"The TVK-led government will solve all these issues. We will not act against anyone and will support farmers and people. To resolve all these issues, tripartite talks are under way," the minister said.

The issue was raised by AIADMK member A Arunmozhithevan, CPM member T Latha, Premalatha (DMDK) and Sowmiya Anbumani (PMK), who alleged that NLC was a ruthless company that did not provide jobs to local people who had given their lands to the corporation.

Minister Keerthana said NLC had reported no untoward incidents in or around the company. "The company has assured the government that it is its duty to maintain cordial relations with local people and the district administration," the Minister said. PMK appealed to the minister, asking her not to fall for NLC's claims that it might not have properly allocated funds under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Members from both parties urged the Speaker to take up the issues under the Special Calling Attention Motion immediately. AIADMK floor leader Edappadi K Palaniswami and Opposition Whip EV Velu raised the issue when the Assembly commenced on Thursday.

Replying to them, Speaker JCD Prabhakar said he could take up the issues only after receiving replies from the ministers of the concerned departments.

Recalling the procedure followed during the DMK regime, the Speaker said the then floor leader, Duraimurugan, had told the Opposition that the issues could be taken up under Rule 55 in the House only after receiving replies from the Ministers.

"The same procedure has been followed now. This House has already taken up two issues under Rule 55 as Special Calling Attention Motions. This procedure continues in this House, " the Speaker said.

Ground-level assessments and reports from veterinary doctors indicate that the elephants died of natural causes, said R Vidyadhar, Deputy Director of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.

A 50-year-old female elephant found dead on August 8 was suspected to have died of old age. Field teams also found signs at the site suggesting that the elephant may have slipped and fallen on a slope.

Another 50-year-old female elephant found dead in the Kuthirai Paarai area of the Avaralla section in the Masinagudi Forest Range on August 17 was also suspected to have died naturally due to old age. Its carcass was found about 1.5 km from the Moyar River, a permanent water source.

In the third incident, a 30-year-old female elephant died on August 18, with officials suspecting an injury to its hind limb as the cause. The injury may have restricted the animal's mobility and affected its overall physical condition. Its carcass was found about 500 metres from the Maravakandy Reservoir, another permanent water source.

“Two of the three carcasses were found close to permanent water sources, ruling out a direct link between the deaths and water scarcity. Although the deaths occurred during a period of low rainfall, that alone cannot be considered scientific evidence. The division records an average of 15 to 20 elephant deaths every year due to natural causes,” Vidyadhar noted.

From the Kilambakkam terminus, special buses to Tiruvannamalai, Tiruchy, Kumbakonam, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Nagercoil, Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi, Coimbatore, Salem, Erode and Tirupur will be operated.

A total of 890 buses will ply on August 21 and 820 buses on August 22.

From the CMBT, special buses to Tiruvannamalai, Nagapattinam, Velankanni, Hosur and Bengaluru will be operated.

One hundred and ten buses will be operated each on August 21 and 22. In addition, 200 special buses from Bengaluru, Tirupur, Erode and Coimbatore will ply to various destinations.

From the Madhavaram Bus Terminus, special buses will run to Kallakurichi, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruchy, Kumbakonam, Vellore, Hosur and Puducherry.

Eighty special buses will be operated each on August 21 and 22.

To facilitate passengers returning to Chennai and Bengaluru from their hometowns, 465 special buses will also be operated from various parts of the state on August 23.

So far, 18,762 passengers have booked tickets for Friday, 10,461 have booked for Saturday, and 17,678 passengers have booked for Sunday, taking the total number of advance bookings to 46,901.

The number is expected to increase further in the coming days.

Additional officials have been deployed at major bus terminals to monitor the operation of the special services.

Passengers can book tickets in advance through the TNSTC mobile app or the www.tnstc.in website.

Addressing the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council near Chennai, CM Vijay highlighted that southern states have been at the forefront of population control, human development, and economic growth. Expressing a shared concern among these states, he noted that a delimitation exercise based predominantly on population could diminish their collective voice in Parliament.

“Public policy must not inadvertently penalise states for fulfilling national objectives,” Vijay stressed, seeking an assurance to preserve the federal balance.

On fiscal federalism, the Chief Minister stated that southern states seek fair and equitable treatment respecting fiscal autonomy rather than preferential treatment, alongside greater flexibility in determining GST rates.

On inter-state water disputes, particularly Cauvery and Mullaiperiyar, he urged that the rights of lower-riparian states be protected and tribunal awards implemented in letter and spirit.

Reiterating the State’s opposition to NEET, Vijay requested permission for Tamil Nadu to fill all seats under the state quota in MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses solely based on Class 12 marks, arguing that the competitive exam disadvantages rural and economically weaker students. He also called for stronger inter-state coordination to tackle drug trafficking and proposed common economic clusters across the region, reminding the council that southern states contribute over 30% of India’s GDP. The meeting was chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and attended by chief ministers and representatives from neighbouring states.

Meanwhile, the DMK strongly criticised Vijay, alleging that he had executed a somersault on the delimitation issue following his meeting with Amit Shah. Speaking to reporters at Anna Arivalayam, DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran questioned the Chief Minister over the resolution previously passed by the State Assembly, which insisted that the number of Lok Sabha constituencies remain frozen at 543 based on the 1971 Census.

Maran asked whether Vijay had changed his position, shifted his political alignment from the Congress to the BJP, or acted out of fear after meeting the Union Home Minister. The opposition party demanded that the TVK leader clarify his actual stand on the upcoming delimitation process.

Food and Civil Supplies Department Minister P Venkataramanan announced in the House on Thursday that such flexibility is being made available to buy from any ration shop, not just the one the card is registered with.

Replying to the debate over grant demands for the department, he said that beneficiaries could use a soft copy of their ration card or simply provide the card number to obtain commodities. "It is not mandatory to get commodities from the fair price shop to which the ration card is attached. They can buy them from any ration shop across the State," he said.

