Tamil Nadu News | Latest News Headlines and Updates, Politics, Events

Coimbatore: A case has been booked against BJP state President and Coimbatore candidate K Annamalai and a few members of his party over an alleged poll campaign time violation, police said here on Friday.
DMK workers and their allies, the Left parties, objected to BJP members campaigning beyond the Election Commission’s stipulated time on Thursday night and this led to a quarrel between the two parties at Avarampalayam area, police said.
Following a complaint lodged by a DMK member, Peelamedu police booked cases against four BJP functionaries under various sections of the IPC.  Meanwhile, local DMK functionaries petitioned the district collector seeking action against the BJP candidate for allegedly campaigning beyond the deadline set by the Election Commission.
—PTI

BJP Coimbatore candidate Annamalai booked for poll time violation, causing conflict with DMK and allies. Legal actions initiated post late-night campaign dispute.

Lok Sabha polls 2024: Tamil Nadu BJP president Annamalai booked for MCC violation

Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu: Five members of a family including a three-month-old girl child were killed when the car in which they were travelling in collided head on with a state government bus near Olapalayam in the district, police said on Tuesday.
The occupants of the car were returning from a temple in Thirukadaiyur when a state government bus proceeding to Tiruchirappalli from Tiruppur came in the opposite direction and both the vehicles collided head on near Olapalayam on the national highway early today, police said.
Chandrasekaran, 60, of Nallikaundan Nagar, his wife Chitra, 57, his elder daughter-in-law Aruvivithra, 30, the latter’s three-months old daughter, and his younger son Ilavarasan, 26, who was driving the car, died instantly due to the impact of the collision.  Chandrasekaran’s elder son and husband of Aruvivithra, Sasidharan, has been admitted to a hospital with serious injuries.  The police have registered a case and are investigating.
—PTI

A tragic collision on the highway near Olapalayam claims five lives, including a three-month-old girl, with one person hospitalized.

Five killed in car-bus collision in Tamil Nadu's Tiruppur

Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu): Sitting MP and Indian Union Muslim League candidate for Ramanathapuram constituency, Navas Kani MP, lauched his campaign for the Lok Sabha elections by offering prayers at Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram on Wednesday. The IUML partners with the DMK, the Congress and other parties in the ruling alliance in the state and is also part of the Opposition bloc--INDIA.
Speaking on the sidelines of his election campaign, Kani said all problems concerning Tamil Nadu fishermen will be solved if the INDIA bloc is voted to power at the Centre. "All the problems of Tamil Nadu fishermen will be solved if INDIA wins the upcoming (general) elections. I will make people aware of several running schemes of the state government, such as free bus travel for girls and higher education scholarships for male and female students, among others, during my campaign," he said. "The central government cheated Tamil Nadu for the past 10 years and deceived the fishermen of Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu government took action in the rescue of the fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy. When fishermen were arrested in Sri Lanka under the Congress rule, they were released along with their boats," he told ANI.
Expanding on the accomplishments of the state government, Kani told reporters, "The Tamil Nadu government allotted Rs 2,818 crore under the new Cauvery drinking water project in Ramanathapuram, set up a municipal corporation, opened new bus stands and implemented several other schemes for fishermen." The IUML, earlier, named Kani as its candidate for Ramanathapuram constituency for the seven-phased Lok Sabha polls.
Meanwhile, the BJP's Lok Sabha candidate from South Chennai constituency, Tamilisai Soundarajan, also kicked off her election campaign on Wednesday. "I took a 'vada' from a roadside shop. The owner was a woman. She reprensents the push for women's empowerment by the Centre, while I paid her digitally, which affirms the government's vision of a Digital India. The development that we see around us today is the one that we have all been dreaming of. The fruits of the development has reached the underprivileged, marginalised sections, and women. There is nothing more that I need to propagate. Development is all around us. PM Modi has got us here. Our country is well and truly on the road to development." All 39 seats in Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 19 and the counting of votes along with those from other phases has been scheduled for June 4.
—ANI

Navas Kani launches his Lok Sabha campaign in Ramanathapuram, promising resolution for Tamil Nadu fishermen's woes and highlighting state's progress.

