Assembly Elections 2026 Highlights: West Bengal elections - Mamata targets BJP, EC at TMC poll manifesto launch

Assam polls: TMC releases first list of 17 candidates

Assam: Central Election Committee of Congress releases list of candidates for upcoming elections

Puducherry NDA crisis averted as AINRC, BJP finalise seat-sharing

After days of speculation over cracks in the NDA in Puducherry, the alliance partners have resolved their differences. The All India NR Congress (AINRC), which leads the NDA in the Union territory, will contest 16 of the 30 assembly seats, while the BJP and its allies will fight the remaining 14.

The BJP is expected to contest 10 seats, leaving two seats each for the AIADMK and the Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK), founded by Jose Charles Martin, son of lottery businessman Santiago Martin.

AINRC founder and chief minister N Rangasamy, who had opposed LJK’s entry into the alliance, eventually relented following direct intervention from the BJP leadership in New Delhi. He later met Union minister and BJP’s Puducherry election in-charge Mansukh Mandaviya at a hotel, ending speculation about a possible split in the alliance.

Addressing reporters alongside Mandaviya, Rangasamy reiterated that AINRC remains firmly committed to the NDA. He said the alliance would contest the election unitedly and pointed to the Centre’s support for Puducherry, including projects worth ₹3,000 crore sanctioned for the Union territory.

On the controversy over LJK’s inclusion, Rangasamy said Union home minister Amit Shah had personally advised him that bringing the new party into the fold would strengthen the coalition. Accepting that advice, he confirmed, the party was inducted into the alliance.

Mandaviya underlined that Rangasamy would continue to lead the NDA in Puducherry. He said the alliance would fight the election under the chief minister’s leadership.

On AINRC’s long-pending demand for statehood for Puducherry, Mandaviya said the issue would be taken up in the alliance manifesto. He also announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah would campaign in Puducherry for the upcoming polls.

The NDA’s successful resolution of the standoff is being seen as a setback for the opposition INDI bloc, which had hoped to benefit from divisions within the ruling alliance. With seat-sharing now settled, the NDA has shifted into full campaign mode.

Meanwhile, the INDI bloc is yet to finalise its own seat-sharing formula, though hopefuls from the Congress and DMK have already begun filing nominations. Earlier, Rangasamy filed his papers from two constituencies, Thattanchavady and Mangalam. By Friday, more than 130 candidates had filed nominations, with Monday being the last date for submission.

AAP releases third list of 17 candidates for Kerala Assembly polls

Sasikala-led AIPTMMK ties up with PMK for upcoming Assembly elections

VK Sasikala’s All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam and the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) have forged an alliance in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

All India Secular Front unveils 33 candidates for Bengal Assembly Polls

CM Mamata unveils 10 ‘Protigya’ for Bengal, promises welfare push and infrastructure boost

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee unveiled her 10 “Protigya” for the state, laying out a welfare- and development-focused roadmap for a possible fourth term in office.

In a post on X, Banerjee said the pledges were aimed at ensuring that the “wheels of development” in Bengal continue to move forward over the next five years.

1. Lakshmir Bhandar hike: Monthly aid for women to be raised by Rs 500 — to Rs 1,500 for general category beneficiaries and Rs 1,700 for SC/ST beneficiaries.
2. Banglar Yuba-Sathi: Unemployed youth to continue getting Rs 1,500 per month as financial support.
3. Rs 30,000 crore Agri-Budget: Continued support for farm families, help for landless farmers, and overall development of the agriculture sector.
4. Pucca houses for all families: Every family in Bengal to get a permanent house.
5. Piped drinking water for every household: All homes to be provided access to piped water.
6. Annual Duare Chikitsa camps: Healthcare camps to be organised every year in every block and town.
7. Upgrade of government schools: Infrastructure of all government schools to be improved under Banglar Shikshayatan.
8. Bengal as eastern India’s trade gateway: Focus on logistics, ports, trade infrastructure and a Global Trade Centre.
9. Old age pension expansion: Continued pension support for all existing beneficiaries, with gradual expansion to all eligible senior citizens.
10. Seven new districts and more urban local bodies: Administrative expansion through geographical reorganisation.

TMC releases a list of 18 star campaigners for the party's candidates for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.

Assam assembly elections: Himanta files nomination from Jalukbari

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday filed nomination papers as a BJP candidate from the Jalukbari constituency.

He was accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, son Nandil Biswa Sarma and the BJP's Gauhati Lok Sabha MP Bijuli Kalita Medhi.

