VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Virgo Horoscope Today, April 5, 2026: Be patient and continue your work Himanta Biswa Sarma vows free LPG cylinders for puja, Bihu; code violation, says Congress | India News Twitch streamer Emiru shares shocking middle school bullying moment as livestream with Cinna takes an unexpected emotional turn Temple today, mosque tomorrow: It’s election season | India News Aries Horoscope Today, April 5, 2026: Avoid impulsive spending Ex-US congressman says Army source told him of ‘aliens breeding with humans’ in secret sites Image: IANS KOLKATA: A row erupted Saturday after a viral video allegedly showed an EC official for Panihati constituency on Kolkata’s outskirts preparing BJP campaign material, prompting TMC to demand his removal and legal action before elections.Trinamool lodged a complaint with the state’s chief electoral officer (CEO) against sector officer Atanu Chakraborty, accusing him of violating norms and compromising neutrality required of election staff. The complaint cited a video circulating on social media that purportedly shows Chakraborty arranging BJP flags and pamphlets.In a letter to the CEO, TMC MP Derek O’Brien alleged that the officer engaged in activities linked to BJP, breaching the model code of conduct and other provisions governing the conduct of election personnel. Seeking urgent intervention, party functionaries urged that Chakraborty be stripped of all poll duties and face strict legal proceedings, as “his conduct is a serious threat to free and fair elections”.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely‘Three Allegations, Zero Truth’: Raghav Chadha Counters AAP After Shock Deputy Leader Snub‘Came Through Solidly’: S Jaishankar Flags Global Risks, Says India Emerged Resilient Amid CrisisIran War, LPG Crisis Row Expose Congress Rift As Leaders Counter Rahul Gandhi’s Stand OpenlyIndia Navigates Hormuz Crisis With New Route As UN Resolution On Shipping Hits Major Roadblock123Photostories7 pricey ingredients you can easily make at homeLord Ganesha mantras that you should chant everyday’Friends’, ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘The Office’ and more: Iconic TV quotes and catchphrases that became a part of everyday lifeFive funniest sitcom characters ever: George Costanza, Michael Scott and moreEarly cancer symptoms that often feel harmless: Warning signs people ignore and when to see a doctorTop 5 areas in Kochi for residential living and property investment11 iconic Indian dishes that have a cult following across the country6 simple hacks to reduce your induction cooking billBuying your first diamond? 5 golden rules you absolutely need to knowThese spiritual wallpapers for your phone that can change your destiny123Hot PicksPakistan Petrol CrisisRuturaj GaikwadKick StreamerShashi TharoorStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAllahabad High CourtOrissa High CourtTamil nadu pollsBengal PollsAnil RathodToll PaymentRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news Leo Horoscope Today, April 5, 2026: Drive carefully; there’s a fear of accident if you rush Sam Pepper faces animal abuse claims after livestream clip with pet squirrel Potato draws heavy backlash online Mystery drone appears near Mamata Banerjee’s helicopter, 3 held | India News Cancer Horoscope Today, April 5, 2026: Work moves at a steady pace ‘First thing I saw’: TPUSA reporter ‘shocked’ by blessings for ‘job visa’ sign inside Hindu temple in Texas Image: PTI THIRUVALLA: PM Narendra Modi said at an NDA election rally on Saturday that Lok Sabha seats would not be reduced in the southern states, which have successfully controlled their populations, and that the total number of seats would increase to benefit states across the country.”There are rumours being spread that seats will be reduced in south Indian states, but this is completely untrue. Parliament will take steps to ensure that their seats are fully protected. States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra, Goa, Telangana, and others that have done well in population control must not lose any Lok Sabha seats even if their population growth is lower,” the PM said.Modi said LDF and UDF are accusing each other of being BJP’s “B-team” as they know the saffron party is the “A-team” in Kerala. “The hostility shown by LDF and UDF in Kerala is fake. They are friends behind the curtains in Kerala and are part of the INDIA bloc in other states,” he said, adding both were spreading lies about proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act.On the Sabarimala gold scam, Modi said the temple has become “a target of loot” for both fronts. “If NDA comes to office, all those involved in the case will be punished appropriately,” he said.”NDA is committed to Kerala’s development. What was not achieved in the last 50 years will be accomplished by the NDA govt in five years. This is Modi’s guarantee,” the PM said.The countdown for LDF govt has begun, and, for the first time, an NDA govt will come to power, Modi asserted.’Target Stalin govt on TN’s financial situation’In Chennai, chairing a meeting to review poll preparedness with members of BJP’s Tamil Nadu core committee at a hotel on Saturday, Modi directed them to come up with a counter-narrative to DMK during the election campaign. He instructed senior functionaries to target the M K Stalin-led govt on the state’s financial situation and what the party described as failure to effectively utilise funds from the Centre. The PM also held one-on-one discussions with some BJP politicians.