May 17, 2026
‘Reply and let us know’: VCK attacks Vijay’s ‘arrogance’ over WhatsApp outreach amid Tamil Nadu govt crisis

‘Reply and let us know’: VCK attacks Vijay’s ‘arrogance’ over WhatsApp outreach amid Tamil Nadu govt crisis

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Amid the continuing deadlock over government formation in Tamil Nadu, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) on Friday launched a sharp attack on actor-politician Vijay’s TVK, accusing the party of seeking support through WhatsApp messages instead of holding direct political consultations with leaders.Despite emerging as the single-largest party in the high-stakes Assembly elections, TVK…

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Most expensive ticket ever? World Cup final seat listed for .5 million despite being one of the worst in stadium | International Sports News

Most expensive ticket ever? World Cup final seat listed for $11.5 million despite being one of the worst in stadium | International Sports News

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, British Columbia, Thursday, April 30, 2026. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP) A standard ticket for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final has appeared on the resale market for an astonishing £8.5 million ($11.5 million), despite offering no VIP access or additional perks…

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Photo’s shared by Akhilesh NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday backed the Trinamool Congress and DMK after their defeats in the recent assembly elections, while taking an apparent swipe at the Congress, saying, “we are not the ones who leave during difficult times”.Akhilesh’s remark was in the backdrop of the Congress snapping ties with ally DMK in Tamil Nadu and extending support to actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which has added to rancour in the INDIA bloc.The 2026 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have cast a foreboding shadow on the NDA’s rival bloc as Mamata and Stalin were two powerful regional leaders in the anti-BJP camp.”We are not the ones who leave (you) during the difficult times,” the former UP chief minister wrote sharing a photo on X from his meetings with Didi in Kolkata and DMK president MK Stalin.A day earlier, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister met Banerjee at her Kalighat residence and voiced support for the TMC leadership following its loss in West Bengal. He also alleged that the state elections were conducted on the “Uttar Pradesh model” through intimidation and manipulation. Akhilesh Yadav calls on West Bengal chief minister and TMC Supremo Mamata Banerjee, in Kolkata on Thursday. (ANI photo)The meeting gained political significance amid opposition efforts to reassess strategies after setbacks in multiple states and Banerjee’s push to revive and strengthen the INDIA bloc following the TMC’s defeat.Akhilesh Yadav, who led Uttar Pradesh from 2012 to 2017, accused the BJP, the Election Commission and “underground elements” of using “multi-layered mafia tactics” during the Bengal polls.”What happened in Uttar Pradesh was repeated in Bengal. Opposition polling agents were threatened, and votes were conducted under fear. Central forces were used to ensure the defeat of the opposition,” he had alleged. Akhilesh Yadav spoke to the media after a meeting with TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee in Kolkata. (PTI photo)”We remember when fair elections were held here, Didi became the chief minister. This time the elections were conducted with multilayered mafia-style manipulation. What BJP did in Uttar Pradesh was just a trial. Learning from that, they looted the entire election,” Akhilesh alleged.”BJP, the Election Commission and underground operatives together conducted this election. Officials were lured with promises of higher posts. Voting happened under the pressure of 3,00,000 central force personnel,” he said.Akhilesh also expressed concern over the security of Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.Referring to the killing of Suvendu Adhikari’s aide Chandranath Rath, Akhilesh said Union home minister Amit Shah was responsible for the incident.The TMC, DMK and SP are all constituents of the opposition INDIA alliance.In West Bengal, the BJP secured 207 seats in the 294-member assembly, crossing the two-thirds mark and bringing an end to the TMC’s uninterrupted 15-year rule. The Mamata Banerjee-led party was reduced to 80 seats.In Tamil Nadu, the DMK won only 59 seats in the 234-member assembly.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 MediaVideosDeadly 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 ResignSatadru Dutta Accuses TMC’s Aroop Biswas Of Sabotaging Lionel Messi Kolkata Event123PhotostoriesAre 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 starsLove quote of the day by Elizabeth Gilbert: “People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, but a true soul mate is…”David Attenborough marks 100th birthday: The legendary naturalist shared THIS striking connection with Queen Elizabeth II‘Your sister is so much more sensible,’: Why comparing siblings quietly damages both childrenTop K-dramas to watch in the month of May: ‘The Wonderfools’, ‘My Royal Nemesis’ and moreThings you are not allowed to do in your garden in Australia123Hot PicksBihar ministers listDelhi traffic advisoryDelhi rainPune child rape-murder casePerambur election resultIndia-New Zealand FTASugarcane price hikeTop TrendingLuka Doncic Injury UpdateWest Bengal ViolenceTamil Nadu Class 12 Result 2026Maharashtra Board SSC Result 2026Mumbai Watermelon Death CaseBihar cabinet expansionWBBSE Madhyamik Result 2026Salil AnkolaBihar Ministers ListBan vs Pak

