May 21, 2026
China to founders of AI company that Mark Zuckerberg bought for billion: You cannot leave the country as you have violated …

China to founders of AI company that Mark Zuckerberg bought for $2 billion: You cannot leave the country as you have violated …

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

China has barred two co-founders of Manus AI startup from leaving the company amid an ongoing probe into its $2 billion acquisition by Meta, reported Financial Times. The move comes as authorities review whether the deal violated foreign direct investment rules and national security rules. As per the report, the founders – Xiao Hong and…

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Over 50% of GCC’s population are expats, with Indians leading at 9.1 million and Bangladeshis at 5 million | World News

Over 50% of GCC’s population are expats, with Indians leading at 9.1 million and Bangladeshis at 5 million | World News

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

A region long seen as a hub of opportunity is now navigating uncertainty as geopolitical tensions escalate. Nearly 62 million people living across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are caught in the broader impact of the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, with foreign workers forming a significant part of this population.Indians form the largest…

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File photo NEW DELHI: The AIADMK on Wednesday released the full constituency-wise seat-sharing list for its NDA allies in Tamil Nadu, formally spelling out which party will contest where in the April 23 Assembly election, while confirming that seven alliance partners have been allotted a combined 65 seats and the Edappadi K Palaniswami-led party will fight the remaining 169 constituencies.In a detailed release issued in Chennai, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) said it had concluded seat-sharing agreements with seven parties for the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly General Election 2026. Watch Tamil Nadu Politics Is More Casteist Than UP And Bihar, Vijay’s Impact Is Waning: Yashwant Deshmukh The announcement not only confirmed the seat tally for each ally but also published the complete constituency-wise allocation, marking the formal consolidation of the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of polling.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran war82nd Airborne Division to be deployed in Middle East: Inside America’s fastest strike force that once stormed Nazi-occupied France’Lack of permission’: Iran turns back Pakistan-bound ship trying to pass through Strait of HormuzBJP gets 27 seats, PMK 18, AMMK 11 in key alliance formulaUnder the final formula announced by the AIADMK, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been allotted 27 constituencies, the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) 18, the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) 11, the Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) 5, the Indhiya Jananayaka Katchi (IJK) 2, the Tamilaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (TMMK) 1, and Puratchi Bharatham 1.That takes the total number of seats allotted to allies to 65, leaving the AIADMK to contest 169 constituencies on its own symbol as the senior partner in the alliance.The party said the completion of these agreements marks the formal consolidation of the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu ahead of the April 23 election.AIADMK release lists full constituency-wise allocationAs per the AIADMK’s official release, the BJP’s 27-seat share includes a mix of urban, western, delta and southern constituencies, including Mylapore, Aavadi, Thiruvannamalai, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Madurai