Tribals vow to intensify protests until GO 49 revoked
They also called for dharnas in front of all the forest range offices and tahsildar offices on July 14 and for a joint Adilabad district bandh on July 21. It was decided to hold a grand dharna in front of the Komaram Bheem District Collectorate on July 28.
Thudum Deb State President Vijay called for these agitation programmes to be successful.
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India Today
9 hours ago
- India Today
Will Vijay's standalone act in Tamil Nadu polls pay off?
In the Tamil movie Sarkar (2018), actor Vijay plays Sundar Ramasamy, a powerful NRI CEO who returns to Chennai to cast his vote only to find it has been stolen. Furious, he challenges the entire political establishment, campaigns door to door and ultimately becomes a people's messiah who fights corruption and reclaims years after the wildly popular movie, the man behind the central character is attempting something far more audacious. Actor Vijay, who has stepped into real-world politics, has indicated that, just like in his films, he intends to play the main lead on Tamil Nadu's political July 4, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the party Vijay launched on February 2 last year, officially named him its chief ministerial candidate for the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls in 2026. In the same breath, the TVK declared it would not align—directly or indirectly—with its 'ideological enemy' TVK also ruled out alliance with the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). The decisions mark a significant shift in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, especially since partners AIADMK (All India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and BJP had hoped Vijay would join them in forming a grand alliance against the formidable DMK-led coalition. 'The idea of many in Vijay's party is to go solo and assess their influence,' says Chennai-based veteran political commentator Priyan Srinivasan. 'If they align with any other party, Vijay's personal influence will become a question mark. If they claim Vijay won because of their alliance, it would be humiliating for him.'Going solo frees Vijay from the burdens of alliance politics and allows the TVK to assess its real vote-share, base and ability to function as a standalone political force. It also sends a message to voters that Vijay is not here to play at the margins but to stake a direct claim to power. Whether that message resonates across rural and urban Tamil Nadu remains to be seen. Win or lose, this approach will offer the TVK electoral clarity and data invaluable for shaping future mirrors the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party's test of strength in Delhi in 2013. If Vijay manages even 8-12 per cent of the vote across constituencies, he will likely become a permanent fixture in Tamil Nadu politics. Post-polls, Vijay could potentially negotiate a deal with the AIADMK for deputy chief ministership should that party decide to drop the will he opt for such a gambit? 'Vijay is unlikely to go with the AIADMK because he has been declared the chief ministerial candidate, and any alliance will have to be led by him. Would he be content with being deputy chief minister, like actor Pawan Kalyan in Andhra Pradesh?' wonders Priyan, explaining: 'If Vijay takes AIADMK votes and weakens it, he could emerge as the second force in Tamil Nadu. But if he helps strengthen the AIADMK, he will remain the third force. Actor Vijayakanth had made the same mistake in 2011 by helping Jayalalithaa.'advertisementVijay is entering a political arena historically open to actors—but only selectively. Since M.G. Ramachandran's successful transition from matinee idol to chief minister, many actors have tried to emulate his path but with limited or no success. J. Jayalalithaa followed in MGR's footsteps and went on to dominate Tamil Nadu politics, but her rise was rooted more in her control over the AIADMK and MGR's legacy than in her acting career saw initial success with his Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) in 2006 but faltered due to various factors. Kamal Haasan, who launched the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) in 2018, has struggled to convert admiration into votes. Rajinikanth, despite years of anticipation and announcements, ultimately never entered the electoral fray. The message from recent history is clear: cinematic popularity alone does not translate into lasting political said, Vijay's strengths are significant. He enjoys an enormous fan following, particularly among the young. As per electoral rolls updated in early 2025, Tamil Nadu has over 11.9 million voters aged 18 to 29, this bloc accounting for nearly 19 per cent of the electorate. These voters have grown up watching Vijay set the screen on fire. That emotional imprint could be a powerful tool in mobilising support, especially among first-time voters disillusioned with traditional doubt Vijay is a popular actor,' observes Priyan. 