May 13, 2026

NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister Joseph Vijay on Wednesday won the crucial floor test in the state assembly, formally proving the majority of his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led post-poll coalition.The confidence vote was held in the assembly following governor RV Arlekar’s directive asking the newly formed government to prove its majority on or before May 13. Watch Vijay Meets AIADMK Rebels As EPS Faces Internal Revolt Before Key Assembly VoteWith the victory in the House, the actor-turned politician has now formed the first coalition government led by a new entrant in Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian political era, breaking the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK.The DMK won 59 seats, while the AIADMK was reduced to 47. TVK, contesting its first-ever assembly election barely two years after its formation, emerged as the largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member House.How Vijay secured the numbersDuring the trust vote proceedings, Congress, CPM, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), and a rebel faction of AIADMK extended support to the TVK government, helping CM Vijay comfortably win the floor test in the Tamil Nadu assembly.In favour of TVK government: 144 MLAsIn favour AIADMK rebels: 25 MLAsAgainst: 22 MLAsAbstained: 5 MLAsVijay was sworn in as chief minister at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium on May 7, becoming the first non-DMK and non-AIADMK chief minister in Tamil Nadu since 1967.How CM Vijay reached there?The 234-member assembly requires 118 seats for a majority. Although TVK won 108 seats, the party’s effective strength came down to 107 after Vijay vacated one of the two seats he had won following his elevation as chief minister.That left the party 11 seats short of the majority mark.Congress, which won five seats, was the first to extend support to TVK, ending its long-standing alliance with DMK. The CPI and CPM, with two seats each, also announced support for Vijay.The breakthrough came after the VCK and IUML, both of which had initially stayed away from the alliance, eventually agreed to support the TVK-led government following days of negotiations.TVK also received support from Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) MLA S Kamaraj. The coalition’s strength eventually rose to 121 seats, allowing Vijay to comfortably prove his majority in the assembly.AIADMK vs AIADMK twist before floor testThe political drama intensified just a day before the trust vote when Vijay personally visited senior AIADMK rebel leader C Ve Shanmugam at his residence in Chennai, triggering speculation that a section of the AIADMK was preparing to back the new government.Around 30 AIADMK MLAs believed to be part of the rebel camp has openly questioned party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami’s leadership after the party’s poor electoral performance.The AIADMK won only 47 of the 164 seats it contested. Shanmugam accused Palaniswami of exploring an arrangement with the DMK to prevent Vijay from forming the government.”In the recently concluded election, we faced defeat. Not only in the recently concluded election, but also in the previous election, we suffered defeat. We asked our General Secretary to convene a General Council meeting to discuss the reasons behind these electoral defeats and to take further action in the interest and development of the party,” he said.”Some people proposed that we, as the AIADMK legislative party, should form a government with the support of the DMK. This proposal goes against the founding principles of our party because the AIADMK was founded to uproot the DMK, which we consider an evil force in Tamil Nadu,” he added.The allegation has become politically significant because AIADMK was founded as the principal rival to the DMK, making any possible understanding between the two parties highly controversial within the party ranks.A rebel faction led by former ministers SP Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam publicly backed Vijay’s government and elected Velumani as their legislature party leader. Shanmugam said supporting Vijay was necessary to revive the “Amma rule” associated with former chief minister J Jayalalithaa.”He (Palaniswami) wanted to form a government with the support of DMK,” Shanmugam alleged, further stating that “we founded this party against the DMK. For 53 years, our politics was against it. Given this, a proposal suggesting an AIADMK government with DMK support was rejected….If we formed such an alliance, AIADMK would not exist.””The people’s mandate is not for TVK, it is for chief minister Vijay,” he added. The rebel camp’s language fuelled speculation that sections of the AIADMK see Vijay as the political successor to the emotional mass politics once represented by MGR and Jayalalithaa.A whip binding all party MLAsThe AIADMK leadership, meanwhile, attempted to contain the rebellion by issuing a whip ahead of the floor test. Party Rajya Sabha MP IS Inbadurai warned that any MLA violating the official whip could face disqualification under the anti-defection law.Sharing a post on X, Inbadurai said the whip issued under AIADMK General Secretary and Legislative Party Leader Edappadi K Palaniswami would be binding on all party MLAs.The DMK however, denied reports of any post-poll understanding with the AIADMK and maintained that it would sit in the opposition. Political observers believe the DMK may benefit from the ongoing AIADMK infighting.Earlier this week, Vijay delivered his maiden speech in the assembly and said the House should function as both the “heart and the brain” of democracy. He said every party, regardless of its strength, deserved equal respect inside the Assembly.”Here, everyone is equal. Even parties represented by a single member in this House must have their views valued equally alongside those expressed by the members of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, who hold a larger mandate,” Vijay said.”Good suggestions must be accepted, and unsuitable ones rejected. This assembly must function as both the heart and the brain of democracy,” he added.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 MediaVideosAkhilesh Yadav Reacts To Prateek Yadav’s Death, Says “Business Losses Can Deeply Distress People”Air India Slashes International Flights | Why Ticket Prices Are Suddenly ExplodingAir India Slashes International Flights | Why Ticket Prices Are Suddenly ExplodingPrateek Yadav Passes Away At 38 In Lucknow, Political Leaders Express GriefGovt Hikes Gold & Silver Import Duty To 15% | Modesty Push Or Economic Warning?PM Modi Pushes Major Austerity Drive, Orders Reduction In Convoy Size And Fuel Consumption MeasuresPM Modi Pushes Major Austerity Drive, Orders Reduction In Convoy Size And Fuel Consumption MeasuresRahul Gandhi Submits Dissent Note On CBI Chief Selection After Key Meet At PM Modi’s Residence‘India Should Not Close Doors For Dialogue With Pakistan’: RSS General Secretary HosabaleVijay Appoints Astrologer As OSD In Tamil Nadu Govt, TVK Allies Call It ‘Unacceptable’123Photostories7 Longest snakes in the world you should know aboutBrad Pitt’s most romantic movies: ‘Legends of the Fall’, ‘Meet Joe Black’ and moreFeeling stuck or anxious? 5 signs the universe wants you to change direction7 things Indian families should never keep near the stoveSuccess quote of the day by Ratan Tata: “Success is not measured by the position you hold, but…”5 things travellers and Char Dham pilgrims need to keep in mind this pilgrimage season1 dead, 3 ill after eating watermelon: 3 facts to know about watermelon and rules for storing cut fruitSurviving Snake Island in Brazil; 5 disturbing facts about the world’s most dangerous island every traveller should knowInside Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan’s lavish house Mannat: Rare art collection and striking paintingsCan motherhood and career truly go together? This is what Sadhguru says123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultLPG stockNEET exam cancelledModi on Gold and WFHTop TrendingOil Price TodayTamil Nadu NewsIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeIPL Match TodayHimanta Biswa SarmaIPL Orange Cap 2026Aparna YadavICE CrackdownPrateek Yadav