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely‘Three Allegations, Zero Truth’: Raghav Chadha Counters AAP After Shock Deputy Leader Snub‘Came Through Solidly’: S Jaishankar Flags Global Risks, Says India Emerged Resilient Amid CrisisIran War, LPG Crisis Row Expose Congress Rift As Leaders Counter Rahul Gandhi’s Stand OpenlyIndia Navigates Hormuz Crisis With New Route As UN Resolution On Shipping Hits Major Roadblock123Photostories7 pricey ingredients you can easily make at homeLord Ganesha mantras that you should chant everyday’Friends’, ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘The Office’ and more: Iconic TV quotes and catchphrases that became a part of everyday lifeFive funniest sitcom characters ever: George Costanza, Michael Scott and moreEarly cancer symptoms that often feel harmless: Warning signs people ignore and when to see a doctorTop 5 areas in Kochi for residential living and property investment11 iconic Indian dishes that have a cult following across the country6 simple hacks to reduce your induction cooking billBuying your first diamond? 5 golden rules you absolutely need to knowThese spiritual wallpapers for your phone that can change your destiny123Hot PicksPakistan Petrol CrisisRuturaj GaikwadKick StreamerShashi TharoorStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAllahabad High CourtOrissa High CourtTamil nadu pollsBengal PollsAnil RathodToll PaymentRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news Janhvi Kapoor recalls seeing her morphed image on a porn site at 15; confronts paps for ‘zooming into a woman’s body’ Gemini Horoscope Today, April 5, 2026: Take one bold decision Fate of 23 lakh deleted voters hangs in balance as tribunals yet to start work ‘They were more lenient in the past…’: Canadian family living in US denied visa at border while returning from short Quebec holiday ANI NEW DELHI: Govt has announced to increase gas supply to urea plants to approximately 90% of their average consumption from Monday, a move that will push productivity to ensure enough availability of the most-used soil nutrient during the upcoming Kharif, and subsequent, Rabi crop season.Currently, the supply of LNG to urea plants is around 70-75% of their last six-month’s average consumption. Govt on Saturday said supply will be increased “considering the available inventory and scheduled LNG cargo arrivals”. It added that gas supply to other industrial and commercial sectors, including supplies through city gas distribution (CGD) networks, will be enhanced by a further 10%, effective Monday.“All industrial consumers, including fertiliser plants, have been advised to provide their additional requirement on spot basis so that the same may be arranged by the gas marketing companies,” an official statement said.Earlier this week, the fertiliser ministry had said monthly domestic urea production dropped to 18 lakh tonnes in March from earlier average of 24 lakh tonnes. It had said manufacturing is set to increase with more availability of LNG, including procurement through “spot buying” every fortnight.Meanwhile, on Saturday, the Centre also extended the State Trading Enterprise (STE) status of Indian Potash Limited (IPL) for importing urea on govt accounts until March 31, 2027. This move is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted supply of urea to meet domestic demand amid volatile international markets.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely‘Three Allegations, Zero Truth’: Raghav Chadha Counters AAP After Shock Deputy Leader Snub‘Came Through Solidly’: S Jaishankar Flags Global Risks, Says India Emerged Resilient Amid CrisisIran War, LPG Crisis Row Expose Congress Rift As Leaders Counter Rahul Gandhi’s Stand OpenlyIndia Navigates Hormuz Crisis With New Route As UN Resolution On Shipping Hits Major Roadblock123Photostories7 pricey ingredients you can easily make at homeLord Ganesha mantras that you should chant everyday’Friends’, ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘The Office’ and more: Iconic TV quotes and catchphrases that became a part of everyday lifeFive funniest sitcom characters ever: George Costanza, Michael Scott and moreEarly cancer symptoms that often feel harmless: Warning signs people ignore and when to see a doctorTop 5 areas in Kochi for residential living and property investment11 iconic Indian dishes that have a cult following across the country7 Paulo Coelho quotes that will change the way you think about love6 simple hacks to reduce your induction cooking billBuying your first diamond? 