Live: What's brewing in TN? DMK 'asks' Stalin to take decision for a 'stable' govt

TVK supporters return disappointed from cancelled swearing in ceremony venue

Hundreds of TVK supporters, fuelled by the hope of seeing their leader Vijay as chief minister, gathered at Nehru Indoor Stadium in the city on Thursday, only to be met with locked gates and a lack of information regarding the scheduled proceedings. 

Many supporters, travelling from various parts of the state, near and far, like Arumbakkam and Coimbatore, expressed deep disappointment and confusion upon finding the premises closed and without official communication. 

Speaking to PTI Videos, fans and party loyalists described a sense of heartbreak after arriving early to secure a place in line. 

Charulatha, a supporter, noted the emotional toll of the situation: "We came with so much joy thinking he would become the chief minister today, but there is nothing here. The gates are closed. It is very painful." Sai Deepika, her daughter and a student set to enter the 12th grade, shared her excitement for the event: "I was very excited to be here. I have been telling everyone he will win and do good things for the people."

A visibly distressed Gunasundari, a long-time political observer from a family of AIADMK supporters, stated she shifted her loyalty to Vijay: "I publicly say I voted for Vijay. I have a belief that he will help those in need. Seeing the gates closed like this is a shock." Despite the confusion on the ground, the gathered crowd remained steadfast in their political choice. Several supporters highlighted Vijay’s decision to fund party activities independently as a key reason for their trust.

Vijay convenes crucial meet of TVK MLAs-designate

TVK founder Vijay has convened a crucial meeting of his party’s MLAs-designate here on Thursday to discuss government formation, a source in the party said.

The meeting comes in the wake of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam falling short of meeting a simple majority to form the government. Though the Congress with 5 MLAs has offered support to TVK, Vijay's party falls short of a simple majority of 118 in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.

The TVK won 108 seats in the Assembly elections held on April 23. Out of which Vijay will have to resign from one of the two constituencies he had won. During the meeting, the TVK is likely to elect its legislature party leader, the source added. 

Vijay says no to CM convoy before swearing-in: TVK

TVK chief Vijay declined to accept the police convoy vehicles provided to Tamil Nadu chief minister as per protocol until his swearing-in, the party said on Thursday.

A police official confirmed that the CM convoy vehicles provided to him "as per protocol" following the announcement of the Assembly election results were returned and have not been withdrawn. The official also said that arrangements were in place for the swearing-in ceremony. 

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) clarified that its party founder Vijay had "personally requested that the convoy vehicles be returned". In a statement here, the TVK said: "Vijay conveyed that he would accept the official chief minister-level security only after forming the government with a decisive mandate".

Four convoy vehicles assigned to Vijay on May 4 after his TVK secured 108 seats in the Assembly polls returned from his residence following his request.

Even on May 6, the police had deployed security near his Panaiyur residence and in front of the Lok Bhavan here when Vijay called on Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to stake his claim to form the government. Vijay did not use the government vehicle to meet the Governor. 

Murder of Suvendu aide reflects 'complete collapse' of law and order in Bengal: BJP

The BJP on Thursday stepped up the demand for the arrest of those involved in the killing of a close aide of its leader Suvendu Adhikari, alleging that the murder was a testament to "complete collapse" of law and order in the state under the rule of the TMC government.

The saffron party also accused the TMC of fostering "lawlessness" after losing power in the recent assembly polls.

In a shocking development within 48 hours of the poll verdict, Chandranath Rath, Adhikari's executive assistant, was shot dead in a brazen attack at Madhyamgram on Wednesday night, escalating tension in the area.

"A person closely associated with the leader of the opposition was targeted in a planned manner. This shows how law and order have deteriorated under the Mamata Banerjee government, which the people of Bengal have thrown out of power," a BJP leader said.

Adhikari on Thursday described the gunning down of his close aide as a "cold-blooded murder" and alleged that the killers had carried out a recce before executing the attack in North 24 Parganas district.

The Trinamool Congress dismissed the allegations and accused the BJP of attempting to politicise the incident before the investigation had progressed. "The TMC has nothing to do with this unfortunate incident. The police are investigating the case professionally. The BJP should refrain from making baseless accusations. We are the ones who demanded a CBI probe of the killing," a senior Trinamool leader said.

The Congress demanded a transparent probe and criticised both the BJP and the TMC for "turning every tragedy into a political battle".

Murder of Suvendu's close aide: Family to decide on last rites after autopsy

Senior BJP leaders visited the residence of Suvendu Adhikari's close aide Chandranath Rath, who was shot dead in North 24 Parganas district, and said his family would decide on the last rites after the completion of the postmortem examination on Thursday, a party source said.

“The post-mortem examination is expected to be completed later today. After that, the body will be handed over to the family. At this moment, the family’s wishes are most important. The decisions regarding the last rites will be taken after consultations with the deceased's family," a senior BJP leader told PTI. He said the party leadership has constantly been in touch with Rath’s relatives.

BJP workers gathered outside the hospital where Rath was taken to after the shooting incident on Wednesday night and demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the killing. “We want exemplary punishment for the culprits. Such attacks are condemnable in a democratic state,” a BJP worker said.

The police deployment has been enhanced around the hospital and Rath’s residence to prevent any flare-up, a police officer said.

