DMK 60s flashback: Then, three measures for a rupee. Now, Rs 2 a kilo. Plus a free TV

In a bid to beat Chief Minister and AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa at her own game, the DMK today released a highly populist election manifesto, promising colour television sets to all households that did not have one and ‘quality rice’ at Rs 2 per kg through fair price shops. Smarting from her party’s debacle in the 2004 Lok Sabha election, Jayalalithaa in her manifesto a day before had offered numerous sops to the people of Tamil Nadu.


In a throwback to the 1960s when the DMK founder leader, C N Annadurai, swept to power defeating the Congress with the slogan ‘three measures of rice for Re 1,’ the DMK manifesto, displaying a desperation to return to power, said: ‘‘We will provide quality rice at Rs 2 per kilo to make women feel happy at heart.’’(more...)

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INTUC asks Cong leadership to recognise "loyal" leaders in Tamil Nadu

The Tamil Nadu unit of INTUC, labour wing of the Congress, today urged the party leadership to recognise "loyal and committed" leaders from the state at the time of distribution of tickets for the upcoming assembly polls.

In a memorandum to Congress President Sonia Gandhi, N Nanjappan, Vice President of the INTUC in the state, said that there was "strong pressure" on the unit that its "loyalists" should get at least three seats, if not more.(more...)

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Dattatreya terms DMK promises "empty words"

The election promises of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam - providing quality rice at Rs.2 a kg and securing more funds from the Centre - are "just empty words," Bharatiya Janata Party `prabhari' (in-charge) for Tamil Nadu, Bandaru Dattatreya, said on Thursday.

He recalled how attempts to provide rice at Rs.2 a kg failed in Andhra Pradesh. In 1983, the then Chief Minister N.T.Rama Rao introduced such a scheme. It did not last long. When Rama Rao came back to power in December 1994, he revived the scheme. This time it lasted for about 18 months. The rate was hiked to Rs.3.50 in July 1996 after N.Chandrababu Naidu assumed power.(more...)

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PMK renominates only 7 MLAs

Only seven sitting Members of Legislative Assembly belonging to the Pattali Makkal Katchi have been re-nominated.

A constituent of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Democratic Progressive Alliance, the party has been allotted 31 constituencies. The list of candidates for 29 constituencies was released by the party founder S. Ramadoss at a press conference here on Thursday. In the outgoing House, the PMK has 16 MLAs. [Earlier, it had 19 MLAs, of whom three quit their posts to join the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam a few months ago.(more...)

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CPM decides against fielding veterans

The CPI(M) on Friday decided against fielding candidates who had completed more than two terms as MLAs for the May 8, 2006 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, with veteran MLAs J Hemachandran and D Moni being denied tickets on this count.

R Lima Rose will now contest the Thiruvattaru seat, held by Hemachandran, while G John Joseph would contest from Vilavankode, represented by Moni. Both of them will be making their electoral debut.

The CPI(M) has been allotted 13 seats in the DMK-led Democratic Progressive alliance in Tamil Nadu.(more...)

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Former DMK MLA resigns from party

Former DMK MLA AG Sampath on Friday resigned from the party protesting allotment of an assembly seat to the party ally PMK in coming elections.

In a letter to the party general secretary K Anbazhagan, Sampath alleged he was being neglected in the party of late and attempts were being made to humiliate and ease him out from the party.(more...)

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Palanivel Rajan to contest from Madurai (Central) DMK releases list of candidates for 131 seats

Former Speaker P.T.R. Palanivel Rajan, who lost by a narrow margin in the 2001Assembly elections, most of the Ministers from the 1996 cabinet are among those who find a place in the list of DMK contestants. The DMK will contest 127 seats while five more candidates will contest on the DMK symbol, rising sun.

Former AIADMK Minister Kannappan, who floated the Makkal Tamil Desam and later merged with the DMK, Puratchi Bharatham leader Poovai Jegan, P.V. Kadiravan (All-India Forward Bloc - Vallarasu faction), three IUML members also find a place in the list. Of this, the Palayamkottai IUML candidate is yet to be named. "Two people are asking for the seat. The announcement would be made shortly," DMK president M. Karunandihi said(more...)

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Karunanidhi writes to Tandon

The Election Commission clarification that ongoing relief schemes could go on, would be interpreted by the AIADMK Government as "a green signal to implement all Government orders issued before March 1," DMK president M.Karunanidhi has said.

In a letter to Chief Election Commissioner B.B.Tandon, a copy of which was released to the Press, he said the AIADMK Government was "frantically relying on the doles they proposed to distribute to the people. Now your announcement would come in handy."(more...)

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MDMK takes on DMK in Tenkasi

Tenkasi constituency, a traditional stronghold of Congress will be witnessing a keen contest between the DMK and MDMK in the forthcoming elections.

The MDMK is fielding its candidate for the first time in Tenkasi. Rama Udayasuriyan is the MDMK candidate in the constituency in which the DMK is fielding Karuppaswamy Pandian (more...)

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Caste factor ruled the roost

Rocked by the caste clashes in the mid nineties, Tirunelveli parliamentary constituency in the down south has its politics entwined around casteism.

Moreover the Muslim dominated communally sensitive area, Melapalayam, is in this constituency. Tirunelveli parliamentary constituency has only two Assembly segments - Tirunelveli and Palayamkottai in Tirunelveli district and the other four Assembly segments - Thoothukudi, Ottapidaram, Srivaikuntam and Vilathikulam in the nearby Thoothukudi district(more...)

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Star war in Mylapore

It will be a clash of Kollywood titans in Mylapore, where film comedian and stage artist S Ve Sekar will take on villain-turned-hero-turned politician Napolean. Both have the experience of one election behind them. But there ends the similarity.

