Political heavyweights in Tamil Nadu cast votes as polling begins

The Madras High Court has said it would vacate the stay on a defamation case against DMK president M K Stalin over his remarks linking Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami to the Kodanad estate heist case after the government complained he was repeating the charge.

Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan made the oral observation Thursday on two petitions by city Public Prosecutor (PP) A Natarajan seeking the court to restrain the DMK leader from making any speech regarding the matter during the campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections, particularly at a public meeting to be held on Sunday, and vacate the interim stay on the defamation case.

The judge said the petitioner can record the remarks, if any made by Stalin at the meeting and produce it before the court on April 8.

The PP submitted that Stalin in his campaign speeches was repeatedly linking Palaniswami to the Kodanad case despite facing prosecution for defamation for same remarks earlier.

The judge told the counsel for Stalin that the grievance of the PP was that the DMK leader was already facing prosecution for defamation. But again and again he was making the same allegations and it would amount to interfering with the administration of justice.

The PP has filed two petitions. One to restrain Stalin from making any speech pertaining to Kodanadu case and another to vacate the interim stay granted by the court on the defamation proceedings.

"We will vacate the stay. You face the trial," the judge added.

Stalin's counsel P Kumaresan opposed the petition, saying the PP had already filed a petition seeking similar relief and it had been dismissed by a division bench of the high court on April 1.

He sought time to file a counter affidavit to the present petition.

Earlier, the PP submitted that Sayyan and Manoj, two key accused in the Kodanadu heist-cum watchman murder case had hatched a conspiracy to implicate the chief minister and their allegations against Palaniswami were released in a documentary by a Delhi-based journalist recently.

Subsequently, the bail granted to Sayyan and Manoj was cancelled by the trial court after the government submitted that they were intimidating witnesses. The trial court order had been confirmed by the high court.

Stalin in his election campaign was continuously making speeches linking the chief minister with the case, claiming that it was not his statement but that of the journalist, the PP submitted.

When the matter was sub-judice, Stalin cannot make such statements, he contended.

A total of 10 people had been arrested in connection with the April 23, 2017 robbery attempt at the Kodanad estate in Nilgiris district, which was used by late chief minister J Jayalalithaa. A guard was killed by a gang in the incident.

The Madras High Court has said it would vacate the stay on a defamation case against DMK president M K Stalin over his remarks linking Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami to the Kodanad estate heist case after the government complained he was repeating the charge.

The Madras High Court has said it would vacate the stay on a defamation case against DMK president M K Stalin over his remarks linking Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami to the Kodanad estate heist case after the government complained he was repeating the charge. Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan made the oral observation Thursday on two petitions by city Public Prosecutor (PP) A Natarajan seeking the court to restrain the DMK leader from making any speech regarding the matter during the campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections, particularly at a public meeting to be held on Sunday, and vacate the interim stay on the defamation case. The judge said the petitioner can record the remarks, if any made by Stalin at the meeting and produce it before the court on April 8. The PP submitted that Stalin in his campaign speeches was repeatedly linking Palaniswami to the Kodanad case despite facing prosecution for defamation for same remarks earlier. The judge told the counsel for Stalin that the grievance of the PP was that the DMK leader was already facing prosecution for defamation. But again and again he was making the same allegations and it would amount to interfering with the administration of justice. The PP has filed two petitions. One to restrain Stalin from making any speech pertaining to Kodanadu case and another to vacate the interim stay granted by the court on the defamation proceedings. "We will vacate the stay. You face the trial," the judge added. Stalin's counsel P Kumaresan opposed the petition, saying the PP had already filed a petition seeking similar relief and it had been dismissed by a division bench of the high court on April 1. He sought time to file a counter affidavit to the present petition. Earlier, the PP submitted that Sayyan and Manoj, two key accused in the Kodanadu heist-cum watchman murder case had hatched a conspiracy to implicate the chief minister and their allegations against Palaniswami were released in a documentary by a Delhi-based journalist recently. Subsequently, the bail granted to Sayyan and Manoj was cancelled by the trial court after the government submitted that they were intimidating witnesses. The trial court order had been confirmed by the high court. Stalin in his election campaign was continuously making speeches linking the chief minister with the case, claiming that it was not his statement but that of the journalist, the PP submitted. When the matter was sub-judice, Stalin cannot make such statements, he contended. A total of 10 people had been arrested in connection with the April 23, 2017 robbery attempt at the Kodanad estate in Nilgiris district, which was used by late chief minister J Jayalalithaa. A guard was killed by a gang in the incident.

Plea to restrain Stalin from linking Tamil Nadu chief minister to Kodanad case

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi was qualified to be the prime minister.

Tejashwi is the second Opposition leader after Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin to propose the Congress chief`s name as the prime ministerial candidate. He stressed that the Gandhi scion was "capable and qualified" for the post.

"You have all the qualifications to become the next Prime Minister. Rahul Gandhi is capable and qualified for the post of Prime Minister. The biggest responsibility for the Congress is to take along all the other parties", Tejashwi said at the 'Jan Akanksha Rally'&nbsp;at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna.

He further said that if Gandhi became the Prime Minister, then he would focus more on Bihar.

The RJD leader said that the Congress` biggest responsibility was to save democracy in the country.

Tejashwi accused the BJP of not fulfilling all promises they made in 2014 and alleged that they were using institutions like CBI and ED to target its political opponents.

Earlier, Stalin, while addressing a rally in Chennai in December last year, said that if Gandhi became the Prime Minister, he could provide a stable government, adding that the Congress chief had the ability to defeat the "fascist" Narendra Modi-led government.