"All problems of Tamil Nadu fishermen will be solved if...": IUML's Navas Kani MP launches LS poll campaign

Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president and Coimbatore Lok Sabha candidate K. Annamalai filed his nomination from the Coimbatore parliamentary constituency on Wednesday.
He also held a roadshow and offered prayers at the Arulmigu Koniamman Temple on Wednesday before filing his nomination for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. MLA Vanathi Srinivasan was also present with Annamalai.
On Tuesday, the Tamil Nadu BJP president participated in a meeting of Parliament Constituency Workers on behalf of the Karur District BJP under the leadership of Karur Parliamentary Constituency candidate Senthilnathan. During the event, Annamalai slammed the present Congress Karur MP, Jothimani and said that, like the former, one should not look into the constituency three months before the election. "You need an MP who can be here 365 days and do what the Prime Minister says. Good things and bad things should be present in everything. I will not give any other responsibilities to (BJP Candidate) Senthilnathan in the party. You should give him the charge of MP," he added.
Highlighting issues in the constituency, the BJP leader said, "There are many problems in this constituency, like irrigation facility, farmers problems, factory problems, lack of job opportunities for youths, etc. The DMK election manifesto should be squeezed and thrown away. Everything that was mentioned in the 2021 Assembly Election manifesto has also been mentioned in the Parliamentary Election manifesto after 33 months. They have written the same promises after destroying and destroying. It is a book of lies."
He further said that the state Chief Minister, MK Stalin, should issue a white paper regarding his claims of fulfilling 99 per cent of the promises made during the elections. "MK Stalin claims that out of 511 election promises, 99 per cent were fulfilled. Stalin should issue a white paper on the election manifesto. There was a minister in Karur (Senthil Balaji). He is currently in prison. A person who went to prison because of a mistake has given cans to the people of the area while staying inside. Also, they will come to give silverless locks and tokens during the election. We don't need freebies, development is what is needed for people."
"People know very well that the competition is between the DMK and the BJP in this election. Prime Minister Modi has been working for the people for the last 10 years without taking any leave," he added. A Karnataka cadre IPS officer, Annamalai, resigned from service in 2019 and joined the BJP in 2020. He was appointed BJP state president a year late. The AIADMK has chosen Singai G Ramachandran, head of the party's IT wing, as its nominee for the Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat. The voting for all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in the first phase on April 19. During the 2019 general elections, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, which comprised Congress, VCK, MDMK, CPI, CPI(M), IUML, MMK, KMDK, TVK, AIFB, registered a landslide victory by winning 38 of the 39 seats. In 2019, DMK won 23 Lok Sabha seats with 33.2 per cent vote share, Congress bagged 8 seats with 12.9 per cent vote and CPI won two seats in Tamil Nadu. The election for 543 Lok Sabha seats in the country will be held in seven phases starting April 19. Nearly 97 crore voters are eligible to cast votes in the general election.
—ANI

BJP candidate K. Annamalai files for Lok Sabha in Coimbatore, slams DMK's recycled promises, and underscores development over freebies.

Lok Sabha Polls: BJP leader K Annamalai files nomination from Coimbatore parliamentary constituency

Chennai: The opposition AIADMK on Friday in its manifesto for the April 19 Lok Sabha elections promised among other things to ensure Rs 3,000 monthly financial aid to women heads of economically backward families across the country .
The party would urge the Central government to provide the monthly financial assistance to the women heads of economically backward families in India, the manifesto released by party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami here said.  Appointment of governors for states in consultation with the Chief Ministers, an alternative examination for NEET, establishment of a Supreme Court bench in Chennai were among the 113 electoral assurances made by the AIADMK.
—PTI

AIADMK promises ₹3,000 monthly aid to economically backward women, NEET alternatives, and a Supreme Court bench in Chennai in its 2024 Lok Sabha manifesto.

Lok Sabha election 2024: AIADMK manifesto promises Rs 3,000 to women heads of families across India

Chennai (Tamil Nadu): AIADMK on Wednesday released its first list of 16 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The list was released by the party general secretary, Edappadi K Palaniswami.
While releasing the list, he said that five constituencies have been allocated to the DMDK; and one each to Puthiya Tamilagam and SDPI.
"In the AIADMK alliance, DMDMK is to contest in 5 seats, SDPI in 1 seat and Puthiya Tamilagam in 1 seat, from Tenkasi constituency," said Palaniswami "We believe we are strong. We believe people will support us. We are not bothered about what people talk on social media. We are in an alliance with the people" he further said. The AIADMK general secretary also said the party wasn't disappointed with not striking an alliance with the PMK which had joined the BJP alliance on Tuesday. "We don't have any disappointment as PMK didn't join our alliance. AIADMK will always stand on its own leg. If anyone comes to our alliance, we will welcome them. This purely depends on each party's decision. We can't force any party" Palaniswami said.
"In 2014 AIADMK got victory in 38 constituencies. Our MP candidates will voice for Tamil Nadu in Parliament. In Tamil Nadu AIADMK is the strongest party. AIADMK candidates will win all constituency" he added. This time the AIADMK has the support of the SDPI, Tamil Manila Muslim League, Manitha Neya Jananayaga Katchi and Puthiya Tamilagam. Speaking on the alliance Puthiya Tamilagam Founder Krishnasamy said "I am happy to be part in AIADMK alliance. We will contest in the individual symbol which is being allocated by the Election Commission. The candidate will be announced later after having a discussion with party members." Meanwhile, the AIADMK has decided to field AL Vijayan from Arakkonam, Jayaprakash from Krishnagiri, Vignesh from Salem, Saravanan from Madurai and Attral Ashokkumar from Erode. Former AIADMK Minister D Jayakumar's son Jayavardhan will contest from South Chennai. Manohar will contest from North Chennai, Rajasekar from Kanchipuram, Gajendran from Arani, Bakkiyaraj from Villupuram, Tamilmani from Namakkal, Chandrasekaran from Chidambaram, Surcith Shankar from Nagapattinam and Narayanasami from Theni. Tenkasi has been allocated to Puthiya Tamilagam, while Dindukkal has been allocated to SDPI.
Tamil Nadu is voting on April 19 in a single phase of polling. During the 2019 general elections, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Secular Progressive Alliance, which comprised INC, VCK, MDMK, CPI, CPI(M), IUML, MMK, KMDK, TVK, AIFB, registered a landslide victory by winning 38 of the 39 seats. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India issued a notification on Wednesday for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 to be conducted on April 19. In the notification, the ECI informed that March 28 will be the last date for filing nominations for Bihar and March 27 for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep and Puducherry. Polling for the Lok Sabha elections will be conducted in seven phases across the nation from April 19 to June 1. Votes will be counted on June 4.
—ANI

