June 26, 2026
Tom Cruise to get GBP 100 million fee for return in ‘Top Gun 3’? To join Robert Downey Jr, Ryan Reynolds among other top earning actors

Tom Cruise to get GBP 100 million fee for return in ‘Top Gun 3’? To join Robert Downey Jr, Ryan Reynolds among other top earning actors

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Tom Cruise is reportedly set to take to the skies once again, this time with ‘Top Gun 3’. According to the latest buzz, the actor is poised to secure one of the biggest paydays in Hollywood history as he prepares to reprise his iconic role as Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell in ‘Top Gun 3’.Daily Mail reports…

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‘I ran to save my life’: UK-based singer Charles Antony recalls chaos at Messi event in Kolkata

‘I ran to save my life’: UK-based singer Charles Antony recalls chaos at Messi event in Kolkata

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Angry fans ran riot at Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata after failing to get even a glimpse of the Argentina star Lionel Messi. (PTI File Photo) KOLKATA: London-based Indian singer Charles Antony, who flew to Kolkata specially to perform at Lionel Messi’s G.O.A.T Tour event at the Salt Lake stadium, has described the harrowing experience…

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CISCE ICSE, ISC Result 2026: Girls outperform boys as pass percentage crosses 99 in both examinations

CISCE ICSE, ISC Result 2026: Girls outperform boys as pass percentage crosses 99 in both examinations

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

CISCE Declares ICSE And ISC Result 2026 With Over 99 Percent Pass Rate. (Representative Image) CISCE ICSE, ISC Result 2026: The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations has declared the ICSE Class 10 and ISC Class 12 results, marking a key academic milestone for over 3.6 lakh candidates. The results were announced at 11:00…

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Bihar’s 2025 election saw the NDA retain power, with Nitish Kumar expected to remain CM. The victory was bolstered by new, youthful leaders like Chirag Paswan and Maithili Thakur, complementing experienced governance and welfare delivery. This blend of seasoned leadership and fresh energy proved more effective than relying solely on youth or old popularity, highlighting a complex social landscape. Chirag Paswan, Nitish Kumar and Maithili Thakur (Images/Agencies) NEW DELHI: Bihar’s 2025 verdict was at once predictable and surprising. Predictable because as usual the NDA retained the power and Nitish Kumar is once again expected to retain the CM chair. Surprising because new, youthful faces such as Chirag Paswan and Maithili Thakur played decisive, complementary roles that helped NDA push past the 200-seat mark. The lesson from this election is clear – in Bihar’s complex social landscape, a mix of experienced leaders, steady welfare delivery and energetic young faces has proved more effective than relying only on old popularity or only on youth-driven politics.Despite the surge of young voters, the new Bihar Assembly has actually grown older — with the average MLA age rising to 53, according to data from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR)..A young electorate, a mixed verdictBihar’s demographics set the stage for an assumed Gen Z breakthrough. The state is young: nearly 57–58% of the population is under 25 and Gen Z accounts for roughly 25% of registered voters. Yet the ballot did not produce a wholesale generational turnover. Voter turnout rose to 67.13%, the highest since 1951, but the assembly that emerges remains led by established figures.The paradox points to a deeper truth: youth ambitions are powerful as a narrative, but they need organisation, welfare credibility and cross-cutting alliances to translate into seats. Key Demographic & Election IndicatorsFiguresRegistered voters in Bihar7.44 crorePopulation under 2557–58%Gen Z share among voters25%Newly added voters since 202011.17 lakhTurnout in 2025 election67.13%Women turnout 71.6%Men turnout62.8%Source: ADRBalance beat bravado: Why NDA formula workedNitish Kumar’s appeal rested on delivery and familiarity. His long record including infrastructure, electrification, women-centred schemes and visible rural services have converted into voter trust, especially among families worried about daily survival and local governance. That credibility was amplified by BJP’s organisational muscle power and national messaging, producing a coalition that combined administrative reputation with ground-level reach.But this was not a victory of seniority alone. The NDA’s seat haul hinged on a deliberate fusion of styles: the steady administrative image of Nitish; BJP’s organisational discipline and PM Modi’s national appeal and the insurgent energy of newer coalition partners..Chirag Paswan: The ‘sabji mein namak’ who delivered bigChirag Paswan’s description of himself as “sabji mein namak” captured the strategic role he played. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) won 19 of the 29 seats it contested, a performance that materially pushed the NDA beyond the 200-seat threshold. More striking was the party’s ability to wrest seats from the Mahagathbandhan: LJP(RV) took 17 constituencies that had earlier been with the opposition, undercutting expectations about its limited reach.Chirag’s rise was not accidental. His bargaining power had roots in the 2024 Lok Sabha sweep, where his party performed strongly and in smart seat-sharing talks that gave LJP(RV) winnable contests. By winning 19 of the 29 seats it contested in assembly elections, LJP(RV)’s strike rate suggests that the party had converted local appeal into electoral returns and reasserted Chirag as a major NDA face in Bihar’s new political arithmetic.Maithili Thakur: Culture, youth and powerThe BJP’s capture of Alinagar through Maithili Thakur underlined a different dynamic: cultural influence and youth appeal can convert into real votes when rooted in local identity and persistent outreach. The 25-year-old folk singer — a social media star and cultural ambassador for Mithilanchal has defeated RJD’s Binod Mishra and looked set to become the state’s youngest MLA. Her campaign blended grassroots outreach with a strong online following, demonstrating that youthful charisma, when allied to party structure and local ties, can win seats that long resisted the BJP.Why Mahagathbandhan’s youth icons fell shortRahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav aggressively pitched themselves as the voice of young India, placing job creation, caste-based census and economic justice front and centre. Rahul’s “Voter Adhikar Yatra” also saw him raise the issue of “vote chori”, warning young voters of manipulation and urging them to defend democracy.Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav during Voter Adhikar Yatra Before the first phase of voting in Bihar, in a video message, Rahul addressed his “Gen-Z brothers and sisters” in Bihar, saying: “Tomorrow is not just a day for voting, but a day to decide the direction of Bihar’s future … Stay alert to every conspiracy and manipulation at the booths … The future of Bihar is in your hands.”Tejashwi, in particular, sought to expand his connection with first-time voters through social media-heavy messaging and large rallies projecting himself as the future of Bihar.Yet, critics argued that assurance of results mattered more than rhetoric. Prashant Kishor, once an architect of JD(U)’s electoral strategies, did not miss the opportunity to take a swipe at both sides, calling them outdated in approach and disconnected from ground realities.Kishor questioned Rahul’s deep engagement with the state. He asked, “How much knowledge does Rahul Gandhi have here? Rahul Gandhi comes here, roams around, does a couple of show-bites and then he is gone.” “When the people of Bihar are not listening to him (Rahul Gandhi), then why would Gen Z listen to him? Gen Z is not a homogeneous group in Bihar who acts on someone’s call or on the basis of their assessment,” Kishor said. New and “youth-first” political experiments, including Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj aimed to target a niche of voters through their extensive door-to-door campaigning. However, the party struggled to convert enthusiasm into booth-level performance.Changing politics in Bihar requires patient groundwork: building cadres, stitching alliances and nurturing constituency-specific strategies. A single poll cycle rarely grants instant success.Women and welfare shift the tideAnother twist in Bihar’s electoral story comes from its women voters. This year, women recorded a turnout of 71.6%, significantly higher than the 62.8% turnout among men. This creates a clear gender advantage in the NDA’s favour.Women-centric welfare measures, particularly direct cash transfers and mobility-support initiatives, played a critical role. Nitish Kumar’s long-running focus on women’s empowerment, including the Rs 10,000 direct assistance scheme, strengthened trust and reinforced a dependable female vote bank..The road ahead: Continuity with cautionBihar’s verdict shows that generational change in politics can be gradual rather than revolutionary. For the NDA, the 2025 win validates a coalition approach that pairs veteran governance with youthful faces. For the opposition, the message is stark: charisma must be matched by credible welfare offerings and grassroots architecture.Bihar’s politics will stay complicated. But the 2025 election offered a lesson that is both simple and hard to achieve: in a state as socially layered as Bihar, mixed leadership with combined experience, welfare credibility and new energy is not just desirable, it is essential.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCDS General Anil Chauhan Highlights Inter-Service Jointness And Integration In Op SindoorEAM Jaishankar, Russian FM Lavrov To Hold Talks In Moscow On Nov 17 Ahead Of Putin’s India TripAir Marshal AK Bharti Reveals Why India Ended Operation Sindoor After Achieving Its Core ObjectiveWTO DG Okonjo-Iweala Lauds India’s Trade Strategy, Calls For Multilateral LeadershipPakistan Rejects Taliban Narrative And Says Rising Terror From Afghan Soil Can No Longer Be IgnoredNDA Sweeps Bihar, Nitish Kumar Prepares for 10th CM Oath; A Look Back at ‘Sushasan Babu’s’ JourneyPiyush Goyal Says India Ready For WTO Leadership, Rejects Reform Agendas Pushed By Developed NationsJ&K Police Confirm 9 Killed in Nowgam Blast After Explosives Recovered From Faridabad Blows UpPM Modi Predicts Major Congress Split After NDA’s Bihar Win And Warns Allies Of Growing Instability‘Bengal Is Far-Fetched…’ Bengal Minister Shashi Panja Hits Back at PM Modi’s Jungle Raj Jibe123Photostories6 easy and science-backed snacks that fight colon cancerMold Toxicity: How to recognize its symptoms that appear like a common cold7 phrases parents can say instead of ‘No’ to kidsExclusive – Bigg Boss 19: Mridul Tiwari reacts to his eviction, calls Farrhana Bhatt ‘toxic’ and ‘evil’, and comments on Amaal Mallik’s image being ‘white-washed’Animal protein vs plant protein: Which is best for meeting the body’s nutritional needs?10 phrases parents should never tell a childHow to grow juicy beetroot in pots for a blooming balcony gardenAkshaye Khanna, Annu Kapoor to Swara Bhasker: How online frauds tricked these Bollywood celebrities out of lakhsHow to rewear your wedding lehenga this wedding seasonThe ideal bedtime routine order for school-age kids123Hot PicksAlinagar Election ResultRaghopur Election ResultBihar Election Result 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingCarey Price WifeArjun TendulkarGiannis AntetokounmpoDubai Prince Sheikh Hamdan Net WorthJoel EmbiidAidan HutchinsonNHL Trade RumorLatin GrammyDak PrescottPercy Harvin

