CPI, CPI(M) meetings begin to decide on extending support for government formation in Tamil Nadu

Communist Party of India (Marxist) State secretary P. Shanmugam on Tuesday said his party would reconsider its support to the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay if he included All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MLAs in his Cabinet.“We strongly believe that the Chief Minister would not take such a decision. If he decides to include the AIADMK in the Cabinet, we will reconsider our support,” Mr. Shanmugam told reporters in Thiruthuraipoondi.Pointing out a section of AIADMK MLAs had already voted in favour of the government during the trust vote in the Assembly, Mr. Shanmugam said that was different. “But including them in the government is against the verdict of the people, who have voted against both the AIADMK and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam,” he said.The CPI(M), which has two MLAs, has extended support to the TVK government along with the Communist Party of India, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and Indian Union Muslim League, which have two MLAs each. Published - May 19, 2026 09:26 pm IST

The Joint Visakhapatnam District Library Society, Zilla Grandhalaya Samstha (ZGS), has urged the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) to address mounting financial and infrastructural challenges threatening the functioning of public libraries across the city.Society Chairman Vannemreddy Satish Kumar met GVMC Commissioner Ketan Karg on Monday and submitted a petition highlighting critical concerns, including the urgent need for a dedicated office building of at least 5,000 square feet, as the District Central Library currently operates out of a dilapidated rented premises.The Society flagged the precarious condition of the Children’s Branch Library in Ward 36, Rangireeju Street, describing the building as structurally unsafe and posing a serious risk of accident to readers, and urged its immediate relocation to a government or community building of approximately 2,000 square feet.A severe funds crunch since 2008-09, attributed to irregular government grants, has hampered book procurement, salary and pension disbursement, support for the unemployed, and library renovation. The Society also demanded the release of pending library cess dues amounting to approximately ₹218 crores and sought permission for deposit centres within city limits to operate Grade 1, 2, and 3 libraries in vacant government buildings. Published - May 18, 2026 11:23 pm IST

PMK MLA Sowmiya Anbumani speaks during the floor test proceedings at the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, in Chennai on May 13, 2026.

| Photo Credit: ANI

Assembly adjourned sine dieFollowing the Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s government winning the vote of confidence in the House and after the reply by Mr. Vijay on Wednesday, Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar adjourned the House sine die. The motion to adjourn sine die was moved by the Leader of the House, K.A. Sengottaiyan, and it was passed.CM Vijay will protect me: AMMK MLAThe lone AMMK MLA from Mannargudi S. Kamaraj on Wednesday said he had already expressed his support to the government yesterday (May 12). “I will extend support today, tomorrow and for the entire five years to the Chief Minister.”Also Read: Tamil Nadu Assembly trust vote LIVE- May 13, 2026Mr. Kamaraj also recited the lyrics of the song ‘Unnai Arinthaal Nee Unnai Arinthaal’ from veteran actor-politician M.G. Ramachandran-starrer Vettaikaran (1964). He said, ‘Maaberum sabaithanil nee nadandhaal unakku maalaigal vizhavendum.’ Meanwhile, Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar said Mr. Kamaraj should also say the next line of the song, ‘Oru maattru kuraiyaadha mannavan ivanendru pottri pugazha vendum,’ and said Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay would function like that. Mr. Kamaraj also said he was expelled from his party for supporting this government. “The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, who is going to save the people of the State, will also protect me,” he added.‘Campaign against BJP’The lone BJP MLA from Udhagamandalam M. Bhojarajan on Wednesday, while speaking on the motion of vote of confidence, said unfortunately today (May 13), it had become a campaign meeting against the BJP. Mr. Bhojarajan’s remarks came against the backdrop of several leaders of legislature parties, while speaking on the motion of vote of confidence, criticising the BJP. The BJP MLA also said from having two MPs in Parliament in the 1980s, the BJP had grown to such an extent as to be in power consecutively for a third term at the Centre and to be the ruling party in many States.Deep discussionWhen AIADMK general secretary Edappadi. K. Palaniswami was speaking, rebel leader C. Ve. Shanmugam called C. Vijayabaskar, who went to his place and spoke to him for some time. Later, when Mr. Palaniswami was about to end his speech and Mr. Velumani was getting ready to speak, Mr. Shanmugam went to Mr. Vijayabaskar’s place and told him in confidence.Sustained effort needed: SowmiyaPMK MLA Sowmiya Anbumani said a sustained effort was needed to end alcoholism. Welcoming the closure of 717 Tasmac shops, she said whenever one shop closed, a few opened in the side streets. Women were afraid to cross the Tasmac shops as they fear for safety, she said. When she spoke, the Chief Minister jotted down her remarks. She also asked the CM to ensure a drug and alcohol free State for the generations to come. Published - May 13, 2026 08:15 pm IST

