DMK President MK Stalin on Monday led the opposition charge from Tamil Nadu against the Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA). Stalin led an anti-CAA rally in Chennai, joined by leaders and cadre of their alliance parties. Stalin was joined by senior DMK functionaries and MDMK Leader Vaiko, Congress Leader P.Chidambaram and leaders of Left parties in the nearly 2km march towards the Rajarathinam Stadium in Chennai’s Egmore.

The top rung leaders held anti-CAA placards, demanding its withdrawal, while the party cadre chanted slogans against the contentious act and waved their respective party flags. Over 5000 Police personnel were deployed in the locality, as the rally was held without the requisite Police permission. The major opposition towards the CAA has been the exclusion of Muslims and particularly in Tamil Nadu the issue of Sri Lanka not being categorized as a neighbouring country, provision of citizenship for Sri Lankan Tami refugees has come to fore.&nbsp;

Late Sunday evening, the Madras High Court had directed that DMK's rally against the Citizenship Amendment Act be captured on video if the party went ahead with it despite Police permission being denied. It gave the interim direction in response to PILs that were filed opposing the rally. This was done after the Tamil Nadu government counsel informed that Police have denied permission, as there was no firm commitment from the organizers on taking responsibility in case of any violence and damage to property.

Right from the time, it was being debated in parliament the DMK and their allies’ parliamentarians had expressed their vehement opposition to the then CAB. After the bill was passed the DMK went on the offensive against the AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu, whose MPs along with those of PMK had voted in favour of the bill in the Rajya Sabha (Upper house of parliament). The AIAMDK and PMK are allies of the BJP and had joined the NDA ahead of the 2019 General Elections.&nbsp;

“The Indian Constitution is secular and the government cannot enact any law that will discriminate against people based on religion. By excluding the Sri Lankan Tamils, the BJP has shown that it is not only against the Muslims but also the Sri Lankan Tamils” Stalin said during an agitation in Kanchipuram district in the previous week.&nbsp;

However, on various occasions, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami had assured the people that the AIADMK would ensure that no harm would occur to the minority communities and how the CAA was not a threat to Indian citizens, irrespective of their religion. In a statement, he also mentioned that rumours were being spread across the Muslim community and urged the citizens to not fall for false propaganda. The statement also emphasized that the Chief Minister had personally met the Prime Minister and Home Minister to provide dual citizenship for Sri Lankan Tamils.

The CAB (it was known as Citizenship Amendment Bill before being passed) has been a talking point in India, ever since it was tabled in the Parliament over three weeks ago. The CAA grants citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who arrived in India until December 31, 2014. After it was passed by both houses of Parliament and received the assent of the President of India, the bill has seen opposition from students, celebrities, academicians and opposition parties, besides protests that occurred in various parts of the country have turned violent.

DMK President MK Stalin on Monday led the opposition charge from Tamil Nadu against the Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA). Stalin led an anti-CAA rally in Chennai, joined by leaders and cadre of their alliance parties.

DMK President MK Stalin on Monday led the opposition charge from Tamil Nadu against the Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA). Stalin led an anti-CAA rally in Chennai, joined by leaders and cadre of their alliance parties. Stalin was joined by senior DMK functionaries and MDMK Leader Vaiko, Congress Leader P.Chidambaram and leaders of Left parties in the nearly 2km march towards the Rajarathinam Stadium in Chennai’s Egmore. The top rung leaders held anti-CAA placards, demanding its withdrawal, while the party cadre chanted slogans against the contentious act and waved their respective party flags. Over 5000 Police personnel were deployed in the locality, as the rally was held without the requisite Police permission. The major opposition towards the CAA has been the exclusion of Muslims and particularly in Tamil Nadu the issue of Sri Lanka not being categorized as a neighbouring country, provision of citizenship for Sri Lankan Tami refugees has come to fore. Late Sunday evening, the Madras High Court had directed that DMK's rally against the Citizenship Amendment Act be captured on video if the party went ahead with it despite Police permission being denied. It gave the interim direction in response to PILs that were filed opposing the rally. This was done after the Tamil Nadu government counsel informed that Police have denied permission, as there was no firm commitment from the organizers on taking responsibility in case of any violence and damage to property. Right from the time, it was being debated in parliament the DMK and their allies’ parliamentarians had expressed their vehement opposition to the then CAB. After the bill was passed the DMK went on the offensive against the AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu, whose MPs along with those of PMK had voted in favour of the bill in the Rajya Sabha (Upper house of parliament). The AIAMDK and PMK are allies of the BJP and had joined the NDA ahead of the 2019 General Elections. “The Indian Constitution is secular and the government cannot enact any law that will discriminate against people based on religion. By excluding the Sri Lankan Tamils, the BJP has shown that it is not only against the Muslims but also the Sri Lankan Tamils” Stalin said during an agitation in Kanchipuram district in the previous week. However, on various occasions, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami had assured the people that the AIADMK would ensure that no harm would occur to the minority communities and how the CAA was not a threat to Indian citizens, irrespective of their religion. In a statement, he also mentioned that rumours were being spread across the Muslim community and urged the citizens to not fall for false propaganda. The statement also emphasized that the Chief Minister had personally met the Prime Minister and Home Minister to provide dual citizenship for Sri Lankan Tamils. The CAB (it was known as Citizenship Amendment Bill before being passed) has been a talking point in India, ever since it was tabled in the Parliament over three weeks ago. The CAA grants citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who arrived in India until December 31, 2014. After it was passed by both houses of Parliament and received the assent of the President of India, the bill has seen opposition from students, celebrities, academicians and opposition parties, besides protests that occurred in various parts of the country have turned violent.

Anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests: Stalin leads DMK, allies in the rally against CAA; EPS says beware of false propaganda

DMK chief MK Stalin on Friday slammed the Centre and the state government over engineers applying for the jobs of sanitary workers and urged them to examine unemployment and layoffs in IT sector.

"There is a peak in unemployment. It`s a curse on Tamil Nadu with no creation of industries and jobs. I urge the Centre and the state government to check the unemployment and layoffs in IT sector," Stalin said at a press conference.

"Already IT companies in Tamil Nadu are laying off employees citing many artificial reasons. Reports have stated that 40,000 IT employees will lose jobs across India and this is worrisome," he said.

As many as 7,000 graduates including engineers have applied for 549 posts of sanitary workers advertised by the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC).

Talking about the local body election, Stalin said the AIADMK was postponing the poll.

"For more than three years, the AIADMK has been trying to postpone the local body election. Media is blaming the DMK for this. We have approached the court for clarification in the electoral roll. We want the election but in compliance with all electoral norms," added Stalin.&nbsp;

DMK chief MK Stalin on Friday slammed the Centre and the state government over engineers applying for the jobs of sanitary workers and urged them to examine unemployment and layoffs in IT sector.

DMK chief MK Stalin on Friday slammed the Centre and the state government over engineers applying for the jobs of sanitary workers and urged them to examine unemployment and layoffs in IT sector. "There is a peak in unemployment. It`s a curse on Tamil Nadu with no creation of industries and jobs. I urge the Centre and the state government to check the unemployment and layoffs in IT sector," Stalin said at a press conference. "Already IT companies in Tamil Nadu are laying off employees citing many artificial reasons. Reports have stated that 40,000 IT employees will lose jobs across India and this is worrisome," he said. As many as 7,000 graduates including engineers have applied for 549 posts of sanitary workers advertised by the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC). Talking about the local body election, Stalin said the AIADMK was postponing the poll. "For more than three years, the AIADMK has been trying to postpone the local body election. Media is blaming the DMK for this. We have approached the court for clarification in the electoral roll. We want the election but in compliance with all electoral norms," added Stalin.

Tamil Nadu: Stalin expresses concern over shrinking jobs in IT sector

Several key decisions were taken by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) at the party's general council meeting held here on Sunday, among which was the reiteration of its demand to reserve 90 per cent vacancies in Central government jobs in the state for Tamils.

Party president MK Stalin chaired the general council meeting held at YMCA Ground in Royapettah, in which a total number of 21 resolutions were passed.

"These resolutions show the party's stand and direction to the cadre. Whatever we were demanding, we have brought in as resolution," DMK leader TKS Elangovan told ANI.

The party also condemned the ruling-AIADMK for being involved in corruption and not delivering on their promises like monorail project, the abolishment of NEET exams, fight against GST and the new education policy.

The DMK passed resolutions to demand a permanent solution for water scarcity in the state, conducting local body elections immediately, finishing river linking projects.

It also condemned the arrest of politicians in Jammu and Kashmir. DMK also criticised the AIADMK for extending support to the BJP-led Central government on "Anti-Tamil" projects.

The party, in the meeting, also resolved to demand the release of the seven convicts lodged in prison for over 25 years in connection with the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Several key decisions were taken by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) at the party's general council meeting held here on Sunday, among which was the reiteration of its demand to reserve 90 per cent vacancies in Central government jobs in the state for Tamils.

Several key decisions were taken by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) at the party's general council meeting held here on Sunday, among which was the reiteration of its demand to reserve 90 per cent vacancies in Central government jobs in the state for Tamils. Party president MK Stalin chaired the general council meeting held at YMCA Ground in Royapettah, in which a total number of 21 resolutions were passed. "These resolutions show the party's stand and direction to the cadre. Whatever we were demanding, we have brought in as resolution," DMK leader TKS Elangovan told ANI. The party also condemned the ruling-AIADMK for being involved in corruption and not delivering on their promises like monorail project, the abolishment of NEET exams, fight against GST and the new education policy. The DMK passed resolutions to demand a permanent solution for water scarcity in the state, conducting local body elections immediately, finishing river linking projects. It also condemned the arrest of politicians in Jammu and Kashmir. DMK also criticised the AIADMK for extending support to the BJP-led Central government on "Anti-Tamil" projects. The party, in the meeting, also resolved to demand the release of the seven convicts lodged in prison for over 25 years in connection with the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

DMK reiterates demand for 90% reservation for Tamils in Central government jobs in state

Campaigning for his party ahead of the by-elections, DMK chief MK Stalin alleged that law and order situation is worst under the AIADMK government and cited the "Pollachi sexual assault case" to make his point.

"Law and order situation is worst under the AIADMK regime, Pollachi sexual assault case is an example. As you all know, AIADMK deputy speaker Pollachi Jayaraman is the key accused in the case. The culprits ruined the future of more than 250 girls," said Stalin while addressing an election rally.

Stalin alleged that AIADMK government led by Chief Minister Edapaddi K Palaniswami is a trademark of "corruption" and "loot".

"The Chief Minister said that he is proud of his government and also that his government is embalmed with the ISI mark, but the truth is, his government has got ISI mark in corruption and loot," said Stalin.

"AIADMK has been in power for the last eight years but have not conducted local body elections which should have been conducted three years ago. AIADMK knows very well that if local body elections are held, DMK will win and they will not be able to loot money," he said.

AIADMK and opposition DMK are making all-out efforts for the Nanguneri and Vikravandi Assembly by-polls scheduled to be held on October 21 with both Palaniswami and Stalin campaigning for their respective parties.&nbsp;

Campaigning for his party ahead of the by-elections, DMK chief MK Stalin alleged that law and order situation is worst under the AIADMK government and cited the "Pollachi sexual assault case" to make his point.

Campaigning for his party ahead of the by-elections, DMK chief MK Stalin alleged that law and order situation is worst under the AIADMK government and cited the "Pollachi sexual assault case" to make his point. "Law and order situation is worst under the AIADMK regime, Pollachi sexual assault case is an example. As you all know, AIADMK deputy speaker Pollachi Jayaraman is the key accused in the case. The culprits ruined the future of more than 250 girls," said Stalin while addressing an election rally. Stalin alleged that AIADMK government led by Chief Minister Edapaddi K Palaniswami is a trademark of "corruption" and "loot". "The Chief Minister said that he is proud of his government and also that his government is embalmed with the ISI mark, but the truth is, his government has got ISI mark in corruption and loot," said Stalin. "AIADMK has been in power for the last eight years but have not conducted local body elections which should have been conducted three years ago. AIADMK knows very well that if local body elections are held, DMK will win and they will not be able to loot money," he said. AIADMK and opposition DMK are making all-out efforts for the Nanguneri and Vikravandi Assembly by-polls scheduled to be held on October 21 with both Palaniswami and Stalin campaigning for their respective parties.

