The Chennai Central–New Delhi Tamil Nadu Superfast Express will be diverted via Bhopal, Maksi, Guna and Gwalior from September 26 to October 14, skipping Jhansi. Its return service will take the reverse route on select dates from October 2 to 14.

The Chennai Central–Katra Andaman Express on October 14 will leave four hours late, at 9.10 am, while the Nizamuddin–Madurai Sampark Kranti on October 15 will depart five hours late, at 10.20 am.

The Thiruvananthapuram - Nizamuddin Superfast Express on October 13 will skip Bhopal and Bina and run via Itarsi, Jabalpur and Jhansi. The Nizamuddin–Coimbatore Kongu Superfast Express and Pondicherry–New Delhi Superfast Express will also face delays on October 14.

Speaking to reporters after DMK members staged a walkout from the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Monday, following Chief Minister Vijay's announcement under Rule 110 that the Parandur airport project would be abandoned, Thennarasu said a second airport for Chennai was essential considering the State's industrial development and the concentration of industries in the Sriperumbudur region.

He said the DMK had submitted a calling-attention motion seeking a discussion on the Parandur airport project and had been given to understand that it would be taken up on Monday. However, Thennarasu alleged that the Speaker did not allow the motion to be debated after Chief Minister Vijay made the announcement under Rule 110 regarding the cancellation of the Parandur airport project.

Thennarusu stresses economic importance of airports

Thennarasu said airports were important for both industrial and economic development and argued that Parandur had been selected only after several locations were surveyed.

He said there were complications in establishing a second airport at other locations around Chennai and claimed that Parandur had been identified after considering various factors. According to Thennarasu, the proposed airport had also become important because of the high concentration of industries in and around Sriperumbudur.

He said several electronics companies had established their operations in the Sriperumbudur area while considering the proposed Parandur airport and its connectivity. Thennarasu further questioned the decision to abandon the project without discussing its possible economic consequences in the Assembly.

He said the impact of cancelling the Parandur airport project on industries, investment and the State's economic growth needed to be considered. “It is essential to act beyond political motives,” Thennarasu said, stressing the need to look at the issue from an economic and industrial perspective.

DMK stages walkout over Parandur airport project scrapping

Earlier on Monday, Chief Minister Vijay announced in the Assembly under Rule 110 that his government would abandon the measures initiated to establish the new airport at Parandur. Following the announcement, DMK members stood up and raised slogans in the House. They alleged that the Speaker had denied permission to discuss the issue and subsequently staged a walkout from the Assembly.

The Chief Minister said alternative sites had been shortlisted for the proposed airport and that the final location would be decided after the concerned departments conducted technical feasibility studies. The government has also announced plans to expand the existing Chennai airport at Meenambakkam to meet the city's growing passenger and cargo requirements until a new airport is established at an alternative location.

Making the announcement during the Assembly session on 24th August 2026, Vijay said the need for a second airport had arisen due to the expansion of the Chennai metropolitan region, increasing passenger traffic and the need to improve cargo transportation.

He said the existing Chennai airport at Meenambakkam, operated by the Airports Authority of India, currently has the capacity to handle around 30 million passengers annually.

Vijay said the location for a new airport should be selected in a manner that does not significantly affect farmers or result in the large-scale displacement of residents.

Parandur project to be abandoned

The Chief Minister said the previous government had attempted to establish the airport at Parandur despite the potential impact on agricultural lands and residential settlements. He recalled visiting Ekanapuram and other villages on January 20, 2025, to meet residents protesting against the proposed airport.

Vijay said he had earlier expressed his opposition to the Parandur project during a public meeting in Vikravandi in October 2024. He also reiterated his support for the development of industries and the importance of airports but maintained that Parandur was not a suitable location. He said detailed consultations were held with senior government officials, domain experts and academicians before arriving at the decision.

“As promised, the measures initiated to establish the new airport in Parandur will be abandoned by this government,” Vijay said.

Alternative sites to be studied

The Chief Minister said suitable alternative locations had been identified after studying the impact of the Parandur proposal on agricultural lands and residential areas. He said the relevant government departments would conduct detailed technical feasibility studies before finalising a location for the new airport. Vijay said the government would ensure that the new site causes minimal disruption to farmers and residents.

Meenambakkam airport to be expanded

Meanwhile, the government will work with the Airports Authority of India to expand the existing Chennai airport at Meenambakkam. As part of the expansion, a new Terminal 5 is proposed in the northwestern section of the airport. The terminal is expected to increase the airport's annual passenger-handling capacity by another 20 million passengers.

The expansion will also include road and flyover infrastructure to improve connectivity to the airport. Vijay said the ongoing construction of Terminal 3 would increase the airport's passenger-handling capacity to 35 million annually once completed. With the proposed Terminal 5 becoming operational, the total annual passenger-handling capacity of Chennai airport is expected to reach 55 million. The Chief Minister said the expansion would help meet the growing passenger demand in Chennai until a new airport is established at an alternative location.

Under the expansion, women will be allowed to travel free of cost in government-operated Express, LSS and Deluxe buses running in municipalities and corporation areas in the state.

The announcement was made by the Chief Minister under Rule 110 in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. The move is aimed at extending the benefits of the free travel scheme to women using a wider range of government bus services in urban areas.

The existing free bus travel scheme in Chennai for women has enabled lakhs of women to travel without paying fares on eligible government buses. The latest expansion is expected to provide greater access to public transport and reduce the financial burden on women commuters.

Government has allocated Rs. 6000 crore for this.

Explaining the Annapoorni Super Six Scheme, the Chief Minister said beneficiaries would receive the cost of three LPG cylinders every year under a reimbursement model.

"Under this scheme, around 1.30 crore families with an annual income of not more than Rs 2.5 lakh will benefit. The new scheme will be implemented from the ensuing Pongal festival in January 2026. The government will allocate Rs 4,000 crore for this scheme," the Chief Minister said.

During the election campaign, TVK leader and now Chief Minister Vijay had announced the Annapoorni Super Six Scheme. Under the scheme, every family would receive six LPG cylinders free of cost every year.

However, the TVK-led government has now announced the scheme with an income criterion. Chief Minister Vijay said that owing to the Gulf War, there had been a severe shortage of gas cylinders over the past four months.

"Due to this, people are suffering from steep increases in gas cylinder prices. To avoid this hardship, the government is going to implement the Annapoorni Super Six Scheme," he said.

Another major announcement for women and transgender persons was the extension of free bus travel. Under the name Vettri Payanam, women will be allowed to travel on Express, Limited Stop Service (LSS) and Deluxe buses, in addition to the existing scheme, from October 2, which marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

"Under the extended scheme, women can travel on ordinary-fare mofussil buses operating between districts and in hill areas. Women can travel without any limitations and there will be no income ceiling. The scheme will cost the government Rs 6,000 crore annually," the Chief Minister said.

