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The Economic Times

Economy / The Economic Times

Fans say Thalapathy Vijay predicted it 14 years ago. His iconic dialogue from a movie is set to become reality in Tamil Nadu politics

Tamil superstar Vijay's political entry is making waves, with his iconic dialogue 'I'm waiting...' trending as his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, shows strong early leads in Tamil Nadu elections. The actor-politician is also looking forward for the release of his last movie Jana Nayagan. Read on

4 May 2026 1:19 pm
West Bengal Election Result: R G Kar victim's mother Ratna Debnath of BJP leading by 5067 votes in Panihati

Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, is leading in the Panihati assembly constituency. She has secured a significant lead over her Trinamool Congress opponent. The tragic incident involving her daughter, a doctor, occurred in August 2024 at RG Medical College and Hospital. Election Commission data confirms her current advantage in the vote count.

4 May 2026 12:59 pm
Quote of the day by Queen Elizabeth II: 'I lived long enough to know that things never...'

Quote of the day by Queen Elizabeth II: Queen Elizabeth II served as a symbol of stability for over 70 years. She witnessed immense global transformations and adapted to a changing world. Her dedication to duty and service earned her worldwide respect. Her legacy highlights resilience and humility in leadership. She understood that change is a constant.

4 May 2026 12:55 pm
Thalapathy Vijay hailed as Muthalamaichar as TVK nears majority in Tamil Nadu

Cheers resonate throughout Tamil Nadu as the TVK party, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, approaches a historic majority. Party loyalists gather to celebrate, heralding Vijay as the next Chief Minister. Heartwarming visuals capture his family's elation, while results show the party securing victory in 108 out of 234 assembly seats.

4 May 2026 12:52 pm
Supreme Court slams 'nasty' Registry for not issuing notice to ED, says officials think they are 'super CJI'

The Supreme Court has strongly criticized its own Registry. Judges accused Registry officials of acting like super Chief Justice of India. This happened during a bail plea hearing for Ayushi Mittal, accused in a massive fraud case. The court ordered an inquiry into why its previous instructions were not followed.

4 May 2026 12:51 pm
SC may consider plea on continued central forces deployment in West Bengal amid post-poll violence apprehension

West Bengal Elections: The Supreme Court will hear a plea on May 11 regarding the deployment of Central forces in West Bengal. This comes as vote count trends show the Bharatiya Janata Party leading significantly. The BJP is projected to cross the halfway mark in the assembly. High voter turnout was recorded in recent phases of the elections.

4 May 2026 12:49 pm
Twist of history: Will a party founded by a Bengali win West Bengal?

West Bengal Election Results: Early trends in West Bengal show the BJP surging ahead of the TMC, potentially marking a historic shift in a state long resistant to the party. This development carries an irony, as the BJP's ideological roots trace back to Bengali founder Shyama Prasad Mookherjee, raising the question of whether his legacy can finally secure the state for the party.

4 May 2026 12:49 pm
Bajaj Auto total sales up 40% at 5,13,792 units in April

Bajaj Auto has announced a significant sales surge for April. Total sales climbed by 40 percent, reaching over 5.13 lakh units. This impressive growth was driven by a substantial 83 percent increase in exports. Domestic sales also saw a healthy rise of 13 percent. The company's two-wheeler segment performed strongly, with both domestic and export figures showing robust gains.

4 May 2026 12:49 pm
Mamata Banerjee issues first statement as early trends put BJP in front in West Bengal race

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that the Election Commission was playing games along with BJP and claimed that 7080 seats were being withheld as early trends showed a saffron surge in the state.

4 May 2026 12:48 pm
TN Elections 2026: How many seats are required to form government in Tamil Nadu? Check the majority mark here

How Many Seats Needed to Form Government in TN? Tamil Nadu has 234 Assembly seats, and a party or alliance needs 118 seats to form the government. As counting continues in the 2026 Assembly elections, this majority mark has become the most important number. Crossing 118 will decide who gets to rule the state.

