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New Indian Express
9 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
ECI moves to delist 24 inactive political parties in Tamil Nadu
CHENNAI: Election Commission of India (ECI), through District Electoral Officers (DEOs), will issue notices to 24 registered, unrecognised political parties in Tamil Nadu to show cause why their names should not be delisted since they have not contested in any election for the past six years. When contacted, Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Archana Patnaik said the DEOs have been directed to issue show cause notices to these parties soon. The 24 unrecognised parties include Makkal Neethi Katchi, Tamil Nadu Peasants and Workers Party, and Tamilaga Sthabana Congress. Of the 24 parties, 14 have their 'headquarters in Chennai and among the 14, two parties – All India Women Democratic Freedom Party and Mahabharat Mahajan Sabha – have their office in Kolathur, the Assembly constituency of Chief Minister M K Stalin. Interestingly, the names of two of these parties are: Appamma Makkal Kazhagam (Father-Mother People Kazhagam!) and Anna MGR Jayalalithaa Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which has the names of three past CMs of Tamil Nadu and the names of two Dravidian majors. The ECI on June 26 began proceedings to delist as many as 345 registered, unrecognised political parties which have not contested a single election since 2019. Of the 345 parties, 24 are from Tamil Nadu. The ECI, in its communication to the CEO, pointed out that parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of People's Act, 1951, are entitled to many benefits – exemption from income tax (Under Section 13A of I-T Act), recognition, common symbol allotment, reserved symbol for parties recognised under Symbols Order and the nomination of star campaigners. The Commission said the reason an association registers as a political party under Section 29A is that it can take part in elections held by the ECI. 'Over time, a large number of political parties have been registered. However, it has come to the notice that many of the Registered Unrecognised Political Parties have not contested even a single election for the last six years since 2019, and many of them have ceased to exist.'
Mint
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Mint
Setback to AIADMK-BJP tie-up in Tamil Nadu? AIADMK throws mixed signals, ‘people don't like…'
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has stirred a political row with a prediction that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will form a coalition government in Tamil Nadu following the 2026 state assembly elections. In an interview published on Friday in Tamil daily Dina Thanthi, Shah noted, 'The NDA will for the government in Tamil Nadu after the 2026 assembly elections, and the BJP will be a part of it.' Amit Shah, addressing recent backlash over his stance on English, clarified in an interview that his comments were misinterpreted. 'I said the importance of regional languages should increase,' he explained. 'And we should make efforts so that by 2047, all Indians speak in regional languages,' he added. In what appears to be the opposite of Shah's victory claim, AIADMK spokesperson and former minister C. Vaigaichelvan downplayed the possibility of a coalition government in Tamil Nadu and noted, 'So far, people of Tamil Nadu have not accepted such a coalition government, and it doesn't look like it.' Vaigaichelvan noted that their common goal was to defeat the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Hindustan Times reported. However, his remarks and political opinions about Tamil Nadu's 2026 elections sparked strong reactions from the ruling party. DMK Spokesperson TKS Elangovan said, 'They will not win. Even AIADMK people will not vote for the BJP. They have insulted Anna and Periyar. The number of MLAs they have now will reduce further.' On June 22, Hindu Munnani's Lord Muruga devotees conference was held in Madurai, in which leaders of the BJP and AIADMK took part, and the playing of a video clip, allegedly critical of the Dravidian icons Periyar EV Ramasamy, DMK founder CN Annadurai and late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi, kicked up a political row. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched a scathing attack on the BJP and its alliance with AIADMK, accusing them of attempting to divide the people of the state on the basis of religion and caste. As reported by PTI, speaking in Tirupathur district on Friday, Stalin said, 'Those in the Centre are trying to divide the people of Tamil Nadu in the name of religion, caste, etc., and they are doing this continuously. When they couldn't do it, they joined with AIADMK here.' Stalin further slammed what he called 'fake spirituality and political drama' by the BJP, alleging that claims of religion being in danger in Tamil Nadu were politically motivated. The AIADMK and BJP formally reunited on Friday after a nearly two-year split, with Amit Shah announcing that the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election will be fought under the leadership of AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami. So far, people of Tamil Nadu have not accepted such a coalition government, and it doesn't look like it. The two parties had previously contested together in the 2019 Lok Sabha and 2021 Assembly elections, but parted ways in September 2023 following political disagreements. (With inputs from agencies) Those in the Centre are trying to divide the people of Tamil Nadu in the name of religion, caste, etc., and they are doing this continuously.