'The only question is whether his fans will vote for him or whether those who dislike both the DMK and AIADMK will rally behind him. Youth who rejected both Dravidian parties had voted for Vijayakanth in 2006. Vijay is likely to attract a similar bloc. But we cannot assume all youth or new voters will support him.'There are evident gaps. Unlike MGR, Vijay has not consistently cultivated a political screen image. His roles have ranged from the saviour to the cynic, lacking the moral consistency and direct messaging that MGR built over decades. 'Whether his fans will turn into cadre and vote for him will be known only after the elections,' says Priyan. 'It is possible his fans are distributed across existing parties and may not automatically shift. Also, for first-time voters, if they come from traditional DMK or AIADMK households, will they really vote for Vijay?'advertisementThe TVK has announced a statewide outreach from September to December, with a roadshow targeting farmers in the Cauvery Delta scheduled in August. The party claims to have enrolled over 10 million members and aims to double that figure. These moves suggest a serious attempt to convert fan enthusiasm into electoral muscle. However, it is uncertain whether such mobilisation can match the deeply-rooted ground networks of the DMK and Vijay has now taken a more defined stance against the BJP. 'Vijay has shut the door on the BJP by calling it a polarising political force and declaring it an ideological enemy,' points out Priyan. 'He said he would neither directly nor indirectly align with the BJP, effectively closing that chapter.'At the same time, he appears to be keeping his options open with the AIADMK. 'Vijay has not said a word about the DMK's alleged corruption, which shows he still has a soft corner for the AIADMK, because should he attack the DMK on corruption, questions will arise about his silence on AIADMK corruption,' says Priyan. 'He is also signalling to DMK allies that if they are unhappy, there's space for them with Vijay.' advertisementThe coming year will determine whether Vijay can transform personal charisma into political credibility. His decision to go it alone in the 2026 polls is significant. If he can build emotional rapport with voters, articulate a clear ideological vision and sustain grassroots activity, he may well redefine the future role of actors in Tamil Nadu politics. If not, his campaign could follow the familiar trajectory of others who came before—briefly disruptive but ultimately absorbed or sidelined. Subscribe to India Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
On Actor Vijay's Poll Alliance Snub, Tamil Nadu BJP's 'Common Goal' Reply
New Delhi: Tamil actor-politician Vijay said 'no' last week to possible alliances with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party or ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam before next year's Assembly election. Vijay - whose fledgling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam will make its electoral debut in 2026 - said he would never join hands with the BJP, which he called "our policy enemies and divisive forces", or Chief Minister MK Stalin's DMK, which he accused of being 'secretly owned" by the former party. The BJP, however, appeared undeterred by Vijay's putdown. On Monday the party's Tamil Nadu unit boss, Nainar Nagenthiran, told reporters the "common goal between us (i.e., the BJP and TVK) is that the DMK should not be in power". "I suggested an alliance based on that shared idea. Ever since the BJP and AIADMK (the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the DMK's arch-rival) reunited... DMK is obviously worried." Chennai: On actor and TVK chief Vijay's recent statement of not allying with any party, Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran says, "The common goal between us and Vijay is that the DMK should not be in power. I had suggested unity based on that shared idea. Ever since the… — ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2025 "That is why they push the 'B-team' narrative..." Nagenthiran declared, referring to Tamil Nadu ministers' counterclaims in October last year linking Vijay's TVK and the BJP. Those claims came after the actor said his main 'enemies' were the BJP at the centre and DMK at the state levels. Vijay's entry into Tamil Nadu politics has stirred the pot before the 2026 election. The 51-year-old superstar is not expected to win the 118 seats needed to form the government, but is expected to hoover up enough votes (and seats, maybe) to make it