34 C The Times of India
Elections 2026Chennai / The Times of India
Actor-choreographer Raghava Lawrence has hinted at a political entry, seeking fan opinions on his potential public service. He expressed a desire to serve selflessly and contribute to public welfare, stating an important announcement regarding his future plans will be made soon. Lawrence also praised the current Tamil Nadu government's performance.
The Tamil Manila Congress (TMC) has exited the BJP-led NDA, as announced by party president GK Vasan. Vasan stated the decision was made to focus on strengthening his own party, emphasizing no differences with alliance partners. The withdrawal was finalized during the TMC's executive council meeting in Chennai.
Six students from Tamil Nadu's tribal and SC communities have secured seats in premier engineering institutions like NIT Puducherry through JoSAA counselling. Intensive govt-backed training programs proved instrumental in their success.
Several former ministers, MPs, and MLAs from AIADMK, BJP, and other parties joined TVK, including ex-BJP MLA S Vijayadharani and former AIADMK minister K T Pachaimmal.
A 40-year-old man was arrested in Salem for sexually abusing women by filming them and using the videos for blackmail. He targeted women in financial distress, offering loans before filming private moments without consent. The accused also compelled victims to meet the demands of his associates.
DMK president M.K. Stalin accused Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's government of acting as a xerox copy of the BJP, alleging attempts to weaken the opposition by inducting AIADMK MLAs. Stalin criticized the government's approach to women's safety, claiming TVK functionaries were involved in recent crimes and that the party removed victims instead of taking action.
DMK MP Kanimozhi voiced deep concern over disturbing allegations of sexual abuse and filming involving a TVK member in Salem, impacting over 50 women. She implored the state government for swift, stringent action, drawing parallels to the Pollachi case and urging against shielding perpetrators. Kanimozhi demanded a thorough investigation and justice for victims.
A 25-year-old woman, Dharini, tragically took her own life by hanging after allegedly murdering her three-month-old daughter, Shreya, in Chennai's Aminjikarai. The infant was found unconscious with froth around her mouth. Preliminary investigations suggest Dharini had a history of depression that reportedly worsened after childbirth. Authorities are awaiting post-mortem reports to determine the infant's cause of death.
AIADMK's Edappadi Palaniswami is urgently calling party members together. This comes after a significant number of MLAs, around 25, have caused trouble, with four now jumping ship to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). This wave of defections is really shaking up the party's unity, especially after their recent election losses.
Former BJP MLA S. Vijayadharani is set to join Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Saturday. Having previously represented Vilavancode for three terms with the Congress and later joining the BJP, she resigned from her MLA post in February 2024. This move marks a new political chapter for Vijayadharani after a brief stint with the BJP.