Tension grips parts of North 24 Parganas after murder of Suvendu's aide

Tension prevailed in parts of West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district and the police stepped up security deployment in the region on Thursday morning, a day after BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's close aide was shot dead, a senior officer said.

Additional police forces were deployed in Madhyamgram, Doharia and adjoining localities after BJP supporters staged protests, demanding the immediate arrest of the assailants. Senior police officers, however, appealed to the people to maintain peace.

"We are keeping strict vigil in sensitive pockets, and additional forces have been deployed. People should not pay heed to rumours," a senior West Bengal Police officer told PTI.

Adhikari's close aide Chandranath Rath was shot dead in North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday night in what the BJP described as a "targeted assassination", triggering outrage, protests and fresh allegations of political violence.

According to preliminary information, Rath was intercepted near Doltala in Madhyamgram around 10.30 pm by motorcycle-borne assailants who tailed his vehicle, forced it to stop and opened fire before fleeing.

"We want the arrest of killers. Rath, travelling in a vehicle linked to the leader of the opposition, was shot dead. This is nothing but a planned murder. People are frightened," a local BJP worker said.

Police examining CCTV footage, teams set up to trace assailants in murder of Suvendu’s aide

The West Bengal Police are examining CCTV footage and have formed several teams to trace the assailants as part of its investigation into the killing of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's close aide, a senior officer said on Thursday.

The police are also probing whether contract killers were engaged in the murder of Chandranath Rath, who was shot dead in North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday night. "Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the crime spot and nearby areas, while multiple police teams have been formed to trace the assailants," the police officer said.

According to preliminary information, Rath's car was intercepted near Doharia between Doltala and Madhyamgram Chowmatha at around 10.30 pm by motorcycle-borne assailants who opened fire before fleeing.

DGP Siddhinath Gupta and CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh visited the spot during the night. “A detailed investigation has begun. We are pursuing several leads,” the officer said.

The police suspect the use of sophisticated firearms during the attack. According to preliminary forensic inputs, the assailants might have used Glock 47X pistols, he said. “A weapon of this nature is generally not used by ordinary criminals. We are examining whether professional shooters were involved,” a senior West Bengal Police officer said on condition of anonymity.

Preliminary findings suggested that the assailants, suspected to be riding four motorcycles, intercepted Rath's vehicle in a coordinated manner before firing multiple rounds from close range.

“A suspicious vehicle that allegedly blocked the way of the Rath's car has been seized. However, the number plate attached to it was found to be fake,” Gupta told reporters at the spot. “We have recovered empty cartridges and live ammunition from the crime spot. At this stage, the motive behind the attack is not clear,” the state DGP added. 

Newly elected MLAs taken to Puducherry: AIADMK

The newly elected MLAs of the party have been taken to neighbouring Puducherry, the AIADMK said on Wednesday.

AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan, speaking to PTI, said the party MLAs have been lodged in Puducherry. However, he did not elaborate on the number of MLAs taken to Puducherry. Also, he did not specify the reasons for taking them to the union territory.

The development comes amid TVK's attempts to secure a majority in the 234-member strong Tamil Nadu Assembly. The Congress party, which has 5 MLAs, has already extended support to the TVK.

In the TN Assembly election, the TVK has won 108 seats, the DMK 59, AIADMK 47, Congress 5, PMK 4, IUML 2, CPI 2, CPI-M 2, and the VCK 2. The BJP, DMDK and AMMK have got 1 seat each. 

Cong 'betrayed' TN people by supporting TVK: DMK leader Baalu

Senior DMK leader TR Baalu on Wednesday alleged that the Congress, which joined hands with TVK to form a government in Tamil Nadu, has "betrayed" the people who voted for them.

His remarks came hours after the Congress, a long-time ally of the DMK, announced its support to actor-politician Vijay's TVK and severed ties with the Dravidian major. "It (Congress) has betrayed the people who voted believing a DMK-led government would be formed," Baalu said in a statement. 

The letter (support to TVK) issued by the All India Congress Committee has revealed the "true nature" they had kept hidden for some time, the DMK treasurer pointed out. Claiming that whenever the Congress party faced difficult situations or crises, the DMK stood by them as a close ally, he said, "We paid a heavy price for that, yet accepted it with an open heart". 

He further said, "Just as the BJP resorts to shortcuts to grab power in various states, the Congress has done the same in Tamil Nadu." Baalu, who is a Lok Sabha member, said the DMK has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with them (Congress) ideologically inside and outside Parliament.

Buzz over ties between AIADMK and DMK to halt TVK juggernaut

Political circles in Tamil Nadu were abuzz on Wednesday over reported "talks between bitter rivals," the DMK and AIADMK-- to stop the TVK from forming its maiden government in the state.

Reports of deliberations between the two Dravidian parties surfaced hours after the Congress party joined hands with TVK. However, both the AIADMK and the DMK camps declined to comment.

Earlier in the day, TVK chief Vijay called on the Governor to stake claim to form the government after getting support from the Congress, which also severed its ties with pre-poll ally the DMK.

The TVK has won 108 seats, the DMK 59, AIADMK 47, Congress 5, PMK 4, IUML 2, CPI 2 and CPI-M 2, VCK 2. The BJP, DMDK and AMMK have got 1 seat each.