Trisha Krishnan joining TVK? Actress Trisha Krishnan is reportedly likely to make a political debut with Thalapathy Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Party leaders are keen for her to contest a by-election from Tiruchirappalli East, a seat Vijay may vacate. Despite initial reluctance due to no political background, Trisha's past aspirations to become Tamil Nadu CM have resurfaced amid these strong rumors.
Kolkata, May 4:In a mandate as sweeping as it is symbolic, the BJP on Monday scripted history by winning 202 seats to secure more than a two-thirds majority in the West Bengal assembly polls, ending the TMCs 15-year rule, and decisively shifting the states ideological and political centre of gravity. The verdict acquired added political drama and symbolic heft as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was defeated in the prestigious Bhabanipur seat by BJPs Suvendu Adhikari, capping a stunning turnaround after initial trends appeared to favour the TMC supremo. What began as tentative early leads soon hardened into a decisive wave, with the BJP winning 202 seats and leading in five, while the TMC trailed far behind, managing to win 73 and leading in eight seats, according to Election Commission data at 11.10pm. The scale, spread and speed of the BJP surge -breaching the halfway mark of 148 in the 294-member House well before counting reached its midpoint- pointed not merely to a change of guard but to a structural realignment in Bengal politics. For the first time since 1972, West Bengal appears set to be governed by a party that is also in power at the Centre -a shift with deep administrative and political implications. The result also marked the BJPs decisive breach of its last major eastern bastion, completing its saffron arc across 'Anga, Banga and Kalinga' (Bihar, Bengal and Odisha) and significantly altering the national political balance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the mandate, saying the Lotus blooms in West Bengal and that the party would work to fulfil the aspirations of the people. At the heart of the BJPs campaign was Modi himself, whose high-voltage rallies and direct voter connect made him the central face of the partys push in Bengal, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah functioned as the chief strategist -stitching together booth-level networks, candidate selection and social coalitions. The partys rise in Bengal has been neither sudden nor accidental. Since its 2019 Lok Sabha breakthrough, the BJP has treated the state not merely as another electoral target but as a political and ideological challenge. From a marginal vote share of around four per cent in 2011, the BJP surged to nearly 40 per cent in 2019 and then secured 77 seats in the 2021 Assembly elections, displacing the Left and Congress as the principal challenger to the TMC. Yet, converting that expansion into power had remained elusive until now. As counting progressed through the day, early leads consolidated into a near sweep. The BJPs advance cut across geographies -from north Bengal to Junglemahal to south Bengal, from border districts to industrial belt- indicating a statewide wave rather than region-specific gains. Seats such as Dinhata, Gosaba, Baghmundi, Bankura, Binpur and Nayagram pointed to deep inroads in tribal and rural belts, while gains in Asansol Dakshin, Durgapur Purba and other urban pockets reflected consolidation in industrial and semi-urban regions. Early wins in Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Monteswar, Bhatar, Medinipur and Asansol Dakshin reinforced the breadth of the surge. In contrast, the TMCs resistance appeared fragmented. District-level patterns pointed to a sharp erosion, with the TMC struggling to hold ground in several regions of north Bengal and Junglemahal. The vote share data underscored the depth of the shift. The BJPs vote share climbed to around 45 per cent from 38 per cent in 2021, while the TMCs dropped to nearly 40.94 per cent from 48 percent. A key point lay in the 177 constituencies where voter deletions had exceeded past victory margins -a latent factor that appears to have translated into a decisive political shift. In these seats, the BJP not only retained its earlier gains but also made significant inroads into TMC-held territories, suggesting a deeper realignment rather than a mere swing. The scale of the setback was also reflected in the fortunes of senior TMC leaders. At least 20 ministers were defeated, including Bratya Basu, Manas Ranjan Bhunia, Shashi Panja and Chandrima Bhattacharya. In Sabang, Bhunia, a multi-term winner, lost, while in Dinhata, Udayan Guha was defeated. In Kolkata, BJPs Purnima Chakraborty defeated state industry minister Shashi Panja, pointing to cracks even in urban bastions. For a party that had built its dominance on welfare delivery, centralised authority and booth-level control, the erosion appeared simultaneous across organisational layers. In a dramatic, high-stakes contest that mirrored the political theatre of Nandigram five years ago, Adhikari defeated Banerjee in Bhabanipur by 15,105 votes after all 20 rounds of counting, according to Election Commission data. I thank the people of Bhabanipur for voting for me and ensuring a margin of over 15,000 votes, Adhikari said after securing victory and collecting his winning certificate. The outcome was a replay of the 2021 Nandigram election, where Adhikari had unseated Banerjee in a fiercely fought battle that reshaped Bengals political narrative. Adhikari, once a close aide of Banerjee and a key architect of the TMCs rise in districts like East Midnapore, now emerges as a frontrunner in discussions over the chief ministerial face of the BJP government. Other names, including state president Samik Bhattacharya, Union minister Sukanta Majumdar and Swapan Dasgupta, are also doing the rounds. The verdict represents a watershed moment for the BJP. From a marginal presence in Bengal in the late 1990s -aided initially by its alliance with the TMC -the party has now completed a steady climb to power and dismantled the very party that once facilitated its entry in the state, three decades ago. Politically, the Monday poll verdict reinforced the BJPs ability to dislodge entrenched regional forces. However, the mandate also brings challenges governing a politically polarised state, managing local leadership equations, and delivering on promises related to development, law and order and administrative reform. For the TMC, the verdict signals a structural rupture. After 15 years in power, the party faces the difficult transition from a dominant ruling force to an opposition formation, with anti-incumbency, corruption allegations, governance fatigue and organisational centralisation converging into a decisive setback. West Bengal, long defined by extended phases of single-party dominance, now appears to be entering a more competitive, bipolar political phase. For the BJP, Bengal is no longer a frontier; it is a governance test. For the TMC, the battle shifts from retaining power to reclaiming relevance. And