Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay's much-awaited final film Jana Nayagan has finally hit theatres after months of delays and a major online leak controversy. Director H. Vinoth dismissed allegations that the leak was politically motivated ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, calling the claims baseless. Massive celebrations erupted across Chennai as thousands of fans gathered outside theatres for Vijay's last film before fully entering politics.

Watch the latest updates on Jana Nayagan's release, leak controversy, political reactions, fan celebrations, box office expectations, and Vijay's transition from cinema to politics.

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's final film Jana Nayagan hits theatres after massive leak controversy 

The political battle over the Karur stampede tragedy has intensified in Tamil Nadu. DMK Deputy General Secretary Kanimozhi Karunanidhi has strongly responded to Chief Minister S. Joseph Vijay's remarks during his visit to Karur. Vijay defended his actions following the 2025 Karur stampede, saying he was grieving and trusted the police's judgment, while also announcing government jobs for the families of victims. Kanimozhi hit back, alleging that people know who stood with them during the tragedy and who abandoned them.

DMK's Kanimozhi Hits Back at Tamil Nadu CM Vijay over Karur stampede remarks

Following allegations of Tamil Nadu’s western belt being ignored by the ruling DMK, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister who is touring the region is facing the wrath of angry netizens and political opponents on Twitter.

The Western belt which is locally known as the ‘Kongu Belt’ is an AIADMK stronghold and largely voted against the ruling DMK. Coimbatore, the second-largest city in Tamil Nadu and an industrial hub is situated in the Kongu belt region.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dmk-ministers-comments-on-not-getting-hindi-speakers-votes-courts-trouble-bjp-objects-387725" hreflang="en">DMK minister’s comments on not getting Hindi-speakers’ votes courts trouble; BJP objects</a>

However, this region is said to have been allocated far fewer vaccines than Chennai. Coimbatore is also now the city with maximum COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

Leaders from the opposition parties, BJP and AIADMK, have been pointing out the high number of deaths and spike in cases in Coimbatore when compared to Chennai, which is now seeing a daily decline in COVID-19 numbers.

In a clip of a Tamil TV debate, a DMK spokesperson was seen telling a BJP spokesperson that “if people of Coimbatore are struggling and crying in pain, they must do so before Modi. If they are crying in pain, then WhatsApp it to Modi”. &nbsp;Notably, Coimbatore South is an important assembly constituency that elected BJP Women’s wing President Vanathi Srinivasan.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadus-ongoing-lockdown-extended-until-may-31-new-guidelines-inside-386726" hreflang="en">Tamil Nadu’s ongoing lockdown extended until May 31. New guidelines inside</a>

The hashtag #GoBackStalin has been trending with more than 150,000 tweets&nbsp;and is perhaps the first time that a Tamil Nadu Chief Minister is facing this trend when touring a district of his home state.

DMK sympathisers&nbsp;countered the trend by using hashtags #Welcome_TNCM_Stalin, #WelcomeStalin and also by sharing videos of the Chief Minister wearing a PPE Suit, during a hospital inspection in Coimbatore on Sunday.

In October 2020, as Leader of Opposition Stalin had paid homage to freedom fighter and spiritual leader Muthuramaliga Thevar’s memorial in Ramanathapuram. Back then too, #GoBackStalin had trended on Twitter. Many from the AIADMK and BJP had lashed out at the DMK saying that they had nothing to do with Thevar's ideals of Nationalism and Spiritualism.

Currently, Tamil Nadu is reporting nearly 31,000 COVID-19 cases everyday, whereas the daily recoveries are around 30,000. The southern state is recording the maximum COVID-19 cases in India. Daily deaths being reported are over 450 for the past few days and over 23,000 persons have lost their lives to the pandemic. Active cases in the state are over 310, 000.

While the cases in the capital city Chennai have come down from nearly 7,000 to 2,500, it&nbsp;is the second largest district Coimbatore that is seeing a spike. Coimbatore, the Western district is now witnessing over 4,700 daily cases.&nbsp;

Following allegations of Tamil Nadu’s western belt being ignored by the ruling DMK, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister who is touring the region is facing the wrath of angry netizens and political opponents on Twitter.

Following allegations of Tamil Nadu’s western belt being ignored by the ruling DMK, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister who is touring the region is facing the wrath of angry netizens and political opponents on Twitter. The Western belt which is locally known as the ‘Kongu Belt’ is an AIADMK stronghold and largely voted against the ruling DMK. Coimbatore, the second-largest city in Tamil Nadu and an industrial hub is situated in the Kongu belt region. Also read | DMK minister’s comments on not getting Hindi-speakers’ votes courts trouble; BJP objects However, this region is said to have been allocated far fewer vaccines than Chennai. Coimbatore is also now the city with maximum COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu. Leaders from the opposition parties, BJP and AIADMK, have been pointing out the high number of deaths and spike in cases in Coimbatore when compared to Chennai, which is now seeing a daily decline in COVID-19 numbers. In a clip of a Tamil TV debate, a DMK spokesperson was seen telling a BJP spokesperson that “if people of Coimbatore are struggling and crying in pain, they must do so before Modi. If they are crying in pain, then WhatsApp it to Modi”. Notably, Coimbatore South is an important assembly constituency that elected BJP Women’s wing President Vanathi Srinivasan. Also read | Tamil Nadu’s ongoing lockdown extended until May 31. New guidelines inside The hashtag #GoBackStalin has been trending with more than 150,000 tweets and is perhaps the first time that a Tamil Nadu Chief Minister is facing this trend when touring a district of his home state. DMK sympathisers countered the trend by using hashtags #Welcome_TNCM_Stalin, #WelcomeStalin and also by sharing videos of the Chief Minister wearing a PPE Suit, during a hospital inspection in Coimbatore on Sunday. In October 2020, as Leader of Opposition Stalin had paid homage to freedom fighter and spiritual leader Muthuramaliga Thevar’s memorial in Ramanathapuram. Back then too, #GoBackStalin had trended on Twitter. Many from the AIADMK and BJP had lashed out at the DMK saying that they had nothing to do with Thevar's ideals of Nationalism and Spiritualism. Currently, Tamil Nadu is reporting nearly 31,000 COVID-19 cases everyday, whereas the daily recoveries are around 30,000. The southern state is recording the maximum COVID-19 cases in India. Daily deaths being reported are over 450 for the past few days and over 23,000 persons have lost their lives to the pandemic. Active cases in the state are over 310, 000. While the cases in the capital city Chennai have come down from nearly 7,000 to 2,500, it is the second largest district Coimbatore that is seeing a spike. Coimbatore, the Western district is now witnessing over 4,700 daily cases.

#GoBackStalin top Twitter trend as CM MK Stalin tours Western Tamil Nadu

A day after he justified Police's action against the anti-CAA protestors who had gathered without permission, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has challenged the opposition to specify if any minorities have been affected by the Citizenship Amendment Act. The chief minister added that the opposition parties were misleading people over the CAA, disrupting a peaceful state and causing law and order problems.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly was debating the 2020-21 budget that was presented by Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Friday. Heated exchanges were witnessed in the assembly over the CAA, the passing of which in Rajya Sabha was enabled due to the support of AIADMK and PMK MPs.&nbsp;

The opposition parties in the state have been rallying support against the act, with the DMK-led opposition having collected over 2 crore signatures calling for the act to be repealed. The signature petitions are addressed to President Ram Nath Kovind and are meant to be sent to the national capital by DMK MPs. The anti-CAA signature drive was launched across the state on February 2 with a target to get one crore signatures.

