Latest news with #AIADMK
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
This is Dravidian model, not Gujarat model: Stalin
Chennai: Refuting charges that the govt wanted to cover up a polluted canal with cloth to hide it from public sight during his Madurai visit, chief minister M K Stalin said on Monday that he had inspected the canal and issued instructions to clean it. "This is not a BJP model govt to cover up truth from world leaders using cloth. This is Dravidian model govt which uncovers cloaks, finds out what was being hidden and finds the solution for the problem," Stalin said in a letter to DMK cadres. Stalin was referring to criticism from opposition parties that cloth was draped to block the polluted Panthalkudi canal from public view during chief minister's road show in Madurai. "Following the reports in media as well as criticism on social media that a canal was covered with cloth, I issued directions to remove the cloth. During my visit to the canal in the evening along with ministers Palanivel Thiaga Rajan and P Moorthy and district officials, I inquired about the cleaning process undertaken in the canal and directed them to expedite the process," Stalin said. He said those who criticise the DMK govt would have realised that the govt was working to find solutions to problems faced by people. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like ¿Cómo obtener un segundo ingreso invirtiendo $100 con IA? [CFD] Digital Group Prueba ahora Undo However, AIADMK accused the govt of polluting water bodies in Madurai and trying to cover it up. Addressing reporters in Madurai, former minister Sellur Raju said the AIADMK govt had built a sewage treatment plant to prevent pollution of water in Panthalkudi canal and river Vaigai. "We built that plant to ensure that the Panthalkudi channel stayed clean. But now, in the name of development of Goripalayam flyover, they have scrapped it. This is not development—it's destruction," he said. The STP can treat two MLD a day and recently the Madurai corporation has allocated 1 crore to restore the facility after the flyover works are completed, he said.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Sellur Raju slams DMK for Panthalkudi STP removal
1 2 3 Madurai: AIA DMK leader and former minister Sellur K Raju, on Monday, criticised the DMK govt for dismantling a Rs2.5 crore sewage treatment plant (STP) constructed during the previous AIADMK regime. Addressing reporters here, Raju noted that the STP was built in 2020 to prevent untreated sewage from the Panthalkudi channel from entering the Vaigai river. "We built that plant to ensure that the Panthalkudi channel stayed clean. But now, in the name of the development of the Goripalayam flyover, they have scrapped it. This is not development—it's destruction," he said. The STP can treat 2 MLD per day, and recently the Madurai corporation allocated Rs1 crore to restore the facility after the flyover work is completed. The former minister also pointed out that the Panthalkudi area is home to both Muslim communities and scheduled castes. "This govt even erected curtains so that the chief minister wouldn't see the polluted channel. After protests, they were removed, but the entire approach shows how disconnected this govt is from real civic needs," he added. Drawing a political parallel, Raju recalled that the last time the DMK held a general council meeting in Madurai—in 1977—it was followed by a major electoral defeat in 1978 when MGR's AIADMK came to power. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like USDJPY đang đi lên không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo "History may repeat itself. The recent DMK meet in Madurai could turn out to be another political omen," he warned. He also took jabs at the DMK's roadshow arrangements and traffic disruptions during the chief minister's visit, calling them artificially inflated shows of support. "If people truly believed in this govt, lakhs would have gathered without being herded," he said.
Indian Express
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
After Anna University sexual assault verdict, AIADMK alleges cover-up, asks: ‘Who is sir?'
