
Tamil Nadu CM Stalin's membership drive doubles up as damage control and voter connect
The move comes as the BJP and AIADMK regroup for the 2026 assembly elections, while new political entrants like actor Vijay add to the churn. Stalin, in a detailed social media post, highlighted his government's achievements and warned against what he called the BJP's "political invasion"-referring to the Centre's three-language policy and alleged fund cuts to the state.
With Union Home Minister Amit Shah visiting Tamil Nadu frequently to oversee NDA strategy, DMK sees the coming election as a serious challenge. In 2024, the BJP and AIADMK had fought separately and lost. Shah is seen as the driving force behind the current NDA unity push.

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Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Time of India
I was disrespected at temple: Selvaperunthagai
Chennai: TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai on Tuesday said he was treated with disrespect at the Vallakottai Murugan temple consecration in Kancheepuram despite arriving on time. The DMK allies called for action against HR&CE officials while minister P K Sekarbabu visited the Congress leader and assured action. "The minister expressed regret for the incident," Selvaperunthagai said. The controversy related to the consecration ceremony of the temple, which took place after 17 years. Former Telangana governor Tamilisai Soundarajan, Selvaperunthagai, and DMK (Anna Nagar) MLA M K Mohan were among those in attendance. Selvaperunthagai said he wasn't treated with the respect an elected representative deserved. "It is customary for the elected representatives to flag off the temple consecration ceremony by standing on top of the Temple Vimana, and it happens that way in all temple festivals. But during this festival, the HR&CE officials flagged it off. Similarly, there was no one to even guide me and take me to the appropriate places. None of the protocols were followed," he told TOI. Sources in the HR&CE department said officials concerned submitted a report to the higher-ups saying the Congress leader arrived late and missed the prayers, despite priests waiting for him for 30 minutes. Selvaperunthagai denied these accusations. "I was asked to come at 8.30am, and I reached the temple at 8.15am. I was waiting in the temple storeroom to participate in the prayers, but there was no one there to accompany me because of which I had to leave. Some have an ancient mindset." You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai DMK allies including CPI, CPM, and VCK condemned the treatment, and demanded action against the officials. CPI state secretary R Mutharasan said, "This is against social justice, and stringent action should be taken against officials who are responsible for the incident." CPM state secretary P Shanmugam said Selvaperunthagai's caste (SC), was the reason for the alleged discrimination. VCK MP D Ravikumar called for abolition of discrimination in temples.


The Hindu
27 minutes ago
- The Hindu
BRS to start rail blockade if BJP, Congress continue to delay implementation of Telangana OBC quota Bill: Kavitha
Blaming the Congress and the BJP for their delay in implementing a Bill passed by the Telangana Assembly to grant 42% reservation for other backward classes (OBCs), Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) leader K. Kavitha said on Tuesday (July 8, 2025) that her party will launch a rail blockade agitation on July 17 if a government order to implement the law is not issued in the next State Cabinet meeting. She asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to direct Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to issue the order using the provisions of the Constitution. Ms. Kavitha also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to act so that the legislation, which is at present awaiting approval from President Droupadi Murmu, can be notified soon. 'If the Backward Classes Bill is not approved, not a single train wheel will be allowed to move forward from Telangana,' she said. 'Deceiving the backward classes' Ms. Kavitha accused both the Congress, in power at the State, and the BJP-ruled Central government of deceiving the backward classes (BCs). 'Opposition to BCs is ingrained in BJP's DNA. If the BC Bill is not approved, 2.5 crore BC children in Telangana will teach BJP a lesson,' she said. Talking to reporters in the national capital on Tuesday, the BRS leader said that she would write to all political parties seeking their support for the implementation of BC reservations. She said the State government is trying to wash its hands of the matter after sending the Bill to the President. 'Why isn't Rahul Gandhi making a phone call to Revanth Reddy to issue the Government Order? If he truly supports the Constitution, he should ensure that the Revanth government enforces the 42% reservation through a Government Order,' she said.


India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
Maharashtra language war: Is it with an eye on Mumbai municipal polls? Experts debate
The language controversy in Maharashtra has escalated, with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers protesting and allegedly assaulting non-Marathi speakers in Mumbai suburbs. This comes ahead of crucial municipal elections, raising questions about whether this is a genuine fight for Marathi pride or a political strategy. The Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, have united on this issue, while the BJP denies accusations of imposing Hindi. The Congress and NCP have taken a cautious approach so far. Critics argue this may be more about control of the BMC's large budget than language issues. The controversy has sparked debates about cultural identity, language policy, and political opportunism in Maharashtra. The issue of Marathi language and identity has resurfaced in Maharashtra politics, with opposition parties uniting against a government order on Hindi language education. Shiv Sena UBT leader stated the party's commitment to promoting Marathi while respecting other languages. The NCP accused the government of failing to address public concerns and provide concrete solutions for Marathi language promotion. BJP faces criticism over comments by MP Nishikant Dubey. The debate has reignited discussions on Marathi pride ahead of BMC elections, with speculation about potential alliances between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray. The issue highlights ongoing tensions between regional identity and centralized education policies.