In a statement, the PMK leader stated that while the Tamil Nadu government’s objective to provide 150 days of employment annually under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) scheme is commendable, the funds earmarked for the initiative are grossly inadequate.

"Although the initial announcement of providing 150 days of work featured in the TVK election manifesto, the central government recently modified the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to increase guaranteed work from 100 to 125 days per year," he said, adding, "to cover the remaining 25 days, the state government issued an order allocating Rs 100 crore."

Anbumani questioned the feasibility of implementing the poll promise with such a "minuscule" fund.

Stating that 81.08 lakh families in Tamil Nadu have registered under the scheme, with 69.11 lakh families actively seeking and receiving work, Anbumani said the breakdown of daily expenses per worker includes a direct wage of Rs 271.38, material and skilled labour costs of Rs 208.64, and administrative costs of Rs 53.

"Together, the daily cost per beneficiary amounts to Rs 532.02, shared by the central and state governments," he said and claimed that to provide employment for 69.11 lakh active families across the state, the government requires Rs 367.68 crore per day.

Pointing out that since the additional 25 days of employment are a state initiative, the entire financial burden must be borne by the Tamil Nadu government, he said providing 25 days of extra work would require at least Rs 9,192 crore, making the allocated Rs 100 crore merely 1.08 per cent of the required budget, which is a sum insufficient to fund even a single day of work for all beneficiaries.

The former union minister called upon the state government to hold negotiations with the Centre to secure the required funds while simultaneously increasing its own budget allocation to uplift rural livelihoods.

Speaking to reporters here, the Tiruchirappalli Lok Sabha member alleged that under the previous regime, tender costs were routinely inflated through kickbacks collected as "party funds" and "family funds."

"Whether laying roads or building bridges, tenders earlier carried a 30 to 40 per cent commission, and in some cases even 50 per cent. When you put an end to such artificial inflation, the government's overall expenditure will drop automatically, which will in turn reduce the need to take on fresh debt," Vaiko claimed.

He also claimed that several ongoing infrastructure contracts, including works related to airports, have had their payments frozen by the administration following inquiries into past irregularities and corruption.

He urged the government to resolve the issue swiftly so ongoing projects can be completed without inconveniencing the public.

Turning to the power sector, Vaiko said the state is grappling with a supply deficit of 3,500 to 4,000 MW as current demand touched nearly 21,000 MW against 16,000 to 17,000 MW recorded around the same time last year. Due to a nationwide shortfall, the state has been compelled to purchase power at a high rate of Rs 37 per unit, he added.

Vaiko laid the blame on previous regimes for failing to augment generation capacity over the past 15 to 20 years.

Singling out the stalled Rs 13,000-crore Uppur thermal power project, he alleged that equipment worth Rs 6,000 crore was left abandoned to deteriorate in the sea air over the last five to six years.

"Consulting firm Ernst & Young has been engaged to assess how much of that machinery can still be salvaged or redirected to other power projects," he added.

Touching upon the waterlogging in Chennai, the MP commended the overnight relief efforts of over 15,000 corporation personnel and ministers, but hit out at local elected representatives for their alleged absence.

"Except for a few, neither the Mayor, nor the Deputy Mayor, nor the councillors were seen on the ground. The local body representatives should have been leading from the front alongside officials. The media should question the DMK on why people's grievances are being politicised," he said.

He further alleged that while Rs 4,000 crore was spent on stormwater drains during previous regimes, poor planning left stretches such as a 24-km canal unconnected to downstream outlets.

Asked about speculations regarding actor Dhanush entering politics, Vaiko said in a democracy, anyone has the right to launch a party, but the final verdict rests squarely with the electorate. MDMK is the ally of the ruling TVK.

Candidates permitted to appear for the examination can download their hall tickets from the commission’s official websites, www.tnpsc.gov.in and www.tnpscexams.in.

According to a TNPSC notification, candidates must log in through their One-Time Registration (OTR) dashboard and enter their application number and date of birth to download the hall ticket.

The preliminary examination for Combined Civil Services Examination–II (Group II and IIA services) will be conducted in the forenoon session on November 1.

The recruitment notification (No. 07/2026) was issued on August 11, 2026, and online applications were accepted until September 9. The number of vacancies was subsequently increased to 846, comprising 43 vacancies in Group II posts and 803 in Group IIA posts.

The selection process will be conducted in two stages — preliminary and main examinations.

Candidates have been advised to carefully read and follow the instructions printed on their hall tickets. They should verify their personal details, examination date and time, venue and address in advance. Candidates must also ensure that they do not carry any unauthorised items into the examination hall and comply with the commission’s guidelines.

Santosh Kumar, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Economic Offences Wing, Chennai, has been posted as IGP, Civil Supplies CID, Chennai, in place of Rupesh Kumar Meena.

N Kamini, who was serving as IGP/Commissioner of Police, Tiruchy City, has been posted as IGP, Administration, in the office of the Director General of Police/Head of Police Force, Chennai, replacing A Radhika, who was not given any post. It may be noted that Radhika was questioned by the SIT earlier this month in connection with the Gem Veeramani case.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), heavy to very heavy rain is likely at isolated places over Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Sivaganga, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai and the Karaikal area on Thursday.

On Friday, heavy to very heavy rain is likely over Kanniyakumari, Nilgiris and Coimbatore, while heavy rain is expected at isolated places over several other districts, including Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruchy, Madurai, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Tirupur, Perambalur and Puducherry.

VR Durai, Director and Senior Atmospheric Scientist at the RMC, said, “The rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, will continue across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry until October 26. A red alert is unlikely, as the present system is weak with low chances of intensifying.”

He added that another low-pressure area is expected to form over the southeast and east-central Bay of Bengal on October 23 and intensify into a deep depression and move west-southwestwards. A separate system over the southwest Arabian Sea is moving west-northwest towards the Somali coast.

“For Chennai, moderate rainfall is expected over the next three days, with heavy rain likely on October 25 as the current system moves northwards. Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu are likely to receive moderate rain on Thursday,” added Durai.

On Wednesday, the city recorded its highest rainfall of 15.4 cm at MGR Nagar, followed by 13.7 cm at Vadapalani, 12.9 cm at Saidapet, 12.8 cm each at Alandur and Chennai Airport, 12.6 cm at Kolapakkam and 12.4 cm at Meenambakkam. Winds of 35-45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph, are expected, and fishermen have been advised to exercise caution in coastal areas for the next two days.

Over the past five years, the northeast monsoon has extended up to mid-January. El Niño tends to increase rainfall intensity rather than extend the seasonal duration. The monsoon rainfall for the State is normally 44 cm between October and December. From October 1-21, the State recorded 11.1 cm against the normal 10 cm, a 12% surplus.

The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) has issued a set of safety guidelines for the public and electricity department employees during the northeast monsoon, warning of the risk of electrical leakage, accidents and fatalities caused by heavy rain, strong winds, thunder and lightning.

• Stay away from electric poles, transformers, distribution boxes, power lines and stay wires.

• Avoid walking through stagnant rainwater near electrical installations.

• Inform the EB department about damaged infrastructure.

• Do not touch or remove snapped power lines on roads or in water

• Maintain a safe distance, warn others, particularly children, and alert the department

• Tree branches on power lines should not be cut or removed by the public.

• During thunderstorms and lightning, take shelter in safe buildings and avoid open spaces, isolated trees, electric poles and overhead wires.

