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Tamil Nadu News

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

DMK MP faces row over Rs 8,000 coupons handed to voters in Valapady

A controversy has erupted in Valapady, which falls under the Yercaud Assembly constituency, after allegations that a DMK Member of Parliament distributed Rs 8,000 coupons to voters during campaigning. According to the report, on Sunday night in the Valapady Town Panchayat area of Salem district, Kallakurichi DMK MP Malaiyarasan canvassed door-to-door seeking votes in support of DMK candidate Revathi for the Yercaud constituency. DMK Valapady town secretary Selvam was also present.

Martin’s son questions Udhayanidhi over alleged Rs 500 crore donation

Chennai: Jose Charles Martin, son of lottery businessman Martin and leader of the Lakshiya Jananayaka Katchi, has questioned Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin over an alleged Rs 500 crore donation received by the DMK in 2014. In an interview, Jose Charles Martin referred to Udhayanidhi’s campaign remark that if Leema Rose—his mother and the BJP alliance candidate in Lalgudi—wins, lottery ticket sales would resume in Tamil Nadu. He said the statement reflected a lack of understanding, noting that lottery ticket sales are currently banned in the state.

Minister Raja Kannappan faces protest during vote drive near Sayalkudi

Residents in several villages near Sayalkudi in Ramanathapuram district protested when Minister Raja Kannappan arrived to seek votes, surrounding his vehicle and raising questions over unmet local needs. The incident was reported from Ochchathevan Kottai, Koorankottai and Vellambal villages in the Mudhukulathur Assembly constituency, where Raja Kannappan is contesting again. Locals alleged he had rarely visited the constituency over the past five years and had not fulfilled earlier promises. During his campaign visit to Koorankottai and Vellambal, villagers argued that basic issues had not been addressed and opposed his vote collection, forcing him to leave the area without continuing the outreach.

No Vijay campaign stop in Coimbatore, waiting crowd disappointed

TVK leader Vijay is scheduled to hold an election campaign meeting at Perumanallur in Tiruppur district at around 4 pm on Tuesday. Ahead of this, there was public expectation that he would also address people at Karumathampatti near Coimbatore. However, city and district police in Coimbatore said they have not received any prior permission request from the party so far. With no application submitted, police indicated there is little chance of a campaign programme being held in Coimbatore.

Air travel chaos hits Asia; 1,400 flights delayed, 67 cancelled

Air travel across Asia faced major disruption, with more than 1,400 flights delayed and 67 services cancelled, leaving thousands of passengers stuck at airports for hours. The disruption has been linked to unprecedented pressure on airspace across Asia and Gulf countries in recent days. Busy hubs such as Delhi, Singapore, Dubai and Tokyo were reported to be operating below capacity as delays cascaded through schedules. Officials and industry sources cited multiple factors behind the chaos. Airspace restrictions linked to the war between Iran and the United States have forced many international flights to reroute, increasing journey times and fuel costs.

15 Indian oil tankers held up near Strait of Hormuz amid US blockade

Reports from Tehran say 15 Indian-flagged vessels carrying crude oil and cooking gas have been held up near the Strait of Hormuz, following a US Navy blockade in the area. The situation comes amid renewed tensions between the United States and Iran after recent ceasefire talks failed, leading to tighter controls around key maritime routes and Iranian port areas. Authorities said restrictions on merchant shipping through the strait have disrupted the movement of multiple cargo vessels. The affected Indian ships include tankers carrying crude oil, LPG and liquefied natural gas, along with container ships, a dredger and a chemical tanker.

Vanathi says Karur voters will ‘teach a lesson’ like Coimbatore South did

Coimbatore North BJP candidate and sitting MLA Vanathi Srinivasan, who is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Coimbatore due to ill health, has said voters will deliver a strong message in the election. In an interview, she said AIADMK-BJP alliance workers have continued door-to-door campaigning despite her being in hospital, which she described as encouraging. She added that voters have been telling her to focus on recovery and assuring her of their support.