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins
NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister Joseph Vijay on Wednesday won the crucial floor test in the state assembly, formally proving the majority of his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led post-poll coalition.The confidence vote was held in the assembly following governor RV Arlekar’s directive asking the newly formed government to prove its majority on or before May 13. Watch Vijay Meets AIADMK Rebels As EPS Faces Internal Revolt Before Key Assembly VoteWith the victory in the House, the actor-turned politician has now formed the first coalition government led by a new entrant in Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian political era, breaking the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK.The DMK won 59 seats, while the AIADMK was reduced to 47. TVK, contesting its first-ever assembly election barely two years after its formation, emerged as the largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member House.How Vijay secured the numbersDuring the trust vote proceedings, Congress, CPM, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), and a rebel faction of AIADMK extended support to the TVK government, helping CM Vijay comfortably win the floor test in the Tamil Nadu assembly.In favour of TVK government: 144 MLAsIn favour AIADMK rebels: 25 MLAsAgainst: 22 MLAsAbstained: 5 MLAsVijay was sworn in as chief minister at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium on May 7, becoming the first non-DMK and non-AIADMK chief minister in Tamil Nadu since 1967.How CM Vijay reached there?The 234-member assembly requires 118 seats for a majority. Although TVK won 108 seats, the party’s effective strength came down to 107 after Vijay vacated one of the two seats he had won following his elevation as chief minister.That left the party 11 seats short of the majority mark.Congress, which won five seats, was the first to extend support to TVK, ending its long-standing alliance with DMK. The CPI and CPM, with two seats each, also announced support for Vijay.The breakthrough came after the VCK and IUML, both of which had initially stayed away from the alliance, eventually agreed to support the TVK-led government following days of negotiations.TVK also received support from Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) MLA S Kamaraj. The coalition’s strength eventually rose to 121 seats, allowing Vijay to comfortably prove his majority in the assembly.AIADMK vs AIADMK twist before floor testThe political drama intensified just a day before the trust vote when Vijay personally visited senior AIADMK rebel leader C Ve Shanmugam at his residence in Chennai, triggering speculation that a section of the AIADMK was preparing to back the new government.Around 30 AIADMK MLAs believed to be part of the rebel camp has openly questioned party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami’s leadership after the party’s poor electoral performance.The AIADMK won only 47 of the 164 seats it contested. Shanmugam accused Palaniswami of exploring an arrangement with the DMK to prevent Vijay from forming the government.”In the recently concluded election, we faced defeat. Not only in the recently concluded election, but also in the previous election, we suffered defeat. We asked our General Secretary to convene a General Council meeting to discuss the reasons behind these electoral defeats and to take further action in the interest and development of the party,” he said.”Some people proposed that we, as the AIADMK legislative party, should form a government with the support of the DMK. This proposal goes against the founding principles of our party because the AIADMK was founded to uproot the DMK, which we consider an evil force in Tamil Nadu,” he added.The allegation has become politically significant because AIADMK was founded as the principal rival to the DMK, making any possible understanding between the two parties highly controversial within the party ranks.A rebel faction led by former ministers SP Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam publicly backed Vijay’s government and elected Velumani as their legislature party leader. Shanmugam said supporting Vijay was necessary to revive the “Amma rule” associated with former chief minister J Jayalalithaa.”He (Palaniswami) wanted to form a government with the support of DMK,” Shanmugam alleged, further stating that “we founded this party against the DMK. For 53 years, our politics was against it. Given this, a proposal suggesting an AIADMK government with DMK support was rejected….If we formed such an alliance, AIADMK would not exist.””The people’s mandate is not for TVK, it is for chief minister Vijay,” he added. The rebel camp’s language fuelled speculation that sections of the AIADMK see Vijay as the political successor to the emotional mass politics once represented by MGR and Jayalalithaa.A whip binding all party MLAsThe AIADMK leadership, meanwhile, attempted to contain the rebellion by issuing a whip ahead of the floor test. Party Rajya Sabha MP IS Inbadurai warned that any MLA violating the official whip could face disqualification under the anti-defection law.Sharing a post on X, Inbadurai said the whip issued under AIADMK General Secretary and Legislative Party Leader Edappadi K Palaniswami would be binding on all party MLAs.The DMK however, denied reports of any post-poll understanding with the AIADMK and maintained that it would sit in the opposition. Political observers believe the DMK may benefit from the ongoing AIADMK infighting.Earlier this week, Vijay delivered his maiden speech in the assembly and said the House should function as both the “heart and the brain” of democracy. He said every party, regardless of its strength, deserved equal respect inside the Assembly.”Here, everyone is equal. Even parties represented by a single member in this House must have their views valued equally alongside those expressed by the members of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, who hold a larger mandate,” Vijay said.”Good suggestions must be accepted, and unsuitable ones rejected. This assembly must function as both the heart and the brain of democracy,” he added.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 MediaVideosAkhilesh Yadav Reacts To Prateek Yadav’s Death, Says “Business Losses Can Deeply Distress People”Air India Slashes International Flights | Why Ticket Prices Are Suddenly ExplodingAir India Slashes International Flights | Why Ticket Prices Are Suddenly ExplodingPrateek Yadav Passes Away At 38 In Lucknow, Political Leaders Express GriefGovt Hikes Gold & Silver Import Duty To 15% | Modesty Push Or Economic Warning?PM Modi Pushes Major Austerity Drive, Orders Reduction In Convoy Size And Fuel Consumption MeasuresPM Modi Pushes Major Austerity Drive, Orders Reduction In Convoy Size And Fuel Consumption MeasuresRahul Gandhi Submits Dissent Note On CBI Chief Selection After Key Meet At PM Modi’s Residence‘India Should Not Close Doors For Dialogue With Pakistan’: RSS General Secretary HosabaleVijay Appoints Astrologer As OSD In Tamil Nadu Govt, TVK Allies Call It ‘Unacceptable’123Photostories7 Longest snakes in the world you should know aboutBrad Pitt’s most romantic movies: ‘Legends of the Fall’, ‘Meet Joe Black’ and moreFeeling stuck or anxious? 5 signs the universe wants you to change direction7 things Indian families should never keep near the stoveSuccess quote of the day by Ratan Tata: “Success is not measured by the position you hold, but…”5 things travellers and Char Dham pilgrims need to keep in mind this pilgrimage season1 dead, 3 ill after eating watermelon: 3 facts to know about watermelon and rules for storing cut fruitSurviving Snake Island in Brazil; 5 disturbing facts about the world’s most dangerous island every traveller should knowInside Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan’s lavish house Mannat: Rare art collection and striking paintingsCan motherhood and career truly go together? This is what Sadhguru says123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultLPG stockNEET exam cancelledModi on Gold and WFHTop TrendingOil Price TodayTamil Nadu NewsIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeIPL Match TodayHimanta Biswa SarmaIPL Orange Cap 2026Aparna YadavICE CrackdownPrateek Yadav


Vijay clears floor test with 144 MLAs backing TVK: How the high-stakes assembly showdown unfolded

NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister Joseph Vijay on Wednesday won the crucial floor test in the state assembly, formally proving the majority of his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led post-poll coalition.The confidence vote was held in the assembly following governor RV Arlekar’s directive asking the newly formed government to prove its majority on or before May 13.