Bihar’s 2025 election saw the NDA retain power, with Nitish Kumar expected to remain CM. The victory was bolstered by new, youthful leaders like Chirag Paswan and Maithili Thakur, complementing experienced governance and welfare delivery. This blend of seasoned leadership and fresh energy proved more effective than relying solely on youth or old popularity, highlighting a complex social landscape. Chirag Paswan, Nitish Kumar and Maithili Thakur (Images/Agencies) NEW DELHI: Bihar’s 2025 verdict was at once predictable and surprising. Predictable because as usual the NDA retained the power and Nitish Kumar is once again expected to retain the CM chair. Surprising because new, youthful faces such as Chirag Paswan and Maithili Thakur played decisive, complementary roles that helped NDA push past the 200-seat mark. The lesson from this election is clear – in Bihar’s complex social landscape, a mix of experienced leaders, steady welfare delivery and energetic young faces has proved more effective than relying only on old popularity or only on youth-driven politics.Despite the surge of young voters, the new Bihar Assembly has actually grown older — with the average MLA age rising to 53, according to data from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR)..A young electorate, a mixed verdictBihar’s demographics set the stage for an assumed Gen Z breakthrough. The state is young: nearly 57–58% of the population is under 25 and Gen Z accounts for roughly 25% of registered voters. Yet the ballot did not produce a wholesale generational turnover. Voter turnout rose to 67.13%, the highest since 1951, but the assembly that emerges remains led by established figures.The paradox points to a deeper truth: youth ambitions are powerful as a narrative, but they need organisation, welfare credibility and cross-cutting alliances to translate into seats. Key Demographic & Election IndicatorsFiguresRegistered voters in Bihar7.44 crorePopulation under 2557–58%Gen Z share among voters25%Newly added voters since 202011.17 lakhTurnout in 2025 election67.13%Women turnout 71.6%Men turnout62.8%Source: ADRBalance beat bravado: Why NDA formula workedNitish Kumar’s appeal rested on delivery and familiarity. His long record including infrastructure, electrification, women-centred schemes and visible rural services have converted into voter trust, especially among families worried about daily survival and local governance. That credibility was amplified by BJP’s organisational muscle power and national messaging, producing a coalition that combined administrative reputation with ground-level reach.But this was not a victory of seniority alone. The NDA’s seat haul hinged on a deliberate fusion of styles: the steady administrative image of Nitish; BJP’s organisational discipline and PM Modi’s national appeal and the insurgent energy of newer coalition partners..Chirag Paswan: The ‘sabji mein namak’ who delivered bigChirag Paswan’s description of himself as “sabji mein namak” captured the strategic role he played. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) won 19 of the 29 seats it contested, a performance that materially pushed the NDA beyond the 200-seat threshold. More striking was the party’s ability to wrest seats from the Mahagathbandhan: LJP(RV) took 17 constituencies that had earlier been with the opposition, undercutting expectations about its limited reach.Chirag’s rise was not accidental. His bargaining power had roots in the 2024 Lok Sabha sweep, where his party performed strongly and in smart seat-sharing talks that gave LJP(RV) winnable contests. By winning 19 of the 29 seats it contested in assembly elections, LJP(RV)’s strike rate suggests that the party had converted local appeal into electoral returns and reasserted Chirag as a major NDA face in Bihar’s new political arithmetic.Maithili Thakur: Culture, youth and powerThe BJP’s capture of Alinagar through Maithili Thakur underlined a different dynamic: cultural influence and youth appeal can convert into real votes when rooted in local identity and persistent outreach. The 25-year-old folk singer — a social media star and cultural ambassador for Mithilanchal has defeated RJD’s Binod Mishra and looked set to become the state’s youngest MLA. Her campaign blended grassroots outreach with a strong online following, demonstrating that youthful charisma, when allied to party structure and local ties, can win seats that long resisted the BJP.Why Mahagathbandhan’s youth icons fell shortRahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav aggressively pitched themselves as the voice of young India, placing job creation, caste-based census and economic justice front and centre. Rahul’s “Voter Adhikar Yatra” also saw him raise the issue of “vote chori”, warning young voters of manipulation and urging them to defend democracy.Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav during Voter Adhikar Yatra Before the first phase of voting in Bihar, in a video message, Rahul addressed his “Gen-Z brothers and sisters” in Bihar, saying: “Tomorrow is not just a day for voting, but a day to decide the direction of Bihar’s future … Stay alert to every conspiracy and manipulation at the booths … The future of Bihar is in your hands.”Tejashwi, in particular, sought to expand his connection with first-time voters through social media-heavy messaging and large rallies projecting himself as the future of Bihar.Yet, critics argued that assurance of results mattered more than rhetoric. Prashant Kishor, once an architect of JD(U)’s electoral strategies, did not miss the opportunity to take a swipe at both sides, calling them outdated in approach and disconnected from ground realities.Kishor questioned Rahul’s deep engagement with the state. He asked, “How much knowledge does Rahul Gandhi have here? Rahul Gandhi comes here, roams around, does a couple of show-bites and then he is gone.” “When the people of Bihar are not listening to him (Rahul Gandhi), then why would Gen Z listen to him? Gen Z is not a homogeneous group in Bihar who acts on someone’s call or on the basis of their assessment,” Kishor said. New and “youth-first” political experiments, including Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj aimed to target a niche of voters through their extensive door-to-door campaigning. However, the party struggled to convert enthusiasm into booth-level performance.Changing politics in Bihar requires patient groundwork: building cadres, stitching alliances and nurturing constituency-specific strategies. A single poll cycle rarely grants instant success.Women and welfare shift the tideAnother twist in Bihar’s electoral story comes from its women voters. This year, women recorded a turnout of 71.6%, significantly higher than the 62.8% turnout among men. This creates a clear gender advantage in the NDA’s favour.Women-centric welfare measures, particularly direct cash transfers and mobility-support initiatives, played a critical role. Nitish Kumar’s long-running focus on women’s empowerment, including the Rs 10,000 direct assistance scheme, strengthened trust and reinforced a dependable female vote bank..The road ahead: Continuity with cautionBihar’s verdict shows that generational change in politics can be gradual rather than revolutionary. For the NDA, the 2025 win validates a coalition approach that pairs veteran governance with youthful faces. For the opposition, the message is stark: charisma must be matched by credible welfare offerings and grassroots architecture.Bihar’s politics will stay complicated. But the 2025 election offered a lesson that is both simple and hard to achieve: in a state as socially layered as Bihar, mixed leadership with combined experience, welfare credibility and new energy is not just desirable, it is essential.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCDS General Anil Chauhan Highlights Inter-Service Jointness And Integration In Op SindoorEAM Jaishankar, Russian FM Lavrov To Hold Talks In Moscow On Nov 17 Ahead Of Putin’s India TripAir Marshal AK Bharti Reveals Why India Ended Operation Sindoor After Achieving Its Core ObjectiveWTO DG Okonjo-Iweala Lauds India’s Trade Strategy, Calls For Multilateral LeadershipPakistan Rejects Taliban Narrative And Says Rising Terror From Afghan Soil Can No Longer Be IgnoredNDA Sweeps Bihar, Nitish Kumar Prepares for 10th CM Oath; A Look Back at ‘Sushasan Babu’s’ JourneyPiyush Goyal Says India Ready For WTO Leadership, Rejects Reform Agendas Pushed By Developed NationsJ&K Police Confirm 9 Killed in Nowgam Blast After Explosives Recovered From Faridabad Blows UpPM Modi Predicts Major Congress Split After NDA’s Bihar Win And Warns Allies Of Growing Instability‘Bengal Is Far-Fetched…’ Bengal Minister Shashi Panja Hits Back at PM Modi’s Jungle Raj Jibe123Photostories6 easy and science-backed snacks that fight colon cancerMold Toxicity: How to recognize its symptoms that appear like a common cold7 phrases parents can say instead of ‘No’ to kidsExclusive – Bigg Boss 19: Mridul Tiwari reacts to his eviction, calls Farrhana Bhatt ‘toxic’ and ‘evil’, and comments on Amaal Mallik’s image being ‘white-washed’Animal protein vs plant protein: Which is best for meeting the body’s nutritional needs?10 phrases parents should never tell a childHow to grow juicy beetroot in pots for a blooming balcony gardenAkshaye Khanna, Annu Kapoor to Swara Bhasker: How online frauds tricked these Bollywood celebrities out of lakhsHow to rewear your wedding lehenga this wedding seasonThe ideal bedtime routine order for school-age kids123Hot PicksAlinagar Election ResultRaghopur Election ResultBihar Election Result 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingCarey Price WifeArjun TendulkarGiannis AntetokounmpoDubai Prince Sheikh Hamdan Net WorthJoel EmbiidAidan HutchinsonNHL Trade RumorLatin GrammyDak PrescottPercy Harvin

