News for 'Tamil Nadu'

Bypolls: BJP wins big in Bengal, TVK gains 2 seats in TN

Bypolls: BJP wins big in Bengal, TVK gains 2 seats in TN

Rediff.com6 days ago

Tamil Nadu's ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won bypolls in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, strengthening its minority government. Concurrently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured emphatic victories in West Bengal's Nandigram and Muslim-majority Rejinagar, consolidating its post-TMC rule position. The BJP also established a significant lead in Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll, and its ally AINRC retained Thattanchavady in Puducherry.

'Thalapathy' Vijay, 'Thala' Ajith share warm embrace at Silverstone; fans thrilled

'Thalapathy' Vijay, 'Thala' Ajith share warm embrace at Silverstone; fans thrilled

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and actor-racer Ajith Kumar, known as 'Thalapathy' and 'Thala' respectively, shared a warm, lingering hug at the iconic Silverstone circuit in the UK.

CM Vijay hails Praggnanandhaa after historic Grand Chess Tour triumph

CM Vijay hails Praggnanandhaa after historic Grand Chess Tour triumph

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

'...his victory in securing the champion's title is a fitting recognition of his extraordinary talent and unwavering perseverance.'

Keralam: 5 posing as cops abduct, gang-rape woman after attacking friend

Keralam: 5 posing as cops abduct, gang-rape woman after attacking friend

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Five individuals have been arrested in Thrissur, Keralam, for the alleged abduction and gang-rape of a woman. The incident involved the gang posing as police officers, assaulting her male friend, and then sexually assaulting the woman. The man's wife is suspected of orchestrating the crime.

Custodial death victim's parents try to stop CM Vijay's convoy, detained

Custodial death victim's parents try to stop CM Vijay's convoy, detained

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

A couple, identified as the parents of a custodial death victim, was detained by police in Chennai after attempting to breach Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's convoy. They sought to petition the Chief Minister for justice regarding their son's death in police custody in March. The incident caused a brief slowdown of the CM's vehicle.

What's Special About Thirukkural Which Modi Gifted Putin?

What's Special About Thirukkural Which Modi Gifted Putin?

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, the classical Tamil work by poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, ahead of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

Rahul vs Vijay: TN ruling allies at war over 2029 PM candidate

Rahul vs Vijay: TN ruling allies at war over 2029 PM candidate

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Ruling TVK legislators are advocating for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay as their Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, a move dismissed by the Congress party which insists on Rahul Gandhi as their choice. This internal conflict within the alliance highlights a growing divide over national political ambitions.

Teacher fatally stabbed in Tamil Nadu school

Teacher fatally stabbed in Tamil Nadu school

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

In a shocking incident, a woman teacher was fatally stabbed on government school premises in Mallipattinam in the district by a youth, leading to some tense moments in the educational institution, police said on Wednesday.

Young Haryana Paddlers Shine In National U-11 Table Tennis Championships

Young Haryana Paddlers Shine In National U-11 Table Tennis Championships

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Haryana's Under-11 table tennis players showcased a strong performance at the second National Ranking Table Tennis Championships in Panchkula, with Sreeja Aggarwal, Mahi Kumari, and Phalgun Gupta securing spots in the girls' semifinals. The tournament also saw competitive matches in the boys' U-11 category, with players from Maharashtra and West Bengal advancing.

Tamil Nadu batter set to replace Pant for 5th Test

Tamil Nadu batter set to replace Pant for 5th Test

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter N Jagadeesan has been called in as cover for the injured Rishabh Pant for the fifth Test for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at the Oval.

Tamil Nadu presents separate agricultural budget

Tamil Nadu presents separate agricultural budget

Rediff.com20 Feb 2024

In his budget speech, the minister said the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers, herbicides, and pesticides, has led to a decline in overall soil fertility.

Trump's Tariffs: 3 Million Tamil Nadu Jobs At Risk

Trump's Tariffs: 3 Million Tamil Nadu Jobs At Risk

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

The textile and apparel sector is India's second-largest employment provider, after agriculture, and it is now caught in a wave of uncertainty following the Donald Trump administration's tariff policy.

'Vijay Won't Fade Away From Tamil Nadu Politics'

'Vijay Won't Fade Away From Tamil Nadu Politics'

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

'What is worrying other parties is those 10-11 year olds who come for his meetings will cross 18 in the next election. And they will vote for him, and then his vote bank will double.' 'In that case, he will be a very serious player! This is the real scare for other political parties.'

El Nino may intensify as southwest monsoon ends with 12.6% deficit

El Nino may intensify as southwest monsoon ends with 12.6% deficit

Rediff.com22 hours ago

The southwest monsoon has withdrawn from India, while the northeast monsoon has commenced in southern regions, bringing a wet spell. This year's southwest monsoon saw a rainfall deficit, largely attributed to the strengthening El Nino conditions, which are expected to persist until February 2027 and could become the strongest since 1950.

