Appearing for the Thanjavur police, Advocate General Vijay Narayan informed Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan that Udhayanidhi had been arrested and taken to Thanjavur, but that the police did not intend to remand him in judicial custody. The police only intended to question him and release him on station bail.

The Advocate General added that the State’s only intention was to protect the interests of women.

The court observed that since the petition was one for anticipatory bail, it would not be maintainable after the arrest. However, the court added, it could grant bail considering the materials placed before it.

Recording Advocate General Narayan’s submissions, the court directed the police to question Udhayanidhi and release him on station bail on the same day.

The FIR stems from an objectionable speech delivered by the Leader of the Opposition at a public meeting that the DMK conducted in Thanjavur on August 3 in connection with the Cauvery water-sharing dispute. During his speech, Udhayanidhi picked cue from a comment from one among the audience and made a comment loaded with double entendre against actor Trisha Krishnan and Chief Minister Vijay.

Following this, S Bairavi, the TVK's Central District Women's Wing Organiser for Thanjavur, filed a complaint at the Thanjavur East Police Station. Based on this, the police registered a case against Udhayanidhi under Sections 196, 192, 352, 79, 296(b), 61 and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, and arrested him.

Meanwhile, Udhayanidhi filed an anticipatory bail petition before the High Court, claiming that his speech was a political one on the Cauvery water issue, protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, and that his remark referred only to the water dispute with Karnataka. He denied making any derogatory or indecent remarks against Trisha or Vijay, or using any word or gesture intended to insult the modesty of a woman. Udhayanidhi alleges that his speech was taken out of context for political purposes.

He further contended that the case was politically motivated and intended to silence him as the Leader of the Opposition ahead of the Budget Session that is set to commence on August 5 (Wednesday). He sought anticipatory bail in connection with the case under investigation by the police.

In a statement, Dhinakaran said it was irresponsible for a person holding the constitutional position of Leader of the Opposition to make such remarks in public. At the same time, he criticised the Tamil Nadu government's decision to arrest Udhayanidhi, alleging that the police had acted in undue haste.

He said protests by TVK cadres against Udhayanidhi's speech and demonstrations by DMK cadres condemning his arrest had resulted in a law and order situation in the state.

Dhinakaran further alleged that both the ruling party and the Opposition were ignoring issues affecting the public, including the Cauvery water dispute, the proposed Mekedatu dam project, power cuts and electricity tariff hikes.

He urged the state government to release Udhayanidhi Stalin immediately and restore normalcy. Dhinakaran also alleged that the arrest, carried out ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly session, was intended to suppress the voice of the Opposition.

In a post on X, Thirumavalavan said that while alleging the Chief Minister was focused only on filing false cases against opposition leaders, members of the crowd shouted the name of a popular actress.

He said Udhayanidhi, in an attempt to respond sarcastically, made a remark that lent itself to an inappropriate interpretation.

He said the comment had escalated into a national issue, drawing criticism and debate in the English media.

"The Leader of the Opposition should have avoided speaking in a mocking style that conveyed a double meaning. Such an approach, which is perceived as insulting a woman, is not befitting his political stature and is inconsistent with civilised politics," Thirumavalavan said.

He further said political leaders should not allow themselves to be carried away by the mood of the crowd and make emotionally driven remarks that demean women. The perception created by the comment, he said, deserved condemnation.

At the same time, Thirumavalavan urged the ruling government not to keep Udhayanidhi in jail ahead of the Assembly session scheduled to begin on Wednesday (August 5). He said refraining from imprisoning the Leader of the Opposition would enhance public perception of the government.

He also said that, given the present situation, it was important for all political parties and the public to unite in raising their voice for Tamil Nadu's rights over Cauvery water and to draw the attention of the Union government to the issue.

Among the trains rescheduled on August 4 from the MGR Chennai Central railway station, Kanniyakumari-Dibrugarh Vivek Express will leave at 9 pm instead of 5.25 pm, MGR Chennai Central-Howrah Superfast Mail will depart at 9.30 pm instead of 7 pm, and MGR Chennai Central-Shalimar Express, originally scheduled to leave at 6.45 pm, has been deferred to 7 am on Wednesday (August 5).

Southern Railway said the rescheduling was necessitated by the late running of the respective pairing trains.

Chennai Egmore-Tiruchy Cholan Superfast Express will be diverted via Cuddalore Port, Vriddhachalam, and Tiruchchirappalli on August 5, 12, 14, 21, and 26, and September 2 to facilitate fixed-time corridor blocks for safety and maintenance works in Tiruchchirappalli Division.

During the diversion, the train will skip stoppages at Chidambaram, Sirkazhi, Vaithisvarankoil, Mayiladuthurai, Aduturai, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Budalur and Tiruverumbur, while additional halts will be provided at Vriddhachalam, Ariyalur, Lalgudi, and Srirangam.

The Tiruchchirappalli-Chennai Egmore Cholan Superfast Express will also depart 35 minutes later, at 12.45 pm instead of 12.10 pm, on August 4, 11, and 18.

In addition, the Jodhpur-Mannargudi Express will be regulated by about one hour between Chennai Egmore and Mundiyampakkam on August 6, 20 and 27.

Southern Railway also said the Dr MGR Chennai Central-Bhagat Ki Kothi Superfast Express departing on August 11 will be regulated by about two hours in the Manmad-Jalgaon section owing to pre-non-interlocking and non-interlocking works being carried out by Central Railway between Igatpuri and Bhusaval.

In a post on X, Palaniswami said he had repeatedly maintained that Udhayanidhi Stalin should exercise caution while making public statements.

At the same time, he said the remarks allegedly made by Udhayanidhi against women were unacceptable and did not reflect the responsibility expected of a Leader of the Opposition.

However, Palaniswami questioned the decision to proceed with the arrest just a day before the Budget session is scheduled to commence. He said the timing had raised suspicions that the state government was acting with a political motive.

The AIADMK leader alleged that the government was attempting to prevent the Leader of the Opposition from participating in the Assembly proceedings and conduct the Budget session in his absence.

Palaniswami urged the Tamil Nadu government to immediately withdraw the arrest action, stating that the Assembly Budget session is set to begin on Wednesday.

The police had initially planned to question Udhayanidhi Stalin at the Thanjavur South Police Station. However, he was taken to Sengipatti Police Station instead of being brought into Thanjavur city, reportedly due to the presence of a large number of DMK cadres near the Thanjavur South police station.

Udhayanidhi Stalin told the police that, as per the court's order, he should be questioned at the concerned police station and refused to get down from the police vehicle, according to a Thanthi TV bulletin.

The State witnessed high drama today after police arrived at the DMK leader and Chepauk MLA's Neelankarai residence in the morning and took him away in a police vehicle for questioning, shortly after a TVK women's wing functionary in Thanjavur filed a complaint against Udhayanidhi's remark on actor Trisha while attacking Chief Minister Vijay at a Cauvery agitation yesterday. Angry DMK cadre raised slogans against the ruling party, protesting against the police action, outside his residence, outside Anna Arivalayam, and in Thanjavur, as well as on the route taken by the police vehicle en route Thanjavur.

Several of them were detained by the police. Later, the Madras High Court instructed to let the DMK leader out on station bail today itself after inquiry, after the State submitted it had no intention of seeking his judicial remand.

In a statement, Stalin said the government had failed to safeguard Tamil Nadu's interests in the Cauvery dispute and had resorted to the arrest of Udhayanidhi to shift the focus from the issue.

"The TVK-led government believes that the Leader of the Opposition, who enjoys Cabinet rank, should not be present in the Assembly during the presentation of the Budget on Wednesday," Stalin alleged.

