#aiadmk

The provided text is a news article in Telugu discussing the record voter turnout in Tamil Nadu during an upcoming election, along with political dynamics, candidate details, and logistical challenges. Below is a structured summary and analysis of the key points: --- Record Voter Turnout in Tamil Nadu Context: The article highlights an unprecedented high voter turnout in Tamil Nadu, with the Election Commission (EC) extending polling hours to accommodate the massive participation. Polling Hours: The EC initially extended polling hours by 2 hours, and the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (DMK), Edappadi Palanisamy (Edappadi), requested further extension to 10 PM to ensure all voters could cast their votes. Significance: This reflects strong public engagement and the importance of the election, which is seen as a test of political strength for the ruling party (DMK) and its rivals (AIADMK and TVK). --- Political Parties and Key Candidates Ruling Party (DMK): Edappadi Palanisamy (Edappadi) is contesting from Kilambakkam and Koyambedu. The DMK is positioning itself as a reformist party and is expected to leverage its grassroots support. Opposition (AIADMK): Edappadi Palanisamy (Edappadi) is contesting from Kilambakkam and Koyambedu. The AIADMK is likely to focus on economic reforms and anti-corruption rhetoric. TVK (Tamil Vazhvu Katchi): Hero Vijay (Vijay) is a prominent candidate, known for his film industry influence and populist appeal. He is contesting from Trichy East and Perambur. Vijay's campaign emphasizes social welfare and direct engagement with voters, leveraging his celebrity status. --- Logistical Challenges and Voter Concerns Transportation Issues: Vijay criticized the transportation system for failing to accommodate voters, particularly in Chennai.#vijay #aiadmk #tamil_nadu #election_commission #edappadi_palani_samy

Rahul Gandhi accuses BJP of using Women's Reservation Bill to mask political agendas Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader, alleged during a rally in Tamil Nadu that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leveraging the Women's Reservation Bill to pursue ulterior political goals. Speaking in Ponnery and Ranipettai, Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for allegedly misleading the public by disguising the 131st constitutional amendment bill as a measure for women's empowerment. He claimed the bill's introduction masked efforts to alter the electoral map of India, weaken South and North-Eastern states, and undermine regional cultural identities. Gandhi argued that the BJP's push for the Women's Reservation Bill is part of a broader strategy to consolidate power by manipulating electoral boundaries. He accused the party of attempting to dilute the political representation of southern and northeastern states, which he described as a "desecration of national unity." The Congress leader also warned that the BJP's actions threaten Tamil Nadu's cultural heritage, comparing the party's tactics to its alleged interference in regions like Assam and Jammu and Kashmir. Gandhi further criticized the BJP for exploiting the AIADMK, a key alliance partner in Tamil Nadu, as a "puppet" under Modi's control. He alleged that the party's leaders have been compromised by corruption, rendering the AIADMK ineffective in defending Tamil Nadu's interests. The Congress leader emphasized that the BJP's agenda seeks to impose Delhi's governance over Tamil Nadu, despite the region's distinct linguistic and cultural identity. The Congress is contesting 28 seats in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, which are scheduled for April 23, 2026.#rahul_gandhi #bjp #aiadmk #tamil_nadu #women_reservation_bill

The provided text is a political critique in Tamil, likely from a Tamil political leader or party, discussing issues such as language policies, education reforms (e.g., NEET), and criticism of the ruling party's actions. The speaker defends Tamil Nadu's interests against central government policies, accusing the opposition of subservience to the ruling party. Key Themes: Language and Education Policies: Criticism of the central government's push for Hindi and the "three-language formula," with emphasis on Tamil Nadu's two-language policy (Tamil and English). The speaker highlights the marginalization of Tamil in education and governance. NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test): The speaker argues that the central government's NEET policy undermines Tamil Nadu's education system, which previously had its own entrance exams (like Tamil Nadu Engineering Entrance Exam). Political Allegiances: Accusations that the opposition (e.g., the AIADMK) has aligned with the ruling party (BJP) to suppress Tamil interests, using terms like "amama" (servant) and "adimasi" (subservient) to describe the opposition. Cultural and Religious Issues: References to controversial laws like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC), and the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), which have faced criticism for marginalizing minority communities. Contextual Considerations: Political Sensitivity: The text reflects tensions between Tamil Nadu's regional identity and the central government's policies, which are deeply rooted in historical and cultural narratives. Cultural Nuances: Tamil Nadu's political landscape is marked by strong regional pride, with issues like language, education, and autonomy being central to public discourse.#central_government #bjp #aiadmk #tamil_nadu #neet