Watch

Vijay Meets AIADMK Rebels As EPS Faces Internal Revolt Before Key Assembly Vote

With the victory in the House, the actor-turned politician has now formed the first coalition government led by a new entrant in Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian political era, breaking the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK.The DMK won 59 seats, while the AIADMK was reduced to 47. TVK, contesting its first-ever assembly election barely two years after its formation, emerged as the largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member House.

How Vijay secured the numbers

During the trust vote proceedings, Congress, CPM, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), and a rebel faction of AIADMK extended support to the TVK government, helping CM Vijay comfortably win the floor test in the Tamil Nadu assembly.

  • In favour of TVK government: 144 MLAs
  • In favour AIADMK rebels: 25 MLAs
  • Against: 22 MLAs
  • Abstained: 5 MLAs

Vijay was sworn in as chief minister at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium on May 7, becoming the first non-DMK and non-AIADMK chief minister in Tamil Nadu since 1967.

How CM Vijay reached there?

The 234-member assembly requires 118 seats for a majority. Although TVK won 108 seats, the party’s effective strength came down to 107 after Vijay vacated one of the two seats he had won following his elevation as chief minister.That left the party 11 seats short of the majority mark.Congress, which won five seats, was the first to extend support to TVK, ending its long-standing alliance with DMK. The CPI and CPM, with two seats each, also announced support for Vijay.The breakthrough came after the VCK and IUML, both of which had initially stayed away from the alliance, eventually agreed to support the TVK-led government following days of negotiations.TVK also received support from Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) MLA S Kamaraj. The coalition’s strength eventually rose to 121 seats, allowing Vijay to comfortably prove his majority in the assembly.

,

AIADMK vs AIADMK twist before floor test

The political drama intensified just a day before the trust vote when Vijay personally visited senior AIADMK rebel leader C Ve Shanmugam at his residence in Chennai, triggering speculation that a section of the AIADMK was preparing to back the new government.Around 30 AIADMK MLAs believed to be part of the rebel camp has openly questioned party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami’s leadership after the party’s poor electoral performance.The AIADMK won only 47 of the 164 seats it contested. Shanmugam accused Palaniswami of exploring an arrangement with the DMK to prevent Vijay from forming the government.“In the recently concluded election, we faced defeat. Not only in the recently concluded election, but also in the previous election, we suffered defeat. We asked our General Secretary to convene a General Council meeting to discuss the reasons behind these electoral defeats and to take further action in the interest and development of the party,” he said.“Some people proposed that we, as the AIADMK legislative party, should form a government with the support of the DMK. This proposal goes against the founding principles of our party because the AIADMK was founded to uproot the DMK, which we consider an evil force in Tamil Nadu,” he added.The allegation has become politically significant because AIADMK was founded as the principal rival to the DMK, making any possible understanding between the two parties highly controversial within the party ranks.A rebel faction led by former ministers SP Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam publicly backed Vijay’s government and elected Velumani as their legislature party leader. Shanmugam said supporting Vijay was necessary to revive the “Amma rule” associated with former chief minister J Jayalalithaa.“He (Palaniswami) wanted to form a government with the support of DMK,” Shanmugam alleged, further stating that “we founded this party against the DMK. For 53 years, our politics was against it. Given this, a proposal suggesting an AIADMK government with DMK support was rejected….If we formed such an alliance, AIADMK would not exist.”“The people’s mandate is not for TVK, it is for chief minister Vijay,” he added. The rebel camp’s language fuelled speculation that sections of the AIADMK see Vijay as the political successor to the emotional mass politics once represented by MGR and Jayalalithaa.

A whip binding all party MLAs

The AIADMK leadership, meanwhile, attempted to contain the rebellion by issuing a whip ahead of the floor test. Party Rajya Sabha MP IS Inbadurai warned that any MLA violating the official whip could face disqualification under the anti-defection law.Sharing a post on X, Inbadurai said the whip issued under AIADMK General Secretary and Legislative Party Leader Edappadi K Palaniswami would be binding on all party MLAs.The DMK however, denied reports of any post-poll understanding with the AIADMK and maintained that it would sit in the opposition. Political observers believe the DMK may benefit from the ongoing AIADMK infighting.Earlier this week, Vijay delivered his maiden speech in the assembly and said the House should function as both the “heart and the brain” of democracy. He said every party, regardless of its strength, deserved equal respect inside the Assembly.“Here, everyone is equal. Even parties represented by a single member in this House must have their views valued equally alongside those expressed by the members of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, who hold a larger mandate,” Vijay said.“Good suggestions must be accepted, and unsuitable ones rejected. This assembly must function as both the heart and the brain of democracy,” he added.



Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related News

Manoj Kumar Agarwal NEW DELHI: The newly formed BJP-led West Bengal government under chief minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday launched a crackdown on illegal toll booths and unauthorised drop gates operating across the state.The directive was issued by chief secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal, whose appointment had triggered political controversy as he previously served as the state’s chief electoral officer before taking charge as the top bureaucrat in the new BJP government.According to the order, all toll gates, drop gates and barricades operating without government approval must be shut down immediately. District administrations have been directed to identify illegal toll collection points in their respective areas and take prompt action to remove them.Officials have also been instructed to monitor the emergence of any such unauthorised collection centres in the future. The order stated that all forms of money collection at illegal toll points must stop immediately.The state government has further asked district authorities to prepare a list of all legal and illegal toll collection centres and submit the report to the under secretary by 12 noon on May 15.The development comes days after Bangladesh said it could not be “intimidated” by “barbed wire” following the BJP’s historic victory in West Bengal, a state that shares an international border with the neighbouring country.During the high-pitched campaign against the previous Trinamool Congress government led by Mamata Banerjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah repeatedly raised the issue of “infiltration” in the state, referring to alleged illegal migration from Bangladesh.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 MediaVideosAkhilesh Yadav Reacts To Prateek Yadav’s Death, Says “Business Losses Can Deeply Distress People”Air India Slashes International Flights | Why Ticket Prices Are Suddenly ExplodingAir India Slashes International Flights | Why Ticket Prices Are Suddenly ExplodingPrateek Yadav Passes Away At 38 In Lucknow, Political Leaders Express GriefGovt Hikes Gold & Silver Import Duty To 15% | Modesty Push Or Economic Warning?PM Modi Pushes Major Austerity Drive, Orders Reduction In Convoy Size And Fuel Consumption MeasuresPM Modi Pushes Major Austerity Drive, Orders Reduction In Convoy Size And Fuel Consumption MeasuresRahul Gandhi Submits Dissent Note On CBI Chief Selection After Key Meet At PM Modi’s Residence‘India Should Not Close Doors For Dialogue With Pakistan’: RSS General Secretary HosabaleVijay Appoints Astrologer As OSD In Tamil Nadu Govt, TVK Allies Call It ‘Unacceptable’123Photostories10 fashionable footwear every woman should have, which is best for her feet and overall wellnessAlia Bhatt shares her Skin Snack recipe at Cannes that includes Ghee and Jaggery: Here’s how to make it and 3 power snacks recommended by celebs7 Longest snakes in the world you should know aboutBrad Pitt’s most romantic movies: ‘Legends of the Fall’, ‘Meet Joe Black’ and moreFeeling stuck or anxious? 5 signs the universe wants you to change direction7 things Indian families should never keep near the stoveSuccess quote of the day by Ratan Tata: “Success is not measured by the position you hold, but…”5 things travellers and Char Dham pilgrims need to keep in mind this pilgrimage season1 dead, 3 ill after eating watermelon: 3 facts to know about watermelon and rules for storing cut fruitSurviving Snake Island in Brazil; 5 disturbing facts about the world’s most dangerous island every traveller should know123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultLPG stockNEET exam cancelledModi on Gold and WFHTop TrendingOil Price TodayTamil Nadu NewsIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeIPL Match TodayHimanta Biswa SarmaIPL Orange Cap 2026Aparna YadavICE CrackdownPrateek Yadav

Manoj Kumar Agarwal NEW DELHI: The newly formed BJP-led West Bengal government under chief minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday launched a crackdown on illegal toll booths and unauthorised drop gates operating across the state.The directive was issued by chief secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal, whose appointment had triggered political controversy as he previously served as the state’s chief electoral officer before taking charge as the top bureaucrat in the new BJP government.According to the order, all toll gates, drop gates and barricades operating without government approval must be shut down immediately. District administrations have been directed to identify illegal toll collection points in their respective areas and take prompt action to remove them.Officials have also been instructed to monitor the emergence of any such unauthorised collection centres in the future. The order stated that all forms of money collection at illegal toll points must stop immediately.The state government has further asked district authorities to prepare a list of all legal and illegal toll collection centres and submit the report to the under secretary by 12 noon on May 15.The development comes days after Bangladesh said it could not be “intimidated” by “barbed wire” following the BJP’s historic victory in West Bengal, a state that shares an international border with the neighbouring country.During the high-pitched campaign against the previous Trinamool Congress government led by Mamata Banerjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah repeatedly raised the issue of “infiltration” in the state, referring to alleged illegal migration from Bangladesh.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 MediaVideosAkhilesh Yadav Reacts To Prateek Yadav’s Death, Says “Business Losses Can Deeply Distress People”Air India Slashes International Flights | Why Ticket Prices Are Suddenly ExplodingAir India Slashes International Flights | Why Ticket Prices Are Suddenly ExplodingPrateek Yadav Passes Away At 38 In Lucknow, Political Leaders Express GriefGovt Hikes Gold & Silver Import Duty To 15% | Modesty Push Or Economic Warning?PM Modi Pushes Major Austerity Drive, Orders Reduction In Convoy Size And Fuel Consumption MeasuresPM Modi Pushes Major Austerity Drive, Orders Reduction In Convoy Size And Fuel Consumption MeasuresRahul Gandhi Submits Dissent Note On CBI Chief Selection After Key Meet At PM Modi’s Residence‘India Should Not Close Doors For Dialogue With Pakistan’: RSS General Secretary HosabaleVijay Appoints Astrologer As OSD In Tamil Nadu Govt, TVK Allies Call It ‘Unacceptable’123Photostories10 fashionable footwear every woman should have, which is best for her feet and overall wellnessAlia Bhatt shares her Skin Snack recipe at Cannes that includes Ghee and Jaggery: Here’s how to make it and 3 power snacks recommended by celebs7 Longest snakes in the world you should know aboutBrad Pitt’s most romantic movies: ‘Legends of the Fall’, ‘Meet Joe Black’ and moreFeeling stuck or anxious? 5 signs the universe wants you to change direction7 things Indian families should never keep near the stoveSuccess quote of the day by Ratan Tata: “Success is not measured by the position you hold, but…”5 things travellers and Char Dham pilgrims need to keep in mind this pilgrimage season1 dead, 3 ill after eating watermelon: 3 facts to know about watermelon and rules for storing cut fruitSurviving Snake Island in Brazil; 5 disturbing facts about the world’s most dangerous island every traveller should know123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultLPG stockNEET exam cancelledModi on Gold and WFHTop TrendingOil Price TodayTamil Nadu NewsIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeIPL Match TodayHimanta Biswa SarmaIPL Orange Cap 2026Aparna YadavICE CrackdownPrateek Yadav

