Flaying Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's announcement at an event in Mysuru to approach the Union government for clearances by misinterpreting a recent Supreme Court order, he said the state's admission that the project will benefit its farmers exposes its true intention to divert water for irrigation, contradicting its earlier stance that the reservoir was strictly meant for drinking water needs.

"This shift directly invalidates the Detailed Project Report (DPR) submitted by Karnataka and provides sufficient grounds for the Union government and the Supreme Court to reject the proposal entirely," he said in a statement.

Stating that Karnataka's revised estimate of the submergence area from 5,000 hectares to 5,400 hectares indicates that the reservoir will store far more than the planned 67 TMC of water, posing catastrophic environmental and wildlife threats, he alleged "a dam failure due to natural disasters would also trigger devastating floods in downstream regions of Tamil Nadu".

Warning that Tamil Nadu's silence could lead to the permanent loss of its water rights, Anbumani called on the state government to counter Karnataka's false narratives, present the true legal facts to the nation, and immediately convene an all-party meeting to formulate a unified strategy.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in an event organized by Pasumai Thayagam in Chennai to save Pallikaranai marshland he demanded that the government immediately notify the Pallikaranai marshland as a protected wetland.

He alleged that successive DMK and AIADMK governments had failed to notify the marshland to facilitate corruption.

The children were playing by the roadside when the van allegedly rammed into them. Their grandmother, who also sustained serious injuries in the accident, is undergoing intensive treatment at the Dindigul Government Hospital.

The deceased were identified as Yogavarshini (11) and her younger sister Ananya (6), daughters of Nagaraj; Dhanushree (3), daughter of Jegatheesan; and Moshi Kiran (6), son of Chinnathambi.

According to police, Anjammal (60), wife of Palanichamy, and a resident of Kollapatti Samathuvapuram near Vadamadurai, had gone to Puthur-Kanavaimedu area around 2 p.m. on Sunday to graze goats. Six people, including her four grandchildren Yogavarshini, Ananya, Dhanushree and Moshi Kiran, had accompanied her.

After leaving the goats to graze by the roadside, Anjammal and the children sat on a concrete structure along the road while the children played nearby. Meanwhile, she noticed a milk van travelling from Kollapatti towards Puthur at high speed, said the police.

Realising that the vehicle was approaching them uncontrollably, Anjammal immediately asked the children to move away. Two of the girls got up and ran, while Anjammal tried to move the others to safety, said the police.

However, before they could escape, the vanrammed into them and fled the scene.

The children and their grandmother sustained serious injuries. Nearby residents rescued them and rushed them to the Dindigul Government Hospital in two ambulances. However, four of the children, including Yogavarshini, died on the way. Anjammal remains under intensive treatment.

Meanwhile, the milk van driver, Saravanan (29), a resident of Kurundampatti, stopped the vehicle near his village and surrendered before the Vadamadurai police. Police arrested him and seized the vehicle.

A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister expressed condolences to the families and relatives of the four children who died in the accident. He said he had ordered special treatment for Anjalaiyammal, who sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment at the hospital.

The Chief Minister also ordered that Rs 3 lakh each be provided from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund to the families of the four deceased children and Rs 1 lakh to Anjalaiyammal, who sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

According to the Education Department's inquiry, the headmistress, Vimala Devi, had neither discriminated against the girl nor her mother based on caste. However, the inquiry found that she did not handle the situation with the required administrative sensitivity and efficiency.

The officials also clarified that the headmistress had neither forced the mother and daughter to stand nor asked the mother to fold her hands. The officials added that there was no CCTV camera in the headmistress’s room, but their questioning of the headmistress and teachers at the school did not corroborate the allegation that she had scolded the girl.

“She could have asked the mother and the girl to sit down and then followed the prescribed administrative procedure. She should also have avoided making a phone call to enquire about the girl’s background in her presence,” an Education Department official said.

The official said the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death might involve several factors and that it would not be appropriate to attribute it to a single incident. “But the fact remains that we have lost a life,” the official said, adding that the police investigation will shed more light on the incident.

The suspension comes after the Usilampatti police registered an FIR against the headmistress following a complaint by the deceased girl’s mother, P Thavamani, alleging that the headmistress had humiliated her daughter, P Nishanthi, when they went to the school seeking admission for the girl to Class II.

According to the complaint, when they approached the headmistress for admission on August 24, the headmistress allegedly became angry and asked the girl to leave the school when she allegedly told the mother not to fold her hands in front of the headmistress while seeking admission.

In the complaint, Thavamani also alleged that the headmistress questioned the girl’s conduct for attempting to join this school despite having already been admitted to the Government Kallar Higher Secondary School. The headmistress then allegedly made a phone call to her counterpart and enquired about the girl’s conduct over the phone on speaker mode. According to the deceased girl’s mother, this upset Nishanthi.

The girl left the school crying and was in distress after she returned home. The following day, they went to the school where the girl had completed Class X and collected her Transfer Certificate. The girl died by suicide later that evening.

Nishanthi had secured 415 marks in Class X and had joined the Biology-Mathematics stream hoping to become a nurse. However, she found it difficult and asked her teachers to allow her to shift to the Commerce stream, but her request was not accepted. Since then, she hasn't shown interest in going to school, said the police source.

The canal was damaged after heavy rains in November and December last year caused floodwaters to flow through it. Residents have sought immediate action to restore the damaged portions ahead of the monsoon.

The Krishna canal carries water from the Kandaleru reservoir near Nellore to Poondi lake in Tamil Nadu. It was constructed as part of the Telugu Ganga project to meet Chennai’s drinking water needs.

The Telugu Ganga project agreement was signed in 1983 by then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MG Ramachandran and then Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister NT Rama Rao. Under the agreement, Andhra Pradesh is required to supply 12 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu every year.

Of this, 8 TMC is to be released from Kandaleru reservoir to Poondi lake between July and October, and 4 TMC between January and April.

The Krishna canal runs for 177 km from Kandaleru reservoir to Poondi lake, including 152 km in Andhra Pradesh and 25 km from the Tamil Nadu border near Thamarai Kuppam’s Zero Point to Poondi lake.

Construction of the canal began in 1983 and was completed in 1995. Water has been reaching Poondi lake from Kandaleru reservoir through the canal since 1996.

The organisation received photographs and details of 245 locations from 157 volunteers as part of a six-week public survey launched on June 29. The findings were compiled into a report released on Saturday and submitted as a complaint to the state government and Chennai Corporation authorities, said its coordinator Jayaram Venkatesan.

