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Tamil Nadu News

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

Chennai tops Tamil Nadu airports by passengers; Coimbatore ranks second
Business

Chennai tops Tamil Nadu airports by passengers; Coimbatore ranks second

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has released last financial year’s statistics on passenger traffic, cargo movement and aircraft operations. In Tamil Nadu, AAI also listed the state’s top six airports by passenger usage. Chennai Airport ranked first, recording 23,017,324 passengers during the year. This marked a 2.7% increase compared with the previous financial year, according to the AAI figures. Coimbatore Airport stood second with 3,220,745 passengers, registering a 5.2% year-on-year rise. The airport logged 22,462 aircraft movements during the period.

Space crunch delays plan to open 10 govt pharmacy colleges in TN
Education

Space crunch delays plan to open 10 govt pharmacy colleges in TN

Chennai: Tamil Nadu’s proposal to start 10 new government pharmacy colleges at government medical college hospitals has run into hurdles due to a lack of space on several campuses. The state already has over 100 private pharmacy colleges, and around 20 new private institutions are said to be added every year. However, no new government pharmacy college has been started for more than six decades. At present, government B.Pharm colleges function only in Chennai and Madurai, while D.Pharm colleges are available in Thanjavur, Madurai and Coimbatore.

AIADMK candidates demoralised by exit polls, Palaniswami calls to boost morale
Politics

AIADMK candidates demoralised by exit polls, Palaniswami calls to boost morale

AIADMK candidates have been left demoralised by post-election opinion polls that largely project an advantage for the DMK, according to senior party functionaries. They said the party initially believed a high turnout of around 85% in the Assembly election reflected public dissatisfaction with the DMK government and would translate into an AIADMK win. However, after reviewing turnout patterns a few days later, leaders felt the usual rise in vote percentage was not seen this time.

Election Commission bars police from entering vote counting rooms
Politics

Election Commission bars police from entering vote counting rooms

The Election Commission has issued instructions that police personnel—whether in uniform or in plainclothes—should not be allowed inside vote counting rooms. Police may enter only if the Returning Officer specifically calls them, the directive said. Polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election was held on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. Counting is set to begin at 8.00 am, while staff assigned to the process have been asked to report at the counting centre by 5.00 am.

DMK cadres tell CM: Minister to blame if Congress candidate loses
Politics

DMK cadres tell CM: Minister to blame if Congress candidate loses

DMK functionaries from the Srivaikuntam Assembly constituency in Thoothukudi district have sent a complaint letter to party president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, alleging that a minister’s actions could lead to the defeat of the alliance’s Congress candidate. According to the complaint, Congress MLA Amirtharaj is contesting again from Srivaikuntam as the DMK-led alliance candidate. The letter claims that DMK organisers did not extend adequate cooperation to his election work.

Govt buses held at Tiruppachethi toll as FASTag balance runs out
General

Govt buses held at Tiruppachethi toll as FASTag balance runs out

Several Tamil Nadu government buses were halted on Friday morning at the Tiruppachethi toll plaza on the Madurai–Paramakudi four-lane highway after their FASTag accounts did not clear the toll, leaving passengers stranded for long periods. The toll plaza collects user fees from vehicles using the highway, and vehicles are expected to carry the required stickers. Officials said the Centre has directed that, from April 1, vehicles should be allowed to pass toll gates only through FASTag, and notices were displayed in Tamil, English and Hindi across toll plazas.

Trump warns Iran: accept terms or face escalating conflict
Politics

Trump warns Iran: accept terms or face escalating conflict

US President Donald Trump has said Iran cannot be allowed to possess nuclear weapons, arguing that such a scenario would have endangered not only the Middle East but also Europe. Speaking at an event in Florida, Trump linked his remarks to broader claims about the US economy, saying markets were at record highs and oil prices had been low. He added that the US must ensure Iran has no nuclear weapons.