Later, the DMK chief defended his comments saying there was nothing wrong with his suggestion as he was merely expressing the wishes of the people of Tamil Nadu."Yes, I did propose the name of Rahul Gandhi as the next prime ministerial candidate (for Lok Sabha elections) in the DMK rally. What is wrong with it? It was the wishes of the people of Tamil Nadu," Stalin had said.

The comments by both Stalin and Tejashwi assumes significance when all the political parties have come forward ahead of the general elections, just a few months away, to defeat the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi was qualified to be the prime minister. Tejashwi is the second Opposition leader after Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin to propose the Congress chief`s name as the prime ministerial candidate.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi was qualified to be the prime minister. Tejashwi is the second Opposition leader after Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin to propose the Congress chief`s name as the prime ministerial candidate. He stressed that the Gandhi scion was "capable and qualified" for the post. "You have all the qualifications to become the next Prime Minister. Rahul Gandhi is capable and qualified for the post of Prime Minister. The biggest responsibility for the Congress is to take along all the other parties", Tejashwi said at the 'Jan Akanksha Rally' at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna. He further said that if Gandhi became the Prime Minister, then he would focus more on Bihar. The RJD leader said that the Congress` biggest responsibility was to save democracy in the country. Tejashwi accused the BJP of not fulfilling all promises they made in 2014 and alleged that they were using institutions like CBI and ED to target its political opponents. Earlier, Stalin, while addressing a rally in Chennai in December last year, said that if Gandhi became the Prime Minister, he could provide a stable government, adding that the Congress chief had the ability to defeat the "fascist" Narendra Modi-led government. Later, the DMK chief defended his comments saying there was nothing wrong with his suggestion as he was merely expressing the wishes of the people of Tamil Nadu."Yes, I did propose the name of Rahul Gandhi as the next prime ministerial candidate (for Lok Sabha elections) in the DMK rally. What is wrong with it? It was the wishes of the people of Tamil Nadu," Stalin had said. The comments by both Stalin and Tejashwi assumes significance when all the political parties have come forward ahead of the general elections, just a few months away, to defeat the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.

After Stalin, Tejashwi Yadav backs Rahul Gandhi as PM

DMK Chief M K Stalin Sunday stood by his remarks about making Congress president Rahul Gandhi the Opposition's prime ministerial candidate and said that some state leaders would take a call on the recommendation at a later date.

"Some people questioned whether I can propose Rahul Gandhi's name as the prime ministerial candidate. What is wrong in that?" he said at an event here.&nbsp;

"If we do not propose (Rahul Gandhi's name), then who will? Did anyone deny it? Some state leaders are planning to decide on it after sorting out differences in their respective states," he said.

Stalin had on December 16 vowed to make Congress chief Rahul Gandhi the country's next prime minister, lauding him for having the ability to defeat the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.

"In 2018, on the occasion of unveiling Thalaivar Kalaignar statue, I propose, we will install a new prime minister in Delhi. We will build a new India, as the son of Thalaivar Kalaignar, I propose the candidature of Rahul Gandhi from Tamil Nadu," he had said.&nbsp;

The DMK chief reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a 'sadist' as he did not visit Tamil Nadu after cyclone Gaja that left a trail of destruction and claimed more than 50 lives in the state.

"Today, the topic is being widely debated. What's wrong in my comment? I did not say it at a personal level. Not as a leader of the BJP, he's the prime minister now. I am saying he did not even offer condolences to those who lost their lives due to cyclone Gaja," Stalin said.

Reacting to his remarks, BJP Tamil Nadu unit President Tamilisai Soundarrajan said in Chennai that Stalin has become the "saddest Stalin".

"Stalin called Modi sadist in the presence of Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, but it is he who is the saddest," she told reporters.

DMK Chief M K Stalin Sunday stood by his remarks about making Congress president Rahul Gandhi the Opposition's prime ministerial candidate and said that some state leaders would take a call on the recommendation at a later date.

DMK Chief M K Stalin Sunday stood by his remarks about making Congress president Rahul Gandhi the Opposition's prime ministerial candidate and said that some state leaders would take a call on the recommendation at a later date. "Some people questioned whether I can propose Rahul Gandhi's name as the prime ministerial candidate. What is wrong in that?" he said at an event here. "If we do not propose (Rahul Gandhi's name), then who will? Did anyone deny it? Some state leaders are planning to decide on it after sorting out differences in their respective states," he said. Stalin had on December 16 vowed to make Congress chief Rahul Gandhi the country's next prime minister, lauding him for having the ability to defeat the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre. "In 2018, on the occasion of unveiling Thalaivar Kalaignar statue, I propose, we will install a new prime minister in Delhi. We will build a new India, as the son of Thalaivar Kalaignar, I propose the candidature of Rahul Gandhi from Tamil Nadu," he had said. The DMK chief reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a 'sadist' as he did not visit Tamil Nadu after cyclone Gaja that left a trail of destruction and claimed more than 50 lives in the state. "Today, the topic is being widely debated. What's wrong in my comment? I did not say it at a personal level. Not as a leader of the BJP, he's the prime minister now. I am saying he did not even offer condolences to those who lost their lives due to cyclone Gaja," Stalin said. Reacting to his remarks, BJP Tamil Nadu unit President Tamilisai Soundarrajan said in Chennai that Stalin has become the "saddest Stalin". "Stalin called Modi sadist in the presence of Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, but it is he who is the saddest," she told reporters.

Stalin says state leaders planning to take call on Rahul as PM

The sudden regime change in Sri Lanka encompasses "several mysteries" and has triggered concerns among Tamil Nadu fishermen and Tamils in the island nation, DMK leader MK Stalin said on Saturday.