Tamil Nadu Election 2026: AIADMK’s Leemarose Discloses Assets Worth ₹1,049 Crore Leemarose, the AIADMK candidate for the Lalgudi Assembly constituency in Tiruchi district, has declared movable and immovable assets worth over ₹1,049 crore, making her one of the wealthiest contenders in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections. The declaration, submitted alongside her nomination papers on April 6, 2026, includes movable assets valued at ₹139.62 crore and immovable assets worth over ₹909.94 crore. Her liabilities, primarily from loans, amount to ₹8.56 crore. Ms. Leemarose, the wife of S. Martin, a well-known lottery baron, was appointed joint secretary of the AIADMK’s women’s wing after joining the Dravidian party following her departure from the Indiya Jananayaga Katchi (IJK) a few months ago. A resident of Coimbatore, she has studied up to class VI at the Government Higher Secondary School in Thiruvadanai, Ramanathapuram district. According to the affidavit, which spans 159 pages and includes annexures on her assets, liabilities, and pending criminal cases, she declared an annual income of ₹9.82 crore for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The affidavit also lists pending cases, including two under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) filed by the Enforcement Directorate. Her husband, S. Martin, has declared movable assets worth ₹3,262 crore and immovable assets valued at ₹887.36 crore. His liabilities, including loans from banks and financial institutions, total ₹325.07 crore. Leemarose’s son-in-law, Aadhav Arjuna, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) nominee for the Villivakkam Assembly constituency in Chennai, has declared a total of ₹180.03 crore in movable assets in his name and ₹164.85 crore in the name of his spouse, Daisy.#coimbatore #aiadmk #leemarose #s_martin #tamil_naga_katchi

Tamil Nadu State Assembly Election Candidates Announced Tamil Nadu's state assembly elections are scheduled to take place on April 23. Political parties including the DMK, AIADMK, and Naam Thamizhar have already released their candidate lists, while the Tamilnadu Congress (TNC) made its debut in the election arena by announcing its candidates today. Vijay, the leader of the TNC, unveiled the list of candidates during a press conference held at the Nungambakkam Star Hotel in Chennai. The detailed list of constituencies and their respective candidates is as follows: Thiruchirappalli East: Vijay Kopparapu: Sengottaiyan Villivakkam: Adhav Arjun Thi. Nagar: Buschi Ananth Thiruchengodu: Arun Rajan Ayiram Vilakku: J. C. T. Prabakar Kollathoor: V. S. Babu Lalakudi: K. Bakirishnan Punnamallai (Individual): R. Prakasham Thiruppur North: Satyapama Maduravoyal: R. S. R. S. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R. S. R.#aiadmk #dmk #tamil_nadu #nam_thamizhar #tamilnadu_congress

Vijay Announces Candidates for Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Elections Vijay has announced his candidates for 234 constituencies today, including 30 in Chennai, ahead of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for April 23. Political parties are intensifying their preparations as the election date approaches. The filing of election nominations will begin tomorrow (Thursday), with the last date set for April 6. Vijay’s candidate announcement includes 234 candidates for various constituencies, with 30 in Chennai. Following the event, it is reported that the AIADMK will file nominations for all candidates on the same day. Meanwhile, in Chennai’s Perambur constituency, Vijay is expected to file his nomination tomorrow (Thursday). Previously, Vijay was scheduled to campaign in Perambur on the previous day, but the petition filed with the party was rejected due to various reasons. A new campaign venue has been selected by the AIADMK and submitted to the election authorities. If approved, Vijay will have the opportunity to start campaigning tomorrow (Thursday). In Perambur, Vijay is contesting against the DMK, which is directly fielding a candidate. The AIADMK has allocated the constituency to the BJP as part of its alliance. However, the DMK’s direct participation is expected to create a fierce competition between Vijay and the party.#vijay #aiadmk #dmk #tamil_nadu #perambur