4 May 2026 12:48 pm
Vijays TVK surges in Tamil Nadu elections: Prashant Kishors 'save this video' prediction resurfaces as party crosses 100 seats

Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has surged past the 100-seat mark in the Tamil Nadu election results 2026, challenging established parties DMK and AIADMK. This stunning rise for the debut party aligns with past predictions made by former poll strategist Prashant Kishor, who had anticipated TVK's success even if contesting alone.

4 May 2026 12:47 pm
Tamil Nadu Elections 2026: BJP bigwigs trail behind Vijay's TVK, DMK in early counting trends

As the Tamil Nadu elections unfold, key Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, such as state chief Nainar Nagenthran and Union Minister L Murugan, are facing tough challenges, trailing their DMK and TVK counterparts. Meanwhile, the former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and Vanathi Srinivasan also find themselves at a disadvantage.

4 May 2026 12:45 pm
'99 losses and counting': BJP takes a dig at Rahul Gandhi as Congress struggles in Assembly elections

As early trends for the 2026 Assembly elections showed the BJP leading in West Bengal and Assam, the party criticized Rahul Gandhi. The BJP shared a social media post highlighting 99 electoral defeats for the Congress under his leadership since the mid-2000s, framing it as a continuous losing streak.

4 May 2026 12:43 pm
Jhalmuri victory bite! BJP HQ turns festive as early trends show strong lead, party serves Bengal snack

As the election results streamed in favorably for the BJP, the party's headquarters transformed into a colorful fiesta. Celebrating the success, leader Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga personally distributed jhalmuri, mirroring Prime Minister Narendra Modi's taste for this quintessential street snack during his campaign in Jhargram.

4 May 2026 12:42 pm
Assembly Election Results 2026: Key takeaways from trends in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam & Puducherry

Early election trends across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry point to major political shifts, with voters moving away from established patterns and reshaping the electoral map in several states.

4 May 2026 12:39 pm
'Vijay's Sarkar': The film where he becomes TN's Chief Minister is coming true? Debutant TVK leads in 100+ seats

TVK leads in TN: As Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leads in over 100 seats in early trends of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, actor Vijays political journey is drawing strong parallels with his 2018 blockbuster Sarkar. In the film, his character rises from outsider to a powerful political force in a short span. Today, reality seems to be following fiction.

4 May 2026 12:28 pm
Govt has eased FDI norms for foreign cos having small Chinese/Hong Kong stake: An explainer

India has eased Foreign Direct Investment rules for companies with up to ten percent Chinese or Hong Kong shareholding. These firms can now invest in India through the automatic route starting May 1, 2026. This change aims to boost investment flows. Previously, stricter rules applied due to security concerns. The government has also expedited clearances for certain manufacturing sectors.

4 May 2026 12:27 pm
AIADMK Election Winners List 2026: Check full list of winning candidates across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry

AIADMK Winners List Tamil Nadu, Puducherry: The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has achieved a significant victory in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The party secured numerous seats across the state and also won a constituency in Puducherry. Led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami, AIADMK remains a major political force. This performance sets the stage for future opposition strategies against the ruling DMK alliance.

4 May 2026 12:17 pm
West Bengal Election Result 2026: BJP may have finally cracked the Bengal code. Now comes the real test

West Bengal Election results analysis: Early election trends in West Bengal suggest a major political shift, with BJP emerging ahead of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), according to initial ECI data and exit poll projections. The ruling TMC, long dominant in the state, is now projected to trail the BJP as vote counts indicate a possible change in government.

4 May 2026 12:17 pm
Who will be Keralas next Chief Minister? Shashi Tharoor breaks silence on leadership question as UDF crosses majority mark

As early trends indicated the UDF crossing the halfway mark in Kerala, Shashi Tharoor welcomed the development, seeing it as a voter desire for change after a decade. He emphasized the need for a ew kind of politics following what he termed 10 years of poor governance.