He also said the scheme would be extended to other services in the future.

TN has 2.39 crore LPG connections

Tamil Nadu has 2.39 crore LPG connections. According to data released by the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC), IOCL, BPCL and HPCL supply LPG to 2.39 crore connections across the State.

Terming the rejection of the project proposal, conceived during the DMK regime, as a massive disappointment, the former CM said the decision is an irreversible setback for Tamil Nadu's growth.

"The announcement made today by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to drop the Parandur International Airport project will set the state's development back by several years. Tamil Nadu's interests cannot be mortgaged for petty political considerations," the DMK chief said in a statement here.

The decision to drop Parandur airport project is a devastating blow to employment dreams of TN's youth, he added.

He was apparently referring to the people voting for the TVK in the April 2026 assembly elections, following which the party formed its maiden government.

Urging the public, particularly the youth, to understand the forces responsible for the current situation, Stalin called on people to "think deeply and act wisely" in the coming times to usher in change.

"A change occurred in Tamil Nadu, but as party Deputy General Secretary A Raja pointed out earlier, that change has turned into disappointment. A mistake committed by lakhs of people is today troubling crores of people. This situation must change," Stalin said, adding that the younger generation needs to realise who created the conditions that enabled social progress.

Stalin made these remarks while addressing a family wedding in the city. The DMK chief presided over the marriage of Dr Ilakkiya, granddaughter of veteran film producer and his close relative Amirtham, with Dr Giridhara.

While noting that he did not wish to turn a family function into a political platform, Stalin remarked that the family comprised generations of doctors because of past welfare policies and social justice movements, a legacy he claimed today's youth often overlook.

Recalling his upbringing, Stalin shared personal anecdotes about Amirtham, the son of the late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi’s sister, alongside former Union Minister Murasoli Maran and Murasoli Selvam. He noted that the three relatives were instrumental in shaping the education and careers of Karunanidhi's children.

"While Murasoli Maran was composed and Murasoli Selvam was gentle, Amirtham was very strict. He even slapped me on the cheek to discipline me while raising us," Stalin recounted.

The event saw the attendance of former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, DMK Treasurer T R Baalu, Deputy General Secretary A Raja, Organising Secretary R S Bharathi, poet Vairamuthu, and DMK Youth Wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin.

The scheme, announced under Rule 110 of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, is expected to benefit around 1.30 crore families. It will be implemented from the Pongal festival in January, with an annual allocation of approximately Rs 4,000 crore for the scheme.

Families with an annual income of up to Rs 2.5 lakh will be eligible to benefit from the scheme. Economically disadvantaged families, small and marginal farmers, families of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable sections of society will be covered under the initiative.

TNGCTA General Secretary S Suresh questioned why the Joint Director was being singled out and held accountable when she was merely carrying out administrative instructions forwarded from higher authorities following decisions taken at a high-level state Law and Order meeting.

According to the association, a directive was initially issued by the Special Secretary to the Higher Education Department, based on the minutes of a Law and Order meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary on July 28. The meeting called for interdepartmental coordination among the School Education, Higher Education, and Police Departments, along with the district administration, to prevent students and youth from participating in protests and agitations organised by left-wing parties and other outfits.

Following this, the Higher Education Department had, on August 14, communicated instructions to the Commissioner of Collegiate Education, the Director of Technical Education, and the Registrars of all state universities, calling for an Action Taken Report (ATR) on or before August 20. Acting on the departmental directive, Joint Director of Collegiate Education Cynthia Selvi had forwarded the circular to all arts and science colleges.

The teachers’ body pointed out that the Registrar of the University of Madras had also circulated the identical instruction to all affiliated arts and science colleges, calling for an action-taken report. “Why no explanation was sought from the Higher Education Department Special Secretary or Madras University Registrar,” it asked.

At the same time, they have complained that the District Agricultural Contingency Plans to tackle the El Niño as per the announcement made in the Agri Budget have not reached them.

Agriculture Minister R Vinoth, during the agriculture budget, promised that the government is prepared to face severe climatic impacts of El Niño and announced that the District Agricultural Contingency Plans prepared by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University for all districts had been communicated to the District Collectors, and all necessary steps had been taken to implement the recommended contingency measures comprehensively.

“We have not so far been informed about the preparations to tackle El Niño. We have already lost kuruvai in the Delta region, and samba cultivation is still doubtful due to the drought condition resulting from El Niño. There are several drought-tolerant paddy seeds already introduced, but practically they failed in most of the places”, said Cauvery V Dhanapalan, General Secretary, Cauvery Farmers Protection Association.

Dhanapalan pointed out that the discussion by the officials themselves would never help any farmer during such crisis times. He charged that the officials would arrive at a decision that would never be practical.

“Even after the information about El Niño has been spreading so fast, no one has come out to give us suggestions nor get our views. We are ultimately vulnerable to nature's fury. The impact of El Niño would be witnessed by next year as the cultivation has failed. The government has to wake up as early as possible and sensitise the farmers and prepare them for the upcoming climatic change,” Dhanapalan said.

He also charged that the state government, which has declared the Delta as Protected Special Agriculture Zone in 2020, but still no scheme has been implemented nor any fund allocated to launch any scheme to boost agriculture in the region.

“Now, the TVK government is getting ready to purchase vehicles for legislators but has failed to revive waterbodies in the region. There are several hundred abandoned waterbodies. If they were revived, it could have stored water and been used during these crisis times,” Dhanapalan added.

They have also appealed to the State government to accelerate actions through the Drought Management Department and formulate a SOP for water conservation through identifying existing tanks and reuse of water.

“When the drought condition crosses 40 per cent, the drought management département declares it as a crisis and initiates steps for supporting the farmers who are ultimately affected. The first advice to the farmers during such scenarios would be not to take up cultivation unless there is adequate groundwater for their respective fields,” said A Meenakshi Sundara Arasu, Climate adaptation expert and former faculty member of Irrigation Management Training Institute, Tiruchy.

Arasu said that the water availability in Mettur should be analysed periodically for the release for irrigation.

“Due to El Niño, there would be water shortages and drought-like situations would prevail. While the groundwater level has already depleted, the farmers, instead of going for paddy, opt for pulses which could be realised within six turns of watering; otherwise, they would certainly fail cultivation if they opt for paddy,” Arasu said.

He said that a short-term variety paddy has a minimum duration of 110 days and water is required based on the stages of the cultivation.

“There should be foresight in each cultivation period and readiness for adequate storage of water, but we have already faced a shortage of water in Mettur and groundwater too is depleted, and so the government should implement an SOP on this immediately. There should be coordination between the agriculture department and the Water Resource Department before forming SOP. The Water Resource Department should initiate a meeting with the agriculture department and take a decision and then go to the farmers,” Arasu said.