Left to skip Vijay's meet called amid rift in alliance

Left to skip Vijay's meet called amid rift in alliance

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is set to chair a crucial TVK alliance coordination meeting in Chennai. The meeting aims to formalise the ruling coalition's structure, common minimum programme, and joint steering committee. However, the absence of key Left allies and a public rift between TVK and Congress over national leadership aspirations threaten to destabilise the alliance, highlighting a significant test for CM Vijay's political management.

Two Indian students killed in air accident during Canada training

Two Indian students killed in air accident during Canada training

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Two Indian students, Manoj Sivakumar from Tamil Nadu and Srisaran Thirugnanasambantham from Puducherry, tragically died in an air accident in Canada while undergoing flight training. The Consulate General of India in Vancouver has expressed condolences and offered consular assistance for the repatriation of their remains.

New POCSO Case Filed Against Granite Baron Veeramani

New POCSO Case Filed Against Granite Baron Veeramani

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Chennai has registered a new case under the POCSO Act against granite baron R Veeramani, following a complaint from the mother of a minor girl. This development comes as Veeramani's judicial custody was extended, and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) announced a fact-finding visit. The case has led to significant public outcry and action against police officers for alleged inaction.

TN ruling partners form new alliance ahead of key bypolls, Vijay to lead

TN ruling partners form new alliance ahead of key bypolls, Vijay to lead

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu's ruling TVK and its post-poll allies have officially named their front the "Secular Social Justice Victory" alliance, with Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay elected as its leader. The alliance, which includes Congress, VCK, and IUML, is preparing for upcoming bypolls on October 6, which will serve as an initial test of its strength. Leaders emphasised the alliance's ideological foundation rooted in secularism and social justice, aiming to protect constitutional values and oppose communal forces.

India's Shores, Measured Anew

India's Shores, Measured Anew

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

India's coastline is now officially measured at 11,098.81 km, significantly higher than the earlier figure of 7,516.6 km used since the 1970s.

'Cheap politics': Vijay breaks silence on Cauvery issue

'Cheap politics': Vijay breaks silence on Cauvery issue

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has proposed holding talks with Karnataka regarding the long-standing Cauvery water dispute, citing a hope for a positive outcome. Despite his government's firm stance on legal recourse, Vijay believes a dialogue in Bengaluru could lead to a resolution.

6 killed in fire at hospital in Tamil Nadu's Dindigul

6 killed in fire at hospital in Tamil Nadu's Dindigul

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

More than three fire engines and over 10 ambulances were deployed to rescue patients trapped inside the hospital in the Gandhi Nagar area near the Dindigul-Trichy highway, a senior official said.

Delhi boy skips exams, ends up as labourer in Tamil Nadu

Delhi boy skips exams, ends up as labourer in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

A 17-year-old boy from Delhi's Rohini, unwilling to take his final exams, left home and travelled over 2,000 kilometres in Tamil Nadu to work as a labourer at a construction site and was living in a slum, an official said on Monday.

Southern states back Shah's push for dialogue to settle water disputes

Southern states back Shah's push for dialogue to settle water disputes

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Chief ministers from southern states convened at the Southern Zonal Council meeting in Kovalam, where Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar advocated for the 1971 census as the basis for delimitation and a freeze on Lok Sabha seats, while also addressing the contentious Cauvery water and Mekedatu dam issues.

The Ghost Village Of Tamil Nadu

The Ghost Village Of Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

Two sons return to their dead father's village to keep alive memories, and are the only ones living in the crumbling hamlet, discovers A Ganesh Nadar.

EPS Shows BJP Who Is The Boss in Tamil Nadu

EPS Shows BJP Who Is The Boss in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

'The EPS camp feels assertiveness will help the AIADMK keep the BJP's seat-share ambitions to the minimum,' observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Rains lash Tamil Nadu, schools closed in many districts

Rains lash Tamil Nadu, schools closed in many districts

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

Widespread rains lashed parts of Tamil Nadu on Thursday, prompting authorities to declare a holiday for schools in Chennai and many other districts.

Fresh outrage as Tamil anthem pushed to third spot again

Fresh outrage as Tamil anthem pushed to third spot again

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Fresh political friction has erupted in Tamil Nadu following the cabinet swearing-in ceremony, where the Tamil Thai Valthu was once again played third during an official ceremony. This marks the third consecutive occasion where the Tamil anthem has been placed third in the protocol order, triggering fresh criticism and political reactions across the state regarding the government's failure to uphold regional ceremonial traditions.