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

Chirag Paswan, Nitish Kumar and Maithili Thakur (Images/Agencies) NEW DELHI: Bihar’s 2025 verdict was at once predictable and surprising. Predictable because as usual the NDA retained the power and Nitish Kumar is once again expected to retain the CM chair. Surprising because new, youthful faces such as Chirag Paswan and Maithili Thakur played decisive, complementary…

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After the Brown University shooting, the US pauses a little-known diversity visa program

After the Brown University shooting, the US pauses a little-known diversity visa program

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

When the identity of the suspect in the shootings linked to Brown University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology became public, attention quickly shifted from the crime itself to the pathway that brought him to the United States.The suspect, a Portuguese national, entered the US through the diversity immigrant visa program — a congressionally created…

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‘Prepared to face consequences if found guilty’: Accused in Dharamshala college student death case

‘Prepared to face consequences if found guilty’: Accused in Dharamshala college student death case

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

DHARAMSHALA: As protests intensify in Dharamshala over the death of a 19-year-old Dalit college student, accused teacher Ashok Kumar said he was prepared to face consequences if found guilty and would cooperate with the ongoing probe.The 19-year-old student died while undergoing treatment in Ludhiana in December. Her family has alleged that she was subjected to…

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‘Wealth should never be the cause for fights’: When Ram Charan’s wife Upasana Konidela revealed family rules

‘Wealth should never be the cause for fights’: When Ram Charan’s wife Upasana Konidela revealed family rules

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Ram Charan is currently enjoying a successful phase at the box office with ‘Peddi’ continuing its theatrical run. An earlier interview featuring his wife Upasana Konidela has once again caught the attention of social media users.During her appearance on Masoom Minawala’s podcast earlier in 2025 Upasana spoke about how her family maintains balance when dealing…

