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Tamil Nadu News

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

Pakistan’s Iran mediation summit ends early amid lack of clear plan
Politics

Pakistan’s Iran mediation summit ends early amid lack of clear plan

Islamabad hosted a planned two-day summit aimed at easing war tensions involving Iran, but the meeting concluded unexpectedly after just one day. Reports attributed the abrupt end to Pakistan’s attempt to mediate without presenting a firm plan or clear outcomes. The backdrop is an escalating conflict in West Asia, with the United States and Israel carrying out strikes on Iran. Iran, in turn, has launched retaliatory attacks targeting Israel and US military bases in the region.

Vijay cancels Villivakkam leg of first-day campaign citing security lapses
Politics

Vijay cancels Villivakkam leg of first-day campaign citing security lapses

TVK leader Vijay filed his nomination on Monday for the Chennai Perambur constituency, where he is contesting the election. According to the schedule, permission had been obtained for him to campaign in Perambur from 2 pm to 4 pm, and then continue in Kolathur and Villivakkam till 7 pm. However, Vijay began campaigning earlier than planned in Perambur at around 1.30 pm. A campaign event was also held in Kolathur at about 4.30 pm, where the crowd turnout was higher than expected, affecting the planned address.

Toll fees to rise at 60 plazas in Tamil Nadu from midnight
General

Toll fees to rise at 60 plazas in Tamil Nadu from midnight

Chennai: Toll charges at 60 toll plazas across Tamil Nadu will be revised upward from midnight today. Tamil Nadu has toll plazas at 77 locations. The Union government has permitted the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to implement annual toll revisions at these plazas. As per the latest revision, the hike will apply only to 60 toll plazas in the state. The increase is expected to range from a minimum of Rs 10 to a maximum of Rs 25.

BJP to release Tamil Nadu Assembly candidate list in Chennai today
Politics

BJP to release Tamil Nadu Assembly candidate list in Chennai today

Chennai: Union Minister Piyush Goyal is set to release the BJP’s candidate list for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election in Chennai on Monday. The BJP, as part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), is contesting 27 constituencies. For candidate selection, the party had prepared a shortlist of three names for each constituency and forwarded it to the national leadership. Based on this process, candidates have been finalised. Goyal, who is also the BJP’s election in-charge for Tamil Nadu, is arriving in Chennai today and will chair a meeting of the central election committee.

Ailing Durai Murugan begins campaign in Katpadi
Politics

Ailing Durai Murugan begins campaign in Katpadi

Minister Durai Murugan, who is also the DMK general secretary, began his election campaign in Katpadi constituency even as he continues to face age-related health problems. Durai Murugan has contested 12 elections in total—10 times from Katpadi and twice from Ranipet—winning 10 of them. In the current election, he is again contesting from Katpadi. He arrived in Katpadi by train from Chennai and set off on an open vehicle procession to launch his campaign on Sunday. His son, DMK MP Kathir Anand, accompanied him.

Two MPs set to contest Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, eye state politics
Politics

Two MPs set to contest Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, eye state politics

Chennai: Two sitting MPs who have been active in national politics are set to enter the fray in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election scheduled in a single phase on April 23. The MPs are AIADMK leader and former minister C.V. Shanmugam, and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol. Thirumavalavan. Political parties have already announced candidates and begun campaigning, with the DMK releasing its election manifesto on Sunday after the AIADMK had done so earlier.

Adulterated sand sold as ‘Andhra sand’ spreads across Tamil Nadu
Environment

Adulterated sand sold as ‘Andhra sand’ spreads across Tamil Nadu

Complaints have surfaced that adulterated sand is being widely sold in Tamil Nadu under the label of “Andhra sand”, with authorities struggling to curb the practice. After 12 river sand quarries operating in the state were shut in 2023, the Water Resources Department obtained environmental clearance to open river sand quarries at 30 new locations. However, confusion over appointing contractors has stalled the process midway. The report says differences emerged between Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan and officials over granting permissions again to certain individuals, affecting contractor appointments. In the meantime, some licence holders who claim to be extracting gravel soil are allegedly mining river sand illegally in a few districts and selling it.

Pension applications rejected after deadline, applicants left in the dark
General

Pension applications rejected after deadline, applicants left in the dark

Chennai: Complaints have emerged that revenue department officials are rejecting applications for pensions and other social security schemes without completing them within the stipulated time. To simplify services such as patta name transfer, the government enabled online submissions through www.tnesevai.tn.gov.in, either directly by applicants or via e-Sevai centres. Officials were instructed to take a decision on such applications within 30 days. However, residents allege that many officials remain inactive until the deadline and then reject applications at the last moment, stating that required details are missing. This, they say, forces people to apply repeatedly.

