Monday, December 29

Tamil Nadu

Congress Seeks More Seats from DMK in Tamil Nadu Ahead of Assembly Elections; Eyes Actor Vijay’s TVK as Alternative
Politics, State, Tamil Nadu

Congress Seeks More Seats from DMK in Tamil Nadu Ahead of Assembly Elections; Eyes Actor Vijay’s TVK as Alternative

Chennai, Tamil Nadu: With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for next year, political negotiations are heating up. The Congress party has demanded a larger share of seats and greater representation in government from its ally, the DMK. Sources indicate that Congress now aims to contest over 50 seats, up from 25 seats in the 2021 elections, where it won 18 seats. Seat Demand and Power-SharingGirish Chodankar, in charge of Tamil Nadu for the All India Congress Committee (AICC), recently conveyed Congress’s demands to DMK chief M.K. Stalin. The party has emphasized that if the alliance comes to power, Congress should receive a significant share in governance. Party leaders cite missed opportunities in the 2006 elections—when Congress contested 48 seats, won 34, and supported DMK f...
Dog Lover Dies of Rabies Two Years After Being Bitten by a Stray Dog in Chennai
State, Tamil Nadu

Dog Lover Dies of Rabies Two Years After Being Bitten by a Stray Dog in Chennai

In a shocking incident from Tamil Nadu, an 18-year-old dog lover has died of rabies two years after being bitten by a stray dog. The young man, who loved spending time with dogs and often fed stray animals on the streets, did not take the bite seriously at the time. The victim, J. Diva from Mosur village, Balaji Nagar, was the only son of daily-wage laborers J. Jambulingam and Baby. He had completed his 12th grade from Mosur Government School. Two days prior to his death, he developed a high fever, prompting his family to rush him to Arakkonam Government Hospital. Doctors conducted initial tests and suspected rabies. He was immediately admitted to the ICU, and despite the efforts of a team of specialists, his condition deteriorated rapidly, and he passed away at Rajiv Gandhi Governme...
Tamil Nadu: Cobra and Krait Bites Reveal Shocking Murder Plot Behind Man’s Death
State, Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu: Cobra and Krait Bites Reveal Shocking Murder Plot Behind Man’s Death

Chennai, Tamil Nadu: What initially appeared to be a tragic snakebite death has turned into a chilling revelation of premeditated murder in Thiruvallur district. Ganeshan, a 56-year-old laboratory assistant at a government girls’ school in Podaturpet village, died after being bitten by a krait snake—a week after surviving a cobra bite. Investigations later uncovered that his death was part of a sinister conspiracy orchestrated by his own sons to claim a ₹3 crore insurance payout. Two Snake Bites, One Fatal OutcomeGaneshan had been bitten by a cobra a week prior, but survived after immediate hospitalization. Shockingly, a week later, a highly venomous krait bit him on the neck. Delays in reaching the hospital proved fatal. Following his death, the family filed a claim for his ₹3 crore in...
Madras High Court Slams Tamil Nadu Government: Law and Order Cannot Be Used to Defy Court Orders
State, Tamil Nadu

Madras High Court Slams Tamil Nadu Government: Law and Order Cannot Be Used to Defy Court Orders

Madurai: The Madras High Court has sharply reprimanded the Tamil Nadu government over the “Deepathoon” pillar case, stating that the government cannot refuse to implement judicial orders under the pretext of maintaining law and order. The controversy arose when the Tamil Nadu government denied permission to light the traditional Karthigai Deepam on the Deepathoon pillar located in the Tirupparankundram hills, despite a court directive allowing it. In response, the Madurai bench of the High Court emphasized that ignoring court orders is unacceptable. Court stresses compliance with judicial ordersHearing a contempt petition against government officials, the court made it clear that all court orders must be followed unless stayed or overturned by a higher court. The judges noted that wh...
BJP Appoints Piyush Goyal as In-Charge for Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026
State, Tamil Nadu

BJP Appoints Piyush Goyal as In-Charge for Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026