South, Ramanathapuram, Nagercoil, Colachel and Padmanabhapuram.The PMK’s 18-seat allocation includes Dharmapuri, Pennagaram, Salem West, Salem North, Vikravandi, Sholingur, Thirupporur, Uthiramerur, Perambur and Ambattur, among others, reflecting its spread across northern and western pockets.The AMMK has been allotted 11 seats, including Mannargudi, Karaikudi, Nanguneri, Tiruchirappalli West, Saidapet and Poonamallee (R).The TMC has received five seats — Ottanchatram, Erode West, Ranipet, Kiliyur and Kumbakonam — while the IJK will contest Pallavaram and Kunnam.The TMMK has been allotted Rajapalayam, and Puratchi Bharatham has received Keezhvaithinankuppam (R).Alliance arithmetic sharpens AIADMK’s anti-DMK strategyThe seat-sharing announcement is significant as it gives the AIADMK-led NDA a clear electoral structure ahead of what is expected to be a high-stakes contest against the ruling DMK-led alliance.The AIADMK’s announcement comes a day after party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) unveiled the party’s election manifesto, signalling that the party is now moving from alliance-building to full campaign mode.Palaniswami on Tuesday released a manifesto carrying 297 promises, with welfare measures at the centre of the campaign.Among the headline promises, the AIADMK pledged a monthly assistance of Rs 2,000 for female heads of households under the proposed ‘Kula Vilakku Scheme’, to be credited directly into bank accounts of women in ration card-holding families.The party also promised a special assistance of Rs 10,000 for every family, saying the measure was aimed at easing the burden of rising prices and higher taxes under the ruling DMK government.Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.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 MediaVideosDelhi Deputy CM Parvesh Verma Calls Arvind Kejriwal Rehman Dakait In Assembly, Sparks Political RowAmid Hormuz Disruption, India Locks 60 Million Barrels Of Russian Oil To Secure Energy Supply’India And UK Are Now AI Superpowers’, Says Rishi Sunak As India Overtakes UK In Global RankingsOil, War, And A Phone Call: PM Modi Draws India’s Red Line At Strait Of Hormuz In Talks With TrumpHarish Rana Cremated After India’s First Passive Euthanasia Patient Dies Ending 13 Years Of ComaIran Calls India Trusted Player, Says Delhi Can Mediate And Ease Strait Of Hormuz Crisis TensionsAfter Dhurandhar 2 Release, Former IG Reveals Atiq Ahmed’s Pak Connection, Fake Currency Racket LinksIndia Built A Naval Network But Missed The Red Sea’s Key ChokepointLPG Ships Pine Gas And Jag Vasant Safely Cross Hormuz, Crew Hails Indian NavyIran Threats Undermine 10 Million Indian Lives, Israel’s ‘Great Plans With India’: Envoy Azar123Photostories7 tallest buildings of Bengaluru showcasing modern architecture5 types of rotis that are best for summer, their digestion time, and the right foods to pair with themWhy Bengaluru’s Peripheral Ring Road remains unfinished after 18 yearsTop 15 languages spoken in US homes besides EnglishJoined the gym? 5 tricks to get quicker, sustainable resultsDid Badshah get married? Viral photos with Punjabi actress Isha Rikhi in traditional outfits tells a curious storySourav Ganguly’s ₹40 crore ancestral mansion in Kolkata is a 48-room family legacy, cricketing glory and classic Bengali charmFrom net worth to house in Mumbai, business, and more- Shiv Thakare’s lavish lifestyle’Bridgerton Season 5′: From returning cast, plot; know all things about the upcoming series5 easy and beginner-friendly muscle-building exercises123Hot PicksTrain ticket refund ruleFPV drone attackSonia GandhiGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingLuka DoncicTom BradyRCB soldRSK MP Board 8th ResultRinku SinghWB ANM GNMHarish RanaMinecraft Bedrock 26-10 UpdateStrait of HormuzBihar Board Science Topper