Sarma has represented Jalukbari under the Gauhati Lok Sabha constituency since 2001 and seeks to retain it for the sixth consecutive term in the April 9 polls.

The CM led a large procession before entering the Kamrup (Metropolitan) District Election for filing nomination papers. (PTI)

Kerala assembly elections: Sudhakaran to campaign against Minister Prasad in Cherthala, cites 'provocation'

CPM rebel leader G Sudhakaran on Friday said he would campaign against Agriculture Minister P Prasad in Cherthala, accusing him of making unwarranted remarks.

Speaking to reporters here, Sudhakaran, who is contesting as an Independent candidate from Ambalappuzha with the backing of the UDF, said he had earlier decided not to take part in campaign activities outside his constituency.

“I had decided not to attend any election campaign outside Ambalappuzha. But now I have decided to campaign against Prasad in Cherthala as he has made unnecessary statements against me,” he said.

Prasad had recently said that Sudhakaran’s decision to contest the election was driven by his desire for power and that voters would reject him.

Sudhakaran alleged that Prasad made the remarks without consulting the CPI state or district leadership.

“He is the only person in the CPI who has spoken against me. The party has not officially commented on the matter so far,” he said.

He said he now has every right to campaign for Prasad’s defeat in Cherthala.

“I was silent, but he provoked me into taking this stand,” Sudhakaran said.

Kerala assembly elections: Eid meets election rush as candidates reach out at Eidgahs

With Eid al-Fitr falling on a Friday this year, Kerala’s election campaign acquired a distinctly festive yet urgent political hue, as candidates across party lines converged at Eidgah grounds in a last-minute outreach effort ahead of the April 9 Assembly polls.

With barely days left for campaigning to end, nominees from the CPM-led Left Democratic Front, the Congress-led United Democratic Front and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance were seen making a beeline to prayer venues across the state early in the morning.

The gatherings, marked by large turnouts of the faithful, quickly turned into informal political touch points.

Assam assembly elections: Assam CM says preserving culture is our responsibility, not charity

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said that preserving the state’s cultural and religious traditions remains a key priority of the government, asserting that supporting such practices is a “responsibility” rather than an act of charity.

In a post on X, CM Sarma mentioned that Assam’s cultural identity is deeply rooted in its festivals, prayers and the people who keep these traditions alive.

“Our culture is not a slogan. It lives in our festivals, our prayers and our people,” he wrote, adding that standing with communities that uphold these traditions is a duty the government has consistently fulfilled.

Highlighting specific initiatives, the chief minister said the state government has extended financial assistance to various religious and cultural groups across Assam.

Assam assembly elections: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma to file nomination papers for Jalukbari constituency

Assam CM and BJP candidate Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma has arrived at the Veterinary College Field, Khanapara, Guwahati, to commence a rally toward the Kamrup (Metro) DC office. He will file his nomination for the Jalukbari constituency today for the upcoming Assam assembly elections.

Assam assembly elections: CM Himanta Sarma, other leaders to file nomination papers today

The nomination process for the Assam Assembly elections gathered momentum on Friday with several high-profile candidates, including chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, set to file their papers, marking the formal beginning of an intense electoral battle in the state.

CM Sarma, who is seeking re-election from the Jalukbari constituency, is scheduled to submit his nomination at the Kamrup (Metropolitan) District Election Office.

Ahead of filing his papers, the Chief Minister will lead a roadshow from Khanapara Veterinary Field to the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Hengrabari, a stretch of nearly 5.6 km, in a show of political strength.

In a message posted on X, CM Sarma invited supporters to join the rally, saying their blessings would strengthen his journey in the upcoming polls.

West Bengal assembly elections: Didi calls transfers an ‘unpromulgated President’s Rule’

Election Commission’s mass transfer of senior IAS and IPS officers within Bengal was a form of “unpromulgated President’s Rule”, CM Mamata Banerjee said on Thursday. The EC’s action was a “deliberate design to seize control of Bengal through coercion and institutional manipulation”, Banerjee posted on X. Read full story

AGP releases 26 candidates list for Assam polls; Party president Atul Bora to contest from Bokakhat

The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has released a list of 26 candidates for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, fielding party chief Atul Bora from Bokakhat and executive president Keshab Mahanta from Kaliabor.

An ally in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the AGP will contest 26 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will field candidates in 89 seats and the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) in 11 seats for the April 9 polls.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Pabitra Margherita said the BJP’s candidate list reflects Assam’s diverse social fabric, highlighting representation across communities, youth, and women.

Assam Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah thanked party leadership for renominating him from Nalbari, expressing confidence in voter support.

