avoid attention
Politics

TVK chief Vijay reportedly roams alone on a moped to avoid attention

TVK leader Vijay has drawn attention after his election affidavit listed an unexpected vehicle: a TVS XL moped. The disclosure came along with his nomination filing for the Perambur constituency on March 30. According to the asset details, Vijay has movable and immovable properties worth over Rs 600 crore and also owns high-end cars. However, the inclusion of a moped—stated to have been purchased last year for Rs 67,000—stood out and sparked curiosity.

Iran to levy tolls for ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz
Politics

Iran to levy tolls for ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz

Tehran Iran is tightening its control over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes, in the aftermath of the war launched by the United States and Israel. The strait is currently being blocked by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Last week, Iran said only vessels from five friendly countries—India, China, Russia, Iraq and Pakistan—would be allowed to pass through. Now, Iran’s parliament security committee has approved a plan to regulate ship traffic through the strait. Under the proposal, all cargo ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz would be charged a fee in Iranian rial.

Key events today: Stalin begins campaign; BJP to release first list
Politics

Key events today: Stalin begins campaign; BJP to release first list

Several political and sports developments are scheduled across Tamil Nadu and beyond on March 31. In the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, the BJP is contesting 27 constituencies as part of the NDA alliance. Union Minister Piyush Goyal is set to release the party’s candidate list in Chennai today. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will begin campaigning in support of alliance candidates, starting with a public outreach programme in Tiruvarur at 5 pm.

Dinamalar launches daily ‘Election Arena’ supplement ahead of TN polls
Politics

Dinamalar launches daily ‘Election Arena’ supplement ahead of TN polls

Tamil Nadu is heading into Assembly elections on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. As campaigning gathers pace, the political contest across constituencies is heating up. Dinamalar has begun publishing a daily eight-page special supplement titled ‘Election Arena’, alongside its newspaper, focusing on election-related developments. The March 31 edition highlights a range of constituency-level political updates, including a Christian candidate contesting in the Valparai reserved constituency and a direct face-off involving PMK and Thiruma.

Gold drops Rs 800 per sovereign in Chennai; silver down Rs 5,000/kg
Business

Gold drops Rs 800 per sovereign in Chennai; silver down Rs 5,000/kg

Chennai saw a sharp dip in bullion prices on March 31, with 22-carat jewellery gold falling by Rs 800 per sovereign to Rs 1,09,360. The per-gram rate eased by Rs 100 to Rs 13,670. Silver also moved lower on the day. The metal slipped by Rs 5 per gram to Rs 250, while the kilogram rate dropped by Rs 5,000 to Rs 2.50 lakh. Prices have been fluctuating over the past few days in Tamil Nadu. On March 28, jewellery gold was quoted at Rs 13,660 per gram and Rs 1,09,280 per sovereign, while silver was sold at Rs 250 per gram.

Kamal says May event will see him address Stalin as CM again
Politics

Kamal says May event will see him address Stalin as CM again

Actor Kamal has said a ceremony will be held in May, where he expects to once again address Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin as “Honourable Chief Minister.” Kamal made the remarks after attending a meeting of leaders from parties in the DMK-led alliance at Anna Arivalayam in Chennai, where Stalin hosted a tea reception and held discussions. A video of Kamal’s comments from the event has been widely shared online.

Vijay’s poll affidavit sparks debate over ‘Rs 200 crore salary’ claims
Politics

Vijay’s poll affidavit sparks debate over ‘Rs 200 crore salary’ claims

Actor and TVK leader Vijay filed his nomination papers from Perambur, one of the two constituencies he is contesting, as the Tamil Nadu Assembly election nomination process began. Details in his affidavit have since become a talking point on social media. In the affidavit, Vijay has declared movable and immovable assets valued at Rs 642.74 crore. The filing also mentions holdings including agricultural land and commercial buildings, and notes that he runs a real estate company.

Flying squad checks CM Stalin’s campaign vehicle near Thanjavur
Politics

Flying squad checks CM Stalin’s campaign vehicle near Thanjavur

Flying squad officials conducted a check on Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s campaign vehicle near Thanjavur on Tuesday, according to reports. The inspection took place at Saliyamangalam as the Chief Minister’s convoy was travelling from Thanjavur. Officials reportedly checked the vehicle for a few minutes, leading to a brief tense atmosphere in the locality. The development comes as the Tamil Nadu Assembly election campaign gains momentum. Stalin is scheduled to begin campaigning in support of alliance candidates at 5 pm in Tiruvarur.

Marxist leader Shanmugam comments on crowd visiting Vijay
Politics

Marxist leader Shanmugam comments on crowd visiting Vijay

CPI(M) state secretary Shanmugam on Tuesday commented on the crowd gathering to see actor Vijay, saying people are turning up because “the actor seen on screen has come onto the streets.” Speaking to reporters, Shanmugam also praised the DMK’s election manifesto, claiming it is framed with promises that are practical and fully implementable. He described the manifesto as a “super star” among election documents. He said the DMK has announced commitments that, in his view, others have not, and called it an improved manifesto compared to earlier ones. He specifically welcomed the announcement to provide new electric motors to farmers.

Nainar Nagendran explains shift to Sattur seat, backs NDA prospects
Politics

Nainar Nagendran explains shift to Sattur seat, backs NDA prospects

Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran on Monday said he will contest the upcoming election from the Sattur constituency, citing the AIADMK’s preference within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Speaking to reporters in Tirunelveli, he said he has a long-standing relationship with the people of Tirunelveli, even as his candidature shifts to Sattur this time. He said the NDA has been strengthened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS). Claiming there is strong public dissatisfaction against the ruling party, he asserted that the alliance would register a major victory in the election.

EPS faces multi-front test as AIADMK braces for high-stakes election
Politics

EPS faces multi-front test as AIADMK braces for high-stakes election

AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) is being projected by his supporters as a steady hand who has kept the party running even after the death of J. Jayalalithaa. While minor incidents and internal opposition have surfaced, they claim these have not posed a serious threat to the party so far. The article recalls that after Jayalalithaa’s demise, EPS became Chief Minister and later secured the party’s general secretary post, managing to keep the government from collapsing at a time when many did not expect it to last.

EC orders equal security for all candidates; seeks report on Vijay rally
Politics

EC orders equal security for all candidates; seeks report on Vijay rally

Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik has instructed the Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure equal security arrangements for candidates of all political parties during election campaigning. The direction comes amid developments in Chennai’s Kolathur, where police have registered a case against TVK leader Vijay under five sections for alleged violations of election rules during a campaign. Following the case, Vijay’s side submitted a complaint alleging that adequate security was not provided for the Kolathur campaign. Patnaik has sought an explanation from the Chennai District Election Officer on the matter.

Latest Updates