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Congress’ V Vaithilingam; CM N Rangasamy; TVK chief Vijay NEW DELHI: The upcoming Puducherry assembly elections have set the stage for a direct contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) of All India NR Congress (AINRC)–BJP and the Congress–DMK’s Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA).The NDA, led by chief minister and AINRC founder-president N Rangasamy, is aiming for a second consecutive term. Meanwhile, the Congress and DMK finalised their seat-sharing at the last moment, and will fight to reclaim power in the Union territory. Puducherry assembly polls 2026Puducherry’s 33-member legislative assembly includes 30 elected seats, while three members are nominated by the Centre. Voting will be held on April 9, followed by counting on May 4, alongside counting in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, all of which will also vote this month.A snapshot of past electionsPuducherry has not re-elected a government since the Congress in 2006. In February 2011, Rangasamy, a former Congress member, launched the AINRC, which came to power a few months later. The grand old party reclaimed power in 2016, before the AINRC–BJP combine won the assembly elections in 2021.In the previous polls, the AINRC and BJP—contesting together for only the second time and their first assembly election as allies—ousted the Congress. The alliance won 16 seats, exactly the majority needed to form the government. How parties fared in Puducherry assembly polls 2021Five years before that, the Congress had emerged victorious with 15 seats, while the DMK added two more to their joint tally. The AINRC, which had experienced rapid success soon after its formation, was voted out, securing just eight seats.Can AINRC reverse the trend?High-stake contestThe most high-profile contest of the election is set to unfold in Thattanchavady, featuring two candidates who were once in the same party and have both held the UT’s top executive post. On the final day of nominations, with the Congress and DMK yet to finalise a seat-sharing agreement, V Vaithilingam, Puducherry Congress president and former chief minister, filed his nomination from Thattanchavady, setting up a direct clash against Rangasamy, the outgoing CM. Thattanchavady constituencySince his second term as chief minister ended in 2011, Vaithilingam has represented the UT’s only Lok Sabha seat—also called Puducherry—which he won in both the 2019 and 2024 general elections. Meanwhile, Rangasamy has held the chief ministerial post four times, twice each with the Congress and later with the AINRC.Thattanchavady could, therefore, once again decide Puducherry’s next chief minister.Major poll battlesWhile the Rangasamy–Vaithilingam contest will be the most high-profile battle, several other constituencies are also set to witness intense fights. For the Raj Bhavan segment, the NDA has nominated VP Ramalingam, the Puducherry BJP chief. The SPA nominee is Vignesh Kannan, who recently joined the DMK and is the son of the late P Kannan, an ex-Puducherry minister and a former parliamentarian. Key battlesIn Lawspet, AINRC’s VP Sivakolundhu, who served as assembly speaker while in the Congress, faces a strong challenge from V Saminathan of actor-politician Vijay’s two-year-old Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Saminathan, a former Puducherry BJP president, holds the distinction of being the longest-serving leader in that position, making this race a high-stakes contest.In Mahe and Yanam, which fall in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh respectively, the NDA candidates are A Dineshan (BJP) and Malladi Krishna Rao (AINRC). The SPA candidates are Ramesh Parambath (Congress) and GS Ashok (Congress). Puducherry dynasty candidatesOther major candidates include home minister and BJP leader A Namassivayam (Mannadipet), minority affairs minister and BJP leader A Johnkumar (Mudaliarpet), and AINRC’s Nedungadu nominee Chandira Priyanga, a former minister who resigned in October 2023 as the lone woman in the cabinet.From the Congress-DMK alliance, DMK’s R Siva, leader of the opposition in the outgoing assembly, will contest from Villianur. DMK leader and ex-minister AMH Nazeem will contest the Karaikal South seat.Key issues dominating the election campaignStatehood: Ahead of the electoral battle, the long-pending demand for statehood for Puducherry has emerged as the biggest issue and could play a decisive role in the outcome. As the ruling party and an ally of the BJP, which leads the Union government, the AINRC stands to lose the most if the opposition is able to bring this issue to the forefront effectively.Puducherry’s Union territory status means that most administrative matters are decided by the lieutenant governor—the UT’s constitutional head appointed by the President on the Centre’s recommendation—rather than the chief minister. For instance, the police department reports to the Union home ministry, unlike in a full-fledged state, where it functions under the elected political administration. Successive governments in the UT have cited this lack of full-fledged powers as a hindrance to effective governance.‘Excessive’ focus on Puducherry district: The district, which shares its name with the Union territory and is home to its capital city of the same name, also accounts for a lion’s share of the assembly seats. Out of the 30 assembly constituencies, 23 are located here, giving it an overwhelming influence in determining the outcome of the elections. This concentration of seats means that political campaigns, party strategies, and voter attention are heavily focused on the Puducherry district, often overshadowing Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. Additionally, Mahe and Yanam are surrounded by two different states (Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, respectively), which shape their political and administrative dynamics differently. Candidates with criminal casesWater contamination: In September 2025, the Puducherry city faced a public health concern due to contaminated drinking water in some areas, with many residents reportedly falling ill with symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting after consuming unsafe water. The contamination was believed to be caused by poor sanitation and possible mixing of sewage with the water supply. The incident led to protests and raised concerns about the need for better water quality management and improved public health measures.Unemployment: Despite its small size and relatively low population, the UT has recorded a high unemployment rate. In June 2021, just a month into the AINRC–BJP government’s first term, the unemployment rate stood at a national high of 47.1%, according to a Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) study, compared to a national average of 9.2%.This was significantly lower than the figures recorded in April 2020, when the unemployment rate had peaked at 75.8% against a national average of 23.5%, largely due to the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19.SWOT