Karnataka’s Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi

| Photo Credit: File photo

Why are Nayaka leaders not speaking out or protesting?

The community leaders have been holding meetings among themselves and have been seeking advice from legal experts. It is also because some of the cases relating to this issue are pending in courts. In fact, the Union Government has 7.5% for STs, which is in line with the principle of proportional representation.

What is the government of Karnataka doing about it?

It is unfortunate that the State Government’s initiative of raising SC and ST quotas were challenged in court. We urge the Union Government to include the increased quantum of reservation in the 9th schedule. The Karnataka government has already written twice in the past on this. But those appeals have been ignored. I urge the Union Government to act on this matter swiftly. It will be similar to the measures taken in the case of Tamil Nadu.

What about horizontal reservation?

I am aligned with the idea of horizontal reservation that ensures internal reservation in all categories – SC/ ST and OBC , women and other groups – by creating well-defined sub quotas. However, such measures need to be taken after taking all the States and other stakeholders into confidence. No such initiative should cause injustice to underrepresented communities

Published - May 14, 2026 10:23 am IST

Tamil Nadu Government Floor Test LIVE Updates: Vote Of Confidence Underway, Congress, VCK, IUML Support TVK NDTV Vijay's floor test splits AIADMK. Will Thalapathy go the Yediyurappa way? The Times of India Malaysia, Tamil Nadu share deep ties, says PM Anwar Ibrahim; congratulates new Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay The Hindu Finally: Editorial on formation of new Vijay-led Tamil Nadu government and its ripples Telegraph India Tamil Nadu Assembly Floor Test LIVE: Congress, Left, VCK Extend Support To Vijay. Will AIADMK's 'Rebel' Faction Back TVK? News18

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AIADMK MLAs from the faction supporting Edappadi K. Palaniswami have announced their intentions to vote against the confidence motion Updated

May 13, 2026 09:58 am IST

CM Joseph Vijay speaking in the T.N. Assembly on May 13, 2026. Photo: YouTube/Tamilnadu Assembly

Watch LIVE | CM Vijay faces first major test as Tamil Nadu Assembly holds floor test today

May 13, 2026 09:56 VCK declares support for TVK government Taking part in the floor test, that is under way in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has declared its support for the CM Vijay-led Govt. While speaking in the Assembly, VCK member Vanni Arasu demanded that a law be enacted against superstitions such as astrology.-K MuralidharanMay 13, 2026 09:48 Congress, CPI(M) extend support Following CM Vijay moving the motion seeking confidence vote, the Congress Legislature Party, along with the CPI(M) have extended their support to the Motion.-

The Hindu BureauMay 13, 2026 09:47 CM Vijay moves resolution seeking confidence voteChief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has moved the resolution on the floor of the Tamil Nadu Assembly, seeking confidence vote. -

