VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Kick streamer Clavicular’s jaw hammering confession takes unexpected turn after revealing life with multiple girlfriends “In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.” Tilak Varma punishes Punjab Kings as playoff dream fades; MI hand PBKS fifth straight defeat “In the end, we get older, we kill everyone who loves us through the worries we give them, through the troubled tenderness we inspire in them, and the fears we ceaselessly cause.” Updated IPL 2026 Points Table after PBKS vs MI match: Fifth straight loss leaves PBKS in must-win mode; MI register fourth win Apple to Europe: You can’t override Google’s engineers in three months, it is… Iran tells UAE to ‘accept responsibility’ as tensions flare at Brics meeting in New Delhi IMF warns Iran war disruptions are pushing global economy towards ‘adverse’ scenario; growth risks rise Quote of the day by Bruce Willis: ‘One of the things we liked to remind ourselves…’ When the actor’s dialogue taught us about taking a chance on things Trump says Xi vowed not to arm Iran, offered help to open Hormuz Latvian PM resigns due to split in alliance over Russian drones May 14, 2026, 22:57 IST Ashwin slams DRS after late drama in PBKS vs MI clash Pooja Bedi recalls quitting movies after marrying into a conservative Muslim family, opens up on divorce: ‘My ex-husband is my best friend till today’ No CCTV, no librarian – This Nagaland village lets anyone borrow books freely: Lessons for cities and communities PR Sreejesh hits back at Hockey India with explosive post NEW DELHI: After 10 days of intense consultations, lobbying and internal churning, Congress on Thursday finally ended suspense over Kerala’s chief ministerial face by picking VD Satheesan for the top post.Satheesan emerged victorious in a closely watched leadership battle against senior leaders KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala after the Congress high command weighed alliance equations, grassroots sentiment, public perception and electoral calculations before arriving at a final decision.Though Venugopal was seen as a strong contender with backing from a large section of MLAs and the party leadership in Delhi, multiple political factors eventually tilted the balance in Satheesan’s favour.Satheesan being a vocal and visible critic of the LDF government led by Pinarayi Vijayan also worked heavily in his favour. Although the Congress never formally projected a chief ministerial face before the elections, Satheesan had gradually emerged over the last five years as the public face of the opposition against the Left Democratic Front government.Satheesan also enjoyed visible support from grassroots Congress workers. In the days following the election results, party workers openly campaigned for him to be made chief minister, arguing that the leader who led the election battle should also lead the government.One of the most crucial reasons was the stand taken by key allies in the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), especially the Indian Union Muslim League. The IUML, which has 22 MLAs in the 102-member UDF alliance, strongly backed Satheesan and viewed the alliance’s massive victory as an endorsement of his leadership over the last five years as Leader of Opposition.The Kerala Congress (Joseph) and the Revolutionary Socialist Party also supported Satheesan, strengthening his position within the alliance.The Congress leadership was aware that ignoring the IUML’s stand could create complications for the new government. The IUML has long acted as one of the Congress’ strongest grassroots partners in Kerala and played a major role in Rahul Gandhi’s victories from Wayanad in 2019 and 2024, and later in Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s by-election win from the constituency.Within sections of the party, there was unease over Venugopal, considered close to Rahul Gandhi, entering the race for the top post despite having earlier indicated during the campaign that he was not seeking any position. Many workers believed that bypassing Satheesan after the UDF’s sweeping mandate would amount to denying him political credit for the victory.The Congress’s recent struggles in assembly elections in several Hindi heartland states during Venugopal’s tenure as AICC organisation secretary also became a point of discussion among Kerala leaders and workers.The internal pressure was visible at the constituency level as well. Several newly elected Congress MLAs who were identified as supporters of Venugopal reportedly faced protests from local party workers. Some legislators had to cut short their post-election tours amid criticism from cadres and social media campaigns questioning their opposition to Satheesan.Young Congress leaders such as Shafi Parambil and Mathew Kuzhalnadan were also criticised online by party workers who projected them as leaders going against the people’s mandate.Another important factor behind the Congress decision was the possibility of multiple by-elections if Venugopal had been selected as chief minister.As the sitting Lok Sabha MP from Alappuzha, Venugopal would have had to resign from Parliament and contest an assembly by-election within