May 17, 2026
NEW DELHI: TVK has finally achieved the numbers needed to form the government in Tamil Nadu after days of intense political uncertainty, strategic negotiations and shifting alliance equations in the aftermath of the hung assembly verdict.The breakthrough came after Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) formally extended support to Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), helping the party attain the crucial majority mark of 118 in the 234-member assembly. Watch DMK Denies Possibility Of Alliance With AIADMK As Vijay’s TVK Reshapes Tamil Nadu PoliticsActor-turned-politician Vijay’s TVK, which emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, had initially fallen short of the majority mark. Though Vijay’s party won 108 seats, the TVK chief would have to leave one seat as he contested from two constituencies, bringing down the tally to 107.With Congress, VCK, CPI and CPM backing TVK, the alliance finally crossed the majority mark with 118 MLAs.The final tally stands at:TVK: 107Congress: 5VCK: 2CPI: 2CPM: 2How TVK achieved the numbersCongress, which was quick to break away from DMK, was the first to extend support to TVK with its five MLAs, taking the alliance tally to 112. However, the coalition still remained short of the 118 seats required to form the government, triggering a political stalemate and putting the spotlight firmly on smaller regional and Left parties.As uncertainty gripped the state’s political landscape, parties that had long remained within the DMK-led alliance began reconsidering their positions in light of TVK’s emergence as the dominant force in the assembly.Finally, CPM general secretary MA Baby, while addressing mediapersons in Delhi, said the CPI, CPM and VCK, which together have six MLAs in the state assembly, have been taking measures to enable TVK to demonstrate majority support and stake claim to form the government.Earlier, CPM state leader P Shanmugam had confirmed receiving a formal letter from Vijay seeking support. He had argued that constitutional convention favoured inviting the single largest party to form the government in a hung assembly.TVK’s successful push to the majority mark marks a historic political moment in Tamil Nadu, effectively ending the decades-old DMK-AIADMK dominance and signalling the arrival of a new political force at the centre of the state’s politics.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 MediaVideosSanjay Raut Writes To Donald Trump Over Bengal Polls, Questions BJP Victory PraiseDeadly Hantavirus Outbreak On Luxury Cruise Ship | 3 Dead, Indians Among Crew Onboard MV HondiusDMK Denies Possibility Of Alliance With AIADMK As Vijay’s TVK Reshapes Tamil Nadu PoliticsDMK-AIADMK Tie-Up Buzz Grows As Stalin Weighs Options To Block Vijay Government“Mamata Can Set Up Her Own Court”: Nishikant Dubey’s Sharp Attack On TMC Over Bengal Law And OrderMahua Moitra Alleges Harassment Inside IndiGo Flight As Passengers Raise “TMC Chor” Slogans234 Mango Varieties On One Tree? ICAR’s Incredible Experiment Stuns Shivraj Singh ChouhanFrom Panihati To Howrah’s Shibpur: Bengal Rocked By Multiple Bomb BlastsNida Khan Arrested In Explosive TCS Nashik Harassment And Religious Coercion CaseGovernor RN Ravi Dissolves West Bengal Assembly After Mamata Banerjee Refuses To Resign123Photostories8 most uniquely designed passports in the worldAnimals and insects that are as venomous as the Inland Taipan7 things emotionally safe homes do differently: Is your home among them?How to use fruit peels as a fertiliser (common fruits to know)Optical illusion personality test: Woman or trees? What you see first reveals if you are more emotional or logicalGK Fact of the Day: 7 animals that can survive without water for longAre dolphins, sharks, and whales mammals? The answer may surprise youThe Sacred Neck Bead Seen on Anushka Sharma and Its Spiritual Benefits5 smart upcycling DIYs that turn trash into stunning home decor (at a low cost!)These plants are banned from being grown in UK gardens123Hot PicksSBI Q4 resultsThane- Navi Mumbai corridorMaharashtra SSC ResultPune child rape-murder casePerambur election resultIndia-New Zealand FTASugarcane price hikeTop TrendingTamil nadu government formationVaibhav SooryavanshiTamil Nadu Class 12 Result 2026Maharashtra Board SSC Result 2026Mumbai Watermelon Death CaseDelhi Capital vs KKR IPL MatchWBBSE Madhyamik Result 2026Salil AnkolaDaniil Medvedev WifeBan vs Pak

