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Tamil Nadu News

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

Iran’s Supreme Leader’s Funeral Delayed for Over 50 Days

Tehran: Iran has not held the funeral or burial of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (86), even after more than 50 days since his death, according to reports. The delay follows a joint US-Israel attack on Iran on February 28. On the first day of the conflict, Khamenei and several other senior leaders were reportedly killed. Iranian authorities are said to be planning a grand state funeral with full official honours. However, officials fear that a large public gathering could become a target for another strike by the US or Israel.

Women’s reservation amendment bill fails in Lok Sabha

The Union government had passed the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan’ law in September 2023 to provide 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. With implementation linked to a fresh Census and facing hurdles for a 2029 rollout, the Centre decided to move ahead using the 2011 Census as the basis. To enable this, the government introduced the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill during a recent special session of the Lok Sabha. As a constitutional amendment, it required support from two-thirds of the total membership—353 MPs—but received backing from only 298, leading to the bill’s defeat.

Rahul Gandhi’s pet dog draws attention at INDIA bloc meeting

New Delhi: An advisory meeting of the INDIA alliance was held at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence to discuss issues including the women’s reservation bill and constituency delimitation. According to accounts circulating among Congress leaders, Rahul Gandhi attended the meeting but did not come alone. He reportedly arrived with his pet dog, a Jack Russell Terrier named “Pidi”. While the discussions were underway, the dog was said to be playing on the lawn outside. Participants claimed Gandhi’s attention frequently shifted towards the lawn, and he later asked his security staff to bring the dog inside.

Annamalai mocks CM Stalin over governance, law and order in Krishnagiri

BJP leader and former Tamil Nadu state president K. Annamalai on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister M.K. Stalin during a campaign meeting at Kelamangalam in Krishnagiri district. Annamalai alleged that crimes against women have risen over the past five years and said a government’s primary duty is to ensure safety for lives and property before speaking about development. He claimed law and order in the state has been “damaged” and warned that without change now, there may never be change.

Tamil Nadu Assembly polls: 4 days to go as campaign heats up

With just four days left for polling, the Tamil Nadu Assembly election campaign has begun to heat up. Voting is scheduled for April 23, and the results are set to be announced on May 4. Dinamalar is carrying a daily election-focused supplement titled “Election Kalam”, running to eight pages alongside the newspaper. The April 19 edition highlights the day’s political developments and invites readers to follow the latest updates. The supplement also features regular sections such as “Kisu..Kisu” and a voter-focused segment asking: Who will you vote for, and why?

Seeman seeks votes during morning walk in Karaikudi campaign push

Karaikudi witnessed an unusual final-phase campaign moment on Saturday as Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief coordinator Seeman sought votes while taking a morning walk. According to the party, Seeman—also the NTK candidate for the Karaikudi constituency—walked around the Karaikudi bus stand area at dawn on April 19 and interacted with members of the public. During the outreach, he appealed to voters to give him an opportunity for what he described as “alternative politics.”

Vijay backs independent candidate in Edappadi after TVK nominee rejected

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has announced support for independent candidate Premkumar in the Edappadi Assembly constituency of Salem district, after the party’s official nominee was knocked out of the race. TVK had earlier named Arun Kumar as its candidate for Edappadi. However, his nomination was rejected as the proposers could not be verified, leading to a situation where the party would not be contesting in the constituency. The episode also triggered controversy, with claims that Arun Kumar had been “kidnapped” and criticism from TVK functionary Aadhav Arjuna, who alleged betrayal by the party’s candidate.

Development is visible on the ground, not just a promise: Stalin

Chennai Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said development in the state is not merely an election promise but something that can be seen on the ground across districts. In a statement, he claimed that in today’s Tamil Nadu, nearly every household has at least one person benefiting from welfare schemes implemented by the DMK government. Stalin also asserted that the 2026 verdict is “already decided” and that the DMK will return to power with public support.

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan gets warm welcome in Sri Lanka

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday (April 19) for a two-day official visit and was given an enthusiastic reception at Colombo airport. This is his first visit to Sri Lanka after assuming office. During his stay in Colombo, he is scheduled to meet Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayaka and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya for discussions. He will also hold meetings with leaders of the Indian-origin Tamil community and Tamil leaders from Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern provinces.

EC replaces Tamil Nadu Police Intelligence IG ahead of Assembly polls

The Election Commission has ordered the transfer of Senthilvelan from the post of Inspector General (IG) of the Tamil Nadu Police Intelligence wing. Avinashkumar has been appointed as the new IG. The move comes as the Tamil Nadu Assembly election is scheduled to be held on April 23, with the model code of conduct currently in effect. According to the report, opposition parties had submitted petitions to the Election Commission seeking the transfer of officials they alleged were acting in support of the DMK. Following these representations, a series of administrative changes have been carried out.

Amit Shah in Erode: Stalin’s aim is to make his son CM

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday addressed a roadshow in Erode, alleging that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s “only goal” is to make his son the Chief Minister. The roadshow was held in support of BJP candidate Krithika from Modakurichi. Shah travelled from the Sivagiri Government Hospital to the Thirun Chinnamalai statue, where BJP supporters lined both sides of the road and welcomed the convoy. Speaking in Hindi, Shah claimed that the DMK and the Congress were responsible for preventing the passage of the women’s reservation bill. He said he would not allow it to be blocked and asserted that it would be passed.