six months to continue as chief minister. His resignation from the Lok Sabha would have also triggered another parliamentary bypoll.Within the UDF, there was concern over forcing voters into fresh elections immediately after the assembly polls, particularly at a time when the alliance was trying to consolidate its political gains.Congress leaders were also conscious of the political risk involved in a by-election contest for a sitting chief minister. Even though Venugopal would likely have contested from a safe Congress seat, party leaders did not want to introduce avoidable uncertainty into the new government.Public perception also worked heavily in Satheesan’s favour.He was one of Vijayan’s sharpest critics and frequently targeted the LDF government on issues related to governance and corruption. Satheesan also built an image as a strong advocate of secular politics in Kerala.At a time when several Congress leaders avoided directly confronting controversial remarks made by influential Hindu community leaders, Satheesan repeatedly warned against attempts to polarise Kerala politics. By openly challenging leaders such as Vellappally Natesan and G. Sukumaran Nair, he gained support among sections that viewed him as a leader willing to take political risks.During the campaign, Satheesan had also made a high-stakes political declaration, saying he would end his political career if the UDF failed to cross 100 seats. The alliance eventually crossed that mark comfortably, strengthening his image as a confident campaign leader.Even though Venugopal reportedly had the backing of a majority of Congress MLAs and enjoyed close ties with the central leadership, the delay in announcing the chief ministerial face reflected the party’s attempt to strike a balance between organisational control and political realities on the ground.Satheesan, a six-time MLA from Paravur in Ernakulam district, was eventually seen as the candidate with broader public acceptability, stronger alliance backing and deeper grassroots support.Soon after being chosen, Satheesan attempted to send a message of unity within the party and praised both Venugopal and Chennithala.“I do not see this position as a personal achievement… it was Venugopal who coordinated all the activities (and) his support was immense. Chennithala is also my leader,” Satheesan said after the announcement.“I will take all of them into my confidence,” he added. “I seek the support of every section of people… only a collective effort can build a new Kerala. No one can do it alone…”Venugopal also accepted the decision publicly and backed the party line.“Satheesan has been appointed as chief minister. I was saying the decision of the High Command will prevail, and it is my responsibility to see that the decision is respected and implemented,” he told reporters.Satheesan’s rise to the top post has also been shaped by years of internal political battles within the Kerala Congress. After missing out on a ministerial berth in the 2011 cabinet headed by Oommen Chandy and later losing out in the race for the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee chief’s post in 2016, Satheesan once again found himself in a tough contest this time against senior leaders such as K. C. Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala.Despite leading the Congress-led UDF to a sweeping Assembly victory, Satheesan was reportedly not the automatic choice of the party high command for the chief minister’s post. Party insiders pointed to familiar concerns that had surfaced during earlier leadership contests, including his strained relationship with influential community lobbies, limited support within sections of the national leadership and his assertive political style that has often unsettled even leaders within his own party.In 2011, when Satheesan was denied a ministerial berth in the Oommen Chandy government, his “attitude” was widely cited within party circles as one of the reasons. Unlike several leaders who actively cultivated support from influential community organisations such as the Nair Service Society, Satheesan was seen as reluctant to engage in lobbying for positions, a trait that contributed to his image as an independent-minded but uncompromising leader.The real test for the Congress in Kerala, however, begins after the celebrations. The last 10 days have exposed the depth of factional friction within the party, even in the middle of one of its biggest victories in the state in a decade. For now, Satheesan has moved quickly to project unity and Venugopal has publicly accepted the high command’s decision. Senior leader Chennithala, however, has been missing in action since the CM announcement.In the coming days, as Satheesan forms the government, it will be worth watching whether all the frontrunners fall in line to ensure a stable five-year UDF government, or whether the Kerala Congress faces a Karnataka-style tussle similar to the rivalry between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar.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 MediaVideos2 Days WFH To ‘No Vehicle Day’: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Unveils Fuel-Saving Steps After PM Modi’s CallCong Picks VD Satheesan As Kerala CM; Iran FM Lands In India For Brics Meet With ‘Minab168’ MsgSupreme Court Questions CEC Appointment Process, Raises ‘Independence’ ConcernsMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues Longer123PhotostoriesMilk Price Hike: Popular packaged milk prices rise across India; healthy milk alternatives to add to daily dietTop 10 fascinating facts about rhinos that make them unlike any other wild animal5 animals with giant tusks and horns that make them look prehistoricHow these 5 Indian ice creams became among the 100 Most Iconic Ice Creams of the WorldRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine loveFeeling constantly exhausted at work? The 6-4-2 formula may be the balance your life is missing6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liver123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav May 14, 2026, 22:36 IST Raw and ‘undekha’ version of the Ranveer Singh film to stream worldwide on Netflix, India release on THIS platform Indian-origin former CEO sentenced to 5 years in prison over $212 million fraud in New Jersey, asked to pay $125 million Brand New Day’ new poster features Tom Holland aka Peter Parker in a fresh suit; fans gear up for July release Quote of the day by psychoanalyst Erik Erikson: “Hope is both the earliest and the most indispensable virtue inherent in the state of being alive. If life is to be sustained hope must remain, even where confidence is wounded, trust impaired.” NEW DELHI: Questioning the appointment process for chief election commissioner/election commissioners where a panel of PM, a Cabinet minister and the leader of opposition, pick the candidate, Supreme Court on Thursday said that the present system allows the govt to appoint a person of its choice as two out of three member would favour it and asked govt why this “show-off about independence” in appointment process. It said that an independent person should be made part of panel in place of minister.Referring to SC’s earlier direction that the panel should comprise of PM, CJI and LoP, a bench of Justices Dipankar Gupta and Satish Chandra Sharma said that it was not necessary that the CJI participate in the process but some independent person has to be part of it or the presence of the LoP would become just ornamental. It said that when a CBI director is appointed by an independent panel of PM, CJI & LoP, then why should the same not be the practice for CEC/ECs which is more important as the institution is involved in upholding democracy and ensuring free and fair elections in the country. Watch Supreme Court Questions CEC Appointment Process, Raises ‘Independence’ ConcernsThough attorney general K Venkataramani submitted that the neutrality and independence of CEC/ECs arises from their functioning after their appointment, the bench, however, said that it started from the appointment process itself. The court said that the poll panel should not only act as neutral but it should also appear neutral.”Why should a minister from the Cabinet be part of it? Let us assume the ruling party has 300 MPs. The PM picks 25 of his best. Now you again micromanage it and bring one from the 25. Why? Why do you then include the leader of the opposition? He is ornamental. A minister will never go against the PM. It will always be decided by 2:1. Why this show-off of independence in the body?,” the bench observed.The court is examining the validity of law — CEC and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act– which was framed after the apex court had passed the order that appointments be done by a panel of PM, CJI and LoP to infuse independence in the process. A bunch of petitions were filed including by Congress functionary from MP Jaya Thakur alleging that the new law amounts to undoing of SC’s order and paved the way for govt to appoint its “yes men” to the crucial post.As deliberations leading to search, selection and appointment of Gyanesh Kumar (now CEC) and S S Sandhu as election commissioners in 2024 came under the scanner, with the petitioner alleging that it was done in a tearing hurry in a day just before the apex court’s crucial hearing, the bench asked the Centre to bring original records before it. Kumar was appointed election commissioner to the Election Commission of India on March 15, 2024 after his superannuation on Jan 31.The court further pointed out that it is the executive govt which is at the controlling position in deciding appointments in the poll panel. It said CJI is part of the panel for appointing the director of the CBI which acts for maintenance of law and order and upholding rule of law also. The court said that in comparison to CBI, the role of EC was more crucial as it is involved in maintaining democracy. “We don’t say CJI should be there. But why shouldn’t there be an independent member? Why should it be from the ministry? Let us be very clear. Today the Prime Minister picks one name. And LoP picks another one. There is disagreement. Then the third member will go towards whom?,” the bench said.Contending that the court should resist from going into the legislative arena while deciding the validity of the law, the AG said that there had never been any allegation of CEC/ECs being compromised and being hand-in-glove with govt. He said the country never witnessed any kind of a devastating or sad experience when an election commissioner failed to advance rule of law and there was no reason to doubt the present system in place.