DMK Skips INDIA Bloc Meet, CEC Resignation Row Escalate & TN Secretariat Protest

Speaking at the India Today Conclave South in Kochi, Congress Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Jebi Mather reflected on the transformation of Indian politics, grassroots governance, and women's political empowerment. Addressing the political atmosphere, she remarked, "There is no tyranny of distance. There is tyranny of power that is happening in the country now." Mather highlighted her journey from municipal councillor and vice chairperson to Parliament, urging women to enter politics and face challenges with conviction. Discussing parliamentary representation, she insisted that the Centre must implement women's reservation immediately rather than linking it to delimitation. She emphasized that political leaders across parties have an obligation to safeguard democratic institutions, stating that the primary duty of any politician is to stand up and protect the Constitution of India. Additionally, Mather touched upon national media dynamics and countered cultural stereotypes faced by southern parliamentarians in Delhi, reiterating that shared cultural appreciation reinforces national unity.

Protests have broken out in Chennai's Pattinampakkam over the Tamil Nadu government's proposal to construct a new secretariat complex at an estimated cost of 1,200 crore rupees. Local fisherfolk expressed concerns that the project would restrict their access to the sea, affect their homes, and destroy livelihoods sustained across generations. Political parties, including the DMK and AIADMK, have raised concerns over the community being left stranded. Demonstrators have demanded justice and called for the withdrawal of the government order issued for the project near Marina Beach.

Campaigning intensifies ahead of crucial by-elections for the Madurantakam and Dharapuram assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu, sparking a fierce political face-off between the DMK and the TVK. The DMK has raised concerns over law and order and rising crime, pointing to recent incidents of violence, including nine murders reported in Chennai over two days. DMK leaders have also criticised the administration over unfulfilled welfare promises, questioning the delivery of financial assistance to unemployed graduates and subsidised cooking gas cylinders.

Custody details and bail arguments have emerged in the Veeramani POCSO case, with co-accused Shanti seeking relief before the court. Her plea challenges the evidence gathered, citing reliance on a pen drive from an unidentified source, an absence of victim identification or medical examination, and an alleged delay of over six years in investigating a 2019 incident. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Police have registered a second POCSO case against Veeramani following a complaint by the mother of another alleged victim. As an all-woman Special Investigation Team continues its probe and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights takes cognizance, the DMK has approached the Madras High Court demanding SIT questioning over allegations surrounding the case.