The Times of India

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.

A senior MDMK leader expressed dissatisfaction with the party being allotted only four seats for the upcoming elections. He further stated unhappiness over having to contest three of those seats under the DMK's 'rising sun' symbol, feeling the allocation doesn't reflect their party's strength.

Three DMK ministers launched a coordinated attack on AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami. They accused him of being dictated by the BJP, neglecting Chennai, and exhibiting double standards on family politics. The ministers also criticized the BJP government for LPG shortages and foreign policy failures.

TVK chief Vijay is weighing a dual contest in Perambur and Trichy East, contingent on DMK's candidate announcements. While Perambur is his primary choice, Trichy East is a secondary option due to its minority population. Vijay's decision hinges on DMK's seat-sharing strategy and potential strong candidates in Trichy East.

Election Commission flying squads and static surveillance teams in Chennai seized nearly Rs 3 lakh in unaccounted cash during vehicle checks on Wednesday. This intensified enforcement ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections saw Rs 2,96,300 confiscated across Velachery, Dr Radhakrishnan Nagar, and Harbour constituencies. The seized cash can be reclaimed with valid documentation.

First-time councillors, especially women, are building goodwill through civic initiatives like English classes, computer training, and community engagement. Their efforts in addressing local issues, from protests against liquor outlets to setting up gyms, are expected to bolster party performance in upcoming Assembly polls.

Actor-politician Vijay, accompanied by K A Sengottaiyan, filed a complaint at the Tamil Nadu DGP's office against political commentator Ponraj. Vijay's petition alleges Ponraj has been making indecent and insulting remarks towards women, acting with impunity and crossing all boundaries. He has urged the police to take legal action against the commentator.

Ward-level performance is now a critical factor for MLAs, as local civic issues like water and sewer problems, and building clearances, are influencing voter decisions. Councillors facing allegations of corruption and neglecting public grievances could jeopardize party candidates' prospects in assembly constituencies. This hyper-local focus is forcing politicians to address discontent.

Chennai's western suburbs are election battlegrounds. AIADMK has allied with BJP, PMK, and AMMK. DMK aims to retain seats. Infrastructure development is a key promise. Residents face civic issues. The outcome hinges on big projects versus local problems. The region is a crucial link and gateway.

. NTK is an exception to TN parties' unwritten motto: Woo women voters, but deny them political power