Questioning the manner of the arrest, Stalin asked why the police had travelled to Thanjavur to arrest Udhayanidhi when they could have questioned him in Chennai.

"If the police wanted to investigate him, they could have done so in Chennai. Why did they have to go to Thanjavur? Why were non-bailable sections invoked against him?" Stalin asked.

Referring to the court proceedings, Stalin said the Madras High Court had directed that Udhayanidhi be released on the same day. "The order is a severe setback to the fascist TVK-led government," he said.

Recalling the earlier arrests of DMK MLAs Anitha R Radhakrishnan and G V Markandeyan, Stalin said Udhayanidhi's arrest was a continuation of the government's attempts to target Opposition leaders.

Defending Udhayanidhi, Stalin said the LoP had never used vulgar language in public life. "That is not his character. If he had inadvertently made any objectionable remark, he is someone who would immediately express regret," he said.

Stalin also criticised those condemning Udhayanidhi's speech, calling it an attempt to divert attention from the real issues. He urged the Chief Minister to act responsibly and demanded the immediate release of all DMK cadres arrested during the protests.

"Arrogance paves the way for disaster, and sustained arrogance will only lead to greater disaster," Stalin said.

In a statement, Anbumani said the comments made by Udhayanidhi during Monday's protest in Thanjavur against the proposed Mekedatu dam project were "unacceptable" and lacked the dignity expected from a former Deputy Chief Minister and the current Leader of the Opposition.

He said Udhayanidhi, given the constitutional position he holds, should exercise restraint and maintain decorum in public speeches.

At the same time, Anbumani criticised the State government for arresting Udhayanidhi with "undue haste". He pointed out that the Madras High Court had directed that no arrest be made until noon, and questioned the urgency in taking the Leader of the Opposition into custody, particularly when the Assembly session is scheduled to begin on Wednesday.

Anbumani alleged that the speed with which the government and the police acted in the case, unlike in addressing several public issues, gave the impression that the arrest was politically motivated.

Stating that Tamil Nadu is facing several pressing challenges, Anbumani urged both the ruling party and the opposition to shift their focus from political confrontation to governance and public welfare.

He also called upon the government to ensure that Udhayanidhi's arrest does not lead to any deterioration in the law and order situation in the State.

Speaking to reporters, CPM State Secretary P Shanmugam said the remarks were "obscene" and "disgusting" and deserved strong condemnation. He said political leaders, especially those holding responsible positions such as the Leader of the Opposition, had a greater responsibility to uphold political decency while addressing the public.

Shanmugam said women had repeatedly been subjected to derogatory references in political discourse over the years and stressed that such practices must come to a permanent end. He said political parties should ensure that their members refrain from making such remarks.

Referring to the Left parties, he said they had consistently upheld women's rights and approached such issues with seriousness. He alleged that some parties had people who routinely made such comments at public meetings, and said party leaderships should first discipline their own members. He added that if anyone from the Left parties made such remarks, they would not be retained in the party.

CPI State Secretary M Veerapandian said social reformer Periyar had championed women's liberation, while poet Subramania Bharati, Bharathidasan, Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram and Tamil cultural traditions had celebrated womanhood. He said no form of political discourse should cross the line by insulting or humiliating women, adding that this remained the CPI's firm stand.

On the police action against Udhayanidhi, Shanmugam said CPM had strongly condemned the remarks and that a complaint had been lodged, following which legal action had been initiated. He said the matter should now proceed in accordance with the law.

He also noted that the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly's first Budget session under the present government was scheduled to begin on Wednesday and said the participation of the Leader of the Opposition was important. He expressed hope that the government would take this into consideration while acting on the issue.

According to a press note, the anti-graft agency laid 24 traps across Tamil Nadu between July 1 and July 31. Officials were arrested for demanding and accepting bribes ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1 lakh to perform official duties, it added.

The arrested personnel included a Joint Commissioner of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, a Tahsildar, an Assistant Engineer (Electrical), a Village Administrative Officer (VAO), and various officials from the police, revenue, and local administration departments.

In coordination with District Inspection Cell officers, the DVAC conducted surprise checks at 13 government offices in Krishnagiri, Tiruvallur, Theni, Kanniyakumari, Dindigul, Thanjavur, Ranipet, Chennai, and Karur, seizing Rs 13,39,080 in unaccounted cash.

Simultaneous checks at six state border vehicle check posts yielded an additional Rs 9,87,890.

A massive statewide search of Taluk offices on July 17 led to the physical seizure of Rs 13,88,750 in unaccounted cash. During this operation, authorities also flagged Rs 94,69,887 in suspicious G-Pay transactions, bringing the single-day detection total to Rs 1,08,58,637.

On the judicial front, trial courts convicted five individuals in four corruption cases during July.

Special Courts for Prevention of Corruption Act cases, along with Sessions Courts in Tiruvallur and Ranipet, sentenced a Tahsildar, a Tahsildar's driver, a Headmistress, a Correspondent, and a Police Sub-Inspector to rigorous imprisonment ranging from two to four years. The courts also imposed fines ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 50,000.

Edappadi K Palaniswami

In a post on 'X' after Udhayanidhi was escorted by the police to Thanjavur, where a case against him was registered, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami criticised the "lame horse government" for timing this arrest just a day before the budget session.

He argued that conducting the assembly in the complete absence of the Leader of the Opposition is "highly condemnable" and raises widespread suspicions of a deeper political motive beyond the registered case.

The AIADMK leader simultaneously criticised Udhayanidhi's personal conduct.

Palaniswami stated that his party has long believed Udhayanidhi "needs a muzzle", condemning his habit of speaking out of turn and making degrading remarks about women without understanding the dignity of his position.

"Registering a case for his speech is one thing. But striving to arrest the LoP today raises suspicions," Palaniswami remarked.

DMDK chief Premalatha Vijayakanth

Condemning the police action, DMDK chief Premalatha Vijayakanth stated, "This act of stifling the opposition is condemnable."

Drawing a parallel to colonial times, she remarked, "There was a muzzle law during the British era; similarly, this action of stifling opposition parties is condemnable."

She emphasised that answering political arguments with counter-arguments maintains the dignity of democracy, adding that an arrest action should not be considered a solution.

Deputy General Secretary of the AIADMK, K P Munusamy

Adding to the chorus of criticism, Deputy General Secretary of the AIADMK, K P Munusamy, accused the state's leadership of "political vendetta".

He said the Chief Minister was "misusing power to the extent of arresting the opposition leader."

DMK leader Thangam Thenarasu

DMK leader Thangam Thenarasu echoed these sentiments, terming the arrest a "direct attack on democratic rights."

VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan

VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan termed Udhayanidhi's comment "unacceptable" in civilised politics and urged him to abandon "thoughtless rhetoric" catered to crowds, noting the incident has drawn national condemnation.

However, he also asked the state government to avoid arresting Udhayanidhi ahead of August 5 Assembly session. Such restraint, Thirumavalavan stated, would boost the ruling party's goodwill and foster unity among all parties to collectively demand Tamil Nadu's Cauvery water rights from the Union government.

DMK MP Kanimozhi

Taking to X, DMK MP Kanimozhi said the government is "resorting to oppressive tactics that are against the law".

"Arresting the Leader of Opposition in this way, solely to prevent him from participating in the Assembly session starting tomorrow, is blatant cowardice," she wrote on her official X account.

DMK leaders

DMK leaders Anbil Mahesh, Thangam Thennarasu, Ma Subramanian and K N Nehru also condemned the police action.

