Located on the banks of the Thirumanimuthar River, Salem is a major city in the Salem district of the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located northwest of Tiruchirappalli, northeast of Coimbatore, southeast of Bangalore and southwest of the state capital, Chennai. Covering an area of 124 sq. km, it is the fifth-largest state in Tamil Nadu. Historically, the city was a part of the Chola dynasty. But Salem became a part of the Salem district after Indian independence in 1947. Technically, Salem city was formed on November 1, 1866. Salem is also surrounded by hills; Nagaramalai on the north, Jarugumalai on the south, Kanjamali on the west and Godumalai on the east. The Thirumanimuthar River flows through the city also dividing it into two.
Interestingly, Salem is famous for its silver jewellery as it produces world-class artistic silver anklets such as neck chains, toe rings, pendants and silverware. Notably, Shevapet, Sivathapuram and Panangadu are the areas where the silver products are manufactured in cottage industries. Also, Salem is a major textile industry in Tamil Nadu with over 125 spinning mills, weaving units and garment units. The city also houses a number of Sago factories for the production of starch.
In cuisine, Thattu vadai settu is a savory snack and popular street food which is said to be originated in Salem.
Apart from these, Salem also holds religious importance as it has a number of Hindu temples such as The Kottai Mariamman Temple which has an annual five-day festival, Sugavaneshwarar Temple and Gopuram. The city also boasts a fair number of tourist spots; Kiliyur Falls, Kailasanathar Temple, Kurumpapatti Zoological Park to name a few.
On this news bulletin, political analyst Shekhar Iyer critiques the long-term impact of Dravidian parties on Tamil Nadu's growth. He asserts, 'The Dravidian parties have presided over the stagnation of the state,' arguing that the state would have reached greater heights had the BJP been given an earlier opportunity. The discussion contrasts the 'double engine' development model of BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh with the performance of Tamil Nadu and other southern states. Iyer also addresses the 'Vijay factor,' noting the actor-turned-politician's recent silence amid censor hurdles for his film 'Jananayakan.' He highlights the prevailing anti-incumbency issues facing the DMK government and the competitive 'dole politics' between the DMK and AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami. The segment explores whether the narrative of regional development versus central empowerment will resonate with voters in the upcoming electoral battle.
This debate explores the constitutional crisis in the Tamil Nadu Assembly following Governor R.N. Ravi's decision to stage a walkout for the third consecutive year. The unidentified host highlights the friction between Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the Governor, who refused to read the customary address, citing 'inaccuracies' and 'misleading' claims. A key quote from the discussion notes: 'The Governor reads out the scripted speech. And the speech will always be congratulatory to the government of the day.' Panellists, including DMK spokesperson Salem Dharani Dharan and Supreme Court Advocate K.V. Dhananjay, debate whether the Governor's actions constitute a violation of constitutional conventions. The discussion further examines allegations of the Centre using Governors to interfere in non-BJP ruled states, with legal experts suggesting that such repeated walkouts set an 'unhealthy precedent' for Indian democracy and federalism.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating constitutional crisis in Tamil Nadu as Governor R.N. Ravi staged a walkout from the State Assembly for the third consecutive year. The Governor refused to deliver the customary address prepared by the DMK government, claiming it contained 'unsubstantiated claims' and 'inaccuracies' regarding investment figures and women's safety. He further alleged that his microphone was muted and the national anthem was insulted. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin countered these claims, accusing the Governor of insulting the people of Tamil Nadu and acting at the behest of the Centre to stall state administration. Legal experts and political analysts on the panel debated whether the Governor’s actions violate constitutional conventions, with some calling for his recall to prevent an 'unhealthy precedent.' The programme explores the deepening rift between the Raj Bhavan and the state government ahead of the upcoming elections.