4 May 2026 11:58 am
Back to office 5 days a week, and shared desks: Employee's 7 word reply silences manager

Companies are pushing for a full return to office. However, employees question the logic when most work continues on screens. A recent online exchange highlights this disconnect. Employees face daily commutes for virtual meetings and shared workspaces. The debate centers on whether physical presence truly enhances collaboration and culture in a hybrid world.

4 May 2026 11:57 am
Bihar: Vikramshila bridge in Bhagalpur partially collapses over ganga, no casualties reported

On Monday, the Vikramshila Setu bridge in Bhagalpur, Bihar faced a significant structural failure, with a section near pillar 133 collapsing into the Ganga river. Fortunately, officials have confirmed that there were no casualties and no vehicles were involved in the incident. To manage the aftermath, traffic is being redirected through Munger.

4 May 2026 11:56 am
Kerala BJP Winners List: Bharatiya Janata Party winners in Kerala Assembly Election 2026

Kerala BJP Winners List Election 2026: 2026 Kerala Assembly Election results mark a turning point for the BJP, as the party successfully breaks its dry spell in the state. While the UDF appears set to form the government, early leads on May 4 suggest that the saffron party is no longer a fringe player, with heavyweights like Shobha Surendran leading the charge in key battles.

4 May 2026 11:56 am
Kerala Election Results 2026: Check full list of leading candidates, UDF surges ahead in early trends

Early trends from Kerala Assembly elections show the United Democratic Front (UDF) taking a strong lead. The Indian National Congress is performing well. Counting is underway for the 140-member Assembly. Key constituencies are being closely watched as results unfold. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) and other parties are also in contention.

4 May 2026 11:54 am
West Bengal CEO urges peace after West Bengal election results, central forces to remain

West Bengal CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal urged citizens to maintain peace and stay away from violence, highlighting the state's high polling percentage and violence-free elections. He announced that over 500 companies of central forces will remain in the state post-election to prevent any untoward incidents, with strict vigil and control rooms established to monitor the situation.

4 May 2026 11:50 am
Tamil Nadu Election's 5 key takeaways: Thalapathy scripts a climax as TVK disrupts the Dravidian classics

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Analysis Takeaways: Tamil Nadus early election trends suggest a major political shift, with actor-turned-politician Vijays TVK emerging as the leading force ahead of the established Dravidian parties. AIADMK is currently in second place, while ruling DMK trails in third, marking a sharp break from the states traditional bipolar contest.

4 May 2026 11:46 am
Puducherry Elections 2026 Result News Live: AINRC leads in 9 seats, BJP at 2 each; early trends from 17 constituencies

Puducherry Elections 2026 Live News: Early trends from the Election Commission show the All India N.R. Congress leading in the Puducherry Assembly elections 2026. Chief Minister N Rangasamy is set to retain his Thattanchavady seat. Counting is progressing across all constituencies. The AINRC appears to be in a strong position. Final outcomes will be determined by results from remaining constituencies.

4 May 2026 11:41 am
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 TVK Winners List: Vijays party hits a century, emerging as TNs super king in early trends

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Results, Full list of TVK winners constituency-wise: The political landscape of Tamil Nadu is witnessing a notable transformation ahead of the 2026 elections. Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has emerged as a dominant force, outpacing traditional giants like DMK and AIADMK. With support radiating from various regions, this trend signals a compelling shift in voter sentiment, making key constituencies increasingly competitive for TVK.

4 May 2026 11:32 am
WB BJP Winners List: Bharatiya Janata Party winners in West Bengal Assembly Election 2026

West Bengal Election 2026 BJP Winners List : Counting is underway for the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026, with early trends giving the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a strong show in several key regions. The party is leading or has won seats particularly in North Bengal and parts of Jangalmahal, indicating a significant fight against the ruling Trinamool Congress.

