April 21, 2026

Political heat rises in Assam ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi criticises the BJP’s delimitation and voter revision plans. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that Gogoi should contest elections in Pakistan after BJP sweeps the 2026 polls. The Election Commission has ordered a special revision of electoral rolls, aiming to identify ineligible voters. NEW DELHI: With the state of Assam set to go to assembly polls next year, political sparring between the BJP and Congress has intensified, with both sides staking claim to a clear win in the 2026 showdown.’If only Assamese people vote…’: Gogoi targets BJPSpeaking to reporters in Dhubri, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said the BJP is on its way to defeat in the next state elections. Gaurav alleged that the ruling party carried out the 2023 delimitation exercise in a way that “only benefited the BJP” and is now introducing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) as it fears losing seats.”BJP is heading for defeat in 2026 (Assam Assembly election) if only Assamese people vote; we urge people to stay alert so no voters from UP and Bihar can vote,” Gogoi said.The 2023 delimitation raised Scheduled Caste seats from eight to nine and Scheduled Tribe seats from 16 to 19, while keeping the total assembly seats unchanged at 126. As per reports analysts say the number of Muslim-dominated seats has reduced from 30 to 22 under the redrawn map, which will be used in the 2026 elections.Gogoi should ‘go to Pakistan’ to contest: HimantaAddressing a rally in Nalbari, Assam chief ministerHimanta Biswa Sarma escalated his attack on Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, saying the Congress leader would “hundred per cent lose” the upcoming state polls.”He (Gogoi) will hundred per cent lose the polls in Assam, and then he can contest the elections in Pakistan,” Sarma said, responding to Gogoi’s earlier comments on the political climate in the state further adding that, “Assam is Assam and we will make a clean sweep in the assembly elections.”Sarma also accused the Congress of “doing politics” over the death of singer Zubeen Garg to “protect the Miyas who have encroached acres of land across the state.”The chief minister has repeatedly targeted Gogoi in recent months, alleging links with Pakistan’s ISI and forming an SIT to probe the matter, though its findings have not yet been made public.Sarma further claimed that “the Congress is mainly concerned about ‘Miyas’, and the people of Assam will not vote for those who support them.”He also announced that the government will introduce the anti-polygamy bill in the upcoming assembly session. “We will present the anti-polygamy bill in the assembly in November,” Sarma stated.EC orders Special Revision of Assam’s electoral rollsThe Election Commission on Monday ordered a Special Revision of the electoral rolls in Assam ahead of the 2026 elections. Earlier on Tuesday, Sarma, reiterating the need for updated rolls, said that the exercise would help identify and remove ineligible voters.He noted that the state’s National Register of Citizens (NRC) has not been notified “due to various legacy issues,” and that the Special Intensive Revision has therefore been deferred.However, with the Election Commission now ordering a Special Revision, Sarma said the process “will help us weed out the illegal (voters) from our electoral process.”.According to EC guidelines issued to the state’s chief electoral officer, January 1, 2026, has been set as the qualifying date for the Special Revision. Officials said the drive is positioned between the usual annual summary revision and a full Special Intensive Revision (SIR).Last month, the Election Commission had ordered SIR in 12 states and Union Territories, including four set to vote next year.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Can’t Rule Out All-Out War’: Pakistan’s Khawaja Asif Rattled Over Army Chief’s Sindoor 2.0 WarningSydney Horror Crash Kills 8-Month Pregnant Indian After Teen BMW Driver Slams Into Family WalkIndia Expands Its Diplomatic Presence In Russia As Jaishankar Highlights Strategic New ConsulatesTaliban Trade Minister Lands in Delhi Amid Major Afghan Shift Toward India After Pakistan ConflictChina’s Propaganda Strike On India Exposed, US Report Details Fake Jet Debris And J-35 Sales TacticsSachin Tendulkar Recalls Receiving Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Blessings Before 2011 WCAishwarya Rai Joins PM Modi at Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centenary in Andhra Pradesh’Anmol Being Targeted For Surname’: Bishnoi Cousin Appeals For ‘Fair Treatment’ After Ahead of Trial’Theatre of The Absurds’: India Hits At Stalled UNSC Reform, Demands Real Text-Driven NegotiationsRostec’s Big India Message: ‘Whatever You Need’ As S-400, Su-57E Deals With Russia Near Final Stage123Photostories8 modern-sounding baby names that begin with letter ‘K’How to make South Indian-style Beetroot RasamEgg vs paneer vs soya vs chicken: Which is a better source of protein for breakfast10 unique baby boy names inspired by the Ramayana, and it’s perfect for Gen Alpha6 struggles of being the younger sibling9 ways to include beetroot in Indian diet8 ways to prevent spiders from making webs in your home!7 toxic parenting traits we are all guilty of! Yes, even youTamannaah Bhatia’s sculpted black gown is the most daring look of 20255 powerful Shani temples to visit during Sade Sati phase and how to reach them123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodaySheikh Hasina VerdictBihar Government FormationGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingBrittany LucicAlex Ovechkin WifePaolo BancheroStephen CurryPatrick BeverleyLeBron JamesStephen A SmithCade CunninghamDraymond GreenSophie Cunningham

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
Political heat rises in Assam ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi criticises the BJP’s delimitation and voter revision plans. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that Gogoi should contest elections in Pakistan after BJP sweeps the 2026 polls. The Election Commission has ordered a special revision of electoral rolls, aiming to identify ineligible voters. NEW DELHI: With the state of Assam set to go to assembly polls next year, political sparring between the BJP and Congress has intensified, with both sides staking claim to a clear win in the 2026 showdown.’If only Assamese people vote…’: Gogoi targets BJPSpeaking to reporters in Dhubri, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said the BJP is on its way to defeat in the next state elections. Gaurav alleged that the ruling party carried out the 2023 delimitation exercise in a way that “only benefited the BJP” and is now introducing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) as it fears losing seats.”BJP is heading for defeat in 2026 (Assam Assembly election) if only Assamese people vote; we urge people to stay alert so no voters from UP and Bihar can vote,” Gogoi said.The 2023 delimitation raised Scheduled Caste seats from eight to nine and Scheduled Tribe seats from 16 to 19, while keeping the total assembly seats unchanged at 126. As per reports analysts say the number of Muslim-dominated seats has reduced from 30 to 22 under the redrawn map, which will be used in the 2026 elections.Gogoi should ‘go to Pakistan’ to contest: HimantaAddressing a rally in Nalbari, Assam chief ministerHimanta Biswa Sarma escalated his attack on Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, saying the Congress leader would “hundred per cent lose” the upcoming state polls.”He (Gogoi) will hundred per cent lose the polls in Assam, and then he can contest the elections in Pakistan,” Sarma said, responding to Gogoi’s earlier comments on the political climate in the state further adding that, “Assam is Assam and we will make a clean sweep in the assembly elections.”Sarma also accused the Congress of “doing politics” over the death of singer Zubeen Garg to “protect the Miyas who have encroached acres of land across the state.”The chief minister has repeatedly targeted Gogoi in recent months, alleging links with Pakistan’s ISI and forming an SIT to probe the matter, though its findings have not yet been made public.Sarma further claimed that “the Congress is mainly concerned about ‘Miyas’, and the people of Assam will not vote for those who support them.”He also announced that the government will introduce the anti-polygamy bill in the upcoming assembly session. “We will present the anti-polygamy bill in the assembly in November,” Sarma stated.EC orders Special Revision of Assam’s electoral rollsThe Election Commission on Monday ordered a Special Revision of the electoral rolls in Assam ahead of the 2026 elections. Earlier on Tuesday, Sarma, reiterating the need for updated rolls, said that the exercise would help identify and remove ineligible voters.He noted that the state’s National Register of Citizens (NRC) has not been notified “due to various legacy issues,” and that the Special Intensive Revision has therefore been deferred.However, with the Election Commission now ordering a Special Revision, Sarma said the process “will help us weed out the illegal (voters) from our electoral process.”