DMK's Senthil Balaji to Contest in Coimbatore South Constituency The Tamil Nadu Congress Party (DMK) has announced that former minister Senthil Balaji will contest from the Coimbatore South constituency. This move is seen as a strategic effort by the party to challenge the dominance of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in the region. Coimbatore district, historically a stronghold for the AIADMK, has seen the party secure victories in multiple elections, including the 2021 state assembly polls. In the 2021 elections, the AIADMK and its allies captured nine out of ten constituencies in the district, while the DMK's coalition failed to win a single seat. The AIADMK's victory in Coimbatore South was particularly notable, as the constituency had previously been a key battleground. The BJP's Vanathi Senivasan won the seat by a narrow margin, defeating the DMK's candidate Mayuraj Jayakumar, who finished third. The AIADMK's dominance in Coimbatore South has continued into the current election cycle. The party has fielded former MLA Amman Arjunan as its candidate, while the BJP has shifted Vanathi Senivasan to the Coimbatore North constituency. This realignment has left the DMK with a clear opportunity to challenge the AIADMK's stronghold. Senthil Balaji, who currently serves as the western region's in-charge, is being positioned as the DMK's key contender. Analysts suggest that his candidacy could bolster the party's chances of making inroads into the region. The DMK's strategy appears to target the AIADMK's entrenched support base, particularly in areas where the party has historically struggled. The contest in Coimbatore South is also significant for the DMK's broader political ambitions.#aiadmk #all_india_anna_dravida_munnetra_kazhagam #senthil_balaji #tamil_nadu_congress_party #coimbatore_south

Tamil Nadu assembly elections: AIADMK marches ahead in poll work as DMK stuck in prolonged talks AIADMK has taken the lead in preparing for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, announcing candidates for 150 constituencies, while the DMK remains engaged in extended negotiations with its allies over seat-sharing arrangements. The DMK’s leadership, headed by T R Baalu, held back-to-back meetings with leaders of the CPI, VCK, DMDK, and Congress on Friday to finalize constituency allocations. Despite expectations of releasing its candidate list later in the day, the DMK postponed the announcement to Saturday as discussions remained unresolved. In contrast, AIADMK released its second list, covering 127 constituencies, and fielded a significant number of former ministers and sitting MLAs. Party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami criticized the delay in the DMK’s process, stating that the ruling alliance had completed its seat-sharing talks within four days, while the DMK and its allies had yet to finalize allocations after 25 days. Palaniswami highlighted the protracted negotiations and public discontent expressed by DMK allies as signs of internal divisions within the DMK front. The DMK managed to secure all eight seats for the VCK and 23 of the 28 constituencies sought by the Congress. VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan described the talks as “satisfactory,” noting that the party had achieved its desired constituencies. He dismissed rumors of discord, attributing delays to the complexity of multi-party negotiations. TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai echoed this sentiment, stating that discussions had been cordial. He mentioned that the party retained 16 of the 18 constituencies won in 2021, relinquished Tenkasi and Vridhachalam, and planned to finalize the remaining five seats soon.#aiadmk #dmk #tamil_nadu #tr_baalu #thol_thirumavalavan

Sitting and former MLAs figure in AIADMK’s list of candidates in Madurai, Virudhunagar districts Melur MLA P. Periyapullan, also known as Selvam, has been re-nominated by the AIADMK for the 2026 Assembly polls in his Melur constituency, joining other sitting MLAs like Sellur K. Raju, R.B. Udayakumar, and V.V. Rajan Chellappa. Mr. Periyapullan previously won the Melur seat in 2016 and 2021. The AIADMK, which secured five of ten Assembly constituencies in Madurai district in the last election, is now fielding three former MLAs from the region. Among them is P. Saravanan, a former DMK MLA from Thirupparankundram, who was nominated for the Madurai North constituency. He had previously contested the same seat as a BJP candidate in 2021 and later joined the AIADMK, running for the Madurai Lok Sabha seat in 2024 but losing that contest. Other former MLAs include K. Manickam, who contested Sholavandan (SC) constituency, and I. Mahendran, who won the Usilampatti seat in 2006 on AIADMK ticket but lost it in 2021. The AIADMK has also nominated Mangulam K. Mahendran, its party advocate wing deputy secretary, for the Madurai East constituency to challenge DMK minister P. Moorthi. The NDA has yet to announce candidates for Madurai South and Madurai Central. In Virudhunagar district, former Srivilliputtur MLA M. Chandra Prabha, who was denied a party ticket in 2021, has been re-nominated for the Srivilliputtur (SC) seat. Intra-party conflicts in 2021 affected her electoral prospects, as the party preferred E.M. Manraj over her. While Manraj won in 2021 with a smaller margin, the AIADMK has now reinstated Chandra Prabha, replacing Manraj. The party also introduced new candidates in Virudhunagar, including industrialist V.G. Ganesan for the Virudhunagar constituency and S. Sethupathi, the Aruppukottai town secretary, for the Aruppukottai seat.#aiadmk #madurai #melur #virudhunagar #selvam

Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2026: AIADMK's Women Push In 2nd Poll Candidates' List As EPS Eyes Comeback The AIADMK has released its second list of candidates for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, signaling a strategic shift toward balancing experienced legislators with younger, less-established figures while increasing the number of women in the contest. Party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, known as EPS, is aiming to revive the party’s fortunes after three consecutive electoral losses since the death of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. The list includes 127 candidates, with 29 sitting MLAs, 26 former legislators, and five ex-MPs, reflecting an effort to blend continuity with new energy. Women’s representation has also seen a notable boost, with 17 female candidates listed so far. However, the reshuffle has excluded several prominent figures, including sitting MLAs like Chitra from Yercaud, Senthilkumar from Kallakurichi, and former ministers such as Sevoor Ramachandran and Vaigai Selvan KV Ramalingam. These exclusions suggest the leadership is prioritizing fresh faces and new strategies. Among the new entrants are S Syed Sultan Samsuddin, IT wing secretary from Palayamkottai; Mangulam Mahendran, legal wing member; Dr S Dhivya from Krishnarayapuram; and Maragatham Vettrivel from Pappirettipatti. The party’s core team emphasized that EPS has selected a “fine mix of experience, freshers, and more women,” highlighting the strategic recalibration ahead of the polls. Key contests include Gobichettipalayam, where VB Prabhu faces expelled AIADMK veteran KA Sengottaiyan, now aligned with actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).#aiadmk #j_jayalalithaa #tamil_nadu #tvk #edappadi_k_palaniswami

Watershed moment or more of the same? The upcoming election in Tamil Nadu on May 4 will provide critical insights into five key questions shaping the state’s political landscape. First, could this contest mark a watershed moment akin to the 1967 and 1977 elections, when historic shifts occurred? Second, is actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay a decisive X factor, and how might his influence affect outcomes? Third, has the AIADMK retained its 2021 strength? Fourth, with Jayalalithaa’s absence, does the DMK hold a clearer advantage? Finally, what might the results reveal about the BJP’s long-term prospects in the state? Historical precedents offer context. In 1967, C N Annadurai’s DMK defeated an undivided Congress led by K Kamaraj in a two-cornered contest, aided by a broad alliance that bolstered a relatively smaller party. In 1977, M G Ramachandran secured power with a 30 percent vote share, supported by alliances that proved crucial to his success. Both breakthroughs relied not only on leadership appeal but also on organisational depth and political partnerships. Vijay’s entry presents a different dynamic. Since launching the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in February 2024, he has avoided direct electoral contests and is now entering independently. His role is best viewed as an X factor, capable of influencing margins, particularly in urban and semi-urban constituencies, though the extent of his impact remains uncertain. Vijay’s ability to attract younger voters is notable, with nearly a fifth of the electorate under 30. His visibility may also draw support from women, minority communities, and voters who previously backed smaller parties. However, translating this visibility into votes is not guaranteed. The trajectory of Vijayakanth offers a partial reference point. In 2006, his DMDK secured 8.#bjp #aiadmk #dmk #tamil_nadu #c_joseph_vijay

