VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Dashcam captures Atiq Ahmed’s son Abaan’s fatal crash in Jhansi Lake Erie fish gather near low-oxygen zones as scientists study how climate change could reshape their habitat Mizoram PSC postpones recruitment exams, interviews indefinitely amid student agitation ‘How badly do you have to dehumanise a woman to reduce her entire existence to one job, produce a son’: Kangana Ranaut on Himachal Pradesh’s patriarchal mindset Mithilesh Desai: Who was the man PM Narendra Modi listened to so intently at Revati Sule’s reception? Meet India’s ‘Jackfruit King’ OpenAI employees have an SOS email ID to reach Sam Altman and tell him ‘all is not well’ A Byzantine ship sank off Croatia more than 1,300 years ago; archaeologists have now recovered about 600 grams of gold that points to an imperial passenger Aug 12, 2026, 09:51 IST How SA20 is reshaping South Africa’s talent hunt, from schools to the big stage ATMA August 2026 result to be released today: Check scorecard, cut-offs and admission dates ‘Jana Nayagan’ box office collection day 21 [Live]: Vijay and Pooja Hegde starrer nears Rs 194 crore in India despite slowdown She was just 12 when she built ‘Iron Max’: How Vinisha Umashankar took her solar idea from a Tamil Nadu street to COP26 and changed 10 million lives across India In 2015, Steve Ballmer and his wife Connie founded Ballmer Group that has donated over $8 billion since, 11 years later they are changing where … In 1983, an Atlantic City widow rejected $1 million for her home; in 1994, a state agency offered $251,250 and threatened eminent domain, but she ultimately won in court DMK backs Tamil Nadu’s delimitation resolution NEW DELHI: DMK on Wednesday supported the Tamil Nadu government’s resolution opposing the Centre’s proposed delimitation exercise, with Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin saying the state’s representation in the Lok Sabha should not be reduced.He said the number of Members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu should not be reduced in the name of delimitation and called for the exercise to be deferred for 25 years. Watch Udhayanidhi Stalin Detained Over Trisha Row |FIR, Political Storm & “I’ll Face It Legally” Explained”In the name of constituency delimitation, the number of Members of Parliament should not be reduced. Our stand is that constituency delimitation should not be carried out for the next 25 years. We welcome the resolution on the 33% reservation for women. Our firm stand is that Tamil Nadu should not be affected by constituency delimitation. The movement that first told India what the impact of delimitation would be is the DMK,” Udhayanidhi added.The development comes after Tamil Nadu assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution in the state Assembly opposing the Union government’s proposed delimitation exercise.Speaking in the assembly, CM Vijay also called for the implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections based on the existing 543 constituencies.”The 33% reservation for women should be implemented in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections itself, based on the existing 543 constituencies. The 33% reservation for women should not be delayed any further. In Tamil Nadu, more women have voted than men. Providing reservation for women is not a concession; it is a matter of social justice. The 33% reservation for women must be implemented without any further delay,” he said.The resolution seeks to safeguard the political representation of southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu, arguing that their success in controlling population growth should not result in reduced representation in Parliament.”All the states including Tamil Nadu and the people / elected representatives of the union territories have not had their population counted for more than 50 years. The next census to count the population was supposed to be held in 2026. Therefore, since the delimitation of constituencies has not been carried out for the last 50 years, based on the 2011 population census, the constituencies should be delimited and the number of Lok Sabha and Assembly members should be increased from 550 to 850 by bringing in a constitutional amendment Bill,” the resolution stated.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on April 16, proposing to increase the strength of the Lower House to 850 seats and expedite the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill passed in 2023. However, the Bill failed to secure the constitutionally required two-thirds majority of members present and voting and was not passed.While the Congress and other opposition parties have supported the Women’s Reservation Bill, they have opposed the proposed delimitation exercise and called for an increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats. The Opposition has also demanded that women’s reservation be delinked from delimitation.