Family members whose names and biometric details are registered with the ration card can also obtain commodities through fingerprint or iris authentication, the minister said.

Tamil Nadu has 38,438 fair price shops, he said, adding that the government was taking steps to procure more fine varieties of rice. The department had also obtained land belonging to the Dharmapuram Adheenam for use as paddy storage godowns, Venkataramanan said.

He said full-time fair price shops would be established in urban areas when 800 families were attached to a shop, and in rural areas when the number reached 500. Part-time shops would be considered where 150 families were attached.

The minister's remarks on alleged bribes at paddy procurement centres, however, triggered protests from DMK members.

Former minister Govi Chezhiaan alleged that farmers were being made to pay Rs 50 to Rs 60 per bag at procurement centres and questioned whether the government was willing to admit that such practices continued under the present regime.

Former minister K N Nehru said such payments were still being collected. "Whoever takes the bribe, people know," he said.

Minister Aadhav Arjuna said the issue was about farmers and not politics. He said even DMK MLA K Poondi Kalaivanan had raised the issue of bribes during the previous regime.

He also alleged that farmer organisations had complained of interference by local-body representatives and political functionaries at procurement centres.

"Political interference exists at paddy procurement centres. Our stand is that it should not be there," Arjuna said.

Venkataramanan said the TVK government was taking action wherever irregularities were corrected.

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, who addressed the meeting, warned party functionaries that positions and electoral seats would be given only to those who actively worked for the party and urged them to work towards making Rahul Gandhi the next PM. “Some people are showing indifference towards party work. In the coming days, responsibility and positions will be given only to members who actually work,” he said.

He said the Congress should work with clarity towards making Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister in 2029 and called upon the Tamil Nadu unit to prepare for the goal.

The resolution was adopted on the day Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar was in Tamil Nadu to attend the South Zone Chief Ministers’ meeting amid TVK members hailing Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay as the next PM.

The Congress said Cauvery water sharing should be implemented in accordance with the 2007 final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and the 2018 Supreme Court judgment. It alleged that Karnataka had continued to deny Tamil Nadu its rightful share of Cauvery water despite the legal orders.

Opposing Karnataka’s proposal to construct a 67.15 TMC capacity dam at Mekedatu, the council said the project could affect Tamil Nadu’s share of Cauvery water and have serious consequences for the Cauvery Delta. It assured support for all steps taken by the Tamil Nadu government to safeguard the state’s water rights and prevent the construction of the dam.

The council also passed a resolution seeking the retention of the existing 543 Lok Sabha constituencies, based on the 1971 Census, for another 25 years, along with a 33 per cent reservation for women.

Another resolution welcomed a new era of coalition politics and Congress’s participation in the government led by TVK leader and Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.

Taking a swipe at the DMK’s criticism that the Congress had “backstabbed” it after the elections, Venugopal said the Congress would never cheat or stab anyone in the back.

“If we had not supported Vijay, President’s Rule would have come. Or the indirect rule arranged by the BJP would have come into effect,” he said.

S Rohini of Tiruchendur taluk in Thoothukudi district said in her complaint that she had been serving as a TVK executive committee member for the past one year. She alleged that TVK cadre Roosevelt and Thoothukudi town secretary Nivash Kannan had promised to get her an important post in the party and then allegedly harassed her by sending obscene messages through WhatsApp.

Though she filed a complaint with the party district secretary, no action was taken against them. Hence, she lodged another complaint at the Thoothukudi DSP’s office on August 13. Based on the complaint, the police registered a case and arrested one person, Sibas.

However, Rohini alleged that no appropriate action had been taken against Roosevelt, Nivash Kannan, Brighten, Maharajan and Borjia, among others. She also said that Roosevelt was absconding.

She further alleged that Roosevelt’s relatives had been issuing death threats to her over the phone and through other persons. She also alleged that there was pressure on her to withdraw the police complaint.

Hence, she approached the IG’s office seeking immediate action against those concerned and adequate police protection for herself and her child, citing the threat to their lives.

A police source said that two persons had already been arrested in connection with the case and that the police would look into her fresh complaint.

During the discussion on the demands for grants for the Cooperative and Food Safety departments, DMK MLA Poondi K Kalaivanan said the Justice Party had created opportunities for people to enter the Assembly and changed the system under which only taxpayers were allowed to vote.

Social Justice Minister Vanni Arasu intervened and said Dr BR Ambedkar was responsible for establishing the principle of “one vote, one value” for every citizen.

Kalaivanan then said the Dravidian movement had played a major role in securing rights for women. He also pointed to the larger number of women MLAs elected from the DMK to the Assembly.

Minister Keerthana countered that women’s rights had existed only on paper earlier and claimed that Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had ensured women’s rights in the Legislative Assembly.

Former minister SP Velumani intervened and said it was former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa who introduced 50 per cent reservation for women in local bodies.

Congress MLA Tharahai Cuthbert said former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had reduced the voting age from 21 to 18, thereby expanding voting rights.

The exchange continued with members highlighting the contributions of different political leaders and movements to electoral and women’s rights.

Meanwhile, Kalaivanan urged the government not to completely discontinue the practice of collecting land tax from landholders. He said a system of collecting land revenue had continued since the British era and appealed to the government to retain a nominal levy on land.

The issue came up after Revenue Minister KA Sengottaiyan had recently announced during the demands for grants for the Revenue Department that the government had decided to discontinue the decades-old practice.

Responding to Kalaivanan’s appeal, Sengottaiyan reiterated in the Assembly that the government remained firm on its decision to discontinue the practice.

Danapal (72), a resident of Tennur in Tiruchy, was running a stone quarry in Karur by contract. On August 17, Danapal received a call from an unknown person who introduced himself as an official from the mines department and informed him that the contract period for the quarry had lapsed and so he needed to renew the contract.

The caller further insisted Danapal deposit a sum of Rs 2 lakh in a particular account shared by the miscreant. Believing the words, Danapal, in a hurry, sent the sum of Rs 2 lakh even without verifying his contract deal document.

