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.

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TAMIL NADU NEWS

Amid Trump tariff worries, a Tamil Nadu caution: 30 lakh jobs at risk

January 11, 2026 10:38 pm

State Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu argued that unresolved Centre-state accounting issues were distorting Tamil Nadu’s fiscal indicators and constraining its borrowing capacity

Tamil Nadu government says it will add more services to Namma Arasu in the future.

Tamil Nadu taps WhatsApp to offer 51 citizen services via ‘Namma Arasu’ chatbot

January 10, 2026 9:34 am

From bill payments to certificate downloads, Tamil Nadu's ‘Namma Arasu’ WhatsApp chatbot offers 51 citizen services in Tamil and English.

How legendary mathematician Ramanujan published his first-ever papers in a Pune-based journal

January 09, 2026 2:22 pm

Despite its enduring legacy, the Indian Mathematical Society functions out of a room shared with an IGNOU centre at SPPU. It hopes to construct a Ganit Bhavan near Pune airport.

Jana Nayagan release remains in limbo: High Court clears Vijay’s film, but CBFC rushes to appeal

January 09, 2026 12:40 pm

The court said the CBFC’s decision to reopen the certification process based on a complaint was ‘without jurisdiction’

Tamil Nadu, a pioneer in pension reforms two decades back, now reverses course

January 09, 2026 12:38 pm

The Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme will become effective January 1, 2027, if the DMK returns to power in the state. TAPS guarantees a pension of 50% of the last drawn monthly salary to all state employees retiring on or after January 1, 2027.

Exclusive | Behind closed doors, at Amit Shah-EPS meeting, BJP’s demand: Tamil Nadu power sharing, 3 ministers and 56 seats

January 09, 2026 1:37 pm

In talks with Amit Shah, E Palaniswami expressed his reservations, saying that even signalling such an arrangement could prove electorally damaging

Why BJP wants to revisit alliance strategy in TN as talks with AIADMK gather pace

Why BJP wants to revisit alliance strategy in Tamil Nadu as talks with AIADMK gather pace

January 08, 2026 9:16 am

Anbumani Ramadoss returns to NDA; BJP keen on bringing back O Panneerselvam, T T V Dhinakaran, and DMDK

Karthigai Deepam controversy: By invoking Lord Murugan, BJP is trying to Tamilise itself

January 07, 2026 1:54 pm

The party’s efforts shed its image as a North Indian party by invoking folk deities show that it has not grasped the operational logic of modern Tamil polity

Vijay farewell vs Stalin kin’s big-budget debut: TN’s political fight on big screen

Vijay farewell vs Stalin kin’s big-budget debut: Tamil Nadu’s political fight on big screen

January 06, 2026 7:36 am

In the narrow space between those two mornings, Tamil Nadu will do what it does best. It will turn a festival into a referendum. Then it will go back to work.

AICC data head: 'TN Cong cadre want more seats, power share... can DMK alliance win without Cong vote share?'

January 05, 2026 11:14 pm

“So it (row over my post on Tamil Nadu debt) just exposes how some of these TN Congress leaders are so heavily dependent on DMK for their very political existence,” says Praveen Chakravarty

TAMIL NADU PHOTOS

chennai rain, Cyclone Michaung, tamil nadu news, indian express

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

board exam, board result, Tamil Nadu board exam

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.

TTV Dinakaran, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), AMMK founder, AIADMK, Edappadi K Palanisamy, Tamil Nadu bypolls, Chennai news, Indian express

VK Sasikala's nephew TTV Dinakaran launches a political party

March 15, 2018 1:08 pm

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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

To Push Indian Brands, Tamil Nadu Trader Organisations To Stop Selling Coca Cola, Pepsi From March 1

June 22, 2020 7:12 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.