Actor-politician Vijay may hold talks with Congress and Left parties to form a government in Tamil Nadu after his party fell short of a majority, sources said. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won 108 seats, below the 118 mark. Sources said TVK could reach out to Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML for support. Congress leader Sasikanth Senthil said the party will take a final decision after consultations. TVK has already elected Vijay as its legislative leader following its strong debut in the state. (PC: India Today)

Suvendu Adhikari has emerged as a central figure for the Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal after defeating Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur. He had earlier beaten her in Nandigram in 2021. His latest win, by over 15,000 votes, strengthens his position in the party. Adhikari, once a close aide of Banerjee, joined BJP in 2020 after differences within the All India Trinamool Congress. His rise reflects BJP’s growing strength in the state. Party leaders have not announced a chief minister yet, but Adhikari is seen as a strong contender. (PC: NDTV)

In a major setback for the All India Trinamool Congress, chief minister Mamata Banerjee and 21 other ministers lost in the West Bengal elections. Out of 35 ministers, 22 were defeated, showing a sharp loss for the ruling leadership. Several senior leaders, including Aroop Biswas and Bratya Basu, also lost their seats. The defeats cut across key departments like education, housing, and transport. The Bharatiya Janata Party secured a strong win in the state. The results suggest voters rejected not just candidates but the government’s overall leadership and performance across regions. (PC: HT)

Actor-turned-politician Vijay is preparing to stake claim to form the government in Tamil Nadu after his party fell short of a majority. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) held a meeting where MLAs elected him as leader and chief ministerial candidate. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is expected to invite the party to prove its numbers. TVK is exploring outside support but has ruled out alliances with DMK and BJP. Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, will decide their stand soon.

A powerful explosion at a fireworks factory in Liuyang, Hunan, China killed 26 people and injured 61, state media said. The blast struck the Huasheng Fireworks plant on Monday afternoon. Authorities evacuated people within a 3km radius. Over 1,500 responders joined rescue work and saved seven trapped people. Two gunpowder warehouses raised fears of more blasts. Police took “control measures” against staff. Xi Jinping called for full rescue efforts and a probe. Officials said air and water quality remain normal. (PC: BBC)

A scene from The Greatest Of All Time featuring Vijay is going viral after his party’s strong debut in Tamil Nadu. In the clip, he drives a car with the number “TN 07 CM 2026”, seen by many as a hint at political plans. Vijay leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, which has emerged as the single-largest party. Co-actor Premgi Amaren had earlier said, “Vijay will become the Chief Minister in 2026.” The party has 108 seats and is short of a majority, with talks of support from allies. (PC: NDTV)

Kalita Majhi won the Ausgram seat in West Bengal on a Bharatiya Janata Party ticket. She defeated Shyama Prasanna Lahori by 12,535 votes. Majhi earlier worked as a domestic worker earning Rs 2,500 a month. She ran a door-to-door campaign and secured over one lakh votes. She has been active in politics for a decade and started as a booth worker. She lost in 2021 but was fielded again. Party leader BL Santhosh said the party “recognises talent and hard work”. Her win highlights the rise of grassroots leaders. (PC: NDTV)

The Bharatiya Janata Party said the new West Bengal government will take oath on May 9, marking Rabindra Jayanti. Party leader Samik Bhattacharya said the ceremony will take place on that day. The date, known as Pochishe Boishakh, marks the birth of Rabindranath Tagore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier linked the win to Tagore’s vision of a fearless Bengal. Officials will complete formal steps before the swearing-in. Governor RN Ravi is expected to invite outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to resign as per process. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack on the United Arab Emirates after three Indians were injured in a drone-linked fire in Fujairah. “Targeting civilians and infrastructure is unacceptable,” he said, adding India stands in “firm solidarity” with the UAE. He stressed safe and free movement through the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE blamed Iran, while Abbas Araghchi warned against escalation. India’s foreign ministry also called the attack unacceptable and urged an end to hostilities and protection of civilians. (PC: HT)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned the United States not to be “dragged back into the quagmire” after fresh attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. The US says Iran fired missiles and drones at military and commercial ships. Tehran denies some claims. US President Donald Trump said American forces destroyed seven Iranian fast boats, which Iran rejected. Washington has launched “Project Freedom” to escort ships out of the waterway. Around 2,000 vessels remain stuck. Shipping firm Maersk said one of its ships exited with US military support. (PC: BBC)