This Special Report examines the escalating political confrontation in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, where Governor R.N. Ravi staged a walkout for the fourth consecutive year. The Governor declined to deliver the customary address, alleging the state-prepared text contained inaccuracies regarding investment figures and women's safety. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin retaliated by moving a resolution to record only the approved speech, accusing the Governor of violating constitutional traditions. The program also investigates a fatal infrastructure failure in Noida’s Sector 150, where 27-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta died after his vehicle plunged into a 30-foot deep, water-filled construction pit. The report highlights allegations of administrative negligence and delayed rescue efforts during the 72-hour recovery operation. Additionally, the broadcast covers the ongoing plight of Rameswaram fishermen facing arrests and harassment by the Sri Lankan Navy in the Palk Strait. Panelists including Salem Dharanidharan and K.C. Palaniswamy debate the erosion of democratic conventions and federal friction in non-BJP ruled states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
On this India Today broadcast, political analyst Sumanthi Raman critiques the escalating 'competitive populism' between the AIADMK and DMK in Tamil Nadu. Raman argues that while targeted welfare like student laptops and cycles are beneficial, unconditional cash handouts are detrimental, stating, 'I don't think so, Akshita, because I think this kind of competitive populism is not healthy for the state.' The discussion highlights the AIADMK's promise of ₹2,000 for women, doubling the DMK's current ₹1,000 offering. Raman points to the state's fiscal health, noting that debt has surged from ₹4.69 lakh crore to over ₹10 lakh crore in five years, largely funded by borrowing. The debate features AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathiyan and DMK spokesperson Salem Dharani Dharan, who clash over financial management, revenue deficits, and the efficacy of social welfare spending versus 'freebies' ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
In an exclusive interview with India Today's Akshita Anandagopal in Salem, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami criticised the DMK government's Pongal gift distribution, alleging it is a move calculated for the upcoming elections.
This edition of Super 6, focusses on the Pongal festival, which has become a central stage for political messaging and voter outreach ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
The primary focus in this edition of To The Point is the indefinite postponement of actor Vijay's final film, 'Jana Nayagan', which was scheduled for a January 9 release. The delay, caused by a refusal of certification from the Censor Board, has ignited a political dispute in Tamil Nadu. The Congress and DMK allege this is a deliberate move by the BJP-led Centre to undermine Vijay's political debut, a claim the BJP denies.
This news report covers two major political controversies in India. The primary focus is the indefinite postponement of actor Vijay's final film, 'Jananayakan', which was scheduled for a January 9 release. The delay, caused by a refusal of certification from the Censor Board, has ignited a political dispute in Tamil Nadu. The Congress and DMK allege this is a deliberate move by the BJP-led Centre to undermine Vijay's political debut, a claim the BJP denies. The Madras High Court is set to rule on the film's release. The program also investigates a funding controversy in Karnataka, where the state government's advertising spending is under scrutiny. Reports indicate the 'National Herald' newspaper received a disproportionately large share of ad funds, raising questions about the use of taxpayer money and a potential conflict of interest. The discussion features panelists Kasturi Shankar (BJP), Salem Dharani Dharan (DMK), and analyst Suman C. Raman.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the shifting alliances ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has officially joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), a move AIADMK Spokesperson Apsara Reddy calls a 'win for Mr. Edappadi Palanisamy'. Senior Journalist Narayan Lakshman notes that while the PMK has 'historical significance', the DMK remains on a 'strong footing'. Meanwhile, the ruling DMK faces internal pressure as Congress leaders like Manickam Tagore and Praveen Chakravarty demand a share in the government. DMK Spokesperson Salem Dharanidharan dismisses the concerns, stating the alliance is 'fixed' and power-sharing is a matter for the high command.
This edition of India First focusses on escalating violence in Bangladesh, where 11 Hindus were killed in 35 days.
The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court permitted the ritual, dismissing the state government's objections related to law and order and the shrine's proximity to the Sikandar Badusha Dargah.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the political confrontation over the Thiruparankundram Karthikai Deepam verdict in Tamil Nadu. BJP Spokesperson Ramakrishnan Rajagopal argues that 'lighting a lamp anywhere on the Hindu property is the right of every Hindu' and accuses the ruling DMK of 'anti-Hindu' bias for challenging the High Court order. He asserts that the state cannot curb fundamental rights unless there is a disruption of public order. Countering these claims, DMK Spokesperson Salem Dharani Dharan states, 'BJP does not represent the Hindus. Hindus represent themselves,' and highlights the state government's efforts in recovering '4,000 crores of temple land'. He contends that the appeal to the Supreme Court is a procedural step to maintain law and order and preserve the temple's long-standing customs. The debate underscores the tension between religious practices and administrative control.
