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Tamil Nadu News

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

Pakistan extends ban on Indian flights using its airspace till May 24
Politics

Pakistan extends ban on Indian flights using its airspace till May 24

Pakistan has announced an extension of its ban on Indian flights using Pakistani airspace, keeping the restriction in place until May 24. The curbs were imposed after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22 last year, in which 26 people were killed. Pakistan first barred Indian aircraft from flying through its airspace from April 24. India responded by restricting Pakistani aircraft from using Indian airspace from April 30 last year. Pakistan’s airport authority, in a notice to aviation personnel, said Indian aircraft and those operated or leased by Indian airlines—including military aircraft—will not be permitted to use Pakistani airspace during the extended period.

Kerala announces paid leave for Tamil Nadu voters on poll day
Politics

Kerala announces paid leave for Tamil Nadu voters on poll day

Thiruvananthapuram: With polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled to be held in a single phase across 234 constituencies, the Kerala government has announced paid leave for eligible Tamil Nadu voters working in Kerala on election day. The order applies to Tamil Nadu voters employed in commercial establishments, industrial units and other organisations in Kerala. The government said wages must not be deducted for availing the leave. The benefit will also extend to daily-wage workers and those working in shift systems, the announcement said.

US-Iran standoff clouds next peace talks as truce nears end
Politics

US-Iran standoff clouds next peace talks as truce nears end

Truce deadline and uncertainty A two-week temporary ceasefire announced by the United States in its conflict with Iran is set to end today, raising fresh uncertainty over whether a second round of peace talks will take place. First round failed to reach a deal With Pakistan acting as a mediator, the first phase of talks was held recently. After both sides discussed conditions through Pakistan, US and Iranian representatives held direct discussions that reportedly lasted about 21 hours, but ended without an agreement.

Tamil Nadu plans private centres for deed registration, like Maharashtra
General

Tamil Nadu plans private centres for deed registration, like Maharashtra

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Registration Department is working on guidelines to permit deed registration through private service centres, on the lines of passport facilitation offices, officials said. Tamil Nadu currently has 589 sub-registrar offices, where citizens largely depend on the availability of officers and staff to complete registration-related work. The department says it is moving to change this system. As part of the effort, a new software platform, STAR 3.0, has been developed. Once it is fully rolled out, the public is expected to be able to initiate and complete deed registration through an online portal from anywhere.

TASMAC sales hit Rs 350 crore in a day ahead of 3-day poll closure
Business

TASMAC sales hit Rs 350 crore in a day ahead of 3-day poll closure

TASMAC liquor outlets in Tamil Nadu recorded sales worth about Rs 350 crore in a single day, as customers rushed to buy stocks ahead of a three-day shutdown linked to the Assembly election. According to the report, TASMAC shops were closed from Tuesday and will remain shut until Thursday. The holiday was announced to prevent law-and-order issues and curb any distribution of liquor to voters during the polling period. On normal days, TASMAC’s statewide sales average around Rs 150 crore, with higher collections typically seen on weekends and special holidays. The state reportedly grants liquor shops holidays on only about eight days a year, including occasions such as Thiruvalluvar Day and Republic Day.

Don’t hype Rahul not campaigning with Stalin, says Congress chief Kharge
Politics

Don’t hype Rahul not campaigning with Stalin, says Congress chief Kharge

Kharge downplays joint campaign talk All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday urged people not to make an issue of Lok Sabha Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi not campaigning alongside Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin. Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Kharge said the absence of a joint campaign was due to Rahul Gandhi’s campaign plan and prevailing circumstances in the state. He maintained that the matter should not be blown out of proportion.

Congress moves privilege notice against PM Modi over women’s quota bill
Politics

Congress moves privilege notice against PM Modi over women’s quota bill

Congress has submitted a privilege notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over remarks made after the women’s reservation bill failed to pass. The notice follows the defeat of the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, introduced in the recent special session of Parliament to provide 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The bill, according to the report, did not secure the required two-thirds support.

Quitting tobacco could lift finances of 20 million Indian families: Study
Health

Quitting tobacco could lift finances of 20 million Indian families: Study

New Delhi: A study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) reports that eliminating tobacco use in India could significantly improve the economic condition of more than 20 million families. The research was jointly carried out by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (Mumbai) and the ICMR’s National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (Noida). It analysed household income, spending and lifestyle patterns captured in the 2022–23 National Sample Survey.

