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Tamil Nadu News

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

Delhi Police bust transnational arms racket; 21 foreign pistols seized

New Delhi: Delhi Police’s crime branch has busted a transnational arms smuggling network with links to Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh, arresting 10 key suspects. During the operation, officers recovered 21 high-end foreign-made weapons. The seizure includes PX-5.7 pistols said to be used by special forces, along with PX-3 pistols. Investigators say the weapons were smuggled into India from Pakistan via the India–Nepal border and then supplied to criminal gangs operating in Delhi and other states.

Stalin says AIADMK is ‘a lid that fits the BJP jar’

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has launched a sharp attack on the AIADMK, calling it “a lid that fits the BJP jar” and accusing it of staying silent on people’s issues while questioning what the state government is doing. In a statement, Stalin said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks invoking the Covid period have heightened public anxiety at a time when people are already struggling due to an LPG supply shortage. He claimed many restaurants have been forced to shut and workers are facing the risk of losing jobs.

EC allows carrying over ₹50,000 for medical needs with WhatsApp proof

Chennai: The Election Commission has said people can carry more than ₹50,000 in cash for medical expenses during the election period, provided they can show supporting proof through WhatsApp. With elections under way, surveillance teams have been deployed in every constituency, including flying squads, video surveillance units and static monitoring teams. Each team includes five officials, including police and revenue personnel. Officials said that if a vehicle is found carrying more than ₹50,000 in cash without proper documents or evidence, the amount is seized and deposited in the treasury. Large sums of cash and jewellery are being detected daily through these checks.

Bharat Petroleum denies rumours of petrol, diesel shortage

New Delhi: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) has rejected claims circulating about petrol and diesel shortages in certain parts of the country, calling them completely unfounded. In a statement, the company said there is no fuel shortage anywhere in India. It also noted that India is a country that exports petrol and diesel. BPCL said it has sufficient inventories of crude oil, petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel, and that supplies are continuing without disruption.

AIADMK allots 2 seats to Parivendhar’s IJK in alliance

AIADMK has allotted two seats to Parivendhar’s India Jananayaka Katchi (IJK) as part of its alliance seat-sharing arrangements. The AIADMK alliance has already finalised allocations for key partners, with 27 seats for the BJP, 18 for the PMK and 11 for the AMMK. Talks have been continuing for the remaining parties. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) said a decision on seat-sharing for other parties would be taken soon.

Stalin says attempts to split DMK alliance have failed

Chennai: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has said that those hoping to create a rift in the DMK-led secular progressive alliance have been left disappointed, and are now trying to spread criticism and rumours about seat-sharing. In a letter to party members, Stalin said seat-sharing talks are a normal part of alliance politics, where parties stake claims and the lead party considers and allocates seats in a democratic manner. He said the DMK-led alliance has followed this process.

DMK and Congress set for head-to-head fight in 5 Puducherry seats

Puducherry’s Assembly election has thrown up an unusual situation, with the DMK and Congress facing each other directly in five constituencies—Thirubhuvanai, Mangalam, Nellithope, Raj Bhavan and Kalapet. The election is being fought mainly between the NDA alliance comprising NR Congress, BJP and AIADMK, and the INDIA alliance comprising Congress, DMK, Left parties and VCK. Seat-sharing talks within the INDIA bloc continued until the last day for filing nominations, after which the parties announced a split of 16 seats for Congress and 14 for the DMK out of the 30 constituencies.

Heavy rain triggers landslides in Sikkim; 200 tourists stranded

Continuous heavy rainfall in Sikkim has triggered multiple landslides, disrupting normal life in parts of the state. The impact has been severe in North Sikkim, where road connectivity has been hit. Officials said a major landslide occurred at Munshithang on the Lachen–Chungthang road, a key route to popular tourist destinations. Traffic on the stretch has been completely halted. With rain continuing in the area, restoration work has become difficult. As a result, around 200 tourists were stranded in Chungthang, and rescue operations are currently in progress.

Rahul Gandhi cancels Kerala campaign visit as Sonia admitted to hospital

Rahul Gandhi has cancelled his scheduled campaign visit to Kerala after his mother, Sonia Gandhi, was admitted to a hospital in Delhi due to health concerns. The Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha was expected to campaign in Kozhikode and Malappuram as part of the Kerala Assembly election outreach. A large public meeting had been planned in Kozhikode at 4.30 pm. Congress workers in the state had made arrangements to receive him, but the programme was called off at the last minute. Party sources said the cancellation was linked to Sonia Gandhi’s hospitalisation.

Fuel crunch triggers curbs worldwide as Hormuz disruption hits supplies

New disruptions in global oil flows have triggered a fuel crunch across several countries, with governments raising petrol and diesel prices and rolling out emergency curbs to reduce consumption. The situation has been linked to the ongoing war involving the US and Israel against Iran, now nearing a month. Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil trade, disrupting shipping and tightening crude availability. The impact has spread beyond Asia to parts of Africa and Europe that depend heavily on Gulf supplies. The report said Pakistan has sharply increased fuel prices, while Sri Lanka has raised charges by 25%. Gas shortages have also been reported.