.According to EC guidelines issued to the state’s chief electoral officer, January 1, 2026, has been set as the qualifying date for the Special Revision. Officials said the drive is positioned between the usual annual summary revision and a full Special Intensive Revision (SIR).Last month, the Election Commission had ordered SIR in 12 states and Union Territories, including four set to vote next year.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Can’t Rule Out All-Out War’: Pakistan’s Khawaja Asif Rattled Over Army Chief’s Sindoor 2.0 WarningSydney Horror Crash Kills 8-Month Pregnant Indian After Teen BMW Driver Slams Into Family WalkIndia Expands Its Diplomatic Presence In Russia As Jaishankar Highlights Strategic New ConsulatesTaliban Trade Minister Lands in Delhi Amid Major Afghan Shift Toward India After Pakistan ConflictChina’s Propaganda Strike On India Exposed, US Report Details Fake Jet Debris And J-35 Sales TacticsSachin Tendulkar Recalls Receiving Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Blessings Before 2011 WCAishwarya Rai Joins PM Modi at Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centenary in Andhra Pradesh’Anmol Being Targeted For Surname’: Bishnoi Cousin Appeals For ‘Fair Treatment’ After Ahead of Trial’Theatre of The Absurds’: India Hits At Stalled UNSC Reform, Demands Real Text-Driven NegotiationsRostec’s Big India Message: ‘Whatever You Need’ As S-400, Su-57E Deals With Russia Near Final Stage123Photostories8 modern-sounding baby names that begin with letter ‘K’How to make South Indian-style Beetroot RasamEgg vs paneer vs soya vs chicken: Which is a better source of protein for breakfast10 unique baby boy names inspired by the Ramayana, and it’s perfect for Gen Alpha6 struggles of being the younger sibling9 ways to include beetroot in Indian diet8 ways to prevent spiders from making webs in your home!7 toxic parenting traits we are all guilty of! Yes, even youTamannaah Bhatia’s sculpted black gown is the most daring look of 20255 powerful Shani temples to visit during Sade Sati phase and how to reach them123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodaySheikh Hasina VerdictBihar Government FormationGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingBrittany LucicAlex Ovechkin WifePaolo BancheroStephen CurryPatrick BeverleyLeBron JamesStephen A SmithCade CunninghamDraymond GreenSophie Cunningham


'Gogoi can contest elections in Pak': Himanta mocks Congress MP - Assam 2026 battle heats up

NEW DELHI: With the state of Assam set to go to assembly polls next year, political sparring between the BJP and Congress has intensified, with both sides staking claim to a clear win in the 2026 showdown.

‘If only Assamese people vote…’: Gogoi targets BJP

Speaking to reporters in Dhubri, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said the BJP is on its way to defeat in the next state elections. Gaurav alleged that the ruling party carried out the 2023 delimitation exercise in a way that “only benefited the BJP” and is now introducing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) as it fears losing seats.“BJP is heading for defeat in 2026 (Assam Assembly election) if only Assamese people vote; we urge people to stay alert so no voters from UP and Bihar can vote,” Gogoi said.The 2023 delimitation raised Scheduled Caste seats from eight to nine and Scheduled Tribe seats from 16 to 19, while keeping the total assembly seats unchanged at 126. As per reports analysts say the number of Muslim-dominated seats has reduced from 30 to 22 under the redrawn map, which will be used in the 2026 elections.

Gogoi should ‘go to Pakistan’ to contest: Himanta

Addressing a rally in Nalbari, Assam chief ministerHimanta Biswa Sarma escalated his attack on Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, saying the Congress leader would “hundred per cent lose” the upcoming state polls.“He (Gogoi) will hundred per cent lose the polls in Assam, and then he can contest the elections in Pakistan,” Sarma said, responding to Gogoi’s earlier comments on the political climate in the state further adding that, “Assam is Assam and we will make a clean sweep in the assembly elections.”Sarma also accused the Congress of “doing politics” over the death of singer Zubeen Garg to “protect the Miyas who have encroached acres of land across the state.”The chief minister has repeatedly targeted Gogoi in recent months, alleging links with Pakistan’s ISI and forming an SIT to probe the matter, though its findings have not yet been made public.Sarma further claimed that “the Congress is mainly concerned about ‘Miyas’, and the people of Assam will not vote for those who support them.”He also announced that the government will introduce the anti-polygamy bill in the upcoming assembly session. “We will present the anti-polygamy bill in the assembly in November,” Sarma stated.

