VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Chitagranda Singh was to do a film with ‘Dhurandhar’ director Aditya Dhar but it never got made: ‘He had written an amazing character for me’ In the 1870s, George Eastman’s frustration with carrying heavy camera gear while travelling established the foundation for Kodak’s simpler cameras “To get a woman in the mood…..”: Mike Vrabel’s resurfaced response to Dianna Russini goes viral amid affair rumors If a company replaced its CEO with…: Indian-origin tech leader says he backtested billionaire Michael Milken’s idea NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case: Multiple arrests made across 3 states; cops uncover multi-state network of at least 45 people (Image credit: ANI) NEW DELHI: In a major breakthrough in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, investigators have made multiple arrests across the country — from Nashik to Dehradun to Rajgir — uncovering a well-organised multi-state network of at least 45 persons spanning Maharashtra, Kerala, Haryana, Bihar, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.The investigation has revealed a network involving paper solvers, impersonators, coaching centre counsellors and even MBBS students.Nashik arrest: Medical student heldA medical student from Maharashtra’s Nashik has been arrested in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The student, identified as Shubham Khairnar, a bachelor of medical sciences student in Bhopal, allegedly obtained a physical copy of the ‘guess’ paper in Nashik a few days before the May 3 exam and forwarded a soft copy to a person in Haryana.”A request from Rajasthan Police was received this morning for taking an individual into custody. Accordingly, Nashik police Crime Branch Unit 2 has nabbed a person,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police Kirankumar Chauhan. A team of Rajasthan Police will arrive in the city to take his custody.The Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) had earlier said the ‘guess’ paper leaked from a printing press in Nashik, and was used in Haryana or Rajasthan.Rajgir arrests: Cash, multiple admit cards seizedOn the day of the exam itself, police in Rajgir, Bihar made a crucial catch. Rajgir DSP Sunil Kumar Singh said that checking vehicles on May 3, police came across two cars.”The person driving, who claimed to be an MBBS student, had a stack of cash inside his car. Upon checking their mobile phones, we found multiple admit cards. Three people have been arrested,” Singh said.The arrests came as police were on high alert following intelligence inputs.Dehradun arrests: The ‘mastermind’The Rajasthan Police SOG arrested five persons from Dehradun, including the alleged mastermind, Sikar-based career counsellor Rakesh Kumar, on May 7. Four NEET aspirants were arrested the following day.Rakesh Kumar allegedly received the question bank containing 410 questions from an examinee in Kerala. Of these, 150 questions matched the actual NEET exam held on May 3. He initially sold the paper for Rs 5 lakh, later reducing the price to Rs 30,000 per aspirant as the exam date approached.A counsellor from a coaching centre in Sikar was also detained for allegedly paying Rs 5 lakh to buy the ‘guess’ paper and selling it to NEET aspirants through WhatsApp.The handwritten ‘guess’ paper matched 120 of the 150 questions for biology and chemistry from the original paper.What the investigation foundA senior SOG official said the investigation has revealed a well-organised nation-wide network with paper solvers to impersonators.The SOG has so far interrogated 13 suspects from Dehradun, Sikar and Jhunjhunu in connection with the case.The National Testing Agency on Tuesday cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination, affecting over 22 lakh candidates. The Union Government has referred the matter to the CBI for a comprehensive inquiry.The NTA said the decision was taken “in the interest of maintaining transparency and preserving trust in the national examination system.”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 MediaVideos’Chor Bazaar Of EC-BJP’: Rahul Hits Out After Suvendu Appoints Bengal EC Official As Chief SecretaryOpposition Slams Centre Over NEET Leak; Claims Of Mafia, Collusion And System FailureNEET-UG Cancelled, Anand Kumar Demands China-Like Crackdown On Coaching System ReformsNEET UG 2026 Cancelled After Probe Finds Major Question Matches In Leak PDFUdhayanidhi Stalin’s Fresh ‘Eradicate Sanatan Dharma’ Remark Triggers Massive BJP Backlash In TNNTA Scraps NEET UG 2026 Over ‘Guess Paper’ Leak, Re-Exam Dates To Be Announced | WatchFIR Filed Against SP MP Ajendra Singh Lodhi Over Alleged Remarks Against PM ModiCBI Takes Over Probe Into Murder Of Suvendu Adhikari’s Aide Chandranath Rath, Forms 7-Member SITAIADMK Faces Biggest Split Since Jayalalithaa Era As Rebel Faction Extends Support To Vijay’s TVKTamil Nadu CM Vijay Orders Shutdown