Despite ally Tamil Nadu Congress emphasizing that they are firm on Rahul Gandhi as their Prime Ministerial face for the 2029 Indian General elections, Chief Minister Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam(TVK) continues to voice out that Vijay will end up as India's Prime Minister after the Parliamentary polls. While Vijay's party is leading a coalition government, it is noteworthy that the party does not have a single parliamentarian of its own. However, that did not deter TVK MLAs and Ministers from hailing Vijay as the future Prime Minister of India.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-cm-vijay-breaks-tradition-of-cm-sitting-on-a-separate-chair-in-assembly-1787920518420">Tamil Nadu CM Vijay breaks tradition of CM sitting on a separate chair in assembly</a>&nbsp;Speaking to journalists outside the Tamil Nadu Assembly, TVK MLA Kanimozhi affirmed that Vijay would be the PM candidate in 2029. "2025 also same thing happened... but everyone saw what happened in the 2026 Tamil Nadu polls.. In 2029, Delhi will not decide who will be the PM, it will be decided in Tamil Nadu. This surprising and massive development in Indian politics will be witnessed in 2029. In 2029, we will see whether Congress will be outside or inside. Just like how Rahul Gandhi seated Vijay on CM's seat, Rahul Gandhi will seat Vijay on the PM's seat," she said.&nbsp;Congress Legislative Party leader Thaaragai Cuthbert dismissed the comments from the TVK's side, adding that Rahul Gandhi is the leader accepted by all and that this is known to all. "CM Vijay has also been clear that Rahul Gandhi should be the PM. These MLAs are new and they still operating with the fan club mindset. Therefore, they will mention their leader's name only. It is not wrong," she said, downplaying the comments by the TVK representatives.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-vijay-government-scrapping-chennai-s-2nd-airport-stalls-tamil-nadu-s-growth-wion-explains-1787576260703">As Vijay govt scraps Chennai's 2nd airport, concerns rise over Tamil Nadu's growth stalling</a><h2>When a Congress Minister warned of resigning from TVK Govt</h2>In recent weeks, TVK Ministers and MLAs have been relentlessly projecting Tamil Nadu CM Vijay as a possible Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2029 Lok Sabha polls. Over the weekend, speaking at the Congress party event in his native district of Kanyakumari, Tourism Minister and Congress MLA Rajesh Kumar made Congress' stance amply clear. "In the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, our leader Rahul Gandhi will be elected as the Prime Minister... If TVK does not accept this, the two Congress Ministers in Tamil Nadu will not continue in these roles. Congress party means everything to us. Without Congress party, I am nothing... the Congress movement is everything.. If the Congress wants us to resign tomorrow, we will resign the next moment. Every party can have their own stance and policies. For everyone of us in the Congress, Rahul Gandhi is our face."&nbsp;If the recent remarks of Congress MLA and Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister Rajesh Kumar are any indication, it is clear that the Congress is extremely unhappy over attempts by a section of the TVK to project Vijay as a possible PM candidate. Interestingly, TVK is pitching for Vijay as the PM face, while being in alliance with the Congress which has been pitching for India's Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi as Prime Ministerial face.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's TVK continues to project him as a potential Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, despite being in alliance with Congress, which backs Rahul Gandhi. Congress leaders have warned they could resign if TVK does not accept Rahul as the PM face.