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.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 MediaVideosExplained: Why Amritpal Singh’s Party Fielded Son of Indira Gandhi’s Assassin In Punjab Elections?Prashant Kishor Promises Jobs For 10,000 Bankipur Youths After Ending BJP’s 30-Year Hold | WatchIndia’s Map Move Rattles China: What Naming 27 Places In Arunachal Means?Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot’s Confirmatory Dope Test Reportedly Positive For Marijuana, Sources SayTamil Nadu Assembly Passes Anti-NEET Resolution As DMK, AIADMK And PMK Back Abolition DemandDelhi CM Fumes, Rekha Gupta Slams AAP MLA Over Viral Video; Eight AAP MLAs Marshalled OutKashmiri Pandit Employees Sent On Leave After Lashkar-Linked Threat Letter‘Amit Shah Jawab Do’ Vs ‘Rahul Gandhi Bhaago Mat’: NDA, Oppn Face-Off In Parliament’Booked Hotel Room, Strangled Daughters’: Inside Bengaluru Murder Shocker‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks Debate123PhotostoriesFrom Kaziranga to Bandipur: Indian forests every elephant lover should know this World Elephant Day7 signs the chemistry is real, but the relationship may not work9 of the most expensive ingredients grown in India6 common mistakes to avoid with pakodas and how to make them crispierFrom Mumbai to Chennai: Indian cities that were renamed and why10 baby names that represent the power and might of Lord ShivaUK Heatwave 2026: Met Office predicts this summer to be the hottest ever; 10 cities and urban areas under extreme heat stressWhy does your food taste bland? 4 common cooking mistakes to fixBaasi roti is an excellent breakfast: 5 health benefits you probably didn’t know about5 life lessons by Swami Vivekanand every student must know123Hot PicksInternational Youth DayMHT-CET CAP round seat allotmentSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestN ChandrasekaranNEET PG 2026 city slipIran warSBI Clerk RecruitmentUP scholarshipTop TrendingChennai AirportNagpur Rape CaseAir India Phuket-Delhi FlightMumbai Kurla LandslideBengaluru Missing TechieSpiceJet FlightTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani Standoff with Noel Tata: What led to N Chandrasekaran’s exit as Tata Sons chairman NEET MDS 2026 information bulletin, counselling scheme released: Check key details here ‘I was not impressed by Kaikeyi’s scene, her dressing is very modern’: ‘Mahabharat’ star Gajendra Chauhan reacts to Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’ trailer, praises Arun Govil as Dashrath and Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram Cherilyn Cahilig: “She wanted us to rise from poverty”: This grieving father carried his late daughter’s life-size cutout to her college graduation; he wanted to honour her final milestone Wife has MBA, rental and FD income; Delhi HC reduces monthly maintenance to Rs 25,000 Meet Rosie, the five-year-old who turned a princess-dress scooter ride into a £4,000 fundraiser for her friend John Brittas and Sushmita Dev NEW DELHI: CPM MP John Brittas on Wednesday alleged that BJP MP Sushmita Dev used a “derogatory” remark against him, accusing the former TMC and Congress leader of calling him a “lungi wala.”The issue was raised in the Rajya Sabha, where both leaders are MPs, triggering an uproar and prompting the House to adjourn till 2pm.“The other day, while I was speaking in the House, she made a derogatory remark, ‘lungi wala’, against me. I was wearing a dhoti, and I am proud to be a Malayali, proud to be a South Indian,” Brittas told ANI.The Rajya Sabha member added that while he was proud of his culture, such remarks amounted to “stereotypes” and were made in a “derogatory” manner.”This is not acceptable. And I feel that the house should take a view on this that we have moved a privileged notice against her. I have nothing against her, of course,” he added.In response, BJP members demanded that Sushmita Dev be given an opportunity to present her side.Responding to the allegations, Leader of the House and Union minister JP Nadda maintained that Brittas’ remarks were now on record and Dev should also be given an opportunity to speak. He added, “We do not subscribe to such statements. We do not call it lungi; we call it dhoti.”Union minister Kiren Rijiju echoed the call for maintaining the dignity of the House.“Every member is equal in the House, and if there is anything unbecoming of the dignity of the House, the Chairman may call the members to his Chamber and hear them out,” Rijiju remarked, adding that since the allegations were directed at a specific member, Dev should also be heard.Taking note of the exchange, Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan urged members to maintain decorum and respect regional sensibilities.