The leader of the opposition was taken into custody from his residence in Neelankarai, Chennai, this morning by a police team from East Thanjavur. His arrest immediately triggered protests by DMK cadres, disrupting normal life in several parts of the state.

In Karur, DMK members staged a sit-in protest near the old bus stand.

Party workers also blocked roads in Tiruvannamalai to condemn the police action. Similar protests were held in Salem and Madurai. In Thanjavur, protesters burned an effigy of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay in protest against the arrest.

The political friction led to the detention of other leaders, as well. In Theni, police arrested senior DMK leader O Panneerselvam while he was participating in a protest condemning Udhayanidhi's arrest.

Tamil Nadu Minister for School Education and Tamil Development Rajmohan alleged in a post on X that DMK members had attacked members of the public.

"The sight of DMK members brutally assaulting a two-wheeler rider who urged them not to block the road and inconvenience the public is shocking," he wrote.

Calling the incident unacceptable, the minister said the "law will do its duty."

The controversy stems from a demonstration led by Udhayanidhi in Thanjavur on August 3 over the Cauvery water dispute.

During the protest, the DMK demanded that the ruling TVK take decisive steps to stop Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu reservoir project, waive farmers' loans in full, and declare the delta districts drought-hit.

During his address, a section of the crowd chanted actor Trisha's name. Udhayanidhi responded with a remark that political opponents, including state BJP leaders and the TVK, condemned as an objectionable double entendre.

Following the speech, a TVK national spokesperson submitted a representation to the National Commission for Women, seeking its intervention, an unconditional public apology from Udhayanidhi, and the registration of a police case under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The Thanjavur Police registered the case against him under six sections of provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The police have also invoked relevant sections from the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women (Amendment) Act and the Information Technology Act.

The case has triggered political controversy, with the DMK moving the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail after the registration of the FIR.

Here are the provisions invoked in the case and the punishments prescribed:

Section 61, BNS:

The BNS defines criminal conspiracy as an agreement between two or more persons to commit an illegal act or a legal act through illegal means. Section 61 deals with criminal conspiracy to commit an offence punishable with death, imprisonment for life or rigorous imprisonment for a term of 2 years or upwards. It can be bailable or non-bailable depending on the object of the conspiracy, and the trial will be done by a judicial officer based on the nature of the conspiracy.

If the conspiracy relates to serious offences punishable with death, life imprisonment, or rigorous imprisonment of two years or more, the punishment is the same as for abetment of that offence. For lesser offences, punishment may extend to six months' imprisonment, or a fine, or both.

Section 79, BNS:

Section 79 deals with uttering words or making any gesture or doing any acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman, etc. It is a bailable offence, and can be tried by any magistrate.

The prescribed punishment is simple imprisonment for up to three years along with a fine.

Section 192, BNS:

Section 192 relates to wantonly giving illegal provocation with the intent to cause a riot. The offence is bailable. Case to be tried by any magistrate.

If a riot is committed as a consequence of the provocation, the punishment is imprisonment of up to one year, or a fine, or both. If no riot takes place, the punishment may extend to six months, or a fine, or both.

Section 196, BNS:

Section 196 deals with promoting enmity between different groups on grounds such as religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, caste, or community, and acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony. Case to be tried by magistrate of the first class.

The offence is non-bailable, and is punishable with imprisonment for up to three years, or a fine, or both. If committed in a place of worship or during a religious ceremony, the punishment can extend up to five years along with a fine.

Section 296(b), BNS:

Section 296(b) penalises singing, reciting, or uttering obscene songs, ballads, or words in or near a public place causing annoyance to others. It is a bailable offence, and can be tried by any magistrate.

The offence carries a maximum punishment of three months' imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs 1,000, or both.

Section 351(2), BNS:

Section 351(2) deals with criminal intimidation by threatening injury to a person's body, reputation, or property, or that of someone they care about, with the intention of causing alarm or compelling an illegal act. It is a bailable offence and can be tried by any magistrate.

The punishment is imprisonment for up to two years, or a fine, or both.

Section 352, BNS:

Section 352 deals with intentional insult intended to provoke breach of peace. It is a bailable offence. Case to be tried by any magistrate.

The offence is punishable with imprisonment for up to two years, or a fine, or both. It is a non-cognisable offence triable by any Magistrate.

Section 4, Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women (Amendment) Act, 2002:

Whoever commits or participates in or abets harassment of women in or within the precincts of any educational institution, temple or other place of worship, bus stop, road, railway station, cinema theatre, park, beach, place of festival, public service vehicle or vessel, or any other place shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and with fine which shall not be less than Rs 10,000.

Section 67, Information Technology Act, 2000:

Whoever publishes or transmits or causes to be published or transmitted in the electronic form, any material which is lascivious or appeals to the prurient interest or if its effect is such as to tend to deprave and corrupt persons who are likely, having regard to all relevant circumstances, to read, see, or hear the matter contained or embodied in it, shall be punished on first conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years and with fine which may extend to Rs 5 lakh, and in the event of second or subsequent conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years and also with fine which may extend to Rs 10 lakh.

The criticism came amid mounting political backlash after videos of Udhayanidhi's speech surfaced on social media, prompting complaints from the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) women's wing and the registration of a criminal case against him.

Vaiko calls for political unity

In a post on X, Vaiko said the Leader of the Opposition's remarks against the Chief Minister deserved strong condemnation.

He said Udhayanidhi Stalin, who holds the constitutional office of Leader of the Opposition, should remember the Thirukkural principle of exercising restraint in speech instead of resorting to derogatory language.

Vaiko further alleged that the speech delivered during the DMK protest, which focused on the Cauvery issue, reflected poor political standards and lowered the quality of public debate.

He also said the Cauvery issue should not be used for political posturing and maintained that Tamil Nadu's interests could be protected only if all political parties spoke in one voice, rising above political differences.

CPM seeks civil political discourse

CPM state secretary P Shanmugam also criticised the remarks made by Udhayanidhi Stalin, saying the language used in the public domain was obscene and unacceptable.

In a post on X, Shanmugam said the Leader of the Opposition's manner of speech deserved strong condemnation and stressed that politics should not descend into personal attacks or offensive language.

He further said speeches that demean women must come to an end and emphasised that political leaders have a responsibility to uphold civilised public discourse.

Khushbu demands apology

Actor and BJP state vice-president Khushbu also condemned Udhayanidhi Stalin's remarks, accusing him of insulting actor Trisha on a public platform.

She questioned whether Udhayanidhi had the courage and decency to admit his mistake and apologise to Trisha, saying public representatives should exercise responsibility while addressing public meetings.

Udhayanidhi's remarks spark controversy

Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly and DMK Youth Wing secretary, addressed the DMK's Cauvery protest in Thanjavur on Tuesday. During his speech, he purportedly made remarks with double entendres targeting Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and actor Trisha.

Videos of the speech soon surfaced on social media, triggering widespread criticism. TVK strongly condemned the remarks, while its women's wing lodged complaints with the Thanjavur East Police Station and the National Commission for Women.

Case registered; Udhayanidhi alleges political motive

Based on the complaints, the Thanjavur police registered a case against Udhayanidhi Stalin under six sections, under six BNS sections, along with provisions of the women’s harassment law and IT Act. A police team later reached his residence in Neelankarai and questioned him, and later took him away in a police vehicle for further questioning at an undisclosed location.

However, Udhayanidhi maintained that the case was an attempt to defame him, alleging that only edited portions of his speech had been circulated while the full context of his remarks had been deliberately ignored.

The TVK women's wing has also submitted a complaint to the National Commission for Women (NCW), seeking action against Udhayanidhi over his purportedly derogatory remarks.

