Edappadi K Palaniswami

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay is likely to expand his cabinet later this week. The list of ministers is currently being finalised and is yet to reach the Governor for approval. Once the Governor gives the nod, the new ministers will be sworn in.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on Wednesday won the crucial floor test in the state assembly with the support of 144 MLAs.

The Tamil Nadu government faces political turbulence as Chief Minister Vijay appoints a personal astrologer as an Officer on Special Duty, drawing criticism over administrative credentials. Ahead of a crucial assembly floor test, thirty rebel AIADMK MLAs led by S.P. Velumani and C.V. Shanmugham have pledged support to the TVK-led government, officially severing ties with the BJP. During the session, Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin reiterated his controversial stance on Sanatana Dharma. Administratively, the state announced the closure of seven hundred liquor shops near schools and temples, alongside new bans on political hoardings and the creation of women's safety task forces. In Kerala, a leadership struggle for the Chief Minister post has emerged between K.C. Venugopal and V.D. Satheesan following the UDF election victory. Meanwhile, in Telangana, a POCSO case was filed against Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar's son, Bandi Sai Bhagirath. The broadcast also confirmed the return of actor Mohanlal for the third installment of the Drishyam film franchise.

The big focus of this episode 5 Live is on the political standoff in Tamil Nadu, where Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has paused the swearing-in of TVK chief Vijay asking to return only after securing signatures of 118 MLAs to prove majority support.

This episode of News Today examines the escalating West Asia conflict as Donald Trump’s 48-hour deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz approaches.

In Tamil Nadu, former three-time Chief Minister O Panneerselvam joined the DMK ahead of the upcoming assembly election, following his 2022 expulsion from the AIADMK.

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam has joined the DMK ahead of the state elections, marking a significant political shift.

This broadcast covers significant national developments, including the showdown over Kerala Story 2, Union Cabinet's approval to rename Kerala to 'Keralam' to reflect its linguistic roots and much more.

A 37-year-old man named Suraj from Maharashtra died during a Tamilar Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) rally led by actor-turned-politician Vijay in Salem, Tamil Nadu, sparking a political row.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) projected a victory of 210 seats for the AIADMK-led alliance in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Speaking at the India Today Tamil Nadu Roundtable, Felix Gerald, Spokesperson, TVK, Kovai Sathyan, Spokesperson, AIADMK, Salem Dharanidharan, Spokesperson, DMK, Vinoj P Selvam, Spokesperson, BJP, share their perspective on this and more.

As Tamil Nadu gears up for the assembly election, India's top political team shares their perspective on who has the edge, what are the X-factors and the issues that matter to the people of the state. 

On this Special Report, Nagarjun Dwarakanath anchors the 'SoSouth' bulletin, focusing on the intensifying political heat in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Dwarakanath highlights the dramatic overnight protest by BJP and JDS MLAs inside Vidhan Soudha, where they demanded the resignation of Excise Minister R.B. Timmapur over alleged corruption. The anchor notes, 'A political storm is brewing in Karnataka,' as the opposition accuses the Congress government of financial misconduct. The programme also covers the ruckus in the Karnataka Assembly involving Congress MLA Shivlinge Gowda and the evolving political dynamics in Tamil Nadu. In Chennai, AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) has released a ten-point election manifesto while simultaneously slamming actor-politician Vijay of the TVK for his lack of political experience. The report further explores the potential alliance shifts between the Congress, DMK, and TVK as the state moves closer to elections. Journalists Pramod Madhav, Sagai Raj, and Anagha Keshav provide ground updates on these developing stories across the southern states.

In this Super 6 special edition, anchor Akshita Nandagopal reports on major political shifts in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. After the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar, the NCP has postponed its legislative party meeting to observe a mourning period. Sunetra Pawar is being seen as the frontrunner to carry forward his legacy and potentially assume the Deputy Chief Minister role.

