Asianet Newsable

Ahead of swearing in, Pinarayi reminds colleagues of austerity

aparajita das — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 13:03:35 +0530

In a bid to check unnecessary public expenditure, Kerala Chief Minister- designate Pinarayi Vijayan has instructed his colleagues who are tipped to be cabinet ministers not to go in for the refurbishing of their residences.

Vijayan, who will be sworn-in as Chief Minister at a function here tomorrow, however, gave the nod for carrying out 'unavoidable cleaning and maintenance' work of the buildings, sources in CPM said.

In the past, whenever the ministry changed, huge expenditure used to be incurred on the refurbishing of ministerial bungalows.

There had also been allegations of corruption while carrying out such renovation of residence allotted to ministers.

CPM-led LDF Ministry would have a 19-member cabinet.

BJP hopes to make history in historical town of Vedaranyam

Johnlee Abraham — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 12:56:39 +0530

Having fielded a three-time former DMK MLA as its candidate here, BJP is pinning its hopes on this coastal constituency, where the 'salt satyagraha' was held during the freedom struggle, to make entry in Tamil Nadu Assembly in the May 16 elections.

BJP has fielded S K Vedarathinam, a popular businessman of this town, who joined the party last year after resigning from DMK and is confident he would help the lotus bloom.

Vedaranyam, a major salt-producing centre in Nagapattinam District, has its place in the country's freedom struggle as it was here that C Rajagopalachari in 1930 staged the 'salt sathyagraha', south’s equivalent of Dandi march undertaken by Mahatma Gandhi against imposition of tax on salt by the British.

Besides its vast salt pans, the town, located about 350 kms from Chennai, is also known for prawn cultivation and fishing.

It is witnessing a multi-cornered fight involving Vedarathinam, ruling AIADMK's OS Manian, Congress candidate PV Rajendiran, DMDK nominee Vairanathan and PMK's Usha Kannan.

Vedarathinam, who scored a hat-trick of wins from the constituency from 1996 as a DMK nominee, lost to AIADMK's NV Kamaraj in the 2011 polls.

A businessman, Vedarathinam is popularly known as "SK" among the locals. He was a strongman of DMK and got elected to the Assembly in 1996, 2001 and 2006 from Vedaranyam.

He joined the BJP last year and has got the party ticket to try his luck for a fifth time. AIADMK has dropped Kamaraj, giving a second chance to Manian who lost to Vedarathinam in 2006. Congress, which is contesting the polls in alliance with DMK, has nominated P V Rajendran, an industrialist.

Political analysts feel that keeping in mind the popularity and winning streak of Vedarathinam, BJP had chosen Vedaranyam as among the places for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's electioneering in the state to give a strong push for the party's goal of making a mark in the polls.

After failing to rope in its former allies such as DMDK and PMK, which were part of the rainbow alliance stitched by it for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, BJP is contesting the coming elections with a few minor parties and Vedaranyam is among some of the constituencies where it fancies its chances.

Modi earlier this week addressed an election rally at Thethukodi locality here and highlighted his government's schemes for the welfare of farmers and others.

He also expressed joy on being informed that he was the first Prime Minister to visit this part of Tamil Nadu.

Some of the major issues in the region include road development between Thiruthuraipoondi and Vedaranyam, setting up of a harbour in Aarukattuthurai and basic infrastructure for fishermen community who form a major chunk of the 1.80 lakh voters in the constituency where Vanniayr and Thevar communities hold sway.

Congress candidate Rajendiran is also not a novice in electoral politics and had been elected from this constituency in 1989 and 1991.

PMK's Usha Kannan hails from Vanniar community and is banking on the community votes to help her sail through.

Vedaranyam has a total of 1.80 lakh voters comprising 88,869 men and 91,369 women.

Poll in numbers: How BJP decimated Congress in Assam

vinayak hegde — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 12:59:57 +0530

BJP charted its historic win in Assam, the first for the party in the Northeast, by sweeping hitherto traditional Congress bastions of Upper Assam, Barak Valley and by also making tentative inroads into the minority- dominated districts.

BJP successfully managed to woo the traditional Congress vote bank of tea garden labourers and also made unexpected entry in certain minority-dominated areas.