analysisNDA: The alliance has retained its previous formula, under which AINRC will contest 16 seats and BJP 14. From its quota, the BJP has allocated two seats each to allies like the AIADMK and the newly formed Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK), led by businessman Jose Charles Martin, son of “lottery king” Santiago Martin.StrengthCM Rangasamy’s pro-people image The UT government’s popularity Rangasamy is implementing a slew of welfare measuresWeaknessBJP remains relatively weak in PuducherryAIADMK has struggled electorally, including losing all five seats it contested in 2021.Allegations including corruption, failure to maintain law and order, and “political blessings’ for a fake drug manufacturing racket busted last yearOpportunityGreater friction within the opposition coalition compared to the ruling one Better coordination with the Centre, as the BJP leads the central government and is part of the ruling coalition in PuducherryThreat Anti-incumbency, with no ruling party re-elected since 2006Strains within the NDA, including the Centre’s failure to deliver on the statehood promise and the BJP, including Jose Charles Martin in the alliance NDA SWOTCongress-DMK: The Congress–DMK alliance is the more traditional of the two major coalitions, having contested assembly elections here since 2006.Last time, the DMK won six constituencies compared to the Congress’ two, emerging as the second-largest party and holding the leader of the opposition post.The Congress will field 16 candidates, with the remaining seats allotted to the DMK. The MK Stalin-led party had initially announced one seat from its quota for the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). However, the VCK chose to contest independently and field its own candidates in three constituencies.StrengthAs the two most successful parties, both – especially the Congress – continue to have a widespread organisational presenceWeaknessCongress’ inability to convert issues into votesCongress-DMK sea-sharing friction almost derailed the allianceOpportunityThe previous AINRC (2011–2016) and Congress (2016–2021) administrations both lost power after just one termThreatCongress’ broader national declineDespite potential anti-incumbency, AINRC-BJP combine appears better positioned to retain powerThe last-day seat-sharing announcement could lead to friendly contests Congress-DMK SWOTWildcard factorAs in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, the biggest wildcard factor in Puducherry is “Thalapathy” Vijay. His TVK initially announced candidates for all 30 constituencies before joining hands with independent legislator G Nehru’s newly formed Neyam Makkal Kazhagam (NMK).Under this arrangement, the TVK withdrew its nominees from the Orleanpet and Thattanchavady seats for the NMK. Nehru himself will contest from Orleanpet, while NMK general secretary E Vinayagam will stand from Thattanchavady.Like in Tamil Nadu, the TVK’s biggest strength is Vijay’s massive popularity; his Puducherry rally in December last year drew thousands. Yet, converting his fan base into votes will be the party’s biggest challenge. Additionally, as a newly formed party—it was launched in February 2024—the TVK lacks both a strong grassroots organisation and governance experience compared to more established parties.Yet, TVK could attract voters seeking alternatives beyond the two major alliances. This could end up benefiting one of the two while hurting the other, and at the same time help establish TVK as a rising political force.Unsurprisingly, Vijay was reportedly courted by the AIADMK, BJP, and Congress in Tamil Nadu, but he declined overtures from all three.StrengthBuilt-in fan base driven by Vijay’s strong popularityWeaknessPolitical debutant; therefore lacks political and policy experienceLack of a grassroots organisational networkNo prominent face beyond VijayOpportunityPositioning as a fresh alternative to the dominant coalitionsAttracting voters seeking changeThreatPotential difficulty in converting fan support into actual votesReputation impact following the Karur stampedePotential disruptions due to frequent travel to Delhi for CBI questioning TVK SWOTStage set for poll battleAs the elections approach, several political heavyweights—including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, and Congress MP and Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi—are expected to visit Puducherry regularly to campaign for their respective parties..Still, attention is not on Puducherry as it is a Union territory and small in size. However, it has its own politics and stands out for its French colonial past and the fact that its four districts are spread across three different states, with two of the states—Tamil Nadu and Kerala —voting in the current round, giving the UT a unique political significance.With the key players and alliances in place, the stage is now set for a potentially close poll battle.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Where Was Your PM?’ Mallikarjun Kharge Attacks Modi Govt, Sparks War Of Words With Kiren RijijuMassive Opposition Protests Forces Modi Govt To Pause Foreign Contribution (FCRA) Bill In Lok SabhaRussian Envoy Rejects US Pressure On India Oil Trade, Backs Delhi’s Independent Foreign Policy StandDonald Trump Backs US-India Ties, Says Sergio Gor, But Hormuz Risk Puts India In Strategic DilemmaIran War Impact Hits India: Commercial LPG Prices Rise, Airfares Set To Surge As Fuel Costs DoubleIndia Conducts Ex Dweep Shakti, Tri-Service Drill To Boost Coastal And Island DefenceHow An Indian LPG Tanker Took An Unusual Route To Escape Strait Of HormuzTrump Ready To End Iran War Despite Hormuz Blockade?; Iran’s Oil Revenues Soar Thanks To Trump’s War’India’s Silence Helpful To US, Israel And Gulf States’: Former Deputy NSA Pankaj Saran On Iran WarBig April Financial Reset: New Rules For UPI, ATM, PAN, FASTag, Railway Booking To Impact Daily Life123PhotostoriesPink Full Moon: 7 signs the universe is preparing you for a major life shift6 delicious flatbreads to try instead of regular pizzaNarayan Murthy and Sudha Murty’s ₹50 crore Bengaluru home at UB City is all about simplicity and classFrom Rob Reiner to Heath Ledger: Hollywood actors who tragically lost their lives8 quick and easy Good Friday long weekend trips from MumbaiMumbai’s iconic dabbawalas suspend services for 6 days: 7 meals you can prepare at home without gas stove, induction, or microwaveIMD’s summer outlook: Heatwave likely in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana; Maharashtra spared extreme heat7 delicious snail dishes you need to try at least onceBaby names inspired by holy cities of IndiaYuvraj Singh’s mountain-view mansion in Chandigarh is a personalised dream home built on his cricket legacy and family values123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stPost office small savings schemesNASA Artemis IIAmazon treeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingNeeraj ChopraSjoerd MarijneSam KonstasVaibhav SooryavanshiChennai Super KingsIPL 2026Adam ZampaLSG vs DC Match PreviewCooper ConnollyIPL Match Today