Speaking to reporters while being taken to an undisclosed location in a police vehicle, Udhayanidhi said the government could not tolerate his criticism of its handling of the Cauvery issue during a protest in Thanjavur. "I am not anxious about my detention. I will face the case legally," he said.

Earlier today, the Thanjavur police registered a case against the DMK Youth Wing Secretary under six BNS sections, along with provisions of the women’s harassment law and IT Act, over the controversial remarks he made during a public meeting in Thanjavur on Monday (August 3). Soon after, the DMK moved the Madras High Court seeking protection from his arrest.

As news of the police action spread, DMK workers gathered outside the Chepauk MLA's Neelankarai residence, raising slogans against the ruling government, prompting heavy police deployment and heightened security. Senior DMK leaders KN Nehru, Ma Subramanian, members of the party's legal wing and Udhayanidhi's brother-in-law V Sabareesan were also present when the LoP was briefed on the case at his residence before being taken away for further questioning.

Several DMK cadres were detained during the protest, while one cadre was seen with a bloodied nose during the scuffle.

Why was Udhayanidhi booked by the Thanjavur police?

The case stems from a DMK protest held outside the Panagal Building in Thanjavur on Monday (August 3), where Udhayanidhi criticised the TVK government over Cauvery water rights, the proposed Mekedatu dam and the waiver of farm loans.

Calling Vijay a "dummy Chief Minister", the LoP alleged that the state's administrative failures had resulted in the current situation faced by farmers. He also launched a strong attack on the state Cabinet, referring to the ministers as a "joker group" while making several allegations against the ruling establishment.

He later made purportedly derogatory comments about actor Trisha after the crowd chanted her name, drawing widespread flak.

What action has TVK taken against Udhayanidhi?

A police complaint was lodged at the Thanjavur East Police Station by S Bairavi, the TVK's Central District Women's Wing Organiser for Thanjavur.

TVK national spokesperson Pazha Selvakumar also submitted a petition to the National Commission for Women (NCW), alleging that Udhayanidhi made defamatory, objectifying and sexually suggestive remarks against Chief Minister Vijay and a woman actor.

The petition urged the Commission to take cognisance of the speech, seek an explanation and an unconditional public apology from Udhayanidhi, and recommend legal action.

(With Bureau inputs)

The proposals, presented at the CII Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Summit 2026 on Monday (August 3), are aimed at improving industrial connectivity, strengthening links to ports and airports, easing congestion in Chennai and supporting the growth of Tier-II cities.

I Jeyakumar, Member Secretary and Special Officer, Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA), said the Vision 2035 plan, jointly prepared by NHAI and the State Highways Department, comprises 144 corridors spanning 4,543.5 km.

Of the total investment, NHAI projects account for Rs 84,891 crore, while the State Highways Department will execute projects worth Rs 52,105 crore.

The proposed network includes 20 spine corridors, 21 link roads, industrial and coastal connectivity projects, nine airport connectivity projects, dedicated road improvements in the Chennai Metropolitan Area and master plans for Tier-II cities.

Chennai alone will see 13 new road projects covering 164 km at an estimated cost of Rs 2,947 crore, while master plans for Coimbatore, Madurai and Hosur have already been approved. The Tuticorin master plan is awaiting approval.

Airport connectivity has also been prioritised, with eight corridors proposed by the State Highways Department and one by NHAI. Two of the proposed state road links have already been taken up under spur road projects.

NHAI Regional Officer Virender Sambyal said the authority already has 855 km of national highway projects worth more than Rs 33,000 crore under construction in Tamil Nadu. In addition, another 2,500 km of highways requiring investments exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore are in the pipeline.

Among the marquee projects are the Chennai-Trichy-Madurai greenfield access-controlled corridor, the Maduravoyal-Sriperumbudur elevated corridor, six-laning of the Chengalpattu-Tindivanam stretch of NH-32, four-laning of the Nagapattinam-Thoothukudi-Kanyakumari section of NH-32, improved connectivity to Cuddalore Port, and bypass projects in Coimbatore, Salem and Trichy.

The proposed investments are expected to strengthen freight movement, improve connectivity to industrial clusters, ports and airports, and support Tamil Nadu's manufacturing and export-driven economy.

The meeting comes as the House is set to reconvene on Wednesday (August 5) for the presentation of the 2026-27 General Budget, the first full-fledged budget of the TVK government led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.

The inaugural session of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly began on June 18 with the Governor's address. Discussions on the motion of thanks were held on June 19, 22 and 23, with the Chief Minister replying to the debate before the House was adjourned sine die.

General budget

The Assembly will reconvene on Wednesday for the presentation of the 2026-27 General Budget by Finance Minister N Marie Wilson.

As it is the TVK government's maiden budget, it is expected to feature several new welfare schemes and policy announcements.

The budget session is likely to continue for around one-and-a-half months, including discussions on the budget and department-wise demands for grants.

Presentation of agriculture budget

The Agriculture Budget for 2026-27 will be presented on Thursday (August 6) by Agriculture Minister R Vinoth. This will be followed by discussions in the Assembly and replies from the ministers concerned.

Ahead of the session, all TVK MLAs are expected to participate in Tuesday's meeting to deliberate on key aspects of both the General and Agriculture Budgets and review the government's priorities.

TVK's election manifesto

The maiden budget is expected to reflect several promises made in the TVK election manifesto.

Major assurances include a monthly assistance of Rs 2,500 for women heads of families, six free LPG cylinders annually, one sovereign of gold and a silk saree for weddings, education loans up to Rs 20 lakh, health insurance cover of Rs 25 lakh per family, annual free full-body health check-ups, and a monthly allowance of Rs 4,000 for unemployed graduates.

Gold ring scheme

The government has already implemented 200 units of free electricity every month and announced the waiver of crop loans up to Rs 75,000.

Chief Minister Vijay has also said the Gold Ring Scheme (Thaimaaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam) for newborns will be launched on September 15 to mark former Chief Minister CN Annadurai's birth anniversary. The remaining key manifesto promises are expected to find place in the upcoming budget, which will also be discussed in detail during the MLAs' meeting.

Earlier in the day, the Thanjavur police registered a case against the DMK Youth Wing Secretary under six Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections, along with provisions of the women’s harassment law and IT Act, over the controversial remarks he made during a public meeting in Thanjavur yesterday, according to a Daily Thanthi report. Soon after, the DMK moved the Madras High Court seeking protection from his arrest.

A police team from Thanjavur, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Alagesan, had arrived at Udhayanidhi's residence in Neelankarai, Chennai, to brief him about the case.

As news of the police visit spread, DMK workers gathered outside the Chepauk MLA's residence and raised slogans against the ruling government, prompting heavy police deployment and heightened security. Senior DMK leaders K N Nehru, Ma Subramanian, members of the party's legal wing and Udhayanidhi's brother-in-law V Sabareesan also reached the spot.

After Greater Chennai Police (GCP) Commissioner A Amalraj arrived, the protesters were dispersed. Udhayanidhi was then briefed on the case and taken from his residence in a police vehicle.

What led to the case against Udhayanidhi?

The case stems from a DMK protest held outside the Panagal Building in Thanjavur on Monday (August 3), where Udhayanidhi criticised Chief Minister Vijay and TVK government over Cauvery water rights, the proposed Mekedatu dam, and the waiver of farm loans.

He later made purportedly derogatory comments about actor Trisha after the crowd chanted her name, drawing widespread flak.

Who filed the complaint against Udhayanidhi?