NEW DELHI: TVK has finally achieved the numbers needed to form the government in Tamil Nadu after days of intense political uncertainty, strategic negotiations and shifting alliance equations in the aftermath of the hung assembly verdict.The breakthrough came after Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) formally extended support to Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), helping the party attain the crucial majority mark of 118 in the 234-member assembly. Watch DMK Denies Possibility Of Alliance With AIADMK As Vijay’s TVK Reshapes Tamil Nadu PoliticsActor-turned-politician Vijay’s TVK, which emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, had initially fallen short of the majority mark. Though Vijay’s party won 108 seats, the TVK chief would have to leave one seat as he contested from two constituencies, bringing down the tally to 107.With Congress, VCK, CPI and CPM backing TVK, the alliance finally crossed the majority mark with 118 MLAs.The final tally stands at:TVK: 107Congress: 5VCK: 2CPI: 2CPM: 2How TVK achieved the numbersCongress, which was quick to break away from DMK, was the first to extend support to TVK with its five MLAs, taking the alliance tally to 112. However, the coalition still remained short of the 118 seats required to form the government, triggering a political stalemate and putting the spotlight firmly on smaller regional and Left parties.As uncertainty gripped the state’s political landscape, parties that had long remained within the DMK-led alliance began reconsidering their positions in light of TVK’s emergence as the dominant force in the assembly.Finally, CPM general secretary MA Baby, while addressing mediapersons in Delhi, said the CPI, CPM and VCK, which together have six MLAs in the state assembly, have been taking measures to enable TVK to demonstrate majority support and stake claim to form the government.Earlier, CPM state leader P Shanmugam had confirmed receiving a formal letter from Vijay seeking support. He had argued that constitutional convention favoured inviting the single largest party to form the government in a hung assembly.TVK’s successful push to the majority mark marks a historic political moment in Tamil Nadu, effectively ending the decades-old DMK-AIADMK dominance and signalling the arrival of a new political force at the centre of the state’s politics.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 MediaVideosSanjay Raut Writes To Donald Trump Over Bengal Polls, Questions BJP Victory PraiseDeadly Hantavirus Outbreak On Luxury Cruise Ship | 3 Dead, Indians Among Crew Onboard MV HondiusDMK Denies Possibility Of Alliance With AIADMK As Vijay’s TVK Reshapes Tamil Nadu PoliticsDMK-AIADMK Tie-Up Buzz Grows As Stalin Weighs Options To Block Vijay Government“Mamata Can Set Up Her Own Court”: Nishikant Dubey’s Sharp Attack On TMC Over Bengal Law And OrderMahua Moitra Alleges Harassment Inside IndiGo Flight As Passengers Raise “TMC Chor” Slogans234 Mango Varieties On One Tree? ICAR’s Incredible Experiment Stuns Shivraj Singh ChouhanFrom Panihati To Howrah’s Shibpur: Bengal Rocked By Multiple Bomb BlastsNida Khan Arrested In Explosive TCS Nashik Harassment And Religious Coercion CaseGovernor RN Ravi Dissolves West Bengal Assembly After Mamata Banerjee Refuses To Resign123Photostories8 most uniquely designed passports in the worldAnimals and insects that are as venomous as the Inland Taipan7 things emotionally safe homes do differently: Is your home among them?How to use fruit peels as a fertiliser (common fruits to know)Optical illusion personality test: Woman or trees? What you see first reveals if you are more emotional or logicalGK Fact of the Day: 7 animals that can survive without water for longAre dolphins, sharks, and whales mammals? The answer may surprise youThe Sacred Neck Bead Seen on Anushka Sharma and Its Spiritual Benefits5 smart upcycling DIYs that turn trash into stunning home decor (at a low cost!)These plants are banned from being grown in UK gardens123Hot PicksSBI Q4 resultsThane- Navi Mumbai corridorMaharashtra SSC ResultPune child rape-murder casePerambur election resultIndia-New Zealand FTASugarcane price hikeTop TrendingTamil nadu government formationVaibhav SooryavanshiTamil Nadu Class 12 Result 2026Maharashtra Board SSC Result 2026Mumbai Watermelon Death CaseDelhi Capital vs KKR IPL MatchWBBSE Madhyamik Result 2026Salil AnkolaDaniil Medvedev WifeBan vs Pak

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: TVK has finally achieved the numbers needed to form the government in Tamil Nadu after days of intense political uncertainty, strategic negotiations and shifting alliance equations in the aftermath of the hung assembly verdict.The breakthrough came after Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) formally…

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TN HSC Result 2026: Supplementary exams from June 29; applications open on May 18

TN HSC Result 2026: Supplementary exams from June 29; applications open on May 18

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Tamil Nadu Class 12 supplementary schedule released after HSC results 2026 declaration TN HSC supplementary exams 2026: The Directorate of Government Examinations, Tamil Nadu, has announced the supplementary examination schedule for Class 12 students following the declaration of the TN HSC Result 2026. The Higher Secondary Certificate supplementary examinations will be conducted from June 29…

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‘Madgaon Express 2’ officially confirmed as Kunal Kemmu begins writing the sequel script – Report

‘Madgaon Express 2’ officially confirmed as Kunal Kemmu begins writing the sequel script – Report

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Madgaon Express sequel is reportedly in development as Kunal Khemu works on the script while balancing Golmaal 5. The original film’s trio of Pratik Gandhi, Divyenndu and Avinash Tiwary may return. The 2024 hit marked Khemu’s successful directorial debut. ‘Madgaon Express’ emerged as an unexpected crowd-pleaser last year, winning over audiences with its wild humour,…

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8 residential areas driving real estate growth in Thiruvananthapuram

8 residential areas driving real estate growth in Thiruvananthapuram

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

Vattiyoorkavu is one of the rapidly growing residential localities famous for its lush environment and peaceful atmosphere. Both independent houses and flats are found here. The locality is also known for ongoing infrastructural development projects, making it popular among those seeking a calm and peaceful lifestyle. In Thiruvananthapuram, there are several excellent residential localities, all…

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‘Why in English?’ Pakistan’s bizarre reaction to Indian presser on Op Sindoor goes viral

‘Why in English?’ Pakistan’s bizarre reaction to Indian presser on Op Sindoor goes viral

