Opposition parties of the INDIA bloc, including the Congress, TVK, VCK, CPIM, and MDMK, staged a joint demonstration in Chennai against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision exercise, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The TVK joined the street agitation alongside allies for the first time. VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan claimed he had earlier advised DMK leader MK Stalin to switch constituencies away from Kolathur due to concerns over voter deletions under the revision. DMK has attributed electoral setbacks to the deletion of around one lakh voters in Kolathur, while alliance partners alleged democratic backsliding under the current regime.
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Tamil Nadu Politics: 'Vijay owes his office to the DMK', says Dr Sumanth Raman
A debate on whether Tamil Nadu politics is witnessing a structural transformation beyond traditional Dravidian parties, featuring political analyst Dr Sumanth C. Raman and senior journalist Shekhar Iyer. Dr Raman argued that neither actor Dhanush nor former state BJP chief Annamalai match the cinematic mass appeal commanded by TVK chief Vijay. Emphasising the political landscape, Dr Raman remarked, 'Vijay owes his office to the DMK and its ruinous governance of five years.' Shekhar Iyer noted that Annamalai's initial momentum and social media drive had plateaued, leaving him unable to sustain his base for civic polls. The panellists examined whether actors such as Dhanush and Sivakarthikeyan can successfully convert fan associations into viable political vehicles, highlighting the critical role played by caste coalitions, minority backing, and women voters in deciding electoral outcomes across Tamil Nadu.
President Accepts Union Minister Resignation; Tamil Nadu Leadership Churn
The President has accepted the resignation of a Union Minister following advice from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The minister had publicly appealed on social media to step down from the Union Council of Ministers to dedicate focus towards the state of Tamil Nadu. The acceptance of the resignation has triggered discussions regarding an impending churn and potential leadership change in the Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party unit. Simultaneously, the departure has fuelled buzz in New Delhi regarding an upcoming Cabinet reshuffle.
Vaiko: 'Narendra Modi Government Has Attempted To Murder Democracy'
The INDIA bloc held a massive demonstration in Chennai, drawing participation from constituent parties including MDMK, VCK, CPI, CPIM, Congress, and TVK. Protesters and political leaders assembled to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, which they alleged disenfranchised citizens. Speaking at the protest site, MDMK leader Vaiko launched a severe critique against the central government, stating, "Narendra Modi government has attempted to murder democracy." Vaiko alleged that authoritarianism has spread to the national capital, pointing to restrictions on historic protest venues like Jantar Mantar and the arrest of opposition figures. He further asserted that the SIR electoral revision had led to the deletion of thirteen crore voters, specifically targeting minority communities and those opposing the BJP. Vaiko claimed the ongoing student protests in Delhi exceed the scale of the Emergency-era agitations, warning that the mass movement would continue across the nation until the Chief Election Commissioner steps down.
Imran Khan Deportation Notice, PM Modi on Asian Games, SC Notice to Rahul Gandhi
A special report outlines three major developments across the country. In Mumbai, actor and American citizen Imran Khan was served a notice by police directing him to leave India by 28 October under immigration laws after participating in an agitation demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. Commentator Cyrus Broacha criticised the action as heavy-handed and argued for the democratic right to peaceful dissent. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister addressed Asian Games medal winners at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi, praising the 85-medal haul, including 38 won by female athletes, and highlighted initiatives like Khelo India while outlining aspirations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympics. In the national capital, the Supreme Court pulled up Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders over their protest march to the court premises regarding the Special Intensive Revision process, stating that nobody can browbeat the judiciary. The court issued notices to opposition leaders and agreed to examine the de-notification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site.

