Udhayanidhi Stalin

The Tamil Nadu government has revoked a controversial order that exempted law and order matters from the Right to Information Act following intense backlash from opposition parties and its own allies. Opposition parties, including the DMK and AIADMK, opposed the move, alleging it was an attempt to conceal rising crime figures and shield the accused in the Veeramani case. Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin claimed that 500 murders had taken place since the TVK government assumed office. Key allies, including the Congress and CPM, also voiced strong objections, arguing that exempting the department from the transparency law set a poor precedent for accountable governance. Activists, including members of Arappor Iyakkam, noted that the order would not hold up in court. This marks another rollback by the administration, which previously withdrew orders concerning student protest regulations and the appointment of an astrologer as an Officer on Special Duty.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched a fierce counter-attack against the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) during a political address ahead of upcoming by-elections. Addressing sustained attacks and criticism from the principal opposition party, Vijay defended his administration's governance and welfare delivery, asserting that borrowing was undertaken exclusively for public welfare rather than corruption. Directly challenging former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the DMK leadership over past corruption inquiries, including the Sarkaria Commission, Vijay declared that his government represents the people. He contrasted his welfare schemes—such as fare-free bus travel and power initiatives—with the DMK's governance record, underlining that the electoral contest in Tamil Nadu remains squarely between his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), and the DMK.

DMK chief M.K. Stalin has hit out at Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay over remarks concerning his arrest under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA). Stalin accused the Chief Minister and the TVK government of using MISA and the Sarkaria Commission as diversionary tactics because they are unable to answer opposition questions. Responding to the controversy, Stalin stated that he does not need to prove his imprisonment under MISA to anyone and maintained that nobody is qualified to judge his sacrifice. He added that his history regarding MISA has been documented and remains an indelible mark that cannot be erased by time.

Political tensions surged in the Tamil Nadu Assembly following controversial remarks and gestures by Chief Minister Vijay referencing the 1975 Emergency, MISA, corruption allegations, and the Sarkaria Commission.

High drama unfolded inside the Tamil Nadu assembly as marshals physically removed protesting DMK MLAs following orders from the Speaker. The DMK legislators staged a sit-in protest near the Speaker's chair, demanding that portions of the Chief Minister's speech from the previous day be expunged from the assembly records. They alleged that the remarks contained misinformation and allegations unrelated to house proceedings. However, the Speaker refused to expunge the statements, stating that the information shared was already in the public domain. The refusal led to heated exchanges between members of the treasury and opposition benches. As tensions escalated and DMK members continued their protest on the floor of the house, the Speaker directed the marshals to escort the agitating legislators out of the assembly.

A panel discussion reviews Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay's address in the Legislative Assembly and the political confrontation between TVK and DMK. Senior journalist Sandhya Ravishankar notes that the Chief Minister is shaping Tamil Nadu politics into a bipolar contest between DMK and TVK while pointing out unresolved issues concerning power cuts, milk production, and TASMAC. Political analyst Muralikrishnan Chinnadurai argues that the speech leaned on rhetoric and failed to address current governance challenges, funding allocations, and law and order issues. TVK spokesperson Sasirekha defends the address, stating, 'As per TVK government and as per our CM Vijay sir, it's the law is supreme.' She asserts that the Chief Minister highlighted DMK's past governance records and financial scandals, adding that preparations are underway for the upcoming monsoon under the public works department minister. The panel also examines the electoral impact of the speech on Gen Z and women voters across Tamil Nadu.