After sending the money, Danapal tried to contact the particular number, but it was out of use. Realising that he was cheated, Danapal lodged a complaint with the Tiruchy Cyber Crime Police. A case has been registered and a search for the culprit is under way.

Fourteen accused, including Prema, Muthurani and Kavitha, sought anticipatory bail, while the arrested Deputy Collector-rank officer Anbalagan and Rajkumar sought regular bail.

The prosecution opposed the pleas, arguing that the investigation was at an early stage and that custodial interrogation was necessary to unravel the case.

After hearing all sides, Justice Murali Shankar reserved orders.

The Division Bench comprising Justices CV Karthikeyan and R Sakthivel issued this direction in a petition filed by advocate Selvakumar of Managiri, Madurai, seeking a uniform procedure for contracting out government buses for the annual event.

The petitioner had contended that while government buses were provided on contract for educational institutions, factories, weddings, and religious and social events, applications for buses for the Emmanuel Sekaran Guru Puja were allegedly kept pending or rejected altogether.

When the petition came up for hearing before the court, the government counsel informed the judge that 100 buses were available from the Kumbakonam division, 40 from the Madurai division and 40 from the Tirunelveli division. If the petitioner submits a proper application, the government will provide the buses, the counsel said.

Recording the submissions, the judges directed the authorities to provide sufficient buses if the petitioner sought them on a contract basis. The court also directed that two police officers be assigned to each bus.

The court further directed that people should not travel on the roof of buses or hang from the steps and ordered them to strictly follow safety regulations. The authorities were directed to file a report on compliance with the court's directions, and the case was adjourned.

In response to the debate over grant demands, Venkataramanan said the new DPCs would bring the total to 889. Each centre will have infrastructure, including roads, drinking water, toilets, weighbridges and moisture meters, with the 100 centres to be built at a cost of Rs 81 crore through the Rural Development Department.

The government will construct 15 warehouses with a combined capacity of 31,000 metric tonnes in 13 districts - Chengalpattu, Pudukkottai, Karur, Coimbatore, Tenkasi, Kallakurichi, Tirunelveli, Namakkal, Thanjavur, Salem, Cuddalore, Kancheepuram and Sivaganga - at a cost of Rs 81.60 crore.

Worker rest rooms will be established at 10 Tamil Nadu State Warehousing Corporation complexes at Rs 1.89 crore, including a toilet-equipped facility at Batlagundu, while a compound wall will be constructed at Ariyalur.

An AI-based mobile application, costing Rs 1 crore, will be developed to assess the quality of rice, wheat, tur dal, sugar and other food commodities. Another 150 fair-price shops will be created by bifurcating outlets with more than 1,500 ration cards.

For elderly and differently abled beneficiaries facing difficulties with fingerprint and iris authentication, face-authentication-enabled PoS machines will be provided to 150 fair-price shops at a total cost of Rs 59 lakh.

The department will create a Unified Monitoring Web Portal that integrates the Civil Supplies Corporation, the Commissionerate of Civil Supplies, the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, and the Civil Supplies CID for data sharing, real-time monitoring, and coordination.

QR-code tagging of rice bags will ensure traceability from mills to fair-price shops, while GIS mapping and vehicle-location tracking will strengthen supply-chain monitoring.

In a meeting on the next course of action on crop loan waiver held in Tiruchy, representatives from over 15 associations, including Tamil Nadu Farmers Protection Association, Uzhavar Urimai Iyakkam, Desiya Thennindhiya Nadhigal Inaippu Sangam, Cauvery-Vaigai-Gundar irrigation farmers association, Tamilaga Vivasayigal Sangam, Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, Vaigai Vivasayigal Sangam and International Social Workers Council, took part, in which the leaders proposed intensifying the protest against the government. They have decided to hold the protest in Chennai from September 1 while the assembly session is under way.

Speaking to reporters, Easan Murugesan said, “The crop loan has been revised three times, disappointing farmers every single time. While the government has an adequate fund to purchase new cars for the legislators and provides Rs 1 lakh for its expenses, it refuses a crop loan waiver, citing fund crunch. This government does not care about the farmers."

He noted that farmers have been demanding the government to scrap schemes that are useful for corporates but not farmers. “We understand a few officials are misguiding the Chief Minister, C Joseph Vijay, and we condemn their attitude. The protest will be held at Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore. We will never leave Chennai until the crop loan waiver as per the poll promise is announced," Murugesan said.

He also said that at least 50 farmers from various associations would be on an indefinite hunger strike while 2000 farmers would take part in the peaceful protest each day. “Even if the government does not permit us to stage a protest at the specific place, we will approach the court and get permission. We need the loan waiver announcement by this assembly session itself; otherwise, we would decide on the further course of action," he said.

Noting that as many as eight ministers assured them of fulfilling the poll promise when they protested in Chennai on August 7, he said, but they cheated the farmers.

The Government Model School in Kuppur, near Omalur in Salem district, has come under scrutiny over the controversial decision. “An inquiry is underway into the appointment of teachers from other states. We have also sought details on whether the teachers were paid through the school management committee,” said A Ellappan, Chief Educational Officer of Salem district.

The teachers, who hail from Rajasthan and other northern states, have been appointed to the school, with more than 400 boys and girls from Classes 6 to 12 studying at the residential school, which also provides hostel facilities.

The school offers coaching to Class 12 students preparing for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and other national-level entrance examinations. In the recent NEET re-examination, five students from the school secured admission to medical courses under the 7.5 per cent preferential quota for students from government schools.

Against this backdrop, the appointment of five non-native Tamil-speaking teachers has become a contentious issue. Criticism on social media has centred on whether teachers who do not know Tamil can communicate effectively with students and provide coaching.

In a statement, he said the May 29, 2026, order recorded 4,601 encroachments covering 5,072.653 hectares in Meghamalai. The State government had classified 1,595 occupants as having permanent houses and forest-dependent livelihoods, 233 as having temporary houses and such livelihoods, and 2,773 as being dependent on forest agriculture.

