He was addressing a campaign here for the October 6 bypoll, necessitated due to the resignation of AIADMK's K Maragatham Kumaravel, who later joined Vijay's TVK. She has been re-nominated.

Harping on TVK's "clean governance and pure force," plank, Vijay accused the DMK of corruption and charged it with colluding with the AIADMK even in the horrendous case of abuse of girls by granite baron R Veeramani.

The DMK, as they were unable to level any allegation against the ruling party, out of frustration and irritation, has taken up a dangerous weapon.

Vijay said he tolerated even when they spoke bad about his own mother. But when they spoke in an obscene manner about "my sisters and mothers in Tamil Nadu," he could not accept it.

Both the DMK and the "DMK family" speak in such a manner and Stalin and his family enjoy such speech. "This cannot be tolerated."

Without mentioning directly about the POCSO case against Veeramani, Vijay alleged the industrialist was abusing children for so many years.

Though a complaint had been lodged during the previous DMK regime, the entire crime and its history was buried.

He asked: "What was the deal, Tamil Nadu is asking. Stalin sir, open your mouth, joining hands with you the AIADMK is also not opening its mouth; should there be a collusion even in this issue, will you not open your mouth by having an understanding even in this matter."

Hitting out at DMK, Vijay also said while a CM was a people's servant, the DMK spoke as it "owns the state."

In his complaint, Inbadurai said Aadhav had declared that the two leaves is over and claimed that the political legacy of former Chief Ministers M G Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa now lay with the whistle symbol. He also referred to an earlier campaign speech in which Aadhav had allegedly said that the two leaves and whistle are one.

“The two leaves and whistle are election symbols allotted to two different political parties. The Election Commission should examine whether portraying them as one could create confusion among voters,” Inbadurai said.

He urged the poll panel to examine the complete video and audio recordings and campaign material and seek an explanation from the TVK.

The AIADMK advocate wing secretary also sought a show-cause notice to the TVK under Para 16A of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. He said the Commission should consider suspending the party’s recognition and, if warranted, withdrawing it if an inquiry established violations of the Model Code of Conduct or lawful directions issued by the ECI.

At the same time, he clarified that he was not claiming that the comparison of the two symbols, by itself, amounted to a corrupt practice under Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act.

Inbadurai urged the ECI to examine the complete speech, its context and campaign material to determine whether any election rules were violated or voters were misled about the identity of the symbols.

The incident was reported after an unidentified person allegedly used a sharp object to tear the photograph on the board, which was inaugurated by Palani, Anna Nagar constituency district secretary, on August 30, 2026.

Janakiraman, secretary of the TVK 102nd ward branch mandram, lodged a complaint with the Anna Nagar police, following which an investigation was launched.

During the investigation, police identified and arrested Abhishek, 29, who is reportedly the deputy organiser of the DMK's 101st ward.

Police also found that Abhishek was a 'C category' history-sheeter, according to the investigation.

Further investigation is under way.

The DMK’s affidavit, signed by party general secretary Duraimurugan and treasurer T R Baalu, showed that the party had Rs 365 crore in hand before the elections and received Rs 126 crore in donations during the election period.

The DMK spent Rs 70 crore on newspaper, television and social media advertisements. It incurred Rs 5.90 crore in airfare for DMK president MK Stalin and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) president Kamal Haasan.

AIADMK spent 95% of Rs 109cr poll expenses on advertising

The AIADMK has declared an expenditure of Rs 103.98 crore on media advertising alone, with its overall declared poll expenses for the 2026 polls reported at Rs 109.61 crore.

According to its election expenditure statement filed with the Election Commission, Rs 103 crore was paid to Pramanya Strategy Consulting Pvt Ltd for social media promotion, television and website advertising. The amount accounted for the bulk of the party’s Rs 109.61 crore propaganda expenditure.

The court acquitted Abu alias Syed Abuthagir (accused number 1) of all charges framed against him, while convicting Saddam alias Saddam Hussain, Subair, Mubarak alias Md Mubarak, and Mohamed Rafiqul Hussain alias Hassan, the second to fifth accused in the case, on all charges.

The court subsequently sentenced the four accused to life imprisonment.

Sasikumar was returning home on a two-wheeler near Thudiyalur on September 22, 2016, when he was chased and attacked with sickles, suffering multiple cut injuries. He succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at the Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital.

The assassination triggered widespread communal tension and violent protests, including arson, rioting, and stone-pelting, across Coimbatore over the subsequent two days.

The case was initially probed by local police and then the CB-CID, and Abu and Mubarak were arrested during the course of the investigation. However, the Union government stepped in and got it transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). According to media reports from the period, the Union Home Affairs Ministry felt that the State police did not invoke the proper sections of law and also that the investigation was not carried out in a proper manner.

During the probe, the NIA revealed in court that the murder was a case of mistaken identity. The intended target was another Hindu Munnani functionary from Theni, who shared the exact same name and initials as the victim, and had posted an allegedly communal comment on Facebook.

The case was heard by the Special Court for NIA Cases, Chennai. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court pronounced its judgment on Friday.

The order was issued by DGP/Head of Police Force Dr Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal on Thursday.

The SIT will be headed by P C Thenmozhi, Additional Commissioner of Police, Central Crime Branch, Greater Chennai Police.

The other members are Disha Mittal, Joint Commissioner of Police, Law and Order, West, Greater Chennai Police; J Mutharasi, Superintendent of Police/Media Relations Officer in the DGP's office; and V V Geethanjali, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime Against Women and Children, Greater Chennai Police.

According to the proceedings, the team has been constituted to ensure an effective investigation into CCB case.

The SIT will function under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai Police. The Commissioner has been directed to provide the required manpower and logistical support to the team.

The move follows Arokya’s recent price revision and is expected to be followed by major private brands, including Dodla, Heritage, Tirumala, Srinivasa, Vallabha and Jersey, besides other dairies operating in Tamil Nadu.

Under the revised rates, 500-ml toned milk will cost Rs 32, up from Rs 31, while standardised milk will rise from Rs 35 to Rs 37 and full-cream milk from Rs 40 to Rs 42. The prices of one-litre packs of toned, standardised and full-cream milk will increase to Rs 61, Rs 70 and Rs 81, respectively.