The failure to mill or remove existing road surfaces before laying new ones was a major reason for the problem, it said, noting how road levels rise with each resurfacing, while houses and other infrastructure remain at their original elevation.

In Alisoor village in Uthiramerur taluk of Kancheepuram district, the existing cement road was allegedly not removed before wet-mix material and paver blocks were laid last month. Due to this, some houses that were already below road level were pushed nearly another foot lower.

In Mugalivakkam, several houses were found to be more than two feet below the road, according to the report. Residents face the risk of rainwater and sewage entering their homes during the monsoon, it said.

The elevated roads have also affected access to houses. Residents who earlier climbed steps to enter their homes now have to descend from road level, posing difficulties for elderly people and wheelchair users, the organisation said.

Arappor Iyakkam also flagged the safety risk posed by recessed manholes. When only the road surface is raised, manhole covers can remain below the new level, creating depressions in the middle of roads and increasing the risk of two-wheeler accidents.

Residents are also being forced to spend large sums to raise the floors of their houses to prevent flooding, said the organisation, claiming that some households had spent up to Rs 40 lakh on such works.

The group alleged that the problem was also leading to avoidable expenditure by government agencies, which subsequently have to raise footpaths, sewer manholes and electrical boxes to match the new road levels.

A resident from Tiruvallur district told the organisation that residents' objections to road works were often ignored, and alleged that instead of taking action against contractors, some officials had even advised some affected homeowners to demolish their houses and rebuild them.

Citing several such cases, Arappor has sought mandatory milling of old roads before resurfacing and said tender documents should specify the required excavation depth. It also demanded that the elevation of roads should be measured before and after works with reference to mean sea level and the details be published online.

The organisation proposed making photographic and video evidence of old-road removal and elevation measurements mandatory before contractors are paid. It also sought compensation of up to Rs 40 lakh for homeowners whose properties are pushed below road level due to irregular road works.

It called for an expert committee to examine existing problem areas and work out a long-term plan to address houses already left below road level, including reducing the elevation of major roads wherever required.

The report has been sent to the Chief Minister, and the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, the Highways ministers, senior officials of the Municipal Administration and Water Supply, Highways and Rural Development departments, and also the Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner.

Speaking to reporters in Vellore, Palaniswami alleged that the government had borrowed Rs. 28,000 crore within its first 100 days in office. He accused the government of following the previous DMK regime’s financial policies, recalling that the earlier government had constituted a high-level committee to increase revenue, but the State’s debt eventually crossed Rs. 10 lakh crore.

Palaniswami said the present government had also constituted a high-level committee to improve revenue. If borrowing continued at the current pace, the State’s debt could reach Rs. 20 lakh crore, he claimed, adding that such a situation would prevent the government from completing its five-year term.

He also criticised the government for failing to give a satisfactory response to the rise in prices of essential commodities.

On the proposal to provide cars to MLAs, Palaniswami said he had told AIADMK legislators that those who needed a vehicle could avail themselves of the facility. However, he said he would not accept a government-provided car as he already owned one.

Palaniswami also criticised the functioning of the Assembly but welcomed the decision to telecast proceedings live.

AIADMK announces jallikattu stir on Sept 3

Meanwhile, AIADMK has announced that it will stage a protest at Alanganallur in Madurai on September 3 against recent remarks by TVK Sholavandan legislator MV Karuppaiah on jallikattu. Palaniswami said the remarks had insulted the traditional sport and were unacceptable.

Palaniswami highlighted that jallikattu represents the pride, culture, and valour of Tamils.

The former chief minister detailed the party's historical legal battles to protect the sport, noting how the late CM J Jayalalithaa pressed the central government and filed a review petition after the Supreme Court banned the event in 2014.

He further cited the AIADMK government's enactment of an ordinance in January 2017 following widespread youth protests, and a subsequent amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, which secured a favourable Constitution Bench verdict in May 2023.

The demonstration will be spearheaded by the AIADMK's combined Madurai district units under the leadership of former ministers Sellur K Raju, RB Udhayakumar, and VV Rajan Chellappa.

Palaniswami urged party functionaries, jallikattu participants, bull owners, enthusiasts, and the general public to turn out in large numbers at Alanganallur on September 3 at 9.30 am.

Speaking to reporters at Tiruchirappalli airport, Thirumavalavan said the omission has raised serious questions and called upon the officials and ministers concerned to provide a proper explanation.

He said the government must investigate how the lapse occurred and take steps to ensure that such mistakes are not repeated in future policy documents.

The VCK leader also stressed that the Tamil Nadu government had several responsibilities towards Dalits, including strengthening measures to protect them and considering special legislation for their welfare and safety.

Thirumavalavan said his party expected the government to fulfil these commitments and would continue to press for effective action.

The controversy erupted after references to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Periyar, Ambedkar and the Justice Party were found missing from the Backward Classes and Most Backward Classes Welfare Department’s policy note for 2026-27, which was tabled in the Assembly on Thursday.

The previous DMK government’s policy note had prominently mentioned these leaders and their contributions to the social justice and reservation movements. The latest document also reportedly omitted references to the Communal Government Order, Periyar’s agitations, the Mandal Commission and the introduction of 27 per cent reservation for Other Backward Classes in Union government jobs and admissions to educational institutions.

The DMK accused the TVK government of deliberately erasing crucial chapters from Tamil Nadu’s social justice history.

DMK legal wing joint secretary I. Paranthaman alleged that the omission amounted to a historic betrayal in a state regarded as the cradle of social justice and a powerful voice for oppressed communities.

He claimed that the contributions of the Justice Party and prominent social justice leaders had been removed as part of a calculated effort.

The DMK further accused the TVK administration of functioning as a “shadow BJP government” despite coming to power with the support of Congress and other allies.

Responding to the criticism, Backward Classes Welfare Minister V. Sampath Kumar took moral responsibility for the omissions.

He acknowledged the lapse and assured that a corrected and revised version of the policy note would be published.

Thirumavalavan also criticised the decision to downgrade the security cover provided to former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. Terming the move inappropriate, he urged the government to restore the security arrangements previously extended to the DMK leader.

Onions, a staple used in kitchens, have become more expensive over the past few weeks. Large onions, which were available for about Rs 30 a kg at the end of last month, are now being sold at nearly Rs 60 a kg in many retail markets. Prices of small onions, or shallots, have risen steeply, climbing from around Rs 40-50 a kg last month to nearly Rs 70 a kg.