He said that the main drawback in the Delta region is that there is no adequate water storage facility. “The farmers use water that is released and have no plan of storage and reuse of water. As a result, a huge quantity of water goes to waste into the sea,” he said.

He pointed out that there is no data on available tanks in the state, particularly in the Delta region. “Government should ensure retrieving the tank details and renovate them and clear the encroachments. There should be a GIS map for identifying the tanks that were already in existence,” he said.

The deceased, Sivabalan, was the son of Vellaisamy. He had discontinued his law studies at Pondicherry University. Police said Sivabalan was in love with Dharani, the second daughter of Murugesan, 50, but she rejected his proposal after he discontinued his studies.

Sivabalan allegedly confronted Murugesan and his son Arun on a road in the village at noon and asked them to arrange his marriage with Dharani. But they refused, which resulted in an altercation, added the police

Sivabalan allegedly attacked Murugesan and Arun with a sickle. In retaliation, Murugesan and Arun allegedly inflicted serious head injuries on Sivabalan, who died at the spot.

Describing the claim as completely false, the desk clarified that the proposed hall at the Anbil Mariamman Temple was intended to accommodate devotees who recover from ammai and visit the temple to offer prayers and fulfil their vows.

In its clarification, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department said devotees had requested a hall where they could stay and worship at the temple after recovering from the illness.

"Accepting the devotees' request for a hall to stay and worship at the temple as part of fulfilling their prayers and vows after recovering from ammai, the announcement was issued," the department said.

The clarification followed social media posts claiming that arrangements were being made to construct a hall for children affected by ammai, while denying them access to vaccination at hospitals.

The Information Integrity Desk said there was no connection between the proposed facility and vaccination arrangements.

It urged people not to circulate the misleading claim and appealed to social media users to verify information before sharing it.

The desk also reiterated that the proposed hall was based solely on devotees' request and was intended for their stay and worship at the temple.

The Anbil Mariamman Temple is traditionally believed to cure pox and eye diseases, prompting pilgrims to visit for prayers and rituals. Claims suggesting the mandapam would house actively infected patients have been rejected by the minister and the HR&CE Department.

Clarifying that the woman in the viral video was not her, Keerthana questioned why it would matter even if she had been the one featured. "The fact that a video of a woman simply going about her day can spark political hysteria tells you everything about the fragile, regressive mindset behind it," she said.

Keerthana alleged that those unable to challenge their political opponents on policies, governance or their track record were instead resorting to narratives about their personal lives. "Misogyny is the oldest weapon of those who have nothing substantive to positively contribute," she said in a social media post.

She also questioned why a woman's clothes, appearance or happiness continued to be treated as matters for public judgment. She apologised to the woman in the video for being dragged into the controversy, saying, "You look stunning, and I hope you keep living on your own terms."

Rajaa backs minister, slams disrespect for women

Backing Industries Minister S Keerthana over the issue, DMK IT wing secretary and former minister TRB Rajaa on Sunday condemned attempts to demean women, saying political rivalry could never justify abuse or misogyny.

"I am absolutely disgusted to see some IDs trying to degrade women and their choices, even dragging in people who have absolutely nothing to do with the matter," Rajaa said in a statement.

Rejecting the justification that they did the same, he said such an argument was unacceptable, regardless of who had committed the alleged wrongdoing. "Even if your worst enemy did something wrong, it never gives anyone the right to abuse, demean or throw muck at another person. Especially a woman," he said.

Rajaa said that nothing justifies misogyny, asserting that the DMK stood firmly for women's dignity, rights and freedom.

He said the party would not tolerate any act that crossed the line of decency, irrespective of who was involved. Rajaa also urged supporters to desist from defending offensive conduct by pointing to similar actions by political opponents. "'They did it, so we did it too.' That is not an excuse. It is absolutely unacceptable," he said.

He added that the DMK IT wing would bring such matters to the attention of the party's legal wing, if necessary, for appropriate action.

On Saturday, she was deputed for census work. After completing the work, she took a bus to Vandalur bus stop at around 5.30 pm and started walking towards Mannivakkam along the GST Road when the incident happened, said the police.

As Selvi was walking on the foot overbridge near Vandalur railway station, the suspect who walked behind her, pushed her down and snatched the seven-sovereign gold chain from her neck and fled the scene.

Hearing the woman's cries, public and police personnel rushed to her aid. A part of the gold chain which had fallen on the foot over bridge during the snatching was secured and handed over to the teacher.

The police have registered a case and have begun examining CCTV footage in the neighbourhood to ascertain the identity of the suspect.

The order came in the wake of a recent Supreme Court hearing, during which the judges asked the State government whether it had complied with the court’s direction to remove encroachers, including 118 government employees.

Based on the recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), the Supreme Court, in its May order, directed the Tamil Nadu government to implement a time-bound eviction plan to clear long-pending encroachments in protected forests, take action against government employees who encroached, and restore reclaimed forest land. The court also observed that paramilitary assistance could be sought if required.

The CEC identified 4,601 persons as having allegedly encroached upon 5,072 hectares of forest land in the Meghamalai Forest Division. The report stated that 118 people working in various government departments were among them, including personnel from the CRPF, police, agriculture, anganwadi and noon-meal schemes, village administration, health, postal services, fair-price shops, hostels, the electricity board, schools, rural development, Tasmac and fire services.

The Collector has issued directions to the heads of the concerned departments, along with the list of alleged encroachers, and asked them to submit an action-taken report at the earliest.

The shortcoming has been forcing pregnant women to approach private scan centres, where each ultrasonography costs between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500, alleges Madurai-based health activist and Akilan’s father Anand Raj.

Akilan sought the details of diagnostic facilities available at PHCs in the district, under the RTI Act.

According to the RTI reply furnished by the district health officer, Madurai, on August 18, the most alarming find was in the Melur block that has an upgraded PHC, besides six PHCs, but none of the seven centres has an ultrasound scan facility.

On his inspiration to file the RTI query, Akilan says he has been accompanying his father, Anand Raj, on field visits to PHCs in southern districts ever since he was in Class IV. He gained firsthand knowledge about the problems faced by people due to the lack of healthcare facilities.

“I learnt from my father that poor infrastructure at government health centres were pushing more and more people towards private hospitals and felt it was my duty as a citizen to bring the issue to the government’s attention,” says Akilan, who lives in the main city of KK Nagar.

“Ultrasound scan facilities are particularly important for pregnant women, who need to undergo scans during pregnancy to monitor the growth of the foetus,” says Raj. The non-availability of a government ultrasound scan facility in Melur block is particularly concerning, he notes.

Tuesdays and Fridays are designated for antenatal care at the PHCs, and around 50 to 60 pregnant women visit the centres for check-ups, he says.