In the 34 seats in Upper Assam, with 23 of these having a sizable tea garden population for Congress, the saffron party won 18 seats as against a presence of only two seats in the outgoing Assembly.

Congress, which had swept the last polls winning 30 of its total 78 seats from Upper Assam failed miserably to stop BJP upsurge managing to retain only seven seats and wresting one from BJP.

AGP, which entered into a poll alliance with BJP, improved its tally to six from the area, retaining one seat while another sitting MLA joined BJP. AIUDF sprung a surprise by winning Naoboicha seat,wresting it from Congress.

In another major Congress bastion of the Barak Valley with 15 seats, BJP had no presence in the last polls though it later won a by-election from Silchar but in the just concluded polls it went on to win eight seats.

Congress with 13 seats in the last Assembly from the Barak Valley, managed to retain only three while AIUDF which had only seat went on to win from three constituencies.

In the five constituencies of the Hill districts of Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong, Congress had captured all five seats in the last polls but in this election, it managed to retain only one with BJP wresting the remaining four seats.

In the 18 constituencies of minority dominated three districts of Dhubri, Goalpara and Barpeta, BJP made tentative forays winning four seats while its ally, AGP won two seats.

AIUDF, the principal Opposition party in the last Assembly, had won 12 seats from these areas, but was decimated in this poll winning only three seats with its party chief Badruddin Ajmal losing the South Salmara seat in Dhubri district to Congress candidate Wajed Ali Choudhury. Congress with only three seats from these districts in the last Assembly managed to woo the minority voters in this poll winning eight seats.

Congress was also decimated in the 14 seats of Central Assam's Morigaon and Nagaon districts, where there is a considerable minority population, retaining two seats and wresting one as against eight seats in the last poll.

BJP, which had no presence in these two districts in the last poll, wrested seven seats while its ally, AGP retained two seats.

AIUDF with four seats in the last polls managed to retain only two.

BJP also swept the ten assembly constituencies under both Kamrup Metro and Rural winning eight seats, as against one in the last polls, while Congress won only two seats as against six in the last polls.

The sway of BJP-led alliance continued in the eight seats of the Northern bank district of Sonitpur where the saffron party, with no presence in 2011, went on to win seven seats and its ally retained one while Congress, with six seats in the last assembly, failed to win a single seat.

BJP's other ally the Bodo Peoples' Front kept its account of 12 seats intact though it lost in one but gained another seat.

The new Assembly will have only one independent MLA as against two in the outgoing Assembly.

Will this Singh be a King in Tamil Nadu polls?

aparajita das — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 21:15:12 +0530

A 66-year old retired IAS officer, a native of Punjab, is fighting the May 16 Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu on the BJP's lotus symbol, in a rare instance of a north Indian testing electoral fortunes in the Dravidian heartland.

Ujagar Singh, a native of Khiali, about 21 km from Barnala in Punjab, is a candidate of the Akila Indiya Makkal Kalvi Munnetra Kazhagam (AIMKMK), an ally of BJP, from Sozhinganallur constituency in the city outskirts.

A former IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre of 1977 batch, he has held various positions in the state government and retired as Special Commissioner, Government Data Centre here in 2010.

Though he belongs to AIMKMK, he is contesting on the symbol of BJP in tune with the arrangement between the allies.

Asked what prompted him to jump into Tamil Nadu politics though he happens to be from Punjab, Ujagar Singh says, "I was convinced about the welfare programmes of the party like free education. Moreover, I was requested by AIMKMK chief Devanathan to fight the polls and I know him, he is a good leader."

He says, "Tamil people are very kind, nice and large-hearted, they have no jealousy and no chauvinism like you find in some other places in our country."

"Also, my decision to stay back is in fulfilment of my promise to late Chief Minister (AIADMK founder) M G Ramachandran, a great humanist who wanted officials like me to stay back post-retirement," he says, adding the idea was to continue to work for the welfare of the people.

"Also, my decision to stay back is in fulfilment of my promise to late Chief Minister (AIADMK founder) M G Ramachandran, a great humanist who wanted officials like me to stay back post-retirement,"

Persons like Ujagar Singh very rarely appear on Tamil Nadu's political horizon. Nearly four decades ago, a similar name was in the poll fray in the state.

