The Times of India
Elections 2026Tamil Nadu / The Times of India
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.
Southern Railway has announced train diversions and delays for passengers this month. The Cholan Superfast Express will face route changes and bypass several stations. Other trains like the Jodhpur-Mannargudi Express will experience significant delays. The Tiruchchirappalli-Chennai Egmore Cholan Superfast Express will depart later. These changes are due to essential safety and maintenance works.
PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss criticized Udhayanidhi Stalin's remarks and the police's swift arrest. He stated that both actions were inappropriate and should have been avoided by leaders. Ramadoss urged parties to move away from political vendettas and focus on governance. He highlighted that Tamil Nadu faces critical challenges requiring immediate attention from leaders. The PMK leader called for precautionary measures to maintain law and order across the state.
Former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin voiced strong criticism of the government's perceived arrogance after the arrest of Udhayanidhi Stalin. He accused the government of using this incident as a distraction from pressing concerns like the Cauvery and Mekedatu disputes. Emphasizing that arrogance can lead to downfall, he pointed out that Udhayanidhi's detention was a direct response to his protests against the government's handling of water issues.
The Madras High Court ordered the Tamil Nadu Police to release DMK MLA Udhayanidhi Stalin. He was questioned in connection with alleged remarks made at a protest meeting. The court asked the leader to cooperate with the ongoing investigation when required. Police arrested Udhayanidhi from his Chennai residence and took him for questioning. He denied making derogatory remarks and called the police action a comedy.
Americai Narayanan, spokesperson for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, has taken a firm stance against Udhayanidhi Stalin's recent comments, dubbing him 'vulgar nidhi' - a name coined by women and the people of Tamil Nadu. Congress MP Jothimani has voiced her disapproval as well, urging Udhayanidhi to refrain from dragging women into his remarks.
PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss criticized Udhayanidhi Stalin's remarks and the police action. He stated that both actions were inappropriate and should have been avoided. Ramadoss urged parties to focus on governance and address Tamil Nadu's pressing issues. He also alleged the arrest was politically motivated and unnecessary. The leader stressed using energy for public grievances, not personal attacks.
Udhayanidhi Stalin found himself detained for inappropriate comments made during a rally, leading to a swift response from the Tamil Nadu government, which informed the Madras High Court of his upcoming release. Following an inquiry and his cooperation with law enforcement, he will receive station bail. The court mandated that his detention should not extend beyond today, as an FIR was filed against him for multiple offenses.
Udhayanidhi Stalin faced arrest after a complaint regarding his speech. Crowd chants of Trisha's name preceded his alleged remarks. He denied naming the actor and called the case a comedy. Police registered a case under various acts and arrested him. The controversy centers on his response to the crowd's chants.

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