AIADMK releases final 17 candidates; ex-councillor to face Stalin
Politics

AIADMK releases final 17 candidates; ex-councillor to face Stalin

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Sunday announced the party’s final list of 17 candidates for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election. In the NDA alliance seat-sharing arrangement, AIADMK has been allotted 167 of the state’s 234 constituencies. The party had already released candidates for 150 seats in two phases, and the latest announcement completes the remaining 17. In Chennai’s Kolathur, AIADMK has fielded Santhanakrishnan, deputy secretary of the Jayalalithaa Peravai and a former councillor, to take on Chief Minister M K Stalin.

Iran signals conditional talks with US; ceasefire eyed by April 7
Politics

Iran signals conditional talks with US; ceasefire eyed by April 7

Iran has conveyed to the United States, through the Pakistani government, that it is prepared to enter conditional talks aimed at ending the ongoing war in West Asia, according to Pakistani diplomatic officials. The conflict began on February 28, when the US, alongside Israel, launched military action against Iran. US President Donald Trump has since proposed a peace plan to halt the fighting. Pakistan is said to be mediating the process. Officials said Iran’s conditions include an immediate halt to attacks and firm assurances that the US and Israel will not carry out future strikes.

Lok Sabha to debate steps to eradicate Naxalism as deadline nears
Politics

Lok Sabha to debate steps to eradicate Naxalism as deadline nears

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha is set to take up a short-duration discussion today on measures to curb Naxal activity, as the Union government’s deadline to eradicate the movement by March 31 is set to end. The Centre has intensified anti-Naxal operations in states where the influence has been strong, including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Officials say sustained action by security forces has led to the killing of several Naxal leaders, contributing to a setback for the movement.

Unlicensed church near Vellore Vinayagar temple shut after protest
General

Unlicensed church near Vellore Vinayagar temple shut after protest

A church that was allegedly opened without permission near the Selva Vinayagar temple in Senbakkam, Vellore, was shut following objections from local residents. The temple, located on the Mada Street, is a well-known place of worship in the area. According to the report, construction of the church had been taking place without official approval, and a complaint had earlier been submitted to the police by Hindu Munnani members. On Sunday morning, a prayer meeting was held at the site without permission, triggering protests from the public. Residents surrounded the premises, leading to an argument between the church management and the protesters.

Fuel crunch after Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz; nations roll out curbs
General

Fuel crunch after Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz; nations roll out curbs

Tehran: Escalating war tensions in West Asia have triggered a fresh energy shock after Iran shut the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting fuel flows and affecting countries worldwide, including India. Governments are responding with a mix of price measures, tax changes and consumption curbs. In India, the Centre cut excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre to ease the burden on oil companies. To ensure uninterrupted domestic availability, export duty has been imposed on diesel and aviation turbine fuel. Authorities said there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG cylinders, while also urging urban consumers to shift to piped natural gas (PNG) as an alternative.

US draws up ground-war plan against Iran, officials tell paper
Politics

US draws up ground-war plan against Iran, officials tell paper

US military officials have prepared plans for potential ground operations against Iran, after conducting air strikes so far, according to comments given to The Washington Post. The officials said the proposed actions would focus on Iran’s Kharg Island and coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz. The plan reportedly involves using both special forces and regular troops. They added that seizing key locations, including Kharg Island, is being considered to locate and destroy weapons viewed as a threat to shipping routes.

TVK announces candidates on Palm Sunday; Vijay names Perambur, Trichy East
Politics

TVK announces candidates on Palm Sunday; Vijay names Perambur, Trichy East

Chennai: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay released the party’s list of candidates for the upcoming Assembly election on Palm Sunday, a day observed as holy by Christians. Vijay, who is a Christian and whose full name is Joseph Vijay, has in recent times been using his full name at key public events. The report notes that earlier he largely used the name “Vijay”, which had drawn criticism from the BJP and some Hindu organisations when his full name was highlighted.

Modi urges unity amid West Asia war, warns against fuel rumours
Politics

Modi urges unity amid West Asia war, warns against fuel rumours

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called on citizens to remain united to face the challenges arising from the ongoing war situation in West Asia. Speaking in his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, he also urged people not to believe rumours, particularly those linked to fuel. Modi noted that the conflict has continued for about a month in the region, where many Indians live and work. He said West Asian countries have been extending necessary support to Indians affected by the situation, and expressed gratitude for the assistance.

