Alliance with Congress intact: M K Stalin
Chennai (PTI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday said that the alliance between the DMK and the Congress is intact, dismissing reports of fissures between the two parties.
He also rejected the possibility of a coalition government in Tamil Nadu, shutting the door for the Congress party, some of whose senior leaders have been raising the matter.
Making it clear that there was no confusion, Stalin, who is also the DMK chief, said, "Sharing power in the government does not suit Tamil Nadu. The Congress also knows that very well."
"Some people are stirring up the issue of power-sharing just to cause a rift in the alliance. That tactic will not work," he said at an event here.
"Rumors of confusion in the alliance are being spread deliberately. Beyond politics, I look at (Congress leader) Rahul Gandhi as a brother. He also looks at me the same way," Stalin said.
"The DMK-Congress alliance is in harmony. What others are expecting (split) will not happen," he said.
He maintained that the forthcoming polls in Tamil Nadu would not be more difficult than the 2021 Assembly election for the DMK to emerge victorious.
Stalin said some of the schemes introduced by the state government are being followed by the Centre, and pointed out the 'Thozhi' hostels scheme.
The Thozhi hostels scheme seeks to address the challenges faced by women migrating from their hometowns to work in cities.
Managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Women Development, the hostels provide safe, affordable and quality accommodation for working women across the state.
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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