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: A press conference held by Pakistan’s military on Thursday, marking the first anniversary of the 2025 India-Pakistan military confrontation, triggered sharp reactions online. Soon after India began its press conference, Pakistan also held a presser to mark the anniversary of what it termed as “Marka-e-haq”.However, reacting to India’s remarks, Pakistan army spokesperson Lt…

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Photo credit: ANI NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday criticised remarks by US president Donald Trump congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the BJP’s West Bengal poll victory as “premature and misplaced”, asserting that state elections are an “internal matter of India’s federal democracy”.In a post on X tagging Trump, Raut said that “any external endorsement appears premature and misplaced” and urged the US president to adopt a “more informed and balanced view” about the elections.“As a Member of Parliament from India, I write in response to reports of your congratulations to PM Narendra Modi on the West Bengal Assembly election results. These are state-level elections — an internal matter of India’s federal democracy,” Raut said.The Rajya Sabha MP further alleged that the West Bengal polls were conducted amid an atmosphere of “fear, intimidation, and systemic pressure”. He alleged there were “widespread perceptions” that the Election Commission of India did not act impartially and that its functioning appeared to favour the BJP, raising questions about “institutional neutrality”.“There are allegations regarding the extensive deployment of Central forces, which many believe created coercion rather than confidence. Senior leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, have publicly raised concerns about the fairness of the process,” he wrote.“Democracy is not just about elections — it is about ensuring they are free, fair, and credible. When serious allegations arise, they warrant scrutiny, not celebration,” Raut added.Earlier this week, the BJP secured a more than two-thirds majority in the West Bengal assembly polls, ending the 15-year rule of chief minister Mamata Banerjee. The party also retained power in Assam for a third term. A White House spokesperson on Tuesday said Trump had congratulated Modi on the BJP’s “historic and decisive” victory.Reacting sharply to Raut’s latest remarks, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla hit out at Raut calling him the “joker of Indian politics” and accused Opposition leaders of trying to tarnish India’s image globally.“Sanjay Raut is the joker of Indian politics. He and Rahul Gandhi have taken a ‘supari’ to besmirch India’s image for domestic political petty battles and in Modi’s opposition they oppose the country,” Poonawalla said in a video post on X.He added that Indian democracy was being “hailed across the world”, but Opposition leaders were spreading “false narratives” over the electoral process.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 MediaVideosSanjay Raut Writes To Donald Trump Over Bengal Polls, Questions BJP Victory PraiseDeadly Hantavirus Outbreak On Luxury Cruise Ship | 3 Dead, Indians Among Crew Onboard MV HondiusDMK Denies Possibility Of Alliance With AIADMK As Vijay’s TVK Reshapes Tamil Nadu PoliticsDMK-AIADMK Tie-Up Buzz Grows As Stalin Weighs Options To Block Vijay Government“Mamata Can Set Up Her Own Court”: Nishikant Dubey’s Sharp Attack On TMC Over Bengal Law And OrderMahua Moitra Alleges Harassment Inside IndiGo Flight As Passengers Raise “TMC Chor” Slogans234 Mango Varieties On One Tree? ICAR’s Incredible Experiment Stuns Shivraj Singh ChouhanFrom Panihati To Howrah’s Shibpur: Bengal Rocked By Multiple Bomb BlastsNida Khan Arrested In Explosive TCS Nashik Harassment And Religious Coercion CaseGovernor RN Ravi Dissolves West Bengal Assembly After Mamata Banerjee Refuses To Resign123Photostories8 most uniquely designed passports in the worldAnimals and insects that are as venomous as the Inland Taipan7 things emotionally safe homes do differently: Is your home among them?How to use fruit peels as a fertiliser (common fruits to know)Optical illusion personality test: Woman or trees? What you see first reveals if you are more emotional or logicalGK Fact of the Day: 7 animals that can survive without water for longAre dolphins, sharks, and whales mammals? The answer may surprise youThe Sacred Neck Bead Seen on Anushka Sharma and Its Spiritual Benefits5 smart upcycling DIYs that turn trash into stunning home decor (at a low cost!)These plants are banned from being grown in UK gardens123Hot PicksSBI Q4 resultsThane- Navi Mumbai corridorMaharashtra SSC ResultPune child rape-murder casePerambur election resultIndia-New Zealand FTASugarcane price hikeTop TrendingTamil nadu government formationVaibhav SooryavanshiTamil Nadu Class 12 Result 2026Maharashtra Board SSC Result 2026Mumbai Watermelon Death CaseDelhi Capital vs KKR IPL MatchWBBSE Madhyamik Result 2026Salil AnkolaDaniil Medvedev WifeBan vs Pak