SC seeks Centre, EC reply on biometric checks at polling booths

The Supreme Court has directed the Union government and the Election Commission of India to file their responses to a petition seeking biometric identification at polling stations to prevent electoral fraud. The plea, filed by BJP-affiliated lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, alleged that elections witness irregularities such as impersonation and double voting. It argued that the present system relies on voter ID cards and manual verification, which can be misused due to outdated photographs, spelling errors and the lack of real-time authentication.

Pope Leo hits back after Trump’s sharp criticism over Iran war remarks

Washington: A public war of words has erupted between Pope Leo and US President Donald Trump after the pontiff commented on the ongoing US–Israel war against Iran. Pope Leo had urged an end to the fighting and called for peace, while also condemning Trump’s reported remarks about “destroying Iran”. Trump responded with a strongly worded social media post criticising the Pope and accusing him of backing “radical leftists”, and said the pontiff should focus on being a religious leader rather than a politician.

TN to probe caste bias claims at University of Madras with retired judges

Tamil Nadu’s Higher Education Department has decided to conduct a detailed inquiry into complaints raised against the University of Madras, following recommendations from the National Commission for Scheduled Castes. The university has faced allegations that prescribed rules were not followed in several academic processes, including faculty promotions. Complaints have also alleged caste-based discrimination on campus. After the matter was taken to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, its chairperson Kishor Makwana visited the university campus on February 9 and held an inquiry. Among the issues examined were claims that SC/ST representatives were not included in a selection committee as required under UGC norms.

DMK coupons, free-gift forms seized by election flying squad in Coimbatore

Election flying squad officials in Coimbatore have seized coupons and forms allegedly meant for distribution in the Coimbatore South Assembly constituency. According to officials, the control room received inputs that coupons and forms for free items were being handed out in the MNG Street, MNK Street and Venkataraman Mandapam areas. A team led by flying squad officer Thyagarajan rushed to the spot to verify the complaint. During the check, the team seized 66 “household” coupons valued at Rs 8,000 from a person identified as Prabhakaran on MNG Street. Two forms related to free items were also recovered.

$Iran warns US with a ‘math formula’ over Hormuz shipping ban$

Iran warns US with a ‘math formula’ over Hormuz shipping ban

Tehran: Iran has issued an unusual warning to the United States using what it called a mathematical “formula”, after US President Donald Trump announced restrictions on ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. According to the report, the Iran–US talks ended without an agreement. Following this, Trump said ships of any country would be barred from using the Hormuz route, stating the move was aimed at preventing Iran from collecting fees from vessels passing through the strait.

Police clear Vijay’s Tiruppur roadshow after prolonged delay

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay is set to campaign and hold a roadshow in Tiruppur on Tuesday, after Tiruppur City Police granted permission following prolonged uncertainty. Vijay has been campaigning across districts in support of TVK candidates. As part of that outreach, the party planned a Tiruppur programme, but approval remained undecided until Monday evening. TVK administrators, led by the party’s executive committee coordinator Sengottaiyan, camped in Tiruppur and met election officials and police officers. Police raised several queries and issued permission with multiple restrictions.

DinamalAR short: “What people like most is Vittalan’s Abhang”

A short video posted under Dinamalar’s spiritual content section states that what people like most is “Vittalan’s Abhang.” The available source text does not include additional context such as the speaker, the occasion, or the specific Abhang being referenced. The clip appears in Dinamalar’s Shorts/Reels format, but the accompanying text provides only the headline line. As a result, further details about the message or background cannot be confirmed from the provided material.

‘Bhonsle’ in Tamil: 8 hit songs featured in Dinamalar short

Dinamalar has released a short video titled “Bhonsle in Tamil – 8 hit songs” on its Shorts/Reels platform. The clip curates eight well-known songs and presents them under the theme “Bhonsle in Tamil,” as indicated by the video’s title. The video is available on Dinamalar’s website in the Shorts section, where viewers can access short-form content. No additional details about the song list or the creators were provided in the available source text.