AIADMK releases 16 candidates for 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, forms alliances with DMDK, SDPI, Puthiya Tamilagam.

AIADMK releases first list of 16 candidates for Lok Sabha polls

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu unit of BJP and the PMK on Sunday flagged the arrest of 21 more fishermen by Sri Lanka and urged the Centre to swiftly secure the release of fishers and their boats.
Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai and PMK top leader Anbumani Ramadoss said 21 fishermen have been arrested by the island nation. Also, their two boats have been seized. The fishermen were arrested on the night of March 16 by Lankan authorities.  Writing to External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, Annamalai said: "We bring to your kind attention the detention of 21 fishermen from Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Navy and 2 fishing boats belonging to these fishermen were also apprehended. We request the intervention of our External affairs ministry to facilitate the early repatriation of the detainees and the release of their fishing boats." Annamalai posted a copy of his letter to the minister on 'X'.
<a href="https://twitter.com/annamalai_k/status/1769245381303709795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1769245381303709795%7Ctwgr%5E3df6828632b6c4eb13119f141eea3acf9d752c58%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deccanherald.com%2Findia%2Ftamil-nadu%2F21-more-fishermen-arrested-by-sri-lanka-tamil-nadu-parties-tell-centre-seek-action-2940364" target="_self">https://twitter.com/annamalai_k/status/1769245381303709795?r</a>
In a post on 'X', Anbumani, also a Rajya Sabha MP, said during the past one week, as many as 58 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and Karaikal (Puducherry) have been arrested by Sri Lanka. "During the past two months, more than 80 fishermen have been arrested."  <a href="https://twitter.com/draramadoss/status/1769231490259574977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1769231490259574977%7Ctwgr%5E3df6828632b6c4eb13119f141eea3acf9d752c58%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deccanherald.com%2Findia%2Ftamil-nadu%2F21-more-fishermen-arrested-by-sri-lanka-tamil-nadu-parties-tell-centre-seek-action-2940364" target="_self">https://twitter.com/draramadoss/status/1769231490259574977?</a>
The PMK leader said the Central government must not allow the "endless arrests and attacks" of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lanka. The union government should take action to secure the release of all the 58 fishermen and all their boats.
—PTI

BJP and PMK leaders in Tamil Nadu call on the Centre to secure the release of 21 fishermen arrested by Sri Lanka, emphasizing the urgent need for diplomatic intervention.

21 more fishermen arrested by Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu parties tell Centre; seek action