Photo credit: ANI NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday criticised remarks by US president Donald Trump congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the BJP’s West Bengal poll victory as “premature and misplaced”, asserting that state elections are an “internal matter of India’s federal democracy”.In a post on X tagging Trump, Raut said that “any external endorsement appears premature and misplaced” and urged the US president to adopt a “more informed and balanced view” about the elections.“As a Member of Parliament from India, I write in response to reports of your congratulations to PM Narendra Modi on the West Bengal Assembly election results. These are state-level elections — an internal matter of India’s federal democracy,” Raut said.The Rajya Sabha MP further alleged that the West Bengal polls were conducted amid an atmosphere of “fear, intimidation, and systemic pressure”. He alleged there were “widespread perceptions” that the Election Commission of India did not act impartially and that its functioning appeared to favour the BJP, raising questions about “institutional neutrality”.“There are allegations regarding the extensive deployment of Central forces, which many believe created coercion rather than confidence. Senior leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, have publicly raised concerns about the fairness of the process,” he wrote.“Democracy is not just about elections — it is about ensuring they are free, fair, and credible. When serious allegations arise, they warrant scrutiny, not celebration,” Raut added.Earlier this week, the BJP secured a more than two-thirds majority in the West Bengal assembly polls, ending the 15-year rule of chief minister Mamata Banerjee. The party also retained power in Assam for a third term. A White House spokesperson on Tuesday said Trump had congratulated Modi on the BJP’s “historic and decisive” victory.Reacting sharply to Raut’s latest remarks, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla hit out at Raut calling him the “joker of Indian politics” and accused Opposition leaders of trying to tarnish India’s image globally.“Sanjay Raut is the joker of Indian politics. He and Rahul Gandhi have taken a ‘supari’ to besmirch India’s image for domestic political petty battles and in Modi’s opposition they oppose the country,” Poonawalla said in a video post on X.He added that Indian democracy was being “hailed across the world”, but Opposition leaders were spreading “false narratives” over the electoral process.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 MediaVideosSanjay Raut Writes To Donald Trump Over Bengal Polls, Questions BJP Victory PraiseDeadly Hantavirus Outbreak On Luxury Cruise Ship | 3 Dead, Indians Among Crew Onboard MV HondiusDMK Denies Possibility Of Alliance With AIADMK As Vijay’s TVK Reshapes Tamil Nadu PoliticsDMK-AIADMK Tie-Up Buzz Grows As Stalin Weighs Options To Block Vijay Government“Mamata Can Set Up Her Own Court”: Nishikant Dubey’s Sharp Attack On TMC Over Bengal Law And OrderMahua Moitra Alleges Harassment Inside IndiGo Flight As Passengers Raise “TMC Chor” Slogans234 Mango Varieties On One Tree? ICAR’s Incredible Experiment Stuns Shivraj Singh ChouhanFrom Panihati To Howrah’s Shibpur: Bengal Rocked By Multiple Bomb BlastsNida Khan Arrested In Explosive TCS Nashik Harassment And Religious Coercion CaseGovernor RN Ravi Dissolves West Bengal Assembly After Mamata Banerjee Refuses To Resign123Photostories8 most uniquely designed passports in the worldAnimals and insects that are as venomous as the Inland Taipan7 things emotionally safe homes do differently: Is your home among them?How to use fruit peels as a fertiliser (common fruits to know)Optical illusion personality test: Woman or trees? What you see first reveals if you are more emotional or logicalGK Fact of the Day: 7 animals that can survive without water for longAre dolphins, sharks, and whales mammals? The answer may surprise youThe Sacred Neck Bead Seen on Anushka Sharma and Its Spiritual Benefits5 smart upcycling DIYs that turn trash into stunning home decor (at a low cost!)These plants are banned from being grown in UK gardens123Hot PicksSBI Q4 resultsThane- Navi Mumbai corridorMaharashtra SSC ResultPune child rape-murder casePerambur election resultIndia-New Zealand FTASugarcane price hikeTop TrendingTamil nadu government formationVaibhav SooryavanshiTamil Nadu Class 12 Result 2026Maharashtra Board SSC Result 2026Mumbai Watermelon Death CaseDelhi Capital vs KKR IPL MatchWBBSE Madhyamik Result 2026Salil AnkolaDaniil Medvedev WifeBan vs Pak

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday criticised remarks by US president Donald Trump congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the BJP’s West Bengal poll victory as “premature and misplaced”, asserting that state elections are an “internal matter of India’s federal democracy”.In a post on X tagging Trump, Raut said that “any…

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May 08, 2026, 16:02 IST

May 08, 2026, 16:02 IST

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Ashwin recalls moment when R Ashwin annoyned him Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed a fascinating story from the early days of his career, recalling how his over-the-top celebration after dismissing MS Dhoni in the Challenger Trophy once left the former India captain visibly annoyed.Speaking on JioStar’s The Ravichandran Ashwin Experience, the recently retired off-spinner reflected on…

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DC vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026: Inconsistent Delhi Capitals look to arrest slide against surging Kolkata Knight Riders

DC vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026: Inconsistent Delhi Capitals look to arrest slide against surging Kolkata Knight Riders

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

Delhi Capitals: Axar Patel (captain), KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, Karun Nair, David Miller, Pathum Nissanka, Tristan Stubbs, Sameer Rizvi, Nitish Rana, T. Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar, Ashutosh Sharma, Dushmantha Chameera, Lungi Ngidi, Vipraj Nigam, Sahil Parakh, Prithvi Shaw, Abishek Porel, Ajay Mandal, Tripurana Vijay, Madhav Tiwari, Auqib Nabi Dar, Mitchell Starc, Kyle Jamieson and Rehan Ahmed…

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Maharashtra SSC Result 2026: Pass percentage dips to 92.09%, girls outperform boys again

Maharashtra SSC Result 2026: Pass percentage dips to 92.09%, girls outperform boys again

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Maharashtra SSC 2026 results declared with 92.09 percent regular pass rate and strong gender gap The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) declared the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Examination results for February–March 2026 on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Class 10 examinations were conducted from February 20 to March 18 across…

