New TVK Alliance Named, Rift Over 2029 PM Face, Left Parties Skip Crucial Meeting

The Tamil Nadu government has finalised Pattinampakkam at Foreshore Estate near Marina Beach as the location for a new sea-facing secretariat. A government order has been issued, with preparatory work expected to begin within three months. The chosen site covers nearly twenty-five acres belonging to the housing board and is situated close to the Chief Minister's residence. The move revives the long-standing issue of constructing a modern secretariat in Chennai, following previous attempts by past administrations.

Leaders of the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam alliance have come together to present a united front, displaying a thumbs-up gesture to signal solidarity ahead of the political contest. The coalition includes representatives from Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and the Indian Union Muslim League alongside Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam leadership. The alliance has been formally named the Madarsaatpattra Samughanidhi Vetrikootani. Left parties, while providing outside support, chose not to attend the gathering due to their existing alliance commitments.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam held a mega alliance meeting in Tamil Nadu chaired by Chief Minister and party chief Uday, bringing together allies including Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and All India Union Muslim Democratic League. Left parties skipped the meeting. The alliance has proposed the name Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance for the coalition, incorporating TVK core principles of secularism and social justice. Questions remain regarding the term Victory, which translates to Vetri and directly represents TVK branding. Discussions during the ninety-minute session covered internal friction, including debates between Congress and TVK over the prospective prime ministerial candidate, alongside recent criticisms raised by VCK leadership. VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan and MDMK chief Vaiko attended the discussions, where smaller partners laid down their demands ahead of the final formal announcement of the alliance name.

In a panel discussion on food safety and front-of-package labelling (FoPL), experts examine public demand for transparent nutritional warnings on packaged foods in India. Sachin Taparia, founder of LocalCircles, highlights survey data indicating that over 80% of consumers support clear warning labels for high sugar, salt, and fat content across retail channels. Dr Arun Gupta, paediatrician and convener of Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest, strongly opposes proposed phased implementations that dilute immediate warning labels. Dr Gupta asserts, 'Nowhere in the world has such thing been tried, actually,' stressing that delaying warning labels or requiring multiple high-nutrient thresholds compromises public health in favour of industry interests. The panel addresses the urgency for robust FSSAI regulations, restrictions on misleading marketing for ultra-processed foods, and the need for consumers to make informed choices.