In a landmark verdict that drew praise and political ire alike, a special women's court in Chennai on Monday sentenced Gnanasekaran, a biryani vendor and known DMK supporter, to life imprisonment for the brutal sexual assault of a 19-year-old student at Anna University. The case, which has ignited emotional public discourse since December, has now escalated into a full-blown political face-off between Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK and opposition AIADMK. Gnanasekaran, found guilty on 11 charges including sexual assault, rape, kidnapping, and criminal intimidation, had earlier pleaded for leniency citing familial responsibilities. His appeal was rejected by the court, which instead endorsed the prosecution's case and commended the Tamil Nadu Police for an 'exceptional and expeditious' investigation concluded within five months. But the court's ruling has not quieted the storm. Leader of the Opposition and AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) took to social media shortly after the verdict, raising what he called 'unanswered questions' in the First Information Report (FIR), particularly the mention of a mysterious 'Sir' the convict allegedly referenced during the assault. EPS accused the DMK government of shielding higher-ups. 'Despite DMK's attempts to protect their man, people's voices—from the streets to social media—ensured justice,' EPS posted on X. 'Yet, justice remains incomplete. Who is the 'Sir' mentioned in the FIR? Why was he left out of the probe?' அண்ணா பல்கலை. பாலியல் வழக்கின் குற்றவாளியான திமுக அனுதாபி ஞானசேகரனுக்கு ஆயுள் தண்டனை விதித்துள்ளது சென்னை மகளிர் நீதிமன்றம். இந்த வழக்கில் குற்றவாளி திமுக ஞானசேகரனைக் காப்பாற்ற எத்தனையோ சித்து வேலைகளை செய்தது ஸ்டாலின் மாடல் திமுக அரசு. அத்தனையும் முறியடித்து, மக்கள் மன்றம்… — Edappadi K Palaniswami-SayYEStoWomenSafety&AIADMK (@EPSTamilNadu) June 2, 2025 He concluded with a politically charged promise: 'Once AIADMK returns to power, the truth about 'Sir' will come out.' Chief Minister MK Stalin responded swiftly and sharply, defending the state police's handling of the case and accusing the opposition of exploiting a young woman's trauma for electoral mileage. 'The High Court praised our fair and swift investigation,' Stalin said in a post on X. 'The Women's Court has commended the police. This verdict has silenced those who pretend to care about women's safety but are in fact seeking political gain from a tragedy.' அண்ணா பல்கலை. பாலியல் வழக்கின் குற்றவாளியான திமுக அனுதாபி ஞானசேகரனுக்கு ஆயுள் தண்டனை விதித்துள்ளது சென்னை மகளிர் நீதிமன்றம். இந்த வழக்கில் குற்றவாளி திமுக ஞானசேகரனைக் காப்பாற்ற எத்தனையோ சித்து வேலைகளை செய்தது ஸ்டாலின் மாடல் திமுக அரசு. அத்தனையும் முறியடித்து, மக்கள் மன்றம்… — Edappadi K Palaniswami-SayYEStoWomenSafety&AIADMK (@EPSTamilNadu) June 2, 2025 The case, which shook Tamil Nadu's student community and led to days of protests at campuses across the state, took place on December 23. According to court documents, Gnanasekaran forcibly entered the Anna University campus, attacked a male friend of the survivor, then sexually assaulted and filmed the young woman, using the footage to later intimidate her. His conviction, while welcomed by women's rights advocates and student groups, has exposed deep political fissures in the state. While DMK leaders frame the ruling as proof of administrative competence and legal resolve, AIADMK insists that the most powerful player in the crime remains unnamed—and unpunished. The term '#WhoIsThatSir' has since trended on Tamil social media.
Indian Express
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Could Vijay's party be the draw as polls stir TN's crowded political space?
AS THE countdown to the Assembly elections sets off a chain of alignments and realignments in Tamil Nadu, the one party that is steadily consolidating its position is Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). The political outfit floated by Tamil cinema icon Vijay is seeking to emerge as the fulcrum of a third front, and could attract smaller parties which feel neglected by the DMK and AIADMK. Vijay is quietly laying the groundwork for the TVK, with a search reportedly on for an Assembly constituency for the star beginning with the letter 'V', just like his name – a suggestion reportedly by a well-wisher. Sources said the hunt may narrow down to Virudhachalam, a backward constituency in northern Tamil Nadu, ahead of the TVK's state-wide tour starting in August. By then, the picture could also be clearer on the PMK (Pattali Makkal Katchi) and DMDK (Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam), both of which are struggling. While the PMK holds considerable influence due to its support among the OBC-Vanniyar community, the DMDK (founded by another matinee idol, the late Vijayakanth) has a solid vote bank in certain rural pockets. The vote banks of both parties complement the TVK's appeal among Dalits and OBCs in rural and semi-urban areas. The DMDK, led now by Vijayakanth's Premalatha, is unhappy about ally AIADMK not giving a ticket to it for the coming bypolls, and has said it expects the AIADMK to keep a Rajya Sabha berth promise to it. In an unusually direct statement Sunday, Premalatha reminded the AIADMK about a 'written commitment' to allot five Lok Sabha constituencies and one Rajya Sabha seat to the DMDK ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami ducked the question when asked about this, deputy general secretary K P Munusamy insisted the alliance with the DMDK was intact. Premalatha, however, has said her options are open. The PMK, on the other hand, is caught in a public power struggle between founder S Ramadoss and his son and party president Anbumani Ramadoss. The elder Ramadoss reportedly prefers direct talks and an alliance with the AIADMK, but Anbumani, who was a Union minister in the NDA government at the Centre, favours an arrangement through the BJP. If the dispute persists, the PMK too could drift toward Vijay. 