“Hon’ble Members, certain instances have come to my notice regarding discourteous and undignified comments being made by Members interrupting the speech of other Members in the House. I would advise that Hon’ble Members should be careful not to hurt the sentiments and feelings of fellow Members,” he observed.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesEmphasising the inclusive nature of Indian society, the Chairman added, “Our culture is unique and inclusive of diverse regional cultures. There should be no disrespect to the cultural traditions and regional identities of our colleagues.”Radhakrishnan subsequently called the concerned members to his chamber to resolve the matter and ensure the smooth functioning of the House.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.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 MediaVideosExplained: Why Amritpal Singh’s Party Fielded Son of Indira Gandhi’s Assassin In Punjab Elections?Prashant Kishor Promises Jobs For 10,000 Bankipur Youths After Ending BJP’s 30-Year Hold | WatchIndia’s Map Move Rattles China: What Naming 27 Places In Arunachal Means?Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot’s Confirmatory Dope Test Reportedly Positive For Marijuana, Sources SayTamil Nadu Assembly Passes Anti-NEET Resolution As DMK, AIADMK And PMK Back Abolition DemandDelhi CM Fumes, Rekha Gupta Slams AAP MLA Over Viral Video; Eight AAP MLAs Marshalled OutKashmiri Pandit Employees Sent On Leave After Lashkar-Linked Threat Letter‘Amit Shah Jawab Do’ Vs ‘Rahul Gandhi Bhaago Mat’: NDA, Oppn Face-Off In Parliament’Booked Hotel Room, Strangled Daughters’: Inside Bengaluru Murder Shocker‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks Debate123Photostories7 signs the chemistry is real, but the relationship may not work9 of the most expensive ingredients grown in India6 common mistakes to avoid with pakodas and how to make them crispierFrom Mumbai to Chennai: Indian cities that were renamed and why10 baby names that represent the power and might of Lord ShivaUK Heatwave 2026: Met Office predicts this summer to be the hottest ever; 10 cities and urban areas under extreme heat stressWhy does your food taste bland? 4 common cooking mistakes to fixBaasi roti is an excellent breakfast: 5 health benefits you probably didn’t know about5 life lessons by Swami Vivekanand every student must knowRed pigments to elaborate hair: Japan’s longest-ruling dynasty, the Yamato Era’s beauty secrets decoded123Hot PicksInternational Youth DayMHT-CET CAP round seat allotmentSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestN ChandrasekaranNEET PG 2026 city slipIran warSBI Clerk RecruitmentUP scholarshipTop TrendingChennai AirportNagpur Rape CaseAir India Phuket-Delhi FlightMumbai Kurla LandslideBengaluru Missing TechieSpiceJet FlightTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani ‘Kadiri’: Chiranjeevi accidentally REVEALS his next film title and teaser release date at ‘Korean Kanakaraju’ success meet Don’t throw away broken glass jars: 6 smart ways to reuse them at home | Amit Shah ‘ready to answer any question’; Rahul Gandhi says ‘not interested in him giving us lecture’ Amit Shah says ‘ready to sit through, take notes and respond to anything’ in Parliament. NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday offered to sit in Parliament from 3pm till 3pm the next day to hear the Opposition’s concerns and respond to every point, as the standoff over alleged police excesses against student protesters continued.Shah’s offer came amid Opposition protests demanding that he make a statement in Parliament on the alleged police action against students during their July 20 march over the NEET paper leak issue.Speaking to reporters, Shah rejected Opposition allegations that he had been absent from Parliament and said the government was ready for a detailed discussion on the issue.”First of all, terms like ‘laapata’, ‘bhaag gaye’ are the kind of language increasingly being heard in India’s public and parliamentary life. I have been coming to Parliament regularly since the session began; I sit in my chamber, but since the opposition is not allowing Parliament to function—in either House—what is one supposed to do?” Shah said.He said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had already made it clear that the government was ready for a full discussion on the student protests.”We asked for a time to be fixed and for the Opposition to be ready. That was their initial demand, and we agreed to it. I, too, have stated that I am ready to answer any question in Parliament, yet they simply do not want the discussion to take place,” Shah said.”Now, let the public decide who is running away. Let them submit a letter to the