A police complaint was lodged at the Thanjavur East Police Station by S Bairavi, the TVK's Central District Women's Wing Organiser for Thanjavur, following which the police registered a case against Udhayanidhi under six BNS sections, along with provisions of the women’s harassment law and IT Act.

The TVK women's wing is also reportedly organising protests across several districts, including Erode, on Tuesday condemning Udhayanidhi's remarks and demanding appropriate legal action against him.

What action has TVK taken against Udhayanidhi?

TVK national spokesperson Pazha Selvakumar has also submitted a petition to the National Commission for Women (NCW), alleging that Udhayanidhi made defamatory, objectifying and sexually suggestive remarks against Chief Minister Vijay and a woman actor.

The petition urged the Commission to take cognisance of the speech, direct the police to initiate legal action, and seek an explanation and an unconditional public apology from Udhayanidhi.

(With inputs from Bureau)

The inflow at Biligundlu rose from 500 cusecs on Monday (August 3) evening to 1,000 cusecs in the early hours of Tuesday (August 4). It climbed further to 8,000 cusecs by 7 a.m. before surging to 18,000 cusecs by 10 a.m.

Officials said the flow is expected to increase further as Karnataka continues to discharge more than 27,000 cusecs from the Kabini and Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dams following heavy rainfall in the Cauvery catchment areas.

The fresh inflow is likely to reach the Mettur Dam by Tuesday evening or night.

The reservoir's water level stood at 73.18 feet against its full reservoir level of 120 feet. It was receiving a meagre inflow of just 68 cusecs while 1,500 cusecs was being released for downstream requirements.

The arrival of the Cauvery waters is expected to significantly improve inflows into the Mettur reservoir offering relief for farmers in the parched delta region.

It has been 13 years since fares were fixed for the 3.46 lakh autorickshaws operating across the State.

What were the demands made by auto unions and passenger organisations during the fare revision talks?

A tripartite meeting on the proposed revision was held in Chennai on July 9.

More than 30 trade union representatives and 90 members of passenger organisations participated in the discussions. During the meeting, auto trade unions demanded that minimum fare be increased to Rs 70, while passenger organisations insisted that it should be fixed at Rs 50.

What did the Transport Commissionerate submit on the auto fare revision?

According to officials of the Transport Commissionerate, the report has been prepared after examining the key points raised during the tripartite talks, along with factors such as the current fuel prices and auto fares in other cities.

The report has been submitted to the Tamil Nadu Home Department. Officials said they expect the State government to announce the revised auto fares after examining the report.

During a speech at a DMK-led agitation yesterday, the LoP made purportedly derogatory remarks against actor Trisha while attacking Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, after the crowd chanted her name, drawing widespread criticism.

TVK national spokesperson Pazha Selvakumar submitted a representation to the NCW alleging that Udhayanidhi made objectifying and sexually suggestive remarks against Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and a woman actor. The petition sought the Commission’s intervention, urging it to take cognisance of the speech, seek an explanation and unconditional public apology, and recommend legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for alleged obscenity and outraging the modesty of women.

Aadhav, Anand, Rajmohan condemn Udhayanidhi

Leading the political offensive, Minister Aadhav Arjuna accused Udhayanidhi of disgracing the legacy of DMK founder C N Annadurai through obscene language and double entendres.

“He has neither upheld the dignity expected of the Leader of the Opposition nor displayed basic human decency. His speech reflected a distorted attitude towards women and is unacceptable in public life. Women of Tamil Nadu will reject such politics,” Aadhav said in a statement.

Minister N Anand said Udhayanidhi had failed to appreciate the dignity attached to constitutional offices despite belonging to a family that had produced two Chief Ministers.

“The people are watching those who have crossed the limits of decency. Public life demands restraint, responsibility and respect for institutions,” he said.

Minister Rajmohan said public representatives must recognise the influence of their words on society.

“Women today excel in every field, from education and science to governance and sports. Any remark that demeans their dignity is unacceptable and deserves strong condemnation,” he said.

Siva sought the suspension of Rules 15, 23, and 51, along with any other listed business, to facilitate a discussion on the matter. The notice stated that the discussion was being sought on “the concerns over the proposed Mekedatu dam on the river Cauvery, its impact on Tamil Nadu and the need for constitution of a tribunal in this regard.”

Addressing party cadres during a protest in Thanjavur against the Mekedatu project, Udayanidhi said the failure to secure Cauvery water had led to the loss of kuruvai cultivation across the Delta and cast doubt over the samba crop as well. He alleged that the State government had failed to respond to the crisis.

Claiming that Tamil Nadu should have received 42 tmc ft of Cauvery water over the past two months but had received only 4 tmc ft, Udayanidhi said the government neither cared about nor understood the suffering of farmers. “While farmers were crying over crop losses, ministers were in tears after watching a movie,” he remarked.

He alleged that Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay was focused only on retaining power and had failed to support farmers. He further claimed that farmers who attempted to meet the Chief Minister were arrested.

Udayanidhi also criticised the State Cabinet, describing it as a “gang of jokers”. He alleged that the Water Resources Minister avoided the media, that the Agriculture Minister offered prayers with the Budget at the Tirupati temple, and that he referred to the past activities of several ministers, including selling lottery tickets, pirated CDs, and movie tickets at exorbitant prices. He also alleged that one minister was alleged to be a drug user and another was “wandering with a wooden log.”

He further accused the Chief Minister, ministers and their family members of prioritising making social media reels over governance.

Reiterating the DMK’s stand against the Mekedatu project, Udayanidhi said the party would oppose its construction “at any cost” and continue to stand by farmers. He also contrasted Karnataka Chief Minister’s decision to convene an all-party meeting on the issue with the Tamil Nadu government’s reported reluctance to do so.

“The decision to make a single textbook is still under discussion and not consulted with many, including teachers and staff. However, there are rumours that Classes 6 and 7 will have the same textbooks throughout the year from next academic year,” said a school education department source.

However, this is not the first time such a decision was taken, say department staff. “Almost three academic years ago, the textbooks for Class 8 were made one, moving from the trimester system. During that time too, no one was informed,” added the source.

Currently, the school textbooks under the State syllabus are given in three terms for Classes 1 to 5. And, as usual for classes 9 to 12, the textbooks are common throughout the year.

Meanwhile, the school textbooks for Classes 1 to 3 are set to go for printing in a few days. The department officials say the preparations for the same are under way and arrangements are being made to ensure the textbooks for the new term for the elementary classes are ready after the holidays. The first term, which started in June, will wrap up in September.

“As there was a change in syllabus for elementary classes, textbooks for Classes 1 to 3 took some time, which might have resulted in the delay of printing textbooks. However, we have swiftly initiated the process for printing, which is currently in the final approval stage,” added a department source.

Speaking to reporters in Palani on Monday in a different event, Velumani made it clear that the differences remain unresolved. He reiterated that Sasikala and Dinakaran should be readmitted to the AIADMK and said his faction would not accept the new organisational posts announced by the party leadership.

Velumani also maintained that the party would function effectively only if the earlier organisational structure, including the district secretary posts, was restored.

His remarks have once again brought the AIADMK's internal differences into focus ahead of the Assembly Budget Session, which is scheduled to commence on August 5.

On Dheeran Chinnamalai Memorial Day, Palaniswami announced that Velumani would participate in the commemorative event in Erode while Thangamani would attend the programme in Salem. Their participation was viewed as a sign that tensions within the party were easing. But Velumani has made it clear that the issue is not over, also with his show of strength arriving in a big cavalcade of cars at the Dheeran Chinnamalai memorial.

He also said that he and his supporters would not accept the organisational posts recently announced by general secretary Palaniswami.