Law and order worst under AIADMK rule: MK Stalin

Tamil Nadu's opposition leader, DMK president MK Stalin has suggested in a statement that Tamil be made India’s official language, this comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Tamil as the oldest language, while speaking at the IIT Madras Convocation, on Monday.&nbsp;

While the statement welcomed the Prime Minister’s gesture of having glorified the Tamil language at the United Nations, it also accused the BJP-led Central government of imposing Sanskrit (liturgical language) and Hindi on the Tamil people, despite the wide-ranging evidence of the ancient nature of the Tamil language.

The statement read, ''As all central government schemes are coined in Hindi or Sanskrit. Even when the schemes are publicised in Tamil, the pronunciation of the words are in Hindi or Sanskrit. Naming the schemes in Hindi or Sanskrit makes it difficult for Tamils and other language speakers to understand the schemes and their purpose.''&nbsp;

''DMK has been emphasising that all 22 languages in the 8th schedule of the Constitution be made official languages. In the first step to that initiative, the oldest language Tamil should be made the official language of India and Tamil should also be made the official language of the Madras High Court. PM Modi’s Government is certainly duty-bound to recognise Tamil, which is spoken by over 8 crore people globally, as an official language. It is to be brought to the notice of our prime minister that Tamil is one among the official languages of various other countries, whereas it is not an official language in its home country India,'' it added.&nbsp;

Referring to the PM's comments of Tamil cuisine and hospitality, the statement said, Tamils are not only known for our hospitality, but also for our loyalty. If the Prime Minister can sincerely try to grant official language status for Tamil and enact the necessary legal provisions for the same, it would be appreciated forever by the Tamil people. Granting the Official Language Status for Tamil language would also be in line with the vision of former Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers Annadurai and Karunanidhi.

The statement by the Dravidian party also needs to be seen in the light of Home Minister Amit Shah’s call for Hindi as a common link language to unite the country. The Home Minister’s comments had drawn flak from regional leaders of non-Hindi speaking states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

The DMK too had announced a state-wide anti-Hindi agitation, which was later cancelled after MK Stalin met Governor Banwarilal Purohit, who is said to have assured the DMK leader that the Centre would not impose Hindi in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu's opposition leader, DMK president MK Stalin has suggested in a statement that Tamil be made India’s official language, this comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Tamil as the oldest language, while speaking at the IIT Madras Convocation, on Monday.

Tamil Nadu's opposition leader, DMK president MK Stalin has suggested in a statement that Tamil be made India’s official language, this comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Tamil as the oldest language, while speaking at the IIT Madras Convocation, on Monday. While the statement welcomed the Prime Minister’s gesture of having glorified the Tamil language at the United Nations, it also accused the BJP-led Central government of imposing Sanskrit (liturgical language) and Hindi on the Tamil people, despite the wide-ranging evidence of the ancient nature of the Tamil language. The statement read, ''As all central government schemes are coined in Hindi or Sanskrit. Even when the schemes are publicised in Tamil, the pronunciation of the words are in Hindi or Sanskrit. Naming the schemes in Hindi or Sanskrit makes it difficult for Tamils and other language speakers to understand the schemes and their purpose.'' ''DMK has been emphasising that all 22 languages in the 8th schedule of the Constitution be made official languages. In the first step to that initiative, the oldest language Tamil should be made the official language of India and Tamil should also be made the official language of the Madras High Court. PM Modi’s Government is certainly duty-bound to recognise Tamil, which is spoken by over 8 crore people globally, as an official language. It is to be brought to the notice of our prime minister that Tamil is one among the official languages of various other countries, whereas it is not an official language in its home country India,'' it added. Referring to the PM's comments of Tamil cuisine and hospitality, the statement said, Tamils are not only known for our hospitality, but also for our loyalty. If the Prime Minister can sincerely try to grant official language status for Tamil and enact the necessary legal provisions for the same, it would be appreciated forever by the Tamil people. Granting the Official Language Status for Tamil language would also be in line with the vision of former Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers Annadurai and Karunanidhi. The statement by the Dravidian party also needs to be seen in the light of Home Minister Amit Shah’s call for Hindi as a common link language to unite the country. The Home Minister’s comments had drawn flak from regional leaders of non-Hindi speaking states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The DMK too had announced a state-wide anti-Hindi agitation, which was later cancelled after MK Stalin met Governor Banwarilal Purohit, who is said to have assured the DMK leader that the Centre would not impose Hindi in Tamil Nadu.

DMK president MK Stalin seeks Official Language Status for Tamil

In the 1960s, there was an anti-Congress front, which came to power in Madhya Pradesh, with the Jan Sangh and Communists in the same camp! During that period, regional parties were on the ascendance, with DMK — helped by Swatantra Party and CPM — coming to power in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

During the 1970s and the 1980s, the communal versus secular debate was not much in vogue. Regional parties joined hands to oppose the Congress. Their one-point agenda was anti-Congressism.&nbsp;

In the 1990s and later, Congress was a major force that attracted many regional satraps and ran governments with their help from 2004 to 2014.&nbsp;

The rise of BJP in the 1990s has altered the equations with some regional parties like Shiv Sena, Akali Dal and the JD(U) aligning with the BJP, while the others are close to the Congress.&nbsp;

It is interesting to note that socialist parties in MP, Rajasthan and Gujarat have practically disappeared, merging with either the Congress or BJP. These three states had a significant presence of various Lohia-ite parties, all of which were very powerful in the 1960s and 1970s. But they stand forgotten, and the BJP has emerged as the only alternative to the Congress in these three states, which have become two-party systems.

The important point is not about the national aspirations of these regional parties, but their functioning. Whether it is DMK or Shiv Sena where family battles have come out in to open, or the Akali Dal, Janata Dal (S), PMK or the NCP, where an heir apparent has been anointed, or the TDP or RJD, whose family business is politics.&nbsp;

It is important to mention that Tamil Nadu is the pioneer in this aspect where the interests of the state, party, government and language are all subsumed for the welfare of a family enterprise.&nbsp;

In any business, maximisation of shareholder’s wealth is the main objective. Unfortunately, these regional parties are not listed on the stock exchanges and hence an accurate market valuation may not be available.

The total wealth declared by these leaders during election time in the form of affidavits can be a guide to their net worth. But, it will be an under-valuation since it only reflects what can be declared and does not tell the future earning potential of the business.&nbsp;

In this, there are multiple stakeholders other than the controlling family, which plans, allocates and execute projects, with the returns being shared.

The preoperative and preliminary expenses are related to rabble-rousing on caste or language issues. Some initial investment in the form of cut-outs is needed. Another method is to promise largesse in the form of free power, milk, free liquor, TV, free cinema, free rice (Why nobody offers free sex is a mystery to me!), which are to be given from the state exchequer.&nbsp;

In this model, the actual business entity need not worry about operational expenses since post-power, it has total access to the revenue stream.

So, most regional parties ultimately became unlisted family enterprises (DMK/ SP/ RJD/ NC/ SS/ TDP/ YSRP). Three others came to be run by single women (AIADMK/ TMC/ BSP). Since Congress itself is a family-controlled party, it was easier for it to deal with other families through the patronage system. Meanwhile, the amassing of wealth by families that run regional parties is ignored with a benign smile.&nbsp;

At one point, Indira Gandhi had a deal with the DMK where she allowed the latter all the Assembly seats in lieu of Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu. That was accommodation par excellence.&nbsp;

But the emergence of the BJP as the main pole in national politics, has altered the nature of the discourse. This is one of the reasons why the BJP and the Shiv Sena are having a tough time sealing the deal in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Unlike the Congress, the BJP seems less interested in the patronage and sharing system of spoils since it has a majority of its own in the Lok Sabha. To that extent, it is not dependent on regional families like the DMK.&nbsp;

Many leaders of regional parties find it more attractive to join the BJP than being regional. Congress is not in a position to be an alternate pole to attract regional parties, who find it difficult to be out of power for long periods because their ‘sources’ get depleted. The new national rhythm of the BJP is thus a challenge to regionalism, which can create its own fault-lines in the Indian polity.&nbsp;

The accommodative and patronage-based policy of the Congress towards regional satraps may be replaced by aggressive nationalist postures. Introduction of pan-Indian regulations and laws like GST may be accelerated. Or will the BJP become like the Congress, as far as accommodative politics goes? That is a major issue.

Will the business model of regional family parties meet its nemesis? One reason it will flourish for some more years is the increasing importance of land as a factor of production.&nbsp;

In the 1960s, capital was scarce and land was easily allotted. Now capital is available even from global sources, but land is scarce and that is the strength of these families. Control and allotment of land is the primary ‘son rise’ (pun intended) industry.

To that extent, family businesses will flourish since land is gold and as our regional political parties have realised, it is a state subject.

More than Uniform Civil Code, what is needed is making land and water central subjects. This will alter the future of India, which is linked to some 40-50 families and their capacity for rabble-rousing along with rapaciousness and greed. Are we ready for a thorough reform? Will BJP bite the bullet? 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-politics-as-family-enterprise-2790022">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

In the 1960s, there was an anti-Congress front, which came to power in Madhya Pradesh, with the Jan Sangh and Communists in the same camp! During that period, regional parties were on the ascendance, with DMK — helped by Swatantra Party and CPM — coming to power in Tamil Nadu.

In the 1960s, there was an anti-Congress front, which came to power in Madhya Pradesh, with the Jan Sangh and Communists in the same camp! During that period, regional parties were on the ascendance, with DMK — helped by Swatantra Party and CPM — coming to power in Tamil Nadu. During the 1970s and the 1980s, the communal versus secular debate was not much in vogue. Regional parties joined hands to oppose the Congress. Their one-point agenda was anti-Congressism. In the 1990s and later, Congress was a major force that attracted many regional satraps and ran governments with their help from 2004 to 2014. The rise of BJP in the 1990s has altered the equations with some regional parties like Shiv Sena, Akali Dal and the JD(U) aligning with the BJP, while the others are close to the Congress. It is interesting to note that socialist parties in MP, Rajasthan and Gujarat have practically disappeared, merging with either the Congress or BJP. These three states had a significant presence of various Lohia-ite parties, all of which were very powerful in the 1960s and 1970s. But they stand forgotten, and the BJP has emerged as the only alternative to the Congress in these three states, which have become two-party systems. The important point is not about the national aspirations of these regional parties, but their functioning. Whether it is DMK or Shiv Sena where family battles have come out in to open, or the Akali Dal, Janata Dal (S), PMK or the NCP, where an heir apparent has been anointed, or the TDP or RJD, whose family business is politics. It is important to mention that Tamil Nadu is the pioneer in this aspect where the interests of the state, party, government and language are all subsumed for the welfare of a family enterprise. In any business, maximisation of shareholder’s wealth is the main objective. Unfortunately, these regional parties are not listed on the stock exchanges and hence an accurate market valuation may not be available. The total wealth declared by these leaders during election time in the form of affidavits can be a guide to their net worth. But, it will be an under-valuation since it only reflects what can be declared and does not tell the future earning potential of the business. In this, there are multiple stakeholders other than the controlling family, which plans, allocates and execute projects, with the returns being shared. The preoperative and preliminary expenses are related to rabble-rousing on caste or language issues. Some initial investment in the form of cut-outs is needed. Another method is to promise largesse in the form of free power, milk, free liquor, TV, free cinema, free rice (Why nobody offers free sex is a mystery to me!), which are to be given from the state exchequer. In this model, the actual business entity need not worry about operational expenses since post-power, it has total access to the revenue stream. So, most regional parties ultimately became unlisted family enterprises (DMK/ SP/ RJD/ NC/ SS/ TDP/ YSRP). Three others came to be run by single women (AIADMK/ TMC/ BSP). Since Congress itself is a family-controlled party, it was easier for it to deal with other families through the patronage system. Meanwhile, the amassing of wealth by families that run regional parties is ignored with a benign smile. At one point, Indira Gandhi had a deal with the DMK where she allowed the latter all the Assembly seats in lieu of Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu. That was accommodation par excellence. But the emergence of the BJP as the main pole in national politics, has altered the nature of the discourse. This is one of the reasons why the BJP and the Shiv Sena are having a tough time sealing the deal in Maharashtra. Unlike the Congress, the BJP seems less interested in the patronage and sharing system of spoils since it has a majority of its own in the Lok Sabha. To that extent, it is not dependent on regional families like the DMK. Many leaders of regional parties find it more attractive to join the BJP than being regional. Congress is not in a position to be an alternate pole to attract regional parties, who find it difficult to be out of power for long periods because their ‘sources’ get depleted. The new national rhythm of the BJP is thus a challenge to regionalism, which can create its own fault-lines in the Indian polity. The accommodative and patronage-based policy of the Congress towards regional satraps may be replaced by aggressive nationalist postures. Introduction of pan-Indian regulations and laws like GST may be accelerated. Or will the BJP become like the Congress, as far as accommodative politics goes? That is a major issue. Will the business model of regional family parties meet its nemesis? One reason it will flourish for some more years is the increasing importance of land as a factor of production. In the 1960s, capital was scarce and land was easily allotted. Now capital is available even from global sources, but land is scarce and that is the strength of these families. Control and allotment of land is the primary ‘son rise’ (pun intended) industry. To that extent, family businesses will flourish since land is gold and as our regional political parties have realised, it is a state subject. More than Uniform Civil Code, what is needed is making land and water central subjects. This will alter the future of India, which is linked to some 40-50 families and their capacity for rabble-rousing along with rapaciousness and greed. Are we ready for a thorough reform? Will BJP bite the bullet? (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Politics as family enterprise: Nationalist rhythm of BJP is challenge to regionalism