Of 717 TASMAC Shops Near Temples, Schools And Bus Stands123Photostories5 simple habits to keep your brain sharpWhy Vidya Balan stopped wearing Sabyasachi after the Cannes 2013 controversyKaran Kundrra- Tejasswi Prakash’s dreamy love story: Becoming friends in Bigg Boss 15 to buying a house together in DubaiOTT releases this week (May 11-17, 2026): ‘Kartavya’, ‘Berlin’, ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ lead the lineup10 proven ways to sharpen your concentration and focus at workDoctors are warning about cancer’s ‘pre-diagnosis phase’ where symptoms exist but clear answers often don’tMissed Mother’s Day? 10 thoughtful ways to make your mother feel special this week5 ‘dirtiest’ spots in your kitchen you’re probably forgetting to clean, NYC doc revealsWooden vs Marble Chakla Belan: Which one is better and tips to improve their shelf lifeWhy humans once ate dirt and some still do today123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultRaj SinghBandi Sanjay KumarPune child rape-murder caseLPG stockNEET exam cancelledModi on Gold and WFHTop TrendingTamil Nadu CMBhagwant Mann CousinIPL Points TableFifa World Cup 2026 ScheduleVijay AstrologerHimanta Biswa SarmaIPL Orange Cap 2026AIADMK splitHighway Toll DuesBhuvneshwar Kumar JKBOSE Class 11 result 2026 out at jkresults.nic.in, download marksheets here using roll number Mouni Roy’s old comment on fights with Suraj Nambiar resurfaces amid divorce rumors: ‘Give more love, be there for each other’ 8-year-old exploring ramon crater discovers rare 1,700-year-old statue fragment “They had a nasty little open relationship”: Dianna Russini’s public kiss with husband triggers “staged PR” accusations online Who is Eileen Wang? California mayor resigns after pleading guilty to working for Chinese government Updated: May 12, 2026, 18:38 IST Jennifer Harmon, Broadway actress and ‘One Life to Live’ star, dies at 82 Shani Jayanti 2026: Planetary Combinations Explained, 3 Powerful Saturn Remedies to Reduce Negativity and Invite Blessings A 160-million-year-old ‘technicolour’ dinosaur fossil discovered in China with four wings and bird-like feathers NEET paper leak: Education minister avoids question, NTA gives no concrete answers, opposition corners Centre Who is Stuart Prior? Reform UK councillor accused of racist posts quits within days of victory NEET paper leak; stock market crash and more The NTA cancelled NEET-UG 2026 after a “guess paper” very closely matched with the original question paper. The government ordered a CBI probe, while fresh exam dates and admit card schedules will be announced later.Sensex and Nifty plunged over 1.5% as rising crude oil prices, a record-low rupee, continued foreign investor selling and escalating US-Iran tensions triggered panic across Indian equity markets.Pakistan confirmed Iranian aircraft landed at its airbase but denied reports linking them to military operations, calling claims misleading and tied instead to diplomatic and ceasefire-related arrangements.Ahead of Vijay’s floor test, an AIADMK rebel faction backed the TVK government, deepening internal divisions within the party and strengthening Vijay’s bid to prove majority in the Assembly.Olympian Sakshi Malik supported Vinesh Phogat in her dispute with the WFI, urging authorities to allow the wrestler’s comeback after motherhood and give her a fair trial opportunity.Here are the top stories from the day:NEET exams cancelled over paper leakThe National Testing Agency cancelled NEET-UG 2026 following the question paper leak through a “guess paper” circulating before the exam that closely matched actual questions. Over 22 lakh students were affected. The Centre ordered a CBI inquiry into the leak and malpractice, while NTA said the rescheduled dates for the exam would be announced within 7-10 days without fresh registration or additional fees. Read the full storyTop reasons for stock market’s crash that wiped out Rs 10.16 lakh crore investors wealthIndian stock markets tumbled sharply, wiping out over Rs 10 lakh crore in investor wealth. Rising crude oil prices, a record-low rupee, persistent foreign investor selling and uncertainty over the fragile US-Iran ceasefire hurt sentiment were the major players behind this dramatic crash. Analysts said elevated geopolitical risks, higher bond yields and global macroeconomic concerns continue to pressure equities. Read the full storyPakistan admits Iranian military aircraft at its airbasePakistan admitted that Iranian aircraft landed at its airbase during the US-Iran ceasefire period. However, it rejected US media reports suggesting any military link, and called them speculative and misleading. Islamabad said the planes were connected to diplomatic talks and logistical arrangements linked to peace efforts. The clarification followed a CBS report alleging Iranian military aircraft had landed at Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan Airbase. Read the full storyBig