Speaker by 3:00 PM today. We are ready for a discussion on all aspects from 3:00 PM today until 3:00 PM tomorrow. I will sit in the House; I will listen to everyone and respond to every point. The government has nothing to hide,” he added.Shah said he was even willing to discuss why the Opposition had not allowed the debate to take place.”The NDA government—under Modi ji’s leadership is ready to discuss anything; they just need to let Parliament function,” he said.Elaborating on his offer, Shah said, “I want to tell the opposition: submit a letter to the Speaker by 2:00 PM, we will start the discussion at 3:00 PM, and I will provide answers to everything by 3:00 PM tomorrow.””There are established rules and procedures for parliamentary discussions. Yet, some ask me to simply make a statement. Such a serious issue cannot be discussed in that manner. That may be your method, but it is not the parliamentary way. In Parliament, discussions are held at length,” he said.”In Parliament, discussions are held at length. I am ready for the debate to continue from 3:00 PM today—sitting late into the night and continuing until 3:00 PM tomorrow; I am even prepared to suspend the Question Hour if the Speaker grants permission,” Shah said.”I am ready for the discussion to go on until 3:00 PM tomorrow. I will sit through it myself, take notes on everything, and respond to every point so that the entire matter becomes clear to the people of the country—so that the truth is fully revealed. Now, the Opposition must decide whether they want to engage in a discussion or create an uproar,” he added.Rahul Gandhi hits backLeader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi rejected Shah’s offer, saying the Opposition was seeking answers on the alleged police action against students rather than a lecture from the home minister.”The Opposition has clearly said that we are not interested in Amit Shah giving us a lecture. When I say ‘we’, I mean the younger generation of this country. Who shot the students? Who gave the order to beat up the students with lathis with nails? Did Amit Shah give this order to shoot our children? If he did, then he should resign. For the last 20 days, Amit Shah has been missing. The Home Minister of India has no courage; he cannot come to the House,” Rahul said.“Did Home Minister Shah give orders to shoot our children or not; if he did, he is culpable and if he did not, he is incompetent: Rahul Gandhi,” he added.The Opposition has been demanding Shah’s presence in Parliament and a statement on the alleged police excesses against students.Earlier in the day, Opposition MPs, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged a protest in the Parliament House Complex over the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the alleged police excesses against student protesters.Priyanka also questioned the government over the alleged use of force against students.”Who do you think is responsible for this? Are you (Home Minister Amit Shah) not answerable to the people when you lathi-charge students and use pellet guns against them, and use AK-47 on them in Bihar? Should we sit quietly like you all (the media)?” she said.The INDIA bloc has been protesting for more than three weeks, demanding Shah’s presence in the House and a statement from him.Government, Opposition remain at oddsThe government’s offer of a debate and Shah’s response failed to break the stalemate, with the Congress insisting that the home minister specifically address who ordered the alleged use of pellet guns against students.The Congress has also maintained that its demand for a discussion on the alleged theft of funds at the Ram temple is “non-negotiable”.Earlier on Monday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was ready for a detailed discussion on the student protests and urged the Opposition not to disrupt proceedings when Shah responds.”The offer made by the government is very clear that it is ready to have a full and detailed discussion on students’ movement and activities related to it,” Rijiju said.”My only point made to the opposition is that while the discussion and a reply are being made, the opposition should not create disturbances to prevent the statement of the Home Minister,” he added. “They must listen to the reply of the home minister and the government. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesOnce discussion begins, we must have a threadbare discussion.”Rijiju’s remarks came after Rahul Gandhi criticised the Centre over the alleged police action during the July 20 student protests at Jantar Mantar and demanded a court-monitored probe.Parliament proceedings have repeatedly been disrupted during the Monsoon Session, with several Bills passed by the Lok Sabha amid the continuing deadlock.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.