The price of 500-gm toned curd will rise from Rs 41 to Rs 42, while double-toned curd will cost Rs 37, up from Rs 36.

The association said the latest hike would widen the price differential between private brands and Aavin, ranging from Rs 14 to Rs 30 a litre across different milk variants. It said the widening gap could drive more consumers towards Aavin and further strain its supply network.

The government has revised Aavin’s milk procurement price from Rs 38 to Rs 44 a litre with effect from September 1, while retaining its retail prices unchanged. The revised rate comprises a base procurement price of Rs 36 and an incentive of Rs 8, with the State providing Rs 600 crore annually towards the incentive.

The association, however, claimed that Aavin was incurring an average loss of more than Rs 15 a litre, amounting to around Rs 4.7 crore a day, because its retail prices had not been revised in line with procurement costs.

“The government should immediately review Aavin’s retail prices and take steps to prevent the cooperative from being pushed into a financial crisis,” association founder and state president S A Ponnusamy said.

He also urged the government to strengthen the Dairy Development Department as an integrated mechanism to oversee milk procurement, distribution and retail pricing, and appealed to private dairies to reconsider frequent price revisions in the interest of consumers.

In a post on X, Anbumani said power supply was disrupted during the meeting attended by five Ministers, including Sengottaiyan and Arunraj, in the Tirupur district.

He criticised the increase in unannounced power cuts and frequent interruptions across the State. “Even after Chief Minister Vijay directly intervened in the functioning of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, the power cuts continuing are unacceptable,” he said.

Anbumani urged the State government and the Electricity Board to stop being indifferent and take “war-footing” measures to address the power shortage and prevent further outages. In another post, he said reports indicated that more than six lakh bags of paddy were lying unprocured at procurement centres in Cauvery delta districts, including Thanjavur and Tiruvarur.

He urged the government to address the shortage of storage facilities and loading workers and ensure proper paddy procurement.

The 1981-batch Bihar cadre IAS officer spoke about the State’s migrant workforce, plans to establish a facilitation centre in Coimbatore and the government’s efforts to attract skilled and semi-skilled workers back to Bihar. He also spoke about the implementation of total prohibition in the State.

How many people from Bihar are working outside the State?

Our government estimates that around 2.5 to 3 crore Biharis are working outside the State as migrant labourers. In Tamil Nadu, we estimate that around 10 to 15 lakh Biharis may be working.

Has the Bihar government made arrangements to ascertain the exact number of migrant workers in Tamil Nadu?

Yes. We are conducting a unique survey in 12 States, including Tamil Nadu. As part of this initiative, we will set up a separate facilitation centre in Coimbatore to estimate the number of Bihar workers in Tamil Nadu. A large number of people from Bihar are working in Tiruppur, Chennai, Tiruvallur and Coimbatore as skilled and semi-skilled labourers. Once the centre is established, it will cater to the needs of migrant labourers working in Tamil Nadu, including medical and personal assistance. The government plans to establish the centre by the end of this month.

Does the Bihar government plan to bring migrant labourers back to the State?

We have several schemes for skilled and semi-skilled workers through welfare boards, including the Construction Workers Welfare Board. Around 20 lakh people have registered with the welfare boards.

People are moving outside Bihar because of higher salaries and better perks. We are trying to address these issues, and migrant labourers are slowly returning to their home State. Though we have fulfilled labour requirements across the country, Bihar is now facing a shortage of workers. There is a shortage of labourers in vital sectors such as agriculture and construction. We welcome our workers back to Bihar if they want to return.

You worked closely with then Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. How was total prohibition implemented in Bihar a decade ago?

The idea was not only that of our then Chief Minister. It was also an aspiration expressed by women across the State.

When the Chief Minister participated in a meeting of self-help groups, women raised the demand for total prohibition. Following this, the Chief Minister implemented prohibition in the State a decade ago.

What were the implications after total prohibition was introduced?

After total prohibition was implemented, the Chief Minister opened a large number of de-addiction centres to help people recover from alcohol addiction.

Around two lakh people were arrested for selling illicit liquor and arrack.

If the leadership has the political will, total prohibition can be implemented in a State. Our then Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had the political will and implemented total prohibition.

Reacting to reports of internal objections from Election Commissioners regarding voter deletions, Elangovan expressed shock at notices sent under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise to prominent figures.

“They have sent notices to the former Vice President of this country (Jagdeep Dhankhar), former Home Minister LK Advani, and former Chief Minister of Delhi (Arvind Kejriwal). I don’t understand what they are doing. This is done intentionally: they want to create a fraudulent voters list,” he alleged, adding that the actions exposed the BJP’s intentions.

Questioning the competence of the poll body, the DMK leader said issuing notices to such senior dignitaries demonstrated ignorance of the country’s leadership. “If you don’t know who the former Vice President is, then you are not fit to lead the Election Commission,” he said.

Reaffirming DMK president MK Stalin’s demand for the CEC’s removal, Elangovan accused Gyanesh Kumar of acting as a “slave of BJP” and intentionally favouring the ruling party at the Centre.

Elangovan also backed Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray’s reported demand for re-elections in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, asserting that elections could not have been held “properly, democratically” under the current CEC. Additionally, he concurred with recent observations by a Supreme Court judge regarding the CEC selection panel, calling the replacement of the Chief Justice with a Union minister an “unjudicial process.”

Commenting on the Chief Minister’s sudden inspection of the TNEB headquarters on September 23, he noted that employees were agitating for more staff outside during the visit. “What action had he taken? Will there be no power cut tomorrow? Let us see,” he stated.

The couple, who married in 2011, have two children. Dr Venkatesan pursued higher studies in cardiology, while Dr Arthi stayed with her parents in Theni and took care of the children. After the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, they began living together, but differences subsequently arose. The wife sought restitution of conjugal rights, while the husband sought divorce.

“In the case on hand, the husband was comfortable with a particular arrangement till he qualified himself fully and to his satisfaction. Once he blossomed into a successful professional, the male ego asserted itself in all its ‘glory’. What worked for a decade and during COVID ceased to be feasible any more. We called both of them to appear in person. It was obvious that the relationship had broken down beyond repair,” the Bench comprising Justices GR Swaminathan and MD Sumathi observed.

