#aiadmk

AIADMK Legal Disputes: OPS and JCD Prabhakaran File Petitions to Withdraw Civil Suits Senior AIADMK leader OPS and JCD Prabhakaran have filed petitions in the Supreme Court to withdraw civil suits challenging the party’s expulsion of members and the validity of its 2022 General Council meeting held on July 11. The legal battle centers on decisions made during that meeting, which included the removal of several senior leaders and the restructuring of party roles. The 2022 General Council meeting, held on July 11, was marked by significant internal conflict. The meeting approved resolutions that led to the expulsion of leaders including OPS, Manoj Pandian, and Vaitthyalingam, while also reorganizing the party’s leadership structure. These decisions were contested by the affected individuals, who filed civil suits challenging their validity. The Supreme Court had previously ruled on the legality of the meeting, but the petitioners now seek to withdraw those cases. The petitions filed by OPS and JCD Prabhakaran argue that the civil suits should be dismissed, citing procedural irregularities and the need to resolve disputes internally within the party. The Supreme Court has scheduled hearings for June 3 and June 4 to address the petitions, but the process has been delayed due to procedural issues. The court has also postponed hearings on a separate case involving the use of the party’s symbols and logo by the petitioners. The legal challenges highlight the deepening internal divisions within the AIADMK. The party’s leadership, including General Secretary Edappadi Palanisamy, has issued notices to the petitioners, warning them against interfering in party affairs. Meanwhile, the petitioners have sought to clarify their stance, emphasizing their commitment to resolving disputes through legal channels.#supreme_court #aiadmk #ops #jcd_prabhakaran #general_council_meeting_2022

K Annamalai Resigns from BJP Amid 2026 Tamil Nadu Political Shifts K Annamalai, the former president of the BJP in Tamil Nadu, formally resigned from the party following a pivotal meeting with national BJP president Nitin Nabin on Wednesday. The decision marks a significant shift in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, as Annamalai cited a desire to pursue an independent path and address the evolving dynamics of the state’s politics. His resignation comes amid growing tensions within the BJP and the rising influence of actor-turned-politician Vijay, who has emerged as a formidable contender in the 2026 state elections. Annamalai’s departure was reportedly discussed during a meeting with BJP leaders, including Nitin Nabin and secretary B.L. Santhosh. While the party offered him a national seat and attempted to retain his loyalty, Annamalai expressed a clear intent to leave, stating his focus would now shift to “pursuing his own path.” The decision was influenced by the BJP’s internal strategy to realign its approach ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, which saw the replacement of Annamalai as Tamil Nadu president with Nainar Nagendra. This move, perceived as a strategic shift to strengthen ties with the AIADMK, reportedly strained Annamalai’s relationship with the party leadership. The resignation follows a period of intense political activity in Tamil Nadu. Vijay’s rapid rise as a political leader, coupled with the AIADMK’s efforts to forge alliances, has disrupted the traditional power dynamics. Annamalai, who had previously criticized the AIADMK’s leadership, including former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, now acknowledges the changing nature of Tamil Nadu politics. He has warned that the era of “Dravidian parties” is ending, emphasizing the need for a new political approach that moves beyond linguistic and regional identities.#bjp #vijay #aiadmk #k_annamalai #nitin_nitin

K Annamalai Likely To Quit BJP, Launch Own Party: Sources K Annamalai, the former Tamil Nadu BJP chief, is reportedly planning to leave the party and establish his own political movement, according to sources. The 41-year-old IPS officer-turned-politician, who has been a prominent figure in Tamil Nadu politics, is said to have concluded that there is no future for him within the BJP after a meeting with party chief Nitin Nabin. The decision comes amid a challenging period for the BJP in Tamil Nadu, where the party secured only one seat in the 2026 state assembly elections, marking a significant setback. Annamalai was offered a Rajya Sabha seat by the BJP, but sources indicate he has declined the proposal. The move is seen as a step toward his potential exit from the party, with plans to launch a new movement first before forming a political party. According to multiple sources, the initiative aims to gather like-minded individuals and build a robust volunteer network, targeting diverse professional and social backgrounds. His existing non-profit leadership initiative, "We The Leaders," is expected to serve as a foundation for this new political project. Annamalai’s growing independence within the BJP has been evident in recent actions. He publicly criticized the central government over the premature implementation of the three-language policy by the CBSE, arguing that the policy would cause hardship for students before its scheduled rollout in the 2029-30 academic year. This criticism highlights his increasing willingness to challenge the party’s stance on certain issues. The political landscape in Tamil Nadu has been shaped by Annamalai’s efforts to elevate the BJP’s profile. As a state chief, he significantly expanded the party’s organizational presence in a state historically dominated by Dravidian parties.#aiadmk #dmk #nitin_nabin #tamil_nadu_bjp #k_annamalai