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 MediaVideosExplained: Why Amritpal Singh’s Party Fielded Son of Indira Gandhi’s Assassin In Punjab Elections?Prashant Kishor Promises Jobs For 10,000 Bankipur Youths After Ending BJP’s 30-Year Hold | WatchIndia’s Map Move Rattles China: What Naming 27 Places In Arunachal Means?Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot’s Confirmatory Dope Test Reportedly Positive For Marijuana, Sources SayTamil Nadu Assembly Passes Anti-NEET Resolution As DMK, AIADMK And PMK Back Abolition DemandDelhi CM Fumes, Rekha Gupta Slams AAP MLA Over Viral Video; Eight AAP MLAs Marshalled OutKashmiri Pandit Employees Sent On Leave After Lashkar-Linked Threat Letter‘Amit Shah Jawab Do’ Vs ‘Rahul Gandhi Bhaago Mat’: NDA, Oppn Face-Off In Parliament’Booked Hotel Room, Strangled Daughters’: Inside Bengaluru Murder Shocker‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks Debate123Photostories9 of the most expensive ingredients grown in India6 common mistakes to avoid with pakodas and how to make them crispierFrom Mumbai to Chennai: Indian cities that were renamed and why10 baby names that represent the power and might of Lord ShivaUK Heatwave 2026: Met Office predicts this summer to be the hottest ever; 10 cities and urban areas under extreme heat stressWhy does your food taste bland? 4 common cooking mistakes to fixBaasi roti is an excellent breakfast: 5 health benefits you probably didn’t know about5 life lessons by Swami Vivekanand every student must knowRed pigments to elaborate hair: Japan’s longest-ruling dynasty, the Yamato Era’s beauty secrets decodedWhere is Westeros in real? 9 places ‘House of the Dragon’ built its realm in123Hot PicksInternational Youth DayMHT-CET CAP round seat allotmentSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestN ChandrasekaranNEET PG 2026 city slipIran warSBI Clerk RecruitmentUP scholarshipTop TrendingChennai AirportNagpur Rape CaseAir India Phuket-Delhi FlightMumbai Kurla LandslideBengaluru Missing TechieSpiceJet FlightTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani Aug 12, 2026, 12:40 IST NEET PG 2026 city intimation slip: NBEMS issues clarification after candidates report discrepancies Rihanna takes children to childhood home in Barbados; RZA, Riot and Rocki visit ‘Rihanna Drive’ A designer’s guide to caring for occasion wear during the monsoon | Mexico cleaned over 100K tons of sargassum at the beginning of 2026, but is still facing a seaweed crisis due to the invasive species deeply impacting its tourism Meet Dusty Langby, the 12-year-old Australian boy preparing to walk 540km to Canberra to raise $1 million for rural children’s healthcare ‘I don’t know who made the decision’: Ex-India batter on Jasprit Bumrah’s workload and CoE scrutiny On her birthday, Women in Mathematics Day: Meet the ‘slow thinker’ who made history by winning the Fields Medal Rod Stewart cancels another set of tour dates following his heart surgery: ‘He will take the next four weeks to recuperate and regain full fitness’ 9 of the most expensive ingredients grown in India ‘Searched for suicide spots’: Mystery deepens over Bengaluru techie missing ahead of wedding in January As part of general party propaganda, the Congress spent Rs 92.5 crore on media advertisements (representative image) NEW DELHI: The Congress spent a total Rs 248.6 crore on its campaign for the recent assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, even as its total receipts between the date of announcement and completion of these polls stood at Rs 207.1 crore.According to Congress’s election expenditure statement for the five state/UT polls, filed on July 31 with the Election Commission, the party received Rs 104 crore in cash and Rs 103.1 crore via cheque or draft between March 15, 2026, when the elections were announced, and May 6, 2026, when they had concluded.The Congress’s full poll expense statement shows its total opening balance of cash in hand (including at the level of its central headquarters and the state/district/local level units of the 5 states/UTs) at Rs 22.9 crore and its cash in bank at Rs 146.1 crore. At the end of the polls, its cash in hand was marginally lower at Rs 22.6 crore while its bank balance had declined by 45% to Rs 80.6 crore.On the expenditure side, the party declared a total spend of Rs 143 crore on general party propaganda and Rs 105.6 crore on candidates. The latter includes Rs 95.5 crore given by the party as lump-sum payments to its candidates across the five poll-gone states/UT; while the central party headquarters bore Rs 95.3 crore of expenditure under this head, the state/district/local units disbursed only Rs 23 lakh among the candidates. Expenses on virtual campaigns through social media platforms and applications were declared at Rs 