The Court also observed that the family is the foundational unit in “Bharathiya culture” and said the responsibilities of earning and maintaining the home are entitled to equal respect. It added that the term “homemaker” is gender-neutral and that homemaking has economic value.

During the proceedings, Dr Venkatesan agreed to pay Rs 2.5 crore, keeping the welfare of the children in mind, and Dr Arthi accepted the proposal. The Court thereafter dissolved the marriage by mutual consent.

The Court directed Dr Venkatesan to deposit Rs 1.5 crore in Dr Arthi’s bank account within three months of receiving a copy of the order and Rs 50 lakh each in the names of their two minor children within one year. The divorce decree will come into force only after the financial obligations are fulfilled.

Speaking to reporters in Tiruchy, Praveen Chackravarty said the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been touring across all the states and has started interacting with the youngsters from the states, and he would visit Tamil Nadu on October 10 and would interact with the youth on various issues in national politics.

Stating that the irregularities in the election process have created ripples among the Northern states of India, Praveen said the opposition parties raised the issue in April itself and the Chief Election Commissioner of India, Gyanesh Kumar, should have resigned, owing responsibility for the irregularities. "We lost the credibility of Indian democracy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Praveen charged that the taxing of UPI transactions has been forced by the US President. A tax of Rs 30,000 crore per year would be collected through these transactions, he said.

Expressing hope that a favourable solution would be received for Tamil Nadu on the Cauvery issue, Praveen said that he had raised the issue in the parliament and the minister for Jal Sakthi favoured Tamil Nadu.

“TNCC has strongly been opposing the construction of Mekedatu dam. We will never allow Karnataka to place even a single brick at the construction site and continue to raise our voice against it,” Praveen Chackravarty stressed.

According to police sources, the case came to light after a pen drive containing a video clip showing an elderly man sexually assaulting a minor girl was sent to the Intelligence and Technology Police Unit (ITPU) in October 2025. Police identified the elderly man in the video as industrialist R Veeramani.

A case was registered by the Central Crime Branch's Anti-Vice Squad on October 7, 2025, based on a social activist's complaint. However, action was delayed for several months.

The case was later transferred to the ITPU, which arrested Veeramani, Mahendra Simhan and Shanthi under the provisions of the POCSO Act, IPC and Information Technology Act on August 29 over the sexual assault of minor girls.

The investigation revealed that the granite baron had rented a house in Teynampet, where he allegedly sexually exploited several minor girls and women. He had entrusted the management of the property to his associates, Mahendra Simhan and his wife, Shanthi.

The crime branch had filed a petition before the Special Pocso Court in Chennai seeking three-day custody of Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan for interrogation. The police said they needed to ascertain how many more minor girls were sexually assaulted, how long the offences had been happening and who else was involved.

The petition came up for a hearing before S Padma, Judge of the Special Court for Pocso Act cases. After hearing the petition, the judge permitted three days' custody of Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan to the Crime Branch Police. The Court also allowed the accused to meet their lawyers once a day and further directed the police to produce them again on Sunday (September 27) evening after interrogation.

Campaigning in the Maduranthakam constituency in support of AIADMK candidate S Kanitha Sampath at Mamandur, Puthur, Devathur and Saravambakkam, he alleged that the bypoll was forced on the voters.

He accused elected MLA Maragadham Kumaravel of leaving the AIADMK within days of being elected. He urged the voters to teach a fitting lesson to those responsible for the betrayal she had committed.

EPS also urged voters to support AIADMK candidate Kanitha Sampath, saying she had previously represented the constituency and was familiar with local issues.

The AIADMK chief hit out at Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay over the Karur incident, alleging that the TVK chief stayed out of public view for several weeks afterwards. He alleged that price rises and power outages have severely affected the public over the last four months since TVK assumed power.

He also questioned the Chief Minister's travel to London, saying the agreements could have been signed in Tamil Nadu itself.

The consultant will examine how passengers enter, leave and move through the terminal, including the separation of arrival and departure movements, pedestrian circulation, transfers between platforms, pick-up and drop-off areas, parking and connectivity with other modes of transport.

The redevelopment plan will be divided between mandatory works at the station and non-mandatory/commercial development on the surrounding railway land. These works are proposed to be taken up through public-private partnership (PPP) and/or engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) arrangements, subject to feasibility.

The consultant will also have to study the shortcomings of the existing station and its surroundings before drawing up the new plan. The RLDA already has a preliminary concept plan and master plan but wants at least three substantially different alternatives to be prepared before the redevelopment plan is finalised.

A major part of the exercise will be the railway land around Central including possible changes in land use, reconstruction or relocation of existing facilities and new roads and connections to the surrounding network.

The redevelopment plan will also examine the possibility of commercial development on railway property, including construction above the station, service buildings and railway tracks, subject to development rules and approvals. The RLDA has also sought a study covering a 5 km area around the station, which should include road connectivity, approaches to the station, internal circulation and parking space.

Central is among India's third highest-earning railway stations with an annual revenue of Rs 1,299 crore, as per the last financial year, and Chennai is among the three cities under the Southern Railway identified for the expansion of coaching terminal capacity, with the Railways aiming to double the capacity to originate trains by 2030. The plan includes additional platforms, stabling and pit lines, new terminals, maintenance facilities and supporting signalling and multitracking works.

Egmore is currently under redevelopment and is expected to be completed in 2027, while Tambaram and Avadi are also being taken up for redevelopment.

It is said that R Hari Krishnan, a Class 11 student from Pulivalam in Tiruvarur, went to take a bath in the Vazhavaical river on Wednesday evening along with his friends.

While they were taking a bath, Hari Krishnan was washed away. His friends raised an alarm and soon the public rescued him after a few hours and rushed him to the Tiruvarur Medical College hospital, where the doctors who checked him declared him dead.

Tiruvarur Taluk police registered a case and are investigating.

“The AIADMK leadership is attempting to portray Sathyabama negatively out of fear of defeat. But they shouldn’t underestimate the political understanding of the people,” he said.

He claimed that AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami would have lost his deposit in the Edappadi Assembly constituency in the general Assembly election if the TVK candidate hadn't been forced out of the fray by deceit.