Stalin, the leader of opposition in the assembly, said the return of Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as the country's new prime minister has shocked Tamils across the world.

"The changes that have occurred in the Sri Lankan government in a single night encompasses several mysteries and have threatened the Tamils there who are denied their rights," he alleged.

Also, the developments have triggered concerns among Tamil Nadu fishermen, he added.

Stalin cited the recent Delhi visits of Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe and media reports about Sirisena alleging that Indian intelligence agency RAW hatched a plot to assassinate him.&nbsp;

Sirisena, however, later denied making such allegations.&nbsp;

The background to Rajapaksa assuming office all of a sudden as Sri Lanka's premier, though he doesn't have a majority, has shocked Tamils, Stalin claimed.

The DMK chief alleged that Rajapaksa was behind the killings of Tamil people (during the civil war between Sri Lankan Army and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in 2009) and Tamil Nadu fishermen at the hands of Lankan Navy during his tenure.

Ousted Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Saturday sought an emergency session of Parliament to prove his majority, as the island nation plunged into a constitutional crisis after President Maithripala Sirisena sacked him and made former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa the new premier.

Stalin said that "if such a situation continued in Sri Lanka", it would become a challenge to India's interests. He asked the Centre to give clarifications on the recent visits of Lankan leaders and the allegations drawing RAW into a controversy.

Referring to the Tamil Nadu government's recent recommendation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit to release all convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, the DMK leader asked the Centre to devote its "attention" to the matter and urged Purohit to take a favourable decision.&nbsp;

The sudden regime change in Sri Lanka encompasses "several mysteries" and has triggered concerns among Tamil Nadu fishermen and Tamils in the island nation, DMK leader MK Stalin said on Saturday.

The sudden regime change in Sri Lanka encompasses "several mysteries" and has triggered concerns among Tamil Nadu fishermen and Tamils in the island nation, DMK leader MK Stalin said on Saturday. Stalin, the leader of opposition in the assembly, said the return of Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as the country's new prime minister has shocked Tamils across the world. "The changes that have occurred in the Sri Lankan government in a single night encompasses several mysteries and have threatened the Tamils there who are denied their rights," he alleged. Also, the developments have triggered concerns among Tamil Nadu fishermen, he added. Stalin cited the recent Delhi visits of Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe and media reports about Sirisena alleging that Indian intelligence agency RAW hatched a plot to assassinate him. Sirisena, however, later denied making such allegations. The background to Rajapaksa assuming office all of a sudden as Sri Lanka's premier, though he doesn't have a majority, has shocked Tamils, Stalin claimed. The DMK chief alleged that Rajapaksa was behind the killings of Tamil people (during the civil war between Sri Lankan Army and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in 2009) and Tamil Nadu fishermen at the hands of Lankan Navy during his tenure. Ousted Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Saturday sought an emergency session of Parliament to prove his majority, as the island nation plunged into a constitutional crisis after President Maithripala Sirisena sacked him and made former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa the new premier. Stalin said that "if such a situation continued in Sri Lanka", it would become a challenge to India's interests. He asked the Centre to give clarifications on the recent visits of Lankan leaders and the allegations drawing RAW into a controversy. Referring to the Tamil Nadu government's recent recommendation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit to release all convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, the DMK leader asked the Centre to devote its "attention" to the matter and urged Purohit to take a favourable decision.

Political developments in Sri Lanka 'mysterious'; triggering concerns among Tamils: MK Stalin

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) working president M.K. Stalin and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday expressed their concerns on former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's health and wished him a speedy recovery.

On Monday, Vajpayee was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and is currently undergoing treatment.

Taking to Twitter, Stalin said that he was saddened to hear Vajpayee's health and wished him a speedy and full recovery.

"I was saddened to hear about former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji being admitted to AIIMS. On behalf of DMK President Thalaivar Kalaignar and DMK party, I wish Vajpayeeji a speedy and full recovery back to normal health," Stalin wrote on the micro-blogging site.

Naidu also inquired on Vajpayee's health and prayed for a speedy recovery.

"I spoke to the officers in Delhi on the health of Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Praying to God for his speedy recovery and his return to home with good health," Naidu tweeted.

Earlier today, AIIMS said that Vajpayee's condition was stable and is responding well to the treatment.

Dr. (Professor) Aarti Vij said in a statement, "Former Prime Minister Vajpayee's condition is stable. He is responding to treatment and is on injectable antibiotics. All vital parameters are stable. He will continue to be in hospital till infection is controlled."

Many political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi, visited the ailing former prime minister at AIIMS.

The 93-year-old Vajpayee was the first ever person from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to have become the nation's prime minister.

Vajpayee was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and is currently undergoing treatment

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) working president M.K. Stalin and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday expressed their concerns on former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's health and wished him a speedy recovery. On Monday, Vajpayee was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and is currently undergoing treatment. Taking to Twitter, Stalin said that he was saddened to hear Vajpayee's health and wished him a speedy and full recovery. "I was saddened to hear about former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji being admitted to AIIMS. On behalf of DMK President Thalaivar Kalaignar and DMK party, I wish Vajpayeeji a speedy and full recovery back to normal health," Stalin wrote on the micro-blogging site. Naidu also inquired on Vajpayee's health and prayed for a speedy recovery. "I spoke to the officers in Delhi on the health of Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Praying to God for his speedy recovery and his return to home with good health," Naidu tweeted. Earlier today, AIIMS said that Vajpayee's condition was stable and is responding well to the treatment. Dr. (Professor) Aarti Vij said in a statement, "Former Prime Minister Vajpayee's condition is stable. He is responding to treatment and is on injectable antibiotics. All vital parameters are stable. He will continue to be in hospital till infection is controlled." Many political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi, visited the ailing former prime minister at AIIMS. The 93-year-old Vajpayee was the first ever person from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to have become the nation's prime minister.