for Bengal, the moment marks not just a change in government, but a reordering of its political landscape. NDA set to form Govt in Assam for 3rd straight term The ruling NDA is set to form the government in Assam for the third consecutive term after securing a two-thirds majority, with a record high of 102 seats in the 126-member assembly, while the Congress-led Opposition delivered its worst performance in recent times on Monday. The BJP, which contested 90 seats, won 82, while its allies -- the Bodoland People's Front (BPF), which contested 11 seats, and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), which fought in 26 seats -- bagged 10 constituencies each. The saffron party secured a majority on its own for the first time in the state. It had won 60 seats in the previous two polls in 2021 and 2016. In the Opposition camp, the Congress, which contested 99 seats, won 19 constituencies, while the Badruddin Ajmal-led AIUDF and Akhil Gogoi-led Raijor Dal secured two seats each, and the Trinamool Congress bagged one constituency. Raijor Dal, an opposition alliance partner, had contested 13 seats, while the other parties in the camp -- Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), CPI(M) and APHLC -- drew a blank. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma won the Jalukbari constituency for the sixth consecutive term, defeating Congress candidate Bidisha Neog by 89,434 votes. In a major blow to the Congress, its state president Gaurav Gogoi lost in Jorhat to veteran politician and sitting BJP MLA Hitendranath Goswami by 23,181 votes. Among the prominent BJP winners are ministers Ajanta Neog (Golaghat), Ranoj Pegu (Dhemaji), Pijush Hazarika (Jagiroad), Ashok Singhal (Dhekiajuli), Kaushik Rai (Lakhipur), Prashanta Phukan (Dibrugarh), Krishnendu Paul (Patharkandi) and Bimal Borah (Tingkhong). Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary won from Tamulpur constituency by defeating former BTC chief Pramod Boro of the UPPL. Sitting BJP MLAs Mrinal Saikia (Khumtai), Bhuban Pegu (Jonai), Rama Kanta Dewri (Morigaon), Rupak Sarmah (Nagaon-Batadraba), Paramanda Rajbongshi (Sipajhar), Utpal Borah (Gohpur), Biswajit Phukan (Sarupathar), Binod Hazarika (Chabua-Lahowal), Taranga Gogoi (Naharkatia), Bhaskar Sharma (Margherita), Rupjyoti Kurmi (Mariani) and Bhuban Gam (Majuli) also emerged victorious. AGP ministers Atul Bora and Keshav Mahanta retained their Bokakhat and Kaliabor constituencies, respectively, while first-timer Tapan Das won the Dimoria seat. Among the BPF candidates, cabinet minister Charan Boro retained his Mazbat constituency while the others who won are Maneswar Brahma (Baksa), Paniram Brahma (Sidli-Chirang), Thaneswar Basumatary (Manas), Rihon Daimary (Udalguri) and BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary's wife Sewli Mohilary from Kokrajhar. Prominent Congress candidates who won the polls are sitting MLAs Wajed Ali Choudhury (Birsing Jarua), Jakir Hussain Sikdar (Pakabetbari), Rekibuddin Ahmed (Chamaria) and Nurul Huda (Rupahihat). Other winners from the party include Aminul Haque Laskar (Sonai), Joy Prakash Das (Nowboicha), Tanzil Hussain (Samaguri), Asif Mohammad Nazar (Laharighat) and Aftabuddin Mollah (Jaleswar). AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal won from Binnakandi and his party member Mazibur Rahman from Dalgaon. Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi retained the Sibsagar seat, while another party member Mehboob Muktar won the Dhing seat and Trinamool Congress' Sherman Ali Ahmed won from Mandia. Among the prominent candidates who lost the polls are Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing assembly, Debabrata Saikia, Assam Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Saikia, and former Rajya Sabha MP and senior Congress leader Ripun Bora. Among the 59 women who contested the polls, only six could manage to win, with four from the BJP, and one each from its allies AGP and BPF, while only one won from Congress. Polling in all 126 assembly constituencies in the state was held in a single phase on April 9 with 722 candidates in fray. UDF sweeps to power in Kerela Lotus blooms in 3 seats Kerala on Monday witnessed a sharp political reset as the state electors voted out the last Left government in the country, bringing back the Congress to the ruling saddle after a gap of 10 years, while the BJP broke through a long-standing electoral drought by winning three seats. The Congress-led UDF swept aside a decade of Left rule under Pinarayi Vijayan with a decisive Assembly victory, with the national party adding the third southern state to be ruled by it, in its kitty. The party is in power in Karnataka and Telangana. While Congress' vote share stood at 28.79 per cent, that of CPI (M) was 21.77 per cent. Congress ally IUML had a voteshare of 11.01 per cent. Apart from strong anti-incumbency against the government, the results of the April 9 polls also indicated a consolidation of support across sections of society in favour of the United Democratic Front, which had been in opposition to the Left dispensation for the past decade. The UDF won 102 seats, while the CPI(M)-headed LDF netted 35 seats, according to Election Commission data on counting of votes for 140 constituencies. The outcome also marked the absence of the Left from governance in any Indian state for the first time in five decades. The ire against the government was so strong that 13 ministers in the cabinet suffered defeat in the political tsunami unleashed by the UDF. Not only the Congress, but its key allies, including the IUML, the Kerala Congress also secured massive victory in the polls, which saw the complete erasure of the LDF in some key districts. At the same time, the LDF partners, including the CPI(M), lost many seats, while a key partner, Kerala Congress (M), was reduced to zero in a humiliating outcome in the polls. Top contenders for the Chief Minister's post, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala and Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, won their seats with comfortable margins, setting the stage for the next step in discussions on the post. Of the 21 cabinet members, only Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, P A Mohamed Riyas, K Rajan, G R Anil, K N Balagopal, P Prasad, and Saji Cherian emerged victorious. The ministers who lost the election included Veena George, M B Rajesh, O R Kelu, R Bindhu, J Chinchurani, P Rajeev, K B Ganesh Kumar, V N Vasavan, V Sivankutty, V Abdurahiman, Kadannappally Ramachandran A K Saseendran and Roshy Augustine. LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan also lost his sitting seat of Perambra in Kozhikode district. The BJP's bid to make strong inroads in Kerala dominated by UDF and LDF got a slight push with the party winning three seats-- Nemom and Kazhakoottam in Thiruvananthapuram district and Chathannoor in Kollam. BJP candidate from Chathannoor, B B Gopakumar, won by 4,398 votes. In Nemom, party state chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar triumphed with a margin of over 3,000 