Veerapandian said their rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, must be identified, verified and recognised before any eviction. Section 4 (5) of the Act safeguards tribal and traditional forest dwellers from eviction until the rights recognition process is completed, he said.

He urged the government to halt evictions, complete the recognition of individual and community forest rights and challenge the Supreme Court order, stressing that forest conservation and the rights of forest-dependent communities were not contradictory.

During Zero Hour in the Assembly, the issue was raised by AIADMK floor leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, S Sivakumar (PMK), R Senthilselvan (DMK), T Ramachandran (CPI) and R Chellaswamy (CPM).

Replying to them, minister Aadhav Arjuna said four fishermen from Sirkazhi had ventured into the sea for fishing off the Arabian coast. "During their venture, Iranian pirates tried to loot. Following this, they were shot, and one fisherman, Maaveeran, died on the spot. Another fisherman was admitted to the hospital," Minister Aadhav said.

He said an inquiry had been initiated and that the Mayiladuthurai District Collector was taking all measures to bring back Maaveeran's body. "The Secretary of Fisheries is also taking measures through the embassy," Minister Aadhav said.

The latest Budget proposed smart meters for all consumers in Chennai city and 50 lakh industrial and commercial consumers across the rest of the State. Chennai Region, which includes parts of Tiruvallur district, has around 38.80 lakh consumers. The announcement replaces the previous government's proposal to install smart meters for all 3.04 crore consumers in two phases.

In its representation to the TNPDCL Chairman and Managing Director, the JAC said smart meters should instead be limited to high-consumption consumers through the capital expenditure (CAPEX) model.

The unions said around 1.3 crore domestic consumers use less than 200 units, while another 90 lakh use between 200 and 500 units. Around 33 lakh domestic consumers use more than 500 units, and 40 lakh commercial consumers could be covered under smart metering, they said. They also opposed smart meters for around 24 lakh agricultural connections.

The JAC claimed that installing three lakh smart meters under the Total Expenditure (Totex) model would cost around Rs 475 crore, against a Central subsidy of only Rs 52 crore, leaving the utility with an additional Rs 423 crore burden. The same number of meters could be procured, installed and maintained by TNPDCL employees for around Rs 175 crore under the CAPEX model, it said.

The JAC therefore demanded that the blanket rollout be dropped and CAPEX-based smart meters be installed only for high-consumption consumers.

The unions also sought new generation plants, substations and distribution infrastructure, along with the required manpower, to meet the State's growing electricity demand.

They demanded the withdrawal of Board Order No 2 dated April 12, 2022, which requires government approval for extending government employee schemes to power utility staff, citing delays.

The JAC sought immediate implementation of the Rs 25 lakh gratuity ceiling for power utility employees and retrospective enhancement of the FSFS benefit from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh from September 1, 2021. The JAC urged the management to resolve the pending demands to maintain industrial peace.

"Public policy must not inadvertently penalise states for fulfilling national objectives," Vijay stressed, seeking an assurance to preserve the federal balance.

On fiscal federalism, the Chief Minister stated that southern states seek fair and equitable treatment respecting fiscal autonomy rather than preferential treatment, alongside greater flexibility in determining GST rates.

On inter-state water disputes, particularly Cauvery and Mullaiperiyar, he urged that the rights of lower-riparian states be protected and tribunal awards implemented in letter and spirit.

Reiterating the State's opposition to NEET, Vijay requested permission for Tamil Nadu to fill all seats under the state quota in MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses solely based on Class 12 marks, arguing that the competitive exam disadvantages rural and economically weaker students.

He also called for stronger inter-state coordination to tackle drug trafficking and proposed common economic clusters across the region, reminding the council that southern states contribute over 30% of India's GDP. The meeting was chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and attended by chief ministers and representatives from neighbouring states.

Meanwhile, the DMK strongly criticised Vijay, alleging that he had executed a somersault on the delimitation issue following his meeting with Amit Shah. Speaking to reporters at Anna Arivalayam, DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran questioned the Chief Minister over the resolution previously passed by the State Assembly, which insisted that the number of Lok Sabha constituencies remain frozen at 543 based on the 1971 Census.

Maran asked whether Vijay had changed his position, shifted his political alignment from the Congress to the BJP, or acted out of fear after meeting the Union Home Minister. The opposition party demanded that the TVK leader clarify his actual stand on the upcoming delimitation process.

It said that the cooperative administration will deduct Rs 1.75 and the producers would get only Rs 1.25 per litre.

It demanded that the State increase the procurement price by 5%.

It noted that the milk producers have long been demanding Rs 44/litre of cow milk and Rs 60/ litre of buffalo milk.

Noting that procurement by Aavin in August 2025 was 36 lakh litre/ day, association State president Rajendran said, “If the situation continues, the milk producers from the central region would opt to supply milk to the private firms, further weakening the functioning of Aavin," he said.

In collaboration with the Directorate of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, the State government conducted the coaching programme for the wards of retired armed forces personnel from 2016 until 2020.

The 15-day training programme was conducted through the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies at the University of Madras.

It was aimed at spreading awareness about the CDS examination and helping students understand its pattern, syllabus and the types of questions asked.

The programme helped some candidates clear the CDS examination, and a few of them are currently undergoing training to become officers in the armed forces.

The coaching classes were halted during the pandemic and are yet to be resumed. The continued suspension has raised concerns, particularly as awareness of the CDS examination remains low among students in Tamil Nadu and the number of candidates appearing for defence officer-level examinations is relatively low.

J Utham, head of the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies at the University of Madras, said the programme had played an important role in creating awareness among students about the CDS examination.

"We are ready to restart the coaching classes if the government gives permission," he said.

Students and ex-servicemen's organisations are expecting the Tamil Nadu government to take steps to revive the programme, which could help more wards of former armed forces personnel pursue careers as defence officers.