Photo’s shared by Akhilesh NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday backed the Trinamool Congress and DMK after their defeats in the recent assembly elections, while taking an apparent swipe at the Congress, saying, “we are not the ones who leave during difficult times”.Akhilesh’s remark was in the backdrop of the Congress snapping ties with ally DMK in Tamil Nadu and extending support to actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which has added to rancour in the INDIA bloc.The 2026 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have cast a foreboding shadow on the NDA’s rival bloc as Mamata and Stalin were two powerful regional leaders in the anti-BJP camp.”We are not the ones who leave (you) during the difficult times,” the former UP chief minister wrote sharing a photo on X from his meetings with Didi in Kolkata and DMK president MK Stalin.A day earlier, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister met Banerjee at her Kalighat residence and voiced support for the TMC leadership following its loss in West Bengal. He also alleged that the state elections were conducted on the “Uttar Pradesh model” through intimidation and manipulation. Akhilesh Yadav calls on West Bengal chief minister and TMC Supremo Mamata Banerjee, in Kolkata on Thursday. (ANI photo)The meeting gained political significance amid opposition efforts to reassess strategies after setbacks in multiple states and Banerjee’s push to revive and strengthen the INDIA bloc following the TMC’s defeat.Akhilesh Yadav, who led Uttar Pradesh from 2012 to 2017, accused the BJP, the Election Commission and “underground elements” of using “multi-layered mafia tactics” during the Bengal polls.”What happened in Uttar Pradesh was repeated in Bengal. Opposition polling agents were threatened, and votes were conducted under fear. Central forces were used to ensure the defeat of the opposition,” he had alleged. Akhilesh Yadav spoke to the media after a meeting with TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee in Kolkata. (PTI photo)”We remember when fair elections were held here, Didi became the chief minister. This time the elections were conducted with multilayered mafia-style manipulation. What BJP did in Uttar Pradesh was just a trial. Learning from that, they looted the entire election,” Akhilesh alleged.”BJP, the Election Commission and underground operatives together conducted this election. Officials were lured with promises of higher posts. Voting happened under the pressure of 3,00,000 central force personnel,” he said.Akhilesh also expressed concern over the security of Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.Referring to the killing of Suvendu Adhikari’s aide Chandranath Rath, Akhilesh said Union home minister Amit Shah was responsible for the incident.The TMC, DMK and SP are all constituents of the opposition INDIA alliance.In West Bengal, the BJP secured 207 seats in the 294-member assembly, crossing the two-thirds mark and bringing an end to the TMC’s uninterrupted 15-year rule. The Mamata Banerjee-led party was reduced to 80 seats.In Tamil Nadu, the DMK won only 59 seats in the 234-member assembly.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 MediaVideosDeadly 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 ResignSatadru Dutta Accuses TMC’s Aroop Biswas Of Sabotaging Lionel Messi Kolkata Event123PhotostoriesAre 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 starsLove quote of the day by Elizabeth Gilbert: “People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, but a true soul mate is…”David Attenborough marks 100th birthday: The legendary naturalist shared THIS striking connection with Queen Elizabeth II‘Your sister is so much more sensible,’: Why comparing siblings quietly damages both childrenTop K-dramas to watch in the month of May: ‘The Wonderfools’, ‘My Royal Nemesis’ and moreThings you are not allowed to do in your garden in Australia123Hot PicksBihar ministers listDelhi traffic advisoryDelhi rainPune child rape-murder casePerambur election resultIndia-New Zealand FTASugarcane price hikeTop TrendingLuka Doncic Injury UpdateWest Bengal ViolenceTamil Nadu Class 12 Result 2026Maharashtra Board SSC Result 2026Mumbai Watermelon Death CaseBihar cabinet expansionWBBSE Madhyamik Result 2026Salil AnkolaBihar Ministers ListBan vs Pak