Addressing media persons in Tirupur, Arunraj said the TVK candidate in Edappadi was bought for Rs 25 crore, and it is evidence of Palaniswami’s history of betrayal.

Stating that there was no unity within the AIADMK and several leaders continued to be in the party because they had no other option, Arunraj said, “Palaniswami had kept several crores ready to form a government by purchasing TVK MLAs. The DMK and AIADMK were engaged in a secret relationship and had attempted to form a government by luring legislators.”

On secularism, Arunraj said it could be protected only in an alliance that included the Congress. The DMK was unable to safeguard secularism because of confusion over its political position and claimed that its leaders are worried over CBI cases,” he said.

Schools will remain closed from September 26 to October 4. The department has directed education officials to ensure that second-semester textbooks are distributed for Classes 1 to 7 on the day schools reopen.

It has directed officials to make arrangements for the admission of Class 1 students in government and government-aided schools on Vijayadashami.

The boy, identified as Theerchithan, studying in Class I, was playing outside his house at Upper Parala Estate when a leopard emerged from the thicket and pounced on the boy. It bit him on the head and attempted to drag him away, said a forest department staff.

Shocked at the sight of the attack, the boy's mother, Nagajothi and another estate worker raised an alarm and rushed to his rescue. The leopard then let off the boy and fled into the bush.

The boy sustained deep injuries to his head and was rushed to the estate hospital. After administering first aid, he was taken to the Valparai Government Hospital and then shifted to a private hospital in Coimbatore for further treatment.

Officials of the forest department and education department visited the Valparai GH and consoled the boy’s parents. A team of forest department staff have been deployed in the area to monitor the movement of the leopard.

The forest department asked the estate workers to be vigilant and not let children play outside unattended. The estate authorities have also been instructed to clear overgrown bushes surrounding the workers' residential area.

In his statement, he said that the sexual harassment case involving minor girls is disturbing and raises serious concerns in society. Pointing out that the matter had allegedly remained hidden from public view for several years, he stressed that the police investigating this case must not yield to any external pressure.

Noting that the ongoing police investigation brought to light various pieces of evidence in connection with the case, he stressed that cases involving sexual crimes against women and minor girls should be handled with seriousness and in accordance with the law. He also said those responsible for such offences should face legal action irrespective of social or political influence.

He also called for an investigation into individuals who may have a connection to the case and those who helped conceal the matter. He also urged the government to ensure impartial legal action against all those found responsible.

His remarks came a day after the ruling TVK demanded an explanation from Stalin over the handling of the Pocso case by the previous government. The political exchange comes as the renewed investigation has widened, with police examining the conduct of officers involved in the earlier probe.

In a statement, Stalin said Veeramani had been arrested based on allegations of inhuman and degrading acts against minor girls and asserted that neither he nor anyone who had aided him or tried to protect him should escape the law.

"Everyone, irrespective of the position they held, must be brought before the law and made to face the maximum punishment," Stalin said, adding that the outcome of the case should be such that no one would even think of committing similar offences in future. He said no order had been issued by DMK government to protect anyone in the case.

Stalin said the DMK government had acted without discrimination in cases involving crimes against women and girls, with accused persons arrested, chargesheets filed and convictions secured.

Stalin urged the ruling party to stop what he called false allegations against the DMK and said the sole objective should be to secure justice for the affected girls. "The only objective of all of us should be to secure justice for the affected girls," he added.

Thoothukudi Collector Vishu Mahajan and Reddiarpatti MLA V Narayanan paid tributes on behalf of the government. Earlier, Daily Thanthi Group chairman S Balasubramanian Adityan garlanded the statue.

Executives and employees of Daily Thanthi, DT Next, Maalaimalar, Thanthi TV, Rani, Rani Muthu, and other group organisations also paid their respects in Chennai and other parts of the State and country.

A special commemorative publication brought out by the Nellai Thatchanallur Nadar Sangam was released by Collector Mahajan. Balasubramanian Adityan and representatives of the association received copies.

A welfare programme was subsequently held at the memorial, with materials distributed to beneficiaries. Ten meritorious students received laptops, while sewing machines were given to women from economically disadvantaged families. Sports equipment was distributed to four schools, and educational assistance and medical equipment were also provided.

Cash assistance was given for installing a pedestal for the statue of former chief minister K Kamaraj in Thoothukudi. A fixed deposit of Rs one lakh in the name of Dr Sivanthi Aditanar was also instituted for sportspersons winning State-level competitions.

The Tamil Nadu State Volleyball Association and Chennai District Volleyball Association introduced the ‘Padma Shri Dr B Sivanthi Aditan Cup’ for the State school volleyball championship scheduled to be held in Chennai from September 29 to October 2.

These officers are likely to be summoned for questioning in connection with the Pocso case registered against Veeramani.

Arun was Chennai police commissioner and Kannan the Additional Commissioner (South) when Tamil Nadu Congress’s SC/ST cell head MP Ranjan Kumar lodged the first complaint in 2024. Kumar claimed he gave the video evidence of the abuse to Kannan along with the complaint, while Kannan told the media that he had informed his superior about it.

“The IPS officers failed to take required action on the first complaint they received from the Congress office bearer, about which the department learnt only now. It was a significant lapse on their part. That is why they were moved to compulsory-wait,” a highly placed source told DT Next.

Compulsory-wait is a bureaucratic purgatory where the officers will not receive salaries, explained an officer.

The State police headquarters also placed assistant commissioner (Koyambedu) MA Yasmin under vacancy reserve. Yasmin, the then assistant commissioner of the anti-vice squad, had filed the closure report in the Pocso court in Chennai in February while investigating the second complaint on which an FIR was registered.

After fresh details emerged, questions have risen about the entrusting the second complaint in 2025 to the anti-vice squad instead of registering the case under Pocso Act and investigated by the special wing.

Meanwhile, facing relentless attacks from ruling TVK over his silence over the alleged cover-up that happened when he was the chief minister, DMK president MK Stalin rejected the allegations that his government protected the accused. Everyone responsible for the alleged offences in the case, including those who aided or attempted to shield the accused, must be brought to justice, he said.

How many people from Bihar are working outside the State?

Our government estimates that around 2.5 to 3 crore Biharis are working outside the State as migrant labourers. In Tamil Nadu, we estimate that around 10 to 15 lakh Biharis may be working.

