Former Minister Ponmudy appeared before Judge C. Sundarapandian, VII Metropolitan Magistrate (FAC), George Town, Chennai.

The case arose from alleged controversial remarks made by Ponmudy on Vaishnavism, Saivism and women during an event in Chennai in April 2025. The Madras High Court had earlier directed the State to register an FIR and subsequently initiated suo motu proceedings after no FIR was registered, observing that the speech prima facie amounted to hate speech.

The suo motu proceedings were later closed after the State informed the High Court that the complaints had been investigated and closed for want of material. However, the Court granted liberty to the complainants to approach the jurisdictional Metropolitan Magistrate.

Pursuant to the liberty granted by the High Court, BJP Chennai City Councillor Uma Anandan filed a private complaint before the Metropolitan Magistrate under Sections 196(1)(a), 299 and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Finding a prima facie case, the Metropolitan Magistrate took cognisance of the complaint and issued summons to Ponmudy. Aggrieved by the cognisance order and the summons, Ponmudy filed a criminal revision petition before the Madras High Court.

By an order dated July 2, the High Court dismissed the revision petition and directed the trial court to complete the trial within six months.

On August 6, the George Town Court issued a non-bailable warrant after Ponmudy failed to appear before the court. His plea seeking condonation of his absence was also rejected.

Government clarifies TASMAC policy

Replying to the debate, Excise Minister Vignesh said the government had already furnished the list of 717 TASMAC outlets closed under the TVK government. He rejected reports that liquor ordered online would be delivered to customers' homes.

The minister clarified that the proposed online system would only facilitate booking and digital payment directly to the TASMAC administration, eliminating cash transactions at outlets. Customers would still have to visit TASMAC shops to collect their purchases. He also said the TVK government had never stated that it intended to increase revenue through liquor sales.

Personal allegations trigger uproar

During the discussion, Minister Aadhav Arjuna questioned whether the DMK's treasurer operated liquor distilleries and asked whether Udhayanidhi would respond to allegations that DMK leaders had received Rs 900 crore from a lottery company, in an apparent reference to electoral bonds.

Responding immediately, Udhayanidhi said, "Go ask your father-in-law, he gave it," referring to lottery baron Santiago Martin. Aadhav hit back, saying, "Go ask your father (former CM Stalin). He is not here; only he knows and he will answer correctly."

DMK leader EV Velu then objected to the discussion, saying it was inappropriate to raise allegations relating to businessman Martin and the alleged Rs 900 crore transaction on the Assembly floor. He maintained that DMK-linked liquor distilleries operated with valid government licences and said it was common for businesspersons to make donations during elections.

Also DMK leader Nehru urged Speaker to expunge references made to family members who were not present in the House, following the exchange between the two members.

According to a press release issued by the Office of the Director General of Police, SSF field units facilitated the registration of 16 criminal cases during the period.

The teams also traced three missing women and three missing children, ensuring their safe restoration to their families.

As part of its preventive initiatives, the SSF conducted 3,402 awareness programmes for school and college students, members of the public and migrant workers.

The force also carried out surveillance and preventive patrolling at 11,560 identified vulnerable locations across Tamil Nadu.

The release said SSF teams rescued and rehabilitated six persons with intellectual disabilities, prevented two child marriages and facilitated the re-enrolment of 62 school dropout children into educational institutions during the week.

The force responded to incidents reported in Chennai, Tambaram, Dharmapuri, Tirunelveli, Sivagangai, Madurai, Perambalur, Tiruvannamalai, Ranipet, Tiruppur, Mayiladuthurai, Kanyakumari and Karur.

Police said the interventions led to the registration of cases under relevant provisions of law, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The SSF also ensured the rescue of vulnerable victims, prevented child marriages, and secured the arrest and judicial remand of the accused in the reported cases.

The police said the prompt response by SSF teams reflects the force's commitment to protecting women and children, providing immediate assistance to victims and ensuring effective legal action against offenders across the State.

He termed any decision taken before reviewing the finalised bill as "too early and premature".

The Delimitation Bill, 2026, recently debated in the Lok Sabha, has sparked significant political contention, particularly regarding the representation of Southern states.

"Regarding delimitation, we will decide only at the time of the bill being placed on the table of the Parliament, because it is premature now," Bharathi told PTI Videos.

He recalled that the party had opposed the move on the last occasion and had submitted certain suggestions.

The legislative package introduced in April 2026 proposed expanding the Lok Sabha by approximately 50 per cent, raising the total number of seats from 543 to 816.

The Union Government has asserted that under this model, Southern states will not lose their proportionate share. For instance, the government projects that Tamil Nadu's representation would increase from 39 to 59 seats, maintaining its share of approximately 7.2 per cent in the expanded House.

"If those suggestions are incorporated in the bill, then we will go into the bill, pros and cons of the bill, line by line," Bharathi added.

He emphasised that the party intends to thoroughly verify and discuss the text once it is available.

"Only after seeing the bill will we decide whether to support or not to support," he added.

During his visit, he will offer prayers at prominent temples and attend official and public events.

On Saturday, Shah will visit Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. He is scheduled to offer prayers at the Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram, followed by darshan and puja at the Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar temple, the officials said.

The minister will be in Puducherry on Sunday. He will attend the presentation of the President's Colour to Puducherry Police at the Puducherry Police Ground.

Later in the day, Shah will inaugurate the 'Har Ghar Tiranga Yatra' at Murugaa Theatre Signal, the officials said.

According to an official release issued on Friday, the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) has mandated a Common Entrance Examination for these admissions across all veterinary colleges. The VCI has further advised that if such an exam is not conducted, states must adopt the NEET (UG)-2026 merit list for admissions starting from the 2026-27 academic year.

In his letter dated August 6, the Chief Minister expressed serious concerns over this proposal, stating that it would negatively impact the state. "Tamil Nadu has followed a system of admitting students to professional courses based on Class 12 marks for decades. This model ensures that deserving students from rural areas, government schools, and economically weaker sections get a fair opportunity to pursue higher education," he said.

The Chief Minister noted that centralised exams like NEET create significant barriers for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. He highlighted recent irregularities surrounding the National Testing Agency (NTA), including exam cancellations and a CBI investigation into alleged question paper leaks in 2024, making NEET an inappropriate metric for veterinary admissions.