Stalin, Naidu wish speedy recovery of ex-PM Vajpayee

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader MK Stalin on has said that he would welcome a situation in which southern States will come together and demand the formation of &quot;Dravida Nadu&quot;.

On being asked his opinion on the southern states combining to form a Dravida Nadu, Stalin said in Erode, yesterday, &quot;If this happens, it is welcome and it will happen I believe.&quot;

While Stalin supported demand for Dravida Nadu , RK Nagar MLA and ousted AIADMK Deputy General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran differed on the issue and said that the route being taken by the DMK leader will lead nowhere.

Responding to Stalin&#39;s remarks about Dravida Nadu, Dhinakaran said, &quot;First let him focus on Cauvery issue, what has he done in all these years when he was in power? He should use his influence to solve the matter, he is taking a route which leads nowhere&quot;.

However, Stalin later said that he was just answering a question and that does not mean he is undertaking any campaign for Dravida Nadu.

&quot;Yes I had made remarks on Dravida Nadu but it was only after I was asked a question on it but this does not mean that I am undertaking a campaign for Dravida Nadu: MK Stalin on his earlier statement on Dravida Nadu&quot;, Stalin said.

An idea of a homeland comprising Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada speakers, the concept of Dravida Nadu was espoused by EV Ramasamy &#39;Periyar&#39;. Based on this concept, he advocated the idea of Dravida national identity. He founded his party Dravidar Kazhagan with this as one of the founding principles back in the 1940s to redeem the identity and self-respect of Tamils.&nbsp;

Yes I had made remarks on Dravida Nadu but it was only after I was asked a question on it: Stalin

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader MK Stalin on has said that he would welcome a situation in which southern States will come together and demand the formation of "Dravida Nadu". On being asked his opinion on the southern states combining to form a Dravida Nadu, Stalin said in Erode, yesterday, "If this happens, it is welcome and it will happen I believe." While Stalin supported demand for Dravida Nadu , RK Nagar MLA and ousted AIADMK Deputy General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran differed on the issue and said that the route being taken by the DMK leader will lead nowhere. Responding to Stalin's remarks about Dravida Nadu, Dhinakaran said, "First let him focus on Cauvery issue, what has he done in all these years when he was in power? He should use his influence to solve the matter, he is taking a route which leads nowhere". However, Stalin later said that he was just answering a question and that does not mean he is undertaking any campaign for Dravida Nadu. "Yes I had made remarks on Dravida Nadu but it was only after I was asked a question on it but this does not mean that I am undertaking a campaign for Dravida Nadu: MK Stalin on his earlier statement on Dravida Nadu", Stalin said. An idea of a homeland comprising Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada speakers, the concept of Dravida Nadu was espoused by EV Ramasamy 'Periyar'. Based on this concept, he advocated the idea of Dravida national identity. He founded his party Dravidar Kazhagan with this as one of the founding principles back in the 1940s to redeem the identity and self-respect of Tamils.

Dhinakaran, Stalin spar over 'Dravida Nadu' issue

DMK working president MK Stalin today confirmed receiving a call from West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on the possibility of a third front.

Stalin said that the DMK was already a part of the UPA and since there was one more year for the general elections, whatever decision had been taken would be discussed with a high-level committee.

&quot;TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee called me on March 4 for a &#39;Third Front&#39;. DMK is a part of UPA already and there is one more year for general elections, so whatever decision we have to take we will discuss with the high-level committee,&quot; Stalin said in Chennai.

The Trinamool Congress had earlier confirmed that its chief Mamata Banerjee had reached out to Stalin for co-ordination in and outside Parliament.

&quot;Mamata Banerjee has taken a lead in defeating the BJP by talking to &#39;federal&#39; parties. &quot;We are on track&quot;, TMC Rajya Sabha member Derek O&#39;Brien had said.

After calling up Telangana Rashtra Samiti chief K Chandrasekhar Rao, Ms Banerjee held telephonic conversation with the DMK leader, Mr O&#39;Brien said, adding there was &quot;good coordination&quot; between TRS, TDP, SP, BSP, TMC and DMK in Parliament on various issues.

His remarks came in the backdrop of Mamata Banerjee again pitching for regional parties to come together to take on the BJP after the results of assembly elections in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland.

Derek O&#39; Brien had said that during her nearly 12-minute conversation, Mamata Banerjee told Stalin that a good show by the TMC and the DMK in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu respectively would mean a block of nearly 75 MPs in Parliament.

A day after he announced his entry into national politics, TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao had received support from various political leaders, including Ms Banerjee.

&quot;From morning, I have been receiving many calls from various places in India. This afternoon West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee called me and said that I have taken the right decision and she will be supporting me and that we will go forward together,&quot; Mr Rao had said a couple of days ago.

