<p>A day after the Kerala Assembly election results were announced on May 4, I saw flex boards in the south Indian state's Ernakulam district, describing KC Venugopal as the 'only king'. It was a clear indication that the Congress party leader was favoured by many party workers for the post of chief minister, over other names doing the rounds: VD Satheeshan, Ramesh Chennithala and Shashi Tharoor. Over the next few days, the good old 'groupism' for which the Congress party in Kerala is infamous came to the fore. Multiple flex boards came up across cities favouring Satheesan too. A prominent state leader of the party, Satheesan was considered the face of the Congress election campaign and victory. By the end of the week, it emerged that 47 out of the 63 elected Congress legislators favour Venugopal, who is most likely to become the CM. But what does this infighting signify?</p><h2>UDF victory marred by factionalism over who should be Kerala CM</h2><p>The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) had a sweeping victory in the Kerala Assembly elections, winning around 102 seats, with Congress alone bagging 63. Yet, the Congress high command is yet to announce the chief minister, amid an intense internal contest that has spilled onto the streets.</p><p>Veteran leader Ramesh Chennithala and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor do not appear to have either party or cadre support for the chief minister's role. That then leaves Venugopal and Satheesan in the fray.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kc-venugopal-vs-vd-satheesan-kerala-congress-power-dynamics-under-spotlight-1778061566661/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/kc-venugopal-vs-vd-satheesan-kerala-congress-power-dynamics-under-spotlight-1778061566661/embed</a></p><h2>Odds are in favour of KC Venugopal</h2><p>Venugopal, who is All India Congress Committee General Secretary, is being favoured by both the Congress high command and the majority of Congress MLAs. Venugopal has been playing a national role in recent years as a Member of Parliament from Alappuzha. There have already been 'leaked' lists of support for Venugopal, which show around 80 per cent preference for him. Some UDF MLAs from the Malabar region also favour him, according to reports. He is being praised for his organisational role and close ties to Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.</p><h2>VD Satheesan worked his way up in Congress, but is likely to be snubbed</h2><p>VD Satheesan, who never held a ministerial post in past Congress governments, was a strong Leader of the Opposition during the last Assembly. He has support from Congress workers at the grassroots level. He led the opposition effectively in the Assembly and spearheaded the Congress party's election campaign in Kerala. Reportedly, MLAs from the UDF ally party Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) support him. He is seen as a street leader with mass appeal, who confronted Pinarayi Vijayan's Left government directly.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-cm-race-intensifies-as-vd-satheesan-supporters-launch-street-march-1778250413911">Kerala CM race intensifies as VD Satheesan supporters launch street march</a></p><h2>VD Satheesan vs Venugopal CM race leads to street protests, flex wars</h2><p>Amid public and private displays of protests on streets and online, the delay in announcing the CM post is causing fears of a resurgence of factionalism in Congress. Supporters of Satheesan held marches, rallies and protests across the state, shouting slogans like “Only VD”, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Alappuzha districts. Some tore down posters and flex boards favouring Venugopal, and one worker in Kottayam attempted self-immolation, which was foiled.</p><p>The battle is also being fought online, with social media posts and factional lobbying.</p><p>The local Congress body, the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), urged workers to stop protests, demonstrations and flex-board wars to maintain unity, knowing fully well how these could damage the party. But some defiance continued throughout the past week.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cong-s-keralam-s-cm-contenders-who-among-vd-satheesan-ramesh-chennithala-kc-venugopal-or-shashi-tharoor-will-get-the-crown-1777903537339">Cong’s Keralam CM contenders: Who among VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, KC Venugopal, or Shashi Tharoor will get the crown?</a></p><h2>Satheesan wants CM post or nothing amid accusations Venugopal is being parachuted from Delhi</h2><p>Supporters of Satheesan allege that the Congress high command in New Delhi is 'parachuting' a non-MLA like Venugopal to the CM post. Venugopal will have to contest a by-election to be fully eligible for the CM post, after he is sworn in. This is usually engineered by contesting in a party stronghold constituency.</p><p>The Venugopal camp stresses the numerical support within the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) for the leader, and the utility of his strong ties to the central leadership.</p><p>Satheesan supporters are highlighting his role as the face of the campaign and opposition for five years, and his ground-level popularity.&nbsp;</p><p>Satheesan himself has reportedly taken a firm stand: CM post or nothing. He would not take any ministerial role or compromise, and would remain an MLA.</p><h2>What next for the Congress chief minister race in Kerala?</h2><p>The Congress Legislative Party in Kerala passed a resolution saying it will abide by the high command's decision on chief minister post.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;But aggressive private lobbying is continuing behind the scenes.</p><p>AICC observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik have completed consultations with MLAs and submitted their reports. Key leaders, including Satheesan and KPCC chief Chennithala, have been summoned to Delhi for discussions. A final decision is likely on or before May 11. The swearing-in ceremony will possibly take place next week, with Rahul Gandhi likely to attend.</p><p>But Congress appears to have spoiled the mood of victory. The government is controversial on arrival. The factionalism that plagued the party in the state for decades is likely to return once again.</p>

Kerala chief minister race: Congress party's victory in Kerala assembly election 2026  triggered a fierce CM race between KC Venugopal and VD Satheesan. This is reviving memories of factionalism. With protests on streets and online, the government is controversial even before starting

A day after the Kerala Assembly election results were announced on May 4, I saw flex boards in the south Indian state's Ernakulam district, describing KC Venugopal as the 'only king'. It was a clear indication that the Congress party leader was favoured by many party workers for the post of chief minister, over other names doing the rounds: VD Satheeshan, Ramesh Chennithala and Shashi Tharoor. Over the next few days, the good old 'groupism' for which the Congress party in Kerala is infamous came to the fore. Multiple flex boards came up across cities favouring Satheesan too. A prominent state leader of the party, Satheesan was considered the face of the Congress election campaign and victory. By the end of the week, it emerged that 47 out of the 63 elected Congress legislators favour Venugopal, who is most likely to become the CM. But what does this infighting signify? UDF victory marred by factionalism over who should be Kerala CM The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) had a sweeping victory in the Kerala Assembly elections, winning around 102 seats, with Congress alone bagging 63. Yet, the Congress high command is yet to announce the chief minister, amid an intense internal contest that has spilled onto the streets. Veteran leader Ramesh Chennithala and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor do not appear to have either party or cadre support for the chief minister's role. That then leaves Venugopal and Satheesan in the fray. https://www.wionews.com/videos/kc-venugopal-vs-vd-satheesan-kerala-congress-power-dynamics-under-spotlight-1778061566661/embed Odds are in favour of KC Venugopal Venugopal, who is All India Congress Committee General Secretary, is being favoured by both the Congress high command and the majority of Congress MLAs. Venugopal has been playing a national role in recent years as a Member of Parliament from Alappuzha. There have already been 'leaked' lists of support for Venugopal, which show around 80 per cent preference for him. Some UDF MLAs from the Malabar region also favour him, according to reports. He is being praised for his organisational role and close ties to Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. VD Satheesan worked his way up in Congress, but is likely to be snubbed VD Satheesan, who never held a ministerial post in past Congress governments, was a strong Leader of the Opposition during the last Assembly. He has support from Congress workers at the grassroots level. He led the opposition effectively in the Assembly and spearheaded the Congress party's election campaign in Kerala. Reportedly, MLAs from the UDF ally party Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) support him. He is seen as a street leader with mass appeal, who confronted Pinarayi Vijayan's Left government directly. Also read: Kerala CM race intensifies as VD Satheesan supporters launch street march VD Satheesan vs Venugopal CM race leads to street protests, flex wars Amid public and private displays of protests on streets and online, the delay in announcing the CM post is causing fears of a resurgence of factionalism in Congress. Supporters of Satheesan held marches, rallies and protests across the state, shouting slogans like “Only VD”, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Alappuzha districts. Some tore down posters and flex boards favouring Venugopal, and one worker in Kottayam attempted self-immolation, which was foiled. The battle is also being fought online, with social media posts and factional lobbying. The local Congress body, the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), urged workers to stop protests, demonstrations and flex-board wars to maintain unity, knowing fully well how these could damage the party. But some defiance continued throughout the past week. Also read: Cong’s Keralam CM contenders: Who among VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, KC Venugopal, or Shashi Tharoor will get the crown? Satheesan wants CM post or nothing amid accusations Venugopal is being parachuted from Delhi Supporters of Satheesan allege that the Congress high command in New Delhi is 'parachuting' a non-MLA like Venugopal to the CM post. Venugopal will have to contest a by-election to be fully eligible for the CM post, after he is sworn in. This is usually engineered by contesting in a party stronghold constituency. The Venugopal camp stresses the numerical support within the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) for the leader, and the utility of his strong ties to the central leadership. Satheesan supporters are highlighting his role as the face of the campaign and opposition for five years, and his ground-level popularity. Satheesan himself has reportedly taken a firm stand: CM post or nothing. He would not take any ministerial role or compromise, and would remain an MLA. What next for the Congress chief minister race in Kerala? The Congress Legislative Party in Kerala passed a resolution saying it will abide by the high command's decision on chief minister post. But aggressive private lobbying is continuing behind the scenes. AICC observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik have completed consultations with MLAs and submitted their reports. Key leaders, including Satheesan and KPCC chief Chennithala, have been summoned to Delhi for discussions. A final decision is likely on or before May 11. The swearing-in ceremony will possibly take place next week, with Rahul Gandhi likely to attend. But Congress appears to have spoiled the mood of victory. The government is controversial on arrival. The factionalism that plagued the party in the state for decades is likely to return once again.