Nagarkurnool (Telangana): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lashed out at Congress and Bharat Rasthra Samithi and said that both these parties have together crushed the dreams and aspirations of Telangana. Addressing a gathering in Nagarkurnool, PM Modi said that today he saw that the Telangana people have decided that they want to bring back Modi for a third time.
"The election dates (for Lok Sabha polls 2024) will be announced in Delhi in some time. However, people of the country have already announced the results even before the election dates are officially announced. The country has announced 'abki baar 400 paar', and the crowd here at Nagarkurnool is a testimony to that," PM Modi said. "As per the poll conducted by news channels, it's clear that for BJP it's going to be... 'Abki Baar, 400 Paar'!" he asserted "Congress and BRS have shattered all dreams of Telangana. First, it was BRS' 'maha loot' and now it is Congress' 'buri nazar'. For Congress, even five years are enough to destroy Telangana..."
Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/brs-leaders-stage-protests-in-telangana-over-arrest-of-k-kavitha" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/brs-leaders-stage-protests-in-telangana-over-arrest-of-k-kavitha</a>&nbsp;
The Prime Minister further said that over the past 10 years, the development of Telangana has been a priority for his government "We call Telangana the 'Gateway of South'. Over the past 10 years, the development of Telangana has been a priority for us. Telangana remained divided between the policies of Congress and BRS. Both these parties have together crushed the dreams and aspirations of Telangana. First, it was BRS' 'maha loot' and now it is Congress' 'buri nazar'," he added. PM Modi further said that for Congress even five years are enough to destroy Telangana. "Congress gave the slogan of 'Garibi Hatao', has there been any change in the lives of poor," PM Modi asks people of Telangana. The BJP is formulating strategies to win more seats in the Lok Sabha elections in the state this time. The party's top leaders have already focused on Telangana. The Bharatiya Janata Party has already announced candidates for nine out of the 17 parliamentary constituencies in Telangana for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.  The Lok Sabha polls are expected to be held in April-May this year.
—ANI

PM Modi targets Congress and BRS, alleging they've stifled Telangana's growth. With Lok Sabha elections on the horizon, BJP eyes a major win, pledging continued development.

Congress, BRS shattered all dreams of Telangana: PM Modi in Nagarkurnool

Kanniyakumari (Tamil Nadu): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the DMK-Congress' INDIA bloc can never make Tamil Nadu a developed state as it has a "history of scams and corruption." Addressing a rally in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari, the Prime Minister said that today the wave that has emerged from India's southern shore, in Kanyakumari, will reach far-off places.
"In 1991, I began 'Ekta Yatra' from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. This time, I travelled from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have rejected the people who want to divide India. I am certain that the people of Tamil Nadu will also do the same," PM Modi said. PM Modi further asserted that Congress and DMK only know how to misbehave with women and slammed DMK for "doing politics in the name of women". "Everyone remembers what the DMK leaders did to Jayalalithaa ji. Their attitude towards women has still remained the same. Crimes against women have increased in Tamil Nadu. When we brought the reservation bill for women in Parliament, neither Congress nor DMK supported it. DMK and Congress are both anti-women," he said.
He further said that the people of INDI Alliance are responsible for meddling with the lives of the people of Tamil Nadu. "Our fishermen were given capital punishment in Sri Lanka... I left no stone unturned to bring our fishermen back," he added. The Prime Minister said that the central government is working to develop Tamil Nadu's port infrastructure. "I have recently inaugurated Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi. Our government is working for the welfare of fishermen as well. From providing them financial support for modern fishing boats to bringing them under the purview of the Kisan Credit Card scheme, we have taken care of their needs," he said. PM Modi highlighted his government welfare schemes and DMK-led government welfare schemes and said that they took people's money by orchestrating the 2G scam. "On one side, you have the welfare schemes of BJP. On the other side, you have the scam list of INDI Alliance. We provided people with optical fiber and 5G internet... They took people's money by orchestrating the 2G scam. We initiated the UDAN scheme, and they initiated the Helicopter scam. We have the results of Khelo India, they have the scam of the Commonwealth Games," PM Modi said.  He further asserted that BJP's performance in Tamil Nadu this time will shatter the arrogance of the DMK-Congress INDI alliance. The Lok Sabha polls are expected to be held in April and May this year.
—ANI

PM Modi slams DMK-Congress' INDIA bloc for corruption in Tamil Nadu, highlights BJP's developmental work and welfare schemes.

"History of DMK, Congress is full of scams": PM Modi targets Opposition in Kanyakumari

Chennai: AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has slammed the notification of the CAA rules, saying the Union government has made a 'historic blunder' with its implementation and charged the ruling BJP at the Centre with doing so for political mileage.
He said the 'AIADMK vehemently condemns this move which is aimed at dividing people ahead of the Lok Sabha polls to derive political mileage', even though it was not implemented for the past five years.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/caa-implementation:-opposition-slams-'attempt-to-polarise'-nation-ahead-of-lok-sabha-polls-bjp-hails-it-as-historic" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/caa-implementation:-opposition-slams-'attempt-to-polarise'-nation-ahead-of-lok-sabha-polls-bjp-hails-it-as-historic</a>&nbsp;
"The Central government has committed a historic blunder with this. The AIADMK will never allow any attempt to implement it against indigenous people - the Muslims and Sri Lankan Tamils. AIADMK will join the people of the country to democratically oppose it," the State Leader of Opposition said on Monday. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 paves the way for granting Indian nationality to undocumented non-Muslim migrants - Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians - from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who came to India before December 31, 2014. The CAA rules were notified on Monday by the Centre.
—PTI

AIADMK's Edappadi K Palaniswami slams CAA rules notification, denouncing BJP's 'historic blunder' for political gain.

