LIVE | Muslim League warns Cong over Kerala CM delay; Vijay surprises leaders
Congress high command calls ex-KPCC chiefs to Delhi for talks; Vijay calls on all political leaders in ''courtesy call''
The first session of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly began today (May 11), a day after actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay took oath as chief minister. The inaugural session focuses on administering the oath or affirmation to newly elected MLAs by Pro-tem Speaker MV Karuppaiah.
Vijay heads a coalition government backed by 120 MLAs in the 234-member Assembly, with support from Congress, VCK, CPI, CPI(M) and IUML. The election for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker is scheduled for May 12, while Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has directed the chief minister to prove his majority on the floor of the House on or before May 13.
Live Updates
- 11 May 2026 4:06 PM IST
IUML warns Congress over delay in naming Kerala CM
The Indian Union Muslim League, a major ally in the Congress-led UDF, on Monday openly voiced frustration over the continued delay in naming Kerala’s next chief minister, warning that the uncertainty was beginning to affect public mood.
A week after the April 9 Assembly results delivered a sweeping mandate to the UDF, suspense within the Indian National Congress remains unresolved. IUML Malappuram district general secretary P Abdul Hameed said grassroots workers and voters were growing restless. “The decision has already been delayed. If it is prolonged further, there will be repercussions,” he told reporters.
Hameed said questions about the leadership vacuum were surfacing everywhere, adding, “There is dissatisfaction everywhere.” He claimed even victory celebrations had been disrupted.
Meanwhile, Congress discussions continue around senior leaders Ramesh Chennithala, K. C. Venugopal, and V. D. Satheesan as possible contenders for the top post.
- 11 May 2026 4:02 PM IST
CM Vijay meets Stalin in first post-swearing-in courtesy call
A day after taking oath as C. Joseph Vijay, Tamil Nadu’s new chief minister made his first post-election visit to his predecessor, M. K. Stalin, in Chennai. The meeting, described by officials as a “courtesy call,” carried political significance after weeks of intense campaigning between Vijay’s party and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam ahead of the April 23 Assembly elections.
Stalin, joined by his son Udhayanidhi Stalin, received Vijay warmly at the residence. Udhayanidhi greeted the actor-turned-politician with a handshake and a hug as he arrived, setting an informal tone for the interaction. Moments later, Stalin embraced Vijay, signaling a cordial beginning despite the recent political rivalry.
The leaders also exchanged silk shawls and bouquets, adding ceremony to the meeting. It marked Vijay’s first formal interaction with Stalin after his decisive election victory and elevation to the state’s top office.
- 11 May 2026 4:00 PM IST
TN Minister Keerthana’s oath delayed over missing certificate
A routine oath-taking ceremony in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly briefly turned unpredictable on Monday, with paperwork slips and emotional moments drawing attention inside the House.
Minister-elect Keerthana was first called to the podium, but proceedings paused when Assembly Principal Secretary K Srinivasan asked for her election certificate. Unable to produce it immediately, she stepped away. An official later explained, "It seems she did not have her certificate of election with her readily." Hours later, after submitting the document, she returned and completed the oath.
A similar mix-up followed when Velachery legislator R Kumar unknowingly handed over a colleague’s certificate before the error was flagged and corrected.
The session also turned emotional when AIADMK MLA K Mohan broke down before the portrait of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, folding his hands in tribute. All members, including Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, completed the constitutional formalities before taking oath.
- 11 May 2026 1:29 PM IST
Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari announces BSF land transfer
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the process of transferring land in border areas to the Border Security Force (BSF) for security purposes would begin immediately and be completed within 45 days, after which fencing work would be expedited to address illegal infiltration concerns.
Adhikari further stated that the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, along with the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and other central welfare schemes, would be implemented in West Bengal. He added that these decisions were taken at the first Cabinet meeting of the new government.
- 11 May 2026 1:20 PM IST
Leema Rose Martin takes oath
Leema Rose Martin, who won from the Lalgudi constituency in Tiruchirappalli district, took oath as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. A senior leader of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), she had earlier drawn attention during the polls as the wealthiest candidate, with a declared family net worth of around Rs 5,863 crore.
Meanwhile, her son-in-law Aadhav Arjuna, a key strategist of the ruling party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), secured victory from the Villivakkam constituency.
- 11 May 2026 1:14 PM IST
Karti Chidambaram on Kerala CM talks
On government formation in Kerala, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said the party is conscious of its duties and is holding wide-ranging consultations with all stakeholders.
He expressed confidence that the discussions would lead to a decision aimed at forming a stable and effective government in the state. - 11 May 2026 1:01 PM IST
TVK MLA Sabarinathan seeks Vijay’s nod before signing oath document
Virugambakkam MLA Sabarinathan took charge as a Member of the Legislative Assembly after a brief moment in the Assembly where he was seen seeking a nod from Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay before signing the oath document.
The interaction drew attention in the House as the MLA proceeded to formally complete the oath-taking process and assume office.
- 11 May 2026 12:57 PM IST
Suvendu Adhikari chairs his first cabinet meeting as Bengal CM
Suvendu Adhikari chaired his first cabinet meeting at Nabanna on Monday, holding a high-level administrative review with top officials of the state.
The meeting, attended by the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, DGP and Kolkata Police Commissioner, focused on assessing the current law and order situation and key administrative priorities in West Bengal.
Adhikari said the discussions centred on ensuring safety, stability and efficient governance, reiterating the government’s commitment to transparent administration and public welfare.
- 11 May 2026 12:51 PM IST
Lone BJP leader takes oath
M Bhojarajan, the lone Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) winner in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, took oath as an MLA during the inaugural session of the 17th Assembly.
He had secured victory from the Udhagamandalam Assembly segment by a margin of 976 votes, representing the BJP as part of the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
- 11 May 2026 12:48 PM IST
CM Vijay gets Z-plus security
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay gets Z-plus security.The development comes days after Tamil Nadu Police withdrew the enhanced Z-plus security cover and the 12-vehicle convoy earlier provided to the leader of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