The differences between Palaniswami and senior leaders, including Velumani and CVe Shanmugam, refuses to die, with the fresh episode adding to it. Even as the rebel leaders, who later reconciled with EPS, were accomodated but without offering them their district secretary posts.

Although both camps later projected unity and indicated that efforts were underway to resolve the differences, the Velumani camp continued to insist on convening a general council meeting to review the party's electoral defeat and restore the earlier organisational structure. However, the party leadership did not accept these demands, as they were seen as a direct challenge to the EPS leadership.

The incident comes weeks after School Education Minister A Rajmohan prohibited political parties, ministers, party cadres, NGOs and private organisations from entering schools or involving students in political activities.

In a statement issued on July 9, the minister had said: "Schools and children are not a place to engage in political activities or involve them in one. Hence, from now on, only government events will be held on school premises. Political parties, cadres, ministers and private organisations are not permitted inside schools."

The latest video has triggered criticism, with teachers alleging that the directive is being violated by members of the ruling TVK.

A government school teacher, requesting anonymity, said the Karaikudi episode was not an isolated incident. "The government should ensure that its own party functionaries follow the rules laid down by the School Education Department," the teacher said.

Teachers also urged the government to enforce the minister's order uniformly and prevent political activities involving schoolchildren, irrespective of the party or organisation involved.

The devotee was Gopalakrishnan, a retired private-sector employee who had come to his native village for the annual festival. Eyewitnesses said he lost his footing while crossing the ember pit.

Officers on security duty and other devotees immediately pulled him out. He sustained burns on both shoulders and was administered first aid at a private hospital in the area.

He was later moved to a government hospital for further care. Doctors said his condition is stable and he remains under observation. Mappedu police are investigating.

Officials said water released from Karnataka's Kabini reservoir was expected to reach Biligundlu, the entry point of the Cauvery into Tamil Nadu, on Monday night and subsequently reach the Mettur reservoir on Tuesday.

"The combined discharge from the Kabini and Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) reservoirs in Karnataka continues to be around 27,000 cusecs. The released water is expected to reach Mettur on Tuesday," a Water Resources Department official in Mettur said.

Against the dam's full reservoir level of 2,284 feet, the water level has reached 2,281.43 feet. With inflows continuing to rise, surplus water is being released in phases as a precautionary measure to ensure the reservoir's safety.

The discharge, which stood at 12,000 cusecs the previous day, was increased to 25,000 cusecs as of 10 pm on Monday.

The water released from the Kabini dam reached Kollegal on Monday and is expected to reach Biligundlu, the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border point on the Cauvery, on Tuesday.

In a circular issued on July 30, TNPDCL directed field officials to review the adequacy of security deposits maintained by HT consumers and LT Current Transformer (LTCT) and IIIB industrial consumers for 2026-27 based on EB charges paid during the preceding 12 months.

Although the ASD exercise does not cover domestic consumers, industrial units whose power bills have increased over the past year are likely to receive higher ASD demands as the security deposit is directly linked to average annual electricity charges. Industry representatives said the timing could not have been worse.

Federation of Coimbatore Industrial Associations (FOCIA) coordinator J James said that the MSMEs were already reeling under higher power costs following the steep increase in fixed charges for LTCT consumers during the recent tariff revision.

“We urge TNPDCL not to impose another financial burden through the ASD review. The 450% increase in fixed charges for LTCT consumers has already hit MSMEs hard. We met Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on July 23 and sought withdrawal of the hike along with other industry demands. Any additional burden will affect nearly 13 lakh micro industries and around 80 lakh workers who depend on the sector,” James told DT Next.

Under the TN Electricity Supply Code, consumers under monthly billing are required to maintain a security deposit equivalent to two months’ average EB charges during the previous 12 months, while those under bi-monthly billing must maintain a deposit equal to 3 months’ average charges. Consumers who are not owners of the premises and cannot produce the property owner’s consent letter are required to maintain higher security deposits.

Before reviewing the adequacy of deposits, TNPDCL has credited interest at 6.71% for 2025-26 on existing security deposits. It has also approved payment of interest at the same rate on Meter Caution Deposits for HT consumers through adjustment in future electricity bills.

The utility has directed officials to issue separate ASD notices, while EB bills and invoices will carry details of the existing security deposit, interest credited and additional amount payable. Consumers will have 30 days to pay the revised deposit, failing which Belated Payment Surcharge will be levied. Continued default could lead to disconnection of power supply without further notice.

To ease the burden, TNPDCL has permitted payment of the additional security deposit in three instalments aligned with the billing cycle on request.

How additional security deposit will be calculated

Security deposit will be calculated based on electricity charges during the previous 12 months

· Monthly billed consumers: Security deposit = 2 × monthly average electricity charges

· Bi-monthly billed consumers: Security deposit = 3 × monthly average electricity charges

Existing security deposit and interest credited are adjusted against the revised requirement

The balance amount, if any, is collected as the Additional Security Deposit (ASD)

Consumers have 30 days to pay, with an option to pay in three instalments on request

In a representation to the Chief Minister, Kennedy explained he had spent more than 40 years collecting, restoring and preserving rare mechanical clocks, which represent an important part of scientific, technological and cultural heritage.

He urged the government to establish a dedicated museum so that the collection could be preserved for future generations, researchers and students. “I’ve been knocking on the doors of the government for seven years. I’m getting old and I don’t think I have the means to preserve these anymore,” Kennedy said.

His collection involved around 2,200 clocks, including a 290-year-old handmade English pendulum clock, what he claims is the world’s smallest pendulum clock measuring just 1.5 inches. Another prized possession was bought for only Rs 300 from a scrap market and was later identified as a clock used by the British Air Force during World War I. Restored by his longtime clocksmith for Rs 500, the clock is now valued at around Rs 50,000.

His collection was recognised by Guinness World Records in 2023 after a lengthy verification process that lasted nearly six years of scrutiny.

Lamenting the absence of institutional support, Kennedy pointed out, “India does not have a single museum dedicated exclusively to clocks despite possessing a rich horological heritage. Even celebrities were interested in owning my collection and even offered to display it for the public. But, I do not want it to be a part of any individual’s possession.”

Seeking the government’s intervention, Kennedy has proposed establishing a museum where the entire collection could be displayed. He said he intended to donate the collection to the country and wanted the museum to charge only a nominal entry fee of Rs 10-15 so that people from all sections of society could visit.

Childhood fascination becomes a lifelong passion

Robert Kennedy’s fascination with clocks dates back to his childhood. His grandfather, who worked for the British at Munati Estate, was given a Chevrolet car and an Ansonia clock in recognition of his work. Inspired by stories his father narrated about the clock, Kennedy bought his first timepiece – a broken Japanese pendulum clock – for just Rs 20. With the help of a local carpenter and a clocksmith, he restored it and took it home. “My mother asked why I was bringing another scrap clock when we already had one. I told her it was a pair for my grandfather’s clock. That’s how my collection started,” he smiled.

Emphasising the urgency, WRD officials noted that the wing currently lacks a full-time in-service head, creating a critical leadership gap at a time when Tamil Nadu is navigating legally, technically, and politically the sensitive inter-state water dispute. The post has been filled with retired personnel for the last 35 years, officials said.

The CTC-cum-ISWW is a specialised agency under the WRD responsible for handling inter-State river disputes, legal proceedings, and technical negotiations, most notably regarding the Cauvery and Mullaiperiyar rivers.

The resurfacing of the contentious Mekedatu project issue on the national stage has intensified the need for administrative reform in Tamil Nadu. The state requires continuous, highly coordinated technical and legal strategies to protect its water rights before the Supreme Court, the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), central agencies, and other key forums.