File photo NEW DELHI: The AIADMK on Wednesday released the full constituency-wise seat-sharing list for its NDA allies in Tamil Nadu, formally spelling out which party will contest where in the April 23 Assembly election, while confirming that seven alliance partners have been allotted a combined 65 seats and the Edappadi K Palaniswami-led party will fight the remaining 169 constituencies.In a detailed release issued in Chennai, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) said it had concluded seat-sharing agreements with seven parties for the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly General Election 2026. Watch Tamil Nadu Politics Is More Casteist Than UP And Bihar, Vijay’s Impact Is Waning: Yashwant Deshmukh The announcement not only confirmed the seat tally for each ally but also published the complete constituency-wise allocation, marking the formal consolidation of the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of polling.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran war82nd Airborne Division to be deployed in Middle East: Inside America’s fastest strike force that once stormed Nazi-occupied France’Lack of permission’: Iran turns back Pakistan-bound ship trying to pass through Strait of HormuzBJP gets 27 seats, PMK 18, AMMK 11 in key alliance formulaUnder the final formula announced by the AIADMK, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been allotted 27 constituencies, the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) 18, the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) 11, the Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) 5, the Indhiya Jananayaka Katchi (IJK) 2, the Tamilaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (TMMK) 1, and Puratchi Bharatham 1.That takes the total number of seats allotted to allies to 65, leaving the AIADMK to contest 169 constituencies on its own symbol as the senior partner in the alliance.The party said the completion of these agreements marks the formal consolidation of the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu ahead of the April 23 election.AIADMK release lists full constituency-wise allocationAs per the AIADMK’s official release, the BJP’s 27-seat share includes a mix of urban, western, delta and southern constituencies, including Mylapore, Aavadi, Thiruvannamalai, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Madurai South, Ramanathapuram, Nagercoil, Colachel and Padmanabhapuram.The PMK’s 18-seat allocation includes Dharmapuri, Pennagaram, Salem West, Salem North, Vikravandi, Sholingur, Thirupporur, Uthiramerur, Perambur and Ambattur, among others, reflecting its spread across northern and western pockets.The AMMK has been allotted 11 seats, including Mannargudi, Karaikudi, Nanguneri, Tiruchirappalli West, Saidapet and Poonamallee (R).The TMC has received five seats — Ottanchatram, Erode West, Ranipet, Kiliyur and Kumbakonam — while the IJK will contest Pallavaram and Kunnam.The TMMK has been allotted Rajapalayam, and Puratchi Bharatham has received Keezhvaithinankuppam (R).Alliance arithmetic sharpens AIADMK’s anti-DMK strategyThe seat-sharing announcement is significant as it gives the AIADMK-led NDA a clear electoral structure ahead of what is expected to be a high-stakes contest against the ruling DMK-led alliance.The AIADMK’s announcement comes a day after party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) unveiled the party’s election manifesto, signalling that the party is now moving from alliance-building to full campaign mode.Palaniswami on Tuesday released a manifesto carrying 297 promises, with welfare measures at the centre of the campaign.Among the headline promises, the AIADMK pledged a monthly assistance of Rs 2,000 for female heads of households under the proposed ‘Kula Vilakku Scheme’, to be credited directly into bank accounts of women in ration card-holding families.The party also promised a special assistance of Rs 10,000 for every family, saying the measure was aimed at easing the burden of rising prices and higher taxes under the ruling DMK government.Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.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 MediaVideosDelhi Deputy CM Parvesh Verma Calls Arvind Kejriwal Rehman Dakait In Assembly, Sparks Political RowAmid Hormuz Disruption, India Locks 60 Million Barrels Of Russian Oil To Secure Energy Supply’India And UK Are Now AI Superpowers’, Says Rishi Sunak As India Overtakes UK In Global RankingsOil, War, And A Phone Call: PM Modi Draws India’s Red Line At Strait Of Hormuz In Talks With TrumpHarish Rana Cremated After India’s First Passive Euthanasia Patient Dies Ending 13 Years Of ComaIran Calls India Trusted Player, Says Delhi Can Mediate And Ease Strait Of Hormuz Crisis TensionsAfter Dhurandhar 2 Release, Former IG Reveals Atiq Ahmed’s Pak Connection, Fake Currency Racket LinksIndia Built A Naval Network But Missed The Red Sea’s Key ChokepointLPG Ships Pine Gas And Jag Vasant Safely Cross Hormuz, Crew Hails Indian NavyIran Threats Undermine 10 Million Indian Lives, Israel’s ‘Great Plans With India’: Envoy Azar123Photostories7 tallest buildings of Bengaluru showcasing modern architecture5 types of rotis that are best for summer, their digestion time, and the right foods to pair with themWhy Bengaluru’s Peripheral Ring Road remains unfinished after 18 yearsTop 15 languages spoken in US homes besides EnglishJoined the gym? 5 tricks to get quicker, sustainable resultsDid Badshah get married? Viral photos with Punjabi actress Isha Rikhi in traditional outfits tells a curious storySourav Ganguly’s ₹40 crore ancestral mansion in Kolkata is a 48-room family legacy, cricketing glory and classic Bengali charmFrom net worth to house in Mumbai, business, and more- Shiv Thakare’s lavish lifestyle’Bridgerton Season 5′: From returning cast, plot; know all things about the upcoming series5 easy and beginner-friendly muscle-building exercises123Hot PicksTrain ticket refund ruleFPV drone attackSonia GandhiGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingLuka DoncicTom BradyRCB soldRSK MP Board 8th ResultRinku SinghWB ANM GNMHarish RanaMinecraft Bedrock 26-10 UpdateStrait of HormuzBihar Board Science Topper

