Tamil Nadu news & politics
The latest news from Tamil Nadu, where C. Joseph Vijay (TVK) is Chief Minister. Most covered in the last 30 days: infrastructure, protest opposition, crime violence.
Tamil Nadu Higher Education Department tasked HODs to form ties with private business houses
The Tamil Nadu Higher Education Department tasked Heads of Departments with preparing students for employment by forming ties with three to five private business houses. The department issued a letter on Friday requiring these heads to formalize associations and identify skill training verticals. However, the State Platform for Common School System – Tamil Nadu (SPCSS-TN) criticized the move as an improper delegation of duties.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announces dearness allowance hike for government employees
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced a hike in dearness allowance for government employees and teachers starting July 2026. According to a State government press release, the DA will increase from 60% to 63% to match Central government rates. The move benefits 16 lakh individuals and will cost the government ₹1,858 crore a year.
Contractor allegedly distributed ₹20 lakh among TDB employees from stolen Sabarimala ghee
The Vigilance team probing the Sabarimala ghee scam found that Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) employees were involved in a fraud. The investigation revealed that S.S. Binu, a transport contractor, allegedly distributed ₹20 lakh among employees from proceeds of stolen ghee. He received ₹50 lakh from selling 11,000 kg of Milma ghee. Jayalal, a TDB employee, was arrested for helping fabricate records.
Tamil Nadu CM announces DA hike for 16 lakh employees costing ₹1,858 crore annually
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced a hike in dearness allowance for government employees and teachers on October 31, 2026. Following an increase for Central government employees from 60% to 63%, the state's revised DA applies from July 2026. A government press release stated that 16 lakh individuals would benefit, costing the government ₹1,858 crore a year.
Kanimozhi Karunanidhi leads DMK women's wing protests against TVK government over rising prices
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Women’s Wing staged protests across Tamil Nadu on October 31, 2026, against the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government. Led by Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, protesters accused the government of failing to control rising commodity prices and maintain law and order. She alleged that child trafficking is increasing and urged citizens to end the current administration's tenure.
Deputy Jail Superintendent N. Nageswaran suspended after 17 inmates escape Theni District Jail
C. Joseph Vijay suspended N. Nageswaran, Deputy Jail Superintendent, following a jailbreak at the Theni District Jail on October 26, 2026. Seventeen inmates escaped after attacking a guard but were apprehended within 40 hours. The Chief Minister ordered action for security lapses and negligence. Additionally, the Tamil Nadu government transferred R. Krishnaraj to Salem Central Prison to strengthen administration.
CM C Joseph Vijay suspends deputy jail superintendent for dereliction of duty after jailbreak
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay ordered the suspension of deputy jail superintendent N Ramalingam for dereliction of duty following a major jailbreak in Theni district. On October 26, 2026, 17 prisoners escaped by overpowering guards but were recaptured by the Tamil Nadu Police. The government also initiated a strategic reshuffle of top prison administrators to reinforce security protocols.
TNCC and VCK to protest in New Delhi demanding removal of Gyanesh Kumar
The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) are mobilizing cadres for an INDIA bloc protest on November 1, 2026, in New Delhi to demand the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Rahul Gandhi is expected to lead. R. Sudha alleged the BJP-led Centre is curtailing MP privileges.
West Asia crisis delays cardamom payments, causing liquidity concerns for ₹4,500 crore industry
The West Asia crisis has disrupted cardamom payments, causing liquidity concerns for an industry worth ₹4,500 crore. Santhosh Allus reported that settlement times increased from 7 days to between 60 and 70 days. Joshy Joseph of Spice More Group noted prices now surpass ₹3,000 per kilogram. Sangeetha Viswanathan of the Spices Board ordered reports from Puttady and Bodinayakanur to address unpaid dues.
17 inmates stage epileptic seizure drama to plan escape at Theni district jail
On October 26, Prasanth (alias Linga Prasanth), a 25-year-old differently abled remand prisoner in the Theni district jail of Tamil Nadu, planned an escape due to missing surety bond. Silambarasan, another prisoner, suggested feigning an epileptic seizure. All 17 inmates agreed to stage the drama at 10.30 p.m., and a few raised the alarm for investigators.
The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) will increase the maximum retail price
The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) will increase the maximum retail price of all liquor variants by ₹10 starting November 1. This environment cess allows tippler reimbursement for returned bottles. The revision affects Indian Made Foreign Liquor, beer, wine, and imported liquor at FL2 and FL3 premises. Manufacturers must label stocks by October 31, while staff receive training on the new system.
17 academics condemn Tamil Nadu police for harassing MIDS professor Dr. Kalaiyarasan
On October 31, 2026, 17 academics condemned the Tamil Nadu police for harassing MIDS professor Dr. Kalaiyarasan based on misinformation. The group criticized the early morning pickup as lawless and lacking procedural protocol. They noted that Chief Minister met Dr. Kalaiyarasan and expressed regret. The academics urged the government to take action against those responsible and ensure academic freedom.