5 golden rules you absolutely need to know123Hot PicksPakistan Petrol CrisisRuturaj GaikwadKick StreamerShashi TharoorStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAllahabad High CourtOrissa High CourtTamil nadu pollsBengal PollsAnil RathodToll PaymentRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news Taurus Horoscope Today, April 5, 2026: Keep your wallet closed today Titanic returns, this time in the sky: 950 drones recreate the iconic liner in a stunning show over UK’s Belfast | World News Raj Kapoor’s ancestral haveli in Peshawar partially collapses after rains, earthquake; officials call for urgent restoration Marco Rubio revokes green cards of 2 relatives of slain Iranian commander, hands them to ICE for deportation Jammu & Kashmir opens higher education for private sector | India News Hrithik Roshan defends Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana amid ‘bad VFX’ debate: ‘Maybe it’s just a style you didn’t expect?’ Horoscope Today: Daily astrological predictions for April 5, 2026 Canadian billionaire Kevin O’Leary says a good thing about AI layoffs is: Everybody said you have to be an engineer, but now you can be … ‘I was obligated to do it’: Illegal immigrant accused of slitting wife’s throat one month after marriage in Dallas ANI file photo SRINAGAR: MLAs of governing National Conference and Congress raised the Ganderbal encounter in J&K Assembly on Saturday, demanding that the body of the local man killed in the operation be handed over to his family for a “dignified burial”.LG Manoj Sinha had on Friday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the encounter after the family of the slain person, Rashid Ahmad Mughal, disputed the Army’s statement related to the encounter, which said an unidentified terrorist had been killed in the operation in the Arahama area on the night of March 31. Rashid’s brother Ajaz Ahmad Mughal termed it a fake encounter and lodged a police complaint seeking a probe.Raising the issue, NC member and retired high court judge Hasnain Masoodi said: “The right to a decent burial is a constitutionally recognised right. Under Article 21, the family has the right to perform the last rites. Even as the inquiry proceeds, the body should be returned to the family.”Congress legislator from Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat, sought a judicial inquiry, saying an administrative probe was not sufficient. “The first right of the victim is a decent burial and it should be respected,” he said.Another NC legislator, Mubarak Gul, said the Assembly should condemn the incident. “In the first place, this should not have happened. Now that it has, the House should express concern,” he said. Mir Saifullah, NC legislator from Kupwara, demanded a govt statement on the incident.Since 2019, authorities have buried terrorists killed in encounters in designated graveyards in north Kashmir, including Kupwara and Uri, instead of returning the bodies to families, citing concerns over large funeral gatherings.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely‘Three Allegations, Zero Truth’: Raghav Chadha Counters AAP After Shock Deputy Leader Snub‘Came Through Solidly’: S Jaishankar Flags Global Risks, Says India Emerged Resilient Amid CrisisIran War, LPG Crisis Row Expose Congress Rift As Leaders Counter Rahul Gandhi’s Stand OpenlyIndia Navigates Hormuz Crisis With New Route As UN Resolution On Shipping Hits Major Roadblock123Photostories7 pricey ingredients you can easily make at homeLord Ganesha mantras that you should chant everyday’Friends’, ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘The Office’ and more: Iconic TV quotes and catchphrases that became a part of everyday lifeFive funniest sitcom characters ever: George Costanza, Michael Scott and moreEarly cancer symptoms that often feel harmless: Warning signs people ignore and when to see a doctorTop 5 areas in Kochi for residential living and property investment11 iconic Indian dishes that have a cult following across the country7 Paulo Coelho quotes that will change the way you think about love6 simple hacks to reduce your induction cooking billBuying your first diamond? 5 golden rules you absolutely need to know123Hot PicksPakistan Petrol CrisisRuturaj GaikwadKick StreamerShashi TharoorStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAllahabad High CourtOrissa High CourtTamil nadu pollsBengal PollsAnil RathodToll PaymentRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news Apr 04, 2026, 23:46 IST Shubman Gill injury update: Rashid Khan sheds light on GT skipper comeback after RR loss | Cricket News ‘This has happened before’: How science explains Déjà Vu and the eerie feeling of life on replay | Bagram, Benghazi, and blame: Trump meets reality in Iran botch-up Texas is now ‘mini‑India’: How a deep-red state became a hotspot for anti-India hate in US 154.2 kmph! Ashok Sharma fires the fastest delivery of IPL 2026 University of Washington professor fired