In an apparent volte-face, on the first day of the Assembly session, Tamil Nadu's Opposition Party DMK decided not to insist on taking up the No-Confidence Motion against Assembly Speaker P.Dhanapal "considering the current circumstances".&nbsp;

The No-Confidence motion was expected to come up on July 1.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters at Fort St. George, DMK president and leader of the opposition M K Stalin said, "We will not insist on taking up the no-confidence motion. The situation has changed now. We have given a letter to the Speaker not insisting on the notice for the no-confidence motion".

On April 30, members of Tamil Nadu’s opposition party, the DMK met the Tamil Nadu Assembly Secretary to present a notice to move a no-confidence petition against the Assembly Speaker. This is in line with the party president M K Stalin’s earlier statement that the party would move a no-confidence motion against the speaker if he were to act in a biased manner. &nbsp;

This reaction from the DMK was triggered after the AIADMK party Chief whip S Rajendran on April 26 submitted a recommendation to Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal regarding the disqualification of three AIADMK MLAs on the grounds of ‘anti-party’ activities. The MLAs are E Rathinasabapathi, V T Kalaiselvan and Prabhu, who were elected from Aranthangi, Vridhachalam and Kallakurichi Assembly constituencies respectively.&nbsp;

It was perceived that the AIADMK had attempted to disqualify the MLAs in order to reduce the strength of the house, in order to safeguard their government if they fell short of seats in the 22 by-polls to Assembly seats.

However, the Supreme Court issued an interim stay on a notice sent by the Tamil Nadu Speaker to three MLAs of the ruling AIADMK, who were said to be loyal towards the TTV Dinakaran-led AMMK camp. Two of the MLAs who had received the notice from the Assembly Speaker P. Dhanapal had approached the Supreme Court to stay the notice sent by the Speaker.

As the results to the by-polls are declared, the Tamil Nadu Assembly will now witness the participation of 232 legislators, out of the total house strength of 234. In the by-polls the ruling AIADMK won 9 seats, giving it up to 123 MLAs, well past the halfway mark of 118.&nbsp;

The opening day of the Assembly session today was adjourned after adopting obituary references for two legislators -- R. Kanagaraj of AIADMK and K. Radhamani of DMK -- who died recently. The House will meet on July 1 to take up the demands for grants for various departments. The Assembly session is expected to be stormy given the prevailing severe water crisis and the increased strength of DMK legislators after the by-polls to 22 Assembly constituencies.

Speaking to WION on the rationale behind the DMK's volte-face, senior journalist and political analyst Sumanth C Raman said, "obviously they wanted to avoid being defeated again on the floor of the house as the ruling AIADMK has the requisite numbers"

In an apparent volte-face, on the first day of the Assembly session, Tamil Nadu's Opposition Party DMK decided not to insist on taking up the No-Confidence Motion against Assembly Speaker P.

In an apparent volte-face, on the first day of the Assembly session, Tamil Nadu's Opposition Party DMK decided not to insist on taking up the No-Confidence Motion against Assembly Speaker P.Dhanapal "considering the current circumstances". The No-Confidence motion was expected to come up on July 1. Speaking to reporters at Fort St. George, DMK president and leader of the opposition M K Stalin said, "We will not insist on taking up the no-confidence motion. The situation has changed now. We have given a letter to the Speaker not insisting on the notice for the no-confidence motion". On April 30, members of Tamil Nadu’s opposition party, the DMK met the Tamil Nadu Assembly Secretary to present a notice to move a no-confidence petition against the Assembly Speaker. This is in line with the party president M K Stalin’s earlier statement that the party would move a no-confidence motion against the speaker if he were to act in a biased manner. This reaction from the DMK was triggered after the AIADMK party Chief whip S Rajendran on April 26 submitted a recommendation to Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal regarding the disqualification of three AIADMK MLAs on the grounds of ‘anti-party’ activities. The MLAs are E Rathinasabapathi, V T Kalaiselvan and Prabhu, who were elected from Aranthangi, Vridhachalam and Kallakurichi Assembly constituencies respectively. It was perceived that the AIADMK had attempted to disqualify the MLAs in order to reduce the strength of the house, in order to safeguard their government if they fell short of seats in the 22 by-polls to Assembly seats. However, the Supreme Court issued an interim stay on a notice sent by the Tamil Nadu Speaker to three MLAs of the ruling AIADMK, who were said to be loyal towards the TTV Dinakaran-led AMMK camp. Two of the MLAs who had received the notice from the Assembly Speaker P. Dhanapal had approached the Supreme Court to stay the notice sent by the Speaker. As the results to the by-polls are declared, the Tamil Nadu Assembly will now witness the participation of 232 legislators, out of the total house strength of 234. In the by-polls the ruling AIADMK won 9 seats, giving it up to 123 MLAs, well past the halfway mark of 118. The opening day of the Assembly session today was adjourned after adopting obituary references for two legislators -- R. Kanagaraj of AIADMK and K. Radhamani of DMK -- who died recently. The House will meet on July 1 to take up the demands for grants for various departments. The Assembly session is expected to be stormy given the prevailing severe water crisis and the increased strength of DMK legislators after the by-polls to 22 Assembly constituencies. Speaking to WION on the rationale behind the DMK's volte-face, senior journalist and political analyst Sumanth C Raman said, "obviously they wanted to avoid being defeated again on the floor of the house as the ruling AIADMK has the requisite numbers"

Tamil Nadu: DMK to not push for no-confidence motion against Speaker

DMK president M K Stalin alleged on Monday that the Centre's move on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-uproar-over-hindi-imposition-centre-alters-draft-education-policy-223801">dropping the clause on compulsory Hindi learning</a> in the draft National Education Policy was aimed at deceiving Tamil Nadu and demanded an explanation over it.

He sought a categorical assurance that Hindi will not be thrust on the southern state.

Presiding over a function to celebrate the 96th birth anniversary of his father and DMK patriarch, late M Karunanidhi here, Stalin said in the absence of such an explanation, Tamil Nadu will witness a massive agitation on the lines of the 1965 stir to oppose Hindi.

Recalling the demonstration led by Karunanidhi during the pre-Independence era and the 1965 protests against Hindi in Tamil Nadu, he said a situation was now emerging for reprising such massive agitations.&nbsp;

"The announcement (by the Centre on dropping the contentious clause mandating Hindi learning) has been made with an intent to deceive and if there is no explanation (assuring that Hindi will not be thrust) in two to three days, the leaders of the alliance partners here will get together, decide and following that, Tamil Nadu will witness a massive agitation, be prepared," Stalin told party workers.

The DMK chief alleged that the BJP-led Centre was enacting a drama on the language issue after seeing the huge opposition to the proposal in the draft National Education Policy on Hindi learning in Tamil Nadu.

DMK president M K Stalin alleged on Monday that the Centre's move on dropping the clause on compulsory Hindi learning in the draft National Education Policy was aimed at deceiving Tamil Nadu and demanded an explanation over it.

DMK president M K Stalin alleged on Monday that the Centre's move on dropping the clause on compulsory Hindi learning in the draft National Education Policy was aimed at deceiving Tamil Nadu and demanded an explanation over it. He sought a categorical assurance that Hindi will not be thrust on the southern state. Presiding over a function to celebrate the 96th birth anniversary of his father and DMK patriarch, late M Karunanidhi here, Stalin said in the absence of such an explanation, Tamil Nadu will witness a massive agitation on the lines of the 1965 stir to oppose Hindi. Recalling the demonstration led by Karunanidhi during the pre-Independence era and the 1965 protests against Hindi in Tamil Nadu, he said a situation was now emerging for reprising such massive agitations. "The announcement (by the Centre on dropping the contentious clause mandating Hindi learning) has been made with an intent to deceive and if there is no explanation (assuring that Hindi will not be thrust) in two to three days, the leaders of the alliance partners here will get together, decide and following that, Tamil Nadu will witness a massive agitation, be prepared," Stalin told party workers. The DMK chief alleged that the BJP-led Centre was enacting a drama on the language issue after seeing the huge opposition to the proposal in the draft National Education Policy on Hindi learning in Tamil Nadu.

Centre's move on language aimed at deceiving Tamil Nadu: Stalin

In a veiled attack on the BJP, days after its thumping Lok Sabha poll win, DMK president M K Stalin Saturday said a situation has now emerged that warranted his party's secularism plank to be pitched in other Indian states.

The nation has been prompted to "look south" for DMK's Parliamentary election strategy that "saved" Tamil Nadu from the "cruel hands of communal forces," he said.

In an open letter to party workers, Stalin took pride on his party taking the third top slot (23 seats) in the Lok Sabha polls after the BJP (303) and Congress (52).

While the DMK-led front won 37 of the 38 seats in the state, the AIADMK could win only the Theni constituency. The election was cancelled in Vellore segment following allegations of corruption.

"A situation has now emerged that necessitates DMK's plank of secularism in other Indian states as well," he said.

The DMK chief also batted for pitching secularism for containing the saffron party and winning polls.

Stalin, during the run-up to the polls in Tamil Nadu, had christened the combine led by him as "Secular Progressive Alliance." The Congress party, Left parties, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the Indian Union Muslim League were among the SPA constituents.

Stalin said devising a poll strategy whenever the nation's democratic and pluralistic values were threatened was the "political dharma" of his father and the party's deceased patriarch M Karunanidhi.

Following the late leader's "political dharma", the DMK has posted a massive victory and this has "amazed the north, united the south and astounded the whole country", he said.

The DMK chief exhorted his party cadre to take part in the birth anniversary celebrations of Karunanidhi here on June 3 to "thank the great leader (Karunanidhi) who gave us the strategy for victory and the people who made us win."

He asked party workers and leaders to observe "June as Kalaignar's (Karunanidhi) month," and hold events through the month in commemoration of the late stalwart.

Karunanidhi passed away in August last year.

Meanwhile, the DMK mouthpiece "Murasoli," (in an editorial on Saturday) has again urged Congress President Rahul Gandhi to take back his offer to step down from the top party post.

Rahul's move to quit will neither be seconded by the "historic Congress party" nor by the people of India due to their love and affection for the Nehru-Gandhi family, the Dravidian party daily said.

