News for 'Tamil Nadu assembly election'

Debate, vote on motion to remove Birla to be taken up on Mar 9: Rijiju

Debate, vote on motion to remove Birla to be taken up on Mar 9: Rijiju

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announces the debate and vote on the no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will occur on March 9. The Budget Session's second part will also address important legislation and critical bills.

Poll heat hits box office as Vijay, DMK-linked films clash at Pongal

Poll heat hits box office as Vijay, DMK-linked films clash at Pongal

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

As Tamil Nadu gears up for elections, a clash of films with distinct political ideologies is set to unfold at the box office, mirroring the rivalry between political parties.

BJP ready to project Vijayakanth as Tamil Nadu CM, says Javadekar

BJP ready to project Vijayakanth as Tamil Nadu CM, says Javadekar

Rediff.com9 Mar 2016

Speaking to Rediff.com in New Delhi on Wednesday, Javadekar, who had visited Chennai last week and met Vijayakanth at the latter's home, said the negotiations between the two parties were on and there was no break-up as reported by some sections of the media.

AIADMK to fly solo in Puducherry assembly elections

AIADMK to fly solo in Puducherry assembly elections

Rediff.com4 Apr 2016

Coming out clear on its intent to go it alone in Puducherry, the AIADMK released its candidates list for all the 30 constituencies for the May 16 assembly polls.

Delhi Braces For Heavy Calendar In 2026

Delhi Braces For Heavy Calendar In 2026

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

Among major engagements in 2026 is the visit of the European Union leadership, chief guests at the Republic Day parade.

The script writer who wrote Tamil Nadu's destiny

The script writer who wrote Tamil Nadu's destiny

Rediff.com7 Aug 2018

M Karunanidhi was a masterful practitioner of modern-day politics, wielding considerable influence beyond his own state, in the corridors of power in New Delhi, for a long time and sewing up alliances with both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Why Freebies May Not Save Stalin's DMK

Why Freebies May Not Save Stalin's DMK

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

While the DMK depends on a 'silver sieve' of welfare schemes to stay in power, its support is slowly draining away under the weight of poor governance, corruption, and voters who are no longer satisfied with benefits alone and now want basic administration to work, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Congress's sinking ship in Tamil Nadu plunges deeper

Congress's sinking ship in Tamil Nadu plunges deeper

Rediff.com4 Nov 2014

Former Union minister GK Vasan's decision to revolt and float a separate outfit in Tamil Nadu serves as a deadly blow to the Grand Old Party, which is already struggling, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Why DMK Gave Kamal Haasan A Rajya Sabha Seat

Why DMK Gave Kamal Haasan A Rajya Sabha Seat

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

One Rajya Sabha seat is a small price to pay for all the skills that Kamal Haasan brings to the table, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Jayalalithaa invited to form govt by Tamil Nadu Governor

Jayalalithaa invited to form govt by Tamil Nadu Governor

Rediff.com22 May 2015

Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah on Friday accepted the resignation of Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and invited All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief Jayalalithaa to form the new government.

'For Them, A Woman Is A Body. Nothing More'

'For Them, A Woman Is A Body. Nothing More'

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

''Women are coming into public spaces in larger numbers than ever before. They are educated, capable, opinionated, and determined.' 'But the more women push for access to public space, the harder they are pushed back -- through attacks like this, through discrimination, through the glass ceiling, through the deliberate denial of recognition.'

Will sons of Kharge, Sidda be included in Shivakumar's Cabinet?

Will sons of Kharge, Sidda be included in Shivakumar's Cabinet?

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The new Cabinet in Karnataka led by chief minister-designate D K Shivakumar is likely to be a small one with 10-14 ministers including some young faces, sources said on Tuesday. The top Congress leadership on Tuesday held day-long deliberations with outgoing chief minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar on giving final shape to the new cabinet in the state.

After a decade in Opposition, 2021 sees DMK's return to power in Tamil Nadu

After a decade in Opposition, 2021 sees DMK's return to power in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com23 Dec 2021

After a gap of 10 years, the DMK snatched the reins of power from arch rival AIADMK, with its president M K Stalin leading the party to a stellar performance and in the process, helming the state as chief minister for the first time.

Will Nitish Surprise Modi Or Vice Versa After Bihar Poll?

Will Nitish Surprise Modi Or Vice Versa After Bihar Poll?