AIADMK twist looms ahead of TVK’s Vijay’s floor testTamil Nadu’s post-poll political drama intensified as an AIADMK faction led by SP Velumani and CV Shanmugam extended support to Vijay’s TVK government ahead of the crucial floor test. The move exposed sharp divisions within AIADMK over possible DMK backing. Vijay has also secured support from Congress, Left parties, VCK and IUML. Read the full storyOlympic medallist Sakshi Malik backs Vinesh Phogat; seeks PM’s helpSakshi Malik backed Vinesh Phogat amid her standoff with the Wrestling Federation of India over returning to competition after retirement. Criticising rules that allegedly block mothers from resuming sports careers, Sakshi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and WFI officials to allow Vinesh a fair chance to compete and represent India again. Read the 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’Chor Bazaar Of EC-BJP’: Rahul Hits Out After Suvendu Appoints Bengal EC Official As Chief SecretaryOpposition Slams Centre Over NEET Leak; Claims Of Mafia, Collusion And System FailureNEET-UG Cancelled, Anand Kumar Demands China-Like Crackdown On Coaching System ReformsNEET UG 2026 Cancelled After Probe Finds Major Question Matches In Leak PDFUdhayanidhi Stalin’s Fresh ‘Eradicate Sanatan Dharma’ Remark Triggers Massive BJP Backlash In TNNTA Scraps NEET UG 2026 Over ‘Guess Paper’ Leak, Re-Exam Dates To Be Announced | WatchFIR Filed Against SP MP Ajendra Singh Lodhi Over Alleged Remarks Against PM ModiCBI Takes Over Probe Into Murder Of Suvendu Adhikari’s Aide Chandranath Rath, Forms 7-Member SITAIADMK Faces Biggest Split Since Jayalalithaa Era As Rebel Faction Extends Support To Vijay’s TVKTamil Nadu CM Vijay Orders Shutdown Of 717 TASMAC Shops Near Temples, Schools And Bus Stands123PhotostoriesWhy Vidya Balan stopped wearing Sabyasachi after the Cannes 2013 controversyKaran Kundrra- Tejasswi Prakash’s dreamy love story: Becoming friends in Bigg Boss 15 to buying a house together in DubaiOTT releases this week (May 11-17, 2026): ‘Kartavya’, ‘Berlin’, ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ lead the lineup10 proven ways to sharpen your concentration and focus at workDoctors are warning about cancer’s ‘pre-diagnosis phase’ where symptoms exist but clear answers often don’tMissed Mother’s Day? 10 thoughtful ways to make your mother feel special this week5 ‘dirtiest’ spots in your kitchen you’re probably forgetting to clean, NYC doc revealsWooden vs Marble Chakla Belan: Which one is better and tips to improve their shelf lifeWhy humans once ate dirt and some still do todayHair oil or hair conditioner: Which is better to stop hair fall in summers123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultRaj SinghBandi Sanjay KumarPune child rape-murder caseLPG stockNEET exam cancelledModi on Gold and WFHTop TrendingTamil Nadu CMBhagwant Mann CousinIPL Points TableFifa World Cup 2026 ScheduleVijay AstrologerHimanta Biswa SarmaIPL Orange Cap 2026AIADMK splitHighway Toll DuesBhuvneshwar Kumar May 12, 2026, 18:08 IST Middle East crisis: Asia faces bunker fuel crunch amid Strait of Hormuz disruption, raises cost concerns ‘This is not a school exam’: NEET UG 2026 cancellation sets off nationwide outrage among aspirants Mouni Roy net worth: Inside the ‘Brahmastra’ star’s luxurious lifestyle, Mumbai penthouses and high end cars Why arm hair stops growing but head hair keeps getting longer | Scientists found a hidden CO2 sponge beneath the South Atlantic seafloor US government agency releases ‘Public Notice’ for everyone in America using banned drones and routers AI generated image Every morning across Indian hospitals, before the first doctor completes their rounds, nurses have already taken vitals, flagged deteriorating patients, administered overnight medications, and in many cases, made the quiet judgment calls that determine whether a patient makes it to the afternoon. They are the first responders within the ward, the last face a patient sees before surgery, and the only clinical presence most patients have through the night.Yet in the public architecture of healthcare, they are nearly invisible.India has approximately 3.4 million registered nurses, and a shortage of nearly two million, according to Indian Nursing Council data. WHO recommends a nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:5 in general wards. In most government hospitals across the country, the reality is closer to 1:15, sometimes worse. The work that falls into that gap, the monitoring, the counselling, the crisis management, the family communication, does not disappear. It is simply absorbed, silently, by whoever is standing at the bedside.That person is almost always a nurse.The role has expanded well beyond clinical care. Nurses today function as translators between medical jargon and patient comprehension, as counsellors absorbing fear and grief that formal systems have no protocol for, and as the earliest