While speaking on the budget, DMK legislator T Mano Thangaraj highlighted the need for passing an anti-CAA resolution in the House. The chief minister responded, “Who is affected by the CAA? Tell us and we will find a solution. Is there anyone from a minority community who was born in Tamil Nadu and has been living here and has been affected by the CAA? We are not enacting a drama here and misleading the people here like you (referring to DMK).”

The DMK MLA shot back saying that various other states had moved resolutions against the CAA owing to the protests, the minorities being affected by the law. Palaniswami countered by saying that the opposition was spreading falsehoods to deteriorate the law and order situation in an otherwise peaceful state. Palaniswami clarified that the state had no powers to prevent the implementation of CAA as the citizenship law is solely the Central government’s prerogative. Subsequently, the DMK MLAs walked out of the Assembly.

A day after he justified Police's action against the anti-CAA protestors who had gathered without permission, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has challenged the opposition to specify if any minorities have been affected by the Citizenship Amendment Act.

A day after he justified Police's action against the anti-CAA protestors who had gathered without permission, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has challenged the opposition to specify if any minorities have been affected by the Citizenship Amendment Act. The chief minister added that the opposition parties were misleading people over the CAA, disrupting a peaceful state and causing law and order problems. The Tamil Nadu Assembly was debating the 2020-21 budget that was presented by Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Friday. Heated exchanges were witnessed in the assembly over the CAA, the passing of which in Rajya Sabha was enabled due to the support of AIADMK and PMK MPs. The opposition parties in the state have been rallying support against the act, with the DMK-led opposition having collected over 2 crore signatures calling for the act to be repealed. The signature petitions are addressed to President Ram Nath Kovind and are meant to be sent to the national capital by DMK MPs. The anti-CAA signature drive was launched across the state on February 2 with a target to get one crore signatures. While speaking on the budget, DMK legislator T Mano Thangaraj highlighted the need for passing an anti-CAA resolution in the House. The chief minister responded, “Who is affected by the CAA? Tell us and we will find a solution. Is there anyone from a minority community who was born in Tamil Nadu and has been living here and has been affected by the CAA? We are not enacting a drama here and misleading the people here like you (referring to DMK).” The DMK MLA shot back saying that various other states had moved resolutions against the CAA owing to the protests, the minorities being affected by the law. Palaniswami countered by saying that the opposition was spreading falsehoods to deteriorate the law and order situation in an otherwise peaceful state. Palaniswami clarified that the state had no powers to prevent the implementation of CAA as the citizenship law is solely the Central government’s prerogative. Subsequently, the DMK MLAs walked out of the Assembly.

Opposition misleading public to disrupt law and order over CAA: Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswami

Speaking at the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami defended the police action against the anti-CAA protestors who are gathered at the Washermanpet locality in the northern part of Chennai. The protesters are at the locality since Friday to replicate Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh protests. The chief minister said that some miscreants had instigated the untoward incidents.&nbsp;

Palaniswami stated that “the protestors did not have the required permission. When they were asked to get arrested, some people started pelting stones, slippers and bottles and that is when the police had to resort to using of force. This is an instigated protest.”

He urged the Muslim community to reject the false propaganda, designs of the miscreants and cooperate with the government to maintain social harmony. “The government of Amma (Jayalalithaa) will not allow anything against the minorities and it will protect the minorities,” Palaniswami said.&nbsp;

He also said that the permission for the protest was sought on behalf of 13 mosques only on February 13 and all of a sudden, over 300 Muslims - including 200 women - assembled near the Washermanpet roundabout and raised slogans against the CAA.&nbsp;

“The police held talks with them and cautioned against the protests since it had disrupted the traffic flow. But they rejected the advice, raised slogans and obstructed the police from detaining 40 persons. When the police kept the arrested persons in a bus, they smashed the windows of the vehicle,” he said.&nbsp;

He added that barricades were placed to prevent protesters from causing damage to public property, but the protesters instigated the locals to push the barricades and the police. He added that 82 protesters were arrested and they broke the windows of the bus.&nbsp;

CM Palaniswami said the death of an elderly man Fazurulla due to natural causes was distorted and presented as death caused by police action which led to protests in Chennai and other areas.&nbsp;

In response to the CM's reply, MK Stalin-led DMK staged a walkout from the state Assembly as they were not pleased with Palaniswami's defence of the police action. Stalin said, "The government's version is totally false. The police are the ones who attacked the peaceful protesters."&nbsp;

Earlier, Stalin had urged for a probe into the issue. The DMK president had termed the action that was taken against the protesters by the Tamil Nadu government as ‘incorrect’ and called on the police to release the protestors.&nbsp;

Stalin had condemned the AIADMK government's police crackdown on the night of February 14. He claimed that it was a deliberate attack on the people who demonstrated peacefully against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). He urged the authorities to release the detainees and ensure that the cases against them are withdrawn.

Speaking at the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami defended the police action against the anti-CAA protestors who are gathered at the Washermanpet locality in the northern part of Chennai.

Speaking at the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami defended the police action against the anti-CAA protestors who are gathered at the Washermanpet locality in the northern part of Chennai. The protesters are at the locality since Friday to replicate Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh protests. The chief minister said that some miscreants had instigated the untoward incidents. Palaniswami stated that “the protestors did not have the required permission. When they were asked to get arrested, some people started pelting stones, slippers and bottles and that is when the police had to resort to using of force. This is an instigated protest.” He urged the Muslim community to reject the false propaganda, designs of the miscreants and cooperate with the government to maintain social harmony. “The government of Amma (Jayalalithaa) will not allow anything against the minorities and it will protect the minorities,” Palaniswami said. He also said that the permission for the protest was sought on behalf of 13 mosques only on February 13 and all of a sudden, over 300 Muslims - including 200 women - assembled near the Washermanpet roundabout and raised slogans against the CAA. “The police held talks with them and cautioned against the protests since it had disrupted the traffic flow. But they rejected the advice, raised slogans and obstructed the police from detaining 40 persons. When the police kept the arrested persons in a bus, they smashed the windows of the vehicle,” he said. He added that barricades were placed to prevent protesters from causing damage to public property, but the protesters instigated the locals to push the barricades and the police. He added that 82 protesters were arrested and they broke the windows of the bus. CM Palaniswami said the death of an elderly man Fazurulla due to natural causes was distorted and presented as death caused by police action which led to protests in Chennai and other areas. In response to the CM's reply, MK Stalin-led DMK staged a walkout from the state Assembly as they were not pleased with Palaniswami's defence of the police action. Stalin said, "The government's version is totally false. The police are the ones who attacked the peaceful protesters." Earlier, Stalin had urged for a probe into the issue. The DMK president had termed the action that was taken against the protesters by the Tamil Nadu government as ‘incorrect’ and called on the police to release the protestors. Stalin had condemned the AIADMK government's police crackdown on the night of February 14. He claimed that it was a deliberate attack on the people who demonstrated peacefully against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). He urged the authorities to release the detainees and ensure that the cases against them are withdrawn.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister defends action against anti-CAA protests, says 'they didn’t have permission'

An inquiry commission probing late Tamil Nadu chief minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jayalalithas-murder-mystery-under-investigation-26906">Jayalalithaa's death</a> on Friday submitted in the Madras High Court that the Apollo Hospital could not seek to stall its proceedings at a stage when 90 per cent of the hearing was over and that too after participating in it.&nbsp;

