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Tamil Nadu News

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

Will Vijay outpoll MGR, Vijayakanth and Kamal Haasan in 2026?
Politics

Will Vijay outpoll MGR, Vijayakanth and Kamal Haasan in 2026?

Tamil Nadu’s 17th Assembly election for all 234 constituencies concluded on April 23. While the main contest is seen between the DMK and AIADMK alliances, actor Vijay’s newly launched Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is making its electoral debut. Vijay is contesting from two seats—Chennai’s Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East—without an alliance. The contest has revived comparisons with earlier film stars who entered politics after MGR, including Vijayakanth and Kamal Haasan. In the 1977 Assembly election, MGR—after forming the AIADMK—contested from Aruppukottai and secured 43,065 votes, a 56.23% vote share, defeating the Janata Party candidate Muthuvel Servai (13,687 votes). In 2006, Vijayakanth, contesting from Vriddhachalam in his party’s first election, polled 61,337 votes with a 40.4% vote share; PMK’s Govindasamy received 47,560 votes.

Udhayanidhi leaves for Dubai; CM Stalin to visit Kodaikanal
Politics

Udhayanidhi leaves for Dubai; CM Stalin to visit Kodaikanal

With the Tamil Nadu Assembly election campaign concluded, senior leaders are beginning post-election travel plans, with many expected to return to their constituencies a day or two before vote counting. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi left Chennai on Thursday morning for an overseas tour, travelling with his wife and daughter. The trip is expected to include Dubai and London. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is scheduled to travel to Kodaikanal on Friday, April 25, along with his family.

Tamil Nadu vote turnout details likely to be released this evening
Politics

Tamil Nadu vote turnout details likely to be released this evening

The Election Commission is likely to release official details of votes polled in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election by this evening, officials said. Polling was held peacefully across the state on Wednesday. After SIR-related work, the election recorded an overall turnout of 85.03%. Out of 5.73 crore registered voters, about 4.83 crore cast their votes, fulfilling their democratic duty. Compared with the previous election, around 20 lakh more voters participated.

Modi says Bengal cases will be reopened if BJP wins; cites record turnout
Politics

Modi says Bengal cases will be reopened if BJP wins; cites record turnout

KOLKATA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that if the BJP forms the government in West Bengal, cases linked to alleged injustice and lawlessness in the state will be reopened and investigated again. Speaking at a public meeting in Dum Dum, Modi pointed to the first phase of polling held a day earlier, where 92% voting was recorded. He described it as the highest turnout in the state’s election history and said it reflected people’s strong faith in the electoral process.

CJI praises high voter turnout in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal polls
Politics

CJI praises high voter turnout in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal polls

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India Suryakant on April 24 said he was happy, as an Indian citizen, to see the high voter turnout recorded in the recent Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Polling was held in a single phase for all 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu, while West Bengal voted in the first phase for 152 constituencies. The Election Commission reported turnout of 85.15% in Tamil Nadu and 92.72% in West Bengal.

TN Assembly polls: Record 85.03% turnout raises questions on SIR impact
Politics

TN Assembly polls: Record 85.03% turnout raises questions on SIR impact

Chennai witnessed an unusually high voter turnout in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election held on April 23 across all 234 constituencies. The state recorded 85.03% polling, crossing 80% for the first time and sparking debate over what drove the surge. Political parties offered competing explanations: DMK supporters linked the turnout to public approval of the government, AIADMK cadres claimed it reflected anti-incumbency and a desire for change, while TVK supporters attributed it to a “Vijay wave” encouraging more voters to participate.

Anti-incumbency at peak in West Bengal: Amit Shah
Politics

Anti-incumbency at peak in West Bengal: Amit Shah

Kolkata: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said anti-incumbency sentiment against the West Bengal government is at its peak. In an interview, Shah claimed that a similar mood existed during the previous election as well, but alleged that polling then was not conducted in a free and fair manner. He alleged that several booths were captured, people in many villages were prevented from leaving, and BJP workers were unable to vote.

High turnout signals regime change, says PMK leader Anbumani
Politics

High turnout signals regime change, says PMK leader Anbumani

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Thursday welcomed the Election Commission’s announcement that 85.12% of voters cast their ballots in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, calling it an unprecedented turnout in the state’s electoral history. In a statement, Anbumani claimed the high participation reflected widespread public anger against the DMK government and said people had turned out in large numbers with the intention of bringing a change in government. He described Tamil Nadu voters as believers in democracy who express their will through a “silent revolution.”

AAP Rajya Sabha MPs Raghav Chadha, Pathak, Mittal join BJP
Politics

AAP Rajya Sabha MPs Raghav Chadha, Pathak, Mittal join BJP

Switch to BJP Three Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MPs—Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal—joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in New Delhi on Thursday. Chadha cites constitutional route, alleges suppression Speaking to reporters alongside Pathak and Mittal, Chadha said the move was made in line with constitutional provisions. He alleged that AAP tried to suppress his voice and claimed the party, which came to power promising to fight corruption, had “turned into a corrupt party,” prompting their exit.

Bus shortage leaves Chennai voters stranded ahead of polling
General

Bus shortage leaves Chennai voters stranded ahead of polling

Chennai witnessed severe commuter distress as an unexpected shortage of buses disrupted travel for voters trying to reach their native places for polling. With a large number of transport employees reportedly taking leave at the same time, services were not operated at the announced scale. Authorities had earlier said that a total of 10,663 buses would be operated on April 21, 22 and 23, including 2,092 regular services from the Kilambakkam terminus and 5,574 special buses. However, passengers said the number of special buses did not match the heavy turnout.