The DMK organ on May 31 had likened Rahul Gandhi to Jawaharlal Nehru for his liberal ideological moorings that went beyond just electoral politics and asserted that the Congress needed a "broad-minded person" like him.&nbsp;

In a veiled attack on the BJP, days after its thumping Lok Sabha poll win, DMK president M K Stalin Saturday said a situation has now emerged that warranted his party's secularism plank to be pitched in other Indian states.

In a veiled attack on the BJP, days after its thumping Lok Sabha poll win, DMK president M K Stalin Saturday said a situation has now emerged that warranted his party's secularism plank to be pitched in other Indian states. The nation has been prompted to "look south" for DMK's Parliamentary election strategy that "saved" Tamil Nadu from the "cruel hands of communal forces," he said. In an open letter to party workers, Stalin took pride on his party taking the third top slot (23 seats) in the Lok Sabha polls after the BJP (303) and Congress (52). While the DMK-led front won 37 of the 38 seats in the state, the AIADMK could win only the Theni constituency. The election was cancelled in Vellore segment following allegations of corruption. "A situation has now emerged that necessitates DMK's plank of secularism in other Indian states as well," he said. The DMK chief also batted for pitching secularism for containing the saffron party and winning polls. Stalin, during the run-up to the polls in Tamil Nadu, had christened the combine led by him as "Secular Progressive Alliance." The Congress party, Left parties, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the Indian Union Muslim League were among the SPA constituents. Stalin said devising a poll strategy whenever the nation's democratic and pluralistic values were threatened was the "political dharma" of his father and the party's deceased patriarch M Karunanidhi. Following the late leader's "political dharma", the DMK has posted a massive victory and this has "amazed the north, united the south and astounded the whole country", he said. The DMK chief exhorted his party cadre to take part in the birth anniversary celebrations of Karunanidhi here on June 3 to "thank the great leader (Karunanidhi) who gave us the strategy for victory and the people who made us win." He asked party workers and leaders to observe "June as Kalaignar's (Karunanidhi) month," and hold events through the month in commemoration of the late stalwart. Karunanidhi passed away in August last year. Meanwhile, the DMK mouthpiece "Murasoli," (in an editorial on Saturday) has again urged Congress President Rahul Gandhi to take back his offer to step down from the top party post. Rahul's move to quit will neither be seconded by the "historic Congress party" nor by the people of India due to their love and affection for the Nehru-Gandhi family, the Dravidian party daily said. The DMK organ on May 31 had likened Rahul Gandhi to Jawaharlal Nehru for his liberal ideological moorings that went beyond just electoral politics and asserted that the Congress needed a "broad-minded person" like him.

DMK's secularism plank needs to be pitched in other Indian states: Stalin

Tamil Nadu's opposition party, the DMK, lashed out at the AIADMK government which approached the Supreme Court on Friday against the Madras High Court order quashing land acquisition proceedings for the Rs 10,000 crore Chennai-Salem eight-lane expressway.

"The AIADMK-BJP coalition which faced a rout in Tamil Nadu was betraying the people after being angered and humiliated by their debacle in the state," Stalin said.

He also accused Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami of going back on his poll promise of not implementing projects that would affect the farmers in Tamil Nadu.

Stalin also urged the government to withdraw their petition to the Supreme Court and look for an alternative route to implement the developmental project in a manner that would not affect the farmers.

In its April 8 judgement, the high court said that the project requires a mega re-alignment as the proposed route would have an adverse effect on the environment, including water bodies. The judgement was passed by the court after considering a batch of petitions filed by 35 land owners from the region and PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss.

The proposed eight-lane 277-km-long expressway, approved in February 2018, was aimed at cutting down travel time between Chennai and Salem by a little over two hours and reducing the distance by around 68 kilometres. As per the project report, it was to pass via five districts of Tamil Nanu namely Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri and Salem.

However, the project faced protests from various groups on the grounds that it could end up utilising over 7,500 acres of land. Some of this includes agricultural land, villages, orchards, and reserve forests. Land acquisition and compensation for the same were major roadblocks. They were of the opinion that this project would not be necessary as there are three highways currently connecting the state's capital city with Salem.

While the AIADMK government was keen on having this project implemented, the DMK stood with the protesters and also said that they were against its implementation.

A Supreme Court bench of Justices M R Shah and A S Bopanna agreed to take up the matter on plea for an urgent hearing made by the counsel appearing for the state government. The petition will be heard on June 3.

Tamil Nadu's opposition party, the DMK, lashed out at the AIADMK government which approached the Supreme Court on Friday against the Madras High Court order quashing land acquisition proceedings for the Rs 10,000 crore Chennai-Salem eight-lane expressway.

Tamil Nadu's opposition party, the DMK, lashed out at the AIADMK government which approached the Supreme Court on Friday against the Madras High Court order quashing land acquisition proceedings for the Rs 10,000 crore Chennai-Salem eight-lane expressway. "The AIADMK-BJP coalition which faced a rout in Tamil Nadu was betraying the people after being angered and humiliated by their debacle in the state," Stalin said. He also accused Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami of going back on his poll promise of not implementing projects that would affect the farmers in Tamil Nadu. Stalin also urged the government to withdraw their petition to the Supreme Court and look for an alternative route to implement the developmental project in a manner that would not affect the farmers. In its April 8 judgement, the high court said that the project requires a mega re-alignment as the proposed route would have an adverse effect on the environment, including water bodies. The judgement was passed by the court after considering a batch of petitions filed by 35 land owners from the region and PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss. The proposed eight-lane 277-km-long expressway, approved in February 2018, was aimed at cutting down travel time between Chennai and Salem by a little over two hours and reducing the distance by around 68 kilometres. As per the project report, it was to pass via five districts of Tamil Nanu namely Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri and Salem. However, the project faced protests from various groups on the grounds that it could end up utilising over 7,500 acres of land. Some of this includes agricultural land, villages, orchards, and reserve forests. Land acquisition and compensation for the same were major roadblocks. They were of the opinion that this project would not be necessary as there are three highways currently connecting the state's capital city with Salem. While the AIADMK government was keen on having this project implemented, the DMK stood with the protesters and also said that they were against its implementation. A Supreme Court bench of Justices M R Shah and A S Bopanna agreed to take up the matter on plea for an urgent hearing made by the counsel appearing for the state government. The petition will be heard on June 3.

Betrayal, says DMK as Tamil Nadu challenges high court order against Chennai-Salem expressway in Supreme Court

With the DMK's resounding electoral victory in the just-concluded Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu, Stalin has cemented, firmly, his place as the party leader.

Thalapathy (commander) as he is popularly known among DMK carders, who bequeathed enormous responsibility from his father who died in August 2018, proved his mettle and made the detractors, who questioned his leadership style over the past few months, eat their own words.&nbsp;

The DMK-led alliance routed rival BJP-AIADMK in the state winning 37 out of 38&nbsp;Lok Sabha seats that went to the polls.&nbsp;

Karunanidhi, fondly called Kalaignar by his party cadres, was rather reluctant to pass the baton to Stalin who was the youth wing secretary of the party for 34 years until the age of 63.&nbsp;

Stalin succeeded and was made the party president only after Karunanidhi's death.&nbsp;

With the remarkable victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Stalin has finally emerged from his father and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi’s long shadow.

Though the opposition parties across the country wanted to oust Modi, neither was there unity among them nor were they ready to accommodate other like-minded parties opposed to BJP into their fold which resulted in advantage BJP.

When everyone from Mamata Banerjee to Mayawati exercised politics of greed and lust for power, Stalin, perhaps the only opposition leader, who was not only magnanimous and accommodated both Congress and the Communist parties in the alliance and set aside a respectable number of seats to both the parties.&nbsp;

Stalin also openly endorsed Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate of 'Mahagathbandhan'. While everyone else failed to stop Modi, Stalin remains one of the few anti-BJP politicians who have managed to buck the national trend and halted BJP's juggernaut in Tamil Nadu. DMK-Congress sustained the campaign against the BJP was the main reason for the DMK-led alliance's victory.

From the Thoothukudi killings that followed anti-Sterlite protests to Gaja cyclone and Cauvery river and NEET issue, the general mood of Tamil Nadu was against Modi-led BJP regime at the Centre. And, AIADMK shot themselves on the foot when they tied up with the BJP which resulted in the Dravidian party losing any slim chance they had to win a few seats in the state.

DMK's coalition with Congress also helped in minority vote consolidation. &nbsp;

The minority vote consolidation in favour of DMK-led alliance wouldn`t have happened if the Congress was not part of the alliance or Gandhi was not announced as Prime Ministerial candidate which led to DMK's massive victory.

Stalin may not have succeeded in his mission to see Congress president Rahul Gandhi as country's prime minister but he had dealt an embarrassing blow to BJP's ambition to breach the Dravidian citadel by partnering with AIADMK. &nbsp;

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

With the DMK's resounding electoral victory in the just-concluded Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu, Stalin has cemented, firmly, his place as the party leader. Thalapathy (commander) as he is popularly known among DMK carders, who bequeathed enormous responsibility from his father who died in August 2018, proved his mettle and made the detractors, who questioned his leadership style over the past few months, eat their own words.

With the DMK's resounding electoral victory in the just-concluded Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu, Stalin has cemented, firmly, his place as the party leader. Thalapathy (commander) as he is popularly known among DMK carders, who bequeathed enormous responsibility from his father who died in August 2018, proved his mettle and made the detractors, who questioned his leadership style over the past few months, eat their own words. The DMK-led alliance routed rival BJP-AIADMK in the state winning 37 out of 38 Lok Sabha seats that went to the polls. Karunanidhi, fondly called Kalaignar by his party cadres, was rather reluctant to pass the baton to Stalin who was the youth wing secretary of the party for 34 years until the age of 63. Stalin succeeded and was made the party president only after Karunanidhi's death. With the remarkable victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Stalin has finally emerged from his father and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi’s long shadow. Though the opposition parties across the country wanted to oust Modi, neither was there unity among them nor were they ready to accommodate other like-minded parties opposed to BJP into their fold which resulted in advantage BJP. When everyone from Mamata Banerjee to Mayawati exercised politics of greed and lust for power, Stalin, perhaps the only opposition leader, who was not only magnanimous and accommodated both Congress and the Communist parties in the alliance and set aside a respectable number of seats to both the parties. Stalin also openly endorsed Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate of 'Mahagathbandhan'. While everyone else failed to stop Modi, Stalin remains one of the few anti-BJP politicians who have managed to buck the national trend and halted BJP's juggernaut in Tamil Nadu. DMK-Congress sustained the campaign against the BJP was the main reason for the DMK-led alliance's victory. From the Thoothukudi killings that followed anti-Sterlite protests to Gaja cyclone and Cauvery river and NEET issue, the general mood of Tamil Nadu was against Modi-led BJP regime at the Centre. And, AIADMK shot themselves on the foot when they tied up with the BJP which resulted in the Dravidian party losing any slim chance they had to win a few seats in the state. DMK's coalition with Congress also helped in minority vote consolidation. The minority vote consolidation in favour of DMK-led alliance wouldn`t have happened if the Congress was not part of the alliance or Gandhi was not announced as Prime Ministerial candidate which led to DMK's massive victory. Stalin may not have succeeded in his mission to see Congress president Rahul Gandhi as country's prime minister but he had dealt an embarrassing blow to BJP's ambition to breach the Dravidian citadel by partnering with AIADMK. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

M K Stalin's magnanimity ensured BJP-AIADMK rout in Tamil Nadu

The DMK will be the third largest party in the new Lok Sabha, while the Trinamool Congress and the YSR Congress will be fourth in terms of strength in the lower house of Parliament.&nbsp;

As many as 397 MPs were elected from national parties, think-tank PRS Legislative said.&nbsp;

"Of these 303 MPs were from the BJP, 52 from the Congress, and 22 from the TMC. Among the state parties DMK (23) and YSRCP (22) won the most seats," it said.

The nearly nine-year-old YSR Congress party swept Andhra Pradesh by bagging 22 out of 25 seats in the state.&nbsp;

The BJP won 303 seats while its nearest rival, Congress bagged 52 seats in the Lok Sabha results.&nbsp;

In the last general election, the J Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK was the third largest while the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC was the fourth largest party.

