The Times of India

Sharing the stage with VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan and DMDK general secretary Premallatha Vijayakanth to exhibit the solidarity of the alliance, Stalin said under the current DMK regime, Tamil Nadus growth rate jumped from a dismal 0.07% during the previous AIADMK regime to a robust 11.19%, earning the state the moniker of Superstar State in global media.

The petitioner wanted the court to direct the authorities to strictly enforce the MCC to ensure that there is no public display of any political partys symbol, logo, flag, posters or any other material during the match.

Residents of Adyar's Kasturba Nagar are urging candidates to address critical issues ahead of elections. Key demands include clearing encroachments on Canal Bank Road, which hinder commute, and upgrading aging sewer lines struggling with increased population density. Residents also seek improved infrastructure like new transformers and streetlights to enhance daily life and safety in the area.

Several Chennai Metropolitan Transport Corporation staff were observed campaigning for political parties, violating the Model Code of Conduct. Despite the rules barring government employees from political involvement, some MTC personnel were seen actively supporting candidates. While no official complaints have been lodged, authorities stated that any violations found would be addressed.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal criticized the Tamil Nadu government, alleging that three lakh families were denied housing benefits due to the state's failure to provide beneficiary names. He questioned Chief Minister Stalin on infrastructure development and the utilization of central funds, hinting at corruption investigations in the Jal Jeevan Mission. Goyal also refuted claims of a mandatory Hindi policy.

The CPM has unveiled its manifesto, prioritizing gig workers by advocating for their legal recognition and protection. The party also pledged support for women auto drivers and gig workers with dedicated resting facilities. Further promises include challenging gubernatorial powers, promoting dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists, and urging the Centre to release archaeological excavation reports.

Nine policemen received the death penalty for the brutal torture and killing of a father and son in Madurai's Sathankulam police station. The duo died in custody in June 2020 after being detained for violating lockdown hours. The court deemed the custodial deaths a social evil, emphasizing the need for stringent punishment to deter future abuses and uphold responsibility.

Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin accused the Puducherry CM of being a Delhi-controlled puppet, destroying the Union Territory's identity. He promised statehood, financial commission inclusion, and a 'Dravidian Model' development plan, including job creation and educational reforms.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami vowed to revive party schemes if elected, accusing the DMK government of stalling them. He expressed confidence in his alliance's victory in the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections. Meanwhile, prominent leaders from AIADMK, BJP, and PMK filed their nominations across various constituencies, engaging in electoral campaigning and criticism of the ruling DMK.

She said Vridhachalam holds a deep emotional significance for the party, as it was the seat where the late DMDK founder marked his spectacular electoral debut in 2006.

Jeyaraj and Beniks were taken to the Sathankulam police in Tuticorin district late in the evening of June 19, 2020, on charges of having kept their shop open beyond the deadline during the Covid-19 lockdown. They were brutally assaulted by the policemen at night and were lodged in Kovilpatti sub-jail the next day. Beniks died of injuries at the Kovilpatti govt hospital on June 22, 2020, while his father Jeyaraj died on June 23, 2020.

DMK is intensifying efforts in Western Tamil Nadu, a traditional stronghold of AIADMK, by focusing on development, caste outreach, and welfare. Despite AIADMK's regional advantage with leaders like Edappadi K. Palaniswami, DMK is deploying key figures and targeting specific communities. The contest is becoming more competitive, with new alliances and emerging parties adding complexity to the political landscape.

Roshini S, a 28-year-old social activist, is the NTK candidate for Villivakkam in the upcoming state assembly polls, aiming to be the first transwoman elected. She focuses on issues like education, women's empowerment, cultural preservation, and environmental protection. Roshini connects with voters as a sister, emphasizing her commitment to the community's future.

A 36-year-old Sri Lankan television actress, Subhashini, died by suicide in her Chennai apartment on Sunday night. Police reported the incident occurred during a video call with her husband, following a domestic dispute. The couple, married in April 2024, had been living in Bengaluru. An RDO inquiry has been ordered due to the recent marriage.

Income Tax officials are conducting searches across 15 locations in Chennai and Puducherry linked to DMK functionary Jaffer Sadiq, arrested by the NCB for alleged drug smuggling. These raids, based on new information about significant tax evasion, are happening while the model code of conduct is in effect.

In a bid to energize the electorate, the BJP has unveiled a vibrant manifesto for Puducherry, featuring enticing offerings such as complimentary LPG cylinders during festive seasons and electric scooters for exceptional female students graduating from Class XII.