May 14, 2026

VD Satheesan and Shehzad Poonawalla (Image/PTI) NEW DELHI: Hours after the Congress announced VD Satheesan as Kerala’s next chief minister, the BJP launched a sharp attack on the party, alleging that the decision was influenced by the Indian Union Muslim League and accusing the Congress of surrendering to its alliance partner.Soon after the announcement, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla shared a post targeting the Congress leadership and the new Kerala government.”Janta Mandate & MLA choice gone for a toss,” Poonawalla wrote on X.”New Keralam CM will be Remote Controlled by IUML. High command is Jamat. Jamat and IUML weighed upon Congress and got their pick as CM,” he alleged.The BJP’s Kerala unit also intensified its criticism targeting both the Congress and the IUML leadership.In another post shared by BJP Kerala, attributed to senior leader MT Ramesh, the party claimed: “It has once again been proven that the Congress High Command’s henchman is the Muslim League and Ponnani. In deciding the Chief Minister, the Congress High Command knelt before the League leadership.”The BJP Kerala unit further alleged that the Congress leadership had no option but to bow before the IUML because of its political dependence in the state.”11 days after the Keralam election results were declared on May 4, Congress has finally announced VD Satheesan as Keralam’s next CM,” the BJP Kerala handle posted.”Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi know INC cannot survive in Keralam or protect Wayanad without the Indian Union Muslim League. Satheesan becoming CM is a clear sign that Congress and Gandhis have ultimately bowed down to the IUML,” the post added.The BJP also circulated several memes through its official social media pages. In one such image, IUML state president Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal was depicted seated at the centre while Rahul Gandhi and Kharge were shown bowing before him and Satheesan was portrayed fanning him.The posts were widely circulated with the hashtag ‘CongressPoliticsOfAppeasement’.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues LongerAIMIM Corporator’s Home Razed In Sambhajinagar Amid TCS Conversion Case Row EscalationKerala CM Race Ends as Congress Picks VD Satheesan Amid Venugopal Backing and Internal TensionsBJP Questions Rahul Gandhi Over Alleged Rs 60 Crore Foreign Travel Spending Claims123Photostories6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liverConstipated? NYC doc shares the ‘I love you’ technique to help you poop instantlyMouni Roy seperation buzz to Hansika Motwani’s divorce; Bollywood breakups that left fans stunned7 smart lighting ideas that instantly make your home feel luxurious5 oils you need to buy on your hair growth journey10 destinations in India that became viral sensations after featuring in Bollywood moviesThese Indian fruits have surprisingly different English names5 Indian states that consume the most petrol per person and why travellers should pay attentionCan Hantavirus spread between humans? Doctors reveal why this rare infection is nothing like Covid-197 foods Indian grandparents ate regularly that are suddenly trendy again123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins
VD Satheesan and Shehzad Poonawalla (Image/PTI) NEW DELHI: Hours after the Congress announced VD Satheesan as Kerala’s next chief minister, the BJP launched a sharp attack on the party, alleging that the decision was influenced by the Indian Union Muslim League and accusing the Congress of surrendering to its alliance partner.Soon after the announcement, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla shared a post targeting the Congress leadership and the new Kerala government.”Janta Mandate & MLA choice gone for a toss,” Poonawalla wrote on X.”New Keralam CM will be Remote Controlled by IUML. High command is Jamat. Jamat and IUML weighed upon Congress and got their pick as CM,” he alleged.The BJP’s Kerala unit also intensified its criticism targeting both the Congress and the IUML leadership.In another post shared by BJP Kerala, attributed to senior leader MT Ramesh, the party claimed: “It has once again been proven that the Congress High Command’s henchman is the Muslim League and Ponnani. In deciding the Chief Minister, the Congress High Command knelt before the League leadership.”The BJP Kerala unit further alleged that the Congress leadership had no option but to bow before the IUML because of its political dependence in the state.”11 days after the Keralam election results were declared on May 4, Congress has finally announced VD Satheesan as Keralam’s next CM,” the BJP Kerala handle posted.”Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi know INC cannot survive in Keralam or protect Wayanad without the Indian Union Muslim League. Satheesan becoming CM is a clear sign that Congress and Gandhis have ultimately bowed down to the IUML,” the post added.The BJP also circulated several memes through its official social media pages. In one such image, IUML state president Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal was depicted seated at the centre while Rahul Gandhi and Kharge were shown bowing before him and Satheesan was portrayed fanning him.The posts were widely circulated with the hashtag ‘CongressPoliticsOfAppeasement’.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues LongerAIMIM Corporator’s Home Razed In Sambhajinagar Amid TCS Conversion Case Row EscalationKerala CM Race Ends as Congress Picks VD Satheesan Amid Venugopal Backing and Internal TensionsBJP Questions Rahul Gandhi Over Alleged Rs 60 Crore Foreign Travel Spending Claims123Photostories6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liverConstipated? NYC doc shares the ‘I love you’ technique to help you poop instantlyMouni Roy seperation buzz to Hansika Motwani’s divorce; Bollywood breakups that left fans stunned7 smart lighting ideas that instantly make your home feel luxurious5 oils you need to buy on your hair growth journey10 destinations in India that became viral sensations after featuring in Bollywood moviesThese Indian fruits have surprisingly different English names5 Indian states that consume the most petrol per person and why travellers should pay attentionCan Hantavirus spread between humans? Doctors reveal why this rare infection is nothing like Covid-197 foods Indian grandparents ate regularly that are suddenly trendy again123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav


'Janta mandate gone for a toss': BJP claims new Kerala CM will be 'remote controlled' by IUML

VD Satheesan and Shehzad Poonawalla (Image/PTI)

NEW DELHI: Hours after the Congress announced VD Satheesan as Kerala’s next chief minister, the BJP launched a sharp attack on the party, alleging that the decision was influenced by the Indian Union Muslim League and accusing the Congress of surrendering to its alliance partner.Soon after the announcement, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla shared a post targeting the Congress leadership and the new Kerala government.“Janta Mandate & MLA choice gone for a toss,” Poonawalla wrote on X.“New Keralam CM will be Remote Controlled by IUML. High command is Jamat. Jamat and IUML weighed upon Congress and got their pick as CM,” he alleged.The BJP’s Kerala unit also intensified its criticism targeting both the Congress and the IUML leadership.In another post shared by BJP Kerala, attributed to senior leader MT Ramesh, the party claimed: “It has once again been proven that the Congress High Command’s henchman is the Muslim League and Ponnani. In deciding the Chief Minister, the Congress High Command knelt before the League leadership.”The BJP Kerala unit further alleged that the Congress leadership had no option but to bow before the IUML because of its political dependence in the state.“11 days after the Keralam election results were declared on May 4, Congress has finally announced VD Satheesan as Keralam’s next CM,” the BJP Kerala handle posted.“Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi know INC cannot survive in Keralam or protect Wayanad without the Indian Union Muslim League. Satheesan becoming CM is a clear sign that Congress and Gandhis have ultimately bowed down to the IUML,” the post added.The BJP also circulated several memes through its official social media pages. In one such image, IUML state president Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal was depicted seated at the centre while Rahul Gandhi and Kharge were shown bowing before him and Satheesan was portrayed fanning him.The posts were widely circulated with the hashtag ‘CongressPoliticsOfAppeasement’.