The DMK will be the third largest party in the new Lok Sabha, while the Trinamool Congress and the YSR Congress will be fourth in terms of strength in the lower house of Parliament.

The DMK will be the third largest party in the new Lok Sabha, while the Trinamool Congress and the YSR Congress will be fourth in terms of strength in the lower house of Parliament. As many as 397 MPs were elected from national parties, think-tank PRS Legislative said. "Of these 303 MPs were from the BJP, 52 from the Congress, and 22 from the TMC. Among the state parties DMK (23) and YSRCP (22) won the most seats," it said. The nearly nine-year-old YSR Congress party swept Andhra Pradesh by bagging 22 out of 25 seats in the state. The BJP won 303 seats while its nearest rival, Congress bagged 52 seats in the Lok Sabha results. In the last general election, the J Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK was the third largest while the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC was the fourth largest party.

DMK to be third largest party in Lok Sabha; Trinamool Congress, YSR fourth

DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in Tamil Nadu appeared headed for a clean sweep as it led in 35 of the 38 Lok Sabha seats in the state Thursday.

The ruling AIADMK, which had registered a landslide in the 2014 elections under the leadership of its supremo late Jayalalithaa, is trailing in most of the 20 seats it contested as also its allies, including the BJP.

The AIADMK-led NDA is ahead in only three constituencies, according to the latest Election Commission trends.

AIADMK's greenhorn and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam's son P Raveendranath Kumar was leading over Congress veteran EVKS Elngovan in Theni.

NDA constituent Anbumani Ramadoss of PMK is leading in Dharmapuri over his nearest SPA candidate.

Watch:&nbsp;Trends show Congress heavyweights trailing

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lok-sabha-2019-trends-show-congress-heavyweights-trailing-220821/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The votes polled in the April 18 elections held to 38 Lok Sabha seats in the state is underway in 45 centres across the state. Election in Vellore constituency has been countermanded.

DMK alone was leading in 22 seats while it key ally the Congress surged ahead in eight of the nine seats it fought, as a total reversal appeared on cards compared to the 2014 poll when the AIADMK had 37 seats.

Reacting to the early trends of DMK surge, its leader and Chennai Central constituency candidate Dayanidhi Maran attributed it to a "severe anti-Modi wave" in the state.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-live-updates-220687">Get LIVE updates here.</a>

Crediting DMK chief M K Stalin for cobbling up a "formidable alliance", he alleged NDA regime had neglected the state.

"Our leader Stalin has ensure a formidable alliance which has triumphed. Strategy adopted by him is the reason for our sweep in Tamil Nadu," he told PTI at a counting centre.

In an apparent bucking of the trend in the Lok Sabha polls, AIADMK was in a neck and neck race with DMK in the 22 Assembly seats which went for bypolls.

If the ruling party managed to hold on to the nine seats it was leading, it could ward off any threat to the K Palaniswami government.

The DMK was leading in 11 seats while AIADMK in nine, according to the EC trends.

In the Lok Sabha trends, Prominent DMK candidates, including Kanimozhi, sister of Stalin, former Ministers Dayanidhi Maran, A Raja, TR Baalu and SS Palanimanickam registered comfortable leads against their rivals, including those from AIADMK and BJP.

Congress' star candidates Karti P Chidambaram and former TNCC chief Su Thirunavukkarasar took comfortable leads in Sivaganga and Tiruchirappalli, respectively.

SPA allies CPI (M) and CPI were also leading in their respective seats.

Contrary to expectations, TTV Dhinakaran's Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) and actor Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) failed to make any impact in their debut Lok Sabha polls.

So far, they were no reports of any untoward incidents as counting was proceeding smoothly, officials said.

For the AIADMK, stakes are higher in the assembly by-polls, as the outcome would determine its continuance in power.

DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in Tamil Nadu appeared headed for a clean sweep as it led in 35 of the 38 Lok Sabha seats in the state Thursday. The ruling AIADMK, which had registered a landslide in the 2014 elections under the leadership of its supremo late Jayalalithaa, is trailing in most of the 20 seats it contested as also its allies, including the BJP.

DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in Tamil Nadu appeared headed for a clean sweep as it led in 35 of the 38 Lok Sabha seats in the state Thursday. The ruling AIADMK, which had registered a landslide in the 2014 elections under the leadership of its supremo late Jayalalithaa, is trailing in most of the 20 seats it contested as also its allies, including the BJP. The AIADMK-led NDA is ahead in only three constituencies, according to the latest Election Commission trends. AIADMK's greenhorn and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam's son P Raveendranath Kumar was leading over Congress veteran EVKS Elngovan in Theni. NDA constituent Anbumani Ramadoss of PMK is leading in Dharmapuri over his nearest SPA candidate. Watch: Trends show Congress heavyweights trailing The votes polled in the April 18 elections held to 38 Lok Sabha seats in the state is underway in 45 centres across the state. Election in Vellore constituency has been countermanded. DMK alone was leading in 22 seats while it key ally the Congress surged ahead in eight of the nine seats it fought, as a total reversal appeared on cards compared to the 2014 poll when the AIADMK had 37 seats. Reacting to the early trends of DMK surge, its leader and Chennai Central constituency candidate Dayanidhi Maran attributed it to a "severe anti-Modi wave" in the state. Get LIVE updates here. Crediting DMK chief M K Stalin for cobbling up a "formidable alliance", he alleged NDA regime had neglected the state. "Our leader Stalin has ensure a formidable alliance which has triumphed. Strategy adopted by him is the reason for our sweep in Tamil Nadu," he told PTI at a counting centre. In an apparent bucking of the trend in the Lok Sabha polls, AIADMK was in a neck and neck race with DMK in the 22 Assembly seats which went for bypolls. If the ruling party managed to hold on to the nine seats it was leading, it could ward off any threat to the K Palaniswami government. The DMK was leading in 11 seats while AIADMK in nine, according to the EC trends. In the Lok Sabha trends, Prominent DMK candidates, including Kanimozhi, sister of Stalin, former Ministers Dayanidhi Maran, A Raja, TR Baalu and SS Palanimanickam registered comfortable leads against their rivals, including those from AIADMK and BJP. Congress' star candidates Karti P Chidambaram and former TNCC chief Su Thirunavukkarasar took comfortable leads in Sivaganga and Tiruchirappalli, respectively. SPA allies CPI (M) and CPI were also leading in their respective seats. Contrary to expectations, TTV Dhinakaran's Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) and actor Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) failed to make any impact in their debut Lok Sabha polls. So far, they were no reports of any untoward incidents as counting was proceeding smoothly, officials said. For the AIADMK, stakes are higher in the assembly by-polls, as the outcome would determine its continuance in power.

DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance appears on course for sweep in Tamil Nadu, leads in 35 seats

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisami has said that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will sweep the polls in the state. His reaction came a day after exit polls predicted poor performance for the NDA in Tamil Nadu, saying the BJP-led alliance's tally will be in single digit.

"Ahead of the 2016 assembly poll results, the media had said that the we will lose and and get only three seats that fall under the Salem segment. But we ended up winning 10 seats. This is the nature of exit polls," Palanisami told reporters at Salem airport. Palanisami's AIADMK party is a part of the NDA.

Palaniswami said these numbers were being <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/time-and-again-exit-polls-have-failed-to-catch-the-peoples-pulse-chandrababu-naidu-220003">forced upon the people</a>. He also expressed confidence about the AIADMK and its allies sweeping the state's 38 parliamentary constituencies and the lone seat in Puducherry, while also winning all the 22 bypolls to the vacant assembly seats.

When asked about the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pm-modi-returning-to-power-with-300-plus-seats-say-pollsters-219927">projection of the exit polls</a> at the national level, he said, "I know only about the situation in Tamil Nadu and I'm saying this as the leader of a regional party."

AIADMK's political opponent DMK, meanwhile, said it does not take into consideration the exit poll projections, irrespective of whether they were in favour or against the DMK. "In three days, the people's verdict will be out and that's what we are eagerly waiting for," DMK chief MK Stalin said.

Watch: Exit polls predicts DMK's comeback in Tamil Nadu

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-votes-exit-polls-2019-predicts-dmks-comeback-in-tamil-nadu-219961/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He said that Andhra Chief Minister and TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu had spoken to him many times and had also expressed support to the DMK.

Rubbishing questions on the Opposition parties meeting in New Delhi on May 23, Stalin said, "Who told you that the meeting is on 23rd? You yourselves are putting out that news. Only after the results on 23rd evening can we take a call on those meetings and that's when it would be useful."

The DMK, along with its allies the Congress and the Left parties, hopes to make big gains in Tamil Nadu as the AIADMK faces anti-incumbency after wins in the 2011 Assembly polls and 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisami has said that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will sweep the polls in the state. His reaction came a day after exit polls predicted poor performance for the NDA in Tamil Nadu, saying the BJP-led alliance's tally will be in single digit.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisami has said that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will sweep the polls in the state. His reaction came a day after exit polls predicted poor performance for the NDA in Tamil Nadu, saying the BJP-led alliance's tally will be in single digit. "Ahead of the 2016 assembly poll results, the media had said that the we will lose and and get only three seats that fall under the Salem segment. But we ended up winning 10 seats. This is the nature of exit polls," Palanisami told reporters at Salem airport. Palanisami's AIADMK party is a part of the NDA. Palaniswami said these numbers were being forced upon the people. He also expressed confidence about the AIADMK and its allies sweeping the state's 38 parliamentary constituencies and the lone seat in Puducherry, while also winning all the 22 bypolls to the vacant assembly seats. When asked about the projection of the exit polls at the national level, he said, "I know only about the situation in Tamil Nadu and I'm saying this as the leader of a regional party." AIADMK's political opponent DMK, meanwhile, said it does not take into consideration the exit poll projections, irrespective of whether they were in favour or against the DMK. "In three days, the people's verdict will be out and that's what we are eagerly waiting for," DMK chief MK Stalin said. Watch: Exit polls predicts DMK's comeback in Tamil Nadu He said that Andhra Chief Minister and TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu had spoken to him many times and had also expressed support to the DMK. Rubbishing questions on the Opposition parties meeting in New Delhi on May 23, Stalin said, "Who told you that the meeting is on 23rd? You yourselves are putting out that news. Only after the results on 23rd evening can we take a call on those meetings and that's when it would be useful." The DMK, along with its allies the Congress and the Left parties, hopes to make big gains in Tamil Nadu as the AIADMK faces anti-incumbency after wins in the 2011 Assembly polls and 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

Buzz from Tamil Nadu on exit poll predictions: Will sweep, says AIADMK; wait for results says DMK

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-kamal-haasan-to-campaign-for-trinamool-congress-in-andaman-205940">Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan</a>’s public meeting in Aravakurichi town in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district was disrupted on Thursday after miscreants allegedly hurled&nbsp;eggs and stones at him.&nbsp;No one was injured and Haasan was escorted to safety.

The police have reportedly detained two people for questioning.

Haasan, who recently floated debutant&nbsp;party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), recently made <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/complaint-filed-against-kamal-haasan-for-hindu-terrorist-remark-218775">controversial remarks about Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin Nathuram Godse </a>which were widely criticised.

“I am not even threatened. The quality of politics is going down today, but I won’t indulge in mudslinging,” Haasan said at Chennai airport on Friday morning after coming back from Aravakurichi.

History has shown us that there have been extremists in every religion, I was talking in that sense. My speech that day was about harmony, he added.

Slippers were hurled at him at a rally in Tirupparakundram in Madurai on Wednesday for his remarks about Godse. The slippers, however, did not hit the MNM chief and fell on the crowd. Eleven people were named in the police complaint for the incident.

Haasan’s party has fielded candidates in Tirupparakundram and Aravakurichi where bypolls are scheduled on Sunday.

Clarifying his comments, Haasan had said on Thursday, “If a historical truth is spoken and it wounds people, we should heal that wound. That’s why we are here, being together and co-existing is the way ahead.”

