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Tamil Nadu Budget: Rs 2,500 for Women, Free Travel in All Buses? Big Hopes from TN Budget

Divya Danu — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:21:35 +0530

Tamil Nadu's first full budget of the new government will be presented on August 5, followed by agricultural budget a day later. Ahead of the announcement, expectations are high over key election promises. Officials are studying the cost and rollout.

The upcoming Tamil Nadu State Budget for 2026-27 is scheduled to be presented on August 5, 2026, by Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson. It will be the first full budget of the new administration led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, making the announcement closely watched across the state.

The agricultural budget will be presented separately on August 6. The government also plans to table an audit report on alleged corruption during the previous administration.

In the Interim Budget 2026-27, the government had projected revenue receipts of Rs 3,44,575 crore. The state's own revenues are expected to make up 74.67% of the total revenue receipts, while the remaining 25.33% will come from the state's share of Central taxes and grants-in-aid from the Union Government.

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As this is the new government's first full budget, there is considerable interest in whether it will include some of its major election promises.

One of the biggest expectations is a possible increase in the monthly assistance provided to women under the 'Magalir Urimai Thogai' scheme. The assistance could reportedly be increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500.

Another major promise being closely watched is free travel for women on all government buses across Tamil Nadu. If both proposals are announced, they could become two of the government's main welfare schemes.

Who Is N Marie Wilson, The First-Time MLA Handpicked By Vijay To Handle Tamil Nadu's Finance Portfolio?

Sources say the Transport Department has already held several meetings to work out a plan for a statewide free bus travel scheme for women.

Officials are reportedly examining how the existing benefit can be expanded beyond city buses. An official announcement is expected soon, raising the possibility that women could be allowed to travel free on all types of government buses.

Tamil Nadu currently has eight government transport corporations operating a total of 21,527 buses across the state. Providing free travel for women on all these buses was a key election promise, and the government is reportedly working towards fulfilling it.

If introduced, the scheme could directly benefit lakhs of women across Tamil Nadu.

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A high-level meeting was recently held at the Secretariat to discuss the proposed scheme.

Officials from the Transport and Finance departments reportedly discussed the financial impact of providing free travel and the practical details involved in implementing the plan.

The discussions also included the possibility of extending the benefit to express, deluxe and long-distance government buses, rather than limiting it to city services.

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Following the meeting, each of the eight government transport corporations is now preparing a detailed report for the state government.

The reports are expected to include details such as the number of buses operated by each corporation, daily passenger numbers and the additional funds that would be required to run the proposed scheme.

The government will take a final decision after examining these reports.

For now, all eyes are on the August 5 budget announcement, when the government is expected to clarify whether it will increase the 'Magalir Urimai Thogai' assistance to Rs 2,500 and introduce free travel for women across its government bus network.

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She Became 'Muthu Master' After One Frightening Night And Lived As A Man For 37 Years

Divya Danu — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:12:38 +0530

Even Petchiammal's child learnt the truth only years later. From shaving her head to learning to smoke beedis as part of the disguise, Muthu Master spent decades maintaining a male identity that she says gave her courage, respect and protection.

For nearly four decades, people in a small Tamil Nadu village knew Muthu Master as a quiet, hardworking man who wore a white shirt and dhoti, smoked beedis and took up physically demanding jobs in the fields.

Villagers respectfully called Muthu 'Annachi', a Tamil term commonly used for an elder brother. Few had any reason to question the identity of the person living alone in a small house near a temple in Kattunaickkanpatti village of Thoothukudi district.

But behind the name Muthu Master was a secret known only to a handful of people.

Muthu was born Petchiammal, a woman who began living as a man decades ago after widowhood, motherhood and a frightening encounter that left her worried about her safety.

For Petchiammal, the change was not simply about clothes or appearance. She has said it became a way to protect herself, earn a living and raise her daughter without constantly fearing harassment.

"This attire has given me dignity and helped me raise my daughter," she told the Times of India, looking back at the life she built as Muthu.

Husband died just 15 days after wedding

Petchiammal’s life changed dramatically when she was still very young.

According to the TOI report, she married her husband Shiva when she was around 20. But just 15 days after their wedding, Shiva died following a heart attack.

Soon afterwards, Petchiammal discovered that she was pregnant.

Suddenly widowed and expecting a child, she had to find a way to support herself. She later gave birth to a daughter and began working to provide for the two of them.

She took a job at a charcoal factory in Thoothukudi. The work was hard, but it gave her an income at a time when she had few options.

Then came an incident that she says changed the direction of her life completely.

Petchiammal recalled that she was walking towards the factory one evening when a truck driver stopped near her. She told TOI that the driver tried to force her into his vehicle. When she resisted, he abused her before eventually driving away.

Petchiammal managed to escape, but the incident left her terrified.

She said she spent that night at work repeatedly thinking about what had happened and questioning how she could protect herself while continuing to earn a living as a young widow.

By the next morning, she had made a decision.

Petchiammal went to a market and bought a shirt and dhoti. She then travelled to Tiruchendur, shaved her head and visited the temple.

When she came out, she was dressed as a man.

"That was the end of Petchiammal. I became Muthu," she said.

How Petchiammal became 'Muthu Master'

The name 'Master' was added later when Muthu began working at an eatery in Thoothukudi.

The name stayed, as did the male appearance.

Muthu later worked as a cook and moved to Chennai. After spending around three years there, Muthu returned to Thoothukudi district with her daughter and eventually settled in Kattunaickkanpatti.

The village did not know Petchiammal. It knew only Muthu Master.

There, Muthu began working as a farm labourer and became known for handling demanding physical jobs using tools such as a spade and axe.

The hard work helped Muthu earn respect among villagers. People began calling Muthu whenever labour was needed, and the identity remained largely unquestioned.

Petchiammal’s daughter, Shanmugasundari, also had an unusual childhood shaped by her mother’s circumstances.

Accounts about exactly when she learnt the full truth differ in the reports provided. One account says she came to know about her mother's identity when she was seven, while Shanmugasundari later told The New Indian Express that she had grown up in her aunt Laxmi’s house and moved in with her biological mother after her aunt died, when she was around 10.

"I grew up in my aunt Laxmi's house and I thought she was my mother," she told the publication.

After moving in with Petchiammal, the child also had to protect the secret.

In front of villagers, she referred to her mother as Muthu Master rather than revealing their relationship.

— Galatta Media (@galattadotcom) August 30, 2026

Only close relatives and the daughter knew the truth, while most people around them continued to believe Muthu was a man.

Living as a man involved far more than changing clothes. Muthu also learnt to smoke beedis because she believed it helped make the disguise more convincing.

"The beedi has been a good cover for me," she told TOI.

She recalled once returning home late when a drunk man approached her. Muthu immediately lit a beedi. The man asked for a match and addressed Muthu as 'brother', apparently accepting the male appearance without question.

Such moments strengthened Petchiammal's belief that presenting herself as a man offered a level of protection she did not feel she had as a lone woman.

Still, maintaining the identity brought its own difficulties.

Public toilets, crowded spaces and situations where men were expected to remove their shirts required constant caution.

Muthu still visits the Tiruchendur temple, according to the report, but does not enter the sanctum because male devotees have to remove their shirts.

Hiding periods became another struggle

For years, Petchiammal also had to hide menstruation while working and living among people who believed she was a man.

She described it as difficult and said she had to remain especially careful every month.

She took tablets to manage pain and continued working so that nobody would suspect anything was different.

According to her account, menopause came early, at around 40.

For Petchiammal, all these difficulties were part of the choice she had made.

“When you make a choice, shouldn't you do everything it demands?” she said.

Her decision, she has repeatedly explained, was driven by survival rather than a wish to make a statement about gender identity.

She wanted to remain a widow, work and raise her daughter independently.

Looking back at the circumstances that forced her to change her life, Muthu has questioned the safety available to women living alone.

“What safety can society guarantee me? Where is the safety for women?” she asked in her conversation with TOI. She also questioned whether a woman who suffered harm would receive justice without first being blamed.

Those fears shaped decades of her life.

For Petchiammal, men's clothing became a form of protection in workplaces, on roads and in a society where she believed a lone widow was especially vulnerable.

What began as an emergency measure slowly became permanent.

Daughter calls her mother tough and independent

Today, Shanmugasundari runs a provision store in a nearby village. She remembers her mother's life as one long struggle.

