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Tamil Nadu News

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

West Bengal sees record 91.78% turnout in first phase of Assembly polls
Politics

West Bengal sees record 91.78% turnout in first phase of Assembly polls

Kolkata: West Bengal registered an unprecedented voter turnout of 91.78% in the first phase of the Assembly elections, according to Election Commission data. Despite reports of attacks and stone-pelting in some areas, polling was largely peaceful across most constituencies. Ahead of the elections, the state carried out a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls last year. Following the exercise, more than 90 lakh names—cited as including duplicate entries and deceased voters—were removed, bringing the electorate down by about 12% from 7.66 crore to 6.75 crore.

Iran Mocks Trump With AI Video Over Ceasefire Claim
Politics

Iran Mocks Trump With AI Video Over Ceasefire Claim

Tehran’s latest social media post has drawn attention as Iran shared an AI-generated video mocking former US President Donald Trump amid tensions between the two countries. In the cartoon-style clip, Trump is shown waiting at a negotiation table alongside Vice President J.D. Vance. With no one seated opposite, he posts on his social media account claiming that “excellent talks” are underway with Iran. After waiting for a long time without any Iranian representatives appearing, the video flashes the line “after 2000 years.” Trump then looks at the empty chairs and threatens that bombs will be dropped if Iran does not come for talks.

Election Commission salutes Tamil Nadu voters for record turnout
Politics

Election Commission salutes Tamil Nadu voters for record turnout

Chennai: Chief Election Commissioner Gyaneshkumar has praised voters in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal for turning out in unprecedented numbers, calling it a landmark moment for Indian democracy. In an interview on Wednesday, he said the Election Commission of India “bows” to every voter who took part in what he described as a “democratic festival” in the two states. He noted that, since India’s Independence, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have recorded their highest-ever voting levels, reflecting strong public participation in the electoral process.

Chennai police struggle as postal ballots fail to reach them
Politics

Chennai police struggle as postal ballots fail to reach them

Thousands of police personnel working under the Chennai Police Commissionerate have reportedly been unable to cast their postal votes, citing a lack of effective arrangements to ensure ballots reached them. Around 30,000 personnel serve across law and order, crime, and traffic wings in the city. A few weeks ago, then Commissioner Arun had said steps were being taken so that police staff would not miss voting through postal ballots, unlike during the previous election.

H.V. Hande, 99, casts vote; says he has voted since 1946
Politics

H.V. Hande, 99, casts vote; says he has voted since 1946

Former Tamil Nadu minister H.V. Hande cast his vote at a polling booth in Chennai’s Thousand Lights constituency on Wednesday. Hande, one of the state’s senior political figures, recently celebrated his 99th birthday. He served as a minister during the AIADMK government led by M.G.R. and is currently associated with the BJP. In his political career, Hande won as an MLA from the Park Town constituency in the 1967 and 1971 Assembly elections, contesting on the Swatantra Party ticket. In 1980, he narrowly lost to M. Karunanidhi in the Anna Nagar constituency.

Stalin lauds Tamil Nadu voters for record turnout, peaceful polling
Politics

Stalin lauds Tamil Nadu voters for record turnout, peaceful polling

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has praised the state’s voters for turning out in record numbers and fulfilling what he called their duty to safeguard democracy. In a social media post, Stalin said the “festival of democracy” saw an unprecedented level of voting, reflecting the public’s sense of responsibility. He added that the polling process concluded peacefully, without major untoward incidents. The Chief Minister noted that many people voted despite the scorching heat, with some travelling long distances to cast their ballots and returning the same night to their places of work.

Trump shares controversial post citing commentator’s remarks on Indians
Politics

Trump shares controversial post citing commentator’s remarks on Indians

US President Donald Trump has shared on social media a past statement by political commentator Michael Savage that included controversial and inflammatory remarks targeting Indians and Chinese. The repost comes as Trump, who began his second term last January, has tightened immigration policies. Several legal challenges have been filed against these measures, and the US Supreme Court is expected to deliver a ruling soon. Trump has repeatedly opposed birthright citizenship in the United States. He recently claimed that no country other than the US grants citizenship to a child solely because it is born on its soil to foreign parents, though the report notes that more than 30 countries follow such a practice.

QR cards for ‘gold coin’ tokens distributed in Coimbatore North
Politics

QR cards for ‘gold coin’ tokens distributed in Coimbatore North

Residents in Coimbatore North constituency have alleged that DMK workers distributed QR-code cards door-to-door, describing them as tokens to receive gold coins. According to locals from areas including Vellandipalayam, Kovilmedu, Saibaba Colony, K.K. Pudur, Sanganur, Kannappan Nagar, Rathinapuri, Nallampalayam, Ganapathy, Ganapathy Managar and Gandhimaanagar, the cards were handed out from around midnight to the following morning. People said party workers carried a voter list while visiting homes. Residents claimed they were told to accept the QR card, vote for the DMK, and later return the card to the workers. They said the promised item was a 2-gram gold coin, and that the card served as a token.

