Tamil Nadu has announced a ministerial portfolio split designed around a tightly controlled top layer of governance. Finance goes to K A Sengottaiyan, Health and Family Welfare to K G Arunraj, and Energy along with Law to R Nirmalkumar. Food and Civil Supplies is assigned to P Venkataramanan, while N Anand takes Rural Development and Water Resources. Chief Minister Joseph Vijay retains high-impact responsibilities including Public and General Administration, Police, and Women and Youth Welfare.
The Election Commission has ordered an inquiry into allegations that foreign nationals “deceitfully” voted in Tamil Nadu’s April 23 Assembly election. The action followed a police report after ten foreign nationals were arrested while trying to board flights, with indelible ink noticed on their fingers by airport staff. Police say the detainees, from Sri Lanka, the UK, and Canada, allegedly used fraudulent Indian ID documents to cast votes. The Central Crime Branch is investigating under EC voting rules.
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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay drew attention online after a white towel, long used as a quiet marker of “VIP” status in Indian offices, was reportedly removed from his official chair. The trigger: climate activist Licypriya Kangujam, 14, urged him to end the practice on social media, calling it outdated hierarchy culture. Photos from a meeting then showed Vijay seated without the towel, prompting her to thank him. The episode reignited debate over whether such symbolic traditions still belong in modern governance.
Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay announced a 2% dearness allowance (DA) hike for state government employees and teachers, lifting DA from 58% to 60% of basic pay effective January 1, 2026. Pensioners and family pensioners will also receive the corresponding Dearness Relief (DR) from the same date. The state estimates the move will require an additional annual expenditure of about Rs 1,230 crore. Calculations vary by pay band, with monthly increases rising significantly at higher levels.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging removal of the 11% import duty on cotton. He says the state’s vast textile and apparel export sector is in crisis as cotton and yarn prices surge, driven by cotton production shortages and higher trading activity. Cotton rose from Rs 54,700 to Rs 67,700 per candy in two months, while yarn moved from Rs 301 to Rs 330 per kg. Vijay argues duty-free imports are needed to meet export commitments and safeguard jobs.
DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin has clarified his controversial remarks about “abolishing” Sanatan Dharma after sparking a fresh uproar in Tamil Nadu. He said he meant ending the caste system that divides people into upper and lower castes, arguing it would not stop anyone from visiting temples. In an X post, he said his position is rooted in Dravidian movement ideas and the principles of Periyar, Ambedkar, Anna and Kalaignar, opposing inequality and oppression.
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Tamil Nadu marked a historic handover as TVK chief C. Joseph Vijay took the oath as Chief Minister in Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, under heavy security. Actress Trisha Krishnan, reportedly linked to Vijay, arrived early and called it a “big day for Tamil Nadu,” before offering a simple media message. She was seen in a seafoam-green silk saree with a golden-motif blouse, finished with a white gajra and red-stone jewellery. Key alliances pushed TVK past the 118-seat majority, with more cabinet expansion expected later.
Tamil Nadu politics is roiled again after TVK MLA VMS Mustafa faced backlash for remarks about abolishing Sanatana Dharma. Mustafa posted a clarification video on X, insisting he and Vijay’s party are not against any religion. The controversy is reigniting debates over what was said, who is affected, and how parties manage rapidly escalating public outrage.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay announced a 2% hike in Dearness Allowance for state government employees and teachers. The increase is set to provide relief and a salary boost to lakhs of workers as living costs continue to rise, even as it is expected to add to the financial burden on the state exchequer.
Former Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin said the DMK-led alliance has not weakened after the elections, pointing to 1.54 crore votes as evidence of public trust. He said allies have pledged to continue pushing the DMK’s vision, focusing on welfare and safeguarding the state’s rights. Stalin thanked partners for their steadfast support and coordination.
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A new controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu after TVK MLA S Mustafa said his party entered politics to “eradicate Sanatan Dharma,” citing Periyar and Ambedkar. The remarks follow Udhayanidhi Stalin’s earlier comments that triggered a nationwide backlash, with critics accusing the TVK of targeting Hindu beliefs for political advantage. The dispute is intensifying across parties and public platforms.
Tamil Nadu is set to overhaul TASMAC liquor rules, reinforcing a 21-year legal drinking age statewide and ordering ID checks at sales counters. The government has shut 717 outlets near sensitive locations like temples, schools, colleges, and bus stands. Officials are also considering reducing shop timings from 10 pm to 8 pm, signaling stricter curbs on access.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay won a trust vote with 144 votes in favour as the DMK staged a walkout, accusing the TVK government of misgovernance. Udhayanidhi Stalin challenged the government’s majority and alleged outside support, while also flagging recent political realignments tied to the AIADMK.
Tamil Nadu’s new government, led by TVK minister KG Arunraj, says it will work with the Centre to drive state progress while resisting what it calls “unfair” delimitation pushed by the BJP-led government. Arunraj framed the stance as cooperative federalism and defense of state rights, alongside priorities like law and order, tackling drugs, women’s safety, and attracting investment.
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DMDK MLA Premalatha Vijayakanth attacked the Tamil Nadu government during a floor test, alleging horse-trading and raising serious transparency concerns. She also questioned why a special advisor was appointed. PMK’s Soumya Anbumani added pressure by demanding a caste survey for social justice and calling for total prohibition, highlighting widening governance and social issues in the state.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay withdrew the appointment of astrologer Thiru Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as OSD just hours after winning the Assembly floor test with support of 144 legislators. The move follows intense backlash from coalition allies and the Opposition, who questioned the role of a “godman” in government. The OSD appointment was revoked in damage-control mode.
Tamil Nadu’s trust vote delivered a clear mandate for TVK chief Vijay, sealing his position as Chief Minister after lawmakers approved his government by 144 votes in favour. Twenty-two opposed the motion and five abstained. As the tally emerged, DMK staged a walkout, underscoring intensifying political conflict during the floor test.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is under political fire after appointing astrologer Rathin Pandit as Officer on Special Duty and political wing secretary in the CM’s office. Allies and opposition have questioned how an astrologer fits with the rationalist Dravidian ideology. After the backlash grew, Vijay said he may reconsider certain issues raised by critics.
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The Supreme Court stayed a Madras High Court order that barred TVK MLA R Sreenivasa Sethupathi from participating in a floor test. The apex court said the High Court’s intervention was unusual. Sethupathi had narrowly won his seat over a DMK candidate, and after the legal setback, the Tamil Nadu government went on to secure its vote of confidence.
Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has won a crucial floor test in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, securing a 121-seat majority. The party’s success follows a strong showing in recent elections and backing from allies. The development also intensifies political chatter around a possible split within the AIADMK, adding uncertainty to the state’s next phase of power dynamics.
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