DMK releases Chennai manifesto with 20 promises under ‘Super-6’

Chennai’s DMK election manifesto, carrying 20 announcements under six broad themes, was released with the stated aim of upgrading the city to global standards. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin unveiled the package branded as the “Chennai Super-6” plans. On mobility, the manifesto promises the launch of 1,000 new mini-buses and completion of metro rail expansion works by 2028. It also targets the creation of “world-class” aesthetically designed roads in Chennai by 2029.

Rajnath Singh alleges DMK MLAs made Rs 5,000 crore from sand loot

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday alleged that DMK MLAs in Tamil Nadu had earned Rs 5,000 crore through illegal sand mining. He made the charge while campaigning in Tenkasi district’s Vasudevanallur constituency, where he took part in a roadshow in support of BJP candidate Anandan Ayyasamy. In his election speech, Singh said the state’s law and order situation had deteriorated and held the Chief Minister and his son responsible. He also linked the deaths in Kallakurichi due to illicit liquor to what he described as the DMK government’s negligence.

Anbumani urges Vijay fans: Don’t waste votes, back AIADMK alliance

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Saturday appealed to actor Vijay’s supporters not to “waste” their votes in the ongoing election, and instead back the AIADMK-led alliance. Speaking to reporters in Cuddalore, Anbumani said Vijay had entered politics only recently and argued that the stated purpose behind launching Vijay’s party was to oppose the DMK and remove it from power. He said the PMK and its allies shared the same objective.

Annamalai targets Kamal Haasan during NDA campaign in Tiruvarur

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai campaigned in Tiruvarur Assembly constituency in support of NDA-backed BJP candidate Govi Chandru. During the campaign, he launched a sharp attack on actor-politician Kamal Haasan. Addressing the gathering, Annamalai alleged that a vote for the DMK alliance would be “a vote against India’s sovereignty.” He also took aim at Kamal Haasan, saying he should “raise his voice only in proportion to the money received,” referring to a Rajya Sabha seat and campaign-related support.

Vijay holds roadshow in Trichy East, prays at St Antony’s Church

TVK leader Vijay, who is contesting the Assembly election from Trichy East, held a roadshow in the constituency on Saturday to seek votes. He arrived in Tiruchirappalli by flight in the afternoon and proceeded by car to the campaign area. Large numbers of people gathered along the route to welcome him. Vijay travelled in an open vehicle through areas including Wireless Road, KK Nagar bus stand and Kottapattu, where supporters presented mementos and showered flowers, garlands, coloured paper and party flags.

Thirumavalavan urges voters to reject ‘cinema craze’ in campaign

VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan, campaigning in Vriddhachalam, appealed to voters to prove in the election arena that they are not driven by a “cinema craze”. He was canvassing in support of DMDK general secretary Premalatha. Addressing the gathering, Thirumavalavan drew a comparison with Sangam literature, saying that just as the “Ten Idylls” and “Eight Anthologies” are significant, political victories in “10 constituencies and 8 constituencies” should be secured, and stressed that Vriddhachalam must be won.

Seeman says he will “turn the country upside down” if he forms govt

Campaign pitch in Karaikudi Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief coordinator Seeman, campaigning in Karaikudi, said that if he wins and is able to form a government, he would “turn the country upside down,” signalling major changes. Funding through public contributions Responding to questions about where the party gets money to run campaigns, Seeman said NTK candidates are not wealthy and that the party depends on contributions from ordinary people. He said supporters donate small amounts such as Rs 200, Rs 300, Rs 2,000 and Rs 4,000, which are used for campaign needs including microphones and vehicles.

Virudhunagar cracker factory blast kills 18; several injured

An explosion at a cracker factory near Virudhunagar on Saturday killed 18 workers and injured several others, officials said. The injured are undergoing treatment at hospitals, and some are reported to be in a critical condition. The incident occurred at the Vanaja fireworks unit in Kattanarpatti. Reports said the factory is owned by Muthumanickam, a former panchayat president of Govindhanallur, and was operating with required permissions. More than 30 workers were on duty when the blast occurred, damaging four rooms in the facility. Fire and rescue personnel reached the spot, brought the fire under control and shifted the injured to hospitals.

L Murugan asks: Why only a king in Nilgiris, why not a queen?

Remarks in Tiruppur Union minister and Avinashi constituency candidate L Murugan on Saturday raised a pointed question about political representation in the Nilgiris: with women forming 52% of the electorate, why should the seat be held only by a “king” and not a “queen”. Call for more women in elected offices Speaking to reporters in Tiruppur, Murugan said women should get greater opportunities in politics, arguing that sisters should become MPs and mothers should become MLAs. He alleged that the DMK had no moral right to speak about social justice and demanded that the DMK government, Chief Minister M K Stalin and MP Kanimozhi apologise to women.