Elaborating on his comments on co-existence over tolerance, Haasan said other religions should not be tolerated but should be wholly accepted.

A complaint has, meanwhile, been filed against him at Delhi’s Patiala House court. The complainant Vishnu Gupta, who claims to be a founding member of fringe group Hindu Sena, has alleged that Haasan's statement has deliberately hurt the sentiments of a community.

The court has posted the matter for consideration on August 2, when evidence will be put up before the court after which it will decide whether to issues summons or not.

&nbsp;

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan’s public meeting in Aravakurichi town in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district was disrupted on Thursday after miscreants allegedly hurled eggs and stones at him.

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan’s public meeting in Aravakurichi town in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district was disrupted on Thursday after miscreants allegedly hurled eggs and stones at him. No one was injured and Haasan was escorted to safety. The police have reportedly detained two people for questioning. Haasan, who recently floated debutant party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), recently made controversial remarks about Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin Nathuram Godse which were widely criticised. “I am not even threatened. The quality of politics is going down today, but I won’t indulge in mudslinging,” Haasan said at Chennai airport on Friday morning after coming back from Aravakurichi. History has shown us that there have been extremists in every religion, I was talking in that sense. My speech that day was about harmony, he added. Slippers were hurled at him at a rally in Tirupparakundram in Madurai on Wednesday for his remarks about Godse. The slippers, however, did not hit the MNM chief and fell on the crowd. Eleven people were named in the police complaint for the incident. Haasan’s party has fielded candidates in Tirupparakundram and Aravakurichi where bypolls are scheduled on Sunday. Clarifying his comments, Haasan had said on Thursday, “If a historical truth is spoken and it wounds people, we should heal that wound. That’s why we are here, being together and co-existing is the way ahead.” Elaborating on his comments on co-existence over tolerance, Haasan said other religions should not be tolerated but should be wholly accepted. A complaint has, meanwhile, been filed against him at Delhi’s Patiala House court. The complainant Vishnu Gupta, who claims to be a founding member of fringe group Hindu Sena, has alleged that Haasan's statement has deliberately hurt the sentiments of a community. The court has posted the matter for consideration on August 2, when evidence will be put up before the court after which it will decide whether to issues summons or not.

My speech about harmony, says Kamal Haasan defending Godse remark

DMK chief MK Stalin today said that he "doesn't see a chance" for a Third Front, in a setback for Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao who has been exploring the possibility of a non-BJP, non-Congress arrangement at the centre after the national elections. Mr Stalin, who met Mr Rao - or KCR as he is popularly known - yesterday, described the meeting as a "courtesy call", saying alliances weren't discussed at the meeting.

Stalin pours cold water on KCR plans; says, ''Don't see chance for third front"

Tamil Nadu BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan has said that DMK chief MK Stalin is in talks with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the result day for Lok Sabha elections near. The statement comes a day after Stalin met Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief K Chandrasekhar Rao which was termed a "courtesy visit" by the DMK.

"They are speaking via someone, they are establishing a connection," said Soundararajan, the chief of the Tamil Nadu unit of BJP. "It is true, on the one side it is Rahul Gandhi, on the other it is KCR and then Modi. Everyone knows that the DMK changes colours," she added.

This comment by Soundararajan gains significance as the DMK president Stalin was the first to endorse Rahul Gandhi as Prime Minister and revive the UPA-era alliance between the parties. The DMK has also been campaigning vociferously against the Modi government, calling it "anti-people".

Ideologically too the Dravidian, rationalist, Tamil nationalist roots of the DMK do not match with the saffron party, and the two parties have been at loggerheads except for their alliance during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's NDA years.

Speaking to WION on Soundararajan's comment, senior political analyst Dr Sumanth C Raman said, "The very fact that BJP is talking about parties like DMK shows that they are not very confident about getting a majority."

But Soundararajan dismissed the speculation and said she is confident that the BJP will emerge victorious in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. "Everyone knows that BJP is winning. KCR is hungry and he is trying to bring some sort of a change on May 23, when the results of the Lok Sabha polls will be announced," said Soundararajan.

Quoting unspecified opinion polls, Soundararajan said that Narendra Modi is coming back to power as Prime Minister.

Speaking on Stalin's meeting with KCR, she said, "KCR met Stalin, but it won't make a difference. How many ever fronts emerge? It will only benefit the BJP." She also questioned Stalin abiut why he did not firmly say that Rahul Gandhi would become the Prime Minister post his meeting with KCR.

Responding to Soundararajan's comments, DMK spokesperson Manuraj S said, "The comments of Dr Tamilisai don't warrant a response from a the DMK unless she acts in a manner that is responsible and worthy of the position that she holds in her party." Speaking to WION, he also added that the DMK would not comment until the BJP state president mentioned the specific details of who had contacted the BJP and called Soundararajan's comment a cooked-up story.

For this election, DMK is in an alliance with the Congress, Left parties, and the Congress is contesting in 10 seats across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

The AIADMK is in an alliance with the BJP, PMK and DMDK, with the saffron party candidates contesting from five parliamentary constituencies.

Tamil Nadu BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan has said that DMK chief MK Stalin is in talks with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the result day for Lok Sabha elections near.

Tamil Nadu BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan has said that DMK chief MK Stalin is in talks with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the result day for Lok Sabha elections near. The statement comes a day after Stalin met Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief K Chandrasekhar Rao which was termed a "courtesy visit" by the DMK. "They are speaking via someone, they are establishing a connection," said Soundararajan, the chief of the Tamil Nadu unit of BJP. "It is true, on the one side it is Rahul Gandhi, on the other it is KCR and then Modi. Everyone knows that the DMK changes colours," she added. This comment by Soundararajan gains significance as the DMK president Stalin was the first to endorse Rahul Gandhi as Prime Minister and revive the UPA-era alliance between the parties. The DMK has also been campaigning vociferously against the Modi government, calling it "anti-people". Ideologically too the Dravidian, rationalist, Tamil nationalist roots of the DMK do not match with the saffron party, and the two parties have been at loggerheads except for their alliance during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's NDA years. Speaking to WION on Soundararajan's comment, senior political analyst Dr Sumanth C Raman said, "The very fact that BJP is talking about parties like DMK shows that they are not very confident about getting a majority." But Soundararajan dismissed the speculation and said she is confident that the BJP will emerge victorious in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. "Everyone knows that BJP is winning. KCR is hungry and he is trying to bring some sort of a change on May 23, when the results of the Lok Sabha polls will be announced," said Soundararajan. Quoting unspecified opinion polls, Soundararajan said that Narendra Modi is coming back to power as Prime Minister. Speaking on Stalin's meeting with KCR, she said, "KCR met Stalin, but it won't make a difference. How many ever fronts emerge? It will only benefit the BJP." She also questioned Stalin abiut why he did not firmly say that Rahul Gandhi would become the Prime Minister post his meeting with KCR. Responding to Soundararajan's comments, DMK spokesperson Manuraj S said, "The comments of Dr Tamilisai don't warrant a response from a the DMK unless she acts in a manner that is responsible and worthy of the position that she holds in her party." Speaking to WION, he also added that the DMK would not comment until the BJP state president mentioned the specific details of who had contacted the BJP and called Soundararajan's comment a cooked-up story. For this election, DMK is in an alliance with the Congress, Left parties, and the Congress is contesting in 10 seats across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The AIADMK is in an alliance with the BJP, PMK and DMDK, with the saffron party candidates contesting from five parliamentary constituencies.

Stalin in talks with us, says Tamil Nadu BJP chief; DMK refutes claims

The Supreme Court has issued an interim stay on a notice sent by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dmk-initiates-no-confidence-petition-against-assembly-speaker-after-notices-issued-to-aiadmk-mlas-214825">Tamil Nadu assembly speaker</a> to three MLAs of the ruling AIADMK party. The MLAs were said to be loyal towards the TTV Dhinakaran-led AMMK camp.&nbsp;

Two of the MLAs who had received the notice from assembly speaker P Dhanapal had approached the Supreme Court last week to stay the notice. The top court also issued a notice to the speaker and has sought an explanation. It is expected that the case will come up for a hearing after four weeks.

While Kapil Sibal represented the MLAs who had received the notice from the speaker, Mukul Rohatgi argued on behalf of the assembly speaker P Dhanapal.

On April 26th, the AIADMK's chief whip S Rajendran had submitted a recommendation to assembly speaker P Dhanapal regarding the disqualification of three AIADMK MLAs on the grounds of ‘anti-party’ activities. The MLAs were E Rathinasabapathi, VT Kalaiselvan and Prabhu, who were elected from Aranthangi, Vridhachalam and Kallakurichi assembly constituencies respectively.&nbsp;

Members of Tamil Nadu’s opposition party DMK met the assembly secretary on May 2 to present a notice to move a no-confidence petition against Dhanapal. This is in line with the party president MK Stalin’s earlier statement that the party would move a no-confidence motion against the speaker if he acts in a biased manner. &nbsp;

Opposition parties in the state have been alleging that the AIADMK government - which is surviving on a slim majority - is attempting to lower the strength of the house, fearing an impending defeat in the by-elections.&nbsp;

While the AIADMK government does face a major challenge due to anti-incumbency in these polls, it is also true that the DMK and its allies must sweep almost all of the 22 seats in order to get the simple majority in the House.

Responding to DMKs comments regarding AIADMK fearing defeat, Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami said that DMK leader MK Stalin had gone ahead with the no-confidence motion petition against the speaker as the opposition party was not confident of the bye-poll results.

The issue of MLAs disqualification had taken centre-stage in Tamil Nadu politics after the speaker disqualified 18 AIADMK legislators who had offered support to AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran in September 2017. Dhinakaran had fought a long battle in court to get the MLAs reinstated, but it went in vain after the Madras High Court upheld the disqualification in a judgement delivered in November 2018.&nbsp;

While 18 of the vacant assembly seats went to the polls on April 18 along with the general elections in Tamil Nadu, the remaining four assembly seats would go to the polls on May 19.&nbsp;

The leaders of the major parties are currently shuttling between these assembly constituencies in order to campaign for their respective candidates. The results of the by-polls to 22 assembly seats would be out on May 23 along with the results of the Lok Sabha polls.

The Supreme Court has issued an interim stay on a notice sent by the Tamil Nadu assembly speaker to three MLAs of the ruling AIADMK party. The MLAs were said to be loyal towards the TTV Dhinakaran-led AMMK camp.

The Supreme Court has issued an interim stay on a notice sent by the Tamil Nadu assembly speaker to three MLAs of the ruling AIADMK party. The MLAs were said to be loyal towards the TTV Dhinakaran-led AMMK camp. Two of the MLAs who had received the notice from assembly speaker P Dhanapal had approached the Supreme Court last week to stay the notice. The top court also issued a notice to the speaker and has sought an explanation. It is expected that the case will come up for a hearing after four weeks. While Kapil Sibal represented the MLAs who had received the notice from the speaker, Mukul Rohatgi argued on behalf of the assembly speaker P Dhanapal. On April 26th, the AIADMK's chief whip S Rajendran had submitted a recommendation to assembly speaker P Dhanapal regarding the disqualification of three AIADMK MLAs on the grounds of ‘anti-party’ activities. The MLAs were E Rathinasabapathi, VT Kalaiselvan and Prabhu, who were elected from Aranthangi, Vridhachalam and Kallakurichi assembly constituencies respectively. Members of Tamil Nadu’s opposition party DMK met the assembly secretary on May 2 to present a notice to move a no-confidence petition against Dhanapal. This is in line with the party president MK Stalin’s earlier statement that the party would move a no-confidence motion against the speaker if he acts in a biased manner. Opposition parties in the state have been alleging that the AIADMK government - which is surviving on a slim majority - is attempting to lower the strength of the house, fearing an impending defeat in the by-elections. While the AIADMK government does face a major challenge due to anti-incumbency in these polls, it is also true that the DMK and its allies must sweep almost all of the 22 seats in order to get the simple majority in the House. Responding to DMKs comments regarding AIADMK fearing defeat, Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami said that DMK leader MK Stalin had gone ahead with the no-confidence motion petition against the speaker as the opposition party was not confident of the bye-poll results. The issue of MLAs disqualification had taken centre-stage in Tamil Nadu politics after the speaker disqualified 18 AIADMK legislators who had offered support to AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran in September 2017. Dhinakaran had fought a long battle in court to get the MLAs reinstated, but it went in vain after the Madras High Court upheld the disqualification in a judgement delivered in November 2018. While 18 of the vacant assembly seats went to the polls on April 18 along with the general elections in Tamil Nadu, the remaining four assembly seats would go to the polls on May 19. The leaders of the major parties are currently shuttling between these assembly constituencies in order to campaign for their respective candidates. The results of the by-polls to 22 assembly seats would be out on May 23 along with the results of the Lok Sabha polls.