Udhaya Shri, who lives in the Lakshmipuram hamlet of Namanur village panchayat in Sivaganga, is among the nearly 60 students, most of them girls, who pedal about 10 km every day to school and back, because the village doesn’t have a bus service.

Villagers said the lack of transportation has already forced around 90 of the 150 students in the village to shift to private schools that provide bus services.

Every day, morning and evening, a stream of girls could be seen pedalling one behind the other, like ants moving in a line, along the route to school. At some sandy stretches along the stream, it gets hard to pedal and they are forced to get down the bicycles and push them along.

“There is hardly any presence of people on this route. Our parents always caution us about safety, and we are filled with fear on our ride home in the evening,” a group of students said.

The students leave their homes around 7.30 am and reach the Government Model Higher Secondary School at Keelappoongudi around 8.15 am. In the evening, they leave school at 5 and reach home by around 6.30 pm.

“It feels like we are holding a fire in our stomach until our children reach home safely in the evening,” said Ananda Bairavi, 42, the mother of a Class 10 student from the village.

Mothers of many girl students echoed concerns about their children’s safety.

“These days it is common to see people in an inebriated condition. How can we not worry about our children's safety?” they asked.

Giritharan, a Class 10 student, said the journey becomes particularly difficult during the rainy season.

“It gets very difficult for us to reach home in the rains. We come home drenched and our books are ruined,” he said.

Though there is a direct bus service for the village in the morning and evening, the service originates from Melur, a taluk in Madurai district, and does not pass via Keelappoongudi, where the school is located.

The morning bus arrives after 9 am, while the evening service comes only after 6.30 pm.

“If we want to catch a bus, we either need to walk a kilometre to a bus stop or two kilometres to Namanur. But even then, there are no frequent services,” villagers said.

Though the village is located around 12 km from Sivaganga, the district headquarters, there is no direct government bus service connecting the village with Sivaganga.

“We have made repeated representations to authorities to run bus services during school hours, but to no avail. It will reduce the financial burden on families,” villagers said.

Lakshmipuram, where around 250 families live, is predominantly dependent on agriculture. Unable to withstand the daily ordeal and worried about their children’s safety, many families have shifted their children to private schools that provide transportation to students.

The Sivaganga Collector could not be reached for his response despite repeated attempts.

Announcing a slew of facilities for MLAs under Rule 110 in the Assembly on Wednesday, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay said every legislator would be provided a car and driver, besides a monthly vehicle allowance of Rs 75,000. The government would also provide Rs 25,000 a month to enable each MLA to appoint an assistant for office-related work.

The announcement had come after a demand by Kattumannarkoil VCK MLA LE Jothimani that he had to travel nearly 250 km to reach the Assembly, and that he did not own a vehicle and depended on hired transport. He had sought vehicles for MLAs to enable them to travel to their constituencies and attend to public grievances.

However, his election affidavit lists a Toyota Etios, purchased in 2012. His declared total assets was Rs 85.47 lakh, including Rs 50 lakh in immovable assets and jewellery worth Rs 25 lakh owned by his wife.

The remarks of Periyakulam TVK MLA G Sabari Iyngaran have drawn greater attention. While thanking the CM, Sabari said he had no job and no car earlier and had been travelling by train and auto.

"I had no job and no car. Today, the leader has given me a job and a car," he said, adding that Secretariat security personnel often questioned his identity when he arrived at the Assembly in an auto.

His election affidavit, however, lists a Tata Tigor purchased in February 2023, besides an Access 125 and a Jupiter scooter. He declared total assets of Rs 72.76 lakh, including Rs 30 lakh in fixed deposits and gold jewellery.

Asked by reporters how he could say he came by auto when his affidavit showed that he owned a car, Sabari said, "The distance is long between Periyakulam and Chennai and I travelled by train to attend the Assembly."

Modakurichi TVK MLA D Shanmugan too sparked interest by telling the Chief Minister, "If you are giving a car, it would be good if you give an Innova."

His affidavit lists four cars — a Toyota Innova Crysta, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Mercedes-Benz GLE 250 4Matic and Volkswagen Ameo. His declared movable assets stand at Rs 6.49 crore and immovable assets at about Rs 31 crore, taking his total declared assets to around Rs 37.52 crore.

It also raised questions about how such decisions could have been reached with the CM's consent.

In its first resolution, the party condemned the order issued by Gujiliamparai Tahsildar Ayyasamy on August 18, seeking details of CPM and CPI members in the taluk. The party said the tehsildar had exceeded his powers and acted in violation of the law.

The CPM questioned why the Dindigul Collector and senior revenue officials had not acted against the order. It also criticised the Collector's decision to relieve the tehsildar from training later that same day, saying the move appeared to be an attempt to avoid action against the official.

The party demanded that the Revenue Minister and Secretary take responsibility for the alleged violation and that action be initiated against the officials concerned.

In another resolution, the CPM condemned the August 17 communication issued by the Commissioner of College Education to principals of all government arts and science colleges.

The communication referred to a government letter dated August 14 calling for coordination among the School Education, Higher Education, police and district administration departments to prevent students and youth from participating in protests organised by Left parties and the Cockroach Janata Party and other democratic movements.

The CPM said the directive amounted to an attempt to curb the constitutional right to protest and could facilitate police interference in educational institutions.

The party said the August 14 communication was based on discussions at a law and order review meeting in July in which Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar had participated. It questioned how such a decision could have been taken without the knowledge of the Council of Ministers or the Chief Minister.

Though the Commissioner of College Education withdrew the communication on August 19, the CPM said the withdrawal did not absolve those responsible for issuing the directive.

The party demanded that the Chief Secretary take responsibility for the instructions and urged Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to ensure that such attempts to restrict democratic rights and target Left parties did not recur.

The resolutions were adopted at the CPM state executive committee meeting held in Chennai on August 19 and 20, chaired by state executive committee member K Samuelraj. Politburo members K Balakrishnan and U Vasuki, state secretary P Shanmugam and others participated in the meeting.