EPS announces seat-sharing in AIADMK alliance for Tamil Nadu polls

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) on Tuesday announced the seat-sharing arrangement among parties in the AIADMK-led alliance for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election, scheduled for April 23. Speaking to reporters at Royapettah in Chennai on March 25, EPS released the constituency-wise list of seats allotted to alliance partners. As per the announcement, the BJP has been allotted 27 constituencies, the PMK 18, and the AMMK 11. The Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) has been given five seats, while John Pandian’s IJK has been allotted two.

Kumbh Mela fame Monalisa alleges sexual harassment by film director

Kochi: Monalisa Bosle, who became widely known after the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela, has alleged that film director Sanoj Misra sexually harassed her during the making of her first movie. Speaking to reporters in Kochi, Monalisa said her debut film was The Diary of Manipur and claimed that the director approached her repeatedly with “wrong intentions” during the shoot. She alleged that incidents occurred on multiple occasions in places including Nepal and Dehradun, and said she resisted his advances.

Centre gives Congress 3-day deadline to vacate Akbar Road office

The Union government has issued a notice to the Congress party to vacate its old headquarters at 24, Akbar Road in New Delhi by March 28, sources said. The party has continued to occupy the premises even after inaugurating a new headquarters. The Akbar Road bungalow has served as the Congress’ main office since 1978. The report notes that the premises were made available after the party split in 1977, when MP Venkatasamy offered the bungalow allotted to him for the party’s use.

AIADMK to contest 13 of Chennai’s 16 seats; 3 allotted to allies

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday announced the constituency allocation for National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners in Chennai. The announcement follows a seat-sharing understanding reached with alliance parties. In the 16 Assembly constituencies within Chennai district, the AIADMK will contest 13 seats directly. The remaining three seats have been allotted to alliance partners. According to the list released, the AIADMK will contest: R K Nagar, Kolathur, Villivakkam, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar (SC), Egmore (SC), Royapuram, Harbour, Chepauk–Thiruvallikeni, Thousand Lights, Anna Nagar, Virugambakkam, Thyagaraya Nagar and Velachery.

Thirumavalavan urges CM: Don’t force allies to use lead party symbol

VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan has said it is not appropriate to ask alliance parties that prefer to contest on their own election symbols to instead contest on the symbol of the party leading the alliance. In a letter addressed as an appeal to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, he argued that such a demand would curb the independent political functioning of partner parties. Referring to the recent seat-sharing talks, Thirumavalavan said the friction over allocating seats to Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) has pushed the party towards a situation where it may decide not to contest the election. While he described MNM’s stated intent to still work for the victory of the secular alliance as a civilised approach, he expressed concern that MNM staying out of the contest could affect the alliance’s public standing.

Kamal opts out of polls: sacrifice or strategy amid DMK talks?

Kamal Haasan’s decision to keep Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) out of the upcoming election has triggered sharp political debate, coming after multiple rounds of discussions with the DMK-led side. According to the report, the DMK had pressed MNM to contest under the DMK’s “Rising Sun” symbol, with the understanding that Kamal would be accommodated with a Rajya Sabha seat. Kamal, sensing the pressure, chose to step away from the electoral contest altogether.

Dinamalar launches daily 8-page ‘Election Field’ supplement

With the Tamil Nadu Assembly election scheduled for April 23 and counting set for May 4, the campaign atmosphere is beginning to heat up. Dinamalar has announced that it is publishing a daily election-focused supplement titled ‘Election Field’, running to eight pages alongside its newspaper. The publication said the supplement will carry election-related updates and political developments as the contest intensifies. Readers have also been invited to share their views by posting comments on the report.

Anbumani announces PMK candidates for three constituencies

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Tuesday announced the party’s first list of candidates for the upcoming election, covering three constituencies. The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has been allotted 18 constituencies as part of the AIADMK-led alliance. Anbumani said the remaining candidates for the other seats would be announced soon. According to the list released, Vadivel Ravanan will contest from Keezhvelur, K.N. Sekar from Ambattur, and Ganeshkumar from Gingee. The party has indicated that further announcements will follow as it finalises nominees for the rest of the constituencies allotted under the seat-sharing arrangement.

AIADMK claims early win as Palaniswami counters alliance criticism

Alliance doubts after Shah’s Chennai visit When Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Chennai on April 11 last year and announced the AIADMK–BJP alliance, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) remained silent at the joint media interaction. His body language and the subsequent debate over whether the front should be called the NDA or an AIADMK-led alliance fuelled criticism that the BJP was calling the shots. Questions over coordination and leadership With few joint protests or public meetings, talk of a lack of coordination between the two parties—and even among cadres—gained ground. Palaniswami’s multiple trips to Delhi to meet Shah over the past year were used by DMK leaders to taunt him, while sections of AIADMK workers expressed unease, reinforcing the perception that EPS was operating under BJP pressure.

Modi, Trump discuss Strait of Hormuz amid West Asia conflict

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the evolving conflict situation in West Asia, according to information shared by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor. The two leaders reviewed the broader impact of the ongoing Israel-Iran war, which has entered its fourth week and has severely affected global crude oil exports. They also discussed maritime security and the stability of global fuel supplies.

