The Times of India

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.

TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna stated there were no alliance talks with AIADMK and BJP, refuting claims. He revealed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi discussed bringing back Kamaraj rule and DMK's impact on Congress growth with their leader Vijay. Arjuna asserted TVK is a strong secular force and believes they will win independently.

In a video message on X, Stalin said Tamil Nadu would come to a standstill if BJP went ahead with its plan of introducing the legislation to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 850 in the special Parliament session from April 16 to 18.

TNCC President K Selvaperunthagai addresses election dynamics, assuring no rift with Stalin despite Rahul Gandhi's delayed visit. He dismisses Modi's frequent visits as ineffective, highlighting people's trust in Congress. Selvaperunthagai downplays internal dissent over seat allocation and actor Vijay's political entry, expressing confidence in the alliance's victory.

Stalin came down heavily on the Union govt's plan to reduce the political representation of southern states in the parliament based on population.

Addressing cadres and supporters, Vijay focused heavily on the concerns of weavers, MSMEs, farmers, govt employees and police personnel. He appealed to voters to back TVK in what he described as a whistle revolutionary election.

Tamil Nadu's major political parties are strategically revising their election manifestos, dropping past promises like the Sethusamudram project and increased Muslim reservation. This pragmatic approach reflects shifting public sentiment and electoral calculations, with parties prioritizing issues likely to yield better electoral returns in the upcoming polls.

A tragic incident unfolded near the Anumanthapuram firing range as an unexploded ordnance detonated, killing one engineering student and injuring four others. The group of students reportedly kicked the object on a forbidden hilltop, leading to the fatal blast. Investigations are underway to determine the origin of the explosive device.