Journalism of Courage
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, located in the southern part of India, has a distinctive political landscape characterized by a strong sense of regional identity and a history of assertive Dravidian politics. The state's political profile is marked by the dominance of two regional parties: the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), which have alternately ruled Tamil Nadu for decades. These parties emerged from the Dravidian movement, which initially focused on social justice, anti-Brahminism, and the promotion of Tamil culture and language, later evolving into broader political and economic agendas.
The DMK, founded in 1949 by C.N. Annadurai, and the AIADMK, founded in 1972 by M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), a charismatic film actor turned politician, have shaped the state's political narrative around welfare schemes, social justice, and Tamil nationalism. The rivalry between these parties has been central to Tamil Nadu's politics, with each having a loyal voter base and a significant impact on the state's socio-economic policies.
In recent years, Tamil Nadu's political scene has seen the emergence of new players and coalitions, but the DMK and the AIADMK continue to be the major forces. The state's politics are also characterized by a strong emphasis on welfare-oriented governance, with successive governments implementing landmark schemes in education, healthcare, and social welfare, which have contributed to Tamil Nadu's relatively high human development indicators.
Tamil Nadu has also been a battleground for linguistic and cultural identity, often resisting the imposition of Hindi and advocating for the rights of Tamil speakers. This has led to a political culture that is deeply rooted in Tamil identity and pride.
The influence of cinema on Tamil Nadu's politics cannot be overstated, with many film personalities, including MGR, J. Jayalalithaa, and Kamal Haasan, making successful transitions from cinema to politics. This unique blend of cinema, culture, and politics continues to shape the political discourse in Tamil Nadu.
The DMK, founded in 1949 by C.N. Annadurai, and the AIADMK, founded in 1972 by M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), a charismatic film actor turned politician, have shaped the state's political narrative around welfare schemes, social justice, and Tamil nationalism. The rivalry between these parties has been central to Tamil Nadu's politics, with each having a loyal voter base and a significant impact on the state's socio-economic policies.
In recent years, Tamil Nadu's political scene has seen the emergence of new players and coalitions, but the DMK and the AIADMK continue to be the major forces. The state's politics are also characterized by a strong emphasis on welfare-oriented governance, with successive governments implementing landmark schemes in education, healthcare, and social welfare, which have contributed to Tamil Nadu's relatively high human development indicators.
Tamil Nadu has also been a battleground for linguistic and cultural identity, often resisting the imposition of Hindi and advocating for the rights of Tamil speakers. This has led to a political culture that is deeply rooted in Tamil identity and pride.
The influence of cinema on Tamil Nadu's politics cannot be overstated, with many film personalities, including MGR, J. Jayalalithaa, and Kamal Haasan, making successful transitions from cinema to politics. This unique blend of cinema, culture, and politics continues to shape the political discourse in Tamil Nadu.
TAMIL NADU NEWS
SIR done, over 97 lakh names dropped from Tamil Nadu’s draft electoral rolls
December 19, 2025 9:21 pm
Tamil Nadu draft electoral rolls: The Commission emphasised that the draft roll published on December 19 is not final and that eligible voters whose names are missing can still be added.
To take on DMK, how Vijay borrowed from its tallest rival — Jayalalithaa
December 20, 2025 8:16 am
The attendance of former AIADMK stalwart and minister Sengottaiyan, who is now the TVK's chief coordinator, at the Erode rally also sent that message.
Narasapur–Chennai Vande Bharat train to start on Dec 15; check travel time, stops, timings, ticket price
December 15, 2025 7:05 am
Narasapur–Chennai Vande Bharat Train Number Ticket Price, Timings, Route: The train will begin commercial operations from December 15 on the Narasapur–Chennai route, while services from Chennai to Narasapur will commence from December 17.
Rameshwaram–Dhanushkodi new rail line foundation stone laid by PM Modi in 2019 - why railways yet to start the project
December 13, 2025 3:11 pm
Rameshwaram–Dhanushkodi Railway Line Project Update: The foundation stone for restoring rail connectivity between Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 1, 2019.
Telangana BJP battling factionalism, what PM Modi advised MPs to do to bring the party back on track
December 13, 2025 8:00 am
PM, it is learnt, told BJP MPs to amplify efforts to reach out to people, get actively involved in sports-related activities, and improvise outreach activities
DMK move to impeach HC judge is disquieting
December 13, 2025 3:23 am
In this backdrop, the impeachment motion does not just set a disquieting precedent. It is also a case of the DMK shooting itself in the foot.
Nearly 3,000 Indians died waiting for organs in 5 years; over 82,000 still on transplant waitlist
December 11, 2025 4:08 pm
Data provided by the Union health ministry in Parliament shows that Maharashtra tops the organ transplant waitlist with 20,553 patients, followed by Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
Festivals, fears, lawsuits: What drives Hindu Munnani, the outfit in middle of Madurai temple-dargah row
December 10, 2025 7:04 pm
Founded in the early 1980s, the outfit built its base in the first couple of decades primarily through festival politics and street-level confrontations before moving towards pursuing court cases.