Congress’ V Vaithilingam; CM N Rangasamy; TVK chief Vijay NEW DELHI: The upcoming Puducherry assembly elections have set the stage for a direct contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) of All India NR Congress (AINRC)–BJP and the Congress–DMK’s Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA).The NDA, led by chief minister and AINRC founder-president N Rangasamy, is aiming for a second consecutive term. Meanwhile, the Congress and DMK finalised their seat-sharing at the last moment, and will fight to reclaim power in the Union territory. Puducherry assembly polls 2026Puducherry’s 33-member legislative assembly includes 30 elected seats, while three members are nominated by the Centre. Voting will be held on April 9, followed by counting on May 4, alongside counting in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, all of which will also vote this month.A snapshot of past electionsPuducherry has not re-elected a government since the Congress in 2006. In February 2011, Rangasamy, a former Congress member, launched the AINRC, which came to power a few months later. The grand old party reclaimed power in 2016, before the AINRC–BJP combine won the assembly elections in 2021.In the previous polls, the AINRC and BJP—contesting together for only the second time and their first assembly election as allies—ousted the Congress. The alliance won 16 seats, exactly the majority needed to form the government. How parties fared in Puducherry assembly polls 2021Five years before that, the Congress had emerged victorious with 15 seats, while the DMK added two more to their joint tally. The AINRC, which had experienced rapid success soon after its formation, was voted out, securing just eight seats.Can AINRC reverse the trend?High-stake contestThe most high-profile contest of the election is set to unfold in Thattanchavady, featuring two candidates who were once in the same party and have both held the UT’s top executive post. On the final day of nominations, with the Congress and DMK yet to finalise a seat-sharing agreement, V Vaithilingam, Puducherry Congress president and former chief minister, filed his nomination from Thattanchavady, setting up a direct clash against Rangasamy, the outgoing CM. Thattanchavady constituencySince his second term as chief minister ended in 2011, Vaithilingam has represented the UT’s only Lok Sabha seat—also called Puducherry—which he won in both the 2019 and 2024 general elections. Meanwhile, Rangasamy has held the chief ministerial post four times, twice each with the Congress and later with the AINRC.Thattanchavady could, therefore, once again decide Puducherry’s next chief minister.Major poll battlesWhile the Rangasamy–Vaithilingam contest will be the most high-profile battle, several other constituencies are also set to witness intense fights. For the Raj Bhavan segment, the NDA has nominated VP Ramalingam, the Puducherry BJP chief. The SPA nominee is Vignesh Kannan, who recently joined the DMK and is the son of the late P Kannan, an ex-Puducherry minister and a former parliamentarian. Key battlesIn Lawspet, AINRC’s VP Sivakolundhu, who served as assembly speaker while in the Congress, faces a strong challenge from V Saminathan of actor-politician Vijay’s two-year-old Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Saminathan, a former Puducherry BJP president, holds the distinction of being the longest-serving leader in that position, making this race a high-stakes contest.In Mahe and Yanam, which fall in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh respectively, the NDA candidates are A Dineshan (BJP) and Malladi Krishna Rao (AINRC). The SPA candidates are Ramesh Parambath (Congress) and GS Ashok (Congress). Puducherry dynasty candidatesOther major candidates include home minister and BJP leader A Namassivayam (Mannadipet), minority affairs minister and BJP leader A Johnkumar (Mudaliarpet), and AINRC’s Nedungadu nominee Chandira Priyanga, a former minister who resigned in October 2023 as the lone woman in the cabinet.From the Congress-DMK alliance, DMK’s R Siva, leader of the opposition in the outgoing assembly, will contest from Villianur. DMK leader and ex-minister AMH Nazeem will contest the Karaikal South seat.Key issues dominating the election campaignStatehood: Ahead of the electoral battle, the long-pending demand for statehood for Puducherry has emerged as the biggest issue and could play a decisive role in the outcome. As the ruling party and an ally of the BJP, which leads the Union government, the AINRC stands to lose the most if the opposition is able to bring this issue to the forefront effectively.Puducherry’s Union territory status means that most administrative matters are decided by the lieutenant governor—the UT’s constitutional head appointed by the President on the Centre’s recommendation—rather than the chief minister. For instance, the police department reports to the Union home ministry, unlike in a full-fledged state, where it functions under the elected political administration. Successive governments in the UT have cited this lack of full-fledged powers as a hindrance to effective governance.‘Excessive’ focus on Puducherry district: The district, which shares its name with the Union territory and is home to its capital city of the same name, also accounts for a lion’s share of the assembly seats. Out of the 30 assembly constituencies, 23 are located here, giving it an overwhelming influence in determining the outcome of the elections. This concentration of seats means that political campaigns, party strategies, and voter attention are heavily focused on the Puducherry district, often overshadowing Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. Additionally, Mahe and Yanam are surrounded by two different states (Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, respectively), which shape their political and administrative dynamics differently. Candidates with criminal casesWater contamination: In September 2025, the Puducherry city faced a public health concern due to contaminated drinking water in some areas, with many residents reportedly falling ill with symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting after consuming unsafe water. The contamination was believed to be caused by poor sanitation and possible mixing of sewage with the water supply. The incident led to protests and raised concerns about the need for better water quality management and improved public health measures.Unemployment: Despite its small size and relatively low population, the UT has recorded a high unemployment rate. In June 2021, just a month into the AINRC–BJP government’s first term, the unemployment rate stood at a national high of 47.1%, according to a Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) study, compared to a national average of 9.2%.This was significantly lower than the figures recorded in April 2020, when the unemployment rate had peaked at 75.8% against a national average of 23.5%, largely due to the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19.SWOT analysisNDA: The alliance has retained its previous formula, under which AINRC will contest 16 seats and BJP 14. From its quota, the BJP has allocated two seats each to allies like the AIADMK and the newly formed Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK), led by businessman Jose Charles Martin, son of “lottery king” Santiago Martin.StrengthCM Rangasamy’s pro-people image The UT government’s popularity Rangasamy is implementing a slew of welfare measuresWeaknessBJP remains relatively weak in PuducherryAIADMK has struggled electorally, including losing all five seats it contested in 2021.Allegations including corruption, failure to maintain law and order, and “political blessings’ for a fake drug manufacturing racket busted last yearOpportunityGreater friction within the opposition coalition compared to the ruling one Better coordination with the Centre, as the BJP leads the central government and is part of the ruling coalition in PuducherryThreat Anti-incumbency, with no ruling party re-elected since 2006Strains within the NDA, including the Centre’s failure to deliver on the statehood promise and the BJP, including Jose Charles Martin in the alliance NDA SWOTCongress-DMK: The Congress–DMK alliance is the more traditional of the two major coalitions, having contested assembly elections here since 2006.Last time, the DMK won six constituencies compared to the Congress’ two, emerging as the second-largest party and holding the leader of the opposition post.The Congress will field 16 candidates, with the remaining seats allotted to the DMK. The MK Stalin-led party had initially announced one seat from its quota for the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). However, the VCK chose to contest independently and field its own candidates in three constituencies.StrengthAs the two most successful parties, both – especially the Congress – continue to have a widespread organisational presenceWeaknessCongress’ inability to convert issues into votesCongress-DMK sea-sharing friction almost derailed the allianceOpportunityThe previous AINRC (2011–2016) and Congress (2016–2021) administrations both lost power after just one termThreatCongress’ broader national declineDespite potential anti-incumbency, AINRC-BJP combine appears better positioned to retain powerThe last-day seat-sharing announcement could lead to friendly contests Congress-DMK SWOTWildcard factorAs in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, the biggest wildcard factor in Puducherry is “Thalapathy” Vijay. His TVK initially announced candidates for all 30 constituencies before joining hands with independent legislator G Nehru’s newly formed Neyam Makkal Kazhagam (NMK).Under this arrangement, the TVK withdrew its nominees from the Orleanpet and Thattanchavady seats for the NMK. Nehru himself will contest from Orleanpet, while NMK general secretary E Vinayagam will stand from Thattanchavady.Like in Tamil Nadu, the TVK’s biggest strength is Vijay’s massive popularity; his Puducherry rally in December last year drew thousands. Yet, converting his fan base into votes will be the party’s biggest challenge. Additionally, as a newly formed party—it was launched in February 2024—the TVK lacks both a strong grassroots organisation and governance experience compared to more established parties.Yet, TVK could attract voters seeking alternatives beyond the two major alliances. This could end up benefiting one of the two while hurting the other, and at the same time help establish TVK as a rising political force.Unsurprisingly, Vijay was reportedly courted by the AIADMK, BJP, and Congress in Tamil Nadu, but he declined overtures from all three.StrengthBuilt-in fan base driven by Vijay’s strong popularityWeaknessPolitical debutant; therefore lacks political and policy experienceLack of a grassroots organisational networkNo prominent face beyond VijayOpportunityPositioning as a fresh alternative to the dominant coalitionsAttracting voters seeking changeThreatPotential difficulty in converting fan support into actual votesReputation impact following the Karur stampedePotential disruptions due to frequent travel to Delhi for CBI questioning TVK SWOTStage set for poll battleAs the elections approach, several political heavyweights—including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, and Congress MP and Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi—are expected to visit Puducherry regularly to campaign for their respective parties..Still, attention is not on Puducherry as it is a Union territory and small in size. However, it has its own politics and stands out for its French colonial past and the fact that its four districts are spread across three different states, with two of the states—Tamil Nadu and Kerala —voting in the current round, giving the UT a unique political significance.With the key players and alliances in place, the stage is now set for a potentially close poll battle.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Where Was Your PM?’ Mallikarjun Kharge Attacks Modi Govt, Sparks War Of Words With Kiren RijijuMassive Opposition Protests Forces Modi Govt To Pause Foreign Contribution (FCRA) Bill In Lok SabhaRussian Envoy Rejects US Pressure On India Oil Trade, Backs Delhi’s Independent Foreign Policy StandDonald Trump Backs US-India Ties, Says Sergio Gor, But Hormuz Risk Puts India In Strategic DilemmaIran War Impact Hits India: Commercial LPG Prices Rise, Airfares Set To Surge As Fuel Costs DoubleIndia Conducts Ex Dweep Shakti, Tri-Service Drill To Boost Coastal And Island DefenceHow An Indian LPG Tanker Took An Unusual Route To Escape Strait Of HormuzTrump Ready To End Iran War Despite Hormuz Blockade?; Iran’s Oil Revenues Soar Thanks To Trump’s War’India’s Silence Helpful To US, Israel And Gulf States’: Former Deputy NSA Pankaj Saran On Iran WarBig April Financial Reset: New Rules For UPI, ATM, PAN, FASTag, Railway Booking To Impact Daily Life123PhotostoriesPink Full Moon: 7 signs the universe is preparing you for a major life shift6 delicious flatbreads to try instead of regular pizzaNarayan Murthy and Sudha Murty’s ₹50 crore Bengaluru home at UB City is all about simplicity and classFrom Rob Reiner to Heath Ledger: Hollywood actors who tragically lost their lives8 quick and easy Good Friday long weekend trips from MumbaiMumbai’s iconic dabbawalas suspend services for 6 days: 7 meals you can prepare at home without gas stove, induction, or microwaveIMD’s summer outlook: Heatwave likely in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana; Maharashtra spared extreme heat7 delicious snail dishes you need to try at least onceBaby names inspired by holy cities of IndiaYuvraj Singh’s mountain-view mansion in Chandigarh is a personalised dream home built on his cricket legacy and family values123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stPost office small savings schemesNASA Artemis IIAmazon treeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingNeeraj ChopraSjoerd MarijneSam KonstasVaibhav SooryavanshiChennai Super KingsIPL 2026Adam ZampaLSG vs DC Match PreviewCooper ConnollyIPL Match Today

