The Times of India
Elections 2026Tamil Nadu / The Times of India
Udhayanidhi criticised the TVK govt saying that they indulged in only changing the names of the schemes and projects of the previous DMK govt.
The govt has allocated Rs 7,675 crore as subsidy to the state transport undertakings to support their operations.
The minister said govt's various efforts for resource mobilisation would result in mobilisation of nearly Rs 15,000 crore additionally and the expenditure committee will complement the recently constituted high level revenue augmentation committee headed by Montek Singh Ahluwalia.
Udhayanidhi Stalin accused the ruling TVK government of diversionary tactics. He stated the recent budget was a rebranding exercise without new promises. The DMK leader criticized the government's handling of the Cauvery water dispute. He also highlighted concerns about deteriorating law and order in the state. The TVK government defended its budget as a roadmap for economic transformation.
Among the major announcements made by finance minister N Marie Wilson was a new marriage assistance initiative under which every eligible bride would receive an eight gram gold coin and a silk sari as Annans Seer. The govt has allocated Rs 812 crore for the scheme, which is aimed at supporting women at the start of their married life
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government's budget introduces several welfare initiatives. Students will receive laptops and bicycles under new government schemes. Eligible brides will get gold coins and silk sarees for marriages. Newborns in government hospitals will receive a gold ring gift. Maternity support centers will offer free accommodation and medical care.
Presenting the revised state budget for 2026-27 on Wednesday, finance minister N Marie Wilson said the Ennore Thermal Power Station SEZ thermal plant would be expanded at an estimated cost of Rs 8,000 crore under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.
The govtwill establish five district-level cancer care hospitals under a hub-and-spokemodel on medical college hospital campuses, with Rs 110 crore set aside for theinitiative. The centres are expected to provide cancer-related surgeries andspecialist treatment closer to patients homes.
The govt will provide financial assistance covering up to 50% of the cost of equipment capped at Rs 30,000 for modern AI-based assistive devices.
Presenting the budget on Wednesday, the finance minister announced that the long-polluted Cooum and Adyar rivers would be restored through global tenders, with a detailed project report (DPR) to be prepared. The govt said the restoration would draw inspiration from successful riverfront transformations in cities such as Seoul and Singapore.
Finance minister N Marie Wilson announced the launch of the 'My Home' scheme under which affordable housing projects will be developed through the public-private partnership (PPP) model for middle-income families as well as economically weaker sections.
Tamil Nadu's Finance Minister Marie Wilson urged the Union government to scrap NEET. The state proposes medical admissions based on Class XII marks for students. Rs 2,000 crore is allocated for distributing laptops to first-year college students. A special purpose vehicle will improve hostel facilities in higher education institutions. A new School of Excellence in Law will be established in Madurai.
Opposition leaders criticized Udhayanidhi Stalin's arrest, calling it unwarranted. They stated the arrest aimed to divert attention from government failures. DMK cadres protested across Tamil Nadu following the opposition leader's detention. TVK ministers defended the government's action and Udhayanidhi's remarks were deemed obscene. Udhayanidhi vowed to legally challenge the case, calling it politically motivated.
Tamil Nadu government will introduce four-year undergraduate degree programs. Vice-chancellor selection committees will be reconstituted with UGC nominees. Teacher vacancies will be filled expeditiously and a state faculty training academy established. An institute of eminence in basic sciences and another for emerging technologies are planned. Special reservation for government school students in professional courses will increase.
Tasmac is launching an e-commerce portal for liquor sales and collection. Customers can browse live inventory and pay digitally for purchases. The new portal aims to curb overcharging and ensure sales strictly at MRP. Buyers can collect their orders from chosen stores after confirming their age. This initiative brings Tamil Nadu in line with other states offering online liquor options.
Udhayanidhi Stalin faced arrest and questioning following a controversial remark made at a protest. Police took him to Thanjavur for a seven-hour journey and interrogation. He was charged under specific acts for promoting social enmity and obscenity. After questioning, Stalin was released on station bail and returned to Chennai. DMK supporters welcomed him, while party leaders criticized the government's actions.
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Udhayanidhi Stalin was released on station bail after police questioning. He denied making any objectionable remarks and criticized the government. The case stemmed from an alleged double-meaning comment made during a protest. The Madras High Court directed his release after questioning. Stalin maintained his statements were misrepresented and not personal.
Udhayanidhi Stalin was released by police after questioning regarding an alleged remark. The inquiry lasted approximately ninety minutes at the Sengipatti police station. Police had booked him under multiple sections for his alleged double-meaning statement. A complaint was filed alleging his remarks degraded women and insulted the actor. The arrest triggered political protests and a legal challenge by the DMK party.
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DMK President M.K. Stalin has sharply criticized Chief Minister Vijay, accusing him of being preoccupied with dissenters rather than confronting pressing state issues. He emphasized that the government is arresting opposition figures and demonstrators instead of resolving concerns. Stalin derided the Chief Minister's governance approach, dubbing him a 'reels creator.
Actor Udhayanidhi Stalin has found himself entangled in a legal dispute stemming from a speech made at a rally, which has drawn criticism for being controversial. As supporters rallied outside his home, DMK leaders sought recourse in the high court. The uproar was ignited by accusations of a double entendre remark that supposedly insulted a womans dignity.

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