EC orders Special Revision of Assam’s electoral rolls

The Election Commission on Monday ordered a Special Revision of the electoral rolls in Assam ahead of the 2026 elections. Earlier on Tuesday, Sarma, reiterating the need for updated rolls, said that the exercise would help identify and remove ineligible voters.He noted that the state’s National Register of Citizens (NRC) has not been notified “due to various legacy issues,” and that the Special Intensive Revision has therefore been deferred.However, with the Election Commission now ordering a Special Revision, Sarma said the process “will help us weed out the illegal (voters) from our electoral process.”.According to EC guidelines issued to the state’s chief electoral officer, January 1, 2026, has been set as the qualifying date for the Special Revision. Officials said the drive is positioned between the usual annual summary revision and a full Special Intensive Revision (SIR).Last month, the Election Commission had ordered SIR in 12 states and Union Territories, including four set to vote next year.





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It is a piece of cloth, a gesture of respect among Tamil people. But over the years, the melthundu — ‘mel’ meaning upper, ‘thundu’ meaning cloth — has come to mean much more than that. Forbidden at one point for particular communities, later reclaimed as a mark of protest, and now reimagined in party colours, the simple shoulder cloth has become central to the political culture of Tamil Nadu.Netas across parties, from DMK chief M K Stalin to ADMK’s Edappadi K Palaniswami, have lately been sporting chequered thundus in party colours, a change from the more familiar stripes. But this is not the first time the shoulder cloth has made a political statement.The first major moment of the thundu springing to the centre of politics and identity in Tamil Nadu was in 1924, during a nadaswaram performance that was attended by Periyar E V Ramasamy, pioneer of the Self-Respect Movement. In those days, people from lower castes were prohibited from wearing a shawl or cloth over their shoulders; only people from dominant castes were allowed to do so.At the event, a musician removed the towel from around his waist, wiped his face and placed the cloth on his shoulder. The host of the event, from a dominant caste, objected, saying someone from a “lower caste” should not wear the thundu on the shoulder. After this, Periyar introduced the practice of placing a shawl on people’s shoulders during functions as a symbol of dignity. Periyar’s followers also began wearing the melthundu as a political statement. “Periyar turned the thundu into a symbol of equality. It became a way of saying, ‘You are my fellow human being’,” says Tamil writer Olivannan G.“Since then, Dravidian politicians began to insist that those on stage drape the thundu over the shoulder, as a way of rejecting caste hierarchies,” says advocate V Kannadasan. “It began as a social equaliser and evolved into a way for leaders to create their political image.”That evolution was visible in the styles adopted by different politicians. DMK founder C N Annadurai always wore a long white shawl. Former DMK chief M Karunanidhi first wore a white one, then switched to yellow. MDMK founder Vaiko became known for his black thundu, worn as a mark of protest over issues linked to the Tamil Eelam (during the Sri Lankan Civil War).“Clothing is considered to be one of the major tools that Dravidian parties have used in politics. Veshti-shirt and melthundu are worn as traditional Tamil male attire,” says political anthropologist Nisar Kannangara. “That’s why PM Modi always wears one when campaigning in Tamil Nadu. He wore it during his 2019 meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the state to appeal to Tamil sentiments.”In the 1970s, the thundu was used as a cinematic device. Actor and ADMK founder M G Ramachandran, who rarely wore the shoulder cloth himself and instead cultivated a trademark image with dark glasses and a fur hat, used the thundu in films such as ‘Idhayakkani’, supposedly to caricature Karunanidhi, his DMK rival. The films featured characters wearing long shawls and delivering verbose dialogue, says political science professor Subramaniam Chandran in a paper published in 2023.However, fashion designer Purushu Arie, who traces the evolution of political attire, says, “Distinctions are now emerging. Sometimes, within parties, simpler cotton towels are meant for cadres, while silk shawls are reserved for seniors. Ironically, the cloth meant to erase hierarchy seems to be recreating it.”In recent years, most party members in the state stopped wearing the thundu regularly. But in the run-up to the 2026 polls, the melthundu has made a comeback. This time, it is less about symbolism and more about branding and standing out in the crowd.