Opposing the hospital's plea for restraining it from looking into the medical treatment given to Jayalalithaa, the Arumughaswamy Commission of Inquiry also contended before a bench of justices R Subbiah and Krishnan Ramaswamy that such a relief could not be sought without first challenging the terms of reference of the panel.&nbsp;

Senior Counsel ARL Sundaresan, who presented the final arguments on behalf of the commission, termed the hospital's petition against going into the records on the treatment given to Jayalalithaa as a knee-jerk reaction.&nbsp;

If the prejudice argument of the hospital was to be accepted, the inquiry had to be wound up, he said.&nbsp;

The counsel said the commission was yet to prepare its final report as it had to question the politicians concerned. Till now, only doctors, officials and others have been examined.&nbsp;

The Apollo Hospitals was free to challenge the final report of the commission once it was out, but they could not challenge the proceedings at this stage, he said.&nbsp;

Rejecting the charge of bias and prejudice levelled by the hospital, he said a bundle of facts had already been collected and recommendations would be made by the commission in its report to the government, which would then take a call on accepting or rejecting those.&nbsp;

Legally, such allegations could not be levelled against a commission of inquiry since it was not an adjudicating authority, he added.&nbsp;

Sundaresan said the ultimate mandate of the commission was to find out the truth and rule out rumours regarding the circumstances leading to Jayalalithaa's death.&nbsp;

Noting that 90 per cent of the proceedings was already completed, he said the hospital could not seek to stall the proceedings without challenging the government order setting up the panel or the terms of reference, that too after participating in the hearings so far.&nbsp;

Recording the submissions, the bench directed the commission and the hospital to file their written arguments by March 12 and adjourned the matter to that date.&nbsp;

Jayalalithaa died on December 5, 2016, over two months after being treated for various complications, including infection, since September 22.&nbsp;

The state government had set up the inquiry commission headed by retired high court judge A Arumughaswamy to look into the circumstances leading to the death of the late AIADMK supremo, citing doubts expressed by various people.

An inquiry commission probing late Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa's death on Friday submitted in the Madras High Court that the Apollo Hospital could not seek to stall its proceedings at a stage when 90 per cent of the hearing was over and that too after participating in it.

An inquiry commission probing late Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa's death on Friday submitted in the Madras High Court that the Apollo Hospital could not seek to stall its proceedings at a stage when 90 per cent of the hearing was over and that too after participating in it. Opposing the hospital's plea for restraining it from looking into the medical treatment given to Jayalalithaa, the Arumughaswamy Commission of Inquiry also contended before a bench of justices R Subbiah and Krishnan Ramaswamy that such a relief could not be sought without first challenging the terms of reference of the panel. Senior Counsel ARL Sundaresan, who presented the final arguments on behalf of the commission, termed the hospital's petition against going into the records on the treatment given to Jayalalithaa as a knee-jerk reaction. If the prejudice argument of the hospital was to be accepted, the inquiry had to be wound up, he said. The counsel said the commission was yet to prepare its final report as it had to question the politicians concerned. Till now, only doctors, officials and others have been examined. The Apollo Hospitals was free to challenge the final report of the commission once it was out, but they could not challenge the proceedings at this stage, he said. Rejecting the charge of bias and prejudice levelled by the hospital, he said a bundle of facts had already been collected and recommendations would be made by the commission in its report to the government, which would then take a call on accepting or rejecting those. Legally, such allegations could not be levelled against a commission of inquiry since it was not an adjudicating authority, he added. Sundaresan said the ultimate mandate of the commission was to find out the truth and rule out rumours regarding the circumstances leading to Jayalalithaa's death. Noting that 90 per cent of the proceedings was already completed, he said the hospital could not seek to stall the proceedings without challenging the government order setting up the panel or the terms of reference, that too after participating in the hearings so far. Recording the submissions, the bench directed the commission and the hospital to file their written arguments by March 12 and adjourned the matter to that date. Jayalalithaa died on December 5, 2016, over two months after being treated for various complications, including infection, since September 22. The state government had set up the inquiry commission headed by retired high court judge A Arumughaswamy to look into the circumstances leading to the death of the late AIADMK supremo, citing doubts expressed by various people.

Jayalalithaa death probe panel opposes Apollo Hospital's plea, says 90 per cent work over

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Sunday urged the farmers protesting at Jantar Mantar for the last 39 days to call off their protest and said that he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and submit a memorandum highlighting their plight.

Palanisamy, who met the farmers in Delhi, said, &quot;I will take up with PM Narendra Modi the demands put forward by the farmers. I urge them to end this protest.&quot;

However, farmer Ayyakanu said, &quot;We want immediate loan waiver for farmers. Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government waived off farmer loans. We also want it.&quot;

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<h5>The farmers have so far bitten into dead rats, drunk their own urine, and protested naked in front of the prime minister&#39;s house</h5>
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He asserted that the farmers would continue their month-old protest for loan waiver until Palanisamy ensured their meeting with Modi.

The protesting farmers have been demanding a Rs 40,000-crore drought relief package, farm loan waiver and setting up of the Cauvery Management Board by the Centre. Over the last 39 days, they have shaved their heads, halved their moustaches, held mice and snakes in their mouths, conducted mock funerals, flogged themselves and even carried skulls of other farmers who had committed suicide due to debt pressure.

The protesting farmers yesterday drank their own urine in another desperate bid to draw the government&#39;s attention to their plight.On April 10, they had stripped in front of the prime minister&#39;s office here to press for their demands.&nbsp;

(ANI)&nbsp; 
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He said he would meet Prime Minister Modi and submit to him a memorandum highlighting their plight

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Sunday urged the farmers protesting at Jantar Mantar for the last 39 days to call off their protest and said that he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and submit a memorandum highlighting their plight. Palanisamy, who met the farmers in Delhi, said, "I will take up with PM Narendra Modi the demands put forward by the farmers. I urge them to end this protest." However, farmer Ayyakanu said, "We want immediate loan waiver for farmers. Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government waived off farmer loans. We also want it." The farmers have so far bitten into dead rats, drunk their own urine, and protested naked in front of the prime minister's house × He asserted that the farmers would continue their month-old protest for loan waiver until Palanisamy ensured their meeting with Modi. The protesting farmers have been demanding a Rs 40,000-crore drought relief package, farm loan waiver and setting up of the Cauvery Management Board by the Centre. Over the last 39 days, they have shaved their heads, halved their moustaches, held mice and snakes in their mouths, conducted mock funerals, flogged themselves and even carried skulls of other farmers who had committed suicide due to debt pressure. The protesting farmers yesterday drank their own urine in another desperate bid to draw the government's attention to their plight.On April 10, they had stripped in front of the prime minister's office here to press for their demands. (ANI)

Tamil Nadu chief minister meets protesting farmers in Delhi

Tamil Nadu governor C Vidyasagar Rao&#39;s office has denied reports that he has decided against AIADMK general secretary Sasikala forming the government in the southern state.

Sasikala, a close aide of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa is currently involved in a power struggle with incumbent chief minister O Panneerselvam who says he has been forced to resign by the AIADMK general secretary.

&quot;Ch Vidyasagar Rao, the Governor of Tamil Nadu has not sent any report either to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs or to the President of India as reported in some of the media,&quot; the Raj Bhavan release said. 
 