It was S D Ugam Chand, a native of Rajasthan and a business man settled in Chengelpet near here. He won in 1980 and 1989 Assembly elections as a candidate of the AIADMK from Madurantakam constituency.

Exit polls predict left surge in Kerala; Lotus to bloom

ranjith r — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 15:51:18 +0530

Various exit poll results have predicted the left surge in Kerala.

News X-Todays Chanakya exit poll says that 49% of the voters want a regime change in Kerala. The left will have an advantage over the UDF, it predicted. As much as 43% wants the UDF government to continue. It also says that 53% of the minority (mainly Muslims) voters prefers the UDF. Among Christians, 30% backed the LDF.

India Today pre-poll also predicted that the Kerala polls will see some great falls and many ministers in the Oommen Chandy ministry will taste defeat. Ministers K Babu, KM Mani, MK Muneer and KP Mohanan will be voted out, the survey said. It also says that the Muslim League would emerge as the biggest party in the opposition UDF.

India Today Axis My India

Seat forecast:

LDF 88-101

UDF 38-48

NDA 0-3

Others 1-4

According to India Today Axis My India, the vote share will be LDF (43%), UDF (35%) and BJP (11%).

India TV-C Voter survey also projects an LDF government in Kerala.

India TV C-voter (vote share in brackets)

LDF- 89 (44.6%)

UDF 49 (39.1%)

BJP- 1 (11.4%)

Others- 1 (4.9%)

ABP News TV LDF: 88-101

UDF: 38-48

BJP: 0-3

Others: 1-4

Kerala recorded a huge voter turnout in the first ever stiff triangular political battle in its poll history. The total voting percentage stood at 73%. The final round up is likely to push the percentage a bit higher.

Watch analysis: What does it mean for Oommen Chandy and VS Achuthanandan

Will Modi reply to #PoMoneModi critics today?

ranjith r — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 15:51:22 +0530

All eyes are on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public address on Wednesday evening at Tripunithura in which he is expected to respond to the #PoMoneModi critics over his Somalia remarks. Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has demanded that Modi correct his earlier statement that compared the state to the poor African country.

Modi came under attack for his remarks during a BJP campaign rally that sparked a controversy just a few days ahead of Kerala Assembly polls. Chief Minister Chandy said that the comment was an insult to the people of Kerala.

The Prime Minister was widely trolled for his remarks and the hashtag #PoMoneModi is trending on Twitter. Facebook is also rife with criticism on Modi.

Single and powerful in Assam

swagata a — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 12:31:03 +0530

Being single' seems to be the winning mantra, with Sarbananda Sonowal, Mamata Banerjee and Jayalalitha winning their states (and a single prime minister leading the country).

Of all the five election results, Assam is perhaps the most interesting. With the win in Assam, BJP has finally become a truly national party getting a footprint in the East with an emphatic win.

What is even more significant is that BJP has realised it can win without the 'cow'! Post the Delhi and Bihar drubbing, the party wanted a win desperately and it came right when it needed it most; as the party marks two years in office.

What went right for the BJP alliance? They had clarity, projected a chief ministerial candidate who was a student leader and is a local tribal face with credentials of taking on a discriminatory immigration act and stitched together an alliance that helped voters decide where to cast their vote.

Congress and AIUDF failing to come together helped in sharing the same vote base. What went wrong for the Congress? Old war horse Tarun Gogoi's unrelenting decision not to ally with Badruddin Ajmal, for one. Gogoi failed to make truce with his best man Himanta Biswa Sarma over love for his son.

That, along with his inability to offer anything new and failing to keep promises, abysmal development and health indicators and his team of unimaginative legislators coupled with a Congress in a state of denial at Delhi cost him a fourth term.

But he had an unopposed three terms. Farewell Mr.Gogoi! Did we read AIUDF wrong? Clearly Ajmal did not have the recipe to play the kingmaker. Instead, he played the spoiler.

The myth of a monolith Muslim vote was perhaps busted because Assam has many Muslim votes and the days of 'Ali-cooli' has gone. He dipped into the Congress bank and the results are there to show.