“We wanted to try a new design,” says a DMK source, referring to the black-and-red checked thundu that has made its debut. “The strategy team first used the chequered thundu in a party engagement programme with hamlet secretaries. It caught on and, this time, most workers and seniors decided to wear it instead of the usual striped one.”Chequered historyWhite to yellowIn 1989, on his return to office, M Karunanidhi was presented with a yellow shawl by Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S Ramadoss, denoting the Vanniyar flag to honour his 20% reservation policy for the community. He wore this yellow shawl for decades as part of his trademark style, along with his dark glasses. He later gave various explanations for it, including comparison to Buddha’s yellow angavastram.In Karnataka, ‘political fixer’s’ uniformIn a 2000 article in Asian Survey, political scientist James Manor says the phrase “towel over armpit” was used to describe small-time political fixers in Karnataka — intermediaries who moved between villages and govt offices, wielding “informal power”. Though often parodied, Manor says they play an important role in elections in most southern states.When Prabhakaran refused the thunduIn a 2011 article in the journal Sanglap, Swarnavel Eswaran Pillai, professor at Michigan State University, says there was pressure from the West on LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran to abandon his guerrilla fatigues for a modern “coat-suit attire” or the “traditional white veshti– thundu” so he could present a more “acceptable” political image. Prabhakaran refused.MGR shawl controversyIn 2020, a statue of MGR in Puducherry was found draped in a saffron shawl, triggering political protests. While leaders condemned the act as an attempt to “saffronise” the Dravidian icon, CCTV footage later revealed that a woman had placed it as a gesture of respect, unaware of the political implications.About the AuthorKamini MathaiKamini Mathai is a Chennai-based journalist with The Times of India and author of ‘AR Rahman: The Musical Storm’, a biography of the award-winning composer, published by Penguin. As Coordinating Editor at The Times of India, she curates and leads the news features pages; stories that capture the changing face of Tamil Nadu. With more than 25 years of experience, her writing spans a wide canvas — from mental health, health, and education to arts, lifestyle, cinema, tourism, society in transition, environment, heritage and sports. Her interest in mental health has led her to formally pursue psychology, bringing academic insight into her reportage.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil NaduPiyush Goyal Slams India-South Korea CEPA, Flags Need To Rewrite ‘Irrational’ Trade DealDelhi High Court Rejects Recusal Plea in Excise Policy Case; Judge Calls It “Catch-22” for HerselfUdhampur Bus Tragedy Kills 21; Political Row Erupts Over I-Pac In Bengal | WatchIndia, Ukraine Security Pact In Works? 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It is a piece of cloth, a gesture of respect among Tamil people. But over the years, the melthundu — ‘mel’ meaning upper, ‘thundu’ meaning cloth — has come to mean much more than that. Forbidden at one point for particular communities, later reclaimed as a mark of protest, and now reimagined in party colours, the simple shoulder cloth has become central to the political culture of Tamil Nadu.Netas across parties, from DMK chief M K Stalin to ADMK’s Edappadi K Palaniswami, have lately been sporting chequered thundus in party colours, a change from the more familiar stripes. But this is not the first time the shoulder cloth has made a political statement.The first major moment of the thundu springing to the centre of politics and identity in Tamil Nadu was in 1924, during a nadaswaram performance that was attended by Periyar E V Ramasamy, pioneer of the Self-Respect Movement. In those days, people from lower castes were prohibited from wearing a shawl or cloth over their shoulders; only people from dominant castes were allowed to do so.At the event, a musician removed the towel from around his waist, wiped his face and placed the cloth on his shoulder. The host of the event, from a dominant caste, objected, saying someone from a “lower caste” should not wear the thundu on the shoulder. After this, Periyar introduced the practice of placing a shawl on people’s shoulders during functions as a symbol of dignity. Periyar’s followers also began wearing the melthundu as a political statement. “Periyar turned the thundu into a symbol of equality. It became a way of saying, ‘You are my fellow human being’,” says Tamil writer Olivannan G.