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos2 Days WFH To ‘No Vehicle Day’: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Unveils Fuel-Saving Steps After PM Modi’s CallCong Picks VD Satheesan As Kerala CM; Iran FM Lands In India For Brics Meet With ‘Minab168’ MsgSupreme Court Questions CEC Appointment Process, Raises ‘Independence’ ConcernsMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues Longer123PhotostoriesMilk Price Hike: Popular packaged milk prices rise across India; healthy milk alternatives to add to daily dietTop 10 fascinating facts about rhinos that make them unlike any other wild animal5 animals with giant tusks and horns that make them look prehistoricHow these 5 Indian ice creams became among the 100 Most Iconic Ice Creams of the WorldRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine loveFeeling constantly exhausted at work? The 6-4-2 formula may be the balance your life is missing6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liver123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav Anthony Starr net worth: What you need to know about ‘The Boys’ actor and his USD 5 million assets The Art of the kneel: China hands Donald Trump a reality check about its rise Care, courage & clinical excellence take centre stage Ranbir Kapoor buys land in Ayodhya worth Rs 3.31 crore, ahead of ‘Ramayana’ release where he plays Lord Ram: ‘It has chosen me’ Why is Sean Strickland being handed suspension after middleweight title win over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328? May 14, 2026, 21:49 IST Piyush Goyal seeks stronger India-Africa trade integration through aligned standards Shah Rukh Khan adds swanky new luxury SUV worth Rs 4 crore to his garage As Cisco to layoff 4,000 employees; CEO Chuck ⁠Robbins says: Companies that will win in the AI era will be those … Courts orders to bring 55-year-old Colombian woman back, was sent to DRC VD Satheesan has been chosen as Kerala’s next chief minister after the Congress-led UDF secured a decisive election victory.Donald Trump and Xi Jinping projected a cooperative tone during their Beijing summit amid efforts to stabilise US-China ties.The Election Commission of India has announced Phase III of the Special Intensive Revision exercise covering 16 states and 3 Union territories.Two more India-bound LPG carriers have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, underlining India’s efforts to maintain energy supplies amid regional tensions.The CBI probe into the NEET-UG leak case has found that a handwritten question paper was allegedly scanned and circulated to students for large sums of money.Here are your top stories of the day.VD Satheesan named Kerala chief minister after UDF landslideThe Congress on Thursday announced VD Satheesan as the next chief minister of Kerala following the UDF’s sweeping victory in the Assembly elections. Satheesan emerged as the preferred choice over senior leaders KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala after days of consultations within the party leadership. The decision marks the Congress-led alliance’s return to power after defeating the Left government led by Pinarayi Vijayan. Read full storyDonald Trump and Xi Jinping stress cooperation at Beijing summitDonald Trump and Xi Jinping struck a warm and optimistic tone during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, despite continuing tensions over trade, technology and security. Xi said the two countries should be “partners, not rivals”, while Trump praised Xi’s leadership and expressed confidence in future relations. The summit is being closely watched as Washington and Beijing attempt to reset ties between the world’s two largest economies. Read full storyElection Commission of India expands electoral roll revision exercise nationwideThe Election Commission has announced Phase III of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls across 16 states and 3 Union territories. The exercise will involve more than 3.94 lakh Booth Level Officers conducting door-to-door verification for over 36 crore electors. Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh have been excluded for now due to census and weather-related considerations. Read full storyTwo more India-bound ships cross Strait of Hormuz amid regional tensionsTwo additional LPG carriers carrying cooking gas supplies for India have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, taking the total number of vessels to 13. Officials said the ships were monitored through coordination involving multiple ministries and maritime authorities. The movement comes as India continues efforts to secure energy supplies amid instability in West Asia. Read full storyCBI probe finds NEET-UG paper was scanned and circulated in RajasthanThe CBI investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 leak case has found that a handwritten question paper was allegedly scanned and converted into PDF files in Rajasthan before being circulated to students. Investigators