Selvapperunthakai to release income tax raid evidence at 11 am
Politics

Selvapperunthakai to release income tax raid evidence at 11 am

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Selvapperunthakai has said he will release evidence related to the income tax raid controversy on Thursday morning. He had earlier alleged that when Rahul Gandhi visited Tamil Nadu for election campaigning, steps were taken to politically sideline him by conducting an income tax search at his residence. The Income Tax Department denied the allegation and a complaint was also filed with the police. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Selvapperunthakai claimed that during Rahul Gandhi’s campaign in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts, sudden searches were carried out in places where he stayed, his office, and locations including the homes of alliance party members, under the name of “search.”

Arappor seeks poll cancellation in 3 TN seats over cash-for-votes claims
Politics

Arappor seeks poll cancellation in 3 TN seats over cash-for-votes claims

Tamil Nadu votes in the Assembly election today amid allegations that political parties distributed cash to voters in several parts of the state. Arappor Iyakkam has sent a complaint to the Election Commission regarding the alleged cash-for-votes activity. In a statement, coordinator Jayaram Venkatesan said money was distributed in large quantities across multiple locations and alleged that the Commission failed to prevent such violations. He specifically named Alangulam, Mylapore and Thirumangalam constituencies, claiming cash distribution took place there and that supporting evidence had been obtained. The group said it submitted video and audio recordings along with the complaint.

Tender, Challenge and Proxy Votes: 3 Key Voting Options Explained
Politics

Tender, Challenge and Proxy Votes: 3 Key Voting Options Explained

As many young voters head to polling booths for the first time, the Election Commission has provisions to handle unexpected issues and ensure eligible voters are not turned away. Most voters cast their vote through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), while government employees may use postal ballots. Beyond these, three important methods—tender vote, challenge vote and proxy vote—are available in specific situations. Tender vote: If you reach the booth and find that someone has already voted in your name, you need not panic. After verifying your identity documents with the presiding officer, you can be allowed to vote using a ballot paper. This vote is not recorded on the EVM, and it is considered during counting only if the final result is extremely close.

Will NOTA votes fall this time as voter rolls get cleaned up?
Politics

Will NOTA votes fall this time as voter rolls get cleaned up?

The Election Commission has repeatedly campaigned for “100% voting” in every election, though crossing even 70% turnout has often been a major challenge. This time, officials are expressing strong confidence that participation will improve. A key reason cited is the SIR exercise, through which duplicate entries, names of deceased persons and voters who have shifted addresses have been removed in large numbers. With the voter list now seen as clearer, turnout is expected to rise more naturally.

Your Time to Vote: Polling From 7 AM to 6 PM Today
Politics

Your Time to Vote: Polling From 7 AM to 6 PM Today

Voting to choose people’s representatives is not new to Tamil history. The article points to the Chola-era Kudavolai method, practiced from the 9th to the 16th century during the rule of the later Cholas. As evidence, it cites three inscriptions from the period of King Parantaka Chola I (907–955 CE)—two found at Uthiramerur near Kanchipuram and one at Pallipakkam village in Thanjavur district. It notes that Parantaka Chola I is credited with introducing early ideas of citizenship and a voting token in Indian history.

Voters returning home protest over lack of buses from Chennai, Coimbatore
General

Voters returning home protest over lack of buses from Chennai, Coimbatore

People working in major cities such as Chennai and Coimbatore have alleged that adequate bus services were not arranged for travel to their hometowns. With the Assembly election approaching, many residents of these cities have been heading back over the past two days to cast their votes in their native places. The rush peaked on Tuesday night, with large numbers attempting to leave for their hometowns. At the Kilambakkam bus terminus, heavy crowds were seen until around 4 am on Wednesday. As buses were insufficient, some passengers staged a protest.

Coimbatore voters clash at Singanallur bus stand over bus shortage
General

Coimbatore voters clash at Singanallur bus stand over bus shortage

Coimbatore saw a surge in outbound travel ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, as voters planned to return to their hometowns to cast their ballots. The state government has declared a public holiday to enable voting. From Tuesday evening, people living in Coimbatore and belonging to other districts began leaving by trains, government and private buses, and personal vehicles. The rush led to heavy crowds at railway stations and bus terminals.