Vamsikrishna 0
LUCKNOW: Former Western army commander Lt Gen Manoj Katiyar on Tuesday said Pakistan’s military establishment continues to view proxy warfare as a low-cost strategic tool against India and is unlikely to abandon terrorism as an instrument of state policy despite repeated setbacks.Delivering an address on “Op Sindoor 2.0: Lessons, Strategy and Prognosis”, organised by Lucknow-based strategic think tank STRIVE India with the support of HQ Central Command, Lt Gen Katiyar said the Pakistan army sustains terrorism because it reinforces the military’s internal relevance and fuels its anti-India narrative.In May 2025, the Indian military carried out Op Sindoor, in which formations under the Western Command played a substantial role while Lt Gen Katiyar was serving as general officer commanding-in-chief. He retired from service on March 31, 2026, after completing 40 years in the Army.Referring to India’s progressively escalating responses after terror attacks such as Uri, Pulwama and Pahalgam, Lt Gen Katiyar pointed out that Indian military actions had steadily increased in scale, depth and duration.He emphasized that future Indian responses should go beyond tactical punishment and impose sustained military, political and psychological costs on Pakistan. “Deterrence must gradually evolve into compliance, where the cost of supporting proxy warfare becomes too heavy for Pakistan to sustain,” he said.Hinting at the perception battle surrounding the outcome of Op Sindoor on social media and international platforms, Lt Gen Katiyar further said that in modern conflicts, “victory should be seen to be believed”, stressing the importance of perception management in warfare. “There must be special emphasis on information warfare and cyber warfare, these capabilities would play a decisive role in shaping the perception of victory and degrading the enemy’s war-waging capability,” he said.Highlighting the changing character of warfare, the former army commander said future conflicts would increasingly be multi-domain in nature, unfolding simultaneously across land, air, cyber, space, information and the electromagnetic spectrum.Drawing lessons from Op Sindoor and ongoing global conflicts, he stressed the growing importance of drones, precision strikes, electronic warfare, intelligence fusion and compressed decision-making cycles.He also emphasised about the urgent need for improving military diplomacy to strengthen relations with friendly foreign countries and neighbours.About the AuthorArvind ChauhanWhen he’s not chasing stories, you’ll likely find him exploring food lanes, indulging in mutton delicacies and sundaes. He is a journalist with a can-do spirit and a flair for compelling storytelling. From railways and aviation to defence, infrastructure, social development and various other diverse beats, his reportage reflects depth. His work has earned him the Times Scribe Award four times.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGovt Hikes Gold & Silver Import Duty To 15% | Modesty Push Or Economic Warning?PM Modi Pushes Major Austerity Drive, Orders Reduction In Convoy Size And Fuel Consumption MeasuresPM Modi Pushes Major Austerity Drive, Orders Reduction In Convoy Size And Fuel Consumption MeasuresRahul Gandhi Submits Dissent Note On CBI Chief Selection After Key Meet At PM Modi’s Residence‘India Should Not Close Doors For Dialogue With Pakistan’: RSS General Secretary HosabaleVijay Appoints Astrologer As OSD In Tamil Nadu Govt, TVK Allies Call It ‘Unacceptable’Kerala CM Race Heats Up, KC Venugopal Emerges Frontrunner As Rahul Gandhi Holds KeyNEET-UG 2026 Cancelled: NTA Confirms WhatsApp Leak, Announces Refunds & CBI ProbeVijay Meets AIADMK Rebels As EPS Faces Internal Revolt Before Key Assembly VoteIndia Has 60 Days Of Crude Oil LNG; 45 Days Of LPG; Oil Firms Losing ₹1,000 Cr A Day: Hardeep Puri123PhotostoriesSurviving Snake Island in Brazil; 5 disturbing facts about the world’s most dangerous island every traveller should knowInside Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan’s lavish house Mannat: Rare art collection and striking paintingsCan motherhood and career truly go together? This is what Sadhguru says7 ancient temple dishes that have survived for centuries8 easy-to-grow wildflowers that attract butterflies and bees for natural pollination7 days, 7 Hindu gods: The spiritual meaning behind every day of the weekWhy milk-moisturising can irritate certain skin types10 baby boy names inspired by mythological heroes and cosmic warriorsThrowback to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Cannes saree looks that outslayed every gown on the red carpetWalking 10,000 steps every day? Orthopedic doctors reveal when this popular fitness goal may secretly damage your knees and joints123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warBandi Sanjay KumarPune child rape-murder caseLPG stockNEET exam cancelledModi on Gold and WFHTop TrendingOil Price TodayTamil Nadu NewsIPL Points TableFifa World Cup 2026 ScheduleVijay AstrologerHimanta Biswa SarmaIPL Orange Cap 2026AIADMK splitICE CrackdownPrateek Yadav

LUCKNOW: Former Western army commander Lt Gen Manoj Katiyar on Tuesday said Pakistan’s military establishment continues to view proxy warfare as a low-cost strategic tool against India and is unlikely to abandon terrorism as an instrument of state policy despite repeated setbacks.Delivering an address on “Op Sindoor 2.0: Lessons, Strategy and Prognosis”, organised by Lucknow-based strategic think tank STRIVE India with the support of HQ Central Command, Lt Gen Katiyar said the Pakistan army sustains terrorism because it reinforces the military’s internal relevance and fuels its anti-India narrative.In May 2025, the Indian military carried out Op Sindoor, in which formations under the Western Command played a substantial role while Lt Gen Katiyar was serving as general officer commanding-in-chief. He retired from service on March 31, 2026, after completing 40 years in the Army.Referring to India’s progressively escalating responses after terror attacks such as Uri, Pulwama and Pahalgam, Lt Gen Katiyar pointed out that Indian military actions had steadily increased in scale, depth and duration.He emphasized that future Indian responses should go beyond tactical punishment and impose sustained military, political and psychological costs on Pakistan. “Deterrence must gradually evolve into compliance, where the cost of supporting proxy warfare becomes too heavy for Pakistan to sustain,” he said.Hinting at the perception battle surrounding the outcome of Op Sindoor on social media and international platforms, Lt Gen Katiyar further said that in modern conflicts, “victory should be seen to be believed”, stressing the importance of perception management in warfare. “There must be special emphasis on information warfare and cyber warfare, these capabilities would play a decisive role in shaping the perception of victory and degrading the enemy’s war-waging capability,” he said.Highlighting the changing character of warfare, the former army commander said future conflicts would increasingly be multi-domain in nature, unfolding simultaneously across land, air, cyber, space, information and the electromagnetic spectrum.Drawing lessons from Op Sindoor and ongoing global conflicts, he stressed the growing importance of drones, precision strikes, electronic warfare, intelligence fusion and compressed decision-making cycles.He also emphasised about the urgent need for improving military diplomacy to strengthen relations with friendly foreign countries and neighbours.About the AuthorArvind ChauhanWhen he’s not chasing stories, you’ll likely find him exploring food lanes, indulging in mutton delicacies and sundaes. He is a journalist with a can-do spirit and a flair for compelling storytelling. From railways and aviation to defence, infrastructure, social development and various other diverse beats, his reportage reflects depth. His work has earned him the Times Scribe Award four times.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGovt Hikes Gold & Silver Import Duty To 15% | Modesty Push Or Economic Warning?PM Modi Pushes Major Austerity Drive, Orders Reduction In Convoy Size And Fuel Consumption MeasuresPM Modi Pushes Major Austerity Drive, Orders Reduction In Convoy Size And Fuel Consumption MeasuresRahul Gandhi Submits Dissent Note On CBI Chief Selection After Key Meet At PM Modi’s Residence‘India Should Not Close Doors For Dialogue With Pakistan’: RSS General Secretary HosabaleVijay Appoints Astrologer As OSD In Tamil Nadu Govt, TVK Allies Call It ‘Unacceptable’Kerala CM Race Heats Up, KC Venugopal Emerges Frontrunner As Rahul Gandhi Holds KeyNEET-UG 2026 Cancelled: NTA Confirms WhatsApp Leak, Announces Refunds & CBI ProbeVijay Meets AIADMK Rebels As EPS Faces Internal Revolt Before Key Assembly VoteIndia Has 60 Days Of Crude Oil LNG; 45 Days Of LPG; Oil Firms Losing ₹1,000 Cr A Day: Hardeep Puri123PhotostoriesSurviving Snake Island in Brazil; 5 disturbing facts about the world’s most dangerous island every traveller should knowInside Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan’s lavish house Mannat: Rare art collection and striking paintingsCan motherhood and career truly go together? This is what Sadhguru says7 ancient temple dishes that have survived for centuries8 easy-to-grow wildflowers that attract butterflies and bees for natural pollination7 days, 7 Hindu gods: The spiritual meaning behind every day of the weekWhy milk-moisturising can irritate certain skin types10 baby boy names inspired by mythological heroes and cosmic warriorsThrowback to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Cannes saree looks that outslayed every gown on the red carpetWalking 10,000 steps every day? Orthopedic doctors reveal when this popular fitness goal may secretly damage your knees and joints123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warBandi Sanjay KumarPune child rape-murder caseLPG stockNEET exam cancelledModi on Gold and WFHTop TrendingOil Price TodayTamil Nadu NewsIPL Points TableFifa World Cup 2026 ScheduleVijay AstrologerHimanta Biswa SarmaIPL Orange Cap 2026AIADMK splitICE CrackdownPrateek Yadav