But one cannot write him off and he will continue to play a role in what may lead to a more polarised population. Will the BJP along with a resurrected AGP and the Bodo Front bring 'achhe din' to Assam?

At the risk of sticking my neck out, I would say 'poriborton' yes but delivering on promises a big no.

Kishalay Bhattacharjee is a senior journalist and author. His most recent book is Blood on my Hands: Confessions of Staged Encounters (Harper Collins 2015). The views expressed here are his own.

WB polls: Didi, Boudi, Grand-nephew fight it out in Bhawanipur seat

aparajita das — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 21:51:01 +0530

The prestigious Bhawanipur constituency in Kolkata is set to witness a star-studded fight where Trinamool Congress head and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is challenged by two heavyweights in her own backyard.

Former union minister Deepa Dasmunshi is contesting as a Congress candidate while Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's grand nephew Chandra Kumar Bose is fielded by BJP from the seat.

Apart from them, BSP, SUCI(C) and six independents are also in the fray.

Bhawanipur constituency, under which Mamata Banerjee's Kalighat residence falls, has been a stronghold of TMC since its inception in 2011, after delimitation.

The constituency which has 202655 voters is home to a sizeable number of Gujaratis, Sikhs, Biharis, Marwaris and other communities living alongside Bengalis.

Bhawanipur, which takes the pride of having Banerjee as the MLA, has never disappointed TMC except 2014 Lok Sabha polls when BJP had managed to get a slender lead from this Assembly segment under Kolkata South Lok Sabha constituency.

Banerjee in spite of her hectic schedule as chief minister and TMC supremo has focused on her constituency.

Decisive victory for LDF; tough decisions await CPM

swagata a — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 12:51:40 +0530

The LDF is sure to get somewhere between 85-90 seats out of the 140 constituencies, as the counting enters the final stage.

The CPM leader and former Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan has already declared that people of Kerala has given their verdict against corruption.

Interestingly, all the strong candidates of the LDF have emerged victorious. VS Achuthandan and CPM Politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan have ensured thumping victory.

Though the CPM would be happy that it could win a comfortable majority in the state, it would not be that easy for it to solve the longstanding problems between Achuthanandan and Vijayan whose rivalry is no secret. Both leaders have buried the hatchet before the elections and party showed an unprecedented unity in recent times.

Communist veteran Achuthanandan is the tallest and the most popular figure in the CPM. But Pinarayi Vijayan, the strong man from Kannur, has the support of the party machinery and the state committee. The candidature of both leaders had created confusion among the party workers and the party shied away from declaring its Chief Minister candidate.

A delegation of the party central leadership, including General Secretary Sitaram Yechury and S Ramachandran Pillai will come to Kerala on Friday to monitor inner-party negotiations. The question is how the leadership will find an acceptable formula to accommodate both Achuthanandan and Vijayan and form a balanced ministry.

Incidentally, a petition to reopen the SNC Lavalin case in which Vijayan was allegedly involved, has been filed before the court on Wednesday. There are strong doubts that the case would again come to the fore if Vijayan is tipped for the CM post.

Sarbananda Sonowal to be sworn as CM of Assam on May 24

aparajita das — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 21:50:32 +0530

The new BJP-led government in Assam will be sworn in on May 24 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP's chief ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonwal said today.

The oath-taking ceremony will be held at Khanapara field in Guwahati, Sonowal told PTI.

Leading the alliance, BJP won 60 of the 126 Assam Assembly seats. It's allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodo Peoples Front (BPF) emerged victorious in 14 and 12 constituencies respectively.

Green Protocol during Pinarayi's swearing-in today

aparajita das — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 13:03:36 +0530

Suchitwa Mission, the nodal agency for sanitation in Kerala, will be joining hands with the city Corporation to implement a green protocol in today's swearing-in ceremony of the new LDF government in the state.

The green protocol team would mark history by creating a zero-waste event, as this will be the first time ever a government swearing-in ceremony will be prioritising on minimising the waste and thereby the carbon footprint by observing green protocol, a press release said.

The new government would take office after the swearing-in ceremony at the Central Stadium, which can accommodate about 30,000 people.