Sekar, who is the AIADMK candidate here, last contested way back in 1989 as an independent from the same constituency. The highlight was that he polled 1,018 votes, which was 521 votes more than that polled by one time Dravidian stalwart V R Nedunchezhiyan, who too contested as an independent candidate(more...)

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MLA prays for success in exam, poll

Udumalpet sitting MLA and AIADMK candidate C Shanmugavelu (55), who is awaiting his M A (Economics) final year results, is praying that both his post-graduation course and 2006 Assembly election results be in his favour.

Soon after returning from Chennai on Wednesday, he visited local temples to offer prayers. Shanmugavelu garlanded the statues of former chief ministers C N Annadurai and M G Ramachandran at an “auspicious hour” on Wednesday. He visited the Kolumam Kottaimariamman temple, Udumalpet Mariamman temple and Vinayagar temple.(more...)

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MDMK members laud Vaiko's decision

MDMK leader Vaiko has pulled another surprise by announcing his decision not to contest on any of the 35 assembly seats allotted to the party.

Many feel that his decision is only meant to prove that he has no love of power, especially as he is targeting the DMK for promoting family interests(more...)

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MDMK members laud Vaiko's decision

MDMK leader Vaiko has pulled another surprise by announcing his decision not to contest on any of the 35 assembly seats allotted to the party.

Many feel that his decision is only meant to prove that he has no love of power, especially as he is targeting the DMK for promoting family interests(more...)

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Vijaykanth to contest from Virudachalam

Vijaykanth, who had floated the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) party last year, is to make his electoral debut from Virudachalam constituency in Cuddalore district in the state assembly polls on May 8.

Releasing the first list of 140 candidates for polls to the 234-member Tamil Nadu assembly, Vijaykanth said there was no change in the DMDK's stand that it would not align with any other party.(more...)

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AIADMK Replacing candidate dismays his supporters

The AIADMK high command's sudden action of replacing G Nehru, the candidate in Orleanpet Assembly constituency last night with actor Anandraj has caused much dismay among the former's supporters(more...)

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Campaign vans ready to roll

Political bigwigs of the State are switching over to the next important and crucial phase of the elections ?'campaigning' ? as all the parties, except the ever-wrangling TNCC are out with their candidates' list. High voltage action can be expected in the campaign arena with each one hurling abuse at the other.

Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa begins her campaign at 5.30 this evening from Illankali Amman Temple at Saidapet(more...)

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Fewer stars on election firmament

With Assembly elections just a month away, the major political parties are out with their candidates list. In a State, where politics and filmdom are considered to be the two sides of the same coin, it is surprising that the number of film personalities figuring in the list of candidates reeled out by both the AIADMK and DMK is less than half-a-dozen, springing a surprise among many.(more...)

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PMC leader Kannan to contest from Mudaliarpet

Puduchery Munnetra Congress' founder leader P Kannan would contest from Mudaliarpet constituency for the coming assembly polls in the Union Territory.

Speaking to reporters, Kannan also announced that party leaders P K Devadoss and V Muthunarayanan would contest from from Raj Bhavan and Nettapakkam assembly constituencies respectively. (more...)

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Jaya hits campaign trail; steals a march over Opposition

First off the block, AIADMK Supremo Jayalalithaa today launched her campaign for May 8 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu with a sharp attack on the Centre for raising prices of essential commodities and accused union ministers from the state of 'blocking' all schemes of her government.

"The price of PDS rice was raised by the Centre. However, the government headed by your beloved sister has not hiked the price in the state and is providing the rice at Rs.3.50 per kg,' she said in an obvious response to DMK's poll promise of providing quality rice at Rs.Two per kg if voted to power.(more...)

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DMK upset over EC decision on Jaya sops

The Election Commission's decision that there is no bar on the Jayalalithaa government in implementing ongoing welfare schemes has irked the DMK. Party chief M Karunanidhi dashed off a letter on Thursday to Chief Election Commissioner B B Tandon, expressing surprise that the EC was not preventing the state government from going ahead with its welfare programmes.(more...)

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DMK stalwarts storm Chennai

DMK stalwarts have once again dominated the list of party nominees for Chennai. Former chief minister M Karunanidhi will contest from Chepauk, while party general secretary K Anbazhagan (Harbour), treasurer Arcot N Veerasami (Anna Nagar), former Mayor M K Stalin (Thousand Lights), former ministers A Rahman Khan (Park Town) and S P Sargunapandian (Royapuram), former deputy speaker of the assembly, Parithi Ilamvazhuthi (Egmore) and actor Napoleon (Mylapore) represent an extremely strong DMK force in the city.(more...)

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Congress factions clash in Chennai

Several people were injured as hundreds of supporters of a suspended Congress legislator staged a violent protest yesterday at the party headquarters here over seat allocation ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections.

The party headquarters at Sathyamurthy Bhavan resembled a battle ground, with clothes, slippers and banners strewn all over, tables and chairs broken, and many injured when supporters of A Chellakumar, who was suspended from the party on Friday over ‘dissidence’, clashed with rival party men.(more...)

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DMDK cadre attempts suicide

A Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) functionary attempted suicide on Sunday when a district office-bearer refused to hoist the party’s flag at Saibaba Colony, sources said.(more...)

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Twenty one cases filed against AIADMK, DMK, DMDK

At least 21 cases have been registered against AIADMK, DMK and DMDK functionaries in various police stations in the district since Saturday for violation of the election Code of Conduct.

Though the Election Commission has strictly warned of legal action against parties and individuals indulging in drawing graffiti on walls, the parties do not seem to care about the Code of Conduct and have pasted posters and drawn graffiti on walls to make their symbols more visible to the public.(more...)