votes, while former Union Minister V Muraleedharan won Kazhakoottam with a narrow margin. Congress general secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra thanked the people of the state for their overwhelming support and vowed to work diligently towards building a better future for them. In a post on X, Vadra said, To all my brothers and sisters in Keralam, thank you for your faith and for your overwhelming support. The trust you have placed in us will be the UDF's guiding force as we work hard towards building a better future for each one of you. I sincerely hope that our gratitude to you will be evident each day of the next five years as we strive to fulfil our commitments to you with honesty and humility, she added. Reacting to the outcome, AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal said the UDF's sweeping victory was a clear verdict against the arrogance, corruption, and nepotism of the CPI(M)-led government headed by CM Vijayan. Addressing a press conference, Venugopal said the outcome reflected public anger against what he termed 10 years of misrule by the Left government. He claimed that Vijayan's victory in his home constituency, Dharmadam, was only technical, alleging that the CM trailed the UDF candidate in the initial rounds of counting and failed to secure a majority in his own village. He just escaped. He suffered a setback even in his home turf. He was the only person who did not realise the people's mood in this election, Venugopal claimed. In a major political upset for the CPI(M), leaders who had revolted against the party just ahead of the polls and joined the UDF camp, including veteran leader G Sudhakaran, P V Kunhikrishnan and T K Govindan, breached the Left strongholds of Ambalappuzha, Payyannur and Taliparamba seats. CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan said the LDF would examine the reasons behind its defeat and take corrective measures. Speaking to reporters, Govindan said every aspect that led to the defeat would be analysed. He thanked LDF workers and the people who voted for the front. The LDF will evaluate and study the defeat, after which required corrections will be made. We expect the support of the people for it, he said. On defeats in traditional party strongholds, Govindan said the LDF had suffered a major setback across Kerala. We will carry out effective organisational work to correct the issues that led to the defeat, he said. BJP leader Chandrasekhar told reporters that as contended by him from the beginning his was an anti-CPI(M) election as the people were fed up with their corruption and alleged misappropriation of gold from Sabarimala. Chandrasekhar said that right from the start of the election campaign, both the Congress and CPI(M) said that BJP will not get even one seat. He also said that he knew right from the beginning that the CPI(M) will not win this time, no matter what it does. Meanwhile, the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly will have 11 women MLAs, one less than in the previous House. The outgoing Assembly had 12 women legislators, a majority of them from the CPI(M). Vijay's TVK emerges giant slayer in Tamil Nadu Actor-politician Vijay's TVK on Monday created a record of sorts in the electoral history of Tamil Nadu and emerged as the single largest party by delivering a shock defeat to incumbent DMK and its president, Chief Minister MK Stalin in his Kolathur constituency, while the AIADMK was pushed to a distant third spot. This was the first time since 1967, when the first non-Congress government (DMK) came to power in the state, that a party other than the two Dravidian heavyweights emerged victorious in the hustings. Vijay and TVK have many firsts to their credit and the the party founder will be the first person from a minority religion -Christianity- to helm the state. While Vijay won from both Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East constituencies, his party has netted 89 seats and was leading in 18 more and is on course to become the single largest party in the 234-member House. Elections were held on April 23 and the counting of votes done on Monday. Perhaps the biggest shock was CM Stalin being defeated by a margin of 8,795 votes in his Kolathur constituency by little known V S Babu, who was formerly with the DMK and an ex-MLA. More than 10 ministers including Geetha Jeevan and Ma Subramanian were defeated. Stalin had last tasted defeat in 1991. Even Deputy CM Udhayanidhi's prospects appeared dim for a while as he trailed behind the TVK nominee in Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni. Eventually, he won. As soon as it became clear that TVK was inching towards an unprecedented, huge win in its debut polls, party workers and supporters gathered in front of party office at Panaiyur here and burst firecrackers and distributed sweets. Also, Vijay's victory and often-repeated assurance of share in power to like-minded parties is expected to open a new chapter in the history of the state and TVK supporters expect the Congress (5), IUML (2), Left parties (4), VCK (2) and PMK (5) as well to offer support and have a share in power. Together such parties have won or leading in a total of 18 seats. TVK needs 118 seats to form government. This will the first time in Tamil Nadu that a party will assume power a little over two years after its founding. TVK has clocked nearly 35 per cent (34.92) vote share in its debut polls. The TVK was launched in February 2024. While the DMK has won 48 seats and is leading in 12 constituencies (24.20 per cent voteshare), AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami won by a record margin of 98,110 votes in his home segment of Edapadi in Salem district. The AIADMK has won 41 seats and is leading in six segments (21.25 per cent voteshare). While the party's seniors, including C Ve Shanmugam and SP Velumani won hands down, many others, such as former minister P Thangamani, suffered shock defeats. Interestingly, the TVK made heavy inroads in the AIADMK's bastion, western Tamil Nadu that includes Coimbatore, even as DMK emerged victorious in some seats. DMK President and outgoing Chief Minister Stalin took the defeat in his stride and said that his party bowed and accepted the people's verdict. He said he was truthful to all sections of people and had acted as per his conscience and also worked beyond his capacity for people's welfare. He asserted that his party, which worked well as the ruling party would from now on work well as the main opposition party. Stalin said in his public life, he had seen lot of victories and defeats as well and DMK's political journey will continue without any slackness. He said ideology is important rather than victories and defeats alone. AIADMK general secretary Palaniswami said that he accepts the people's verdict in the elections. In a statement here, he said, I express my gratitude to all the people, who rose up and performed their democratic duty in the assembly elections. Stating that the people were judges here, he said, Therefore, I wholeheartedly accept the