Robot ‘TINA’ Welcomes Voters With Chocolates at Coimbatore Booth
General

Robot ‘TINA’ Welcomes Voters With Chocolates at Coimbatore Booth

Polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election is under way today across all 234 constituencies, with an estimated 5.73 crore voters eligible to cast their ballots. Voting began at 7 am, with voters turning up to perform their democratic duty. Several political leaders were also seen voting, including AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) and Naam Tamilar Katchi coordinator Seeman. Amid the election-day activity, an unusual welcome at a Coimbatore polling station caught public attention. At the Government Arts College polling booth, a robot named TINA greeted voters as they entered.

After voting, CM Stalin says: “Tamil Nadu will win”
Politics

After voting, CM Stalin says: “Tamil Nadu will win”

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin cast his vote on Tuesday in Chennai, arriving with his family to fulfil what he described as a democratic duty. Stalin voted at the SIET College polling booth along with his wife Durga and son Udhayanidhi. After voting, he briefly spoke to reporters. Urging public participation, the Chief Minister appealed to voters to ensure they do not miss exercising their democratic right. Summing up his message, Stalin said, “I will say it in one line: Tamil Nadu will win.”

Annamalai explains his white shirt-khaki pants after casting vote in Coimbatore
Politics

Annamalai explains his white shirt-khaki pants after casting vote in Coimbatore

BJP’s former Tamil Nadu state president K. Annamalai cast his vote in the Coimbatore (Goundampalayam) Assembly constituency on Wednesday and later spoke to reporters about the polling process. Responding to questions on why he arrived in a white shirt and khaki pants, Annamalai said he chose the attire deliberately and remarked that actor Vijay also dresses in a similar manner. He appealed to voters across Tamil Nadu to turn out in large numbers and vote according to their conscience, even if the afternoon heat is harsh. Citing voter data, he said the state has about 5.60 crore voters, including 1.30 crore voters under 29 and around 17 lakh first-time voters.

Tamil Nadu polls: Turnout hits 70% by 3 pm, up from 53.35% last time
Politics

Tamil Nadu polls: Turnout hits 70% by 3 pm, up from 53.35% last time

Voting for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election is underway, and turnout has risen sharply through the day. As of 3 pm, polling stood at 70%, compared with 53.35% at the same time in the 2021 election. Election officials said the poll is the first Assembly election after the SIR exercise. The process led to the removal of a large number of names from the electoral rolls, while about 14 lakh new voters have been added across the state.

Voter flags poll-day lapses: ID card delay, no mobile deposit at booth
Politics

Voter flags poll-day lapses: ID card delay, no mobile deposit at booth

A voter who recently shifted their electoral enrolment from Delhi to Tamil Nadu has alleged a series of lapses on polling day, saying the Election Commission’s instructions and the ground-level implementation by officials did not match. According to the account, the voter submitted Form 8 online to transfer the voter ID to their current constituency. The transfer was processed within about 15 days after follow-up calls with officials, but the physical voter ID card did not reach the voter despite assurances that new cards had been printed and dispatched.

ThaVeKa supporter held in Tirupattur for posting voting video
Crime

ThaVeKa supporter held in Tirupattur for posting voting video

Police in Tirupattur arrested a ThaVeKa supporter after he recorded a video of himself casting his vote and posted it on social media. Election rules prohibit voters from filming inside polling booths or revealing whom they voted for through videos shared online. The Election Commission has warned that recording inside a booth can attract imprisonment and fines. Based on these provisions, police took action against the supporter, identified as Sakthivel, for uploading the voting video.

TN polls: Some film stars vote without queues, sparking criticism
Politics

TN polls: Some film stars vote without queues, sparking criticism

Polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election is under way on April 23, with voters turning up early despite the summer heat. Many, including senior citizens, were seen waiting patiently in long queues to cast their ballots. Amid this, the report alleges that several film personalities voted without standing in line, walking straight into polling stations and later posing for photographs. Actor Ajith, who is usually seen queuing, reportedly voted around 7 am but did not stand in line this time. Actor and TVK leader Vijay also reportedly voted without queuing.

TN Assembly polls: 3 pm turnout in key ‘star’ constituencies
Politics

TN Assembly polls: 3 pm turnout in key ‘star’ constituencies

Voting in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election saw steady participation across several high-profile constituencies, with turnout figures reported as of 3 pm. Among the seats tracked, Edappadi recorded the highest turnout at 75.84%. Other constituencies with strong participation included Perambur (71.84%), Tiruvannamalai (71.06%), Tiruchirappalli West—Tiruverumbur (70.87%), Katpadi (70.83%) and Kolathur (70.24%). In Chennai, turnout by 3 pm stood at 67.68% in Chepauk–Thiruvallikeni, 67.49% in Harbour, 64.45% in Saidapet, 63.35% in Royapuram and 62.27% in Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar. Mylapore reported 60.60%.

