Cyclone Tauktae: At least 4 dead in Gujarat, CM Vijay Raupani holds high-level meet

The big focus of this episode of News Today is on the dramatic twist that has taken place in the Tamil Nadu power play.

A major political standoff has erupted in Tamil Nadu as the state governor allegedly delays inviting the single largest party to form the new government. Despite submitting a letter of support with one hundred and twelve elected representatives, the governor has reportedly demanded proof of a simple majority of one hundred and eighteen before administering the oath of office. Political analysts and legal experts argue that constitutional precedents mandate the governor to invite the single largest party and allow them to prove their majority on the floor of the legislative assembly, rather than turning the governor's residence into a testing ground. Amidst the delay, rumours of an unlikely alliance between rival Dravidian parties have surfaced, though these are widely dismissed as pressure tactics. Meanwhile, forty elected representatives from the leading party have reportedly been relocated to a resort to prevent potential poaching. Experts warn that any attempt by constitutional authorities to subvert the electoral mandate could lead to severe institutional clashes and undermine the democratic process in the state.

Following the recent assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, a major political shift is underway as archrivals DMK and AIADMK are reportedly holding talks to form a post-poll alliance.

A political war has erupted as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann alleged BJP's involvement in twin blasts in Punjab, while the saffron party leaders criticised the state government for its handling of cross-border threats.