Despite ally Tamil Nadu Congress emphasizing that they are firm on Rahul Gandhi as their Prime Ministerial face for the 2029 Indian General elections, Chief Minister Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam(TVK) continues to voice out that Vijay will end up as India's Prime Minister after the Parliamentary polls. While Vijay's party is leading a coalition government, it is noteworthy that the party does not have a single parliamentarian of its own. However, that did not deter TVK MLAs and Ministers from hailing Vijay as the future Prime Minister of India. Also Read: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay breaks tradition of CM sitting on a separate chair in assembly Speaking to journalists outside the Tamil Nadu Assembly, TVK MLA Kanimozhi affirmed that Vijay would be the PM candidate in 2029. "2025 also same thing happened... but everyone saw what happened in the 2026 Tamil Nadu polls.. In 2029, Delhi will not decide who will be the PM, it will be decided in Tamil Nadu. This surprising and massive development in Indian politics will be witnessed in 2029. In 2029, we will see whether Congress will be outside or inside. Just like how Rahul Gandhi seated Vijay on CM's seat, Rahul Gandhi will seat Vijay on the PM's seat," she said. Congress Legislative Party leader Thaaragai Cuthbert dismissed the comments from the TVK's side, adding that Rahul Gandhi is the leader accepted by all and that this is known to all. "CM Vijay has also been clear that Rahul Gandhi should be the PM. These MLAs are new and they still operating with the fan club mindset. Therefore, they will mention their leader's name only. It is not wrong," she said, downplaying the comments by the TVK representatives. Also Read: As Vijay govt scraps Chennai's 2nd airport, concerns rise over Tamil Nadu's growth stalling When a Congress Minister warned of resigning from TVK Govt In recent weeks, TVK Ministers and MLAs have been relentlessly projecting Tamil Nadu CM Vijay as a possible Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2029 Lok Sabha polls. Over the weekend, speaking at the Congress party event in his native district of Kanyakumari, Tourism Minister and Congress MLA Rajesh Kumar made Congress' stance amply clear. "In the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, our leader Rahul Gandhi will be elected as the Prime Minister... If TVK does not accept this, the two Congress Ministers in Tamil Nadu will not continue in these roles. Congress party means everything to us. Without Congress party, I am nothing... the Congress movement is everything.. If the Congress wants us to resign tomorrow, we will resign the next moment. Every party can have their own stance and policies. For everyone of us in the Congress, Rahul Gandhi is our face." If the recent remarks of Congress MLA and Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister Rajesh Kumar are any indication, it is clear that the Congress is extremely unhappy over attempts by a section of the TVK to project Vijay as a possible PM candidate. Interestingly, TVK is pitching for Vijay as the PM face, while being in alliance with the Congress which has been pitching for India's Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi as Prime Ministerial face.

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's TVK continues to project him as a potential Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, despite being in alliance with Congress, which backs Rahul Gandhi. Congress leaders have warned they could resign if TVK does not accept Rahul as the PM face.

Despite Congress' warning, TVK firm on Vijay as PM face

Vijay-led Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday (Aug 19) withdrew its order demanding action against students and youth joining protests organised by Left-wing political parties and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). This comes after the directive faced widespread backlash, after which the government rolled it back.The Directorate of Collegiate Education issued the withdrawal following its August 17 communication to principals of government arts and science colleges. The earlier order had asked institutions to coordinate with the School Education and Higher Education departments, police and district administrations to ensure that male and female students and youth did not join such demonstrations. The communication had been marked “most immediate” and required schools and colleges to submit action-taken reports to the government by August 20.Why did TN govt reverse order?The reversal comes amid a heated political debate over the role of students in protests. CJP national co-convener Saurav Das criticised the original directive, describing it as “unconstitutional” and calling it an “illogical” and “irrational” decision by the Tamil Nadu government.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nine-killed-six-injured-in-massive-fire-at-kolkata-hotel-1787107135582">Kolkata hotel fire: Bangladeshi nationals seeking medical treatment among killed</a>Meanwhile, the BJP defended the government’s initial move. BJP leader Vinoj P Selvam accused the CJP and Left organisations of being “agents of chaos”.According to a News18 report, citing sources, the government had asked the School Education and Higher Education departments, police and district administrations to coordinate their efforts to prevent students from attending protests organised by the two political groups.The directive came at a time of heightened political activity in the state and amid government concerns over the participation of students and young people in demonstrations.The government’s decision to withdraw the order is also notable because Tamil Nadu had recently announced the withdrawal of cases against students involved in protests against the NEET examination.The latest development effectively reverses the August 17 directive, which had sought coordinated action across government departments and law enforcement agencies to keep students away from CJP and Left-led protests.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Vijay-led Tamil Nadu govt withdrew an order seeking action against students joining CJP and Left protests after backlash. The August 17 directive had asked officials to prevent youth participation.

Vijay-led Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday (Aug 19) withdrew its order demanding action against students and youth joining protests organised by Left-wing political parties and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). This comes after the directive faced widespread backlash, after which the government rolled it back. The Directorate of Collegiate Education issued the withdrawal following its August 17 communication to principals of government arts and science colleges. The earlier order had asked institutions to coordinate with the School Education and Higher Education departments, police and district administrations to ensure that male and female students and youth did not join such demonstrations. The communication had been marked “most immediate” and required schools and colleges to submit action-taken reports to the government by August 20. Why did TN govt reverse order? The reversal comes amid a heated political debate over the role of students in protests. CJP national co-convener Saurav Das criticised the original directive, describing it as “unconstitutional” and calling it an “illogical” and “irrational” decision by the Tamil Nadu government. Also read | Kolkata hotel fire: Bangladeshi nationals seeking medical treatment among killed Meanwhile, the BJP defended the government’s initial move. BJP leader Vinoj P Selvam accused the CJP and Left organisations of being “agents of chaos”. According to a News18 report, citing sources, the government had asked the School Education and Higher Education departments, police and district administrations to coordinate their efforts to prevent students from attending protests organised by the two political groups. The directive came at a time of heightened political activity in the state and amid government concerns over the participation of students and young people in demonstrations. The government’s decision to withdraw the order is also notable because Tamil Nadu had recently announced the withdrawal of cases against students involved in protests against the NEET examination. The latest development effectively reverses the August 17 directive, which had sought coordinated action across government departments and law enforcement agencies to keep students away from CJP and Left-led protests.