"Life was a battle all along," she said, describing her mother as tough, independent and deeply committed to self-respect.

She said Petchiammal worked every day for her and rarely asked anything from her daughter in return.

Even after Shanmugasundari grew up, married and became settled, Petchiammal did not abandon the identity of Muthu Master.

After 37 years, it was no longer merely a disguise worn for immediate safety. It had become the life she knew.

Petchiammal has said she no longer plans to return to living publicly under her birth identity.

“Now, I want to continue living as Muthu till I die because this look gave me courage and protection when I was vulnerable,” she told The New Indian Express.

Her story is therefore not simply about a woman dressing as a man for decades.

It is also the story of a young widow who lost her husband weeks after marriage, raised a daughter while working difficult jobs, survived fear and harassment, and created a new identity because she believed it offered safety.

To the villagers around her, she was Muthu Master or Annachi (brother).

Behind that familiar figure was Petchiammal, a mother who says the identity she adopted to survive eventually gave her the dignity, independence and security she needed to build a life for herself and her daughter.

Who Is N Marie Wilson, The First-Time MLA Handpicked By Vijay To Handle Tamil Nadu's Finance Portfolio?

Divya Danu — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:09:24 +0530

N Marie Wilson, a first-time MLA from RK Nagar, has been appointed Finance Minister in CM Vijay’s expanded Tamil Nadu Cabinet. Wilson joined TVK in 2025 and won the 2026 Assembly election by defeating DMK’s J. John Ebenezer by nearly 50,000 votes.

Tamil Nadu’s new Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has announced a major Cabinet expansion, and one name that has quickly drawn attention is N. Marie Wilson. The first-time MLA from Radhakrishnan Nagar has now been given one of the most important positions in the state government, the Finance portfolio.

With the latest Cabinet expansion on May 21, the strength of the Tamil Nadu Ministry rose to 33 Ministers. While several senior leaders received key departments, Marie Wilson’s appointment as Finance Minister stood out because he entered electoral politics only recently and won his first election in 2026.

His rise from educationist to Finance Minister within a short period reflects the changing political landscape in Tamil Nadu under Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government.

Chief Minister Vijay retained major portfolios including Home, Police, Municipal Administration and Urban Water Supply.

He also took charge of Special Initiatives, Poverty Alleviation and Rural Indebtedness, departments earlier handled by Minister N. Anand.

Meanwhile, Marie Wilson was given responsibility for:

Finance Pensions and Pensionary Benefits Planning and Development

Reacting to the appointment, Wilson thanked both the Chief Minister and the people of RK Nagar for supporting him.

“I would like to thank the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for giving me this opportunity and to the RK Nagar constituency people for voting for me,” he said while speaking to ANI.

“I am looking forward to the portfolio and working for the people,” he added.

N Marie Wilson is an Indian politician and educationist from Tamil Nadu.

He is associated with the Jeppiaar group of educational institutions, one of the well-known private education groups in the state.

Wilson was born around 1979 and comes from Chennai. His father’s name is Nestore.

Before entering politics, Wilson built his career mainly in the education sector.

Academically, he holds a B.Tech degree and an MBA. He later completed a PhD in Management Science from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in 2012.

His educational background and administrative experience in institutions are believed to have played a role in his rise within TVK.

Entry into politics through TVK

Wilson officially joined TVK on June 9, 2025.

He joined the party along with several other notable names, including former IRS officer K.G. Arunraj, former judicial officer C. Subash and former MLAs R. Rajalakshmi, S. David Selvan and Dr. A. Sridharan.

His political entry also marked the first major electoral involvement of the Jeppiaar family in many years.

Earlier, Dr. Jeppiaar had contested the 1989 Tamil Nadu Assembly election from T Nagar under the Janaki faction, although he was not elected.

After joining TVK, Wilson quickly became active in party events and organisational work.

In November 2025, TVK chief Vijay addressed around 2,000 party workers at the Jeppiaar Institute of Technology campus during a closed-door meeting. The event gained attention because it was one of the party’s major internal meetings after the Karur stampede incident in September 2025.

Victory from RK Nagar

Wilson received his biggest political breakthrough when TVK announced him as the party’s candidate from Radhakrishnan Nagar during the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Dr.Marie Wilson RK.Nagar TVK vetpalar pic.twitter.com/DGX42mfe7T

— (@TVK_Dinshu) May 5, 2026

Polling took place on April 23, 2026.

On May 4, Wilson was declared elected after defeating sitting MLA J. John Ebenezer of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam by a margin of 49,668 votes.

He secured 97,800 votes in the constituency.

The victory was seen as significant because RK Nagar has remained one of Chennai’s politically important constituencies over the years.

Tamil Nadu witnessed one of its biggest political shifts in recent decades after actor-turned-politician Vijay led TVK to victory in the Assembly elections.

The party emerged as the single largest party by winning 108 seats, ending the long-standing political dominance of the DMK and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

During his swearing-in speech, Vijay described the result as the beginning of “a new era of real, secular and social justice.”

The Cabinet formation has since drawn national attention because of the inclusion of several first-time MLAs and younger faces.

Sengottaiyan gets Revenue portfolio

Apart from Marie Wilson, senior TVK leader KA Sengottaiyan was assigned the Revenue department.

His responsibilities include Revenue Administration, Disaster Management, Deputy Collectors, Boodhan, Gramadhan and Legislative Assembly matters.

The Cabinet also reassigned the Women Welfare portfolio.

K Jegadeshwari has now been designated Minister for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment, taking over responsibilities that were earlier handled by the Chief Minister’s office.

Tamil Nadu gets dedicated AI ministry

One of the other major decisions by the Vijay government was the creation of a dedicated Artificial Intelligence portfolio.

TVK MLA Kumar R from Velachery was appointed Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology and Digital Services.

With this move, Tamil Nadu became the second Indian state after Kerala to create a separate AI ministry.

The decision reflects increasing focus among Indian states on digital governance and emerging technologies.

As Finance Minister, Marie Wilson will now handle one of the most challenging departments in the Tamil Nadu government.

He will oversee state finances, development planning and pension-related matters at a time when expectations from the new government remain extremely high.

For many observers, his appointment also signals Vijay’s attempt to bring professionals and educated administrators into governance alongside experienced political leaders.

Whether Wilson succeeds in the role will become clearer in the coming months, but his rise from educationist to Finance Minister has already made him one of the most closely watched faces in Tamil Nadu’s new political era.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tiruchendur Crash: Speeding Car Hits Van While Fleeing After Hitting Bike, One Dead; Horrific Video Surfaces

Divya Danu — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 19:51:35 +0530

A fatal road accident near Tiruchendur in Tamil Nadu has sparked concern after a speeding car allegedly crashed into an oncoming van while its driver was trying to flee from people who had chased the vehicle. According to the details accompanying videos circulating online, the incident began near a roadside tea shop in the Arumuganeri area. The car allegedly hit a parked motorcycle but did not stop. The motorcycle owner and some other people followed the car on two-wheelers as the driver continued at high speed.

#Tamilnadu #Toothukudi- A drunk driver who was in the passenger seat near #Tiruchendur was killed in a car accident. Shocking video of the car crashing into an oncoming van as the youths chased the car. pic.twitter.com/9bOVA7rY7J

— Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) August 9, 2026

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Car crashes into oncoming van

The situation quickly turned tragic when the speeding car reportedly lost control and crossed into the path of an approaching van. The two vehicles collided head-on, with the impact leaving the car badly damaged. Shocking footage of the crash has since circulated on social media.

One person travelling in the car died in the accident, while two others were reportedly injured. The information available with the viral posts identifies the car as a Maruti Suzuki Swift.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bengaluru Diaries Official (@bengaluru_diaries_)

Driver allegedly under influence of alcohol

The car is alleged to have been driven by a person under the influence of alcohol. The vehicle was also reportedly being driven at an extremely high and uncontrolled speed. The combination of alleged drunk driving, speeding and the attempt to flee after the earlier collision has drawn strong criticism online.

However, details about the driver's identity, the exact alcohol level and the official findings of the investigation were not available in the information provided with the viral footage.

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Public reaction to shocking visuals

The crash has led to angry reactions from social media users, many of whom criticised the alleged decision to drive after drinking. Some commenters also debated whether the public chase contributed to the driver losing control, while others said the responsibility ultimately lay with the person who allegedly chose to drive while intoxicated.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by VyomdigitalTV (@vyomdigitaltv)

Several users called for stronger enforcement against drink-driving and more regular traffic policing.