said some aspirants reportedly paid between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh for access to the leaked material. The probe follows the National Testing Agency’s decision to cancel the examination held on May 3. Read full storyAbout 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 MediaVideos’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues LongerAIMIM Corporator’s Home Razed In Sambhajinagar Amid TCS Conversion Case Row EscalationKerala CM Race Ends as Congress Picks VD Satheesan Amid Venugopal Backing and Internal TensionsBJP Questions Rahul Gandhi Over Alleged Rs 60 Crore Foreign Travel Spending ClaimsIran Signals More Safe Passage For Indian Ships As BRICS Meet Faces West Asia Divide123Photostories6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liverConstipated? NYC doc shares the ‘I love you’ technique to help you poop instantlyMouni Roy seperation buzz to Hansika Motwani’s divorce; Bollywood breakups that left fans stunned7 smart lighting ideas that instantly make your home feel luxurious5 oils you need to buy on your hair growth journey10 destinations in India that became viral sensations after featuring in Bollywood moviesThese Indian fruits have surprisingly different English names5 Indian states that consume the most petrol per person and why travellers should pay attentionCan Hantavirus spread between humans? Doctors reveal why this rare infection is nothing like Covid-197 foods Indian grandparents ate regularly that are suddenly trendy again123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav ‘I didn’t think I’d be India captain before MI captain’ Instead of starting a company together, go on vacation so that … In 1913, Harry Brearley accidentally created stainless steel while testing rifle barrels Despite a mandate for free maternal services in public healthcare, out-of-pocket expenditure for maternal care remains a significant burden on Indian families, primarily incurred for medications and diagnostic procedures, as per a journal published at the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine last year. In public health centres, the largest proportion of OOPE — 36 per cent — was allocated to unspecified “other” categories, followed by 26 per cent to medicine, 13 per cent each to transportation and hospital stay, and 11 per cent to tests. Conversely, private healthcare centres allocated the highest proportion of OOPE to hospital stays (34 per cent), followed by medicine (19 per cent), tests (16 per cent), others (22 per cent), and transportation (9 per cent).Moreover, between 3% and 7% of Indian households fall below the poverty line every year due to healthcare costs, and maternal care is a meaningful part of that story, as per the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). Further, funds released under the National Health Mission, which is the primary vehicle for maternal and child health services, have stagnated since 2019-20, as per the government data, even as the rhetoric around universal healthcare grows louder each budget cycle.The gap between policy intent and financial reality was exactly what a recent panel of public health professionals and economists set out to examine at the Times Future of Maternity 2026, organised by Times Internet and Pregatips.The panel looked at two Indias that barely speak to each other. In metros, the problem is a system that funds delivery but ignores everything before it. Aviral Shrivastava, founder of healthcare services marketplace for women MomKidCare, put it plainly, “Government is covering the events, they are not covering the journey.” Insurance schemes, public and private, reimburse hospitalisation and childbirth. Preventive care, mental health support and pre-conception counselling sit entirely outside the protocol.He pointed to the growth of IVF chains in urban centres as one consequence, with couples going for expensive fertility treatment without basic health screening, cycles fail, costs multiply, and the psychological toll on women goes unaddressed. “There is a huge cost which is involved in this process and again the mental stress for the mother who has failed IVF cycles,” he said.The second India is harder to look at. Dr Vandana Prasad, founder of the Public Health Resource Society and a community paediatrician with over three decades of work in deep rural and Adivasi areas, brought numbers that make the abstract concrete. “I have a line list at this point about 3,500 pregnant women in a very tribal location of India, where 22 per cent are teenage pregnancies. I have three or four girls who are 14 and are already mothers, while there have been five maternal deaths in the last six or eight months. That’s huge. And we don’t have maternal death audits.”Moreover, frontline ASHA workers, who are supposed to provide continuity of care from antenatal to postnatal, are under-capacitated. The private sector either doesn’t exist in these areas or operates in an informal, unregulated space, noted Dr Prasad.The financing picture that holds both realities together is one of consistent underinvestment. Prof. (Dr) Indranil Mukhopadhyay of OP Jindal Global University put India’s per capita public health spending at roughly $28, with