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Photo’s shared by Akhilesh NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday backed the Trinamool Congress and DMK after their defeats in the recent assembly elections, while taking an apparent swipe at the Congress, saying, “we are not the ones who leave during difficult times”.Akhilesh’s remark was in the backdrop of the Congress…

Read More
Maharashtra SSC Results 2026: Girls outperform boys by 5.40 percentage points as gender gap persists across state

Maharashtra SSC Results 2026: Girls outperform boys by 5.40 percentage points as gender gap persists across state

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

MSBSHSE SSC 2026 results show strong female lead across Maharashtra divisions Maharashtra SSC 2026: The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Educ (MSBSHSE) SSC Examination for February–March 2026 has once again reinforced a long-standing academic trend in the state — the consistent outperformance of girls over boys. While the overall regular student pass…

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Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ called ‘Hollywood’s Adipurush’; netizens SLAM casting, dialogue, ‘woke’ plot following trailer release

Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ called ‘Hollywood’s Adipurush’; netizens SLAM casting, dialogue, ‘woke’ plot following trailer release

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic ‘The Odyssey’ has found itself at the centre of heated online debate after the release of its latest trailer. While some viewers have been praising the film’s scale, others have criticised its dialogue, visuals, casting choices and modern interpretation.The film that comes after the director’s epic run at the Oscars with…

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi compared with Jacob Bethell; Ex-RCB star says these two will be ‘unstoppable’

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi compared with Jacob Bethell; Ex-RCB star says these two will be ‘unstoppable’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Jacob Bethell (Image: X) AB de Villiers has made a massive prediction involving two of cricket’s brightest young talents, comparing Jacob Bethell to India’s teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and backing both players to become future superstars of the game.While Bethell is still finding his feet in IPL 2026, Sooryavanshi has already become…

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Maharashtra SSC 2026: Konkan tops state, Mumbai–Pune maintain strong hold in division-wise race

Maharashtra SSC 2026: Konkan tops state, Mumbai–Pune maintain strong hold in division-wise race

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

MSBSHSE SSC 2026 shows clear regional gap as Konkan leads with 97.62 percent pass rate Maharashtra SSC 2026 results: The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) SSC Examination for February–March 2026 has once again highlighted sharp regional differences in academic performance across the state. While the overall regular student pass percentage…

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Looming ‘super’ El Niño could push 2027 to be the hottest year ever recorded

Looming ‘super’ El Niño could push 2027 to be the hottest year ever recorded

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Global sea surface temperatures are nearing record highs again as El Niño conditions begin to develop, increasing the risk of more extreme weather and potentially making 2027 the hottest year ever recorded, the European Union’s climate monitor said Friday.The Copernicus Climate Change Service, overseen by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), revealed that…

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‘The Great Grand Superhero’ new poster out: Jackie Shroff starrer alien adventure sets May 29 release

‘The Great Grand Superhero’ new poster out: Jackie Shroff starrer alien adventure sets May 29 release

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Jackie Shroff’s ‘The Great Grand Superhero – Aliens ka Aagman’, directed by National Award-winner Manish Saini and produced by Zee Studios and Amdavad Films, is set to release on May 29, 2026. The film blends childhood wonder, a grandfather-grandson bond, and an alien adventure into one heartwarming cinematic experience. Jackie Shroff’s much-anticipated film ‘The Great…

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Sir David Attenborough celebrates 100th birthday: The life, legacy, and global impact of the world’s most beloved natural history broadcaster

Sir David Attenborough celebrates 100th birthday: The life, legacy, and global impact of the world’s most beloved natural history broadcaster

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

David Attenborough is among the most recognised broadcasters in the world, admired for his calm narration and deep connection with the natural environment. Born on 8 May 1926 in Isleworth, Middlesex, England, he has spent most of his life bringing the wonders of the natural world to global audiences. Through decades of documentary filmmaking, he…

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108 seats but no majority: Can TVK’s Vijay form govt? Tamil Nadu number game explained

108 seats but no majority: Can TVK’s Vijay form govt? Tamil Nadu number game explained

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

NEW DELHi: The race to form the next government in Tamil Nadu intensified on Friday as political parties scrambled for support after the assembly elections delivered a fractured mandate. With no party crossing the halfway mark, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay continued his push to gather allies, even after securing a historic mandate.Vijay, whose…