Delhi NCR shooting plot foiled; two linked to Pakistan’s ISI held
Crime

Delhi NCR shooting plot foiled; two linked to Pakistan’s ISI held

New Delhi: Delhi Police’s Special Cell has arrested two men accused of being part of a Pakistan-based intelligence-linked network that allegedly planned shootings and grenade attacks in the Delhi NCR region. Police said the arrests helped foil a major conspiracy aimed at crowded public locations. Investigators said the plot was directed by Shahzad Bhatti, described as an agent of Pakistan’s ISI, who allegedly sought to recruit Indian youth through online channels, radicalise them and provide training for attacks. The targets were said to include areas across Delhi NCR as well as parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana.

Case filed over DMK-linked distribution of ‘housewife scheme’ coupons
Politics

Case filed over DMK-linked distribution of ‘housewife scheme’ coupons

The Election Commission informed the Madras High Court that a case has been registered in connection with the distribution of “housewife scheme” coupons carrying a value of Rs 8,000, linked to a DMK election manifesto promise. According to the petition, the DMK’s manifesto for the Assembly election said coupons worth Rs 8,000 would be provided under the scheme, enabling women to purchase household items of their choice. AIADMK Lawyers’ Wing deputy secretary R.A.S. Senthilvel filed the plea alleging that DMK candidates and party workers were distributing model coupons to voters in several constituencies, including Coimbatore South, Bargur, Palacode, Kumbakonam and Anna Nagar. The petitioner argued that distributing such coupons before coming to power amounts to an offence under the Representation of the People Act.

BJP alleges cash distribution in Coimbatore South, Annamalai warns
Politics

BJP alleges cash distribution in Coimbatore South, Annamalai warns

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Monday alleged that cash was distributed in the Coimbatore South constituency, triggering tension in the area. Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Annamalai said people who came from Karur in support of Senthil Balaji were involved in the alleged cash distribution. He claimed that when police detained them at the Ramanathapuram police station, a crowd of around 500 surrounded the station. He further alleged that the situation had become so volatile that police locked the station and stayed inside to protect themselves, leading to unrest in Coimbatore South.

Kanimozhi jibes at Palaniswami, says he should be born in Gujarat
Politics

Kanimozhi jibes at Palaniswami, says he should be born in Gujarat

DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi on Tuesday took a swipe at AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami during the final phase of election campaigning in Thoothukudi. Referring to Palaniswami’s campaign remark that he would like to be born into a family in Tamil Nadu “in his next life”, Kanimozhi said she does not believe in rebirth, but added that if such a thing existed, he should be born in Gujarat, not Tamil Nadu. She alleged that he “stands with folded hands” before the BJP and has “mortgaged” both himself and the AIADMK in Delhi.

Poison in the mango symbol: PMK founder Ramadoss attacks Anbumani
Politics

Poison in the mango symbol: PMK founder Ramadoss attacks Anbumani

PMK founder S. Ramadoss has launched a sharp attack on Anbumani in a letter addressed to party cadres, saying the party’s “mango” symbol can no longer be trusted. Ramadoss wrote that he has been enduring deep personal anguish for the past two years. He alleged that Anbumani ignored his words, buried his principles, and began pursuing money, leaving him feeling “dead as a father” even while alive. Recalling his own sacrifices, Ramadoss said he had gone to jail and shed blood for the movement, but claimed that this legacy is now being turned into a “business” in the name of social justice.

Thirumavalavan alleges BJP using Vijay to split minority votes
Politics

Thirumavalavan alleges BJP using Vijay to split minority votes

VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan on Tuesday alleged that the BJP has positioned Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay in the political arena with the aim of diverting minority votes away from the DMK-led alliance. Campaigning in Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district and in Perambalur and Tiruvarur, Thirumavalavan said the move was intended to ensure that Christian and Muslim votes do not consolidate behind the DMK alliance. He claimed Vijay has investments and shareholder stakes in several firms, including what he described as an organisation linked to the RSS, and alleged that Vijay maintains close ties with RSS members. Based on this, he argued that Vijay’s relationship with the BJP was evident.

Sengottaiyan turns emotional during final day of Gobi campaign
Politics

Sengottaiyan turns emotional during final day of Gobi campaign

Former AIADMK minister Sengottaiyan, who has joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and is contesting from Gobi, became emotional during the final phase of election campaigning. On the last day of canvassing, he campaigned in Seethamma Colony and addressed voters as part of the final round of vote-seeking. In his speech, Sengottaiyan recalled an incident from a meeting in Vellore, where TVK leader Vijay noticed a photograph of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa kept in his shirt pocket. He said Vijay later invited him home and told him, as a senior leader, to continue keeping the photo in his pocket.