Supreme Court stays notice sent to 3 AIADMK MLAs by Tamil Nadu assembly speaker

The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a plea by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party against the notice of Tamil Nadu Assembly speaker disqualifying the three All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's (AIADMK) MLAs for supporting Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) leader TTV Dinakaran.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi agreed to hear the plea on May 6.

This decision came after the senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing on the behalf of DMK, pleaded for an early hearing in the matter.

Sibal also told the apex court that speaker of the Tamil Nadu Assembly P&nbsp;Dhanapal himself had faced no-confidence motion while issuing a notice to three AIADMK MLAs, namely Rathinasabapathy, MLA of Aranthangi constituency, VT Kalaiselvan from Virudhachalam constituency, and VT Prabhu from Kallakuruchi constituency.

DMK president MK&nbsp;Stalin had claimed that the ruling AIADMK had sought to disqualify the three MLAs because the intelligence agencies had warned the government that retaining them in the party would have an "unfavourable outcome" in the bypoll to the 22 Assembly constituencies.

The chief whip of AIADMK S&nbsp;Rajendran had on April 26 met Tamil Nadu assembly speaker P&nbsp;Dhanapal and filed a petition to take action against three party MLAs on account of their "anti-party activities."Rajendran has accused the MLAs of working for Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam(AMMK) General Secretary TTV&nbsp;Dhinakaran.

Out of 234 seats in Tamil Nadu assembly, the ruling AIADMK has 114 members, the DMK has 88, the Congress has eight, while the IUML and the Independent members represent one constituency each.

In 2017, a total of 19 AIADMK MLAs had submitted a letter to then Governor CV Raowithdrawing support to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami.

As a retort, Rajendran asked Dhanapal to disqualify the MLAs stating that their actions amounted to voluntarily giving up their party membership.

Tamil Nadu Speaker had on September 18 disqualified 18 MLAs belonging to AIADMK. By-elections for these 18 seats were held on April 18 this year.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a plea by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party against the notice of Tamil Nadu Assembly speaker disqualifying the three All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's (AIADMK) MLAs for supporting Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) leader TTV Dinakaran.

The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a plea by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party against the notice of Tamil Nadu Assembly speaker disqualifying the three All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's (AIADMK) MLAs for supporting Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) leader TTV Dinakaran. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi agreed to hear the plea on May 6. This decision came after the senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing on the behalf of DMK, pleaded for an early hearing in the matter. Sibal also told the apex court that speaker of the Tamil Nadu Assembly P Dhanapal himself had faced no-confidence motion while issuing a notice to three AIADMK MLAs, namely Rathinasabapathy, MLA of Aranthangi constituency, VT Kalaiselvan from Virudhachalam constituency, and VT Prabhu from Kallakuruchi constituency. DMK president MK Stalin had claimed that the ruling AIADMK had sought to disqualify the three MLAs because the intelligence agencies had warned the government that retaining them in the party would have an "unfavourable outcome" in the bypoll to the 22 Assembly constituencies. The chief whip of AIADMK S Rajendran had on April 26 met Tamil Nadu assembly speaker P Dhanapal and filed a petition to take action against three party MLAs on account of their "anti-party activities."Rajendran has accused the MLAs of working for Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam(AMMK) General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran. Out of 234 seats in Tamil Nadu assembly, the ruling AIADMK has 114 members, the DMK has 88, the Congress has eight, while the IUML and the Independent members represent one constituency each. In 2017, a total of 19 AIADMK MLAs had submitted a letter to then Governor CV Raowithdrawing support to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami. As a retort, Rajendran asked Dhanapal to disqualify the MLAs stating that their actions amounted to voluntarily giving up their party membership. Tamil Nadu Speaker had on September 18 disqualified 18 MLAs belonging to AIADMK. By-elections for these 18 seats were held on April 18 this year.

Supreme Court agrees to hear DMK's plea against disqualification of 3 AIADMK MLAs

Members of Tamil Nadu’s opposition party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), met the Tamil Nadu assembly secretary to present a notice to move a no-confidence petition against the assembly speaker P Dhanapal.

The move was initiated after the speaker sent notices to three AIADMK MLAs who are allegedly supporting TTV Dinakaran’s Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) party.&nbsp;

Last week, AIADMK's whip had submitted a recommendation to the speaker to act against the MLAs for what he called “anti-party” activities.

On April 26, AIADMK chief whip S Rajendran had submitted a recommendation to assembly speaker P Dhanapal regarding the disqualification of three AIADMK MLAs - E Rathinasabapathi, VT Kalaiselvan and Prabhuthey who were elected from Aranthangi, Vridhachalam and Kallakurichi assembly constituencies respectively.&nbsp;

Right after word crept out regarding the recommendation of the disqualification of the three MLAs, DMK President MK Stalin had said that his party would move a no-confidence motion against the speaker if he were to act in a biased manner.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters after submitting the notice to move the no-confidence motion, DMK organizing secretary RS Bharathi said that, in 2017 the speaker had disqualified 18 MLAs and now the speaker has sent notices to three MLAs, DMK President M K Stalin does not accept this murder of democracy, as the speaker is acting in a biased manner.&nbsp;

Regarding the recently concluded bye-polls to 18 assembly constituencies in the state and the impending bye-polls to 4 seats, Bharathi said that the DMK is confident of winning all 22 seats but the party won’t be a silent spectator.&nbsp;

Opposition parties in the state allege the AIADMK government, which is surviving on a slim majority, is attempting to lower the strength of the house, fearing an impending defeat in the bye-elections.

While the AIADMK government does face a major challenge in these polls, it is also true that the DMK and its allies must sweep almost all 22 seats in order to get the simple majority in the house.&nbsp;

The issue of MLAs disqualification had taken centre-stage in Tamil Nadu politics after the speaker had disqualified 18 AIADMK legislators who had offered support to AMMK leader TTV Dinakaran in September 2017.

Dinakaran had fought a long battle in court to get the MLAs reinstated, but it went in vain after the Madras High Court upheld the disqualification in a judgement delivered in November 2018.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Members of Tamil Nadu’s opposition party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), met the Tamil Nadu assembly secretary to present a notice to move a no-confidence petition against the assembly speaker P Dhanapal.

Members of Tamil Nadu’s opposition party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), met the Tamil Nadu assembly secretary to present a notice to move a no-confidence petition against the assembly speaker P Dhanapal. The move was initiated after the speaker sent notices to three AIADMK MLAs who are allegedly supporting TTV Dinakaran’s Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) party. Last week, AIADMK's whip had submitted a recommendation to the speaker to act against the MLAs for what he called “anti-party” activities. On April 26, AIADMK chief whip S Rajendran had submitted a recommendation to assembly speaker P Dhanapal regarding the disqualification of three AIADMK MLAs - E Rathinasabapathi, VT Kalaiselvan and Prabhuthey who were elected from Aranthangi, Vridhachalam and Kallakurichi assembly constituencies respectively. Right after word crept out regarding the recommendation of the disqualification of the three MLAs, DMK President MK Stalin had said that his party would move a no-confidence motion against the speaker if he were to act in a biased manner. Speaking to reporters after submitting the notice to move the no-confidence motion, DMK organizing secretary RS Bharathi said that, in 2017 the speaker had disqualified 18 MLAs and now the speaker has sent notices to three MLAs, DMK President M K Stalin does not accept this murder of democracy, as the speaker is acting in a biased manner. Regarding the recently concluded bye-polls to 18 assembly constituencies in the state and the impending bye-polls to 4 seats, Bharathi said that the DMK is confident of winning all 22 seats but the party won’t be a silent spectator. Opposition parties in the state allege the AIADMK government, which is surviving on a slim majority, is attempting to lower the strength of the house, fearing an impending defeat in the bye-elections. While the AIADMK government does face a major challenge in these polls, it is also true that the DMK and its allies must sweep almost all 22 seats in order to get the simple majority in the house. The issue of MLAs disqualification had taken centre-stage in Tamil Nadu politics after the speaker had disqualified 18 AIADMK legislators who had offered support to AMMK leader TTV Dinakaran in September 2017. Dinakaran had fought a long battle in court to get the MLAs reinstated, but it went in vain after the Madras High Court upheld the disqualification in a judgement delivered in November 2018.

DMK initiates no-confidence petition against assembly speaker after notices issued to AIADMK MLAs 

Formerly known as Madras Central, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-a-high-octane-faceoff-between-two-powerful-daughters-thoothukudi-209778">Tamil Nadu</a>'s Chennai Central is touted as one of the crucial Lok Sabha seats from the South Indian capital. Despite being one of the smallest constituencies, the seat witnesses some of the biggest bigwigs of Tamil politics wrest power in the mega electoral battle.

Traditionally, the fight in Chennai Central has primarily been a show between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) - both bereft of their supremos now.&nbsp;

Trends have it, the constituency was an undisputed DMK bastion since 1996 until AIADMK's SR Vijayakumar swept the seat in 2014, beating former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran by over 50,000 votes.

Until 2014, Chennai Central was a typical DMK, rather Maran bastion. While Dayanidhi Maran kept the seat in 2004, 2009; his father and former union minister Murasoli Maran was elected thrice from the constituency between 1996 and 2004.&nbsp;

At present, all three Lok Sabha seats from Chennai - north, south and central - rest with AIADMK, which has not fielded a&nbsp;candidate from Chennai Central this time. The party swept 37 of Tamil Nadu's 39 seats in last general elections. AIADMK is fighting this year's general elections in an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK).

DMK's Dayanidhi Maran loss in 2014 was largely attributed to charges in the telecom scams.&nbsp;Maran is in a direct fight with PMK's Sam Paul.

Water crisis and bigger investments would be some of the key issues on which nearly 14 lakh electors of Chennai Central will be eligible to exercise their voting rights on April 18.&nbsp;

Chennai Central goes to&nbsp;polls on April 18.&nbsp;

Formerly known as Madras Central, Tamil Nadu's Chennai Central is touted as one of the crucial Lok Sabha seats from the South Indian capital. Despite being one of the smallest constituencies, the seat witnesses some of the biggest bigwigs of Tamil politics wrest power in the mega electoral battle.

Formerly known as Madras Central, Tamil Nadu's Chennai Central is touted as one of the crucial Lok Sabha seats from the South Indian capital. Despite being one of the smallest constituencies, the seat witnesses some of the biggest bigwigs of Tamil politics wrest power in the mega electoral battle. Traditionally, the fight in Chennai Central has primarily been a show between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) - both bereft of their supremos now. Trends have it, the constituency was an undisputed DMK bastion since 1996 until AIADMK's SR Vijayakumar swept the seat in 2014, beating former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran by over 50,000 votes. Until 2014, Chennai Central was a typical DMK, rather Maran bastion. While Dayanidhi Maran kept the seat in 2004, 2009; his father and former union minister Murasoli Maran was elected thrice from the constituency between 1996 and 2004. At present, all three Lok Sabha seats from Chennai - north, south and central - rest with AIADMK, which has not fielded a candidate from Chennai Central this time. The party swept 37 of Tamil Nadu's 39 seats in last general elections. AIADMK is fighting this year's general elections in an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK). DMK's Dayanidhi Maran loss in 2014 was largely attributed to charges in the telecom scams. Maran is in a direct fight with PMK's Sam Paul. Water crisis and bigger investments would be some of the key issues on which nearly 14 lakh electors of Chennai Central will be eligible to exercise their voting rights on April 18. Chennai Central goes to polls on April 18.