China spending 15 times more per person and Sri Lanka more than three times.He pointed to the National Health Mission directly — since 2019, he said, the union government’s budgetary allocation to NHM has not increased in real terms, even though the majority of the population depends on the public system for childbirth.Reinforcing the accessibility dimension, Prof. (Dr) Sunita Reddy, Centre of Social Medicine & Community Health, JNU, said, “If we don’t finance public health systems, then we cannot reach the 70 per cent of the population who are in the rural and marginalised sections.” She also identified a specific distortion with state insurance schemes channelling money to the private sector rather than strengthening public facilities that most people actually use.Mukhopadhyay used caesarean section rates to illustrate how financial incentives distort care. Some districts in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand record C-section rates as low as 3 per cent. In parts of urban India, over three-quarters of all deliveries are surgical, climbing above 90 per cent among the wealthiest, most educated urban families. These rates are largely in the private sector, while public system rates run at 10 to 16 per cent.His preliminary research, using machine learning on NFHS data, suggested that nearly 68 per cent of these private-sector caesareans may not be clinically indicated, though he was careful to note the manuscript is not yet published.The driver isn’t clinical judgment. It’s the insurance market. “The package rates for caesarean section are way higher compared to a normal delivery. So why would a hospital or a gynecologist go for a normal delivery if they get paid much more through caesarean section?” In the same system, 80 to 85 per cent of gynaecologist and paediatrician positions in some community health centres sit vacant.Prasad, on the other hand, didn’t frame the underfunding as administrative failure, but she named it a political choice. “All political parties say they are going to put 2.5 per cent of the GDP, not one has done it, not one, it’s not just this government, not previous government, not previous to previous government.”Coming to the accountability part, which connects affordability and access, while the schemes exist, the targets are announced repeatedly, but the money hasn’t followed the promises, according to the experts. Fundamentally, the panel was clear on the aspect that India’s maternal care problem is not a knowledge gap but a question of political will, and of who gets to decide it matters.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues LongerAIMIM Corporator’s Home Razed In Sambhajinagar Amid TCS Conversion Case Row EscalationKerala CM Race Ends as Congress Picks VD Satheesan Amid Venugopal Backing and Internal TensionsBJP Questions Rahul Gandhi Over Alleged Rs 60 Crore Foreign Travel Spending ClaimsIran Signals More Safe Passage For Indian Ships As BRICS Meet Faces West Asia Divide123Photostories6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liverConstipated? NYC doc shares the ‘I love you’ technique to help you poop instantlyMouni Roy seperation buzz to Hansika Motwani’s divorce; Bollywood breakups that left fans stunned7 smart lighting ideas that instantly make your home feel luxurious5 oils you need to buy on your hair growth journey10 destinations in India that became viral sensations after featuring in Bollywood moviesThese Indian fruits have surprisingly different English names5 Indian states that consume the most petrol per person and why travellers should pay attentionCan Hantavirus spread between humans? Doctors reveal why this rare infection is nothing like Covid-197 foods Indian grandparents ate regularly that are suddenly trendy again123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav Meet Grigori Perelman: The math genius who solved a 100-year-old problem and rejected a $1 million prize and the Fields Medal Delta Airlines ‘rejects’ Starlink, reportedly wants to ‘wait’ for Amazon Leo; Elon Musk says: Delta wanted to … Trump stays quiet, Xi warns of ‘clashes and conflicts if not handled properly’ Kalyan Banerjee (Image/PTI) NEW DELHI: Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday appointed Kalyan Banerjee as the new Chief whip of the Trinamool Congress in Lok Sabha replacing Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar. The announcement was made during an internal meeting of party MPs held at Mamata Banerjee’s residence in Kalighat as the party leadership sought to regroup after its recent electoral setback in West Bengal. Kalyan Banerjee, who had earlier been removed from the post amid internal turbulence within the party last year following a public spat with Krishnanagar MP Mahua Moitra has now been brought back at a time when the TMC is attempting to steady its organisation and parliamentary strategy.The reshuffle was seen by party insiders as a signal that the leadership continues to value political aggression and loyalty during difficult times. In recent months, Kalyan Banerjee emerged as one of the party’s most vocal legal and political faces, actively defending the TMC in court battles and public confrontations during the election period.While the