“Now, pregnant women have no other option but to travel 15 to 20 km to undergo scans at private centres in nearby towns or travel farther to the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai,” he laments.

There are 13 blocks and 57 PHCs functioning under the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine in Madurai district. Each block has an upgraded PHC (UGPHC).

Ultrasound scans, X-rays and ECGs are among the major diagnostic facilities available at PHCs and UGPHCs, which are important for the early detection and diagnosis of diseases.

The RTI information obtained by Akilan also revealed that ECG facilities are not available at 18 of the 57 PHCs, while three of the 13 UGPHCs — Samayanallur, Chekkanurani and Valayankulam — do not have X-ray facilities.

A pregnant woman may have to undergo four to five scans during a pregnancy, in addition to an echocardiogram, which could cost around Rs 8,000 at private scan centres. The family may also have to bear additional expenses for an attendant accompanying the woman, says a government nurse, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Though the government provides Rs 18,000 under the Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme to every eligible pregnant woman, a substantial portion of the assistance could be spent on scans at private centres, says Raj.

There is more ailing the PHCs than the missing infrastructure. According to an official source, the post of radiologist-cum-sonologist at the Government Taluk Hospital in Melur has been vacant for some time. Hence, a sonologist from the Government Taluk Hospital in Usilampatti visits Melur to attend to pregnant women, potentially affecting diagnostic services in both taluks, the source explains.

He also claims that a government doctor had started a private scan centre in Melur amid the increasing demand for ultrasound scans among pregnant women.

Attributing the non-availability of the service in some centres to lapses on the part of officials, the source says the Block Medical Officer should ensure that ultrasound machines are functional and that necessary licences are periodically renewed.

Akilan says he is now developing an app using information obtained through various RTI applications to help people in rural areas find what all facilities are available at government hospitals, so that they do not waste time and money travelling in search of services.

The exercise has revealed that the government schools are woefully short of toilets – for both boys and girls - classrooms, drinking water facilities, and laboratories. To establish these basic facilities will cost more than Rs 3,742 crore, and an additional Rs 458 crore to build compound walls, the department estimated.

According to the assessment by the department, the government schools in the State need 5,880 toilets, including 3,142 for boys and 2,738 for girls. The estimated cost of providing these toilets is around Rs 620 crore.

The toilet requirement is part of a larger infrastructure deficit identified by the department, with government schools also needing 5,641 classrooms, 1,340 drinking water facilities, and 2,361 laboratories.

The department estimates that building 5,641 classrooms would cost around Rs 1,465 crore. Drinking water facilities at 1,340 locations are estimated to require around Rs 59 crore, while 2,361 laboratories would cost Rs 1,598.24 crore.

The department has estimated that up to Rs 4,200 crore could be required to meet the infrastructure needs identified in government schools.

The requirements for classrooms, toilets, drinking water facilities, and laboratories were compiled after the School Education Department sought details from government schools. The schools submitted their infrastructure requirements, based on which the department prepared an estimate of the cost.

The infrastructure assessment comes after the Budget allocated Rs 44,527 crore to the School Education Department.

Incidentally, the exercise came at a time when students across the country have started raising the poor facilities at their schools, and have undertaken rallies and even protests to highlight the issue.

Coming as they do after the Cockroach Janta Party led Gen Z protest in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, and the outfit’s drive to conduct an audit of the facilities at government schools all over India, the authorities at various states are rushing to address the issues before the matter hits social media.

“They are still in fan club mode. Those in fan club mode cannot be changed,” Tagore said in response to a question on minister K Jegadeshwari’s remark that CM Vijay would become the PM in future.

In recent days, several ministers said Vijay was a national leader. The bandwagon included Revenue Minister KA Sengottaiyan, who said Vijay would rule the country in the future, while Jegadeshwari, said the present CM would be tomorrow’s PM.

Joining the fray, Finance Minister Maria Wilson described Vijay as an emerging national-level leader.

On TVK leaders not backing Rahul as the PM candidate – as was done by former ally, DMK, including its president MK Stalin – Tagore said Vijay had approached Congress immediately after the Assembly election results seeking its support to form the government.

“Vijay called Rahul Gandhi first and sought Congress’s support to form the government. All TVK ministers know this. Congress was the first party to support them. If not for us, Home Minister Amit Shah would have finished off the party by breaking it and making [AIADMK general secretary] Edappadi K Palaniswami the chief minister,” he said.

Tagore said Vijay would make his political position clear when the next Lok Sabha election approached. “Let the election come. Vijay, who talks little, will make his stand clear then,” he said.

On TVK not being part of the INDIA bloc, Tagore said the regional party could be invited once it had representation in Parliament. “We cannot include those who do not have MPs. Once TVK gets an MP, we will ask them to join the INDIA bloc,” he said.

Echoing Tagore, TVK joint general secretary and minister R Nirmalkumar said the INDIA bloc currently took decisions in consultation with parties having representation in Parliament. He said his party would decide whether to join and work with the bloc after its candidates won Lok Sabha seats in the 2029 elections.

He said officers without prior experience in rural administration would find it difficult to implement development and welfare schemes effectively, citing the recent appointments for Kanniyakumari and Theni. He pointed out that the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department plays a crucial role in delivering basic infrastructure and welfare programmes.

He also warned that the move could create friction between departmental staff and non-cadre officials, potentially paralysing administrative operations.

Meanwhile, the PMK president also urged the TVK government to convene an all-party meeting over the Mekedatu dam controversy. He urged the adoption of a united approach to protect the State’s interests in the Cauvery water dispute, particularly in view of Karnataka’s move to pursue its proposed Mekedatu project.

“Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay should convene an all-party meeting and take all-party leaders, MPs and MLAs to Delhi to meet the Prime Minister and urge the Centre to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s rights in the Cauvery water dispute. Karnataka has already submitted a revised report to the Centre on its proposed Mekedatu dam project,” he said.

Claiming that Tamil Nadu had received far less Cauvery water than its expected share, Ramdadoss said, “Over the last three months, Tamil Nadu should have received 65.70 TMC of water, but only around seven TMC has been received. We should not remain complacent merely because a case has been filed in the Supreme Court.”

He said the shortfall in water releases had severely affected farmers in the Cauvery delta and called for legal action to seek compensation for their losses.

“Given the severe impact on farmers in the Cauvery Delta, farmers’ associations should approach the Supreme Court and seek Rs 1,000 crore in compensation from the Karnataka government for crop losses,” he said.

The surge in sugar price has turned into a political issue, with the opposition blaming the Union government’s relentless ethanol push for it. However, experts say there are various reasons for the spike, including excess rainfall that damaged sugarcane crop last year leading to lesser cultivation this season and this year’s poor monsoon that reduced production, dip in production worldwide, and hoarding.