“Since then, Dravidian politicians began to insist that those on stage drape the thundu over the shoulder, as a way of rejecting caste hierarchies,” says advocate V Kannadasan. “It began as a social equaliser and evolved into a way for leaders to create their political image.”That evolution was visible in the styles adopted by different politicians. DMK founder C N Annadurai always wore a long white shawl. Former DMK chief M Karunanidhi first wore a white one, then switched to yellow. MDMK founder Vaiko became known for his black thundu, worn as a mark of protest over issues linked to the Tamil Eelam (during the Sri Lankan Civil War).“Clothing is considered to be one of the major tools that Dravidian parties have used in politics. Veshti-shirt and melthundu are worn as traditional Tamil male attire,” says political anthropologist Nisar Kannangara. “That’s why PM Modi always wears one when campaigning in Tamil Nadu. He wore it during his 2019 meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the state to appeal to Tamil sentiments.”In the 1970s, the thundu was used as a cinematic device. Actor and ADMK founder M G Ramachandran, who rarely wore the shoulder cloth himself and instead cultivated a trademark image with dark glasses and a fur hat, used the thundu in films such as ‘Idhayakkani’, supposedly to caricature Karunanidhi, his DMK rival. The films featured characters wearing long shawls and delivering verbose dialogue, says political science professor Subramaniam Chandran in a paper published in 2023.However, fashion designer Purushu Arie, who traces the evolution of political attire, says, “Distinctions are now emerging. Sometimes, within parties, simpler cotton towels are meant for cadres, while silk shawls are reserved for seniors. Ironically, the cloth meant to erase hierarchy seems to be recreating it.”In recent years, most party members in the state stopped wearing the thundu regularly. But in the run-up to the 2026 polls, the melthundu has made a comeback. This time, it is less about symbolism and more about branding and standing out in the crowd.“We wanted to try a new design,” says a DMK source, referring to the black-and-red checked thundu that has made its debut. “The strategy team first used the chequered thundu in a party engagement programme with hamlet secretaries. It caught on and, this time, most workers and seniors decided to wear it instead of the usual striped one.”Chequered historyWhite to yellowIn 1989, on his return to office, M Karunanidhi was presented with a yellow shawl by Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S Ramadoss, denoting the Vanniyar flag to honour his 20% reservation policy for the community. He wore this yellow shawl for decades as part of his trademark style, along with his dark glasses. He later gave various explanations for it, including comparison to Buddha’s yellow angavastram.In Karnataka, ‘political fixer’s’ uniformIn a 2000 article in Asian Survey, political scientist James Manor says the phrase “towel over armpit” was used to describe small-time political fixers in Karnataka — intermediaries who moved between villages and govt offices, wielding “informal power”. Though often parodied, Manor says they play an important role in elections in most southern states.When Prabhakaran refused the thunduIn a 2011 article in the journal Sanglap, Swarnavel Eswaran Pillai, professor at Michigan State University, says there was pressure from the West on LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran to abandon his guerrilla fatigues for a modern “coat-suit attire” or the “traditional white veshti– thundu” so he could present a more “acceptable” political image. Prabhakaran refused.MGR shawl controversyIn 2020, a statue of MGR in Puducherry was found draped in a saffron shawl, triggering political