Hindustan Times
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
AIADMK hits back after Amit Shah claims NDA will form govt in Tamil Nadu
Union home minister Amit Shah told a Tamil daily that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will form a coalition government in Tamil Nadu after the 2026 assembly elections, sparking a political controversy and push back from the Dravidian party on Friday. Chennai: Union Home Minister Amit Shah with AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai and others during a press conference, in Chennai, Friday, April 11, 2025. (PTI) 'The NDA will form the government in Tamil Nadu after the 2026 assembly elections and the BJP will be a part of it,' Shah replied to a question on whether the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP') will be part of the coalition government in an interview to Tamil daily Dina Thanthi, which was published on Friday. Shah also addressed his recent statement on English. 'I said the importance of regional languages should increase,' he said. 'And we should make efforts so that by 2047, all Indians speak in regional languages.' AIADMK spokesperson and former minister C Vaigaichelvan appeared to contradict Shah's statement, saying there was no history of a coalition government in Tamil Nadu. 'So far, people of Tamil Nadu have not accepted such a coalition government and it doesn't look like it,' Vaigaichelvan said, adding that their common goal was to defeat the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). AIADMK general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) will speak in detail on the issue, he added. The BJP and the AIADMK were allies, but had a bitter parting of ways in 2023 over several issues, including former BJP state unit chief K Annamalai's criticism of AIADMK leaders. The two parties fought the Lok Sabha elections in 2024 separately. The AIADMK registered a 20.4% vote share in one of its worst Lok Sabha performances, while the BJP, contesting in more number of seats, registered one of its best performances in Tamil Nadu with a 11.4% vote share, though parties won zero seats In April 2025, the two parties came together again though talks of renewing the alliance began after the 2024 general elections. 'After the AIADMK's performance in the Lok Sabha and the BJP also not meeting its target. a section of party leaders as well as Sangh functionaries suggested renewing the alliance,' said a senior BJP aware of the details after the alliance was announced. At the time, Shah had also made a similar statement on a coalition government, creating some confusion between the allies. At the time, both BJP state chief Nainar Nagendran and EPS had clarified that Shah had only meant that the NDA, led by the AIADMK, will form the government. However, on Friday they seemed to take different approaches. 'The Union home minister and EPS will discuss this,' Nagendran told reporters when asked about the possibility of a coalition government. Other state BJP leaders, including former Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan, shared Shah's interview and said there will be a coalition government in 2026 by the NDA. Both the Dravidian majors, the DMK and the AIADMK, have historically resisted coalition governments in Tamil Nadu, even though they have been part of coalition governments at the national level. In the 2006 assembly elections, when no party had an absolute majority, then DMK chief M Karunanidhi formed a minority government with outside support from parties such as the Congress and Left parties. Vaigaichelvan, on Friday, said that during the 1980 Tamil Nadu assembly elections –– when the DMK and the Congress proposed a coalition government, people of Tamil Nadu rejected them and voted the AIADMK as the single largest party. In the interview, Shah said that the CM candidate will be from the AIADMK, but did not explicitly name EPS. Former AIADMK minister Rajendra Balaji said that the two parties had arrived at a joint decision that the AIADMK will lead the NDA, and that EPS will be the CM candidate. 'I don't know in what context the Union home minister said there will be a coalition government. EPS will make a final decision,' Balaji told reporters. This comes at a time when the AIADMK has already opposed the criticism of Dravidian stalwarts EV Ramasamy (Periyar) and CN Annadurai at the Murugan conference held on June 22 by right wing group Hindu Munnani, and backed by the BJP. On other issues such as the controversy over the Keeladi archaeological report, Shah said that the Union government will be proud of proof of an ancient civilisation anywhere in India, but added that Tamil Nadu must cooperate to prove findings as per international standards. Chief minister M K Stalin has accused the central government of refusing to accept the scientific proof of findings in Keeladi out of a hatred for Tamil pride and because the evidence doesn't suit the script of the BJP. Shah accused Stalin of trying to deviate attention from corruption and law and order problems, by using delimitation, and promised that the Prime Minister will not allow injustices towards Tamil Nadu.