On this Special Report, Akshita Nandagopal breaks down the shifting political landscape in poll-bound Tamil Nadu. The DMK and Congress have officially finalised their alliance following a high-level meeting between Rahul Gandhi and DMK MP Kanimozhi in Delhi. Akshita Nandagopal notes that while the partnership is confirmed, 'seat-sharing and power-sharing remain unresolved' as the Congress pushes for a significant increase in its seat count and potential cabinet berths. The programme also examines the NDA's strategy, where the BJP is attempting to consolidate various AIADMK factions and regional players like TTV Dinakaran’s AMMK. The report highlights the entry of actor Vijay’s TVK as a potential game-changer and the uncertainty surrounding O Panneerselvam’s role. Despite internal friction over specific constituencies like Madurai North, the DMK-Congress combine aims to replicate its previous electoral success against a fragmented opposition.

On this Special Report, India Today's Anagha Keshavan details the escalating political war of words in Tamil Nadu between the DMK and the AIADMK. Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) has hit back at Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, asserting that 'this is DMK's last election' and claiming the party has failed to fulfill its promises, turning the state into a 'protest ground'. The report highlights how CM Stalin mocked the Leader of the Opposition by labeling him '10 times defeated Palaniswami' due to electoral losses since 2019. Furthermore, Stalin questioned the confidence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP regarding their foray into Tamil Nadu, citing the party's failure to secure seats in previous parliamentary elections. Anagha Keshavan explains that the taunting between the major political players has intensified as they trade barbs over governance and electoral viability ahead of upcoming polls.

On this news bulletin, the focus is on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's sharp critique of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Unidentified speaker reports that Stalin mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the BJP's performance in the 2024 parliamentary elections, specifically highlighting that 'the BJP did not manage to win a single seat in Tamil Nadu'. Furthermore, the Chief Minister targeted AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, labeling him a 'loser' and asserting that 'EPS has not won a single election since 2019'. The report underscores the intensifying political rivalry in Tamil Nadu as Stalin reminds the Prime Minister of the NDA's electoral vacuum in the state. The programme details these political jibes which aim to diminish the standing of both the national ruling party and the primary state opposition in the wake of recent election results.

On this news bulletin, the focus is on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin's firm stance against linguistic centralisation. Speaking on Language Martyrs Day, Stalin reiterated, 'Tamil consciousness will never die' and emphasized that there is no place for the imposition of Hindi in the state. The Chief Minister highlighted Tamil Nadu's history of resisting such moves, asserting that the state will always oppose Hindi imposition. The programme also covers a violent security breach on the Trichy-Chennai highway, where country-made bombs were hurled at a police van escorting a notorious criminal near the Perambalur toll plaza. This incident has sparked a political row, with AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami and the BJP slamming the DMK government over a perceived breakdown of law and order. The report explores the rising concerns regarding public safety and the political friction between the ruling DMK and the opposition in Tamil Nadu.

This special report covers the escalating political battle in Tamil Nadu as the state enters election mode. Prime Minister Narendra Modi kick-started the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) campaign with a mega rally, showcasing a united front alongside AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami, TTV Dhinakaran, and PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss. In a sharp rebuttal, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin dismissed the Prime Minister's 'double-engine' pitch, labeling it a 'dummy engine' and accusing the Centre of creating roadblocks for the state's growth. Stalin delivered a defiant message, stating, 'Tamil Nadu will never bow to Delhi's arrogance.' The report highlights the clear political lines drawn between a regrouping NDA and a resistant DMK as they head toward high-stakes polls. The programme explores whether the electorate will embrace the NDA's pitch for change or continue to support the DMK's politics of resistance against the central government's narrative.

On this Special Report, host Akshita Nandagopal leads a high-octane debate on the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) aggressive campaign to gain a foothold in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The discussion features spokespersons from the Congress, BJP, and DMK, alongside senior journalist Shekhar Iyer. Akshita Nandagopal asks, 'Do you think the BJP actually stands a chance in these southern states?' The panel examines the Prime Minister's recent rallies, the impact of anti-incumbency against the DMK, and the 'Dravidian model' of development. While BJP's Tuhin Sinha claims the party will deliver its best performance yet, DMK's Seelam Dharnidharan defends Tamil Nadu's socio-economic metrics, dismissing the 'double engine' growth narrative. The debate also touches upon the controversial issue of delimitation and its potential impact on South India's parliamentary representation. This programme provides a comprehensive analysis of the shifting political dynamics in India's southern states ahead of the upcoming electoral battles.