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: The AIADMK on Wednesday released the full constituency-wise seat-sharing list for its NDA allies in Tamil Nadu, formally spelling out which party will contest where in the April 23 Assembly election, while confirming that seven alliance partners have been allotted a combined 65 seats and the Edappadi K Palaniswami-led party will fight the…

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Cabinet approves UDAN 2.0 at Rs 28,840 crore to expand regional air connectivity

Cabinet approves UDAN 2.0 at Rs 28,840 crore to expand regional air connectivity

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The Union Cabinet has approved a modified UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme worth Rs 28,840 crore aimed at strengthening regional air connectivity through new airport infrastructure, enhanced financial support for airlines and operational assistance for smaller aerodromes.Under the revamped programme, 100 new airports will be developed in challenge mode, with an estimated average…

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Bihar Home Guard recruitment 2026 notification soon for 13,500 posts; check eligibility and other details here

Bihar Home Guard recruitment 2026 notification soon for 13,500 posts; check eligibility and other details here

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Bihar Home Guard recruitment 2026 Bihar Home Guard recruitment 2026: Bihar is set to witness a large-scale government recruitment drive as approval has been granted for 13,500 Home Guard posts under Bihar Home Guard Recruitment 2026. The process will be conducted by the Home Department under the Bihar Home Defence Corps, with the official notification…

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Samuthirakani responds to viral remarks on Vijay and Trisha; says remarks came from concern, not criticism

Samuthirakani responds to viral remarks on Vijay and Trisha; says remarks came from concern, not criticism

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Actor Samuthirakani addresses a viral video controversy. He explains his remarks about Vijay and Trisha were taken out of context. Samuthirakani insists his words came from genuine concern and emotion. He maintains he speaks honestly and has no regrets about his statements. The actor clarifies his perspective on public appearances. Actor Samuthirakani has now responded…

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4 things to do in a recession, as per finance guru and ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ author Robert Kiyosaki

4 things to do in a recession, as per finance guru and ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ author Robert Kiyosaki

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

During a 2020 podcast conversation with Lewis Howes, early in the COVID‑19 crisis, Kiyosaki broke people into three categories: fragile, robust, and “antifragile.” The fragile are like glass—when the economy hits them, they break. The robust are like rocks; they endure the blows but don’t really grow from them. The antifragile, however, are the ones…

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Meta’s biggest-ever layoffs may start soon; HR sends employees email asking them to…

Meta’s biggest-ever layoffs may start soon; HR sends employees email asking them to…

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Meta is preparing for its largest-ever round of layoffs, with employees in wearables and ads told to work from home as cuts loom. Reuters reported the reductions could affect 20% of its nearly 79,000-strong workforce—around 15,800 jobs. The move is driven by Meta’s $600 billion AI infrastructure commitment and a broader push toward leaner, AI-assisted…

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‘Loved to fight’: Shocking videos of DHS chief Markwayne Mullin’s past ignite backlash, netizens call him ‘unqualified’ | World News

‘Loved to fight’: Shocking videos of DHS chief Markwayne Mullin’s past ignite backlash, netizens call him ‘unqualified’ | World News

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Markwayne Mullin, Republican senator of Oklahoma was recently sworn in as the new Secretary of Department of Homeland Security, replacing Kristi Noem, who was fired this month after a succession of controversies. However, it seems that the new DHS leader arrives with his own villain arc followed by a series of viral and widely circulating…