• Stay away from open windows and metal grills.

• Avoid using electrical appliances and telephones during lightning.

• Do not operate electrical appliances with wet hands or touch damp switches and water-leaking walls.

• If any electrical leakage, disconnect power supply but only if it’s safe to do so.

• Do not tie cattle to electric poles or wires

• Do not dry clothes on those wires or use them to support banners and temporary structures.

• Install Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) through qualified electricians

• Do a periodic check of your home wiring and protective devices

• RCCBs alone cannot guarantee complete protection without proper insulation.

For power outages, snapped wires, electrical leakage and damage to electricity infrastructure, call Minnagam 94987 94987 by phone or WhatsApp

EB staff must obtain the necessary permission before undertaking electrical work, verify that the power supply has been disconnected and follow prescribed safety procedures, including earthing, before carrying out repairs.

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment, including helmets, insulating gloves, safety footwear and safety belts.

• Repair work in waterlogged areas should begin only after a proper safety inspection.

• Field staff must respond promptly to snapped wires, leaning electric poles, damaged transformers and tree branches obstructing power lines.

• Barricades and warning signs must be installed around hazardous locations to prevent public access.

• Priority should be given to restoring power to drinking water supply installations, hospitals, telecommunications facilities and crowded public places.

• Staff must keep poles, wires, transformers, repair equipment, protective gear and vehicles ready for emergencies.

• Avoidhazardous work during heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds.

• Repairs should be undertaken only after ensuring the safety of personnel, with prompt coordination among field teams to address emergency complaints.

Potholes plague Tambaram-Velachery road

The Tambaram-Velachery Road has been riddled with potholes for several months due to delays in pipeline-laying work for a seawater desalination project. Recent northeast monsoon rains have filled the potholes and excavated trenches with water, making them difficult to spot and disrupting traffic. The stretch, which connects Tambaram and Guindy and passes through several residential areas, educational institutions and commercial hubs, has also witnessed frequent accidents.

Last night, a private hospital ambulance lost control after hitting a water-filled pothole, struck a median and overturned. The driver and a nurse sustained injuries and were taken to Tambaram District Government Hospital in a 108 ambulance. No patient was inside the vehicle at the time. Residents have urged authorities to speed up the pipeline work and restore the damaged road. The Highways Department said repairs could begin only after the pipeline work is completed and the road is handed back to it.

Chennai streets inundated after overnight heavy rain spell

Parts of Chennai were flooded, and streets were inundated after a night of heavy rain. The city recorded an overall average rainfall of 70.25 mm over the 24 hours ending at 6 am on October 21.

Chennai Corporation to spend Rs 21.80 crore on pothole repairs

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is carrying out pothole repair work across all 15 zones at an estimated cost of Rs 21.80 crore as a precautionary measure ahead of the Northeast monsoon.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, Rs 9.25 crore has been allocated for repairs on bus routes and Rs 12.55 crore for internal roads. The work involves filling potholes using concrete and tar mixtures, in line with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's instructions.

So far, 4,691 potholes have been filled and repaired across Zones 1 to 15. The Corporation said the repair work is still under way.

Heavy rain continues in Chennai as rain clouds move towards city, says Tamil Nadu Weatherman

Pradeep John who runs the Tamil Nadu Weatherman handle has warned that rainfall is likely to increase across Chennai as rain clouds move towards the city.

In a post on his X account, Pradeep John said several locations in the Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram (KTCC) region had recorded more than 100 mm of rainfall, putting the region at the top of Tamil Nadu's rainfall chart.

He said more rain clouds were moving towards Chennai and several places in the city could cross the 100-mm mark before 8.30 am. By the time rainfall readings are reset at 8.30 am, some locations could record between 100 mm and 150 mm of rain, he added.

Rainfall likely to increase

The rain clouds moving towards Chennai are expected to increase rainfall across the city. The weather system is bringing rain at a time when many people are returning to Chennai from their hometowns after the holidays.

Puzhal lake storage crosses 5 TMC

Meanwhile, the water storage in Puzhal Lake, one of Chennai's key drinking water reservoirs, has crossed 5 TMC as of October 21, 2026.

Pradeep John said the lake was receiving a good inflow because of its proximity to Chennai. However, more rainfall is needed in the catchment area to sustain the inflow.

He added that light rainfall was expected over the next three days, which could help maintain a steady inflow into the reservoir.

City logs 1,212 rain-related complaints in 24 hours, GCC deploys extra pumps

Up to 5 am on October 21, a total of 1,212 complaints were registered. The majority pertained to waterlogging and inundation, alongside over 50 grievances concerning tree falls and non-functional streetlights, commissioner said.  Most waterlogging and tree-falling complaints have already been cleared. Streetlight repairs have been mandated for resolution within 24 hours. Complaints are strictly closed in the system only after field engineers upload before-and-after photographs.

The majority of complaints originated from the Core City region attributed to higher population density and awareness of the 1913 helpline alongside inputs from North Chennai zones like Manali and Madhavaram.

Complaints continue to be tracked across multiple channels, including the 1913 helpline, social media, the online web portal, the PGR mobile app, and media reports, he added.

RMC issues rain alert till 10 am

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) issued an alert valid until 10 am forecasting light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places across Chennai, Tiruvallur, Ranipettai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagappattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari districts, as well as Karaikal and Puducherry

Overnight heavy rain spell in Chennai

Very heavy rainfall, recorded in three areas, led by Vadapalani with 132.9 mm, Saidapet with 125.2 mm, and Alandur with 119.4 mm. Heavy to moderate spells at Maduravoyal recorded 112.5 mm, Madipakkam saw 114.6 mm, Valasaravakkam logged 109.6 mm, Nungambakkam recorded 106.8 mm, Adyar registered 104.1 mm, and Korattur hit 96 mm.

TN rain forecast: Here are the details

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), widespread rainfall is likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal today (October 21) and tomorrow (October 22), followed by isolated to scattered rainfall between October 23 and October 26.

Heavy to very heavy rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40 to 50 kmph is likely to occur at isolated places over Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanniyakumari districts on Wednesday. Heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue in Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, and Ramanathapuram districts on Thursday.

Under similar wind conditions, heavy rain with thunderstorms and lightning is expected at one or two places over the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruppur, Namakkal, Karur, Theni, Dindigul, Tenkasi, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Sivagangai, and Ramanathapuram, as well as the Karaikal area.

In Chennai, the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 30 degrees Celsius, with the minimum temperature dipping to 25 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

Holidays declared in schools in 5 Tamil Nadu districts on Wednesday (October 21)

CHENNAI: Schools in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Ranipet districts will remain closed on Wednesday (October 21) following heavy overnight rain, with district collectors announcing a holiday.

Heavy rain lashed several parts of Chennai, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur districts through the night, while the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast further rainfall.

Meanwhile, the upper-air cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Tamil Nadu coast persists, with a low-pressure area likely to form over the same region within the next 12 hours, according to the Indian Meteorological Department's bulletin on Tuesday night.

Another upper-air cyclonic circulation over the Gulf of Thailand and adjoining areas of Thailand and Myanmar is likely to move into the north Andaman Sea by today morning. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeast and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal around October 23 and intensify over the following three days.

Due to the twin weather systems, heavy to very heavy rain is likely to continue across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal until October 26, the RMC has forecast. Thunderstorms and lightning, accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph, are likely at one or two places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal until October 26.

