Tamil Nadu PWD minister Aadhav Arjuna has issued a legal notice to former CM MK Stalin demanding an apology and Rs 1 crore in damages for allegedly portraying a drug trafficking mastermind as his relative. Arjuna denies any relation to John Britto, accused by the ED, and has given Stalin 48 hours to comply.
Former AIADMK minister P Benjamin and his supporters have joined the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu, marking a significant political shift and continuing exodus from the opposition party. The move occurred in Chennai in the presence of Chief Minister MK Stalin.
Rajinikanth clarified his political position, stating he is no longer active in politics and his meeting with MK Stalin was based on friendship. He expressed shock at Vijay becoming CM and noted Vijay's independent political recognition.
VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan has pledged unconditional support to actor-politician Vijay's government, aiming to ensure political stability and prevent President's rule in Tamil Nadu. This move, communicated to DMK chief MK Stalin, allows TVK to navigate the state's new coalition landscape. VCK will remain in the DMK-led alliance but will not join the cabinet, prioritizing political credibility over ministerial berths.
VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan has pledged unconditional support to actor-politician Vijay's government, aiming to ensure political stability and prevent President's rule in Tamil Nadu. This move, communicated to DMK chief MK Stalin, allows TVK to navigate the state's new coalition landscape. VCK will remain in the DMK-led alliance but will not join the cabinet, prioritizing political credibility over ministerial berths.
The legislators left the decision to Stalin, multiple sources told TOI. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, meanwhile, is understood to have sought governor R V Arlekar’s appointment on Friday.
Analysis of Congress's strategic position in Tamil Nadu as junior partner in DMK-led alliance ahead of election results. The party chose continuity over experimentation, remaining with the DMK despite actor Vijay's emergence as a potential alternative. While the alliance provides electoral stability, Congress's independent political base remains constrained within the established hierarchy.
Exit polls for Tamil Nadu's 2026 assembly election predict CM MK Stalin's DMK-led alliance will retain power, though with tighter margins than 2021. Four of five polls place DMK+ near or above the 122-132 seat range in the 234-member assembly. New entrant actor Vijay's TVK is projected to win 10-120 seats depending on the pollster, potentially disrupting the traditional two-party contest. Election results will be counted on May 4.
The absence of joint rallies between Rahul Gandhi and alliance partners like MK Stalin in Tamil Nadu raises concerns about Congress's coalition strategy. This visual gap fuels speculation and opposition attacks, contrasting with proactive alliance building seen from other INDIA bloc leaders like Arvind Kejriwal.
A devastating blast at a firecracker factory in Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar on Sunday claimed 16 lives and injured six. Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed deep sorrow, extended condolences to the bereaved families, and dispatched ministers to oversee rescue efforts and provide immediate assistance.