Chennai, 15 Dec 2025: Following the appointment of its new executive president, the BJP has accelerated preparations for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. The party has appointed Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal as the chief in-charge for the state elections, along with two other central ministers as co-in-charges. The BJP announced that Arjun Ram Meghwal and Murlidhar Mohol will serve as co-in-charges to assist Goyal in managing the party’s electoral strategy in Tamil Nadu. The state currently has a DMK-led government, while the newly-formed TVK party has decided to contest independently, naming actor Vijay as its Chief Ministerial candidate. The BJP plans to contest the elections in alliance with AIADMK. Central Ministers Take Key Responsibilities...
Narasapur–Chennai Vande Bharat Express Commences Service: Route, Timings, Fare, and Stops Explained
State, Tamil Nadu

Narasapur–Chennai Vande Bharat Express Commences Service: Route, Timings, Fare, and Stops Explained

Chennai/Narasapur: The Vande Bharat Express service between Narasapur and Chennai has officially begun, marking a significant improvement in rail connectivity between Tamil Nadu and coastal Andhra Pradesh. The train started operations on the Narasapur–Chennai route from 15 December, while services from Chennai to Narasapur will begin on 17 December. This semi-high-speed train is expected to considerably reduce travel time and enhance convenience for daily commuters, business travelers, and tourists alike. Train Numbers and Frequency Narasapur to Chennai: Train number 20678, operating six days a week (except Tuesdays), is the first service to run on this extended route. Chennai to Narasapur: Train number 20677 will commence operations later this week. Travel Time and Distance ...
Madras High Court Summons TN Chief Secretary, ADGP in Thiruparankundram Deepam Controversy
State, Tamil Nadu

Madras High Court Summons TN Chief Secretary, ADGP in Thiruparankundram Deepam Controversy

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and the ADGP (Law & Order) to appear via video conference on 17 December in connection with the Thiruparankundram Deepam controversy. The Union Home Secretary has also been made a party to the case. Background of the Case The order was issued during the hearing of a contempt petition filed by Ram Ravikumar. The petition alleged that officials of Tamil Nadu, including the Madurai District Collector, Police Commissioner, and Executive Officer of Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple, failed to comply with earlier court orders. The petitioner’s counsel argued that the officials were attempting to circumvent the court’s directions regarding the lighting of lamps on Thiruparankundram hill. Court’s Pre...
Karthigai Deepam Controversy Escalates in Tamil Nadu: Police Deny Permission Despite Court Orders
State, Tamil Nadu

Karthigai Deepam Controversy Escalates in Tamil Nadu: Police Deny Permission Despite Court Orders

Madurai, Tamil Nadu: The Karthigai Deepam festival has sparked fresh controversy in Tamil Nadu as the state government refused to comply with a Madras High Court order allowing the lighting of lamps at the peak of Tirupparankundram Hills. Despite the court’s directives, the police did not grant permission to devotees, escalating tensions. Court Orders Ignored The Madras High Court’s division bench rejected the state government’s appeal challenging the contempt order. The court had upheld Justice G.R. Swaminathan’s previous orders permitting the lighting of Karthigai Deepam under CISF security at the hilltop Deepthoon, instead of the Uchi Pillaiyar Temple where it was lit previously. The contempt proceedings had been initiated after the lamp was lit at the wrong location. Despite t...
IAF Trainer Jet Crashes Near Chennai During Training Flight; Pilot Safe
State, Tamil Nadu

IAF Trainer Jet Crashes Near Chennai During Training Flight; Pilot Safe

Chennai: In a dramatic incident near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, an Indian Air Force (IAF) PC-7 Mk II trainer aircraft crashed during a routine training flight. The accident occurred near Tambaram, Chennai, around 2:50 PM on Thursday. Fortunately, the pilot ejected in time and emerged unharmed. According to the IAF, the aircraft was on a regular training mission when the incident took place. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the crash. There was no damage to public property. Scene of the Crash:Videos and eyewitness accounts show debris scattered on the ground near Tambaram in the Chengalpattu district. Local residents quickly rushed to the site to assist the pilot, providing water and support until the IAF helicopter arrived to evacuate him to the airbase. Expe...