All-woman SIT to probe POCSO case against TN granite baron R Veeramani

All-woman SIT to probe POCSO case against TN granite baron R Veeramani

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

The Tamil Nadu government has constituted an all-women Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the sensational POCSO case against granite baron R Veeramani (84), who is accused of sexual abuse of minor girls. The case has led to the easing out of two top IPS officers and allegations of delayed action and political interference.

IT dept seizes car with Rs 9 cr in Benglauru, find Rs 1.3 crore in TN

IT dept seizes car with Rs 9 cr in Benglauru, find Rs 1.3 crore in TN

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Income Tax officials seized Rs 9 crore in cash from a car near Bengaluru's Electronic City, leading to further recovery of Rs 1.3 crore in Tamil Nadu, bringing the total to Rs 10.3 crore. The interception followed police information about illegal cash transportation, and an investigation is underway to determine the source and purpose of the funds.

Put nation first, shoulder responsibility, Sitharaman tells Gen Z, Gen Alpha

Put nation first, shoulder responsibility, Sitharaman tells Gen Z, Gen Alpha

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called upon 'Gen Z' and 'Gen Alpha' to assume leadership, prioritise the nation, and contribute to its growth, rather than questioning what the country has done for them.

BJP vs Congress: How big was their election fund gap in 5 state polls?

BJP vs Congress: How big was their election fund gap in 5 state polls?

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party received nearly Rs 1,473 crore at its central headquarters alone during the last five state assembly elections, more than seven times the Rs 207 crore in net receipts reported by the Congress across its central and state units, according to expenditure statements filed with the Election Commission.

Vijay opens Mettur gates, Cauvery water flows to delta fields amid scanty rain

Vijay opens Mettur gates, Cauvery water flows to delta fields amid scanty rain

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay opened the sluices of the Stanley Reservoir in Mettur on Tuesday for irrigation in the Cauvery delta districts.

Why Southern States Want Families To Have More Kids

Why Southern States Want Families To Have More Kids

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Southern chief ministers fear population stabilisation could reduce their parliamentary representation and tax devolution benefits.

Ganesha Blessings From Across India

Ganesha Blessings From Across India

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Thank you, Dear Readers, for sharing your pictures of Lord Ganesha.

Rahul Gandhi in Chennai for 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event, to meet Vijay

Rahul Gandhi in Chennai for 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event, to meet Vijay

Rediff.com6 days ago

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Chennai on Saturday for the sixth edition of 'Chhatron Ki Goonj,' a youth outreach programme. He is scheduled to meet Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, marking their first interaction since the formation of the SSJV alliance and TVK joining the INDIA bloc. The visit includes an unscripted interaction with students at Island Grounds, focusing on critical issues, amidst tight security arrangements.

TN assembly mandates state anthem at all official events

TN assembly mandates state anthem at all official events

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has moved a government resolution mandating the rendition of Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at the commencement of all government events, emphasising the state's linguistic and cultural rights amidst a Union Home Affairs Ministry advisory on Vande Mataram.

No quota benefits for backward class converts to Islam: SC

No quota benefits for backward class converts to Islam: SC

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Supreme Court has ruled that social backwardness is not transferable from a Hindu social order to a non-Hindu social order upon religious conversion, meaning individuals converting to Islam cannot claim reservation benefits under the Backward Class (Muslim) category solely due to conversion.

Malayalam actor S Devan who quit BJP will join Vijay's TVK

Malayalam actor S Devan who quit BJP will join Vijay's TVK

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Actor and politician S Devan, formerly the BJP's state vice-president, has announced his decision to join the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. Devan cited a lack of "space" within the BJP and a desire for political change as reasons for his departure. He is expected to be offered the TVK state president post, with a formal announcement following a meeting on September 10.

DKS appeals to Vijay to put off Bengaluru visit

DKS appeals to Vijay to put off Bengaluru visit

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has appealed to his Tamil Nadu counterpart C Vijay Joseph to defer his proposed August 3 visit to Bengaluru. The request comes amidst widespread protests in Karnataka following a decision by the CWMA upholding a direction for Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu.

Rs 3,000 cr drugs seized from Iranian boat near Lakshdweep; 5 Pakistanis held

Rs 3,000 cr drugs seized from Iranian boat near Lakshdweep; 5 Pakistanis held

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

The Indian Coast Guard, in a joint operation with the Gujarat ATS, seized 526 kilograms of methamphetamine and heroin valued at over Rs 3,000 crore from an Iranian boat in the Arabian Sea near Lakshadweep. Five Pakistani nationals operating the vessel were detained, and preliminary investigations reveal a transnational smuggling network aiming to deliver the consignment to Tamil Nadu and Punjab.