Sundar C to Contest 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections on Behalf of NDA Alliance The announcement of Sundar C, an actor and filmmaker, as a candidate for the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections has been made under the banner of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This development comes as the state’s political landscape intensifies ahead of the polls, with multiple parties vying for dominance. Sundar C, known for his work in Tamil cinema, will represent the newly formed Justice Party, which has aligned itself with the NDA. The 2026 elections are shaping up as a highly competitive contest, with major parties such as the AIADMK, DMK, and others forming alliances to secure key constituencies. The NDA, led by the BJP, has allocated seats to various parties, including the Justice Party, which has been granted two constituencies. Sundar C has been assigned the Madurai Central constituency, a strategic location in Tamil Nadu. The Justice Party’s leader, A.C. Sankaran, announced the decision in a statement, highlighting the party’s alignment with the NDA and its focus on regional development. The party’s manifesto emphasizes issues such as infrastructure, education, and economic growth, aiming to appeal to a broad voter base. Sundar C’s candidacy is seen as a significant move to attract younger voters and those disillusioned with traditional political narratives. The political landscape is further complicated by the presence of smaller parties and independent candidates. The AIADMK, which has historically dominated Tamil Nadu politics, faces challenges from the DMK and the newly formed Justice Party. The BJP’s alliance with the AIADMK has also drawn criticism, with some analysts suggesting it could weaken the NDA’s prospects.#aiadmk #dmk #national_democratic_alliance #sundar_c #justice_party

Director Sundar C to Contest from Madurai Central for New Justice Party in 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections The New Justice Party (Puthiya Neethi Katchi) has announced that director Sundar C will contest from the Madurai Central constituency in the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections. The party’s leader, A.C. Sivan, confirmed the decision, stating that Sundar C will represent the party under the "Sun of Chithambaram Pillai" symbol. The New Justice Party has been allocated two constituencies as part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition between the AIADMK and BJP. The AIADMK allocated the Madurai Central constituency to the party, while the BJP is set to allocate another constituency, with its candidate to be announced soon. Currently, the Madurai Central constituency is represented by AIADMK MLA P. Thiyagarajan. The party’s statement also mentioned that the second candidate for the BJP-allocated constituency will be announced on March 30, 2026, during a press conference in Chennai. Sundar C, known for his work in Tamil cinema, will be the party’s sole candidate for Madurai Central. The New Justice Party’s allocation of constituencies marks a strategic move in the upcoming elections, with the party aiming to strengthen its presence in the region. The 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections are set to be a key political event, with multiple parties vying for dominance. The New Justice Party’s decision to field Sundar C reflects its focus on leveraging popular cultural figures to attract voter support.#bjp #aiadmk #new_justice_party #sundar_c #madurai_central

Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls 2026: AIADMK Announces Second Candidate List The AIADMK party, led by general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, has released its second list of candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections scheduled for April 23. The list includes 127 names, bringing the total number of nominees to 150 when combined with the initial 23 names announced earlier. The party has largely retained its sitting legislators, signaling a strategy focused on continuity and leveraging the experience of incumbents in the electoral process. Most of the sitting members of the legislative assembly have been renominated, with 46 current MLAs included in the second list. This move underscores the party’s reliance on established figures to consolidate its vote base and maintain organizational strength ahead of the polls. However, several prominent figures were excluded from the list. Former Speaker P Dhanapal, along with former ministers Sevoor S Ramachandran and M Paranjothi, were not included, while senior functionary S Semmalai chose not to contest. The second list also features 16 women candidates, though minority representation remains limited, with only one Muslim candidate being fielded for the Palayamkottai constituency. Notable additions include Martin’s wife, Leema Rose, who has been nominated for the Lalgudi constituency. She recently left the IJK party and joined the AIADMK, marking a significant shift in her political alignment. The party leadership has yet to announce candidates for 15 constituencies in Chennai, excluding Royapuram. Sources suggest that senior functionaries and district secretaries are likely to be deployed in these areas.#aiadmk #tamil_nadu #edappadi_k_palaniswami #lalgudi #palayamkottai