However, KA Sengottaiyan, former AIADMK leader and present Floor Leader, was caught on the wrong foot for claiming that the PDS-supplied food is fit only for cattle, as the opposition objected, saying it demeans the people reliant on the supply.

DMK member MRK Panneerselvam said that party MLA K N Nehru also consumed ration rice, as it helped reduce his blood sugar levels.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition KN Nehru said he was consuming ration rice on his doctor's advice. He added that he was not the only one and that many diabetic patients consumed ration rice.

Intervening in the debate, Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna said that during the Agricultural Budget debate, DMK MLA MRK Panneerselvam had said that his party MLA Nehru owned 1,000 acres of land for farming, but now claimed that Nehru was consuming ration rice as a person belonging to the poorest section.

Replying to the minister, Nehru said it did not matter how many acres of land a person owned, as one could eat only as much as one could consume. He said he was engaged in farming for the benefit of others, including minister Aadhav.

During Zero Hour in the Assembly, DMK member Thangam Thennarasu raised the issue, saying the fireworks industry had been severely affected by surprise checks at factories, which hit Diwali production, and that the upcoming Monsoon season will affect the functioning of the units.

Intervening, Industries Minister Keerthana said the issue had been resolved and that the employees had returned to their factories. Alleging that political parties were behind instigating protests over the issue, she said some had created confusion among the people and distorted the facts.

Rejecting the minister's statement, DMK MLA Thangam Thennarasu said there was no objection to conducting raids on illegal factories, but surprise checks had also been conducted at legally functioning factories. "Owing to these checks, the production of crackers has been affected. There was no politics behind the agitation. Agitation is a democratic right," he added.

The new curriculum and syllabi are being developed in accordance with the Tamil Nadu State Education Policy 2025. A high-level expert committee and curriculum design committees were constituted under the leadership of the Minister for School Education, A Rajmohan, to oversee the process.

Following the guidance of these committees, SCERT has prepared curricula for Tamil, English, Mathematics, Science and Social Science for students from Classes 6 to 10.

The draft curricula will be available on the TN School Education Department's official website, tnschools.gov.in, from August 20 for educators, members of the public, teachers and students to review.

Those wishing to offer suggestions or comments have been asked to submit their feedback through the online form available on the same website. Respondents are required to provide their personal details along with their feedback.

The deadline for submitting feedback is August 31.

The initiative invites teachers, students, educationists, and the wider public to share their views before the curriculum development process moves forward.

Addressing the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Kovalam near Mamallapuram, Vijay said Tamil Nadu’s river-water rights must be protected and the rights of downstream States should be safeguarded, according to a Daily Thanthi report.

The Supreme Court on August 17 had directed the Karnataka government to comply with the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s (CWMA) directions on releasing water to Tamil Nadu and sought a status report on the releases.

The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) had directed Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days from August 12. The CWMA subsequently upheld the decision.

Vijay seeks NEET exemption, fair share of funds

Vijay also reiterated Tamil Nadu’s demand for exemption from the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), saying the examination affects poor and rural students seeking admission to medical courses. He suggested that medical admissions be based solely on Class 12 marks.

He also called for steps to raise the Mullaperiyar dam’s water level to 152 feet in accordance with judicial directions.

Speaking about delimitation, the Chief Minister urged the Centre to ensure that southern States do not lose parliamentary representation because of their success in population control. He sought a legal assurance that the representation of southern States would not be reduced.

Vijay also demanded a fairer share of central funds for Tamil Nadu, saying financial devolution should take into account States’ performance and development investments.

Bengaluru Metro extension to Hosur sought

Vijay proposed extending the Bengaluru Metro network to Hosur, describing it as an important infrastructure project that could strengthen connectivity between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

He also called for greater regulation of online medicine sales and sought cooperation among southern States to tackle drug trafficking.

The Chief Minister proposed integrated industrial clusters connecting southern States and called for greater flexibility for States in determining GST-related rates and limits.

He said southern States would work together on maritime transport and fishing-related issues and stressed the need for cooperation among neighbouring States.

“Southern States are the engines of India’s economic growth,” Vijay said, noting that they account for around 30% of the country’s GDP. He added that Tamil Nadu would continue to work with the Centre towards the country’s overall development.

The meeting was attended by Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan, Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan and senior officials from the participating States and Union Territories.

Abraham had set up a pentecostal church in the name of Rajaji Raj in Mela Ilandaikulam in 2020, said M Shanmughan, Additional Superintendent of Police, Crime Against Women and Children (CWC), Tirunelveli, who reopened the investigation into the case in January 2026.

He invited the girls to learn the Bible and songs at his church and sexually assaulted them, including penetrative assault, the officer said, adding the girls had not even attained puberty.

Since it was during the COVID-19 pandemic, the children did not attend school. “The pastor also threatened the girls with dire consequences if they informed their parents,” said Shanmugam.

It was only after two years that one of the girls told her parents. After the mother lodged a complaint at the Tirunelveli All-Women Police Station, the then inspector, Radha, registered a case against the pastor under the POCSO Act in July 2022 and arrested him. The police also provided counselling to the girls.

When the prosecution produced the four girls before the court on Thursday, they requested the Judge Suresh Kumar to award the maximum punishment to Abraham.

The court also ordered the government to pay Rs 10 lakh as compensation to each of the four girls.

AIADMK floor leader Edappadi K Palaniswami and Opposition Whip EV Velu raised the issue when the Assembly commenced on Thursday.

Replying to them, Speaker JCD Prabhakar said he could take up the issues only after receiving replies from the Ministers of the concerned departments.

Recalling the procedure followed during the DMK regime, the Speaker said the then floor leader, Duraimurugan, had told the Opposition that the issues could be taken up under Rule 55 in the House only after receiving replies from the Ministers.

"The same procedure has been followed now. This House has already taken up two issues under Rule 55 as Special Calling Attention Motions. This procedure continues in this House," the Speaker said.

