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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
Tamil Nadu alliance on the brink: How far can Congress push DMK in deal talks?
February 19, 2026 7:57 am
The larger Congress faction under state chief Selvaperunthagai strongly favours DMK alliance under existing terms, while another group led by Manickam Tagore is pitching for more seats and power share
‘Right-sizing’ federalism: Tamil Nadu panel headed by Justice Kurian Joseph calls for changes in language policy, Governor post
February 19, 2026 5:52 am
The panel, set up by the Tamil Nadu govt, has recommended a ‘structural reset’ to recalibrate the balance of power between the Union and the states
Anamudi: A guide to Kerala’s highest peak
February 18, 2026 9:12 pm
Towering above the misty hills of Munnar, Anamudi is a biodiversity hotspot wrapped in grasslands and rare wildlife.
TN TET 2026 Registration: Application begins at trb.tn.gov.in for Paper I, II
February 19, 2026 9:19 am
The deadline for submission is set for April 10, 2026, marking the final opportunity for working teachers to apply for the state’s mandatory eligibility test.
Tamil Nadu's election-year budget bets on welfare, growth – and a trillion-dollar promise
February 18, 2026 2:27 am
Finance Minister invokes Thiruvalluvar, recalls former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's 1971 advice that a budget must mobilise resources rather than slow development for want of funds
'Not party stand': Venugopal clears air over chatter in Congress over power sharing in Tamil Nadu
February 18, 2026 4:02 am
This follows remarks by some Congress leaders who have been insisting that the party “wants not just seat sharing but power sharing” in the state.
Loyal alliance, restless partner: Congress MP’s power-sharing demand tests DMK tie-up
February 17, 2026 11:35 am
Multiple Congress sources describe the tension as a reflection of a quiet rivalry within the national leadership.
‘No cooperation, no festival’, Madras High Court tells rival groups before directing state-led festivities at Moliyappalli temple
February 17, 2026 12:21 pm
Madras High Court temple festival order: The Madras High Court was hearing the plea of a man who claimed to be the managing trustee of a temple in Moliyappalli village, which he asserted to be private and hereditary.
Tamil Nadu leads in hiring industry experts as professors of practice, central universities lag behind: UGC
February 17, 2026 10:30 am
Leading the way in hiring industry professionals in the academic workforce are private universities, while the central universities have hired only 15 PoPs so far.
Amid Stalin’s Rs 5,000 payout, why women aid proves poll game changer, Maharashtra to Bihar
February 15, 2026 3:21 pm
From Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh in 2023 to Bihar last year, women voters and direct transfer schemes for them have become mainstays of political strategy across party lines for winning elections
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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