(With inputs from PTI)

 
&nbsp;

Stalin said that the DMK was already a part of the UPA and since there was one more year for the general elections, whatever decision had been taken would be discussed with a high-level committee

DMK working president MK Stalin today confirmed receiving a call from West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on the possibility of a third front. Stalin said that the DMK was already a part of the UPA and since there was one more year for the general elections, whatever decision had been taken would be discussed with a high-level committee. "TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee called me on March 4 for a 'Third Front'. DMK is a part of UPA already and there is one more year for general elections, so whatever decision we have to take we will discuss with the high-level committee," Stalin said in Chennai. The Trinamool Congress had earlier confirmed that its chief Mamata Banerjee had reached out to Stalin for co-ordination in and outside Parliament. "Mamata Banerjee has taken a lead in defeating the BJP by talking to 'federal' parties. "We are on track", TMC Rajya Sabha member Derek O'Brien had said. After calling up Telangana Rashtra Samiti chief K Chandrasekhar Rao, Ms Banerjee held telephonic conversation with the DMK leader, Mr O'Brien said, adding there was "good coordination" between TRS, TDP, SP, BSP, TMC and DMK in Parliament on various issues. His remarks came in the backdrop of Mamata Banerjee again pitching for regional parties to come together to take on the BJP after the results of assembly elections in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland. Derek O' Brien had said that during her nearly 12-minute conversation, Mamata Banerjee told Stalin that a good show by the TMC and the DMK in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu respectively would mean a block of nearly 75 MPs in Parliament. A day after he announced his entry into national politics, TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao had received support from various political leaders, including Ms Banerjee. "From morning, I have been receiving many calls from various places in India. This afternoon West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee called me and said that I have taken the right decision and she will be supporting me and that we will go forward together," Mr Rao had said a couple of days ago. (With inputs from PTI)

What Stalin has to say on Mamata's phone call for a 'third front'

Expelled DMK leader M K Alagiri has lashed out at his younger brother and party working president M K Stalin for the party&#39;s drubbing in the R K Nagar bypoll, saying it cannot win any election under his leadership.

&quot;Not just R K Nagar bypoll. DMK will not henceforth win in any election. There is no chance for that till this Working President (Stalin) is there (at the helm of affairs),&quot; he said in an interview to a Tamil magazine.

The Madurai-based former DMK strongman, son of party president M Karunanidhi, wielded tremendous clout in south Tamil Nadu during the 2006-11 party rule.

&quot;Such a situation (DMK finishing third in the R K Nagar bypoll) would not have emerged if Leader (Karunanidhi) was active,&quot; Alagiri said.

Alagiri and Stalin had been involved in a long-running feud in the DMK&#39;s first family with both contendings to be their father&#39;s political heir.

A former Union minister, Alagiri had once famously asked if the DMK was a &#39;mutt&#39; where a senior pontiff could appoint his successor, indicating that he was always in the reckoning.

However, Alagiri was expelled from DMK in 2014 for alleged anti-party activities and has largely remained low profile since then.

The ruling AIADMK latched onto Alagiri&#39;s comments to take potshots at Stalin.

&quot;Alagiri has said DMK cannot win (under Stalin&#39;s leadership)... His (Stalin&#39;s) own brother has said so,&quot; senior AIADMK leader and Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar said, without elaborating.

The DMK lost the December 21 R K Nagar bypoll, where its candidate N Maruthu Ganesh polled 24,000-odd votes, which was way below the 57,673 votes secured by the party in the 2016 assembly elections, and lost deposit.

Shimla Muthuchozhan of DMK had then lost to late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who emerged the winner with 97,218 votes in the constituency.

Rival AIADMK leader T T V Dhinakaran, contesting as an independent, won the December 21 bypoll getting 89,013 votes. He defeated his nearest rival, AIADMK&#39;s E Madhusudhanan, who got 48,306 votes.

Alleging that the victory was due to &quot;money power&quot;, Stalin has claimed that it was &quot;a Himalayan defeat for the Election Commission rather than the DMK candidate&quot;.

The DMK has appointed a three-member committee to look into the byelection outcome and submit a report before December 31.&nbsp;

The Madurai-based former DMK strongman wielded tremendous clout in south Tamil Nadu during the 2006-11 party rule

Expelled DMK leader M K Alagiri has lashed out at his younger brother and party working president M K Stalin for the party's drubbing in the R K Nagar bypoll, saying it cannot win any election under his leadership. "Not just R K Nagar bypoll. DMK will not henceforth win in any election. There is no chance for that till this Working President (Stalin) is there (at the helm of affairs)," he said in an interview to a Tamil magazine. The Madurai-based former DMK strongman, son of party president M Karunanidhi, wielded tremendous clout in south Tamil Nadu during the 2006-11 party rule. "Such a situation (DMK finishing third in the R K Nagar bypoll) would not have emerged if Leader (Karunanidhi) was active," Alagiri said. Alagiri and Stalin had been involved in a long-running feud in the DMK's first family with both contendings to be their father's political heir. A former Union minister, Alagiri had once famously asked if the DMK was a 'mutt' where a senior pontiff could appoint his successor, indicating that he was always in the reckoning. However, Alagiri was expelled from DMK in 2014 for alleged anti-party activities and has largely remained low profile since then. The ruling AIADMK latched onto Alagiri's comments to take potshots at Stalin. "Alagiri has said DMK cannot win (under Stalin's leadership)... His (Stalin's) own brother has said so," senior AIADMK leader and Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar said, without elaborating. The DMK lost the December 21 R K Nagar bypoll, where its candidate N Maruthu Ganesh polled 24,000-odd votes, which was way below the 57,673 votes secured by the party in the 2016 assembly elections, and lost deposit. Shimla Muthuchozhan of DMK had then lost to late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who emerged the winner with 97,218 votes in the constituency. Rival AIADMK leader T T V Dhinakaran, contesting as an independent, won the December 21 bypoll getting 89,013 votes. He defeated his nearest rival, AIADMK's E Madhusudhanan, who got 48,306 votes. Alleging that the victory was due to "money power", Stalin has claimed that it was "a Himalayan defeat for the Election Commission rather than the DMK candidate". The DMK has appointed a three-member committee to look into the byelection outcome and submit a report before December 31.

