The Times of India

Actor-turned-politician Vijay's TVK is poised to form the government in Tamil Nadu, emerging as the single-largest party but needing allies. The Congress has reportedly pledged support for a secular government, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the DMK. Meanwhile, a faction within the AIADMK is reportedly considering backing Vijay.

Cracks have emerged within the INDIA bloc following the Tamil Nadu election results, with the DMK accusing its ally, the Congress, of ackstabbing for supporting actor-politician Vijay's TVK party. The DMK criticized the Congress' decision as foolhardy and driven by ego, questioning its trustworthiness and potential impact on other alliance partners.

Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP of winning seats through vote theft, claiming every sixth MP from the party secured victory unfairly. He alleged that institutions are manipulated to tamper with the electoral process, suggesting the BJP fears fair elections.

The PM Modi-chaired Cabinet meeting approved the proposal for introducing The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 in Parliament to amend The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 for increasing the number. The Constitution leaves the size of the Supreme Court open-ended. Article 124(1) provides for a Chief Justice of India and permits Parliament to determine the number of other judges through legislation.

TVK chief Vijay will be sworn in as Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister on May 7, securing 108 seats. Despite falling short of a majority, the party plans to seek support from smaller allies to form the government. Vijay has received congratulations from Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing commitment to public welfare and state progress.

Mamata Banerjee, calling herself a 'free bird,' refuses to resign, alleging vote looting by BJP and EC. Raghav Chadha met President Murmu, claiming he's the AAP-led Punjab government's next target for switching parties. The US sank Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz amid UAE attacks. Kejriwal accused BJP of 'murdering democracy' after poll wins.

West Bengal witnessed a significant political shift as the BJP formed its first government, largely influenced by the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This exercise, which removed nearly 12% of voters, disproportionately affected minority communities and became a central, contentious issue, reshaping voting trends and contributing to the BJP's surge across the state.

The BJP has achieved a significant milestone by securing a victory in West Bengal in 2026, completing its symbolic arc across eastern India with control in Bihar, Bengal, and Odisha. This win consolidates a long-standing political project, marking a sharp turnaround for the party after a Lok Sabha setback and expanding its national reach.

What began in 2011 as a movement against the Left Fronts stagnation had, by 2026, come full circle. Mamata Banerjee had once represented disruption and hope. Over time, her regime became associated with a different vocabulary. Words like cut money, syndicate control, and tolabazi became shorthand for everyday governance failures. This was not merely opposition rhetoric, it was a lived experience. From construction projects to small household repairs, local syndicates were perceived to control ec

The BJP has secured a decisive victory in West Bengal, ending the Trinamool Congress's 15-year reign with a two-thirds majority. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's defeat marks a significant political shift. The party is now poised to form the government, with the selection of the next chief minister being the immediate focus.

The Union health ministry has issued revised national guidelines for hospital fire safety, mandating stricter checks, regular audits, and clear evacuation protocols, especially for critical care units. These new measures aim to prevent deadly fires by addressing vulnerabilities like high oxygen use and complex electrical systems, with a strong focus on patient safety and preparedness.

Bengal has witnessed a seismic political shift as the BJP surged to power, unseating Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress after 15 years. The saffron party secured a decisive victory, breaching the majority mark and fulfilling Amit Shah's ambitious target. This marks a significant change in the state's political landscape, ending decades of Left and TMC dominance.