The increase has affected consumers already coping with higher prices of several essential vegetables.

With market rates continuing to remain firm, the cooperative sector has decided to intervene by procuring onions in bulk and supplying them through the public distribution system at prices substantially below prevailing retail levels.

As part of the initiative, the state has approached the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India, commonly known as NAFED, seeking an allocation of 70,000 kg of onions.

The request follows the Union government’s move to make onions available to consumers at affordable prices through retail channels. Once the consignment is received from the Central agency, the onions will be distributed to ration shops across Tamil Nadu.

They are expected to be sold for between Rs 30 and Rs 40 per kg, providing consumers with relief of up to Rs 30 per kg compared to prices in the open market.

Officials said the first consignment would help assess demand before further quantities are sought. Details regarding the number of ration outlets covered, purchase limits for individual cardholders and the date on which sales will begin are expected to be announced after supplies reach the state.

The proposed intervention is intended to provide immediate relief to families and curb the impact of the sudden price surge.

Cooperative outlets and ration shops have previously been used by the government to sell essential commodities at controlled prices whenever supply shortages or seasonal fluctuations caused retail prices to rise sharply.

Authorities are expected to monitor onion prices and availability in wholesale and retail markets while the subsidised sales programme is rolled out.

The deceased were identified as Radha, 65, her daughter Poongodi, 39, and her grandsons Gokul, 11, and Dhanalakshmi, 10. The injured included autorickshaw driver Lokanathan, 42, Poongodi’s relative Prashanth, 15, and another passenger.

According to police, Lokanathan, a resident of Kodungaiyur in Chennai, was driving the autorickshaw carrying his wife Poongodi, their 10-year-old daughter Dhanalakshmi, his mother-in-law Radha and relatives Gokul and Prashanth. They were travelling to the Arulmigu Bhavani Amman Temple in Periyapalayam on Friday night.

When the autorickshaw was near the MTC Nagar bus stop at Panapakkam village on the Chennai-Periyapalayam highway, it collided with an unidentified lorry travelling ahead.

The passengers suffered severe injuries in the accident. Police personnel from Periyapalayam police station rushed to the spot and rescued five people who were injured. They were taken by 108 ambulance to the Periyapalayam government primary health centre.

Radha died at the scene. Gokul, a Class 6 student, and Poongodi died while undergoing treatment at the health centre.

The injured were given first aid and later shifted to Tiruvallur Government Hospital for further treatment. Dhanalakshmi, a Class 5 student, later died while undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Police sent the bodies of the four deceased for post-mortem examination at Tiruvallur Government Hospital.

A case has been registered and police are searching for the unidentified vehicle involved in the accident.

The clarification followed a claim by a DMK functionary that the programme had been stopped. The Desk said the claim was completely false.

The Social Justice Department said special coaching for 19 higher education entrance examinations, including IIT, JEE and NEET, was continuing.

“Special coaching for 19 types of higher education entrance examinations, including IIT, JEE and NEET, has not been stopped,” it said.

According to the department, 187 students secured admission to higher educational institutions through the programme last year. So far this year, 357 students have secured admission to institutions including IITTM in Noida, NIT Andhra Pradesh, NIFT campuses in Chennai and Bengaluru, and FDDI in Chennai.

The department said the programme would continue and be expanded to all Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare higher secondary schools.

The Information Integrity Desk urged the public not to circulate false information about the initiative.

Nainar said Badhurudeen’s attempt to portray Amaran, based on the life of Major Mukund Varadarajan, as being against a particular community was condemnable.

“If a film tells the true story of Pakistani terrorists, how does it amount to insulting Muslims? Why does Madhar Badhurudeen object to a terrorist being punished? Should an Indian citizen feel sympathy for terrorists killed by security forces? Is your sympathy for the Indian Army or terrorists crossing the border?” he asked in a statement.

Referring to Badhurudeen’s claim that scenes involving terrorists were removed from Vijay-starrer Thuppakki, Nainar said the MLA’s remarks could disturb communal harmony. He urged CM Vijay to condemn them, warning that otherwise people would view them as reflecting TVK’s official position.

The controversy started with Mustafa's remarks terming DMK anti-Muslims in the Assembly, with the opposition party sharing old videos of the present TVK member hitting out at CM Vijay for portraying Muslims as terrorists in Thuppakki and Beast movies. In an attempt to hit back at the DMK, Mustafa questioned why Udhayanidhi's Red Giant Movies distributed the movie Amaran, which he said depicted Muslims as terrorists.

BJP state secretary Vinoj P Selvam joined the issue and questioned Mustafa’s objections to the depiction of terrorism in Amaran. “What is his problem with depicting terrorism in Kashmir and the brutality of terrorists? How does he want terrorists to be portrayed—as aliens?” Vinoj Selvam asked.

He also sought CM Vijay’s response to Badhurudeen’s claims that scenes considered anti-Muslim were removed from Thuppakki and Vishwaroopam, asking whether the actors concerned really acted against Muslims in the films or just yielded to pressure.

The tenders, each valued at around Rs 10 lakh, were issued as limited tenders instead of open online bids, prompting Arappor Iyakkam to question the rationale behind restricting participation.

The organisation had urged the government to cancel the tenders and first establish the need for the proposed technical appointments.

“Why are limited tenders being floated repeatedly?” Arappor Iyakkam had asked, alleging that the restricted process could enable only contractors favoured by departmental engineers to participate.

It also questioned the need for additional technical personnel, citing the existing staffing position in Chennai City Roads Divisions-I and II.

According to the organisation, Division-I has nine assistant engineers, four assistant divisional engineers, one divisional engineer and eight draftsmen, while Division-II has eight assistant engineers, four assistant divisional engineers, one divisional engineer and eight draftsmen. It said none of these posts was vacant.

The two divisions, it said, together have 43 sanctioned technical posts, comprising 27 engineers and 16 draftsmen, and all were occupied.

Welcoming the cancellation, Arappor Iyakkam thanked the government and urged it to ensure that all departmental tenders are floated as open online bids.

It also called for amendments to tender laws to make transparent bidding mandatory and sought action against public servants found responsible for irregularities.

The organisation said it would continue to pursue the issue and seek greater transparency in government tendering.

Talking to reporters at Chennai airport after returning from New Delhi, Rajmohan said 33 rescued persons would reach Coimbatore by flight from Delhi on Monday evening, while another six would arrive in Chennai later that night. "Of the 319 people who travelled from Tamil Nadu in different groups, 219 are safe. They will return by Monday night," he said.