A report in <a href="http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sasikala-tamil-nadu-governor-o-panneerselvam-aiadmk-crisis/1/880120.html">India Today</a>&nbsp;had claimed that the Governor, in a report to the home ministry, said it would not be prudent&nbsp;of him to wait for a clearer picture before asking Sasikala to form the government&nbsp;in view of the pending disproportionate assets case against her.

Excerpts from the report published by India Today state that the Governor also took note of the fact that Sasikala was not a legislator and will have to become one within six months if she is made chief minister.

<a href="http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-governor-favours-wait-and-watch-on-sasikala-says-no-report-sent-to-centre-1658237">NDTV quoted sources</a> as saying that the Governor would prefer to wait for a verdict in a corruption case against Sasikala, before he invites her to form a government. The verdict is expected next week.

The NDTV report also said that the Governor has gone through multiple court judgements and is studying provisions of the Constitution closely to help him make his decision.

Panneerselvam, meanwhile, refused to comment on the speculation that the Governor had decided against Sasikala.

&quot;Wait and see,&quot; said Panneerselvam when asked to comment on the rumours that the Governor did not want the&nbsp;AIADMK general secretary to take over as chief minister because of the pending court cases against her.

Panneerselvam was appointed as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu within hours of the death of his predecessor J Jayalalithaa on December 5. He was also the acting chief minister during Jayalalithaa&#39;s stay in hospital.

Sasikala, a close aide of Jayalalithaa, was appointed the general secretary of the AIADMK after the death of the former chief minister and AIADMK general secretary.

Panneerselvam resigned from the chief minister&#39;s post on February 5 citing &quot;personal reasons&quot;. Sasikala was elected the AIADMK&#39;s head in the state legislature the same day.&nbsp;

On February 8, Panneerselvam said he had been forced to resign by Sasikala and pledged to prove his strength in the Assembly.

He currently has the support of five of the party&#39;s 134 legislators including that of AIADMK No 2 Madhusudhanan, who switched camps recently.

Sasikala has staked her claim to the government with the support of the remaining 129 legislators, most of whom are reportedly lodged in a resort in the state.&nbsp;Panneerselvam&nbsp;has alleged that some signatures were forged and that the legislators are being held in captivity.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

The Governor has gone through multiple court judgements and is studying provisions of the Constitution closely to help him make his decision

Tamil Nadu governor C Vidyasagar Rao's office has denied reports that he has decided against AIADMK general secretary Sasikala forming the government in the southern state. Sasikala, a close aide of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa is currently involved in a power struggle with incumbent chief minister O Panneerselvam who says he has been forced to resign by the AIADMK general secretary. "Ch Vidyasagar Rao, the Governor of Tamil Nadu has not sent any report either to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs or to the President of India as reported in some of the media," the Raj Bhavan release said. A report in India Today had claimed that the Governor, in a report to the home ministry, said it would not be prudent of him to wait for a clearer picture before asking Sasikala to form the government in view of the pending disproportionate assets case against her. Excerpts from the report published by India Today state that the Governor also took note of the fact that Sasikala was not a legislator and will have to become one within six months if she is made chief minister. NDTV quoted sources as saying that the Governor would prefer to wait for a verdict in a corruption case against Sasikala, before he invites her to form a government. The verdict is expected next week. The NDTV report also said that the Governor has gone through multiple court judgements and is studying provisions of the Constitution closely to help him make his decision. Panneerselvam, meanwhile, refused to comment on the speculation that the Governor had decided against Sasikala. "Wait and see," said Panneerselvam when asked to comment on the rumours that the Governor did not want the AIADMK general secretary to take over as chief minister because of the pending court cases against her. Panneerselvam was appointed as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu within hours of the death of his predecessor J Jayalalithaa on December 5. He was also the acting chief minister during Jayalalithaa's stay in hospital. Sasikala, a close aide of Jayalalithaa, was appointed the general secretary of the AIADMK after the death of the former chief minister and AIADMK general secretary. Panneerselvam resigned from the chief minister's post on February 5 citing "personal reasons". Sasikala was elected the AIADMK's head in the state legislature the same day. On February 8, Panneerselvam said he had been forced to resign by Sasikala and pledged to prove his strength in the Assembly. He currently has the support of five of the party's 134 legislators including that of AIADMK No 2 Madhusudhanan, who switched camps recently. Sasikala has staked her claim to the government with the support of the remaining 129 legislators, most of whom are reportedly lodged in a resort in the state. Panneerselvam has alleged that some signatures were forged and that the legislators are being held in captivity. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Sasikala vs Panneerselvam: Tamil Nadu Governor reportedly weighing options before taking decision

The agitation against Jallikattu in south Indian state, Tamil Nadu, shows no signs of abating with many business establishments, schools and colleges in capital city Chennai declaring they will be shut tomorrow, media outlets reported. Music maestro AR Rahman, who hails from Tamil Nadu, also declared on Twitter that he would fast on Friday to express his solidarity with the pro-Jallikattu protesters.

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I&#39;m fasting tomorrow to support the spirit of 
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Hundred thousands of demonstrators protested across the state on Thursday against the Supreme Court&#39;s earlier order banning Jallikattu. State chief minister O Panneerselvam&#39;s assurances that his government had the support of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his federal government did not seem to cut any ice with them.

The Indian government&#39;s top legal adviser, attorney general Mukul Rohatgi, defended the government&#39;s stand allowing use of bulls in events like Jallikattu in the top court, stating that the federal government had no power to enact a law on the subject.

Rohatgi said the Tamil Nadu government had the power to enact a law on Jallikattu since sports as a subject fell under the exclusive jurisdiction of the state government. He, however, asserted that animals should not be harmed or cruelly treated during such events.

Panneerselvam met PM Modi earlier in the day and pressed him for immediate steps for promulgation of an ordinance. He was told that the matter was sub judice, but the government would support any step taken by the state government, news agency, PTI, reported.

Forty-nine legislators of the AIADMK party that is in power in Tamil Nadu will meet Indian interior minister Rajnath Singh tomorrow, seeking his government&#39;s help to allow Jallikattu, PTI reported.

&quot;We will seek the central government&#39;s help to conduct jallikattu, this is an emotional issue for our people,&quot; an AIADMK leader told PTI.

 
Wave of protests across Tamil Nadu

Businesses, theatres, schools and transporters have declared a day-long strike tomorrow supporting the &nbsp;demand for immediate permission to allow the bull-taming sport.

Five-time World Chess Champion Vishwanathan Anand extended his support to holding the bull taming sport, saying it was a cultural symbol.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jallikattu?src=hash">#jallikattu</a> is a cultural symbol . Respect it. Im all for animal rights but here that is not the point.tradition &amp; livelihood are .
&mdash; Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) <a href="https://twitter.com/vishy64theking/status/821930810509033472">January 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Jallikatu bigger than Holi or Diwali in Tamil Nadu,&quot; Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder Art of Living told WION.

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At the epicentre of the agitation, Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach, protesters staged protests by way of forming human chains, taking out motorcycle rallies, playing folk music, dancing, singing, and holding skits.

They rejected the statements of PM Modi and O Panneerselvam saying these were known excuses and disappointing, PTI reported.

In Madurai, where the sport has been held for centuries, agitators stopped trains pressing for their demand.

Protests continued to be held in other parts of the state as well, including Salem, Coimbatore, Karur, Tiruchirappalli and Erode, and neighbouring union territory, Puducherry.