Historic blunder, says AIADMK on CAA notification

Erode (TN): A single lemon fetched Rs 35,000 at an auction held at a private temple at a village near here, the temple authorities said.
As per custom, the lemon and other items including fruits offered to Lord Shiva during the Mahashivarathiri festivities observed on Friday night at the Pazhapoosaian temple near Sivagiri village, 35 km from here, were auctioned.  As many as 15 devotees participated in the auction and a lemon was sold to a devotee from Erode for Rs 35,000, the temple authorities said.
The temple priest placed the auctioned lemon before the presiding deity and conducted a small pooja and returned it to the person who made the highest bid in the auction in the presence of hundreds of devotees.  It is believed that the person who manages to make the highest bid and gets the lemon would be blessed with riches and good health for years to come.
—PTI

A unique tradition unfolds as a lemon fetches Rs 35,000 in a temple auction during Mahashivarathiri festivities, promising blessings of wealth and health.

Lemon sold for Rs 35,000 at auction in Tamil Nadu temple

Chennai: Repeating its 2019 seat-sharing formula for principal ally the Congress, the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu on Saturday allotted 10 seats in the state and neighbouring Puducherry to the national party for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
The Dravidian party gave Congress nine seats in Tamil Nadu, besides the lone Puducherry segment.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/'it-will-be-a-sweep'-says-chandrababu-naidu-as-tdp-jana-sena-seal-alliance-with-bjp" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/'it-will-be-a-sweep'-says-chandrababu-naidu-as-tdp-jana-sena-seal-alliance-with-bjp</a>&nbsp;
DMK President and Chief Minister M K Stalin and TNCC chief K Selvaperunthagai finalised the deal, in the presence of AICC leaders KC Venugopal and Ajoy Kumar. Addressing reporters, Venugopal exuded confidence of the DMK-led combine winning all 40 seats in TN and Puducherry and said the 'bonding' between the Congress and the DMK "is intact."
—PTI

DMK allocates 10 Lok Sabha seats to Congress in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, reinforcing their alliance for 2023 polls.

Lok Sabha polls: DMK seals seat-sharing pact with Congress, allots 9 seats in Tamil Nadu and one in Puducherry

Chennai (Tamil Nadu): Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), the political party founded by actor-politician Kamal Haasan, has decided not to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha (LS) election and instead support the DMK, a prominent political force in Tamil Nadu. Kamal Haasan announced his unwavering support and campaign efforts for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The DMK, however, has been offered one seat for the 2025 Rajya Sabha polls to MNM in exchange of campaigning for the party. "Me and my party are not contesting in this election. But we will give all cooperation to this alliance. We have joined hands as this is not just for position, this is for the Nation," said Kamal Haasan.
Actor turned politician Kamal Haasan made his political debut in 2018, by launching his own party Makkal Needhi Maiam. His party contested in 37 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and lost. Makkal Needhi Maiam's vote share in the 2019 Lok Sabha election was 3.72%. Haasan unsuccessfully contested the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election from Coimbatore South and lost to BJP Mahila Morcha President Vanathi Srinivasan by a narrow margin of 1728 votes. Meanwhile the DMK has almost sealed off all it alliances for the Lok Sabha Polls. The party has allotted two seats each to the Communist Party of India and CPIM, as well as one each to the Indian Union Muslim League and the Kongu Desa Makkal Katchi. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi has also been allotted two seats. It is expected that the seat sharing arrangement with the Congress will be sealed by Saturday evening. In 2019 the DMK alliance won 38 of the 39 seats and the INDIA bloc will be hoping for a repeat performance this rime as well.
—ANI

MNM, led by Kamal Haasan, decides not to contest in Lok Sabha 2024, supporting DMK to strengthen Tamil Nadu's political alliance for national progress.

Actor Kamal Haasan joins DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu, secures one seat for Rajya Sabha polls 2025