Development with social justice is our top goal: Stalin in video
Politics

Development with social justice is our top goal: Stalin in video

Chennai: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has released a video message during the election campaign, saying he wanted to speak “from the heart” about his affection for Tamil Nadu and the risks the state faces. Recalling the 2021 Assembly election, Stalin said some had described him as “more dangerous” than former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. He said he cannot be compared with Karunanidhi, whom he often addressed as “leader,” but added that he would indeed be “dangerous” to those who seek to cheat Tamil Nadu or block its progress.

Tamil Nadu poll campaign ends at 6 pm; EC issues strict curbs
Politics

Tamil Nadu poll campaign ends at 6 pm; EC issues strict curbs

Campaigning for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election will end at 6 pm on April 21, ahead of polling scheduled for April 23 from 7 am to 6 pm. The Election Commission has directed that no public meetings or processions be held or attended after the deadline. In a statement, Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik said election-related content must not be displayed to the public through any medium, including cinema, television, FM radio and social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter. The restriction also covers SMS and other electronic communication formats.

Annamalai condemns alleged gang rape of 15-year-old in Tiruvannamalai
Crime

Annamalai condemns alleged gang rape of 15-year-old in Tiruvannamalai

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai has condemned reports of a gang rape of a 15-year-old girl in Tiruvannamalai district, calling the incident “shocking” and “infuriating”. In a statement, he said the girl, from Kanchipuram, was allegedly assaulted near Cheyyar when she had come to attend a family function. He argued that repeated such incidents point to a breakdown of law and order under the DMK government. Annamalai also alleged that the state has seen an unchecked spread of narcotics and that offenders no longer fear the law or the police, claiming Tamil Nadu has been pushed into a “dark phase”. He said it would take time to correct the situation and restore the state.

Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti celebrated at Sringeri Sharada Peetham
General

Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti celebrated at Sringeri Sharada Peetham

Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti was observed with special rituals at Sringeri Sharada Peetham on April 21. Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigal performed worship for Adi Shankara with special abhishekam and aradhanas. The Sringeri Sharada Peetham is described as the first and foremost seat established by Adi Shankara in the 8th century on the banks of the Tungabhadra river in Karnataka to propagate Advaita Vedanta. The tradition recalls that he installed Sharada (Saraswati) and appointed his chief disciple Sureshwaracharya as the first acharya, staying for 12 years to teach Advaita.

Kamal says women’s rights cash scheme led him to join DMK alliance
Politics

Kamal says women’s rights cash scheme led him to join DMK alliance

Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan has said that the DMK’s implementation of the women’s rights cash assistance scheme was the key reason he decided to join the DMK-led alliance. Campaigning in Tiruchirappalli in support of DMK alliance candidates for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, Kamal said a true leader should run towards people when they face problems, not run away from them. He noted that one of the ideas he had spoken about earlier has now been carried out by the DMK, adding that it was something he felt few others had spoken about in the country.

Vijay to voters: ‘You can’t intimidate me by unleashing authorities’
Politics

Vijay to voters: ‘You can’t intimidate me by unleashing authorities’

Chennai: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has appealed to voters to be ready for what he called a “whistle revolution” on April 23, urging families to come out in large numbers and vote for the party’s whistle symbol. In a letter addressed to the people of Tamil Nadu, Vijay said he entered politics to repay what he described as a debt of gratitude to the public. He alleged that he has faced sustained pressure, constraints and hardships since stepping into politics.

Rs 13.40 lakh seized from Karthi Chidambaram’s office; MP evades query
Politics

Rs 13.40 lakh seized from Karthi Chidambaram’s office; MP evades query

Officials from the election flying squad seized cash worth Rs 13.40 lakh from the Karaikudi office of Congress MP Karthi Chidambaram in Sivaganga district. According to the report, the money was allegedly kept stored at the office. During the operation, two persons present at the spot snatched the cash from officials and fled, it said. When Karthi Chidambaram was later approached by reporters while he was meeting people and seeking votes, he was asked about the seizure from his office.

Naidu says South India seats won’t shrink, campaigns in Tamil Nadu
Politics

Naidu says South India seats won’t shrink, campaigns in Tamil Nadu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who is in Tamil Nadu to campaign for alliance candidates in the final phase of the Assembly election campaign, told reporters in Chennai that parliamentary seats in South India would not be reduced. Speaking at Guindy, Naidu said, “I am also a Dravidian,” and urged people not to forget it. He said Tamils are among the best at protecting their mother tongue and noted that Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu share many similarities.