'DMK can't win polls under him,' Alagiri targets Stalin

The DMK&#39;s MK Stalin has written to the Election Commission accusing the ruling AIADMK of the &quot;large-scale distribution&quot; of money to win the RK Nagar bypoll.&nbsp;

In his letter, Stalin alleged that the AIADMK has distributed over Rs 100 crore.&nbsp;

&quot;Tamil Nadu witnessing large-scale distribution of money to the tune of more than Rs 100 Crores by the ruling AIADMK party to the voters for by-election to RK Nagar Assembly Constituency,&quot; Stalin wrote in his letter.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
DMK&#39;s MK Stalin writes to the Election Commission of India, says &quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> witnessing large-scale distribution of money to the tune of more than Rs.100 Crores by the ruling AIADMK party to the voters for by-election to RK Nagar Assembly Constituency&quot; <a href="https://t.co/xAwmtDtyGS">pic.twitter.com/xAwmtDtyGS</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942341081349238786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Stalin also requested the Election Commission to disqualify AIADMK candidate E Madhusudhanan, telling the commission to &quot;take appropriate and necessary action against AIADMK and the erring officials and to ensure free and fair election RK Nagar Assembly Constituency.&quot;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
DMK&#39;s MK Stalin also requests Election Commission to disqualify AIADMK candidate E.Madhusudhanan, says &quot;take appropriate and necessary action against AIADMK and the erring officials and to ensure free and fair election RK Nagar Assembly Constituency&quot;
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942341528076161024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Key contestants in the bypoll include Madhusudanan, and N Marudhu Ganesh who is the DMK&#39;s candidate.&nbsp;

Breakaway AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran will be contesting the bypoll as an independent candidate.

The RK Nagar bypoll was made necessary by the death of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa.

The election is also being seen as a litmus test for the ruling party which has been facing a barrage of accusations including of alleged corruption.&nbsp;

News reports said RK Nagar had witnessed chaotic scenes on Saturday after election officials and DMK cadre chased and seized about Rs 13 lakh from men accused of trying to distribute cash to voters.

The reports added that a few men were caught trying to do the same thing today.&nbsp;

On Sunday, the men were caught trying to distribute packets of biryani and Rs 2,000 notes to voters. &nbsp;

The RK Nagar&nbsp;bypoll had been cancelled in April following allegations of the distribution of cash to voters.&nbsp;

The bypoll is now to be held on December 21 and campaigning is on in full swing.

RK Nagar had witnessed chaotic scenes on Saturday after election officials and DMK cadre chased and seized about Rs 13 lakh from men accused of trying to distribute cash to voters

The DMK's MK Stalin has written to the Election Commission accusing the ruling AIADMK of the "large-scale distribution" of money to win the RK Nagar bypoll. In his letter, Stalin alleged that the AIADMK has distributed over Rs 100 crore. "Tamil Nadu witnessing large-scale distribution of money to the tune of more than Rs 100 Crores by the ruling AIADMK party to the voters for by-election to RK Nagar Assembly Constituency," Stalin wrote in his letter. DMK's MK Stalin writes to the Election Commission of India, says "#TamilNadu witnessing large-scale distribution of money to the tune of more than Rs.100 Crores by the ruling AIADMK party to the voters for by-election to RK Nagar Assembly Constituency" pic.twitter.com/xAwmtDtyGS — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2017 × Stalin also requested the Election Commission to disqualify AIADMK candidate E Madhusudhanan, telling the commission to "take appropriate and necessary action against AIADMK and the erring officials and to ensure free and fair election RK Nagar Assembly Constituency." DMK's MK Stalin also requests Election Commission to disqualify AIADMK candidate E.Madhusudhanan, says "take appropriate and necessary action against AIADMK and the erring officials and to ensure free and fair election RK Nagar Assembly Constituency" — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2017 × Key contestants in the bypoll include Madhusudanan, and N Marudhu Ganesh who is the DMK's candidate. Breakaway AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran will be contesting the bypoll as an independent candidate. The RK Nagar bypoll was made necessary by the death of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa. The election is also being seen as a litmus test for the ruling party which has been facing a barrage of accusations including of alleged corruption. News reports said RK Nagar had witnessed chaotic scenes on Saturday after election officials and DMK cadre chased and seized about Rs 13 lakh from men accused of trying to distribute cash to voters. The reports added that a few men were caught trying to do the same thing today. On Sunday, the men were caught trying to distribute packets of biryani and Rs 2,000 notes to voters. The RK Nagar bypoll had been cancelled in April following allegations of the distribution of cash to voters. The bypoll is now to be held on December 21 and campaigning is on in full swing.

RK Nagar bypoll: Stalin writes to EC, says AIADMK distributing 'large-scale money'

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) acting president MK Stalin on Saturday met Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao and asked him to dissolve the Edappadi K&nbsp;Palaniswami-led government,&nbsp;which has been facing horse-trading allegations.

Stalin said that he decided to meet the Governor after the assembly did not let him to submit the CD (compact disc) as&nbsp;proof that the Sasikala camp sought the &nbsp;AIADMK&nbsp;MLAs&#39; support&nbsp;for the February trust vote.

&quot;We have requested the Governor to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter. We have also asked him to dissolve this government and re-conduct fresh vote of confidence immediately,&quot; Stalin said.

Stalin said the Governor has assured to take immediate action.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly has been witnessing pandemonium over the alleged sting operation conducted by a news channel.