The minister said 21 of the 57 members of the group that travelled through a Kumbakonam-based travel agency had been rescued and brought back safely to Chennai. Efforts were continuing to trace the remaining 36 members of the group.

The whereabouts of 49 people who travelled from Chromepet as part of the Mahadevi Yatra group were also unknown, he said.

Another group of 150 people had reached Kathmandu through the China border and were returning on different flights, while 39 others were safe, Rajmohan said.

Describing the disaster as an international-scale calamity, the Minister said there was a possibility of bodies and belongings being found hundreds of kilometres from the affected areas. "The armies of both countries are involved in the rescue operations," he said.

A war room had been set up at Tamil Nadu House in Delhi to coordinate the rescue efforts and assist anxious families. The State government had also held discussions with the Union government and coordinated with the authorities concerned, he said.

While four ministers, including Rajmohan, travelled to Delhi, three returned to Chennai on Saturday night, while Minister for Non-Resident Tamils Welfare K Thennarasu remained in the national capital to oversee the rescue operations.

The weavers condemned the State government and the Handlooms department for allegedly leaving them without work for the past four months and demanded that the wage for producing a saree in eight hours be fixed at Rs 500.

They also demanded Rs 40,000 each as relief for the families of weavers who have been without work for four months and sought employment through the year.

As talks with officials led by Handlooms department district deputy director Palanikumar failed, the weavers continued their protest by preparing and drinking kanji.

Addressing reporters at the Chennai Press Club here, he questioned the silence of legislators on the issue during the Assembly session. "Has anyone spoken about this in the House? Only paattukku paattu (antakshari) are taking place," he said.

He said his organisation had met a minister over the toddy ban and was assured that the demand would be considered soon. "They did not say that the toddy ban was justified," he said.

Nallasamy also announced that his organisation would field a candidate in the forthcoming Perundurai by-election, irrespective of the government's decision on toddy. The candidate, he said, would contest on the twin issues of restoring Tamil Nadu's Cauvery rights and lifting the toddy ban.

"People should not vote merely out of cinematic glamour. We will contest the election and see whether people vote as citizens or simply follow celebrity appeal," he added.

Nallasamy also accused the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka governments of failing to implement the Cauvery water-sharing order and demanded a review of the arrangements governing the river's waters.

"Both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have failed to accept and implement the Cauvery verdict. Both governments are at fault," he said, alleging that the State was not receiving its due share of water needed for kuruvai cultivation.

Thanikachalam (45), a former Hindu Munnani member, was waiting at the old bus stand after returning from Tirunelveli. Two people on a bike approached him for a query, and they suddenly stabbed him with a knife. Thanikachalam ran towards the police station to seek help; however, it was closed as no personnel were there.

The duo chased and stabbed Thanikachalam to death in front of the police station.

Based on CCTV footage recorded in the area, police arrested Muneeswaran (28) of Nakkaneri village near Rajapalayam, and Kaliswaran (24) of Mangapuram Street. The duo said they were drunk, and the conversation turned into an argument with Thanikachalam.

Even though the department's Minister V Sampath Kumar took the onus on himself, calling it an oversight on his part and ordering the booklet to be reissued with the missing images, the issue refuses to die down.

In a statement, Paranthamen said that the names of the three leaders mentioned in the previous policy notes had been omitted from the latest document placed before the Assembly.

Parandhaman criticised the Congress' non-response, pointing out that Nehru's name had been removed despite his role in the First Constitutional Amendment. He demanded that the government restore the names of Periyar, Ambedkar and Nehru and reissue the revised policy note.

He alleged that the government had also curtailed references to the history of reservation, including the Justice Party, communal representation, Periyar's agitations, the Mandal Commission and the 27 per cent reservation for Other Backward Classes in Central government jobs and educational institutions.

Parandhaman said the previous DMK government's policy note recorded that the Supreme Court's 1951 decision to strike down the communal representation order led to Periyar's protests in Tamil Nadu.

He added that the policy note had also recorded the roles of first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Law Minister BR Ambedkar in the amendment.

"Removing the names of leaders who played a crucial role in the reservation movement from official government documents is a betrayal of history," Paranthamen said. He questioned how the government could remove the names of Periyar and Ambedkar from official records while claiming them as ideological leaders.

Association president Joseph John and vice president Yunus chaired the meeting in Tiruchy, where several resolutions were passed. Later, speaking to reporters, Joseph John said the old pension scheme applies only to those retired until April 1, 2003, but those who retired thereafter are put under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

"There are around 56,000 retired employees who are yet to get proper pension benefits due to the implementation of TAPS (Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme), which affects their livelihood. We have been fighting for the implementation of the old pension scheme for the past several years, which would only help the pensioners," Joseph John said.

He also appealed to the State government to withdraw the recent announcement of TAPS and implement the old pension scheme, and warned of a protest.

The GSLV-F17 was moved to the Second Launch Pad (SLP) around 8 pm. The mission is scheduled for launch on September 4 and will place the 2,367-kg EOS-05, also known as GISAT-1A, into a Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (SubGTO). The orbit will have a perigee (closest point to Earth from satellite) of 170 km and an apogee (highest point from the satellite) of 28,934 km.

EOS-05 is a civilian and strategic Earth observation satellite designed to provide frequent, near-real-time imagery of large areas of the country. It is being launched as a replacement for EOS-03, also known as GISAT-1, which was lost during the failed GSLV-F10 mission on August 12, 2021.

The GSLV-F10 mission failed because of a technical anomaly in its cryogenic upper stage. While the first and second stages performed normally after lift-off, the cryogenic engine in the third stage failed to ignite, resulting in the loss of the EOS-03 satellite.

Nearly five years after the setback, ISRO is now set to restore the Earth observation capability with the EOS-05 mission. The satellite is designed to capture images in multispectral and hyperspectral bands under cloud-free conditions at frequent intervals.

It is expected to provide images of selected regions every five minutes and cover the entire Indian landmass every 30 minutes, with a spatial resolution of around 42 metres.

The satellite is expected to support a range of applications, including weather tracking, disaster monitoring, particularly floods, cyclones and forest fires, agriculture, forestry, and strategic and national security surveillance.

The Opposition party demanded that Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay apologise and clarify the government's stand on the traditional sport, reminding him of his earlier support for the Marina protest.