Pakistan hosts 2-day talks with 3 Arab states, Turkey to ease West Asia tensions
Politics

Pakistan hosts 2-day talks with 3 Arab states, Turkey to ease West Asia tensions

Pakistan has convened a two-day summit in Islamabad to discuss the tensions in West Asia and explore ways to reduce ongoing conflicts and promote peace. Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey have arrived in Pakistan to take part in the discussions. The meeting began in the capital on Sunday. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reached Pakistan a day earlier, while Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived on Sunday.

Nepal to give government jobs to families of students killed in protests
Politics

Nepal to give government jobs to families of students killed in protests

Nepal has announced that one member from each family of 27 students who died during last year’s youth-led protests will be provided a government job. The government has also decided to grant additional relief compensation to the affected families. The protests, which took place in September last year, turned violent. In the unrest, 76 people were killed, including 27 students. A general election was held in Nepal on March 5. The National Freedom Party, linked to the student organisation that played a key role in the protests, won the highest number of seats.

CM Stalin to launch DMK alliance campaign in Thiruvarur on March 31
Politics

CM Stalin to launch DMK alliance campaign in Thiruvarur on March 31

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will begin his election campaign on March 31 in Thiruvarur, the DMK said in a statement. The campaign launch meeting is scheduled at 5 pm on South Ratha Veedhi in Thiruvarur. Stalin is expected to seek votes for the alliance candidates contesting from Thiruthuraipoondi, Thiruvarur, Nannilam and Mannargudi constituencies. On April 1, he will address a meeting at 9 am at the Trichy Uzhavar Sandhai in support of candidates from Trichy West, Trichy East, Thiruverumbur, Lalgudi, Mannachanallur, Srirangam, Manapparai, Musiri and Thuraiyur. Later the same day at 5 pm, he will take part in a public meeting in Karur to campaign for candidates from Aravakurichi, Karur, Krishnarayapuram and Kulithalai.

EPS says Udhayanidhi becoming CM is “impossible”, targets DMK in campaign
Politics

EPS says Udhayanidhi becoming CM is “impossible”, targets DMK in campaign

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the DMK during election campaigning in Kanyakumari district, saying Chief Minister M K Stalin was working to place Udhayanidhi Stalin in the chief minister’s chair, but that it would “never happen”. Campaigning at Aralvaimozhi in support of AIADMK candidate Thalavai Sundaram for the Kanyakumari constituency, Palaniswami said the previous AIADMK government prioritised agriculture and cited compensation of Rs 20 lakh to families of fishermen who died during cyclone-related incidents. He also claimed cyclone damage was addressed swiftly and uninterrupted power supply was ensured.

SC: Converts to non-Dharmic faiths lose Scheduled Caste status
Politics

SC: Converts to non-Dharmic faiths lose Scheduled Caste status

The Supreme Court has ruled that people who convert from Hinduism to religions other than Sikhism or Buddhism cannot claim Scheduled Caste (SC) status, and that the status is lost immediately upon such conversion. The case stemmed from a complaint by Chinthada Anand of Andhra Pradesh, who converted to Christianity and works as a pastor. He sought action against a person named Ramireddy under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, alleging caste-based harassment.

Vijay slams DMK alliance as a patched-up ‘broken glass’ coalition
Politics

Vijay slams DMK alliance as a patched-up ‘broken glass’ coalition

Chennai: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the DMK-led alliance, calling it a coalition held together like “broken glass” that has been glued back. Speaking after announcing TVK’s Assembly election candidates, Vijay said an MLA should be a protector of the constituency and not someone involved in wrongdoing. He alleged that several candidates announced by the DMK face cases related to theft, robbery and drug trafficking.

Controversy as 6 of DMDK’s 10 candidates are from Naidu community
Politics

Controversy as 6 of DMDK’s 10 candidates are from Naidu community

Chennai: A controversy has emerged over the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) candidate list for the upcoming Assembly election, with reports saying six of the party’s 10 nominees belong to the Naidu community. The report contrasts this with the approach of party founder Vijayakanth, who, though from the Naidu community, did not publicly foreground his caste identity and projected himself primarily as a Tamil leader. It notes that he worked with people across communities, including Muslims and Christians, and avoided acting in films in languages other than Tamil.

Reader alleges bribes at every step for power connection in Krishnagiri
General

Reader alleges bribes at every step for power connection in Krishnagiri

A reader from Krishnagiri has alleged that bribery was demanded at multiple stages while buying land, building a house and securing basic approvals. The complaint was shared in a reader-feedback column aimed at exposing corruption, with the writer requesting anonymity. According to the reader, money was sought for tasks such as patta transfer and panchayat permission. The reader also claims that even obtaining a required sketch related to the electricity process involved a payment.

