The Times of India

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

DMK had started talking to DMDK in August 2025, with E V Velu as the sole messenger; later, DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi Karunanidhi joined the talks. At the same time, AIADMK was also in touch with the DMDK leadership.

Padmarajan, 67, who has contested and lost in several local body, cooperative society, assembly, Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, President of India and Vice-President of India elections for almost four decades, says that he has never expected victory and that participating in polls itself is a success for him.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin extended his best wishes to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi for a swift recovery following her hospitalisation in Delhi due to a systemic infection. Stalin expressed confidence in her quick return to good health. The DMK and Congress are key allies in the INDIA bloc, with the Congress contesting 28 seats in Tamil Nadu.

In a bold move to reclaim its influence, the AIADMK is competing for 13 of the 16 Chennai parliamentary seats, positioning themselves against the ruling DMK. By fielding prominent former ministers, the party is banking on its grassroots support and strategic planning to win back voters, including minorities, despite a diminished alliance presence.

In Tamil Nadu, Election Commission flying squads are taking to the streets for extensive vehicle inspections, resulting in the confiscation of cash from everyday citizens and local merchants. Although major political fund seizures have been few, the impact on individuals is evidenta dialysis patient and a bride-to-be shopping for silks have been particularly affected.

Central Chennai, a DMK stronghold, faces a complex electoral battle where local civic issues and voter dissatisfaction could challenge the ruling party's dominance. While DMK highlights welfare achievements, opposition parties aim to capitalize on infrastructure gaps and citizen grievances, with the potential entry of Vijay's party adding an 'X' factor.

AIADMK has allocated 27 seats to BJP, limiting its presence in Coimbatore and Chennai to one seat each. Key constituencies like Tirunelveli were not allotted, with Sattur being the replacement. BJP secured only two of its 2021 winning seats, facing direct contests with Congress in some strongholds.