In a party statement, the AIADMK said it was shocking that the MLA, whose Sholavandan constituency includes the world-famous jallikattu venue of Alanganallur, had made such remarks about a sport deeply rooted in Tamil culture and heritage.

The party said jallikattu, also known historically as "eru thazhuvuthal", reflected the thousands-of-years-old relationship between Tamils and cattle dating back to the Sangam era. It questioned whether the MLA could have made the remarks without understanding the cultural significance of the traditional practice.

Recalling the massive student and youth-led protests, the AIADMK said the then AIADMK government had pressed the Union government to secure the continuation of jallikattu.

Questioning why the remarks had not been expunged from the Assembly records, the party alleged that the ruling government may have a hidden agenda regarding the future of jallikattu.

It demanded that Chief Minister Vijay apologise for his MLA's remarks and make a clear statement in the Assembly on the government's position on jallikattu. The AIADMK also referred to a video released by Vijay during the 2017 jallikattu protests and urged him to revisit his earlier stand on the issue.

The District Collector inspected the farm at Marungulam in Thanjavur, where horticultural and tropical crops are developed in an area of 10.77 hectares and inspected the ongoing cultivation and research work undertaken at the farm.

She also inspected the horticulture crops like dragon fruit and other rare fruits and their maintenance. She also inspected the mother plant preservation and nurseries for various cultivable areas. She asked the officials to allocate 0.65 ha of land for developing high-yield horticulture crops and distribute them to farmers and farm owners.

Joint director (Horticulture) Sakthivel, assistant director Muthamizhselvi and others accompanied the Collector.

The KTCC region has 37 Assembly constituencies. In the last Assembly election, the DMK, the principal Opposition party, lost its hold over the region, with the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) winning a majority of the seats.

"Considering the poll debacle and the upcoming local body polls, the party has decided to strengthen the KTCC region. Owing to this, 18 districts have been created in the region," a party leader said.

Before the latest restructuring, the DMK had 11 organisational districts in the KTCC region. Chennai has 16 Assembly constituencies, for which the party has created 10 organisational districts.

Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur have 7 and 10 Assembly constituencies, respectively, with the DMK creating 3 organisational districts in each. Kancheepuram, one of the party's traditional strongholds in the region, has four Assembly constituencies and has been divided into two organisational districts.

The restructuring is expected to be followed by efforts to strengthen the party's grassroots network in the newly created organisational districts. It is also likely to pave the way for fresh appointments at the district level and create opportunities for younger party functionaries ahead of the local body elections.

The exercise aims to improve coordination between the party's organisational units and Assembly constituencies and to strengthen its electoral machinery in the region.

Nainar alleged that Prabhakar had publicly identified himself with a particular religion and sought reservation for a section of the community while occupying the Speaker's chair. The Speaker's post, he said, was a constitutional office that required complete neutrality and was above caste and religious considerations.

He also accused the ruling TVK government of giving prominence to religious identity since assuming office. Nagenthran alleged that Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had projected the government as one for minorities, while finance minister N Marie Wilson had appeared in the Assembly with a rosary during the Budget presentation, spoken about his Christian faith and referred to Biblical verses.

"I am not questioning their religious beliefs. But bringing personal faith into the legislature and conducting oneself on that basis undermines the dignity of the Assembly and creates an impression that the House is being moved towards a particular religion," he said in a statement.

The former minister said previous Speakers had maintained the dignity of the office without publicly foregrounding their caste or religious identities. "It is particularly inappropriate for the Speaker to speak on such matters while occupying the chair," he said, urging Prabhakar and TVK ministers to refrain from bringing personal caste and religious issues into Assembly proceedings.

"The Assembly is a historic institution. Those holding constitutional positions must conduct themselves in a manner that preserves its dignity and neutrality," added Nainar.

Former Tamil Nadu minister VV Swaminathan was conferred the Dr Navalar Award for his contributions to the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu.

The awards were presented at a function held at VIT, Chennai, on Saturday. Former state minister and Navalar-Sezhiyan Foundation member N Nallusamy presented the Dr Navalar Award to Swaminathan, while former TN governor Banwarilal Purohit presented the Era Sezhiyan Award to Sarkar.

In his acceptance speech, Sarkar said the primary objective of education appeared to have been forgotten.

Swaminathan thanked the Navalar-Sezhiyan Foundation for honouring him with the Dr Navalar Award and recalled his services to the people of Tamil Nadu as a Member of Parliament and minister.

VIT founder and chancellor G Viswanathan presided over the function. VIT vice-president GV Selvam attended the event and welcomed the gathering.

The 21 pilgrims, who narrowly escaped the jaws of a catastrophic disaster, arrived at Chennai airport on Friday night, carrying with them the memories of horror and the astonishment of having survived it, with only seconds to react when the deluge struck without warning.

The group was part of a larger contingent undertaking the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra when tragedy struck on August 26.

Meanwhile, the relatives of another group of pilgrims, who are reportedly stranded in Nepal, staged a road blockade on GST Road in Chromepet on Saturday evening, demanding information about their safety and the immediate evacuation of those stranded.

A group of 49 people, including eight belonging to one family, had travelled on the pilgrimage through a private spiritual tourism company based in Chromepet. The relatives of the eight members haven’t heard from any of them since the tragedy struck. The members include Kishore (35), Amudha (57), Velavendhan (58), Rajalakshmi (55), Vikram (60), Senthil Palani (52) and Manjula (55), all reportedly from Jamin Rayapettai in Chromepet.

More than 100 relatives and others gathered in Chromepet amid growing concern over the missing pilgrims. Holding placards, they demanded to know the whereabouts of the group and urged the State government to expedite rescue efforts.

Meanwhile, the survivors who landed on Friday recalled how they initially mistook the approaching flood for dust rising from the mountains.

"We initially saw clouds of dust at a distance but did not make anything of it. We were looking at the scenery and even started taking videos, thinking it was part of the view. But, it soon turned into a rolling mass of boulders and debris," said Sathya Jayaraman, a government school teacher from Kundrathur.

People abandoned their vehicles and began running, as the danger became apparent, she said. “A few minutes later, local police asked everyone to evacuate immediately."

Passengers in Sathya's bus escaped through the driver's door. Vehicles around them, including one that had overturned, temporarily absorbed some of the force of the debris.

"Some vehicles around our bus acted as a shield, giving us time to get out. We left everything behind, including cash and passports. When I got down, it was into ankle-deep sludge," she said.