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DMDK will not be purchased by anyone, says Vijayakanth

‘‘Both the ruling party and the DMK had unsuccessfully tried to hook the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) into their respective alliances,’’ said DMDK founder Vijayakanth.

The cine star-turned-politician addressed election campaigns in several places including, Kedar, Kandachipuram and Arakandanallur on Tuesday.(more...)

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Villagers to boycott polls in Jayalalitha's home constituency

More than 1100 voters belonging to seven villages in Andipatti assembly constituency of Tamil Nadu, represented by none other than state Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha have decided to boycott the forthcoming assembly polls scheduled to be held on May 8.

Andipatti in the southern district of Theni has always been a stronghold of the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazgham (AIADMK) party since the days of M.G. Ramachandran , the party’s founder.(more...)

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2 AIADMK candidates quit panchayat posts

Two AIADMK candidates, who were nominated for contesting the Assembly polls, relinquished the posts they held in the local bodies here on Tuesday.

Ruling party candidates G Kumar and Selvi Ramajayam submitted their resignation letters to District Collector Gagandeep Singh Bedi (more...)

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Jaya promises new Cauvery panel

Chief Minister and AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa laid the groundwork for the battle for the Tamil Nadu Assembly when she said it would be the last election the DMK would be fighting.

“It is a fight between the AIADMK and the DMK this time. The others are not important,” she said, dismissing the smaller parties that are part of the DMK-led Democratic Progressive Alliance and that hold the key in the forthcoming Assembly elections.(more...)

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Jayalalithaa rules out coalition Government in Tamil Nadu

Chief Minister and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) general secretary Jayalalithaa on Tuesday ruled out the possibility of a coalition government in the State after the May 8 Assembly elections. Her party would return to power with absolute majority, she said.

After releasing the AIADMK manifestos for the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Pondicherry at the party headquarters, she said, "We will form our Government with independent majority."(more...)

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Jayalalithaa promises statehood to Pondicherry, offers Periyar's dream to Tamilnadu

Reflecting a sense of confidence, Jayalalithaa Jayaram's All India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has come up with a cliché ridden manifesto. It spewed venom more on the Congress and less on the local rival, DMK and that may be due to Sonia Congress bumping into the centre stage of Indian politics with the 'second' sacrifice by Sonia Gandhi.

As if by coincidence, Sonia Gandhi was in her home constituency Rae Barellie in Uttar Pradesh. She was at her combative best prompting a political analyst to remark if elections are held right away, the Congress is bound to walk away with top honours at the ballot box.(more...)

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Promises galore in Jaya wish-list

While keeping the focus on industrialisation, education and IT, the AIADMK manifesto which was released today by the AIADMK chief Miss Jayalalitha, took a dig at Congress chief Mrs Sonia Gandhi and the Central ministers from Tamil Nadu, as also the DMK chief Mr M Karunanidhi.
The party said the ministers from Tamil Nadu had “betrayed” the state’s interests in a number of issues such as release of insufficient tsunami funds, denial of no-objection certificates for the desalination plant in Chennai and so on (more...)

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All eyes are on Sivakasi

With the AIADMK and MDMK joining hands this time around to contest the May 8 Assembly elections, all eyes are set on Sivakasi parliamentary constituency that has returned MDMK founder Vaiko to the Parliament twice and his ‘disciple’ Sippiparai Ravichandran in 2004 Lok Sabha elections.(more...)

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Vaiko ‘really’ plays a subtle card

Among the four seats that the MDMK has got in the south, two are Sathankulam and Nagercoil Assembly constituencies. On Saturday last, Vaiko started his campaign for these two constituencies.

Nalumavadi village near Kurumbur is famous for its Evangelist Mohan C Lazarus. On the last Saturday of every month, he holds a massive prayer meeting here. Devotees throng from all over the South. The majority are from Kanyakumari district(more...)

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AIADMK for special statehood to Pondy

The AIADMK has said it will work for securing special statehood status to the Union Territory of Pondicherry besides assuring that the much-delayed local body elections will be held if the party is voted to power.


The party manifesto for the Pondicherry Assembly polls, released by its supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa here, also sought the people's mandate for making Pondicherry a peaceful state, developing its economy, ushering in a technological revolution and for its overall development.(more...)

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PMK plea to Centre

The Pattali Makkal Katchi has demanded that the Centre hold talks with the industrialists at the earliest to evolve consensus on providing reservation for Other Backward Classes and Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes in private sector.

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AIADMK promises transparent, corrupt free admin

Promising a corrupt free, honest and transparent administration in Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK today said it would work for upgradation of economic and social status of Tamils, if voted back to power, in the May 8 polls.

Quoting social reformer Periyar E V Ramaswamy, the party, in its manifesto said "pride and knowledge are prime for human beings" and the party would strive for implementing the goals of Periyar(more...)

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DMK-led DPA scuttling implementation of welfare plans: Jaya

Charging the DMK-led Democratic Progressive Alliance with "scuttling" the implementation of several ongoing welfare schemes in Tamil Nadu, AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa today said these parties were using the Election Commission for political purposes.

It is being done simply because our adversaries are pressurising the EC to prevent the benefits reaching to deserved people," she told reporters after releasing party's manifestoes for Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Pondicherry polls.

She said the EC had banned continuation of the tsunami and flood relief works, distribution of aids under the farmers welfare scheme and distribution of sarees and dhoties to over four crore people, which were on going schemes.(more...)

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Vellore MP's election upheld

The Madras High Court today upheld the election of K M Khader Mohideen from Vellore Parliamentary constituency on the DMK ticket in the May 2004 elections.


