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VCK denies reports of seeking posts, demands

VCK general secretary D. Ravikumar on Saturday dismissed reports suggesting that the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi was seeking positions or placing demands during the ongoing political developments in Tamil Nadu.

In a statement shared on social media, Ravikumar described such reports as baseless and urged media organisations to exercise caution while reporting on the party.

“Appeal. The reports currently being circulated, claiming that the VCK is seeking various positions and making demands, are entirely contrary to the truth. We request the media not to lend credence to such reports,” he said.

“We further urge the media not to become complicit in attempts to malign the VCK,” Ravikumar added.

EPS congratulates party set to form TN govt

Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Saturday congratulated the party set to assume power in Tamil Nadu following the conclusion of the 17th Assembly elections.

In a post on X, the former Leader of Opposition acknowledged the completion of the electoral process and the mandate delivered by voters across the state.

“In the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections that have concluded successfully, candidates from various parties have contested and emerged victorious. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the party that will form the government in Tamil Nadu,” he said.

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee alleges over 30 lakh "genuine voters" removed in Bengal

Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday alleged widespread irregularities in the recently concluded Assembly elections in West Bengal, hours after Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the state’s first BJP chief minister.

In a post on X, Banerjee said the Trinamool Congress had fought under difficult circumstances. “We have fought an extremely difficult election where nearly 30 lakh genuine voters were allegedly disenfranchised from the electoral rolls,” he said, while accusing several institutions of failing to function impartially during the electoral process.

He further claimed that concerns had emerged over the conduct of the election and the functioning of democratic institutions. “Democratic institutions that are meant to function impartially appeared compromised, raising serious concerns about the fairness, credibility and transparency of the electoral process in West Bengal,” he said.

Banerjee also raised questions over counting procedures and the handling of electronic voting machines. “I have already demanded the release of CCTV FOOTAGE FROM THE COUNTING CENTRES and a transparent counting of VVPAT slips so that the truth can come before the people,” he added.

Reaffirming the party’s political stand, Banerjee said, “Under the guidance and leadership of Mamata Banerjee, our fight for democracy, constitutional values and the rights and dignity of the people will continue without fear and without compromise.” He also urged party workers facing intimidation or post-poll violence to come forward and assured them of legal and political support.

CM Suvendu Adhikari vows to rebuild Bengal after taking oath

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday said his government would focus on rebuilding West Bengal and addressing what he described as years of damage to the state’s institutions and cultural identity.

Speaking after assuming office, Adhikari said, “The political party based on the ideals of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee doesn’t need any certification.” He also made it clear that his role as chief minister would be above political divisions.

“I am the Chief Minister now, and I belong to everybody,” he said, while responding to continuing political criticism in the aftermath of the Assembly results.

Referring to his government’s priorities, Adhikari said Bengal had suffered setbacks in key areas and would need sustained rebuilding efforts. “Bengal has been damaged a lot. Education is lost, culture is destroyed, and we will rebuild Bengal,” he said.

“There is a huge responsibility on our shoulders; let them talk, I will only move ahead,” the chief minister added.

Mamata Banerjee changes X bio as BJP takes power in Bengal

Mamata Banerjee, who had earlier refused to step down as the Chief Minister after the BJP’s victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections, has now made a notable change to her profile on X, signalling a shift in her public positioning.

The Trinamool Congress chief updated her bio on the social media platform to describe her tenure in the past tense, referring to her three terms in office. The revised bio now reads, "Founder Chairperson All India Trinamool Congress. Chief Minister of West Bengal (15th, 16th and 17th Vidhan Sabha)," replacing the earlier description that read, "Founder Chairperson All India Trinamool Congress. Honourable Chief Minister, West Bengal".

The update came on the same day Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as Bengal’s first BJP chief minister at the new government’s oath ceremony. Adhikari had also defeated Banerjee in Bhabanipur during the Assembly polls.

VCK to announce decision on supporting TVK at 4 pm

VCK has said that it will formally announce its decision on supporting TVK at 4 pm on Saturday (May 9).

Five Congress MLAs shift to Hyderabad amid TN govt uncertainty

Amid continuing uncertainty over government formation in Tamil Nadu, five Congress MLAs from the state were staying in Hyderabad on Saturday, in what is being seen as a precautionary move by the party against possible poaching attempts.

According to party sources, the group was being led by P. Viswanathan, who had earlier served as the AICC in-charge of party affairs in Telangana. Sources also indicated that Viswanathan could be considered for a ministerial berth if a TVK-led government takes shape.

The Congress has already extended support to Vijay’s TVK, which secured 108 seats in its debut Assembly election in Tamil Nadu on April 23, falling 10 seats short of a majority. After emerging as the single largest party, TVK approached the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), and VCK, parties previously aligned with the DMK, seeking support to form the government.

The VCK, a long-standing ally of the Left parties, is also expected to formally back the Vijay-led formation after the communists declared their stand.

S. Ramadoss urges TN Governor to invite TVK to form govt

PMK founder S. Ramadoss on Saturday urged the Governor of Tamil Nadu to invite the Vijay-led TVK to form the next government, citing what he described as an extraordinary political situation in the State. He said TVK had emerged as the single largest party and should be given the opportunity to stake claim without delay.

In a statement issued in Chennai, Ramadoss said, “It is the duty of everyone to bow to the people’s verdict. This process must not be delayed. An invitation should be extended immediately.”

Referring to the evolving political developments, he noted that parties including the Congress and Left had already indicated support for TVK in the larger interest of the State. He also called on Thol Thirumavalavan to back the party.

“If he offers his support, the governor should formally invite Vijay and administer the oath of office to him as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.” “Bearing the current circumstances in mind, I earnestly request my younger brother, Thirumavalavan, to immediately extend his support to TVK and by doing so, he would honour the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu and facilitate the establishment of a new government,” he added.

Watch: Dilip Ghosh takes oath as Bengal minister

BJP leader Dilip Ghosh takes oath as minister in the new West Bengal government during the swearing-in ceremony.

Watch: Suvendu Adhikari greets PM Modi after oath ceremony

After taking the oath as Chief Minister of West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari greets Narendra Modi and senior NDA leaders at the ceremony.