The group then climbed towards higher ground. Some used a tree for support, while others relied on a woman's sari to reach the ridge.

"For some, the sari had to be tied around their hips and they were pulled up. The floodwater gushed underneath us, making a sound that I cannot describe and will never forget," Sathya said.

Vijayabhuvaneswari, who was travelling with her husband Naavu Kabirdoss, said the sound of the flood resembled an explosion.

"There was a loud noise, like a bomb blast, when the flash flood struck our convoy. The vehicle in front of us and the one behind us boxed us in. We climbed up to save ourselves and then moved towards a hill where there was an Armed Police Force camp," she said.

The pilgrims spent the night at the camp before walking to a helipad.

"It took us three hours to walk from the police camp to the helipad. Some of us, including me, had to crawl because we could barely walk any longer," Sathya said.

M Sivaranjani of Tiruchy said a traffic-related halt at a curve proved crucial.

"There were 21 of us, including the crew, in the middle bus when the deluge struck. Our driver had stopped because of the traffic, while the bus ahead had moved on and the other bus was behind us," she said.

The passengers got out and climbed the mountain despite the difficult terrain, she said, adding that several members of the group were senior citizens.

Karpagam, another survivor from Tiruchy, said the debris quickly overwhelmed the bus ahead.

"Thirty to 40 feet of mud and debris rose and covered the bus in front of us. We did not know what had happened to the people inside. We survived because everyone in our bus acted quickly and got out through the driver's seat," she said.

Kirubakari of Kumbakonam said there was no time to collect belongings.

"We heard a huge blast-like sound and then saw black smoke, muddy water, trees, roots and rocks coming towards us. We prayed to Lord Shiva and jumped out through the driver's side. The driver and operator had fled, and we ran towards the Army camp," she said.

Despite reaching safety, the survivors remained worried about those who were still unaccounted for.

"We have survived, but we still do not know what happened to the others who travelled with us. That is very painful and distressing. Somehow, by God's grace, we survived," Manimekalai said.

Vijayabhuvaneswari said the experience had left her convinced that she might not make it out alive.

"I felt 90 per cent that I would not survive. At that moment, I thought only about my daughter," she recalled.

The girl stayed in her grandmother's house with her cousins. The man used to visit their house to see his children and had sexually assaulted her.

After the girl fell ill, she was taken to a private hospital in Devakottai, where it was found she was three months pregnant. The Ramanathapuram Childline officials conducted an inquiry and accompanied the girl to the Tiruvadanai All-Women Police Station, where a complaint was filed.

The 39-year-old relative was arrested and a report was submitted to detain him under the Goondas Act. He is now lodged in Madurai Central Prison.

Expansion of self-certification, introduction of third-party certification and granting more powers to local bodies to clear housing projects are among the measures.

For residential buildings, the self-certification limit has been increased from 3,500 sq ft to 5,000 sq ft for G+2 and Stilt+3 structures. Third-party certification will be introduced for residential buildings up to 8,070 sq ft.

CREDAI Chennai president Mehul Doshi said the 5,000 sq ft self-certification limit was below what the industry had sought. "We had asked them to increase it to 10,000 sq ft," he said, arguing that this would bring some smaller developer projects within the self-certification system.

Corporations and municipalities will now be able to approve residential buildings up to 16,140 sq ft against the earlier limit of 10,000 sq ft. Town and village panchayats will have powers up to 12,912 sq ft (1,200 sq m). The government has also proposed an end-to-end online process for land-use change applications, allowing applicants to track applications through the various stages.

Doshi also said the third-party certification route could be extended substantially beyond the proposed 8,070 sq ft. "Third-party certification is something which can definitely increase the limit substantially," he said, suggesting that it could go up to 20,000-25,000 sq ft.

Arivalagan, managing director of MAS Construction, also saw the move towards online and professional-led approvals as a positive, but stressed that implementation would determine whether the reforms deliver the intended benefit.

"Under the earlier system, applicants have to rely on engineers or middlemen to take applications through different stages, creating additional payments," he said.

CREDAI also suggested elimination of approvals from the local bodies, suggesting that it could instead be issued at the CMDA or DTCP level.

The government has also introduced third-party certification for commercial buildings up to 3,230 sq ft and industrial buildings up to 26,900 sq ft in SIDCO, SIPCOT, ELCOT and approved industrial layouts. Local bodies' commercial approval limit has been raised from 2,000 sq ft to 5,380 sq ft.

According to sources in Congress, the projection of Vijay as the next Prime Minister, even though it is only supported by a faction ostensibly to impress the party chief, has reportedly raised unease among the top brass of the alliance.

What started as a competition to sing the praises of star-turned-politician Vijay in the Assembly has virtually spilt onto the streets, with posters cropping up claiming Vijay as a PM candidate and viral reels promoting this in the north, in Congress' own backyard.

The issue gained further attention after a recent survey by a private TV channel placed Vijay third among potential prime ministerial candidates, with 9 per cent support, behind Congress scion Rahul Gandhi, much to the chagrin of the GoP.

Congress sources said the party was unhappy with TVK's apparent attempt to project Vijay for the Prime Minister's post within months of the alliance forming the government in Tamil Nadu. They pointed to recent remarks by Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Manickam Tagore, who criticised Ministers for continuing to display a “fan mentality.” This awkward moment is stark as Congress ditched DMK, the leader which openly declared Rahul as the PM candidate, while the newfound ally TVK is seen promoting its own chief for the post.

Congress MP Jothimani had also recently described the projection of Vijay as a prime ministerial candidate as an “election strategy”, while maintaining that no leader could surpass Rahul Gandhi in opposing and defeating the Narendra Modi-led government.

When reporters sought his response to the Congress's criticism in Madurai on Saturday, Minister Nirmal Kumar said people across India had aspirations for Vijay and that the leader would make decisions according to the prevailing political situation. “There is no need to discuss this now,” he said.

Sources said the Congress leadership had planned to project Rahul Gandhi as the alliance’s prime ministerial face while using Vijay’s popularity as a campaign advantage to secure additional seats in pockets across southern states. However, the growing campaign portraying Vijay himself as a prime ministerial candidate has reportedly caused unease within the Congress leadership, raising questions over the alliance’s political messaging and future dynamics.

Commission chairman and retired judge KN Basha said the panel wanted to consult all sections of society. It has already gathered representations from several Dalit outfits as well as the Mukulathor Pulipadai Katchi, headed by actor-politician Karunas.