The video revealed that all the AIADMK MLAs were lured in by cash and gold by the rival Sasikala camp to support Palaniswamy in the February trust vote conducted in Tamil Nadu Assembly.

Palanisamy won the trust vote held in the state assembly on the back of support offered by 122 AIADMK legislators.

South Madurai MLA Saravanan, who had defected to the OPS faction, admitted on camera that Sasikala camp offered him money between Rs. 2 crore to 6 crore for his support to Chief Minister Palaniswamy&nbsp;

(ANI)

Stalin alleged the assembly did not let him to submit the CD as proof that the Sasikala camp sought the ?AIADMK?MLAs' support?for the February trust vote

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) acting president MK Stalin on Saturday met Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao and asked him to dissolve the Edappadi K Palaniswami-led government, which has been facing horse-trading allegations. Stalin said that he decided to meet the Governor after the assembly did not let him to submit the CD (compact disc) as proof that the Sasikala camp sought the AIADMK MLAs' support for the February trust vote. "We have requested the Governor to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter. We have also asked him to dissolve this government and re-conduct fresh vote of confidence immediately," Stalin said. Stalin said the Governor has assured to take immediate action. The Tamil Nadu Assembly has been witnessing pandemonium over the alleged sting operation conducted by a news channel. The video revealed that all the AIADMK MLAs were lured in by cash and gold by the rival Sasikala camp to support Palaniswamy in the February trust vote conducted in Tamil Nadu Assembly. Palanisamy won the trust vote held in the state assembly on the back of support offered by 122 AIADMK legislators. South Madurai MLA Saravanan, who had defected to the OPS faction, admitted on camera that Sasikala camp offered him money between Rs. 2 crore to 6 crore for his support to Chief Minister Palaniswamy (ANI)

DMK's Stalin asks Tamil Nadu Governor to dissolve Palaniswamy govt over horsetrading allegations

Tamil Nadu Governor Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao has asked for a factual report from assembly secretary AMP Jamaludeen about the incidents that took place during the trust vote&nbsp;won by the EK Palaniswami-led AIADMK government.

The Governor has sought a report on the entire proceedings from the time the House assembled at 11 am on February 18 and till it was adjourned sine die at 3.27 pm, sources told PTI.

The report shall be complete with all documentary and videographic evidence, it has been indicated by the Governor, they said. 
 
The Governor will also release&nbsp;a brochure on the key events in Tamil Nadu beginning with late former chief minister Jayalalithaa&#39;s hospitalisation in September last year&nbsp;till he invited Palaniswami to form the government, sources said.

They said Rao was constrained to take up the initiative in view of doubts being expressed about Jayalalithaa&#39;s death from&nbsp;some quarters and claims over alleged delay in forming a new government after Panneerselvam resigned on February 5.

Earlier on Sunday, MK Stalin, the leader of Tamil Nadu&#39;s opposition party DMK, appealed to Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao to &quot;nullify&quot; the trust vote.

The party also announced a state-wide hunger strike on February 22, protesting what it alleged was the &quot;murder of democracy&quot;.

In a statement, Stalin said his party would stage the hunger strike from 9 am to 5 pm and condemned the adoption of trust vote after eviction of his party members.

Stalin, who along with 85 DMK legislators was evicted from the Assembly after they created a ruckus in the house and manhandled the Speaker P Dhanapal, alleged voting took place by contravening the rules of the state Assembly.

Stalin alleged that the DMK MLAs were evicted despite the fact that they were on a peaceful &#39;dharna&#39;&#39; (protest) inside the house after their demand for a secret ballot was rejected.

In a representation submitted to Governor Rao, Stalin, also the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, urged him to &quot;nullify the entire proceedings&quot; to &quot;protect the spirit of democracy and the Constitution&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;Finding no other way to register our protest, we resorted to peaceful dharna inside the House,&quot; Stalin said.

&quot;The Speaker ordered expulsion of all the members of the DMK without following the procedure.

Assembly guards forcibly evicted us and many of us sustained injuries. Other opposition parties staged a walkout strongly protesting the action of Speaker,&quot; he added.

The representation was submitted to the Governor by DMK legislators from the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) RS Bharathi, TKS Elangovan, and Tiruchi N Siva.

The DMK leader claimed that the Speaker &quot;ignored the rule that if the House is adjourned after moving a motion, it lapses&quot;. He said it was &quot;a mockery of democracy and a severe blow to the Constitution&quot;.

He claimed that in 1988 &quot;when voting on the Confidence Motion was held by the Speaker with only two factions of the ruling party present in the House (it was) later declared as invalid and void by the then Governor&quot;.

It appealed to the Governor to take cognizance of the fact that the Confidence Motion moved by Palanisami was adopted in absence of members of all the opposition parties.

It urged him to invoke his constitutional powers to nullify the proceedings to protect the spirit of democracy and Constitution.&nbsp;

Palaniswami, a loyalist of AIADMK general secretary Sasikala, won the trust vote by a 122-11 margin after the eviction of DMK members and and walkout by its allies, amid stormy scenes during which mikes were uprooted, chairs toppled and sheets of papers torn and hurled around.