Success in centralised entrance exams is often driven by access to specialised coaching and financial resources rather than merit demonstrated through school education, the letter sent by the CM stated.

Stating that veterinary education is intrinsically linked to the agricultural and rural economy of each state, the CM insisted that the admission criteria to the respective state governments, respecting the federal framework, should be left with states to cater to their specific socio-economic realities.

The Chief Minister urged the Prime Minister to advise the VCI to review its decision, ensuring equitable access to veterinary education and protecting the legitimate policy choices of the states. Tamil Nadu had previously abolished the Common Entrance Examination for professional courses in the 2007-08 academic year to promote inclusive development.

A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Shree Chandrashekhar heard senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Siddharth Luthra for the state government who sought setting aside of the order.

Rohatgi submitted that the object behind the state government's order of March 9, 2024 was to ensure that persons belonging to socially and educationally backward communities are not deprived of reservation benefits solely on account of conversion to Islam.

He said the state government's order created a level playing field by preserving affirmative action benefits despite change of religion.

Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan appeared for the respondent, the original petitioner, before the high court.

The high court's judgment arose from a petition filed by Sameer Ahamed, who converted from Hinduism to Islam in 2015, with the conversion being notified through a Gazette notification in 2016.

He subsequently married according to Islamic rites and sought a certificate identifying him as belonging to the "Muslim Lebbai" community to avail reservation benefits.

His application was rejected by the tahsildar, prompting him to move the high court.

During the hearing, the state government contended that it has the authority, based on the report of the Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Commission, to issue backward classes (Muslim) community certificates to eligible persons who had embraced Islam among the backward classes, most backward classes, denotified communities and Scheduled Castes (SCs).

The bench reserved its verdict on the state government's plea on the issue.

The state government filed its plea through the district collector, Thoothukudi district and the revenue divisional officer, who were aggrieved by the declaration of unconstitutionality of government order (GO)... No. 31 and the consequential findings having statewide ramifications.

The state government's appeal said the impugned judgment gives rise to substantial questions concerning the permissible scope of interference with executive policy framed pursuant to the recommendation of an expert statutory commission.

It said the writ petitioner Sameer Ahamad had approached the high court challenging the rejection of his application seeking issuance of a Backward Class (Muslim) community certificate as "Muslim Lebbai".

"The only relief sought in the writ petition was for quashing the rejection order and for a consequential direction to issue the community certificate. Neither the writ petition nor the affidavit contained any challenge to the validity of G.O.(Ms.) No.31 dated March 9, 2024. There was no pleading alleging that the Government Order was unconstitutional or ultra vires, no amendment incorporating such a challenge, and no prayer seeking its quashing," the state government contended.

It said pending the writ proceedings before the high court, the state government, acting upon the recommendation of the Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Commission, issued the GO.

"It prescribes the policy governing issuance of Backward Class (Muslim) community certificates to eligible persons who had embraced Islam from among the Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes, Denotified Communities and Scheduled Castes.

"The object of the Government Order was to ensure that persons belonging to socially and educationally backward communities are not deprived of reservation benefits solely on account of conversion to Islam and thereby to create a level playing field by preserving affirmative action benefits despite change of religion," it had said.

The state government further said the Government Order was issued pursuant to the recommendation of the Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Commission contained in Letter No… dated February 6, 2024, after examining the legal position governing continuance of reservation benefits upon conversion to Islam and the recommendation formed the basis of GO in question, which demonstrates that the policy was founded upon the opinion of an expert statutory body and was clarificatory in nature.

On June 25, the high court held that a person converting to Islam was not entitled to claim reservation under the Backward Class (Muslim) category solely on the basis of conversion and declared unconstitutional the GO issued on March 9, 2024.

The high court, while striking down the GO, held that it was contrary to binding judicial precedents of both the Supreme Court and the high court.

It further observed that a person converting to Islam could only be treated as a Muslim and could not, by virtue of conversion alone, be classified as belonging to any specific notified Backward Class Muslim community for reservation purposes.

The CB-CID apprehended Justin Manikandan Subramanian from a house in the Kodaikanal hills on Thursday (August 6). He is one of the main accused in the alleged fraudulent registration of a Rs. 100-crore property belonging to the Dhandayuthapani Swamigal Mutt in Palani.

While CB-CID Superintendent of Police Shajitha and Deputy Superintendent of Police Ajay Thangam were interrogating him at the CB-CID office in Dindigul, Justin Manikandan complained of dizziness. He was immediately taken to the Dindigul Government Medical College Hospital on Thursday night.

Doctors who examined him found that he had high blood pressure and advised that he be admitted for treatment. On Friday morning, he was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Cardiology Department for further treatment.

Meanwhile, Judicial Magistrate No. I, Dindigul, Bhakyaraj, visited the hospital, verified that Justin Manikandan was undergoing treatment, and formally remanded him to judicial custody till August 21. He will continue to undergo treatment at the hospital while remaining in judicial custody until his health condition improves.

The arrest came a day after the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court dismissed his bail petition, observing that granting bail to Justin Manikandan and another accused, Jayaprakash, at this stage would hamper the investigation.

According to the CB-CID, Justin Manikandan, along with Jayaprakash, allegedly colluded with another key accused, advocate Anwardeen, in the fraudulent registration of the property.

Initially, the Palani Adivaram police registered a case against Sub-Registrar Justin Manikandan, school teacher Murugadas (56) of Salamedu in Villupuram district, and others. The investigation was later transferred to the CB-CID, which expanded the case by naming 11 accused, including the Sub-Registrar.

The development comes hours after the Chengalpattu Family Court adjourned the matter without fixing the next date of hearing.

Sangeetha, who is currently in London, participated in the proceedings virtually while Vijay did not appear before the court as he was attending the ongoing Budget session of the Tamil Nadu Assembly, his counsel said.

The couple have been married for 27 years.

Sangeetha had filed a petition seeking divorce on grounds of infidelity on February 24 before the Chengalpattu District Principal Sessions Court. The case was later transferred to the Chengalpattu Family Court.

She had also sought maintenance and the right to reside in the couple's Neelankarai residence.

During the discussion, Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin questioned why the Chief Minister had initiated the proposed Bengaluru visit to discuss the Cauvery issue.

Intervening in the debate, the Chief Minister said that even hostile countries try to resolve their disputes through dialogue. "We thought we should also initiate talks with our neighbouring State on the Cauvery issue," he said.