DMK explores motion to remove HC judge over Madurai temple lamp row: Who is Justice G R Swaminathan?
December 09, 2025 10:44 am
Justice Swaminathan, a Madras High Court judge, is not new to limelight, has been criticised by his detractors for leading his courtroom to the front line of Tamil Nadu’s culture wars
Centre cites 5 reasons for rejection of Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore and Madurai metro rail plans
December 08, 2025 4:24 pm
Tamil nadu metro project update, Metro rail policy 2017: India is rapidly expanding its metro rail network, with around 1,083 km of metro and RRTS corridors currently operational across 25 cities in the country.
TAMIL NADU PHOTOS
Cyclone Michaung wreaks havoc: Flights cancelled, roads submerged
December 04, 2023 7:41 pm
IMD issues orange alert for Andhra Pradesh and north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts as Cyclone Michaung nears south Andhra Pradesh.
Tamil Nadu preps up for Jallikattu
January 01, 2023 12:14 pm
Silent processions to floral tributes: Tamil Nadu remembers victims of 2004 tsunami
December 27, 2022 2:39 pm
As rains, waterlogging bring Tamil Nadu to a halt, CM Stalin takes stock
November 14, 2022 2:25 pm
Heavy rainfall over the past few days battered Chennai and neighboring districts leading to inundation of various areas. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin Monday reached Cuddalore to inspect damages caused by the rain and provide relief measures to people.
Chennai hit by incessant rains, several areas waterlogged
November 11, 2022 2:30 pm
AIADMK cadre led by EPS detained for staging protest as rival faction attends assembly
October 19, 2022 10:41 pm
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin launches free breakfast scheme for govt students
September 15, 2022 12:59 pm
As Tamil Nadu bids adieu to Ganesha, a Covid-19 vaccine idol stands out
September 06, 2022 2:24 pm
Glimpses of the 76th Independence Day celebrations in Tamil Nadu
August 16, 2022 10:24 am
Tamil Nadu Class 12 board exam result 2022: Websites to check score online
June 20, 2022 10:01 am
Students who appeared for the board exams can check their results at the official website — tnresults.nic.in.
TAMIL NADU VIDEOS
Narendra Modi in Tamil Nadu: Calls the Opposition Parties 'Confused Lot'
June 22, 2020 6:05 pm
While interacting with booth level workers in Tamil Nadu, PM Narendra Modi attacked the Opposition, calling them a confused lot as they make opportunist alliances with parties.
28-year-old arrested for shouting “fascist BJP government”
June 22, 2020 6:17 pm
Lois Sofia, on her way home from Canada, was with her parents who joined her at Chennai for the IndiGo flight to Tuticorin. The incident took place after the flight landed at the Tuticorin airport.
DMK supporters react to Karunanidhi's death
June 22, 2020 6:19 pm
The mood outside Kauvery hospital after news broke of the death of Kalaignar Karunanidhi.
Muthuvel Karunanidhi: Looking back at his life in active politics for over seven decades
June 22, 2020 6:19 pm
Muthuvel Karunanidhi, the man fondly called Kalaignar - the artist, breathes his last. A look back at his illustrious life and all that he achieved in over seven decades of being an active politician.
VK Sasikala's nephew TTV Dinakaran launches a political party
March 15, 2018 1:08 pm
Two Warring AIADMK Factions Finally 'United', Panneerselvam To Be Deputy CM
June 22, 2020 6:55 pm
MK Stalin Sits On Hunger Strike Against Trust Vote
June 22, 2020 7:09 pm
Students in Coimbatore display self-made drones
February 28, 2016 2:17 pm
Coimbatore, Feb 28 (ANI): The students from standard third to eight participated in an International Robotics Festival organised by robotic academy IroboChakra in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore city. They were trained into making simple robots and drones after which they created their own functional robots and displayed the same before the people. The participants made drones, Robo Arms, Power saw, Truck robo, Humanoid among others. The students also explained their creations. The winners of the competition will compete at the international level in May 2016 in the United States. robotic academy.
Last rites of Siachen bravehearts underway in native towns
February 16, 2016 5:45 am
Mysore(Karnataka)/ Vellore(Tamil Nadu), Feb 16 (ANI): The last rites of Sepoy Mahesha PN, who was buried under the February 3 Siachen avalanche, will be held today at his native town Mysore in Karnataka. A sharp-shooter, Mahesha of the 19th Battalion of Madras Regiment served for 11 years in the Indian army. Last rites of another braveheart from the same battalion, Havildar Elumalai M, a Non commissioned Officer (NCO) of the same battalion are to be held today at Vellore in Tamil Nadu. The bodies of nine fallen soldiers of Madras regiment, who were buried alive under the glacier, were earlier flown to the national capital on Monday.
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