Vamsikrishna 0
ANI file photo NEW DELHI: From conducting a life-saving midnight delivery on a remote Lakshadweep island to treating patients in the harsh high-altitude terrain of Ladakh, 15 nursing professionals from across the country were honoured with the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 by President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday.The awards were presented at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on International Nurses Day in the presence of Union health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and minister of state for health Prataprao Jadhav.Among the awardees was Aysha Beebi K from Lakshadweep, recognised for conducting a critical midnight delivery on a remote island that saved both mother and child during an emergency.Ladakh-based Auxiliary Nurse Midwife Kulwinder Parhi was honoured for nearly three decades of service in difficult high-altitude regions, including treatment of civilians and troops under extreme weather conditions.Delhi nursing officer Dr Sharwan Kumar Dhaka was recognised for his role in Covid-19 vaccination outreach and public health services in underserved communities.Several awardees were recognised for healthcare delivery in remote tribal, island and high-altitude regions, including emergency care during cyclones, Covid outreach and difficult terrain operations.In her address, the President said nursing personnel exemplify the highest standards of service and play a crucial role in delivering quality healthcare, often under challenging conditions.The awardees included Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), registered nurses, nursing officers and educators from across the country, including Major General Lissamma P.V. from Army medical services, who was honoured for contributions to military healthcare.The National Florence Nightingale Award, instituted by the Union health ministry, recognises exceptional service, compassion and resilience in nursing. Each award carries a Certificate of Merit, a medal and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh.Marking International Nurses Day, Nadda said nurses are central to strengthening healthcare systems and improving community health outcomes. Referring to this year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives”, he said investing in nurses’ wellbeing was essential for building a healthier society.The health ministry said nurses remain the closest point of contact for patients and play a key role in healthcare delivery, patient advocacy and public health implementation across the country.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi Pushes Major Austerity Drive, Orders Reduction In Convoy Size And Fuel Consumption MeasuresPM Modi Pushes Major Austerity Drive, Orders Reduction In Convoy Size And Fuel Consumption MeasuresRahul Gandhi Submits Dissent Note On CBI Chief Selection After Key Meet At PM Modi’s Residence‘India Should Not Close Doors For Dialogue With Pakistan’: RSS General Secretary HosabaleVijay Appoints Astrologer As OSD In Tamil Nadu Govt, TVK Allies Call It ‘Unacceptable’Kerala CM Race Heats Up, KC Venugopal Emerges Frontrunner As Rahul Gandhi Holds KeyNEET-UG 2026 Cancelled: NTA Confirms WhatsApp Leak, Announces Refunds & CBI ProbeVijay Meets AIADMK Rebels As EPS Faces Internal Revolt Before Key Assembly VoteIndia Has 60 Days Of Crude Oil LNG; 45 Days Of LPG; Oil Firms Losing ₹1,000 Cr A Day: Hardeep PuriNEET-UG 2026 Cancelled After Leak Verified; NTA Promises Fair Re-Exam For Students | Watch123PhotostoriesCan motherhood and career truly go together? This is what Sadhguru says7 ancient temple dishes that have survived for centuries8 easy-to-grow wildflowers that attract butterflies and bees for natural pollination7 days, 7 Hindu gods: The spiritual meaning behind every day of the weekWhy milk-moisturising can irritate certain skin types10 baby boy names inspired by mythological heroes and cosmic warriorsThrowback to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Cannes saree looks that outslayed every gown on the red carpetWalking 10,000 steps every day? Orthopedic doctors reveal when this popular fitness goal may secretly damage your knees and jointsMorning affirmation at 5 AM: Fuel your mind with positivity earlyAlia Bhatt adds a desi twist to Cannes 2026 with a custom dupatta on her breathtaking coral gown123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultRaj SinghBandi Sanjay KumarPune child rape-murder caseLPG stockNEET exam cancelledModi on Gold and WFHTop TrendingOil Price TodayTamil Nadu NewsIPL Points TableFifa World Cup 2026 ScheduleVijay AstrologerHimanta Biswa SarmaIPL Orange Cap 2026AIADMK splitICE CrackdownPrateek Yadav