Explaining the decision, the Chief Minister said he had personally taken the initiative to hold talks with Karnataka and was prepared to face any disgrace arising from the move.

"The TVK-led government will never compromise on the State's rights over Cauvery water sharing and the Mekedatu dam issue. This is our stand. The government is firm in pursuing the Cauvery issue through legal means," the Chief Minister said.

Detailing the measures taken by the State government, he said the Cauvery river water dispute was a sensitive issue and that the government had no intention of playing politics over it.

In a veiled attack on former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, the Chief Minister asked who had permitted the construction of a dam across the Cauvery in 1969 and who had been Tamil Nadu's Water Resources Minister at that time.

It may be noted that in 1969, Karunanidhi was the State's Water Resources Minister.

During the discussion on the calling attention motion, Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi said Karnataka was aggressively pursuing the construction of the Mekedatu dam and had taken several steps on the issue over the past month.

"After the TVK-led government assumed office, Karnataka has become more aggressive in pursuing the Mekedatu dam project. Karnataka convened an all-party meeting, which was attended by five former Chief Ministers. However, the Tamil Nadu government has avoided convening an all-party meeting on the Cauvery issue," Udhayanidhi said.

He said the DMK had been demanding an all-party meeting to demonstrate the unity of political parties in Tamil Nadu, similar to what had been witnessed in Karnataka.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, Vijay did not appear before the court, while Sangeetha attended the hearing through video conference from London.

Vijay absent in court due to Assembly session

During the hearing, Vijay's counsel informed the court that the Chief Minister could not appear in person as he was attending the ongoing Tamil Nadu Assembly session. Sangeetha, who is currently in London, participated in the proceedings virtually.

After recording the submissions of both sides, the Family Court adjourned the case without specifying the next date of hearing.

Background of Vijay- Sangeetha divorce case

Sangeetha had filed a divorce petition before the Chengalpattu Family Court, citing irreconcilable differences with Vijay. In her petition, she also sought maintenance and the right to reside in the couple's Neelankarai residence.

At an earlier hearing, neither Vijay nor Sangeetha appeared in person, with only their lawyers representing them. Both sides had requested permission for virtual appearance, citing security concerns and procedural difficulties as they are public figures.

When the matter came up in June, the judge questioned Sangeetha's counsel over the delay in filing the vakalatnama and observed that the couple should be referred to a mediation centre before proceeding further. The case was subsequently posted for August 7.

On Friday, after hearing both parties, the court deferred the matter without announcing the next date of hearing.

Speaking at a blood donation camp organised by his fan clubs here to mark his birthday (July 28), Dhanush had called for purposeful community action—remarks widely seen as drawing parallels with the trajectory followed by many others, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.

"So many people are gathered in one place. There's a great power in this kind of unity. We need to give that unity a purpose," Dhanush said that day.

He asked his supporters to look beyond movie releases and audio launches. "Understand the needs of the people in your area, the families living around you, and help them in whatever way possible," he remarked.

Dhanush also unveiled a new flag for the host fan club — a move that briefly fuelled rumours of a formal party launch, before being clarified.

On August 4, he inaugurated a new three-storey building at his alma mater, Thai Sathya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Saligramam, which he funded and donated.

The building, replacing an older structure, was named 'Dhanush Block' and handed over in an emotional ceremony, where the actor sought the blessings of his former teachers.

Addressing students and faculty at the event, Dhanush said the inability to read or write one's mother tongue was a "shame" rather than a badge of pride.

He recalled that while he once struggled with English and spoke it poorly at school, he was always well-versed in Tamil. Today, he said, the situation has completely reversed.

"When I step out and meet people, at least eight out of 10 don't know how to read or write Tamil," Dhanush claimed, asserting that although the younger generation is "highly proficient in English", its lack of Tamil literacy is a "very saddening" reality.

Recounting an incident from a French production he shot in Belgium, Dhanush said the crew was surprised by his fluency in English.

When he asked why, they explained that in their culture, knowing one's mother tongue was the primary necessity, and English was considered merely a "bonus." The actor-filmmaker said one's mother tongue is what must be learnt first — that one must know how to read and write it before anything else.

He cautioned youth against wearing their lack of Tamil proficiency as a "badge of status", saying that claiming "Tamil doesn't come to me" brings no pride or prestige — and is, in fact, "an insult and a shame."

Dhanush, who studied at the school until Class 10, funded the three-storey building after learning of the institution's infrastructural needs. His camp, however, has maintained that these initiatives are "purely philanthropic" and carry no political intent.

In a post on X, Stalin remembered Karunanidhi's extraordinary political journey spanning over eight decades and highlighted his contributions to governance, literature, cinema and the Dravidian movement. Calling Karunanidhi an enduring symbol of Tamil identity, Stalin wrote that the late leader's influence transcended politics and touched every sphere of public life."Owner of eighty years of public life.

Leader of a major party for half a century. Five-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Thirteen-time Member of the Legislative Assembly. The one who served as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the most number of years," Stalin said in his tribute.He further described Karunanidhi as the leader who "signed countless government files and changed the course of Tamil Nadu" and hailed him as the "sculptor who shaped modern Tamil Nadu".

Stalin also recalled Karunanidhi's contributions beyond politics, saying he left an indelible mark in art, literature, cinema, theatre, television and social media, making him "a permanent Tamil icon who shone in every arena". Remembering his father's iconic appearance and oratory, Stalin said, "Leader Kalaignar, who will forever stand in our memories with his dark sunglasses and gravelly voice, is physically no longer with us, but he has filled our hearts forever." In an emotional conclusion to his tribute, Stalin wrote, "He is everything to us. Without him, we are nothing," while using the hashtag '#KalaignarForever'.

On the occasion, the DMK Differently Abled Wing also organised commemorative events and paid homage to Karunanidhi, joining party cadres and leaders across Tamil Nadu in remembering the late leader's contribution to the state and the Dravidian movement. Karunanidhi, fondly known as Kalaignar, passed away on August 7, 2018, at the age of 94 after prolonged illness.

A five-time Chief Minister and one of the tallest leaders of the Dravidian movement, he led the DMK for nearly five decades and played a defining role in shaping Tamil Nadu's political, social and cultural landscape.Earlier in the day, the DMK organised peace rallies, memorial events and tribute programmes across Tamil Nadu, including in Chennai, Thoothukudi and Kanchipuram, where party leaders, workers and members of various party wings paid homage to the late leader.