Speaking to the media in Dharmapuri, the AIADMK leader said the two Dravidian parties have deep-rooted organisational structures and strong cadre bases that cannot be easily dismantled. “More youngsters were joining the AIADMK due to its appeal among the youth,” he said.

Questioning the TVK government's functioning, Munusamy said government officials had been inactive for the past five months. Targeting Minister Aadhav Arjuna, the AIADMK leader criticised him for acting like a shadow Chief Minister.

Defending the party’s general secretary, Edappadi K Palaniswami, Munusamy said electoral victories and defeats depended on the prevailing political circumstances and could not be attributed to a leader’s capabilities.

DMK Spokesperson Committee president TKS Elangovan said the previous DMK regime carried out most flood-mitigation work, adding that several areas where such work was completed did not experience waterlogging. "During the DMK regime, we made several plans to address waterlogging. More than 70 per cent of the work had been completed," Elangovan said.

He questioned whether the present government had allocated funds and taken steps to complete the remaining works after assuming office.

Elangovan also alleged that the government was not adequately prepared despite forecasts of heavy rainfall this year. Referring to predictions of intense rainfall linked to El Niño and other factors, he said the administration should have taken precautionary measures.

"Because of El Niño and other factors, they have forecast heavy rainfall this year. This government was not prepared for that," he said.

The DMK leader also criticised the Chief Minister for visiting rain-affected areas only after the rainfall had stopped and floodwaters had receded.

"After the rain was over and the water had receded, the Chief Minister visited the areas," he remarked.

The DMK's criticism comes amid concerns over monsoon preparedness and flood mitigation measures in Chennai. The party maintained that the government should complete pending drainage and flood-prevention works to minimise waterlogging during heavy rainfall.

The principal opposition hit back after pro-TVK handles initially claimed the previous DMK government misappropriated Rs 4,000 crore in flood-mitigation funds, then said the ruling government's strong response reduced waterlogging. 

Speaking to reporters at Anna Arivalayam, she questioned the need to arrest Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) candidate Karthika in the early hours.

Kanimozhi alleged that several objectionable comments had been made against women from opposition parties, including Chennai Mayor R Priya, but no action had been taken despite the DMK submitting multiple complaints.

"There have been adverse comments against women leaders from opposition parties, including Chennai Mayor Priya. The DMK has submitted several complaints in this regard, but no action has been taken," she said.

In a sarcastic remark, Kanimozhi questioned the government's response to such complaints and referred to BJP State president Nainar Nagendran, alleging that the government had not taken action against those making objectionable remarks about women.

She also raised concerns over cases involving missing children in the State, alleging that the police had failed to make progress even after several months.

"No man needs to give women safety. The Chief Minister should improve his administrative capabilities so that the police perform their duties," Kanimozhi said, criticising the government's handling of women's safety and law enforcement.

Police Commemoration Day is observed every year on October 21, in memory of ten Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel killed in an ambush by heavily armed Chinese troops in Hot Springs, Ladakh, on October 21, 1959. The day also honours police personnel across the country who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

At the commemorative event held at the police headquarters on Wednesday, the Chief Minister laid a wreath at the memorial, observed a moment of silence, and received the ceremonial guard of honour from the police contingent. He also planted a sapling on the premises to mark the occasion.

As part of the state government's welfare measures, the Chief Minister distributed orders sanctioning personal accident insurance under the Government Salary Package Scheme to seven families. The beneficiaries include families of six police personnel who died while on duty and the family of one policeman who is currently in a coma, totalling Rs 5.96 crore.

Officials said 154 police personnel across India, including six from Tamil Nadu, attained martyrdom while on duty this year.

Home Secretary A Karthik, DGP Mahesh Kumar Agarwal, Chennai Police Commissioner A Amalraj, retired police officers and families of martyred personnel were present.

Auto driver Noor Mohammed (51) and bus driver Martin (51), a resident of Singanallur, died.

When the bus bound for Ukkadam from Madukkarai was nearing Sunnambu Kalvai, Martin suddenly developed severe chest pain and slumped over the steering wheel while trying to bring the vehicle to a halt. The bus went out of control, triggering panic among over 50 passengers.

Acting swiftly, conductor Parameswaran managed to apply the brakes. By then, however, the bus had collided with an auto, a car and over 10 two-wheelers.

Police said Noor Mohammed jumped out of his auto in an attempt to escape the oncoming bus but came under its wheels and died on the spot. Two two-wheeler riders sustained severe injuries and were admitted to Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital.

In another mishap, a 39-year-old woman was killed, while her husband and two children were injured when their car overturned near Gundadam in Tirupur on Wednesday early morning.

Vijay Raja (42) of Madurai, his wife Kavitha, and their two children Keerthisana (10) and Sai Charan (4) were returning from Madurai by car. Vijay Raja, who was behind the wheel, was employed in a knitwear unit in Mudalipalayam in Tirupur.

As the car overturned into a ditch, leaving the family trapped inside, the Gundadam police rushed to the spot, rescued them, and sent them to a private hospital in Koduvai. They were later shifted to Tirupur Government Hospital. Kavitha succumbed to her injuries.

Justice B Pugalendhi suo motu impleaded the Secretary of the Human Resources Management Department at the Secretariat, while hearing a writ petition in which the respondent, the Chief Educational Officer (CEO), Tirunelveli, apprehended that the petitioner, his personal assistant, might foist a false complaint against him under the Act.

The petitioner, M Jothivel of Tirunelveli, challenged a transfer order passed by the CEO on 9 October 2026, posting him as headmaster of Government Higher Secondary School, Kuvachipatti. He was working as personal assistant to the CEO, Tirunelveli.

The petitioner submitted that the Joint Director of School Education is the competent authority to issue the transfer order.

The Special Government Pleader, appearing for the CEO, submitted that the relationship between the petitioner and the CEO was strained and that if the petitioner continued in the post, he might disturb the administration and even foist a false complaint against the CEO, either himself or through someone associated with him.

After hearing both sides, the Court granted an interim stay of the transfer, as the order was prima facie passed without jurisdiction. However, the Judge restrained the petitioner from performing duties as personal assistant to the CEO until October 26.

The Court directed the Secretary of the Human Resources Management Department to file the report and posted the matter for further hearing on October 26.

According to the Government Order dated October 21 issued by the Home Department, the allocation for light police stations has gone up to Rs 30,000 from Rs 3,750, an eight-fold rise. Similarly, medium stations will now receive Rs 40,000, up from Rs 6,000, while the monthly allocation for heavy stations has been raised to Rs 50,000 from Rs 8,250.

This fund is meant to meet expenses like purchasing stationery and even tea for the personnel, which is often paid for by the members of the public. Earlier, senior officers had pointed out that the personnel manning the stations were forced to depend on complainants, victims, petitioners, or members of the public to meet such routine expenses due to insufficient contingency funds.

The enhancement is intended to eliminate such practices and ensure that operational expenses are met through government funds.

There are 1,169 light police stations, including all-women police stations and traffic police stations; 353 medium police stations; and 395 heavy police stations, including Metro-1 and Metro-2 police stations.

The government has sanctioned Rs 71.01 crore towards the additional annual expenditure arising from the enhancement.

According to the order, the existing allocations were inadequate to meet rising costs of stationery and other essential consumables required for the day-to-day functioning of police stations.

The order also lists several special units with police station powers, including the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID), Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Q Branch, Cyber Crime police stations, Coastal Security Group, Idol Wing, Organised Crime Intelligence Unit, and Special Division. At present, these units do not receive any contingency funds.