from director role after sending email criticising Iran war Ranbir Kapoor says he initially rejected Ramayana ‘out of fear’: ‘I’m not fit enough to play Lord Ram’ | Hindi Movie News Vitamin Deficiency: Vitamin B12, D, Iron: Why deficiencies are rising and what you should do daily Trump’s Xi moment? A military purge unfolds in the US NEW DELHI: The 2026 Assam Assembly elections are shaping up as a defining political contest, a clash of experience and emerging leadership, legacy and new energy. At the centre of this battle are two high-profile constituencies, Jorhat, where Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi has turned the race into a prestige fight, and Jalukbari, the long-standing stronghold of chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.The broader contest will see the ruling BJP-led NDA, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party, Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People’s Front, seeking a third consecutive term in the 126-member Assembly. The Indian National Congress, meanwhile, is aiming to return to power after a decade in the Opposition.Jalukbari: Sarma’s fortress faces fresh challengeJalukbari in Kamrup district remains one of the most closely watched seats, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma seeking re-election from a constituency he has dominated for nearly 25 years. Representing the seat since 2001 after defeating AGP leader Bhrigu Kumar Phukan, Sarma has built a formidable political base.In 2026, he faces Congress candidate Bidisha Neog and independent contender Dipika Das. Despite the challenge, Sarma enters the contest with a strong track record and overwhelming past margins (Photo credit: ANI)In the 2021 Assembly elections, Sarma secured a landslide victory with 1,30,762 votes, accounting for 78.4% of the vote share. He defeated Congress candidate Romen Chandra Borthakur, who received 28,851 votes (17.3%), while independent candidates trailed far behind. The victory margin stood at a massive 1,01,911 votes.The constituency, reshaped after the 2023 delimitation, now has 2,10,624 voters spread across 247 polling stations. With a mix of urban and semi-urban populations, Jalukbari remains politically significant and continues to reflect Sarma’s dominance.Sarma, 57, holds a doctorate and has declared assets of over Rs 35 lakh. His main challenger, Bidisha Neog, 34, is a graduate with assets of around Rs 34.6 lakh, while independent candidate Dipika Das, 44, a postgraduate, has declared assets worth Rs 5.2 lakh.Jorhat: Gogoi turns ‘tea capital’ into battlegroundIf Jalukbari represents continuity, Jorhat symbolises disruption. Once a colonial administrative hub and now widely known as Assam’s “tea capital”, the constituency has emerged as the focal point of the state’s political battle.Gaurav Gogoi’s decision to contest here has transformed Jorhat into a high-stakes arena. The son of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and the sitting Lok Sabha MP from Jorhat, Gogoi’s entry has injected fresh momentum into the Congress campaign and elevated the contest beyond a routine electoral fight.He faces BJP’s sitting MLA Hitendra Nath Goswami, who has held the seat since 2016 and continues to command strong grassroots support. Goswami’s established network makes him a formidable opponent, but Gogoi’s presence has turned the contest into a closely fought battle with no clear frontrunner. Priyanka Gandhi in Guwahati (PTI)Jorhat’s electoral dynamics are shaped by its unique social composition. Tea garden communities play a crucial role, alongside a significant Ahom Hindu population and Assamese-speaking voters. This mix makes the constituency politically sensitive and decisive in Upper Assam.Under the BJP government, Jorhat has seen visible infrastructure improvements, including new flyovers and upgrades in healthcare facilities. However, several persistent issues continue to influence voter sentiment.The recent delimitation exercise has further altered the electoral landscape, with changes in voter composition across urban and rural areas. While urban pockets are expected to witness a tight contest, rural areas may lean towards Goswami due to his long-standing presence. At the same time, younger voters could emerge as a decisive factor, with many seen as potential supporters of Gogoi.In the 2021 Assembly elections, out of 1,76,834 electors, Goswami secured 68,321 votes, defeating Congress candidate Rana Goswami by a margin of 6,488 votes.In 2016, the margin was wider, with Goswami winning by 13,638 votes, securing 69,209 votes against Rana Goswami’s 55,571. These results underline the constituency’s competitive nature and suggest another close contest in 2026.At the state level, the BJP-led NDA enters the election with a position of strength. In 2021, the BJP secured 60 seats with a 33.21% vote share, while the Congress won 29 seats with 29.67% of the votes.The NDA is banking on governance, development and leadership continuity to secure a third straight term. The