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Tamil Nadu News

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

AIADMK MLAs raise revolt against EPS amid leadership rift

A fresh round of infighting has surfaced in the AIADMK, with a section of party MLAs raising objections against general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), according to reports. After the party’s defeat in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, the AIADMK is said to have explored ways to return to power, including attempts to form a government with support from the DMK and smaller parties. As part of those efforts, the party’s winning MLAs were reportedly housed at a resort in Puducherry, but the plan was later dropped due to insufficient backing.

CPI(M) says it backs Vijay to oppose communal forces

CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby on Friday said the party has extended support to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay because it believes he will work against communal forces. Speaking to reporters in Madurai, Baby said the decision to offer outside support to TVK was taken after consultations with the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and other Left parties, and was based on the principle of respecting the people’s verdict. He said the CPI(M) has already informed the DMK leadership about the move. According to Baby, the DMK leadership told both CPI(M) and VCK that they were free to take a decision, and he added that the party’s friendly relationship with the DMK would continue.

BJP says Rahul’s every move turns into a political disaster

Chennai: The BJP has launched a fresh attack on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, claiming that “everything he touches turns into a political disaster.” The remarks came after DMK MP Kanimozhi wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, saying it would not be appropriate for DMK MPs to be seated near Congress MPs and requesting that DMK members be allotted different seats. Sharing the letter, BJP national executive member Amit Malviya said Rahul Gandhi was not only harming the Congress but also pushing the broader “INDI” alliance towards collapse.

Tentative list of ministers to be sworn in with Vijay surfaces

A tentative list of ministers expected to take oath along with Vijay has surfaced in Chennai, indicating likely portfolio allocations for the new cabinet. As per the list, Vijay is slated to hold Public Administration, Police and Home. Other proposed allocations include Public Works to Sengottaiyan, Municipal Administration to N. Anand, and Electricity to C.T.R. Nirmalkumar. The list also suggests Aadhav Arjuna for Sports and Prohibition, Rajmohan for Adi Dravidar Welfare, Mustafa for Minority Welfare, Arunraj for Registration and Commercial Taxes, and Venkat Ramanan for School Education.

Trump claims role in three-day Russia–Ukraine ceasefire

Washington: US President Donald Trump said Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a three-day ceasefire, according to a post on his social media page. The Russia–Ukraine war has continued for more than four years. Trump linked the temporary pause to Russia’s annual Victory Day commemorations on May 9, marking the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. He said the ceasefire would be in effect from May 9 to May 11. Trump claimed he personally contacted Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, urging them to halt hostilities temporarily, and said both leaders agreed.

Punjab AAP minister Sanjeev Arora arrested in Rs 157-crore GST fraud case

Chandigarh: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Punjab Industries Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Sanjeev Arora in connection with an alleged Rs 157.12-crore fraud linked to fake GST transactions and money laundering. Officials said he was being taken to Delhi for further investigation. According to the report, Arora is also a director of Hampton Sky Realty Limited, based in Udyog Vihar, Gurugram. The company is alleged to have shown purchases of mobile phones worth over Rs 100 crore from a Delhi-headquartered firm.

Two ‘PCs’ blamed as Congress switches sides in Tamil Nadu

Post-poll churn in Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu’s Assembly election results have triggered fresh political uncertainty, with Congress reportedly ending its alliance with the DMK and moving closer to Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). In Delhi’s political circles, the sudden turn is being discussed with sarcasm around the role of two leaders referred to as “PC”. First ‘PC’: alliance continuity with DMK According to the report, many Congress leaders in Tamil Nadu preferred an alliance with TVK. However, state Congress chief K. Selvaperunthagai is said to have pushed to continue with the DMK, seeking the support of former Union finance minister P. Chidambaram.