However, the government has asked the State police chief to submit a separate proposal for sanctioning contingency funds of Rs 30,000 to these special units for further consideration.

The complainant referred to an extra-marital relationship with the AIADMK’s state deputy secretary of the All India MGR Mandram, claiming that they have a child out of wedlock. The complainant has sought action against Kannan and stated that a DNA test could help establish the facts.

Even as police are said to be searching for him, Kannan is reportedly undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Madurai due to ill health. The complainant, a resident of Krishnasamy Street in Sankarankovil, alleged that Kannan, her relative, sexually assaulted her when she was studying in Class 10 and attending tuition at his house.

According to the complaint, Kannan, who is married and has children, subsequently pressured her to have a child with him and threatened to disclose their alleged relationship to her husband if she refused.

The woman also alleged that Kannan persuaded her to seek a divorce from her husband, promising to support her and her son. According to her complaint, he took her to a lawyer he knew and initiated divorce proceedings at the Sankarankovil court.

She further claimed that Kannan arranged accommodation for her and her son in Chennai and sent them money every month for their maintenance. However, after a verdict was delivered in her divorce case, he allegedly told her that he would no longer meet her.

Sensitive sectors like dairy, sugar and some agriculture products have been fully protected. The development is a major boost to Tamil Nadu, a major hub of textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, automobiles and auto components, all sectors that will benefit from the FTA.

The pact becomes India’s 17th operational FTA and the seventh trade pact to come into force in the last five years. The others are agreements with the UAE, Mauritius, the European Free Trade Association bloc, the UK, Oman and Australia.

Signed on April 27, 2026, the agreement follows negotiations launched in 2010, stalled in 2015 and revived in March 2025. New Zealand has committed FDI worth $20 billion in over 15 years.

New Zealand has offered market access in around 118 services sectors and most-favoured nation commitments in about 139 sub-sectors. In new visa rules, Indian youth and professionals will have access to 5,000 temporary employment entry visas and 1,000 working holiday visas annually. There will be no cap on Indian students. Post-study work rights will extend to three years for STEM bachelor’s and master’s graduates and up to four years for doctoral scholars.

In return, New Zealand will receive preferential access to the Indian market for a range of its exports. Tariff reductions will cover products including sheep meat, wool and forestry goods, while certain agricultural imports will be subject to specific quotas and conditions.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said, “As of today, our historic Free Trade Agreement with India is in effect. Working closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we’ve delivered a deal that will help grow both of our economies”.

He said that from Tuesday, Kiwi businesses can reach over a billion more customers with significantly reduced tariffs.

Commerce minister Piyush Goyal said the FTA will unlock significant opportunities for MSMEs, farmers, women, youth and labour-intensive sectors.

Gulzar Didwania, partner, Deloitte India, said the deal is expected to support higher FDI inflows into India, but the scale of any increase remains uncertain and will depend on private-sector investment decisions.

The farmers, from around 40 associations, commenced their indefinite protest on September 15 in Tiruchy, demanding a fresh announcement of a crop loan waiver without any conditions as per the promise given by the Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay during the election campaign.

Ministers R Vinoth (Agriculture), V Gandhiraj (Cooperation) and S Ramesh (HR&CE) held talks at the district collectorate on the same day and sought time for the new announcement.

On September 18, delegates of various farmers' associations met in Chennai, but this failed as the government sought 20 days' time.

However, even after 27 days had passed, the government has not so far taken any step for crop loan waiver as promised by the ministers. The farmers claimed that the minister cited the bypolls for the delay in the announcement. The farmers also said that the state government should immediately make a fresh announcement on crop loan waiver and issue loan waiver certificates to the respective farmers, which was in practice in the past. The farmers also urged the government to direct the cooperative banks to issue a regulation to return the jewels pledged by the farmers.

"If the announcement is not made immediately, the indefinite protest by representatives of 40 farmers' associations would resume in Tiruchy from October 22," said Swamimalai Sundara Vimalnathan, secretary of Tamil Nadu Cauvery Farmers Protection Association and one of the protest coordinators.

The protest call was issued jointly by BS Masilamani, state general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Farmers' Association (CPI), Sami Natarajan, state general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Farmers' Association (CPM), and A Chandramohan, state general secretary of the All India Kisan Mahasabha (CPI-ML).

The unions accused the state government of reneging on its poll promise to waive crop loans taken from cooperative banks in full for farmers owning up to five acres and by 50 per cent for those owning more than five acres.

They said repeated protests since May and talks with ministers had yielded no announcement. At a meeting on August 7 attended by eight ministers, senior IAS officers and representatives of more than 20 farmers' organisations, the government had assured them that the issue would be resolved, but had failed to act, they alleged.

The unions said confusion over the proposed waiver had also prevented farmers from obtaining fresh crop loans. They demanded relief for agricultural labourers who had lost their livelihoods and drought compensation following a government assessment of crop losses caused by deficient rainfall and El Niño.

In the Cauvery delta, farmers had lost the kuruvai crop and faced uncertainty over samba cultivation as the Mettur dam’s water level declined. The unions urged the government to take urgent steps to secure Karnataka's monthly Cauvery water releases in accordance with the Supreme Court's final verdict.

They appealed to farmers across the state to participate in large numbers in Wednesday's protests.

Senior irrigation experts claim that Tamil Nadu has sufficient rainfall and the average rainfall in the state is 925 mm, which can yield around 1,800 TMC. The state's current requirement is only about 1,260 TMC, however, Tamil Nadu has the capacity to store only 1,058 TMC. If the construction of check dams, farm ponds and other structures is complete, 300 TMC of water can be stored additionally.

Meanwhile, farmers claimed that the previous government's 1,000 check dams, two per assembly constituency, announcement was a boon to them. "This would substantially store 10 TMC of water in the delta region during the monsoon days and prevent water flowing waste into the sea, and the present government should step up to realise the project," said Sami Natarajan, general secretary, Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam.

Natarajan said that there were several major irrigation systems in the Delta region and the proposal of check dams can easily store at least 1 TMC water and thus the volume would go beyond our calculation which would make Tamil Nadu self-sufficient in irrigation. "This apart, the groundwater would be recharged, and rain-fed regions could enjoy the benefits," he said.

He urged the state government to implement special schemes for the irrigation system which would solve the water scarcity permanently.

P Viswanathan, state president of Tank and River Ayacutdars Welfare Association, noted that the State government should immediately construct check dams across the Cauvery and the Kollidam so that the unnecessary flooding into the agricultural land could be prevented.

"As per the announcement, as many as 19 check dams would be constructed across the Cauvery and the Kollidam, which would help the farmers during the water crisis," Viswanathan emphasised.

Across 12,450 villages in Tamil Nadu, there are 38,000 waterbodies, according to sources. If these are filled, at least 200 TMC of water could be stored every year, which would be beneficial for both irrigation and recharging groundwater.

In a statement, Seeman said the arrests were linked to a protest Karthika and other NTK cadres organised along the route Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay took during his roadshow on the final day of campaigning for the Dharapuram by-election, after the party was denied permission to campaign.

Describing the arrests of seven NTK functionaries as an act of political repression, Seeman accused the government of misusing the police to target political opponents instead of addressing law and order issues in the State.