<p>Kerala chief minister race: Congress party's victory in Kerala assembly election 2026 &nbsp;triggered a fierce CM race between KC Venugopal and VD Satheesan. This is reviving memories of factionalism. With protests on streets and online, the government is controversial even before starting</p>

KC Venugopal Vs VD Satheesan: Kerala chief minister race brings back good old 'groupism' in Congress party

<p>British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused to resign in the face of local election losses for his Labour Party in what is being seen as a 'midterm' litmus test for his government. With the Reform Party gaining in English council election results and Labour losing several seats as trends trickled in on Friday (May 8), Starmer is under severe pressure.&nbsp;</p><h2>UK latest election results: Labour's heavy losses</h2><p>Thursday's elections were the first major polls since Labour's 2024 general election landslide victory. Dozens of English council results are showing a clear pattern of Labour losses, bringing it down by hundreds of seats. Labour is on course to lose control of multiple local authorities, having lost majorities in Southampton, Wandsworth and Tameside.</p><p>Besides heavy drops in traditional strongholds, Labour is projected to lose between 1,500 and 1,900 seats in various elections.&nbsp;</p><p>Local elections and Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd contests have also been bad for Labour. It could potentially lose the popular vote in Wales for the first time in decades.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-local-body-election-results-small-gains-for-greens-lib-dems-conservatives-suffer-big-losses-1778214600113/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-local-body-election-results-small-gains-for-greens-lib-dems-conservatives-suffer-big-losses-1778214600113/embed</a></p><h2>Starmer holds firm amid bad local election results&nbsp;</h2><p>There is internal Labour unease amid Reform UK's surge, which has put Starmer's leadership under question. He could face further troubles in the coming months.</p><p>Starmer called the results tough, but refused to leave. Speaking in Ealing, west London, Starmer said: “The results are tough, they are very tough, and there’s no sugarcoating it. We have lost brilliant Labour representatives across the country... And that hurts, and it should hurt, and I take responsibility.” But he insisted he will carry on, saying such days "don’t weaken my resolve to deliver the change that I promised.”</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-elections-who-is-zack-polanski-former-hypnotherapist-and-openly-gay-leader-of-the-green-party-1778136638825">UK elections: Who is Zack Polanski, former hypnotherapist and openly gay leader of the Green Party?</a></p><h2>Rise of Reform UK as Labour loses even in strongholds</h2><p>Meanwhile, Nigel Farage's Reform UK is enjoying a surge, winning up to 300 seats in early count projections. This includes strong showings in so-called 'Red Wall' areas like Hartlepool, where they won most seats. Reform UK took control of at least one council and made breakthroughs in working-class northern and eastern areas too.</p><p>Reform appears to have capitalised on discontent over taxes, immigration, winter fuel payments, and the cost of living.</p><p>Conservatives, the other traditional major party, also lost seats but held some ground in places.</p><p>Liberal Democrats and Greens had modest to solid gains in certain areas.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/keir-starmer-denies-rift-trump-uk-hormuz-operation-1773661379152">Keir Starmer denies rift with Donald Trump, says UK won’t be drawn into wider war</a></p><h2>Polls are dire for Labour, but Starmer feels he will survive</h2><p>Recent opinion polls, including an early May YouGov survey, favoured Reform at 25 per cent, against Labour at 18 per cent. Starmer's net favourability was deeply negative at -45, with his government also recording poor ratings.</p><p>Some Labour MPs and figures like Ed Miliband are allegedly suggesting a departure timeline for Starmer. No obvious successor is ready to unify the party, with some fearing that such a leadership challenge would cause more damage to the party.</p><h2>Starmer still has time, but for how long?</h2><p>Starmer said he will continue to lead, saying: "I had a five-year mandate to deliver change. I intend to get on with what I was elected to do, which is deliver that change.”</p><p>But he has a tough road ahead unless he turns things around quickly for the Labour government and addresses voter concerns.</p><p>Starmer's confidence is probably coming from the fact that British general elections aren't due until 2029, unless of course, he resigns.&nbsp;</p><p>Some Labour leaders had survived bad local elections, like Tony Blair did in 1999.</p><p>Labour allies have been firmly behind Starmer, who said he wouldn't accept any 'timetables' for resignation. Some of his cabinet ministers warned against a leadership challenge, citing possible chaos.</p><p>Removing a PM requires a serious internal revolt or no-confidence mechanisms that aren't on the immediate horizon. But if Labour's poor performance continues, along with more election losses and economic woes, Starmer's position could become untenable later this year or in 2027.</p>

2026 United Kingdom elections: Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure after Labour suffered heavy local election losses as Reform UK surged across England, Wales and Scotland. The British PM insists he will continue. But for how long?

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused to resign in the face of local election losses for his Labour Party in what is being seen as a 'midterm' litmus test for his government. With the Reform Party gaining in English council election results and Labour losing several seats as trends trickled in on Friday (May 8), Starmer is under severe pressure. UK latest election results: Labour's heavy losses Thursday's elections were the first major polls since Labour's 2024 general election landslide victory. Dozens of English council results are showing a clear pattern of Labour losses, bringing it down by hundreds of seats. Labour is on course to lose control of multiple local authorities, having lost majorities in Southampton, Wandsworth and Tameside. Besides heavy drops in traditional strongholds, Labour is projected to lose between 1,500 and 1,900 seats in various elections. Local elections and Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd contests have also been bad for Labour. It could potentially lose the popular vote in Wales for the first time in decades. https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-local-body-election-results-small-gains-for-greens-lib-dems-conservatives-suffer-big-losses-1778214600113/embed Starmer holds firm amid bad local election results There is internal Labour unease amid Reform UK's surge, which has put Starmer's leadership under question. He could face further troubles in the coming months. Starmer called the results tough, but refused to leave. Speaking in Ealing, west London, Starmer said: “The results are tough, they are very tough, and there’s no sugarcoating it. We have lost brilliant Labour representatives across the country... And that hurts, and it should hurt, and I take responsibility.” But he insisted he will carry on, saying such days "don’t weaken my resolve to deliver the change that I promised.” Also read: UK elections: Who is Zack Polanski, former hypnotherapist and openly gay leader of the Green Party? Rise of Reform UK as Labour loses even in strongholds Meanwhile, Nigel Farage's Reform UK is enjoying a surge, winning up to 300 seats in early count projections. This includes strong showings in so-called 'Red Wall' areas like Hartlepool, where they won most seats. Reform UK took control of at least one council and made breakthroughs in working-class northern and eastern areas too. Reform appears to have capitalised on discontent over taxes, immigration, winter fuel payments, and the cost of living. Conservatives, the other traditional major party, also lost seats but held some ground in places. Liberal Democrats and Greens had modest to solid gains in certain areas. Also read: Keir Starmer denies rift with Donald Trump, says UK won’t be drawn into wider war Polls are dire for Labour, but Starmer feels he will survive Recent opinion polls, including an early May YouGov survey, favoured Reform at 25 per cent, against Labour at 18 per cent. Starmer's net favourability was deeply negative at -45, with his government also recording poor ratings. Some Labour MPs and figures like Ed Miliband are allegedly suggesting a departure timeline for Starmer. No obvious successor is ready to unify the party, with some fearing that such a leadership challenge would cause more damage to the party. Starmer still has time, but for how long? Starmer said he will continue to lead, saying: "I had a five-year mandate to deliver change. I intend to get on with what I was elected to do, which is deliver that change.” But he has a tough road ahead unless he turns things around quickly for the Labour government and addresses voter concerns. Starmer's confidence is probably coming from the fact that British general elections aren't due until 2029, unless of course, he resigns. Some Labour leaders had survived bad local elections, like Tony Blair did in 1999. Labour allies have been firmly behind Starmer, who said he wouldn't accept any 'timetables' for resignation. Some of his cabinet ministers warned against a leadership challenge, citing possible chaos. Removing a PM requires a serious internal revolt or no-confidence mechanisms that aren't on the immediate horizon. But if Labour's poor performance continues, along with more election losses and economic woes, Starmer's position could become untenable later this year or in 2027.

<p>2026 United Kingdom elections: Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure after Labour suffered heavy local election losses as Reform UK surged across England, Wales and Scotland. The British PM insists he will continue. But for how long?</p>

UK local elections put PM Starmer under pressure but he insists on continuing. For how long?

<p>The Tamil Nadu government formation talks are fluid, with actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam<strong> </strong>(TVK) still negotiating with various smaller parties for support after it emerged as the single largest party without the majority mark of 118. With 108 MLAs (including two seats won by Vijay, one of which he will have to vacate) and explicit support from five Congress MLAs, TVK still needs external support to form the government. Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar insisted on written proof of support before inviting Vijay for a floor test in the Assembly and to form the next government in the south Indian state. While DMK, the second largest party led by former chief minister MK Stalin, said it is willing to give up to six months for TVK to prove majority support, the situation remains unpredictable amid multiple backroom manoeuvres.</p><p>Parties with single-digit seats in the Assembly have suddenly emerged as the most important players in this context. Topping the kingmaker list are VCK and PMK, along with a couple of Left parties. Here is what you should know about the VCK, PMK and other potential kingmaker parties.</p><h2>VCK, the Dalit-focused party that could emerge powerful</h2><p>VCK, or Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, which translates to Liberation Panthers Party, advocates social justice, opposition to caste discrimination, and Tamil nationalism. A political spinoff of the Dalit Panthers movement of the 1980s and 1990s, it has become an electoral presence in the past few years, particularly in constituencies reserved for the downtrodden Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, collectively known as Dalits.</p><p>The party is led by its chairperson and president Thol Thirumavalavan, a prominent Dalit activist and lawyer who is also a parliamentarian from Chidambaram. Writer and former parliamentarian D Ravikumar is the party's general secretary.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-political-crisis-tvk-threatens-mass-resignation-as-governor-blocks-thalapathy-vijay-from-forming-government-1778207098450">Tamil Nadu political crisis: TVK threatens mass resignation as governor blocks Thalapathy Vijay from forming government</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While it has an independent ideology advocating social justice, VCK has allied in the past with the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA). In the Tamil Nadu Assembly election 2026, VCK won two seats: Vanni Arasu from Tindivanam and LE Jothimani from Kattumannarkoil.</p><p>TVK is actively courting VCK, with Vijay personally reaching out to Thirumavalavan.</p><p>VCK's two MLAs, along with the four from Left parties (two from CPI and two from CPI(M)), could turn the fortunes in favour of TVK. They could also block Vijay's path to power.</p><p>VCK is reportedly consulting internally and with allies before deciding on its course of action.</p><p>It has also urged the governor to invite TVK for a floor test and is weighing ideological alignment, even while dealing with the dilemma of having been a DMK ally.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-elections-vijay-s-tvk-shocks-tamil-nadu-as-cm-buzz-explodes-after-debut-win-1778159288060/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-elections-vijay-s-tvk-shocks-tamil-nadu-as-cm-buzz-explodes-after-debut-win-1778159288060/embed</a></p><h2>PMK is the other party that could help TVK form the government. But will they?</h2><p>Pattali Makkal Katchi, which won four seats in the Assembly election, is a party mainly led by the powerful Vanniyar community. It is numerically stronger than VCK in the Assembly.</p><p>Multiple reports indicate PMK is considering or is likely to extend support to TVK, with the party's founder S. Anbumani Ramadoss holding party meetings to decide. Ramadoss has already publicly urged that TVK's massive mandate as the single-largest party be accepted.</p><p>But that is not the full picture. In the past, PMK had allied with the BJP-led NDA and AIADMK.</p><p>This would make them ideologically incompatible with TVK.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-political-crisis-tvk-threatens-mass-resignation-as-governor-blocks-thalapathy-vijay-from-forming-government-1778207098450">Congress calls for statewide protest as Vijay’s TVK scrambles for the 'final five' to form government in Tamil Nadu</a></p><h2>Which other parties can help TVK form the government?</h2><p>Indian Union Muslim League, with two seats, has so far rejected TVK overtures and prefers sticking with DMK and SPA on ideological grounds. Left parties are also in discussions with TVK but remain tied to the broader SPA ecosystem, which makes it a difficult choice to make.</p><p>Broader support from independents and possible rebels from larger Dravidian parties AIADMK and DMK could tip the scales in favour of TVK. But the price to pay would be senior Cabinet berths, which might weaken TVK while allocating ministerial portfolios.</p>

Actor-politician Vijay’s TVK is seeking support from VCK, PMK and Left parties to cross the majority mark and form the next government in Tamil Nadu after emerging as the single largest party. But his path to chief ministership is not yet clear. Who will emerge the kingmaker?