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As Kerala heads towards the 2026 Assembly elections, data from the 2021 polls indicates that electoral contests in the state remain highly competitive, with narrow victory margins, fragmented vote shares and a small but steady NOTA presence shaping the political landscape.According to an analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Kerala Election Watch, the NOTA (None of the Above) vote share stood at 0.47% in 2021, with 97,695 voters opting for it out of over 2.08 crore votes polled. The figure was nearly unchanged from 0.5% in 2016, pointing to a consistent but limited protest vote that has not yet influenced electoral outcomes. At the same time, constituency-level data shows that most victories in 2021 were far from decisive. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran war82nd Airborne Division to be deployed in Middle East: Inside America’s fastest strike force that once stormed Nazi-occupied France’Lack of permission’: Iran turns back Pakistan-bound ship trying to pass through Strait of HormuzThe average vote share of winning candidates was 47.98%, with only 39 out of 140 MLAs securing more than 50% of the vote. A majority, 101 winners, were elected with less than half the votes polled, reflecting the impact of multi-cornered contests involving the Left Democratic Front (LDF), United Democratic Front (UDF), NDA candidates and independents.Victory margins further tell the competitiveness. Two constituencies were decided by fewer than 500 votes, while a large number of seats saw margins below 10%. Only five constituencies recorded margins above 30%, making landslide victories rare. Among re-elected MLAs, nearly 46% won with margins under 10%, suggesting limited incumbency advantage.The ADR assessment highlights that such sub-50% wins are a structural feature of Kerala’s electoral system rather than an exception. In several constituencies, runner-up candidates remained within close range, indicating that small shifts in vote share can alter outcomes.NOTA usage, though limited, showed variation across constituencies. Thalassery recorded the highest number of NOTA votes at 2,313, while Kalamassery saw nearly 0.97% of votes going to NOTA. Other constituencies such as Chittur, Manjeri, Sulthan Bathery, Vallikunnu, Paravur, Thripunitura and Alappuzha also crossed 1,000 NOTA votes. However, NOTA did not affect the result in any seat.Broader electoral patterns from 2021 add to the complexity. The ADR data shows that 77 winning candidates were crorepatis, while 99 MLAs declared criminal cases. Only 11 women were elected to the Assembly. Despite these factors, voters largely continued to back candidates based on party strength and local dynamics rather than shifting towards protest voting.Subsequent trends from the 2025 local body elections suggest potential shifts ahead of 2026. While the LDF retained close to 40% vote share, it saw significant seat losses across rural and urban bodies. The UDF secured 43.21% of the vote, while the BJP-led NDA maintained around 16%, with gains driven by better seat conversion. In Assembly segment terms, the UDF led in 81 constituencies, compared to 57 for the LDF, with several seats showing narrow margins.In at least 32 constituencies, the margin of defeat for the LDF was between 1,000 and 10,000 votes, reinforcing the importance of micro-level swings. The data also points to sharper three-cornered contests and vulnerabilities in urban segments.Taken together, the numbers suggest that Kerala’s elections are driven less by sweeping mandates and more by closely fought contests. As the state approaches the 2026 polls, even small changes in vote share, including any rise in NOTA from its 0.47% baseline, could become significant in tightly contested constituencies.(With inputs from agencies)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 MediaVideosAmid Hormuz Disruption, India Locks 60 Million Barrels Of Russian Oil To Secure Energy Supply’India And UK Are Now AI Superpowers’, Says Rishi Sunak As India Overtakes UK In Global RankingsOil, War, And A Phone Call: PM Modi Draws India’s Red Line At Strait Of Hormuz In Talks With TrumpHarish Rana Cremated After India’s First Passive Euthanasia Patient Dies Ending 13 Years Of ComaIran Calls India Trusted Player, Says Delhi Can Mediate And Ease Strait Of Hormuz Crisis TensionsAfter Dhurandhar 2 Release, Former IG Reveals Atiq Ahmed’s Pak Connection, Fake Currency Racket LinksIndia Built A Naval Network But Missed The Red Sea’s Key ChokepointLPG Ships Pine Gas And Jag Vasant Safely Cross Hormuz, Crew Hails Indian NavyIran Threats Undermine 10 Million Indian Lives, Israel’s ‘Great Plans With India’: Envoy AzarVessels ‘Going Dark’ In EEZ: Navy Chief Tripathi On ‘Emerging Flash Points’ In Indo-Pacific123Photostories5 types of rotis that are best for summer, their digestion time, and the right foods to pair with themPeople who succeed at work follow this one rule no one talks aboutWhy Bengaluru’s Peripheral Ring Road remains unfinished after 18 yearsTop 15 languages spoken in US homes besides EnglishJoined the gym? 5 tricks to get quicker, sustainable results10 life-changing quotes by Premanand Ji MaharajDid Badshah get married? Viral photos with Punjabi actress Isha Rikhi in traditional outfits tells a curious storySourav Ganguly’s ₹40 crore ancestral mansion in Kolkata is a 48-room family legacy, cricketing glory and classic Bengali charmFrom net worth to house in Mumbai, business, and more- Shiv Thakare’s lavish lifestyle’Bridgerton Season 5′: From returning cast, plot; know all things about the upcoming series123Hot PicksTrain ticket refund ruleFPV drone attackSonia GandhiGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingLuka DoncicTom BradyRCB soldRSK MP Board 8th ResultRinku SinghWB ANM GNMHarish RanaMinecraft Bedrock 26-10 UpdateStrait of HormuzBihar Board Science Topper