difficult for either the ruling DMK (and its ally, the Congress) or the opposition AIADMK (and the BJP) to do just that. Nagenthiran's appeal to Vijay (last week and today) underscores the BJP's sentiment on this issue; "They (the TVK) should decide who shouldn't come to power and take a call accordingly... they should analyse who would benefit from such a decision (not allying with the BJP)." The BJP's ally, the AIADMK, remains equally welcoming of Vijay; party boss E Palaniswami said Saturday, "All those who wish to oust the DMK from power are welcome to join the alliance." The BJP and the AIADMK were thumped by the DMK in 2021; EPS' party won 66 seats and the BJP just four, compared to the 133 swept by Chief Minister Stalin's party and the Congress' 18. Popular Tamil actor Vijay is his party's chief ministerial candidate (File). The DMK-Congress alliance picked over 45 per cent of the votes. Last year's Lok Sabha election was even more of a thumping; the DMK and Congress won all 31 seats they contested and picked up eight more courtesy smaller allies. The BJP and AIADMK - contesting independently after a temporary break-up - won zero. To stop the DMK from winning a second consecutive term, the BJP and AIADMK need something extra, a boost of popularity and votes that, they hope, will come from Vijay's TVK. Meanwhile, the DMK has been more dismissive of Vijay's 'no'; the party's senior leader, Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi, said, "The announcement may have come as a shock to some... but the people are clear about who their enemies are. All the best, but victory belongs to the DMK." With input from agencies
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
15 Tamil Nadu Fishermen Return From Iran, Efforts On To Rescue Others
Chennai: A group of 15 Tamil Nadu fishermen who were stranded in Iran following the Iran-Israel war have returned safely to Chennai. They were received at the Chennai airport by Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran, who later addressed the media regarding the rescue efforts. Nagendran explained that the fishermen, hailing from coastal villages in Sivagangai and Uvari regions, had travelled to Iran for deep-sea fishing. However, due to rising conflict in the region, they were unable to continue working and expressed their desire to return home. "Upon receiving information about their situation, I immediately contacted the Minister of External Affairs. Emergency food supplies were arranged for the stranded fishermen on one of the islands. Efforts are also underway to rescue more fishermen from another island," Nagendran said. Since direct flights from Iran were not feasible, the fishermen were brought to Dubai by ship and, from there, flown to Delhi, eventually reaching Chennai. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of External Affairs for facilitating the rescue. The Tamil Nadu BJP funded the entire operation. Ajith, a fisherman from Uvari, expressed gratitude to the BJP for bringing them back. "Due to war tensions, we couldn't work and were struggling even for food. We reached out to Nainar Nagendran, and he arranged for our return," he said. Anto, another fisherman, recalled, "We went to Iran in February, but the situation became tense and we couldn't go fishing for two months. We informed the BJP leadership, and they made arrangements for food and shelter. Tamil Nadu government officials did not reach out to us at all. All 15 of us from our group are now back, though another group on a different island is still stranded." Mani from Tirunelveli shared the hardships they faced: "The war zone was intense. We needed GPS equipment to fish, but it wasn't provided. Our boat owner offered no help. We remained stranded on the boat since June 13. No one came to rescue us except Nainar Nagendran, who responded within a week of our plea. We haven't received any wages, and the trauma remains. Seeing my wife and children will help me recover. He saved us like a god." The Tamil Nadu BJP has promised to continue rescue efforts to bring back the remaining fishermen from Iran. Nagendran also commented on actor Vijay's recent statement about not aligning with any party. "While Vijay now says he prefers to stand alone, the common goal between us and Vijay is that DMK should not remain in power. I had suggested unity based on that shared view," he stated. "Ever since the BJP and AIADMK reunited under the NDA alliance, DMK leaders have been visibly anxious. That's why they push the 'B-team' narrative. They said the same about TVK Chief Vijay and MNM Chief Kamal Haasan. Now Kamal is with the DMK, even an MP under their banner," he added. Nagendran reaffirmed that with 10 months still to go before the Assembly elections, political strategies may evolve, and alliances could shift.