Stalin campaigns in Chennai; Annamalai, Vanathi lead bike rally in Coimbatore
Politics

Stalin campaigns in Chennai; Annamalai, Vanathi lead bike rally in Coimbatore

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin carried out election campaigning across parts of Chennai on Tuesday, meeting residents and seeking support for alliance candidates. In Sholinganallur constituency, Stalin walked through neighbourhoods, greeted the public, shook hands and posed for photographs while canvassing votes for the DMK candidate. He later campaigned on Gandhi Road in Velachery, seeking votes in support of Congress candidate Hasan Malalana. In Saidapet, he continued canvassing in support of minister Ma. Subramanian, travelling by auto.

EPS thanks Premalatha, predicts AIADMK alliance win in Tamil Nadu polls
Politics

EPS thanks Premalatha, predicts AIADMK alliance win in Tamil Nadu polls

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) on Tuesday, during the final phase of Assembly election campaigning in Salem, thanked Premalatha for “campaigning for us” even while being in the DMK alliance. He said, “Truth never sleeps.” Addressing the public meeting, EPS framed the election as a contest between the people of Tamil Nadu and what he described as “family rule” and “dynastic politics.” He urged voters to bring that system to an end, and alleged that the election would mark a political “closure” for the Karunanidhi family.

Army recalls Pahalgam attack: 'India will not forget'
Politics

Army recalls Pahalgam attack: 'India will not forget'

The Indian Army on social media remembered the Pahalgam terror attack on the eve of its first anniversary, stating that “India will not forget.” On April 22 last year, Pakistan-based terrorists attacked in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 innocent tourists. The incident led to a drop in tourist arrivals in the region. The Army said it delivered a strong response through a military operation named “Operation Sindoor.” With security subsequently strengthened, tourist footfall has been rising again.

Sathyaraj family backs rival parties as Tamil Nadu campaign ends
Politics

Sathyaraj family backs rival parties as Tamil Nadu campaign ends

Chennai: With the Tamil Nadu election campaign drawing to a close ahead of polling in the next two days, actor Sathyaraj’s family has drawn attention for supporting different political fronts. Sathyaraj has campaigned at multiple locations in support of the DMK. His daughter Divya, who is associated with the DMK, also canvassed for the party and its alliance candidates. In contrast, Sathyaraj’s son and actor Sibiraj has been backing actor Vijay and the TVK. While he has not been seen on the ground for direct campaigning, he used social media platforms such as Instagram to seek support for TVK candidates, including Singanallur candidate Giriprasad and Velachery candidate Kumar, releasing videos urging voters to give them a chance.

Vijay says DMK will “certainly lose” in Assembly polls
Politics

Vijay says DMK will “certainly lose” in Assembly polls

Actor-turned-politician Vijay, speaking at a campaign meeting in Chennai, said the upcoming Assembly election would send the DMK government “home” and claimed the party’s defeat was certain. He accused the DMK of making false promises and ignoring people’s hardships. Vijay alleged that the government had increased multiple levies including house tax, drinking water charges, professional tax and the cost of living, and even imposed a tax on garbage. Vijay also criticised the state’s borrowing, claiming the government had taken loans of about Rs 5.5 lakh crore and arguing that such funds could have been used for measures like waiving students’ education loans.

More CMs campaign in Tamil Nadu; analysts flag INDIA bloc’s weak unity
Politics

More CMs campaign in Tamil Nadu; analysts flag INDIA bloc’s weak unity

Campaigning in Tamil Nadu has seen an unusual influx of leaders from other states this election, with multiple chief ministers taking the field. The report says the TEJA alliance, which has more chief ministers nationally, has stepped up efforts to campaign against the DMK, a key party in the INDIA bloc. According to the report, six chief ministers campaigned in Tamil Nadu in support of TEJA alliance candidates: Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu.

EPS promises 50% cut in Arasu Cable TV fee if AIADMK returns
Politics

EPS promises 50% cut in Arasu Cable TV fee if AIADMK returns

Chennai: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) on Tuesday said that if the AIADMK comes to power in Tamil Nadu, the monthly charge for Arasu Cable TV would be reduced by 50%. With polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election scheduled for April 23, the party has been campaigning across the state. EPS said the AIADMK had already released 297 election promises and has now added 10 more. Among the new announcements are compensation measures for worker fatalities. EPS said families of registered construction workers who die after falling during work would be given Rs 25 lakh, while families of palm workers who die after falling from palm trees would receive Rs 20 lakh.