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. NEW DELHI: At least 117 people have lost their lives across Uttar Pradesh after relentless rain, lightning and thunderstorms battered several parts of the state over the past 36 to 48 hours. The incident has prompted the Uttar Pradesh government to announce compensation of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased.Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner Harikesh Bhaskar on Thursday said continuous monitoring was underway and the 24-hour Integrated Control and Command Centre remained fully operational amid the worsening weather situation.According to officials, reports of deaths, livestock losses and damage to houses have emerged from at least 19 districts including Barabanki, Bahraich, Kanpur Dehat, Basti, Sambhal, Hardoi and Unnao.Authorities said around 130 livestock animals have also died while nearly 98 houses suffered damage due to the severe weather conditions.Earlier in the day, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to immediately visit affected areas, provide relief assistance to victims and ensure speedy compensation disbursal.He also instructed all District Magistrates to prioritise rescue and relief operations and ordered districts to submit situation updates every three hours.According to officials, compensation disbursal, rescue operations and other relief measures are also being monitored through social media updates and field inspections.Meanwhile, Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched two advanced weather forecasting systems developed under the Ministry of Earth Sciences aimed at improving hyper-local and AI-enabled weather prediction services across the country.The systems include the Meteorological Department’s first Artificial Intelligence-enabled monsoon forecast model and a high-resolution rainfall forecast system for Uttar Pradesh capable of predicting rainfall at 1-km spatial resolution up to 10 days in advance.Officials said the new systems integrate data from automatic rain gauges, weather stations, Doppler radars and satellite-based rainfall datasets using AI-driven forecasting techniques to improve early warnings amid increasing extreme weather events.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues LongerAIMIM Corporator’s Home Razed In Sambhajinagar Amid TCS Conversion Case Row EscalationKerala CM Race Ends as Congress Picks VD Satheesan Amid Venugopal Backing and Internal TensionsBJP Questions Rahul Gandhi Over Alleged Rs 60 Crore Foreign Travel Spending Claims123PhotostoriesRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine loveFeeling constantly exhausted at work? The 6-4-2 formula may be the balance your life is missing6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liverConstipated? NYC doc shares the ‘I love you’ technique to help you poop instantlyMouni Roy seperation buzz to Hansika Motwani’s divorce; Bollywood breakups that left fans stunned7 smart lighting ideas that instantly make your home feel luxurious5 oils you need to buy on your hair growth journey123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav

. NEW DELHI: At least 117 people have lost their lives across Uttar Pradesh after relentless rain, lightning and thunderstorms battered several parts of the state over the past 36 to 48 hours. The incident has prompted the Uttar Pradesh government to announce compensation of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased.Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner Harikesh Bhaskar on Thursday said continuous monitoring was underway and the 24-hour Integrated Control and Command Centre remained fully operational amid the worsening weather situation.According to officials, reports of deaths, livestock losses and damage to houses have emerged from at least 19 districts including Barabanki, Bahraich, Kanpur Dehat, Basti, Sambhal, Hardoi and Unnao.Authorities said around 130 livestock animals have also died while nearly 98 houses suffered damage due to the severe weather conditions.Earlier in the day, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to immediately visit affected areas, provide relief assistance to victims and ensure speedy compensation disbursal.He also instructed all District Magistrates to prioritise rescue and relief operations and ordered districts to submit situation updates every three hours.According to officials, compensation disbursal, rescue operations and other relief measures are also being monitored through social media updates and field inspections.Meanwhile, Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched two advanced weather forecasting systems developed under the Ministry of Earth Sciences aimed at improving hyper-local and AI-enabled weather prediction services across the country.The systems include the Meteorological Department’s first Artificial Intelligence-enabled monsoon forecast model and a high-resolution rainfall forecast system for Uttar Pradesh capable of predicting rainfall at 1-km spatial resolution up to 10 days in advance.Officials said the new systems integrate data from automatic rain gauges, weather stations, Doppler radars and satellite-based rainfall datasets using AI-driven forecasting techniques to improve early warnings amid increasing extreme weather events.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues LongerAIMIM Corporator’s Home Razed In Sambhajinagar Amid TCS Conversion Case Row EscalationKerala CM Race Ends as Congress Picks VD Satheesan Amid Venugopal Backing and Internal TensionsBJP Questions Rahul Gandhi Over Alleged Rs 60 Crore Foreign Travel Spending Claims123PhotostoriesRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine loveFeeling constantly exhausted at work? The 6-4-2 formula may be the balance your life is missing6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liverConstipated? NYC doc shares the ‘I love you’ technique to help you poop instantlyMouni Roy seperation buzz to Hansika Motwani’s divorce; Bollywood breakups that left fans stunned7 smart lighting ideas that instantly make your home feel luxurious5 oils you need to buy on your hair growth journey123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav

Vamsikrishna 0
NEW DELHI: The Congress finally ended Kerala’s suspense on Wednesday. Ten days after the UDF’s historic mandate, VD Satheesan was named chief minister. For a party that had just won 63 seats, with the UDF alliance winning 102, the delay was not about numbers or coalition arithmetic. It was about the Congress being unable to get out of its own way.Across the country, in West Bengal, the BJP had done the same thing in roughly 48 hours. 207 seats, a state won for the first time in the party’s history, and Suvendu Adhikari was named CM before the celebrations had properly begun (or Mamata had resigned). Similar scenes played out in Assam, where the saffron party secured a thumping mandate. There was never much doubt over the BJP’s choice for chief minister. Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has led the party to consecutive victories in the state, has also played a key role in expanding the BJP’s footprint across the North East was the obvious choice.Also read: How 2026 Assam win established ‘outsider’ Himanta as party’s next-gen leaderTwo parties achieved historic victories in the same election cycle, yet they took completely different approaches afterward. One moves as if it has done this before. The other moves like it is battling inner turmoil even after securing a historic mandate.One party treats victory as the start of control; the other often treats it as the start of negotiation.So, what does the BJP understand about winning that the Congress keeps having to relearn? The BJP’s favourite trickThe BJP’s approach to choosing chief ministers since 2014 has followed a clear pattern. When the party wins a state, it often avoids picking the obvious frontrunner. Instead, it gives the top post to someone who may not be well known outside the state but has worked at the grassroots level or closely with the local leadership.The idea behind this strategy is simple. It prevents regional strongmen from becoming too powerful. It also ensures that the victory is seen as a mandate for the party and its central leadership, not for a local leader. At the same time, it sends a message to party workers that loyalty to the organisation matters more than personal ambition.The track record backs this up. When the BJP won Haryana in 2014, it went with Manohar Lal Khattar, a first-time MLA. When it replaced Vijay Rupani in Gujarat in 2021, Bhupendra Patel, another first-term MLA, got the job. In December 2023, after sweeping Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the BJP sent a clear message about its changing leadership model. Despite delivering major victories, veterans Vasundhara Raje, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Raman Singh were all passed over for the top job. Instead, the party chose relatively low-profile leaders, Bhajan Lal Sharma, Mohan Yadav and Vishnu Deo Sai, signalling its preference for fresh faces over entrenched regional heavyweights. Add Tripura’s Biplab Deb, Uttarakhand’s Pushkar Singh Dhami, Manipur’s N Biren Singh and Tripura’s Manik Saha to the list. These were not household names outside their states. However, they were chosen to govern quietly under the BJP’s national banner while the central leadership held the real reins.The BJP does sometimes allow strong regional leaders to emerge. Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh is the clearest example; leaders like Devendra Fadnavis, who have worked in the RSS ecosystem for decades, were also rewarded with the top post. But that usually happens after the party is already firmly established there. What Congress does insteadBefore getting into why these Assam and Bengal cases differ from the party’s normal approach, it is worth looking at what the BJP’s tightly controlled chief minister selection process is designed to avoid: prolonged public power struggles after an electoral win.That contrast was visible after Karnataka in 2023, when the Indian National Congress spent days in an open tussle between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar. Both leaders lobbied legislators, both made their case to Delhi, and the internal contest played out in full public view. Siddaramaiah eventually became chief minister, while Shivakumar was accommodated as deputy; however, their rivalry continues to make headlines even today.It was also not an isolated episode. After winning Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh in 2018, the Congress turned each victory into a drawn-out negotiation over leadership. In Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia were locked in a bitter contest for control. In Rajasthan, the feud between Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot lasted longer than the government itself, nearly bringing it down in 2020.Now, in May 2026, the same drama played out in Kerala. The Congress-led United Democratic Front won a huge victory, taking 102 seats in the 140-member assembly, with the Congress alone winning 63. But even after such a clear mandate, the party took ten days to announce V. D. Satheesan as the state’s new chief minister, while other states that went to the polls had already named their CMs. The contest had narrowed to three names: AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, leader of the opposition in the assembly VD Satheesan and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala. Intense lobbying, competing camps and differing views within the party reportedly prolonged the process, even as other states that went to the polls had already finalised their chief ministers. Meetings between Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and senior Congress leaders continued deep into the week, while the prolonged uncertainty triggered memes, online mockery and growing frustration among party workers.When the announcement finally came, Satheesan had long appeared to be the obvious frontrunner. Himanta first, then SuvenduSo why did the BJP break from its own playbook in both Assam and Bengal?The answer is simpler than it looks: it did not, really. The playbook was never about picking unknown faces. It was about picking people who would not overshadow the central leadership or build independent power centres. Himanta Biswa Sarma is the template. He joined the BJP from the Congress in 2015 and spent years building the party’s footprint across the northeast as convener of the North East Democratic Alliance. By the time the BJP won Assam in 2021, he was the clear frontrunner for the top spot. He was the reason the party had the numbers to win. The central leadership recognised that and acted accordingly.Suvendu Adhikari’s path to the Bengal CM post follows the same logic.Adhikari’s political career began in the Congress before he moved with his family to the TMC when Mamata Banerjee formed the party in 1998. He was at the heart of the Nandigram agitation in 2007, the movement that broke the Left Front’s grip on rural Bengal and made Mamata a genuine mass leader. He won the Tamluk Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and held it in 2014. In 2016, he shifted to state politics, won Nandigram and went into Mamata’s cabinet as Transport Minister, later also handling Irrigation and Water Resources. His break with the TMC in late 2020, driven in part by his discomfort with the growing role of Mamata’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee within the party, was the single biggest jolt the TMC received before the 2021 elections. He joined the BJP at a rally in Midnapore alongside Amit Shah in December 2020.Then came the defining moments. In 2021, he contested against Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram, her chosen constituency, and defeated her by 1,956 votes. Five years later, in 2026, he did it again, this time in Bhabanipur, Mamata’s traditional stronghold, beating her by over 15,000 votes. He also won Nandigram simultaneously.The inside man advantageWhat makes Adhikari’s appointment particularly significant is not just what he did to the TMC, but what he knows about it.He spent over two decades building the Trinamool Congress from the ground up. He knows how rural networks function, how district power structures are wired, and who the key operators are at the booth level across multiple districts.This matters enormously for what comes next. The BJP’s victory in Bengal is not the end of the story; it is the beginning of a consolidation challenge. The TMC’s grassroots organisation, built painstakingly over 15 years, did not disappear overnight when it lost the polls. The party workers, the district leaders, the local strongmen who ran things under the TMC, they are all still there, and many of them are now looking at which way the wind is blowing.What’s nextIn the end, the contrast between Bengal and Kerala was not really about Suvendu Adhikari or VD Satheesan. It was about what happens inside two parties the moment victory arrives.The BJP treats power like a system. Decisions are centralised, hierarchy is clear and uncertainty is minimised. Sometimes that means surprise chief ministers. Sometimes, as in Assam and Bengal, it means recognising when a leader has become too politically important to ignore. But either way, the party moves quickly, projects authority and ensures the focus stays on the organisation.The Congress still struggles with that instinct. Even after major victories, it often appears trapped in negotiation, balancing factions instead of controlling them. What should look like confidence instead begins to resemble hesitation. The BJP treats power as something to be seized and organised; the Congress still treats it as something to be negotiated and shared. One has a system. The other has a conversation.About the AuthorVivek DubeyA digital news desk journalist at The Times of India with over two years of experience. Closely tracks foreign affairs and international politics. Fondness for precise language and clever headlines. When not editing news, he is usually refining a turn of phrase.