Sharing photographs of the interaction on social media platfom X, Satheesan said in a post, "On the sidelines of the Southern Zonal Council meeting in Mahabalipuram, Chennai, had a key interaction with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. PK Kunhalikutty (Minister for Industries and Information Technology of Keralam) was also present."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened the meeting of chief ministers of southern states to deliberate upon important inter-state and national issues.

The Southern Zonal Council comprises the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Keralam, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, and the Union Territories of Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

The council serves as an excellent forum for resolving issues and disputes between the Centre and the member States/Union Territories, the union government said.

River water sharing issues between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and Keralam are among the ongoing disputes.

Shivakumar calls for cooperation instead of conflict over river water

Speaking at the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council, he pointed out that rivers do not recognise political boundaries and said Karnataka respected and upheld the rights of other States. Shivakumar also maintained that Karnataka's legal share of water must be respected. He said Karnataka had not attended the conference to complain but as a partner in India's development.

Karnataka seeks fairness, transparency on Mekedatu project

Shivakumar said fairness was the only demand being made by Karnataka and listed equality, transparency and cooperation as the State's guiding principles. Turning specifically to the Mekedatu project, he said the proposed dam was important for both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. "Help us to help you," Shivakumar said, arguing that the project could benefit farmers in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

He further said every drop of water from the project would benefit farmers in the neighbouring States. Karnataka has been pushing for the construction of the Mekedatu dam across the River Cauvery, while Tamil Nadu has strongly opposed the project, citing concerns over the State's share of Cauvery water. The remarks at the Southern States conference come amid continued discussions between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the sharing and utilisation of Cauvery water. Shivakumar's appeal for cooperation comes at a time when the Mekedatu project remains a major point of disagreement between the two States.

Southern States leaders participate in conference chaired by Amit Shah

The 31st Southern States Chief Ministers' Conference, organised by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is currently under way at a star hotel in Kovalam near Mamallapuram.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar were seated next to each other at the conference. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Kerala Chief Minister Satheesan, Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kailashnathan and the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands also participated in the meeting. Officials from Lakshadweep and senior officials representing the respective States and Union Territories were also present. The conference is being held to discuss issues concerning the southern States and strengthen coordination between the States and the Centre on matters of common interest.

Revised DPR submitted for Mekedatu project

The Karnataka government has submitted a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Mekedatu project to the Central government. The project, originally estimated to cost Rs 9,000 crore, envisages a 67-TMC dam across the River Cauvery, with around 4.75 TMC proposed to meet Bengaluru's drinking water requirements. The revised report includes details of the forest land that would be submerged, the trees likely to be affected and the compensatory measures proposed by Karnataka. The revised DPR will now be examined by the Central government before further decisions are taken on the project.

According to the Daily Thanthi report, firefighting operations continued for the second day on Thursday (August 20) as the blaze could not be brought under control.

The private paper mill has more than 500 workers.

How did the fire break out occur at the paper mills?

On Wednesday afternoon, old paper bundles stacked in one part of the mill suddenly caught fire amid scorching heat. Strong winds at the time caused the fire to spread rapidly across the premises.

More than 50 firefighters in six fire engines led by District Fire Officer Bhanupriya, rushed to the spot after being alerted. Firefighting operations continued through the night, but the blaze remained uncontrolled.

How many tonnes of paper bales were destroyed?

Around 25,000 tonnes of old paper bales worth several lakhs of rupees were destroyed in the fire.

Karnataka has proposed constructing a 67-TMC dam across the River Cauvery at Mekedatu, a move that has been strongly opposed by the Tamil Nadu government.

The revised DPR reportedly contains details of the forest land that would be submerged, the number of trees that would be affected and the compensatory measures proposed by the Karnataka government.

The Karnataka government had first submitted the DPR for the Mekedatu project to the Central government around five years ago. The project was then estimated to cost Rs 9,000 crore and was proposed to meet Bengaluru's drinking water requirements and generate 400 MW of electricity.

However, the Central government returned the earlier DPR citing technical issues and asked Karnataka to submit a revised report. Against this backdrop, the Karnataka government has now resubmitted the revised DPR.

The proposed project involves constructing a dam with a storage capacity of 67 TMC. The report states that around 4.75 TMC of water from the project would be utilised to meet Bengaluru's drinking water requirements.

8.90 lakh trees to be felled, 12,500 acres of forest land to be submerged under Mekedatu project

According to the revised DPR, around 12,500 acres of forest land would be submerged once the Mekedatu project is implemented. As a compensatory measure, around 20,000 acres of land in areas including Dakshina Kannada and Shivamogga have reportedly been identified for allocation to the Forest Department.

The project is also expected to have a significant impact on the forest cover in the Mekedatu region. Around 8.90 lakh trees are proposed to be felled as part of the project.

Of these, around seven lakh are classified as small trees, while around one lakh are categorised as large trees. The remaining trees are also expected to be affected by the project and associated construction activities.

The complete details contained in the revised DPR have not yet been made public.

Rs 9,000 crore Mekedatu project proposed to meet Bengaluru's drinking water needs and generate 400 MW

The Mekedatu project was originally proposed with an estimated cost of Rs 9,000 crore. Karnataka has maintained that the project would primarily help meet the drinking water requirements of Bengaluru while also generating 400 MW of electricity.

The proposed dam across the River Cauvery has, however, remained a contentious issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu government has consistently opposed the project, citing concerns over its impact on the State's share of Cauvery water.

Karnataka has continued to push for the project, with the revised DPR now submitted to the Central Government for further consideration.

Foundation stone for Mekedatu project planned for August 2027, says Karnataka

Karnataka Irrigation Minister Cheluvarayaswamy has confirmed that the revised DPR has been submitted to the Central Government. The State government has reportedly set a target of laying the foundation stone for the Mekedatu project by August 2027.

The Karnataka government has already appointed a dedicated office and a team of officials to oversee the project. The team is currently carrying out work related to the implementation of the proposed dam.

The revised DPR will now be examined by the Central Government before further decisions are taken on the project. Meanwhile, the proposed submergence of forest land and the felling of nearly 8.90 lakh trees are expected to remain key points of concern as the project moves forward.