The Tamil Nadu government formation talks are fluid, with actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) still negotiating with various smaller parties for support after it emerged as the single largest party without the majority mark of 118. With 108 MLAs (including two seats won by Vijay, one of which he will have to vacate) and explicit support from five Congress MLAs, TVK still needs external support to form the government. Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar insisted on written proof of support before inviting Vijay for a floor test in the Assembly and to form the next government in the south Indian state. While DMK, the second largest party led by former chief minister MK Stalin, said it is willing to give up to six months for TVK to prove majority support, the situation remains unpredictable amid multiple backroom manoeuvres. Parties with single-digit seats in the Assembly have suddenly emerged as the most important players in this context. Topping the kingmaker list are VCK and PMK, along with a couple of Left parties. Here is what you should know about the VCK, PMK and other potential kingmaker parties. VCK, the Dalit-focused party that could emerge powerful VCK, or Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, which translates to Liberation Panthers Party, advocates social justice, opposition to caste discrimination, and Tamil nationalism. A political spinoff of the Dalit Panthers movement of the 1980s and 1990s, it has become an electoral presence in the past few years, particularly in constituencies reserved for the downtrodden Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, collectively known as Dalits. The party is led by its chairperson and president Thol Thirumavalavan, a prominent Dalit activist and lawyer who is also a parliamentarian from Chidambaram. Writer and former parliamentarian D Ravikumar is the party's general secretary. Also read: Tamil Nadu political crisis: TVK threatens mass resignation as governor blocks Thalapathy Vijay from forming government While it has an independent ideology advocating social justice, VCK has allied in the past with the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA). In the Tamil Nadu Assembly election 2026, VCK won two seats: Vanni Arasu from Tindivanam and LE Jothimani from Kattumannarkoil. TVK is actively courting VCK, with Vijay personally reaching out to Thirumavalavan. VCK's two MLAs, along with the four from Left parties (two from CPI and two from CPI(M)), could turn the fortunes in favour of TVK. They could also block Vijay's path to power. VCK is reportedly consulting internally and with allies before deciding on its course of action. It has also urged the governor to invite TVK for a floor test and is weighing ideological alignment, even while dealing with the dilemma of having been a DMK ally. https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-elections-vijay-s-tvk-shocks-tamil-nadu-as-cm-buzz-explodes-after-debut-win-1778159288060/embed PMK is the other party that could help TVK form the government. But will they? Pattali Makkal Katchi, which won four seats in the Assembly election, is a party mainly led by the powerful Vanniyar community. It is numerically stronger than VCK in the Assembly. Multiple reports indicate PMK is considering or is likely to extend support to TVK, with the party's founder S. Anbumani Ramadoss holding party meetings to decide. Ramadoss has already publicly urged that TVK's massive mandate as the single-largest party be accepted. But that is not the full picture. In the past, PMK had allied with the BJP-led NDA and AIADMK. This would make them ideologically incompatible with TVK. Also read: Congress calls for statewide protest as Vijay’s TVK scrambles for the 'final five' to form government in Tamil Nadu Which other parties can help TVK form the government? Indian Union Muslim League, with two seats, has so far rejected TVK overtures and prefers sticking with DMK and SPA on ideological grounds. Left parties are also in discussions with TVK but remain tied to the broader SPA ecosystem, which makes it a difficult choice to make. Broader support from independents and possible rebels from larger Dravidian parties AIADMK and DMK could tip the scales in favour of TVK. But the price to pay would be senior Cabinet berths, which might weaken TVK while allocating ministerial portfolios.

<p>Actor-politician Vijay’s TVK is seeking support from VCK, PMK and Left parties to cross the majority mark and form the next government in Tamil Nadu after emerging as the single largest party. But his path to chief ministership is not yet clear. Who will emerge the kingmaker?</p>

Vijay's path to Tamil Nadu chief minister: Who will be the kingmaker - VCK, PMK or the Left? What you should know

<p>The latest Truecaller Insights report ranked India as the fifth most spam-affected country globally, with a spam intensity of 66 per cent. This means 66 per cent of unknown calls received by Truecaller users in India in 2025 were identified as spam. Why did the problem get so big and never-ending? What are the government and telecom operators dong about it? How are spammers bypassing the restrictions like Do Not Disturb or DND?</p><h2>Truecaller identified over 68 billion spam and fraud calls worldwide in 2025. Where does India stand?</h2><p>India is among the top countries for spam calls recorded on Truecaller. Indonesia topped the list of spam intensity, at 79 per cent, while Chile came second, at 70 per cent intensity. This was followed by Vietnam, Brazil and then India.</p><p>Truecaller users in India identified 41.68 billion spam calls and an even worse 129.03 billion spam messages in 2025. The Truecaller community blocked 11.89 billion spam calls. Fraud calls were around 7.7 billion, out of which sales and telemarketing accounted for 36 per cent, financial services 18 per cent, and scams 12 per cent.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/whatsapp-bans-9-400-scam-accounts-in-india-amid-major-fraud-crackdown-1777405084665/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/whatsapp-bans-9-400-scam-accounts-in-india-amid-major-fraud-crackdown-1777405084665/embed</a></p><h2>So what happened to India's Do Not Disturb policies and measures against spam calls?</h2><p>The Indian government's National Customer Preference Register (NCPR) still exists and works reasonably well against registered telemarketers (RTMs). They are required to use specific number series or prefixes like 140 for calls and respect user preferences. One can register on DND by dialling or messaging 1909 or by using the TRAI DND app of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.</p><p>But DND is largely bypassed by Unregistered Telemarketers or UTMs, who use ordinary 10-digit mobile numbers, often via bulk SIMs or "SIM farms". These callers ignore DND entirely because they are not registered and do not follow the rules, becoming the main cause of spam persistence despite DND measures.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/x-removed-over-1-7-million-bots-dm-spam-next-says-product-head-nikita-bier-1760344720045">X removed over 1.7 million bots; DM spam next, says product head Nikita Bier</a></p><h2>What the Indian government and telecom operators are doing to fight the spam menace</h2><p>TRAI, the Department of Telecom and mobile network operators have taken several steps. As of early 2026, TRAI slapped penalties worth 1.5 billion rupees on telecom companies for failing to curb spam. More than 2.1 million mobile numbers and 100,000 entities were either disconnected or blacklisted based on complaints as of late 2025. In 2025 alone, 731,000 notices were sent to UTMs, with restrictions imposed on hundreds of thousands of entities.</p><p>TRAI strongly encouraged reporting spam, even without DND registration, in order to help trace and disconnect the calls at the source, unlike phone-level blocking.</p><p>In 2025, tighter consent rules and faster action on complaints, with response timelines of up to five days for providers, were introduced. DLT, or Distributed Ledger Technology, was introduced for tracking promotional messages.</p><p>Some measures were also taken against AI-generated or robo-calling, with detection systems also using AI. Restrictions were imposed on bulk calling, and campaigns were held urging spam reporting.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-elderly-nri-couple-duped-of-rs-15-crore-in-digitally-arrest-cyber-scam-say-our-biggest-mistake-was-1768205410164">Delhi elderly NRI couple duped of Rs 15 crore in ‘digitally arrest’ cyber scam; say 'our biggest mistake was...'</a></p><h2>How are spam callers bypassing restrictions?</h2><p>Though these actions helped disconnect many numbers, the problem is scaling faster. SIMs are cheaper, automation is easily available, and spammers use new tactics, always staying one step ahead, even as telecom operators face pressure and fines.&nbsp;</p><p>One major issue is UTMs using normal-looking phone numbers, thus bypassing the 140-series rules and DND. New technologies like spoofing and number rotation are also being deployed. This means frequent changes in spam caller numbers, with spammers using SIM farms and bulk cheap connections.</p><p>AI is widely used for automation, including robo-diallers and voice cloning for scale and realism.</p><p>There is also cross-border or VoIP routing of spam calls. Spammers get numbers from data leaks involving apps, websites or breaches. A2P, or application-to-person calling, is also on the rise.</p><p>In short, DND registration is not enough, and phone blocking alone does not help fight the spam ecosystem. The government and telecom operators are acting more aggressively than before, but low operational costs and evolving technology continue to keep spam volumes high.</p>

Indian users of Truecaller recorded 41.68 billion spam calls in 2025. India is the fifth-worst affected country for spam calls and messages. Spammers are bypassing DND rules using new techniques. 

The latest Truecaller Insights report ranked India as the fifth most spam-affected country globally, with a spam intensity of 66 per cent. This means 66 per cent of unknown calls received by Truecaller users in India in 2025 were identified as spam. Why did the problem get so big and never-ending? What are the government and telecom operators dong about it? How are spammers bypassing the restrictions like Do Not Disturb or DND? Truecaller identified over 68 billion spam and fraud calls worldwide in 2025. Where does India stand? India is among the top countries for spam calls recorded on Truecaller. Indonesia topped the list of spam intensity, at 79 per cent, while Chile came second, at 70 per cent intensity. This was followed by Vietnam, Brazil and then India. Truecaller users in India identified 41.68 billion spam calls and an even worse 129.03 billion spam messages in 2025. The Truecaller community blocked 11.89 billion spam calls. Fraud calls were around 7.7 billion, out of which sales and telemarketing accounted for 36 per cent, financial services 18 per cent, and scams 12 per cent. https://www.wionews.com/videos/whatsapp-bans-9-400-scam-accounts-in-india-amid-major-fraud-crackdown-1777405084665/embed So what happened to India's Do Not Disturb policies and measures against spam calls? The Indian government's National Customer Preference Register (NCPR) still exists and works reasonably well against registered telemarketers (RTMs). They are required to use specific number series or prefixes like 140 for calls and respect user preferences. One can register on DND by dialling or messaging 1909 or by using the TRAI DND app of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. But DND is largely bypassed by Unregistered Telemarketers or UTMs, who use ordinary 10-digit mobile numbers, often via bulk SIMs or "SIM farms". These callers ignore DND entirely because they are not registered and do not follow the rules, becoming the main cause of spam persistence despite DND measures. Also read: X removed over 1.7 million bots; DM spam next, says product head Nikita Bier What the Indian government and telecom operators are doing to fight the spam menace TRAI, the Department of Telecom and mobile network operators have taken several steps. As of early 2026, TRAI slapped penalties worth 1.5 billion rupees on telecom companies for failing to curb spam. More than 2.1 million mobile numbers and 100,000 entities were either disconnected or blacklisted based on complaints as of late 2025. In 2025 alone, 731,000 notices were sent to UTMs, with restrictions imposed on hundreds of thousands of entities. TRAI strongly encouraged reporting spam, even without DND registration, in order to help trace and disconnect the calls at the source, unlike phone-level blocking. In 2025, tighter consent rules and faster action on complaints, with response timelines of up to five days for providers, were introduced. DLT, or Distributed Ledger Technology, was introduced for tracking promotional messages. Some measures were also taken against AI-generated or robo-calling, with detection systems also using AI. Restrictions were imposed on bulk calling, and campaigns were held urging spam reporting. Also read: Delhi elderly NRI couple duped of Rs 15 crore in ‘digitally arrest’ cyber scam; say 'our biggest mistake was...' How are spam callers bypassing restrictions? Though these actions helped disconnect many numbers, the problem is scaling faster. SIMs are cheaper, automation is easily available, and spammers use new tactics, always staying one step ahead, even as telecom operators face pressure and fines. One major issue is UTMs using normal-looking phone numbers, thus bypassing the 140-series rules and DND. New technologies like spoofing and number rotation are also being deployed. This means frequent changes in spam caller numbers, with spammers using SIM farms and bulk cheap connections. AI is widely used for automation, including robo-diallers and voice cloning for scale and realism. There is also cross-border or VoIP routing of spam calls. Spammers get numbers from data leaks involving apps, websites or breaches. A2P, or application-to-person calling, is also on the rise. In short, DND registration is not enough, and phone blocking alone does not help fight the spam ecosystem. The government and telecom operators are acting more aggressively than before, but low operational costs and evolving technology continue to keep spam volumes high.