Every year, the party observes Karunanidhi's death anniversary by organising public welfare activities, remembrance events and social service programmes celebrating his contributions to governance, social justice, Tamil language and culture. Karunanidhi remains one of the longest-serving political leaders in India and continues to be remembered for his enduring legacy in public life, welfare politics and Tamil literature.

Finance Minister N Marie Wilson tabled the resolution seeking appropriate tax devolution to Tamil Nadu by the Union government from the taxes it collects.

The minister, referring to the state's contribution to the nation's economy, said fiscal federalism and cooperative federalism are the Constitution's basic principles.

Further, he said that the resolution emphasised the fair expectation that "every state, in accordance with its tax contribution and development requirements, must get a fair and equal share from central taxes".

The resolution, pointing to the principle of fiscal federalism, said a fair and equal tax devolution is essential to effectively fulfil the Constitutional obligations meant for the states.

DMK's Thangam Thenarasu moved an amendment and supported the resolution.

AIADMK's Edappadi K Palaniswami spoke supporting the resolution.

Speaker JCD Prabhakar declared that the resolution was adopted unanimously.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, he also reiterated that the State would never give up its rights in the matter of the proposed Mekadatu dam.

The remarks came during the ongoing Assembly session debate on the State Budget, after Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin accused the government of failing to convene an all-party meeting on the Cauvery issue while Karnataka was moving ahead with the Mekadatu dam issue.

What did CM Vijay say on the Cauvery and Mekadatu issues?

Responding to the criticism, Vijay described the Cauvery as Tamil Nadu's lifeline and said the government had no intention of politicising the issue.

"We will never give up Tamil Nadu's rights in the matter of the Mekadatu dam," he said, adding that he was the one who had sought talks on the Cauvery issue.

The Chief Minister said the resolution passed by the Assembly had been sent to the Prime Minister and recalled that all members had unanimously backed the resolution on the Mekadatu issue.

Why did Vijay propose talks with Karnataka?

Vijay said he had written to the Union Water Resources Minister, citing the Supreme Court's verdict on the Cauvery issue, and noted that discussions on Karnataka's dam projects had taken place in the Assembly as early as 1969.

He said he had decided to travel to Bengaluru with the sole intention of resolving the Cauvery dispute through dialogue with the Karnataka Chief Minister.

"Even enemy countries hold talks to resolve issues. I thought we could speak to our neighbouring State. They asked what would happen if I was insulted in Bengaluru. I am ready to bear even that for the people of Tamil Nadu," Vijay added.

The deceased was identified as Suryah, who was absconding after being named as one of the accused in the murder of Satheesh, 38, a history-sheeter and real estate businessman from Manikandapuram near Pothur.

According to the police, Nataraj allegedly travelled from Andhra Pradesh to Avadi, abducted Suryah and took him to a secluded spot near Vengal. Suryah was then attacked with deadly weapons and killed. Following the incident, Nataraj surrendered before the police.

Investigators are probing the motive behind the killing and whether others were involved in the attack. Further investigation is under way.

Satheesh was hacked to death by an armed gang near Manikandapuram on Saturday night while returning home after meeting friends. Police said the assailants intercepted him on the way, inflicted multiple cut injuries and fled the scene. He died on the spot. Satheesh is survived by his wife, Meena, and their two daughters.

In the Satheesh murder case, police had earlier arrested one suspect, Bharath, and launched a search for the remaining accused, including Suryah, who was absconding until his death.

The TVK government's first Budget was presented by Finance Minister Marie Wilson on Wednesday, followed by the Agriculture Budget tabled by Agriculture Minister R Vinoth on Thursday. The Assembly is currently holding a discussion on the Budget.

Raising the Mekedatu issue, Udhayanidhi said Karnataka had intensified efforts to execute the project, with leaders across party lines working together and seeking the Centre's support.

According to a Thanthi TV report, he questioned why the Tamil Nadu government had not convened an all-party meeting to jointly oppose the dam and urged the Chief Minister to meet Delta farmers and explain the government's stand.

The Opposition leader also sought clarity on the reported proposal for the Chief Minister to visit Karnataka, asking why the trip did not materialise and whether the Karnataka government's remarks influenced the decision.

Responding in the House, Chief Minister Vijay said the government had no intention of politicising the Cauvery issue, calling it both the lifeline and an emotional issue for Tamil Nadu. He said the state would continue to pursue the matter through legal means and noted that the Assembly had already unanimously adopted a resolution on the Mekedatu issue.

Explaining the proposed Bengaluru visit, Vijay said he himself had suggested holding talks, adding that he was prepared to face any personal embarrassment if it helped safeguard the interests of the people of Tamil Nadu. He maintained that there was nothing wrong in attempting a positive dialogue with a neighbouring state.

The top court, however, made it clear that it is not inclined to vacate the stay on the state's proceedings in the case.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana was hearing a petition filed by the Enforcement Directorate in 2024 seeking transfer of the investigation from the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to the CBI.

In January 2024, the bench stayed further proceedings in the FIR registered by the Tamil Nadu agency.

During the brief hearing, senior advocate Guru Krishna Kumar, appearing for Tamil Nadu, told the bench that the state filed an application seeking vacation of the interim stay.

"Further proceedings against an ED officer were stayed. We have sought a vacation of the stay," the senior lawyer said.

The state agency alleged that the officer was caught "red-handed" and that the investigation should be allowed to proceed.

The bench, however, suggested that instead of permitting the state agency to continue the probe, the investigation could be entrusted to another central investigating agency.

"Or, we hand over the investigation to some central agency," the CJI said.

The bench said it was not inclined to lift the interim protection granted earlier.

"We are not going to vacate the stay. We will decide the main case itself," the CJI said.

"The State is fighting against the ED tooth and nail. The question is who should believe the allegations. If the allegations are correct, let them be investigated by a central agency. Not the ED, but another," the CJI said.

The hearing on the plea of the ED was adjourned.

Justice C Kumarappan granted conditional bail, directing the petitioners to appear before the IO daily until further orders and cooperate with the investigation.

The judge also directed the factory owners to pay Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the deceased and said a detailed order on compensation for the injured would be passed later.