Tamil Nadu Assembly polls: turnout data released for 234 constituencies
Politics

Tamil Nadu Assembly polls: turnout data released for 234 constituencies

Chennai: A constituency-wise list comparing voter turnout in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly election with the turnout recorded in the latest election has been released. The data covers all 234 Assembly constituencies and presents the percentage of votes polled in each segment for both elections, offering a snapshot of how participation has shifted over time. According to the published figures, turnout levels vary significantly between constituencies, with several seats recording sharp increases compared to 2021.

EVM glitch delays Minister K.N. Nehru’s vote in Tiruchirappalli
Politics

EVM glitch delays Minister K.N. Nehru’s vote in Tiruchirappalli

Voting at the Makkal Mandram polling centre in Tiruchirappalli West was delayed on Wednesday after a malfunction was reported in the VVPAT unit attached to the electronic voting machine. Two polling booths for Wards 61 and 63 of the Tiruchirappalli Corporation had been set up at the venue. Polling began at 7 am, and Minister K.N. Nehru arrived to vote at around 7.08 am, but was unable to cast his ballot due to the fault.

Thirumavalavan says VCK will stand by Stalin after casting vote
Politics

Thirumavalavan says VCK will stand by Stalin after casting vote

Perambalur: Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan on Wednesday said his party would stand firmly with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, expressing confidence that the DMK-led alliance would return to power. After casting his vote at the Anganur polling booth in Ariyalur district, Thirumavalavan told reporters that the DMK alliance would win more than 200 seats and form the government. He said the election was not a fight between two parties or two fronts, but a contest between two ideologies, and asserted that Tamil Nadu would reject divisive politics.

Seeman slams freebies, says Ajith or Sivakarthikeyan would draw bigger crowd
Politics

Seeman slams freebies, says Ajith or Sivakarthikeyan would draw bigger crowd

NTK chief coordinator Seeman on Wednesday visited polling booths in the Karaikudi constituency and reviewed the voting process in person. Speaking to reporters later, he criticised Dravidian parties, alleging they had “ruined” Tamil Nadu and that elections were being conducted only in name. Seeman said it was encouraging to see young people and women turning out in large numbers to vote. He also backed the demand made by TVK leader Vijay for extending polling time by two more hours, calling elections a “festival of democracy” like Deepavali and Pongal.

Modi says ‘masala pori’ remark has rattled Trinamool in Bengal poll
Politics

Modi says ‘masala pori’ remark has rattled Trinamool in Bengal poll

KOLKATA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took a swipe at the ruling Trinamool Congress, saying the “spice” of the masala pori he ate during a campaign stop has “stung” the party amid the West Bengal Assembly election. West Bengal, governed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress, is voting in phases for its 294 Assembly seats. The first phase of polling for 152 constituencies was held on Wednesday, with the second phase scheduled for April 29.

Chennai voter turnout jumps to 84%; Kolathur and Perambur see surge
Politics

Chennai voter turnout jumps to 84%; Kolathur and Perambur see surge

Chennai district witnessed an unusually high voter turnout in the latest election, with polling recorded at 83.73%. The surge was seen across constituencies, including Kolathur—where Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is in the fray—and Perambur, contested by TVK leader Vijay. Historically, Chennai has been among the lower-turnout districts in Tamil Nadu elections. In the 2021 Assembly election, the district recorded 59.40% polling. Ahead of the current election, the voter list was revised, removing names of deceased and relocated voters.

Pandalams urge judicial restraint in Sabarimala hearing
Politics

Pandalams urge judicial restraint in Sabarimala hearing

Arguments in the Sabarimala matter continued before a nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, which is examining key questions linked to religious rights and freedoms arising from petitions seeking entry for women of all ages at the Ayyappa temple. On the eighth day of hearings, advocate Radhakrishnan, appearing for the Pandalam royal family, submitted that while the court’s authority is unquestionable, it should proceed with calm restraint when it comes to intervening in religious rituals and traditions.

Centre denies rumours of petrol, diesel price hike after elections
Business

Centre denies rumours of petrol, diesel price hike after elections

New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has rejected social media claims that petrol and diesel prices will be increased after the Assembly elections in five states, including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala. The ministry’s clarification came after posts circulated online suggesting that fuel prices would be raised once the election process concludes. Polling has already been held in Kerala, Assam and Puducherry, while voting in Tamil Nadu and the first phase in West Bengal have also been completed, with another phase in West Bengal scheduled.

ED tells Supreme Court Mamata shielding coal scam accused is shameful
Politics

ED tells Supreme Court Mamata shielding coal scam accused is shameful

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) told the Supreme Court that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s alleged attempt to protect those linked to an illegal coal trade racket was “shameful,” and sought a CBI investigation into the episode. The ED said it had conducted searches in January at premises linked to I-PAC, an election strategy firm in Kolkata, as part of a coal-related money laundering probe. During the operation, Banerjee allegedly arrived at the residence of I-PAC director Pratik Jain with police presence and took away key documents, leaving the raiding team shocked.

Rs 99.99 lakh seized from Congress candidate’s house in Thoothukudi
Politics

Rs 99.99 lakh seized from Congress candidate’s house in Thoothukudi

Search at candidate-linked residence Officials seized unaccounted cash totalling Rs 99.99 lakh from a house in Ganesh Nagar, Thoothukudi, linked to Congress candidate Amirtharaj of the Srivaikuntam constituency. He was reportedly staying at the residence while campaigning. Flying squad action Based on information that cash was being stored at the house, a flying squad team conducted a search and seized Rs 62.49 lakh that was said to be without proper accounting. A person named Suresh, who was present at the house, was questioned.

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.

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