A team has been deployed to ensure green protocol during the event. Suchitwa Mission will arrange for 100 green volunteers who will be responsible for maintaining a disposable free 'green event', which will be its mission.

Mayor V K Prashanth said the green protocol is a humble attempt to reduce and manage waste in a systematic manner.

There will be water kiosks at 40 different locations spread at the venue; green volunteers will be more than happy to serve people with drinking water”.

Suchitwa Mission's Executive Director, Dr K Vasuki, said "It is the first time in the history that a State government swearing-in ceremony will be observing green protocol.

"It is the first time in the history that a State government swearing-in ceremony will be observing green protocol.

The Mission is the state nodal agency for sanitation. It is constituted under a local self-government with the VISION of creating - a waste free Kerala with unpolluted environment public hygiene and cleanliness.

Jaya, Karuna, Stalin take oath in TN assembly

aparajita das — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 13:03:34 +0530

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, DMK chief M Karunanidhi and M K Stalin were today sworn in as MLAs in the 15th Tamil Nadu Assembly, which met for its first session under pro-tem Speaker S Semmalai.

Jayalalithaa, representing R K Nagar constituency, was the first to be sworn in after the House met and Semmalai initiated the proceedings.

The Chief Minister was sworn in the name of God followed by her ministers including, her trusted lieutenant O Pannerselvam.

After the ministers, DMK leader M K Stalin, who is set to take over as Leader of the Opposition, took oath in the name of his conscience followed by former Speaker and Deputy Speaker P Dhanapal and V Jayaraman.

Later, Karunanidhi, a former Chief Minister who represents Tiruvarur constituency for a successive term, was sworn in. He was also sworn in the name of his conscience.

Earlier Jayalalithaa, Stalin and Karunanidhi were received by thumping of the desks by AIADMK and DMK members when they entered the House.

Puducherry: V Narayanasamy to stake claim to form govt

aparajita das — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 13:03:38 +0530

Senior Congress leader V Narayanasamy, who was unanimously elected as the CLP leader, would meet Lt Governor Kiran Bedi here today to stake claim to become the Chief Minister of Puducherry.

Speaking to reporters yesterday on the sidelines of the swearing-in-ceremony of the new Lt Governor at Raj Nivas, Narayanasamy told reporters that he would meet Bedi at 10 a.m today to hand over the letter staking claim to form the government.

Narayanasamy was elected leader of the 15-member Congress Legislature party on Saturday. Congress has the support of the two-member DMK in the 30-member Assembly.

Earlier, he had called on DMK president M Karunanidhi at Chennai and obtained his party's letter of support for forming the government.

Narayanasamy, who did not contest the May 16 Assembly polls in which Congress-DMK alliance secured a simple majority of 17 in the 30-member House, said Karunanidhi handed over the DMK's letter of support of its two MLAs to him during the meeting.

Wimbledon 2026: Shubman Gill’s Royal Chat with Tennis Legend Roger Federer Goes Viral (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 16:04:32 +0530

Team India Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill got an opportunity to have a conversation with 20-time Grand Slam champion and Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer on the sidelines of the ongoing Wimbledon 2026 championships in London.

Shubman Gill was one of the many prominent sports personalities invited, alongside former Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar and West Indies icon Brian Lara, to witness the high-stakes action at the All England Club. The well-known American actor Benedict Cumberbatch was also in attendance on the Centre Court.

Gill has already arrived in England for the upcoming ODI series against England, where he will be leading the Men in Blue, with the opening match taking place at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Tuesday, July 14.

Also Read: ENG vs IND, 3rd T20I: What Did MS Dhoni Tell Fans on His 45th Birthday at Trent Bridge? (WATCH)

Gill’s Chat With Federer Goes Viral

As the 12th day of Wimbledon reached a fever pitch, with Jannik Sinner and Alexandar Zverev defeating Novak Djokovic and Arthur Fery in the respective semifinals, Shubman Gill was spotted enjoying the high-quality tennis on display. His presence in the Royal Box, sitting alongside Sachin Tendulkar and his wife Anjali, became a highlight for cricket fans.