Vijay’s Velankanni visit cancelled, crowd left disappointed
Politics

Vijay’s Velankanni visit cancelled, crowd left disappointed

More than 3,000 people gathered outside the Velankanni church from midnight onwards, expecting the arrival of TVK leader Vijay. Fans also assembled on rooftops of nearby houses and shops, raising slogans intermittently. With a large crowd building up, police personnel from three districts were deployed for security. Regular worshippers who came for routine prayers reportedly faced difficulties due to the heavy turnout. Amid the gathering, information emerged that Vijay’s visit had been cancelled. At around 5.20 am, the church administration made an announcement over the public address system confirming the cancellation.

Devotees upset over Kerala police curbs at Kannagi temple festival
General

Devotees upset over Kerala police curbs at Kannagi temple festival

Crowds from Tamil Nadu and Kerala gathered for the Chitra Pournami festival at the Mangala Devi Kannagi temple, located atop Vinnetriparai hill on the Tamil Nadu–Kerala border near Gudalur in Theni district. The hill shrine can be reached through Kerala forest via a 14-km jeep track from Kumily, or through Tamil Nadu forest routes involving a walking trail from Paliyankudi via Thellukkudi. On the festival day, the deity was adorned in a green silk saree, and pujas were performed by Tamil Nadu priest Rajalingam.

Kodaikanal waives entry fees at key spots for two days
General

Kodaikanal waives entry fees at key spots for two days

Kodaikanal will offer free entry to several popular tourist attractions for two days amid the summer holiday rush, according to a statement issued by Dindigul District Collector Saravanan. The administration said tourist footfall has been rising in Kodaikanal due to the ongoing continuous summer holidays. Special arrangements have been made to improve visitor convenience. The move is aimed at reducing traffic congestion and preventing long waiting lines for tourists at major viewing points.

Key events on May 2: Re-voting in Bengal to Chennai vs Mumbai clash
General

Key events on May 2: Re-voting in Bengal to Chennai vs Mumbai clash

Several developments across Tamil Nadu and India are in focus on May 2. A high-stakes Premier League cricket match between Chennai and Mumbai will be played tonight at Chepauk in Chennai, with both former champions looking for a must-win result. In West Bengal, re-voting is being held today at 15 polling stations under the Diamond Harbour and Magrahat Paschim segments. The Election Commission ordered the re-poll after complaints that voting machines were damaged.

Thirumavalavan flags lack of VCK poll work in some constituencies
Politics

Thirumavalavan flags lack of VCK poll work in some constituencies

VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan has said that party workers did not carry out election work effectively in a few Assembly constituencies, even though campaign teams were appointed across all segments. In a video message shared on social media, he noted that most constituencies saw disciplined and coordinated work by cadres, but reports from certain places suggested a lack of unity and inadequate field activity. He said information is being collected to understand what happened.

BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy’s mid-air cockpit greeting video goes viral
General

BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy’s mid-air cockpit greeting video goes viral

A video of former Union minister and BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy greeting fellow passengers from an aircraft cockpit has gone viral online. The clip shows Rudy speaking from the flight deck and welcoming Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Jitendra Singh. Rudy, who hails from Patna in Bihar, is a four-time MP from Saran and has also served three terms as an MLA. He has held ministerial responsibilities in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government and in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first cabinet.

Sengottaiyan says 2026 poll win will be ‘historic’ for TVK
Politics

Sengottaiyan says 2026 poll win will be ‘historic’ for TVK

Former Tamil Nadu minister K.A. Sengottaiyan on Friday said the 2026 election outcome would be a “historic” victory, claiming it would be remembered in the state’s political history. Speaking to reporters in Erode, Sengottaiyan described the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) as a movement driven by humanity and said its leader Vijay was a leader who works with the people. He asserted that Vijay would go on to govern Tamil Nadu, adding that “tomorrow’s history” would reflect it.

Heavy rain warning for 14 TN districts on May 4 results day
Environment

Heavy rain warning for 14 TN districts on May 4 results day

The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai has issued a heavy rain warning for 14 districts in Tamil Nadu on May 4, the day election results are scheduled to be announced. According to the forecast, heavy rain is likely in Theni, Dindigul, Karur, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Erode, Nilgiris, Namakkal, Tiruchirappalli, Salem, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Kallakurichi and Tiruvannamalai. The weather office also listed districts that may receive heavy rain on other days. On May 2, heavy rain is likely in Theni, Madurai, Dindigul, Karur, Tiruchirappalli, Tiruppur, Coimbatore and Nilgiris; on May 3, in Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul and Theni.