Dismissing an election petition filed by a voter, Justice M Chocklingam rejected the contention of the petitioner that Mohideen by falsely canvassing that he was the DMK candidate, while he was actually a member of the Indian Union Muslim League, had created confusion in the minds of the electorate thus materially affecting the outcome.(more...)

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It's a fight between AIADMK, DMK: Jayalalithaa

Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa laid the groundwork for the battle for the assembly elections when she said it would be the last elections for DMK.

"It is a fight between AIADMK and DMK this time. The others are not important," she said, dismissing smaller parties that are part of the DMK-led Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA) and hold the key in the forthcoming assembly elections.(more...)

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Sun TV Power: Vaiko joins AIADMK

MDMK general secretary Vaiko has said that his decision to quit the DMK front to join the rival AIADMK camp was primarily influenced by the television network Sun TV. Dwelling at length on the manner in which the Sun TV channel, owned by Union minister Dayanidhi Maran's family, had benefited by its association with the government at the Center.

Vaiko said that, "If they (DMK) come to power, that will be dangerous for Tamil Nadu. It will be the greatest peril to the state's economic progress. They will spread their tentacles like the octopus to eliminate many in the media and enter other businesses as well. Already, they are among the richest in Asia. Thanks to the growth the Indian media is seeing today."(more...)

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Tsunami relief hasn't reached the needy: MK

'Even though the Central government had released enough funds for tsunami relief, it has not reached the needy in Tamilnadu,' DMK president M Karunanidhi has said. He was speaking at the first scientific Tamil conference organised in Chennai today by the International Tamil Centre.

Karunanidhi said the funds from the Centre had reached the wrong hands in the State. He said Tamil is a divine classical language which has got a long tradition. 'Even before 2000 years, things about human senses had been mentioned in 'Tholkappiam'. This shows how ancient Tamil is and how knowledgeable Tamilians are,' he said.(more...)

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Karthik's dilemma

Romantic hero of yesteryear Karthik, who jumped to politics and even went ahead to become the leader of a prominent political party in the State in a short span of time, has now become a political orphan. His rise and fall happened has at a quick pace.(more...)

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Demanding allies blunt DMK edge in TN

"If the DMK does not win this election it will never be able to raise its head for another 100 years," was DMK president M. Karunanidhi’s ultimatum to workers.

And even the diehard DMK supporter could not but miss the tinge of desperation in that appeal.(more...)

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Tamil Nadu polls: DPI releases manifesto

Charging the DMK-led Democratic Progressive Alliance with being 'anti-Dalit', Dalit Panthers of India, an ally of the AIADMK, today asked the electorate in Tamil Nadu to reject the opposition alliance in the May 8 Assembly polls.

Releasing the party manifesto, DPI General Secretary Tol Thirumavalavan alleged that the DPA was adopting an "anti-Tamil" attitude.(more...)

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Party to decide on going it alone soon

: Republican Party of India (A), today said if AIADMK, which it has decided to support in the May 8 Tamil Nadu assembly polls, failed to give the five seats it has sought, it would decide their next course of action.

RPI(A) National President Ramdas Athawale, told newsmen here that his party's state leadership had already submitted the five constituencies it wanted to contest. "If we are not going to get even one or two seats, then we will meet and decide whether to go it alone in the coming polls", he said.(more...)

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Jaya to contest from Andipatti, drops three Ministers

AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa today decided seek re-election from Andipatti in Theni district in the May 8 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls and also denied tickets to three of her Cabinet colleagues.

Ministers C Ponniyan, A Annavi and Inbatamizhan do not figure in the list of 182 candidates released by her today.

Of the 132 party MLAs in the present 234-member assembly, Jayalalithaa has retained only 53 and brought in fresh faces.(more...)

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Vijaykant blames Dravidian parties for poor development

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) have not lived up to the expectations of the people of Tamil Nadu although they have been in power for long, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) founder Vijaykant said on Sunday (more...)

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Ambedkar party forming third front in TN

All India Ambedkar People's Party today said it was trying to form a third front with the BJP and actor Vijaykanth's DMDK as an alternative to the DMK and AIADMK in the May 8 assembly elections.(more...)

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Jayalalithaa fields 22 women in TN and four in Kerala

AIADMK supremo and Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, who is a strong votary of 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures, has fielded only 22 women candidates for the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.(more...)

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Tamil Nadu set for high-voltage campaign

The stage is set for a high-voltage campaign in Tamil Nadu for the May 8 Assembly polls with the parties keeping their gun powder dry for firing salvos against the rivals during the next over 40 days of electioneering.

Arch rivals in the state's politics- ruling AIADMK and the DMK- have already indicated that national issues would be in the forefront, putting local issues on the backburner.(more...)

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Artisans' party to support AIADMK

The Kaivinaignar Munnetra Kazhagam (KMK), an organisation of artisans, has extended support to the AIADMK-led Democratic People's Alliance.(more...)

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Parties now confab within

The date is known. The constituencies have been earmarked. So what's left? Well, which individual will contest from where is the question that's left to answer. And precisely that's what the political parties in fray for the Assembly elections are doing.
According to indications available, both the main parties in contention ? the AIADMK and the DMK ?? has almost chosen the candidates they will field and the official list is most likely to come out tomorrow. The MDMK, which is now part of the AIADMK front, is expected to release its list on 29 March(more...)

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MDMK candidates list 29 March Vaiko to contest from Sivakasi?

As the seat allotment has been finalised for the forthcoming Assembly election on 8 May, political parties have almost finalised their candidates. The parties are expected to announce their candidates in a couple of days.
It now emerges that MDMK leader Vaiko is likely to contest from Sivakasi Assembly constituency
Sources say that the party will give tickets to four others arrested under POTA along with Vaiko.(more...)