However. Gill’s interaction with Roger Federer in the VIP Lounge of the All England Club quickly stole the spotlight, becoming one of the most talked-about moments from the tournament's final days.

In a video that went viral on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), Gill was seen having an animated discussion with Federer, who enthralled the tennis world with his on-court charismatic persona and graceful playing style, often described as ‘poetry in motion’. Gill and Federer were engaged in a deep conversation amid the excitement of the tournament's final days, catching up in the exclusive atmosphere of the All England Club's Royal Box and VIP areas.

CUTEST VIDEO OF THE DAY ❤️- Shubman Gill having a chat with Legendary Roger Federer during Wimbledon.pic.twitter.com/7voEpUIT1y

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 11, 2026

Even after his retirement from professional tennis in September 2022, Roger Federer continues to remain a central and beloved figure in the tennis world, especially at Wimbledon, where his legacy is deeply revered compared to many other legends of the sport.

His record-breaking eight men’s singles titles at the All England Club define him as the most successful player of the Open Era at the tournament, earning him the affectionate title ‘King Roger.’

Shubman Gill To Make Comeback in ODIs

Shubman Gill was not part of the India squad in the T20I series against Ireland and England, as the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, picked a squad focused on younger talent and experimental combinations.

With the inclusion of the 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the handing over of T20I captaincy to Shreyas Iyer, the selectors opted for a fresh approach during the T20I series against Ireland and England. Now, Shubman Gill is set to make his international return in the upcoming ODI series against England, starting on July 14.

The BCCI announced a 15-member squad for this tour, which marks the return of several senior players, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and speedster Jasprit Bumrah, alongside young talent like Gurnoor Brar. As Team India continues to prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup, the upcoming series against England will provide an important platform for the returning senior players to regain rhythm and build momentum.

Shubman Gill is one of the key players for the Men in Blue’s preparation for the marquee event, not only as a captain but also as their batting mainstay and one of the team's most dependable run-scorers.

Since 2025, Shubman Gill is the second-leading run-getter for India in ODIs, aggregating 863 runs, including 3 centuries and 5 fifties, at an average of 61.64 in 17 matches. It remains to be seen whether Gill can carry his impressive ODI form into the England series and lead India from the front as they begin building towards the 2027 World Cup.

Also Read: ENG vs IND: Shreyas Iyer’s ‘Transition’ Remark Rejected as 'Excuse' After India's T20I Series Defeat

Hold polls before 1 June for two seats, TN governor writes to EC

aparajita das — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 13:03:37 +0530

Keeping in view the coming Rajya Sabha elections from the state, Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah yesterday wrote to the Election Commission (EC) recommending holding of elections in two assembly constituencies, where polls had been deferred, preferably before June 1.

The Governor made the recommendation acting on petitions by ruling AIADMK candidates in Aravakiruchi and Thanjavur constituencies where the EC had deferred polling days before the May 16 assembly elections citing electoral malpractices, a Raj Bhavan release said tonight.

It said the candidates V Senthil Balaji (Aravakurichi) and M Rengasamy (Thanjavur) in their May 22 representation stated that the EC had deferred the polls in the constituencies "without any authority of law and without the consent of the Governor."

They also contended that the alleged corrupt practices relied upon by the EC to defer the elections can be tested before a court of law and the postponement of the polls would also shorten the tenure of the member who may be elected.

The release said that based on the petitions, the Governor convened a meeting with the state Chief Electoral Officer who submitted a report of the EC on May 24 on the matter.

The Governor considered the petitions and the detailed report of the EC in the light of relevant provisions contained in the Representation of People Act and the Constitution as well the observations in the Supreme Court's 1996 judgement in Bhim Singh vs Election Commission case and the 1984 judgement of a Constitution bench in the EC vs Haryana case.

Also, considering the fact that postponement of elections in the two constituencies would deprive the statutory rights of the members elected from them to vote in the coming Rajya Sabha elections, the Governor today sent a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

In the letter, he recommended for the conduct of the elections to Aravakurichi and Thanjavur constituencies "as early as possible, preferably before June 1, 2016, in the public interest and in the interest of all the concerned parties," the Raj Bhavan release said.