Noida wage protest turns violent as price rise squeezes workers

Contract workers employed in private factories in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, staged a protest demanding higher wages, but the agitation later spiralled into violence. Economists and activists say the episode reflects deeper distress linked to rising living costs rather than a simple wage dispute. Noida, set up in 1976 and now a major industrial hub for automobile manufacturing, auto components and electronics, has entered its golden jubilee year. Instead of celebrations, the industrial belt witnessed a large protest on April 13 involving thousands of contract workers, including women.

Supreme Court cautions High Courts against criticizing district judges

New Delhi The Supreme Court has cautioned High Courts against publicly criticizing district judges in their orders, saying such remarks can damage morale across the district judiciary and harm the concerned judge’s career. The observations came while hearing an appeal against a Calcutta High Court order that had cancelled bail granted by a district court in a criminal case linked to a lease dispute. The High Court, while cancelling the bail, had also made critical comments about the district judge’s functioning.

Congress faces setback in Tiruvadanai as rivals gain ground

Ramanathapuram district’s Tiruvadanai Assembly constituency is witnessing a multi-cornered contest with sitting Congress MLA Karumanickam in the fray against AIADMK’s Keerthika, TVK’s Rajeev and Naam Tamilar Katchi’s Premnath. The seat has a long history of being represented by members of the same family over three generations, with Karumanickam being the latest in that line. However, local resentment has reportedly grown over allegations that the sitting MLA stayed away from the constituency for five years and did not address public issues. The discontent is said to have extended to DMK functionaries in the alliance, with several key DMK leaders focusing their field work in neighbouring constituencies.

DMK leadership issues directive to Durai Murugan over Katpadi campaign

DMK general secretary and minister Durai Murugan is contesting from Katpadi in Vellore district. Party leadership had earlier considered giving the seat to a candidate of his choice due to his age, but he opted to contest and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin did not object. Durai Murugan is said to be campaigning despite difficulties. Within the constituency, there are complaints that Durai Murugan and his son, MP Kathir Anand, have not done much even for their own party functionaries and cadre. Party sources link this discontent to the 2021 Assembly election, when Durai Murugan reportedly won by a narrow margin of 746 votes.

LPG cylinders in Tamil Nadu now delivered within 5 days of booking

Home delivery of cooking gas cylinders in Tamil Nadu has improved, with agencies now supplying cylinders within five days of a customer’s booking. Earlier, delivery timelines had stretched to nearly two weeks, causing inconvenience to households. Public-sector oil companies—Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum—supply 14.2-kg domestic cylinders and 19-kg commercial cylinders through their dealer networks. Under normal conditions, deliveries used to be completed in 2–3 days, and often within two days in Chennai.

Congress workers confused after Rahul speech mistranslation in Sholingur

At a campaign meeting held in Sholingur in Ranipet district, Congress workers were reportedly left confused after Tamil Nadu Congress president Selva Perundhagai allegedly mistranslated parts of Rahul Gandhi’s speech. According to the report, when Rahul spoke about defeating the BJP’s “far-sighted thinking”, the translation was rendered as an allegation that the BJP was “dividing the country”. The report also claimed that a remark attributed to Rahul about Prime Minister Narendra Modi showing “no confidence” was translated in the opposite sense, as Modi being “fully confident”.

Palaniswami says Stalin’s stand may cost TN more Lok Sabha seats

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has alleged that Tamil Nadu has missed a major opportunity to gain additional Lok Sabha seats, blaming Chief Minister M K Stalin’s opposition to a women’s reservation bill. In his statement, Palaniswami claimed the Chief Minister opposed the proposal “without understanding its essence”, and said the state lost what he described as a “golden opportunity” offered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Referring to constituency delimitation, Palaniswami said that if the 2011 Census had been used for redrawing seats, Tamil Nadu would have lost nine Lok Sabha constituencies. He further claimed that delimitation based on the 2026 Census could lead to an even bigger reduction in the state’s representation.

Stalin salutes women for defeating Lok Sabha delimitation move

Chennai: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said the campaign against what he termed a “black law” on Lok Sabha constituency delimitation has succeeded, and credited women for leading the effort. In a video message, Stalin said the BJP-led Union government attempted to bring the move “in disguise” as a women’s reservation initiative, and claimed women were at the forefront in defeating what he called a deceptive plan. He also alleged the attempt was meant to create a North–South divide.

Rahul skips Stalin’s name at Ponneri rally, mentions him later

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi campaigned on Friday in support of the party’s candidates contesting from Ponneri, Sholingur and Thuraiyur. During the campaign meeting at Ponneri, Rahul did not mention Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin by name, according to reports from the event. A similar pattern was noted earlier this month during a campaign programme in Puducherry on April 6, where Rahul and Stalin did not share the stage and Rahul did not refer to Stalin in his speech.

Piyush Goyal alleges family rule and corruption in Tamil Nadu

Union minister and BJP leader Piyush Goyal alleged that Tamil Nadu has become “embroiled in corruption” due to what he described as family-centric politics in the ruling setup. Referring to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Sabareesan and Kanimozhi, Goyal claimed that people are preparing to “save” the state from this model of governance. He further said that a majority of people have begun supporting the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which includes the AIADMK and the BJP in Tamil Nadu.

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