The Times of India
Elections 2026Tamil Nadu / The Times of India
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.
AMMK leader T T V Dhinakaran and PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss traveled to Delhi to finalize seat-sharing arrangements within the AIADMK-led NDA for the upcoming Tamil Nadu polls. Their meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah follow AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami's discussions, aiming for a smooth finalization of winnable seats for all allies.
An Akasa Air flight from Phuket to Bengaluru, operating on a Boeing 737 MAX, was diverted to Chennai due to adverse weather and experienced a lightning strike. The aircraft landed safely, and is undergoing engineering checks as per safety protocols. Pilots and crew managed the situation effectively.

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