Police investigation and official findings are yet to establish the exact sequence of events and determining responsibility.

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Angry Over Wife's Dismissal As Cook, TN Man Forces Student to Mix Cow Dung Powder in School Meal

Divya Danu — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 13:58:59 +0530

A man in Tamil Nadu's Erode has been arrested for allegedly making a student mix powdered cow dung into sambar prepared for a government school's free breakfast scheme. The accused, identified as Arumugam, reportedly carried out the act to take revenge after his wife was removed from her job as a cook at the school.

Teachers noticed something was wrong

The incident took place on August 29, but a police complaint was filed on September 1. According to police sources, teachers tasted the food before it was served to the students as part of the school’s routine checking process. They noticed that the sambar had an unusually bitter taste.

The teachers initially suspected that the school cook may have accidentally added too much turmeric. However, further checking reportedly revealed the presence of powdered cow dung.

Students were not served the contaminated food

Police said the substance had been added only to the portion of sambar kept separately for teachers to taste. The food prepared for the students was not affected.

As the teachers detected the unusual taste before the meal was served, the contaminated food did not reach the children, police said, as reported by India Today.

Man allegedly forced a student to carry out plan

Investigators allege that Arumugam coerced a student into mixing the powdered cow dung into the food.

Police believe the alleged act was linked to his anger over his wife's dismissal from her job as a cook at the school. The investigation is continuing to establish the exact circumstances and the student's role in the incident.

Arumugam booked under BNS

Police arrested Arumugam under Section 123 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with causing hurt by means of poison or other substances with the intention of committing an offence.

The case has raised concerns over the safety of food served to children under government school meal programmes. However, police said the quick tasting check by teachers ensured that the affected food was identified before it could be served to students.

Lawyer Among 4 Arrested for Rs 11 Lakh Robbery Near Flyover in Chennai

Divya Danu — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:37:39 +0530

Four men, including a practising lawyer, have been arrested in connection with the robbery of Rs 11 lakh from a private bank employee near the Vani Mahal flyover in Chennai's T Nagar. Police said that the victim, A Karthikeyan, a resident of Kundrathur, was returning on his two-wheeler on Wednesday night after collecting Rs 12 lakh in cash from Parrys Corner when the crime took place. Police added that he had collected the money on the instructions of his uncle, who is based in Malaysia.

Gang intercepts bank employee on flyover

According to investigators, Karthikeyan kept Rs 1 lakh in his trouser pocket and placed the remaining Rs 11 lakh in a bag. As he travelled along GN Chetty Road and reached the Vani Mahal flyover, a group of men on motorcycles intercepted him.

Police said the attackers blocked his way and threatened him before snatching the bag containing Rs 11 lakh. Reports also said a laptop was taken. The Rs 1 lakh kept separately in Karthikeyan's pocket was not stolen.

Karthikeyan later approached Pondy Bazaar police and lodged a complaint. A case was registered and investigators began examining surveillance footage from roads, shops and buildings around the flyover.

CCTV footage helps police trace suspects

There were no useful cameras directly on the flyover, prompting officers to scan footage from more than 30 CCTV cameras along GN Chetty Road and nearby stretches. The footage helped police trace the suspects.

Police identified the arrested men as Anand Selvan, Bablu, Arunkumar alias Arnold and Mohamed Faisal. Arunkumar is a practising lawyer. Investigators recovered Rs 2.38 lakh from the stolen cash and also seized a two-wheeler allegedly used in the crime.

Police said Anand Selvan and Bablu have previous criminal cases registered against them. The four accused were produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.

Police probe possible tip-off, hawala angle

Investigators are now trying to establish how the gang knew Karthikeyan would be carrying a large amount of cash. Police suspect the robbery may have been planned after the accused or their associates received information about his visit to Parrys Corner and the cash collection.

The source and purpose of the Rs 12 lakh are also under scrutiny. Police are examining whether the money had any connection to an illegal hawala transaction, though no such link has yet been established.

The investigation is also looking at whether anyone known to Karthikeyan or his uncle passed information about the cash movement to the gang.

Investigators are reconstructing Karthikeyan’s route to determine whether he was followed from Parrys Corner. Police are expected to compare the suspects’ movements, phone records and available CCTV footage as the probe into the robbery and possible tip-off continues.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chennai Weather LATEST: Update Overcast Skies And Rain Likely, Check Full Forecast

Zetan Kumari — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 08:46:20 +0530

4th September, 2026: There are chances of an overcast sky in Chennai today, along with a high temperature. However, there are moderate chances of rain, adding to the possibility of discomfort due to high humidity levels. Following is a summary of weather forecast for the coming day.

Temperature to Go Up to 38°C

The maximum temperature in Chennai is estimated to rise up to 38°C, and the minimum temperature is anticipated to remain at 27.7°C. Despite the cloudiness, high temperature during the daytime could lead to hot weather. There are 57% chances of rainfall.

Humidity Level to be Around 65%

The humidity level will be about 65%, making the outdoors seem more humid than the actual temperature. The atmospheric pressure will be around 101 kPa.

UV index for the coming day will be 2.3, reflecting that the UV exposure level would be relatively low.

Sunrise and Sunset Timing

The time of sunrise in Chennai would be around 5:58 AM, whereas the time of sunset will be around 6:19 PM.

Those who plan on being outdoors need to be prepared for different weather changes because of the possibility of rain.

Sudarsan Pattnaik's Massive Sand Art For Vijay After TVK's 2026 Win Gets Thalapathy's Praise

Divya Danu — Wed, 13 May 2026 13:25:10 +0530

Sudarsan Pattnaik created a large sand sculpture at Puri Beach to congratulate TVK chief Vijay after the party’s strong performance in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections. The artwork showed Vijay’s portrait and the message 'Congratulations Vijay Anna'.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay received a special congratulatory tribute from well-known sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik. The artist created a large sand sculpture in Vijay’s honour at Puri Beach in Odisha. The artwork was made after TVK’s strong performance in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The sand sculpture quickly went viral on social media. It featured a detailed portrait of Vijay, who is widely known by his fans as Thalapathy. The artwork also included TVK’s signature colours and a big message that read, “Congratulations VIJAY Anna!”

Pattnaik shared pictures of the sculpture online. In his post, he wrote, “Heartiest congratulations to #ThalapathyVijay Anna! My sand art at Puri Beach, Odisha.” The post gained wide attention and was shared by many users.

Vijay responded warmly to the gesture. He thanked the sand artist on social media platform X. In his message, he wrote, “A huge thanks to legendary sand artist Thiru. @sudarsansand for this breathtaking creation! Your talent never fails to amaze. Deeply touched by this beautiful gesture.”

A huge thanks to legendary sand artist Thiru. @sudarsansand Avl. for this breathtaking creation! Your talent never fails to amaze. Deeply touched by this beautiful gesture. https://t.co/qD7zgoYlOb

— TVK Vijay (@TVKVijayHQ) May 12, 2026

Heartiest congratulations to #ThalapathyVijay Anna!. My sand art at Puri Beach, Odisha. pic.twitter.com/q1w1qQRVr1

— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) May 9, 2026

The artwork was shared on May 9, just one day before Vijay took oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The timing of the tribute made it even more talked about online.

On Tuesday, May 12, Vijay re-shared the artwork again. In his message, he repeated his thanks to Sudarsan Pattnaik and praised his talent. He once again said he was deeply touched by the kind gesture.

The sand sculpture showed Vijay’s portrait along with the words “Congratulations, Vijay Anna.” Many supporters praised the artwork and said it was a fitting tribute to his political journey.

The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections marked an important moment for Vijay and TVK. Polling for the 234-member Assembly was held on April 23. The results were announced on May 4.

In what many described as one of the biggest political surprises in recent years, TVK became the single-largest party. The party won 108 seats in its first election contest. This result drew strong attention across the state and country.

Vijay contested from two constituencies, Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli East. He won in both places. Although TVK did not reach the majority mark of 118 seats, the party later received enough support to form the government. This allowed Vijay to become the Chief Minister.

Supporters said the sand art was a symbol of this major political achievement. The tribute also reflected the public attention around Vijay’s move from cinema into politics.

