Udhayanidhi Stalin

TVK MLA VMS Mustafa's remarks endorsing DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin's call to "abolish Sanatan" have sparked a political controversy in Tamil Nadu. Mustafa stated that his party also subscribes to the ideals of Periyar and Ambedkar, aiming to eradicate Sanatana. These comments come after Udhayanidhi reignited the debate in the Assembly, drawing criticism from the BJP.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, as Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu assembly, reiterated his call for the eradication of Sanatan Dharma, stating it divides people. He also emphasized the primacy of the Tamil invocation song, "Tamil Thai Vazhthu," at all government events, demanding it not be sidelined.

RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale stated that every Hindu voter became a Hindu worker in West Bengal, viewing the assembly polls as a civilisational question. He emphasized that the organization faced hurdles and attacks due to its work for Hindus. Hosabale also advocated for people-to-people contact to improve India-Pakistan ties and dismissed calls to eradicate Sanatan Dharma.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government, led by CM Vijay, successfully won the floor test with 144 votes in the Legislative Assembly. Despite facing opposition and abstentions, the government secured support from various parties and independent MLAs. CM Vijay pledged to govern for all sections, upholding secular and social justice principles.

Udhayanidhi received his certificate of victory from the election officials in Queen Mary's College in Chennai. Speaking to reporters after receiving the campaign, he thanked the people of his constituency for voting for him.

TVK leader Vijay is set to take charge of Home and Public Administration portfolios. Key party members are slated for significant roles, including Public Works, Municipal Administration, and Prohibition Enforcement. Other trusted aides are expected to handle Electricity and Commercial Taxes. Congress is likely to secure two ministerial positions, with a junior minister post also considered.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay's government won a trust vote with 144 MLAs supporting it. Following the victory, Vijay penned an open letter to the public, criticizing the opposition DMK for attempting to undermine his administration. He highlighted his party's electoral performance and commitment to secular values, while accusing the DMK of hypocrisy in coalition politics.

VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan was reportedly close to becoming Chief Minister following a fractured election mandate. Both DMK and AIADMK allegedly explored supporting him for the top post. However, Thirumavalavan ultimately pledged unconditional support to TVK, citing discomfort with perceived BJP influence and a desire to avoid appearing power-hungry.

In a dramatic twist within the AIADMK, 36 MLAs, spearheaded by C. Ve. Shanmugam, are raising eyebrows and voices against party leader Edappadi Palaniswami. Accusations of making solitary decisions fueled by self-interest are threatening to fracture the party, with rebel members eyeing support from Vijay's TVK in a bid to seize the title of 'true AIADMK.'

Newly sworn-in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay initiated a shift in political civility by visiting DMK president M K Stalin and other opposition leaders at their homes. This gesture of political courtesy, a first since 1967, aimed to foster cooperation across party lines after a campaign focused on change.

In a remarkable display of political prowess, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay conquered his inaugural assembly challenge, clinching a confidence motion with an impressive margin of 144-22. The victory was enhanced by DMK's strategic walkout and the endorsement from a segment of AIADMK legislators. Vijay expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support, heralding a pivotal advancement for his administration.

TVK president Vijay was leading in Perambur and Trichy East while chief minister M K Stalin and deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin were trailing in the initial rounds. More than 20 DMK ministers, including HR and CE minister P K Sekarbabu, were also trailing.

DMK president MK Stalin criticised Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Joseph Vijay, alleging he became Chief Minister by influencing children via Instagram and failed to appoint booth agents. Stalin also highlighted rising murders in Tamil Nadu, questioning the new government's ability to maintain law and order, drawing parallels to past governance issues.

Tamil Nadu's political landscape is set for a decisive turn as vote counting commences. The election features high-stakes contests, including Chief Minister MK Stalin defending his seat and actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay making his electoral debut. AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palanisami is also fighting to regain relevance, with new entrants and alliance dynamics shaping the traditional voting patterns.

The dissident camp accused Palaniswami of taking “unilateral decisions” ahead of the 2026 assembly election and acting in his personal interest rather than safeguarding the future of the party. The revolt comes at a politically sensitive moment when govt formation in Tamil Nadu was uncertain after a fractured verdict.

TVK has been leading in 109 constituencies and is on its way towards single largest majority (118 seats are required for forming majority).

The Supreme Court has urged public figures and constitutional post holders to exercise restraint in public discourse, stating that hate speech undermines fraternity, plurality, and multiculturalism. The court emphasized that such speech corrodes democratic values and is antithetical to the constitutional value of fraternity.