As Kerala heads towards the 2026 Assembly elections, data from the 2021 polls indicates that electoral contests in the state remain highly competitive, with narrow victory margins, fragmented vote shares and a small but steady NOTA presence shaping the political landscape.According to an analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Kerala Election Watch, the NOTA (None of the Above) vote share stood at 0.47% in 2021, with 97,695 voters opting for it out of over 2.08 crore votes polled. The figure was nearly unchanged from 0.5% in 2016, pointing to a consistent but limited protest vote that has not yet influenced electoral outcomes. At the same time, constituency-level data shows that most victories in 2021 were far from decisive. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran war82nd Airborne Division to be deployed in Middle East: Inside America’s fastest strike force that once stormed Nazi-occupied France’Lack of permission’: Iran turns back Pakistan-bound ship trying to pass through Strait of HormuzThe average vote share of winning candidates was 47.98%, with only 39 out of 140 MLAs securing more than 50% of the vote. A majority, 101 winners, were elected with less than half the votes polled, reflecting the impact of multi-cornered contests involving the Left Democratic Front (LDF), United Democratic Front (UDF), NDA candidates and independents.Victory margins further tell the competitiveness. Two constituencies were decided by fewer than 500 votes, while a large number of seats saw margins below 10%. Only five constituencies recorded margins above 30%, making landslide victories rare. Among re-elected MLAs, nearly 46% won with margins under 10%, suggesting limited incumbency advantage.The ADR assessment highlights that such sub-50% wins are a structural feature of Kerala’s electoral system rather than an exception. In several constituencies, runner-up candidates remained within close range, indicating that small shifts in vote share can alter outcomes.NOTA usage, though limited, showed variation across constituencies. Thalassery recorded the highest number of NOTA votes at 2,313, while Kalamassery saw nearly 0.97% of votes going to NOTA. Other constituencies such as Chittur, Manjeri, Sulthan Bathery, Vallikunnu, Paravur, Thripunitura and Alappuzha also crossed 1,000 NOTA votes. However, NOTA did not affect the result in any seat.Broader electoral patterns from 2021 add to the complexity. The ADR data shows that 77 winning candidates were crorepatis, while 99 MLAs declared criminal cases. Only 11 women were elected to the Assembly. Despite these factors, voters largely continued to back candidates based on party strength and local dynamics rather than shifting towards protest voting.Subsequent trends from the 2025 local body elections suggest potential shifts ahead of 2026. While the LDF retained close to 40% vote share, it saw significant seat losses across rural and urban bodies. The UDF secured 43.21% of the vote, while the BJP-led NDA maintained around 16%, with gains driven by better seat conversion. In Assembly segment terms, the UDF led in 81 constituencies, compared to 57 for the LDF, with several seats showing narrow margins.In at least 32 constituencies, the margin of defeat for the LDF was between 1,000 and 10,000 votes, reinforcing the importance of micro-level swings. The data also points to sharper three-cornered contests and vulnerabilities in urban segments.Taken together, the numbers suggest that Kerala’s elections are driven less by sweeping mandates and more by closely fought contests. As the state approaches the 2026 polls, even small changes in vote share, including any rise in NOTA from its 0.47% baseline, could become significant in tightly contested constituencies.(With inputs from agencies)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 MediaVideosAmid Hormuz Disruption, India Locks 60 Million Barrels Of Russian Oil To Secure Energy Supply’India And UK Are Now AI Superpowers’, Says Rishi Sunak As India Overtakes UK In Global RankingsOil, War, And A Phone Call: PM Modi Draws India’s Red Line At Strait Of Hormuz In Talks With TrumpHarish Rana Cremated After India’s First Passive Euthanasia Patient Dies Ending 13 Years Of ComaIran Calls India Trusted Player, Says Delhi Can Mediate And Ease Strait Of Hormuz Crisis TensionsAfter Dhurandhar 2 Release, Former IG Reveals Atiq Ahmed’s Pak Connection, Fake Currency Racket LinksIndia Built A Naval Network But Missed The Red Sea’s Key ChokepointLPG Ships Pine Gas And Jag Vasant Safely Cross Hormuz, Crew Hails Indian NavyIran Threats Undermine 10 Million Indian Lives, Israel’s ‘Great Plans With India’: Envoy AzarVessels ‘Going Dark’ In EEZ: Navy Chief Tripathi On ‘Emerging Flash Points’ In Indo-Pacific123Photostories5 types of rotis that are best for summer, their digestion time, and the right foods to pair with themPeople who succeed at work follow this one rule no one talks aboutWhy Bengaluru’s Peripheral Ring Road remains unfinished after 18 yearsTop 15 languages spoken in US homes besides EnglishJoined the gym? 5 tricks to get quicker, sustainable results10 life-changing quotes by Premanand Ji MaharajDid Badshah get married? Viral photos with Punjabi actress Isha Rikhi in traditional outfits tells a curious storySourav Ganguly’s ₹40 crore ancestral mansion in Kolkata is a 48-room family legacy, cricketing glory and classic Bengali charmFrom net worth to house in Mumbai, business, and more- Shiv Thakare’s lavish lifestyle’Bridgerton Season 5′: From returning cast, plot; know all things about the upcoming series123Hot PicksTrain ticket refund ruleFPV drone attackSonia GandhiGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingLuka DoncicTom BradyRCB soldRSK MP Board 8th ResultRinku SinghWB ANM GNMHarish RanaMinecraft Bedrock 26-10 UpdateStrait of HormuzBihar Board Science Topper