Protests to continue tomorrow

The Madras High Courts Advocates Association has announced boycott of courts tomorrow.

The Tamil Nadu Traders&#39; Federation and unions of auto-rickshaw and taxis operators and cinema houses have announced a shutdown tomorrow.

Leader of the opposition in the state assembly, M K Stalin, urged the state government to call an all-party meeting immediately and convene a session of the Assembly to take steps to ensure Jallikattu.

Opposition party DMK has also called for rail blockade across the state tomorrow.&nbsp;

Jallikattu is a centuries-old sport that is played among certain land-owning communities of Tamil Nadu, but was banned by India&#39;s highest court last year after animal advocacy group PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) said the sport of bull-taming is cruel as the animals are drugged and are then subdued by young men with their bare hands.

The restriction on playing Jallikattu sparked statewide demonstrations in the run-up to Pongal (January 14), a harvest festival, during which the sport is played.

Top court refuses to hear plea

The Supreme Court has refused to hear a plea which sought that India&#39;s highest court should hear the matter on the Jalikattu row pertaining to public protest at Marina beach. The Supreme Court asked the petitioner to approach the Madras High Court, India&#39;s news agency ANI reported, even as Tamil Nadu chief minister Panneerselvam met PM Modi in Delhi today to push for an ordinance on the bull-taming sport. 
 
Watch:

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(WION with inputs from agencies)

The pro-Jallikattu protesters got a shot in the arm with prominent Tamil personalities supporting them

The agitation against Jallikattu in south Indian state, Tamil Nadu, shows no signs of abating with many business establishments, schools and colleges in capital city Chennai declaring they will be shut tomorrow, media outlets reported. Music maestro AR Rahman, who hails from Tamil Nadu, also declared on Twitter that he would fast on Friday to express his solidarity with the pro-Jallikattu protesters. I'm fasting tomorrow to support the spirit of Tamilnadu! — A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) January 19, 2017 × Hundred thousands of demonstrators protested across the state on Thursday against the Supreme Court's earlier order banning Jallikattu. State chief minister O Panneerselvam's assurances that his government had the support of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his federal government did not seem to cut any ice with them. The Indian government's top legal adviser, attorney general Mukul Rohatgi, defended the government's stand allowing use of bulls in events like Jallikattu in the top court, stating that the federal government had no power to enact a law on the subject. Rohatgi said the Tamil Nadu government had the power to enact a law on Jallikattu since sports as a subject fell under the exclusive jurisdiction of the state government. He, however, asserted that animals should not be harmed or cruelly treated during such events. Panneerselvam met PM Modi earlier in the day and pressed him for immediate steps for promulgation of an ordinance. He was told that the matter was sub judice, but the government would support any step taken by the state government, news agency, PTI, reported. Forty-nine legislators of the AIADMK party that is in power in Tamil Nadu will meet Indian interior minister Rajnath Singh tomorrow, seeking his government's help to allow Jallikattu, PTI reported. "We will seek the central government's help to conduct jallikattu, this is an emotional issue for our people," an AIADMK leader told PTI. Wave of protests across Tamil Nadu Businesses, theatres, schools and transporters have declared a day-long strike tomorrow supporting the demand for immediate permission to allow the bull-taming sport. Five-time World Chess Champion Vishwanathan Anand extended his support to holding the bull taming sport, saying it was a cultural symbol. #jallikattu is a cultural symbol . Respect it. Im all for animal rights but here that is not the point.tradition & livelihood are . — Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) January 19, 2017 × "Jallikatu bigger than Holi or Diwali in Tamil Nadu," Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder Art of Living told WION. At the epicentre of the agitation, Chennai's Marina Beach, protesters staged protests by way of forming human chains, taking out motorcycle rallies, playing folk music, dancing, singing, and holding skits. They rejected the statements of PM Modi and O Panneerselvam saying these were known excuses and disappointing, PTI reported. In Madurai, where the sport has been held for centuries, agitators stopped trains pressing for their demand. Protests continued to be held in other parts of the state as well, including Salem, Coimbatore, Karur, Tiruchirappalli and Erode, and neighbouring union territory, Puducherry. Protests to continue tomorrow The Madras High Courts Advocates Association has announced boycott of courts tomorrow. The Tamil Nadu Traders' Federation and unions of auto-rickshaw and taxis operators and cinema houses have announced a shutdown tomorrow. Leader of the opposition in the state assembly, M K Stalin, urged the state government to call an all-party meeting immediately and convene a session of the Assembly to take steps to ensure Jallikattu. Opposition party DMK has also called for rail blockade across the state tomorrow. Jallikattu is a centuries-old sport that is played among certain land-owning communities of Tamil Nadu, but was banned by India's highest court last year after animal advocacy group PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) said the sport of bull-taming is cruel as the animals are drugged and are then subdued by young men with their bare hands. The restriction on playing Jallikattu sparked statewide demonstrations in the run-up to Pongal (January 14), a harvest festival, during which the sport is played. Top court refuses to hear plea The Supreme Court has refused to hear a plea which sought that India's highest court should hear the matter on the Jalikattu row pertaining to public protest at Marina beach. The Supreme Court asked the petitioner to approach the Madras High Court, India's news agency ANI reported, even as Tamil Nadu chief minister Panneerselvam met PM Modi in Delhi today to push for an ordinance on the bull-taming sport. Watch: (WION with inputs from agencies)

Protests against bull-taming sport paralyse Tamil Nadu; Schools, colleges to shut in Chennai

Three persons died apparently due to shock and two cases of suicide attempts were reported from the district after the news of Jayalalithaa&#39;s deteriorating health spread last evening, police said today.

In Singanallur, a 65-year-old painter complained of chest pain while watching television news on Jayalalithaa&#39;s health in his house yesterday.

However, he died before being taken to the hospital, police said.

In another incident, Palaniammal (62) of Thudiyalur, died of shock after watching the TV news in her house yesterday afternoon, they said.

Similarly, a 38-year-old load worker, Raja of Erode, collapsed on the chair, while watching the news channel.

Though his wife called for assistance, the 108 crew of emergency service declared him dead on their arrival, police said.

Meanwhile, one Loganathan attempted suicide by jumping down from a 50-foot tall mobile tower in Kuniamuthur in the early hours.

However, police reached the spot and managed to bring him down, before letting him off with a stern warning.

In second such incident, a 45-year-old AIADMK worker, Ramachandran attempted self-imolation near Annur last night.

With 60 per cent burns, he is being treated at the Government Hospital here, police added.

Jayalalithaa passed away at the Apollo Hospitals in Chennai last night after waging a grim battle for life since her hospitalisation on September 22.

(PTI)

Jayalalithaa passed away at the Apollo Hospitals in Chennai last night after waging a grim battle for life since her hospitalisation

Three persons died apparently due to shock and two cases of suicide attempts were reported from the district after the news of Jayalalithaa's deteriorating health spread last evening, police said today. In Singanallur, a 65-year-old painter complained of chest pain while watching television news on Jayalalithaa's health in his house yesterday. However, he died before being taken to the hospital, police said. In another incident, Palaniammal (62) of Thudiyalur, died of shock after watching the TV news in her house yesterday afternoon, they said. Similarly, a 38-year-old load worker, Raja of Erode, collapsed on the chair, while watching the news channel. Though his wife called for assistance, the 108 crew of emergency service declared him dead on their arrival, police said. Meanwhile, one Loganathan attempted suicide by jumping down from a 50-foot tall mobile tower in Kuniamuthur in the early hours. However, police reached the spot and managed to bring him down, before letting him off with a stern warning. In second such incident, a 45-year-old AIADMK worker, Ramachandran attempted self-imolation near Annur last night. With 60 per cent burns, he is being treated at the Government Hospital here, police added. Jayalalithaa passed away at the Apollo Hospitals in Chennai last night after waging a grim battle for life since her hospitalisation on September 22. (PTI)

Jayalalithaa's demise: Three deaths, two suicide attempts in Coimbatore

Britain&#39;s request to review United Nations&#39; ruling that Julian Assange is being arbitrarily detained has been rejected, said a statment released in Geneva on Wednesday.

