Muruganandam

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin accused the Election Commission of acting as a 'branch of BJP' after it transferred key state officials, including the Chief Secretary and DGP (DVAC).

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami backed the Election Commission's transfer of the chief secretary, accusing CM Stalin of relying on bureaucrats over public support. Palaniswami also warned DMK MP Kanimozhi about her pending 2G spectrum case, suggesting she could face jail time again.

These high-level transfers come at a critical juncture as the campaign for the April 23 poll reaches a fever pitch.

The Election Commission replaced Tamil Nadu's Chief Secretary and DGP ahead of polls, citing complaints of administrative bias towards the ruling DMK. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin vehemently criticized the EC, accusing it of acting as a BJP 'branch' and attempting to hinder DMK's victory. He questioned the sudden change in assessment of the state's administration.

The BJP has unveiled its candidate list for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, following internal discussions and cadre concerns. Notably, former state president K Annamalai is absent from this initial selection. Prominent figures like Tamilisai Soundararajan and Vanathi Srinivasan have been fielded from key constituencies, signaling the party's strategic approach for the upcoming polls.

A 90-year-old man was killed by his sister's grandson on Sunday night at Flower Market in the city.The accused S Muruganandam (32) of Kanuvai has been arrested and lodged at the Coimbatore Central Prison on Monday.

The Kattoor police registered a case against BJP state general secretary A P Muruganandam for installing party flags on 100 Feet Road to mark the opening of his new office on Saturday.

Tamil Nadu government appointed chief secretary Shiv Das Meena as chairman of the Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority. Chief minister's secretary N Muruganandam is set to succeed Meena as chief secretary. The selection committee recommended Meena, who will serve a five-year term. Muruganandam, a 1991 batch officer, has held various significant administrative roles.

Two people were arrested on Saturday for murdering their employer on November 19.

The deceased were identified as M Parthiban, 35 and S Sakthivel, 61, of Arunthathiyar Street, and A Muruganandam, 57, of Mariamman Kovil Street, Race Course police sources said.