ANI file photo NEW DELHI: From conducting a life-saving midnight delivery on a remote Lakshadweep island to treating patients in the harsh high-altitude terrain of Ladakh, 15 nursing professionals from across the country were honoured with the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 by President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday.The awards were presented at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on International Nurses Day in the presence of Union health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and minister of state for health Prataprao Jadhav.Among the awardees was Aysha Beebi K from Lakshadweep, recognised for conducting a critical midnight delivery on a remote island that saved both mother and child during an emergency.Ladakh-based Auxiliary Nurse Midwife Kulwinder Parhi was honoured for nearly three decades of service in difficult high-altitude regions, including treatment of civilians and troops under extreme weather conditions.Delhi nursing officer Dr Sharwan Kumar Dhaka was recognised for his role in Covid-19 vaccination outreach and public health services in underserved communities.Several awardees were recognised for healthcare delivery in remote tribal, island and high-altitude regions, including emergency care during cyclones, Covid outreach and difficult terrain operations.In her address, the President said nursing personnel exemplify the highest standards of service and play a crucial role in delivering quality healthcare, often under challenging conditions.The awardees included Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), registered nurses, nursing officers and educators from across the country, including Major General Lissamma P.V. from Army medical services, who was honoured for contributions to military healthcare.The National Florence Nightingale Award, instituted by the Union health ministry, recognises exceptional service, compassion and resilience in nursing. Each award carries a Certificate of Merit, a medal and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh.Marking International Nurses Day, Nadda said nurses are central to strengthening healthcare systems and improving community health outcomes. Referring to this year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives”, he said investing in nurses’ wellbeing was essential for building a healthier society.The health ministry said nurses remain the closest point of contact for patients and play a key role in healthcare delivery, patient advocacy and public health implementation across the country.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi Pushes Major Austerity Drive, Orders Reduction In Convoy Size And Fuel Consumption MeasuresPM Modi Pushes Major Austerity Drive, Orders Reduction In Convoy Size And Fuel Consumption MeasuresRahul Gandhi Submits Dissent Note On CBI Chief Selection After Key Meet At PM Modi’s Residence‘India Should Not Close Doors For Dialogue With Pakistan’: RSS General Secretary HosabaleVijay Appoints Astrologer As OSD In Tamil Nadu Govt, TVK Allies Call It ‘Unacceptable’Kerala CM Race Heats Up, KC Venugopal Emerges Frontrunner As Rahul Gandhi Holds KeyNEET-UG 2026 Cancelled: NTA Confirms WhatsApp Leak, Announces Refunds & CBI ProbeVijay Meets AIADMK Rebels As EPS Faces Internal Revolt Before Key Assembly VoteIndia Has 60 Days Of Crude Oil LNG; 45 Days Of LPG; Oil Firms Losing ₹1,000 Cr A Day: Hardeep PuriNEET-UG 2026 Cancelled After Leak Verified; NTA Promises Fair Re-Exam For Students | Watch123PhotostoriesCan motherhood and career truly go together? This is what Sadhguru says7 ancient temple dishes that have survived for centuries8 easy-to-grow wildflowers that attract butterflies and bees for natural pollination7 days, 7 Hindu gods: The spiritual meaning behind every day of the weekWhy milk-moisturising can irritate certain skin types10 baby boy names inspired by mythological heroes and cosmic warriorsThrowback to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Cannes saree looks that outslayed every gown on the red carpetWalking 10,000 steps every day? Orthopedic doctors reveal when this popular fitness goal may secretly damage your knees and jointsMorning affirmation at 5 AM: Fuel your mind with positivity earlyAlia Bhatt adds a desi twist to Cannes 2026 with a custom dupatta on her breathtaking coral gown123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultRaj SinghBandi Sanjay KumarPune child rape-murder caseLPG stockNEET exam cancelledModi on Gold and WFHTop TrendingOil Price TodayTamil Nadu NewsIPL Points TableFifa World Cup 2026 ScheduleVijay AstrologerHimanta Biswa SarmaIPL Orange Cap 2026AIADMK splitICE CrackdownPrateek Yadav

Vamsikrishna 0
NEW DELHI: Days after being sworn in as Tamil Nadu chief minister, Vijay is set to face his first floor test in the assembly on Wednesday.His party, TVK, ended the decades-long DMK-AIADMK duopoly by emerging as the single-largest party in the 2026 assembly elections with 108 seats, but remained 11 short of the majority mark in the 234-member House.This pushed the actor-turned-politician to stitch together a post-poll alliance with Congress and several smaller parties. Watch Vijay Appoints Astrologer As OSD In Tamil Nadu Govt, TVK Allies Call It ‘Unacceptable’TVK secured support from Congress (5), the Indian Union Muslim League (2), the Communist Party of India (2), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (2) and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (2), taking the ruling coalition’s strength to 120.What to expectThe numbers currently appear to favour the newly sworn-in chief minister. Even after one legislator was temporarily barred from participating in assembly proceedings, including the floor test, the coalition remains above the majority mark, making the trust vote appear manageable for Vijay.Ahead of the vote, Vijay spent Tuesday holding a series of meetings with alliance partners and opposition leaders to consolidate support. He met Congress leaders at the party’s state headquarters in Chennai, visited VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan at his residence and held talks with IUML leaders.AIADMK vs AIADMKVijay also met rebel AIADMK leaders CV Shanmugam and SP Velumani. The AIADMK had won 47 seats in the election. The meetings intensified turmoil within the opposition camp after a group of around 30 AIADMK MLAs led by Shanmugam and Velumani announced support for the TVK government, openly challenging party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami.The rebel leaders accused Palaniswami of exploring an arrangement with the DMK to form an alternative government, a charge rejected by both the AIADMK leadership and the DMK. 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,” referring to former chief minister J Jayalalithaa.The official AIADMK faction, however, issued a whip directing all 47 party MLAs to vote against the confidence motion. Senior leader Agri SS Krishnamurthy warned that violations of the whip would invite action under the anti-defection law.One more setback before the floor testAnother complication emerged after the Madras High Court restrained TVK MLA R Seenivasa Sethupathy from participating in the trust vote. Sethupathy had won the Tiruppattur seat by a margin of one vote, and his election was challenged by DMK’s KR Periakaruppan over alleged counting irregularities. The court’s interim order reduced TVK’s effective tally from 120 to 119 still one above the majority mark of 118. Sethupathy has since approached the Supreme Court, which is expected to hear the matter on Wednesday.A forgery row, tooMeanwhile, political controversy broke out over TVK’s claimed support from Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam MLA S Kamaraj. AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran accused TVK of using a forged support letter and an AI-generated video to falsely project his MLA’s backing. TVK denied the allegation and released footage purportedly showing Kamaraj signing the support letter. Kamaraj has since been expelled from the AMMK.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 MediaVideosPM Modi Pushes Major Austerity Drive, Orders Reduction In Convoy Size And Fuel Consumption MeasuresPM Modi Pushes Major Austerity Drive, Orders Reduction In Convoy Size And Fuel Consumption MeasuresRahul Gandhi Submits Dissent Note On CBI Chief Selection After Key Meet At PM Modi’s Residence‘India Should Not Close Doors For Dialogue With Pakistan’: RSS General Secretary HosabaleVijay Appoints Astrologer As OSD In Tamil Nadu Govt, TVK Allies Call It ‘Unacceptable’Kerala CM Race Heats Up, KC Venugopal Emerges Frontrunner As Rahul Gandhi Holds KeyNEET-UG 2026 Cancelled: NTA Confirms WhatsApp Leak, Announces Refunds & CBI ProbeVijay Meets AIADMK Rebels As EPS Faces Internal Revolt Before Key Assembly VoteIndia Has 60 Days Of Crude Oil LNG; 45 Days Of LPG; Oil Firms Losing ₹1,000 Cr A Day: Hardeep PuriNEET-UG 2026 Cancelled After Leak Verified; NTA Promises Fair Re-Exam For Students | Watch123Photostories7 ancient temple dishes that have survived for centuries8 easy-to-grow wildflowers that attract butterflies and bees for natural pollination7 days, 7 Hindu gods: The spiritual meaning behind every day of the weekWhy milk-moisturising can irritate certain skin types10 baby boy names inspired by mythological heroes and cosmic warriorsThrowback to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Cannes saree looks that outslayed every gown on the red carpetWalking 10,000 steps every day? Orthopedic doctors reveal when this popular fitness goal may secretly damage your knees and jointsMorning affirmation at 5 AM: Fuel your mind with positivity earlyAlia Bhatt adds a desi twist to Cannes 2026 with a custom dupatta on her breathtaking coral gownWhy you feel constantly drained: 10 signs your soul needs healing123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultRaj SinghBandi Sanjay KumarPune child rape-murder caseLPG stockNEET exam cancelledModi on Gold and WFHTop TrendingOil Price TodayTamil Nadu NewsIPL Points TableFifa World Cup 2026 ScheduleVijay AstrologerHimanta Biswa SarmaIPL Orange Cap 2026AIADMK splitICE CrackdownPrateek Yadav