Sudarsan Pattnaik is a world-famous sand artist based in Puri, Odisha. He is known internationally for his creative sand sculptures. Over the years, he has received several awards and honours for his work.

His art has been displayed at major places, including the National Gallery of Modern Art in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and New Delhi. Visitors have appreciated his detailed and meaningful creations. Pattnaik often uses his sand art to send social messages and celebrate important events.

His tribute to Vijay is one of his latest works that gained wide attention online.

The sand sculpture spread quickly across social media platforms. Many users shared the images and praised the design. Supporters of Vijay said the artwork was a proud moment for TVK.

The tribute came at a time when Vijay’s political journey was being widely discussed. His transition from a popular actor to a political leader has been closely followed. The sand art added to the celebrations after TVK’s strong electoral performance.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ex-Minister's Daughter Kayalvizhi Alagiri Gets Bail After Assault of SBI Manager In Tamil Nadu's Adyar

Divya Danu — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 15:45:18 +0530

Kayalvizhi Alagiri, daughter of former Union minister MK Alagiri, was formally arrested and later released on station bail by Adyar Police in connection with an alleged assault on an SBI branch manager. The action came after Kayalvizhi appeared before the investigating officer following a police summons. She was questioned for around two hours as part of the investigation.

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Case linked to lift dispute

The case relates to an incident reported at the SBI NRI branch in Adyar on July 20. According to police, branch manager Harshin Singh had raised concerns about a malfunctioning lift in the commercial building where the bank operates. The building is owned by Kayalvizhi.

Police said the bank had repeatedly raised the lift issue through the building's representatives, but the problem was not resolved. Singh then contacted Kayalvizhi directly regarding the matter.

Investigators said Kayalvizhi later visited the bank, where an argument reportedly broke out between her and the manager.

Kayalvizhi Alagiri, daughter of former Union minister MK Alagiri, was formally arrested and released on station bail by the Adyar Police on Tuesday in connection with the assault of an SBI branch manager at the bank's NRI branch in Adyar.She appeared before the investigating… pic.twitter.com/pQ5k5D6rJt

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) July 30, 2026

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Assault allegation captured on CCTV

Police allege that the argument turned physical and that Kayalvizhi assaulted and threatened the manager. The incident was captured by CCTV cameras installed at the bank. The footage later circulated on social media, bringing attention to the dispute.

The case was registered following a complaint by Namachivayam, chief manager of SBI Regional Business Office-II. Adyar Police booked Kayalvizhi under Sections 296(b), 329(4), 115(2) and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Why she was given station bail

Police formally arrested Kayalvizhi after questioning her. However, the offences invoked in the case carry a maximum punishment of less than three years.

She was therefore released on station bail as part of the legal procedure, police said.

Her release on station bail does not mean that the case has been closed. The investigation into the allegations will continue.

'My Husband Sent Me The Videos': Kanpur Woman Accused Of Slow Poisoning Breaks Silence

Police lay down conditions

Following her release, Kayalvizhi was directed to cooperate with the investigation. Police also instructed her to inform them before leaving the city while the investigation is underway.

The case has attracted attention after the CCTV footage of the alleged confrontation spread online. Police are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the dispute and the allegations made in the complaint.

'New APJ Abdul Kalam': Young Inventor Levin Paulose Creates Clever Home Gadgets, Wins Praise (WATCH)

Why Akhilesh Yadav Dropped I-PAC Ahead Of 2027 UP Elections

Divya Danu — Wed, 06 May 2026 17:39:56 +0530

The Samajwadi Party (SP), led by Akhilesh Yadav, has decided not to work with election strategy firm Indian Political Action Committee for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election. This decision marks a major shift in the party’s campaign planning. The move comes after months of discussions between SP and I-PAC, which were never officially announced but were widely known within political circles.

Akhilesh Yadav himself confirmed that the arrangement has been dropped mainly due to lack of funds. However, several other factors also appear to have influenced the decision.

हमारे पास उतना फंड नहीं है, इसलिए I-PAC से करार खत्म हुआ.- अखिलेश यादव pic.twitter.com/02rcGYuAp6

— Ranvijay Singh (@ranvijaylive) May 6, 2026

अखिलेश यादव ने बताई I-PAC से अलग होने की असली वजह.यूपी विधानसभा चुनाव के लिए I-PAC कंपनी के साथ सेवाएं खत्म करने की खबरों पर अखिलेश यादव ने बात की है. सपा चीफ ने कहा कि कुछ समय के लिए उन्होंने हमारे साथ काम किया लेकिन अब हमारे पास फंड्स नहीं हैं, फंड की कमी है. pic.twitter.com/fhOY53YqOG

— The Lallantop (@TheLallantop) May 6, 2026

What I-PAC was expected to do

I-PAC is a political consultancy firm that helps parties with campaign planning, data analysis, messaging and social media outreach. Sources said I-PAC was expected to work mainly in constituencies where SP had narrowly lost the 2022 Assembly election. The idea was to improve the party’s performance in these close seats.

समाजवादी प्रमुख अखिलेश यादव जी ने I-PAC से अपना कॉन्ट्रैक्ट खत्म किया,और बताया फंड की कमी है!फंड की कमी हो सकती है, लेकिन अखिलेश जी सियासत की समझ से मुझे लगता है कि बंगाल की हार देखते हुए फैसला लिया गया है जोकि सही भी है!क्यूँकि ये कंपनी बीजेपी को ज्यादा समर्पित है! pic.twitter.com/5ur52wFUXA

— प्रधान जी सैफी (@Afsarali190) May 6, 2026

अखिलेश यादव ने यूपी चुनाव 2027 को लेकर समाजवादी पार्टी (सपा) और कंसल्टेंसी फर्म I-PAC के बीच हुआ टाई-अप खत्म कर दिया है।पश्चिम बंगाल और तमिलनाडु में टीएमसी और डीएमके के चुनावी मैनेजमेंट की जिम्मेदारी I-PAC के पास थी, लेकिन दोनों ही पार्टियों को अपने-अपने राज्यों में करारी हार… pic.twitter.com/ULu3MIax1W

— Dinesh Bohra (@dineshbohrabmr) May 6, 2026

The firm has worked with several major political parties in the past and is known for running detailed election campaigns.

Why SP backed out

Akhilesh Yadav gave a simple explanation when asked about ending the tie-up. He said the party did not have enough money to continue with I-PAC’s services.

In a lighter tone, he even joked with reporters that if the media could provide funds, the party might hire another consultancy.

But sources say the decision was not only about money.

Impact of recent election results

Recent election results in other states played a key role in shaping SP’s thinking.

In West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee’s party suffered a major defeat, with the BJP winning a huge majority. The BJP secured more than 200 seats in the 294-member Assembly.

In Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin’s DMK also lost power. It was defeated by actor Vijay’s party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK).

These defeats raised questions within SP about the effectiveness of I-PAC’s strategies, as the firm was believed to have been involved in campaign planning in both states.

Concerns over legal troubles

Another major factor was the legal trouble surrounding I-PAC earlier this year. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at the firm’s office in Kolkata and at the residence of co-founder Pratik Jain.

The investigation was linked to a money-laundering case connected to an alleged coal smuggling scam.

Later, another co-founder, Vinesh Chandel, was arrested in April. The ED claimed that large amounts of money were moved through illegal channels into a company linked to I-PAC.

According to the agency, funds were routed partly through banking systems and partly through cash to convert black money into white.

Chandel was released on bail last week, but the controversy raised serious concerns.

Effect on SP’s decision

Sources say these developments made SP leaders uncomfortable about continuing any close association with I-PAC.

One key moment came when ED raids were happening at I-PAC's Kolkata office while the firm’s representatives were in Lucknow giving a presentation to SP leaders.

This timing reportedly created unease within the party leadership.

Operational issues during campaigns

Reports also suggest that I-PAC reduced its operations in some states during the final phase of recent elections. Teams were downsized, including in Uttar Pradesh. This may have affected SP’s confidence in the firm’s ability to manage large-scale campaigns.

Feedback from local party workers also played a role. Many felt the party should rely more on its own organisation rather than an external firm.

SP’s new strategy

The Samajwadi Party now plans to depend on its internal network and ground-level workers for the 2027 elections. Leaders believe this approach will help them stay more connected with voters and local issues.

At the same time, SP is not completely avoiding professional help. The party will continue working with another consultancy firm called Showtime, which handles election management and social media work.

This contract was signed around two months ago and will remain in place.