decision given by the people. He said, We will soon recover from this setback. Meanwhile, scores of tinsel town names, including 'superstar' Rajinikanth greeted Vijay on his poll show. National award winner Dhanush, musician Anirudh Ravichander and many others extended their greetings. Interestingly, among the TVK winners was actor-director Srinath, who defeated state minister P Geetha Jeevan in Thoothukudi. NDA retains Puducherry Riding a pro-incumbency wave, the AINRC-led NDA emerged victorious in the April 9 Puducherry Assembly elections, all set to form the government for a successive term. AINRC leader and Chief Minister N Rangasamy won from both the seats that he contested--Thattanchavady and Mangalam, even as the party won a total of 11 seats and was leading in one, according to latest Election Commission figures. Elections to 30 seats were held on April 9. The territorial assembly also has three nominated members to the House. NDA constituent BJP won from four seats while other coalition members--AIADMK and LJK, won from one seat each. Winners from BJP included party senior and incumbent minister A Namassivayam. The NDA's victory came on a day when actor Vijay-led TVK won in neighbouring Tamil Nadu and also emerged victorious from two seats in the UT. Puducherry, a tiny UT located about 160 km from Chennai, borders Tamil Nadu districts Cuddalore and Villupuram on either sides. Opposition DMK won five seats and Congress one. While the CM trounced Neyam Makkal Kazhagam rival E Vinayagam by 4441 votes in Thattanchavady, his pocket borough seat, Rangasamy emerged victorious in Managalam too, defeating DMK's SS Rangan by 7050 votes. This is not the first time that Rangasamy has sought to contest from two seats. He contested in Yanam and Thattanchavady in the 2021 Assembly polls. He however was trounced in Yanam and was successful in Thattanchavady. He may have to now vacate one of the seats. Key losers include former CM Ve Vaithilingam at the hands of Rangasamy. Time for change, not revenge: PM Modi As the BJP swept the assembly elections in West Bengal for the first time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the state has been finally freed from fear and that it was a time for change, not revenge, as he appealed to all parties to shun the culture of political violence and focus on the future of the state. Addressing the jubilant party workers at the BJP headquarters after the win in assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry, PM Modi said the Congress, TMC, and others had been punished severely for opposing the recent women's reservation bill. He said that the Samajwadi Party would also face the wrath of women very soon, in an apparent reference to the 2027 assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. In his nearly 50-minute speech, the PM said the elections in West Bengal had been special this year, as earlier they were marred by violence, fear, and the death of innocent people. But this time the news was different as peaceful voting took place in West Bengal and for the first time, no one lost their life during voting, he said. As Bengal enters a new phase of change, I also want to make an earnest appeal to every political party in Bengal. Over the past decades in Bengal, countless lives have been ruined due to political violence. I firmly believe that this election culture of Bengal must change from today onwards. Today, when the BJP has won, the talk should not be of revenge, but of change; not of fear, but of the future, he said and urged the parties to end the vicious circle of violence. PM Modi said it was a special day in many ways as it heralds a bright future for the country. It is a day of trust in the great democracy of India, trust in the politics of performance, trust in the resolve of stability, trust in the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat. I bow before the people of West Bengal, Assam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Keralam, he said at the victory celebration event where BJP President Nitin Nabin, Union ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, among others, were present. PM Modi said on November 14 last year, when the Bihar election results came in, he told the BJP workers from this very spot that the Ganga flows onward from Bihar all the way to Ganga Sagar (in West Bengal). And today, with victory in West Bengal, from Gangotri (Uttarakhand) to Ganga Sagar (West Bengal), it is nothing but the lotus in full bloom. Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal today, in these states surrounding Mother Ganga, there are BJP-NDA governments, he said. The PM said winning and losing are a natural part of democracy and politics, but the people of the five states have shown the world why the country is the mother of democracy. He said women's participation in this election had been exceptionally high and this was emerging as the brightest picture of Indian democracy. Women power is now rapidly progressing towards building a developed India. However, a few days ago, the Congress and its allies blocked this momentum of women's power. These anti-women parties prevented the amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam from being passed in Parliament. That is why I said a few days ago that parties opposing the women's reservation bill will have to face the wrath of women. Today, sisters and daughters have punished the Congress, TMC, and DMK, PM Modi said. He said the Congress had certainly benefited from the 10 years of misrule by the Left in Kerala, but expressed confidence that the mothers and sisters of Kerala will also definitely teach the Congress a lesson in the next elections. The Samajwadi Party, which has blocked women's reservation in Parliament, will also have to face the opposition of the women of Uttar Pradesh. No matter what the anti-women Samajwadi Party does, it will never be able to wash away its sins, the PM said. Referring to Assam, he said that along with the river Ganga, the Brahmaputra has also showered immense blessings upon the BJP, and the blessings of Maa Kamakhya have been with the party. The people of Assam have trusted the BJP-NDA for the third consecutive time, he said. PM Modi said that in 2021, the NDA put forward the vision of BEST Puducherry. The people of Puducherry trusted in the vision and blessed the alliance. I want to assure the youth and fishermen of Puducherry that we will keep working for your bright future. The prosperity of Puducherry is our resolve, he said. The PM said the BJP-NDA governments are in power in more than 20 states of the country. Our mantra is 'citizen is god'. We are dedicated to serving the people; therefore, the people are placing more and more trust in the BJP. The people are clearly seeing that where there is BJP, there is good governance. Where there is BJP, there is development, he said. PM Modi said that with the BJP's victory in West Bengal, the soul of Jan Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee must be at peace now. I respectfully bow to the people of Bengal, the people of