Tamil Nadu

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...