He questioned the government's response to alleged incidents involving ruling party functionaries, including a drug smuggling case in Nagapattinam, a sexual harassment allegation against a party district secretary in Ranipet and an attack on journalists involving a sitting MLA. He alleged that the police were acting selectively against opposition party members.

Seeman also criticised Vijay for allegedly repeating the mistakes of previous Dravidian governments, warning that political power was not permanent. He said NTK cadres would not be intimidated by arrests or police action and accused the government of failing to address administrative shortcomings and public grievances.

Claiming the government was focusing on political retaliation while people protested administrative failures, Seeman warned the regime's downfall was not far away.

He demanded the immediate release of Karthika, her husband and the other arrested NTK functionaries, warning the government of consequences if they were not freed. The allegations against the government and the circumstances surrounding the arrests were not independently verified.

While being escorted for a post-arrest medical check-up at the government hospital in Dharapuram, she told reporters that she hasn't smuggled any narcotics to be swooped down on in such a manner, referring to the recent arrest of a TVK functionary, N Boopalan, in a meth case. “Does only the Chief Minister have the right to campaign on the final day of the polls?” she asked, while accusing police of arresting her without allowing her to change out of her nightwear dress, causing inconvenience and humiliation.

On October 4, police booked and detained Karthika and other protesters for staging a roadblock along the route taken by Vijay for the roadshow.

They were booked on multiple charges including unlawful assembly, rioting, criminal intimidation, attempt to assault, and other sections. The NTK functionaries were charged with attempting to attack police personnel when they removed an NTK banner placed in an 'unauthorised' location. A TVK supporter, who was returning home with a child near Kamarajapuram, was allegedly attacked by the police personnel.

In connection with the case, the Dharapuram police arrested Karthika and her husband, Murugan Chandrakumar, at their Coimbatore residence on Tuesday. Following the arrest, the NTK cadres staged a protest in front of the Dharapuram police station.

A heated exchange broke out between the police and NTK functionaries when police brought Karthika back to the station after the medical examination. Selva Nanmaran, a functionary of the NTK’s legal wing, said the party, under the leadership of its chief coordinator, Seeman, would soon organise a major protest condemning the arrest.

In 2005-06, the National Horticulture Mission had encouraged individual and community farm pond structures for water storage during monsoon seasons in dry lands. The then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who had already introduced the rain harvesting system in Tamil Nadu, intensified the farm pond construction on a large scale.

Since then, the farm ponds are constructed by the Agricultural Engineering Department (AED) to harvest rainwater from smaller catchments of about 2 to 5 hectares, which form the land holding of a single farmer and provide supplemental irrigation at critical stages of crop growth, mainly as a "lifesaving irrigation" to save the crop without wilting. The conveyance loss is minimised because the ponds are constructed on farmers' land, and it was proposed that the same ponds be used for aquaculture to generate additional income.

Officials recalled that, during the introduction period, it was proposed to construct at least 1,500 farm ponds in each district and many districts realised the construction of the structures varying from 10x10 metres to 100x100 metres based on land availability.

However, irrigation experts said that the concept disappeared due to poor maintenance or failure of proper monitoring by officials.

Experts call for revival of farm ponds in Cauvery Delta

Senior agricultural technocrat P Kalaivanan opined that it was very essential to revive farm ponds as the farmers lost kuruvai cultivation and are struggling with samba. "Farm ponds must be established immediately in every field to store water from the Northeast monsoon rains that have already commenced. The water stored in farm ponds can be utilised for the upcoming cultivation period," he said.

He urged the State to insist farmers allocate 10 per cent of their land for farm ponds as there would be heavy rainfall from the first week of November to the third week of December and it would be stored for irrigation of next cultivation. "Apart from this, these farm ponds would help recharge the groundwater level in the region so that the farmers using bore wells could reap the benefits," Kalaivanan said.

Kalaivanan said that the farm pond scheme revival would also protect the local flora and fauna, thereby encouraging and enhancing agricultural practices. These ponds serve as reservoirs during the rainy season. These also help prevent soil erosion during heavy rainfall. The farm ponds will also be ideal locations for fish farming, offering farmers an opportunity to diversify their agricultural businesses.

Supporting the suggestion, farmer association leader Swamimalai Sundara Vimalnathan claimed that Indian Meteorological Department's forecast has been right up to 95 per cent and the prediction may be correct this time too, as the northeast monsoon has commenced on time. "Under the current Super El Niño scenario, revival of ponds is necessary to support water storage and recharge groundwater. The State government should make it a movement at the advise of former senior WRD officials," he noted.

"During the earlier period, there was government support for farmers to establish farm ponds. The present government should also support the farmers in fund allocation and subsidy for construction of such ponds like the past governments," Vimalnathan added.

Farm pond subsidy under TN-IAMP scheme

Meanwhile, a senior Agriculture department official stated that the farm pond scheme in under progress across the state and farmers can avail upto Rs 1 lakh or 100 per cent subsidy below Rs 1 lakh under the Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation Project (TN-IAMP), a World Bank-assisted initiative.

"The scheme has been implemented in a phased manner and currently, as many as 11 sub-basins, including Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Karur, Ariyalur and Tiruchy from the central region covered," the official said, adding that the assistant engineers of Horticulture department can be contacted for support.

Types and benefits of farm ponds

Types of farm ponds:

• Dugout (excavated) ponds

• Constructed by digging out soil on relatively flat terrain.

• Embankment (surface) ponds

• Built across a natural stream, gully, or watercourse by constructing an earthen dam or dike to retain water

• Spring- or Creek-fed ponds

• Built where a natural flowing spring or creek continuously supplies the water

• Off-stream storage ponds

• Filled by pumping or diverting water from a nearby river, stream, or well rather than sitting directly in the flow path

Common sizes: Range from small household ponds (10mx10m) up to larger commercial or field models (100mx100m)

Subsidy: Rs 1 lakh or 100% subsidy below Rs 1 lakh expenditure

Benefits of farm ponds:

• It collects excess runoff during the rainy period.

• Stored water can be used for supplemental irrigation to crops.

• It is useful as drinking water for cattles during drought situations.

• It can be used for spraying pesticides.

• It conserves soil and moisture.

Twin weather systems have formed over the Bay of Bengal, bringing widespread heavy rainfall across the state. A trough from the cyclonic circulation over the Southwest Bay of Bengal off the north Tamil Nadu coast now extends from the cyclonic circulation to north coastal Andhra Pradesh at 3.1 km above mean sea level.

Additionally, an upper-air cyclonic circulation that lay over the Gulf of Thailand and adjoining Thailand and Myanmar on Tuesday is expected to emerge into the north Andaman Sea by Wednesday morning. Under its influence, a new low-pressure area is likely to form over the Southeast Bay of Bengal around October 23, after which it will move northwestwards and intensify.

According to the India Meteorological Department, widespread rainfall is likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal over the next couple of days, followed by isolated to scattered rainfall between October 23 and October 26.

Heavy to very heavy rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40 to 50 kmph is likely to occur at isolated places over Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanniyakumari districts on Wednesday. Heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue in Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, and Ramanathapuram districts on Thursday.

Under similar wind conditions, heavy rain with thunderstorms and lightning is expected at one or two places over the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruppur, Namakkal, Karur, Theni, Dindigul, Tenkasi, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Sivagangai, and Ramanathapuram, as well as the Karaikal area.