Assam, the people of Puducherry, and the people of Tamil Nadu and Kerala today; I salute them all. Today, I also heartily congratulate the countless workers of the BJP. Every small and big worker of the BJP has once again performed a miracle, has made the lotus bloom. You have created a new history, he said. After his speech, the PM held a meeting at the BJP headquarters with Nabin, Shah, Singh and former party chief J P Nadda. Result aftershocks to be felt all the way up to 2029: CM Omar Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday, while describing the stunning assembly election results in the West Bengal and the Tamil Nadu as political earthquakes, cautioned that their (results') aftershocks would be felt far and wide for a long time, probably all the way up to 2029. CM Omar shared this measured reaction on his personal X handle - where earlier in his instant first reaction, presumably also to the early trends vis--vis assembly election results, he actually created a flutter with his two-word tweet. Bloody hell!! was his ambiguous (the very first) tweet, which he posted with emoticons sharing an expression of disbelief on X handle at 11:01 am on Monday, May 4, 2026. Though the Chief Minister left ample scope for its (tweets) interpretations yet it was read directly in relation to the assembly election result trends by millions of his followers. By evening, CM Omars enigmatic two-word post had already garnered 1.8 million views and 23,200 plus likes. However, later, he posted a guarded post wherein he, probably hinting towards current cacophony that has crept in news bulletins, talked about his imagery of sane and sensible interpretation of the trends and results identifying them with those presented by ace veteran broadcaster Prannoy Roy. In the same post, he mentioned the after-effects of the political-earthquake that shook West Bengal and Tamil Nadu and their lingering impact to be experienced for a long time. Elections in India have always meant @PrannoyRoy7749 for sane, sensible interpretation of the trends & results and thats why today the screens in my office have been tuned to @DeKoderAI to watch the unfolding political earthquake in West Bengal & Tamil Nadu. The aftershocks of these results will be felt far & wide for a long time, probably all the way up to 2029, CM Omar posted. This post too had garnered 380,000 views 4900 plus likes by evening. Notably Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his father Farooq Abdullah, during media interactions in the past couple of days, had exuded confidence about the victory of TMCs Mamata Banerjee, even after the exit poll results, some of which had predicted her partys rout in West Bengal. As far as DMK was concerned, even the exit polls generally had not predicted the defeat of DMK. The NC is part of the INDIA bloc led by Congress. Trinamool Congress and DMK are also constituents of this alliance.
Tiruchirappalli West Assembly Election Results 2026 Live Updates
Tiruchirappalli East Assembly Election Results 2026 Live Updates
TN polls: TVK pushes DMK behind with leads in 83 seats, AIADMK ahead in 54
Chennai, May 04: New entrant TVK, led by actor-politician Vijay, was leading in as many as 83 constituencies on Monday when counting of votes polled in the April 23 Assembly polls was on across Tamil Nadu. The AIADMK was leading in 58 seats while the ruling DMK was ahead in 34, EC data showed. About two hours after the postal ballots were counted and EVMs opened for multi-round counting, Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam surged ahead of its Dravidian rivals-- the DMK and the AIADMK, with the ruling party struggling to catch up. If the trends maintain, Vijay could as well ensure the biggest electoral upset, something in lines with the 1967,1977 wins he had referred to in his campaign speeches. While the Dravidian stalwart CN Annadurai brought the first non-Congress government in Tamil Nadu post-independence in 1967, the charismatic MG Ramachandran (MGR) installed the maiden AIADMK government 10 years later, unseating then DMK government under M Karunanidhi. TVK was leading in most Chennai segments, all considered DMK strongholds and currently represented by the party in the 234-member House. A poor show by DMK could belie most exit polls giving an edge to it, riding on the number of populist measures Chief Minister M K Stalin had implemented in his five year Dravidian model, inclusive governance. According to EC and TV reports, 15 cabinet ministers, including Stalin were trailing. His son and deputy CM Udhayanidhi was also behind in his incumbent Chepauk-Tirvuvallikeni seat, according to a number of reports. Stalin was trailing behind TVK's VS Babu by 1234 votes in Kolathur segment. Vijay was ahead in Tiruchirappalli East by over 3,000 votes at the end of two rounds of counting, according to EC data. BJP is trailing in 26 constituencies and it is ahead in Thali segment alone. TVK is ahead in constituencies including Ponneri, Tiruvallur, Poonamalle, and Avadi. AIADMK is leading in segments including Katpadi, and Guidyattam and party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami is ahead in Edappadi segment by 7003 votes. DMK was leading in segments including Vellore, Anaikattu and Rishivandiyam.
TVK Vijay trailing in both Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East in early trends
Actor-politician Vijay faces a mixed electoral debut, leading in Perambur but trailing in Tiruchirappalli East. These DMK strongholds were chosen to test his party TVK's statewide presence. Early trends indicate a divided response as counting progresses.
Vijay Ahead In Perambur Seat, Trails In Trichy, Show Early Tamil Nadu Trends
Vijay, as TVK chief, is also contesting Tiruchirappalli East, another DMK-held seat. His decision to fight from two non-safe constituencies underlines an aggressive strategy aimed at testing his appeal against the ruling party across regions.
Mastermind of 50-lakh ATM cash van heist in Kerala arrested in Chhattisgarh
The accused, Armughan (55), alias Kittu, a native of Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu and a key member of the notorious Ramjinagar gang, was taken into custody from Chhattisgarh by Manjeswaram police
Vijay Urges EC to Extend Polling Hours till 8 pm
TVK chief writes to Election Commission of India citing voter delays, travel disruptions, and long queues across constituencies including Tiruchirappalli East and Perambur
'Over Rs 100 crore not disclosed: Madras high court flags 'irregularity' in Vijay's poll affidavit
A Bench comprising chief justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan issued notices to Vijay, along with the Director General of Income Tax (Investigation), the Election Commission of India (ECI), and the Returning Officers for the Perambur and Tiruchirappalli (East) constituencies. The petitioner has alleged that the disappearance of a high-value asset amounts to a clear case of suppression of assets, raising serious concerns regarding beneficial ownership, routing of funds, and the concealment of material particulars.