AIADMK Releases Second List of 127 Candidates for Tamil Nadu Polls; DMK Claims Internal Rift The AIADMK party on Thursday unveiled its second list of 127 candidates for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, bringing its total number of contesting candidates to 150. The move has drawn immediate criticism from the DMK, which accused the party of internal divisions and alleged that the selections reveal a "shadow war" within the AIADMK leadership. The second list, which includes prominent figures from various regions of Tamil Nadu, marks a significant step in the state's electoral campaign. The party’s decision to finalize 127 candidates for the upcoming polls underscores its efforts to consolidate support across different constituencies. However, the DMK has seized on the announcement to highlight what it describes as a lack of unity within the AIADMK, suggesting that the party’s leadership is engaged in infighting that could weaken its electoral prospects. The DMK’s claim of internal rifts within the AIADMK comes amid heightened competition in the Tamil Nadu elections, where both major parties are vying for dominance. The party’s leader has accused the AIADMK of prioritizing personal interests over collective strategy, arguing that the selection process reflects a lack of coordination and transparency. This criticism is likely to intensify as the election campaign progresses, with both parties expected to intensify their efforts to mobilize voters. The AIADMK’s decision to release the second list also signals its readiness to face the challenges of the election season. With the state polls approaching, the party’s focus is expected to shift toward campaign strategies, voter outreach, and addressing key issues such as economic development and governance.#elections #aiadmk #dmk #tamil_nadu #shadow_war

AIADMK-led alliance will win 210 seats in Tamil Nadu Assembly election, says Palaniswami Launching his election campaign in Mylapore, AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami declared that the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would secure 210 seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and form the government with an absolute majority. Speaking at a rally in the constituency allotted to the BJP, he emphasized the alliance’s strength and criticized the DMK-led opposition for failing to deliver on promises. Palaniswami, who appeared alongside BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan, noted that the BJP had previously won the constituency in 2001 as part of an alliance with the DMK. He highlighted the AIADMK’s proactive approach, stating that the party had finalized seat allocations and candidate lists ahead of the polls. “We invited alliance partners to our office, announced seat-sharing arrangements, and released our manifesto. Our candidates’ list is the first to be made public,” he said, adding that remaining candidates would be announced shortly. He accused the DMK of struggling to form a cohesive alliance, claiming that its partners faced internal conflicts and were treated as subordinates. “The DMK alliance parties have been fighting for constituencies, while our alliance leaders operate independently,” Palaniswami stated. Critiquing the DMK government’s record, he alleged that the party had failed to address critical issues over the past five years. “The DMK is a dynastic party that rebranded the AIADMK’s schemes,” he said, pointing to unfinished projects like the storm-water drain initiative. Under the AIADMK, 2,400 km of drainage had been completed, but the DMK government had left phases 3 and 4 incomplete.#aiadmk #dmk #tamil_nadu #national_democratic_alliance #edappadi_k_palaniswami

Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls 2026: EPS Launches Chennai Campaign in Style of Jayalalithaa The AIADMK's campaign for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 kicked off in Chennai with a strong show of support, echoing the iconic style of former chief minister Jayalalithaa. Edappadi K Palaniswami, known as EPS, began his campaign in Mylapore, a district historically significant to the party, by visiting the Kapaleeswarar temple. The event drew crowds of women dressed in colorful sarees, who lined the streets carrying flower offerings, a tradition associated with Jayalalithaa's campaigns. Party worker Priya praised EPS's approach, stating, "EPS campaigns exactly like Amma (Jayalalithaa). It is super. He should win." The campaign launch was deliberately timed for 4 PM, an auspicious hour according to an astrologer, further aligning with Jayalalithaa's legacy. EPS delivered his speech from the roof of a van, a tactic reminiscent of her public appearances, while addressing key issues such as corruption, women's safety, and law-and-order. He criticized the ruling DMK for its alleged mismanagement, stating, "DMK's situation is pitiable. Three days ago, our allies met at our headquarters and announced the seat distribution. AIADMK's manifesto was released the next day." This election marks a critical moment for EPS, who is leading the AIADMK into its first state assembly polls as party head. Since Jayalalithaa's death in 2016, the party has faced three consecutive defeats, including the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the 2021 Assembly polls. Despite snapping ties with the BJP ahead of the 2024 elections, the AIADMK has revived the alliance for this year's contest. The political landscape is further complicated by the entry of actor-politician Vijay, who is making his electoral debut, creating a five-cornered race.#aiadmk #jayalalithaa #eps #mylapore #kapaleeswarar_temple