Chennai: A controversy erupted on Tuesday after the opposition parties tagged a video of DMK leader A Raja purportedly making remarks that India has never been a nation, but a subcontinent with diverse cultures, drawing a strong reaction from the BJP that categorised the comments as "hate speech" and demanded his arrest.
DMK's ally, Congress too slammed the DMK Parliamentarian for the purported remarks and asserted that one should exercise restraint while speaking.  Raja's certain remarks made regarding Ramayana and Lord Ram also didn't go down well with the national parties.
In the video where he is seen addressing a party-organised meeting, Raja purportedly said, "India is not a (one) nation. Understand this well. India has never been one nation. One nation denotes one language, one tradition and one culture and only such characteristics make one nation." Claiming that India is not a nation, but a subcontinent Raja said, "What’s the reason? Here, Tamil is one nation and one country. Malayalam is one language, one nation and one country. Oriya is one nation, one language and one country. All such national races constitute India. So, India is not a country, it is a subcontinent that has various practices, traditions and cultures."  Further, he said states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Delhi and Odisha, there were respective local culture.  "In Manipur, dog meat is eaten, which is a cultural aspect. In Kashmir there is one culture. Every culture has to be recognised. If a community eats beef, recognise it, what is your problem? Did they ask you to eat? So, (that is) unity in diversity. We have differences and it has to be acknowledged."  Responding sharply, BJP in-charge of IT wing, Amit Malviya, who tagged the video in 'X,' said, "The hate speeches from DMK’s stable continue unabated. After Udhayanidhi Stalin’s call to annihilate Sanatan Dharma, it is now A Raja who calls for balkanisation of India, derides Bhagwan Ram, makes disparaging comments on Manipuris and questions the idea of India, as a nation."
<a href="https://twitter.com/amitmalviya/status/1764877890351698120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1764877890351698120%7Ctwgr%5Ed4b5c60ea1d4005dce977ea72cac0a5005410728%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deccanherald.com%2Findia%2Ftamil-nadu%2Frow-erupts-over-dmk-leader-a-rajas-india-has-never-been-a-nation-remark-bjp-demands-his-arrest-2923177" target="_self">https://twitter.com/amitmalviya/status/1764877890351698120?</a>
"Congress and other I.N.D.I Alliance partners are quiet. Rahul Gandhi, their putative Prime Ministerial candidate’s silence is eloquent," Malviya added.  TN BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathi told PTI Videos that Raja should be arrested.  It was the "duty" of Chief Minister M K Stalin, "who has taken oath under the Constitution of India that he will abide by the rules and laws of the country," to take action and arrest Mr Raja," for the comments he is alleged to have made, the BJP leader demanded.
Supriya Shrinate, a Congress spokesperson, when asked about Raja's remarks, said, "I 100 per cent disagree with his remarks. From this platform, I condemn such a statement. I believe Ram belongs to everyone and is all encompassing."  "I believe that Ram, who was called Imam-e-Hind, is above communities, religions and castes. Ram is an ideal of living life. Ram is dignity, Ram is ethics, Ram is love. I completely condemn this statement, it could be his (Raja's) statement, I do not support it. I condemn it and I think people should be exercise restraint while talking," she said at a press conference in Delhi.
—PTI

DMK's A Raja faces backlash for remarks on India's national identity, drawing sharp criticism from BJP and caution from allies.

Row erupts over DMK leader A Raja's 'India has never been a nation' remark, BJP demands his arrest

Chennai: Three children of a family succumbed to burns due to a fire accident caused by a suspected gas leak in their house in Chengalpattu near here, police said on Saturday.
The mother of the kids, who also sustained severe burn injuries is undergoing treatment at the Kilpauk Government Medical College Hospital here.  A police official said the fire could have been caused due to a gas leak. The migrant family from Bihar had a stove on the floor and there were no windows in the house. After meeting her husband at his workplace near the Chengalpattu railway station, the woman returned home along with her three children on Thursday and turned on the lights, the official said.
“No sooner she turned on the switch than the gas got ignited and a fire broke out. Neighbours rushed to their help hearing their screams and all the four were rushed to the Chengalpattu government hospital,” he said.  The children aged seven and five and the toddler succumbed on Friday while their mother was referred to the Kilpauk Government Medical College Hospital for further treatment.  The Chengalpattu police have registered a case.
—PTI

Three children lost their lives in a Chengalpattu fire caused by a suspected gas leak, with their mother hospitalized for severe burns.

Three children charred to death due to suspected LPG leak in Tamil Nadu

Chennai: Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai on Friday termed as 'speculations', him contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha polls but said he will abide by any decision the party takes.
The former IPS officer said he had no 'personal prejudice or any likes and dislikes in BJP'.  "Whatever the party tells me I have to obey, that is the nature of the party. Today the party has asked me to complete the state level yatra (En Manna En Makkal) and we have just finished that," he told reporters.
He said that the BJP has 'given me some responsibility' about the growth of the party in the state and he was doing that.  Apparently referring to the upcoming Lok Sabha contest, he said, "Tomorrow morning if the party tells me do that, I will do that."  "I am not going to respond to speculations. Whatever our senior national leadership decides my duty is to obey and make sure it is implemented on the ground," the state BJP chief added.
—PTI

BJP's Tamil Nadu President, K Annamalai, downplays Lok Sabha election speculations, commits to party decisions, and focuses on state responsibilities.