According to shop owners, sugar price has gone up to Rs 65 from Rs 55 per kg, while jaggery is being sold at Rs 90 per kg from Rs 75 only two weeks ago.

The rise – and the threat of further spike in the coming days – has put pressure on households and businesses alike.

Speaking to DT Next, Punniyappan, a trader at the Koyambedu Wholesale Food and Grain Market, said ‘naattu sakkarai’ (brown sugar) has also become costlier, now selling at Rs 73 per kg from Rs 60, while the price of almonds have jumped to Rs 1,200 per kg from Rs 900, and various rice varieties have increased from Rs 70 to Rs 80 per kg.

This has come at a particularly difficult time for sweet shop owners, who were banking on the upcoming festival season for a good business.

Similarly, catering business owners are frustrated over the sudden increase, as rising ingredient costs have forced them to hike the prices of sweet items.

Uma Krishnaswamy, owner of Sri Sai Hasini Catering, said jangiri price increased to Rs 670 per kg from Rs 600/kg, gulab jamun to Rs 22 per piece from Rs 18, palkova to Rs 1,015/kg from Rs 960, and halwa to Rs 900/kg from Rs 750.

"We cannot charge higher rates to pre-booked customers. We cannot sustain the business if we don't increase prices; but if we do, we risk losing clients," she said.

With farmers having little control over atmospheric and climatic conditions, scientists working on various measures suggest they first manage soil health and select suitable plants and planting materials to reduce production risks.

El Niño is a climate phenomenon that occurs when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become warmer than normal, which would certainly reduce overall rainfall, delay in monsoon onset, unusual increase in temperature, which would prolong to a longer dry spell and cause uneven rainfall distribution across all regions.

Among the 12 vulnerable districts in Tamil Nadu predicted by the IMD, the drought condition would extend to major paddy-cultivating districts in the Delta region.

Agricultural experts and scientists have already begun developing contingency plans across vulnerable districts to reduce the impact of a potentially weak monsoon due to El Niño.

According to agri experts, nearly half of India’s net sown area still depends on rainfall; crops such as paddy, maize, soybean, cotton, and pulses remain highly vulnerable to weather disruptions. The experts expressed that El Niño years can significantly reduce yields for paddy and maize in several districts across India, particularly in Tamil Nadu.

The researchers are in the process of introducing preventive initiatives and are expected to reach out to the farmers shortly with suggestions and advice to face the unusual climatic conditions.

Experts also cautioned that the farmers would face reduced soil moisture due to less rainfall, and they might be forced to delay sowing of seeds due to a delay in the monsoon due to El Niño, and the excess heat would affect germination and flowering of crops, while there would be aggressive growth of weeds due to limited moisture conditions. All these factors would result in a poor yield, the experts further said.

"The farmers should ensure to maintain soil moisture condition and adopt measures like mulching, a process of putting a protective layer of material over the top of the soil and around plants and use of weed mats to conserve soil and they can also prefer the use of AI based nano irrigation systems to reduce the water consumption,” said K Balachandra Hebbar, Director, ICAR–CPCRI (Central Plantation Crops Research Institute), Kasaragod, Kerala who recently visited Tiruchy.

Balachandra Hebbar further suggested that farmers give more emphasis on quality seed selection and prepare the soil properly, and ensure its moisture level to withstand the heat stress.

“Appropriate choice of drought-tolerant crops and planting materials can help reduce production risks. The farmers should prefer intercropping instead of monocropping in perennial crops, as it can create a favourable microclimate within the field and help mitigate the adverse effects of El Niño,” said Balachandra Hebbar.

He suggested that farmers undertake micro irrigation and use sprinklers to limit the use of water for crops.

“Now, the AI-supported nano irrigation systems are available for the farmers at a moderate expense, and this would help to maintain a uniform moisture condition of the soil,” he said.

Balachandra Hebbar also suggested that farmers minimise excessive tilling of the field, create more field bunds with additional field and burrow plantation.

“Timely field inspection and application of appropriate balanced nutrients, proper weed control and proper soil tests would mitigate the negative impact of El Niño,” Balachandra Hebbar added.

FACT FILE

Duration of El Niño extends from June 2026 to February 2027

315: Total Vulnerable districts in India

111: High Risk districts in India

12: Vulnerable districts in Tamil Nadu (Ariyalur, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, Krishnagiri, Namakkal, The Nilgiris, Perambalur, Ramanathapuram, Tiruchy, Tirupathur, Vellore and Virudhunagar)

Past El Niño timeline

From mid 2023 to first half of 2024 (intense summer heat, erratic rainfall)

2015-16 witnessed monsoon deficit, drought in interior India

2009 faced heavily suppressed rainfall during monsoon months

Options for cultivation

Short-duration paddy varieties

Early-maturing maize hybrids

Millets

Pulses

Taking aim at the Assembly proceedings, Udhayanidhi said, "Are we coming to the Assembly or to a Super Singer programme? If questions are asked, they should be answered. How can we respond when songs are being sung?"

Are they running a government or a circus company? The LoP asked. "The performance of this government is at that level," he said, predicting that people would soon teach the ruling dispensation a fitting lesson for its alleged arrogance and misgovernance.

Speaking at a wedding ceremony in Pattukkottai, Thanjavur district, Udhayanidhi said farmers had borne the brunt of the government's first 105 days in office, alleging that the delay in releasing water from the Mettur dam had severely affected kuruvai cultivation in the Delta region.

"I have been coming to Thanjavur frequently. I have visited the district four times in the last three months. Even when I do not come, this government arrests me and brings me here," he said, referring to his recent detention following a farmers' protest.

Udhayanidhi said the DMK had organised a major agitation in Thanjavur on August 3, demanding that the government address farmers' grievances. He claimed he had spoken for nearly 22 minutes at the protest and criticised the Chief Minister and the government, but was arrested after stating that Cauvery water had not reached the Delta. "I am not someone who is afraid of arrest. This government would have realised that by now," he said.

He alleged that the police later diverted the vehicle carrying him to Sengipatti police station after large numbers of DMK workers gathered in Thanjavur. He also claimed that the government subsequently told the court that he had not been arrested and would only be questioned before being released.

Udhayanidhi said the Delta remained a DMK stronghold, claiming that the ruling party had won only four of around 30 seats in the region in the Assembly elections.

Training his guns on the government's financial priorities, he alleged that it had cited a lack of funds for farmers' drought relief while allocating money to purchase cars for ruling-party MLAs. He said the DMK had made it clear that its MLAs did not want the vehicles and that the government should instead address farmers' problems.

He also alleged that the government had failed to implement key election promises, including Rs 2,500 in monthly assistance for women, six free LPG cylinders, and Rs 4,000 in monthly aid for unemployed youth.