The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said it was not changing course as the British request &quot;did not meet the threshold of a review... and (was) thus not admissible&quot;, news agency AFP reported.

Britain had contested the findings, favourable towards Assange, of the UN group working on arbitrary detention published in February.&nbsp;

Assange has taken refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London since 2012 to avoid being sent to Sweden. He faces rape allegations in the Scandinavian country.

&ldquo;Julian Assange has never been arbitrarily detained by the UK, and is in fact voluntarily avoiding lawful arrest by choosing to remain in the Ecuadorian embassy. The UK continues to have a legal obligation to extradite him to Sweden,&rdquo; UK foreign minister Hugo Swire had said in a statement, The Guardian reported.

The WikiLeaks founder is afraid that Sweden would extradite him to the United States where he would face punishment for leaking classified documents in his website.

The UN panel published its findings on Wednesday.

Assange said in a statement: &quot;Now that all appeals are exhausted I expect that the UK and Sweden will comply with their international obligations and set me free. It is an obvious and grotesque injustice to detain someone for six years who hasn&#39;t even been charged with an offence.&quot;

Earlier in November, he was interrogated by an Ecuadorian prosecutor for two days over the rape allegations on him.

The questions were provided by Swedish officials but the answers were confidential.

A sexual assault probe into Assange was dropped last year after the five-year statute of limitations expired. The Swedish prosecutors, however, still want to question him over the 2010 rape allegation, which carries a 10-year statute of limitations.

Assange insists the sexual encounters in question were consensual.

(With inputs from AFP)

Several chief ministers?arrived in Chennai to pay their last respects to the 'leader of the masses'

Britain's request to review United Nations' ruling that Julian Assange is being arbitrarily detained has been rejected, said a statment released in Geneva on Wednesday. The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said it was not changing course as the British request "did not meet the threshold of a review... and (was) thus not admissible", news agency AFP reported. Britain had contested the findings, favourable towards Assange, of the UN group working on arbitrary detention published in February. Assange has taken refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London since 2012 to avoid being sent to Sweden. He faces rape allegations in the Scandinavian country. “Julian Assange has never been arbitrarily detained by the UK, and is in fact voluntarily avoiding lawful arrest by choosing to remain in the Ecuadorian embassy. The UK continues to have a legal obligation to extradite him to Sweden,” UK foreign minister Hugo Swire had said in a statement, The Guardian reported. The WikiLeaks founder is afraid that Sweden would extradite him to the United States where he would face punishment for leaking classified documents in his website. The UN panel published its findings on Wednesday. Assange said in a statement: "Now that all appeals are exhausted I expect that the UK and Sweden will comply with their international obligations and set me free. It is an obvious and grotesque injustice to detain someone for six years who hasn't even been charged with an offence." Earlier in November, he was interrogated by an Ecuadorian prosecutor for two days over the rape allegations on him. The questions were provided by Swedish officials but the answers were confidential. A sexual assault probe into Assange was dropped last year after the five-year statute of limitations expired. The Swedish prosecutors, however, still want to question him over the 2010 rape allegation, which carries a 10-year statute of limitations. Assange insists the sexual encounters in question were consensual. (With inputs from AFP)

India: Politicians mourn Jaya's demise, tributes pour in

With Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa said to be critical, the US Consulate in Chennai today issued an &quot;emergency message&quot; for American citizens, asking them to review their personal security plans and remain aware of the local events.

&quot;US citizens are reminded that even gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations,&quot; the Consulate said in a message on its official website without any reference to any particular development.

&quot;Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security,&quot; the message said.

Further, the Consulate General will operate with reduced staffing today, it announced, adding, it has &quot;temporarily suspended appointments for routine services to US citizens and visa applicants.&quot; 
&quot;Applicants will be informed by email. The Consulate will provide updates when routine services are restored,&quot; it added.

Jayalalithaa, hospitalised since September 22, suffered a cardiac arrest last evening, prompting scores of party workers to throng Apollo Hospital where she has been admitted.

(PTI)

'US citizens are reminded that even gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence'

With Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa said to be critical, the US Consulate in Chennai today issued an "emergency message" for American citizens, asking them to review their personal security plans and remain aware of the local events. "US citizens are reminded that even gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations," the Consulate said in a message on its official website without any reference to any particular development. "Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security," the message said. Further, the Consulate General will operate with reduced staffing today, it announced, adding, it has "temporarily suspended appointments for routine services to US citizens and visa applicants." "Applicants will be informed by email. The Consulate will provide updates when routine services are restored," it added. Jayalalithaa, hospitalised since September 22, suffered a cardiac arrest last evening, prompting scores of party workers to throng Apollo Hospital where she has been admitted. (PTI)

India: US Consulate in Chennai issues 'emergency message' for Americans

A team of expert doctors is keeping a close watch on Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa after she suffered a cardiac arrest Sunday evening, media reports said.&nbsp;

They added that Jayalalithaa had been moved to the intensive care unit of Chennai&#39;s Apollo Hospital, and that the hospital said Monday morning that the doctors were doing their &quot;very best&quot;.&nbsp;

In a series of tweets, the hospital said Jayalalithaa had been put on an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), or a heart-assist device.&nbsp;

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<h5>Tamil Nadu police chief TK Rajendran has ordered all police personnel to remain on duty &#39;until further orders&#39;</h5>
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And it asked the people to pray for &quot;Amma&#39;s&quot;, which is what Jayalalithaa is fondly called by her supporters, speedy recovery. Amma means &quot;mother&quot;.&nbsp;

Media reports added that a large number of cadres from Jayalalithaa&#39;s party -- the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam or AIADMK -- have gathered outside Apollo Hospital.&nbsp;

The Press Trust of India reported that the supporters had begun to gather Sunday evening itself after the news broke to pray for Jayalalithaa&#39;s recovery, and that the late-night rains that fell in Chennai did not deter them.&nbsp;

The Press Trust of India added that ministers from the AIADMK also remained overnight at the hospital, but that they did not speak to the media.

The Press Trust of India reported that the hospital itself has been put under a thick blanket of security, with police also barricading off approach routes to the hospital ostensibly to &quot;prevent traffic jams&quot;. &nbsp;&nbsp;

State police chief, director general of police TK Rajendran, meanwhile has asked all police personnel to report for duty.

&quot;They should report in full uniform with their vehicles for law and order bandobust duty until further orders,&quot; PTI reported him as saying.