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues LongerAIMIM Corporator’s Home Razed In Sambhajinagar Amid TCS Conversion Case Row EscalationKerala CM Race Ends as Congress Picks VD Satheesan Amid Venugopal Backing and Internal TensionsBJP Questions Rahul Gandhi Over Alleged Rs 60 Crore Foreign Travel Spending Claims123PhotostoriesRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine loveFeeling constantly exhausted at work? The 6-4-2 formula may be the balance your life is missing6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liverConstipated? NYC doc shares the ‘I love you’ technique to help you poop instantlyMouni Roy seperation buzz to Hansika Motwani’s divorce; Bollywood breakups that left fans stunned7 smart lighting ideas that instantly make your home feel luxurious5 oils you need to buy on your hair growth journey123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav

NEW DELHI: The Congress finally ended Kerala’s suspense on Wednesday. Ten days after the UDF’s historic mandate, VD Satheesan was named chief minister. For a party that had just won 63 seats, with the UDF alliance winning 102, the delay was not about numbers or coalition arithmetic. It was about the Congress being unable to get out of its own way.Across the country, in West Bengal, the BJP had done the same thing in roughly 48 hours. 207 seats, a state won for the first time in the party’s history, and Suvendu Adhikari was named CM before the celebrations had properly begun (or Mamata had resigned). Similar scenes played out in Assam, where the saffron party secured a thumping mandate. There was never much doubt over the BJP’s choice for chief minister. Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has led the party to consecutive victories in the state, has also played a key role in expanding the BJP’s footprint across the North East was the obvious choice.Also read: How 2026 Assam win established ‘outsider’ Himanta as party’s next-gen leaderTwo parties achieved historic victories in the same election cycle, yet they took completely different approaches afterward. One moves as if it has done this before. The other moves like it is battling inner turmoil even after securing a historic mandate.One party treats victory as the start of control; the other often treats it as the start of negotiation.So, what does the BJP understand about winning that the Congress keeps having to relearn? The BJP’s favourite trickThe BJP’s approach to choosing chief ministers since 2014 has followed a clear pattern. When the party wins a state, it often avoids picking the obvious frontrunner. Instead, it gives the top post to someone who may not be well known outside the state but has worked at the grassroots level or closely with the local leadership.The idea behind this strategy is simple. It prevents regional strongmen from becoming too powerful. It also ensures that the victory is seen as a mandate for the party and its central leadership, not for a local leader. At the same time, it sends a message to party workers that loyalty to the organisation matters more than personal ambition.The track record backs this up. When the BJP won Haryana in 2014, it went with Manohar Lal Khattar, a first-time MLA. When it replaced Vijay Rupani in Gujarat in 2021, Bhupendra Patel, another first-term MLA, got the job. In December 2023, after sweeping Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the BJP sent a clear message about its changing leadership model. Despite delivering major victories, veterans Vasundhara Raje, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Raman Singh were all passed over for the top job. Instead, the party chose relatively low-profile leaders, Bhajan Lal Sharma, Mohan Yadav and Vishnu Deo Sai, signalling its preference for fresh faces over entrenched regional heavyweights. Add Tripura’s Biplab Deb, Uttarakhand’s Pushkar Singh Dhami, Manipur’s N Biren Singh and Tripura’s Manik Saha to the list. These were not household names outside their states. However, they were chosen to govern quietly under the BJP’s national banner while the central leadership held the real reins.The BJP does sometimes allow strong regional leaders to emerge. Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh is the clearest example; leaders like Devendra Fadnavis, who have worked in the RSS ecosystem for decades, were also rewarded with the top post. But that usually happens after the party is already firmly established there. What Congress does insteadBefore getting into why these Assam and Bengal cases differ from the party’s normal approach, it is worth looking at what the BJP’s tightly controlled chief minister selection process is designed to avoid: prolonged public power struggles after an electoral win.That contrast was visible after Karnataka in 2023, when the Indian National Congress spent days in an open tussle between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar. Both leaders lobbied legislators, both made their case to Delhi, and the internal contest played out in full public view. Siddaramaiah eventually became chief minister, while Shivakumar was accommodated as deputy; however, their rivalry continues to make headlines even today.It was also not an isolated episode. After winning Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh in 2018, the Congress turned each victory into a drawn-out negotiation over leadership. In Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia were locked in a bitter contest for control. In Rajasthan, the feud between Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot lasted longer than the government itself, nearly bringing it down in 2020.Now, in May 2026, the same drama played out in Kerala. The Congress-led United Democratic Front won a huge victory, taking 102 seats in the 140-member assembly, with the Congress alone winning 63. But even after such a clear mandate, the party took ten days to announce V. D. Satheesan as the state’s new chief minister, while other states that went to the polls had already named their CMs. The contest had narrowed to three names: AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, leader of the opposition in the assembly VD Satheesan and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala. Intense lobbying, competing camps and differing views within the party reportedly prolonged the process, even as other states that went to the polls had already finalised their chief ministers. Meetings between Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and senior Congress leaders continued deep into the week, while the prolonged uncertainty triggered memes, online mockery and growing frustration among party workers.When the announcement finally came, Satheesan had long appeared to be the obvious frontrunner. Himanta first, then SuvenduSo why did the BJP break from its own playbook in both Assam and Bengal?The