Under the proposed restructuring, 18 district commissions would be abolished or merged with commissions in neighbouring districts.

Tirupur and Nilgiris cases would be handled in Erode, Vellore cases will go to Krishnagiri, Salem cases in Namakkal, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram in Srivilliputhur, and Pudukkottai cases in Thanjavur. Similarly, Karur cases would be heard in Truichy, Kanniyakumari and Thoothukudi in Tirunelveli, Villupuram and Cuddalore in Tiruvannamalai, Dindigul and Theni in Madurai, and Perambalur, Ariyalur and Nagapattinam in Tiruvarur.

The government had decided in February to undertake the restructuring following a Supreme Court order that allowed States to abolish district consumer commissions having fewer than 1,000 pending cases or merge them with commissions in other districts, depending on the requirement. The move is also intended to reduce the financial burden of maintaining the commissions, particularly those without their own buildings. A report on the proposed restructuring has reportedly been submitted to the Supreme Court.

Senior Madurai-based advocate Mohandas said that financial constraints and the lack of dedicated buildings could not justify making consumers travel to other districts. “The move will cause unnecessary travel and additional expenses for consumers filing cases as well as lawyers. Therefore, the State government should withdraw the decision,” he added.

The Tamil Nadu Progressive Consumer Centre (TPCC) said that merging commissions would undermine the objective of the Consumer Protection Act. TPCC president T Sadagopan said, “The focus should be on filling vacancies in the commissions and strengthening their functioning. The law envisages disposal of consumer cases within 90 days, but delays caused by vacancies and the clubbing of districts can discourage consumers from pursuing cases. This is a weapon that was a godsend for the common citizen, without any legal hassles. Therefore, it must be handled this way.”

He also suggested creating a dedicated corpus fund to support consumer commissions, with a portion of the compensation awarded in cases being channelled into the fund.

In a statement, Shanmugam said the decision to organise the campaign was taken at the CPM state committee meeting held in Kannniyakumari on July 31 and August 1. He said all 12,000 party branches in the State should fully involve themselves in the campaign.

“The objective is to meet as many people as possible and engage in a direct dialogue with them,” he said, adding that the party wanted to understand people's views on its work in Tamil Nadu, its political positions, and the criticism and appreciation it received.

He said the campaign would also focus on understanding the problems people were facing and the measures they expected the party to take. Citing the Marxist principle of “going to the people and learning from them”, Shanmugam said party workers should listen patiently to whether people appreciated, criticised or opposed the party, and respond appropriately.

“Working people are our foundation, and we must give due importance to their feelings and views,” he said.

Shanmugam said the party had decided to distribute several lakh pamphlets during the six-day campaign. The pamphlets, already prepared in all districts, would contain questions and demands raised by the CPM with the Union government.

The campaign would also take up issues confronting Tamil Nadu and seek to engage people on the measures and approaches that the TVK government should adopt to address them, he said.

The campaign would be conducted in every village and ward. Street-corner meetings would be organised in the evenings, followed by public meetings at the end of the campaign, he said.

Shanmugam said the campaign had been designed to enable thousands of party workers, from the state secretary and members of the political leadership to branch secretaries and grassroots members, to visit homes across Tamil Nadu and interact directly with people.

The footage, which went viral on Saturday, reportedly showed Head Constable Jayaraj accepting money from Pandi, a resident of Singampunari. The payment was allegedly made at the instruction of Police Inspector Seenibabu.

Based on the preliminary inquiry, Sivaganga SP Abhishek Gupta suspended them. Police have also launched an inquiry into the background of Pandi, a traditional medicine practitioner

The swift action has drawn widespread attention in Sivaganga, with further investigation into the allegations expected.

The campaign, ‘Puthuyugam Padaipom – Let’s Create a New World’, was launched by the Centre for Women's Development and Research (CWDR) in Alwarpet.

The initiative will use street theatre to take discussions on sexual and reproductive health beyond formal spaces and directly to adolescents, young people, women, families and communities. Following the Chennai launch, performances are planned at educational institutions and in communities across TN.

The street play has been created and directed by Pralayan of Chennai Kalai Kuzhu, known for using theatre to address social issues. The production seeks to present subjects often surrounded by stigma, silence and misinformation in an accessible format while encouraging interaction with audiences.

According to CWDR, the campaign will focus on access to accurate sexual and reproductive health information, women’s and girls’ ability to make informed decisions about their bodies, menstrual dignity, safety and freedom from violence.

Speaking at the launch, KR Renuka of CWDR said, “Sexual and reproductive health and rights are closely linked to women’s dignity, equality, education, safety and freedom. Through Puthuyugam Padaipom, we want adolescents, young people, parents and communities to talk openly about these issues, question harmful gender norms and understand that women and girls have rights over their bodies and their futures.”

The CWDR said that the public performances would be accompanied by audience engagement to encourage discussion, counter misinformation and strengthen community support for adolescent girls and young women. The organisation is banking on the reach of people’s theatre to communicate complex and sensitive issues in a form that is relatable to diverse audiences.

Beyond raising awareness, the campaign seeks to encourage people to challenge discriminatory gender norms, speak out against gender-based violence and advocate for equality.

The arrested men have been identified as Vinod (37), and Vinoth Kumar (39), both from Dindigul; Shanmugaraj (44), from Tiruchy; and Senthil Kumar (45), from Mayiladuthurai. Police said they recovered Rs 26 lakh in cash, a mobile phone and gold jewellery from the accused.

According to police, the victim, Deepjit Rana, a garment trader from West Bengal, had come to Coimbatore for business. He was abducted at knifepoint from a hotel on August 17 and held captive by the gang in Palladam. Rana was released on August 18 after robbing him of Rs 26.54 lakh, a sovereign of gold jewellery and a mobile phone. Rana, who sustained injuries in the assault, was admitted to a private hospital for treatment.

Based on his complaint, police registered a case and launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of the four accused. Further investigation is under way.

Eleven fire tenders have been deployed at the site, with around 300 firefighters working in shifts to contain the blaze at the sprawling dump yard spread over 654 acres.

District Fire Officer K Ganesan said additional fire tenders from Tirupur, Erode and Dindigul districts were expected to join the firefighting operation.

“Fire has spread across nearly seven acres. Around 300 firefighters are engaged in the operation on a rotational basis. Additional fire tenders from neighbouring districts are also expected to join the efforts. We expect to bring the fire under control within two days,” he said.

The incident has renewed concerns over fire prevention and waste management at the Vellalore facility, where large quantities of waste have accumulated over the years.

V Easwaran, president and coordinator of the Marumalarchi Makkal Iyakkam, said the civic body had not fully complied with directions issued by the National Green Tribunal concerning the management of the Vellalore dump yard.