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Mani Shankar Aiyar NEW DELHI: Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Friday questioned the grand old party’s decision to support actor-politician Vijay and his Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu, calling the move “dreadful”, ethically questionable and politically reckless. Speaking to PTIl, Aiyar accused the Congress of abandoning its long-time ally Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam immediately after contesting elections together. He argued that the Congress owed its five Assembly victories entirely to the DMK-led alliance and not to its own organisational strength.“This is an unforgivable violation of Mahatma Gandhi’s 1925 maxim, ‘Swaraj should be a government based on morality’,” Aiyar said, questioning whether the Congress had chosen “Chanakya” over Gandhi in its politics.The Congress on Wednesday severed ties with the DMK and announced support for Vijay’s TVK in a bid to help form a government in Tamil Nadu. The move marked one of the biggest political shifts in the state in recent years after TVK stunned both the DMK and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam by winning 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly.With support from the Congress’ five MLAs, the TVK alliance now stands at 112 seats, still short of the majority mark of 118. The CPI and CPI(M), which hold two seats each, are discussing whether to extend support to Vijay, a move that could push the alliance close to power.Aiyar, however, warned that the Congress was sacrificing both morality and long-term political wisdom for immediate gains. “Is this ethical or is it even politically wise,” he asked, saying the party had shown itself to be “driven less by good behaviour, self-restraint and self-sacrifice, as taught by the Mahatma, and more in favour of immediate reward”.He also questioned why the Congress would abandon a partner that had consistently stood by it through political setbacks. Referring to the DMK’s support for Rahul Gandhi, Aiyar wrote in a sharply-worded article in Hindu Tami, “How can the Congress justify letting down a partner who, alone in the INDIA bloc, proclaimed ‘brother’ Rahul Gandhi as Prime Minister?”Aiyar argued that the Congress’ decision could inadvertently help the BJP gain a foothold in Tamil Nadu politics. “And if this facilitates the backdoor entry of a communal BJP into the golden ‘chen Tamizh’ political ethos of Dravidian Tamil Nadu, it would prove the worst own goal in the history of political football,” he wrote.The Congress’ decision has already triggered sharp reactions from the DMK, which described the move as “backstabbing”. Meanwhile, protests erupted in Chennai and Madurai, with Congress workers demanding that Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar invite Vijay to form the government as leader of the single-largest formation.Aiyar’s intervention has once again placed the veteran leader at odds with the Congress leadership. Over the years, his controversial remarks have repeatedly embarrassed the party. In recent months, he publicly distanced himself from Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, declaring, “I am a Gandhian, I am a Nehruvian, I am a Rajivian, but I am not a Rahulian.”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 MediaVideosDeadly 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 ResignSatadru Dutta Accuses TMC’s Aroop Biswas Of Sabotaging Lionel Messi Kolkata Event123PhotostoriesThese 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 starsLove quote of the day by Elizabeth Gilbert: “People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, but a true soul mate is…”David Attenborough marks 100th birthday: The legendary naturalist shared THIS striking connection with Queen Elizabeth II‘Your sister is so much more sensible,’: Why comparing siblings quietly damages both childrenTop K-dramas to watch in the month of May: ‘The Wonderfools’, ‘My Royal Nemesis’ and moreThings you are not allowed to do in your garden in AustraliaKnee pain in your 30s? Doctors warn that pain while using stairs could be an early red flagSnake Dream Meaning: Good or Bad? Spiritual Symbolism Explained’Dhurandhar’ actor R. Madhavan shares 5 simple habits men value most in their partner123Hot PicksBihar ministers listDelhi traffic advisoryDelhi rainPune child rape-murder casePerambur election resultIndia-New Zealand FTASugarcane price hikeTop TrendingLuka Doncic Injury UpdateWest Bengal ViolenceTamil Nadu Class 12 Result 2026Maharashtra Board SSC Result 2026Mumbai Watermelon Death CaseBihar cabinet expansionWBBSE Madhyamik Result 2026Salil AnkolaBihar Ministers ListBan vs Pak