warning system in any ward. Studies consistently show that nurse-identified early warning signs are among the strongest predictors of patient outcomes, yet nursing assessments rarely carry the institutional weight of a physician’s note.On World Nurses Day, as the profession marks its global moment of recognition, the more urgent question is not one of celebration, it is one of reckoning. “In nursing we learn politics, administration, lobbying, psychology — our curriculum covers all of that. But we are a very disorganised human resource,” says Ms. Antonia Pushparaj, MBA in Hospital Management, MSc in Nursing, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bengaluru. India, she points out, is the largest supplier of nurses on the global platform, a fact that speaks to the profession’s scale and competence, but also to a troubling paradox. The country that trains and exports nurses in the greatest numbers has not yet figured out how to adequately value them at home.More than a caregiver: The expanding, uncredited role of the modern nurseAt any given moment in a hospital ward, a nurse is doing at least four things at once.She is checking a post-operative patient’s blood pressure and mentally comparing it against the reading from two hours ago. She is fielding a question from a family member camped outside the ward doors, explaining, for the third time, why the surgery is running late and what that does and does not mean. She is watching, from the corner of her eye, a patient three beds down whose breathing has shifted in a way that has no name yet but does not feel right. And she is documenting all of it, in real time, into a system that will later be read by a physician who will make decisions based on observations they did not make themselves.None of this is what most people picture when they think of a nurse.AI generated imageThe popular image of nursing, inherited from decades of hospital dramas, is one of assistance. The nurse as support staff, executing physician orders, taking temperatures, changing dressings. Competent, certainly. But all of it carries the silent implication of a secondary role.The reality of contemporary nursing has outpaced that image entirely. As healthcare systems grow more complex and patient loads heavier, the scope of nursing work has expanded to fill gaps that no formal policy or job description fully accounts for.Nurses are now, in practice, the primary interpreters of clinical information for patients and families, translating diagnosis, prognosis, and procedure into language that frightened, non-medical people can actually absorb. They are the first to identify when a patient’s condition is turning, and the ones who must decide, often without immediate physician backup, how urgently to escalate.In psychiatric and palliative wards especially, the emotional labour is its own discipline entirely, sitting with patients in acute distress, holding space for families confronting terminal diagnoses, managing their own grief while remaining functional on a 12-hour shift.There is no billing code for any of it. There is rarely even acknowledgement.For Antonia, the profession’s central contradiction is personal.”Even if I had a daughter, I might not have allowed her to choose this profession,” she says. “I can see what nurses go through — the type of humiliation we go through.” It is a striking admission from someone who has spent her career not just in nursing, but leading it. But it is not, she is careful to clarify, a statement of regret. It is one of clear-eyed honesty about a system that has consistently failed the people holding it together.Antonia manages a large nursing workforce, and she describes the administrative complexity of that role, coordinating shifts, resolving conflicts, maintaining standards across departments, as genuinely demanding. But it is the mentoring, she says, that keeps her invested. “Guiding nurses in the modern healthcare spectrum gives me joy. It gives me an opportunity to lead and guide others.”When the world stopped, nurses did notWhen Covid-19 swept through hospitals in 2020 and 2021, it did not disrupt the healthcare system so much as it exposed it. The shortages that administrators had long flagged in internal memos became visible overnight. The emotional labour that nurses had quietly absorbed for decades suddenly had a name and along with it came the statistics of the people we lost to the disease.In wards that had been hastily converted into Covid units, nurses worked in full PPE for shifts that routinely stretched beyond twelve hours. They could not always speak to patients clearly through their masks. They could not offer the physical reassurance, a hand held, a forehead checked, that had always been an unspoken part of the job. And yet they stayed. When ventilators ran short and families were barred from entering, nurses became the only human presence for patients in their final hours. They held phones