Chennai: As Tamil Nadu gears up for the 2026 Assembly elections, the stage is set for one of the year’s most consequential political conversations at the News18 Network Town Hall, to be held on 23rdFebruary from 10 am onwards in Chennai.
Anchored around the overarching theme, ‘The Next Big Leap for Tamil Nadu,’ the event will bring together leading political figures, policymakers, strategists and cultural icons to ignite high-impact conversations on the state’s political and cultural landscape.
Tamil Nadu is one of India’s most politically conscious, economically influential and culturally rich states and has always shaped national discourse through strong leadership, identity-driven politics, and a deeply engaged electorate. With elections scheduled in the coming months, this edition of the Town Hall seeks to capture the pulse of the state at a pivotal moment when power structures and political narratives are actively intersecting.
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, will headline the event with a defining conversation centred on “The Next Big Leap for Tamil Nadu,” outlining his government’s vision for governance, development and political continuity ahead of the polls. Joining the discussion on leadership and generational transition, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin will speak on “Voices, Vision & Way Forward,” reflecting on emerging narratives and the evolving political landscape.
From the Opposition benches, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Leader of Opposition, Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly | General Secretary – AIADMK will address the theme “Baton Change at the Ballot?”, offering his perspective on electoral alternatives. Meanwhile, Dr TRB Rajaa, Minister for Industries will share his views on ‘Investment Story Intact?’, examining whether Tamil Nadu’s investment story remains intact, assessing the state’s economic competitiveness.
The discussion on ideology and public trust will be taken forward by K Annamalai, Former State President of Bharatiya Janata Party, Tamil Nadu who will speak on “People, Trust & Political Ideology,” highlighting the BJP’s positioning in Tamil Nadu’s traditionally Dravidian political space. Dr Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister for Information Technology & Digital Services will speak on “Code, Capacity & Citizenship,” outlining how tech-led governance can strengthen institutions and deliver citizen-centric services. KG Arunraj, General Secretary of Propaganda and Policy, TVK will analyse whether “Winds of Change are Possible” in a state known for its deep-rooted political patterns.
On the innovation front, a panel discussion featuring Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, Velusamy R, President, Automotive Technology & Product Development, M&M Ltd and Dr. Sasikumar Gendham, President, Electronic Industries Association of India will address how artificial intelligence and knowledge ecosystems are reshaping opportunity. Praveen Chakravarty, Chairman, Prof. Congress and Data Analytics Department, AICC will share his thoughts on ‘Power Sharing vs Principles’. The event will also feature Tamilisai Soundararajan, former Governor of Tamil Nadu.
Beyond politics and policy, the much-anticipated Town Hall will also spotlight culture as a powerful force shaping Tamil Nadu’s identity. Composer Anirudh Ravichander will speak on “Tamil Music for the World.”
Speaking about the upcoming event, Rahul Shivshankar, Editorial Affairs Director, CNN-News18 said, “The News18 Network Tamil Nadu Town Hall, anchored around the theme ‘The Next Big Leap for Tamil Nadu,’ reflects our core editorial focus, to capture the political mood of the state and spotlight the ideas that will shape the next phase of governance and growth. Our endeavour is to facilitate conversations that are credible, insightful and future-focused.”
Smriti Mehra, CEO – English & Business News, Network18 said, “As Tamil Nadu moves closer to a defining electoral moment, the News18 Network Townhall in Chennai brings together leaders, policymakers and voices from across the spectrum to examine the pressing issues shaping the state’s direction. As India’s most-watched news network, we see it as our responsibility to drive informed and meaningful conversations that help citizens engage more deeply with the choices that will define the next chapter of governance and growth.”
Vivek Narayan, Managing Editor – South, “The News18 Network Townhall in Tamil Nadu is designed as a platform where policy, politics and public interest intersect. Ahead of the state’s crucial election cycle, the Townhall aims to present diverse voices and viewpoints that are relevant to people’s lives, bringing together ideas that will shape the state’s political and developmental discourse in the years ahead.”
With the 234-seat Assembly contest expected to be intensely competitive, the Town Hall promises will explore how politics in Tamil Nadu both mirrors and moulds India’s democratic future. The News18 Network Town Hall stands as an extension of the network’s core promise while bringing together power, people, and politics on one platform, and asking questions that truly matter.
Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles and Reliance Industries are Associate Partners for News18 Network Chennai Town Hall.