Mani Shankar Aiyar NEW DELHI: Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Friday questioned the grand old party’s decision to support actor-politician Vijay and his Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu, calling the move “dreadful”, ethically questionable and politically reckless. Speaking to PTIl, Aiyar accused the Congress of abandoning its long-time ally Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam immediately after contesting elections together. He argued that the Congress owed its five Assembly victories entirely to the DMK-led alliance and not to its own organisational strength.“This is an unforgivable violation of Mahatma Gandhi’s 1925 maxim, ‘Swaraj should be a government based on morality’,” Aiyar said, questioning whether the Congress had chosen “Chanakya” over Gandhi in its politics.The Congress on Wednesday severed ties with the DMK and announced support for Vijay’s TVK in a bid to help form a government in Tamil Nadu. The move marked one of the biggest political shifts in the state in recent years after TVK stunned both the DMK and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam by winning 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly.With support from the Congress’ five MLAs, the TVK alliance now stands at 112 seats, still short of the majority mark of 118. The CPI and CPI(M), which hold two seats each, are discussing whether to extend support to Vijay, a move that could push the alliance close to power.Aiyar, however, warned that the Congress was sacrificing both morality and long-term political wisdom for immediate gains. “Is this ethical or is it even politically wise,” he asked, saying the party had shown itself to be “driven less by good behaviour, self-restraint and self-sacrifice, as taught by the Mahatma, and more in favour of immediate reward”.He also questioned why the Congress would abandon a partner that had consistently stood by it through political setbacks. Referring to the DMK’s support for Rahul Gandhi, Aiyar wrote in a sharply-worded article in Hindu Tami, “How can the Congress justify letting down a partner who, alone in the INDIA bloc, proclaimed ‘brother’ Rahul Gandhi as Prime Minister?”Aiyar argued that the Congress’ decision could inadvertently help the BJP gain a foothold in Tamil Nadu politics. “And if this facilitates the backdoor entry of a communal BJP into the golden ‘chen Tamizh’ political ethos of Dravidian Tamil Nadu, it would prove the worst own goal in the history of political football,” he wrote.The Congress’ decision has already triggered sharp reactions from the DMK, which described the move as “backstabbing”. Meanwhile, protests erupted in Chennai and Madurai, with Congress workers demanding that Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar invite Vijay to form the government as leader of the single-largest formation.Aiyar’s intervention has once again placed the veteran leader at odds with the Congress leadership. Over the years, his controversial remarks have repeatedly embarrassed the party. In recent months, he publicly distanced himself from Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, declaring, “I am a Gandhian, I am a Nehruvian, I am a Rajivian, but I am not a Rahulian.”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 MediaVideosDeadly 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 ResignSatadru Dutta Accuses TMC’s Aroop Biswas Of Sabotaging Lionel Messi Kolkata Event123PhotostoriesThese 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 starsLove quote of the day by Elizabeth Gilbert: “People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, but a true soul mate is…”David Attenborough marks 100th birthday: The legendary naturalist shared THIS striking connection with Queen Elizabeth II‘Your sister is so much more sensible,’: Why comparing siblings quietly damages both childrenTop K-dramas to watch in the month of May: ‘The Wonderfools’, ‘My Royal Nemesis’ and moreThings you are not allowed to do in your garden in AustraliaKnee pain in your 30s? Doctors warn that pain while using stairs could be an early red flagSnake Dream Meaning: Good or Bad? Spiritual Symbolism Explained’Dhurandhar’ actor R. Madhavan shares 5 simple habits men value most in their partner123Hot PicksBihar ministers listDelhi traffic advisoryDelhi rainPune child rape-murder casePerambur election resultIndia-New Zealand FTASugarcane price hikeTop TrendingLuka Doncic Injury UpdateWest Bengal ViolenceTamil Nadu Class 12 Result 2026Maharashtra Board SSC Result 2026Mumbai Watermelon Death CaseBihar cabinet expansionWBBSE Madhyamik Result 2026Salil AnkolaBihar Ministers ListBan vs Pak

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Friday questioned the grand old party’s decision to support actor-politician Vijay and his Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu, calling the move “dreadful”, ethically questionable and politically reckless. Speaking to PTIl, Aiyar accused the Congress of abandoning its long-time ally Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam immediately after contesting…

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Maharashtra SSC Result 2026 declared: How to apply for revaluation and supplementary exams if you failed or want to improve marks

Maharashtra SSC Result 2026 declared: How to apply for revaluation and supplementary exams if you failed or want to improve marks

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has declared the Maharashtra SSC Class 10 Result 2026, with regular students recording an overall pass percentage of 92.09%. While lakhs of students have cleared the examination, many may still be unhappy with their marks, wish to improve their scores, or may not have passed…

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