Congress, on the other hand, is attempting to capitalise on anti-incumbency and local issues, with leaders like Gogoi spearheading its campaign.With high stakes for both the NDA and the Congress, the outcome will not only determine the next government but also shape the future trajectory of politics in the state.Polling for all 126 constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, 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 MediaVideosBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely‘Three Allegations, Zero Truth’: Raghav Chadha Counters AAP After Shock Deputy Leader Snub‘Came Through Solidly’: S Jaishankar Flags Global Risks, Says India Emerged Resilient Amid CrisisIran War, LPG Crisis Row Expose Congress Rift As Leaders Counter Rahul Gandhi’s Stand OpenlyIndia Navigates Hormuz Crisis With New Route As UN Resolution On Shipping Hits Major Roadblock123Photostories7 pricey ingredients you can easily make at homeLord Ganesha mantras that you should chant everyday’Friends’, ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘The Office’ and more: Iconic TV quotes and catchphrases that became a part of everyday lifeFive funniest sitcom characters ever: George Costanza, Michael Scott and moreEarly cancer symptoms that often feel harmless: Warning signs people ignore and when to see a doctorTop 5 areas in Kochi for residential living and property investment11 iconic Indian dishes that have a cult following across the country7 Paulo Coelho quotes that will change the way you think about love6 simple hacks to reduce your induction cooking billBuying your first diamond? 5 golden rules you absolutely need to know123Hot PicksPakistan Petrol CrisisRuturaj GaikwadKick StreamerShashi TharoorStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAllahabad High CourtOrissa High CourtTamil nadu pollsBengal PollsAnil RathodToll PaymentRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news Piyush Mishra reveals why wife Priya refused to leave him despite infidelity: ‘It took me 10–15 years to realise she is my wife’ | Hindi Movie News Middle East conflict may hit India’s exports beyond region if prolonged, says government They were received by Union minister Piyush Goyal and TN BJP president Nainar Nagenthran at Chennai airport. Photo by R Ramesh Shankar CHENNAI: A total of 348 Indian citizens from different parts of Tamil Nadu and its neighbouring states, stranded in Iran for more than a month since a war broke out in West Asia, landed in Chennai in a special flight arranged from Armenia by the Indian embassy officials.Of the 348 passengers, 327 were Tamils, five were from Puducherry, while 10 were from Kerala. Most of the Tamils were natives of Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari and Nagapattinam districts and were working as fishermen in Iran. They were received by Union minister Piyush Goyal and TN BJP president Nainar Nagenthran and were sent to their respective towns in special buses.The returnees said they were unsure of their destiny till the very moment they landed in Tamil Nadu.Peter Blacian, 46, of Kanyakumari, said they hardly slept in the last month due to continuous explosions at closer proximity every single day. “It is very hard to explain how we felt. We had very little hope,” he said. Peter Blacian, along with 22 others as a team, was employees of Kish Island in Bandar Abbas and their primary job was to venture into the sea for fishing.Though the employers supported them with food after the onset of the war-like situation in Iran, they had to pay from their own pocket to leave their workplace for a dangerous 18-hour journey by bus to Qom city, where the Indian embassy officials received them.”From there, the embassy took care of us well with proper food and accommodation and further travel to Armenia via Julfar,” he said. Aneesh Raja, 34, another Kanyakumari native, said he had gone to Iran just three months ago and never expected that he would have to return home in such a crisis. “We went all the way to work as fishermen in Iran for better income, but now future looks bleak,” he said.You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Gold Rate Today in Chennai | Silver Rate Today in ChennaiAbout the AuthorVenkadesan SVenkadesan S is a Special Correspondent who primarily covers electricity, aviation, the information commission, central investigation agencies, and metro rail.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely‘Three Allegations, Zero Truth’: Raghav Chadha Counters AAP After Shock Deputy Leader Snub‘Came Through Solidly’: S Jaishankar Flags Global Risks, Says India Emerged Resilient Amid CrisisIran War, LPG Crisis Row Expose Congress Rift As Leaders Counter Rahul Gandhi’s Stand OpenlyIndia Navigates Hormuz Crisis With New Route As UN Resolution On Shipping Hits Major Roadblock123Photostories7 pricey ingredients you can easily make at homeLord Ganesha mantras that you should chant everyday’Friends’, ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘The Office’ and more: Iconic TV quotes and catchphrases that became a part of everyday lifeFive funniest sitcom characters ever: George Costanza, Michael Scott and moreEarly cancer symptoms that often feel harmless: Warning signs people ignore and when to see a doctorTop 5 areas in Kochi for residential living and property investment11 iconic Indian dishes that have a cult following across the country7 Paulo Coelho quotes that will change the way you think about love6 simple hacks to reduce your induction cooking billBuying your first diamond? 