DMK defends seat allocation to DMDK amid criticism from Opposition State Minister S.S. Sivasankar defended the DMK-led alliance’s seat-sharing strategy for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, addressing growing criticism from opposition parties over the distribution of constituencies. The controversy centers on the allocation of 10 seats to the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), compared to eight for the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and four for the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK). Opposition parties have questioned the rationale for granting more seats to DMDK, a newer alliance member, while long-standing partners received fewer allocations. Sivasankar stated that the seat-sharing formula was finalized after extensive consultations with all alliance partners, emphasizing that each party was given “due respect.” He dismissed allegations of bias, asserting that the allocations were the result of multiple rounds of discussions. The minister also rejected claims that the Congress had been unfairly favored, clarifying that such accusations were unfounded. Regarding DMDK’s allocation, Sivasankar noted that the party had previously operated as an opposition force, and the 10-seat assignment was made in that context. He highlighted the alliance’s democratic nature, stating that leaders of participating parties were free to voice their opinions independently. Looking ahead, the minister announced plans for a statewide campaign to gather public input for the election manifesto, which would be submitted to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin after incorporating feedback. Sivasankar also criticized the opposition, particularly the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), accusing its leadership of engaging in constant criticism without addressing internal issues.#aiadmk #dmk #dmdk #vck #state_minister_s_s_sivasankar

Actor Vijay Rejects BJP's 90 Seats Offer for Tamil Nadu Election Aadhav Arjuna, leader of the Tamil Nadu-based TVK party, claimed that Vijay, the actor-turned-politician, was offered a significant share of seats and the Deputy Chief Minister post by an unidentified political party ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. However, Vijay has publicly stated his refusal to align with any party, emphasizing his commitment to contesting the election independently. Arjuna did not specify which party made the offer, though his remarks about Vijay "not succumbing to Delhi for the Chief Minister's post" have been interpreted by some as a reference to the BJP. The TVK General Secretary confirmed that the party sought a seat-sharing agreement with Vijay but noted that the actor rejected the proposal. "Vijay is not the kind of person who will succumb to Delhi for the sake of the Chief Minister's post," Arjuna said at a party meeting in Kolathur. "They gave us all kinds of offers—ranging from 50 to 90 seats—but Vijay insisted on the trust of the people, not the post." Sources within the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) confirmed that talks between Vijay and the party were ongoing. According to these sources, the BJP had proposed Vijay the Deputy Chief Minister position along with 55 seats. However, not all within the NDA supported the offer, with some members expressing reservations about the terms. The BJP’s goal is to counter the DMK, which is allied with the Congress, and prevent it from securing a fourth consecutive victory in the state. The AIADMK, the other major Dravidian party in Tamil Nadu, has openly opposed any alliance with Vijay. Edappadi K. Palaniswami, the AIADMK leader, denied involvement in talks with TVK, citing concerns about losing influence to Vijay.#bjp #vijay #aiadmk #dmk #tvk

Blocked, censored, and pressured: The long history of Vijay films being stopped before they could reach his fans VijayActor-politician Vijay is still awaiting the release of his final film Jana Nayagan. The film has been stuck in certification limbo for nearly three months, with no official release date announced. This situation, while unprecedented, is not entirely new for Vijay, whose career has repeatedly faced political pressure, legal challenges, and last-minute certification hurdles before his films could reach audiences. In 2013, his film Thalaivaa was set for a global release on August 9. However, theatres in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry remained dark. The controversy stemmed from the film’s tagline, “Time to Lead,” which the AIADMK government, led by Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, reportedly viewed as a direct challenge to her leadership. Despite the backlash, the film eventually premiered internationally, though its domestic release was delayed. Four years later, Mersal faced scrutiny from the BJP in 2017. The party demanded the removal of scenes in which Vijay’s character criticized the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Digital India initiative. The contentious scene depicted the character pointing out that Singapore charges just 7% GST and provides free healthcare, while India’s higher rates could not guarantee similar benefits. The film also encountered certification issues with the Animal Welfare Board of India, which initially refused a no-objection certificate over the use of animals in production. The Telugu dubbed version, Adirindhi, faced further delays at the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), where producers were asked to mute or delete the controversial dialogues. They chose to mute them, sparking outrage among fans who endured long silences in theatres.#kamal_haasan #vijay_actor_politician #aiadmk #j_jayalalithaa #cbfc