R.B. Udhayakumar: Don’t compare MGR’s politics with Vijay

R.B. Udhayakumar has said that M.G. Ramachandran’s (MGR) politics should not be compared with actor Vijay. He made the remarks in an “exclusive” short video published by Dinamalar. The clip presents his view as a clear caution against drawing parallels between MGR’s political journey and Vijay’s entry into politics. No further details or context were provided in the available source material.

Tension at Chennai University hostel over beef and pork demands

Tension has been reported at the University of Madras hostel in Taramani after a controversy over meat choices triggered protests and counter-demands among students. The hostel houses more than 400 students and serves non-vegetarian food three days a week. On Sundays, an additional non-veg item is typically provided based on students’ preferences. During a hostel general body meeting held last month, some students sought to include beef as the Sunday option, but the hostel administration did not act on the request. The issue then spilled into a hostel WhatsApp group, where objections were raised.

DMK campaign in Edappadi slows; election office remains deserted

DMK’s campaign in Salem district’s Edappadi constituency has reportedly slowed, with party workers showing limited enthusiasm and the alliance’s election office remaining largely deserted. Edappadi is a long-time AIADMK stronghold where party general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami is contesting for an eighth term. He has won the last three elections, and the DMK has not won the seat since 1971, prompting the party leadership to push for a victory this time.

Clash erupts at Tamil Nadu Congress women’s meeting in Chennai

A meeting of the Tamil Nadu Congress women’s wing at Sathyamurthy Bhavan in Chennai witnessed a clash on Sunday after the party announced a leadership arrangement following the resignation of Hasina Saiyad. According to the report, Hasina stepped down from the post of state women’s wing president after she was not given an opportunity to contest in the elections. Subsequently, Ramalakshmi was appointed as the in-charge president to oversee Assembly election-related work.

Weavers in Ranipet hoist black flags against DMK MLA’s campaign

Handloom weavers in Ranipet district staged a black-flag protest against the campaign visit of DMK MLA and candidate Eswarappan in the Arcot Assembly constituency. The protest took place at Pachaiamman Nagar in Valaiyapandal panchayat, where residents tied black flags outside their homes after learning that the MLA was expected to canvass for votes. Police reached the spot and removed the flags. This led to a heated argument between villagers and the police, along with DMK workers, creating tension in the area.

No need to speak of what doesn’t exist: Stalin replies to Sitharaman

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has responded to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over a dispute on the State’s incentive payment for paddy farmers. Stalin said he had referred to a letter sent by the Union ministry to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, which, according to him, clearly asked the State to reconsider the incentive amount paid over and above the minimum support price (MSP). At a campaign meeting in Thanjavur, Stalin had claimed that the Centre had sent a letter asking Tamil Nadu to stop the incentive for paddy. Sitharaman rejected the allegation, stating that announcing any bonus or incentive above MSP has always been within the State government’s authority and that no one had taken that power away.

Kumbakonam candidate uses hologram tech to mimic Vijay’s campaign pitch

Thanjavur district’s Kumbakonam constituency has seen an unusual campaign tactic, with a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) candidate using laser holography to create the impression that actor-politician Vijay is speaking in person. According to party functionaries, candidate Vinoth Ravi has deployed hologram technology so that Vijay appears to stand next to him and ask voters for support. From a distance, the visual reportedly resembles an in-person campaign appearance. The report notes that candidates across constituencies are adopting novel methods, while party leaders are also experimenting with new outreach strategies.

Annamalai urges EC to allow Vijay’s campaign, cites safety concerns

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai on Saturday said the Election Commission should grant permission for actor-politician Vijay to campaign, adding that there should be no second opinion on the matter. Speaking to reporters in Madurai, Annamalai also referred to a recent film leak issue, saying such incidents should not happen and that a proper inquiry must identify where the leak originated. He urged action against those responsible and appealed to the public to avoid watching leaked copies, asking them to watch films through legitimate channels.

