Critics argue that the alleged involvement of a BJP leader in initiating the block also shows the troubling overlap between political interests and state power.

While iron artifacts from other regions of India, like Uttar Pradesh and Telangana, have been dated to around 2,200 BCE, the discoveries in Tamil Nadu appear to predate these, offering a new perspective on the region’s historical role in metallurgy.

The Tirukkural’s deep-rooted presence in Tamil politics has not gone unnoticed by the Bharatiya Janata Party.

In March 2023, M.K. Stalin had announced in the state assembly a year-long celebration to commemorate the centenary of the Vaikom struggle.

On this day, 108 years ago, a lone woman joined a group of 30 individuals to establish the South Indian Liberal Federation (SILF), later known as the Justice Party, which laid the foundation for the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu.

Vijay may need to provide many answers as he continues to navigate the political landscape.

The scene had all the grandeur of a blockbuster introduction, only this time, the hero was not on a film set. It was the inaugural conference of the TVK.

The incident involving the omission of the term "Dravidam" from the state song has reignited the long-standing friction between the DMK and Governor Ravi.

This intricacy of Tamil Nadu's social fabric, where individuals separate their political affiliations from their religious beliefs, may hold the key to understanding the state's political landscape.

Rooted in the legacy of social justice, Tamil Nadu's unique political landscape presents a significant challenge for the BJP – a challenge that the party is desperate to surmount.

DMK leaders and other political observers say the narrative was generated to counter the state's "inclusive model" of growth, with an eye on the 2024 general elections.

The attack took place when Tamil students tried to hold a meeting in memory of a Dalit student who died by suicide at IIT Bombay recently.

Students allege that little has been done by the institute administration to arrest "continuing suicides" on the campus. In 2019, IIT-M witnessed massive protests after another student died by suicide.

“Everything in this film is what Periyar and Ambedkar said and stood for," director R. Muthukumar said.

While attacks on Muslims and progressives have taken place in the state in the past, this time they appear to be coordinated and for the first time, target school-going minors.

A 33-year-old Dalit man died in police custody in Chennai on June 12 adding to over 10 such deaths reported from the state over the last one year.

Stalin's DMK, always in favour of abolishing the governor's post, has had reason in the recent past to express unhappiness with R.N. Ravi, especially over the latter's alleged delay on the NEET Bill.

A case of assault against the accused was filed under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 – the first such case in Tamil Nadu registered under the Act.

Activists said because the child rights panel was acting upon a complaint of alleged forced conversion, it should have discussed its findings regarding these claims.

The message is loud and clear: Stalin is probably preparing to play a greater national role.