The elections will see a contest between the BJP-led NDA, headed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, seeking a third straight term, and the Indian National Congress aiming to return to power in the 126-seat assembly.

Assam assembly elections: Himanta to file nomination for assembly polls on Friday

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he will file his nomination papers for the assembly elections on Friday. He will file his nomination papers for the Jalukbari seat at the Kamrup District Election Office.

"Tomorrow, with the blessings of the people of Jalukbari, I will be filing my 7th nomination to represent the constituency which has given me everything. Do join me tomorrow morning," he said in a social media post on Thursday.

Sarma, who was earlier with the Congress, has represented Jalukbari since 2001. He first contested this seat in 1996, losing to AGP's Bhrigu Kumar Phukan. He wrested the seat from him in 2001.

Sarma's winning spree continued, and the victory margin kept increasing in each poll. In 2021, he won the seat by a record margin of 1.01 lakh votes.

The BJP released its first list of 88 candidates for the Assam polls, fielding the chief minister from his stronghold. Polling for the 126-member assembly will be held on April 9, while the votes will be counted on May 4.

Assam assembly elections: Congress releases third list of 22 candidates

West Bengal assembly elections: RG Kar victim's mother eyes BJP ticket

The mother of RG Kar victim said she wants to contest the West Bengal assembly election as a BJP candidate, asserting that she aims to take the political route to remove the TMC government.

Speaking to reporters, the deceased doctor's mother said she is likely to be fielded from Panihati constituency in North 24 Parganas, and her name may feature in the second list of candidates that the BJP is expected to release soon.

The victim's mother said she had earlier received an offer from the BJP but was not mentally prepared at that time.

"I had received an offer from the BJP long back, but I was not mentally ready then. Yesterday, I decided to accept it and contest because I want to end the rule of the home minister," she said, referring to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who also holds the home portfolio.

She alleged that the state government had tried to obstruct the investigation and justice process in her daughter's case. "I am entering politics to ensure justice for my daughter and to remove this government from power," she added.

West Bengal assembly elections: CPI(M) announces 2nd list of 32 candidates

West Bengal assembly polls: BJP releases second list of 111 candidates; fields Rekha Patra from Hingalganj seat

Not a CM probable; ideally post should go to elected MLA: Shashi Tharoor on Kerala Assembly elections

Ahead of the Kerala Assembly polls, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said he is not a chief ministerial probable as he is not a candidate in the election and believes that ideally the CM should be picked from among the elected MLAs.

In an exclusive interview with PTI, Tharoor said since he is not a candidate, he does not have to worry about one particular constituency and that his role in the state polls is a "mixed bag". He added that he is looking forward to going "up and down the length and breadth of the state" to campaign.

Tharoor also referred to former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's advice to UDF leaders recently in which he metaphorically asked them to "dance together", and said it was a "good message" to give and now "everyone is dancing together".

Tharoor also said that while he would be happy with a majority, a figure between 85-100 seats would be good for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in the 140-member assembly.

Using cricketing analogy, Tharoor said the UDF is bowling "googlies" particularly to the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) because "they are on a sticky wicket and we can catch them on that".

Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 Live: Former TVK leader Ranjana Nachiyaar joins DMK ahead of Tamil Nadu polls

Former Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Ranjana Nachiyaar on Thursday joined Dravid Munnetra Kazhagam ahead of the Assembly elections.

She met with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin after joining the DMK.

Speaking with ANI, the actress attributed her switch to TVK leader Vijay's alleged hypocrisy, unapproachable nature, and alleged disrespect of women. She further said, being a party in power with public trust, DMK is a more comfortable choice.

"TVK is a party which leader Vijay has started. He says that he is going to give a difference in party... but he does not keep up his words. He should come and meet people... I suspect so many things in the party. The leader disrespecting women on stage on the day of Women's Day... He is not approachable to the party cadres, women leaders and the people too... DMK is a party that is already in power, and because people have trust and believe in DMK, I think this is more comfortable...," she said.

She further dismissed speculations of TVK forming alliances with major parties for seats, stating that Vijay's alleged unapproachable nature does not allow that to happen.

"TVK does not have any idea of any alliance with any party. I don't think they are fit to talk about an alliance. The leader has to be approachable for the other party leaders. I have seen so many leaders trying to approach to join TVK but they have escaped because he is not approachable," she said.

On the other hand, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and Actor Vijay on Wednesday refuted the rumours suggesting that the party will form an alliance with other major political parties, saying TVK is with social and secular justice and won't compromise it.