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Traditional Kohlapuri mutton recipe: Authentic recipe with spicy ingredients and slow-cooked flavours |

Traditional Kohlapuri mutton recipe: Authentic recipe with spicy ingredients and slow-cooked flavours |

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Kohlapuri mutton is a rich and flavour-packed Maharashtrian curry known for its bold spices, smoky aroma, and slow-cooked tenderness. This traditional dish combines succulent pieces of mutton with a deeply roasted masala made from coconut, whole spices, and dried chillies, creating a gravy that feels both comforting and intensely satisfying. The beauty of this recipe…

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Is Vinícius Júnior leaving Real Madrid? Crisis deepens amid training-ground fight and player hospitalisation | International Sports News

Is Vinícius Júnior leaving Real Madrid? Crisis deepens amid training-ground fight and player hospitalisation | International Sports News

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior reacts during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Getafe in Madrid, Spain, Monday, March 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) Real Madrid’s turbulent week has reportedly taken another dramatic turn, with Vinícius Júnior now being linked with a possible move away from the club amid growing tension inside…

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TVK chief Vijay NEW DELHI: Actor-politician Vijay is set to meet Tamil Nadu governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar for the third time to stake claim to form government, after the May 4 verdict placed his TVK as the single-largest party in the state.From silver-screen superstardom to the edge of Chennai’s Fort St George, Vijay has caused the biggest political disruption Tamil Nadu has seen in decades. His two-year-old party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, stormed into the assembly with 108 seats, shattering the long-standing DMK-AIADMK dominance that has defined the state’s politics for nearly half a century.The “Thalapathy wave” rattled seasoned Dravidian veterans such as MK Stalin, O Panneerselvam and Edappadi K Palaniswami. At 51, Vijay transformed from political newcomer to the single-largest force in Tamil Nadu almost overnight, winning both the seats he contested, Perambur and Tiruchirapalli East.Yet, despite the historic debut, the final leap to power has hit a constitutional wall.TVK’s tally of 108 seats, even with the support of five Congress MLAs, leaves the alliance at 112, still six short of the magical majority mark of 118 in the 234-member assembly. And that gap has now become the centre of Tamil Nadu’s newest political and constitutional showdown.Governor’s pause triggers fresh political stormThe big TVK numbers did not impress governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to make call to party’s boss Vijay, keeping him away from power.Tamil Nadu governor Arlekar cited “unestablished majority” as the only key reason, causing constitutional stalemate situation for superstar Vijay against the traditional gatekeepers of power in state.According to news agency PTI sources, Arlekar called Vijay to Lok Bhavan and sought clarity on the “magic number” required for government formation. He reportedly asked TVK to furnish details of legislators backing its claim.The governor’s stance immediately triggered sharp reactions from TVK leaders and opposition voices, many accusing Raj Bhavan of deliberately stalling the process.State Congress in-charge Girish Chodankar alleged that the governor was “bowing” to the BJP rather than to the Constitution. Senior advocate and former Congress leader Kapil Sibal accused the governor of “buying time” to facilitate political manoeuvring.“I was hoping that by now the governor would have invited TVK to form the government… When governors become agents of the BJP, they do the bidding of the BJP,” Sibal said. Meanwhile, AIADMK national spokesperson Kovai Sathyan defended the governor’s stand and attacked TVK’s claims.”TVK is the one that gave a confession, claiming that we are the single largest party with 108 seats, and we have the support of 5 more. So, the Governor is duty-bound to ask, ‘Where are the other 5?” Sathyan said.Can Governor insist on proof before invitation?The central constitutional question now dominating Tamil Nadu politics is simple: Can a governor ask a party to prove majority even before inviting it to form the government?Senior advocate and former president of Delhi high court bar association, Kirti Uppal told TOI that there is no absolute constitutional rule requiring the governor to first invite the single-largest party.”There is no constitutional rule or absolute right that the single largest party must be invited first. “Single largest party” is a political convention, not a binding constitutional mandate,” Uppal said.He pointed to Article 163(2) of the Constitution, which gives the governor discretionary powers in certain circumstances.“163(2): If any question arises whether any matter is or is not a matter as respects which the Governor is by or under this Constitution required to act in his discretion, the decision of the governor in his discretion shall be final, and the validity of anything done by the Governor shall not be called in question on the ground that he ought or ought not to have acted in his discretion.”Uppal further argued that a floor test remains the ultimate democratic method to determine majority.”The governor can order a floor test at any time, whether it is before the government. formation or during the tenure of the ministry. Ultimately, the floor test is considered the supreme democratic method to test the majority of the government on the floor of the house,” he added.However, another Supreme Court advocate Vivek Narayan Sharma offered a sharply different interpretation.”Governor cannot insist on a floor test before inviting a party to form the government. A floor test is constitutionally meant to test the majority of a government that has already been appointed, not to determine who gets appointed in the first place,” the advocate told TOI.”The governor’s role at the invitation stage is only prima facie satisfaction, not conclusive adjudication. The Governor may make a prima facie inquiry through letters of support or coalition claims, but cannot insist on a ‘prove majority first, then I will appoint you’ approach as if Raj