to the ears of the dying so families could say goodbye.AI generated imageThe applause that rang out from balconies across the world during those months was genuine. But it was also quite short-lasting. Within two years of the pandemic’s peak, many healthcare systems reported record nursing attrition. Burnt out, underpaid, and psychologically hollowed, nurses left in numbers that confirmed what the profession had been warning for decades, that goodwill cannot be a retention strategy. In India, the exodus accelerated an already critical shortage, pushing nurse-to-patient ratios in public hospitals to levels that patient safety experts described as dangerous.Covid did not create the crisis in nursing. It simply made it impossible to look away.The pandemic, Antonia says, forced a moment of reckoning, but not a lasting one. “Everyone took a backseat, but nurses were in the forefront. Covid truly changed the trajectory of nurses.” What it did not change, at least not enough, was the culture around them. Recognition, she argues, cannot be seasonal. “It’s not just about celebrating us during a pandemic or on May 12th, but every time a patient gets discharged.”Responsibility for that shift, she believes, is shared. “The hospital management, the nursing council, and society at large all have a role to play in changing the perception of nursing as a profession.”And yet, beneath the policy arguments and the professional frustrations, what sustains her is something quieter. Her most cherished memory as a nurse, she says, is when a mother places her newborn in her arms. “I deem that as the highest form of responsibility. It is the most therapeutic relationship.”It is, in many ways, the image that cuts through everything else, the trust that patients place in nurses not because they are required to, but because in that moment, there is no one else they would rather have.About the AuthorAadrita HalderWrites on social matters, geopolitics, and trending issues for the Times of India.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOpposition Slams Centre Over NEET Leak; Claims Of Mafia, Collusion And System FailureNEET-UG Cancelled, Anand Kumar Demands China-Like Crackdown On Coaching System ReformsNEET UG 2026 Cancelled After Probe Finds Major Question Matches In Leak PDFUdhayanidhi Stalin’s Fresh ‘Eradicate Sanatan Dharma’ Remark Triggers Massive BJP Backlash In TNNTA Scraps NEET UG 2026 Over ‘Guess Paper’ Leak, Re-Exam Dates To Be Announced | WatchFIR Filed Against SP MP Ajendra Singh Lodhi Over Alleged Remarks Against PM ModiCBI Takes Over Probe Into Murder Of Suvendu Adhikari’s Aide Chandranath Rath, Forms 7-Member SITAIADMK Faces Biggest Split Since Jayalalithaa Era As Rebel Faction Extends Support To Vijay’s TVKTamil Nadu CM Vijay Orders Shutdown Of 717 TASMAC Shops Near Temples, Schools And Bus StandsCongress Expands Kerala CM Consultations As Satheesan-Venugopal Battle Intensifies123PhotostoriesOTT releases this week (May 11-17, 2026): ‘Kartavya’, ‘Berlin’, ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ lead the lineup10 proven ways to sharpen your concentration and focus at workDoctors are warning about cancer’s ‘pre-diagnosis phase’ where symptoms exist but clear answers often don’tMissed Mother’s Day? 10 thoughtful ways to make your mother feel special this week5 ‘dirtiest’ spots in your kitchen you’re probably forgetting to clean, NYC doc revealsWooden vs Marble Chakla Belan: Which one is better and tips to improve their shelf lifeWhy humans once ate dirt and some still do todayHair oil or hair conditioner: Which is better to stop hair fall in summersCricketer Nitish Kumar Reddy’s ₹3 crore Visakhapatnam home is a perfect picture of success, family bond and coastal calmSuccess quote of the day by Confucius: “Success depends upon…”123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultRaj SinghBandi Sanjay KumarPune child rape-murder caseLPG stockNEET exam cancelledModi on Gold and WFHTop TrendingTamil Nadu CMBhagwant Mann CousinIPL Points TableFifa World Cup 2026 ScheduleVijay AstrologerHimanta Biswa SarmaIPL Orange Cap 2026AIADMK splitHighway Toll DuesBhuvneshwar Kumar Stock market today (May 12, 2026): Which are top 10 gainers and losers on NSE & BSE? Check list AICTE opens applications for Samarthan internships at IITs, IIMs and NITs for students from underserved regions Mouni Roy’s husband Suraj Nambiar deletes his Instagram account amid divorce rumours The “living fence” secret: 6-layered plantings for a softer, more private front yard | These 4-billion-year-old rocks found in Canada may reveal how Earth’s first continents formed The superpower trap: Xi, Trump, and the myth of American decline Longest Rivers In The World: Exploring the 9 longest rivers in the world, from the Nile to the Congo | World News Updated: May 12, 2026, 17:50 IST Haryana Board Class 12th result 2026: Deepika secures rank 1 as girls dominate toppers list, check full list here