DMK manifesto promises ₹2,000 women’s aid, free pumpsets for farmers
Politics

DMK manifesto promises ₹2,000 women’s aid, free pumpsets for farmers

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on March 29 released the DMK’s election manifesto in Chennai, a day after announcing the party’s candidate list. He said the document reflects both the government’s track record and public feedback gathered across the state. Among the key promises, the monthly women’s entitlement amount—currently provided to 1.31 crore beneficiaries—will be increased to ₹2,000. The manifesto also proposes an “illatharasi coupon” worth ₹8,000. For agriculture, the DMK pledged to provide free modern electric pumpsets—without installing meters—to more than 20 lakh farmers who receive free electricity. It also promised higher procurement prices: paddy at ₹3,500 per quintal and sugarcane at ₹4,500 per tonne.

Siddaramaiah faces row over ₹10 crore aid to Kerala’s Wayanad
Politics

Siddaramaiah faces row over ₹10 crore aid to Kerala’s Wayanad

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has landed in a fresh controversy after the state government earmarked ₹10 crore for Kerala’s Wayanad region. The allocation is meant to support rehabilitation of families affected by a landslide in 2024. Siddaramaiah has argued that helping a neighbouring state is a duty, and this is the second such assistance—after a similar ₹10 crore support announced in August last year. The move has drawn sharp questions from the BJP and other parties, who point to Siddaramaiah’s own remarks about Karnataka’s weak finances. They cited pending payments to contractors, lack of funds for road repairs, medicine shortages in government hospitals and difficulties in paying sanitation workers.

Senthil Balaji to contest again from Coimbatore South; DMK in 7 seats
Politics

Senthil Balaji to contest again from Coimbatore South; DMK in 7 seats

DMK is set to contest seven of the 10 Assembly constituencies in Coimbatore district, according to the seat-sharing details reported. Alliance partner KMDK has been allotted Pollachi, with its candidate contesting on the DMK’s ‘Rising Sun’ symbol. Coimbatore South has gained added attention as DMK’s western zone in-charge Senthil Balaji is expected to contest there again. The report said the party leadership asked him to enter the Coimbatore fray to counter AIADMK leader and former minister S.P. Velumani and the campaign of former BJP state president K. Annamalai.

DMK drops 4 Trichy MLAs; supporters blame Minister Nehru
Politics

DMK drops 4 Trichy MLAs; supporters blame Minister Nehru

TIRUCHIRAPPALLI: Four sitting DMK MLAs from Tiruchirappalli district have been denied renomination in the party’s latest candidate list, triggering fresh political chatter within the district unit. In the 2021 Assembly election, the DMK won all nine constituencies in Tiruchirappalli district, and K.N. Nehru and Anbil Mahesh were inducted as ministers. Later, MLAs from Lalgudi (Sowndarapandian), Thuraiyur (Stalin Kumar), Musiri (Thiyagarajan) and Srirangam (Palaniyandi) reportedly complained that even constituency work contracts were being decided by Minister Nehru and that they were not being given due respect. They are said to have taken the issue to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin as well.

DMK denies ticket to ex-minister Anbazhagan’s grandson in Villivakkam
Politics

DMK denies ticket to ex-minister Anbazhagan’s grandson in Villivakkam

Chennai: The DMK’s decision to deny an election ticket to Vetriazhagan, the grandson of former minister and party veteran Anbazhagan, has stirred internal chatter within the party. Anbazhagan served as the DMK’s general secretary and held key portfolios including Education and Finance, and was known as a close associate of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. After health issues, he stepped away from electoral politics. Following Anbazhagan’s death, the party fielded Vetriazhagan from Villivakkam in the 2021 Assembly election. He won by defeating AIADMK candidate JCD Prabhakar by a margin of about 37,000 votes.

DMK ticket list sparks discontent; Chennai Mayor Priya left out
Politics

DMK ticket list sparks discontent; Chennai Mayor Priya left out

DMK on Friday announced its list of candidates for the upcoming Assembly election, triggering visible discontent among a section of party functionaries in Chennai. Chennai Mayor R. Priya, who had been working in the Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar constituency with hopes of contesting, was not included in the list, according to party sources. The report said Priya had submitted an application at the DMK headquarters and, after receiving assurances from a minister, had spent months campaigning in the constituency and engaging with residents through welfare assistance. Several councillors had also publicly spoken in recent corporation meetings about her expected move to the Assembly race, but her name did not figure in the final list.

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