Urgency has escalated following the recent resignation of the retired official heading the operational wing, creating an immediate administrative void. Water Resources Department (WRD) officials warn that delays in filling this sanctioned apex position could severely compromise Tamil Nadu's legal preparedness.

While the role was occasionally given to retired officials, WRD officials pressed that post-retirement appointments weaken operational efficiency. The wing currently oversees more than 30 ongoing litigations concerning the Cauvery, Mullaiperiyar, Parambikulam Aliyar Project, Palar, Pennaiyar, and Neyyar rivers, while simultaneously advising on policy matters and coordinating with neighbouring states and the Union Government.

Department officials maintain that such critical tasks demand continuous supervision by an experienced, serving chief engineer with full administrative authority and accountability. Historically, assigning in-service chief engineers preserved institutional memory, ensured continuity, and enabled swift decision-making.

Given the Mekedatu dispute and the expanding inter-state litigation, WRD officials advocate for prompt government approval to appoint an in-service chief engineer or a special chief engineer. This move will reinforce Tamil Nadu's legal position and long-term water interests.

The first round of counselling concluded with 26,867 students securing seats, of whom 15,527 opted for CSE, accounting for more than half of the total allotments.

Among the core engineering disciplines, Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) was the next most preferred course, attracting 5,486 students. It was followed by Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) with 1,324 students, Mechanical Engineering with 1,110, and Civil Engineering with 702.

The preference for CSE was equally evident among the State’s top rank holders. Of the top 100 students in the engineering admissions rank list, 73 chose CSE, 26 opted for ECE, and only one selected Mechanical Engineering.

Educationists attribute the trend to the perception that Computer Science offers better placement opportunities and higher starting salaries than traditional engineering disciplines. Speaking to DT Next, educationist R Ashwin said that the overwhelming preference for CSE was not an entirely healthy trend.

“Students and parents are largely driven by immediate placement prospects. However, they should also consider core engineering branches, as manufacturing, infrastructure and other industrial sectors are expected to generate significant employment opportunities in the coming years,” he said.

The first round also witnessed a clear preference for private self-financing autonomous engineering colleges, reflecting students’ inclination towards institutions with established placement records.

More than 2% of eligible candidates did not participate in the first round of counselling. Officials believe many of them may have opted for MBBS and other medical courses instead.

Meanwhile, the second round of TNEA counselling began on Monday, with 93,116 candidates eligible to participate under the general category. Candidates with cut-off marks ranging from 171 to 135.75, corresponding to general ranks 37,977 to 1,31,093, are eligible for the second round. Under the 7.5% horizontal reservation for government school students, candidates ranked between 2,571 and 18,036 within the same cut-off range can also participate.

Eligible candidates can fill their choice of colleges and courses on the TNEA portal till August 5. A tentative allotment will be published after the completion of choice filling, followed by the final allotment after candidates confirm their preferences.

Popular streams

26,867 aspirants secure seats

·      15,527 – Computer Science

·      5,486 – Electronics and Communication

·      1,324 – Electrical and Electronics

·      1,110 – Mechanical

·      702 – Civil

Unlike previous years, when Tamil Nadu's all-time peak demand or energy consumption is typically recorded during the summer months of March or April, this year's records were set in July, underscoring the impact of persistent heat and delayed monsoon cooling.

Official data show the State recorded an all-time high peak power demand of 21,724 MW on July 14, while daily energy consumption touched a record 475.447 million units (MU) on July 17, reflecting sustained demand for cooling across households, commercial establishments and industries.

The State's monthly electricity consumption rose to 13,807 MU in July, up 11.5 per cent from 12,382 MU in the corresponding month last year. Peak demand for the month increased 7.8 per cent, from 20,152 MW in July 2025 to 21,724 MW this year, the highest year-on-year increase among the four months from April to July.

The surge was not driven by a handful of peak days but by consistently elevated demand throughout the month.

Of the 31 days in July, daily electricity consumption went above the 400 MU mark on 30 days, including 14 days when consumption crossed 450 MU. Compared to last July's average consumption of 399 MU, July 2026 saw 12 per cent rise to 445 MU and consumption did not fall below 382 MU.

The peak demand followed a similar pattern. The state's load crossed 20,000 MW on 26 days, including 14 days above 21,000 MW, before touching record 21,724 MW on July 14. Even the month's lowest peak demand stood at 17,918 MW.

In contrast, during July 2025, daily energy consumption exceeded 400 MU on only 19 days, with the highest reaching 434 MU and the monthly average at 399 MU. Peak demand crossed the 20,000 MW mark only once, while the month's lowest daily peak was 14,876 MW.

The State also surpassed official projections in the Load Generation Balance Report. Against an estimated July peak demand of 20,619 MW and energy requirement of 13,193 MU, actual demand reached 21,724 MW and 13,807 MU.

VR Durai, head, Regional Weather Forecasting Centre at the Regional Meteorological Centre, said that July 2026 was the second warmest July in Tamil Nadu in over three decades.

"Normally, July is cooler than June after the onset of the southwest monsoon. This year, the El Niño conditions, coupled with a weak monsoon, resulted in unusually high daytime temperatures and persistently warm nights through much of the month," he said.

The unusual weather pattern reduced the cooling effect normally experienced after sunset, particularly in interior districts, while coastal regions experienced high humidity along with elevated night temperatures. "People would have relied on air-conditioners for longer hours to get relief from the sustained heat," Durai said.

The TNPDCL said the prolonged heat significantly increased the use of air conditioners, refrigerators and other cooling appliances, keeping electricity demand elevated despite the monsoon.

The trend reflects a steady increase in electricity demand throughout the summer. Peak demand rose to 21,326 MW from 20,148 MW in April, to 19,787 MW from 19,416 MW in May and to 21,233 MW from 19,976 MW in June compared with the corresponding months last year.

Monthly energy consumption also increased steadily from 11,892 MU to 12,922 MU in April, 11,332 MU to 12,400 MU in May and 11,514 MU to 12,456 MU in June before touching a record 13,807 MU from 12,382 MU in July, compared to last year's corresponding periods.

Aided by robust wind and solar power generation, which enabled the state to meet higher load without major supply disruptions, the grid remained stable despite unprecedented demands, the officials said.

The Commissionerate of Disaster Management has initiated the exercise to evaluate the 18-year-old weather stations, which are located across various blocks in the State. According to an official notification, the objective is to assess the present condition, operational status and installation quality of the AWS network, and recommend restoration, replacement or other corrective measures wherever required.

The Commissionerate has invited agencies to undertake the assessment and has laid down detailed terms and conditions for carrying out the assignment.

During the field inspection, the selected agency will assess the accessibility and suitability of each site, verify the safety infrastructure, including fencing, examine the overall condition of the stations, and evaluate the functioning of all meteorological sensors and the operational status of the complete AWS system.

The Disaster Management Commissionerate has directed that the survey, inspection and submission of the final report be completed by the end of this month, enabling the government to undertake necessary repairs before the northeast monsoon sets in.

The Automatic Weather Stations were installed under a Tamil Nadu Agricultural University project in 2008 using GSM/CDMA communication technology to provide weather data at the block level. The network was established to improve weather monitoring, narrow down spatial and temporal variations in rainfall, support crop insurance through rainfall distribution indices, and assist in evolving location-specific farming practices.

Officials said the assessment is expected to help strengthen the State's weather monitoring infrastructure and improve disaster preparedness ahead of the forthcoming monsoon season.