The Hindu BureauMay 13, 2026 09:32 Tamil Nadu Assembly session commencesThe Tamil Nadu Assembly session has commenced for the day. A floor test is scheduled, required for the C. Joseph Vijay to prove his majority. May 13, 2026 09:18 Watch | LoP Udhayanidhi Stalin arrives in AssemblyVisuals showed LoP Udhayanidhi Stalin arriving in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, just ahead of the floor test:May 13, 2026 09:08 Supreme Court to hear TVK MLA Sethupathi’s plea over trust vote As the Assembly gears for a crucial trust vote today, the Supreme Court will be hearing a case moved by Tamil Nadu’s ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party MLA R. Sreenivasa Sethupathi against Madras High Court restricting him from participating in the trust vote. Click here to read more...May 13, 2026 08:50 Watch | Palaniswami-led MLAs arrive at the T.N. Assembly ahead of the trust vote todayMay 13, 2026 08:38 How the rebellion within AIADMK played out Following a fractured verdict in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and an upheaval of the Dravidian dominance in the State, one Dravidian major - the AIADMK is facing rebellion within its ranks. Here is a timeline of events:Rebellion within the AIADMK: A timeline of eventsFollowing a fractured verdict in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and an upheaval of the Dravidian dominance in the State, one Dravidian major AIADMK is facing a rebellion within its ranks. Here is a timeline of events.May 13, 2026 08:36 Interview | Floor test will be smooth; have received letters from EPS, Velumani factions, says T.N. Assembly Speaker Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly’s new Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar, a veteran politician, in an interview with

The Hindu, assured that the floor test, where Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has to establish his majority, will be smooth and exceed expectations. He acknowledged having received letters from two rival AIADMK groups.Read the full interview here:Floor test will be smooth; have received letters from EPS, Velumani factions: T.N. Assembly SpeakerSpeaker J.C.D. Prabhakar assures a smooth floor test for Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay amid rival AIADMK factions.May 13, 2026 08:35 AIADMK rebel MLAs to back TVK in Tamil Nadu floor test Ahead of Wednesday’s (May 13, 2026) floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday (May 12, 2026) called on rebel AIADMK leaders led by former Ministers S.P. Velumani and C.Ve. Shanmugam hours after they announced support to his ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).Earlier, in the Assembly, newly elected Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar, allowed Mr. Velumani also to speak immediately after AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami delivered a short speech congratulating the Speaker on his election.Click here to read more on this.... Published - May 13, 2026 08:31 am IST

Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin speaks in the Tamil Nadu Assembly in Chennai on Tuesday (May 12, 2026).

| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Objecting to the rendition of Tamil Thai Vaazhthu after the national song Vande Mataram and the national anthem during the swearing-in of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Sunday last, Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin said on Tuesday that the DMK would not allow it to happen in the Governor’s coming address to the House.“The Governor will deliver his address to the House soon. So, you should not allow recurrence of the incident which happened at the swearing-in. We will not allow it,” he said in his first speech in the Assembly as the Leader of the Opposition.The rendition of Tamil Thai Vaazhthu after the national song Vande

Mataram and the national anthem during the swearing-in had shocked the people of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Udhayanidhi said. Acknowledging that the TVK government had given its explanation, he said, “Vande

Mataram was not sung in West Bengal, where the BJP has been elected to power. But it has been sung in Tamil Nadu.”Referring to the Governorship of R.N. Ravi in West Bengal, who was the Governor of Tamil Nadu until recently, Mr. Udhayanidhi said, “The person who wanted to change the Assembly tradition and insisted that the national anthem be sung before Tamil Thai Vaazhthu is now the West Bengal Governor.” He also recalled how the erstwhile DMK government, under M.K. Stalin, had opposed it.“Not only in the Assembly but also at any government event..., Tamil Thai Vaazhthu should never be pushed to the second position. This [TVK]

government should not allow it,” Mr. Udhayanidhi said. “We should remain vigilant and protect our rights and tradition,” he said.

Also Read : Court: Tamil Thai Vazhthu is a prayer song, not an anthemQuoting former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai, he said the DMK would function as a “constructive Opposition party”. Calling upon all to join the journey towards the attainment of the rights and development of Tamil Nadu, he said the DMK would work towards the ideal ‘All for Everyone.’Appreciating Mr. Vijay for visiting senior leaders, Mr. Udhayanidhi said, “We expect the political decency to continue in the Assembly.” He also appealed to the Chair to remain non-partisan and accord due significance to the ideals of democracy. Published - May 12, 2026 06:56 pm IST

Gold demand, particularly for investment purposes, has ⁠risen in India amid a recent rally in prices and negative returns from equities over the past year. File.