Bhavan itself were the floor of the House.”What Constitution and Supreme Court sayThe debate over the governor’s powers in hung assemblies is not new.Under Article 164(1), the Constitution says the chief minister is appointed by the governor, but it does not specify the order in which parties or alliances must be invited.Constitutional experts say the governor’s role is to objectively determine who appears most capable of commanding the confidence of the house. That could be:The single-largest partyA pre-poll allianceA post-poll coalitionAny other grouping that can demonstrate majority supportA major precedent emerged after the 2017 Goa assembly election. Congress emerged as the single-largest party, but then governor Mridula Sinha invited the BJP after it secured support letters from allies and demonstrated majority support.When the matter reached the Supreme Court in Chandrakant Kavlekar v Union of India, the court did not overturn the governor’s decision. Instead, it ordered an immediate floor test.Similar situations surfaced in 2017 Manipur assembly election and 2018 Meghalaya assembly election, where Congress emerged as the single-largest party but BJP-backed coalitions were invited because they demonstrated better majority numbers.The constitutional debate intensified during the 2018 Karnataka government formation controversy and the 2019 Maharashtra government formation crisis, where questions over governors’ discretion reached the Supreme Court.Karnataka in 2018, when the BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 104 seats but was short of majority.The Congress and JD(S) quickly formed a post-poll alliance and claimed they had enough numbers to form the government.Despite this, then governor Vajubhai Vala invited BJP leader BS Yediyurappa to form the government first and asked him to prove majority in the assembly.The move sparked a constitutional controversy and reached the Supreme Court. The court ordered an immediate floor test. Before the vote could happen, Yediyurappa resigned as he could not gather enough support. The Congress-JD(S) alliance later formed the government under HD Kumaraswamy.Another landmark case often cited is Rameshwar Prasad v Union of India. The Supreme Court observed that preference generally goes to a claimant capable of demonstrating majority support, such as a coalition, before a single-largest party lacking numbers.The court also clarified that governors cannot reject majority claims merely based on suspicion about how alliances were formed.TVK races for numbers as allies deliberateAs the situation carries on with constitutional weight, TVK has put more efforts to gather from smaller parties, like VCK and Left, both having 2 members each.TVK joint general secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar met leaders of the Communist Party of India in Chennai seeking support for a “progressive government”. CPI leader M Veerapandiyan confirmed that Vijay had formally written to the party seeking support and said an emergency executive meeting had been called.Thol Thirumavalavan has also urged the governor to invite Vijay to form the government and prove his majority on the assembly floor.Meanwhile, CPM general secretary MA Baby questioned the delay in the governor’s invitation and said the party would take a final call after consultations with the DMK.Congress-DMK ties under strainThe political churn has also shaken one of Tamil Nadu’s oldest alliances.Congress’s decision to back TVK has deeply strained its relationship with the DMK, with DMK leaders accusing Congress of betrayal, tagging the party as “backstabbers.”The DMK legislature party passed a resolution condemning Congress’s “sudden political shift”, while party leaders pointed out that Congress had benefited electorally from the alliance in previous elections.DMK MP Kalanidhi Veeraswamy claimed TVK was “desperate” and alleged that Congress may have switched sides after promises of ministerial positions.Beyond numbers, a larger federalism debateThe standoff has once again revived Tamil Nadu’s long-running tensions with the governor’s office and broader questions about country’s federalism.The debate echoes recent observations by Supreme Court judge Justice BV Nagarathna, who said states are “not subordinate to the Centre, but coordinate units within the constitutional scheme.” The Tamil Nadu deadlock not merely seen as a numbers game, but as part of a larger national debate over gubernatorial discretion, cooperative federalism and the balance of power between elected governments and constitutional offices.Vijay has already transformed Tamil Nadu politics. Whether he can now cross the final gubernatorial hurdle and turn disruption into government is the question that could define the state’s next political era.About the AuthorAbhishek MishraAbhishek Mishra is a Digital Content Producer at The Times of India, working with the news desk. He writes with a keen eye on foreign policy, defence developments, and the shifting currents of geopolitics-and yes, Indian politics always finds a way onto his radar too.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSanjay Raut Writes To Donald Trump Over Bengal Polls, Questions BJP Victory PraiseDeadly Hantavirus Outbreak On Luxury Cruise Ship | 3 Dead, Indians Among Crew Onboard MV HondiusDMK Denies Possibility Of Alliance With AIADMK As Vijay’s TVK Reshapes Tamil Nadu PoliticsDMK-AIADMK Tie-Up Buzz Grows As Stalin Weighs Options To Block Vijay Government“Mamata Can Set Up Her Own Court”: Nishikant Dubey’s Sharp Attack On TMC Over Bengal Law And OrderMahua Moitra Alleges Harassment Inside IndiGo Flight As Passengers Raise “TMC Chor” Slogans234 Mango Varieties On One Tree? 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The answer may surprise youThe Sacred Neck Bead Seen on Anushka Sharma and Its Spiritual Benefits5 smart upcycling DIYs that turn trash into stunning home decor (at a low cost!)These plants are banned from being grown in UK gardensHollywood momagers: From Sharon Palmer to Jonnetta Patton, all the moms who helped turn their children into stars123Hot PicksBihar ministers listDelhi traffic advisoryDelhi rainPune child rape-murder casePerambur election resultIndia-New Zealand FTASugarcane price hikeTop TrendingLuka Doncic Injury UpdateVaibhav SooryavanshiTamil Nadu Class 12 Result 2026Maharashtra Board SSC Result 2026Mumbai Watermelon Death CaseDelhi Capital vs KKR IPL MatchWBBSE Madhyamik Result 2026Salil AnkolaBihar Ministers ListBan vs Pak