5 golden rules you absolutely need to know123Hot PicksPakistan Petrol CrisisRuturaj GaikwadKick StreamerShashi TharoorStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAllahabad High CourtOrissa High CourtTamil nadu pollsBengal PollsAnil RathodToll PaymentRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news Erling Haaland’s hat-trick eliminates Liverpool, sends Manchester City to FA Cup semis | Football News India Pharmaceutical Exports: India’s pharma exports rise 5.6% to $28.29 billion till Feb in FY26; sector seen doubling to $130 billion by 2030 Happy Easter Sunday 2026: Top 50 Wishes, Messages and Quotes to share with your family and friends NEW DELHI: Ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, actor Vijay Thalapathy has positioned himself as an alternative for the people in a state where politics, for a very long time, has revolved around the DMK and the AIADMK.With its ideological differences with the NDA and political tussle with the DMK, TVK has emerged as a third option for Tamil voters by fielding candidates on all 234 seats.So, will the experiment live up to Vijay’s expectations? Well, there is a fighting chance.Why Vijay stands a chance in Tamil Nadu pollsOver the years, the contest has essentially been between fronts led by DMK and AIADMK. Since 1967, these two parties have alternated regimes, keeping other parties in their respective alliances.However, the upcoming elections seem to be turning into a trifecta, as a considerable chunk of voters has chosen not to align with either of the Dravidian parties over the years.In the 2016 assembly polls, AIADMK won 134 seats and secured over 40 per cent of the vote. Meanwhile, DMK won 89 seats with a 32.1 per cent vote share. This indicated that nearly 20 per cent of the votes were distributed among other parties, including the BJP and the Left parties.A similar pattern emerged in the 2021 election as well. The AIADMK-BJP alliance secured 39.71 per cent of the vote, while the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance garnered around 45 per cent.In both elections, roughly one-fifth of the electorate voted for parties outside the two major alliances. These unaligned votes—roughly translating to 15–20 per cent—remain crucial for the emergence of a third front.However, this does not mean that this huge chunk of votes will necessarily land in favour of TVK.Will TVK succeed?As part of this strategy, Vijay, in his party’s manifesto, announced a slew of populist welfare promises for women.The key assurances include Rs 2,500 per month cash assistance to women heads of families up to 60 years of age, as opposed to the present Rs 1,000 provided to eligible women heads of families who meet certain socio-economic criteria under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai (KMUT) scheme.Vijay said women employed with the state and union governments will not be eligible for the assistance.Other schemes include six LPG cylinders free of cost under the ‘Annapoorani Super Six Scheme’, free bus rides for women in all government buses under the ‘Vetri Payanam Scheme’, Rs 15,000 per year as assistance to the mother or guardian of children to ensure zero dropouts in schools under the ‘Kamarajar Kalvi Uruthi Scheme’, eight grams of gold along with a silk saree for women getting married under the ‘Annan Seer Scheme’, and a gold ring along with a baby welcome kit for every newborn.Meanwhile, Vijay and his party have also reached out to the Christian minority vote. He also introduced himself as Joseph Vijay and gave a clear call to minority voters.Moreover, TVK has been successful in pulling crowds. In October 2024, TVK drew over 8 lakh people during its first state conference in Vikravandi. Thousands of people attend Vijay’s rallies to hear him speak or catch a glimpse of him.The superstar has supporters across every class, gender, and age group in different regions of Tamil Nadu. Unlike many film stars, Vijay’s supporters are organised and politically active. In the 2021 local body polls, his “fan club” candidates won 115 of the 169 seats they contested.His fan clubs have also taken on the role of foot soldiers on social media and regularly conduct blood donation camps, free medical check-ups, education support drives, and disaster relief work.