Supreme Court backs ECI on selecting vote-counting staff in West Bengal
Politics

Supreme Court backs ECI on selecting vote-counting staff in West Bengal

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has upheld the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) authority to select personnel for vote counting in West Bengal. The order comes ahead of the counting of votes for the West Bengal Assembly election scheduled on May 4. The ECI had issued a circular on the deployment of staff for the counting process. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) had challenged the circular before the Calcutta High Court, which dismissed the petition. The party then moved the Supreme Court, seeking urgent hearing.

Vijay will make a big impact in Assembly polls: Congress MP Manickam Tagore
Politics

Vijay will make a big impact in Assembly polls: Congress MP Manickam Tagore

Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Friday said TVK leader Vijay is likely to make a significant impact in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election. Speaking to reporters in Madurai, Tagore said he has repeatedly maintained that Vijay would be a major factor in the polls, pointing to the actor-politician’s popularity in the state. He said large numbers of young people and women voters have been seen gathering at Vijay’s rallies and public appearances, which, according to him, indicates the potential for a strong electoral influence.

Small plane crashes in Texas; 5 dead including pickleball players
General

Small plane crashes in Texas; 5 dead including pickleball players

A small aircraft crashed in Texas after striking trees, killing all five people on board, officials said. The plane was carrying members of a pickleball club from Amarillo and was headed to New Braunfels Airport. The crash occurred around 11.30 pm on Thursday near Wimberley, about 65 km southwest of Austin. Authorities said the victims included the pilot and four pickleball players. The names of those who died were not immediately released.

Canadian intelligence flags Khalistani extremists as security threat
Politics

Canadian intelligence flags Khalistani extremists as security threat

Canada’s intelligence agency has warned Parliament that Khalistani extremist groups continue to pose a threat to the country’s national security. In its assessment, the agency said these groups have been involved in violent incidents, and their ongoing activities remain a persistent security concern. The report also noted that some extremist groups maintain good connections within Canadian society and use Canadian entities to plan violent terrorist activities. At the same time, it said some Canadians take part in lawful and peaceful advocacy in support of the Khalistani separatist movement.

TVK seeks armed security at vote counting centres, alleges DMK threats
Politics

TVK seeks armed security at vote counting centres, alleges DMK threats

TVK leader and Villivakkam candidate Aadhav Arjuna on Saturday submitted a petition to Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik, seeking enhanced security for the upcoming vote counting scheduled for May 4. In his representation, Arjuna cited concerns over law and order during counting, referring to the recent arson attack on a TVK election campaign office in the Srirangam constituency in Tiruchirappalli. He also claimed there were reports of anti-social elements allegedly planning violence to disrupt a peaceful counting process.

TMC-BJP supporters clash during re-polling at 15 booths in Bengal
Politics

TMC-BJP supporters clash during re-polling at 15 booths in Bengal

Re-polling was held on Friday at 15 polling stations in West Bengal, triggering tension after a clash broke out between supporters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP. The fresh vote was conducted in two constituencies of South 24 Parganas district following allegations of electoral malpractice and a subsequent Supreme Court directive. Voting took place at 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim and four booths in Diamond Harbour from the morning.

DMK alliance to win 200+ seats, says TN Congress chief Selvaperunthagai
Politics

DMK alliance to win 200+ seats, says TN Congress chief Selvaperunthagai

Claim of big win Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K. Selvaperunthagai said the DMK-led alliance is confident of winning more than 200 constituencies. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters in Coimbatore. Criticism of surveys Selvaperunthagai said what is being circulated are not genuine opinion polls, alleging that those conducting them are trying to impose their own views on the public. He added that he has been stating the “200-plus” target from the beginning.