Citing evidence that large-scale money changed hands to influence voters in the two constituencies, the EC had first deferred the elections to May 23. On May 21, the Commission further put off the elections to June 13 to allow its teams to ascertain whether polls can be allowed in the "vitiated atmosphere".

Main opposition DMK has demanded immediate holding of the elections in the two constituencies.

#PoMoneModi is trending on Twitter and Facebook

ranjith r — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 15:51:26 +0530

It seems, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has irked the Malayalee pride just before the crucial polls, by comparing the state to Somalia while referring to media reports that showed tribal children taking food from a waste dump.

Irate netizens are pouring their anger on the Twitter and Facebook and the #PoMoneModi, that can be roughly translated to 'Modi, mind your business' or 'get lost Modi,' is trending on social media.

A PM drawing parallels between a state with the highest HDI & Somalia is just so so crass & acerbic. #PoMoneModi

— SamSays (@samjawed65) May 10, 2016

Speak facts in Kerala Dear PM! Otherwise we will honour you with a masters in ENTIRE FOOLITICAL SCIENCE #PoMoneModi

— jeffshawn (@jeffshawn) May 11, 2016

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy wrote an elaborate Facebook post addressing Modi and said that the Prime Minister insulted Kerala. Modi was referring to false media reports. He should have verified the truth before jumping to conclusions, Chandy wrote. "I can say for sure that no child in Kerala is in a state to seek food from the waste dump," he added.

Sensing that the Somalia-jibe has the potential to hit the party very bad, BJP state chief Kummanam Rajashekharan hurriedly convened a press conference on Wednesday to justify Modi.

Rajashekharan said that he had visited the tribal colony at Pervaoor in Kannur where the two children, who were reportedly found searching for food in a garbage dump, are living. "I visited the tribal colony. I saw the children, their parents and talked to the reporter who brought the news to the limelight," Rajashekharan said. "It is a fact... The plight of the tribes living there shows that starvation and poverty are still the grim reality in Kerala, the BJP president said. The Prime Minister was only referring to a bitter truth, he added.

"Chief Minister Ommen Chandy should have visited the colony. Even after the shocking news, he did not bother to go there and check the facts," he alleged.

Assam post poll rumblings: Ajmal for Third Front to check BJP

aparajita das — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 21:15:50 +0530

Widely perceived as a possible 'kingmaker' in the case of a hung verdict in the Assam elections, All India United Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal favours a secular front of parties comprising Congress, AGP, BPF and his own with a few others to prevent BJP from forming the next government.

He even goes on to suggest that Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, whose party AGP is in alliance with BJP, be the next chief minister.

"All these parties must come together to form the Third Front Alliance as this is the only way to keep the communal BJP out of power and save Assam and its people," Ajmal told PTI in an interview.

He claims his party is expected to win over 30 seats and will have a major say in the formation of the next government.

Claiming to be the 'kingmaker' in the next government, Ajmal said, "Without us, no party can form the government in the state. It is the party we support that can form the government and AIUDF's importance cannot be denied."

Asked whether he aspires to be the next chief minister of the state, he said, "I am not dreaming to be the chief minister. My ideal choice for the post is former two-time AGP chief minister Mahanta.

Referring to AGP-BPF pre-poll alliance with BJP, the Dhubri MP said, "As per my knowledge, AGP has a covert understanding with Congress and an overt alliance with BJP which I think is due to financial reasons.

"AGP will be the maximum gainer in this election. If they had fought the elections on their own, they would not have got more than five or six seats but with BJP's financial support, they are expected to win 10 to 12 seats."

AIUDF, the largest Opposition party with 18 seats in the outgoing assembly, has formed an alliance with JD (U) and RJD although these two parties do not have any significant presence in the state.

AIUDF also invited Congress and AGP into the alliance in its attempt to create a "mahagatbandhan" on the lines of Bihar elections to defeat BJP, but it did not succeed.

According to Ajmal, BPF leader Hagrama Mohilary has time and again said he will go with whichever party forms the government in Assam.

He also expressed confidence that Congress with the intervention of the party's central leadership will also join the Third Front and bring its ally United Peoples' Party (UPP) within the alliance.

Result of the election to the 126-member Assam Assembly will be declared on May 19.