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AIADMK releases first candidate list, retains key seats in NDA deal

AIADMK releases first list of 23 candidates and finalises NDA seat-sharing ahead of Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

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The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has released its first list of 23 candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, indicating an aggressive early campaign strategy and reaffirming its position as the principal opposition in the state.

Party General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami will contest from his home constituency Edappadi, highlighting the electoral significance for his leadership. The candidate list includes several senior leaders and core committee members, reflecting the party’s strategy of relying on experienced leaders and established organisational figures.

Among the prominent names announced are P. Munusamy from Veppanahalli, Dindigul Srinivasan from Dindigul, Natham Viswanathan from Natham, S.P. Velumani from Thondamuthur, K. Thangamani from Kumarapalayam, D. Jayakumar from Royapuram and C. Vijayabaskar from Viralimalai. Former minister R.B. Udhayakumar will contest from Thirumangalam.

Seat-sharing and alliance strategy

In a politically significant decision, the AIADMK retained the Tirupparankundram seat and fielded sitting MLA Rajan Chellappa, amid speculation that the Bharatiya Janata Party may seek the constituency following recent political controversy in the region.

Seat-sharing within the NDA alliance has largely been finalised. The BJP has been allotted 27 seats, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam led by TTV Dhinakaran has received 11 seats, Pattali Makkal Katchi led by Anbumani Ramadoss has been allotted one seat, Tamil Maanila Congress led by G.K. Vasan has received five seats, and Tamilaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam led by John Pandian has been given one seat. Out of the total 234 seats, 62 have been allocated to allies, leaving the AIADMK with 172 seats.

Leadership test and political challenges

The election is being seen as a crucial test for Palaniswami. Under his leadership, both jointly with O. Panneerselvam and later independently, the AIADMK has faced electoral defeats in 2019, 2021 and 2024 following the death of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.

After contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections separately, the AIADMK has now realigned with the BJP. However, the alliance faces internal and community-level challenges. The Pattali Makkal Katchi is facing internal differences between founder S. Ramadoss and his son Anbumani Ramadoss. Meanwhile, expelled AIADMK leader V.K. Sasikala and O. Panneerselvam are expected to influence vote banks in southern Tamil Nadu, potentially leading to a multi-cornered contest in some regions.

The entry of actor Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, is also expected to influence youth voters and add a new dimension to the electoral contest.

Welfare promises and campaign focus

The AIADMK is preparing a populist manifesto to counter the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government’s welfare model. Key promises expected in the manifesto include increasing monthly financial assistance for women to Rs 2,000, free refrigerators for eligible families, steps to waive student loans, three free LPG cylinders annually, a Rs 25,000 subsidy for two-wheelers for select beneficiaries, and housing support for the homeless poor.

With alliances finalised and candidate announcements underway, Tamil Nadu is heading toward a high-voltage electoral contest. The ruling DMK is expected to release its candidate list soon.

The state will go to polls on April 23, and vote counting will take place on May 4.

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Those who want to leave can go: Mamata Banerjee after Trinamool’s poll setback

Mamata Banerjee has told Trinamool Congress leaders that those who wish to leave the party are free to do so after its electoral defeat, as she pushes for organisational rebuilding.

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sent a strong message to party members amid internal unrest following the Trinamool Congress’ electoral defeat in the 2026 Assembly elections, saying those who wish to leave the party are free to do so.

The remarks come as the TMC grapples with its worst electoral performance in years and growing dissatisfaction within its ranks.

‘Will not stop anyone from leaving’

At a recent internal review meeting with party candidates, Banerjee reportedly told leaders that she would not attempt to hold back anyone planning to exit the party. She emphasised that the organisation would move forward with those who remain committed.

According to party sources, she said she would focus on rebuilding the organisation from the ground up, including restoring party offices and strengthening grassroots-level structures.

Push for rebuilding the organisation

Banerjee also called for detailed, area-wise reports from party workers and directed them to hold meetings at block and town levels to assess the reasons behind the defeat.

She further indicated that the party would undergo internal restructuring, with efforts aimed at reviving organisational strength at the local level.

Fact-finding teams and internal review

As part of the post-poll exercise, the Trinamool Congress has also set up multiple fact-finding teams to examine alleged irregularities in key districts.

These developments highlight growing internal churn within the party as it attempts to recover from its electoral setback and rebuild its support base.

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Abhishek Banerjee charged over alleged provocative speeches during Bengal polls

Abhishek Banerjee has been charged after a complaint alleged he made provocative remarks during the West Bengal election campaign.

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Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has been charged following allegations that he delivered provocative speeches during the West Bengal Assembly election campaign.

According to reports, the complaint was filed by a social worker identified as Rajiv Sarkar on May 5. The complaint alleged that the Diamond Harbour MP made inflammatory remarks at multiple campaign events held between April 27 and May 3.

The allegations also claimed that remarks made by Banerjee included threats directed at Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the heated election campaign in West Bengal.

Reports said the case was registered at the Bidhannagar North Cyber Crime Police Station. The development comes amid continuing political tensions in the state after the recently concluded Assembly elections.

The Trinamool Congress and the BJP have been engaged in sharp exchanges following the election results and subsequent allegations linked to violence and political targeting in different parts of the state.

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MP High Court declares Bhojshala complex a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has declared the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar a temple, while allowing the Muslim side to seek alternative land for a mosque.

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The Madhya Pradesh High Court has declared the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar district as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, marking a major development in the long-running dispute over the religious character of the site.

The court said the religious character of the disputed area is that of Bhojshala, which the Hindu side identifies as a Saraswati temple. The Muslim side has historically maintained that the complex functions as the Kamal Maula Mosque.

According to the ruling, the Muslim community may approach the state government for allotment of suitable land within Dhar district for construction of a mosque or prayer site.

The High Court also set aside an Archaeological Survey of India circular issued in 2003 that had permitted Muslims to offer prayers at the site on Fridays.

Long-running dispute over Bhojshala

The Bhojshala complex has remained at the centre of a decades-old dispute involving Hindu and Muslim groups. Hindus consider it a temple dedicated to Vagdevi or Goddess Saraswati and associate it with the era of Raja Bhoj. Muslims have maintained that the site has functioned as the Kamal Maula Mosque for centuries.

The matter gained renewed attention after the Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered a scientific survey of the site by the Archaeological Survey of India in 2024. The ASI later submitted a detailed report before the court regarding the historical and structural features of the complex.

Earlier this year, the High Court had also conducted a site inspection before continuing hearings in the matter.

Security arrangements have reportedly been tightened in Dhar following the verdict to maintain law and order.

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