Tamil Nadu Politics: DMK Slams VCK Over Alliance Shift, TVK Defends Move The political landscape in Tamil Nadu has erupted into a heated debate following a dispute between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and the Tamilaga Vethirai Katchi (TVK). The conflict centers on VCK’s decision to switch alliances after the state assembly elections, which saw TVK emerge as a major force, ending the long-standing dominance of DMK and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). The controversy has sparked sharp exchanges, with DMK accusing VCK of betrayal, while TVK has defended its alliance move. The dispute began with a controversial metaphor used by DMK leader A. Rajan. He compared VCK’s shift to the DMK-led alliance to a "crooked coconut tree" that bends its fruit to a neighbor’s land. This metaphor, rooted in traditional Tamil literature, is typically used to describe individuals who prioritize personal gain over integrity. Rajan’s post was interpreted as a direct criticism of VCK, which had initially allied with DMK in the 2021 elections but later joined TVK to secure political support. VCK leader S.S. Balaji responded with a poetic rebuttal, quoting Tamil literature to challenge DMK’s accusations. His message, translated into Hindi, read: "Why is there so much anger when the oppressed gain power? Misery spreads everywhere, but shame cannot harm you. Avoid the uncivil and move forward peacefully. If injustice continues and you raise your voice, and if you cannot stop the storms, you will be burned." This poetic defense highlighted VCK’s stance as a marginalized community’s voice, rejecting DMK’s allegations of betrayal. TVK, which won 108 seats in the 2026 elections, has since become a key player in Tamil Nadu politics.#aiadmk #dmk #tamil_nadu #tvk #vck

The article outlines a complex political landscape in Tamil Nadu, centered around the power struggle between the AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and the Tamil Nadu Congress (TNC). Here's a structured summary of the key points and implications: Internal Power Struggles in AIADMK Leadership Consolidation: Palaniappan Chandrasekaran, the AIADMK leader, is centralizing power by removing key figures like S. P. Velu and C. V. Sankaran from their roles. This includes restructuring leadership positions (e.g., removing Natarajan Viswanathan from the party's general secretary role) and appointing new leaders to weaken internal opposition. Purges and Reforms: The AIADMK is implementing purges to eliminate dissenting factions, such as the "Muthuvel" group, and reorganizing the party structure (e.g., the 84 committees and 2,370 members) to consolidate control. TNC's Strategic Moves Financial Incentives: The TNC is attempting to attract support by offering monetary rewards to party members, a tactic to bolster its base and challenge AIADMK's dominance. Media and Social Campaigns: The TNC is leveraging social media and posters to spread its message, targeting younger voters and highlighting corruption or mismanagement within the AIADMK. For example, a controversial poster linking a minister (Adhavan Arjunan) to a liquor license sparked debates about political-business collusion. Business Interests and Political Influence Martin Family's Role: The Martin family, involved in lottery and alcohol businesses, is linked to Adhavan Arjunan (a minister) and his family (e.g., Leema Rose). Their economic influence suggests a network of business-political ties, with the Martin family seeking to re-enter the lottery sector through AIADMK's support.#aiadmk #tamil_nadu_congress #adhavan_arjunan #leema_rose #martin_family

Split Wide Open: AIADMK Faces Internal Crisis in Tamil Nadu Politics The AIADMK, the principal Opposition party in the previous Tamil Nadu Assembly, is on the brink of a significant split, following a series of electoral defeats and internal divisions. The party’s 47 legislators are now divided over their allegiance to General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who previously served as the Leader of Opposition. This schism has intensified after the party’s second consecutive loss in the recent Assembly election, alongside earlier setbacks in parliamentary elections. The two factions within the AIADMK have submitted written claims to Pro-tem Speaker M.V. Karuppiah, asserting their respective leaderships. The dissident group, led by former Ministers C.Ve. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani, appears to have broader support among legislators. This faction has publicly declared its intention to back the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s recent visit to Shanmugam’s office and his meetings with the faction’s members signal his alignment with this group. These interactions are part of Vijay’s broader political outreach, including meetings with DMK chief M.K. Stalin and other leaders in the past two days. The trust vote, scheduled for Wednesday, adds political weight to this development. Unlike previous instances where the AIADMK publicly announced its legislature party leader, there has been no official declaration this time. However, Palaniswami’s supporters argue that a May 9 meeting confirmed all 47 legislators’ written consent to designate him as the legislature party leader. They cite the Supreme Court’s 2023 verdict in the Shiv Sena case, which emphasized that the political party, not the legislature party, appoints the Whip and Leader in the House.#aiadmk #tamilaga_vettri_kazhagam #edappadi_k_palani_swami #c_v_e_shanmugam #s_p_velumani