"Some outfits have expressed concerns that when the law is enacted, it should not adversely affect or target any particular community or group. The commission is carefully considering these aspects," Basha said.

Political parties including the CPM, CPI and IUML have already met the panel and submitted their representations. "We have invited all recognised political parties, including the DMK, PMK and TVK, apart from the Left parties and IUML which have already presented their views," Basha added.

The commission is also examining factors beyond caste-based honour killings. "People are not affected solely by caste violence. We have received complaints from individuals affected by economic discrimination as well. We will take these aspects into account," he said.

Probe expanded to cover economic factors and legal gaps ahead of new legislation

Basha cited a case on the outskirts of Chennai where a marriage proposal was rejected by a family despite both sides belonging to the same caste, primarily because one family was economically weaker.

Commission members noted that the panel is thoroughly examining the underlying social and economic factors linked to honour killings, while seeking wider stakeholder participation prior to submitting its report.

The commission is also evaluating the existing legal framework and its shortcomings. It has drafted key recommendations focusing on generating public awareness against honour killings and strengthening law enforcement and investigating agencies.

During the Assembly session, Minister for Social Justice Vanni Arasu assured that the government would enact a separate law to prevent honour killings once the panel submits its report.

Sources said the move was made after a review by senior officials and consultation with the State police chief.

As part of the Z+ category, around 50 commandos and special wing police personnel were deployed on a rotational basis, around the clock, for intensive surveillance and protection. Police personnel with firearms were also deployed, along with a bulletproof vehicle and jammer facility.

As part of a periodic review in consultation with central and State intelligence, a report was produced. After examining the report, the government has downgraded Stalin's Z Plus security to Z category. Under this category, up to 22 personnel will be on duty.

Security arrangements at Stalin's residence on Cenotaph Road have been altered as per the decision.

While the Holy Flag hoisting event for the annual festival of the Basilica was under way with pomp and fanfare, firecrackers accidentally fell on the gas balloons placed near the flag mast, and they exploded, sources said. Four people, including H Kalaiselvan (38) from Periamet in Chennai and T Ramesh (38) from Abhiramapuram in Chennai, sustained injuries in the explosion.

Sources said that Kalaiselvan's skin was peeled off, while Ramesh sustained injuries to the face. The details about the other two are unknown, as they had minor injuries.

The injured were rushed to Government Medical College Hospital, Orathur, in Nagapattinam. Further investigations are ongoing.

In a statement, Dhinakaran said that describing jallikattu, a traditional sport closely associated with Tamil culture and heritage, as "corrupting the younger generation" was highly condemnable.

He questioned whether the remarks reflected the official position of the TVK government, particularly as the Sholavandan constituency includes Alanganallur, which is internationally known for its jallikattu events.

Dhinakaran also raised doubts over whether the remarks were part of a planned move, noting that the comments had not been removed from the Assembly records. He recalled the massive protests by students, youth and people from various sections across Tamil Nadu, from Alanganallur to Chennai's Marina, which played a key role in securing the continuation of the traditional sport.

"The remarks belittle the sentiments and contributions of the people who fought to protect jallikattu as a cultural right," he said, demanding that the TVK leadership clarify its stand on the sport.

Dhinakaran urged the Speaker to remove the MLA's remarks from the Assembly records. He also called upon Karuppaiah to express regret and withdraw his comments, stating that jallikattu was an integral part of Tamil culture and farmers' lives.

Speaking to reporters in Tiruchy, Durai Vaiko said that he has been requesting the Union government to establish a dry port in Tiruchy for over a year and submitted a petition with the senior ministers in this regard.

"Now, Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed that the recommendation was an apt one for Tiruchy and the State government should initiate steps for the feasibility," Durai Vaiko said. He said that he had already briefed Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay about the project.

He said that the Centre has sent an official intimation about the possible dry port and has also suggested starting the infrastructure facilities for the dry port. "We will follow this up and initiate all possible ways to realise the project," he said.

The parliamentarian pointed out that the dry port would support industrial development in Tiruchy and adjacent districts and play a crucial role in state development by attracting industrial investment.

The dry port in Tiruchy would generate at least 2,000 direct employment opportunities and 10,000 indirect opportunities, he said.

He also noted that the Tiruchy port should be established on at least 100 acres, as the one in Tirupur spans 21 acres. "The district administration has also been informed about the development and I hope the works will positively take off soon," Durai Vaiko added.

In a statement, Tagore expressed shock over the death of Sruthilaya, saying the loss of a young student who had worked hard to realise her dream of becoming a doctor was deeply painful. He conveyed his condolences to her family and said Tirunelveli MP Robert Bruce and Congress functionaries would meet the bereaved family and offer their support.

Tagore said lakhs of students in Tamil Nadu aspire to study medicine after completing Class 12, while the State has only 13,999 medical seats. He also claimed that the number of students qualifying in NEET in Tamil Nadu had fallen from 76,181 in 2025 to 61,306 in 2026, a decline of 19.5 per cent.

Alleging that the NEET system was destroying students' dreams and lives, Tagore blamed the Narendra Modi-led Union government for continuing the examination despite repeated demands from Tamil Nadu.

He urged the Union government and Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi to respect Tamil Nadu's sentiments and abolish NEET, stating that no more students should lose their lives due to the pressure associated with the examination.

According to a DGE press note, the registration numbers of candidates whose marks have undergone changes after re-totalling or revaluation have been published on dge.tn.gov.in. 

Candidates can check whether their marks have been revised by referring to the published list of registration numbers. The Directorate has clarified that there has been no change in marks for candidates whose registration numbers do not appear on the list. 

“Candidates who have secured changes in marks through re-totalling or revaluation process can access their revised provisional mark certificate online. They are required to enter their registration number and date of birth on the DGE website to download the provisional certificate containing their updated marks,” stated the press note. 

The date for distribution of the original mark certificates to candidates who wrote the supplementary exam will be announced separately. 

Email all your queries about re-totalling or revaluation process to dgeb3sec@gmail.com on or before September 8 

A special team arrested him near Periyapalayam on Saturday morning. On Friday, Police recovered the body of the woman, later identified as M Aruna.

Aruna hailed from Chittoor and had come to Uthukottai to attend a wedding. She had been staying at a relative’s house in Vadattur Kandigai, police said. Probe revealed that Bharathi Raja and Aruna were allegedly in an extramarital relationship. However, he had started avoiding her recently, following which she pestered him to meet her and explain his reluctance to continue their relationship.