Second phase polling: In Chennai Central, challenge for Dayanidhi Maran is to regain DMK bastion

Unfazed by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/just-a-couple-of-days-before-lok-sabha-polls-in-tamil-nadu-it-department-raids-dmk-leader-kanimozhis-house-210996">Income Tax (I-T) department</a> raids at her residence, DMK leader Kanimozhi on Wednesday said that the BJP cannot prevent her for winning in the ongoing elections.

She also dubbed the raids as "anti-democratic, deliberately planned and tested".

"BJP cannot prevent my success through this income tax raid. The raid is anti-democratic, deliberately planned and tested, and no documents have been seized," Kanimozhi told reporters here after completion of raids.

"They want to intimidate us through this. They have come to stop elections in Thoothukudi. DMK volunteers will be working with more enthusiasm," she added.

"On Tuesday evening, I-T department conducted raids at a house in which Kanimozhi is staying on the information shared by the local administration," sources added.

According to sources, Kanimozhi was present during the raids and cooperated with the team. However, "I-T dept found nothing but verification is on."

The raids have been completed.

Reportedly, it was alleged that "lots of cash" was stashed on the first floor of her house in Thoothukudi.

This comes two days before the Tamil Nadu votes on April 18 for 39 seats.

The DMK candidate from Thoothukudi Lok Sabha seat, Kanimozhi is the sister of party chief MK Stalin.

Even as the house was being searched a posse of DMK supporters gathered outside and staged a demonstration raising anti-Modi slogans.

Reacting to the raids, DMK president Stalin said: "I got a message that Kanimozhi's premises are being raided. BJP candidate Tamilisai Soundarajan's premises have crores and crores of rupees are kept there. Why no raids there? Who will take action? Modi used I-T department, Central Bureau of Investigation, Judiciary and latest in the row is Election Commission of India to interfere in the electoral process."

Stalin said," They are doing this because of the fear of losing."

"This is basically murder of democracy. Rs. 2000 note is being widely offered in the elections, will you report this? In Theni constituency, Rs. 1000 note is being offered to voters, what about that? Tamil Nadu minister Velumani is accused of distributing money, his close aide Sabesan's premises is raided, no one reported, no news on this," he added.

Unfazed by the Income Tax (I-T) department raids at her residence, DMK leader Kanimozhi on Wednesday said that the BJP cannot prevent her for winning in the ongoing elections.

Unfazed by the Income Tax (I-T) department raids at her residence, DMK leader Kanimozhi on Wednesday said that the BJP cannot prevent her for winning in the ongoing elections. She also dubbed the raids as "anti-democratic, deliberately planned and tested". "BJP cannot prevent my success through this income tax raid. The raid is anti-democratic, deliberately planned and tested, and no documents have been seized," Kanimozhi told reporters here after completion of raids. "They want to intimidate us through this. They have come to stop elections in Thoothukudi. DMK volunteers will be working with more enthusiasm," she added. "On Tuesday evening, I-T department conducted raids at a house in which Kanimozhi is staying on the information shared by the local administration," sources added. According to sources, Kanimozhi was present during the raids and cooperated with the team. However, "I-T dept found nothing but verification is on." The raids have been completed. Reportedly, it was alleged that "lots of cash" was stashed on the first floor of her house in Thoothukudi. This comes two days before the Tamil Nadu votes on April 18 for 39 seats. The DMK candidate from Thoothukudi Lok Sabha seat, Kanimozhi is the sister of party chief MK Stalin. Even as the house was being searched a posse of DMK supporters gathered outside and staged a demonstration raising anti-Modi slogans. Reacting to the raids, DMK president Stalin said: "I got a message that Kanimozhi's premises are being raided. BJP candidate Tamilisai Soundarajan's premises have crores and crores of rupees are kept there. Why no raids there? Who will take action? Modi used I-T department, Central Bureau of Investigation, Judiciary and latest in the row is Election Commission of India to interfere in the electoral process." Stalin said," They are doing this because of the fear of losing." "This is basically murder of democracy. Rs. 2000 note is being widely offered in the elections, will you report this? In Theni constituency, Rs. 1000 note is being offered to voters, what about that? Tamil Nadu minister Velumani is accused of distributing money, his close aide Sabesan's premises is raided, no one reported, no news on this," he added.

BJP cannot stop me for winning, says Kanimozhi after I-T raid

Madras High Court today upheld the decision of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/elections-commission-calls-off-polls-in-tamil-nadus-vellore-over-cash-haul-210961">Election Commission of India to cancel</a> the election to Vellore Lok Sabha constituency.

The Lok Sabha election to the Vellore constituency was cancelled on Tuesday by the EC following the recovery of a huge amount of cash allegedly from an associate of a DMK leader.

The EC took the decision after the district police had filed a complaint against the accused, Kathir Anand, as well as two party functionaries on the basis of a report from the Income Tax department on April 10. Polling in Vellore was scheduled on April 18.

Anand was charged under the Representation of the People Act for giving "wrong information" in his election affidavit filed along with his nomination papers, the police said. The other two, identified as Srinivasan and Damodaran, were booked under bribery charges.

The recommendation was sent to the legislative department of the law ministry Tuesday which issued the notification.

On March 30, Income Tax officials had conducted searches at the residence of Anand's father Durai Murugan over suspected use of unaccounted money for electioneering, and seized Rs 10.50 lakh in alleged "excess" cash.

Two days later, they claimed to have seized Rs 11.53 crore from a cement godown belonging to a DMK leader's associate in the same district.

(Inputs: ANI, PTI)

Madras High Court today upheld the decision of Election Commission of India to cancel the election to Vellore Lok Sabha constituency. The Lok Sabha election to the Vellore constituency was cancelled on Tuesday by the EC following the recovery of a huge amount of cash allegedly from an associate of a DMK leader.

Madras High Court today upheld the decision of Election Commission of India to cancel the election to Vellore Lok Sabha constituency. The Lok Sabha election to the Vellore constituency was cancelled on Tuesday by the EC following the recovery of a huge amount of cash allegedly from an associate of a DMK leader. The EC took the decision after the district police had filed a complaint against the accused, Kathir Anand, as well as two party functionaries on the basis of a report from the Income Tax department on April 10. Polling in Vellore was scheduled on April 18. Anand was charged under the Representation of the People Act for giving "wrong information" in his election affidavit filed along with his nomination papers, the police said. The other two, identified as Srinivasan and Damodaran, were booked under bribery charges. The recommendation was sent to the legislative department of the law ministry Tuesday which issued the notification. On March 30, Income Tax officials had conducted searches at the residence of Anand's father Durai Murugan over suspected use of unaccounted money for electioneering, and seized Rs 10.50 lakh in alleged "excess" cash. Two days later, they claimed to have seized Rs 11.53 crore from a cement godown belonging to a DMK leader's associate in the same district. (Inputs: ANI, PTI)

Madras High Court upholds Election Commission's decision to cancel Vellore Lok Sabha polls

The Income Tax department on Tuesday carried out raids at a house where DMK candidate Kanimozhi is staying in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi.

Official sources indicated that the searches were held following "some inputs," but they did not elaborate. Income Tax officials were also "assisting," the local poll officials, they told PTI. The outcome of the searches were not known immediately.

DMK workers and supporters protested the incident while DMK chief MK Stalin blamed the centre, crying foul.&nbsp;

"Crores and crores of rupees are kept in Tamilisai Soundararajan's (BJP TN chief) residence, why no raids there? Modi is using IT, CBI, judiciary and now EC to interfere in elections. They are doing this as they fear losing," Stalin told media today.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Madras High Court earlier in the day dismissed a plea to prevent DMK's candidates Kanimozhi and Kathir Anand from fighting the Lok Sabha polls for allegedly violating the Model Code Conduct.

A bench of justices S Manikumar and Subramonium Prasad dismissed the plea after the Election Commission told the court that the two have been booked for allegedly resorting to electoral malpractices, news agency PTI reported.

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MK Stalin on IT raids on Kanimozhi: Crores and crores of rupees are kept in Tamilisai Soundararajan's(BJP TN Chief) residence, why no raids there? Modi is using IT,CBI,Judiciary and now EC to interfere in elections.They are doing this as they fear losing <a href="https://t.co/31Q7Lalf5M">pic.twitter.com/31Q7Lalf5M</a>
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As the plea came up for hearing before the bench, the poll panel counsel Niranjan Rajagopalan told the judges that FIRs have been filed against both the candidates on complaints of violation of the code.

Tamil Nadu is set to go to general polls this Thursday.

Kanimozhi is the DMK candidate from Tuticorin, while Anand was set to contest from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/elections-commission-calls-off-polls-in-tamil-nadus-vellore-over-cash-haul-210961">Vellore</a>. However, the Election Commission has cancelled Lok Sabha polls in Vellore citing seizure of huge cash from an associate of a DMK leader recently.&nbsp;

Petitioner V Abdullah Sait of Ramanathapuram had urged the court to direct the EC to initiate action against Kanimozhi and Anand. He had also sought the court's directive to the poll panel to bar the duo from contesting the polls.

Sait alleged in his petition that Kanimozhi had been 'clandestinely' distributing cash to voters during campaigning and police have booked a case against DMK members in this regard.

Last month, the Income Tax department and Election Commission officials had raided DMK treasurer Durai Murugan's residence in Vellore, and reportedly seized a large amount of unaccounted cash.

(With inputs from PTI)

 
&nbsp;

The Income Tax department on Tuesday carried out raids at a house where DMK candidate Kanimozhi is staying in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi. Official sources indicated that the searches were held following "some inputs," but they did not elaborate.

The Income Tax department on Tuesday carried out raids at a house where DMK candidate Kanimozhi is staying in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi. Official sources indicated that the searches were held following "some inputs," but they did not elaborate. Income Tax officials were also "assisting," the local poll officials, they told PTI. The outcome of the searches were not known immediately. DMK workers and supporters protested the incident while DMK chief MK Stalin blamed the centre, crying foul. "Crores and crores of rupees are kept in Tamilisai Soundararajan's (BJP TN chief) residence, why no raids there? Modi is using IT, CBI, judiciary and now EC to interfere in elections. They are doing this as they fear losing," Stalin told media today. Meanwhile, the Madras High Court earlier in the day dismissed a plea to prevent DMK's candidates Kanimozhi and Kathir Anand from fighting the Lok Sabha polls for allegedly violating the Model Code Conduct. A bench of justices S Manikumar and Subramonium Prasad dismissed the plea after the Election Commission told the court that the two have been booked for allegedly resorting to electoral malpractices, news agency PTI reported. MK Stalin on IT raids on Kanimozhi: Crores and crores of rupees are kept in Tamilisai Soundararajan's(BJP TN Chief) residence, why no raids there? Modi is using IT,CBI,Judiciary and now EC to interfere in elections.They are doing this as they fear losing pic.twitter.com/31Q7Lalf5M — ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2019 × As the plea came up for hearing before the bench, the poll panel counsel Niranjan Rajagopalan told the judges that FIRs have been filed against both the candidates on complaints of violation of the code. Tamil Nadu is set to go to general polls this Thursday. Kanimozhi is the DMK candidate from Tuticorin, while Anand was set to contest from Vellore. However, the Election Commission has cancelled Lok Sabha polls in Vellore citing seizure of huge cash from an associate of a DMK leader recently. Petitioner V Abdullah Sait of Ramanathapuram had urged the court to direct the EC to initiate action against Kanimozhi and Anand. He had also sought the court's directive to the poll panel to bar the duo from contesting the polls. Sait alleged in his petition that Kanimozhi had been 'clandestinely' distributing cash to voters during campaigning and police have booked a case against DMK members in this regard. Last month, the Income Tax department and Election Commission officials had raided DMK treasurer Durai Murugan's residence in Vellore, and reportedly seized a large amount of unaccounted cash. (With inputs from PTI)

Just 2 days before Lok Sabha polls, Income Tax department raids DMK leader Kanimozhi's house

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