In Chennai, the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 30 degrees Celsius, with the minimum temperature dipping to 25 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

Tiruchy-based advocate and environmental activist A Amal Antony demanded that the Water Resources department inspect all the canals and other waterbodies to assess whether they have accumulated silt or if waste, debris and other physical obstructions are restricting their flow. Desilting and restoration should be undertaken wherever justified by technical assessment and applicable environmental requirements, without damaging the channel bed, banks or associated structures, the advocate said.

He said that the departments concerned should identify and prevent the discharge of untreated sewage, domestic wastewater and nutrient-rich effluents into affected watercourses. Relevant underground drainage systems, sewage-treatment arrangements and other infrastructure must be inspected and maintained wherever necessary to address the causes of recurring weed growth, he urged.

The advocate also urged the State to assess implications of water hyacinth and its associated obstruction on irrigation efficiency, groundwater recharge and water availability at affected locations. He noted that irrigation channels must be prioritised and suitable measures be taken to maintain timely and efficient distribution of irrigation water.

Amal Antony pointed out that the Uyyankonan canal in Tiruchy, a major distributary canal of the Cauvery, is presently at high risk as a thick blanket of vegetation has grown along the canal and is expected to prevent the free flow of water during monsoon days, triggering fear of flooding in adjoining residential areas.

The Uyyankondan river spans around 75 km with 120 branch canals, recharges as many as 33 tanks, which benefits an area of 32,740 acres of land with crops like sugarcane, turmeric, banana, and betel leaves, along with paddy.

Amal Antony, who sent a representation to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, appealed that the local body and competent public-health authorities should address stagnant-water conditions wherever feasible, remove accumulated waste and implement appropriate mosquito-control and sanitation measures in affected residential areas.

Edappadi's earlier move to remove dissenters from key organisational posts has narrowed their scope to mount an internal challenge, as their voting rights have been diminished.

The move weakened the dissenters’ organisational base and strengthened Palaniswami’s grip on the party machinery. Several functionaries aligned with the Velumani faction also lost their positions, limiting their influence at the district level and their ability to mobilise support against the leadership.

EPS holds advantage in AIADMK General Council

As a result, the General Council has become the main battleground in the power struggle. With around 2,300 members, the body is central to any attempt to question Palaniswami’s leadership. Edappadi's supporters are believed to hold a majority, giving him a significant advantage if the council meets.

The dissenters’ demand for a meeting aims to put the party’s electoral performance and leadership decisions under scrutiny. But their ability to turn the demand into a serious challenge will depend on whether they can secure wider support among council members.

For Palaniswami, the immediate challenge is to contain internal discontent while addressing questions over the AIADMK’s declining electoral fortunes. For the dissenters, the bypoll defeats offer fresh grounds to demand accountability, but without sufficient organisational backing, their efforts to force a change in leadership or strategy may remain limited.

AIADMK bypoll defeats intensify leadership crisis

The AIADMK, which won both constituencies in the April 2026 Assembly election, finished third in the October 6 bypolls. The defeats have intensified discontent among leaders opposed to Palaniswami, prompting consultations among disgruntled functionaries and renewed demands for organisational changes.

Velumani, Shanmugam and other senior leaders have sought a review of the party’s strategy and urged Palaniswami to take steps to revive its electoral prospects. Velumani has also called for the reinduction of expelled leaders, including former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, VK Sasikala and AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran, arguing that their return could strengthen the party.

AIADMK internal rift deepens over TVK government support

The latest revolt, however, stems from differences that surfaced after the 2026 Assembly election. The AIADMK secured only 47 seats, against the TVK’s 108, and a section of its leadership favoured extending support to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s government. Velumani and Shanmugam reportedly urged Palaniswami to back the TVK, but his refusal widened the rift, especially after reports that he had explored forming a government with DMK support.

The divide deepened when 25 AIADMK MLAs voted in favour of the TVK government’s confidence motion in May. Palaniswami responded by removing Velumani, Shanmugam and other dissenting legislators from party posts and appointing new district secretaries in their place.

The deceased, Santhosh, a resident of Puzhal, worked as an electrician and painter. On Sunday, he reportedly collapsed on a street near his house soon after injecting a substance. Locals shifted him to a private hospital, where he was declared as brought dead.

The body was sent to Government Stanley Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination. Following the death, the police intensified inquiries to trace the source of the drugs.

During a search operation near a burial ground in Puzhal, officers detained two suspects. They were identified as Sathish Kumar (39) of Red Hills and Karthik (27) of Kathirvedu.

Investigators said the duo allegedly supplied drug tablets to the victim and prepared injectable intoxicants by dissolving tablets in water and administering them with syringes.

The police seized tablets and syringes from their possession. Both were arrested and remanded on Monday.

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Prizes & rewards: Students will receive scholarship support of up to INR 50,000 per academic year for a maximum period of four years, subject to annual renewal and continued eligibility

Last date to apply: Oct 30, 2026

Application mode: Online only

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The government approved the proposed plant through an order dated March 14, 2026. It will use the existing land, coal jetty and common facilities of the 2 × 660 MW Udangudi Stage I project. The latest study aims to identify ways to use equipment procured for the original 2 × 800 MW Uppur project. “EY has been engaged to recommend how the supplied material can be used,” a senior TNPGCL official said.

After the TVK government came to power, Electricity Minister R Nirmalkumar visited the Uppur project site to review and revive it. He alleged that around Rs 6,000 crore had already been spent on the project and a comprehensive assessment was necessary before deciding the next course of action.

The Comptroller and Auditor General's (CAG) performance audit, tabled in the Assembly last month, highlighted the cost of the prolonged delay. TANGEDCO incurred a sunk cost of more than Rs 7,500 crore after putting the project on hold in 2021. BHEL supplied equipment and materials worth about Rs 2,325 crore, but only 13% was utilised, leaving materials worth around Rs 2,020 crore idle for years.

The audit flagged serious planning lapses. TANGEDCO awarded BHEL the main engineering, procurement and construction contract for Rs 5,852 crore and Reliance Infrastructure the balance-of-plant contract for Rs 3,647 crore without securing the entire project land. Acquisition of 5.34 acres of temple land within the plant area remained pending.

The project ran into trouble after residents approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT) over obstruction of natural drainage. The CAG noted that TANGEDCO had failed to identify watercourses despite environmental clearance conditions requiring natural drainage systems to be protected. Reliance Infrastructure achieved only 1% progress before its contract was closed.

Repeated attempts to revive Uppur

The 1,600 MW project in Ramanathapuram district faced environmental, land acquisition and local fishermen-related litigation. On March 17, 2021, the NGT suspended the EPC contracts awarded to BHEL and L&T for six months or until further orders. The TANGEDCO Board decided on April 29, 2021, to shift the project to Udangudi as Stage III, with Uppur to be reconsidered after the legal issues were resolved.

TANGEDCO challenged the NGT order in the Supreme Court on April 16, 2021. The apex court stayed the judgment on July 1. At a review meeting on July 22, the Chief Minister directed officials to reassess the relocation in view of the state's power demand.

A high-level committee comprising three directors and four chief engineers subsequently recommended continuing the project at Uppur. EY, asked to assess its viability, also recommended developing it at the original site in a report submitted on January 7, 2022.

The Board discussed the report on January 19 and ordered further deliberations on March 19. It subsequently referred the matter to the Aravind Subramanian Committee, a subcommittee of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Economic Advisory Council, for expert opinion. The report is awaited.

