In a politically significant development ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) have formalised an electoral alliance, bringing together two influential forces under a common banner.
1 Count Posts Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu on Tuesday detailed a series of fiscal challenges faced by the Tamil Nadu government, citing revenue losses, fund deductions, and additional borrowing conditions imposed by the Union Government. Presenting the Interim Budget 2026–27 in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Thangam Thennarasu said the State’s finances in the current year
The Tamil Nadu government on 17 February 2026 presented its interim budget for the fiscal year 2026–27 in the State Legislative Assembly, outlining major allocations for social welfare, education, infrastructure and industry even as it strives to maintain fiscal balance in an election year.
The Vidiyal Payanam scheme was launched in 2021 by the DMK government under Chief Minister M. K. Stalin. The programme allows women to travel free of cost on government-operated city and town buses across Tamil Nadu.
The Economic Survey of Tamil Nadu 2025–26, released by the State Planning Commission, reports that the state recorded an impressive 11.19% growth rate in 2025–26, nearly double the national average.
M K Stalin urged party workers to intensify grassroots campaigning and set a specific target for booth-level mobilisation. “Each booth committee member should ensure at least 50 votes. If that happens, we can win more than 200 assembly constituencies,” he said.
DMK event included systematic support for attendees, like organisers arranged designated water points and shaded resting zones, as seen in videos shared by local media and social platforms, where volunteers distributed refreshments and guided participants calmly.
Instead of responding directly to the political question, Nainar Nagendran made a personal remark involving actress Trisha Krishnan, drawing sharp reactions.
The deceased, identified as Suraj, was originally from Maharashtra and had been residing in Salem for nearly 20 years.
CM Stalin also reiterated a key pledge under the proposed 'Dravidian Model 2.0', to raise the Magalir Urimai Thogai from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 for women heads of households