Has the Bihar government made arrangements to ascertain the exact number of migrant workers in Tamil Nadu?

Yes. We are conducting a unique survey in 12 States, including Tamil Nadu. As part of this initiative, we will set up a separate facilitation centre in Coimbatore to estimate the number of Bihar workers in Tamil Nadu. A large number of people from Bihar are working in Tirupur, Chennai, Tiruvallur and Coimbatore as skilled and semi-skilled labourers. Once the centre is established, it will cater to the needs of migrant labourers working in Tamil Nadu, including medical and personal assistance. The government plans to establish the centre by the end of this month.

Does the Bihar government plan to bring migrant labourers back to the State?

We have several schemes for skilled and semi-skilled workers through welfare boards, including the Construction Workers Welfare Board. Around 20 lakh people have registered with the welfare boards.

People are moving outside Bihar because of higher salaries and better perks. We are trying to address these issues, and migrant labourers are slowly returning to their home State. Though we have fulfilled labour requirements across the country, Bihar is now facing a shortage of workers. There is a shortage of labourers in vital sectors such as agriculture and construction. We welcome our workers back to Bihar if they want to return.

You worked closely with then Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. How was total prohibition implemented in Bihar a decade ago?

The idea was not only that of our then Chief Minister. It was also an aspiration expressed by women across the State.

When the Chief Minister participated in a meeting of self-help groups, women raised the demand for total prohibition. Following this, the Chief Minister implemented prohibition in the State a decade ago.

What were the implications after total prohibition was introduced?

After total prohibition was implemented, the Chief Minister opened a large number of de-addiction centres to help people recover from alcohol addiction.

Around two lakh people were arrested for selling illicit liquor and arrack.

If the leadership has the political will, total prohibition can be implemented in a State. Our then Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had the political will and implemented total prohibition.

In an order issued by additional chief secretary MA Siddique, the Finance Department said the decision followed the Centre’s communication of September 23 regarding the proposed bank strike and the anticipated banking disruptions during the strike period.

The State government has directed heads of all departments to ensure that drawing and disbursing officers under their control prepare and submit the salary, daily-wage and pension bills for September in advance to enable payment on September 25.

The directive covers employees and pensioners under the State government as well as boards, corporations and universities. The September wages and pensions will also be disbursed through the banking system and Pay and Accounts Offices on Friday.

The director of Treasuries and Accounts has been instructed to take necessary action to facilitate the advance payments.

A copy of the order has also been forwarded to the Reserve Bank of India.

“Though the administrations have changed, it appears that the officers are protecting the wrongdoers by not initiating necessary action and by ensuring that the Government Order in GO.Ms.No.323, Highways and Minor Ports (HK.3) Department, dated December 24, 2010, is not made available on the website,” said Justice B Pugalendhi.

The judge said the Government Order was issued with the intention of ensuring the quality of road works by fixing responsibility on the officials concerned. However, it appeared that the order was not being implemented by fixing responsibility on first-, second- and third-level officers, the Court observed.

The petitioner, a Quality Control Assistant Engineer (Highways) in the Ramanathapuram Division, was held responsible by the department for the substandard quality of roads laid in six stretches covering 198.135 km of State Highways and 360.272 km of major district roads in Sivaganga district.

Relying on portions of the Government Order, the petitioner contended that responsibility for lapses in road works was also fixed on field-level officers at the first level, Quality Control officers at the second level and supervising officers at the third level. He alleged that he had been selectively targeted by the department.

The Court had sought details of disciplinary action taken against the three levels of officers over the past five years and in connection with the road works for which the petitioner had been charged. However, the status report filed by the department did not meet the clarifications sought by the Court, and vague replies had been furnished on the action taken against the officials.

“As a citizen, this Court is also travelling on highway roads, including rural roads. Most of the roads are not withstanding even for two years. This Court has also dealt with several cases on the allotment of road works by forming syndicates. Several thousands of crores have been spent for laying roads. However, there is no proper mechanism to ensure the quality of execution of works,” Justice Pugalendhi observed.

The Court directed the authorities to clarify how the department ensures the quality of road works in accordance with tender documents; the number of disciplinary actions taken against erring first-, second- and third-level officers in the past five years; the nature and details of action taken against such officers in the present case; the reasons for not uploading GO.Ms.No.323 on the Government portal; and whether the monitoring mechanism under the order is still being followed. The department has also been asked to furnish copies of any subsequent Government orders or instructions relating to the mechanism.

The case has been posted to September 28, 2026, for the report.

The Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department issued the notification on August 28, 2026, under the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020. It was published in the Government Gazette on September 16.

The order permits Matrimony.com to provide Aadhaar-based authentication, including Yes/No and eKYC facilities, for users accessing its platform. It also allows a verified user indicator to be displayed on profiles.

The notification makes clear that authentication can be carried out only with the consent of the Aadhaar number holder. It also states that no service shall be denied to a user for refusing, or being unable to undergo Aadhaar authentication.

Matrimony.com must inform users of alternative and viable means of identification, it said, specifying a driving licence issued under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a passport and a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card as alternatives.

The move follows permission granted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, after consultation with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), to allow authentication for the specified use case.

The notification said the measure is intended to enhance trust, prevent impersonation and curb marriage-related fraud through verified user identification.

The order came into effect from the date of its publication in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette.

The Sikandar Avuliya Dargah is located atop Thiruparankundram Hill. The aathars (priests/caretakers) staying at the dargah are changed once every seven days, police said.

As part of this arrangement, Atthar Abbas, who is on duty this week, and his family members attempted to take ingredients to prepare tomato rice, along with garlic, onion and an electric stove, up the hill on Thursday morning to cook food there, police said.

However, police personnel deployed along the pathway to the hill stopped them from taking such items to the top, which resulted in a heated argument. The police said that only ready-to-eat food items could be taken to the hill.

Outraged by this, mosque representatives alleged that the authorities were repeatedly denying the worship rights of Muslims. They also said they would hand over the key of the dargah at the police station, police said.