India.com
a day ago
- India.com
Your Summer Just Got Better — These Places In Trivandrum Feel Like Another World
Thiruvananthapuram is a vibrant and culturally rich destination with serene beaches, lush greenery and historical landmarks. As the days grow hotter in the beginning of summer, Thiruvananthapuram turns into an even more captivating place with its plethora of attractions and activities that invite tourists. Here are some of the best places to visit during the summer in Thiruvananthapuram: 1. Kovalam Beach: Kovalam is one of Kerala's most famous beaches known for its golden sandy shores and clear blue waters. Kovalam beach is a favorite in the summer, attracting people from all over the world to sunbath on it or engage in water sports like swimming and surfing, as well as relaxing at numerous beachside cafes and Tourist Village: Located near Thiruvananthapuram Veli Tourist Village is a beautiful waterfront destination which has something for everyone from adventure seekers to nature lovers. Activities here include boating, pedal boating and water cycling among others that blend well with the natural beauty of this place such as serene backwaters coupled with lush greenery, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely summer getaway. 2. Napier Museum and Zoo: The Napier Museum and Zoo located at Trivandrum offers both culture and wildlife experiences. The museum has on display interesting archaeological objects and ancient sculptures portraying various forms of art typical within Kerala tradition. Trivandrum zoo adjacent to this museum is home to lions, tigers, elephants, etc., and offers families as well as nature enthusiasts a great day out. 3. Padmanabhaswamy Temple: City's most iconic landmark however remains Padmanabhaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. You may feel overwhelmed when you first visit this magnificent temple with its intricate Dravidian architecture as well as towering gopurams. Inside, one can have a glimpse of grand interiors and appreciate the breathtakingly beautiful stone carvings while experiencing the awe-inspiring daily rituals. 4. Thiruvananthapuram Zoo: One of the oldest zoological parks in India, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is also known as the Trivandrum Zoo. The zoo is spread over 55 acres of lush greenery and it boasts a wide range of animals including elephants, tigers, lions, reptiles among others. While walking through well maintained gardens visitors equally enjoy seeing exotic birds and learn about efforts to preserve wildlife. 5. Shanghumukham Beach: Among popular beaches in Trivandrum is Shanghumukham Beach that is loved for its scenic beauty and calmness. As you walk at your own pace by the shore or watch an enthralling sunset while enjoying some tasty street food sold by vendors this peaceful beach becomes more special with a giant sculpture of a mermaid close to it. 6. Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary: Neyyar dam and wildlife sanctuary are must visit destinations for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It offers such things as elephants and deer, as well as exotic birds being surrounded by dense forests around this picturesque reservoir. Boating on the reservoir, trekking through thick foliage as well as exploring fauna and flora that make up this sanctuary are few things which can be done there. 7. Chalai Market: Get a taste of Thiruvananthapuram culture Chalai market has been one of the oldest busiest markets in town since its establishment. From fresh produce to spices and even traditional handicrafts or souvenirs reflecting local way of life everything could be found there on display; therefore, strolling along bustling lanes mingling with friendly vendors trying out delicious street food makes it feel like a real Kerala experience. In conclusion, due to the range of attractions and activities that it has,Thiruvananthapuram is a suitable place one may visit during summer holidays. It doesn't matter whether you want to rest on clean beaches, study historical sights or get deep into the peculiarities of traditional culture, Thiruvananthapuram will be able to satisfy each tourist. So pack up your bags, enjoy the sun rays and travel around this fairy city located in Kerala.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Lord Murugan conference: AIADMK ‘remained silent' on video clip criticising Annadurai fearing BJP, says Chidambaram
Veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister P. Chidambaram, on Thursday (June 26, 2025) night said the 'silence' maintained by the opposition AIADMK over the derogatory remarks made against Dravidian stalwarts Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and C.N. Annadurai at Lord Murugan devotees conference in Madurai recently only showed the AIADMK was afraid of the BJP. Addressing a public meeting on the occasion of the 102th birth anniversary of Scheduled Caste leader L. Elayaperumal at Kattumannarkovil in Cuddalore, Mr. Chidambaram said the AIADMK dignitaries who attended the conference should have walked out of the venue when a video clip criticising Periyar and Anna was played at the conference. However, the AIADMK was afraid of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah and remained as 'slaves' to win the 2026 Assembly election. Referring to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's purported comment that those who speak in English should feel ashamed, Mr. Chidambaram said that 10% of the population in the country speaks English. 'They (BJP) don't want the Dalits, Adivasis and the poor to learn English and attain quality. While the BJP was attempting to prevent marginalised people from learning English, the children of Union Ministers study in foreign Universities in the U.K. and the U.S. People should understand this,' he said. Mr. Chidambaram said untouchability was yet to be fully eradicated in Tamil Nadu. Though untouchability has reduced to some extent in the State due to the rule by Dravidian parties, it is yet to be full eradicated and the fight continues even after 100 years. The recommendations of the Committee on Untouchability, Economic and Educational Development of the Scheduled Castes, headed by L. Elayaperumal is yet to be fully implemented, he added. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. Selvaperunthagai also spoke.