TVK chief Vijay NEW DELHI: Actor-politician Vijay is set to meet Tamil Nadu governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar for the third time to stake claim to form government, after the May 4 verdict placed his TVK as the single-largest party in the state.From silver-screen superstardom to the edge of Chennai’s Fort St George, Vijay has caused the biggest political disruption Tamil Nadu has seen in decades. His two-year-old party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, stormed into the assembly with 108 seats, shattering the long-standing DMK-AIADMK dominance that has defined the state’s politics for nearly half a century.The “Thalapathy wave” rattled seasoned Dravidian veterans such as MK Stalin, O Panneerselvam and Edappadi K Palaniswami. At 51, Vijay transformed from political newcomer to the single-largest force in Tamil Nadu almost overnight, winning both the seats he contested, Perambur and Tiruchirapalli East.Yet, despite the historic debut, the final leap to power has hit a constitutional wall.TVK’s tally of 108 seats, even with the support of five Congress MLAs, leaves the alliance at 112, still six short of the magical majority mark of 118 in the 234-member assembly. And that gap has now become the centre of Tamil Nadu’s newest political and constitutional showdown.Governor’s pause triggers fresh political stormThe big TVK numbers did not impress governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to make call to party’s boss Vijay, keeping him away from power.Tamil Nadu governor Arlekar cited “unestablished majority” as the only key reason, causing constitutional stalemate situation for superstar Vijay against the traditional gatekeepers of power in state.According to news agency PTI sources, Arlekar called Vijay to Lok Bhavan and sought clarity on the “magic number” required for government formation. He reportedly asked TVK to furnish details of legislators backing its claim.The governor’s stance immediately triggered sharp reactions from TVK leaders and opposition voices, many accusing Raj Bhavan of deliberately stalling the process.State Congress in-charge Girish Chodankar alleged that the governor was “bowing” to the BJP rather than to the Constitution. Senior advocate and former Congress leader Kapil Sibal accused the governor of “buying time” to facilitate political manoeuvring.“I was hoping that by now the governor would have invited TVK to form the government… When governors become agents of the BJP, they do the bidding of the BJP,” Sibal said. Meanwhile, AIADMK national spokesperson Kovai Sathyan defended the governor’s stand and attacked TVK’s claims.”TVK is the one that gave a confession, claiming that we are the single largest party with 108 seats, and we have the support of 5 more. So, the Governor is duty-bound to ask, ‘Where are the other 5?” Sathyan said.Can Governor insist on proof before invitation?The central constitutional question now dominating Tamil Nadu politics is simple: Can a governor ask a party to prove majority even before inviting it to form the government?Senior advocate and former president of Delhi high court bar association, Kirti Uppal told TOI that there is no absolute constitutional rule requiring the governor to first invite the single-largest party.”There is no constitutional rule or absolute right that the single largest party must be invited first. “Single largest party” is a political convention, not a binding constitutional mandate,” Uppal said.He pointed to Article 163(2) of the Constitution, which gives the governor discretionary powers in certain circumstances.“163(2): If any question arises whether any matter is or is not a matter as respects which the Governor is by or under this Constitution required to act in his discretion, the decision of the governor in his discretion shall be final, and the validity of anything done by the Governor shall not be called in question on the ground that he ought or ought not to have acted in his discretion.”Uppal further argued that a floor test remains the ultimate democratic method to determine majority.”The governor can order a floor test at any time, whether it is before the government. formation or during the tenure of the ministry. Ultimately, the floor test is considered the supreme democratic method to test the majority of the government on the floor of the house,” he added.However, another Supreme Court advocate Vivek Narayan Sharma offered a sharply different interpretation.”Governor cannot insist on a floor test before inviting a party to form the government. A floor test is constitutionally meant to test the majority of a government that has already been appointed, not to determine who gets appointed in the first place,” the advocate told TOI.”The governor’s role at the invitation stage is only prima facie satisfaction, not conclusive adjudication. The Governor may make a prima facie inquiry through letters of support or coalition claims, but cannot insist on a ‘prove majority first, then I will appoint you’ approach as if Raj Bhavan itself were the floor of the House.”What Constitution and Supreme Court sayThe debate over the governor’s powers in hung assemblies is not new.Under Article 164(1), the Constitution says the chief minister is appointed by the governor, but it does not specify the order in which parties or alliances must be invited.Constitutional experts say the governor’s role is to objectively determine who appears most capable of commanding the confidence of the house. That could be:The single-largest partyA pre-poll allianceA post-poll coalitionAny other grouping that can demonstrate majority supportA major precedent emerged after the 2017 Goa assembly election. Congress emerged as the single-largest party, but then governor Mridula Sinha invited the BJP after it secured support letters from allies and demonstrated majority support.When the matter reached the Supreme Court in Chandrakant Kavlekar v Union of India, the court did not overturn the governor’s decision. Instead, it ordered an immediate floor test.Similar situations surfaced in 2017 Manipur assembly election and 2018 Meghalaya assembly