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DMI to support DPF in TN assembly poll

Dravida Makkal Iyakkam (DMI) on Sunday chalked out various programmes to work for the victory of the AIADMK-led Democratic People's Front (DPF) in the ensuing assembly elections to Tamil Nadu.
After attending the meeting of the party's district unit, Iyakkam Founder President Oviyam said the party office-bearers have been addressing the workers in the districts to ensure the victory of DPF(more...)

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Rajni fans split, faction to support AIADMK front

The Rajnikanth Fans Association on Sunday split with a faction, ignoring the actor’s statement that he would not extend open support to any party, deciding to support AIADMK-led front for the coming Assembly polls.
Office bearers of ten district units, who met at Karaikudi in Sivaganga district, did not pay heed to the pleadings of Satyanarayana, president of the association, not to go ahead with the meeting and extend open support to any party.(more...)

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Rajnikanth fans to discuss poll plan

Office-bearers of Rajnikanth Fans Association have convened a meeting in Karaikudi tomorrow to discuss about extending support to AIADMK alliance in the forthcoming Assembly elections.

Sources say the fans association has decided to campaign against PMK in all the 31constituencies where the PMK would be contesting(more...)

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Chidambaram joins issue with Jayalalithaa

Flaying the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa for her remarks against Sonia Gandhi, Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram today said the Congress President by resigning from Lok Sabha and as NAC Chairperson had set high political standards as compared with the "adamant litigant nature" of Jayalalithaa.(more...)

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TNCC suspends A Chellakumar from party

The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee today suspended former Congress MLA and AICC member A Chellakumar, from the party.(more...)

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PMK manifesto a warning to DMK

Indicating that the PMK may go its own way after the May polls in Tamil Nadu, the party has come out with a manifesto that calls for a common minimum programme (CMP) among DMK-led opposition allies.(more...)

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Stay away from Kalan-led meet: INTUC vice-president

Office-bearers of various unions affiliated to the Indian Trade Union Congress (INTUC) have been directed not to attend the general council meeting convened by State president P.L. Subbiah and general secretary G. Kalan here on March 24.

Disciplinary action would be taken against those who participated in the meeting, warned INTUC State unit vice-president N.Nanjappan here on Thursday.(more...)

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'Let us forget the past'

In Tamil Nadu, one of the biggest pre-poll surprises has been Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader V Gopalaswamy alias Vaiko quitting the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Democratic Progressive Alliance and joining the front led by the All India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
It is shocking because AIADMK leader J Jayalalithaa was the one who imprisoned Vaiko under the erstwhile Prevention Of Terrorism Act.(more...)

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Will `Captain` make it?

Can our beloved ‘Captain’ Vijaykanth and his party Desiya Murpokku Dravidar Kazhagam (DMDK) make it to the Tamilnadu assembly by winning a few seats? At the moment, political observers feel that more than capturing power, if DMDK gets a single MLA elected, it will be a fantastic feat for the actor.
As of now, there are only two fronts in Tamilnadu- The AIADMK headed by Jayalalithaa and DMK by Karunanidhi. Both of them have alliance partners and in Tamilnadu politics, it is all about who manages to get the winning combination.(more...)

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AIADMK and DMK to face-off in 105 assembly seats

Arch-rivals - AIADMK and the DMK - will clash for electoral honours in the May 8 Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls in 105 seats.

The MDMK, a constituent of the DMK-led Democratic Progressive Alliance in the Lok Sabha polls but now a partner in the AIADMK-led front, is contesting 35 seats and will take on the DMK in 17 seats. (more...)

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Violence mars SHG meeting

Members of the Dravida Munnertra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnertra Kazhagam clashed on Monday when AIADMK men objected to the presence of S.R. Raja, Tambaram Municipal Chairman, at a meeting organised by women self-help groups (SHGs).(more...)

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All for Jaya, even Rajni fans

A wily poacher is on the prowl in Tamil Nadu's political jungle, and parties — Left, right and centre — are falling apart. Behind the defections is none other than the master of realpolitik, J Jayalalithaa.

The list of parties who have fallen prey to the "Jaya effect" includes Tamil Nadu Congress, PMK, Forward Bloc and Muslim League. The Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) or even the Rajnikanth fan club has not been spared.(more...)

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AIADMK will not win a single seat: S.Ramadoss

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S.Ramadoss today said that his party would support the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and this alliance will win all 234 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu. (more...)

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Nothing wrong in changing alliances: MDMK leader

Propaganda secretary of the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (MDMK) Nanjil Sampath on Tuesday said that there was “nothing ugly” in opting for new alliances in politics. He was speaking at a public meeting here organised by the MDMK to informally kick-start the poll campaign.

Poopoohing the DMK’s stand on contesting only 123 seats while sharing the rest with the allies - which would not ensure “an absolute majority for forming the government” - Sampath said that party chief M Karunanidhi appeared to have accepted defeat(more...)

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DMK, Congress leaders rush to Chennai

Congressmen and the DMK leaders from the Nilgiris have rushed to Chennai to impress on their respective leaders to get the three Assembly constituencies for themselves.

“Two important candidates are trying for Ooty and Gudalur constituency in our party. So, we don’t want this seat to be given to Congress. That’s why we are rushing to Chennai,” a DMK party leader told Express.(more...)

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A multi-cornered contest likely

Major parties, barring the BJP, to array in two rival formations
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Outfits of actors Vijaykant and Karthik to face polls independently
The DMK rules out possibility of allowing more parties into the alliance
DMK front may stake claim for northern belt, AIADMK alliance for south
Both the AIADMK and the DMK keen to avoid disaffection in seat sharing
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Tamil Nadu appears all set to witness a multi-cornered contest in the May 8 Assembly elections with major political parties, barring the Bharatiya Janata Party, deciding to array themselves in two rival formations and film stars Vijaykant and Karthik making it clear that their parties will face the polls independently. (more...)