6.8 crore.Over Rs 3.2 crore was spent by the Congress on publicising the criminal antecedents of its candidates.As part of general party propaganda, the Congress spent Rs 92.5 crore on media advertisements, covering print and electronic space, bulk SMS, cable TV, websites and TV channels. Another Rs 8 crore funded public meetings, processions and rallies, while Rs 11.5 crore was spent on badges, posters, cutouts, hoardings etc and nearly Rs 2 crore on miscellaneous propaganda items.Poll surveys and campaigns for the five assembly elections cost the Congress Rs 4.8 crore.A total Rs 23.5 crore was spent by the grand old party on the travel and lodging of its star campaigners (Rs 21.8 crore) and other leaders. The aircraft and helicopters were sourced from Air Charter Services Pvt Ltd, Aircab Aviation, A R Airways, GMP Air Charter, Lima Tang Aviation Service, Devigo Data Systems and Global Vectra.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe Congress’s central headquarters routed Rs 83.2 crore of its lump-sum payments to candidates through the state/UT units; with Kerala unit getting the largest share at Rs 55.1 crore, followed by Puducherry (Rs 10 crore), West Bengal (Rs 9 crore), Tamil Nadu (Rs 7.1 crore) and Assam (Rs 2 crore).The Congress-led UDF seized power in Kerala, but the party or its alliances performed poorly in other states, managing 21 seats in Assam, 6 in Puducherry and 2 in West Bengal, while drawing a blank in Tamil Nadu.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosExplained: Why Amritpal Singh’s Party Fielded Son of Indira Gandhi’s Assassin In Punjab Elections?Prashant Kishor Promises Jobs For 10,000 Bankipur Youths After Ending BJP’s 30-Year Hold | WatchIndia’s Map Move Rattles China: What Naming 27 Places In Arunachal Means?Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot’s Confirmatory Dope Test Reportedly Positive For Marijuana, Sources SayTamil Nadu Assembly Passes Anti-NEET Resolution As DMK, AIADMK And PMK Back Abolition DemandDelhi CM Fumes, Rekha Gupta Slams AAP MLA Over Viral Video; Eight AAP MLAs Marshalled OutKashmiri Pandit Employees Sent On Leave After Lashkar-Linked Threat Letter‘Amit Shah Jawab Do’ Vs ‘Rahul Gandhi Bhaago Mat’: NDA, Oppn Face-Off In Parliament’Booked Hotel Room, Strangled Daughters’: Inside Bengaluru Murder Shocker‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks Debate123Photostories9 of the most expensive ingredients grown in India6 common mistakes to avoid with pakodas and how to make them crispierFrom Mumbai to Chennai: Indian cities that were renamed and why10 baby names that represent the power and might of Lord ShivaUK Heatwave 2026: Met Office predicts this summer to be the hottest ever; 10 cities and urban areas under extreme heat stressWhy does your food taste bland? 4 common cooking mistakes to fixBaasi roti is an excellent breakfast: 5 health benefits you probably didn’t know about5 life lessons by Swami Vivekanand every student must knowRed pigments to elaborate hair: Japan’s longest-ruling dynasty, the Yamato Era’s beauty secrets decodedWhere is Westeros in real? 9 places ‘House of the Dragon’ built its realm in123Hot PicksInternational Youth DayMHT-CET CAP round seat allotmentSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestN ChandrasekaranNEET PG 2026 city slipIran warSBI Clerk RecruitmentUP scholarshipTop TrendingChennai AirportNagpur Rape CaseAir India Phuket-Delhi FlightMumbai Kurla LandslideBengaluru Missing TechieSpiceJet FlightTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 2 seat allotment result to be released today: Check steps to download Amitabh Bachchan remembers mother Teji Bachchan on her birth anniversary: ‘Symbol of inspiration, morale, patience’ Why N Chandrasekaran is stepping down as Tata Sons chairman: Full statement Gold price prediction today: Gold prices rise, but will silver continue to outperform? Check August 12, 2026 outlook Ravi Kishan’s wife wants to lock him in a room: ‘Na yeh niklenge na yeh viral honge’ Solar Eclipse: US astrologer calls August 12 Solar Eclipse a ‘portal of acceleration’ that could trigger a major personal shift: Here’s what it means for you Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran steps down, to serve out term till February India-Afghanistan T20I series confirmed, Delhi to host three matches before Asian Games International Youth Day 2026: 7 skills students need as AI reshapes future careers ‘Harry Potter’ Season 2: Nicholas Hoult cast as Gilderoy Lockhart; HBO series to adapt Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Indian Flag History: In 1906, the first Indian flag rose in Calcutta and became a symbol of the dawn of freedom: The story of how the Tiranga evolved into what we salute today Tata group stocks fall up to 4% as N Chandrasekaran steps down as chairman