Assam Assembly Elections 2026 Live: BJP candidate Diganta Kalita expresses gratitude to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

BJP candidate from Kamalpur assembly constituency, Diganta Kalita, said, "Today marks the beginning of a new day for me. Today, the BJP's list has been released. I have been given the opportunity again to contest from Kamalpur. I bow to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I also thank Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma... Every worker of Kamalpur is full of enthusiasm..."

BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari exudes confidence against CM Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal: State LoP and BJP candidate from the Bhabanipur constituency, Suvendu Adhikari, said, "We have started the campaign on the Hindu New Year as today is a good day for the Hindus... We will win with a margin of more than 25 thousand votes."

West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 Live: 'Our victory is assured,' says TMC senior leader Nirmal Majhi ahead of West Bengal polls

Trinamool Congress (TMC) senior leader Dr Nirmal Majhi on Wednesday asserted confidence in the victory of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led party in the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections.

Speaking with ANI from a campaign rally in Goghat, the TMC leader highlighted the healthcare facilities provided by the government and affirmed that the party MPs will continue developmental efforts in the future. He said that the party will win 270 seats, forming the TMC governemnt for the fourth time.

TMC senior leader Dr Nirmal Majhi says, "We have informed about the excellent healthcare services and facilities provided by the district administration for the general public; the auditorium is for women and the general public. Our MPs have done a lot of work here. We will all work together. Our victory is assured under the leadership of Mamata Didi and the commandership of Abhishek Banerjee; we will get 270 seats, and Mamata Banerjee will become the Chief Minister for the fourth time," he said.

On Tuesday, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) on Tuesday announced the 291 names of candidates for West Bengal assembly seats ahead of polling, which will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29. The vote counting will be conducted on May 4.

Addressing the press conferences, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee confirmed that they are giving three seats to their ally Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM).

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will contest from Bhabanipur against Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari.

TMC Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya fielded from the Dum Dum Uttar seat, Trinamool Congress MLA Madan Mitra from the Kamarhati seat, Trinamool Congress Minister and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim from Kolkata Port seat, Kunal Ghosh from Beleghata seat, and Dr Shashi Panja from the Shyampukur seat.

BJP releases 1st list for Assam polls; Himanta to contest from Jalukbari

The BJP has announced its candidates for the Assam assembly elections, with chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma set to contest from his traditional Jalukbari seat.

Pradyut Bordoloi son Prateek withdraws his Congress candidature in Assam

Kerala Assembly Elections 2026 Live: BJP fields K Ranjith from Dharmadam against Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday released the second list of 39 candidates for the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala.BJP has fielded K Ranjith from Dharmadam against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Former Mizoram Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan has been fielded from Aranmula. BJP has fielded Ashwini ML from Kasaragod, PR Sivasankar from Ernakulam, Vathsala Prasanna Kumar from Paravur, and Renu Suresh from Kongad.

BJP had released its first list of 47 candidates on March 19, fielding the party's state President Rajeev Chandrasekhar from Nemom seat and former Union Minister of State for External Affairs of India, V Muraleedharan, from Kazhakoottam seat.

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan filed his nomination from the Dharmadam assembly constituency today.

Earlier, Congres has announced its list of 55 candidates. The party fielded Kerala Congress Committee President Sunny Joseph from the Peravoor seat. Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan has been fielded from the Paravur seat.

K Muraleedharan, former MP and son of veteran Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Kerala and former Union Minister of Industry K. Karunakaran from the Vattiyoorkavu seat.

The 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 9, the Election Commission of India announced on March 15, with the counting of votes scheduled to take place on May 4. The tenure of the current assembly is scheduled to end on May 23.

BJP releases second list of 39 candidates for Kerala Assembly elections

Goa by-elections update

Aam Aadmi Party has fielded Geetesh Naik as the candidate for the upcoming by-elections on the Ponda assembly seat, Goa.

BJP releases list of its candidates for the Assembly by-elections to be held in various states in 2026

West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 Live: Ajup to contest 182 seats in 2026 Bengal polls, says Humayun Kabir

Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder and former Trinamool Congress leader Humayun Kabir on Thursday announced that his party will contest 182 seats in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

Speaking to ANI, Kabir said the party has expanded its candidate list to 18. “I had already announced 15 candidates earlier. Now, I will contest from Raninagar, while another candidate with the same name, Humayun Kabir, will contest from Bhagwangola. Manisha Pathak Pandey will contest from the 64-Murshidabad seat. With these additions, we have released a list of 18 candidates,” he said.

Kabir added that AJUP will fight the polls in alliance, with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) contesting around eight seats as a partner.