| Photo Credit: Reuters

Government has raised import tariffs on gold and silver to 15% from 6%, government ‌orders said on Wednesday (May 13, 2026), as part of efforts to curb overseas purchases of the metals and ease pressure on ⁠the country’s foreign exchange reserves.The higher duties could dampen demand in the world’s second-largest consumer of precious metals, although they may help narrow India’s trade ‌deficit and support the rupee, one of Asia’s worst-performing currencies.However, industry officials warned higher import taxes could revive smuggling, ‌which had eased after India cut tariffs in mid-2024.The government ‌has ⁠imposed a 10% basic customs duty and a ⁠5% Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC) on gold and silver imports, taking the effective import tax to 15% from 6%.“As expected, the government has raised duties to curb the current account deficit. However, ‌this could affect demand, as gold and silver prices were already elevated,” said Surendra Mehta, national secretary at the India Bullion and Jewellers Association.Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 10, 2026) urged people to ‌avoid gold purchases for a year to help protect foreign exchange reserves. India meets almost all of its gold consumption through imports.Gold demand, particularly for investment purposes, has ⁠risen amid a recent rally in prices and negative returns from equities over the past year.Inflows into India’s gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) surged ‌186% year-on-year in the March quarter to a record 20 metric tons, the World Gold Council said last month.India has been trying to curb gold imports in recent weeks and began levying a 3% integrated goods and services tax (IGST) on gold and silver imports, prompting banks to halt imports for more than a month.As ‌a result, April imports fell to a near 30-year low. Banks have since resumed imports after paying the 3% IGST, but imports are now likely to fall again following the ⁠increase in import duties, bullion dealers said.“Grey markets are likely to become ⁠active, as the incentives to bring in gold illegally are high. At current price levels, smugglers could make significant profits,” ‌said a Mumbai-based bullion dealer at a private bank, who declined to be named as he was not authorised to speak to media. Published - May 13, 2026 08:20 am IST

Preparation are under way at the Government Botanical Garden in Udhagamandalam for the annual flower show.

| Photo Credit: SATHYAMOORTHY M.

The summer festival season is expected to start by the end of this week, officials from The Nilgiris district administration confirmed.The festival, which usually includes the Spices Show, Rose Show, Flower Show, Vegetables and Fruit Show, is usually announced well in advance so that tourists can organise their visits around the dates the shows are scheduled to be held. However, due to the State Legislative Assembly elections this year, and the impasse over the formation of the new government, preparations had to be put on hold.However, efforts have now been stepped up to prepare the Government Rose Garden and the Government Botanical Garden in Udhagamandalam and Sims Park in Coonoor to host the Rose Show, Flower Show and Fruit Show, officials said.The two other shows are not being organised this year due to the elections and lack of preparation time. “The schedule is expected to be ready in the coming days and we can expect the festival to start by the end of the week,” said an official from the district administration.Tourists have already begun visiting The Nilgiris in large numbers over the last few weeks, with resorts and hotels reporting good visitor numbers.Meanwhile, the Nilgiri Documentation Centre (NDC) has urged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to inaugurate the flower show.“The Chief Minister’s visit will be timely as the once famous Queen of Hill Station has declined in recent years to a pitiful state. Still, nearly four million people visit the town from all over India. No other tourist spot attracts so many visitors in India,” said the NDC in a press release. Published - May 11, 2026 07:28 pm IST

“When we raised this issue with the Governor’s office, we were informed that the Governor was bound to act in accordance with a new circular issued by the Union government,” TVK leader Aadhav Arjuna said. Photo: YT/@TVKVijayHQ-Offl via PTI