PMK demands CMP in case of fractured verdict in TN Poll

Ruling out participation in a coalition ministry in case of a fractured verdict in the May 8 Tamil Nadu Assembly poll, the PMK, a constituent of the DMK-led Democratic Progressive Alliance, today demanded a Common Minimum Programme for the State on the lines of that of the UPA.

"We will not participate in any coalition Government, but will offer unconditional support to the DMK, if the need arises, after the Assembly Poll. But we would like to have a CMP on the lines of the UPA's CMP and also a coordination committee to monitor the CMP", PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss told reporters after releasing the party's manifesto for the Polls.(more...)

DMK Minister creates a scene, 'violates' code

The Airports Employees Association today decided to lodge a complaint with State Election Commission against Union Minister of State for Finance S S Palani-manickam of allegedly violating the model code of poll conduct.

The Union Minister belonging to the DMK had been to Chennai airport last evening to catch the Indian Airlines flight bound to New Delhi (more...)

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Fans frenzy!

Rajnikanth is in catch 22 situation. His legion of fans wants him to take a more active part in Tamilnadu politics and also spell out his preference. The Rajni Rasigar Mandram (RRM) led by secretary M.I.Hymayoon along with others has pledged to give support to AIADMK led DPA.
Rajnikanth is the traditional fence sitter; ideologically he is closer to Hindutva brigade led by BJP and other right wing Hindu organizations. But he is a superstar in a Dravidian stronghold of Tamilnadu and it would be suicidal for him career wise to be identified with any Hindu party(more...)

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PMK seeks mobile task force on polling day

PMK district secretary R Kalidoss has demanded the setting up of a ‘‘mobile police task force’’ for each constituency on the polling day during the coming Assembly elections.

At an all-party meeting convened by District Collector Sathyabratha Sahoo here on Saturday to discuss poll arrangements and the model code of conduct, Kalidoss insisted on the setting up of the force, sources said.(more...)

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DMK, Cong clinch it

The Tamilnadu Congress-DMK talks on identifying seats (for contesting in the forthcoming elections) finally yielded result. But the list of 48 constituencies that the TNCC would be contesting would be made public only after the DMK-PMK talks are resolved. The PMK is proving to be hard to please, sources say.

The deal was signed this afternoon between the DMK supremo M Karunanidhi and the TNCC chief M Krishnaswamy.

Later talking to newsmen, Karunanidhi said the DMK list would be out in a day or two after the deal with the PMK is also through(more...)

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AMK to support AIADMK, seeks 3 seats

The Arunthathi Makkal Katchi (AMK) has announced its support to the ruling AIADMK in the forthcoming Assembly elections. In a statement, founder president of the party Valasai E Ravichandran said that the AMK, besides extending support to the AIADMK would also aspire to contest in three constituencies where the population of the Arunthathi community was notably high.(more...)

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Vijayakanth flays DMK, AIADMK

Launching a scathing attack on the DMK and AIADMK, actor and president of Dravida Kazhagam Vijayakanth today said both the Dravidian parties had neglected the welfare of the common man.

Addressing a public meeting organised as part of their electoral campaign in Vellore today, Vijayakanth said both AIADMK and DMK had money power and cared the least for the public.'The DMDK is facing the election only on the faith we have in the common man and the middle-class,' he said (more...)

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Arithmetics and development could sway TN elections

Political observers feel that the Assembly election in Tamil Nadu, to be held on May 8th, will not be fought merely on development issues or an achievement scorecard. Local, communal issues, apart from electoral arithmetics, seem to be gaining the upper hand.
Chief minister and AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa has done a good job on the fiscal, economic, industrial, social and infrastructural fronts. The governor’s address to the state Assembly, the interim budget speech of the finance minister and the innumerable press releases issued by the chief minister herself are replete with these achievements.(more...)

Cong-DMK seat sharing talks to continue

The Congress and the DMK on Tuesday night had a marathon discussion and hard bargaining on the identification of seats to be contested by Congress in the forthcoming assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.
After a three-hour long talks with the DMK's poll negotiation committee, the Congress working committee member, Veerappa Moily and DMK chief M Karunanidhi told reporters that substantial progress had been made in the discussions which would continue on Wednesday also after which an agreement would be signed(more...)

PT to go it alone, contest 150 Assembly seats

Puthiya Tamizhagam (PT) has decided to contest 150 seats on its own in the May 8 Assembly elections to the State, announced party founder-president K Krishnasamy.

Briefing the press here on Tuesday on the decisions taken at his party’s general body meeting, Krishnasamy accused both the major Dravidian parties, the DMK and the AIADMK, of merely cashing in on the Dalit votebank without giving the members of the community any political representation. He explained that political empowerment of Dalits was imperative in the wake of violation of basic human rights(more...)

Mayiladuthurai, a stronghold of Congress

Mayiladuthurai is yet another peculiar Lok Sabha constituency in Tamil Nadu which has its Assembly segments spread over more than one revenue district.

The parliamentary constituency can be rightly described as “a forte of the Congress” at least since 1977, and the only time it has lost was in 1996, that too to its progeny Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC), which has since merged with the parent Congress(more...)

More and more Tamil film stars turn to politics

“Twinkle, twinkle Kollywood star(s), how I wonder what you are...” could be the new nursery rhyme in the coming days with more actors taking to politics in Tamil Nadu either midway in their career or just out of it and in a few cases, just as their screen glamour is waning.The May 8 elections to the state assembly are no exception. As is wont, a few more stars have taken the plunge into the murky world of politics, the most charismatic among them being heroes Vijayakant and Karthick, son of another popular yesteryear hero late Muthuraman known for riveting performances.(more...)

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Brahmins float a political outfit

With every party giving them a raw deal, the Brahmins have finally decided to float a political party themselves, and not just for themselves.

The Tamilnadu Brahmin Association, (TAMBRAS) has formally launched a political party Makkal Desiya Jananayaka Katchi (MDJK) and is getting prepared to contest in the forthcoming assembly elections(more...)

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ARPI to support AIADMK and allies

The Ambedkar Republican Party of India (ARPI) will support the candidates of AIADMK and its allies for the coming Assembly polls in Pndicherry.
Addressing a press conference, the president of the Tamil Nadu state unit of the party, AT Srirangaprakash said in Pondicherry on Tuesday that the party would support the AIADMK-led front in Tamil Nadu also.(more...)

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Actor Karthik's party to contest in 111 seats

Actor Karthik's party AIFB (All India Forward Block) is planning to contest in 111 constituencies in TN and 7 constituences in Pondi..(more...)

AIADMK Cutout

Mudhal Mariyaadhai cut out (more...)

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MDMK, AIADMK workers join DMK

Over 100 MDMK and AIADMK workers of the city's Anna Nagar area today joined the DMK here.(more...)

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It’s DMK maths vs Jaya chemistry

Going by sheer numbers, the DMK front packed with allies should be the frontrunner by miles for the May 8 assembly election in Tamil Nadu.

For in 2001, it was with the same set of allies — Congress, PMK and the two communists — that the AIADMK won a comfortable majority for itself.(more...)

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Vijaykanth says his party wants to share power

Rejecting the reported offer of 30 seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly to his party by the AIADMK, actor-turned politician Vijaykanth, said his party, Desiya Murpokku Dravidar Kazhagam, wanted a share in power.(more...)

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It promises to be a no-holds barred campaign

With the rival fronts about to finalise allocation of constituencies to their constituents, the focus will shift to selection of candidates this week.

Some smaller parties have already done that, presuming most of the constituencies they have sought will be allocated to them. Now that the alliances are almost final, there appears to be a balance between the formations. For almost every party the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA) has in its ranks, the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has tried to match it.(more...)

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Shun Dravidian parties: Vijaykant

Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) leader Vijaykant on Sunday reiterated that his party would not have a tie-up either with the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) or the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) for the Assembly elections.(more...)

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BJP doesn't mind ties with AIADMK

BJP leader Rajnath Singh today said the party would contest all the 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamilnadu which goes to polls on 8 May.However he said the party had not received any proposal for alliance from the AIADMK and if it happens the party would consider it, he said while speaking to reporters.(more...)

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Hindu Munnani to support BJP

Hindu Munnani today declared its support to BJP for the forthcoming Assembly elections in Tamilnadu on 8 May.

The ongoing general council meeting at Chengalpet near here arrived at this decision unanimously.

Parameshwaran, State secretary, Hindu Munnani, while speaking to News Today, said, 'this is just not going to be a passive support. We will give our sweat and blood to ensure the victory of BJP candidates.' (more...)

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AIADMK, allies identify seats in Pondicherry

General secretary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Saturday released the list of constituencies earmarked for the constituents of the Democratic People's Front (DPF) in Pondicherry.

As per Ms. Jayalalithaa's announcement, the AIADMK will field its candidates in 16 of the 30 constituencies, leaving 10 seats for the Puducherry Munnetra Congress (PMC) and two each for the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) and the Dalit Panthers of India.(more...)

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AIADMK policy against rural educational system: Rangarajan

CPI(M) Central Committee member T K Rangarajan today alleged that the AIADMK Government in Tamil Nadu had adopted a policy destructing the rural educational system.(more...)

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Tamil Nadu govt challenges Election Commission order transferring city police chief

The Tamil Nadu government today moved the Madras High Court, challenging the Election Commission's direction to transfer city Police Commissioner R Natraj for allegedly violating the model code of conduct for the May 8 assembly polls(more...)

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T Nadu to see repeat of LS polls: Karat

Tamil Nadu would see a repeat of Lok Sabha poll results (when the DMK-led alliance won all the 39 seats) in the May 8 Assembly polls also, with the Opposition parties sweeping the polls, CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat, said today.(more...)

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The 'D' factor in Tamil Nadu politics

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK chief J. Jayalalitha's new alliance - the Democratic Peoples' Front (DPF) - heads the list of prominent parties and fronts in the state that begins with the letter 'D'(more...)

Vaiko demands `natural justice' for R. Nataraj

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) leader Vaiko has written to the President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, "to take necessary steps to set right the conduct of the Election Commission and the CEC so as to re-establish the prestige of the Commission and to restore the public confidence in the Election Commission."(more...)

Vijaykant, a new star on the political horizon

Film star Vijaykant has hit the roads in southern Tamil Nadu. The summer is just hotting up and he drives along the highways and local roads through the morning and late afternoon. But curious crowds gather at important road inter-sections, which are specially decorated with his party festoons. He stops his convoy there and addresses the people, who seem to be keener on looking at him, rather than listening to what he says.(more...)

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DMDK to contest Tamil Nadu polls alone

Putting rumours to rest, actor and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam leader Vijayakanth on Sunday said that his party was determined to go it alone for Tamil Nadu assembly polls.(more...)

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DMDK Karaikal chief killed

The Karaikal district president of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) was killed on Thursday during a building demolition work.(more...)[subscription required]

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Rajni to remain neutral; leaves voting decision to fans

Mega star Rajnikant, is unlikely to issue any directive to his fans on the stand to be taken by them for the May 8 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.(more...)