Following discussions between Tirupparankundram Inspector Senthil Kumar and the mosque representatives, the staff proceeded to the Sikandar Avuliya Dargah with ready-to-eat items

The inspections were carried out by enforcement sub-divisions under the Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai and Tiruchy Enforcement Divisions, covering the Chennai, Adyar, Tirupur, Palladam, Coimbatore South, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Kallakurichi distribution circles.

The Chennai Enforcement Division imposed Rs 26.79 lakh as compensation, while Coimbatore imposed Rs 34.45 lakh, Madurai Rs 16.84 lakh, and Tiruchy Rs 19.67 lakh. The total additional compensation imposed on consumers was Rs 97,74,656.

The consumers concerned admitted to the offences and opted to avoid criminal proceedings by paying a compounding amount of Rs 3,77,500, said the corporation, adding that consequently, no criminal complaints were registered against them at police stations.

The utility said information on electricity theft could be reported to the Executive Engineer (Enforcement) through the following numbers: Chennai 9445857591, Coimbatore 9443049456, Madurai 9443037508, and Tiruchy 9443329851.

The water released from Mettur dam on September 1 by the Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay reached the Grand Anicut (Kallanai) on September 7, from where the water has been distributed to the Cauvery, Vennar and Grand Anicut (GA) canal. Despite the release of water from Mettur being stepped up to 12,000 cusecs, the farmers from the region have been complaining that the water has not yet reached the tail-end region.

To ensure equal distribution of water to the Cauvery and Vennar, which irrigate 6.5 lakh acres and 4.75 lakh acres respectively in districts like Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai, the turn system of water release was in practice, in which water would be released for six days into the Cauvery and the next six days into the Vennar.

Farmers said that the turn system would be practised only when adequate water reached the tail-end regions, and water has yet to reach the regions this time.

However, despite the water failing to reach the tail-end regions, the turn system has been started from Thursday. Accordingly, the release of water into the Cauvery was stepped up to 5000 cusecs, and it was reduced in Vennar from 3,500 cusecs to 1500 cusecs.

“We are frustrated by the introduction of the turn system in haste without even waiting for a month to flow freely so that the tail-end regions could avail adequate water”, said NV Kannan, a farmer benefited by the Vennar system.

He said that the cut in water flow would affect the ongoing cultivation works in the region as the major irrigation canals have not received water so far, and so he appealed to withdraw the turn system for now and release the usual quantum at least for 10 more days.

However, an official from the Water Resources Department said that the turn system would help to ensure fast flow to the particular system and support managing an equal share of water to the farmers. For instance, the farmers in Thanjavur and Mayiladuthurai, who depend on the Cauvery, would get prompt flow for irrigation.

In a similar way, when the Vennar system is released, the farmers from Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam would get fast flow so that it would recharge the canals. “In the meantime, the farmer can prepare their land,” he said.

The decision was taken at a CWRC meeting headed by its chairperson Vineet Gupta after reviewing storage levels in Cauvery basin reservoirs, inflows, and the rainfall situation. The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), chaired by S K Haldar, subsequently endorsed the direction.

Tamil Nadu told the committee that only 42.209 tmcft had been realised at Biligundlu against its pro-rata entitlement of 57.190 tmcft, leaving a deficit of 14.981 tmcft, and sought the release of the backlog and questioned Karnataka's assessment of its available water.

The State also questioned Karnataka's water utilisation through canals, anicuts, lift-irrigation systems, and tank-filling schemes, seeking these withdrawals to be taken into account while assessing the water available in the basin.

Karnataka, however, maintained that it was unable to release any more water, citing severe distress in its Cauvery basin. Its four reservoirs had received 113.632 tmcft, against the 30-year average of 239.815 tmcft, a deficit of 52.61 per cent.

The State said it had complied with the previous CWRC direction to release 6,000 cusecs daily for 15 days. It submitted that 38.637 tmcft had been realised at Biligundlu against the ordered cumulative flow of 36.418 tmcft, resulting in an excess of 2.219 tmcft.

Karnataka further said its four reservoirs held 49.775 tmcft. After accounting for drinking water, environmental flows and evaporation, only about 4.775 tmcft was available for irrigation against a requirement of 23.40 tmcft.

It also pointed to Tamil Nadu's expansion of Kuruvai cultivation from 4.30 lakh acres to 8.41 lakh acres and its continuation of Samba cultivation despite the distress situation.

Karnataka said inflows had fallen to about 2,200 cusecs and that priority requirements had to be protected. The latest order comes amid a widening dispute over the alleged accumulated shortfall, with Tamil Nadu separately telling the Supreme Court that the current deficit was about 20 TMC. The apex court has sought Karnataka's response and posted the matter for October 12.

The project will add two more lines to the Arakkonam-Renigunta section, which forms part of the Mumbai-Chennai High-Density Network and is already operating at around 120% of its line capacity. The section is also an important link for freight movement towards Ennore and Andhra Pradesh. The additional lines are expected to provide capacity for 7.21 million tonnes of additional freight traffic annually.

The route is important for connecting the Kudgi and Rayalaseema power plants with Ennore and for transporting automobiles to various parts of the country. It will also improve connectivity to key economic centres, including SIDCO Tiruvallur, SIPCOT Ranipet and cement industries in and around Arakkonam. The project is estimated to result in annual logistics cost savings of around Rs. 110 crore.

The project involves 12 major and 221 minor bridges, besides the track and associated works, and is expected to be completed within three years, according to the project details released after the Cabinet approval.

The project was among five multitracking projects approved by the Union Cabinet at a combined estimated cost of Rs. 10,021 crore. Together, the projects cover about 540 km across 17 districts in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana and are planned for completion by 2029-30.

Of the sanctioned completion cost for the Arakkonam-Renigunta project, Rs. 1,504.42 crore has been earmarked for civil works, Rs. 225.58 crore for signalling and telecommunications and Rs. 206.46 crore for electrical works, including traction-related works.

The Railway Board's September 21 sanction order said the work has been sanctioned under the umbrella works for doubling, tripling and quadrupling of railway lines and other capacity augmentation works.

The organisation said the case came to the attention of police in October 2025 after a pen drive containing video footage allegedly depicting the sexual abuse of a minor was submitted. Though a Pocso case was registered, police reportedly filed a closure report after the initial investigation, citing insufficient evidence and difficulties in identifying the child. The Special Pocso Court subsequently rejected the closure report and ordered further investigation.