NEW DELHI: Days after being sworn in as Tamil Nadu chief minister, Vijay is set to face his first floor test in the assembly on Wednesday.His party, TVK, ended the decades-long DMK-AIADMK duopoly by emerging as the single-largest party in the 2026 assembly elections with 108 seats, but remained 11 short of the majority mark in the 234-member House.This pushed the actor-turned-politician to stitch together a post-poll alliance with Congress and several smaller parties. Watch Vijay Appoints Astrologer As OSD In Tamil Nadu Govt, TVK Allies Call It ‘Unacceptable’TVK secured support from Congress (5), the Indian Union Muslim League (2), the Communist Party of India (2), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (2) and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (2), taking the ruling coalition’s strength to 120.What to expectThe numbers currently appear to favour the newly sworn-in chief minister. Even after one legislator was temporarily barred from participating in assembly proceedings, including the floor test, the coalition remains above the majority mark, making the trust vote appear manageable for Vijay.Ahead of the vote, Vijay spent Tuesday holding a series of meetings with alliance partners and opposition leaders to consolidate support. He met Congress leaders at the party’s state headquarters in Chennai, visited VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan at his residence and held talks with IUML leaders.AIADMK vs AIADMKVijay also met rebel AIADMK leaders CV Shanmugam and SP Velumani. The AIADMK had won 47 seats in the election. The meetings intensified turmoil within the opposition camp after a group of around 30 AIADMK MLAs led by Shanmugam and Velumani announced support for the TVK government, openly challenging party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami.The rebel leaders accused Palaniswami of exploring an arrangement with the DMK to form an alternative government, a charge rejected by both the AIADMK leadership and the DMK. 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,” referring to former chief minister J Jayalalithaa.The official AIADMK faction, however, issued a whip directing all 47 party MLAs to vote against the confidence motion. Senior leader Agri SS Krishnamurthy warned that violations of the whip would invite action under the anti-defection law.One more setback before the floor testAnother complication emerged after the Madras High Court restrained TVK MLA R Seenivasa Sethupathy from participating in the trust vote. Sethupathy had won the Tiruppattur seat by a margin of one vote, and his election was challenged by DMK’s KR Periakaruppan over alleged counting irregularities. The court’s interim order reduced TVK’s effective tally from 120 to 119 still one above the majority mark of 118. Sethupathy has since approached the Supreme Court, which is expected to hear the matter on Wednesday.A forgery row, tooMeanwhile, political controversy broke out over TVK’s claimed support from Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam MLA S Kamaraj. AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran accused TVK of using a forged support letter and an AI-generated video to falsely project his MLA’s backing. TVK denied the allegation and released footage purportedly showing Kamaraj signing the support letter. Kamaraj has since been expelled from the AMMK.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 MediaVideosPM Modi Pushes Major Austerity Drive, Orders Reduction In Convoy Size And Fuel Consumption MeasuresPM Modi Pushes Major Austerity Drive, Orders Reduction In Convoy Size And Fuel Consumption MeasuresRahul Gandhi Submits Dissent Note On CBI Chief Selection After Key Meet At PM Modi’s Residence‘India Should Not Close Doors For Dialogue With Pakistan’: RSS General Secretary HosabaleVijay Appoints Astrologer As OSD In Tamil Nadu Govt, TVK Allies Call It ‘Unacceptable’Kerala CM Race Heats Up, KC Venugopal Emerges Frontrunner As Rahul Gandhi Holds KeyNEET-UG 2026 Cancelled: NTA Confirms WhatsApp Leak, Announces Refunds & CBI ProbeVijay Meets AIADMK Rebels As EPS Faces Internal Revolt Before Key Assembly VoteIndia Has 60 Days Of Crude Oil LNG; 45 Days Of LPG; Oil Firms Losing ₹1,000 Cr A Day: Hardeep PuriNEET-UG 2026 Cancelled After Leak Verified; NTA Promises Fair Re-Exam For Students | Watch123Photostories7 ancient temple dishes that have survived for centuries8 easy-to-grow wildflowers that attract butterflies and bees for natural pollination7 days, 7 Hindu gods: The spiritual meaning behind every day of the weekWhy milk-moisturising can irritate certain skin types10 baby boy names inspired by mythological heroes and cosmic warriorsThrowback to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Cannes saree looks that outslayed every gown on the red carpetWalking 10,000 steps every day? Orthopedic doctors reveal when this popular fitness goal may secretly damage your knees and jointsMorning affirmation at 5 AM: Fuel your mind with positivity earlyAlia Bhatt adds a desi twist to Cannes 2026 with a custom dupatta on her breathtaking coral gownWhy you feel constantly drained: 10 signs your soul needs healing123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultRaj SinghBandi Sanjay KumarPune child rape-murder caseLPG stockNEET exam cancelledModi on Gold and WFHTop TrendingOil Price TodayTamil Nadu NewsIPL Points TableFifa World Cup 2026 ScheduleVijay AstrologerHimanta Biswa SarmaIPL Orange Cap 2026AIADMK splitICE CrackdownPrateek Yadav

Vamsikrishna 0
Newsmatic - News WordPress Theme 2026. Powered By BlazeThemes.