Vijay-led Tamil Nadu govt withdrew an order seeking action against students joining CJP and Left protests after backlash. The August 17 directive had asked officials to prevent youth participation.

Vijay govt rolls back order to stop students joining CJP, Left protests in Tamil Nadu – Here’s why

Chief Minister Vijay-led Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday announced that it would extend the maternity leave window from 12 weeks to 365 days for its women employees having their third child. At present, married women in government employment with less than two children are granted 365 days, or one year, of maternity leave, while those with two or more children get up to 12 weeks of leave.&nbsp;Tamil Nadu’s minister for human resources management, D Sarathkumar, made the announcement in the state Assembly during the demand for grants to his department.&nbsp;“Under these circumstances, as the Tamil Nadu government is a welfare-oriented administration prioritising social welfare and women’s empowerment, the maternity leave currently provided for the third child of female government employees will be enhanced from 12 weeks to 365 days,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iaea-chief-rafael-grossi-says-agency-found-tonnes-of-nuclear-material-in-syria-1787067845191">IAEA chief Rafael Grossi says agency found ‘tonnes of nuclear material’ in Syria</a>&nbsp;“As the Tamil Nadu government is a welfare-oriented administration that prioritises social welfare and women’s empowerment, the maternity leave currently provided to women government employees for their third child will be increased from 12 weeks to 365 days,” Sarathkumar said.&nbsp;<h2>Maternity leave extended over the years since 2011&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;In 2011, the original 90-day maternity leave window was increased to six months, which was further boosted to nine months in 2016, and extended to one year (365 days) in July 2021 by the respective state governments at the time, led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).&nbsp;However, as per the directives of the Supreme Court and subsequent state amendments, women employed by the state government with two or more surviving children are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave with full pay.Following the announcement in the state Assembly, a senior official said a detailed government order to this effect will be issued soon.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-won-both-war-and-diplomacy-araghchi-says-conflict-completely-dispelled-notion-of-tehran-s-weakness-1787060840037">‘Iran won both war and diplomacy’: Araghchi says conflict ‘completely dispelled’ notion of Tehran’s weakness</a>&nbsp;The development comes after a row over first-time TVK MLA R Pallavi bringing her newborn to the Tamil Nadu Assembly during the ongoing session.Pallavi brings her baby to the Assembly premises, leaves the newborn with a caregiver when she enters the main hall for proceedings. The caregiver takes care of the baby till she returns.The TVK MLA faced criticism for carrying her child everywhere, to which she responded by saying that the accusation was unfair.&nbsp;Pallavi was elected from Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar segment in Chennai in the 2026 assembly elections.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/don-t-beg-pakistan-strictly-warns-its-umrah-pilgrims-tells-them-to-fully-comply-with-saudi-laws-1786991746961">‘Don’t beg,’ Pakistan strictly warns its Umrah pilgrims, tells them to fully comply with Saudi laws</a><h2>Tamil Nadu’s demographic change sparks concern</h2>&nbsp;The extension of maternity leave comes amid growing concern over Tamil Nadu’s demographic transition.&nbsp;Health Minister KG Arunraj said on Sunday that the state’s Total Fertility Rate had fallen below 1.4, considerably lower than the replacement level of 2.1.With nearly 16 per cent of Tamil Nadu’s population aged above 60, the minister described the demographic shift as a major public health challenge.&nbsp;The government could consider policies similar to those reportedly followed in Andhra Pradesh, where couples are offered incentives to have a third child, Arunraj said.

As per the directives of the Supreme Court and subsequent amendments by the state governments, women employed by the Tamil Nadu government with two or more surviving children were until now entitled to only 12 weeks of maternity leave with full pay.