According to TNCRW, the renewed probe reportedly helped investigators identify the location, trace the survivor and arrest Veeramani and two associates in August 2026. The police have also reportedly begun examining the possibility of other survivors and individuals who may have been connected to the alleged offences.

TNCRW said the developments raised questions about whether the police explored every possible investigative avenue during the initial probe. However, it stressed that such questions should be examined impartially and must not be treated as proof of guilt before completion of judicial proceedings.

The organisation urged authorities to preserve and forensically examine digital and documentary evidence, identify and protect any additional survivors, and investigate possible facilitators wherever evidence warrants. It also sought confidentiality, counselling, rehabilitation and legal assistance for survivors.

TNCRW further called for continued judicial oversight and proposed a district-level Pocso case review committee involving representatives from the Pocso court, Special Juvenile Police Unit, District Child Protection Unit, Child Welfare Committee, District Legal Services Authority and civil society organisations.

It said justice must extend beyond arrest or conviction to ensuring that survivors are heard, protected and rehabilitated, while institutional failures are addressed.

Additionally, TNCRW urged the Madras High Court's Juvenile Justice and Pocso Committee to take a series of measures to strengthen the investigation and monitoring of child sexual abuse cases.

The organisation sought an impartial inquiry and requested that the probe be monitored by a sitting High Court judge. It also called for independent examination of the circumstances surrounding the proposed closure of the case and forensic scrutiny of electronic evidence, including its preservation and chain of custody.

It also proposed district- and State-level Pocso case review committees and a structured review of cases ending in closure, discharge or acquittal. The organisation urged stronger child-protection policing, Child Helpline 1098, forensic capacity, Special Courts and periodic monitoring of cases from complaint to final outcome.

Addressing a gathering of booth agents alongside Minister Aadhav Arjuna, Anand said that the TVK founder will address a select 5,000 members at 3 pm.

“Chief Minister Vijay is the reason why I won the election and am now a minister. Similarly, Maragatham Kumaravel is not the candidate in the Madurantakam constituency. You should keep in mind that our Thalapathy himself is the candidate,” said Anand, while addressing functionaries.

He rejected charges of buying the former AIADMK member. “They are saying that we gave suitcases of money to buy her. We do not even have the money to buy even a box. We did not give anything to our sister. Maragatham Kumaravel joined the TVK because the DMK and AIADMK were joining hands," he said.

Meanwhile, Public Works Minister and TVK general secretary for election campaign management Aadhav Arjuna on Thursday put the caste census at the centre of his campaign in Madurantakam, questioning the DMK's commitment to social justice and urging voters to ask why it had not conducted a caste census during its five-year tenure.

Addressing election in-charges and booth agents in Madurantakam, Aadhav said people in the State would judge political parties on three issues — secularism, social justice and governance. "The DMK speaks of social justice. Why did it not conduct a caste census for five years?" he asked.

Aadhav said the TVK government had ordered a caste census soon after assuming office and described it as a historic social-justice measure after 1931, even though the TVK government has said that it would be conducted only after the Union government completes the national Census.

He also attacked the DMK and the AIADMK, alleging that the two parties had sought to undermine the people's mandate. Rejecting the DMK's allegation that TVK candidate Maragatham Kumaravel had resigned from the AIADMK after receiving money, he said, "The DMK tried to steal the people's verdict by joining hands with AIADMK. Not us."

Aadhav said the present AIADMK was neither the party founded by MG Ramachandran nor the organisation nurtured under J Jayalalithaa. He questioned criticism of leaders joining TVK, saying former minister MC Sampath and others had joined the party in opposition to what they viewed as a dilution of AIADMK ideology.

He alleged that the DMK had underestimated TVK president Vijay before the 2026 Assembly election, relying on alliances and money power rather than on people, women and youth. He also alleged that Vijay's campaign was restricted after the Karur incident.

Seeking a one-lakh-vote margin in both bypolls, he said, "A victory secured through money is no victory. A genuine victory comes from people and women voting freely."

PAYANAM has been designed as a structured programme focusing on de-addiction, behavioural change, rehabilitation and reintegration into society, through counselling, psychological support, therapeutic interventions, life-skill development and rehabilitation support, an official statement said.

DGP (Prisons), Sandeep Rai Rathore stated that drug addiction affects not only the individual but also the family and society, and that the responsibility of the correctional system should extend beyond custody to include treatment, reform, rehabilitation and reintegration.

He further stated that PAYANAM is aligned with the Chief Minister's recent emphasis on creating a drug-free Tamil Nadu, with focus not only on awareness and prevention, but also on de-addiction, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration.

The prisons director also appreciated Chennai-based NGO, PRISM, for conceptualising and designing the PAYANAM module and partnering with the Prison Department in implementing the pilot project.

Addressing the participants, the DGP said that while the Department can provide the necessary support, counselling and opportunities, the decision to change has to come from within. He encouraged the participants to make positive use of the programme, develop their skills and prepare themselves for a better life after release.

As a pilot project, the implementation and outcomes of PAYANAM will be monitored and evaluated, and the experience gained will be used for further strengthening and development of the programme.

The Boat House attracts thousands of tourists every day, with several shops and hotels operating on its premises. Waste generated by these establishments is usually stored at a designated shed and collected by a private agency for segregation and disposal.

However, the waste had reportedly remained uncollected for several days, resulting in a large quantity of garbage piling up at the shed. The accumulation caused a foul smell and raised concerns over hygiene at the popular tourist spot.

Following complaints, municipal officials conducted an inspection on Thursday and found more than a tonne of garbage accumulated at the shed. The municipal staff subsequently cleared the waste and imposed a Rs 10,000 fine on the hotel operator for failing to ensure proper management of the waste.

“Under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, bulk waste generators are legally accountable for managing and processing the waste they generate and should not rely solely on the municipality. A notice was also issued to the hotel, warning against allowing waste to accumulate for prolonged periods,” a municipal official said.

Meanwhile, municipal officials inspected shops in the Ooty Central Bus Stand area and fined two tea shops for operating under unhygienic conditions.

The rule has sparked protests from some motorists who have objected to the three-minute limit. Vehicles, including cars arriving to pick up passengers, have been instructed to leave the designated area within the stipulated time.