4 May 2026 11:29 am
West Bengal Elections 2026 Result News Live: BJP crosses majority mark, TMC at 81

Wesy Elections 2026 Live News: Early trends from the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 show the Bharatiya Janata Party leading significantly. The BJP has crossed the 100-seat mark, outpacing the All India Trinamool Congress. Counting is ongoing, with close contests reported in several constituencies. Final results will determine the next government. Key leaders are in contention across various regions.

4 May 2026 11:29 am
One question from Madhavan's wife forced the actor to disappear for 4 years. What did he do in those 4 years to reinvent himself as Madhavan 2.0?

Actor R. Madhavan experienced a career reset after a four-year break. A simple question from his wife led him to re-evaluate his choices. This period of time allowed him to reconnect with reality and understand societal shifts. His return with Saala Khadoos marked a new era, showcasing his selective approach and diverse roles. Read on!

4 May 2026 11:22 am
India's factory growth stays sluggish in April amid war-led soaring costs, PMI shows

India's manufacturing growth saw a slight uptick in April, reaching 54.7, but remained near a four-year low due to weak domestic demand and rising input costs. Despite challenges, export orders surged, and companies expanded hiring and expressed optimism for future growth.

4 May 2026 11:20 am
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani hospitalised in critical condition

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is in hospital in critical but stable condition. Giuliani, 81, is known for his response to the September 11 attacks. He also worked for President Donald Trump. Giuliani faces criminal charges and a lawsuit related to election efforts. He was previously hospitalised last year.

4 May 2026 10:47 am
Indore to host meeting of BRICS agriculture ministers in June

Indore will host BRICS agriculture ministers from June 12 to 13. Officials will meet earlier from June 9 to 11. Discussions will focus on food security, smart agriculture, global trade, and farmer welfare.

4 May 2026 10:41 am
Latest Malayalam OTT releases of this week: Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam to Vaazha 2, new movies and shows on Netflix, JioHotstar, Prime Video, Zee5

This week brings a fresh wave of South Indian films to OTT platforms. Viewers can enjoy new releases like Bharathanatyam 2 Mohiniyattam, Vaazha 2: Biopic of a Billion Bros and Dacoit: A Love Story, which are also set to premiere soon. Read on to know when and where to watch these movies online.

4 May 2026 10:41 am
'TVK Vijay' in Tamil Nadu: What the Jana Nayagan actor said about poll alliance with DMK, BJP and AIADMK before TN election results

Actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is making a significant debut in Tamil Nadu, leading in 68 seats against the ruling DMK's 29, according to early trends. Vijay himself is ahead in Trichy East. Exit polls had predicted a DMK win, but TVK's strong showing suggests a potential kingmaker role, disrupting Dravidian parties' long-held dominance. However, he has called DMK his political enemy and BJP as his ideological enemy.

4 May 2026 10:39 am
Tamil Nadu Election Winners List 2026: Check the full party-wise candidates winner list

Tamil Nadu Election Winner List 2026: Key trends as TVK leads Actor Vijay's new party, TVK, is creating a political earthquake in Tamil Nadu. Early trends show TVK as the largest party, challenging the long-standing rule of DMK and AIADMK. TVK candidates are leading in many key constituencies, including those held by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin. This indicates a significant shift in Tamil Nadu's political landscape.

4 May 2026 10:37 am
TN BJP Winners List: Bharatiya Janata Party winners in Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 BJP Winners List: As the counting of votes for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections progresses, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is closely monitoring the results of the 27 seats it contested under the AIADMK-led alliance. With key figures like Nainar Nagenthran and Vanathi Srinivasan in the fray, the saffron party hopes to increase its footprint in the Dravidian heartland.

