'If Congress had aligned with the TVK before the election, we would have won almost a two-thirds majority.'
Goa's Leader of Opposition, Yuri Alemao, recorded his statement to police regarding a protest march against a contentious land conversion provision, claiming the government is harassing protesters.
AM Shahjahan and Vanni Arasu from IUML and VCK respectively were sworn in as ministers in Tamil Nadu, increasing the number of allies in the TVK government. This marks the first time representatives from both parties have been inducted into the state cabinet, signifying a shift in Tamil Nadu's coalition dynamics.
'He worked over time to become the natural claimant,' a senior UDF leader observed. 'Others had organisational stature, but Satheesan had momentum.' For the Congress, it may signal the beginning of a new leadership template -- one where performance, communication and grassroots credibility increasingly outweigh inherited power structures in deciding who leads the party into its next phase.
In the Opposition camp, the Congress, which contested 99 seats, won 19 constituencies, while the Badruddin Ajmal-led AIUDF and Akhil Gogoi-led Raijor Dal secured two seats each, and the Trinamool Congress bagged one constituency.
'On the day of the results itself, Vijay personally requested Rahul Gandhi for support from the Congress.'
Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan expressed confidence in V D Satheesan's ability to lead Kerala as Chief Minister, emphasising the need for a strong team to meet public expectations. He highlighted the importance of unity within the party and the focus on public welfare.
V D Satheesan was sworn in as Kerala's Chief Minister, with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administering the oath of office. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by prominent political figures, including Congress leaders and Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states.
The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and the Congress Legislature Party have decided to extend its full support to the TVK to form the government, AICC Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish Chodankar said in a statement citing TVK chief Vijay's request seeking support.
The Bihar cabinet has expanded significantly with 32 new ministers taking oath, including Nishant Kumar, son of JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar. The expansion includes representatives from all five NDA constituents in the state.
Police in Kerala are investigating the potential involvement of hospitals in a racket that forged documents for organ donations. Six people have been arrested in connection with the scam, and the investigation is expanding to examine how hospital procedures may have been bypassed.
The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K Selvaperunthagai announced that the Congress will be part of the new government in Tamil Nadu led by Vijay's TVK, with discussions underway for ministerial posts and a Rajya Sabha seat.
Police in Kochi have arrested another individual in connection with a racket allegedly involved in supplying forged documents for organ donors and recipients. The accused, Rasheeda, is the wife of the prime suspect, Najeeb, who is currently absconding. This follows the arrest of several others involved in the forgery of documents required for organ donation.
Police in Kerala have arrested a key suspect in a racket involving the supply of forged documents for organ donors and recipients. The accused, identified as Najeeb, was apprehended in Uttar Pradesh and is believed to have been planning to escape to Nepal. The investigation has uncovered a network involved in forging various official documents required for organ donation.
In a state known for high political literacy and ideological mobilisation, the Congress' inability to quickly settle on a leader after securing a massive mandate has fed a narrative that the party remains excessively dependent on Delhi, deeply faction-ridden and vulnerable to internal sabotage
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP of orchestrating recent blasts in the state, alleging it's part of their strategy for the upcoming assembly elections. The BJP has strongly refuted these claims, demanding proof or Mann's resignation, while the state DGP suggests Pakistani ISI involvement.
Suvendu Adhikari has been elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party in West Bengal, paving the way for him to become the state's first BJP chief minister.
The Congress party is seeking one Rajya Sabha seat in Jharkhand from the JMM and plans to discuss the matter with Chief Minister Hemant Soren, according to AICC Jharkhand in-charge K Raju.
Outgoing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed a meeting of newly-elected MLAs of her party and stated she will not resign from her post in the wake of assembly poll results and the Centre can dismiss her.
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar informed TVK chief Vijay that his party lacks the necessary support to form the government. TVK is intensifying efforts to gain support from Left parties, VCK, and IUML. The Governor's decision has sparked protests and political debate in the state.
Three people were killed and four others injured in an attack by suspected militants in Manipur's Kangpokpi district. The victims were members of the Thadou Baptist Association returning from a religious gathering. The Chief Minister has condemned the violence and assured support for the injured.
The Andhra Pradesh cabinet has recommended a series of measures, including 'No Vehicle Day,' online classes, and reduced foreign tours, to mitigate the economic impact of the Gulf war.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association's request for additional complimentary tickets led to the shifting of IPL final and playoff matches from the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, according to a BCCI source.
The Madras High Court has restrained TVK MLA R Srinivasa Sethupathi from voting, including in the upcoming confidence motion, due to a petition challenging his one-vote victory.
Already, within the week of the election results it became apparent that the Congress' DNA has not changed from its traditional approach to politics as but a game of thrones, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
Police in Kerala have arrested five individuals following searches at multiple locations, uncovering a racket allegedly providing forged documents for organ donors and recipients. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities looking into possible links to individuals in other states.
The Congress party is considering supporting TVK in forming a government in Tamil Nadu, following a request from TVK chief Vijay. The party leadership has directed the Tamil Nadu unit to make a final decision, keeping in mind the state's sentiments and commitment to a secular government.
Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan expressed confidence in V D Satheesan's ability to lead Kerala as Chief Minister, citing his vision, competence, and strength. Other Congress leaders have also expressed their views on the new CM.
The DMK has strongly criticised the Congress party for exiting their alliance in Tamil Nadu, accusing them of betrayal and opportunistic behaviour. The DMK claims the Congress has undermined the stability of the state government and risked the progress made in the last five years.
The Supreme Court overturned a Delhi High Court order that had suspended the life sentence of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case, instructing the High Court to reconsider the plea.
The only thing that might make the BJP stop trying to isolate Muslims completely will be if substantial numbers of the community vote for the party that flaunts its animosity towards it, notes Jyoti Punwani.
'The most enduring part of Satheesan's personality is he is good at heart. That is the reason why everybody, from the old to small children, get attracted to him.'
VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan announced his party's decision to support Vijay's TVK in government formation to prevent President's rule in Tamil Nadu and also ensure people's mandate for TVK was fulfilled.
'Unfortunately the treasury is empty, in zero. So we have to first make money for the development activities of the state, and also to continue the welfare measures.'
A downsizing in the prime minister's convoy was implemented in his recent domestic visits, official sources said.
TVK chief Vijay has arrived at the Lok Bhavan to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, a day after he staked claim to form the government with the support of the Congress party.
Actor Vijay's TVK party, despite being the single largest party in Tamil Nadu, has approached the Supreme Court seeking a directive for the Governor to invite them to form the government.
The TVK has ended the nearly six-decade dominance of DMK and AIADMK in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, securing 108 out of 234 constituencies in its debut, but falls short of the 118 seats needed for an absolute majority, prompting discussions on coalition options and the governor's role.
The Allahabad High Court has criticised the Uttar Pradesh government and police for the massive pendency of criminal cases in district courts, citing insufficient staff, lack of police cooperation, and delays in forensic reports.
'Looking at the situation purely on its Constitutional merits, the governor's conduct is defensible.' 'He is saying: You do not have a majority, so prove it. That is not an unreasonable position even if the timing and the political context make it deeply controversial.'
