The Times of India

Tamil Nadu's major political parties are strategically revising their election manifestos, dropping past promises like the Sethusamudram project and increased Muslim reservation. This pragmatic approach reflects shifting public sentiment and electoral calculations, with parties prioritizing issues likely to yield better electoral returns in the upcoming polls.

A tragic incident unfolded near the Anumanthapuram firing range as an unexploded ordnance detonated, killing one engineering student and injuring four others. The group of students reportedly kicked the object on a forbidden hilltop, leading to the fatal blast. Investigations are underway to determine the origin of the explosive device.

Police said the incident occurred at around 5.30pm when a group of six students climbed a hill located near the firing range without permission.

Political parties in Tamil Nadu are increasingly acknowledging climate change, with manifestos highlighting heat mitigation, electric vehicles, and water management. While DMK and AIADMK show improvements in environmental focus, concerns remain regarding past actions and the implementation of promises. Animal welfare receives minimal attention, though DMK proposes upgrades to veterinary hospitals and wildlife conflict reduction systems.

e wants to legalize toddy, believes Dravidam is a stolen ideology, and does not see any difference between Congress and BJP. And despite an 8% vote share, NTK chief coordinator Seeman prefers to contest alone in elections for ideological reasons. We are not worried about whether we win. What matters is that the people must succeed, he says in an interview

Congress leader Praveen Chakravarty reveals his meetings with TVK's Vijay were sanctioned by party leadership, aiming to strengthen Congress in Tamil Nadu. He admits dissatisfaction over the 28-seat deal and the lack of power-sharing, suggesting TVK was an 'other option' for a better outcome. Chakravarty defends dissent as a party tradition.

DMK's T R B Rajaa faces a tough re-election bid in Mannargudi, his home turf. The AIADMK-AMMK alliance, bolstered by AMMK's significant 2021 vote share, poses a strong challenge. Adding complexity, V K Sasikala's new party and actor Vijay's TVK could further fragment the vote, making this a closely watched contest.

Former Tamil Nadu Mahila Congress chief M Hazeena Syed has accused national president Alka Lamba of harassment, citing it as a primary reason for her resignation. Syed, who was denied an assembly ticket, also alleged financial impropriety by Lamba. Following Syed's resignation, Lamba announced her removal from the party, a move Syed deemed nonsensical.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin challenged AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami to clarify his stance on the Uniform Civil Code and the three-language policy, accusing him of silence on BJP's actions. Stalin also questioned Prime Minister Modi's inaction regarding Tamil fishermen and the delimitation issue, drawing parallels to a cricket match outcome.

Piyush Goyal stated that the NDA will form an AIADMK-led government in Tamil Nadu if they win, with the final decision on the government's nature to be made post-election. He emphasized collaborative development and dismissed any alliance with actor Vijay, asserting the people will wisely elect Edappadi Palaniswami as CM.