TNNLU students protest after VC says women wearing shorts invites sexual harassment
Tiruchirappalli: Students of the Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU) in Tiruchirappalli took strong exception to the advice given by the Vice Chancellor that sought to link women wearing shorts to inviting sexual harassment, prompting an overnight protest and demanding an apology from him. A source at the TNNLU termed VC V Nagarajs remark as Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026: Vijay factor heats up contest in Perambur, Tiruchirappalli East
Actor-politician Vijay is contesting from two seats, Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East, in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. These constituencies are now high-profile due to his presence. Vijay's party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, is campaigning against the ruling DMK. The elections are scheduled for April 23. Vijay has urged voters to support his party for state transformation.
Alta School of Technology Appoints Santosh Mishra as Director AI Innovation
Alta School of Technology , an AI-first computer science institute, has announced the appointment of Santosh Mishra as Director, AI Innovation. With over eight years of experience across global technology companies such as Microsoft and VMware, Santosh brings deep expertise in software engineering, system design, and emerging AI applications to the institutions leadership team. Santosh Mishra In his new role, Santosh will lead the development and execution of Altas AI-focused initiatives, with a strong emphasis on integrating cutting edge technologies into the learning ecosystem. He will work closely with academic and product teams to strengthen the institutions AI-first approach and ensure that learners are equipped with industry relevant skills aligned with the evolving demands of the technology landscape. An alumnus of the NIT , Tiruchirappalli, Santosh has built a strong reputation as an educator and mentor in the technology space. Over the years, he has guided more than 50,000 students globally, helping them navigate technical interviews and build sustainable careers in software engineering. His structured teaching approach and practical insights have made him a trusted voice among aspiring engineers and working professionals alike. Santosh is also an accomplished author, having written more than ten technical books focused on software engineering principles and system architecture. His work simplifies complex concepts for learners and bridges the gap between academic knowledge and real world application. Beyond publishing, his contributions to tech education have been widely recognised across leading media platforms including AajTak, ABP News, Economic Times, Humans of Bombay, and JoshTalks. His impact earned him a feature at Times Square, underscoring his growing influence in the global education and technology ecosystem. This appointment comes at a time when Alta School of Technology is strengthening its focus on building an AI-led curriculum that prepares students for the next wave of technological transformation. The institution continues to invest in leadership and innovation to enhance its offerings and expand its reach among learners seeking practical and future ready education. Commenting on the appointment, Ashish Munjal, Founder of Alta School of Technology , added, At Alta, we believe that the future of education lies in bridging the gap between learning and real world application. Santoshs experience across leading technology organisations and his deep engagement with the student community will help us accelerate this vision. His leadership will further strengthen our commitment to delivering high quality, outcome driven education powered by emerging technologies . Harshit Agarwal, Founding Director at Alta School of Technology , said, We are delighted to welcome Santosh to Alta. His strong foundation in technology combined with his passion for teaching makes him uniquely positioned to drive our AI innovation efforts. As we continue to evolve our curriculum, his insights will play a crucial role in shaping programs that are both industry aligned and learner centric . Sharing his thoughts on joining the organization, Santosh Mishra said, I am excited to be a part of Alta School of Technology at a time when AI is redefining how we learn and work. I look forward to contributing to an ecosystem that prioritises practical learning and empowers students to build meaningful careers. Together, we aim to create programs that not only teach technology but also enable learners to think critically and innovate with confidence . With this appointment, Alta School of Technology continues to reinforce its position as a forward looking institution focused on innovation, scalability, and impactful learning experiences in the field of technology education. About Alta School of Technology Alta School of Technology is an AI-first computer science institute focused on delivering industry-integrated, hands-on learning. Founded by Ashish Munjal and Harshit Aggarwal, Alta combines real-world projects, expert mentorship, and a portfolio-driven approach to build future-ready engineers.
Shri Sanjay Khanna Appointed as Chairman & Managing Director of BPCL
Shri Sanjay Khanna , currently Director (Refineries), as the Chairman & Managing Director (C&MD) of the Company. Shri Sanjay Khanna, Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL The appointment has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet based on the recommendation of the Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC), under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Shri Khanna will assume charge, effective from the date of assumption of office, and will hold the position till his superannuation on May 31, 2029 , or until further orders. With extensive experience in refinery operations and project execution, Shri Khanna is expected to further strengthen BPCLs strategic focus on value-added products, petrochemical integration, operational efficiency, and long-term energy security , while driving sustainable growth in an evolving energy landscape. Shri Sanjay Khanna is a seasoned industry leader with over three decades of experience in refinery operations and technical services. A Chemical Engineering graduate from National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli and a postgraduate in Finance Management from University of Mumbai, Shri Khanna has played a pivotal role in strengthening BPCLs refining and petrochemical capabilities. Prior to his appointment as C&MD, he served as Director (Refineries) and has previously headed BPCLs Mumbai and Kochi Refineries , driving operational excellence and capacity augmentation. As Executive Director of Kochi Refinery, he successfully led the commissioning of BPCLs first niche petrochemical venturethe Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP) despite significant challenges during the pandemic, marking a key milestone in BPCLs petrochemical journey. Over the years, Shri Khanna has anchored several prestigious projects involving the establishment of new process units across BPCLs refineries, contributing to enhanced efficiency, higher value realization, and technological advancement. He also serves on the Boards of Bharat Petro Resources Limited, Petronet LNG Limited, and Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, strengthening BPCLs integration across the energy value chain. Additionally, Shri Khanna is the Chairperson of the Technical Committee for Petroleum Refineries under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, contributing to policy and technical advancements in Indias refining sector. About Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) Fortune Global 500 Company, Bharat Petroleum is the second largest Indian Oil Marketing Company and one of the integrated energy companies in India, engaged in refining of crude oil and marketing of petroleum products, with presence in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. The company attained the coveted Maharatna status, joining the club of companies having greater operational & financial autonomy. Bharat Petroleums Refineries at Mumbai, Kochi and Bina have a combined refining capacity of around 35.3 MMTPA. Its marketing infrastructure includes a network of installations, depots, fuel stations, aviation service stations and LPG distributors. Its distribution network comprises over 25,300+ Fuel Stations, over 1000+ CNG stations, over 6,250+ LPG distributorships, 440+ Lubes distributorships, 81 POL storage locations, 56 LPG Bottling Plants, 81 Aviation Service Stations, 5 Lube blending plants and 6 cross-country pipelines. Bharat Petroleum is integrating its strategy, investments, environmental and social ambitions to move towards a sustainable planet. The company has Electric vehicle charging stations at 6800+ Fuel Stations. With a focus on sustainable solutions, the company is developing an ecosystemand a road-map to become a Net Zero Energy Company by 2040, in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Bharat Petroleum has been partnering communities by supporting several initiatives connected primarily in the areas of education, water conservation, skill development, health, community development, capacity building and employee volunteering. With Energising Lives as its core purpose, Bharat Petroleums vision is to be an admired global energy company leveraging talent, innovation & technology.