answer is simpler than it looks: it did not, really. The playbook was never about picking unknown faces. It was about picking people who would not overshadow the central leadership or build independent power centres. Himanta Biswa Sarma is the template. He joined the BJP from the Congress in 2015 and spent years building the party’s footprint across the northeast as convener of the North East Democratic Alliance. By the time the BJP won Assam in 2021, he was the clear frontrunner for the top spot. He was the reason the party had the numbers to win. The central leadership recognised that and acted accordingly.Suvendu Adhikari’s path to the Bengal CM post follows the same logic.Adhikari’s political career began in the Congress before he moved with his family to the TMC when Mamata Banerjee formed the party in 1998. He was at the heart of the Nandigram agitation in 2007, the movement that broke the Left Front’s grip on rural Bengal and made Mamata a genuine mass leader. He won the Tamluk Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and held it in 2014. In 2016, he shifted to state politics, won Nandigram and went into Mamata’s cabinet as Transport Minister, later also handling Irrigation and Water Resources. His break with the TMC in late 2020, driven in part by his discomfort with the growing role of Mamata’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee within the party, was the single biggest jolt the TMC received before the 2021 elections. He joined the BJP at a rally in Midnapore alongside Amit Shah in December 2020.Then came the defining moments. In 2021, he contested against Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram, her chosen constituency, and defeated her by 1,956 votes. Five years later, in 2026, he did it again, this time in Bhabanipur, Mamata’s traditional stronghold, beating her by over 15,000 votes. He also won Nandigram simultaneously.The inside man advantageWhat makes Adhikari’s appointment particularly significant is not just what he did to the TMC, but what he knows about it.He spent over two decades building the Trinamool Congress from the ground up. He knows how rural networks function, how district power structures are wired, and who the key operators are at the booth level across multiple districts.This matters enormously for what comes next. The BJP’s victory in Bengal is not the end of the story; it is the beginning of a consolidation challenge. The TMC’s grassroots organisation, built painstakingly over 15 years, did not disappear overnight when it lost the polls. The party workers, the district leaders, the local strongmen who ran things under the TMC, they are all still there, and many of them are now looking at which way the wind is blowing.What’s nextIn the end, the contrast between Bengal and Kerala was not really about Suvendu Adhikari or VD Satheesan. It was about what happens inside two parties the moment victory arrives.The BJP treats power like a system. Decisions are centralised, hierarchy is clear and uncertainty is minimised. Sometimes that means surprise chief ministers. Sometimes, as in Assam and Bengal, it means recognising when a leader has become too politically important to ignore. But either way, the party moves quickly, projects authority and ensures the focus stays on the organisation.The Congress still struggles with that instinct. Even after major victories, it often appears trapped in negotiation, balancing factions instead of controlling them. What should look like confidence instead begins to resemble hesitation. The BJP treats power as something to be seized and organised; the Congress still treats it as something to be negotiated and shared. One has a system. The other has a conversation.About the AuthorVivek DubeyA digital news desk journalist at The Times of India with over two years of experience. Closely tracks foreign affairs and international politics. Fondness for precise language and clever headlines. When not editing news, he is usually refining a turn of phrase.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues LongerAIMIM Corporator’s Home Razed In Sambhajinagar Amid TCS Conversion Case Row EscalationKerala CM Race Ends as Congress Picks VD Satheesan Amid Venugopal Backing and Internal TensionsBJP Questions Rahul Gandhi Over Alleged Rs 60 Crore Foreign Travel Spending Claims123PhotostoriesRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine loveFeeling constantly exhausted at work? The 6-4-2 formula may be the balance your life is missing6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liverConstipated? NYC doc shares the ‘I love you’ technique to help you poop instantlyMouni Roy seperation buzz to Hansika Motwani’s divorce; Bollywood breakups that left fans stunned7 smart lighting ideas that instantly make your home feel luxurious5 oils you need to buy on your hair growth journey123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav

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NEW DELHI: Do fractured mandates fracture parties? The crack in AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, much like the splits in Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, suggests they often do.In June 2022, Eknath Shinde led a rebellion in Shiv Sena and took away two-thirds of the party’s MLAs, toppling the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. The coup vertically split the party into rival camps led by Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray.A similar script unfolded in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday after the rebel AIADMK camp led by C Ve Shanmugam and SP Velumani extended support to Vijay’s minority government during the floor test despite a party whip directing MLAs to vote against it.This split Amma’s AIADMK into two factions, with 25 rebel MLAs on one side and 22 on the other.This came despite AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami saying the party would not support the newly elected TVK government and alleging that attempts were being made to lure MLAs with offers of ministerial posts and board chairman positions.The crisis has now raised a question: Could AIADMK be headed for a Shiv Sena-style split?AIADMK vs AIADMKThe chain of events started after the Tamil Nadu assembly elections delivered a fractured mandate with no party crossing the majority mark.TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, but remained short of the numbers needed to form the government on its own. DMK, which had swept the previous election, saw its tally fall to 59 seats, while AIADMK managed to win only 47 seats. Among the smaller players, CPI and CPM won two seats each, VCK secured two, and IUML retained both constituencies it contested. Congress managed to win five seats, PMK won four, while AMMK and BJP opened their accounts with one seat each.This pushed the state’s political parties into a post-poll numbers game.Reportedly, AIADMK and DMK – the Dravidian rivals – entered into talks to prevent Vijay from forming the government. Leaders in AIADMK alleged that EPS sought the chief minister’s post through such an arrangement.The move, however, did not sit well with a large section of the party.Subsequently, cracks within AIADMK appeared in the open as a group of MLAs submitted a letter to pro tem Speaker M V Karuppaiah seeking the appointment of former minister S P Velumani as the AIADMK legislature party leader. Later, 25 AIADMK MLAs from the rebel camp voted in favour of the TVK government during the trust vote.C Ve Shanmugam defended the decision, saying the AIADMK had to adapt to the new political reality after its poor electoral performance. He said the party should support TVK to revive what he