Vamsikrishna09 mins mins

Congress’ V Vaithilingam; CM N Rangasamy; TVK chief Vijay NEW DELHI: The upcoming Puducherry assembly elections have set the stage for a direct contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) of All India NR Congress (AINRC)–BJP and the Congress–DMK’s Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA).The NDA, led by chief minister and AINRC founder-president N Rangasamy, is…

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Muhammad Yunus (File photo) Muhammad Yunus, who heads the Bangladesh interim government, said the sentencing of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina offered an “important, though limited, justice” for the thousands affected during the July–August 2024 uprising.”Today, the courts of Bangladesh have spoken with a clarity that resonates across the nation and beyond. The conviction and sentencing affirm a fundamental principle: no one, regardless of power, is above the law,” he said in a statement issued by his press wing, according to the Daily Star.Yunus said the country was now at a moment of rebuilding institutions damaged over the years of repression. “We stand at a moment of rebuilding democratic foundations wrecked by years of oppression. The crimes at issue — the ordering of lethal force against young people and children whose only weapons were their voices — violated both our laws and the basic bond between government and citizens. These acts outraged Bangladeshis’ core values: dignity, resilience, and commitment to justice,” he said.”I have every confidence that Bangladesh will meet the challenges ahead with courage and humility. With commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and each person’s potential, justice will not merely survive in Bangladesh. It will prevail and sustain,” the statement concluded.Sheikh Hasina on Monday slammed the International Crimes Tribunal’s decision to sentence her to death on charges of “crimes against humanity”.In a statement, Hasina claimed that the ruling, linked to the student-led protests of August 2024, was “biased and politically motivated.””The verdicts announced against me have been made by a rigged tribunal established and presided over by an unelected government with no democratic mandate,” Hasina said. “They are biased and politically motivated. Its guilty verdict against me was a foregone conclusion.”She acknowledged the government had lost control of the situation at the time but maintained that the unrest did not amount to a “premeditated” assault on civilians.”We lost control of the situation but cannot characterise what happened as premeditated assault on citizens,” Hasina said.Criticising the verdicts, Hasina described the process as “rigged” and alleged that the drive for a death sentence was a calculated effort by hardline officials to sideline her and undermine her party, Awami League.”In their distasteful call for the death penalty, they reveal the brazen and murderous intent of extremist figures within the interim government to remove Bangladesh’s last elected prime minister, and to nullify the Awami League as a political force,” Hasina added.She defended her record in office, citing Bangladesh’s accession to the International Criminal Court, the sheltering of Rohingya refugees, major gains in electricity access and education, and significant economic growth that lifted millions out of poverty.Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s interim government has described the death sentence handed down to Sheikh Hasina as a “historic verdict.” It also urged the public to remain calm, exercise restraint, and act responsibly in the wake of the decision.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 MediaVideosBangladesh Seeks Hasina’s Return As India Notes ICT Tribunal Verdict, Calls For Peace And Stability’This Generation Can Bring Viksit Bharat Before 2047′: Army Chief Dwivedi’s Message To Gen ZHasina Verdict Sparks Outrage as Ex-Indian Envoy Questions Evidence and Awami League Cries Black DayPak Army Chief Asim Munir Vows ‘Strong Response’, Army Chief Dwivedi Warns Op Sindoor Was A TrailerPM Modi Condoles Families as 45 Indians Feared Dead in Saudi Bus CrashOusted Bangladesh PM Hasina Calls ICT’s Death Sentence ‘Rigged’, Says It Denied Fair Trial RightsFrench Consulate Staffer Molested In Bandra As Mumbai Police Launch Rapid Hunt To Track The SuspectAfter 5th August 2019…’ Army Chief Counters Mehbooba’s Charge Against Centre Over J&K SituationChennai Gripped By Panic As Bomb Threats Target MK Stalin, Ajith Kumar, Top Tamil Nadu Personalities’Snow Must Melt’: Army Chief Dwivedi Details How India China Relations Shifted After 2024 Talks123PhotostoriesFrom ‘Sacred Games’ to ‘Panchayat’: Web series that turned Pankaj Tripathi, Manoj Bajpayee, Jaideep Ahlawat and others into digital icons7 addictions one should break to become their best selfMalaika Arora to Demi Moore: 5 must-see looks of the day ruling the style charts4 powerful Indian homemade drinks to lower uric acid levels and how to make them at homeFive-letter Indian baby names that sound modern and classyBharti Singh gets emotional as she gets a surprise baby shower from Laughter Chefs team; friends Krushna Abhishek, Tejasswi Prakash, Jannat Zubair and others attend the bash8 easy exercises to increase your child’s height10 cities in the US where rent is below ,0005 quiet habits of partners who deeply trust each other9 street foods to enjoy in Amritsar during winter123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodaySheikh Hasina VerdictBihar Government FormationGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingKayla NicoleAaron Rodgers InjuryShedeur SandersDubai Prince Sheikh Hamdan Net WorthRohini AcharyaDraymond GreenLebron JamesPaige GrecoZelina VegaCharlie Mcavoy Injury

Muhammad Yunus (File photo) Muhammad Yunus, who heads the Bangladesh interim government, said the sentencing of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina offered an “important, though limited, justice” for the thousands affected during the July–August 2024 uprising.”Today, the courts of Bangladesh have spoken with a clarity that resonates across the nation and beyond. The conviction and sentencing affirm a fundamental principle: no one, regardless of power, is above the law,” he said in a statement issued by his press wing, according to the Daily Star.Yunus said the country was now at a moment of rebuilding institutions damaged over the years of repression. “We stand at a moment of rebuilding democratic foundations wrecked by years of oppression. The crimes at issue — the ordering of lethal force against young people and children whose only weapons were their voices — violated both our laws and the basic bond between government and citizens. These acts outraged Bangladeshis’ core values: dignity, resilience, and commitment to justice,” he said.”I have every confidence that Bangladesh will meet the challenges ahead with courage and humility. With commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and each person’s potential, justice will not merely survive in Bangladesh. It will prevail and sustain,” the statement concluded.Sheikh Hasina on Monday slammed the International Crimes Tribunal’s decision to sentence her to death on charges of “crimes against humanity”.In a statement, Hasina claimed that the ruling, linked to the student-led protests of August 2024, was “biased and politically motivated.””The verdicts announced against me have been made by a rigged tribunal established and presided over by an unelected government with no democratic mandate,” Hasina said. “They are biased and politically motivated. Its guilty verdict against me was a foregone conclusion.”She acknowledged the government had lost control of the situation at the time but maintained that the unrest did not amount to a “premeditated” assault on civilians.”We lost control of the situation but cannot characterise what happened as premeditated assault on citizens,” Hasina said.Criticising the verdicts, Hasina described the process as “rigged” and alleged that the drive for a death sentence was a calculated effort by hardline officials to sideline her and undermine her party, Awami League.”In their distasteful call for the death penalty, they reveal the brazen and murderous intent of extremist figures within the interim government to remove Bangladesh’s last elected prime minister, and to nullify the Awami League as a political force,” Hasina added.She defended her record in office, citing Bangladesh’s accession to the International Criminal Court, the sheltering of Rohingya refugees, major gains in electricity access and education, and significant economic growth that lifted millions out of poverty.Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s interim government has described the death sentence handed down to Sheikh Hasina as a “historic verdict.” It also urged the public to remain calm, exercise restraint, and act responsibly in the wake of the decision.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 MediaVideosBangladesh Seeks Hasina’s Return As India Notes ICT Tribunal Verdict, Calls For Peace And Stability’This Generation Can Bring Viksit Bharat Before 2047′: Army Chief Dwivedi’s Message To Gen ZHasina Verdict Sparks Outrage as Ex-Indian Envoy Questions Evidence and Awami League Cries Black DayPak Army Chief Asim Munir Vows ‘Strong Response’, Army Chief Dwivedi Warns Op Sindoor Was A TrailerPM Modi Condoles Families as 45 Indians Feared Dead in Saudi Bus CrashOusted Bangladesh PM Hasina Calls ICT’s Death Sentence ‘Rigged’, Says It Denied Fair Trial RightsFrench Consulate Staffer Molested In Bandra As Mumbai Police Launch Rapid Hunt To Track The SuspectAfter 5th August 2019…’ Army Chief Counters Mehbooba’s Charge Against Centre Over J&K SituationChennai Gripped By Panic As Bomb Threats Target MK Stalin, Ajith Kumar, Top Tamil Nadu Personalities’Snow Must Melt’: Army Chief Dwivedi Details How India China Relations Shifted After 2024 Talks123PhotostoriesFrom ‘Sacred Games’ to ‘Panchayat’: Web series that turned Pankaj Tripathi, Manoj Bajpayee, Jaideep Ahlawat and others into digital icons7 addictions one should break to become their best selfMalaika Arora to Demi Moore: 5 must-see looks of the day ruling the style charts4 powerful Indian homemade drinks to lower uric acid levels and how to make them at homeFive-letter Indian baby names that sound modern and classyBharti Singh gets emotional as she gets a surprise baby shower from Laughter Chefs team; friends Krushna Abhishek, Tejasswi Prakash, Jannat Zubair and others attend the bash8 easy exercises to increase your child’s height10 cities in the US where rent is below $1,0005 quiet habits of partners who deeply trust each other9 street foods to enjoy in Amritsar during winter123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodaySheikh Hasina VerdictBihar Government FormationGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingKayla NicoleAaron Rodgers InjuryShedeur SandersDubai Prince Sheikh Hamdan Net WorthRohini AcharyaDraymond GreenLebron JamesPaige GrecoZelina VegaCharlie Mcavoy Injury