Tamil Nadu Minister Aadhav Arjuna on Sunday (May 10, 2026) said the new government will continue the tradition of rendition of Tamil Thai Vazhthu (invocation of Mother Tamil) and National Anthem at the beginning and end of the official functions respectively.The Minister’s statement on X came against the backdrop of rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ at first, followed by the National Anthem, and then the Tamil Thai Vazhthu, at the swearing-in ceremony of the Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay-led Cabinet presided over by Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The ruling TVK’s allies including CPI, CPI-M and VCK, had criticised this.Also Read: Tamil Nadu government formation LIVEMr. Arjuna said ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ carries with it the pride of a history spanning more than a century. The Tamil Nadu government declared it as the State song with the intention to spread it across the world. The State song is played first at the beginning of the government functions in Tamil Nadu, and the National Anthem is played at the end. This has been the customary and appropriate practice.The new TVK-led government has no differing opinion regarding this long-standing practice. In such a scenario, this new practice is not in keeping with Tamil Nadu’s traditions. In Tamil Nadu, the rendering of Tamil Thai Vazhthu as the third song is not acceptable to the Tamil Nadu Government led by the TVK, he said.“When we raised this issue with the Governor’s office, we were informed that the Governor was bound to act in accordance with a new circular issued by the Union Government. Under such unavoidable circumstances, the ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ was played as the third song. However, this new practice will not be followed in the future, and instead, the ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ will be played at the beginning, and the National Anthem at the end of the functions, as it was earlier,” he said.'நீராரும் கடலுடுத்த...' எனத் தொடங்கும் தமிழ்த்தாய் வாழ்த்துப் பாடலுக்கு நூற்றாண்டு கடந்த வரலாற்றுப் பெருமிதம் உள்ளது. இந்தப் பாடல் 'உலகெங்கும் பரவ வேண்டும்...' என்ற இலட்சியத்தின் தொடர்ச்சியாகவே, தமிழ்நாடு அரசு மாநிலப் பாடலாக அதை அறிவித்தது. இத்தகைய பெருமைமிக்க தமிழ்த்தாய்…— Aadhav Arjuna (@AadhavArjuna) May 10, 2026Not only in Tamil Nadu, but in all States across India, the respective State song should be played at the beginning of official functions, and the Union Government must take appropriate steps in this regard. That is the collective sentiment and unanimous view of the people of Tamil Nadu, he added. Published - May 10, 2026 10:59 pm IST

CPI, CPI(M) meetings begin to decide on extending support for government formation in Tamil Nadu

CPI (M) will reconsider support to Vijay if AIADMK legislators are included in Cabinet: Shanmugam

CPI (M) will reconsider support to Vijay if AIADMK legislators are included in Cabinet: Shanmugam

Discussion (0)

Library Society seeks GVMC support amid financial crisis

Tamil Nadu Assembly: From ‘deep discussions’ among rebel AIADMK leaders to AMMK MLA praising CM Vijay

‘Union Government should include enhanced quota under 9th schedule’

Tamil Nadu Government Floor Test LIVE Updates: Vote Of Confidence Underway, Congress, VCK, IUML Support TVK

Tamil Nadu Assembly session LIVE: CM Vijay moves resolution seeking confidence vote

We will not allow Tamil Thai Vaazhthu to be pushed behind during Governor’s Address, says Udhayanidhi Stalin

Government raises gold and silver tariffs to 15% to curb imports, support rupee

The Nilgiris summer festival likely to start this week

Tradition of singing Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at beginning, National Anthem at end will continue, says Minister Aadhav Arjuna

CPI, CPI(M) meetings begin to decide on extending support for government formation in Tamil Nadu

CPI (M) will reconsider support to Vijay if AIADMK legislators are included in Cabinet: Shanmugam

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Discussion (0)

Library Society seeks GVMC support amid financial crisis

Tamil Nadu Assembly: From ‘deep discussions’ among rebel AIADMK leaders to AMMK MLA praising CM Vijay

‘Union Government should include enhanced quota under 9th schedule’

Tamil Nadu Government Floor Test LIVE Updates: Vote Of Confidence Underway, Congress, VCK, IUML Support TVK

Tamil Nadu Assembly session LIVE: CM Vijay moves resolution seeking confidence vote

We will not allow Tamil Thai Vaazhthu to be pushed behind during Governor’s Address, says Udhayanidhi Stalin

Government raises gold and silver tariffs to 15% to curb imports, support rupee

The Nilgiris summer festival likely to start this week

Tradition of singing Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at beginning, National Anthem at end will continue, says Minister Aadhav Arjuna

More in Politics

Cabinet meeting to be held in Coastal Karnataka, says Chief Minister

Claims about sugarcane juice directly mixed with petrol, car engine absorbing water because of ethanol “misleading, unsubstantiated”: Petroleum Ministry

SBI knocks HC doors over State government selling five acres land ‘allotted to it earlier’