described as “Amma rule.”EPS removes rebels; Shanmugam cries foul Hours after the floor test, Palaniswami removed 26 office-bearers, including C Ve Shanmugam, SP Velumani, R Kamaraj, C Vijayabaskar and Natham R Viswanathan, from party posts.The Palaniswami camp maintained that the whip issued by SS Krishnamurthy, appointed by the official leadership, was legally valid and binding on all MLAs. Palaniswami himself declared on the assembly floor that AIADMK legislators must vote against the government.EPS also claimed the AIADMK legislature party had already been formally constituted with him as its leader. Meanwhile, Shanmugam rejected the disciplinary action as invalid and said that Palaniswami had no authority to remove them. He also questioned how disciplinary action could be initiated without first examining the reasons behind the poll debacle through the party’s general council.Shanmugam also claimed no explanation had been sought from the rebel leaders before action was taken.What the anti-defection law saysAIADMK MP IS Inbadurai claimed the anti-defection law will be invoked against the MLAs who ignored the party whip and voted in favour of the government.Under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, MLAs can be disqualified on two key grounds:If they voluntarily give up membership of the party on whose ticket they were elected.If they vote or abstain from voting contrary to a party whip without prior permission, and the party does not condone the action within 15 days.However, the anti-defection proceedings hinge on whether the whip was validly issued and properly communicated to MLAs.What’s nextNow, the split in the AIADMK in the Tamil Nadu assembly may lead the party’s legislative leader, Palaniswami, to file disqualification petitions against the rebel MLAs. This would force Speaker JCD Prabhakar to decide whether the rebel MLAs violated the party whip under the Tenth Schedule.However, any ruling by the speaker is likely to be challenged in court.Meanwhile, a battle over control of AIADMK and its “two leaves” symbol could eventually reach the Election Commission, which is not bound by the speaker’s findings in anti-defection proceedings.SC’s verdict on Shiv SenaIf a legal battle over the control of AIADMK reaches court, it is likely to hinge on the Supreme Court’s 2023 Constitution Bench verdict in the Shiv Sena split case.In the Shiv Sena vs Shiv Sena case, the top court held that the “political party” — and not merely the legislature party — has the authority to appoint the whip and leader in the House.The court also ruled that the speaker cannot recognise a faction as the “real” party solely because it commands more MLAs. Instead, the speaker must examine the structure and constitution of the original political party.The other routesThe rebel MLAs are likely to face disqualification if their numbers remain below the two-thirds threshold required for protection under the merger provision. In AIADMK’s case, the rebel camp would need at least 32 MLAs to avoid disqualification while remaining in the assembly.But resignation offers another route.If rebel MLAs resign and the Speaker accepts their resignations, they immediately cease to be legislators, making anti-defection proceedings irrelevant because the law applies only to sitting MLAs.Unlike disqualified legislators, MLAs who resign before disqualification are not barred from contesting bypolls. In 2019, the Supreme Court allowed rebel MLAs in Karnataka to contest by-elections despite disqualification orders passed by the Speaker. In effect, resignation allows rebels to bypass the two-thirds requirement altogether.The Velumani-Shanmugam camp still has another option.If the rebels manage to bring more AIADMK MLAs to their side and cross the two-thirds mark — 32 MLAs in the party’s case — they could avoid disqualification and stake a claim to being the “real” AIADMK legislature party.That is precisely the route Shinde followed in Maharashtra in 2022. He walked away from the Thackeray government with more than two-thirds of Shiv Sena MLAs, survived anti-defection proceedings and eventually won the battle over the party’s name and symbol. A similar drama played out in Madhya Pradesh in 2020, when 22 Congress MLAs backing Jyotiraditya Scindia quit the party, bringing down the Kamal Nath government and clearing the way for the BJP’s return to power under Shivraj Singh Chouhan.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His work tracks elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues LongerAIMIM Corporator’s Home Razed In Sambhajinagar Amid TCS Conversion Case Row EscalationKerala CM Race Ends as Congress Picks VD Satheesan Amid Venugopal Backing and Internal TensionsBJP Questions Rahul Gandhi Over Alleged Rs 60 Crore Foreign Travel Spending Claims123PhotostoriesAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine loveFeeling constantly exhausted at work? The 6-4-2 formula may be the balance your life is missing6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liverConstipated? NYC doc shares the ‘I love you’ technique to help you poop instantlyMouni Roy seperation buzz to Hansika Motwani’s divorce; Bollywood breakups that left fans stunned7 smart lighting ideas that instantly make your home feel luxurious5 oils you need to buy on your hair growth journey10 destinations in India that became viral sensations after featuring in Bollywood moviesThese Indian fruits have surprisingly different English names123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav

NEW DELHI: Do fractured mandates fracture parties? The crack in AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, much like the splits in Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, suggests they often do.In June 2022, Eknath Shinde led a rebellion in Shiv Sena and took away two-thirds of the party’s MLAs, toppling the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. The coup vertically split the party into rival camps led by Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray.A similar script unfolded in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday after the rebel AIADMK camp led by C Ve Shanmugam and SP Velumani extended support to Vijay’s minority government during the floor test despite a party whip directing MLAs to vote against it.This split Amma’s AIADMK into two factions, with 25 rebel MLAs on one side and 22 on the other.This came despite AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami saying the party would not support the newly elected TVK government and alleging that attempts were being made to lure MLAs with offers of ministerial posts and board chairman positions.The crisis has now raised a question: Could AIADMK be headed for a Shiv Sena-style split?AIADMK vs AIADMKThe chain of events started after the Tamil Nadu assembly elections delivered a fractured mandate with no party crossing the majority mark.TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, but remained short of the numbers needed to form the government on its own. DMK, which had swept the previous election, saw its tally fall to 59 seats, while AIADMK managed to win only 47 seats. Among the smaller players, CPI and CPM won two seats each, VCK secured two, and IUML retained both constituencies it contested. Congress managed to win five seats, PMK won four, while AMMK and BJP opened their accounts with one seat each.This pushed the state’s political parties into a post-poll numbers game.Reportedly, AIADMK and DMK – the Dravidian rivals – entered into talks to prevent Vijay from forming the government. Leaders in AIADMK alleged that EPS sought the chief minister’s post through such an arrangement.The move, however, did