On Friday, after Aruna allegedly called him continuously, Raja came to meet her and took her to a vacant agricultural field and attacked her with an iron rod, leading to her death. Police suspect that he poured an automotive lubricant on her face and set it on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence.

The accused was produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody.

According to the RMC, a feeble trough running along and off the TN coast persists at lower tropospheric levels. Under its influence, light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is likely at one or two places in TN, Puducherry and Karaikal till August 31.

From September 1-3, isolated places in North Coastal TN, Western Ghats districts, Puducherry and Karaikal are likely to receive light to moderate rain, along with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph. The rest of TN is expected to receive light isolated showers during the period.

Meanwhile, daytime temperatures are likely to remain uncomfortable. Maximum temperatures may stay 2-3 degrees Celsius above normal in a few pockets of TN, Puducherry and Karaikal till September 2, while remaining near normal elsewhere in Tamil Nadu.

In Chennai, the RMC has forecast light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning during the evening and night on August 30. The city is likely to record a maximum temperature of around 38 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 27 degrees Celsius.

Anbazhagan (45) of Tiruneermalai near Pallavaram was a deputy organiser of the district volunteers’ wing of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). He was also a history-sheeter at the Shankar Nagar police station. He was facing murder cases in connection with the killings of Kumar from Tiruneermalai in 2009 and Ganesan, a DMK functionary from Pammal Nagalkeni, in 2021, besides assault cases.

On Thursday afternoon, Anbazhagan was speaking with a friend near the Ambedkar statue in Tiruneermalai when a seven-member gang arrived in an autorickshaw. Anbazhagan ran into a DMK branch office nearby in an attempt to escape, but the gang followed him and hacked him to death.

Based on a complaint, the Shankar Nagar police registered a case and launched a search for the suspects.

The police arrested seven people on Friday in connection with the murder. They were Venus alias Balachandar (48) of Pammal Nagalkeni, Hariharan (29) of Chromepet, Karthikeyan (23) of Mannivakkam, Vishnukumar (21) of Pallavaram, Mukesh Kannan (24) of Nedungundram, Vimal (26) of Kavanur, and Rajkumar (23) of Maraimalai Nagar.

According to police, Ganesan, a DMK functionary from Pammal Nagalkeni, was murdered in 2021 after he allegedly tried to prevent some people from selling government land using forged documents. Venus, Anbazhagan and another person were arrested and remanded in custody in that case.

Then, Venus was a member of the DMK and was also trying to contest the Pammal municipality ward councillor election. Police said Venus had no involvement in the murder, but Anbazhagan had allegedly implicated him in the case, resulting in his arrest and imprisonment. This led to his removal from the DMK, hampering his efforts to contest in the election.

The two, who had earlier been friends, subsequently fell out and developed a power battle, according to police.

Police further said the two also had disputes over real estate activities. Angered by Anbazhagan, Venus allegedly waited for an opportunity and hired men to kill him, police said.

On the Mettur release, the CPM warned that such a precedent will help Karnataka stop, once and for all, the monthly release of Tamil Nadu's share of the Cauvery, citing such a practice, and added that industrial projects should be brought in arid lands, avoiding fertile agricultural fields to save food production.

He also warned that a mere 45-day release would not be enough for samba cultivation and warned that Karnataka could use such an approach in future to deny Tamil Nadu its monthly share and release only surplus water.

The Mettur dam is scheduled to be opened for irrigation on September 1. Shanmugam said the Water Resources Minister N Anand's announcement that water would be released for 45 days had caused confusion among Delta farmers. "Forty-five days is not enough to raise any crop. Even short-duration paddy needs water for about 120 days, while samba requires water for around 150 days," he said, speaking during the CPM’s statewide people-contact campaign, held from August 26 to 31 at Kallukuttai in Velachery.

Shanmugam said Karnataka had not been releasing Tamil Nadu’s monthly entitlement under the Supreme Court’s 2018 Cauvery verdict and had instead been releasing surplus water when its reservoirs overflowed. "If this becomes the approach, Karnataka too may follow it in future and refuse to release Tamil Nadu’s rightful monthly share, saying it will release only surplus water," he said.

He urged the state govt to take steps to secure Tamil Nadu’s monthly entitlement through the Supreme Court and by pressing the Centre. The State should ensure that sufficient water is available for samba cultivation, he said.

Shanmugam said the failure to ensure adequate water had already hit kuruvai cultivation. In Nagapattinam, cultivation had been taken up on only around 200 acres, while in Thiruvarur, where 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh acres were normally cultivated, the crop had been raised on only around 20,000 acres, he claimed.

Responding to the Revenue Minister KA Sengottaiyan’s statement that agricultural land would have to be acquired for development projects, he said the State had lakhs of acres of wasteland and other land unsuitable for cultivation and should identify such land instead.

He said the CPM had opposed the Parandur airport proposal because it involved water bodies and more than 3,000 acres of multi-crop agricultural land. The govt should identify suitable non-agricultural land for the second airport, he said.

In Kallukuttai in Velachery, Shanmugam demanded house-site pattas for residents who have lived there for more than 40 years. He said the locality lacked roads, drinking water and drainage, leaving residents badly affected during the monsoon. He said the Madras High Court had already directed the Revenue Department to consider issuing pattas to Kallukuttai residents and urged the government to implement the direction.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, the deceased, Nagaraj of Vellimalaipattinam near Thondamuthur, was a trader and DMK functionary. Police said his friend Kandasamy, 65, who lives in the same area, allegedly attacked him.

What led Kandansamy to attack the DMK functionary?

According to the police, Kandasamy suspected Nagaraj of having an affair with his wife, and the two men had frequently argued over the issue.

Nagaraj had left his house on his motorcycle to buy tea when Kandasamy allegedly intercepted him on Naraseepuram South Rath Road.

Kandasamy threw chilli powder in Nagaraj's face, causing him to lose his balance and fall from the motorcycle. He then allegedly attacked Nagaraj repeatedly with a goat-shearing knife that he had concealed.

Nagaraj sustained multiple injuries, including to his neck, the back of his head and abdomen. He died on the spot.

What happened to the suspect who killed the DMK functionary?

Kandasamy allegedly fled the spot after the attack. On receiving information, Alandurai police reached the scene and launched a search to trace him. During the search, Kandasamy allegedly attempted suicide by cutting his right hand with a knife.

Police rescued him and admitted him to Coimbatore Government Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment.