p shanmugam

AIADMK leaders S P Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam are meeting with General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami. They are discussing whether to support Vijay's TVK to form the government. Palaniswami is hesitant to offer voluntary support. The AIADMK has lost its opposition status after a significant drop in seats.

Palaniswami secured 85,553 votes and is leading by 54,458 in the Edappadi constituency.

AIADMK withdrew its unconditional support offer to TVK for government formation after prolonged silence from the latter. Discussions had begun Tuesday, but TVK's unresponsiveness, especially after Congress offered conditional backing, led to the talks' abrupt end. AIADMK leaders dismissed any alliance with DMK, awaiting decisions from VCK, CPI, and CPM.

In a stunning shift, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has transformed Tamil Nadu's political dynamics, relegating the DMK to the opposition role and leaving the AIADMK trailing in third place. This new political force has made substantial strides in regions traditionally dominated by Dravidian parties, especially shaking up DMK's influence in the northern districts and the south's 'thevar belt'.

P.K. Sekarbabu, seeking a third term in Harbour, campaigns with a blend of his anthem and intimate appeals to voters. He highlights DMK's welfare schemes while addressing concerns about port modernization and livelihoods. His opponents criticize the incumbent for unaddressed local issues, while new candidates face challenges in a small constituency.

The CPM has unveiled its manifesto, prioritizing gig workers by advocating for their legal recognition and protection. The party also pledged support for women auto drivers and gig workers with dedicated resting facilities. Further promises include challenging gubernatorial powers, promoting dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists, and urging the Centre to release archaeological excavation reports.

Tamil Nadu's political landscape sees caste-based parties aligning with major Dravidian outfits to gain legislative representation. These alliances, often driven by electoral prospects rather than ideology, allow smaller outfits to contest on larger parties' symbols, influencing multi-cornered contests and securing community interests.

Director-actor Sundar C is making his political debut as the New Justice Party's candidate for Madurai Central, contesting under the AIADMK's 'Two Leaves' symbol. His wife, Khushbu Sundar, expressed pride and confidence in his transition, highlighting his 30-year entertainment career. He aims to serve the public with support from key alliance leaders.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin met with CPM state secretary P. Shanmugam to discuss seat-sharing for the upcoming elections. Stalin offered five seats, one less than the 2021 allocation, citing alliance support. The CPM will discuss the offer with its state committee but affirmed its commitment to the DMK-led front.

AIADMK has announced its initial list of 23 candidates for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, prioritizing experienced former ministers. Party leaders like Edappadi K Palaniswami and K P Munusamy will contest from their established constituencies, aiming for continuity and leveraging familiarity with voters.

NTK is an exception to TN parties' unwritten motto: Woo women voters, but deny them political power