protests. While leaders condemned the act as an attempt to “saffronise” the Dravidian icon, CCTV footage later revealed that a woman had placed it as a gesture of respect, unaware of the political implications.About the AuthorKamini MathaiKamini Mathai is a Chennai-based journalist with The Times of India and author of ‘AR Rahman: The Musical Storm’, a biography of the award-winning composer, published by Penguin. As Coordinating Editor at The Times of India, she curates and leads the news features pages; stories that capture the changing face of Tamil Nadu. With more than 25 years of experience, her writing spans a wide canvas — from mental health, health, and education to arts, lifestyle, cinema, tourism, society in transition, environment, heritage and sports. Her interest in mental health has led her to formally pursue psychology, bringing academic insight into her reportage.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil NaduPiyush Goyal Slams India-South Korea CEPA, Flags Need To Rewrite ‘Irrational’ Trade DealDelhi High Court Rejects Recusal Plea in Excise Policy Case; Judge Calls It “Catch-22” for HerselfUdhampur Bus Tragedy Kills 21; Political Row Erupts Over I-Pac In Bengal | WatchIndia, Ukraine Security Pact In Works? Zelenskyy Signals Big Move Amid Russia Ukraine WarUnmanned Mine Counter Measure Vessels Take Lead In Demining OperationsIndia-South Korea Mega Deal: PM Modi & Lee Jae Myung Target 50 Billion Trade, Boost TiesFire Erupts At Rajasthan’s HPCL Refinery Ahead Of PM Modi’s Launch EventNSA Doval Meets Top Saudi Leaders, Focus On Security And EnergyFact Check: No, Indian Navy Did NOT Detain Somali Pirates In Viral Video123PhotostoriesDid Alia Bhatt just front a Pakistani label in silk suits, or is this another viral fashion mix-up? Here’s what we know6 Psychology hacks that actually work6 types of food you should not store in plastic containers: Food authority’s strict guidelines on plastic materials safe for food productsMay garden checklist, Australia: What to plant for non-stop color and harvest8 condiments you should never keep back in the refrigerator once openedFrom two small spots in her MRI scan to losing 2 kgs in a month and following intermittent fasting, Shoaib Ibrahim and Dipika Kakar talk about her healthThese are the only 5 nations in the world that begin with letter “D” and each tells a unique storyAre you a traveller who loves to buy gold? 5 largest gold-producing countries in the world where gold can be cheaperPriyanka and Rahul Gandhi spotted relishing Gelato: What is Gelato and how is it different from ice cream and other frozen desserts10 Vedic baby girl names that begin with letter V123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLuka Doncic InjuryCardi BNoah LylesHailee Steinfeld heartbreaking confessionTaylor SwiftMike Vrabel DivorceAndhra Pradesh Murderh-1b VisasTrumpJapan Earthquake

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. CHENNAI: “There appear to be some irregularities, as about Rs 100 crore was not disclosed in the poll affidavit,” Madras HC said on Monday while directing actor-TVK founder Vijay, I-T department and EC to respond to a plea alleging discrepancies.Vijay had allegedly declared assets of Rs 115.13 crore in his affidavit filed in the Perambur constituency and Rs 220.15 crore in the Trichy (East) constituency.Admitting the plea filed by V Vignesh, a voter from Perambur, court adjourned the hearing by a week for the authorities and Vijay to file their response.Vignesh said the plea is instituted in exceptional circumstances, wherein the disclosures made by Vijay in his statutory affidavits under Form 26, as mandated under Rule 4A of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, are not only incomplete but are prima facie false, inconsistent with statutory records and indicative of a deliberate and systematic suppression of material financial information.