not sit well with a large section of the party.Subsequently, cracks within AIADMK appeared in the open as a group of MLAs submitted a letter to pro tem Speaker M V Karuppaiah seeking the appointment of former minister S P Velumani as the AIADMK legislature party leader. Later, 25 AIADMK MLAs from the rebel camp voted in favour of the TVK government during the trust vote.C Ve Shanmugam defended the decision, saying the AIADMK had to adapt to the new political reality after its poor electoral performance. He said the party should support TVK to revive what he described as “Amma rule.”EPS removes rebels; Shanmugam cries foul Hours after the floor test, Palaniswami removed 26 office-bearers, including C Ve Shanmugam, SP Velumani, R Kamaraj, C Vijayabaskar and Natham R Viswanathan, from party posts.The Palaniswami camp maintained that the whip issued by SS Krishnamurthy, appointed by the official leadership, was legally valid and binding on all MLAs. Palaniswami himself declared on the assembly floor that AIADMK legislators must vote against the government.EPS also claimed the AIADMK legislature party had already been formally constituted with him as its leader. Meanwhile, Shanmugam rejected the disciplinary action as invalid and said that Palaniswami had no authority to remove them. He also questioned how disciplinary action could be initiated without first examining the reasons behind the poll debacle through the party’s general council.Shanmugam also claimed no explanation had been sought from the rebel leaders before action was taken.What the anti-defection law saysAIADMK MP IS Inbadurai claimed the anti-defection law will be invoked against the MLAs who ignored the party whip and voted in favour of the government.Under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, MLAs can be disqualified on two key grounds:If they voluntarily give up membership of the party on whose ticket they were elected.If they vote or abstain from voting contrary to a party whip without prior permission, and the party does not condone the action within 15 days.However, the anti-defection proceedings hinge on whether the whip was validly issued and properly communicated to MLAs.What’s nextNow, the split in the AIADMK in the Tamil Nadu assembly may lead the party’s legislative leader, Palaniswami, to file disqualification petitions against the rebel MLAs. This would force Speaker JCD Prabhakar to decide whether the rebel MLAs violated the party whip under the Tenth Schedule.However, any ruling by the speaker is likely to be challenged in court.Meanwhile, a battle over control of AIADMK and its “two leaves” symbol could eventually reach the Election Commission, which is not bound by the speaker’s findings in anti-defection proceedings.SC’s verdict on Shiv SenaIf a legal battle over the control of AIADMK reaches court, it is likely to hinge on the Supreme Court’s 2023 Constitution Bench verdict in the Shiv Sena split case.In the Shiv Sena vs Shiv Sena case, the top court held that the “political party” — and not merely the legislature party — has the authority to appoint the whip and leader in the House.The court also ruled that the speaker cannot recognise a faction as the “real” party solely because it commands more MLAs. Instead, the speaker must examine the structure and constitution of the original political party.The other routesThe rebel MLAs are likely to face disqualification if their numbers remain below the two-thirds threshold required for protection under the merger provision. In AIADMK’s case, the rebel camp would need at least 32 MLAs to avoid disqualification while remaining in the assembly.But resignation offers another route.If rebel MLAs resign and the Speaker accepts their resignations, they immediately cease to be legislators, making anti-defection proceedings irrelevant because the law applies only to sitting MLAs.Unlike disqualified legislators, MLAs who resign before disqualification are not barred from contesting bypolls. In 2019, the Supreme Court allowed rebel MLAs in Karnataka to contest by-elections despite disqualification orders passed by the Speaker. In effect, resignation allows rebels to bypass the two-thirds requirement altogether.The Velumani-Shanmugam camp still has another option.If the rebels manage to bring more AIADMK MLAs to their side and cross the two-thirds mark — 32 MLAs in the party’s case — they could avoid disqualification and stake a claim to being the “real” AIADMK legislature party.That is precisely the route Shinde followed in Maharashtra in 2022. He walked away from the Thackeray government with more than two-thirds of Shiv Sena MLAs, survived anti-defection proceedings and eventually won the battle over the party’s name and symbol. A similar drama played out in Madhya Pradesh in 2020, when 22 Congress MLAs backing Jyotiraditya Scindia quit the party, bringing down the Kamal Nath government and clearing the way for the BJP’s return to power under Shivraj Singh Chouhan.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His work tracks elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues LongerAIMIM Corporator’s Home Razed In Sambhajinagar Amid TCS Conversion Case Row EscalationKerala CM Race Ends as Congress Picks VD Satheesan Amid Venugopal Backing and Internal TensionsBJP Questions Rahul Gandhi Over Alleged Rs 60 Crore Foreign Travel Spending Claims123PhotostoriesAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine loveFeeling constantly exhausted at work? The 6-4-2 formula may be the balance your life is missing6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liverConstipated? NYC doc shares the ‘I love you’ technique to help you poop instantlyMouni Roy seperation buzz to Hansika Motwani’s divorce; Bollywood breakups that left fans stunned7 smart lighting ideas that instantly make your home feel luxurious5 oils you need to buy on your hair growth journey10 destinations in India that became viral sensations after featuring in Bollywood moviesThese Indian fruits have surprisingly different English names123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav

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VD Satheesan has been chosen as Kerala’s next chief minister after the Congress-led UDF secured a decisive election victory.Donald Trump and Xi Jinping projected a cooperative tone during their Beijing summit amid efforts to stabilise US-China ties.The Election Commission of India has announced Phase III of the Special Intensive Revision exercise covering 16 states and 3 Union territories.Two more India-bound LPG carriers have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, underlining India’s efforts to maintain energy supplies amid regional tensions.The CBI probe into the NEET-UG leak case has found that a handwritten question paper was allegedly scanned and circulated to students for large sums of money.Here are your top stories of the day.VD Satheesan named Kerala chief minister after UDF landslideThe Congress on Thursday announced VD Satheesan as the next chief minister of Kerala following the UDF’s sweeping victory in the Assembly elections. Satheesan emerged as the preferred choice over senior leaders KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala after days of consultations within the party leadership. The decision marks the Congress-led alliance’s return to power after defeating the Left government led by Pinarayi Vijayan. Read full storyDonald Trump and Xi Jinping stress cooperation at Beijing summitDonald Trump and Xi Jinping struck a warm and optimistic tone during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, despite continuing tensions over trade, technology and security. Xi said the two countries should be “partners, not rivals”, while Trump praised Xi’s leadership and expressed confidence in future relations. The summit is being closely watched as Washington and Beijing attempt to reset ties between the world’s two largest economies. Read full storyElection Commission of India expands electoral roll revision exercise nationwideThe Election Commission has announced Phase III of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls across 16 states and 3 Union territories. The exercise will involve more than 3.94 lakh Booth Level Officers conducting door-to-door verification for over 36 crore electors. Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh have been excluded for now due to census and weather-related considerations. Read full storyTwo more India-bound ships cross Strait of Hormuz amid regional tensionsTwo additional LPG carriers carrying cooking gas supplies for India have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, taking the total number of vessels to 13. Officials said the ships were monitored through coordination involving multiple ministries and maritime authorities. The movement comes as India continues efforts to secure energy supplies amid instability in West Asia. Read full storyCBI probe finds NEET-UG paper was scanned and circulated in RajasthanThe CBI investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 leak case has found that a handwritten question paper was allegedly scanned and converted into PDF files in Rajasthan before being circulated to students. Investigators said some aspirants reportedly paid between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh for access to the leaked material. The probe follows the National Testing Agency’s decision to cancel the examination held on May 3. Read full storyAbout the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues LongerAIMIM Corporator’s Home Razed In Sambhajinagar Amid TCS Conversion Case Row EscalationKerala CM Race Ends as Congress Picks VD Satheesan Amid Venugopal Backing and Internal TensionsBJP Questions Rahul Gandhi Over Alleged Rs 60 Crore Foreign Travel Spending ClaimsIran Signals More Safe Passage For Indian Ships As BRICS Meet Faces West Asia Divide123Photostories6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liverConstipated? NYC doc shares the ‘I love you’ technique to help you poop instantlyMouni Roy seperation buzz to Hansika Motwani’s divorce; Bollywood breakups that left fans stunned7 smart lighting ideas that instantly make your home feel luxurious5 oils you need to buy on your hair growth journey10 destinations in India that became viral sensations after featuring in Bollywood moviesThese Indian fruits have surprisingly different English names5 Indian states that consume the most petrol per person and why travellers should pay attentionCan Hantavirus spread between humans? Doctors reveal why this rare infection is nothing like Covid-197 foods Indian grandparents ate regularly that are suddenly trendy again123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav

VD Satheesan has been chosen as Kerala’s next chief minister after the Congress-led UDF secured a decisive election victory.Donald Trump and Xi Jinping projected a cooperative tone during their Beijing summit amid efforts to stabilise US-China ties.The Election Commission of India has announced Phase III of the Special Intensive Revision exercise covering 16 states and 3 Union territories.Two more India-bound LPG carriers have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, underlining India’s efforts to maintain energy supplies amid regional tensions.The CBI probe into the NEET-UG leak case has found that a handwritten question paper was allegedly scanned and circulated to students for large sums of money.Here are your top stories of the day.VD Satheesan named Kerala chief minister after UDF landslideThe Congress on Thursday announced VD Satheesan as the next chief minister of Kerala following the UDF’s sweeping victory in the Assembly elections. Satheesan emerged as the preferred choice over senior leaders KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala after days of consultations within the party leadership. The decision marks the Congress-led alliance’s return to power after defeating the Left government led by Pinarayi Vijayan. Read full storyDonald Trump and Xi Jinping stress cooperation at Beijing summitDonald Trump and Xi Jinping struck a warm and optimistic tone during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, despite continuing tensions over trade, technology and security. Xi said the two countries should be “partners, not rivals”, while Trump praised Xi’s leadership and expressed confidence in future relations. The summit is being closely watched as Washington and Beijing attempt to reset ties between the world’s two largest economies. Read full storyElection Commission of India expands electoral roll revision exercise nationwideThe Election Commission has announced Phase III of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls across 16 states and 3 Union territories. The exercise will involve more than 3.94 lakh Booth Level Officers conducting door-to-door verification for over 36 crore electors. Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh have been excluded for now due to census and weather-related considerations. Read full storyTwo more India-bound ships cross Strait of Hormuz amid regional tensionsTwo additional LPG carriers carrying cooking gas supplies for India have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, taking the total number of vessels to 13. Officials said the ships were monitored through coordination involving multiple ministries and maritime authorities. The movement comes as India continues efforts to secure energy supplies amid instability in West Asia. Read full storyCBI probe finds NEET-UG paper was scanned and circulated in RajasthanThe CBI investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 leak case has found that a handwritten question paper was allegedly scanned and converted into PDF files in Rajasthan before being circulated to students. Investigators said some aspirants reportedly paid between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh for access to the leaked material. The probe follows the National Testing Agency’s decision to cancel the examination held on May 3. Read full storyAbout the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues LongerAIMIM Corporator’s Home Razed In Sambhajinagar Amid TCS Conversion Case Row EscalationKerala CM Race Ends as Congress Picks VD Satheesan Amid Venugopal Backing and Internal TensionsBJP Questions Rahul Gandhi Over Alleged Rs 60 Crore Foreign Travel Spending ClaimsIran Signals More Safe Passage For Indian Ships As BRICS Meet Faces West Asia Divide123Photostories6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liverConstipated? NYC doc shares the ‘I love you’ technique to help you poop instantlyMouni Roy seperation buzz to Hansika Motwani’s divorce; Bollywood breakups that left fans stunned7 smart lighting ideas that instantly make your home feel luxurious5 oils you need to buy on your hair growth journey10 destinations in India that became viral sensations after featuring in Bollywood moviesThese Indian fruits have surprisingly different English names5 Indian states that consume the most petrol per person and why travellers should pay attentionCan Hantavirus spread between humans? Doctors reveal why this rare infection is nothing like Covid-197 foods Indian grandparents ate regularly that are suddenly trendy again123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav

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