Post-poll violence erupts in West Bengal after TMC defeat

Kolkata witnessed a fresh wave of violence in West Bengal after election results were declared, despite the polling period remaining largely peaceful this time, according to reports. The unrest reportedly intensified after Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee lost in her own constituency. Incidents included the shooting death of the secretary to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, arson attacks on Trinamool Congress offices in some areas, and assaults on BJP workers. The violence is being linked to claims that the Trinamool Congress and Mamata Banerjee were unwilling to accept the defeat. Mamata Banerjee has also reportedly insisted she would not resign from the chief minister’s post.

Pawan Kalyan faces calls to go solo like Vijay in Andhra politics

Andhra Pradesh’s last Assembly election saw the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Jana Sena Party (JSP) and BJP alliance register a sweeping victory, with TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu taking oath as Chief Minister. Actor-politician Pawan Kalyan, who leads the JSP, became Deputy Chief Minister. Pawan Kalyan, identified with the Kapu community, had earlier faced setbacks, including defeats even in constituencies he contested. In the most recent election, the JSP contested only 21 of the state’s 175 seats and won all of them.

Suvendu Adhikari sworn in as West Bengal Chief Minister after BJP win

KOLKATA: Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, 55, was sworn in as the Chief Minister of West Bengal on Friday, a day after the party secured a decisive victory in the Assembly elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the ceremony and thanked voters from the stage. Elections were held in two phases for the 294-member Assembly. While votes for 293 constituencies were counted on May 4, repolling has been scheduled for May 21 in the Balta constituency of South 24 Parganas district following allegations of irregularities.

BJP turns focus to Telangana ahead of 2028 Assembly polls

New Delhi: After retaining power in Assam and making a major breakthrough in West Bengal, the BJP is now shifting its political focus to Telangana. In the 119-member Telangana Assembly, the BJP currently has eight MLAs. The next Assembly election is scheduled for November 2028, and the party is beginning early groundwork to expand its footprint in the state. The political landscape has also changed after former chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao’s Bharat Rashtra Samithi suffered a heavy defeat to the Congress and is said to be struggling for popularity. Adding to the churn, his daughter Kavitha has launched a separate party.

Odisha’s ‘mysterious light’ traced to upgraded Agni missile test

A bright, comet-like light spotted in the skies over Odisha on the evening of May 8 sparked widespread curiosity among residents and on social media. Videos shared online showed the object streaking across the sky while releasing orange and white trails. Viewers claimed the phenomenon was visible not only in Odisha but also as far as Bangladesh. The Defence Ministry later clarified that the sighting was connected to a successful test of an upgraded Agni missile equipped with MIRV technology. The launch was carried out from Abdul Kalam Island near Chandipur in Odisha.

POCSO case filed against Union minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar’s son

Hyderabad Police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against Sai Bhagirath, son of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, following a complaint alleging sexual harassment of a 17-year-old girl. According to the report, the girl and Bhagirath were known to each other and had a friendly acquaintance. The girl’s mother approached the police in Hyderabad, alleging that her daughter was subjected to sexual harassment.

Mamata’s X bio edit avoids calling herself ‘former CM’ after defeat

Kolkata: Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee’s change to her profile description on X has triggered discussion after her party’s defeat in the West Bengal Assembly election. Elections were held in two phases for the state’s 294 constituencies. While results were declared for 293 seats, a re-poll has been scheduled on the 21st in the Balda constituency following allegations of irregularities. In the counting held on the 4th, the BJP won 207 of the 293 declared seats and formed the government for the first time in the state. The Trinamool Congress secured 80 seats, and Banerjee lost from her own Bhabanipur constituency.

Yajur Veda chants echo at White House prayer event for world peace

Washington: Vedic chants from India resonated at the White House during a ceremony held to mark the United States’ National Day of Prayer. The annual observance is held on the first Thursday of May. This year’s 75th anniversary event was conducted with the theme, “Let us praise God among the nations; let us seek Him through generations.” Volunteers from the well-known BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey, attended as special guests.