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

As Kerala heads towards the 2026 Assembly elections, data from the 2021 polls indicates that electoral contests in the state remain highly competitive, with narrow victory margins, fragmented vote shares and a small but steady NOTA presence shaping the political landscape.According to an analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Kerala Election Watch,…

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Mar 25, 2026, 15:31 IST

Mar 25, 2026, 15:31 IST

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Chess fans and players have been worried about the upcoming Candidates tournament in Cyprus, mainly due to safety concerns and basic facilities like electricity. The island’s closeness to tensions in West Asia and recent attacks on nearby military bases have raised fears about whether it’s the right place to host such a major…

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Stock Market Bank Holiday On Ram Navmi: Stock market holiday on March 26: Will NSE, BSE remain shut for trading on Ram Navmi?

Stock Market Bank Holiday On Ram Navmi: Stock market holiday on March 26: Will NSE, BSE remain shut for trading on Ram Navmi?

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

March is inching closer to its end and many investors are concerned whether the stock market will remain closed on March 26 or March 27 on account of Ram Navmi. As per the Exchange’s official holiday calendar, Dalal Street is scheduled to remain closed on March 26 for the festival, offering participants an early pause…

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MP Board 2nd exam time table 2026 released for Classes 10, 12: Check complete schedule here

MP Board 2nd exam time table 2026 released for Classes 10, 12: Check complete schedule here

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) has released the timetable for the Class 10 and Class 12 second examinations 2026. Students who will appear for the second exams can now check the complete schedule on the official website, mpbse.nic.in.According to the official timetable, the Class 10 (High School) second examinations will be held…

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Rajpal Yadav opens up on his time in jail in Rs 9 crore debt case, recalls childhood incident where he almost died: ‘I’m a fighter’

Rajpal Yadav opens up on his time in jail in Rs 9 crore debt case, recalls childhood incident where he almost died: ‘I’m a fighter’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Rajpal Yadav says he feels like he has been given a new life—almost as if he’s a child again. The past few weeks have been especially challenging for the actor, who was briefly sent to prison in an old cheque-bounce case. The situation triggered widespread support from the film industry, along with efforts from the…

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