AIADMK Candidate Emerges as Wealthiest in Tamil Nadu Elections
Chennai, April 7: In a surprising revelation ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, AIADMK candidate Lima Rose has emerged as the wealthiest contender in the state. Her nomination affidavit disclosed a staggering family wealth of 5,863 crores. Lima Rose is contesting from the Lalgudi constituency in Tiruchirappalli district. According to her affidavit, she possesses ... Read more AIADMK Candidate Emerges as Wealthiest in Tamil Nadu Elections
AIADMK Candidate Lima Emerges as Tamil Nadus Wealthiest with 5,863 Crore Family Assets
Chennai, April 7: In a surprising revelation during the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, AIADMK candidate Lima Rose has emerged as the wealthiest contestant in the state. She disclosed a staggering family asset total of 5,863 crore in her nomination affidavit. Lima Rose is contesting from the Lalgudi constituency in Tiruchirappalli district. According to her affidavit, ... Read more AIADMK Candidate Lima Emerges as Tamil Nadus Wealthiest with 5,863 Crore Family Assets
TVK leader Vijay files nomination in Tiruchirappalli east constituency
Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026: TVK chief Vijay files nomination for Tiruchirapalli East
Vijay, TVK chief, filed his nomination for the Tiruchirappalli East constituency. He also filed papers from Perambur in Chennai. A massive roadshow preceded the nomination. Vijay assisted a rider after a minor accident. He faces a key contest against DMK and AIADMK candidates. Intensive campaigning is planned across the central district.
TVK chief Vijay to file nomination from Tiruchirappalli East on Apr 2
Actor and TVK chief Vijay will file his nomination papers for the Tiruchirappalli (East) assembly constituency on April 2. This marks a significant electoral contest in central Tamil Nadu. Vijay is also contesting from Perambur in Chennai. His campaign plans include public addresses at key city locations. Concerns have been raised regarding police restrictions on campaign activities.
NIT Trichy, Kauvery Hospital Partner to Launch PG Diploma in Healthcare Technology
An MoU was formally signed, marking the beginning of a strategic collaboration between the two institutions. The initiative will offer a comprehensive, industry-integrated learning experience through microcredit courses, expert-led lectures, hands-on internships, and real-world projects. National Institute of Technology (NIT) Tiruchirappalli and Kauvery Hospital, Trichy, have joined hands to launch a Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Technology, integrating engineering expertise with real-world healthcare applications. Dr Manivannan Selvaraj, Founder & Managing Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals & Dr. G. Aghila, Director, NIT Tiruchirappalli The programme, to be offered by the Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering at NIT Trichirapalli, is scheduled to commence in July 2026. The initiative will feature microcredit courses, guest lectures by industry experts, on-site internships at Kauvery Hospitals, and student projects addressing real-world healthcare challenges, along with joint research and continuing education opportunities. An MoU formalising this collaboration was signed recently by Dr. G. Aghila, Director, NIT Trichirapalli, and Dr. S. Manivannan Selvaraj, Founder and Managing Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals. Commenting about the initiative, Dr. Aghila said This Postgraduate Diploma programme has been thoughtfully designed to address current challenges and emerging trends in the healthcare sector, in line with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020. By bringing together the strong technical capabilities of NIT Trichirapalli and the clinical expertise of Kauvery Hospital, the programme will drive meaningful research and innovation, while creating structured pathways for higher education, research, and advanced professional certifications aligned with evolving industry needs. In his comments, Dr. Manivannan Selvaraj said, We are committed to bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world healthcare practice. Through our partnership with NIT Trichirapalli, we aim to provide meaningful industry exposure to students through guest lectures, structured internships, and hands-on projects. This collaboration represents a significant step in strengthening healthcare education, research, and skill development in the country . Dr. S. T. Ramesh, Dean (Academic); Dr. G. Uma, Dean (Industrial Development); Dr. M. Umapathy, Professor (Higher Administrative Grade); and Dr. K. Srinivasan, Head, Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering, were present at the MoU signing, along with faculty members of the Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering, including Dr. Ramakalyan, Dr. N. Sivakumaran, Dr. Sridevi, Dr. Periasamy, Dr. P. A. Karthick, and Dr. Geetha. Course Coordinator: Dr N Sivakumaran Professor, Department of ICE & Course Coordinator, PG Diploma
CM Stalin Accuses AIADMK of Selling Tamil Nadu to BJP
Tiruchirappalli, April 1: In the midst of the election atmosphere in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin targeted the opposition party AIADMK on Wednesday. He alleged that if Edappadi K. Palaniswamis government comes to power, it would hand over the state to the BJP. While addressing a public rally in Tiruchirappalli, Stalin campaigned for the ... Read more CM Stalin Accuses AIADMK of Selling Tamil Nadu to BJP
TVK chief Vijay to contest 2 seats, names 234 candidates
Chennai: TVK chief Vijay on Sunday named his partys candidates for all 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu for the April 23 elections, announcing his electoral debut from two seats, including Perambur in Chennai, considered a DMK stronghold. In his maiden electoral battle, Vijay will also contest from Tiruchirappalli (East) in central Tamil Nadu. It []
TN polls: TVK releases first list of candidates, Vijay to contest from Perambur
Chennai: TVK chief Vijay on Sunday, March 29, named his partys candidates for all 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu for the April 23 elections, announcing his electoral debut from two seats, including Perambur in Chennai, a city considered the ruling DMKs bastion. In his maiden electoral battle, Vijay would also contest from Tiruchirappalli East Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Stalin to embark on first phase of poll campaign from Tiruvarur on Mar 31
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin begins his election campaign on March 31 from Tiruvarur. He will seek votes for DMK and alliance candidates across several constituencies. The campaign spans from March 31 to April 2, covering areas like Tiruvarur, Tiruchirappalli, Karur, Erode, and Coimbatore. Elections for the 234 Assembly seats are scheduled for April 23.