PPP revival fails

In August 2024, TANGEDCO commissioned SBI Capital Markets to prepare a detailed feasibility report on reviving the project through the public-private partnership (PPP) route. After receiving a draft report, the utility explored a joint venture with NTPC and NLC India. Both companies declined, citing the high cost of power generation.

With the revival route failing to take off, TNPGCL is now examining whether the stranded equipment can be redeployed at the proposed Thoothukudi plant. The outcome of EY's study could determine the future use of the idle materials, while the original Uppur project remains without a clear execution plan.

Timeline: Uppur thermal power project

March 17, 2021 - NGT suspends EPC contracts amid environmental concerns.

April 16, 2021 - TANGEDCO challenges the NGT order in the Supreme Court.

April 29, 2021 - Board approves shifting the project to Udangudi Stage III.

July 1, 2021 - Supreme Court stays the NGT judgment.

July-October 2021 - Relocation reviewed; a high-level committee recommends retaining Uppur as the project site.

January 7, 2022 - EY recommends developing the project at Uppur.

March 19, 2022 - Board orders further review and refers the matter for expert opinion from the Aravind Subramanian Committee.

August 23, 2024 - SBI Capital Markets commissioned to study revival through PPP.

2025 onwards - Proposed joint venture with NTPC and NLC India fails to materialise over generation costs.

March 14, 2026 - Government approves a proposed 800 MW plant at the Udangudi Stage I site in Thoothukudi district.

September 2026 - EY re-engaged to study reuse of Uppur equipment worth about Rs 2,020 crore.

The deceased was identified as V Harish, a finfluencer from Puducherry. Harish ran an Instagram channel called 'Finance with Harish' and gave investment advice. His channel had more than a million subscribers, but was taken down in September allegedly due to regulatory violations.

Finfluencers (short for financial influencers) are social media content creators who share advice, tips, and personal experiences about money management, budgeting, stock trading on social media.

Police sources said that his body was recovered from the villa and moved to Chengalpattu Government Hospital for autopsy. No suicide note was found at the spot. The Police have registered a case and are investigating.

Following his death, social media was abuzz with discussions about the influencer's death, with some of his friends alleging on their social media handles that cyberbullying led to the man taking the extreme step, while another section pointed out that Harish's decision should not be pinned on those who pointed out the genuine issues and violations.

The family of the deceased had alleged that cyberbullying could have forced Harish to take the extreme step.

Eligibility: Class 12 students who secured over 85% in Class 10 and have family annual income less that Rs 3 lakh

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Speaking to reporters in Coimbatore, Annamalai questioned the arrest of NTK functionary M Karthika in connection with a protest during Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s roadshow in Dharapuram during by-polls. “Instead of police coming all the way from Dharapuram to Coimbatore to take her into custody, the police could have summoned her to the station as it is not a serious case. The timing of the arrest, after the election, had also raised several questions,” he said.

Accusing the TVK government of repeating mistakes made by the previous DMK regime, Annamalai urged Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to take stringent action against ruling party functionaries involved in drug trafficking cases. He also criticised the state government for not taking adequate measures ahead of the North East monsoon.

Annamalai said We The Leaders favours contesting the local body polls independently to take its ideas and plans to the people. “We would enter the electoral fray as a movement as it is not necessary to contest under a political party’s name,” he said.

Calling for a ban on social media use by those under 18 over its adverse impact on children, Annamalai claimed that enrolment in classes 10 and 12 had fallen by 9 per cent among boys and 6 per cent among girls. “The state government should take corrective measures,” he said.

AIADMK targeted the ruling government over the two developments, with the party chief targeting CM Vijay on the meth case and the party raising questions about the TVK government's approach to political opponents.

The AIADMK condemned Karthika's arrest, alleging the TVK government used election-related cases to target political opponents. In a statement on its official social media handle, the party accused the government led by Vijay of a political vendetta and "narcissistic behaviour."

The AIADMK also questioned how the Chief Minister would respond to citizens seeking to submit petitions to him, asking whether he would stop his convoy to receive their grievances or register cases against them and order their arrest for allegedly obstructing his convoy.

Alleging high-handedness, the party urged the government to withdraw the action against Karthika and other NTK members.

Meanwhile, Palaniswami cited the seizure of 137 kg of processed methamphetamine crystals, reportedly worth around Rs 400 crore, from N Boopalan, a TVK functionary from Nagapattinam district. Referring to a Union Finance Ministry press release on the operation, he described it as one of the major narcotics seizures in Tamil Nadu's coastal region in recent years and demanded an explanation from Vijay.

Questioning the Chief Minister's silence, Palaniswami drew a parallel with DMK functionary Jaffer Sadiq, who was arrested by central agencies during the previous regime in connection with an alleged drug trafficking network involving pseudoephedrine, a chemical used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

He also questioned the government's anti-drug campaign, asking why Vijay had organised an anti-drug marathon while a functionary of the ruling party was allegedly linked to a major narcotics seizure.

Palaniswami further alleged that TVK Nagapattinam town secretary Balraj had threatened media organisations reporting the case. He questioned whether the party leadership knew about the alleged activities and said such threats would not make the issue disappear.

The AIADMK leader also pointed out that the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), a central agency, carried out the seizure rather than the Tamil Nadu police, accusing the State government of failing to respond adequately.

With the drug seizure drawing questions over the ruling party's accountability and the arrest of an opposition candidate triggering allegations of political vendetta, the AIADMK sought to portray the two developments as evidence of selective action under the new government.

The body of Uthra (26), a native of Poongulathupatti in Ramanathapuram district, was found in a decomposed state in a wooded area near the Vijayamangalam toll plaza on October 18. She was living with her husband, Ranjith Kumar (27), a construction worker, at Pallagoundenpalayam in Tirupur and was employed as a nurse at a private hospital.

According to the police, Ranjith Kumar usually dropped his wife at the hospital in the morning and picked her up in the evening. On October 14, he dropped her at work as usual but was later informed by hospital staff that she had already left for home. When she failed to return, he lodged a missing-person complaint with the Uthukuli police in Tirupur.

During the investigation, the police suspected Saravanan (23), a staff member at the same hospital and a native of Andipalayam in Tirupur. During questioning, he confessed to the murder. Police said Saravanan took Uthra on his two-wheeler to a secluded area near Vijayamangalam on October 14 and strangled her with her dupatta before fleeing with her three-sovereign gold chain.

The police recovered the stolen jewellery and arrested Saravanan on Tuesday. He was produced before the Bhavani Judicial Magistrate Court and remanded in judicial custody.

Addressing media in Valasaravakkam, he said the government had maintained rice stocks to meet public distribution system requirements and was monitoring seasonal conditions to prepare for potential shortages. "If procurement reaches eight lakh tonnes, we will be prepared even if scarcity arises," he said, adding that the State had stocked 63 lakh tonnes of rice during 2025-26 and maintained supplies sufficient to meet ration shop requirements for two months.

Responding to complaints about inadequate supplies of fine-quality rice through ration shops, the minister said districts were receiving the variety based on demand.

Clarifying allegations about the source of ration rice, he said the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation procured paddy and milled the rice distributed through fair price shops. He said rice purchased from the open market was processed at private mills and was not part of the corporation's procurement.

In response to demands from Cauvery Delta farmers to reorganise direct paddy procurement centres, Venkataramanan said they decided locations based on cultivation data and assessments by district-level committees comprising five officials and two farmers. He added that new centres would be established wherever feasible.

On complaints about onion quality, he said the previous round procured 730 tonnes, and the produce would be graded, with only suitable stock sent for sale.