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DTTMK to support AIADMK

The Dravidar Tamizh Telugu Munnetra Kazhagam (DTTMK) will support the AIADMK-led alliance in the forthcoming elections to the State, said G Kamatchi Naidu, president of the party, here on Wednesday.(more...)[subscription required]

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PMK, DMDK cadres clash at Polur

Cadres of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and Desiya Murpokku Dravidar Kazhagam (DMDK) headed by Vijayakanth clashed with each other during a DMDK public meeting at Polur on Sunday in Thiruvannamalai(more...)[subscription reqd]

PMK comes out with Tamizh Osai

Lamenting that journalistic ethics had become a thing of the past, DMK president M. Karunanidhi on Thursday called upon newspapers to strive to restore public confidence in them.

Being a journalist himself for over 60 years and penning his articles in the DMK organ, Murasoli, Karunanidhi said that he felt sad about stating the truth about the sorry state of affairs in the media. Newspapers should reflect the views of the people, he said after releasing the Tamil daily, Tamizh Osai launched by the Pongu Tamizh trust of PMK leader Dr S. Ramadoss here.(more...)

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DPI-AIADMK forge alliance for Pondy polls

Less than 48-hours after it had announced to go it alone for the Pondicherry Assembly polls, the Dalit Panthers of India inked an electoral pact with the AIADMK (more...)

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Vaiko to contest from Anna Nagar?

AIADMK supremo J Jayalalitha is said to be formulating sure-fire strategie to shatter the image that Chennai city and its 14 assembly constituencies have always been a DMK's citadel(more...)

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Don't abuse Vaiko: Karunanidhi

DMK President M Karunanidhi on Sunday urged his party cadre not to criticise or abuse MDMK General Secretary Vaiko for his decision to quit the Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA) and join the rival front AIADMK.(more...)

Gundu Kalyanam supporting ADMK

Gundu kalyanam supporting ADMK..(more...)

Vijayakaanth Poster in Thiruvalloor

Then naatu vengai ha ha (more...)

Lion,Tiger and Panthers must be in forest

DMK Organiser is lashing at ADMK's SS Chandran that Lion(Jayalalitha),Tiger(Vaiko) and Panther(Thirumalavan) must be in forest and people are going to give DMK the chance (more...)

Vaiko pledges to work for AIADMK front victory

Pledging to work for the AIADMK front victory's in the May 8 Assembly elections, MDMK General Secretary Vaiko, today said there was no hitch in identification of constituencies and negotiations with the AIADMK were progressing cordially.(more...)

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Thirumavalavan meets Vaiko

Dalit Panthers of India general secretary Thol.Thirumavalavan met Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Vaiko here on Wednesday to discuss a strategy and work out mass contact plans for the Assembly elections. Both the parties are in the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led front(more...)

'Amma wants unity of all Tamils'

When Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief Vaiko inked a poll pact with J Jayalalithaa, K Kalimuthu was in a hospital bed. But it was the former Tamil Nadu Assembly speaker and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam presidium chairman who openly invited Vaiko to sever ties with the seven-party Democratic Progressive Alliance led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and join the AIADMK fold. He is also the only member of the AIADMK who speaks to the press.(more...)

DMK twice bitten as Vaiko merry-go-round reaches Amma

Volleyball is Vaiko’s favourite sport. He represented Presidency College, Chennai, in volleyball in the 1960s. More recently, inmates at Vellore Central Prison watched him sweat it out at the volleyball court every evening during his 19-month detention under pota. “I am a setter. I am told I am the best setter even now,” the MDMK leader had said in an interview to Tehelka a few months before he was released on bail in early 2004 (more...)

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Jayalalitha wins over Vaiko in TN

In the 2004 Lok Sabha polls, the DMK broke off with the BJP and joined hands with the Congress and the Left parties along with the MDMK and the PMK to form the DPA.



The DMK-led Democratic Progressive Alliance in Tamil Nadu on Saturday suffered a split with the Marumalarchi DMK, a key constituent, leaving the alliance to join hands with the AIADMK for the coming Assembly elections scheduled for May 8.(more...)

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HC puts restraint on Nakheeran articles on Jaya

The Madras High Court has restrained Tamil bi-weekly Nakheeran editor R R Gopal from publishing articles on Chief Minister Jayalalithaa that were defamatory or derogatory in nature. (more...)

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Tamil Nadu govt seeks review of Election Commission order

A day after the Election Commission ordered the shifting of City Police Commissioner R Natraj for violation' of the model code of conduct, Tamil Nadu government sought a review of the order, official sources said today.(more...)

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Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa Nominated for 2006 Nobel Peace Prize !

The World Federation of Tamil Youth (WFTY) on Tuesday said it has nominated Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize. (more...)

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INT'L WOMEN'S DAY:Solidarity Empowers

A few months ago, Kathammala, 23, barged on to the stage set up for a function attended by the chief minister of southern Tamil Nadu state, Jayaraman Jayalalithaa.

Policemen and commandos failed to stop the young woman from breaking through a tight security cordon to reach the dais, waving a petiton and shouting, ''Amma (mother) please help me.(more...)

Stars shine brighter in Tamil Nadu

The assembly poll in Tamil Nadu in May is likely to see more Tamil movie stars in the fray than ever before.

And that may not be much of a surprise in a state that gave India its first actor-turned-chief minister in M.G. Ramachandran, or MGR as he was popularly known.(more...)

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Politics, Media go side by side in Tamil Nadu

In a stunning sting operation, the pro-DMK Sun TV news channel has aired an "expose" alleging that the state law and IT minister D. Jayakumar distributed sewing machines to women from his Royapuram constituency in north Chennai in violation of the model code of conduct that is in force for the May 8 elections to the state Assembly. The Sun news clips showed several women arriving at the minister's official bungalow armed with his invitation to receive the sewing machines.(more...)

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