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

The BJP's MoSha leadership are past masters in encouraging defections from their allies if it helped their party capture the chief minister's chair. In Bihar, they are not sure if JD-U MPs and MLAs would be willing to cross over to the BJP if the Nitish leadership came on top -- and the NDA crossed the halfway mark together, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Who's That Man With Amit Shah?

Who's That Man With Amit Shah?

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

Clue: He was appointed to an important position recently...

After RK Nagar, the game is on in Tamil Nadu

After RK Nagar, the game is on in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com24 Dec 2017

Given the twin embarrassments of a TTV win and party nominee Karu Nagarajan losing his deposit, polling fewer votes than NOTA, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP boss Amit Shah would be pushed to rethink their strategy. Tamil Nadu would thus become a part of the BJP's grander strategy for 2019 rather than a stand-alone affair, says N Sathiya Moorthy.

DMK returns to power in Tamil Nadu after 10 yrs; Stalin to be CM

DMK returns to power in Tamil Nadu after 10 yrs; Stalin to be CM

Rediff.com3 May 2021

Ending its decade long stint in the opposition, even relegated to the third spot in the House in 2011, the M K Stalin-led Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam made a spirited comeback to the ruling saddle to unseat its rival the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

Two Killed in Nanguneri Gang Attack

Two Killed in Nanguneri Gang Attack

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Two people, including a migrant worker, were allegedly hacked to death by a gang in Nanguneri, Tamil Nadu, sparking protests and political criticism.

Opposition to name joint VP candidate on Tuesday, South face-off likely

Opposition to name joint VP candidate on Tuesday, South face-off likely

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Opposition parties are expected to announce their joint vice-presidential candidate, potentially leading to a 'south versus south' contest. Meetings and discussions have been held to finalize the candidate, with names from Tamil Nadu being considered. The opposition aims to field a non-political figure with national standing.

First 5 files CM Jaya signed will spell doom for Tamil Nadu

First 5 files CM Jaya signed will spell doom for Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com2 Jun 2016

The sops sanctioned by J Jayalalithaa on her first day in office could cost the exchequer up to Rs 8,000 crore annually.

SIR Exercise Covers Half Of Electorates

SIR Exercise Covers Half Of Electorates

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

Since 2004, 12 states have added 160 million people to their rolls.

Will script history in next year's TN polls: Actor Vijay

Will script history in next year's TN polls: Actor Vijay

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

He ruled out an electoral alliance with any party and said next year's Assembly poll will be a straight contest between his TVK and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

How DMK failed to grab the chance in Tamil Nadu

How DMK failed to grab the chance in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com20 May 2016

Tamil Nadu's politics returns to being bi-polar, and that's a good thing, says B Srikumar.

Why the 'pro-Hindi' lobby in Tamil Nadu has got it wrong

Why the 'pro-Hindi' lobby in Tamil Nadu has got it wrong

Rediff.com5 Jun 2019

Flowing from an inadequate understanding of Tamil history and politics is an urban elitist mindset that does not seem to be able to touch and feel the real angst of the larger Tamil-speaking masses, cutting across the social and economic status of the individual, says N Sathiya Moorthy.

TN assembly passes resolution against Waqf bill, asks for recall

TN assembly passes resolution against Waqf bill, asks for recall

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

The Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution on Thursday condemning the Centre's proposed Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, calling for its recall. Chief Minister M K Stalin argued that the amendment interferes with religious affairs and would negatively impact the Muslim minority. The resolution was unanimously passed by the Assembly, with support from all parties, including the opposition AIADMK and PMK. The BJP, however, walked out in protest, accusing the ruling DMK of engaging in divisive politics. The bill aims to streamline the Waqf Board's work and ensure efficient management of Waqf properties but has been criticized for potentially encroaching on religious freedom and autonomy. The Tamil Nadu government claims that the amendment would lead to government control over the Waqf Board and its properties, impacting its autonomy and potentially allowing for government acquisition of Muslim-owned lands.

Mamata Banerjee Calls for 'Revenge' Votes Over Voter List Changes

Mamata Banerjee Calls for 'Revenge' Votes Over Voter List Changes

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged voters to 'take revenge' for the deletion of names from electoral rolls, alleging the BJP is behind the changes. She also addressed concerns about EVM tampering and the deployment of officers to other states.

TN voter roll trimmed by about 1 cr after SIR exercise

TN voter roll trimmed by about 1 cr after SIR exercise

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

Tamil Nadu's electoral roll has been revised, resulting in the removal of 9.74 million voters following an enumeration exercise. The state's electoral roll now stands at 5.43 crore voters.

