anbumani ramadoss

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.

A faction of AIADMK, led by S.P. Velumani and C.V. Shanmugam, has announced support for Chief Minister Vijay's TVK government ahead of a crucial floor test. This move comes amid internal rifts within AIADMK over potential alliances, with the faction opposing any tie-up with DMK. Vijay is working to secure the required majority with support from various parties.

In a strategic move, Congress has extended a conditional olive branch to C Joseph Vijay's TVK party, which is just 10 seats shy of securing the reins of power in Tamil Nadu. This support is contingent upon TVK distancing itself from communal forces within the NDA.

Prominent political leaders, including Chief Minister M K Stalin, C Joseph Vijay, and Edappadi K Palaniswami, cast their votes across Tamil Nadu. Leaders expressed confidence in their respective party's victory, urging citizens to participate in the democratic process. Several leaders also voiced their opinions on the election's significance and potential outcomes.

In a statement that drew sharp parallels between the chief minister and historical dictators, Anbumani alleged that DMK’s opposition to the Constitution Amendment Bill stems from a deep rooted "anti-women" and "anti-social justice" mindset.

Palaniswami painted a grim picture of law and order in Tamil Nadu under the DMK rule. He said there were 18,000 sexual assault cases, including nearly 7,000 Pocso cases, in the last five years of DMK rule.

Tamil Nadu witnessed brisk voting across 234 constituencies, with high-profile leaders, celebrities, and first-time voters participating in large numbers. Actor Vijay's TVK sought extended polling hours due to delays, while a robot greeted voters at a Chennai booth. The election sees a three-way contest between DMK, AIADMK, and TVK.

Former AIADMK minister C Ve Shanmugam's entry into Mailam constituency has intensified the electoral battle, blending caste dynamics, alliance strength, and candidate influence. Shanmugam, backed by AIADMK and PMK, faces DMDK's L Venkatesan, who leverages DMK front support and his party's legacy. Developmental issues also remain a key concern for voters.