<p>Indian users of Truecaller recorded 41.68 billion spam calls in 2025. India is the fifth-worst affected country for spam calls and messages. Spammers are bypassing DND rules using new techniques.&nbsp;</p>

41.68 billion spam calls in India: 66 per cent of unknown numbers on Truecaller were spam. Whatever happened to Do Not Disturb?

<p>GameStop has made an audacious bid to buy legacy e-commerce giant eBay, several times its size in market cap. How did this brick-and-mortar retailer of video games become so big? Part of the story is about the Robin Hood image it got during the meme stock phenomenon. Here is the interesting story:</p><h2>What is GameStop? A story from traditional retailer to meme stock</h2><p>Until just a few years ago, GameStop was a declining retailer of new and used video games.</p><p>Its stores sold video games, consoles and accessories across America. In the heydays of video game popularity a decade ago, its revenues peaked. Since then, with digital downloads replacing traditional CDs and DVDs of games, profits declined, leading GameStop to shut down many stores. Its lowest moment was when it moved to selling collectibles, trading cards and toys.</p><p>But then came the 'meme stock' phenomenon of the post-pandemic era. In 2021, activist investor Ryan Cohen pushed for an e-commerce transformation of GameStop. Groups of small retail investors talked up the GameStop stock on various platforms, mainly on Reddit's r/WallStreetBets. This led to coordinated buying of the stock, causing it to surge over 1,500 per cent in weeks.</p><p>Many of the GameStop investors were not finance experts, but teens and gaming enthusiasts cooped up at home during Covid shutdowns, trying to make a quick buck. GameStop became the symbol of 'meme stocks', wherein retail investors were fighting Wall Street heavyweights. It even inspired the film <i>Dumb Money</i>.</p><p>Cohen, the largest individual investor of GameStop, &nbsp;became its chairman in 2021 and CEO in 2023. During the peak of meme stock interest in GameStop, the company used share offerings, managing to eliminate most of its debt and amass cash. It also implemented cost-cutting measures to become profitable despite falling sales. By early 2026, GameStop had $9.4 billion in cash or liquid investments. It still had low revenue but reported positive net income of $418 million for the year ended 31 January, and nearly $4.2 billion in long-term convertible debt.</p><h2>GameStop market cap gave it the courage to bid for eBay</h2><p>Sitting on a market capitalisation of around $12 billion, GameStop made an unsolicited, non-binding bid to buy eBay at $125 a share this week. The planned acquisition is valued at around $56 billion, &nbsp;a 20 per cent premium on the eBay stock. The deal offered is 50 per cent in cash and 50 per cent in stock. It will use GameStop's existing cash reserves and a $20 billion financing commitment from TD Bank.</p><p>Cohen is trying to synergise GameStop's brick-and-mortar stores with eBay's online presence, while also envisaging cost cuts of $2 billion a year. The plan is to develop a rival to Amazon in the collectibles and recommerce space.</p><p>But Does GameStop have the moolah to take on eBay? It's a trick question. GameStop's revenue of $3.63 billion is down 5 per cent year on year, but it is still profitable with a strong balance sheet for a company of its size.</p><h2>From pioneer to also-ran: How eBay went from first e-commerce giant to acquisition target</h2><p>Founded in 1995 by Pierre Omidyar, eBay pioneered consumer-to-consumer e-commerce and popularised online auctions and marketplaces, before Amazon became the giant in this space. Omidyar famously sold a broken laser pointer as the first transaction on the site.&nbsp;</p><p>In the late 1990s and early 2000s, eBay experienced phenomenal growth and listed on stock exchanges in 1998. It acquired other firms like PayPal and Skype. But over the years, eBay lost ground to Amazon, whose seamless shopping experience proved far superior.</p><p>In 2015, it spun off PayPal and sold StubHub to focus on its core marketplace. It still grew in collectibles, recommerce, advertising, and international markets, but continued to be a slow-growing business.</p><p>Interestingly, eBay is still a far bigger company than GameStop. Its FY2025 revenue was approximately $11.1 billion, up 8 per cent. Its Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) stands at $79.6 billion. eBay had a strong first quarter in 2026, with revenue of $3.1 billion, up 19 per cent, and net income of $512 million.</p><p>The market capitalisation of eBay is far higher than GameStop's, at around $46 billion. While eBay is still profitable with solid margins, its growth is modest relative to its peak innovation years.</p><p>The enthusiasm for GameStop acquiring eBay comes mainly from the hope that eBay can be better than it is today. It is seen as undervalued or under-optimised. It still has a valuable brand, user base, and GMV, but faces competitive pressures from the likes of Amazon.</p><h2>How times have changed. What GameStop bid for eBay means</h2><p>In a way, GameStop's bid for eBay—successful or not—is an inflection point in internet history. A brick-and-mortar company that was helped by retail investors during the Covid-era meme stock boom is trying to buy a pioneer of the Web 1 era. Can things get more ironic than that?</p><p>For all practical purposes, this bid might still not work out due to the size difference between the companies and questions around financing as well as regulatory hurdles. But it is definitely a reflection of the interesting times we live in.</p>

GameStop’s bold bid to buy eBay marks the rise of a struggling video game retailer to a meme stock powerhouse. Recommerce giant eBay’s journey was almost the reverse, from pioneer to second-best as it lost ground to Amazon despite steady growth.

GameStop has made an audacious bid to buy legacy e-commerce giant eBay, several times its size in market cap. How did this brick-and-mortar retailer of video games become so big? Part of the story is about the Robin Hood image it got during the meme stock phenomenon. Here is the interesting story: What is GameStop? A story from traditional retailer to meme stock Until just a few years ago, GameStop was a declining retailer of new and used video games. Its stores sold video games, consoles and accessories across America. In the heydays of video game popularity a decade ago, its revenues peaked. Since then, with digital downloads replacing traditional CDs and DVDs of games, profits declined, leading GameStop to shut down many stores. Its lowest moment was when it moved to selling collectibles, trading cards and toys. But then came the 'meme stock' phenomenon of the post-pandemic era. In 2021, activist investor Ryan Cohen pushed for an e-commerce transformation of GameStop. Groups of small retail investors talked up the GameStop stock on various platforms, mainly on Reddit's r/WallStreetBets. This led to coordinated buying of the stock, causing it to surge over 1,500 per cent in weeks. Many of the GameStop investors were not finance experts, but teens and gaming enthusiasts cooped up at home during Covid shutdowns, trying to make a quick buck. GameStop became the symbol of 'meme stocks', wherein retail investors were fighting Wall Street heavyweights. It even inspired the film Dumb Money. Cohen, the largest individual investor of GameStop, became its chairman in 2021 and CEO in 2023. During the peak of meme stock interest in GameStop, the company used share offerings, managing to eliminate most of its debt and amass cash. It also implemented cost-cutting measures to become profitable despite falling sales. By early 2026, GameStop had $9.4 billion in cash or liquid investments. It still had low revenue but reported positive net income of $418 million for the year ended 31 January, and nearly $4.2 billion in long-term convertible debt. GameStop market cap gave it the courage to bid for eBay Sitting on a market capitalisation of around $12 billion, GameStop made an unsolicited, non-binding bid to buy eBay at $125 a share this week. The planned acquisition is valued at around $56 billion, a 20 per cent premium on the eBay stock. The deal offered is 50 per cent in cash and 50 per cent in stock. It will use GameStop's existing cash reserves and a $20 billion financing commitment from TD Bank. Cohen is trying to synergise GameStop's brick-and-mortar stores with eBay's online presence, while also envisaging cost cuts of $2 billion a year. The plan is to develop a rival to Amazon in the collectibles and recommerce space. But Does GameStop have the moolah to take on eBay? It's a trick question. GameStop's revenue of $3.63 billion is down 5 per cent year on year, but it is still profitable with a strong balance sheet for a company of its size. From pioneer to also-ran: How eBay went from first e-commerce giant to acquisition target Founded in 1995 by Pierre Omidyar, eBay pioneered consumer-to-consumer e-commerce and popularised online auctions and marketplaces, before Amazon became the giant in this space. Omidyar famously sold a broken laser pointer as the first transaction on the site. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, eBay experienced phenomenal growth and listed on stock exchanges in 1998. It acquired other firms like PayPal and Skype. But over the years, eBay lost ground to Amazon, whose seamless shopping experience proved far superior. In 2015, it spun off PayPal and sold StubHub to focus on its core marketplace. It still grew in collectibles, recommerce, advertising, and international markets, but continued to be a slow-growing business. Interestingly, eBay is still a far bigger company than GameStop. Its FY2025 revenue was approximately $11.1 billion, up 8 per cent. Its Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) stands at $79.6 billion. eBay had a strong first quarter in 2026, with revenue of $3.1 billion, up 19 per cent, and net income of $512 million. The market capitalisation of eBay is far higher than GameStop's, at around $46 billion. While eBay is still profitable with solid margins, its growth is modest relative to its peak innovation years. The enthusiasm for GameStop acquiring eBay comes mainly from the hope that eBay can be better than it is today. It is seen as undervalued or under-optimised. It still has a valuable brand, user base, and GMV, but faces competitive pressures from the likes of Amazon. How times have changed. What GameStop bid for eBay means In a way, GameStop's bid for eBay—successful or not—is an inflection point in internet history. A brick-and-mortar company that was helped by retail investors during the Covid-era meme stock boom is trying to buy a pioneer of the Web 1 era. Can things get more ironic than that? For all practical purposes, this bid might still not work out due to the size difference between the companies and questions around financing as well as regulatory hurdles. But it is definitely a reflection of the interesting times we live in.

