The big talking points of this episode of News Today are the 2026 assembly election results in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. In West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a majority with over 200 seats, ending the Trinamool Congress's 15-year tenure. Outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has refused to resign, alleging electoral interference and a conspiracy involving the Election Commission. Reports of post-poll violence and vandalism targeting political offices have emerged across several districts. In Tamil Nadu, actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, disrupting the long-standing DMK-AIADMK duopoly. According to sources, Vijay is eyeing alliance with Congress, Left parties and VCK. The Congress party is reportedly considering a coalition with TVK to reach the majority mark. Additionally, the Union Cabinet approved increasing the Supreme Court’s sanctioned strength from 34 to 38 judges to address judicial backlogs. The broadcast also covers international updates from Tehran regarding West Asia tensions and a domestic aviation incident involving a power bank explosion on an IndiGo flight.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, DMK spokesperson Salem Dharanidharan discussed the political landscape in Tamil Nadu following actor Vijay's stunning electoral victory with his party, TVK and if this means the end of the road for Dravida parties.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, former Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani responded to allegations by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and opposition leaders that the recent election was stolen and more.
US President Donald Trump has congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the BJP’s historic victory in the Bengal assembly elections.
A day after BJP scripted history by winning 206 seats in West Bengal, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was seen relishing jhalmuri after a cabinet briefing in Delhi.
