The Times of India

In a bold move ahead of the elections, DMK has rolled out its roster of 164 candidates, blending experienced stalwarts with more than 60 fresh entrants eager to make their mark. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin championed the 'mega mega alliance' during the campaign kickoff, setting sights on the western region.

DMK is fielding Senthil Balaji in Coimbatore South with a hope to silence factions which worked against the partys prospects in Coimbatore district in previous elections.

Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy has imposed Rs 10 lakh cost on Geetham to be paid to Sangeetha for court fees, lawyers fee and expenses.

AMMK leader T T V Dhinakaran has revealed the party's candidates for 11 seats in the upcoming April 23 polls. These seats are part of the AIADMK-led NDA alliance. Many of the chosen nominees are former MLAs and senior party officials. However, some long-time supporters expressed disappointment at not being included in the alliance.

Tamil Nadu is rolling out a Rs 2 per unit electricity subsidy for food businesses like restaurants and hotels, aiming to ease the burden caused by LPG shortages. The power distribution corporation has issued guidelines for inspecting connections and classifying consumers to ensure eligible businesses benefit from this relief measure. This initiative supports the shift to electric cooking.

Director-actor Sundar C is making his political debut as the New Justice Party's candidate for Madurai Central, contesting under the AIADMK's 'Two Leaves' symbol. His wife, Khushbu Sundar, expressed pride and confidence in his transition, highlighting his 30-year entertainment career. He aims to serve the public with support from key alliance leaders.

Ahead of the Assembly elections, state-run schools and Greater Chennai Corporation facilities are undergoing essential upgrades. Returning officers are inspecting polling stations, prioritizing adequate water, power, and accessible ramps. While preparations are underway, school heads are urging for post-poll cleanup assistance to restore classrooms to their original condition.

A college student was stalked and harassed by a gang of five. When her father and brother confronted the group, they were brutally attacked with machetes. The five assailants have since been arrested and remanded in judicial custody following the incident.

PMK chief Anbumani Ramadoss has slammed the DMK government, alleging it shields those who insult women. He questioned the Tamil Nadu police's inaction against political analyst V Ponraj, who reportedly used offensive language against women cadres of Vijay's TVK. Ramadoss emphasized that such demeaning remarks are punishable by ethics and law, yet authorities remain silent.

Actor Ranjana Nachiyar has lodged a complaint with Chennai police, alleging online harassment and threats from TVK social media supporters after her departure from the party. She claims her photos are being morphed and she's receiving abusive calls, deterring other women from leaving TVK.

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami released the party's second list of 127 candidates for the upcoming Assembly polls, bringing the total to 150. The party has largely retained its sitting legislators, signaling a strategy focused on continuity and incumbency. Notable inclusions include lottery baron Martin's wife, Leema Rose, while some senior leaders were left out.

Smaller allies within the DMK and AIADMK fronts are expressing significant dissatisfaction over seat-sharing arrangements. Several parties have seen leaders resign or have voiced open discontent, with some facing the prospect of contesting independently due to perceived unfair allocations and a lack of consultation.

BJP cadres in Coimbatore protested the AIADMK's decision to not allot the Kinathukadavu constituency to them, despite expectations of a strong performance. While the party is finalizing candidate lists for various seats, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Chennai and Puducherry on April 3, with a brief stop in Coimbatore.

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss has accused the DMK government of being the iggest fraud in India, challenging CM M.K. Stalin to stop spreading lies about fulfilled promises. Ramadoss stated that out of 505 promises made in 2021, only 66 have been partially implemented, refuting the government's claims of high fulfillment rates.