“TVK’s social media army is the biggest in India — not just our claim, but what others are saying after witnessing it. You are no longer just fans on social media; you are TVK’s virtual warriors,” he had said.Yet, Tamil Nadu’s electoral history suggests that crowd mobilisation does not automatically translate into seat conversion.Booth-level organisation, caste arithmetic, and alliance mathematics continue to play a decisive role — factors that even popular actors have struggled to master in their first electoral outings.Vijay stardom: A boon or a baneFilm stars in Tamil Nadu often enjoy near-divine status, with fans performing rituals like pouring milk over massive cut-outs ahead of film releases. Some even have temples dedicated to them across the state.Yet, this immense popularity has not always translated into electoral success.Kamal Haasan entered politics in February 2018 with the launch of Makkal Needhi Maiam, projecting it as a centrist alternative to both DMK and AIADMK. However, the party failed to win any seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In the 2021 Tamil Nadu assembly polls, Haasan contested from Coimbatore South but lost, while the party managed just over 2.6 per cent of the total vote share.Rajinikanth, too, had sparked massive excitement by announcing plans to launch a political party and contest all 234 assembly seats. But he later reversed his decision, citing health concerns, and chose not to enter active politics.Once, leader of opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami remarked that “Vijay may be a good actor but not a leader.”Similarly, the TVK founder has also been targeted over the September 27, 2025, tragedy that left 41 persons dead and many injured.CBI is also grilling Vijay over the stampede, taking up a significant chunk of his time that could otherwise have been used for pre-poll strategy or campaigning.Additionally, critics argue that Vijay lacks experience of politics. Its heavy dependence on Vijay’s personal charisma raises questions about depth and scalability.The absence of governance experience and a second line of leadership adds to scepticism among voters, particularly in rural areas. Candidate selection, largely reliant on newcomers, may also affect electoral credibility. Central probing agency has questioned the TVK chief several times.Politically, the impact of the probe remains ambiguous. While rival parties have sought to frame the stampede as evidence of administrative inexperience, sections of Vijay’s support base view the investigation as pressure politics — a narrative that could either erode confidence or consolidate sympathy, depending on how the case unfolds closer to polling.How DMK and AIADMK plan to counter TVKTo counter the vote drain, both fronts have also expanded their alliances by incorporating more parties. DMK has included parties like DMDK, while the NDA has TTV Dinakaran’s AMMK in its fold.Meanwhile, leaders like Seeman and the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) are also vying to break the ceiling of relevance.NTK’s support has largely remained a vote share without securing seats. In the 2021 elections, NTK got a 6.6% vote share, more than the BJP and the Congress. The central question this time is whether that support can finally translate into seats.Voting for the 234 seats of the Tamil Nadu assembly will be held on April 23, and counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His work tracks elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely‘Three Allegations, Zero Truth’: Raghav Chadha Counters AAP After Shock Deputy Leader Snub‘Came Through Solidly’: S Jaishankar Flags Global Risks, Says India Emerged Resilient Amid CrisisIran War, LPG Crisis Row Expose Congress Rift As Leaders Counter Rahul Gandhi’s Stand OpenlyIndia Navigates Hormuz Crisis With New Route As UN Resolution On Shipping Hits Major RoadblockAfter Op Sindoor Row, India Reopens Talks With Azerbaijan, Balancing Disputes And Cooperation123PhotostoriesLord Ganesha mantras that you should chant everyday’Friends’, ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘The Office’ and more: Iconic TV quotes and catchphrases that became a part of everyday lifeFive funniest sitcom characters ever: George Costanza, Michael Scott and moreEarly cancer symptoms that often feel harmless: Warning signs people ignore and when to see a doctorTop 5 areas in Kochi for residential living and property investment11 iconic Indian dishes that have a cult following across the country7 Paulo Coelho quotes that will change the way you think about love6 simple hacks to reduce your induction cooking billBuying your first diamond? 5 golden rules you absolutely need to knowThese spiritual wallpapers for your phone that can change your destiny123Hot PicksPakistan Petrol CrisisRuturaj GaikwadKick StreamerShashi TharoorStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAllahabad High CourtOrissa High CourtTamil nadu pollsBengal PollsAnil RathodToll PaymentRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news Ramayana: Sunil Lahri says Ranbir Kapoor lacks Arun Govil’s ‘patience, calm, innocence’: ‘He suits more for Laxman or Bharat’ | Hindi Movie News 154.2 kmph! 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