'Both the DMDK and PMK are unhappy satellites of the AIADMK-NDA alliance, caught in loops of postponed promises and internal confusion. Vijay may be a clean slate for them,' said a source close to Vijay. Should either the PMK or the DMDK align with the TVK, the impact could be significant, especially in north Tamil Nadu. As per TVK calculations, such an electoral bloc may swing at least 10 key districts. The damage may not be restricted to the AIADMK alone, as such an alliance could hurt the DMK too by weaning away the Dalit base of DMK ally VCK (Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi). Another force multiplier for the TVK may be Vijay's next movie Jana Nayagan, which is in post-production and expected to wrap up by mid-July – its release coinciding with his roadshow, which is expected to cover all the constituencies in the state over three months. 'The tour will demonstrate Vijay's ground strength. He will meet local community leaders, student groups, and fisherfolk,' a top TVK source said. While Virudhachalam leads among the constituencies Vijay may pick – as he considers seats with a significant OBC-Vanniyar population, Dalits, fishermen and Christians (Vijay is Christian by faith) – others that have a chance are Virugambakkam, Virudhunagar, Villupuram, Vedaranyam, and Vellore. One of the most backward constituencies in Tamil Nadu, Virudhachalam incidentally was the seat from where the DMDK's Vijayakanth made his electoral debut in 2006. Vikravandi, with a high proportion of backward classes, is the second choice. Virugambakkam is also on the list as it was where Vijay once resided in Chennai, but it is a largely urban constituency. 'Virudhachalam fits the narrative of the character Vijay plays in his films, of an underdog and the man of the people. Otherwise, it may be Vikravandi,' said a TVK source. The TVK is also close to finalising its symbol, which is set to be 'TV', an image familiar as well as easily associable with the party's name. The party is set to go then with the slogan 'Ungal vote TV-ku (Your vote is for TV-K)'. About whether the TVK itself would consider aligning with either the AIADMK or DMK, a top associate said: 'It will only damage him. Look at what happened to leaders like O Panneerselvam or Vaiko and G K Moopanar, when they made tactical compromises. You can't join hands with the very enemy you have built your political grammar against,' he said. Aides point out that this stance also helps Vijay stand out in a crowded political landscape filled with parties with shifting loyalties. Vaiko, once DMK chief M Karunanidhi's protégé, was expelled from the party in 1993 and formed the MDMK. It later aligned with the DMK, inviting charges of political opportunism. Panneerselvam, a Jayalalithaa loyalist, lost influence after her death, and since then has been jostling around for friends. Moopanar was a senior Congress leader before he left the party in 1996 to form the Tamil Maanila Congress.
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Stalin, Palaniswami extend birthday wishes to Ilaiyaraaja; TN gears up for maestro's symphony concert
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami extended heartfelt birthday wishes to music maestro Ilaiyaraaja , who turns 82 on June 3. In his message, Stalin described himself as "one among the crores of Ilaiyaraaja's fans," and expressed his anticipation for the veteran composer's much-awaited symphony performance scheduled in Tamil Nadu on August 2. நாட்டுப்புற இசை, மெல்லிசை, துள்ளலிசை, மரபிசை, தமிழிசை, மேற்கத்திய இசை என அனைத்திலும் கரைகண்டு தமிழர்களின் பெருமைமிகு அடையாளமாகத் திகழும் இசைஞானி திரு. @ilaiyaraaja அவர்களுக்கு என் நெஞ்சம் நிறைந்த பிறந்தநாள் வாழ்த்துகள்! தங்களின் #Symphony இசை தமிழ்நாட்டில் ஒலிக்கவுள்ள ஆகஸ்ட்… — (@mkstalin) June 2, 2025 "Ilaiyaraaja's music has no boundaries. It has inspired generations, and I, like millions of others, eagerly await his upcoming concert," he said. Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami also lauded Ilaiyaraaja's contributions to Tamil music and cinema. "His music is intertwined with the emotions of every Tamil. His melodies have stood the test of time and continue to touch our hearts," he said in his birthday greeting. Actor Nasser speaks at Ilaiyaraja75 ticket launch TVK leader Vijay, in his tribute, hailed Ilaiyaraaja as "a musical treasure of Tamil Nadu and a global cultural icon." He added, "Ilaiyaraaja's compositions have accompanied us in joy and sorrow. His genius has elevated Tamil identity through music. We are proud to honour him today." Born in Pannaipuram on June 3, 1943, Ilaiyaraaja redefined Indian film music with a unique fusion of folk, Carnatic, Western classical, and electronic styles. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pistol de sudură laser multifuncțional siginificant Află mai multe Undo His debut in Tamil cinema came with Annakili (1976), which marked the beginning of a revolutionary era in film music. Since then, he has composed music for over 1,000 films across multiple Indian languages. Ilaiyaraaja holds the distinction of being the first Asian composer to score a full symphony with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London. His iconic songs, such as 'Ilaya Nila', 'Thenpandi Cheemaiyile', and 'Janani Janani' remain embedded in Tamil cultural memory. Honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2010 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2018, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 2022, further acknowledging his stature as a national figure in arts and culture. As Tamil Nadu prepares for his landmark symphony concert this August, his 82nd birthday stands as a celebration not only of a legendary artist but also of a musical era that shaped generations. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