On June 21, an ammonia gas leak at St Peter and Paul Seafoods Exports Pvt Ltd in Kannigaipair village near Periyapalayam in Tiruvallur district killed 18 workers, most of them migrant women, and left more than 80 others hospitalised. Factory owners M Joseph Jegan and M Mohan, factory manager R Daniel, and labour agent Suresh were arrested. The trio filed bail petitions before the Madras High Court.

During the hearing, the prosecution opposed the plea, contending that the investigation was still under way.

Appearing for the petitioners, senior counsel RC Paul Kanagaraj submitted that the accused had been in judicial custody for more than 50 days and were willing to comply with any conditions imposed by the court. The judge granted them conditional bail.

The meeting, to be chaired by the Chief Minister, will be held at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai on Saturday at 3 pm. In a statement, the State government said invitations had been sent to all Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members from Tamil Nadu through the Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi.

The government said the Union government was planning to undertake the delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies, and the meeting had been convened to deliberate on the issue.

Tamil Nadu has 39 Lok Sabha MPs — 22 from the DMK, 9 from the Congress, 2 each from the VCK, CPI and CPM, and one each from the IUML and MDMK.

Apart from the DMK, the other parties represented in Parliament are supporting the TVK-led State government, and are expected to participate in the meeting.

In the Rajya Sabha, Tamil Nadu has 18 members, including eight from the DMK, four from the AIADMK, three from the Congress, and one each from the DMDK, MNM and PMK.

Addressing a joint press conference, Kadayanallur MLA TM Rajendran and Sirkazhi MLA R Senthil Selvan said they are officially DMK members as they contested and won the recent elections on the DMK’s ‘Rising Sun’ symbol, and would hence operate under its banner in the Assembly.

After the party snapped ties with the DMK and joined the ruling TVK-led alliance, its general secretary Vaiko had asked them to resign, but they refused to betray those who elected them, the MLAs said.

They had initially informed the leadership of their decision to remain silent for six months to avoid any friction, but were forced to clarify their stance after MDMK principal secretary Durai Vaiko accused them of being sold out. “We travelled with Vaiko for 40 years without any expectations, but ultimately received only derogatory responses and slurs,” they said in a joint statement.

They did not fall for “tempting offers” to join the ruling alliance for re-election tickets or ministerial berths, they added.

The budget steers clear of any target to increase the State’s paddy cultivation area or production, instead rolling out a series of new missions aimed at boosting pulses, oilseeds, cotton and millets, while pitching soil health and technology-driven farming as the next phase of agricultural growth.

It has also set an overall target of raising foodgrain production over the next five years, but without spelling out a corresponding strategy to expand paddy cultivation, the State’s staple crop.

Presenting the Budget in the Assembly, Agriculture - Farmers’ Welfare Minister R Vinoth said the government’s long-term vision was to transform agriculture into a profitable and sustainable enterprise by combining scientific innovation with farmers’ traditional knowledge.

The government would continue all farmer-centric programmes while rolling out a series of new initiatives covering irrigation, crop insurance, value addition, agribusiness, organic farming, farmer producer organisations, and agricultural research, he said, adding that the schemes were designed to help cultivators secure better productivity as well as remunerative prices for their produce.

Highlighting the government’s immediate priorities, he said the Kuruvai package worth Rs 134.83 crore had enabled cultivation in over 8.26 lakh acres despite delayed release of water from the Mettur dam. To expand risk coverage, the government allocated Rs 648.55 crore for crop insurance during 2026-27, targeting 36 lakh acres and nearly 15 lakh farmers.

The minister also announced measures to tackle the anticipated impact of Super El Niño through district-specific contingency plans prepared by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. The State has set a target of producing 125 lakh metric tonnes of food grains during 2026-27 as part of its five-year goal of achieving 131 lakh metric tonnes.

Reaffirming support for cultivators, the government also earmarked Rs 7,432.58 crore towards free three-phase electricity for agriculture while promising transparent implementation of all schemes to ensure benefits reach farmers directly.

Presenting the Agriculture Budget in the Assembly, Agriculture-Farmers' Welfare Minister Vinoth said the initiative seeks to familiarise farmers with emerging high-value crops that are gaining popularity for their superior nutritional profile and growing consumer demand.

Under the scheme, demonstration plots will be established in The Nilgiris, Dindigul, Krishnagiri and Salem districts, where climatic conditions are considered favourable for cultivating these crops. The government has earmarked Rs 30 lakh from the State fund for implementing the programme during 2026-27.

Vinoth said quinoa, buckwheat and brown top millet are rich in protein, dietary fibre, calcium, potassium, iron and vitamins, while also having low gluten content and a low glycaemic index, making them attractive options for health-conscious consumers.

The demonstrations are expected to assess the adaptability and commercial viability of these crops under Tamil Nadu's agro-climatic conditions before scaling up cultivation in suitable regions. The Minister said introducing alternative crops with better market potential would help farmers diversify production, reduce dependence on conventional crops and tap into the expanding market for nutritious food grains.

Presenting the Agriculture Budget in the Assembly, Agriculture-Farmers' Welfare Minister Vinoth said the initiative was framed following persistent demands from farmers, who have reported increasing crop damage due to wild boars across several districts.

Under the scheme, the environment-friendly wild boar repellent developed by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) will be supplied to farmers at subsidised rates, covering 14,000 acres at a cost of Rs 1.35 crore.

To minimise damage caused not only by wild boars but also by elephants, gaurs and deer, the government will provide solar-powered electric fencing systems at subsidised rates to 134 farmers, with an allocation of Rs 2 crore.

The Budget also identifies the unchecked spread of Prosopis juliflora (Seemai Karuvelam) as one of the factors contributing to the rise in wild boar populations by providing favourable habitat.

To address the issue, the government will undertake the removal of the invasive species from government and private lands through district administrations at a cost of Rs 4 crore.

Vinoth said the package seeks to reduce crop losses, safeguard farmers' livelihoods and create a long-term solution to the growing human-wildlife conflict in agricultural areas.

Presenting the Agriculture Budget in the Assembly, Agriculture-Farmers' Welfare Minister Vinoth said the scheme has been designed to help SC and ST farmers access government programmes more easily, create irrigation infrastructure and improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods.

Recognising that many small and marginal farmers struggle to meet the beneficiary contribution required under capital-intensive schemes, the government has decided to provide an additional 20 per cent subsidy under the programme.

