The Times of India

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin met with CPM state secretary P. Shanmugam to discuss seat-sharing for the upcoming elections. Stalin offered five seats, one less than the 2021 allocation, citing alliance support. The CPM will discuss the offer with its state committee but affirmed its commitment to the DMK-led front.

AIADMK's Royapettah headquarters buzzes with activity as Edappadi K. Palaniswami hosts BJP's Piyush Goyal and allies for crucial seat-sharing talks. This follows high-level discussions in Delhi aimed at solidifying the alliance and countering political narratives. Formal agreements with key partners are expected today, reinforcing EPS's leadership.

Despite strong economic and social indicators, Tamil Nadu's fiscal health has declined, dropping to 13th in NITI Aayog's Fiscal Health Index. The state's expenditure on growth and welfare, coupled with rising debt, has led to emerging fiscal pressures, impacting its financial stability and potential central tax devolution.

Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) founder T Velmurugan has exited the DMK-led alliance over seat-sharing disputes, stating his party won't join the BJP either due to religious division. Velmurugan expressed frustration with the DMK's ig brother attitude and alleged Chief Minister Stalin is influenced by RSS-aligned officials on caste surveys. TVK will decide its next move, potentially contesting alone.

AIADMK-led NDA in Tamil Nadu is nearing a seat-sharing agreement, with BJP's Piyush Goyal expected in Chennai soon to finalize the deal. Sources suggest AIADMK will contest around 170 seats, with BJP, AMMK, and PMK receiving significant allocations. Discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah focused on election strategy to counter the DMK.

Chennai's art scene has transformed from obscurity to a developing market. Once overlooked, contemporary artists now see rising awareness and demand, though sales and national visibility still lag. Despite challenges, a growing appreciation for Chennai's artistic heritage is evident, with past struggles paving the way for future recognition.

Chennai is experiencing a significant flyover boom, with new elevated corridors like Anna Salai and Madhya Kailash aiming to reduce commute times and traffic congestion. While offering relief, these projects also raise concerns about construction quality, pedestrian safety, and the long-term effectiveness of flyovers in managing the city's growing traffic demands.