Political stakes in Uttar Pradesh

The 2027 Assembly election is very important for SP and Akhilesh Yadav. The party is seen as the main opposition to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Uttar Pradesh.

A strong performance in this election could revive SP’s position, while a weak showing may hurt its future prospects.

Akhilesh Yadav has already started attacking the BJP on key issues like unemployment, caste census, law and order, and farmers’ problems.

Wider opposition picture

The decision also comes at a time when several opposition leaders have faced setbacks. Mamata Banerjee lost power in West Bengal. MK Stalin’s DMK was removed in Tamil Nadu. Arvind Kejriwal also lost control of Delhi.

These developments have reduced the number of strong opposition leaders challenging the BJP at the national level.

Akhilesh Yadav's West Bengal visit

Amid these political changes, Akhilesh Yadav is scheduled to visit West Bengal for a meeting with Mamata Banerjee. The meeting is expected to focus on election results and future strategies for opposition unity.

The visit shows that opposition parties are still trying to work together despite recent defeats.

Tensions in West Bengal after election

West Bengal has seen political tension after the BJP’s big win. The party secured over 200 seats, while the Trinamool Congress dropped sharply.

Mamata Banerjee has refused to resign and claimed that her party is the 'moral winner'. She has also accused the Election Commission and BJP of unfair practices.

So far, neither SP nor I-PAC has issued a detailed official statement about ending their association. Akhilesh Yadav has maintained that the decision is mainly due to financial limits.

However, sources suggest a mix of political, legal, and practical reasons behind the move.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tamil Nadu Engineering Students Seen Smiling In Video Hours Before Keralam Crash (WATCH)

Divya Danu — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 16:57:00 +0530

A video showing 8 Tamil Nadu engineering students happily posing inside their car has surfaced after all of them were killed in a highway crash in Keralam’s Thrissur. The friends were travelling towards Kodungallur when their car hit a parked lorry.

A cheerful video showing young engineering students posing inside their car has surfaced days after all of them were killed in a horrific road accident in Keralam. The friends can be seen sitting comfortably inside their new car, smiling and posing for the camera. One of them appears to be recording the video of them all while another is seen driving.

There is no sign in the footage of what was about to happen just hours later.

#Kerala Eight engineering college students from Tamil Nadu lost their lives in a horrific accident where their car collided with a lorry parked on the roadside in Thrissur.The eight deceased were students of PSNA College of Engineering in Dindigul.#Thrissur pic.twitter.com/e6mBYzDmDl

— Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) September 5, 2026

Eight engineering students from Tamil Nadu were killed when their car rammed into the rear of a parked goods lorry on the under-construction National Highway 66 at Kaipamangalam in Thrissur district of Keralam late Friday night, police said.The tragic accident occurred at… https://t.co/TAOd3qVvKh pic.twitter.com/8w2pdmQYCM

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) September 5, 2026

The eight students, all from Tamil Nadu, were killed when their car crashed into the rear of a parked goods lorry on the under-construction National Highway 66 in Thrissur district late Friday night.

The accident took place at around 11.42pm at Panambikkunnu Centre in the Kaipamangalam area.

Police said the car was travelling from Guruvayur towards Kodungallur when it approached a diversion on the highway. The vehicle reportedly hit the parked lorry at high speed.

The impact was devastating. The front of the car was pushed completely underneath the heavy vehicle, trapping the occupants inside.

Tragic road accident in KeralaEight engineering students from Dindigul’s PSNA College were killed after their car crashed into a parked, fully loaded lorry on the National Highway at Kaipamangalam, Thrissur.The impact was so severe that the car was badly crushed, forcing… pic.twitter.com/GNs5VZnElm

— qpzm news (@qpzmnews) September 5, 2026

All 8 students deadTruck was park on the overtaking lane which is illegal without any tail lamp or parking lighsHighway bit under construction, locals were raising multiple safety complaints including mla but @NHAI_Official as usual doesnt attend any safety meetingsCar must… https://t.co/LJQzFE5Az5 pic.twitter.com/2ywEvyYs0t

— Adarsh gult (@curryputtar) September 5, 2026

Residents, police and fire and rescue personnel rushed to the scene after hearing the crash. Rescuers had to cut open the badly damaged car to reach the passengers.

All eight occupants died at the scene.

The victims were students of PSNA College of Engineering and Technology in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu.

Police identified five of them as Surya, Yuvasanjith, Joshua, Murali and Jeeva, all from Dindigul. Santhosh and Prasanna were from Madurai, while Vishva was from Salem.

Their families have been informed about the deaths. The bodies were sent for post-mortem examinations at Thrissur Medical College and will be handed over to relatives after the procedures are completed.

Preliminary police findings suggest that the students had travelled to Keralam for a holiday.

Police said some of their families were not aware that the youngsters had made the trip.

The newly surfaced video has now added an emotional dimension to the tragedy. The students appear relaxed and happy as they spend time together, unaware that their journey would end in a fatal crash.

Thrissur Rural District Police Chief Mohammad Nadeem said the manner in which the goods lorry had been parked was a major factor in the crash.

The lorry, registered in Maharashtra, had been left near a diversion on the highway despite restrictions on heavy vehicles parking in such a manner.

The driver allegedly fled immediately after the collision. Police have registered a case under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

A special investigation team has been formed to trace the driver, and police have located the lorry's owner.

Police said the investigation will not be limited to the lorry driver.

Authorities will also examine the role of the National Highways Authority of India and the contractor involved in the road work. Investigators will check whether adequate warning signs, barricades and other safety measures had been put in place around the diversion.

The investigation will determine how the accident happened and whether failures in highway safety contributed to the deaths.

(With inputs from agencies)

Vijay Gets Governor's Nod To Form Government In Tamil Nadu, Oath At 11 AM on Saturday

Divya Danu — Fri, 08 May 2026 19:45:52 +0530

Actor-politician Vijay is set to become the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after reportedly informing Governor RV Arlekar that his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), now has the support of 118 MLAs, the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly. Sources said hectic last-minute talks with the VCK, AMMK and an IUML MLA helped TVK secure the numbers needed to form the government. Vijay met the Governor for the third time on government formation and is expected to take oath tomorrow at 11 am.

TVK had created history in last month’s Assembly election by winning 108 seats in its debut and ending the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu politics.

TVK chief Vijay meets Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and stakes claim to form Government in the state pic.twitter.com/Tus0CAxLmJ

— Vijay Fans Trends (@VijayFansTrends) May 8, 2026

TVK supporters' protest outside Raj Bhavan

Several supporters of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) staged a protest outside Raj Bhavan in Chennai on Friday, demanding that Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar invite party chief Vijay to form the government.

Police later detained and removed the protesters from the area.

The protest took place amid uncertainty over government formation in Tamil Nadu after the Assembly election results led to a hung House.

TVK workers argued that Vijay should get the first chance to form the government because his party emerged as the single-largest party in the elections.

During the protest, a TVK worker identified as Suresh warned that larger protests could be organised if Vijay was not given the opportunity to become Chief Minister.

“If Vijay is not given the opportunity to become Chief Minister, further protests will be held in the future,” he said.

Prove majority: Governor to TVK

Governor Arlekar had invited Vijay to Lok Bhavan on Thursday for discussions on government formation. According to sources, the Governor told the TVK chief that the party had not yet established the required majority support in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.

Sources said the Governor asked Vijay to provide details of MLAs supporting TVK’s claim to form the government and sought clarity on whether the party had reached the majority mark.

A party or alliance needs the support of 118 MLAs to form the government in Tamil Nadu.

TVK's bid to gather support

After the elections produced a hung Assembly, TVK has been holding talks with several political parties to gather support.

Sources said the party currently has the backing of five Congress MLAs, taking its strength to 112 seats.

However, the alliance still remains six seats short of the majority mark.

The Governor’s decision not to immediately invite Vijay to form the government triggered strong reactions from TVK leaders and supporters. Some leaders accused Governor Arlekar of delaying the process and alleged that he was acting under pressure from the BJP.

