'INDIA bloc gone': DMK condemns Congress for snapping ties and backing TVK

The political landscape in Tamil Nadu remains uncertain as Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar delays the swearing-in of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay. Despite emerging as the single largest party with 108 seats, the TVK requires 118 for a majority. The Indian National Congress, holding five seats, has officially severed its long-standing alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) to extend conditional support to the TVK. The DMK passed a resolution condemning the Congress for betrayal, while the AIADMK maintains its distance from the new bloc. In West Bengal, the Criminal Investigation Department is investigating the fatal shootout of Chandranath Rath, a close aide to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, in North 24 Parganas. Preliminary postmortem reports and surveillance footage reveal a targeted attack by motorcycle-bound assailants. Nationally, the Bihar cabinet expanded with 32 new ministerial inductions under Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, including Nishant Kumar. Central leadership also commemorated the anniversary of cross-border strategic strikes, emphasising national security and regional stability.