party retained Abhishek Banerjee as leader of the party in the Lok Sabha and Shatabdi Roy as deputy leader, Kalyan Banerjee’s return was considered the most significant organisational decision taken during the meeting.According to party sources, the meeting at Kalighat had the feel of a regrouping exercise after the party’s defeat, with discussions focused on maintaining unity and rebuilding morale among MPs and workers, PTI reported.Several leaders reportedly viewed the move as recognition of Kalyan Banerjee’s aggressive role in defending the party politically and legally. “The leadership values those who stand up and fight in difficult times,” a senior TMC MP said after the meeting.During the meeting, Mamata Banerjee reportedly urged MPs to stay connected with their constituencies and maintain coordination with local leadership as the party attempts to recover from one of its toughest political phases in years.Addressing the MPs, Abhishek Banerjee alleged that the TMC had fought not just the BJP but ‘the entire machinery’ deployed by the saffron party during the elections. He also claimed there were irregularities during counting and alleged that TMC counting agents faced restrictions at several centres.Later, TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh struck a defiant note, claiming that the party was not afraid of setbacks.”TMC is not among those who are afraid or those who back down. Mamata Banerjee is a lioness, a fighter — she was before, and she will remain so. This vote is not the people’s mandate. The people of West Bengal did not want Mamata Banerjee’s government to be removed,” she said.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 MediaVideos2 Days WFH To ‘No Vehicle Day’: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Unveils Fuel-Saving Steps After PM Modi’s CallCong Picks VD Satheesan As Kerala CM; Iran FM Lands In India For Brics Meet With ‘Minab168’ MsgSupreme Court Questions CEC Appointment Process, Raises ‘Independence’ ConcernsMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues Longer123PhotostoriesTop 10 fascinating facts about rhinos that make them unlike any other wild animal5 animals with giant tusks and horns that make them look prehistoricHow these 5 Indian ice creams became among the 100 Most Iconic Ice Creams of the WorldRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine loveFeeling constantly exhausted at work? 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The order came after Mamata Banerjee told the court that the police had remained inactive during the post-poll violence, while also asserting that “Bengal is not a bulldozer state” in the context of continuing demolition drives against illegal structures.The court further instructed the police to guarantee the safety of those who had fled their homes fearing post-poll retaliatory violence, and to facilitate their secure return to their properties regardless of political affiliation.The writ petition was filed by Sirsanya Bandyopadhyay, a TMC candidate in the recently concluded assembly elections and son of Kalyan Banerjee, alleging widespread violence against party workers and attacks on TMC offices following the declaration of the 2026 assembly poll results on May 4. The interim order was passed by a bench comprising chief justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, which also directed the state to file its affidavit-in-opposition within three weeks and granted an additional two weeks for a reply, while keeping open the question of the maintainability of the TMC’s PIL.Assisting petitioner’s counsel Kalyan Banerjee while dressed in a lawyer’s robe, Banerjee told the court that at least 10 people had been killed, around 150-160 TMC offices vandalised and nearly 2,000 incidents of violence reported after the polls.She alleged that FIRs were not being registered and claimed that women, children and minorities were being specifically targeted. “Out of ten dead, six are Hindus. They are not allowing FIRs to be lodged. In my family, 12-year-old girls are being threatened with rape,” Banerjee argued.Arguing that criminals were taking the law into their own hands, she said even people accused of unauthorised construction were entitled to be heard before demolition. She questioned police inaction, asking, “People are entitled to be heard even if you are demolishing an unauthorised structure. Criminals are taking law into their own hands. Police should prevent crime. After an incident has happened, will they not investigate?”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 MediaVideosSupreme Court Questions CEC Appointment Process, Raises ‘Independence’ ConcernsMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues LongerAIMIM Corporator’s Home Razed In Sambhajinagar Amid TCS Conversion Case Row EscalationKerala CM Race Ends as Congress Picks VD Satheesan Amid Venugopal Backing and Internal Tensions123Photostories5 animals with giant tusks and horns that make them look prehistoricHow these 5 Indian ice creams became among the 100 Most Iconic Ice Creams of the WorldRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine loveFeeling constantly exhausted at work? 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