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil NaduPiyush Goyal Slams India-South Korea CEPA, Flags Need To Rewrite ‘Irrational’ Trade DealDelhi High Court Rejects Recusal Plea in Excise Policy Case; Judge Calls It “Catch-22” for HerselfUdhampur Bus Tragedy Kills 21; Political Row Erupts Over I-Pac In Bengal | WatchIndia, Ukraine Security Pact In Works? Zelenskyy Signals Big Move Amid Russia Ukraine WarUnmanned Mine Counter Measure Vessels Take Lead In Demining OperationsIndia-South Korea Mega Deal: PM Modi & Lee Jae Myung Target 50 Billion Trade, Boost TiesFire Erupts At Rajasthan’s HPCL Refinery Ahead Of PM Modi’s Launch EventNSA Doval Meets Top Saudi Leaders, Focus On Security And EnergyFact Check: No, Indian Navy Did NOT Detain Somali Pirates In Viral Video123PhotostoriesDid Alia Bhatt just front a Pakistani label in silk suits, or is this another viral fashion mix-up? Here’s what we know6 Psychology hacks that actually work6 types of food you should not store in plastic containers: Food authority’s strict guidelines on plastic materials safe for food productsMay garden checklist, Australia: What to plant for non-stop color and harvest8 condiments you should never keep back in the refrigerator once openedFrom two small spots in her MRI scan to losing 2 kgs in a month and following intermittent fasting, Shoaib Ibrahim and Dipika Kakar talk about her healthThese are the only 5 nations in the world that begin with letter “D” and each tells a unique storyAre you a traveller who loves to buy gold? 5 largest gold-producing countries in the world where gold can be cheaperPriyanka and Rahul Gandhi spotted relishing Gelato: What is Gelato and how is it different from ice cream and other frozen desserts10 Vedic baby girl names that begin with letter V123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLuka Doncic InjuryCardi BNoah LylesHailee Steinfeld heartbreaking confessionTaylor SwiftMike Vrabel DivorceAndhra Pradesh Murderh-1b VisasTrumpJapan Earthquake

. CHENNAI: “There appear to be some irregularities, as about Rs 100 crore was not disclosed in the poll affidavit,” Madras HC said on Monday while directing actor-TVK founder Vijay, I-T department and EC to respond to a plea alleging discrepancies.Vijay had allegedly declared assets of Rs 115.13 crore in his affidavit filed in the Perambur constituency and Rs 220.15 crore in the Trichy (East) constituency.Admitting the plea filed by V Vignesh, a voter from Perambur, court adjourned the hearing by a week for the authorities and Vijay to file their response.Vignesh said the plea is instituted in exceptional circumstances, wherein the disclosures made by Vijay in his statutory affidavits under Form 26, as mandated under Rule 4A of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, are not only incomplete but are prima facie false, inconsistent with statutory records and indicative of a deliberate and systematic suppression of material financial information.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil NaduPiyush Goyal Slams India-South Korea CEPA, Flags Need To Rewrite ‘Irrational’ Trade DealDelhi High Court Rejects Recusal Plea in Excise Policy Case; Judge Calls It “Catch-22” for HerselfUdhampur Bus Tragedy Kills 21; Political Row Erupts Over I-Pac In Bengal | WatchIndia, Ukraine Security Pact In Works? Zelenskyy Signals Big Move Amid Russia Ukraine WarUnmanned Mine Counter Measure Vessels Take Lead In Demining OperationsIndia-South Korea Mega Deal: PM Modi & Lee Jae Myung Target 50 Billion Trade, Boost TiesFire Erupts At Rajasthan’s HPCL Refinery Ahead Of PM Modi’s Launch EventNSA Doval Meets Top Saudi Leaders, Focus On Security And EnergyFact Check: No, Indian Navy Did NOT Detain Somali Pirates In Viral Video123PhotostoriesDid Alia Bhatt just front a Pakistani label in silk suits, or is this another viral fashion mix-up? Here’s what we know6 Psychology hacks that actually work6 types of food you should not store in plastic containers: Food authority’s strict guidelines on plastic materials safe for food productsMay garden checklist, Australia: What to plant for non-stop color and harvest8 condiments you should never keep back in the refrigerator once openedFrom two small spots in her MRI scan to losing 2 kgs in a month and following intermittent fasting, Shoaib Ibrahim and Dipika Kakar talk about her healthThese are the only 5 nations in the world that begin with letter “D” and each tells a unique storyAre you a traveller who loves to buy gold? 5 largest gold-producing countries in the world where gold can be cheaperPriyanka and Rahul Gandhi spotted relishing Gelato: What is Gelato and how is it different from ice cream and other frozen desserts10 Vedic baby girl names that begin with letter V123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingLuka Doncic InjuryCardi BNoah LylesHailee Steinfeld heartbreaking confessionTaylor SwiftMike Vrabel DivorceAndhra Pradesh Murderh-1b VisasTrumpJapan Earthquake

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