<p>GameStop’s bold bid to buy eBay marks the rise of a struggling video game retailer to a meme stock powerhouse. Recommerce giant eBay’s journey is almost the reverse, from pioneer to second-best as it lost ground to Amazon despite steady growth.</p>

'Meme stock' GameStop's brave bid for ecommerce giant eBay is confusing many. How times have changed

<p>In Tamil Nadu political circles, Chief Minister and DMK supremo MK Stalin is called Thalapathy, or commander/leader. In a strange coincidence, his electoral nemesis Vijay was called 'Ilaya Thalapathy' or "Young Commander" since his stardom years in Tamil cinema. The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections of 2026 were about the clash of these two Thalapathys. Vijay, full name Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, transitioned to politics from cinema in the southern state known for several such metamorphoses. His fledgling party, TVK, appears to have done the impossible: channelling all the anger and frustrations about Stalin and DMK, and the mass adoration for Vijay, into votes. Tamil Nadu is witnessing yet another crossover from movies to politics: practically all of its chief ministers had a past in tinseltown. Here is how the dynast lost to the upstart, in a race between a stallion and a debutant.</p><h2>The dynasty falls in front of the upstart: Why did Stalin lose Tamil Nadu election 2026?</h2><p>In the past few years, Stalin has been projecting himself not only as a Tamil Nadu politician, but also as a national counterweight to BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But clearly, he does not seem to have the love of the Tamil voter any more. Stalin grew in politics under the shadow of his giant of a father, M Karunanidhi, the key proponent of Dravidian politics in the state, which came to power, among other things, through a fight against the imposition of the national language Hindi.</p><p>Vijay, on the other hand, launched Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) only in 2024. Vijay’s fans and the larger population saw TVK as a fresh alternative. In its very first electoral outing, TVK contested all 234 seats of the state independently. TVK has delivered a stunning upset, and is emerging as the single largest party as per official trends on Monday (May 4).&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-assembly-elections-2026-vijay-s-poll-debut-mirrors-kejriwal-s-2013-breakthrough-1777889787882">Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026: Vijay’s poll debut mirrors Kejriwal’s 2013 breakthrough</a></p><h2>Ending a political duopoly in Tamil Nadu</h2><p>The election result also marks the end of the DMK-AIADMK duopoly that ruled the state for nearly half a century.</p><p>Vijay’s assets were the mass hero appeal he created with two decades of box-office hits, fan armies among youth and urban voters, a clean image, and promises of change. Even before the elections, he advocated a drug-free Tamil Nadu, youth employment, and better governance.</p><p>TVK was positioned as a direct challenge to the ruling DMK, with Vijay focusing on issues that mattered most to common people. Vijay contested from high-profile seats like Perambur and Trichy East, leading in both.</p><p>Going into the election, AIADMK was already in shambles over internecine fights. At the DMK meanwhile, Stalin represented the old guard of Dravidian politics and was seeking a second consecutive term. His stronghold of Kolathur became symbolic of the upset, with Stalin trailing behind TVK’s candidate VS Babu.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-election-results-vijay-s-family-celebrates-as-tvk-inches-closer-to-victory-video-1777878032912">Tamil Nadu Election Results: Vijay's family celebrates as TVK inches closer to victory - VIDEO</a></p><h2>MK Stalin faced strong anti-incumbency in Tamil Nadu</h2><p>Voter frustration was high over law and order, alleged corruption, scams, illicit liquor and drug problems, and governance lapses. The traditional opposition, AIADMK, failed to capitalise on the anti-incumbency as it was grappling with factionalism. Voters eventually swung heavily towards the energetic new option.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-awaits-poll-verdict-exit-polls-project-victory-for-m-k-stalin-1777815871888/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-awaits-poll-verdict-exit-polls-project-victory-for-m-k-stalin-1777815871888/embed</a></p><p>Vijay has fans among both Gen Z and millennials who grew up on his films. They turned out in huge numbers to vote, with the state recording record turnout, with some areas reporting more than 85 per cent voting. TVK appears to have made inroads into urban areas like Chennai as well as southern districts, and traditional bastions of both DMK and AIADMK.</p><p>TVK framed it as a direct fight, avoiding alliances. And it helped. DMK on the other hand struggled with addressing perceptions of dynastic entitlement for Stalin, and voter fatigue after years of DMK in power. Vijay had a people’s hero persona reminiscent of MG Ramachandran, the founder of AIADMK. Eventually, the anti-incumbency votes consolidated behind TVK.</p>

Vijay’s TVK mounted a stunning victory to oust incumbent chief minister MK Stalin's DMK from power in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections. This is nothing short of a movie climax. How did we reach here?

In Tamil Nadu political circles, Chief Minister and DMK supremo MK Stalin is called Thalapathy, or commander/leader. In a strange coincidence, his electoral nemesis Vijay was called 'Ilaya Thalapathy' or "Young Commander" since his stardom years in Tamil cinema. The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections of 2026 were about the clash of these two Thalapathys. Vijay, full name Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, transitioned to politics from cinema in the southern state known for several such metamorphoses. His fledgling party, TVK, appears to have done the impossible: channelling all the anger and frustrations about Stalin and DMK, and the mass adoration for Vijay, into votes. Tamil Nadu is witnessing yet another crossover from movies to politics: practically all of its chief ministers had a past in tinseltown. Here is how the dynast lost to the upstart, in a race between a stallion and a debutant. The dynasty falls in front of the upstart: Why did Stalin lose Tamil Nadu election 2026? In the past few years, Stalin has been projecting himself not only as a Tamil Nadu politician, but also as a national counterweight to BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But clearly, he does not seem to have the love of the Tamil voter any more. Stalin grew in politics under the shadow of his giant of a father, M Karunanidhi, the key proponent of Dravidian politics in the state, which came to power, among other things, through a fight against the imposition of the national language Hindi. Vijay, on the other hand, launched Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) only in 2024. Vijay’s fans and the larger population saw TVK as a fresh alternative. In its very first electoral outing, TVK contested all 234 seats of the state independently. TVK has delivered a stunning upset, and is emerging as the single largest party as per official trends on Monday (May 4). Also read: Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026: Vijay’s poll debut mirrors Kejriwal’s 2013 breakthrough Ending a political duopoly in Tamil Nadu The election result also marks the end of the DMK-AIADMK duopoly that ruled the state for nearly half a century. Vijay’s assets were the mass hero appeal he created with two decades of box-office hits, fan armies among youth and urban voters, a clean image, and promises of change. Even before the elections, he advocated a drug-free Tamil Nadu, youth employment, and better governance. TVK was positioned as a direct challenge to the ruling DMK, with Vijay focusing on issues that mattered most to common people. Vijay contested from high-profile seats like Perambur and Trichy East, leading in both. Going into the election, AIADMK was already in shambles over internecine fights. At the DMK meanwhile, Stalin represented the old guard of Dravidian politics and was seeking a second consecutive term. His stronghold of Kolathur became symbolic of the upset, with Stalin trailing behind TVK’s candidate VS Babu. Also read: Tamil Nadu Election Results: Vijay's family celebrates as TVK inches closer to victory - VIDEO MK Stalin faced strong anti-incumbency in Tamil Nadu Voter frustration was high over law and order, alleged corruption, scams, illicit liquor and drug problems, and governance lapses. The traditional opposition, AIADMK, failed to capitalise on the anti-incumbency as it was grappling with factionalism. Voters eventually swung heavily towards the energetic new option. https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-awaits-poll-verdict-exit-polls-project-victory-for-m-k-stalin-1777815871888/embed Vijay has fans among both Gen Z and millennials who grew up on his films. They turned out in huge numbers to vote, with the state recording record turnout, with some areas reporting more than 85 per cent voting. TVK appears to have made inroads into urban areas like Chennai as well as southern districts, and traditional bastions of both DMK and AIADMK. TVK framed it as a direct fight, avoiding alliances. And it helped. DMK on the other hand struggled with addressing perceptions of dynastic entitlement for Stalin, and voter fatigue after years of DMK in power. Vijay had a people’s hero persona reminiscent of MG Ramachandran, the founder of AIADMK. Eventually, the anti-incumbency votes consolidated behind TVK.

<p>Vijay’s TVK mounted a stunning victory to oust incumbent chief minister MK Stalin's DMK from power in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections. This is nothing short of a movie climax. How did we reach here?</p>

Thalapathy vs Ilaya Thalapathy: MK Stalin proves to be no stallion as upstart Vijay wins Tamil Nadu on debut race of TVK

<p>The BJP or Bharatiya Janata Party is poised to form its first-ever government in West Bengal, a prospect once thought impossible in the east Indian state known for its progressive politics that saw decades of Left Front rule followed by 15 years of Mamata Banerjee's All India Trinamool Congress at the helm. At the time of writing this, official trends from India's Election Commission on Monday (May 4) showed BJP ahead in 194 seats, while Trinamool Congress or TMC is leading in only 94. Mamata Banerjee has been the state's chief minister since 2011, even as BJP slowly made dents in the electorate over the past decade. Here is how Mamata lost and BJP won:</p><h2>A far cry from TMC's strong showing in 2021: How did Didi lose?</h2><p>The 2026 assembly election results are a far cry from TMC's strong showing in 2021 of more than 210 seats. It's also a personal defeat for Banerjee, who led TMC from the front since its inception in 1998.&nbsp;</p><p>Today, it appears people wanted a change after giving three terms to TMC and Banerjee. After 15 years in power, anti-incumbency has been brewing against Banerjee, fondly called ‘Didi’ or elder sister in West Bengal.&nbsp;</p><p>Governance was not satisfactory as unemployment grew and people were left without enough economic opportunities. From rape cases to corruption scandals and alleged Bangladeshi infiltration, there were several unaddressed grievances against the government over the years. Alleged scams in school recruitment, where thousands of appointments were invalidated, highlighted the rot. The so-called "tolabazi", or extortion by local TMC workers who functioned like syndicates, made people fed up and look towards BJP as an alternative. The RG Kar rape-murder case of 2024 was a flashpoint, highlighting both law and order breakdown and women's safety issues. The weeks-long protest for justice for the rape victim exposed institutional cover-ups. The victim's mother, Ratna Debnath, contested on a BJP ticket in Panihati and was leading by a margin of more than 35,000 votes at the time of writing this.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href=" https://www.wionews.com/photos/west-bengal-election-results-2026-if-bjp-wins-who-will-be-cm-full-list-of-top-contenders-1777883116203">West Bengal Election Results 2026: If BJP wins, who will be CM? Full list of top contenders</a></p><h2>BJP managed to capitalise on West Bengal voter dissatisfaction&nbsp;</h2><p>BJP seems to have gained from such voter discontent, with a little bit of help from voter list amendments under the SIR, or Special Intensive Revision. The SIR resulted in massive deletions of names, including from minority areas. Some reports claimed the deletions ran into a million or more, and allegedly affected core vote banks of TMC. Banerjee and her party alleged bias by the Election Commission and voter suppression.</p><p>But BJP and the Election Commission stood their ground, saying the SIR only removed bogus voters and illegal entries. It should be noted that the West Bengal election saw the highest-ever turnout of up to 93 per cent in some areas, after the SIR.</p><p>The other aspect BJP highlighted throughout the campaign season was the perceived minority appeasement by the Mamata Banerjee government. BJP alleged that TMC was playing vote bank politics by allowing people from Bangladesh to 'infiltrate' into the state. The fear of such migration from the neighbouring Muslim-majority country helped consolidate Hindu community votes for BJP. Any minority consolidation for TMC could not offset that.</p><h2>West Bengal takes a right turn in historic choice for ‘Poribortan’</h2><p>The violence during polling and the election campaign season, perceived economic woes in spite of welfare schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar, made people look for a change. As many youngsters were forced to migrate in search of economic opportunities, BJP led an aggressive campaign targeting them and the broader Bengali community. The speeches by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other star campaigners put the lens sharply on Mamata Banerjee government's alleged failures.</p><p>The welfare schemes and Bengali regional identity politics of TMC appear to have failed too. The buzzword in this election was ‘Poribortan’, Bengali for change. The voters felt the need for change, and knew that the Left parties were already in shambles, leaving BJP as the only viable option capable of winning.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/assembly-elections-2026-bjp-crosses-majority-mark-in-west-bengal-1777888407009/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/assembly-elections-2026-bjp-crosses-majority-mark-in-west-bengal-1777888407009/embed</a></p><p>BJP played the cards of national security, illegal migration from Bangladesh, and Hindu interests, which was attractive for many Bengali Hindus.</p><p>BJP was simply better organised. Central forces were deployed in many areas, helping avert booth-level intimidation that had favoured incumbents in the past.</p><p>BJP's victory appears to have been uniform across rural and urban seats, including in urban Kolkata areas. With financial, infrastructural, and rhetorical backing from the central machinery of BJP, the saffron party has made this historic victory possible.</p><h2>West Bengal is not easy: BJP has a task cut out for the future</h2><p>During the election campaign, BJP made promises on jobs, development, and governance. It advocated industrial revival as opposed to the 'cholbe na' (won't happen) attitude of TMC and its predecessor, the Left Front.</p><p>Now, BJP has its task cut out: employment, women's safety, as well as ending the syndicate raj and corruption. &nbsp;</p><p>Since the elections were announced, TMC and Banerjee made several allegations of irregularities in both voter lists and counting. But clearly, the average Bengali appears to have voted for 'poribortan'.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/west-bengal-election-results-2026-if-bjp-wins-who-will-be-cm-full-list-of-top-contenders-1777883116203">Clashes break out between TMC and BJP amid West Bengal vote-counting: Stone-pelting, vandalism reported</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the past few years, West Bengal politics has been less about ideology and more about regional, caste, and minority-majority community dynamics. The state is no stranger to political violence. For the average Bengali, the transition from Left Front government to TMC meant only a transfer of syndicates, which used the same methods of intimidation of local populations.&nbsp;</p><p>Now it is up to the BJP to end the politics of violence and cycle of vendetta, and introduce governance focused on industrial revival and national security.</p>