A TVK functionary named Kanan was chased and hacked to death by unidentified miscreants in Chennai between Adyar and Thiruvanmiyur. Tamil Nadu Police have recovered CCTV footage from the crime scene and formed three special teams to apprehend the perpetrators. Five individuals have been detained in connection with the murder. According to the police, Kanan was a history-sheeter with prior cases of murder and attempt to murder, who had recently entered the real estate business. Authorities are probing personal enmity and business rivalry angles. Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin questioned the state government and the prevailing law and order situation over the incident.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay over his comments in the legislative assembly, alleging that cinema dialogues will not resolve issues faced by the public. The opposition questioned the government regarding the law and order situation, drug abuse, and rising crimes, including over 400 reported sexual assault cases and child murders. The criticism followed Chief Minister Vijay asking opposition members not to stage walkouts when he responds to queries in the House. Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin had earlier raised allegations concerning governance and public safety. BJP leader Nainar Nagendran stated that the Chief Minister should address critical matters concerning crime rather than resorting to cinematic rhetoric, while the assembly prepares for further debate on the state's law and order situation.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly witnessed intense political clashes between Chief Minister Vijay and Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin over issues including the gold scheme and the state's law and order.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly witnessed intense political clashes between Chief Minister Vijay and Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin over issues including the gold scheme and the state's law and order. Amid the political showdown, Chief Minister Vijay announced major initiatives, including a resolution seeking the primary use of Tamil in the Madras High Court, which received unanimous support. The government also unveiled plans for a world-class Olympic City in Chennai and dedicated infrastructure for motorsports to host Formula One to Formula Four racing. The motorsports announcement drew praise from actor Ajith Kumar, who welcomed the government's push for sports infrastructure. Additionally, the CBCID in Tamil Nadu initiated action against fraudulent social media deepfake videos impersonating Chief Minister Vijay, which were found to be shared by Pakistan-based accounts.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly witnessed a high-voltage showdown between TVK and DMK, with Chief Minister Vijay and Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin exchanging sharp barbs over the state's gold scheme and law and order situation. Amid the heated exchanges, Chief Minister Vijay stated he would respond to DMK's queries on Monday. The assembly unanimously passed a resolution seeking to make Tamil the principal language of the Madras High Court, drawing support from both ruling and opposition benches. Furthermore, major infrastructure announcements were made, including the establishment of a world-class Olympic City in Chennai and a dedicated motorsports city designed to host international races ranging from Formula One to Formula Four.

A broadcast of India Today's So South covers key political developments across southern India. In Tamil Nadu, tension surfaces between alliance partners TVK and Congress after TVK ministers pitch Chief Minister Vijay as a potential prime ministerial candidate, prompting Congress leaders to assert that Rahul Gandhi remains the sole contender for 2029. In the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin raises questions over the status of the Global Sports City project, while the government clarifies that the project is undergoing a revamp. In Karnataka, remarks by Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy regarding Islam draw criticism from the BJP, leading to political sparring in the state. Meanwhile, in Kerala, political parties and leaders criticise regressive comments on women made by Muslim cleric AP Aboobacker Musliyar, pointing out that constitutional equality guarantees fundamental rights to women.

An India Today Mood of the Nation survey report reveals that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK founder C. Joseph Vijay has emerged as the third most preferred prime ministerial choice in the country, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. The survey shows Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading with 49 per cent support, followed by Rahul Gandhi at 27 per cent, while Vijay received 9 per cent. Following the release of the survey, TVK cadres in Thoothukudi put up posters projecting Vijay as the next Prime Minister, echoing demands from TVK leaders like Aadhavan Arjuna and Finance Minister Murugesan for a Prime Minister from the south. Meanwhile, the Congress, which is in an alliance with the TVK, reiterated that Rahul Gandhi remains its sole prime ministerial candidate. Opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin criticized the TVK administration, while commentators note the political implications for the TVK-Congress alliance moving forward.

A political conflict has intensified between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) over corruption allegations. The row stems from statements made in the assembly where Chief Minister Vijay claimed to hold three pending corruption files. Responding to the remarks, opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin challenged the Chief Minister to reveal the files rather than issuing cinematic dialogues. Senior DMK leader Duraimurugan weighed in on the controversy, giving permission to open the documents while stating that the opposition should move a privilege motion if the Chief Minister provided incorrect information inside the house.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly witnessed intense drama as the ruling TVK and opposition DMK engaged in a bitter war of words. The clash stemmed from the Chief Minister hinting at three department files containing allegations of corruption. The Leader of Opposition challenged the government to release the files immediately rather than delaying the matter. The debate escalated further as personal remarks and derogatory terms were exchanged between members on the floor of the House during the assembly proceedings.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s political positioning is drawing attention as the TVK projects him as a potential contender for the 2029 Prime Ministerial race.

Tamil Nadu dominated the latest round of major developments as Finance Minister Mari Wilson presented the Vijay-led TVK government’s first state budget, announcing welfare measures and new spending priorities.

In this edition of News Track, anchor Maria Shakeel examines the issue of women being targeted in political crossfire, highlighting recent remarks involving actor Trisha Krishnan and subsequent police action against Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin.

In an exclusive conversation with India Today's Rajdeep Sardesai, BJP leader, actor, and former National Commission for Women (NCW) member Khushbu Sundar expressed outrage over political remarks directed at actor Trisha, describing them as crude and repulsive.

DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was released on bail on Tuesday after being questioned by police in connection with the Trisha remarks case.