Centre reportedly puts women’s quota law amendment on hold

New Delhi: The Union government has reportedly decided to keep on hold its plan to bring amendments to the women’s reservation law, sources said. The “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam”, passed in 2023, provides 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies. However, the law is set to take effect only after the completion of the population census and the delimitation exercise. With the census expected to be completed only in 2027, questions have been raised over whether the reservation can be implemented in time for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. To expedite the process, the Centre was said to be considering implementation based on the 2011 census.

Centre calls all-party meet in Delhi on West Asia crisis, oil supply impact

The Union government has convened an all-party meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday evening to discuss the escalating tensions in West Asia and their potential impact on India. According to the report, the conflict has intensified after the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran from February 28, with Iran responding in retaliation. The situation has raised concerns over regional stability and wider economic fallout. Iran, angered by the attacks, has closed the Strait of Hormuz—through which around 20% of the world’s crude oil transport is said to pass—triggering fears of shortages of crude oil and gas globally, including in India. Opposition parties had been pressing for an all-party discussion on the issue.

TN Police struggle to track top rowdies despite 24 encounters in 5 years

Chennai police have shot dead 24 rowdies in encounters over the last five years, yet are still unable to trace or get close to high-profile offenders such as CD Mani and “Sambavam” Senthil, according to a report citing senior police officials. The officials said that between 1998 and 2026, a total of 108 people—including rowdies and chain-snatching robbers—were killed in encounters. In the most recent five-year period, those killed included Kaaka Thoppu Balaji, Seizing Raja, Trichy Jagan, Durai in Pudukkottai and Neeravi Murugan in Tirunelveli.

Shortage of ₹500 notes reported at ATMs as election nears

As the Assembly election approaches, major parties are said to have intensified booth-level voter tracking, with individuals reportedly assigned to monitor groups of voters in each constituency. According to the report, candidates are allegedly planning cash distribution to voters, with amounts said to go up to ₹2,000 per vote. It claims large quantities of ₹500 notes have been stockpiled for this purpose, reducing their availability in day-to-day circulation. In cities including Madurai, some bank ATMs have reportedly not been loaded with ₹500 notes for the past two days. Customers are said to be receiving only ₹200 and ₹100 notes, limiting the amount they can withdraw in higher denominations.

20,000 Subsidised Homes Idle in TN; Applicants Await Allocation

Chennai: Tamil Nadu’s Urban Habitat Development Board has been implementing housing schemes to provide homes to economically weaker sections at subsidised rates, with projects under way across multiple districts. The board primarily allots these units to people relocated from objectionable areas and to residents living in dilapidated tenements, among other eligible groups. Officials had also decided to sell surplus units—after regular allotments—to low-income and middle-income families at concessional prices. Following the announcement, more than 10,000 people submitted applications through an online process, while the board is said to have an inventory of up to 20,000 houses and plots.

Supreme Court orders equal treatment for women officers in armed forces

The Supreme Court has ruled that women officers in the armed forces must not face discrimination in assessments and career progression, and said eligible women should receive permanent commission and pension benefits. Under the Short Service Commission (SSC), officers are appointed for 10 years, extendable up to 14 years. If they are not granted a Permanent Commission (PC) thereafter, they must exit service and do not receive pension benefits. Officers appointed under PC can serve until retirement and are entitled to promotions and pension.

Telangana Formula-E case: Ex-CM KCR’s son named in chargesheet

The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a chargesheet in a case related to the proposed Formula-E car race in Hyderabad, alleging misuse of government funds during the previous BRS regime. Telangana is currently governed by the Congress under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. The Formula-E event was planned in 2024 when the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) was in power. According to the allegations, Rs 55 crore was transferred abroad from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) without obtaining approval from the Reserve Bank of India. Following the controversy, the race was cancelled.

Allegation: Land donated for college sold to private buyers for Rs 14 crore

A Catholic minority welfare association has alleged that land donated for setting up an engineering college near Tiruvallur was later sold to private individuals for up to Rs 14 crore. According to the association, a family of priests Juliet and Albert from Tiruvallur district donated 8 acres and 51 cents of land near Pannur to the Don Bosco Salesians on July 24, 2013. The land was said to be worth around Rs 10 crore at the time.

If CM blocks ED raid, where can agency seek remedy, asks Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Monday held a sharp hearing on a case linked to an Enforcement Directorate (ED) search at the Kolkata office of election strategy firm I-PAC, associated with the Trinamool Congress. The ED has alleged that during the January 8 search at the I-PAC office and at the residence of its head Prateek Jain, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at the spot and obstructed the operation. The agency also claimed that certain files and digital devices were taken away.

Panneerselvam targets Palaniswami at DMK workers meet in Theni

Former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Edappadi K Palaniswami, calling him a symbol of “betrayal and defeat” and urging that he be removed from politics. He was speaking at a DMK workers’ meeting held at A Pudhupatti near Periyakulam in Theni district. Panneerselvam predicted a record victory for the DMK-led alliance in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election, and claimed that the Palaniswami camp would lose its deposit.

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