4 May 2026 10:34 am
Kerala elections 2026 result News Live: CM Pinarayi Vijayan trailing in Dharmadam in early trends

Kerala is witnessing a high-stakes electoral battle. Early trends indicate Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is trailing in Dharmadam. Chennithala is leading in Haripad. Several ministers are also trailing as vote counting progresses. The Congress-UDF appears to be ahead in many seats. The LDF is also showing strength. The BJP-led NDA is leading in a few constituencies. Final results are awaited.

4 May 2026 10:29 am
Employee's father was in the hospital and wanted him by his side. Manager says, 'You need to prioritize'. Employee's response left manager speechless

A poignant online exchange revealed a stark clash between workplace demands and a son's urgent need to be with his critically ill father. Despite a manager's insistence on a report deadline, the employee's plea for presence, emphasizing his father's personal request and the potential finality of the moment, ultimately shifted priorities.

4 May 2026 10:19 am
When survival is at stake, Bollywood production houses turn to distribution

Bollywood production houses are increasingly entering the film distribution space over the past two years as a structural shift driven by rising production costs and changing revenue models.

4 May 2026 10:11 am
Kalamassery Assembly Election Result 2026: P Rajeev vs Abdul Gafoor Who leads? Live updates here

Kalamassery in Ernakulam district is a key battleground in Kerala's upcoming elections. Exit polls suggest a close contest for Industries Minister P Rajeev. The results will indicate the ruling Left's strength in opposition-leaning areas. A UDF win would solidify their dominance in central Kerala.

4 May 2026 10:04 am
India begins wheat exports after four-year hiatus on bumper crop

India has resumed wheat exports for the first time in four years, with ITC loading 22,000 metric tons for the UAE. A record harvest and higher global prices and freight rates are making Indian wheat competitive. This follows a ban imposed due to crop damage from extreme heat in previous years.

4 May 2026 10:02 am
Tamil Nadu Assembly Election Results: CM Stalin, son Udhayanidhi trailing as TVK redraws Tamil Nadu battle

Early election results show a dramatic shift in Tamil Nadu politics. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is trailing in his constituency. Actor Vijay's new party, TVK, is performing strongly, neck and neck with the AIADMK. The ruling DMK appears to be facing an anti-incumbency wave. This election marks a significant moment for Vijay's political entry.

4 May 2026 10:00 am
Pro-Pakistan slogans raised in Bareilly market, six detained; hunt on for other accused

Six individuals have been detained following overnight raids. They are accused of raising pro-Pakistan slogans in a busy market. The incident caused shopkeepers to partially close their businesses and triggered panic. An FIR has been lodged against over four dozen people. CCTV footage is being reviewed to identify more accused. Police are on alert in the Cantonment area.

4 May 2026 9:48 am
Bhagalpurs Vikramshila bridge collapse: Major scare as video shows 25-metre slab of bridge collapsing into Ganga, all traffic halted

Bhagalpur Vikramshila bridge collapse news: A significant portion of Bihar's Vikramshila Setu bridge in Bhagalpur collapsed late Sunday night, severing a vital link. Officials acted swiftly, evacuating vehicles just before a slab near pillar 133 gave way. Traffic is now halted, with commuters advised to use longer alternative routes via Munger and Sultanganj.

4 May 2026 9:47 am
Vijays TVK emerges as single largest party in Tamil Nadu shocker; actor-turned-politician leading from both seats

Actor Vijay's new party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, has caused a major political shift in Tamil Nadu. Early results show TVK as the largest party in the Assembly. This performance disrupts the long-standing hold of the DMK and AIADMK. Vijay's party is now central to government formation discussions. This marks a significant change in the state's political landscape.

4 May 2026 9:35 am
EC bars victory rallies in West Bengal after election results announcement

In West Bengal, all festivities honoring election victors are suspended today to ensure calm. Authorities are responding to reports of party representatives struggling to access counting stations, but a resolution is anticipated soon. This measure is implemented to uphold peace in light of the newly released election outcomes.

4 May 2026 9:34 am