Accordingly, eligible farmers will receive a 70 per cent subsidy for components such as Integrated Farming System, greenhouses, shade-net houses, solar dryers, value-addition machinery and farm machinery, while an 80 per cent subsidy will be extended for the installation of solar-powered pump sets under Union-State shared schemes.

To address irrigation constraints in rain-fed areas, the government will also provide a 100 per cent subsidy for establishing borewells or tube wells with electric motor pumps or solar-powered pump sets for 300 SC and ST farmers who currently lack irrigation facilities.

Vinoth said improving access to irrigation and modern farm infrastructure would enable socially disadvantaged farmers to increase productivity, adopt advanced cultivation practices and secure better incomes.

The government has earmarked Rs 56.72 crore from the State fund for implementing the scheme during 2026-27.

Tamil Nadu Farmers Protection Association founder and advocate Eesan Murugasamy said major poll promises, including a farmers' entitlement payment of Rs 15,000 per hectare, higher procurement prices for paddy and sugarcane and an increase in the milk procurement price, had not been fulfilled.

He claimed that while the previous DMK government's Interim Budget had allocated Rs 47,248 crore for agriculture, the present Budget earmarked Rs 15,000 crore for the agriculture sector and Rs 7,432 crore for free electricity for agriculture. He questioned the reduction in allocation and sought an explanation for the difference.

Murugasamy welcomed the proposals to establish a natural farming college in Kumbakonam in the name of Nammalvar, introduce carbon trading and set up an agricultural business guidance centre. However, he said the Rs 12-crore allocation for natural farming was inadequate and criticised the decision to implement the market intervention scheme for mango farmers only next year.

He also faulted the continuation of subsidy-based schemes instead of directly transferring the promised farmers' entitlement payment into bank accounts and urged the government to lift the ban on tapping, selling and consuming toddy to improve the livelihoods of coconut and palmyra farmers and traditional tree climbers.

Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam general secretary PS Masilamani alleged that the Budget contradicted the Chief Minister's election promises and ignored demands raised by farmers during the State-level interaction meeting in Chennai.

He welcomed the crop insurance announcement but said the demand to provide for through public sector firms had not been accepted. He urged the government to increase the Rs 143-crore allocation for the Cauvery-Gundar linking project and fix a deadline for its completion.

Masilamani said farmers had expected a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 3,500 per quintal for paddy and Rs 4,500 per tonne for sugarcane, as promised during the election campaign, but the Budget failed to deliver. He welcomed the recognition of the likely impact of El Niño on 12 districts but said there was no assurance of support for farmers affected by natural calamities or compensation for those who lost the kuruvai crop this year.

Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam general secretary Sami Natarajan expressed disappointment over the absence of announcements on free power supply for eligible farmers and drought compensation for farmers and agricultural labourers.

PR Pandian, president of the Coordination Committee of All Farmers Associations, alleged that most announcements were a repackaging of existing schemes and said the Budget lacked measures to improve farm profitability. He criticised the omission of the promised MSP for paddy and sugarcane and said farmers, who were the worst affected by climate change, had received no assurance of protection from natural disasters. He also stressed that continuation of free power supply was essential to sustain agricultural production.

In a separate statement, TN Chamber president N Jegatheesan said the Agriculture Budget was largely confined to routine schemes and financial allocations and lacked fresh policy initiatives to take agriculture to the next stage of development.

He said the Budget failed to outline sustainable strategies to tackle climate change, promote value-added agri-industries, encourage export-oriented agriculture, expand modern technologies and precision farming and significantly enhance farmers' incomes.

The Chamber, however, welcomed the proposals to establish integrated agricultural extension centres and a Farmers' Income Enhancement Commission.

Presenting the Agriculture Budget in the Assembly, Agriculture-Farmers' Welfare Minister Vinoth said the mission would be implemented during 2026-27 with a total outlay of Rs 63.81 crore, jointly funded by the Union and State governments.

The initiative focuses on increasing the cultivation of major millets, including pearl millet (cumbu), sorghum (cholam) and finger millet (ragi), while equipping farmers with better production technologies and post-harvest infrastructure to improve returns.

As part of the programme, the government will facilitate the formation of farmer groups, extend alternate crop cultivation package subsidies, distribute seed minikits and establish agricultural machinery hiring centres and primary processing centres to strengthen the millet value chain.

The Minister said the mission is expected to benefit around 4.75 lakh farmers cultivating millets across 11.80 lakh acres during the current financial year.

Vinoth said the government was committed to promoting climate-resilient and nutritious crops that require comparatively fewer inputs while creating better market opportunities for cultivators. The renewed focus on millets is expected to improve farm incomes, diversify cropping patterns and contribute to the State's nutritional security.

The mission also complements the government's broader efforts to encourage sustainable agriculture by supporting crops that are well suited to changing climatic conditions and increasing consumer preference for healthier food choices.

The Budget underlines that investments in farmer institutions, mechanisation and primary processing infrastructure will play a key role in enhancing the competitiveness of millet cultivation and expanding its footprint across the State.

According to the Budget document, under the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2025-26, the government has directly credited Rs 917 crore into the bank accounts of farmers under the paddy procurement scheme.

"The Government of Tamil Nadu is providing an incentive of Rs 1,560 per metric tonne for Grade A paddy and Rs 1,310 per metric tonne for common varieties of paddy procured from farmers," the Agriculture Budget said.

To further strengthen pulse seed production, the government announced that 50 additional pulse seed production clusters would be established through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) during the current financial year. The pulse seeds produced by these SHGs will be procured by the Agriculture Department.

The Budget also announced the establishment of six additional Natural Farming Clusters in six districts during the current fiscal year to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

The government said it would continue to provide free three-phase electricity to 23,97,732 farmers across the State during the current financial year.

"The government is giving equal importance to rural patta transfers along with the supply of free electricity. From January 2025 to July 2026, 60.68 lakh online applications for patta transfer were received, of which 47.96 lakh have been disposed of, " the Agriculture Budget said.

The complainant, a television presenter, had approached Sundar seeking employment, following which the two became acquainted. She alleged that Sundar later invited her to his residence in Pattinapakkam, where he allegedly behaved inappropriately. She further claimed that when she informed his wife about the alleged incident, no action was taken.