The budget would be transformative, carrying announcements aimed at long-term planning for the next 50 years, he said. "The budget will not be a repetition of the previous years. Every department will present announcements with a new purpose and direction, because we are planning for the next 50 years, not just the next election."

Addressing the Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Summit 2026 organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) attended by leading names in the industry, he invited them to invest in what he described as "India's first corruption-free State".

According to him, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had introduced an online governance system over the past 80 days, enabling people and investors to obtain government services digitally without having to visit government offices or ministers' chambers. " Invest in a corruption-free Tamil Nadu.

We will extend full cooperation to all investors. Your investments will create new jobs for Tamil Nadu's youth," he said.

The Chief Minister believes the future of Tamil Nadu lies with its youth, and the Budget would contain several initiatives for them, he said.

The State government was planning long-term infrastructure projects, including a road network that would eventually enable travel from Chennai to Kanniyakumari in just three hours, he said.

Citing IIT studies, he said several buildings constructed over the past 10 to 15 years were found to have structural deficiencies, and said the government would focus on durable infrastructure projects designed to last for decades.

Another aspect that the government was aiming was the transformation of Tamil Nadu into India's sports capital within the next five years, while increasing women's participation in higher education and development across northern and southern districts, said the sports minister.

Aadhav, who handles the PWD portfolio, also alleged that the previous government was indulging in large-scale corruption in road maintenance through patchwork and repair contracts. But now, the State has eliminated the practise of collecting bribe in the name of party funds, he claimed.

"Our Chief Minister, who earned the highest salary in India, gave it up to enter politics. This shows that money is not important to him. As ministers, we spent not a single rupee on elections for the first time in Tamil Nadu's electoral history, people voted without caste, religion, or money influencing them," Aadhav said.

Speaking to reporters after participating in the memorial day observance of freedom fighter Dheeran Chinnamalai at Odanilai near Archalur in Erode, Sengottaiyan said inflows had improved in several reservoirs, and many water bodies were expected to reach full capacity soon.

Drawing a parallel between rainfall and governance, he said the arrival of Cauvery water during the Aadi Perukku festival period reflected the positive developments taking place under the present administration.

The minister also said Tamil Nadu was emerging as a leading State under Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and claimed the TVK government's performance could even earn the appreciation of the Union government.

On land administration, Sengottaiyan said the government had appointed 1,730 surveyors to address delays in land surveys and the issuance of pattas. He expressed confidence that the long-pending issue would be resolved within six months.

Meanwhile, Ministers M Vijay Balaji, C Vijayalakshmi, S Kamali and D Lokesh Tamilselvan joined Sengottaiyan in paying floral tributes to the statue of freedom fighter Dheeran Chinnamalai on his 221st memorial day.

Speaking to reporters after paying floral tributes to freedom fighter Dheeran Chinnamalai on his 221st memorial day, Ramesh said action had already been initiated against those involved in temple-related irregularities, from top officials to lower-level staff.

Admitting that there were irregularities in temples across the State, the minister said the government had resolved nearly 80 per cent of such issues within a short period and would continue to act against those responsible.

Ramesh said the proposed white paper would detail the alleged irregularities in the HR&CE Department during the previous government and asserted that those involved would not escape punishment.

He also announced that separate monitoring teams would be constituted for each temple to prevent irregularities and that efforts were underway to recover temple properties.

The minister said Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay believed in demonstrating results through action rather than words and had directed all ministers to ensure clean governance.

Addressing party cadres during a protest in Thanjavur against the Mekedatu project, Udayanidhi said the failure to secure Cauvery water had led to the loss of kuruvai cultivation across the Delta and cast doubt over the samba crop as well. He alleged that the State government had failed to respond to the crisis.

Claiming that Tamil Nadu should have received 42 tmc ft of Cauvery water over the past two months but had received only 4 tmc ft, Udayanidhi said the government neither cared about nor understood the suffering of farmers. "While farmers were crying over crop losses, ministers were in tears after watching a movie," he remarked.

He alleged that Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay was focused only on retaining power and had failed to support farmers. He further claimed that farmers who attempted to meet the Chief Minister were arrested.

Udayanidhi also criticised the State Cabinet, describing it as a "gang of jokers". He alleged that the Water Resources Minister avoided the media, that the Agriculture Minister offered prayers with the Budget at the Tirupati temple, and that he referred to the past activities of several ministers, including selling lottery tickets, pirated CDs, and movie tickets at exorbitant prices. He also alleged that one minister was alleged to be a drug user and another was "wandering with a wooden log."

He further accused the Chief Minister, ministers and their family members of prioritising making social media reels over governance.

Reiterating the DMK's stand against the Mekedatu project, Udayanidhi said the party would oppose its construction "at any cost" and continue to stand by farmers. He also contrasted Karnataka Chief Minister's decision to convene an all-party meeting on the issue with the Tamil Nadu government's reported reluctance to do so.

The deceased were identified as D Sanjay (19), a second-year college student from Ramakondahalli village in Dharmapuri district, and Deepan (17) from Sathya Nagar near Mallasamudram in Namakkal district.

Sanjay had gone to the Cauvery river near Nagamarai with his friends and drowned while bathing.  In a separate incident, Deepan, who had recently completed Class XII, drowned while bathing in the Cauvery at Kokkarayanpettai in Namakkal district.

Police have registered cases in connection with both incidents, and further investigations are under way.

Meanwhile, traditional Aadi Perukku celebrations at Hogenakkal in Dharmapuri district and Mettur in Salem district were subdued this year due to reduced flow in the Cauvery river. Officials said water released from Karnataka's Kabini reservoir was expected to reach Biligundlu, the entry point of the Cauvery into Tamil Nadu, on Monday night and subsequently reach the Mettur reservoir on Tuesday.

"The combined discharge from the Kabini and Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) reservoirs in Karnataka continues to be around 27,000 cusecs. The released water is expected to reach Mettur on Tuesday," a Water Resources Department official in Mettur said.

Aadi Perukku, the auspicious festival conducted for venerating the mother Cauvery, which is believed to bring joy and prosperity to the newly wed couple as well as the farmers.

This year, the mother Cauvery appeared parched, where the people who had to skip the sentimental holy dip but had to take a shower through the temporary arrangements made by the civic body, and there was less than 50 per cent footfall compared to last year.

As part of the traditional Aadi Perukku event Mangal-sutra of newlywed brides shall be replaced with another by a senior married woman member of the family, with prayers to the deity Cauvery to strengthen the family bonding among them.

Following the event of replacing mangalyam, the newlywed couples are asked to drift their wedding garland on the river Cauvery to take the blessings from their ancestors.

Pujas used to be performed at the Amma Mandapam venue since the place is believed to be the blessing of Srirangam Ranganathar, so doing such poojas in the place shall allow the people to have all the blessings.

With this traditional background, the people, unwilling to skip the customary celebrations, thronged to the traditional Amma Mandapam bathing ghat in Srirangam, where the city corporation had made a makeshift shower pipe and artificial streams were made to allow the people to conduct their rituals.

Though it is customary to thank Mother Cauvery for its full flow of water that would bring prosperity, a section of devotees had placed their offerings on the parched Cauvery and performed their rituals, while a few devotees had dug a pit in the Cauvery river bed and used the water for their rituals.

“The Cauvery was dry in 2017, previously during the Aadi Perukku and the situation repeated this year after nine long years. But still, the festival mood lingers among the devotees who realise their rituals with the available arrangements,” said S Vijayakumar, a resident of Srirangam.

Similarly, the people living along the Cauvery across the Delta region fulfilled their rituals in the available water bodies, including tanks and wells belonging to the temples in their respective districts.