Addressing concerns over food quality in eateries, the minister said district Collectors were supervising inspections, particularly to address violations in smaller establishments. The minister also said public awareness campaigns on safe food practices were underway.

Observing that there was no proximate link between the actions of the accused and the employee's death, Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan said continuing the criminal proceedings would amount to an abuse of the process of law.

The court was hearing a petition filed by K Swarna Latha, Senior Deputy Manager (HRD) at MTC, seeking to quash an FIR registered by the Government Railway Police (GRP), Chennai.

According to the prosecution, the petitioner and other accused had allegedly harassed a junior engineer by rejecting his leave applications, marking him absent, and initiating disciplinary proceedings against him. Unable to bear the alleged mental distress, the employee died by suicide after jumping in front of a train.

Before his death, he had sent an email to the Director General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, naming the accused as responsible for his death.

The GRP inspector in Tambaram initially registered a case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which was subsequently altered to Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to abetment of suicide.

Appearing for the petitioner, senior advocate NR Elango submitted that the deceased junior engineer had a history of erratic behaviour, with multiple suspensions, loss of pay, postponed increments, fines and warnings, as well as frequent unauthorised absence from duty. He also pointed out that the employee had made a suicide threat to his higher officials on July 8, 2024.

After hearing the plea, the judge observed that the allegations did not establish a prima facie case of abetment of suicide under Section 108 of the BNS. The court subsequently quashed the FIR.

The victim, Vadivel, a resident of Melatheru in Bhavani in Erode district, was at the hospital when he encountered his son-in-law, Arokkiyam. An argument reportedly broke out between them, during which Arokkiyam allegedly took out a concealed knife and attacked Vadivel.

Victim rushed to emergency ward

Vadivel sustained multiple stab injuries and collapsed at the scene, bleeding profusely. His cries for help drew the attention of people nearby and hospital staff, who rushed to his aid. He was immediately taken to the hospital's emergency ward for treatment. Further details about his condition were not immediately available.

Police arrest accused at hospital

Police personnel stationed at the hospital intervened after the attack and apprehended Arokkiyam at the scene. He was subsequently handed over to the Erode police, who arrested him in connection with the incident.

The police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the attack. The nature of the dispute between the two and the events preceding the confrontation are being examined as part of the inquiry.

In a statement, Nainar Nagenthran criticised the C Joseph Vijay-led coalition government for granting extended parole to Mohammed Ansari, Mohammed Ali, Monappa alias Mohammed Hassan, Mohammed Azam and Nawab Khan, who are serving life sentences in the case.

The February 14, 1998, serial blasts killed 58 people and left more than 250 others injured. The attacks, carried out ahead of a scheduled election rally by senior BJP leader LK Advani, remain among the deadliest terror attacks in Tamil Nadu.

Questioning the decision to let them out on parole, Nainar asked what justice was left for the families of the victims, who had endured the loss of their loved ones for more than 25 years.

He described the bombings as a premeditated act of terrorism targeting civilians at public places, including hospitals, bus stands and commercial establishments, and argued that the gravity of the crime should be taken into account when granting parole.

Allowing the convicts to remain outside prison for two months would threaten public safety and undermine people’s confidence in the justice system, he alleged.

The BJP leader accused the TVK government of showing undue leniency towards those convicted in the blasts case and urged it to prioritise the security of the public and the concerns of the victims’ families.

He called for the immediate revocation of the parole orders and said no concessions should be extended to the convicts.

The five prisoners were granted parole for 60 days from October 17 on personal grounds, including health-related concerns, according to media reports. They had previously been granted parole, which was revoked during the Assembly election period.

Sahana won bronze in the women’s singles Class 9 event, while Madan secured third place in the men’s singles Class 1 category at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games on Tuesday.

Congratulating Sahana, Vijay said her achievement had brought pride to Tamil Nadu and India. He announced a Rs 30 lakh incentive from the state government in recognition of her performance, adding that her success would inspire young para athletes.

Madan, a Chennai-based former racing driver who took up para table tennis after a road accident left him paralysed, also won bronze in the men’s singles Class 1 event. He lost his semi-final to South Korea’s Kim Hyeonuk in straight games.

The two podium finishes formed part of India’s strong showing in para table tennis, with Indian players winning multiple bronze medals at the continental event. Sahana’s medal was particularly significant, marking India’s first-ever medal in the standing category of para table tennis at the Asian Para Games.

Separately, Vijay congratulated Tamil Nadu speed skater Anandkumar Velkumar for winning gold in the senior men’s marathon at the World Skate Games 2026 in Asuncion, Paraguay. Velkumar successfully defended his world title in the 42-km event on October 18.

Velkumar had earlier won bronze in the 500-metre sprint and silver in the 1,000-metre event, taking his medal tally at the Games to three.

The Chief Minister also congratulated Lakshita, Pragathi and Rutva, who won bronze in the junior women’s 3,000-metre relay. Their finish marked India’s first relay medal at the World Speed Skating Championships.

Vijay said the athletes’ performances would encourage young people to take up sports and strive for excellence at international competitions.

Sports Development Minister Aadhav Arjuna said the State’s sports development schemes were supporting athletes in their pursuit of international success. He noted that Velkumar was covered under the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority’s Elite scheme, while the junior relay athletes received support under its Champions Development Scheme.

How was Madan murdered?

According to media reports, Sullan Madan had gone to watch the Vadamadu Manjuvirattu program held in the neighboring village of Melamangalam yesterday (October 19). Following this, a gang of 11 people on 5 two-wheelers chased Sullan Madan and chased him to a sugarcane plantation and killed him. Then the gang fled from the spot.

Who are the arrested persons?

Police registered a murder case and arrested Pradeep (26), also known as Mana, from the Thirumangalam area of Madurai district. Balamurugan (19) of Udakulam and Babu (23) of A Vilakulam were also arrested. All three were produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.

What was Madan’s criminal record?

A total of 15 cases have been registered against Madan, including two murder cases, an attempt-to-murder case and 12 other cases. These included the 2024 murder of the Kalayar Kovil brothers.

Madan had been under police surveillance due to his criminal record. On September 30, 2026, the Sivaganga tahsildar granted him a one-year good conduct bond. A petition seeking cancellation of his bail in a case registered at the Sivaganga Nagar police station is also pending before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court.

What happened before the murder?

Madan was arrested on October 1 in connection with a case registered at the Sivaganga Nagar police station and was released on bail on October 7. Police are investigating the murder and have formed six special teams to apprehend the remaining suspects.

The arrests come amid protests by the deceased's relatives, who have demanded the immediate arrest of everyone involved in the murder.

In a statement on its official social media handle, the AIADMK alleged that the government was pursuing political vendetta by invoking election-related cases against its opponents.

The party said the arrest of a candidate who contested on behalf of a recognised state party exposed what it described as the “narcissistic behaviour” of the government led by Chief Minister Joseph Vijay.

Questioning the government's approach towards citizens seeking to submit petitions to the Chief Minister, the AIADMK asked whether Vijay would stop his convoy to receive their grievances or instead file cases against them and order their arrest for allegedly obstructing his convoy.

The party said such incidents had raised concerns among the people of Tamil Nadu about how the government would respond to citizens attempting to bring their grievances to the Chief Minister's attention.

The AIADMK urged the TVK government to withdraw the action against Karthika and other NTK members, alleging that the arrests reflected the government's high-handed approach.