TN Assembly polls: Namakkal tops turnout at 76.43% by 3 pm
Politics

TN Assembly polls: Namakkal tops turnout at 76.43% by 3 pm

Tamil Nadu’s Assembly election saw steady polling through the afternoon, with district-wise turnout figures released as of 3 pm. Namakkal led the state at 76.43%, followed closely by Karur (76.08%), Salem (75.79%), Erode (75.61%) and Tiruppur (75.38%). Other high-turnout districts included Dharmapuri (74.68%) and Dindigul (74.35%). In the Chennai district, turnout stood at 68.13% by 3 pm. Neighbouring districts reported Chengalpattu (69.46%), Kancheepuram (72.51%) and Tiruvallur (68.07%). Among the lower turnout figures reported at this time were Kanyakumari (61.95%), Tirunelveli (62.84%), Ramanathapuram (63.14%) and The Nilgiris (63.67%).

Modi urges Tamil Nadu voters to set a record turnout in Assembly polls
Politics

Modi urges Tamil Nadu voters to set a record turnout in Assembly polls

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the people of Tamil Nadu to participate enthusiastically in the ongoing Assembly election and fulfil their democratic duty. In a message posted in Tamil, Modi said he wanted every voter to come forward and take part in the “sacred” responsibility of voting. He made a special appeal to young voters and women to turn out in large numbers, saying their participation should help achieve a record level of polling in the state.

Bus shortage, traffic jams blamed for low turnout in south TN
Politics

Bus shortage, traffic jams blamed for low turnout in south TN

Many voters were eager to cast their ballots in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election and began travelling from Chennai and other major cities to southern districts from Tuesday evening. However, passengers reported that adequate bus services were not operated. Some waited until early morning and, with no buses arriving, staged road blockades. Police and officials who reached the spot held talks and later arranged alternative buses. As buses, cars, private vehicles and two-wheelers from multiple districts hit the roads, severe traffic congestion built up at several points. Commuters said it took hours just to exit Chennai, and similar bottlenecks were seen in key towns along the route.

West Bengal Phase 1 polls: 78.77% turnout recorded by 3 pm
Politics

West Bengal Phase 1 polls: 78.77% turnout recorded by 3 pm

Voting for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly election is underway on Wednesday, with a turnout of 78.77% recorded by 3 pm, according to updates from the state. West Bengal has 294 Assembly constituencies and is going to polls in two phases. In the first phase, voting is being held in 152 constituencies spread across 16 districts. The second phase is scheduled for April 29. Polling began at 7 am and will continue until 6 pm. Around 3.6 crore voters are eligible to vote in this phase, and security has been tightened with about 2.4 lakh personnel deployed, including additional arrangements at sensitive booths.

Voters stranded as buses fall short; calls to extend polling hours
Politics

Voters stranded as buses fall short; calls to extend polling hours

Thousands of voters who work or study in cities such as Chennai and Coimbatore were left stranded on Thursday as they tried to travel back to their hometowns to cast their votes. The shortage of buses, especially for southern and delta districts, was cited as a key reason for lower polling percentages in the south until 3 pm. With polling taking place on a working day, many began their journeys only from Wednesday night. Large crowds gathered at major terminals including Kilambakkam and Koyambedu in Chennai and Singanallur in Coimbatore, but available buses filled up quickly, leaving many waiting for hours.

Poll day in TN: Parties accused of cash-for-votes, VIP seats get Rs 2,500
Politics

Poll day in TN: Parties accused of cash-for-votes, VIP seats get Rs 2,500

Voting held today Tamil Nadu’s Assembly election polling is being held today, amid allegations of cash distribution to influence voters. Alleged payouts across constituencies According to sources cited in the report, candidates and functionaries of the DMK and AIADMK allegedly distributed Rs 1,000 per voter in many constituencies where the two parties are in direct contest. The distribution is said to have taken place from Sunday until the day before yesterday.

Over 9 lakh travel from Chennai in two days to vote in hometowns
General

Over 9 lakh travel from Chennai in two days to vote in hometowns

Chennai witnessed festival-like crowds at major transport hubs as voters headed to their native places ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election scheduled for Thursday. Large queues and rush were reported at Chennai Central, Egmore and Tambaram railway stations, as well as at the Kilambakkam and Koyambedu bus terminals. Passengers competed for space, especially in unreserved train coaches. To manage the surge, the state transport department arranged operations of 2,092 regular buses along with 5,574 special buses on April 21, 22 and 23. Transport corporation officials said additional services were planned up to Wednesday afternoon based on demand.

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