On being asked about talks with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Kabir confirmed discussions have taken place. “There is no need to say more for now. Just wait for tomorrow. Their representative, Advocate Adil Hussain, the West Bengal observer for AIMIM, spoke to me yesterday and is coming to meet me tonight for further talks,” he said.

Kabir also confirmed that he will contest from both the Rejinagar and Naoda constituencies in Murshidabad, and issued a sharp political challenge to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her Bhabanipur seat.

Kerala Assembly Election 2026 Live: UDF confident ahead of Kerala polls, alleges misgovernance by Left

United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate PK Bashir on Wednesday expressed confidence of victory ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections, alleging “mismanagement” by the Left government over the past 15 years.

Speaking to ANI, Bashir said party members have begun holding meetings following the election announcement, with a UDF committee meeting scheduled for 4:30 pm. “This election is being seen as a referendum on the past fifteen years of governance in the state, particularly against the perceived mismanagement by the Left government. The UDF is confident of victory,” he said.

Meanwhile, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) candidate for the Manjeri constituency, M. Rahmathulla, said he was confident of public support. He expressed hope that voters in Manjeri would extend their cooperation and cast their votes in favour of the UDF in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections.

West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 Live: TMC confident of 270 seats, says Nirmal Majhi during Goghat campaign

A Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate campaigned in Goghat on Wednesday, with senior party leader Dr Nirmal Majhi highlighting the government’s development work in the region.

Speaking during the campaign, Majhi said the district administration has delivered strong healthcare services and public facilities, including infrastructure for women and the wider community. He also credited party MPs for their contributions to local development.

Expressing confidence ahead of the polls, Majhi said the party would secure a decisive victory under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee. He added that the TMC is aiming to win 270 seats, with Mamata Banerjee set to return as Chief Minister for a fourth term.

Assam Assembly Elections 2026 Live: Congress says Bordoloi exit won’t hurt party, young leaders to fill gap

Congress in-charge for Assam, Bhanwar Jitendra Singh, on Wednesday downplayed the impact of former party leader Pradyut Bordoloi’s resignation, saying it would not harm the party and that emerging leaders would fill the gap.

“It is unfortunate that Pradyut Bordoloi has resigned, but this will not affect the Congress. His place will be taken by young leaders joining the party,” Singh said. He added that Bordoloi’s rise was due to the Congress and questioned his decision to join the BJP. “Only he can explain why he chose to switch sides. While some leaders may be prominent, it is the grassroots workers who drive the party’s campaign,” he said, adding that decisions on the remaining 40 tickets are likely to be taken later in the day.

Earlier, Bordoloi formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and state BJP president Dilip Saikia.

After joining the BJP, Bordoloi said his resignation from the Congress was prompted by “persistent internal humiliation” and a lack of support from the party leadership.

West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 Live: BJP’s Rahul Sinha supports EC move, claims it will ensure clean elections

BJP leader Rahul Sinha on Wednesday supported the Election Commission’s recent bureaucratic reshuffle in West Bengal, calling it a crucial step toward ensuring free and fair elections. He claimed the move had “broken Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s syndicate.”

Sinha alleged that the state police had been filled with “sycophants” loyal to Mamata Banerjee, forming a network that, according to him, contributed to law and order concerns. He further accused the Chief Minister of attempting to incite tensions between communities, though he said both Hindus and Muslims showed restraint.

“Mamata Banerjee wanted riots to take place in West Bengal and tried to provoke divisions between Hindus and Muslims, but people did not fall for it,” he said, adding that the reshuffle addressed the issue by removing officers aligned with her.

He also praised the Election Commission for appointing officers with “good records,” saying the changes would help ensure peaceful polls and prevent violence during elections.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2026 Live: TVK chief Vijay dismisses alliance rumours ahead of polls

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay on Wednesday dismissed rumours of a potential alliance with major political parties, asserting that his party remains committed to social and secular justice and will not compromise on its principles.

Speaking at a TVK Iftar event, Vijay said, “We are the people’s team. Many attempts were made, but they did not succeed. Now, a false campaign is being spread that we will join one alliance or another. I want to make it clear that we stand firmly for secular and social justice and will not compromise on it. The government will be led by us. Do not believe such rumours. We will achieve our goal.”

Earlier, on Monday, TVK Joint General Secretary and chief spokesperson C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar also urged the public to ignore speculation around alliances.

“Do not believe rumours. Recently, false reports have been deliberately circulated in some media outlets and on social media for political gain. Claims that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is holding alliance talks with the BJP, AIADMK, or leaders like V.K. Sasikala and Dr. S. Ramadoss are completely untrue,” he said.