They also claimed the constitutional process was being undermined. The Governor’s office has not responded publicly to the allegations

(With inputs from ANI)

4 Sisters Killed After Moped Collides With College Bus in Tamil Nadu's Namakkal, Crash Video Surfaces

Divya Danu — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 16:01:40 +0530

Four girls, including three sisters and their 11-year-old cousin, died after the moped they were travelling on collided with a private college bus near Elachipalayam in Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, on Thursday. The deceased have been identified as S Kalaichelvi, 19, her sisters Nivedha, 15, and Dhanushree, 11, and their cousin R Abinaya, 11. All four were residents of Sakkarampalayam. Kalaichelvi was a second-year student at a government college, while Nivedha was studying in Class XI and Dhanushree in Class VII. Abinaya was a Class VI student, according to a report by Times of India.

Trigger Warning: Video below contains disturbing visuals. Viewers' discretion is advised.

In a horrific accident near Thiruchengode in Namakkal district, four girl students from the same family lost their lives in a collision between a college bus and a two-wheeler. CCTV footage#Namakkal #accident #Thiruchengode #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/TNxAUJyBQM

— Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) September 4, 2026

#BREAKING Four girls from the same family tragically died near Sakkarampalayam, Tiruchengode, when a private college bus rammed into their two-wheeler. #Tiruchengode #Namakkal #RoadSafety #Tragedy@tnpoliceoffl @CMOTamilnadu pic.twitter.com/3fegtrxH70

— jarvis ☠️ (@Vishii14) September 4, 2026

Police on Elachipalayam accident

Police said Kalaichelvi had picked up her two sisters and Abinaya from their school near Elachipalayam and was taking them home on the moped when the crash occurred.

The impact threw all four riders off the two-wheeler. Kalaichelvi and Nivedha died at the spot, while Dhanushree and Abinaya died while being taken to hospital, police said.

The bus involved in the crash belongs to a private educational institution near Rasipuram.

Elachipalayam police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. The bus driver, identified as 30-year-old Praveen of Rasipuram, surrendered at Tiruchengode police station.

Family left devastated

Kalaichelvi, Nivedha and Dhanushree were the daughters of vegetable traders Sekar and Amudha. Their cousin Abinaya was the daughter of Sekar’s brother Rameshbabu and Vasantha.

Kalaichelvi’s education had reportedly been supported by former district collector S Uma, as her father is suffering from cancer.

The deaths have left the families and residents of Sakkarampalayam devastated, with four young lives lost in a single road crash.

Crash video sparks questions online

A video of the incident has surfaced on social media, leaving users shocked. Some questioned whether the moped suddenly moved into the bus's path, while others have raised concerns about braking, road awareness and the safety of carrying multiple people on a two-wheeler.

The exact circumstances leading to the collision are under police investigation.

Tamil Nadu Man Gets Double Death Sentence for Rape and Murder of 17-Year-Old Girl

Divya Danu — Wed, 27 May 2026 19:05:06 +0530

A special Pocso court in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin district has awarded a double death sentence to a 38-year-old man for the rape and murder of a 17-year-old girl. The verdict came just 75 days after the crime shocked the state. The court relied heavily on scientific evidence, including DNA reports and CCTV footage captured near a windmill farm, to convict the accused, identified as Dharmamuneeswaran, according to a report by the Times of India.

The judgment was delivered by Sessions Judge M Breetha on Monday after a fast-paced trial that concluded within eight weeks.

Girl Was Attacked After Leaving Home

According to investigators, the teenage girl had stepped out of her house in Vedanatham village on the evening of March 10 to answer nature’s call when she was attacked.

Police said Dharmamuneeswaran intercepted the girl, raped her and later murdered her before fleeing the area.

The case initially appeared difficult to solve as there were no direct witnesses or immediate clues linking anyone to the crime.

Windmill CCTV Became Major Breakthrough

Investigators later found a key lead through CCTV footage from a camera installed near a windmill farm close to the crime scene. Police analysed nearly 1,000 hours of footage collected from different locations between Vedanatham village and Tuticorin town. The footage showed the accused entering the village on a motorcycle around 2.30 pm on March 10 and leaving the next morning around 6.30 am.

Officials identified him through a checked shirt visible in the footage and tracked his movements further towards Tuticorin.

Police also found that the accused had switched off his mobile phone after entering the village. The phone became active again in Tuticorin shortly after he was seen leaving in the CCTV footage, helping police establish a timeline of events.

DNA Evidence Strengthened the Case

Forensic evidence played a major role in securing the conviction. According to police, blood samples found on the shirt worn by the accused matched the victim’s blood group. Semen samples collected during the post-mortem examination were also matched to the accused through DNA testing, the TOI report added.

Inspector General of Police Vijayendra S Bidari said the investigation was solved mainly through scientific evidence.

He described the DNA match as the “clinching proof” that helped police crack what was initially considered a blind case.

Stolen Bike and Previous Criminal History

Investigators also tracked the motorcycle used by the accused during the crime. Police said Dharmamuneeswaran had stolen the bike from Ramanathapuram district and later changed its number plate to avoid being caught.

Officials claimed the accused had visited the village several times earlier and had studied entry and exit routes before carrying out the crime.

Police records showed that the accused had earlier received a life sentence in a similar case, though the punishment had later been suspended by a local court.

The chargesheet in the case was filed within 21 days, while the trial began on May 5. A total of 17 witnesses were examined during the proceedings.

Special Public Prosecutor V Ellammal Kissinger said the court considered the accused’s criminal background before awarding the double death sentence.

Tamil Nadu Schools To Serve Chicken Biryani in Mid-Day Meal? Vijay Govt Is Thinking About It

Divya Danu — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:09:33 +0530

Tamil Nadu is considering serving chicken biryani once a week in govt schools after teachers' unions raised the demand ahead of the state budget. Education Minister said the proposal is being examined. Unions also want permanent jobs for meal workers

Tamil Nadu could soon see a new item on the menu at government schools if a proposal to serve chicken biryani once a week gets the state government's approval.

The proposal was put forward by a group of more than 80 teachers' unions during a meeting with School Education Minister A Rajmohan ahead of the Tamil Nadu budget scheduled for August 5.

The unions have asked the government to improve the quality of rice served under the mid-day meal scheme and add chicken biryani to the menu once a week.

Rajmohan said the proposal was being considered. The government, however, has not taken a final decision yet. The matter also needs to be discussed with the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, which is involved in running the state's school meal programme.

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During a meeting with the Education Minister ahead of the August 5 state budget, over 80 teachers' unions made a request. The demand is not only about adding a popular dish to the school menu.

Teachers' unions have argued that school meals should become more nutritious while also being attractive enough for children to eat regularly. They have asked for better-quality rice and a more varied menu.

The chicken biryani proposal has therefore become part of a wider set of demands linked to the state's school nutrition programmes.

Rajmohan also spoke about the history of school meals in Tamil Nadu and said successive governments had made their own additions to the programme.

He referred to former Chief Minister K Kamarajar's introduction of the school meal programme, followed by changes made during the governments of M Karunanidhi, M G Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa.

According to the minister, each political era had added something to the state's effort to provide food to schoolchildren.

Rajmohan said he too wanted to make an addition by introducing chicken biryani once a week.

The proposal has drawn attention because chicken biryani would be a very different addition to the regular school meal menu. However, at this stage, it remains a proposal rather than an approved policy.

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The teachers' unions have also asked the government to extend the state's school meal programmes to students in Classes 11 and 12.

At present, the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme covers Classes 1 to 8 and serves around 32 lakh students. The Mid-Day Meal Scheme covers students up to Class 10 and reaches around 40 lakh children, according to the details shared during the meeting.

The unions want students in Classes 11 and 12 to be included as well.

If the proposal is accepted, around another 8 lakh students could come under the coverage of the two programmes.

That would mean a major expansion of the state's school nutrition network, particularly because older students would also receive support for meals during the school day.

The demand comes as Tamil Nadu continues to use school meals as an important part of its welfare and education policies.

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Rajmohan also spoke about changes being considered for the existing breakfast programme.

The minister said the government was looking at ways to make the breakfast menu more nutritious and appealing to children.

At present, the allocation is around Rs 15 per student. Rajmohan said the government wants to move away from repetitive dishes such as wheat and rava upma and consider other food items.

The idea is to make the breakfast more varied while ensuring that it continues to meet the nutritional needs of schoolchildren.

The Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme was launched in September 2022 by the then DMK government to provide morning meals to primary school students. It was later renamed the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme.

The breakfast programme operates alongside the noon-meal system, giving many children access to two meals during the school day.

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The teachers' unions have also raised concerns about the people who run the meal programmes.