PMK founder Ramadoss admitted to Chennai Apollo Hospital

PMK founder Dr. S. Ramadoss has been admitted to Apollo Hospital at Thousand Lights in Chennai, according to hospital sources. The incident occurred after he attended a campaign public meeting at Pallapatti in Salem West constituency in support of MLA Arul, who is contesting on behalf of the Ramadoss faction. After the event, Ramadoss left to participate in another public meeting at Muthunayakkanpatti near Omalur. While being assisted by two party workers, he reportedly became unsteady and suddenly fainted. An ambulance was arranged and he was taken to a private hospital at Kuranguchavadi, where doctors provided intensive treatment.

How Suresh Kalmadi got caught in the Commonwealth Games scam

Delhi’s Bengali Market—close to Prasar Bharati, Mandi House Metro and Parliament—served as a convenient hub where journalists and political observers frequently met, the writer recalls. From an office on Todarmal Road, discussions often turned into story leads that travelled quickly to the national media. The account revisits the 2010 Commonwealth Games hosted by India, when Congress leader Suresh Kalmadi headed the Indian Olympic Association. The writer alleges that multiple irregularities and corruption-related issues emerged around the conduct of the event, eventually drawing wide attention.

PMK feud deepens as Ramadoss attacks, Anbumani strikes a conciliatory tone

Tensions within the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) have intensified, with founder S. Ramadoss and his son Anbumani Ramadoss sending sharply different signals to the party cadre. While Ramadoss has publicly expressed anger and issued a series of warnings, Anbumani has continued to speak in a deferential and affectionate tone. According to the developments described, Ramadoss alleges that Anbumani submitted documents to the Election Commission without his knowledge and effectively took control of the party. After learning of it, Ramadoss reacted strongly—announcing steps such as removing Anbumani from the party, appointing a new functionary in his place, and stating that Anbumani should not use his name going forward.

Nirmala releases Centre’s letter amid paddy incentive row with TN CM

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has released a Central government letter amid the ongoing controversy over incentives for paddy, after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin publicly asked whether the Centre was ready to make the communication public. In her statement, Sitharaman said ensuring food security requires constructive, continuous and positive engagement from all stakeholders in agriculture. She alleged that the Chief Minister and his party were continuing what she described as a pattern of creating “false narratives”.

Seeman in Dindigul: “This isn’t a race; it’s a vote contest”

NTK (Naam Tamilar Katchi) coordinator Seeman, campaigning in Vedasandur in Dindigul district, responded to a remark he said a woman had made about him: that he speaks well but does not win. Seeman said elections are not a running race where someone can win by “running”. “This is a vote contest; only if people vote can one win,” he told supporters. In his speech, he alleged that those in power prefer people to remain silent and unquestioning. He questioned the usefulness of distributing household appliances as freebies, asking what people would use them for.

Vijay appeals IT penalty of Rs 1.5 crore in Madras High Court

Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has filed an appeal before a division bench of the Madras High Court, challenging a single judge’s order that upheld an Income Tax Department penalty of Rs 1.5 crore. The case traces back to the 2015 release of the film Puli. Following an Income Tax search at Vijay’s residence on September 30, 2015, the department said it found that he had received Rs 16 crore as salary by cheque and an additional Rs 15 crore in cash for acting in the film.

TVK chief Vijay slams ‘publicity model’ rule, seeks action in Pollachi case

TVK leader Vijay has criticised what he called a “publicity model” of governance, while condemning an incident reported from near Pollachi in Coimbatore district. In a statement, he referred to a video circulating on social media that alleges party stickers were pasted on a woman’s house wall without her permission. When another woman, carrying a child, objected, the persons involved allegedly assaulted her and others at the house and used abusive language.

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