rajendra raj

Orders Completion of Delimitation and Electoral Rolls Revision for ULBs by June 20

In India's democracy, fractured election mandates often shift power to governors, who become arbiters of government formation. The recent Tamil Nadu election saw actor-turned-politician Vijay's party emerge as the single largest, but the governor's discretion in inviting him to form the government sparked debate over constitutional conventions and political arithmetic.

President Droupadi Murmu presented 66 Padma awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Violinist N Rajam received Padma Vibhushan. Actor Dharmendra was honored posthumously with Padma Vibhushan. Actor Prosenjit Chatterjee received Padma Shri. The ceremony recognized distinguished service in various fields. A total of 131 Padma awards were approved for 2026.

Tamil Nadu's chief minister's swearing-in ceremony sparked controversy as the state song 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' was placed third, after the national song and anthem. This deviation from tradition, where the state song usually begins government events, drew strong objections from CPI and the ruling TVK party, which vowed to revert to the established practice.

CPI state secretary M Veerapandiyan has objected to the order of songs played at Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's swearing-in ceremony, where 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' was placed third after 'Vande Mataram' and the national anthem. He stated this violates long-standing convention and demanded a public explanation for the lapse, urging the government to restore the state song's primacy.

Kamal Haasan urged constitutional authorities to allow Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to prove its majority, stating that not inviting the single largest party to form the government would disrespect the people's mandate. He emphasized that majority must be proven on the floor of the House, not in Raj Bhavan.

Actor-politician Vijay's TVK party emerged as the single-largest force in Tamil Nadu, winning 108 seats. Despite this, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has paused an invitation to form the government, citing an "unestablished majority." This has triggered a constitutional showdown, with legal experts debating the governor's discretionary powers and the necessity of a floor test before an invitation.

For actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay, the days following the May 4 Tamil Nadu assembly election results were less about celebration and more about survival arithmetic. TVK emerged as the single-largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member assembly, placing Vijay within striking distance of the chief minister’s chair but still 10 short of the majority mark of 118.

In Love Story, Vijayta Pandit and Kumar Gaurav played star-crossed lovers—and life imitated art. Vijayta shared that while shooting, their bond grew stronger and soon turned into a relationship. After the film’s massive success, she even turned down multiple film offers, choosing instead to focus on her personal life with Kumar Gaurav. However, their love story didn’t have a fairytale ending.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has ordered officials to ensure all rural solar lights are functional and to install CCTV cameras in every Panchayat Bhawan. He also stressed accelerating the Patna Metro project, completing crematoriums at traditional sites, and improving urban infrastructure, including sanitation, water supply, and housing delivery. Solid waste management and sewage treatment plant operations were also highlighted.

Veteran actor and producer Sudesh Kumar, known for his roles in 'Saranga' and 'Chhoti Bahen', passed away at 95 in Mumbai. Kumar, who also produced thrillers like 'Uljhan', began his career in theatre before making a mark in films. His wife confirmed his passing after a brief illness. He was born in Peshawar and later moved to Bombay.

Early trends for the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections show a significant shift, with the Congress-led UDF projected for a commanding victory, leading in over 100 seats. The ruling LDF faces strong anti-incumbency, while the BJP remains a marginal player. This outcome suggests a return to Kerala's traditional pattern of alternating governments.

Rajasthan government seeks more time for local body polls, citing OBC commission delays, delimitation disputes, and logistical challenges. The High Court had previously set an April 15 deadline, issuing contempt notices for non-compliance. The state argues that holding elections without updated OBC reservations would be unjust and highlights weather concerns, assuring no deliberate delay.