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Muhammad Yunus (File photo) Muhammad Yunus, who heads the Bangladesh interim government, said the sentencing of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina offered an “important, though limited, justice” for the thousands affected during the July–August 2024 uprising.“Today, the courts of Bangladesh have spoken with a clarity that resonates across the nation and beyond. The conviction and…

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Goa Police arrested three people from Mysuru, Karnataka, after a video of them harassing two women foreign tourists on a North Goa beach recently went viral. The men can be seen grabbing the women’s arms to pose for photographs with them. They even threw their hands around the foreigners’ shoulders and waists as the women got uncomfortable. A police inspector filed a complaint on behalf of the state, “considering the sensitivity of the matter and the impact it had on perception of tourist safety in Goa”. A Goa police team traced all three — Karthik B R (28), B N Santhosha (33) and Ravi B N — to Mysuru and arrested them. tnnEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Terror May Strike Our Cities…’: Netanyahu Expresses Solidarity With India After Delhi Blast’Heinous Terror Attack’: Cabinet Passes Resolution On Delhi Blast, Swift Probe OrderedIndian Army Showcases Joint Combat Readiness In Jaisalmer During Exercise ‘Akhand Prahar’Red Fort Blast Had A Bigger Plan: Faridabad Doctor’s January 26 Recces Raise Chilling Questions’R&D Must Be Seen As Investment, Not Expenditure’: DRDO Chief Samir V KamatPenpa Tsering’s ‘No Hanuman’ Remark: Tibet’s Stark Message on Geography, Peace, and SurvivalAfter Spending 16 Years on Death Row, ‘Nithari Killer’ Surinder Koli Set Free by Supreme CourtGujarat: 2 Workers Killed, 20 Injured After Boiler Explosion At Pharma Factory In BharuchDelhi Blast: PM Modi Meets Victims At LNJP Hospital, Promises Swift Action Against Attack CulpritsIndia’s Growth Story Is Built On Scale, Youth, And Resilience, Says World Bank Economist123PhotostoriesTop Harvard doctor shares 4 high-fiber foods you’re ignoring10 tomato dishes from around the worldFrom grey to flaky: 4 signs in hair that may link to a nutrient deficiencyLearning the long game: Warren Buffett’s 5 quotes to inspire studentsIsabgol vs Chia seeds: Which is the better source of fiber and why5 expert-approved shots for a healthy gut and glowing skinFrom ‘Dushman’ to ‘Sangharsh’: Ashutosh Rana’s scariest roles that still haunt usKriti Sanon’s blush pink saree whispers romance!8 Italian concepts that will change your lifeInside the Taj Mahal’s locked chambers: What is the real reason behind the closed doors of the monument123Hot PicksBihar Election CandidatesBihar Election ConstituenciesBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn KneelandJoy TaylorMarvin Harrison JrAJ BrownMagic JohnsonMichael Willis Cause of DeathLaMelo BallStephen CurryGiannis AntetokounmpoMichael Duarte Cause of Death

Goa Police arrested three people from Mysuru, Karnataka, after a video of them harassing two women foreign tourists on a North Goa beach recently went viral. The men can be seen grabbing the women’s arms to pose for photographs with them. They even threw their hands around the foreigners’ shoulders and waists as the women got uncomfortable. A police inspector filed a complaint on behalf of the state, “considering the sensitivity of the matter and the impact it had on perception of tourist safety in Goa”. A Goa police team traced all three — Karthik B R (28), B N Santhosha (33) and Ravi B N — to Mysuru and arrested them. tnnEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Terror May Strike Our Cities…’: Netanyahu Expresses Solidarity With India After Delhi Blast’Heinous Terror Attack’: Cabinet Passes Resolution On Delhi Blast, Swift Probe OrderedIndian Army Showcases Joint Combat Readiness In Jaisalmer During Exercise ‘Akhand Prahar’Red Fort Blast Had A Bigger Plan: Faridabad Doctor’s January 26 Recces Raise Chilling Questions’R&D Must Be Seen As Investment, Not Expenditure’: DRDO Chief Samir V KamatPenpa Tsering’s ‘No Hanuman’ Remark: Tibet’s Stark Message on Geography, Peace, and SurvivalAfter Spending 16 Years on Death Row, ‘Nithari Killer’ Surinder Koli Set Free by Supreme CourtGujarat: 2 Workers Killed, 20 Injured After Boiler Explosion At Pharma Factory In BharuchDelhi Blast: PM Modi Meets Victims At LNJP Hospital, Promises Swift Action Against Attack CulpritsIndia’s Growth Story Is Built On Scale, Youth, And Resilience, Says World Bank Economist123PhotostoriesTop Harvard doctor shares 4 high-fiber foods you’re ignoring10 tomato dishes from around the worldFrom grey to flaky: 4 signs in hair that may link to a nutrient deficiencyLearning the long game: Warren Buffett’s 5 quotes to inspire studentsIsabgol vs Chia seeds: Which is the better source of fiber and why5 expert-approved shots for a healthy gut and glowing skinFrom ‘Dushman’ to ‘Sangharsh’: Ashutosh Rana’s scariest roles that still haunt usKriti Sanon’s blush pink saree whispers romance!8 Italian concepts that will change your lifeInside the Taj Mahal’s locked chambers: What is the real reason behind the closed doors of the monument123Hot PicksBihar Election CandidatesBihar Election ConstituenciesBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn KneelandJoy TaylorMarvin Harrison JrAJ BrownMagic JohnsonMichael Willis Cause of DeathLaMelo BallStephen CurryGiannis AntetokounmpoMichael Duarte Cause of Death

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

Goa Police arrested three people from Mysuru, Karnataka, after a video of them harassing two women foreign tourists on a North Goa beach recently went viral. The men can be seen grabbing the women’s arms to pose for photographs with them. They even threw their hands around the foreigners’ shoulders and waists as the women…

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‘Kantara: Chapter 1’: Rukmini Vasanth recalls anxiety of playing a negative role early in her career with the Rishab Shetty starrer

‘Kantara: Chapter 1’: Rukmini Vasanth recalls anxiety of playing a negative role early in her career with the Rishab Shetty starrer

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Rukmini Vasanth confessed her anxiety about playing a manipulative character in ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’, fearing it would limit future roles. She felt the industry pressures young actresses into ‘traditional heroine’ molds. However, the audience’s positive reception to her dual performance, appreciating both her range and the ‘good girl’ roles, eased her concerns and broadened her…

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Punjab class 10 board results show 94.52% pass rate; rural students outperform urban peers; Harleen Sharma tops with 99.38%

Punjab class 10 board results show 94.52% pass rate; rural students outperform urban peers; Harleen Sharma tops with 99.38%

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Punjab Class 10 board exam toppers shine with outstanding performance: Harleen Sharma leads with 99.38%, followed by Manimahesh Sharma and Riya Rani, both securing 99.23%, showcasing exceptional academic excellence across the state. CHANDIGARH: In a striking endorsement of Chief Minister S Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government’s education reforms, rural students have outperformed their urban…

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Libra Horoscope Today, April 10, 2026: Drive slowly even if late

Libra Horoscope Today, April 10, 2026: Drive slowly even if late

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

In a world bustling with demands, channel your energy wisely. Resist the urge for shortcuts, especially as stress levels rise. Streamline your priorities to maintain clarity and avoid feeling overwhelmed. In personal relationships, uphold respectful boundaries and nurture open dialogues. For your career, set realistic expectations around your deadlines, and students should stay focused on…

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