Oil PSUs warn gas agencies to deliver LPG cylinders without delay

Public sector oil marketing companies have cautioned LPG distributors to deliver cooking gas cylinders to domestic customers without delay, warning that violations will invite action. Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum supply 14.2-kg cylinders for households and 19-kg cylinders for commercial use across Tamil Nadu and the rest of the country. An official said LPG distribution, which was affected in March due to a war-like situation in West Asia, has now returned to normal. Domestic supply is being maintained without disruption, while commercial supply is at about 70%.

Is AIADMK Splitting? C.V. Shanmugam Holds Consultations

A short video published by Dinamalar has raised questions over whether the AIADMK could be heading toward a split. According to the report, senior AIADMK leader C.V. Shanmugam is engaged in consultations, a development being closely watched in the current political context. The video does not provide further details on the participants, the agenda of the talks, or any official decisions. No formal statement or confirmation about a split is cited in the short.

Report: Putin staying in bunker amid assassination fears

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin is believed to have been staying in a bunker for several weeks after intelligence agencies warned of threats to his life, according to reports. As the war with Ukraine intensifies, claims have surfaced of a plot to topple Putin’s government. The report says some Russian wealthy figures are allegedly involved in plans aimed at removing him from power, prompting heightened security concerns. The Financial Times reported that fears of an assassination attempt and even a military coup have shaken the presidential establishment. It added that Putin’s anxiety increased after Ukraine’s drone campaign dubbed “Operation Spiderweb.”

Two Indian crew on cruise ship under Hantavirus watch: WHO

London: The World Health Organization (WHO) has said two Indian crew members working on a luxury expedition cruise ship are at risk of Hantavirus infection and are being closely monitored by health authorities. The Dutch-flagged vessel MV Hondius, operated by Netherlands-based Oceanwide Expeditions, began its voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina on April 1 and is expected to reach Spain’s Canary Islands on Saturday. Several passengers on board recently reported illness. Tests identified the cause as Hantavirus, a rodent-borne infection. So far, five cases have been confirmed, and two deaths have been reported—one man from the Netherlands and a woman from Germany.

Supreme Court orders deeper CBI probe into Rs 27,337 crore bank fraud claim

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has said a detailed and in-depth investigation is necessary into allegations of a major bank fraud involving companies of the Anil Ambani-led Reliance (Dhirubhai Ambani) group. The CBI has told the court that banks suffered a loss of Rs 27,337 crore in the case. The observations came while hearing a public interest petition filed by former IAS officer E.A.S. Sarma, which alleged bank fraud to the tune of around Rs 40,000 crore and sought a court-monitored investigation.

Key events on May 9: VCK decision, Bengal CM oath, IPL clash

Several key developments are lined up across Tamil Nadu, India and abroad on May 9, with political announcements, sports action and weather alerts drawing attention. In West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari took oath as Chief Minister at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among those who attended the swearing-in ceremony. In Tamil Nadu politics, VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan is expected to announce today whether his party will support the formation of a TVK-led government. The report notes that his decision could be crucial for the numbers needed to secure a majority.

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan named next Navy Chief; Raja Subramani CDS

New Delhi: The Centre has appointed Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as the next Chief of the Naval Staff, and Lt Gen Raja Subramani as India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Vice Admiral Swaminathan, currently serving as the Western Naval Commander in Mumbai, will assume charge on May 31 from the incumbent Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi. He is set to serve in the post until December 31, 2028. Commissioned as an officer on July 1, 1987, Swaminathan is known for his expertise in communications and electronic warfare, and has held leadership roles during key operations. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and holds degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University (Chennai), Cochin University of Science and Technology (telecommunications), and King’s College London (defence studies).

AMMK MLA’s support letter to Vijay: Thaveka releases signing video

Chennai: A video purportedly showing AMMK MLA Kamaraj writing and signing a support letter for Vijay has been released on social media by Thaveka supporters. The development comes amid a recent political row in which AMMK general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran said the MLA was “missing” and later met Governor R.N. Ravi (Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar) to submit a complaint petition. After Kamaraj reappeared, he spoke alongside Dhinakaran and said he had gone to Raj Bhavan late at night to state that a letter circulated in his name by Vijay’s party was forged.