AIADMK's CV Shanmugam Faction Announces Support To TVK A faction of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), led by senior leaders CV Shanmugam and SP Velumani, announced its decision to extend support to Tamil Nadu's ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Tuesday. This move came after the TVK secured a dominant victory in the state assembly elections, winning 108 of 234 seats but falling short of a majority by 10 seats. The faction’s backing was critical in helping the TVK cross the threshold for a majority, though the coalition’s future remains uncertain due to the inclusion of long-time DMK allies. Shanmugam, a prominent figure within the AIADMK, cited the party’s electoral defeats over the past decade as a key reason for the decision. He highlighted that the AIADMK had lost three elections to its arch-rival, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and a fourth to the TVK in the recent polls. “We need to revive the party and discuss its future,” he stated, urging AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, known as EPS, to convene the party’s council. Shanmugam also criticized Palaniswami’s earlier proposal to form an alliance with the DMK, calling it “unacceptable.” The AIADMK-DMK alliance would have been a historic and politically unprecedented move, given the decades-long rivalry between the two parties, which has at times escalated into violent clashes. However, Shanmugam claimed that some within the AIADMK had reportedly considered such an alliance to counter the TVK’s rise. He dismissed the idea, stating, “For 53 years, our politics was against the DMK. A proposal suggesting an AIADMK government with DMK support was rejected. If we formed such an alliance, AIADMK would not exist.” Shanmugam also emphasized that the faction’s decision to support the TVK did not signify a split within the AIADMK.#bjp #aiadmk #tvk #eps #cv_shanmugam

Tamil Nadu MLA Leema Rose Claims ₹5,863 Crore Net Worth, Outstripping Vijay's Wealth Leema Rose, the newly elected All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Lalgudi constituency, has declared a net worth of ₹5,863 crore in her nomination affidavit filed with the Election Commission of India. This makes her the richest candidate in the Tamil Nadu assembly, according to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). Her wealth is nine times that of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister candidate Tamil actor Vijay, who declared a net worth of ₹648 crore. Rose, wife of lottery magnate Santiago Martin, contested her first election in 2026 and won the Lalgudi seat in Tiruchirappalli district. She secured 60,795 votes, defeating her nearest rival, Ku Pa Krishnan of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), by a margin of 2,739 votes. The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election results, announced on 4 May, saw TVK emerge as the single largest party with 108 seats, ending the 59-year dominance of Dravidian parties. The AIADMK secured 47 seats, while the DMK won 59. Rose’s declared assets include movable property valued at ₹139 crore and immovable assets worth ₹910 crore. Her husband, Santiago Martin, a businessman known as the "Lottery King," holds movable assets of ₹3,262 crore and immovable assets of ₹887 crore. Their son, Jose Tyson Martin, also reported substantial wealth, with movable assets of ₹225 crore and immovable properties valued at ₹439 crore. The family’s combined wealth is staggering. Rose’s assets include 19,233 grams of gold, 1,217 carats of diamonds, and 131,813 grams of silver. Santiago Martin’s holdings consist of 281 grams of gold, 9.83 carats of diamonds, and 20,974 grams of silver. Their son’s share includes 326 grams of gold, 60.#aiadmk #tamil_nadu #leema_rose #santiago_martin #tamil_nadu_assembly_election_2026

TN Polls 2026: VCK Warns of Cadre Lapses, DMK Alliance Expresses Confidence With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 nearing the final stages, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has raised concerns about internal coordination failures among its cadres in alliance constituencies. VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan highlighted these issues in a statement released on May 3, 2026, as the vote count approached. He acknowledged that party workers in certain areas failed to support alliance candidates during the campaign, undermining ground-level coordination. The VCK has begun compiling detailed reports on these lapses, with Thirumavalavan indicating that corrective actions may follow after a thorough review. The election, held on April 23, 2026, saw a record voter turnout of 85.15 percent, reflecting heightened political engagement. The contest was a four-cornered battle, with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leading the major alliances. Independent parties such as Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and Naam Tamilar Katchi also participated, adding complexity to the race. The counting process is scheduled for May 4, a date that will determine the state’s political direction. Thirumavalavan’s remarks came amid growing uncertainty about the election’s outcome. While the DMK-led alliance remains optimistic about a strong showing, exit polls have presented conflicting projections. Most surveys suggest a return of the DMK alliance, but a minority predict a resurgence for the AIADMK, which is allied with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). One survey even hints at a potential surprise result, sparking intense political speculation. Despite the VCK’s internal challenges, Thirumavalavan expressed confidence in the DMK alliance’s ability to secure a decisive victory.#bjp #aiadmk #vck #thol_thirumavalavan #dmk_alliance

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