UP Woman Dies by Suicide After Months of ‘Digital Arrest’ Threats
Crime

UP Woman Dies by Suicide After Months of ‘Digital Arrest’ Threats

A technology-enabled fraud in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor district has reportedly led to the death of a young woman, leaving her family devastated. The victim, Monika (28), lived with her husband and two daughters. According to the family, Monika had been trapped for over five months in a so-called “digital arrest” scam. The callers allegedly threatened her by claiming she was linked to serious crimes such as kidnapping, and pressured her to remain on video calls while warning her not to contact anyone.

Election results to be updated live on ECINET mobile app
Politics

Election results to be updated live on ECINET mobile app

The Election Commission has arranged to share Assembly election results with the public in real time through a mobile application. Assembly elections have concluded in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Assam, Kerala and West Bengal. Vote counting is scheduled for May 4, with counting set to begin at 8:00 am. Officials said postal ballots will be counted first, followed by votes recorded in electronic voting machines. Until now, result-related information was available only on the Election Commission’s website. This time, the details will also be released through the Commission’s mobile app, ECINET.

No link between elections and fuel prices: Union Minister Puri
Politics

No link between elections and fuel prices: Union Minister Puri

Ahmedabad: Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday rejected claims that fuel pricing is influenced by elections, saying there is “no connection” between the two. Speaking at a conference in Gujarat, Puri said the government has not altered retail petrol and diesel prices and has worked to ensure there is no shortage of cooking fuel in Indian households. He added that the government would not allow panic to turn into policy.

No faith in opinion polls, says TN BJP chief Nainar Nagendran
Politics

No faith in opinion polls, says TN BJP chief Nainar Nagendran

Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran on Thursday said he has no faith in opinion polls, alleging that such surveys function as a form of “opinion imposition”. Speaking in Nagercoil, he said the true assessment of public sentiment would become clear on May 4. He also claimed that the party referred to as “Thaveka” has no chance of winning anywhere, and said the BJP was remaining calm because it expects to win.

India launches ‘Operation Global Hunt’ to nab fugitives abroad
Crime

India launches ‘Operation Global Hunt’ to nab fugitives abroad

New Delhi: Indian security and investigative agencies have stepped up efforts to track down criminals living abroad, in coordination with Interpol. The intensified drive has been named “Operation Global Hunt.” Officials said the initiative focuses on locating fugitives overseas, securing their arrest with Interpol support, and completing extradition by submitting required documentation to the host country. The plan also includes bringing suspects back to India through special flights once legal procedures are completed.

HC: ED need not act under PMLA just because DA case is filed
Politics

HC: ED need not act under PMLA just because DA case is filed

The Madras High Court has held that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is not required to register a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) solely because a disproportionate assets (DA) case has been filed. The observation came while hearing petitions filed by DMK MP R. Girirajan, who sought directions to the ED to register PMLA cases citing DA cases against several former AIADMK ministers and others. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan dismissed the petitions. The court said the ED must first be satisfied that there is material indicating money laundering.

Maharashtra MP denied entry for cleaning drive at Gingee Fort
General

Maharashtra MP denied entry for cleaning drive at Gingee Fort

A Maharashtra MP who arrived at Gingee Fort in Villupuram district to carry out a cleanliness drive was denied permission by officials of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), citing the election model code of conduct in Tamil Nadu. According to the report, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Nilesh Dnyan Dev Lanke reached the fort around 8 am along with about 300 volunteers from the ‘Apla Mavala’ initiative. The group has been undertaking cleaning activities at forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji’s rule.

Survey claims 41% vote share for Vijay’s TVK, 121 seats projected
Politics

Survey claims 41% vote share for Vijay’s TVK, 121 seats projected

Chennai: A survey released by retired IPS officer Ravi claims actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) could secure a 41% vote share and win 121 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly. Ravi said the exercise covered all 234 constituencies. According to him, 10 former police personnel worked in each constituency and each of them met 100 respondents, taking the total sample size to 2.34 lakh. The responses were analysed using artificial intelligence tools along with conventional methods, he said.