election, where Congress emerged as the single-largest party but BJP-backed coalitions were invited because they demonstrated better majority numbers.The constitutional debate intensified during the 2018 Karnataka government formation controversy and the 2019 Maharashtra government formation crisis, where questions over governors’ discretion reached the Supreme Court.Karnataka in 2018, when the BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 104 seats but was short of majority.The Congress and JD(S) quickly formed a post-poll alliance and claimed they had enough numbers to form the government.Despite this, then governor Vajubhai Vala invited BJP leader BS Yediyurappa to form the government first and asked him to prove majority in the assembly.The move sparked a constitutional controversy and reached the Supreme Court. The court ordered an immediate floor test. Before the vote could happen, Yediyurappa resigned as he could not gather enough support. The Congress-JD(S) alliance later formed the government under HD Kumaraswamy.Another landmark case often cited is Rameshwar Prasad v Union of India. The Supreme Court observed that preference generally goes to a claimant capable of demonstrating majority support, such as a coalition, before a single-largest party lacking numbers.The court also clarified that governors cannot reject majority claims merely based on suspicion about how alliances were formed.TVK races for numbers as allies deliberateAs the situation carries on with constitutional weight, TVK has put more efforts to gather from smaller parties, like VCK and Left, both having 2 members each.TVK joint general secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar met leaders of the Communist Party of India in Chennai seeking support for a “progressive government”. CPI leader M Veerapandiyan confirmed that Vijay had formally written to the party seeking support and said an emergency executive meeting had been called.Thol Thirumavalavan has also urged the governor to invite Vijay to form the government and prove his majority on the assembly floor.Meanwhile, CPM general secretary MA Baby questioned the delay in the governor’s invitation and said the party would take a final call after consultations with the DMK.Congress-DMK ties under strainThe political churn has also shaken one of Tamil Nadu’s oldest alliances.Congress’s decision to back TVK has deeply strained its relationship with the DMK, with DMK leaders accusing Congress of betrayal, tagging the party as “backstabbers.”The DMK legislature party passed a resolution condemning Congress’s “sudden political shift”, while party leaders pointed out that Congress had benefited electorally from the alliance in previous elections.DMK MP Kalanidhi Veeraswamy claimed TVK was “desperate” and alleged that Congress may have switched sides after promises of ministerial positions.Beyond numbers, a larger federalism debateThe standoff has once again revived Tamil Nadu’s long-running tensions with the governor’s office and broader questions about country’s federalism.The debate echoes recent observations by Supreme Court judge Justice BV Nagarathna, who said states are “not subordinate to the Centre, but coordinate units within the constitutional scheme.” The Tamil Nadu deadlock not merely seen as a numbers game, but as part of a larger national debate over gubernatorial discretion, cooperative federalism and the balance of power between elected governments and constitutional offices.Vijay has already transformed Tamil Nadu politics. Whether he can now cross the final gubernatorial hurdle and turn disruption into government is the question that could define the state’s next political era.About the AuthorAbhishek MishraAbhishek Mishra is a Digital Content Producer at The Times of India, working with the news desk. He writes with a keen eye on foreign policy, defence developments, and the shifting currents of geopolitics-and yes, Indian politics always finds a way onto his radar too.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSanjay Raut Writes To Donald Trump Over Bengal Polls, Questions BJP Victory PraiseDeadly Hantavirus Outbreak On Luxury Cruise Ship | 3 Dead, Indians Among Crew Onboard MV HondiusDMK Denies Possibility Of Alliance With AIADMK As Vijay’s TVK Reshapes Tamil Nadu PoliticsDMK-AIADMK Tie-Up Buzz Grows As Stalin Weighs Options To Block Vijay Government“Mamata Can Set Up Her Own Court”: Nishikant Dubey’s Sharp Attack On TMC Over Bengal Law And OrderMahua Moitra Alleges Harassment Inside IndiGo Flight As Passengers Raise “TMC Chor” Slogans234 Mango Varieties On One Tree? ICAR’s Incredible Experiment Stuns Shivraj Singh ChouhanFrom Panihati To Howrah’s Shibpur: Bengal Rocked By Multiple Bomb BlastsNida Khan Arrested In Explosive TCS Nashik Harassment And Religious Coercion CaseGovernor RN Ravi Dissolves West Bengal Assembly After Mamata Banerjee Refuses To Resign123PhotostoriesAnimals and insects that are as venomous as the Inland Taipan7 things emotionally safe homes do differently: Is your home among them?How to use fruit peels as a fertiliser (common fruits to know)Optical illusion personality test: Woman or trees? What you see first reveals if you are more emotional or logicalGK Fact of the Day: 7 animals that can survive without water for longAre dolphins, sharks, and whales mammals? The answer may surprise youThe Sacred Neck Bead Seen on Anushka Sharma and Its Spiritual Benefits5 smart upcycling DIYs that turn trash into stunning home decor (at a low cost!)These plants are banned from being grown in UK gardensHollywood momagers: From Sharon Palmer to Jonnetta Patton, all the moms who helped turn their children into stars123Hot PicksBihar ministers listDelhi traffic advisoryDelhi rainPune child rape-murder casePerambur election resultIndia-New Zealand FTASugarcane price hikeTop TrendingLuka Doncic Injury UpdateVaibhav SooryavanshiTamil Nadu Class 12 Result 2026Maharashtra Board SSC Result 2026Mumbai Watermelon Death CaseDelhi Capital vs KKR IPL MatchWBBSE Madhyamik Result 2026Salil AnkolaBihar Ministers ListBan vs Pak

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