BJP surged ahead in West Bengal, and Mamata Banerjee faces a major setback in the West Bengal Assembly election. The saffron party is poised to form its first-ever government in the east Indian state. How did TMC lose, and how did BJP win?

The BJP or Bharatiya Janata Party is poised to form its first-ever government in West Bengal, a prospect once thought impossible in the east Indian state known for its progressive politics that saw decades of Left Front rule followed by 15 years of Mamata Banerjee's All India Trinamool Congress at the helm. At the time of writing this, official trends from India's Election Commission on Monday (May 4) showed BJP ahead in 194 seats, while Trinamool Congress or TMC is leading in only 94. Mamata Banerjee has been the state's chief minister since 2011, even as BJP slowly made dents in the electorate over the past decade. Here is how Mamata lost and BJP won: A far cry from TMC's strong showing in 2021: How did Didi lose? The 2026 assembly election results are a far cry from TMC's strong showing in 2021 of more than 210 seats. It's also a personal defeat for Banerjee, who led TMC from the front since its inception in 1998. Today, it appears people wanted a change after giving three terms to TMC and Banerjee. After 15 years in power, anti-incumbency has been brewing against Banerjee, fondly called ‘Didi’ or elder sister in West Bengal. Governance was not satisfactory as unemployment grew and people were left without enough economic opportunities. From rape cases to corruption scandals and alleged Bangladeshi infiltration, there were several unaddressed grievances against the government over the years. Alleged scams in school recruitment, where thousands of appointments were invalidated, highlighted the rot. The so-called "tolabazi", or extortion by local TMC workers who functioned like syndicates, made people fed up and look towards BJP as an alternative. The RG Kar rape-murder case of 2024 was a flashpoint, highlighting both law and order breakdown and women's safety issues. The weeks-long protest for justice for the rape victim exposed institutional cover-ups. The victim's mother, Ratna Debnath, contested on a BJP ticket in Panihati and was leading by a margin of more than 35,000 votes at the time of writing this. Also read: West Bengal Election Results 2026: If BJP wins, who will be CM? Full list of top contenders BJP managed to capitalise on West Bengal voter dissatisfaction BJP seems to have gained from such voter discontent, with a little bit of help from voter list amendments under the SIR, or Special Intensive Revision. The SIR resulted in massive deletions of names, including from minority areas. Some reports claimed the deletions ran into a million or more, and allegedly affected core vote banks of TMC. Banerjee and her party alleged bias by the Election Commission and voter suppression. But BJP and the Election Commission stood their ground, saying the SIR only removed bogus voters and illegal entries. It should be noted that the West Bengal election saw the highest-ever turnout of up to 93 per cent in some areas, after the SIR. The other aspect BJP highlighted throughout the campaign season was the perceived minority appeasement by the Mamata Banerjee government. BJP alleged that TMC was playing vote bank politics by allowing people from Bangladesh to 'infiltrate' into the state. The fear of such migration from the neighbouring Muslim-majority country helped consolidate Hindu community votes for BJP. Any minority consolidation for TMC could not offset that. West Bengal takes a right turn in historic choice for ‘Poribortan’ The violence during polling and the election campaign season, perceived economic woes in spite of welfare schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar, made people look for a change. As many youngsters were forced to migrate in search of economic opportunities, BJP led an aggressive campaign targeting them and the broader Bengali community. The speeches by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other star campaigners put the lens sharply on Mamata Banerjee government's alleged failures. The welfare schemes and Bengali regional identity politics of TMC appear to have failed too. The buzzword in this election was ‘Poribortan’, Bengali for change. The voters felt the need for change, and knew that the Left parties were already in shambles, leaving BJP as the only viable option capable of winning. https://www.wionews.com/videos/assembly-elections-2026-bjp-crosses-majority-mark-in-west-bengal-1777888407009/embed BJP played the cards of national security, illegal migration from Bangladesh, and Hindu interests, which was attractive for many Bengali Hindus. BJP was simply better organised. Central forces were deployed in many areas, helping avert booth-level intimidation that had favoured incumbents in the past. BJP's victory appears to have been uniform across rural and urban seats, including in urban Kolkata areas. With financial, infrastructural, and rhetorical backing from the central machinery of BJP, the saffron party has made this historic victory possible. West Bengal is not easy: BJP has a task cut out for the future During the election campaign, BJP made promises on jobs, development, and governance. It advocated industrial revival as opposed to the 'cholbe na' (won't happen) attitude of TMC and its predecessor, the Left Front. Now, BJP has its task cut out: employment, women's safety, as well as ending the syndicate raj and corruption. Since the elections were announced, TMC and Banerjee made several allegations of irregularities in both voter lists and counting. But clearly, the average Bengali appears to have voted for 'poribortan'. Also read: Clashes break out between TMC and BJP amid West Bengal vote-counting: Stone-pelting, vandalism reported In the past few years, West Bengal politics has been less about ideology and more about regional, caste, and minority-majority community dynamics. The state is no stranger to political violence. For the average Bengali, the transition from Left Front government to TMC meant only a transfer of syndicates, which used the same methods of intimidation of local populations. Now it is up to the BJP to end the politics of violence and cycle of vendetta, and introduce governance focused on industrial revival and national security.

<p>BJP surged ahead in West Bengal, and Mamata Banerjee faces a major setback in the West Bengal Assembly election. The saffron party is poised to form its first-ever government in the east Indian state. How did TMC lose, and how did BJP win?</p>

Didi's day OUT: Mamata Banerjee faces election reckoning as West Bengal opens doors to BJP after 15 years of TMC rule

<p>Kerala's LDF, or the Left Democratic Front led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), looks set to go out of power as the Congress-led UDF crossed the halfway mark in the assembly election's official trends on Monday (May 4). This is not just another election story as the United Democratic Front is poised to form the government in the south Indian state. When the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government exits, it would mark the first time since 1977 that no Indian state has a communist or Left-wing government.</p><h2>India's tryst with communism in national politics</h2><p>While it was never a national force electorally, the Communist Party of India (CPI) and its splinter group, CPI-M, which became bigger than its parent, were a much-valued alternative stream of politics in India. The fortunes of CPI-M, CPI and allied Left-of-centre parties waxed and waned over the years even as they became the voices of the working classes.&nbsp;</p><p>In 1996–1998 period, the CPI(M) provided external support to the United Front government led by Congress. The party's decision not to join the government was later described by its veteran leader Jyoti Basu as a 'Himalayan Blunder.</p><p>In 2004–2008, the CPI(M) provided external support to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, having got its best-ever 43 seats in the 2004 national election. That period could be considered its national political peak, before the party withdrew support to the Congress-led government in protest against the US–India civilian nuclear deal, among other things.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/big-winners-kerala-assam-west-bengal-tamil-nadu-puducherry-assembly-elections-2026-congress-udf-bjp-nda-cpi-m-cpi-ind-inc-admk-tvk-dmk-aitc-1777867484994">BIG WINNERS Assembly Elections 2026: Who won, who lost in Kerala, Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry</a></p><h2>State-level strongholds of Communists in India: Kerala, West Bengal, Tripura</h2><p>At the state level, Communist governments were the strongest in West Bengal and Kerala.&nbsp;</p><p>Kerala has the unique distinction of having formed the world's first democratically elected Communist government, with EMS Namboodiripad as chief minister, in 1957. Since then, the state saw Communist governments alternating with the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) coalitions in practically every five-year terms. But that streak was broken in 2021, when the LDF was re-elected to power for a second straight term for the first time in the southern state's political history, under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/assembly-elections-2026-keralam-can-pinarayi-vijayan-get-a-hat-trick-1777870365411/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/assembly-elections-2026-keralam-can-pinarayi-vijayan-get-a-hat-trick-1777870365411/embed</a></p><p>In West Bengal, the CPI-M-led Left Front had an unhindered reign for 34 years, from 1977 to 2011. Jyoti Basu was the Communist chief minister of the eastern state for over 23 years. This meant West Bengal hosted the longest democratically elected communist government in the world, before Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress trounced them at the hustings.</p><p>Tripura was another stronghold for the communists. The Left Front held power in the north-eastern state for 25 straight years, from 1993 until 2018.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pinarayi-vijayan-s-ldf-defeated-in-kerala-assembly-elections-is-it-political-winter-for-the-veteran-cpi-m-leader-1777875820048">Pinarayi Vijayan's LDF faces defeat in Kerala Assembly election. Is it political winter for the veteran CPI-M leader?</a></p><h2>What the future holds for communist governments in India</h2><p>The Kerala assembly election might have created a situation of no communist governments in India for the first time since 1977, but going by the state's political history, LDF might come back when the next elections are held. In West Bengal, the Left never managed to rise up from the defeat of 2011, and is currently a marginalised force. The situation is not much different in Tripura, where the Left Front was defeated in the 2018 elections by the BJP-IPFT alliance.</p><p>There have been smaller or shorter spells of Left or communist presence in governments of other states, like Tamil Nadu and Bihar. The Left continues to have some influence in local bodies, trade unions, and a few parliamentary seats.<br>But the heydays of communist-led governments may be a thing of the past for India, at least for some more years to come.</p>

The Kerala assembly election trends show the LDF losing power, likely ending communist governments in India for the first time since 1977. This is a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.