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The Deepa Thoon controversy, if not allowed to die a natural death, could take the election focus away from the anti-incumbency impacting the DMK and into the secular space. Stalin would love to have it that way, all over again, after the three past elections, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Tamil actor Ajith escapes unhurt in Dubai car crash

Tamil actor Ajith escapes unhurt in Dubai car crash

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar escaped unhurt after crashing his car during a practice session for the upcoming Dubai 24 Hours race. The 53-year-old actor, who launched his racing team Ajith Kumar Racing in September last year, is participating in the event alongside teammates Mathieu Detry, Fabian Duffieux, and Cameron McLeod. The race is scheduled to be held on January 11 and 12. The official Instagram page of Ajith Kumar Racing shared a video of the incident. In the short clip, Ajith's car is seen crashing into the barriers at high speed. In the next shot, the actor is seen getting out of the vehicle, seemingly without any injury.

Will Bihar, Kerala and Tamil Nadu do a U-turn on prohibition?

Will Bihar, Kerala and Tamil Nadu do a U-turn on prohibition?

Rediff.com18 Apr 2016

State after state has imposed an alcohol ban, and has had to retreat, unable to address the financial and administrative fallout. Are we set for more of this cycle, asks Aditi Phadnis.

Centre denies assent to TN's bill seeking NEET exemption

Centre denies assent to TN's bill seeking NEET exemption

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has announced that the state's Assembly resolution seeking NEET exemption, which was sent for Presidential assent, has been declined by the Centre. Stalin termed the rejection as a "dark chapter in federalism" and accused the Centre of disregarding the will of the Tamil Nadu people. He also announced an all-political party meeting on April 9 to discuss the issue further.

Will Sterlite verdict push investors away from Tamil Nadu?

Will Sterlite verdict push investors away from Tamil Nadu?

Rediff.com27 Aug 2020

What will the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government do to answer the queries and fears of investors who will want to be doubly sure they would not be harassed at a later date, as has been happening to Sterlite, should be interesting to watch, says N Sathiya Moorthy.

TN sets up panel headed by SC ex-judge on state autonomy

TN sets up panel headed by SC ex-judge on state autonomy

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has announced the formation of a panel headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to study the relationship between the Union and state governments and ensure state autonomy. The panel, which will submit its interim report in January 2026 and its final report in two years, will examine the transfer of subjects from the State List to the Concurrent List, citing the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) as an example of a subject outside state purview.

BJP, Opposition Trade Barbs Over Women's Quota Bill

BJP, Opposition Trade Barbs Over Women's Quota Bill

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The BJP and the Opposition have engaged in a war of words over the implementation of the women's reservation bill, which aims to reserve seats for women in legislatures. The bill was defeated in the Lower House, leading to accusations and counter-accusations between the parties.

SIR to begin in 9 states, 3 UTs tomorrow

SIR to begin in 9 states, 3 UTs tomorrow

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the Election Commission's voters' list cleanup exercise, will commence in nine states and three Union territories from Tuesday.

Tamil Nadu minister resigns after court sentences him to 3 years in jail

Tamil Nadu minister resigns after court sentences him to 3 years in jail

Rediff.com7 Jan 2019

P Balakrishna Reddy was sentenced Reddy to three years rigorous imprisonment in a two-decade old riot case related to a protest against illicit liquor in Hosur.

Andhra Plans Rs 25,000 Incentive for Second Child

Andhra Plans Rs 25,000 Incentive for Second Child

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

'We will give Rs 25,000 to parents having a second child or more at the time of delivery itself.'

AIADMK, BJP patch up after 2 yrs; EPS to lead alliance in TN, says Shah

AIADMK, BJP patch up after 2 yrs; EPS to lead alliance in TN, says Shah

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Bharatiya Janata Party and all the alliance parties will contest the upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu together under the National Democratic Alliance. The significant political development comes ahead of the TN Assembly election to be held in 2026,

BJP-AIADMK Gift Stalin An Election Issue

BJP-AIADMK Gift Stalin An Election Issue

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

Amit Shah seemingly encouraging AIADMK dissident Sengottaiyan after party boss Edappadi K Palaniswami had removed his one-time mentor from all party posts has not gone down well with party cadres. They are now ready to buy Team EPS' theory that the BJP and Amit Shah are out to liquidate the AIADMK, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.