Vijay warns he may return to people if govt formation stalls

Vijay is said to be frustrated over the continuing uncertainty in forming a government and taking oath as Chief Minister. According to TVK sources, he told aides in a raised voice that he does not want power at any cost and would rather return to the people than be “subservient” to anyone. Sources quoted him as saying he had expected to secure a majority, but fell short. He reportedly believed smaller parties with an anti-caste, anti-religious-polarisation and anti-corruption outlook would back him, noting that Communist parties extended support without seeking positions.

CPM claims Stalin urged outside support to AIADMK government

The CPI(M) has alleged that DMK leader M.K. Stalin wanted the AIADMK to form the government and sought outside support from the Left parties. The claim was made by CPI(M) general secretary Baby in an interview. According to Baby, after the Congress exited the DMK-led alliance without consulting Stalin, CPI(M) leaders chose not to take a similar step and instead decided to meet Stalin and hold discussions. Baby said the party conveyed to Stalin that, in the interest of Tamil Nadu, it wished to support the TVK, which it described as having emerged as the single largest party, since both the DMK and AIADMK had been defeated. He claimed Stalin did not accept this proposal and insisted that the AIADMK should form the government.

Suvendu Adhikari sworn in as West Bengal’s first BJP Chief Minister

Kolkata: The BJP has formed the government in West Bengal for the first time, ending the Trinamool Congress’ 15-year rule. Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the state’s Chief Minister. In the Assembly election, the BJP won 207 seats, securing a clear majority. At a meeting of BJP MLAs, Adhikari was unanimously chosen as the legislature party leader, paving the way for him to become the party’s first Chief Minister in the state.

Dhinakaran alleges Vijay behind forged support letter row

Chennai: AMMK general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran on Friday alleged that actor-politician Vijay was behind a controversy involving an allegedly forged support letter said to be linked to AMMK MLA Kamarajar. Speaking to reporters, Dhinakaran questioned who created and circulated a video that appeared to show Kamarajar signing a support letter while seated in a car. He claimed the clip was fake and said it had been generated using AI. Dhinakaran demanded that the “original” support letter and related materials be made public, and asked where the original document was. He also urged Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi Arlekar to examine all support letters that Vijay had submitted to the Raj Bhavan.

DMK cadre upset over claims of backing AIADMK; Stalin, Udhayanidhi targeted

Claims of a possible DMK move to help AIADMK return to power have triggered shock and anger among DMK functionaries and cadre, according to a report. The report alleges that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin explored the idea of supporting AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami to become Chief Minister. The report further says Left party leaders were taken aback when they were allegedly approached for support. It claims they questioned how Palaniswami could be backed after campaigning strongly against him for aligning with the BJP, and that Stalin described such a shift as “political strategy” suited to circumstances.

EPS avoids naming Thaveka, congratulates party set to form TN govt

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) on Friday conveyed his wishes to the party set to form the government in Tamil Nadu following the 17th Tamil Nadu Assembly election. An AIADMK MLAs’ meeting was held in Chennai under EPS’ leadership. A total of 41 MLAs attended the meeting, where the party discussed its next course of action. After the meeting, EPS posted on social media that candidates from various parties had contested and won in the recently concluded election. He added that he was extending his heartfelt congratulations to the party that would form the government in the state.

CPM’s Shanmugam backs TVK, cites secular stand; shares video with Vijay

Chennai: CPM state secretary P. Shanmugam has reiterated that his party’s support for the Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is based on the party standing firmly by secular principles. In the Assembly election, TVK won 108 constituencies. The Congress party, which has five MLAs, and the two Communist parties, with two MLAs each, have issued letters extending support to Vijay. Left parties have also said their backing is aimed at preventing the imposition of President’s Rule in Tamil Nadu and stopping attempts by the BJP to capture power.

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