Won't respond to speculations but will do whatever party says: Annamalai on contesting LS polls

Chennai: Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and one of the iconic leaders in Tamil Nadu's political arena J Jayalalithaa was remembered on Saturday, on the occasion of her 76th birth anniversary.
Rich tributes were paid to her by AIADMK leaders here with the top party leader and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami paying floral tributes to a portrait of the late leader at his residence.  Popularly known as 'Amma' (meaning Mother) and 'Puratchi Thalavi' (revolutionary leader), Jayalalithaa was also hailed as an 'iron lady.' She breathed her last on December 5, 2016 after being under treatment for more than 75 days.  Jayalalithaa was known for her various welfare initiatives including 'Amma' Canteen, 'Amma' Pharmacy, Gold for 'Thali' (Mangalsutra) for poor women, which were a hit among the people.  Recalling her popular phrase 'I am because of the people, I am for the people, (Makkalaal Naan, Makkalukkagave Naan),' Palaniswami, in a statement appealed to cadres and party office-bearers to work day and night, to emerge victorious in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.
"Dear party cadres, let us resolve ourselves to emerge victorious in the forthcoming Parliamentary elections by working day and night in the path laid down by 'Amma'. Let us ensure that the 2026 year belongs to the year of AIADMK (by securing victory in the Legislative Assembly elections in 2026)," Palaniswami said.  Expelled AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam along with his supporters also paid floral tributes to the statue of Jayalaliathaa in Chennai on the occasion.  K Annamalai, the Tamil Nadu unit president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), till recently an ally of the AIADMK, said, "The various welfare schemes implemented by her for the welfare of the people would speak for her forever."  Annamalai also shared an image of Jayalalithaa in a social media post.  Due to various disagreements over alliance dynamics and allegations, the AIADMK snapped ties with the BJP and a resolution to this effect was passed 'unanimously' at the AIADMK District Secretaries meeting led by Palaniswami on September 25, 2023 at its party headquarters here.
—PTI

As the state remembers her welfare legacy, AIADMK focuses on future victories, signaling a new era post-BJP alliance.

Jayalalithaa remembered on 76th birth anniversary

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government on Monday presented the 2024-25 budget, estimating the revenue deficit at over Rs 49,000 crore and made new announcements aimed at achieving the '7 grand Tamil dream' which included social justice and women's welfare.
Thangam Thennarasu, who replaced PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan as Finance Minister last year, presented his maiden budget, a paperless, e-budget.  The fiscal deficit in Revised Estimates 2023-24 is estimated to 'marginally increase' to Rs 94,060 crore as against Rs 92,075 crore in Budget Estimates.  The fiscal deficit as a percentage of GSDP has increased from 3.25 per cent in Budget Estimates to 3.45 per cent in the Revised Estimates 2023-24, owing to a downward revision in the GSDP estimates.  Thennarasu made a number of announcements in various sectors including housing, education and infrastructure.  The total revenue expenditure was estimated at Rs 3,48,289 crore.  Besides the standard increase in committed expenditure in salaries, pensions and interest payments, the allocation for subsidies and transfers has been fixed at over Rs 1.46 lakh crore crore.
"This increase is primarily owing to an additional expenditure of Rs 5,696 crore under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Thittam (Women's rights scheme of Rs 1000 a month) over the previous year, to provide for its first full year of implementation," Thennarasu said.  "In aggregate, the Revenue deficit is estimated at Rs 49,279 crore in Budget Estimates 2024-25. This includes an amount of Rs 14,442 crore for loss funding to TANGEDCO. Excluding this amount, the Revenue Deficit is estimated to be Rs 34,837 crore in the coming year. It is notable that this is lesser than the revenue deficit excluding loss funding to TANGEDCO as compared to the Budget Estimates 2023-24," the Finance Minister said.  He said the Fiscal Deficit was estimated at Rs 1,08,690 crore in the Budget Estimates 2024-25, which was 3.44 per cent of the GSDP.  "In line with the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission, the Government is following the glide path of fiscal consolidation and has reduced it from 3.46 per cent in 2022-23 to 3.45 per cent in 2023-24 to 3.44 per cent in 2024-25. This has been achieved despite the impact of disasters (floods) and after an unprecedented allocation to TANGEDCO from within the budgetary resources."  "This Budget underscores the commitment of this Government to deliver on the promises made to the people, without wavering from the path of prudent fiscal management, in spite of numerous challenges," he said.
The State's Own Tax Revenue has been estimated at Rs.1,95,173 crore in the Budget Estimates 2024-25, which is a growth of 14.71 per cent over the Revised Estimates 2023-24.  This includes Rs.1,43,381 crore from commercial taxes, Rs.23,370 crore from stamps and registration, Rs.12,247 crore from state excise and Rs.11,560 crore from motor vehicle taxes.  In anticipation of sustained levels of collection from the State's Own Non-Tax Revenue, an amount of Rs 30,728 crore has been estimated in the Budget Estimates 2024-25.  As the GST compensation dues will completely end from the coming year, there is a reduction in Grants-in-Aid in the Budget Estimates 2024-25, as compared to the Revised Estimates 2023-24. The Grants-in-Aid are estimated to be Rs 23,354 crore.  Based on the allocation made in the Union Budget 2024-25, the estimates fixed for Share in Central Taxes for the year 2024-25 are Rs.49,755 crore. Earlier, he made a number of announcements related to various sectors.  They included the 'Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam,' a housing scheme named after the late DMK patriarch and former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. As per the scheme, 8 lakh concrete houses will be constructed across the state to make TN 'hut-free' by 2030. The government earmarked Rs 3,500 crore for the initiative.  "The selected beneficiaries will be provided with house sites in case they are landless and will be provided with funds for constructing the house directly into their bank accounts," the minister announced.  The government said the Budget was aimed achieving the '7 grand Tamil dream'.
These were social justice, welfare of the marginalised, transforming Tamil youth as global achievers, knowledge-based economy, sustainable future and Tamil language and culture, according to the government.  Among others, Thennarasu announced allocating Rs 300 crore in budget for civic amenities including roads for areas nearby city corporations.  He said the state has made very significant progress in poverty reduction through its welfare schemes.  The NITI Aayog has said that people below poverty line in Tamil Nadu was only about 2.2 per cent, he added.
—PTI

Explore Tamil Nadu's 2024-25 budget, prioritizing social justice and economic growth. Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu outlines key allocations and deficit reduction strategies.

TN govt presents budget, revenue deficit over Rs 49,000 cr; fiscal deficit sees increase

Virudhunagar: At least 8 people were killed and 10 others injured after a massive explosion that took place at a firecracker manufacturing unit in the Virudhnagar district on Saturday evening. According to fire department officials, "8 people have been killed in the explosion at a firecracker factory in the Virudhnagar district. 10 people have been injured in the incident. The reason for the explosion is yet to be ascertained."&nbsp;
Visuals from the event show the damage to the entire infrastructure and how the blast brought down the entire firecracker industrial unit.
Ambulances are also present at the site. The rescue operation is currently underway at the site of the incident. Further details on the matter are awaited.
—ANI

Tragedy strikes Virudhunagar as 8 lose lives and 10 are injured in a massive explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit. Rescue efforts underway.

Tamil Nadu: 8 killed, 10 injured in Virudhnagar firecracker factory explosion

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various welfare projects in Chennai via video conferencing on Saturday. CM Stalin inaugurated 13 residences for fire and rescue personnel, two district officers' offices and fire stations, and four new buildings for fire and rescue stations, which were built on behalf of the Fire and Rescue Department at a cost of over Rs 15.34 crore. The Chief Minister also inaugurated 1374 new classroom buildings constructed at over 204 crore and 270 buildings constructed at 80 crore under the Children's School Infrastructure Development Project on behalf of Rural Development and Panchayat Department. CM Stalin then laid the foundation stone for the construction of roads a length of 31 km on behalf of the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats at an estimated cost of Rs 139.65 cr in Keezur panchayat located in Bodhamalai, Namakkal district. The CM also inaugurated the Tuberculosis and Cardiovascular Medicine and Epidemiology Unit at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital Complex, Chennai, constructed at a cost of Rs 29.93 crore on behalf of the Department of Medicine and Public Welfare. He also inaugurated commercial tax office buildings constructed at a cost of Rs 25 crore and Registrar's office buildings constructed at a cost of Rs 3 crore on behalf of the Commercial Tax and Registration Department. He then laid the foundation stones for 43 new projects under HR and CE, such as the new Raja Gopuram, marriage halls, devotees' hostels, shopping malls, devotees' resting hall, multi-purpose halls, and Vasantha Mandapam, to be built in 36 temples at a value of Rs 592 crore. An Information Technology Building (IT Tower) constructed at a cost of Rs 59.57 crore was also inaugurated today on behalf of the Department of Information Technology and Digital Services at Nawalpatt, Tiruchirappalli District. On behalf of the Department of Industry, Investment Promotion, and Trade, Tidal Neo Limited inaugurated a mini Tidal Park built at a cost of Rs 31 crore in Villupuram District, Tiruchitrampalam, that is expected to employ around 500 IT professionals.&nbsp;
—ANI

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin inaugurates key welfare projects in Chennai, boosting infrastructure, education, healthcare, and IT development.

The Hawk

Tamil Nadu

Lok Sabha polls 2024: Tamil Nadu BJP president Annamalai booked for MCC violation

The Hawk

Tamil Nadu

Lok Sabha polls 2024: Tamil Nadu BJP president Annamalai booked for MCC violation

The Hawk

More about Tamil Nadu