The complainant also alleged that Sundar later asked her to visit his office on the pretext of apologising for an incident that allegedly occurred on June 29, 2026. She claimed that she was confined in a room for nearly three hours, during which she was sexually harassed and threatened with dire consequences.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Sundar took to social media, claiming that he is a victim of a motivated complaint and the allegations against him are baseless, and that the complaint against him was orchestrated by a police officer in the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP), whom the influencer claimed is in an unauthorised occupation of his property. Sundar stated that he has submitted complaints to the DGP and Commissioner of Police, Chennai seeking appropriate action.

Meanwhile, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) leader Seeman condemned the TVK government for targeting Sundar for his comments against the party.

The market was built at Rs 1.87 crore and inaugurated in March 2026 by former Chief Minister MK Stalin, and it has failed to attract a single contractor through the tender process.

Sources in the Tiruvallur Municipality admitted that five separate attempts were made to auction and tender the shops at the newly constructed vegetable market at Ikkadu Road, but contractors did not show any interest.

"Acknowledging the lack of interest from bidders to take up the space, the municipality is planning to use the old bus terminus for the new vegetable market. Once the bus operations are fully transitioned to the new terminus in Vengadanallur," sources told DT Next.Vegetable vendors pointed out that the new market complex is located outside the town. Shifting their business would severely impact daily footfall and business.

The relocation of the primary vegetable market came amidst growing frustration among residents regarding traffic bottlenecks in the town.

The primary market currently functions along the narrow Bazaar and Kondamapuram streets, where over 50 registered vendors and numerous street hawkers operate. High traffic and narrow lanes create severe hardships for the public to navigate.

"The new market at Ekkadu Road was designed with 96 vendor stalls, cold storage, restrooms, and other basic facilities for vendors. Due to the cramped location and lack of space in the primary market, both vendors and the public face significant inconvenience, and traffic congestion worsens by the day. But nobody is ready to move to the new market because of the distance," said S Santhosh, a resident.

The municipality constructed a full-fledged market with 96 shops and proper amenities to ease the burden on Bazaar Street. Yet, despite having all necessary facilities ready, not a single shop is operational today, lamented A Nirmal, another resident.

Tiruvallur Municipality officials said, "The road laying works are under way at the new vegetable market, and we are planning to use the facility as a godown."

On July 28, the Tiruvallur district administration informed the public that the new bus terminus constructed for Rs 36 crore at Vengadanallur will be fully brought to public use from August 10.

Clarifying the government's position amid speculation, Minister for Prohibition and Excise K Vignesh said reports claiming that liquor would be sold or delivered online were completely misleading. He stressed that consumers could only make payments digitally and would still have to visit the selected Tasmac outlet in person to collect their purchase using the payment receipt.

"There is no online sale or home delivery of liquor. The new system only enables digital payment," the minister told reporters at Secretariat, urging people not to misinterpret the initiative.

Vignesh said the platform would allow customers to check the availability of liquor brands at individual Tasmac outlets before making a purchase, thereby bringing greater transparency to the State-run retail network.

He said the move would also help eliminate irregularities, including the long-standing practice of collecting an additional Rs 10 from customers over the billed amount. "The online payment facility will reduce opportunities for such malpractices besides easing the workload of Tasmac employees," he said.

On complaints regarding Tasmac outlets causing inconvenience to the public, he said the government had begun reviewing such shops on the directions of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and would relocate them wherever required.

Responding to a question on the sale of toddy, Vignesh said the issue would be brought to the Chief Minister's notice, and appropriate action would follow. He added that the government was also addressing pending administrative issues, including employee salaries, electricity charges and liquor card-related grievances, in a phased manner.

Presenting the Agriculture Budget in the Assembly, Agriculture-Farmers' Welfare Minister Vinoth said the scheme would be implemented at a total outlay of Rs 17.70 crore, supported by Union and State government funds.

The initiative seeks to integrate tree cultivation with farming practices to improve farm resilience against climate change while promoting sustainable agriculture. Under the programme, nurseries will be established to produce quality tree saplings, which will be supplied to farmers free of cost.

The government plans to encourage the cultivation of commercially valuable tree species, including teak, mahogany, sandalwood, Malai Vembu and red sanders, by planting around 200 saplings per acre on restored agricultural lands.

Vinoth said agroforestry offers farmers an opportunity to diversify income sources while enhancing soil fertility, conserving biodiversity and mitigating the impact of climate change. Besides creating permanent green cover, the initiative is expected to improve the long-term productivity of agricultural lands and generate additional revenue through high-value timber species.

The Minister said restoring cultivable fallow lands remained a key priority of the government as it would expand the productive agricultural area without placing additional pressure on natural resources.

The organisation expressed concern over the government's proposal to establish Karmaveerar Kamarajar Residential Schools, arguing that the initiative would benefit only a selected group of students instead of strengthening all government and government-aided schools.

It said the move contradicts former CM K Kamaraj's lifelong vision of providing equal educational opportunities for every child. "Denying equal learning opportunities in primary and middle schools while offering better facilities only from Classes 9 to 12 for a select few goes against Kamaraj's principle of education for all," the organisation said in a statement.

The platform also questioned the proposed public-private partnership (PPP) model for student hostels, raising concerns about the affordability of accommodation and food charges. It warned that additional financial burdens on families could disproportionately affect first-generation learners, particularly girls, and discourage them from pursuing higher education.

Further criticism was directed at the government's allocation for higher education. The organisation noted that government universities are already facing severe financial constraints, yet the budget has allocated less funding than the previous year, which it said is inconsistent with the government's stated commitment to strengthening higher education.

The SPCSS-TN has urged the TVK government to announce concrete measures for the School Education and Higher Education Departments to strengthen government schools, government-aided schools, government colleges, and state universities, ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students.

The suspects, who charged pregnant women Rs 23,000 to disclose the sex of the foetus, escaped during the raid and police have launched a search to trace them.

The accused were identified by police as Vadivel, Radhika, Kanaka and Sukumar. Acting on a tip-off that illegal sex determination scans were being carried out at a house in Muthunayakkanpatti, officials from the Krishnagiri Health Department approached the suspects by posing as prospective customers.

"Two pregnant women were sent to the location after a payment of Rs 46,000 was made through UPI. The group then asked them to come to a house in Salem for the scan. After confirming the location, a trap was planned to catch those involved," a health department official said.

A team led by S Nandhini, Joint Director of Health Services, Salem, along with other health officials and police personnel, conducted a surprise raid at the house.