Stalin had met the Governor immediately after the eviction of DMK members and urged him to postpone the trust vote.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from PTI)

DMK leader Stalin has announced a state-wide hunger strike on February 22 to protest the 'unfair' trust vote

Tamil Nadu Governor Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao has asked for a factual report from assembly secretary AMP Jamaludeen about the incidents that took place during the trust vote won by the EK Palaniswami-led AIADMK government. The Governor has sought a report on the entire proceedings from the time the House assembled at 11 am on February 18 and till it was adjourned sine die at 3.27 pm, sources told PTI. The report shall be complete with all documentary and videographic evidence, it has been indicated by the Governor, they said. The Governor will also release a brochure on the key events in Tamil Nadu beginning with late former chief minister Jayalalithaa's hospitalisation in September last year till he invited Palaniswami to form the government, sources said. They said Rao was constrained to take up the initiative in view of doubts being expressed about Jayalalithaa's death from some quarters and claims over alleged delay in forming a new government after Panneerselvam resigned on February 5. Earlier on Sunday, MK Stalin, the leader of Tamil Nadu's opposition party DMK, appealed to Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao to "nullify" the trust vote. The party also announced a state-wide hunger strike on February 22, protesting what it alleged was the "murder of democracy". In a statement, Stalin said his party would stage the hunger strike from 9 am to 5 pm and condemned the adoption of trust vote after eviction of his party members. Stalin, who along with 85 DMK legislators was evicted from the Assembly after they created a ruckus in the house and manhandled the Speaker P Dhanapal, alleged voting took place by contravening the rules of the state Assembly. Stalin alleged that the DMK MLAs were evicted despite the fact that they were on a peaceful 'dharna'' (protest) inside the house after their demand for a secret ballot was rejected. In a representation submitted to Governor Rao, Stalin, also the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, urged him to "nullify the entire proceedings" to "protect the spirit of democracy and the Constitution". "Finding no other way to register our protest, we resorted to peaceful dharna inside the House," Stalin said. "The Speaker ordered expulsion of all the members of the DMK without following the procedure. Assembly guards forcibly evicted us and many of us sustained injuries. Other opposition parties staged a walkout strongly protesting the action of Speaker," he added. The representation was submitted to the Governor by DMK legislators from the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) RS Bharathi, TKS Elangovan, and Tiruchi N Siva. The DMK leader claimed that the Speaker "ignored the rule that if the House is adjourned after moving a motion, it lapses". He said it was "a mockery of democracy and a severe blow to the Constitution". He claimed that in 1988 "when voting on the Confidence Motion was held by the Speaker with only two factions of the ruling party present in the House (it was) later declared as invalid and void by the then Governor". It appealed to the Governor to take cognizance of the fact that the Confidence Motion moved by Palanisami was adopted in absence of members of all the opposition parties. It urged him to invoke his constitutional powers to nullify the proceedings to protect the spirit of democracy and Constitution. Palaniswami, a loyalist of AIADMK general secretary Sasikala, won the trust vote by a 122-11 margin after the eviction of DMK members and and walkout by its allies, amid stormy scenes during which mikes were uprooted, chairs toppled and sheets of papers torn and hurled around. Stalin had met the Governor immediately after the eviction of DMK members and urged him to postpone the trust vote. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Tamil Nadu Governor calls for factual report on trust vote after protests

The opposition party in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, DMK, today, dubbed animal rights advocacy group PETA as &quot;anti-national&quot; and said it&#39;s working against Tamil culture.

It sought a ban on the NGO which has been stridently opposing the bull-taming festival Jallikattu.

&quot;Centre should immediately ban the international NGO PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) which is against our culture and is anti-national,&quot; DMK working president and Tamil Nadu opposition leader MK Stalin said.

He also urged the central&nbsp;government to &#39;disband&#39; the incumbent Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and replace it with a body which has more representation for Tamil Nadu.

He said the centre&nbsp;and the state government should realise the &quot;negative impact&quot; of having &quot;failed to protect the heritage identity of the Tamil culture&quot;.

Stalin strongly argued in favour of replacing AWBI with a body with &quot;adequate representation for Tamil Nadu as that alone would prove&quot; sports like Jallikattu do not involve any cruelty to the animals.

Jallikattu was a system to rear the native cattle breed, he said.

Targeting PETA, which has been in the forefront of anti-Jallikattu protests, Stalin said such &quot;international NGOs did not realise the diversity of India and aspects of its heritage.&quot;&nbsp;

He charged them with working with &quot;ulterior motives&quot;.

The centre should not allow PETA to function any more, he demanded.

He also urged the centre to come out with court-approved mechanism for the conduct of the bull-taming sport in future.

(PTI)

Stalin, working president of the opposition party DMK, urged the central government to 'disband' the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)

The opposition party in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, DMK, today, dubbed animal rights advocacy group PETA as "anti-national" and said it's working against Tamil culture. It sought a ban on the NGO which has been stridently opposing the bull-taming festival Jallikattu. "Centre should immediately ban the international NGO PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) which is against our culture and is anti-national," DMK working president and Tamil Nadu opposition leader MK Stalin said. He also urged the central government to 'disband' the incumbent Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and replace it with a body which has more representation for Tamil Nadu. He said the centre and the state government should realise the "negative impact" of having "failed to protect the heritage identity of the Tamil culture". Stalin strongly argued in favour of replacing AWBI with a body with "adequate representation for Tamil Nadu as that alone would prove" sports like Jallikattu do not involve any cruelty to the animals. Jallikattu was a system to rear the native cattle breed, he said. Targeting PETA, which has been in the forefront of anti-Jallikattu protests, Stalin said such "international NGOs did not realise the diversity of India and aspects of its heritage." He charged them with working with "ulterior motives". The centre should not allow PETA to function any more, he demanded. He also urged the centre to come out with court-approved mechanism for the conduct of the bull-taming sport in future. (PTI)

Politician from southern India's Tamil Nadu state calls PETA 'anti-national' for opposing bull-taming festival

stalin

Stalin, News on Stalin, stories on Stalin, articles on Stalin, Stalin stories at Wion, Stalin news, Stalin latest news