The company will launch the 10 residential projects across the State between August 23 and September 1, 2026, comprising a mix of plotted developments and villas.

The latest initiative will mark a significant expansion of Sameera Group’s footprint across key growth markets in TN. The new projects will come up across Tiruchy, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Vellore, Ranipet, Kanchipuram, Chennai, Krishnagiri, Tiruvannamalai and Chengalpattu.

Each project is planned across approximately 10 acres, with around 200 units and plot sizes beginning from approximately 800 sqft.

Jayakumar Murugesan, MD, Sameera Groups, said, “We are simultaneously expanding into several important growth markets across TN. This initiative reflects both the scale of our ambition and the execution capability we have built over more than four decades in the real estate sector.”

M Sandeep Kumar, MD, Sameera Groups, said, “These launches have been planned to address the growing demand for organised residential developments across emerging markets in TN. The projects will offer a mix of plotted developments and villas, supported by gated environments, parks and other community infrastructure. Our focus is to create well-planned developments that can offer customers both a quality living environment and long-term value.”

Wondering what prompted the chief minister to make such a decision, DMK organising secretary RS Bharathi said there were so many issues affecting the people that merited immediate attention.

“The people are suffering, and there are many burning issues afflicting the state. What is the urgency for this? The government could have waited,” Bharathi told PTI, reacting to Vijay’s announcement in the Assembly today.

When pointed out that some of the first-time MLAs from the ruling TVK don’t own a car, he asked, “Then why not the party fund them or ensure a loan to buy the vehicle?”

Another DMK leader, Dr Ezhilan, criticised the decision, pointing out that many legislators are wealthy as per their election affidavits. Spending hugely on providing them vehicles and allowances contradicted the state government’s claim of a financial crisis or empty coffers, he told reporters here.

AIADMK spokesperson and party’s advocate wing joint secretary RM Babu Murugavel said an official vehicle for the legislators was essential.

“I personally think all MLAs will accept the car and also the allowance. This only reminds me of the demand for houses for MLAs that I had raised when I served as a legislator,” Murugavel told PTI.

Acknowledging it as a unique initiative, DMDK general secretary and MLA Premallatha Vijayakant flayed the decision, questioning the financial implications. “This project involves an investment of over Rs 150 crore, considering both initial costs and long-term maintenance. While the move is welcomed, there are concerns that many MLAs already possess personal vehicles,” she said.

Instead, the government should prioritise the needs of farmers and fully waive the farm loans. “This would have a more impactful use of public funds and would receive greater public approval,” she told reporters outside the Assembly.

She said CM Vijay must secure the state’s rightful share for tail-end farmers facing crop distress.

“We have only been receiving surplus water from the Cauvery until now. Only when that rightful share of water arrives and flows to the tail-end areas will farmers benefit today. Considering all this, our chief minister must urge this with (Karnataka CM) DK Shivakumar and our Home Minister Amit Shah to secure our rightful water share in the Cauvery,” Premallatha added. She further demanded that the state leadership take up the matter regarding the recent killing of three Tamil youths in Karnataka forests.

As Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay was making a slew of announcements, the House was suddenly disrupted when AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami asked the Speaker to take up an issue for which his party had given a notice.

The Speaker repeatedly appealed for order, urging the members to adhere to established democratic procedures. He reassured that the urgent issues submitted by members had already been forwarded to the government for necessary action and would be formally addressed the following morning.

Emphasising the Assembly’s heavy legislative schedule for the day, which included discussions on crucial grants for three government departments, the Speaker insisted on maintaining decorum and requested members to resume their seats.

However, unsatisfied with Prabhakar’s decision, the AIADMK members staged a walkout.

Later, speaking to reporters outside the Assembly complex, Palaniswami launched a sharp attack on the ruling TVK government over its response to a recent tragedy involving a fisherman from

Palaniswami noted that his party has been insisting on discussions about the TN fisherman shot dead by Iranian pirates but has not received a concrete response Mayiladuthurai.

He claimed a fisherman was shot dead by Iranian pirates while working in Saudi Arabia, while three others were injured and were currently undergoing treatment.

Accusing the administration of inaction, Palaniswami alleged that the opposition had raised the issue in the House on five consecutive days without receiving a concrete response. He demanded that the state government take immediate measures to bring the deceased fisherman’s body to Tamil Nadu, ensure high-quality medical care for the injured, and extend financial aid to the affected families.

In the first incident, a container lorry broke down and was parked on GST Road near Acharapakkam on Tuesday night. At the time, three men – Senthil Kumar (45) from Kadaimalaipudur near Acharapakkam, Manikandan (37) from Pammal and Kalidas (47) from Kampur near Tindivanam were travelling towards Chennai over-speeding on a bike.

Police said the bike crashed into the back of the parked lorry after the riders failed to notice it on the road. Manikandan, who was riding the bike, and Senthil riding pillion, died on the spot. Kalidas, who was seated on the bike, was grievously injured. Acharapakkam police rushed to the spot and admitted him to the Chengalpattu GH for treatment. 

In another accident, a government express bus from Marthandam in Kanniyakumari was travelling towards the Kilambakkam bus terminus on the GST Road on Wednesday morning. When it reached Pulipakkam near Chengalpattu, the driver lost control of the vehicle, veered uncontrollably and overturned on the road. There were 28 passengers on board, of whom four were injured and were taken to a GH for treatment. The remaining escaped without injuries.

Chengalpattu Taluk police used a crane to remove the overturned bus and restore traffic movement. Following the accident, traffic was affected on GST Road for more than two hours in the early hours of Wednesday.

Though usually such FIRs are uploaded in public domain within 24 hours, the FIR related to this particular case was not uploaded. Officials claimed that it was the prerogative of the investigation officer to take the decision in sensitive cases like Pocso and other heinous crimes. However, it’s highly unusual for the DVAC not to have uploaded the FIR that was registered more than 50 days ago.