The Times of India

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin aggressively targeted AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his Trichy campaign, notably sidestepping TVK chief Vijay. Despite Stalin's silence, Vijay escalated his criticism of the DMK government, alleging inadequate police security for his campaign and a threat to his life, intensifying political exchanges.

A Chennai early intervention center has seen a 15-fold increase in children treated for neurodevelopmental disorders since 2018. Parents report significant improvements in children with conditions like autism, highlighting the center's crucial role in providing accessible, comprehensive therapy for families across Tamil Nadu and beyond.

Challenging gender norms in Tamil folk arts, P. Senrayaperumal, a male performer, embodies female roles in Raja Rani Attam, while Thilagavathi Palani, a woman, takes on male characters in Kattaikkuttu. Both artists navigate societal prejudices and economic hardships, using their art to express powerful narratives and personal struggles.

Running a govt after intoxicating everyone was shameful, he said, pointing to the govts dependence on liquor sales.

The trains will halt at Chengalpe, Villupuram, Vriddhachalam, Ariyalur, Trichy, Dindigul, Kodaikanal Road, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Satur, Kovilpatti, Tirunelveli and Ambasamudram.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami intensified his criticism of the DMK government, highlighting alleged failures in law and order, corruption, and dynastic politics. Campaigning in Sivakasi, he cited concerns over women's safety and pledged to eradicate drug peddling within three months if his party returns to power.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched his election campaign in Tiruvarur, emphasizing DMK's return to power for Tamil Nadu's protection and development. He framed the election as a contest between 'TN and Delhi,' accusing the BJP-AIADMK alliance of aiming to halt TN's growth and promising to implement DMK's manifesto pledges.

AIADMK faces internal turmoil as ticket allocations spark dissent. A Kallakurichi town secretary resigned citing stress, while a former Mayiladuthurai MLA stepped down from his post in protest. Another former district secretary criticized leaders for denying him a ticket, highlighting growing dissatisfaction within the party ranks.

In Tamil Nadu's upcoming elections, 21 constituencies will see alliance partners of DMK and AIADMK contest against each other without the major parties' symbols. This shift, influenced by smaller parties and actor Vijay's TVK, is expected to narrow victory margins. These seats offer opportunities for third fronts, though they face challenges in strongholds of established alliance partners.

Chennai's electorate faces critical issues of flooding, pollution, waste management, and river restoration as elections approach. While both AIADMK and DMK have initiated projects, significant challenges like incomplete works, legacy pollution, and persistent encroachments remain, impacting the city's liveability and quality of life.