There have also been complaints that some motorists who refuse to follow the rule have argued with parking staff. It has been alleged that some people have also attacked security personnel.

Videos purportedly showing such incidents have surfaced on social media, causing a stir.

There have been demands for appropriate action to prevent disputes and attacks on airport security and parking staff. Calls have also been made to take action against those who engage in arguments or conflicts with employees while the airport's parking rules are being enforced.

While the Tamil Nadu government told the apex court that it has already lost an early Kharif crop due to lack of water, the Karnataka government said it was facing a "terrible drought situation".

The matter came up for hearing before a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Augustine George Masih and Sandeep Mehta.

Senior advocate C S Vaidyanathan, appearing for the Tamil Nadu government, said the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) must pass an order with regard to the shortfall to address the deficit.

"What is the shortfall?" the bench asked.

"According to us, it is 20 TMC," Vaidyanathan said.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for the Karnataka government, said they were complying with the directions of the CWMA on the release of water.

"We are complying with whatever directions have been passed despite the fact that this is a drought year," he said.

"In the present year, we are facing a terrible drought situation. CWMA is an expert body and both the parties are heard there," Divan argued.

At the outset, Vaidyanathan referred to Tamil Nadu's application and said the state has already lost the early Kharif crop due to lack of water.

On September 8, the CWMA had upheld the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's (CWRC) recommendation directing Karnataka to ensure a flow of 6,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days.

The apex court was told that Karnataka was releasing 6,000 cusecs as per the CWMA's direction.

"They (CWMA) must pass an order with regard to the shortfall," Vaidyanathan said.

The bench observed, "The right of the party to have their grievances adjudicated by the CWMA cannot be denied. They (Tamil Nadu) have raised a grievance about deficit and the CWMA has to take a call on that".

Divan argued that all factors were being considered by the CWMA.

The bench was also told that the CWRC was reviewing the situation every 15 days.

The top court asked Karnataka to file a response to Tamil Nadu's application within a week and posted the matter for hearing on October 12.

The top court had earlier asked the Tamil Nadu government to raise before the CWMA its grievance over the release of its proportionate share of Cauvery water by Karnataka.

On August 25, the CWMA upheld the CWRC recommendation directing Karnataka to ensure a flow of 9,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days.

Earlier, the CWRC had directed Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days from August 12. The CWMA had subsequently upheld that decision.

The top court is hearing the Tamil Nadu government's plea seeking directions to the Karnataka government for immediate release of the water to it.

On August 17, the apex court had asked Karnataka to ensure compliance with the CWMA direction on the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

The Tamil Nadu government had earlier said the state was not getting its due share of Cauvery water in a rain-deficient year.

The Joseph Vijay-led state government on August 3 approached the apex court seeking directions to Karnataka for immediate release of the water.

The state government, in its plea, claimed that the quantum allocated to it by the CWRC as well as that released by its neighbour Karnataka was very little.

Special Court Judge Ezhil on Wednesday found the accused, Raja Perumal (38) and Ayyasamy (56), both hailing from a village in Uthamapalayam taluk, guilty of the offense and imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 on each.

Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional three-month imprisonment.

The crime came to light in 2023 when the victim's parents took her to a local hospital due to an illness.

Medical examinations revealed that the girl was pregnant, prompting the hospital administration to alert the police.

Upon being questioned by her parents, the victim revealed that she had been subjected to sexual abuse and extortion by Raja Perumal and Ayyasamy.

Following a complaint filed by the parents, the Uthamapalayam all-women police station registered a case and arrested both individuals.

Pronouncing the verdict, Judge Ezhil handed 20 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a Rs 10,000 fine under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, ten years of imprisonment with a Rs 5,000 fine under Section 450 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and one month of imprisonment with a Rs 5,000 fine under IPC Section 506 (criminal intimidation).

The judge ordered that the prison sentences run concurrently.

Additionally, the court directed the Tamil Nadu government to provide Rs 7 lakh as compensation to the victim.

Following the ruling, the police escorted the convicted individuals to the Madurai central jail.

The bypoll in Maduranthakam will be held on October 6.

The TVK has nominated Maragatham Kumaravel, who had won the seat on AIADMK ticket in the 2026 Assembly polls. She later resigned her MLA post and joined the TVK.

Addressing a gathering of booth agents alongside Minister Aadhav Arjuna, Anand outlined the state government's commitment to swift public grievance redressal.

He said, "TVK founder Vijay will interact with booth-level functionaries at 3 pm."

Anand urged TVK party cadres to campaign door-to-door without fear and assure voters that essential requirements, including roads and drinking water supply would be fulfilled within three to four months.

"Every minister, in whichever constituency the chief minister assigns them in-charge, will stay for two to three days in that constituency alongside the Member of the Legislative Assembly to see what the people's needs and problems are, designating grievance-redressal days, and will get every issue resolved promptly," he promised.

Addressing the meeting, Minister Arjuna shifted focus to the government's broader policy milestones, asserting that the administration had successfully initiated a historic caste-based socio-economic census.

"After 1931, in 2026, our brother Vijay initiated the social justice census, the caste-based census. Is this not a great history," he asked.

The TVK administration formally announced the state's "social justice survey" (caste enumeration) on June 18.

However, the state government specified that the actual field survey will only take place after the Union government completes its own planned caste enumeration as part of the ongoing national population census. As of September 2026, the data collection has not yet begun.

Arjuna also accused the former DMK regime of deliberately neglecting this exercise during its five-year tenure despite repeatedly claiming to champion social justice.

Outlining agricultural relief measures, Arjuna stated the government had waived Rs 6,220 crore in farm loans and ensured minimum support prices for paddy and sugarcane cultivators, particularly benefiting the northern districts.

He also criticised the current AIADMK leadership, alleging they had compromised their party's foundational principles through covert alignments with the DMK.

Both leaders exhorted the cadres to secure a massive mandate for TVK candidate Maragatham Kumaravel on the 'Whistle' symbol. Setting a high benchmark for the constituency, Arjuna urged workers to secure 1.25 lakh to 1.40 lakh votes to ensure a victory margin exceeding one lakh.

The bypoll will also be held in Dharapuram on October 6.