A special report examines the legal and political fallout from the Madras High Court's ruling on the 'Karthigai Deepam' ceremony at Thiruparankundram hill in Madurai. A Division Bench of the court upheld an order permitting the lamp lighting, dismissing the M.K. Stalin-led DMK government's objections that cited potential law and order issues. The court described the state's apprehension of public disturbance as an "imaginary ghost." Following the verdict, the Tamil Nadu government announced its intention to appeal the decision in the Supreme Court. The ruling has become a political flashpoint, with the AIADMK and BJP accusing the DMK of divisive politics, while the DMK maintains it is following established customs to ensure peace. The court's judgment included guidelines for conducting the ceremony under the supervision of the District Collector and in consultation with the Archaeological Survey of India.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the Madras High Court's verdict regarding the Thiruparankundram Deepam row. The court has ruled in favour of lighting the lamp at the hilltop Deepathoon, rejecting the DMK government's stance. Senior BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan welcomes the judgment, stating, 'We are happy that the judgment has been in favor of the Hindus.' She criticizes the DMK for the impeachment motion against Justice GR Swaminathan. Conversely, DMK Spokesperson Salem Dharanidharan defends the state's position, citing law and order concerns at the Uchi Pillaiyar temple site, and indicates the government will decide the next course of action.
Political dynamics are shifting in Tamil Nadu as friction intensifies within the Congress-DMK alliance, a key part of the INDIA bloc.
A fiery debate unfolds between BJP leader Kasturi Shankar and DMK spokesperson Salem Dharnidharan over allegations of corruption and dynastic politics in Tamil Nadu, initially raised by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Dharnidharan challenged the BJP's moral authority, questioning why central agencies have not secured any convictions against DMK leaders if they are corrupt. He asked, 'If at all BJPDMK politician is corrupt, why can't the BJP get conviction for any one of one of our politician?'. Shankar retorted by accusing the DMK of 'scientific corruption' and 'dynastic misrule,' dismissing the lack of convictions by stating 'the law takes its own course.' The discussion also covered the DMK's electoral performance, with Dharnidharan citing it as public approval, while Shankar attributed it to a fractured opposition alliance.
This Super 6 bulletin, anchored by Akshata Nandagopal, details significant political events from India's southern states. The lead story covers TVK chief Vijay's rally in Erode, where he labeled the ruling DMK an 'evil force' and a 'destructive power'. The program features a debate on Vijay's political ideology, with TVK spokesperson Thenmozhi Prasanna highlighting rising POCSO cases and DMK spokesperson Salem Dharanidharan defending his government's record. Another major development is the Karnataka Legislative Assembly passing the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill 2025 amid opposition protests. The bulletin also reports on the arrest of Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai in Tirupur, a security lapse involving actor Nidhi Agarwal in Hyderabad, and a disruption in the Lok Sabha over the new rural employment bill (VB-G RAM G). Additionally, the broadcast notes West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's decision to rename the Karmashree Project.
In this Special Report, India Today's Akshita Nandagopal discusses Actor-turned-politician Vijay's massive rally in Erode where he branded the ruling DMK as a 'Theeya Sakthi' (Evil Force) and his own TVK as a 'Thooya Sakthi' (Pure Force). Senior Journalist Shekhar Iyer analyses Vijay's strategy to appropriate the legacy of Dravidian icons Periyar, Annadurai, and MGR. The debate features a heated exchange between DMK Spokesperson Salem Dharanidharan and TVK Spokesperson Thenmozhi Prasanna. Dharanidharan questions Vijay's stance on fiscal federalism and the Thiruparakundram issue, while Prasanna counters by attacking the DMK's governance record and debt management. The discussion also covers Vijay's 'Karur tragedy' reference and his appeal to women voters.
On this broadcast, the focus is on the escalating confrontation between the DMK government and the judiciary in Tamil Nadu. BJP State Secretary SG Suryah condemns the DMK’s move to impeach Justice G.R. Swaminathan as a 'joke on this constitution,' arguing that the government is targeting the judge for an unfavorable verdict regarding the Tiruparankundram Hill temple. Conversely, DMK Spokesperson Salem Dharanidharan defends the motion, asserting that the judge's order to light a lamp near a Dargah disrupted a 200-year-old tradition of communal harmony and incited 'riot-like' situations. The programme explores the legal and political ramifications of this unprecedented clash.