Kerala's LDF, or the Left Democratic Front led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), looks set to go out of power as the Congress-led UDF crossed the halfway mark in the assembly election's official trends on Monday (May 4). This is not just another election story as the United Democratic Front is poised to form the government in the south Indian state. When the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government exits, it would mark the first time since 1977 that no Indian state has a communist or Left-wing government. India's tryst with communism in national politics While it was never a national force electorally, the Communist Party of India (CPI) and its splinter group, CPI-M, which became bigger than its parent, were a much-valued alternative stream of politics in India. The fortunes of CPI-M, CPI and allied Left-of-centre parties waxed and waned over the years even as they became the voices of the working classes. In 1996–1998 period, the CPI(M) provided external support to the United Front government led by Congress. The party's decision not to join the government was later described by its veteran leader Jyoti Basu as a 'Himalayan Blunder. In 2004–2008, the CPI(M) provided external support to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, having got its best-ever 43 seats in the 2004 national election. That period could be considered its national political peak, before the party withdrew support to the Congress-led government in protest against the US–India civilian nuclear deal, among other things. Also read: BIG WINNERS Assembly Elections 2026: Who won, who lost in Kerala, Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry State-level strongholds of Communists in India: Kerala, West Bengal, Tripura At the state level, Communist governments were the strongest in West Bengal and Kerala. Kerala has the unique distinction of having formed the world's first democratically elected Communist government, with EMS Namboodiripad as chief minister, in 1957. Since then, the state saw Communist governments alternating with the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) coalitions in practically every five-year terms. But that streak was broken in 2021, when the LDF was re-elected to power for a second straight term for the first time in the southern state's political history, under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. https://www.wionews.com/videos/assembly-elections-2026-keralam-can-pinarayi-vijayan-get-a-hat-trick-1777870365411/embed In West Bengal, the CPI-M-led Left Front had an unhindered reign for 34 years, from 1977 to 2011. Jyoti Basu was the Communist chief minister of the eastern state for over 23 years. This meant West Bengal hosted the longest democratically elected communist government in the world, before Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress trounced them at the hustings. Tripura was another stronghold for the communists. The Left Front held power in the north-eastern state for 25 straight years, from 1993 until 2018. Also read: Pinarayi Vijayan's LDF faces defeat in Kerala Assembly election. Is it political winter for the veteran CPI-M leader? What the future holds for communist governments in India The Kerala assembly election might have created a situation of no communist governments in India for the first time since 1977, but going by the state's political history, LDF might come back when the next elections are held. In West Bengal, the Left never managed to rise up from the defeat of 2011, and is currently a marginalised force. The situation is not much different in Tripura, where the Left Front was defeated in the 2018 elections by the BJP-IPFT alliance. There have been smaller or shorter spells of Left or communist presence in governments of other states, like Tamil Nadu and Bihar. The Left continues to have some influence in local bodies, trade unions, and a few parliamentary seats. But the heydays of communist-led governments may be a thing of the past for India, at least for some more years to come.

<p>The Kerala assembly election trends show the LDF losing power, likely ending communist governments in India for the first time since 1977. This is a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.<br>&nbsp;</p>

India without Communist governments: Kerala assembly election defeat of LDF marks history. Here is why

<p>Pinarayi Vijayan, who led the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the Kerala Assembly Election 2026, is facing exit after two consecutive terms as the south Indian state's chief minister. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) leader might have contributed to how the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — which was often kept away from any meaningful electoral victories in the state over alleged communal politics — improved its vote share as results and trends trickled in on Monday (May 4). Vijayan, in spite of the strong anti-incumbency, led the LDF in the election, hoping to win a third straight term. But most of his cabinet ministers who contested the elections are now losing even as the Congress-led UDF appears set to form the next government.</p><h2>Pinarayi Vijayan's leadership and Kerala Assembly election results</h2><p>Pinarayi Vijayan's way of functioning opened up space for the BJP in Kerala's politics, according to analysts. He is known for a strong, centralised style of leadership, which critics have called ‘Stalinist’. There is also enough anecdotal evidence that even the fellow travellers of the Left movement in the state gravitated towards the BJP in the last decade, due to their specific discomfort with Vijayan's leadership.<br>Malayalis traditionally favoured alternating five years of the LDF and five for the UDF. But the growth of the BJP in the past decade, since Narendra Modi became Indian prime minister, created space for a third alternative. It might take years for the BJP to become a significant, let alone majority, player in Kerala. But its historical best performance this year indicates the opening of the doors.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/assembly-elections-2026-counting-underway-across-four-states-one-ut-1777873082216/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/assembly-elections-2026-counting-underway-across-four-states-one-ut-1777873082216/embed</a></p><h2>From popularity to electoral drubbing: Pinarayi Vijayan is the target of anti-incumbency sentiment against the LDF government</h2><p>Pinarayi Vijayan, born on May 24, 1945, is an old-school communist who led a changing Kerala. He reportedly sidelined key leaders of the party, including the late veteran Achuthanandan and the rising star of the LDF government during the COVID pandemic, K. K. Shailaja.</p><p>Vijayan, Kerala's 12th chief minister since May 25, 2016, became the first-ever in the state to win a re-election for a consecutive second term in 2021. The victory was hailed as significant, as it broke the state's long-standing alternating power pattern between the LDF and the Congress-led UDF.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-awaits-verdict-with-bated-breath-in-high-stakes-5-state-assembly-elections-1777840262858">India awaits verdict with bated breath in high-stakes 5-state assembly elections</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Vijayan made this possible by riding on the popularity achieved over how the government handled the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, among other things.<br>During both terms, Vijayan's government focused on disaster management, particularly the 2018 floods and the COVID-19 response. For his supporters, Vijayan's government is known for its focus on social welfare, infrastructure development, and public health initiatives.<br>But in the last five years, many common voters were frustrated with common issues like unemployment and the rising cost of living.</p><h2>Pinarayi Vijayan's decades-long political career</h2><p>Vijayan, who entered politics through student activism at Government Brennen College in Thalassery, joined the CPI(M) in 1964. Since becoming a member of the district committee at age 24 and later the district secretariat, Vijayan worked his way up in the party ranks in Kannur district.<br>He became a lawmaker in 1970, having been elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly from the Koothuparambu constituency. He was elected from the same seat in 1977 and 1991. In 1996, he won from Payyannur. Vijayan was elected from the Dharmadam constituency in 2016 and 2021.<br>During the 1975–77 Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of the Congress party, Vijayan was arrested for protests and reportedly faced police brutality.<br>As the Minister of Electricity and Cooperation in the 1996–98 EK Nayanar government, Vijayan is credited with significant improvements in power generation and distribution, but at the same time faced allegations of corruption in what is known as the Lavalin case.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pinarayi-vijayan-drops-cm-from-bio-ahead-of-kerala-assembly-results-1777830716803">Pinarayi Vijayan drops ‘CM’ from bio ahead of Kerala assembly results</a></p><h2>Is Vijayan looking at political winter after Kerala Assembly election results?</h2><p>At the time of writing this, it is not clear if Vijayan, turning 81 this month, will choose to be the Leader of the Opposition, a role he never held (he transitioned directly from state party secretary to chief minister). Will he go back to being the party secretary? Or will he stand aside to pave the way for younger leaders to take the party back to another victory in the next election?<br>Vijayan remains a key national figure in the CPI(M) as a member of the Politburo, the party's highest decision-making body, since 2002. Vijayan's leadership qualities were fully on display whenever the CPI(M) was in the opposition. He was Kerala State Secretary of the CPI(M) from 1998 to 2015, one of the longest such stints, during which he strengthened the party structures. There is no retirement age in politics. It may be too early to write off the leader.&nbsp;</p>

Kerala Assembly elections 2026: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's LDF is facing defeat. During his two-term chief ministership, the south Indian state saw growth of BJP. With Vijayan as the target of anti-incumbency sentiment, the results could reshape state politics

Pinarayi Vijayan, who led the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the Kerala Assembly Election 2026, is facing exit after two consecutive terms as the south Indian state's chief minister. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) leader might have contributed to how the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — which was often kept away from any meaningful electoral victories in the state over alleged communal politics — improved its vote share as results and trends trickled in on Monday (May 4). Vijayan, in spite of the strong anti-incumbency, led the LDF in the election, hoping to win a third straight term. But most of his cabinet ministers who contested the elections are now losing even as the Congress-led UDF appears set to form the next government. Pinarayi Vijayan's leadership and Kerala Assembly election results Pinarayi Vijayan's way of functioning opened up space for the BJP in Kerala's politics, according to analysts. He is known for a strong, centralised style of leadership, which critics have called ‘Stalinist’. There is also enough anecdotal evidence that even the fellow travellers of the Left movement in the state gravitated towards the BJP in the last decade, due to their specific discomfort with Vijayan's leadership. Malayalis traditionally favoured alternating five years of the LDF and five for the UDF. But the growth of the BJP in the past decade, since Narendra Modi became Indian prime minister, created space for a third alternative. It might take years for the BJP to become a significant, let alone majority, player in Kerala. But its historical best performance this year indicates the opening of the doors. https://www.wionews.com/videos/assembly-elections-2026-counting-underway-across-four-states-one-ut-1777873082216/embed From popularity to electoral drubbing: Pinarayi Vijayan is the target of anti-incumbency sentiment against the LDF government Pinarayi Vijayan, born on May 24, 1945, is an old-school communist who led a changing Kerala. He reportedly sidelined key leaders of the party, including the late veteran Achuthanandan and the rising star of the LDF government during the COVID pandemic, K. K. Shailaja. Vijayan, Kerala's 12th chief minister since May 25, 2016, became the first-ever in the state to win a re-election for a consecutive second term in 2021. The victory was hailed as significant, as it broke the state's long-standing alternating power pattern between the LDF and the Congress-led UDF. Also read: India awaits verdict with bated breath in high-stakes 5-state assembly elections Vijayan made this possible by riding on the popularity achieved over how the government handled the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, among other things. During both terms, Vijayan's government focused on disaster management, particularly the 2018 floods and the COVID-19 response. For his supporters, Vijayan's government is known for its focus on social welfare, infrastructure development, and public health initiatives. But in the last five years, many common voters were frustrated with common issues like unemployment and the rising cost of living. Pinarayi Vijayan's decades-long political career Vijayan, who entered politics through student activism at Government Brennen College in Thalassery, joined the CPI(M) in 1964. Since becoming a member of the district committee at age 24 and later the district secretariat, Vijayan worked his way up in the party ranks in Kannur district. He became a lawmaker in 1970, having been elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly from the Koothuparambu constituency. He was elected from the same seat in 1977 and 1991. In 1996, he won from Payyannur. Vijayan was elected from the Dharmadam constituency in 2016 and 2021. During the 1975–77 Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of the Congress party, Vijayan was arrested for protests and reportedly faced police brutality. As the Minister of Electricity and Cooperation in the 1996–98 EK Nayanar government, Vijayan is credited with significant improvements in power generation and distribution, but at the same time faced allegations of corruption in what is known as the Lavalin case. Also read: Pinarayi Vijayan drops ‘CM’ from bio ahead of Kerala assembly results Is Vijayan looking at political winter after Kerala Assembly election results? At the time of writing this, it is not clear if Vijayan, turning 81 this month, will choose to be the Leader of the Opposition, a role he never held (he transitioned directly from state party secretary to chief minister). Will he go back to being the party secretary? Or will he stand aside to pave the way for younger leaders to take the party back to another victory in the next election? Vijayan remains a key national figure in the CPI(M) as a member of the Politburo, the party's highest decision-making body, since 2002. Vijayan's leadership qualities were fully on display whenever the CPI(M) was in the opposition. He was Kerala State Secretary of the CPI(M) from 1998 to 2015, one of the longest such stints, during which he strengthened the party structures. There is no retirement age in politics. It may be too early to write off the leader.