Chief Minister Vijay-led Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday announced that it would extend the maternity leave window from 12 weeks to 365 days for its women employees having their third child. At present, married women in government employment with less than two children are granted 365 days, or one year, of maternity leave, while those with two or more children get up to 12 weeks of leave. Tamil Nadu’s minister for human resources management, D Sarathkumar, made the announcement in the state Assembly during the demand for grants to his department. “Under these circumstances, as the Tamil Nadu government is a welfare-oriented administration prioritising social welfare and women’s empowerment, the maternity leave currently provided for the third child of female government employees will be enhanced from 12 weeks to 365 days,” he said. Also Read: IAEA chief Rafael Grossi says agency found ‘tonnes of nuclear material’ in Syria “As the Tamil Nadu government is a welfare-oriented administration that prioritises social welfare and women’s empowerment, the maternity leave currently provided to women government employees for their third child will be increased from 12 weeks to 365 days,” Sarathkumar said. Maternity leave extended over the years since 2011 In 2011, the original 90-day maternity leave window was increased to six months, which was further boosted to nine months in 2016, and extended to one year (365 days) in July 2021 by the respective state governments at the time, led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). However, as per the directives of the Supreme Court and subsequent state amendments, women employed by the state government with two or more surviving children are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave with full pay. Following the announcement in the state Assembly, a senior official said a detailed government order to this effect will be issued soon. Also Read: ‘Iran won both war and diplomacy’: Araghchi says conflict ‘completely dispelled’ notion of Tehran’s weakness The development comes after a row over first-time TVK MLA R Pallavi bringing her newborn to the Tamil Nadu Assembly during the ongoing session. Pallavi brings her baby to the Assembly premises, leaves the newborn with a caregiver when she enters the main hall for proceedings. The caregiver takes care of the baby till she returns. The TVK MLA faced criticism for carrying her child everywhere, to which she responded by saying that the accusation was unfair. Pallavi was elected from Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar segment in Chennai in the 2026 assembly elections. Also Read: ‘Don’t beg,’ Pakistan strictly warns its Umrah pilgrims, tells them to fully comply with Saudi laws Tamil Nadu’s demographic change sparks concern The extension of maternity leave comes amid growing concern over Tamil Nadu’s demographic transition. Health Minister KG Arunraj said on Sunday that the state’s Total Fertility Rate had fallen below 1.4, considerably lower than the replacement level of 2.1. With nearly 16 per cent of Tamil Nadu’s population aged above 60, the minister described the demographic shift as a major public health challenge. The government could consider policies similar to those reportedly followed in Andhra Pradesh, where couples are offered incentives to have a third child, Arunraj said.

As per the directives of the Supreme Court and subsequent amendments by the state governments, women employed by the Tamil Nadu government with two or more surviving children were until now entitled to only 12 weeks of maternity leave with full pay.

Vijay-led TN govt to give year-long maternity leave to women employees for third child

Tamil Nadu’s investment plans have triggered a political confrontation between the ruling TVK government led by Chief Minister Vijay and the opposition DMK.

The TVK government says 97 MoUs were signed during the Vetri Tamil Nadu Investment Conclave 2026, with investment commitments from the first 100 days of the government expected to cross ₹1 lakh crore, potentially generating around 1.2 lakh jobs.

However, the DMK has questioned the claims, arguing that a significant portion of the projects were initiated or finalised during its previous tenure. Former Industries Minister TRB Rajaa also questioned the uncertainty surrounding key infrastructure projects, particularly the proposed Parandur airport and Hosur airport.

The opposition argues that major infrastructure projects are crucial for attracting new investments to Tamil Nadu and has questioned the TVK government's position on their status.

DMK Targets Vijay-Led TVK Government Over Investment Claims | Questions Raised On ₹1 Lakh Crore MoUs

A day after Chief Minister Vijay's TVK Government in Tamil Nadu announced the signing of MoUs with the potential to bring investments of Rs.67,542 crore and the potential of generating over 100,000 jobs, the state's principal opposition DMK has hit back, saying that 75 per cent of these MoUs are a result of the previous DMK rule. Tamil Nadu's Former Industries Minister TRB Rajaa raised several questions about the 'Vettri(Victory) Tamil Nadu Investment Conclave 2026', which is the first such investment-related initiative by the TVK-led coalition government, which completed three months at the helm of the Southern Indian state.&nbsp;"A few days ago, Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu himself chaired the State Investment Promotion Bureau meeting, where he cleared projects worth two lakh crore rupees (approx $21bn). Whereas in Tamil Nadu, the TVK Government is merely signing MoUs for the projects that were negotiated and finalised by the previous DMK regime led by then Chief Minister MK Stalin.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is being said that 75% of the MOUs signed are from or an outcome of the DMK regime's good work. Why are new projects not coming in ? Why have no major investments come in these 100days that the TVK has been in power," queried former Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa.&nbsp;Citing the prevailing uncertainty over the Parandur airport project (second airport for Chennai) and the Hosur airport project, Rajaa mentioned that such infrastructure projects are highly crucial to attract investments to Tamil Nadu. He added that there is no clarity on the TVK regime's stance on these projects.&nbsp;Highlighting the need for continuity in the state's investment promotion campaigns and marketing strategy, Rajaa pointed out that the DMK Government's "Bullish on TN" logo has been changed. "We have marketed all this, done such a long project and brought publicity. I don't know what is wrong with us continuing to use it for our Tamil Nadu. This 'Bullish on TN' is not DMK branding, that is branding for Tamil Nadu. Don't re-brand that Tamil Nadu brand and start afresh. Utilise the work that has been done all these years, that will help elevate Tamil Nadu to the next level," Rajaa said.&nbsp;

