The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has projected that India is expected to experience above-normal rainfall during the upcoming southwest monsoon season, which can result in a bountiful harvest for the agriculture-centric economy. However, areas of Tamil Nadu and the northeastern region may experience below-normal rainfall, while Marathwada and adjacent Telangana regions may see above-normal showers. The IMD has forecasted a cumulative rainfall of 105% of the long-period average for June to September, bringing much-needed relief to the farming sector.
Kunal Kamra's joke about Tamil Nadu during a recent encounter with a Shiv Sena functionary has caused quite a buzz on social media, with many taking to X to share the video. Amidst all the chaos, the comedian landed in yet another ongoing dispute with BookMyShow, accusing the ticketing platform of succumbing to political pressure and cancelling his shows. The Bombay High Court has granted Kamra interim protection from arrest until April 16, giving nod to a recent report.
As per the latest update from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Chennai and several districts in Tamil Nadu are set to experience light to moderate rain in the coming days, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. The unfavorable weather conditions are attributed to multiple weather systems in the region, including a cyclonic circulation over the Gulf of Mannar and the southwest Bay of Bengal. Citizens are advised to take precautions, stay hydrated, and remain alert for any district-specific advisories.
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has set a three-month deadline for the President to make a decision on any Bills reserved for consideration by Governors. This decision was made in response to the recent case where Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi reserved 10 Bills for Presidential consideration after they had already been reconsidered by the state Assembly. The bench highlighted the absence of a time-limit in Article 201 and emphasized the importance of respecting the role of the President in the legislative process. This ruling will have significant implications for Centre-State relations and ensure timely action on Bills passed by state legislatures.
In a major political development, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah has announced that his party will ally with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The alliance, led by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, aims to overthrow the ruling DMK government in the state. Shah also confirmed that ousted AIADMK leaders O Panneerselvam and AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran will not be included in the alliance, asserting that the BJP will not interfere in AIADMK's internal affairs. This announcement comes as a major shift in Tamil Nadu's political landscape and could have significant implications for the state's future.
After K Ponmudi, a minister from the Tamil Nadu-based DMK party, made inflammatory remarks against Hinduism at a public event, BJP leader Amit Malviya criticized him for his divisive rhetoric. Referring to sacred Hindu symbols in a vulgar manner, Ponmudi's remarks were not only offensive but deliberately insulting to the core beliefs of two Hindu sects. Malviya also highlighted how this was not Ponmudi's first brush with controversy, as he has previously made derogatory comments about Hindi speakers in Tamil Nadu. He then went on to criticize opposition parties for their alleged tendency to engage in minority appeasement politics and disrespect the majority community.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened the new Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu, which spans the Palk Strait and serves as a symbol of India's engineering prowess. The first train to cross the bridge was flagged off by PM Modi, accompanied by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi. The bridge's clearance and waterway accessibility were demonstrated by an Indian Coast Guard boat navigating beneath it, followed by a train crossing to showcase its structural integrity and rail connectivity. Earlier, Union Minister Vaishnaw celebrated the BJP's foundation day at the bridge, hailing the party's commitment to Antyodaya and "Nation First, Always First."
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has declared that his political party, the DMK, will challenge the recently passed Waqf Bill in the Supreme Court. The CM condemned the passing of the amendment at 2 am, alleging pressure from a few allies, despite opposition from most parties in India. He also highlighted that the state Assembly has already passed a resolution opposing the amendment, and that a case will be filed in the Supreme Court on behalf of the DMK. The Waqf Bill seeks to improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India, but its passing has been met with criticism and opposition.
The Indian Express has reported exclusively that the BJP may ask K Annamalai to step down as the party's Tamil Nadu president, in order to avoid having both BJP and AIADMK's state election faces come from the Gounder community. This move is seen as a strategic decision to strengthen the BJP's alliance with AIADMK, as both Annamalai and AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami belong to this community. Despite his successful leadership style, Annamalai has reportedly been assured of a bright future within the party and has pledged complete loyalty.
It has been speculated that K Annamalai, the current BJP Tamil Nadu president, may step down from his position as alliance talks between the BJP and AIADMK intensify. The move comes amid concerns over caste equations and the BJP's strategy to consolidate its hold beyond the western region of Tamil Nadu. Sources reveal that Annamalai has expressed complete loyalty to the party and may take on a national role or a different assignment in the state.