The Times of India
Elections 2026Tamil Nadu / The Times of India
Campaigning for AIADMK and BJP candidates on V K K Menon Road, EPS said it was out of fear of losing the election that CM M K Stalin was spreading a false propaganda that the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies would affect Tamil Nadu.
According to petitioner B R Aravindakshan, donors were not transparently informed whether their contributions towards Swachh Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao or Kisan Seva actually reached any govt account for those schemes. Contributions were treated solely as party funds, thereby potentially amounting to cheating and criminal breach of trust.
Investigators said he copied the film to a pen drive, converted it into a complete movie file and shared it with two associates. The co-accused then circulated the pirated version through online portals, leading to its widespread distribution.
BJP's attempt to leverage the Karthigai Deepam controversy in Thiruparankundram for electoral gain appears to be faltering. Despite highlighting the issue, even allies like AIADMK have distanced themselves, focusing instead on development and welfare. Other parties and voters remain largely unmoved, prioritizing religious harmony and governance over the religious dispute.
TVK president Vijay faces a case for allegedly flouting poll permissions. Officials state a roadshow was conducted instead of the approved event, breaching the Model Code of Conduct. Police have registered a case and are investigating, reviewing video evidence to determine the violation's scope. Further action awaits investigation outcomes.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin led a protest against the proposed delimitation bill by hoisting black flags and burning copies of the bill. He warned that the bill would drastically reduce the representation of South Indian states. Stalin urged citizens to join the statewide protest, comparing it to the anti-Hindi agitation of the past.
Left-arm spinner hopes for another return to TN Ranji squad
Despite high-profile BJP visits to Tamil Nadu, Rahul Gandhi's absence is downplayed by the DMK-led front, who deny any rift. The VCK leader clarifies his withdrawal from assembly polls was strategic, not due to DMK pressure, and defends fielding family members, asserting it's not dynastic politics. He also predicts BJP's weakening of AIADMK and dismisses actor Vijay as a spoiler.
Kanimozhi stated that coupons ensure women can purchase useful appliances like washing machines or grinders. This approach aims to directly benefit women by easing their household burdens. The party believes this method is more effective than direct cash transfers.
Rejecting EPSs allegation that Sengottaiyan had betrayed him, the former minister told reporters here that he had helped EPS become the chief minister and the general secretary of AIADMK. Then how could he call me a betrayer, he wondered.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced a statewide black flag protest against the proposed delimitation bill, calling it a lack Act that will disadvantage southern states. He warned that the bill, set to be tabled in Parliament, unfairly favors North Indian states and punishes those who controlled population growth.
A Chepauk-Triplicane resident has petitioned the Madras High Court, urging an income tax and corporate affairs probe into alleged asset discrepancies by Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. The plea highlights a significant difference in assets declared for the 2021 and upcoming 2026 elections, including a missing 7.36 crore investment in Red Giant Movies.
Velachery's upcoming election sees a tight race with incumbent Congress MLA facing anti-incumbency and strong challenges from NTK and TVK. AIADMK expresses confidence in its candidate's local connect. Residents demand solutions for perennial issues like flooding and poor infrastructure, with parties promising change amidst internal party friction.
Newcomer TVK faces significant challenges in its debut election, struggling to match the campaign intensity of established parties like DMK and AIADMK. Lack of grassroots networks, electoral inexperience, and funding issues are hindering candidates, forcing a reliance on social media outreach as organizational structures evolve.
The Thally assembly seat, a Left stronghold, sees a heated contest. Incumbent CPI's Ramachandran faces challenges from BJP's Nagesh Kumar, who highlights a past murder case, and TVK's G Suresh, targeting young voters. Ramachandran, acquitted in the case, relies on his rural connect, while opponents focus on his legal history and promises of development.
Grief lingers for families affected by the Karur stampede, yet many don't blame actor-politician Vijay or the state government. Despite a political blame game, victims' families state the tragedy won't dictate their vote. Shifting political dynamics, including Senthilbalaji's absence from Karur, now dominate the election scene.
Former Union minister P Chidambaram criticized the delimitation exercise, calling it a mischievous, diabolical move that will reduce the representation of southern states to 20.7%. He stated that while Tamil Nadu's Lok Sabha seats might appear to increase, delimitation will ultimately reduce them.

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