Jayalalithaa has been admitted at Apollo Hospital since September 22, when she complained of fever and dehydration. She was later treated for infection and a respiratory problem.&nbsp;

Before Sunday evening&#39;s announcement that she had suffered a cardiac arrest, reports coming out of Apollo had said the chief minister was on the mend and also that she would soon be discharged.&nbsp;

(WION)&nbsp; 
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The doctors said they were trying their 'very best' after Jaya, 68, suffered a cardiac arrest Sunday evening

A team of expert doctors is keeping a close watch on Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa after she suffered a cardiac arrest Sunday evening, media reports said. They added that Jayalalithaa had been moved to the intensive care unit of Chennai's Apollo Hospital, and that the hospital said Monday morning that the doctors were doing their "very best". In a series of tweets, the hospital said Jayalalithaa had been put on an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), or a heart-assist device. Tamil Nadu police chief TK Rajendran has ordered all police personnel to remain on duty 'until further orders' × And it asked the people to pray for "Amma's", which is what Jayalalithaa is fondly called by her supporters, speedy recovery. Amma means "mother". Media reports added that a large number of cadres from Jayalalithaa's party -- the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam or AIADMK -- have gathered outside Apollo Hospital. The Press Trust of India reported that the supporters had begun to gather Sunday evening itself after the news broke to pray for Jayalalithaa's recovery, and that the late-night rains that fell in Chennai did not deter them. The Press Trust of India added that ministers from the AIADMK also remained overnight at the hospital, but that they did not speak to the media. The Press Trust of India reported that the hospital itself has been put under a thick blanket of security, with police also barricading off approach routes to the hospital ostensibly to "prevent traffic jams". State police chief, director general of police TK Rajendran, meanwhile has asked all police personnel to report for duty. "They should report in full uniform with their vehicles for law and order bandobust duty until further orders," PTI reported him as saying. Jayalalithaa has been admitted at Apollo Hospital since September 22, when she complained of fever and dehydration. She was later treated for infection and a respiratory problem. Before Sunday evening's announcement that she had suffered a cardiac arrest, reports coming out of Apollo had said the chief minister was on the mend and also that she would soon be discharged. (WION)

Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa under close watch of expert team of doctors

Tamil Nadu&#39;s chief minister J Jayalalithaa, who remains critical in Apollo Hospital in Tamil Nadu&#39;s capital Chennai, was a successful movie actress in the Tamil and Telugu film industry for over a decade.

Jayalalithaa was born on 24 February 1948 in Melukote town in Mysore state, now a district in Karnataka, to Jayaram and Vedavalli.

In 1950, she moved to Bangalore with her mother and brother Jayakumar after her father died. She was left in the care of her aunt as her mother moved to Madras to find a job in 1952 but returned to her mother after her aunt got married.

The 68-year-old politician was trained in Carnatic music and traditional Indian dances -- Bharatanatyam and Kathak. She made her debut in an English film &#39;Epistle&#39; in 1961. Her debut as a lead actress in the Kannada film industry was in the movie &#39;Chinnada Gombe&#39; three years later.

In 1965, she made her debut in Tamil as in the blockbuster hit &#39;Vennira Aadai&#39;. Jayalalithaa also starred opposite MG Ramachandran (MGR) in the same year. Their screen pairing became of the most successful in Tamil cinema. Her personal relationship with the actor was much-talked about at the time.

Jayalalithaa peaked as an actress between 1965 and 1980 and was one of the highest-paid stars in the country, working in over 140 films in three different languages.&nbsp;

Jayalalithaa went on to join MGR&#39;s AIADMK party in 1982 as a propaganda secretary and there began her political career.

(WION)

From 1965-80, Jayalalithaa peaked as an actress in Tamil and Telugu film industries and was one of the highest-paid stars in the country

Tamil Nadu's chief minister J Jayalalithaa, who remains critical in Apollo Hospital in Tamil Nadu's capital Chennai, was a successful movie actress in the Tamil and Telugu film industry for over a decade. Jayalalithaa was born on 24 February 1948 in Melukote town in Mysore state, now a district in Karnataka, to Jayaram and Vedavalli. In 1950, she moved to Bangalore with her mother and brother Jayakumar after her father died. She was left in the care of her aunt as her mother moved to Madras to find a job in 1952 but returned to her mother after her aunt got married. The 68-year-old politician was trained in Carnatic music and traditional Indian dances -- Bharatanatyam and Kathak. She made her debut in an English film 'Epistle' in 1961. Her debut as a lead actress in the Kannada film industry was in the movie 'Chinnada Gombe' three years later. In 1965, she made her debut in Tamil as in the blockbuster hit 'Vennira Aadai'. Jayalalithaa also starred opposite MG Ramachandran (MGR) in the same year. Their screen pairing became of the most successful in Tamil cinema. Her personal relationship with the actor was much-talked about at the time. Jayalalithaa peaked as an actress between 1965 and 1980 and was one of the highest-paid stars in the country, working in over 140 films in three different languages. Jayalalithaa went on to join MGR's AIADMK party in 1982 as a propaganda secretary and there began her political career. (WION)

Jayalalithaa, the other life

Jayalalithaa, chief minister of south Indian state Tamil Nadu, who has been hospitalised at Chennai&#39;s Apollo Hospital since a fortnight, &#39;continues to improve,&#39; a press release by the hospital today stated. It also added that she is required to stay in hospital for a longer time.

The press release was also shared by Jayalalithaa&#39;s party, the AIADMK, on its official Twitter handle:

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Apollo Press Release about Puratchi Thalaivi Amma&#39;s health. <a href="https://t.co/B5r1f8J1RS">pic.twitter.com/B5r1f8J1RS</a>
&mdash; AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AIADMKOfficial/status/784037384946003968">October 6, 2016</a></blockquote>
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The press release further stated that the Tamil Nadu chief minister, who is on respiratory support and is being treated for a lung ailment, was &#39;making gradual progress&#39; and was being observed by a panel of doctors including cardiologists and respiratory physicians.

She is being &quot;treated through respiratory support, nebulisation, drugs to decongest the lungs, antibiotics, nutrition, general nursing care and supporting therapy,&quot; the press release by Apollo Hospital said.

The Tamil Nadu chief minister was admitted to Apollo Hospital on September 22. Her party, the AIADMK, initially said she was being treated for fever and dehydration.&nbsp;

Apollo Hospitals had initially said Jayalalithaa was cured of fever but later said she was being treated for infection.&nbsp;

Three doctors from Delhi&#39;s AIIMS hospital joined the panel of Chennai doctors yesterday.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Madras High Court today dismissed a Public Interest Litigation asking the state government to update Jayalalithaa&#39;s health status as a &quot;mere act of publicity.&quot;

The prominent Indian politician, who was previously a popular actress before entering politics, has held office since 2015. She has been elected chief minister four times previously. 
 
(WION)

The Tamil Nadu chief minister is on respiratory support and is being treated for a lung ailment

Jayalalithaa, chief minister of south Indian state Tamil Nadu, who has been hospitalised at Chennai's Apollo Hospital since a fortnight, 'continues to improve,' a press release by the hospital today stated. It also added that she is required to stay in hospital for a longer time. The press release was also shared by Jayalalithaa's party, the AIADMK, on its official Twitter handle: Apollo Press Release about Puratchi Thalaivi Amma's health. pic.twitter.com/B5r1f8J1RS — AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) October 6, 2016 × The press release further stated that the Tamil Nadu chief minister, who is on respiratory support and is being treated for a lung ailment, was 'making gradual progress' and was being observed by a panel of doctors including cardiologists and respiratory physicians. She is being "treated through respiratory support, nebulisation, drugs to decongest the lungs, antibiotics, nutrition, general nursing care and supporting therapy," the press release by Apollo Hospital said. The Tamil Nadu chief minister was admitted to Apollo Hospital on September 22. Her party, the AIADMK, initially said she was being treated for fever and dehydration. Apollo Hospitals had initially said Jayalalithaa was cured of fever but later said she was being treated for infection. Three doctors from Delhi's AIIMS hospital joined the panel of Chennai doctors yesterday. Meanwhile, the Madras High Court today dismissed a Public Interest Litigation asking the state government to update Jayalalithaa's health status as a "mere act of publicity." The prominent Indian politician, who was previously a popular actress before entering politics, has held office since 2015. She has been elected chief minister four times previously. (WION)

Jayalalithaa continues to improve, requires a longer stay in hospital: Apollo

A public interest litigation was filed in the Madras high court by social activist KR &ldquo;Traffic&rdquo; Ramaswamy seeking a detailed report from the government on the condition of Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa&#39;s health.