DMK claimed 75 per cent of the TVK government’s ₹67,542 crore investment MoUs stemmed from previous DMK initiatives. TRB Rajaa criticized the lack of new projects, infrastructure clarity, and rebranding of state campaigns.

A day after Chief Minister Vijay's TVK Government in Tamil Nadu announced the signing of MoUs with the potential to bring investments of Rs.67,542 crore and the potential of generating over 100,000 jobs, the state's principal opposition DMK has hit back, saying that 75 per cent of these MoUs are a result of the previous DMK rule. Tamil Nadu's Former Industries Minister TRB Rajaa raised several questions about the 'Vettri(Victory) Tamil Nadu Investment Conclave 2026', which is the first such investment-related initiative by the TVK-led coalition government, which completed three months at the helm of the Southern Indian state. "A few days ago, Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu himself chaired the State Investment Promotion Bureau meeting, where he cleared projects worth two lakh crore rupees (approx $21bn). Whereas in Tamil Nadu, the TVK Government is merely signing MoUs for the projects that were negotiated and finalised by the previous DMK regime led by then Chief Minister MK Stalin. It is being said that 75% of the MOUs signed are from or an outcome of the DMK regime's good work. Why are new projects not coming in ? Why have no major investments come in these 100days that the TVK has been in power," queried former Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa. Citing the prevailing uncertainty over the Parandur airport project (second airport for Chennai) and the Hosur airport project, Rajaa mentioned that such infrastructure projects are highly crucial to attract investments to Tamil Nadu. He added that there is no clarity on the TVK regime's stance on these projects. Highlighting the need for continuity in the state's investment promotion campaigns and marketing strategy, Rajaa pointed out that the DMK Government's "Bullish on TN" logo has been changed. "We have marketed all this, done such a long project and brought publicity. I don't know what is wrong with us continuing to use it for our Tamil Nadu. This 'Bullish on TN' is not DMK branding, that is branding for Tamil Nadu. Don't re-brand that Tamil Nadu brand and start afresh. Utilise the work that has been done all these years, that will help elevate Tamil Nadu to the next level," Rajaa said.

DMK claimed 75 per cent of the TVK government’s ₹67,542 crore investment MoUs stemmed from previous DMK initiatives. TRB Rajaa criticized the lack of new projects, infrastructure clarity, and rebranding of state campaigns.

‘75% of the amount is from ‘our tenure’: DMK questions Vijay Govt's investment MoUs

A fresh political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu after AIADMK leader RB Udhayakumar took a swipe at Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, making a sarcastic remark about actor Trisha Krishnan and her possible appointment as Deputy Chief Minister.

Udhayakumar alleged that the TVK government is appointing people closely associated with Vijay, including individuals with connections to the film industry, to government positions. He cited several appointments before making the remark involving Trisha.

Trisha has not directly responded to the political comments but shared a cryptic social media post about the “drama” surrounding the controversy.

The remarks have also triggered a reaction from Trisha’s fan clubs, with posters reportedly appearing in Madurai condemning the AIADMK leader. The controversy comes amid heightened political activity surrounding Vijay and the TVK ahead of Tamil Nadu’s evolving political landscape.

Tamil Nadu Political Storm: AIADMK Leader Takes Swipe at Vijay Over Trisha Krishnan Remark 

A day after presenting its first state budget, the TVK government has unveiled Tamil Nadu's first Agriculture Budget in the Legislative Assembly.

Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister R. Vinod announced several initiatives aimed at improving farm productivity, soil fertility, and technology adoption. Key highlights include a ₹600 crore Tamil Nadu Soil Fertility Mission, a five-year soil health plan, drone operator training for 500 beneficiaries under the Vetri Vanmagal Scheme, and new storage facilities to strengthen agricultural exports.

However, the budget did not include major announcements on the Cauvery water dispute or the Mekedatu dam issue, prompting criticism from the opposition. AIADMK leaders questioned the government's priorities, arguing that farmers' key concerns remain unresolved.

TVK Government Unveils First Agriculture Budget | Big Push for Farmers and Technology