However, when officials entered the premises, those present allegedly pushed past them and fled in vehicles. Police teams searched the surrounding areas but could not immediately trace the suspects.

Investigations revealed that Kanaka, the mastermind behind the illegal activity, had previously faced multiple cases related to illegal foetal sex determination and abortion.

Investigators also found that the house belonged to Pradeep Das (27). According to police, his wife, who is four months pregnant, was approached by Kanaka, who offered to conduct a scan free of cost to determine the sex of her foetus. Police suspect that Kanaka later convinced the couple to allow the house to be used for conducting illegal scans for other pregnant women.

Health officials seized an ultrasound scanning machine from the premises and lodged a complaint with the Tholasampatti police. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway to identify the entire network involved in the illegal activity.

Presenting the Agriculture Budget in the Assembly, Agriculture-Farmers' Welfare Minister Vinoth said the initiatives are designed to augment irrigation, conserve groundwater and reduce farmers' dependence on conventional energy sources.

As part of the package, 500 new farm ponds will be created in farmers' fields with a 100 per cent subsidy to harvest rainwater and improve groundwater recharge. In addition, 500 existing farm ponds will be desilted with a 75 per cent subsidy using machinery of the Agricultural Engineering Department. The government has earmarked Rs 8.50 crore for the scheme during 2026-27.

To expand irrigated agriculture, the government will also support the creation of borewells and tube wells for 500 farmers owning land in safe firkas without assured irrigation. Small, marginal and women farmers will receive a 60 per cent back-ended subsidy, subject to a ceiling of Rs 1.20 lakh per well, while other farmers will be eligible for a 50 per cent subsidy, capped at Rs 1 lakh. The scheme, with an outlay of Rs 6 crore, will be integrated with the existing solar pump set and micro-irrigation programmes.

Further, 1,000 farmers having water sources but lacking electricity connections will receive subsidised standalone solar-powered pump sets under a scheme with an allocation of Rs 23.06 crore.

Vinoth said the integrated package would improve irrigation coverage, promote efficient water use, encourage renewable energy adoption and strengthen climate resilience in Tamil Nadu's agriculture sector.

Stalin said the Budget concluded with yet another scheme-renaming exercise instead of announcing concrete relief measures. "Does this government think its job is done by merely affixing the 'vetri' label to schemes introduced under the Dravidian Model government? The Budget has disappointed Delta farmers, who are waiting for government support for kuruvai cultivation," he said.

Outlining the DMK's strategy for the Assembly session, Stalin said the party's legislators would consistently raise farmers' issues. "Our MLAs will highlight the plight of farmers during the entire session. The government, which is in a sleeping mode, must respond and provide solutions to the problems faced by farmers," he added.

Palaniswami echoed similar criticism. "Whatever schemes existed earlier have merely been given new names and presented in TVK's Budget. The government has simply pasted stickers on the old Budget and presented it in the Assembly," he alleged.

The former Chief Minister also accused the government of failing to honour its election promise of procuring paddy at Rs 3,500 per quintal. "The TVK had promised to procure paddy at Rs 3,500 per quintal, but there is no mention of it in the Agriculture Budget. There is also no clarity on the procurement price for sugarcane," he said.

Describing the Budget as a "drama", Palaniswami alleged that it had failed to address the key concerns of the farming community.

As of Thursday morning, the water level at the Stanley Reservoir stood at 75.43 feet, against its full reservoir level of 120 feet. The dam was receiving an inflow of 19,119 cusecs, while around 1,500 cusecs was being released from the reservoir.

The inflow into the dam began to increase on Tuesday night. The water level climbed from 73.02 feet on Tuesday to 75.43 feet on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the rising river flow has prompted authorities to step up safety measures along the Cauvery banks. Police personnel and Fire and Rescue Services teams have intensified patrols in vulnerable areas to prevent accidents.

For the third consecutive day, the Dharmapuri district administration has maintained its restrictions on bathing and suspended coracle operations at Hogenakkal Falls due to the increased flow of the Cauvery.

Presenting the Agriculture Budget in the Assembly, Agriculture-Farmers' Welfare Minister Vinoth said the government would implement a Quality Assurance and Export Promotion scheme during 2026-27 at an outlay of Rs 8.43 crore.

The initiative will be rolled out across 23 crop clusters covering 3,000 acres, benefiting farmers cultivating mango, guava, tomato, moringa and small onion.

Under the programme, farmers will receive capacity-building training, technical guidance and the necessary infrastructure to adopt Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and produce pesticide residue-free fruits and vegetables that comply with international quality standards.

Vinoth said consignments are often rejected by importing countries due to pesticide residues, resulting in financial losses for both farmers and exporters. The new initiative seeks to address the issue by strengthening quality assurance at the farm level and promoting scientific production methods.

The government will also facilitate market linkages between growers and exporters to improve access to premium domestic and overseas markets, enabling farmers to realise better prices for export-quality produce.

The Minister said improving quality standards was essential to enhancing the competitiveness of Tamil Nadu's horticulture sector in global markets. Besides reducing export rejections, the initiative is expected to boost farmers' incomes by creating a reliable supply chain for residue-free produce and strengthening the State's presence in high-value international markets.

As Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay entered the Assembly hall, he walked towards the centre of the House from his seat and greeted leaders of the Opposition with a traditional "Vanakkam."

Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister R Vinoth began by praising the Chief Minister, remarks that were not part of the written Budget speech. DMK members objected, following which Speaker JCD Prabhakar directed the Minister to confine himself to the text of the Budget document, even though he added that only portions that could be considered objectionable would be expunged from Assembly records.

The House also witnessed a change in political symbolism. During the previous DMK regime, ruling party MLAs, including then Agriculture Minister MRK Panneerselvam, wore green shawls during the presentation of the Agriculture Budget to signify their commitment to farmers. On Thursday, however, DMK members wore black shirts in protest against the State government's handling of the Mekedatu dam issue.

At the conclusion of his Budget speech, minister Vinoth again praised the Chief Minister, prompting fresh objections from the DMK. The Speaker once again instructed the Minister to adhere to the written text and assured Opposition members that any remarks made outside the approved Budget speech would be expunged from the Assembly records.

After the presentation of the Agriculture Budget, Chief Minister Vijay congratulated Finance Minister N Marie Wilson and Agriculture Minister R Vinoth for presenting the Revised Budget and the Agriculture Budget over the past two days.