The PIL also seeks the release of &nbsp;recent photographs of Jayalalithaa during the cabinet meet she is said to have attended along with her colleagues and officials at the hospital.

Ramaswamy submitted that the people of Tamil Nadu were eager to know about the condition of Jayalalithaa&#39;s health, reported PTI.

Ramaswamy, in the PIL, said that the governor C Vidyasagar Rao and union minister Pon Radhakrishnan had reportedly visited her in the hospital, but did not provide details about her health.

The petition is expected to be taken up for hearing on Tuesday.

Ramaswamy also submitted that the police had blocked the roads leading to the private hospital where Jayalalithaa is admitted by erecting barricades, thereby preventing other people from getting to the hospital for treatment.

Jayalalithaa was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Chennai on September 22 for &quot;fever and dehydration&quot;.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from PTI)

The petitioner 'Traffic' Ramaswamy said the people of the state were eager to know the condition of Jayalalithaa's health

A public interest litigation was filed in the Madras high court by social activist KR “Traffic” Ramaswamy seeking a detailed report from the government on the condition of Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa's health. The PIL also seeks the release of recent photographs of Jayalalithaa during the cabinet meet she is said to have attended along with her colleagues and officials at the hospital. Ramaswamy submitted that the people of Tamil Nadu were eager to know about the condition of Jayalalithaa's health, reported PTI. Ramaswamy, in the PIL, said that the governor C Vidyasagar Rao and union minister Pon Radhakrishnan had reportedly visited her in the hospital, but did not provide details about her health. The petition is expected to be taken up for hearing on Tuesday. Ramaswamy also submitted that the police had blocked the roads leading to the private hospital where Jayalalithaa is admitted by erecting barricades, thereby preventing other people from getting to the hospital for treatment. Jayalalithaa was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Chennai on September 22 for "fever and dehydration". (WION with inputs from PTI)

India: PIL in Madras high court seeks report on Tamil Nadu chief minister's health

Prominent Indian politician J Jayalalithaa is healthy, her party said on Saturday (October 1), dismissing rumours of her death.

&quot;Amma (Jayalalithaa) is healthy. She needs rest as per doctors&#39; advice and will return in good health,&quot; senior AIADMK leader and former minister P Valaramathi said.

Valaramathi also said Jayalalithaa, the chief minister of India&#39;s southern state of Tamil Nadu, was&nbsp;active and had announced her party&#39;s candidates for the upcoming civic polls.

She also attacked those responsible of spreading canards about her party leader&#39;s death. &quot;Some jealous people are carrying out a wrong campaign to confuse people by spreading rumours,&quot; she said.

Jayalalithaa, who is the general secretary of&nbsp;&nbsp;All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), was admitted to Apollo Hospitals on September 22 after complaining of fever and dehydration.

But Apollo Hospitals put up a statement about her health on Twitter a week after she was admitted to their Chennai facility.

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Puratchi Thalaivi Amma responded well to the treatment,Amma has been advised a few days stay in the hospital for treatment - Apollo Hospital <a href="https://t.co/zFKexZVm5I">pic.twitter.com/zFKexZVm5I</a>
&mdash; AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AIADMKOfficial/status/781543850191958016">September 29, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Due to lack of state government reports, rumours started circulating about her health, with some people saying the 68-year-old leader had passed into a coma and was unlikely to recover.

The AIADMK IT cell today (October 1) said an Indian lady&nbsp;residing in France was booked for broadcasting false news about Jayalalithaa&#39;s death.

On September 29, Tamilachi had posted on Facebook: &quot;I heard from reliable sources that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister had passed away two days ago and I&#39;m sharing this info with extreme courage. RSS tried to threaten her using disproportionate assets case but she did not abide. Makes me wonder if this could be the reason for her death.&quot;

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Based on the complaint from AIADMK IT Wing Chennai Police files an FIR against a lady for spreading rumours about TN CM Amma&#39;s health.
&mdash; AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AIADMKOfficial/status/781840878398603264">September 30, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Jayalalithaa&#39;s long-time bitter rival M Karunanidhi, who heads the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the&nbsp;other major party in Tamil Nadu, also urged people to put an end to the baseless rumours surrounding Jayalalithaa&#39;s health.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a doctor from UK by the name of&nbsp;Richard John Beale, who is a Consultant Intensivist at the London Bridge Hospital,&nbsp;was flown in to&nbsp;check up on Jayalalithaa&#39;s health on Friday.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Rumours about Jayalalithaa's death were doing the rounds as there was no official update on her health

Prominent Indian politician J Jayalalithaa is healthy, her party said on Saturday (October 1), dismissing rumours of her death. "Amma (Jayalalithaa) is healthy. She needs rest as per doctors' advice and will return in good health," senior AIADMK leader and former minister P Valaramathi said. Valaramathi also said Jayalalithaa, the chief minister of India's southern state of Tamil Nadu, was active and had announced her party's candidates for the upcoming civic polls. She also attacked those responsible of spreading canards about her party leader's death. "Some jealous people are carrying out a wrong campaign to confuse people by spreading rumours," she said. Jayalalithaa, who is the general secretary of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), was admitted to Apollo Hospitals on September 22 after complaining of fever and dehydration. But Apollo Hospitals put up a statement about her health on Twitter a week after she was admitted to their Chennai facility. Puratchi Thalaivi Amma responded well to the treatment,Amma has been advised a few days stay in the hospital for treatment - Apollo Hospital pic.twitter.com/zFKexZVm5I — AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) September 29, 2016 × Due to lack of state government reports, rumours started circulating about her health, with some people saying the 68-year-old leader had passed into a coma and was unlikely to recover. The AIADMK IT cell today (October 1) said an Indian lady residing in France was booked for broadcasting false news about Jayalalithaa's death. On September 29, Tamilachi had posted on Facebook: "I heard from reliable sources that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister had passed away two days ago and I'm sharing this info with extreme courage. RSS tried to threaten her using disproportionate assets case but she did not abide. Makes me wonder if this could be the reason for her death." Based on the complaint from AIADMK IT Wing Chennai Police files an FIR against a lady for spreading rumours about TN CM Amma's health. — AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) September 30, 2016 × Jayalalithaa's long-time bitter rival M Karunanidhi, who heads the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the other major party in Tamil Nadu, also urged people to put an end to the baseless rumours surrounding Jayalalithaa's health. Meanwhile, a doctor from UK by the name of Richard John Beale, who is a Consultant Intensivist at the London Bridge Hospital, was flown in to check up on Jayalalithaa's health on Friday. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Senior Indian politician Jayalalithaa is 'healthy', her party asserts

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