Political News

It has been a meteoric rise for Sasikala, who once ran a video-casette business. She is now on the verge of being anointed successor to late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa As J Jayalalithaa lay in state at the imposing Rajaji Hall in Chennai, a black sari-clad woman with puffy eyes quietly stood at her side. She was Sasikala Natarajan, who barring a brief period, had steadfastly been with Jayalalithaa through the ups and downs of Tamil Nadu’s caste-riven  politics. After spending over three decades living in the shadow of a larger-than-life Jayalalithaa, Sasikala, 60, is the woman to watch out for as she is not only expected to lead the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), but also perhaps take over the reins of the state by becoming the chief minister. Jayalalithaa’s sprawling Poes Garden mansion continues to be the hub of activity as ministers as well as bureaucrats make a beeline to meet Sasikala, who is addressed as Chinnamma.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay officially launched his maiden State-wide political tour on Saturday, September 13, 2025, starting from central Tamil Nadu. This historic campaign laid the foundational groundwork for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, in which Vijay’s party ultimately emerged as the single largest party, winning 108 seats and leading to his appointment as Chief Minister.

Tiruvarur is known for its greenery, abundance, and its political clashes. Once a stronghold of the Left, the district has for decades been a bastion of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Synopsis: The DMK continues to dominate Tiruvarur district, though internal rivalries may test the party ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. While the DMK holds a firm grip on Tiruvarur and Mannargudi, the Left retains Thiruthuraipoondi and the AIADMK clings to its lone bastion in Nannilam. With agriculture still central to the district’s economy, demands for jobs, industries and social justice remain pressing concerns for voters.

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan will conduct a two-day visit to Tamil Nadu on August 16 and 17, participating in various academic, commemorative, and literary events in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Thiruvarur, and Thanjavur. On August 16, the Vice President will attend the 22nd Convocation of SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) at Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu. He will also be present at the first death anniversary function of La Ganesan, former Governor of Nagaland, Manipur, and West Bengal, at Vani Mahal, T Nagar, Chennai.

CHENNAI: AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Monday urged the TVK government to immediately assess the extensive damage to Kuruvai crops in the Cauvery delta and provide compensation of Rs 25,000 per acre to the affected farmers. The former chief minister questioned whether the TVK government is effectively handling the Cauvery issue, alleging the government has taken no visible step to secure the release of Cauvery water. He said several political parties, including the AIADMK, had urged the government to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the Cauvery issue and the proposed Mekedatu dam, but the government had ignored the demand. Recalling the earlier practice, Palaniswami said both AIADMK and DMK governments had consulted political parties and farmers before approaching the Supreme Court to secure Cauvery water. Claiming the AIADMK government had obtained the final Supreme Court verdict on the dispute, he alleged the present TVK government has failed to protect Tamil Nadu’s interests.