<p>Kerala Assembly elections 2026: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's LDF is facing defeat. During his two-term chief ministership, the south Indian state saw growth of BJP. With Vijayan as the target of anti-incumbency sentiment, the results could reshape state politics</p>

Pinarayi Vijayan's LDF faces defeat in Kerala Assembly election. Is it political winter for the veteran CPI-M leader?

On Friday (Apr 17), Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court granted bail to Ben Roberts-Smith, days after Australia's most decorated soldier was arrested publicly over alleged war crimes while deployed in Afghanistan. Roberts-Smith was a national hero. How did he reach this stage?

<p>On Friday (Apr 17), Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court granted bail to Ben Roberts-Smith, days after Australia's most decorated soldier was arrested publicly over alleged war crimes while deployed in Afghanistan. Roberts-Smith was a national hero. How did he reach this stage?</p>

6 feet 7 inches and war crimes-accused: Ben Roberts-Smith's fall from Australia's most decorated soldier to public arrest

<p>Apple and Google are directing users to dozens of so-called nudifying apps, an investigation report has said. These artificial intelligence apps can be found on the Apple Store and Google Play Store with simple search terms. Such apps have been downloaded millions of times and earned millions of dollars.</p><h2>Nudify apps are being popularised by tech giants</h2><p>&nbsp;Elon Musk, who owns the AI chat app Grok, which has also faced criticism for its ability to generate sexually explicit photos and videos, shared the news with a question. “Well, how about that … ? 🤔”, asked Musk on X, the social media platform he owns, while sharing the news about the probe into nudify apps.</p><p>The investigation was done by Tech Transparency Project (TTP), which said such apps were downloaded 483 million times and earned $122 million. TTP is the research wing of the nonprofit group Campaign for Accountability. The TTP report for April is a follow-up to its January report, which first documented dozens of such apps slipping through app review processes.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-explained-what-are-deepfakes-and-how-to-spot-them-655753">Explained | What are deepfakes and how to spot them?</a></p><h2>Apple, Google policies on nudity are violated on their own app stores</h2><p>The report said Apple and Google continued to offer apps that allow users to make the non-consensual sexualised images, despite their own policies prohibiting such content. Both companies also run advertisements for similar nudifying apps when users search their app stores with relevant keywords. The iOS App Store and Google Play have explicit policies banning apps that enable non-consensual intimate imagery, deepfakes, or overtly sexual or pornographic content. But the TTP investigation found that these companies have continued to host, surface, and monetise the undress or face-swap apps, with their search, autocomplete, and advertising systems directing the users.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/germany-to-criminalize-pornographic-deepfakes-the-fight-against-deepfake-abuse-1774458880287/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/germany-to-criminalize-pornographic-deepfakes-the-fight-against-deepfake-abuse-1774458880287/embed</a></p><p>The investigation found 46 such apps on the Apple Store and 49 on Google Play, almost similar to what was seen in its January report.</p><p>The TTP investigation found that many apps are rated “E” for Everyone or 13+. Some developers are China-based and use vague descriptions. Some apps raised age ratings or added filters only after media scrutiny.</p><p>Reports said that after TTP shared its findings, Apple removed 15 apps and Google suspended seven. After the January investigation, more than 24 apps were removed, but they continued to reappear. Both companies said they investigate violations and take action.</p><h2>How Apple and Google profit from nudify apps</h2><p>Calling the tech giants “key participants in the spread” of these tools, the TTP report said Apple and Google profit directly, taking up to a 30 per cent cut from in-app purchases, subscriptions, and advertising revenue.</p><p>The apps have been downloaded 483 million times and generated more than $122 million in lifetime revenue, according to AppMagic estimates. The January report from TTP had found 47 apps on Apple and 55 on Google, with over 705 million downloads and $117 million in revenue, indicating persistent availability and profitability even after crackdowns.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ofcom-investigation-grok-ai-mass-nudification-elon-musk-x-1768287754817">UK regulator Ofcom investigates Elon Musk’s Grok AI over ‘mass nudification’ abuse</a></p><h2>Celebrities, common women and even minors are not safe from nudify apps</h2><p>Nudify apps are a problematic aspect of AI-generated images and videos. Neither ordinary women nor celebrities are safe from these platforms. High-profile victims include Taylor Swift and Emma Watson. A UNICEF/ECPAT/INTERPOL study across 11 countries found that at least 1.2 million minors had their images manipulated into sexual deepfakes in the prior year.</p><p>These apps lower the barrier to non-consensual image-based sexual abuse, turning any photo into sexual content in seconds. Studies have shown that 99 per cent of deepfake porn victims are female, with AI models trained primarily on female bodies. Many women face psychological trauma, harassment, blackmail, bullying, and reputational damage. Such apps enable “revenge porn” at scale, with perpetrators including former partners, classmates, co-workers, or strangers on the internet. There have been documented cases of suicide.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

A new investigation claimed that Apple and Google are promoting nudify apps on their stores. These AI-generation apps create non-consensual and sexual images of women and minors. They thrive on the tech giants' app stores despite their ban policies, with millions of downloads and revenue

Apple and Google are directing users to dozens of so-called nudifying apps, an investigation report has said. These artificial intelligence apps can be found on the Apple Store and Google Play Store with simple search terms. Such apps have been downloaded millions of times and earned millions of dollars. Nudify apps are being popularised by tech giants Elon Musk, who owns the AI chat app Grok, which has also faced criticism for its ability to generate sexually explicit photos and videos, shared the news with a question. “Well, how about that … ? 🤔”, asked Musk on X, the social media platform he owns, while sharing the news about the probe into nudify apps. The investigation was done by Tech Transparency Project (TTP), which said such apps were downloaded 483 million times and earned $122 million. TTP is the research wing of the nonprofit group Campaign for Accountability. The TTP report for April is a follow-up to its January report, which first documented dozens of such apps slipping through app review processes. Also read: Explained | What are deepfakes and how to spot them? Apple, Google policies on nudity are violated on their own app stores The report said Apple and Google continued to offer apps that allow users to make the non-consensual sexualised images, despite their own policies prohibiting such content. Both companies also run advertisements for similar nudifying apps when users search their app stores with relevant keywords. The iOS App Store and Google Play have explicit policies banning apps that enable non-consensual intimate imagery, deepfakes, or overtly sexual or pornographic content. But the TTP investigation found that these companies have continued to host, surface, and monetise the undress or face-swap apps, with their search, autocomplete, and advertising systems directing the users. https://www.wionews.com/videos/germany-to-criminalize-pornographic-deepfakes-the-fight-against-deepfake-abuse-1774458880287/embed The investigation found 46 such apps on the Apple Store and 49 on Google Play, almost similar to what was seen in its January report. The TTP investigation found that many apps are rated “E” for Everyone or 13+. Some developers are China-based and use vague descriptions. Some apps raised age ratings or added filters only after media scrutiny. Reports said that after TTP shared its findings, Apple removed 15 apps and Google suspended seven. After the January investigation, more than 24 apps were removed, but they continued to reappear. Both companies said they investigate violations and take action. How Apple and Google profit from nudify apps Calling the tech giants “key participants in the spread” of these tools, the TTP report said Apple and Google profit directly, taking up to a 30 per cent cut from in-app purchases, subscriptions, and advertising revenue. The apps have been downloaded 483 million times and generated more than $122 million in lifetime revenue, according to AppMagic estimates. The January report from TTP had found 47 apps on Apple and 55 on Google, with over 705 million downloads and $117 million in revenue, indicating persistent availability and profitability even after crackdowns. Also read: UK regulator Ofcom investigates Elon Musk’s Grok AI over ‘mass nudification’ abuse Celebrities, common women and even minors are not safe from nudify apps Nudify apps are a problematic aspect of AI-generated images and videos. Neither ordinary women nor celebrities are safe from these platforms. High-profile victims include Taylor Swift and Emma Watson. A UNICEF/ECPAT/INTERPOL study across 11 countries found that at least 1.2 million minors had their images manipulated into sexual deepfakes in the prior year. These apps lower the barrier to non-consensual image-based sexual abuse, turning any photo into sexual content in seconds. Studies have shown that 99 per cent of deepfake porn victims are female, with AI models trained primarily on female bodies. Many women face psychological trauma, harassment, blackmail, bullying, and reputational damage. Such apps enable “revenge porn” at scale, with perpetrators including former partners, classmates, co-workers, or strangers on the internet. There have been documented cases of suicide.

<p>A new investigation claimed that Apple and Google are promoting nudify apps on their stores. These AI-generation apps create non-consensual and sexual images of women and minors. They thrive on the tech giants' app stores despite their ban policies, with millions of downloads and revenue</p>

Nudify apps on Apple and Google stores are earning millions, claims probe, and Elon Musk has a question about it

Recently, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was ‘exposed’ as a tech founder with minimal technological skills. But he got company in Steve Jobs, Jack Ma and other tech leaders,  who built major companies through vision, leadership, and strategy despite limited coding or programming expertise

<p>Recently, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was ‘exposed’ as a tech founder with minimal technological skills. But he got company in Steve Jobs, Jack Ma and other tech leaders, &nbsp;who built major companies through vision, leadership, and strategy despite limited coding or programming expertise</p>

Sam Altman's coding abilities are minimal, yet he runs OpenAI. He's not alone. These top tech bosses have limited IT skills

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Vinod Janardhanan

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.