“Waste continues to be transported to the facility without adequate source segregation. More effective measures must be taken to process and dispose of the accumulated waste. The corporation should also expedite the biomining project for processing legacy waste,” he said.

KS Mohan, secretary of the Kurichi-Vellalore Pollution Prevention Action Committee, called for stronger preventive measures to minimise the risk of fires at the dump yard.

He urged the civic body to install sprinkler systems capable of periodically spraying water over the accumulated waste.

“The thick smoke from the fire has affected surrounding areas, including Mahalingapuram, Konavaikkalpalayam and Vellalore. Residents are already facing problems due to the foul odour from the dump yard. There are also concerns over groundwater pollution, with the water in the area reportedly changing colour,” he said.

The estimated cost of providing these toilets is around Rs 620 crore.

The toilet requirement is part of a larger infrastructure deficit identified by the department, with government schools also needing 5,641 classrooms, 1,340 drinking water facilities and 2,361 laboratories.

The department estimates that 5,641 classrooms would cost around Rs 1,465 crore. Drinking water facilities at 1,340 locations are estimated to require around Rs 59 crore, while 2,361 laboratories would cost Rs 1,598.24 crore.

The department has estimated that up to Rs 4,200 crore could be required to meet the infrastructure needs identified in government schools.

The requirements for classrooms, toilets, drinking water facilities, and laboratories were compiled after the School Education Department sought details from government schools. The schools submitted their infrastructure requirements, based on which the department prepared an estimate of the cost.

Another Rs 458 crore has been estimated for compound walls in government schools.

The infrastructure assessment comes after the Budget allocated Rs 44,527 crore to the School Education Department.

The scale of the requirements has raised expectations among students, parents and educationists over when and how the government will address the infrastructure needs of government schools.

Speaking at a wedding ceremony, Udhayanidhi alleged that the present administration had failed to honour key electoral promises such as monthly financial assistance for women, subsidised cooking gas cylinders and unemployment allowances.

Referring to his recent arrest during a protest in support of farmers' demands in Thanjavur, he alleged that the police had "abruptly altered the route to Sengipatti station" and made contradictory submissions in court regarding his detention.

Alleging that Mettur dam water had not been released during June, July and August, crippling Kuruvai (short-term crops) cultivation across the Delta region, Udhayanidhi criticised the state government for failing to provide drought relief and for confusing basic relief measures with targeted drought compensation.

The DMK leader also condemned the state government's decision to procure luxury cars for ruling party MLAs, while claiming a lack of funds to waive farm loans, provide the promised Rs 2,500 monthly assistance for women, distribute free cooking gas cylinders or implement unemployment allowances.

He reiterated that DMK legislators had flatly refused to accept the government-funded vehicles.

Udhayanidhi described the State administration as a "circus company" rather than a government, alleging that ministers relied on diversionary tactics and social media clips instead of responding to the Opposition's questions on electricity tariff hikes and public grievances.

He claimed that the previous DMK-led 'Dravidian Model' government had helped Tamil Nadu achieve a primary growth rate of 11.19 per cent, while alleging that the present administration had pushed the state's progress backwards.

He expressed confidence that the electorate would soon teach a fitting lesson to the present regime.

A senior Tasmac official on Sunday stated that liquor samples are sent to the central government laboratory in Guindy. "Bottling and dispatch for sale are allowed only after excise officials verify quality based on the test certificates issued by the central lab.

The official added that, following the Enrica controversy over the revocation of the ban within 24 hours, instructions have been issued to officials to conduct comprehensive quality checks across all distilleries to ensure that alcohol levels strictly adhere to permitted limits.

Following directives from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), a Union government body, Tasmac banned the sale of 11 liquor variants produced by 'Enrica Enterprises' on August 13. The issue concerned natural-identical and artificial flavouring substances in liquor brands, and the entity was later given 30 days to correct it. The liquor manufacturer has been at the centre of controversy over the alleged Delhi excise scam, which the CBI is investigating.

Despite the ban on Enrica, the Prohibition and Excise Department, under the State government, recommended lifting it the very next day and advised Tasmac to resume sales.

This swift revocation raised suspicions, prompting liquor consumers and Tasmac employees to demand strict quality assurance for all beverages sold through the network.

Sources said that checks have been intensified following the ban's revocation. The tests primarily verify whether liquor samples meet the standard 42.8 per cent alcohol-by-volume (ABV) threshold to certify products fit for public sale. Wines range from 12 per cent to 15 per cent ABV, and beers range from five per cent to eight per cent ABV, he added.

The official said that health experts and consumer groups argue that relying solely on percentage testing is severely inadequate for modern food safety standards.

Sources from Tasmac added that there are about 250 local and other state liquor brands available in the corporation, which includes over 180 local brands of liquor, 43 local brands of Beer, three local brands of Wine, six other State brands of liquor, five other state beer brands and eight other State brands of Wine.

"Some former ministers seated in the back rows use abusive words and unparliamentary language whenever our current ministers speak. The opposition is acting with the mindset of turning the Legislative Assembly into a brawl," Ramesh said.

Speaking to reporters at Tiruchirappalli airport, the Minister asserted that the TVK-led government functions with complete democratic accountability.

"When running the Assembly democratically, answering everyone's voice and expunging unparliamentary words is a standard tradition. Everyone knows there was no room for democracy during the previous regime," Ramesh said, accusing opposition members of repeatedly disrupting proceedings and using abusive language inside the House.

Responding to queries on public distribution supplies, Ramesh acknowledged public grievances over grain quality and stated that corrective measures are underway.

"People in several places have raised complaints about being unable to consume the ration rice provided. The Chief Minister has taken firm steps to rectify these issues and ensure high-quality commodities are supplied through ration shops," he said.

Detailing initiatives undertaken by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department during the ongoing budget session, the minister highlighted works taken up for the restoration of 1,000-year-old temples, reconstruction of dilapidated shrines, and consecration ceremonies.

He dismissed political criticism over the announcement of a dedicated rest hall (mandapam) at the Anbil Mariamman Temple in Tiruchirappalli for devotees.

He said it is for devotees visiting after recovering from pox infections to fulfill vows. He termed the opposition narrative that the Mandapam is for those still inflicted with pox infections as "false propaganda".

On the financial management of temple projects, Ramesh said tenders worth Rs 246 crore for unviable and uncommenced works -- including proposed luxury guest houses -- were cancelled to prioritise devotee amenities and meet approximately Rs 400 crore in pending liabilities for ongoing temple renovation works.

Addressing crowd management at the Tiruchendur Subramaniyaswami Temple, the Minister said nearly 80 to 90 per cent of irregularities and darshan malpractices have been brought under control.

"A temple has a carrying capacity of around 30,000 devotees a day, but handling 50,000 to 60,000 people on peak weekends remains a logistical challenge. It has been only 100 days since the government took over. This is not cinema to change everything upside down overnight, but we are taking steady action step by step," Ramesh noted.