Who is Suraj Nambiar? Everything about Mouni Roy’s husband as divorce rumours take over the internet The narrow bed mistake: Why your slim front garden looks cluttered instead of elegant | ‘We knew already’: India’s ‘reputation’ jab at China for helping Pakistan during Operation Sindoor World Deadliest Snakes: King Cobra Capitals: 10 countries where the world’s deadliest snake thrives | World News NEW DELHI: When the Tamil Nadu assembly meets at Fort St George on Wednesday for the trust vote of chief minister-designate Vijay, the immediate question will be whether the actor-turned-politician has the numbers to survive his first major constitutional test. But the bigger political story may lie on the other side of the aisle.The trust vote, at least now, looks less like a test of Vijay’s government and more like a defining trial for the AIADMK — the party founded by MG Ramachandran that once embodied the anti-DMK pole in state politics and now appears to be staring at yet another internal rupture since the deaths of MGR and J Jayalalithaa.The dramatic twist before the voteJust a day before the floor test, the crisis moved from whispers to open rebellion. Vijay personally visited the residence of senior AIADMK rebel leader C Ve Shanmugam in Chennai, a striking image that instantly intensified speculation that a section of the opposition party was preparing to break ranks.About 30 MLAs are believed to be in the rebel camp that has questioned Palaniswami’s leadership following the party’s debacle in the April 23 assembly polls. The party won only 47 out of the 164 seats it contested. Along with senior leader SP Velumani, Shanmugam has accused party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami of trying to explore an understanding with the rival Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam to keep Vijay away from power.”In the recently concluded election, we faced defeat. Not only in the recently concluded election, but also in the previous election, we suffered defeat. We asked our General Secretary to convene a General Council meeting to discuss the reasons behind these electoral defeats and to take further action in the interest and development of the party. Some people proposed that we, as the AIADMK legislative party, should form a government with the support of the DMK. This proposal goes against the founding principles of our party because the AIADMK was founded to uproot the DMK, which we consider an evil force in Tamil Nadu,” he said.The allegation is politically explosive not merely because of the numbers involved, but because AIADMK was founded in opposition to the DMK. Any suggestion of the two Dravidian rivals joining hands, even tactically, cuts against the party’s foundational identity.The numbers matter, but not in the obvious wayThe 234-member assembly requires 118 for a majority. TVK won 108 seats, and after Vijay vacated his seat following his elevation as chief minister, its effective strength stands at 107 until a bypoll. Congress, VCK and Left allies have pushed his coalition over the majority line, but only narrowly.That makes every abstention or rebellion significant.Yet Vijay’s own position is no longer the central suspense. Even before the floor test, he has already achieved the political feat that matters most: he has broken the 59-year-old duopoly of the DMK and AIADMK and emerged as the single largest force in Tamil Nadu.If he wins, he forms the first coalition government led by a new Dravidian-era entrant. If he loses, he still walks away as the leader who upended the state’s political order in his very first election.AIADMK does not have that luxury.This is AIADMK’s referendumFor AIADMK, the floor test could become a public measure of whether the party remains a coherent political institution or is entering terminal decline.The party won 47 seats in the April 23 election, a poor showing by its historic standards but still enough to remain relevant. However, if nearly 30 MLAs defy the leadership line, it would signal that the real collapse has begun not in the electorate but inside the legislature.Edappadi Palaniswami has reportedly issued a strict whip to keep all MLAs together. But in such moments, the symbolism of defiance matters as much as legal consequences. Even if anti-defection proceedings follow, a visible split during a trust vote would mark the first major transfer of political loyalty from AIADMK to TVK.That is what makes this floor test so consequential. It is not about whether Vijay can gather five extra votes. It is about whether AIADMK can stop losing its own people to the new centre of gravity.Why the rebels matter beyond numbersThe rebel leaders are not fringe dissidents. Shanmugam and Velumani are among the party’s established regional power centres. Their revolt indicates dissatisfaction not just with a tactical decision but with the direction of the party under Palaniswami.Their public argument is revealing: supporting Vijay is being pitched as a return to AIADMK’s original anti-DMK mission.That suggests the rebels see TVK, not AIADMK, as the legitimate inheritor of anti-DMK politics. In effect, they are arguing that Vijay has become what AIADMK used to be, the principal opposition to DMK.The shadow of old splitsTamil Nadu has seen AIADMK splits before. After MGR’s death in 1987, the party fractured between the factions led by VN Janaki and Jayalalithaa. After Jayalalithaa’s death in 2016, the OPS-EPS split nearly tore it apart again.But those were succession battles. Both sides still fought to claim the same legacy.The current rebellion looks a little different. The rebel camp’s language — “new life to AIADMK”, “Amma rule should return”, while supporting TVK, is significant. This rebellion raises the possibility that parts of the party may decide the AIADMK legacy itself has run its course and can be transferred to a new political formation.”The people’s mandate is not for TVK, it is for chief minister Vijay,” said Shanmugam. The language implies they see Vijay not as an outsider, but as a possible continuation of the emotional mass politics once monopolised by AIADMK.DMK’s unusual comfortThe DMK’s response has also underlined how unusual the moment is. It has flatly denied any post-poll talks with AIADMK and insists it will sit in opposition.That means DMK may be content to let its two rivals weaken each other.If Vijay survives with rebel AIADMK support, DMK gets an opposition role while watching AIADMK implode. If Vijay fails, he remains politically wounded in governance terms, but AIADMK still faces accusations that its infighting prevented a stable government.In either scenario, AIADMK risks emerging as the biggest loser.The real battle is for ‘two leaves’For decades, AIADMK’s ‘two leaves’ symbol represented a complete political ecosystem — MGR charisma, Jayalalithaa welfare populism and a deeply embedded anti-DMK identity. Vijay’s rise has disrupted that.Like MGR, he is a film star entering politics with an enormous fan network. Like Jayalalithaa, he has quickly turned emotional appeal into electoral momentum. To many voters, he looks less like a new experiment and more like a revival of an older Tamil political formula.That is why the floor test is not merely a constitutional exercise. It is a battle over inheritance.If AIADMK’s MLAs cross over, abstain, or even publicly waver, the symbolism will be unmistakable: the party founded by MGR may be ceding its own political DNA to another actor-led movement.By Wednesday evening, Vijay may or may not prove his majority on the assembly floor.But the more enduring question may be whether AIADMK can prove it still has one of its own.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 MediaVideosOpposition Slams Centre Over NEET Leak; Claims Of Mafia, Collusion And System FailureNEET-UG Cancelled, Anand Kumar Demands China-Like Crackdown On Coaching System ReformsNEET UG 2026 Cancelled After Probe Finds Major Question Matches In Leak PDFUdhayanidhi Stalin’s Fresh ‘Eradicate Sanatan Dharma’ Remark Triggers Massive BJP Backlash In TNNTA Scraps NEET UG 2026 Over ‘Guess Paper’ Leak, Re-Exam Dates To Be Announced | WatchFIR Filed Against SP MP Ajendra Singh Lodhi Over Alleged Remarks Against PM ModiCBI Takes Over Probe Into Murder Of Suvendu Adhikari’s Aide Chandranath Rath, Forms 7-Member SITAIADMK Faces Biggest Split Since Jayalalithaa Era As Rebel Faction Extends Support To Vijay’s TVKTamil Nadu CM Vijay Orders Shutdown Of 717 TASMAC Shops Near Temples, Schools And Bus StandsCongress Expands Kerala CM Consultations As Satheesan-Venugopal Battle Intensifies123Photostories10 proven ways to sharpen your concentration and focus at workDoctors are warning about cancer’s ‘pre-diagnosis phase’ where symptoms exist but clear answers often don’tMissed Mother’s Day? 10 thoughtful ways to make your mother feel special this week5 ‘dirtiest’ spots in your kitchen you’re probably forgetting to clean, NYC doc revealsWooden vs Marble Chakla Belan: Which one is better and tips to improve their shelf lifeWhy humans once ate dirt and some still do todayHair oil or hair conditioner: Which is better to stop hair fall in summersCricketer Nitish Kumar Reddy’s ₹3 crore Visakhapatnam home is a perfect picture of success, family bond and coastal calmSuccess quote of the day by Confucius: “Success depends upon…”Your expensive skincare may not work until you fix your gut: Doctors explain the surprising skin-digestion connection123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultRaj SinghBandi Sanjay KumarPune child rape-murder caseLPG stockNEET exam cancelledModi on Gold and WFHTop TrendingTamil Nadu CMBhagwant Mann CousinIPL Points TableFifa World Cup 2026 ScheduleVijay AstrologerHimanta Biswa SarmaIPL Orange Cap 2026AIADMK splitHighway Toll DuesBhuvneshwar Kumar GT vs SRH Live Score, IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma vs Shubman Gill set for explosive showdown as SRH face GT Bangladesh stun Pakistan by 104 runs as Nahid Rana’s five-for seals historic Test win | Cricket News HBSE Haryana Board Open School Class 12 result 2026 released at bseh.org.in: Check steps to download ‘Amri’ FIRST LOOK: Mira Nair unveils Anjali Sivaraman as Amrita Sher-Gil in Priyanka Chopra, Jaideep Ahlawat starrer 9 killed in suspected terrorist blast in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunwa Kuwait Sahel Service: Kuwait launches new Sahel Service for flight delays, refunds and lost baggage complaints | World News Austerity appeal Sharad Pawar urges PM Modi to convene all-party meet (Image credit: PTI) NEW DELHI: Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to adopt austerity measures amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has demanded an all-party meeting, citing the potential economic impact on the country.In a post on X, Pawar said, “Against the backdrop of the unstable and war-like situation in the Middle East, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made certain announcements two days ago. These are likely to have far-reaching impacts on the country’s economy.”He added that the sudden appeal had created unease among ordinary citizens, businesses, industries and investors.PM Modi’s recent speeches, in which he urged citizens to adopt austerity measures in view of the Middle East crisis, have triggered a political row. He appealed to people to use petrol and diesel sparingly, adopt work-from-home policies, use public transport, postpone discretionary gold purchases, reduce edible oil consumption, and cut down on chemical fertiliser use.Reacting to PM Modi’s appeal, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray also questioned why similar restraint was not exercised during large-scale election campaigns.In a post on X, Thackeray wrote, “The Prime Minister and senior leaders continue to travel across the country with massive convoys, roadshows, helicopters, flower showers and extravagant political campaigns. Will the Prime Minister admit that such political excesses were a mistake and that all of us, including him, will not repeat them? Why should the common man suffer for your mistakes?”“The Prime Minister himself is embarking on another multi-country foreign tour beginning May 15. First cancel these travels and then preach austerity,” he added.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 MediaVideosUdhayanidhi Stalin’s Fresh ‘Eradicate Sanatan Dharma’ Remark Triggers Massive BJP Backlash In TNNTA Scraps NEET UG 2026 Over ‘Guess Paper’ Leak, Re-Exam Dates To Be Announced | WatchFIR Filed Against SP MP Ajendra Singh Lodhi Over Alleged Remarks Against PM ModiCBI Takes Over Probe Into Murder Of Suvendu Adhikari’s Aide Chandranath Rath, Forms 7-Member SITAIADMK Faces Biggest Split Since Jayalalithaa Era As Rebel Faction Extends Support To Vijay’s TVKTamil Nadu CM Vijay Orders Shutdown Of 717 TASMAC Shops Near Temples, Schools And Bus StandsCongress Expands Kerala CM Consultations As Satheesan-Venugopal Battle IntensifiesTarn Taran BJP Office Attacked: Youths Vandalise Premises, Fire Shots In Air; Probe OnRahul Gandhi Targets Centre Over NEET Leak Allegations As Rajasthan SOG Expands ProbeFormer TMC Minister Sujit Bose Arrested By ED In Municipality Recruitment ‘Scam’123PhotostoriesDoctors are warning about cancer’s ‘pre-diagnosis phase’ where symptoms exist but clear answers often don’tMissed Mother’s Day? 10 thoughtful ways to make your mother feel special this week5 ‘dirtiest’ spots in your kitchen you’re probably forgetting to clean, NYC doc revealsWooden vs Marble Chakla Belan: Which one is better and tips to improve their shelf lifeWhy humans once ate dirt and some still do todayHair oil or hair conditioner: Which is better to stop hair fall in summersCricketer Nitish Kumar Reddy’s ₹3 crore Visakhapatnam home is a perfect picture of success, family bond and coastal calmSuccess quote of the day by Confucius: “Success depends upon…”Your expensive skincare may not work until you fix your gut: Doctors explain the surprising skin-digestion connection5 simple remedies to keep silverfish away and protect your favourite books and clothes before it’s too late!123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultRaj SinghBandi Sanjay KumarPune child rape-murder caseLPG stockNEET exam cancelledModi on Gold and WFHTop TrendingTamil Nadu CMBhagwant Mann CousinIPL Points TableFifa World Cup 2026 ScheduleVijay AstrologerHimanta Biswa SarmaIPL Orange Cap 2026AIADMK splitHighway Toll DuesBhuvneshwar Kumar NCERT admit card released for non-teaching recruitment 2026 for 173 Group A, B, C posts; download here ‘Kaalidas 2’ OTT release date: Where to watch the crime thriller starring Bharath The secret to a rain garden that looks like a designer bed, not a swamp | Apartment owners swear by this hot water toilet trick for preventing bathroom issues |