They have asked that workers currently involved in the Mid-Day Meal Scheme also be given responsibility for the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme.

Another major demand is that these workers should be made permanent.

The request is aimed at providing greater job security to workers who are already involved in preparing and serving food to schoolchildren.

The government is expected to examine this demand along with the other requests raised by the unions.

Rajmohan said all the demands would be digitally recorded and reviewed department-wise. He also indicated that the government would try to find solutions to the issues as quickly as possible.

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The meeting was not limited to school meals. The unions also raised concerns about teachers who are required to take the special Teacher Eligibility Test, or TET, following a Supreme Court order.

They sought relief for affected teachers and raised the issue of equal pay for secondary grade teachers.

More funds for school maintenance were also sought.

The demands cover several areas of school education, from teachers' salaries and examinations to infrastructure and student welfare.

The minister's response means the issues are now being examined by the relevant departments, although it remains unclear which demands will receive immediate approval.

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Tamil Nadu's long history of school meals

Tamil Nadu has a long history of using school meals as a way to support children's nutrition and encourage school attendance.

Kamarajar introduced a school meal programme in the state in 1956. Over the years, successive governments changed and expanded the programme by adding new food items and increasing its reach.

The state's approach later became an example often discussed in connection with school nutrition programmes in India.

The breakfast scheme added another layer to this system in 2022. Its aim was to ensure that children, particularly those in primary classes, did not begin their school day without food.

The expansion of these schemes has also linked education policy with wider welfare goals.

For many families, school meals can reduce the daily cost of feeding children while ensuring that students receive at least some nutritious food during school hours.

As of now, there is no confirmed date for chicken biryani to be included in government school meal plan.

The proposal is still being examined by the Tamil Nadu government and will need discussions between the departments concerned before a final decision can be taken. If approved, the weekly chicken biryani plan would become one of the more noticeable changes to Tamil Nadu's school meal menu in recent years.

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Tamil Nadu Family Of Five Kept In Bonded Labour, Woman Dies Giving Birth

Divya Danu — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 13:55:49 +0530

A 44-year-old woman and her newborn baby died during childbirth under a tarpaulin shade in Tamil Nadu’s Kancheepuram district earlier this week, according to a report by The New Indian Express. Her family has alleged that she was denied timely medical care while they were being made to work in conditions resembling bonded labour. The woman, identified as Thenmozhi, was reportedly living and working with her family as a woodcutter. An FIR has been registered based on a complaint filed by her husband, 45-year-old Anand.

Family allegedly working to repay Rs 20,000

According to Anand’s police complaint, he, Thenmozhi, their 16-year-old son, their 19-year-old daughter and their son-in-law had been working for a man identified as Arumugam for around six months.

Anand alleged that the family had taken an advance of Rs 20,000 and had been working to repay the amount. He further claimed that they were kept in bonded labour-like conditions.

The complaint also alleges that Arumugam assaulted Anand when he asked for money to buy rice for his pregnant wife.

Anand reportedly told police that he had asked Arumugam several weeks earlier for permission to take Thenmozhi to a hospital for a medical check-up. According to the complaint, Arumugam said they could leave only after finishing their work.

On another occasion, when Anand reportedly complained that his wife was suffering from stomach pain, Arumugam allegedly told him to give her a painkiller instead.

Woman went into labour while family was at work

Anand told police that he and the others left for work at around 7 am on Tuesday, while Thenmozhi stayed behind because she was in the final stage of pregnancy.

When Anand returned in the afternoon, he found his wife complaining of stomach pain. He said he applied castor oil to her stomach and returned to work at around 2 pm.

Around 30 minutes later, he returned and found Thenmozhi in severe labour pain. She reportedly lost consciousness soon afterwards and stopped breathing.

Anand said he repeatedly tried to contact Arumugam. According to his complaint, Arumugam eventually responded and called an ambulance.

However, although the ambulance reached the location within a few minutes, Thenmozhi had already died. Sources cited by The New Indian Express said she had partially delivered the baby, which also died.

Police begin probe into deaths

Anand alleged that Arumugam later gave him Rs 2,000 and arranged for the bodies to be transported. The incident came to light after Anand sought help from villagers living in a neighbouring area, following which the police were informed.

Thenmozhi’s body was taken to a government hospital for a postmortem on the same evening. Police said the procedure could not be carried out until Wednesday because her relatives refused to give consent until Arumugam was arrested.

Police have begun an investigation under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) into the circumstances surrounding the death.

The allegations of bonded labour have been referred to the sub-collector. A senior police official reportedly said that the relevant provisions would be considered after labour department officials establish the facts.

The investigation is expected to determine the circumstances that led to Thenmozhi’s death and examine the allegations made by her husband.

24 Days, Multiple States And A Red Suitcase: Couple Finally Arrested In Gruesome Train Murder Case

Divya Danu — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 16:50:29 +0530

A couple suspected of murdering 38-year-old Hayathun Nisha and dumping her dismembered remains in a red suitcase on the Tamil Nadu Express has been arrested in Manipur after 24 days on the run. Police traced the suspects through CCTV footage.

A couple suspected of murdering a 38-year-old woman whose dismembered body was found inside a red suitcase on the Tamil Nadu Express has been arrested in Manipur after remaining on the run for 24 days, police said.

Key accused arrested in the Guduvanchery murder case* A woman's body was found chopped into pieces inside a suitcase on the Tamil Nadu Express.* Manik Uddin Laskar and his wife, Bagapathi Maji, arrested as key accused.* Both were arrested in Kashimpur, Jiribam District,… pic.twitter.com/V0ox9LKXSY

— Tamil Nadu Police (@tnpoliceoffl) August 29, 2026

Suitcase murder case: Couple nabbed in Manipur after pan-India hunt.Accused : Manik Uddin Laskar (22), a native of Assam's Cachar district, and his wife Bhagabati Majhi (21) from Kendujhar district in OdishaThe crime came to light on August 5, when passengers onboard the… pic.twitter.com/gKWHjOqXXj

— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) August 30, 2026

The accused, identified as 22-year-old Manik Uddin Laskar from Assam's Cachar district and his wife, 21-year-old Bhagabati Majhi from Odisha's Kendujhar district, were arrested from Kashimpur in Manipur's Jiribam district on Saturday.

The arrests were made by a joint team of Manipur and Tamil Nadu Police following a multi-state search operation.

The case came to light earlier this month when passengers travelling in an unreserved compartment of the Tamil Nadu Express noticed a strong foul smell coming from an abandoned red suitcase.

After the train reached Agra Cantt railway station, Government Railway Police officials checked the bag and found decomposed and dismembered human remains inside.

The victim was later identified through forensic examination as Hayathun Nisha, 38, an Odisha native who had been living in Guduvanchery near Chennai and working for a private firm.

During the investigation, police examined CCTV footage from Chennai Central railway station and other locations.

The footage allegedly showed Laskar carrying the heavy red suitcase through the railway station, while his wife accompanied him.

Investigators later traced the couple's movements to Guduvanchery and searched a rented house linked to them. Police reportedly found more dismembered body parts stored inside a large cooking vessel at the property.

The case was initially registered as a missing-person complaint before murder charges were added following the discovery of the remains.

Police identified the couple as prime suspects, but they had allegedly gone into hiding soon after the body was disposed of.

A pan-India hunt was launched to trace them, eventually leading investigators to Kashimpur in Manipur's Jiribam district, where they were arrested after 24 days on the run.

A Manipur Police official said the accused were being handed over to the Station House Officer of Guduvanchery Police Station.

The couple is expected to be produced before a local magistrate in Manipur before being taken to Tamil Nadu on a transit warrant.

Police are likely to question them in detail to establish the sequence of events and determine the motive behind the killing.

Investigators are also examining the evidence collected from Chennai, the railway station and the rented house as they continue to build the case.

The gruesome discovery of the red suitcase on the train had triggered a major investigation spanning several states. With the arrest of the couple, police are now expected to focus on uncovering what led to the murder of Hayathun Nisha and how her remains were allegedly transported hundreds of kilometres away from Chennai.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tamil Nadu Extends 1-Year Maternity Leave to Third Child for Women Staff

Divya Danu — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 21:14:11 +0530

Tamil Nadu has announced that women government employees will get 365 days of maternity leave for their third child, up from 12 weeks. The state says the move supports women's empowerment and welfare.

Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has announced a major change in maternity leave rules for its women employees, extending the benefit for the birth of a third child from 12 weeks to 365 days.