The minister further announced that pursuant to High Court directives, mobile phone deposit counters are being set up across more than 50 senior-grade temples in the state to safeguard sanctity and prevent unauthorised photography or video recording inside sanctum sanctorums.

He urged devotees to adhere to guidelines similar to those practised at Tirupati and appealed to media personnel to refrain from taking video cameras inside sanctums or asking political questions within temple premises.

On local infrastructure demands in Tiruchirappalli, Ramesh stated that ongoing bridge works causing traffic congestion are being closely monitored in coordination with district administration officials to ensure swift completion and commissioning.

A 54-year-old farmer was killed by the tiger while working in his coffee plantation near his residence in O Valley on August 21.

Parts of his body were found consumed by the animal. The incident occurred a fortnight after another farmer was mauled to death by a tiger in the same locality on August 8.

The two fatal attacks triggered protests by residents, who demanded immediate action to capture the animal and prevent further attacks.

Following the protests, the Forest Department launched an extensive capture operation involving more than 80 personnel, including staff brought in from neighbouring forest divisions.

“Seven cages baited with meat have been placed at strategic locations to trap the animal, while 50 camera traps have been installed to monitor its movements. Three thermal drones capable of operating during both day and night are being used to track the tiger. Specially trained personnel from the Mudumalai and Udhagamandalam forest divisions are also examining the area for pugmarks and other signs of the animal,” a Forest Department official said.

A veterinary team led by Mudumalai Tiger Reserve veterinarian K Rajesh Kumar joined the operation equipped with tranquiliser guns.

However, intermittent rain and dense fog have hampered the search and tracking efforts, the official added.

The Forest Department has advised residents in the affected areas to remain vigilant and avoid venturing out alone, particularly in locations where tiger movement has been reported.

Meanwhile, representatives of various political parties, traders and welfare associations have announced a general strike on August 27 and 28, demanding that the tiger be captured, dead or alive.

In a statement, CPM state secretary P Shanmugam said a group of eight men allegedly intercepted their car near Kiliyur after the leaders had completed preparations for a protest, abused them, damaged the party flag and car windows, and assaulted them.

The attack was allegedly linked to the CPM's protests against a former Vadhamambakkam panchayat president over alleged diversion of funds meant for constructing 22 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The former panchayat president's two sons were among the alleged attackers, Shanmugam said.

Though a complaint was lodged at Kallamarudur police station, police had so far arrested only one person, he said. Shanmugam urged police to immediately arrest all the accused and invoke stringent provisions of law.

In a statement, Shanmugam said the decision to organise the campaign was taken at the CPM state committee meeting held in Kanyakumari on July 31 and August 1. He said all 12,000 party branches in Tamil Nadu should fully involve themselves in the campaign.

“The objective is to meet as many people as possible and engage in a direct dialogue with them,” he said, adding that the party wanted to understand people's views on its work in Tamil Nadu, its political positions, and the criticism and appreciation it received.

He said the campaign would also focus on understanding the problems people were facing and the measures they expected the party to take. Citing the Marxist principle of “going to the people and learning from them”, Shanmugam said party workers should listen patiently whether people appreciated, criticised or opposed the party, and respond appropriately.

“Working people are our foundation and we must give due importance to their feelings and views,” he said.

Shanmugam said the party had decided to distribute several lakh pamphlets during the six-day campaign. The pamphlets, already prepared in all districts, would contain questions and demands raised by the CPM with the Union government.

The campaign would also take up issues confronting Tamil Nadu and seek to engage people on the measures and approaches that the TVK government should adopt to address them, he said.

The campaign would be conducted in every village and ward. Street-corner meetings would be organised in the evenings, followed by public meetings at the end of the campaign, he said.

Shanmugam said the campaign had been designed to enable thousands of party workers, from the state secretary and members of the political leadership to branch secretaries and grassroots members, to visit homes across Tamil Nadu and interact directly with people.

Rain likely in several Tamil Nadu districts

Earlier, the Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai had said that a weak trough was prevailing in the lower levels of the atmosphere along the Tamil Nadu coast.

Due to this system, moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds of 40-50 kmph is likely at one or two places in the Western Ghats districts, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Kallakurichi and Cuddalore on August 23. Puducherry may also receive similar weather.

Light rain accompanied by thunderstorms is likely at one or two places in other parts of Tamil Nadu and Karaikal.

Sea to remain rough along east coast

The newly formed low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal is expected to cause rough sea conditions along the coasts of West Bengal, Odisha and north coastal Andhra Pradesh until Sunday.

Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea along these coastal areas. However, the IMD has clarified that the new low-pressure area is not expected to cause any impact on Tamil Nadu.

In a statement, Anbumani said the committee’s final report, submitted on March 14, 2023, had remained undisclosed for 41 months despite being prepared using public funds. He said the report contained 161 recommendations aimed at protecting Chennai from floods.

The committee, headed by former IAS officer Thirupugazh, was constituted by the then DMK government following the severe flooding in Chennai in 2021. He submitted an interim report in May 2022 and the final report in March 2023 after conducting field studies and analysing data for 17 months.

Anbumani said the then DMK government had claimed that 101 of the 161 recommendations were being implemented, but the details of those recommendations had never been made public.

He criticised minister Sengottaiyan for stating in the Assembly that the DMK government should have released the report, shifting the blame.

Speaking to reporters in Nellai, Minority Welfare Minister Shahjahan said the IUML would continue its alliance with TVK and added that the Muslim community had welcomed the decision.

“The Indian Union Muslim League is the party that carried the DMK on a palanquin for so many years,” Shahjahan said, while also claiming that TVK was working several times better for Muslims than the DMK. He said Vijay’s influence was expanding beyond Tamil Nadu to Karnataka and Kerala, and claimed this would be reflected in the 2029 Lok Sabha election.

Shahjahan said the INDIA bloc was working with the objective of forming the government at the centre in 2029 and that TVK would also travel with the alliance. Asked whether the DMK would continue in the INDIA bloc, he said it was Arivalayam that has to clarify its position.

He said the IUML, TVK, Congress and other parties would work together in the proposed alliance and that the alliance leaders would decide on the prime ministerial candidate a few months before

Minister Shahjahan claimed that CM Vijay government was working several times better for Muslims than the DMK regime, predicting TVK’s win in 2029 LS polls the election. On the release of long-term prisoners, Shahjahan said the government was considering all steps required, within the framework of the law, to release those who had been in prison for more than 25 years.

He also said several announcements benefiting Muslim and Christian minorities would be made during the Assembly Budget session under the Minority Welfare Department’s demand for grants. The announcements, he said, would address complaints that welfare schemes meant for minorities had not been reaching beneficiaries properly.