LIVE | No numbers? No clarity on Vijay's swearing-in yet

Amit Shah says Bengal polls saw record turnout, zero poll deaths

Amit Shah on Friday defended the conduct of the election process in West Bengal, responding to criticism directed at the Election Commission during the campaign.

“Many questions were raised against the Election Commission. Not just by TMC, but by all their allies,” Shah said while addressing reporters.

He pointed to voter participation as evidence of public confidence in the process. “I want to ask the same people politely about the 93% voting that happened in Bengal, which has been the highest since Independence,” he said.

Shah also highlighted the absence of violence, saying both phases of polling were completed “without a single death.”

Amit Shah hails BJP mandate, says Bengal voters backed party

Amit Shah on Friday described the BJP’s electoral performance as a reflection of strong public backing, calling the outcome one of the biggest mandates he has witnessed.

“As a BJP worker, I have no words to express my gratitude for the public support we've received this time,” Shah said, thanking voters for their support.

Highlighting the party’s performance, he said, “The winning margin of our MLAs is an average of 28,000 votes.”

Referring to the opposition’s results, Shah added, “Out of 23 administrative districts, there are nine where Didi failed to even open her account.” He called the outcome “a blessing from God and the people of Bengal.”

DMK wanted Left parties to support AIADMK govt: MA Baby

CPI(M) General Secretary, in a press interaction, said the DMK wanted to extend outside support to the AIADMK to form the new government in Tamil Nadu. The DMK ruged Left parties to do the same, Baby added.

Since this was not acceptable to the Left parties, they decided to support Vijay's TVK unconditionally, he further said.

Kerala: Satheesan's appeal to Congress and UDF workers

In a post on Facebook, Congress leader VD Satheesan, who is in the race to become Kerala Chief Minister, wrote, "With 102 seats, we have secured the biggest victory in the history of the Congress and the UDF. The first phase of procedures to elect the leader of the Congress Legislature Party has been completed. The AICC is now moving to the second phase of the process.

"This is a moment of joy and pride for all of us. At such a time, nothing should be done by leaders or workers that could cause any difficulty or embarrassment to the party or the front. Public displays of factionalism and the installation of flex boards should be avoided. I sincerely appeal to dear Congress and UDF workers to refrain from such actions."

Stalin urges swift formation of new Tamil Nadu govt

With the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election results now officially declared, DMK chief M.K. Stalin on Friday called for the immediate formation of a new government, citing both constitutional necessity and democratic responsibility.

In a statement issued after the Election Commission released the list of Members of the Legislative Assembly, Stalin pointed to the current constitutional position in the state.

“The results of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections have been announced, and the Election Commission has released the list of Members of the Legislative Assembly elected by the people,” he said.

Stalin also noted that “the existing Legislative Assembly has already been dissolved, and His Excellency the Governor has issued the proclamation to that effect.”

Against that backdrop, he stressed the urgency of the next step in the democratic process.

“In such a situation, it is not only the compulsion of the times but also the most important duty of democracy that a new government must be formed for the elected Members of the Legislative Assembly to take their oaths of office and to advance the welfare of the state,” said Stalin.

Referring to the constitutional process ahead, the DMK leader said he had formally appealed to the Governor to act without delay.

“On behalf of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, I request that His Excellency the Governor take immediate action to form a new administration in accordance with the Constitution, in order to avoid any delay in the formation of the government,” he said.

Kerala: Congress worker, supporting Satheesan, attempts self-immolation

A Congress party worker attempted self-immolation in Kottayam, demanding that VD Satheesan be made the next Chief Minister of Kerala.

Francis John doused himself with petrol at Kurupanthara junction in Kaduthuruthy while raising slogans for Satheesan. However, police intervened and later took him into custody.

Shah in Kolkata: 'Infiltration and cattle smuggling will become impossible'

Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "Now, our government has been formed in Bengal as well. Infiltration and cattle smuggling will become impossible, and together, the Bengal government and the Government of India will transform this border into an impregnable fortress for the nation's security."

Vijay set to meet Governor at 6 PM

TVK chief Vijay is expected to meet the Governor at 6 PM today.

CPI(M): Left parties will extend outside support to TVK

Left parties will extend outside support; shall not be part of actor-politican Vijay-led Cabinet, says CPI(M).

CPI(M) offers unconditional support to Vijay's TVK

The CPI(M) also today extended unconditional support to Vijay's TVK to form the government. The CPI(M), which fought the election as part of the DMK alliance, won two seats.