The decision was announced in the state Assembly on Tuesday by Human Resources Management Minister D Sarathkumar during the demand for grants for his department.

The move means women government employees having a third child will now be eligible for the same one-year maternity leave available for their first two children. A detailed government order is expected to be issued soon to formally implement the announcement.

At present, regular women government employees in Tamil Nadu with fewer than two surviving children are entitled to 365 days of maternity leave.

However, women employees who already have two or more surviving children are currently eligible for 12 weeks, or 84 days, of maternity leave with full pay.

The new announcement changes the position for employees having their third child. Their maternity leave will be increased from 12 weeks to 365 days.

The government said the decision was linked to its focus on social welfare and women's empowerment.

"Under these circumstances, as the Tamil Nadu government is a welfare-oriented administration prioritising social welfare and women's empowerment, the maternity leave currently provided for the third child of female government employees will be enhanced from 12 weeks to 365 days," Sarathkumar said in the Assembly.

Tamil Nadu's maternity leave policy for government employees has been expanded several times over the years.

The leave was originally 90 days. It was increased to six months in 2011 and then to nine months in 2016.

In July 2021, the state increased maternity leave to 365 days for eligible women government employees.

Under the standard eligibility framework, the one-year leave applies to regular women employees who have fewer than two surviving children.

The latest announcement seeks to extend the same 365-day period to the third child, removing the shorter 12-week limit that currently applies in such cases.

The change could provide women government employees with significantly more time to recover from childbirth and care for a newborn.

The difference is substantial. Under the existing provision, a woman having a third child could receive only 84 days of maternity leave. Under the announced change, that period will become 365 days.

It also brings the leave period for a third child in line with the existing one-year benefit available for the first two children.

However, the announcement will need to be formally notified through a government order before the revised provision can be implemented.

A senior government official said a detailed government order would be issued shortly.

What does India's maternity law say?

Tamil Nadu's decision concerns state government employees and should not be confused with the maternity leave rules applicable to all women employees in India.

At the national level, maternity benefits for women working in establishments covered by the law are governed by the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, as amended.

The law provides up to 26 weeks of maternity benefit for a woman with fewer than two surviving children. This includes leave that can be taken before and after childbirth, subject to the conditions prescribed under the Act.

For a woman having two or more surviving children, the statutory maternity benefit is up to 12 weeks.

The law also contains provisions for adopting mothers and commissioning mothers. An eligible adopting mother or commissioning mother can receive 12 weeks of maternity benefit from the date the child is handed over to her, subject to the law's conditions.

The Act also provides maternity benefits in certain cases involving miscarriage or medical termination of pregnancy, as well as leave connected with illness arising from pregnancy, delivery, premature birth, miscarriage or related conditions.

Importantly, maternity benefit rules can differ depending on the category of employment and the applicable service rules. Government employees may be governed by separate central or state service regulations, as is the case with Tamil Nadu government employees.

Maternity leave and job protection

India's maternity law is not only about leave. It also provides protection against dismissal or adverse treatment in certain circumstances because of maternity absence.

Employers covered by the Maternity Benefit Act are generally required to provide the prescribed maternity benefits when the eligibility conditions are met.

The law also includes provisions relating to nursing breaks after returning to work and crèche facilities for establishments meeting the prescribed employee threshold.

Therefore, maternity protection in India combines leave, financial benefit and certain workplace safeguards.

The Assembly announcement is an important step, but the practical implementation will depend on the detailed government order.

The order is expected to specify how the revised 365-day maternity leave provision for the third child will operate and which employees will be covered.

Until the government issues the formal order, employees may need to wait for the detailed rules before claiming the extended leave under the new provision.

For Tamil Nadu's women government employees, however, the announcement marks a significant proposed expansion of maternity support. If implemented as announced, the third child will receive the same 365-day maternity leave period as the first two children.

(With inputs from agencies)

Frustrated Commuter Argues With Chennai Police After CM Vijay Convoy Halts Marina Beach Road Movement (WATCH)

Vaishnav Akash — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 11:13:23 +0530

Traffic came to a standstill on Marina Beach Road in Chennai during Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s convoy movement, sparking frustration among common commuters.

Police halted vehicles to allow the convoy to pass, but the delay left many waiting in the heat. Witnesses said the VIP movement was slow, adding to the irritation of those stuck.

Heated Exchange On Roadside

One man stepped out of his vehicle and began arguing with police officers over the disruption. He was seen confronting multiple officers, demanding answers for the prolonged stoppage. His wife also expressed her frustration, adding to the tense atmosphere.

"எங்களுக்கு எந்த வேலையும் இல்லையா..? எதுக்கு ஏய்னு சொல்றீங்க..? ஒழுங்கா பேசுங்க முதல்ல..?"முதல்வர் விஜய் பேருந்தில் பயணம் செய்வதற்காக சென்னை மெரினாவில் 15 நிமிடத்திற்கு மேலாக நிறுத்தப்பட்ட போக்குவரத்து.. போலீஸாரிடம் வாக்குவாதம் செய்த வாகன ஓட்டிகள்.. #Chennai | #TVK | #Tarffic… pic.twitter.com/1cbzpP9J7p

— Polimer News (@polimernews) June 25, 2026

The argument drew attention from others waiting, who shared similar sentiments about repeated VIP movements causing inconvenience.

Public Reaction

The incident highlighted growing resentment among citizens over traffic halts during VIP convoys. Many commuters voiced that such stoppages disrupt daily life and fuel anger.

Observers noted that the man’s confrontation reflected a broader frustration with the system, where ordinary people are often left waiting while officials move freely.

Congress Ditches DMK, Backs Vijay's TVK In Major Tamil Nadu Shift

Divya Danu — Wed, 06 May 2026 14:24:53 +0530

In a major political development in Tamil Nadu, the Indian National Congress has decided to walk out of its long-standing alliance with the DMK. The party has now extended its support to actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). This move comes after the recent Assembly election results, where TVK emerged as the single largest party but did not reach the majority mark on its own.

The President of Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Thiru C Vijay, has formally requested the Indian National Congress (INC) to extend its support for forming a government in Tamil Nadu. The people of Tamil Nadu, especially the youth, have delivered a very clear, strong and… pic.twitter.com/Aig79MoRoE

— Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (@INCTamilNadu) May 6, 2026

Support for forming government

Congress has agreed to support TVK in forming the next government in the state. The party, which has won five seats, said its MLAs will back TVK to help it reach the required numbers.

In a formal letter, Congress confirmed that Vijay had requested their support. The party said the people of Tamil Nadu have given a clear message in favour of a secular and welfare-focused government.

The Congress also plans to send a letter to the Governor to officially confirm its support.

Condition on 'communal forces'

Congress has placed one key condition for this alliance. It has asked TVK to keep away any 'communal forces' that do not believe in the Constitution of India.

The party said this condition is important to ensure that the government follows constitutional values and works for all sections of society.

Congress leaders said this partnership is based on shared ideas of social justice, equality, and development.

Long-term alliance plan

Congress has made it clear that this is not just a short-term arrangement. The party said its alliance with TVK will continue for future elections, including local body polls, Assembly elections, and even national elections.

In Tamil Nadu, the Congress is calling this strategy its 'Mission 2029'. The aim is to build a strong and stable political partnership over the coming years.

Leaders speak on alliance goals

Congress leader Praveen Chakravarthy said the goal of this alliance is to “bring back Kamaraj rule” in the state. This refers to the period of former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj, known for development and welfare policies.

In its official statement, Congress also mentioned the ideals of Periyar and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The party said the alliance will work to promote social justice and constitutional values.

Meetings and next steps

Congress leaders are expected to visit TVK’s headquarters in Panaiyur soon to meet Vijay and discuss the next steps.

Both parties are likely to finalise their plans for forming the government and running it smoothly with joint support.

No alliance with AIADMK

There were reports that a section of the AIADMK was interested in joining hands with TVK. However, TVK General Secretary Arunraj has denied these claims.

He clearly said that TVK has no plans to form an alliance with the AIADMK.

Political impact in Tamil Nadu

This sudden shift has changed the political scene in Tamil Nadu. The exit of Congress is a big setback for the DMK, while it gives a strong boost to Vijay’s TVK.

With Congress support, TVK now has a better chance of forming the government. The coming days will be crucial as both parties move forward with their alliance.