Over 50 families in Thirupparaithurai, Tiruchirappalli, have announced a formal boycott of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, citing 16 years of living without electricity, drinking water, or sanitation. The residents, located in the Nandavanam area within the Srirangam Assembly Segment of the 24 Tiruchirappalli Parliamentary Constituency, claim they were relocated by the government during a National Highway extension but have since been neglected by four successive Chief Ministers.
Energy Crisis: No Need To Panic Or Pay Attention To Rumours, Says PM Modi
Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu), Mar 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday appealed to the people not to pay attention to rumours or panic in the wake of the LPG supply disruption caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, and urged that only verified information be disseminated. The PMs comments come in the wake of the commercial LPG short supply that has affected the hotel industry across the country and opposition criticism over the issue and also amidst fears of [] The post Energy Crisis: No Need To Panic Or Pay Attention To Rumours, Says PM Modi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Modi in Tamil Nadu: 5,650cr development Push, addresses massive rally in Tiruchirappalli | LIVE
PM Modi Set For Trichy Rally As BJP-Led Bloc Faces Setbacks In Tamil Nadu
Ahead of his visit to Tiruchirappalli on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on the ruling DMK, accusing it of being attled by the growing popularity of the NDA in Tamil Nadu.
PM Modi to dedicate infra projects, address NDA rally in Tiruchirappalli on Mar 11
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Tiruchirappalli on March 11 to launch development projects valued at Rs 5,650 crore. These include petroleum infrastructure, rural roads, and highway development. He will also flag off new train services. Madurai Airport will be declared an international airport, boosting trade and tourism. The Prime Minister will address an NDA rally during his visit.
DMK chief M K Stalin to kick-start poll campaign in Tiruchirappalli
Tiruchirappalli: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin will launch DMKs poll campaign at the partys 12th state conference from Siruganur on the Trichy-Chennai national highway here on Monday, March 9. The conference theme is Let Stalin continue, let Tamil Nadu win. Apart from highlighting the achievements of the state government, Stalin, who is the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
BJP govt 'going beyond limits' in imposing Hindi, says TN CM, slams naming arch as 'Kartavya Dwar'
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin strongly criticized the Union government's alleged Hindi imposition. He condemned the naming of the Tiruchirappalli railway divisional office entrance arch as 'Kartavya Dwar'. Stalin demanded immediate replacement with Tamil names. Opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami also urged central intervention. DMK members protested, painting over the Hindi inscription. Officials assured replacement with Tamil words.
Tamil Nadu elections: DMK begins manifesto consultations with Chennai meet
The DMK is actively preparing for the upcoming Assembly elections. The party's manifesto committee is gathering public expectations and discussing proposals for governance, welfare, and development. A major State Conference is scheduled for March 9 in Tiruchirappalli, where key electoral promises are expected to be announced. This event is seen as a crucial turning point for the DMK's campaign.
SriLankan Airlines announces Ahmedabad as its 10thdestination in India
The airline currently has 23 airworthy aircraft; The airline serves Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Thiruvananthpuram, Madurai and Tiruchirappalli
MDMK submits Trichy-focused development proposals to DMK for 2026 manifesto
Durai Vaiko, an MDMK MP, met Kanimozhi Karunanidhi of the DMK. He presented six key proposals for the party's 2026 election manifesto. These focus on developing Tiruchirappalli, including a separate transport division and Metro Rail. Proposals also cover establishing a 'University City' and a global manufacturing hub. Additionally, hostels in New Delhi for disadvantaged students were suggested.
Tamil Nadu Farmers Consume Human Waste In Desperate Protest
More than a hundred farmers in Tamil Nadu's Tiruchirappalli protested in front of the district collectorate office by consuming human waste on Tuesday.
Sanatana Dharma row: Madras HC quashes FIR against BJP leader Amit Malviya
Allowing a criminal original petition filed by Malviya, the BJP's IT Cell chief, seeking to quash the first information report, Justice S Srimathy said continuation of the case would amount to abuse of process of law. Hence, the impugned FIR filed by Tiruchirappalli city police is quashed.
Bengaluru Retains No. 1 Spot as the Top City for Women in India
Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai: Top 5 cities for women Many cities show strength in either social or industrial inclusion, not both Tier-2 cities rise as women-friendly urban ecosystems expand Gurugram emerges as the only north Indian city in the Top 10 of Indias Top Cities for Women, climbs to No. 6 from No. 9 last year Five cities from south Indian states feature in the Top 10 of Indias Top Cities for women Avtar Group, Indias leading workplace culture consulting firm, released the fourth edition of its annual, nation-wide study Top Cities for Women in India (TCWI).The TCWI report presents a longitudinal inclusivity index that tracks how Indian cities enable womens participation, safety, and career growth/continuity, while identifying role-model cities and emerging best practices. It also offers a structured framework for organisations, policymakers and urban stakeholders to enable womens workforce participation and career growth. Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, Managing Director, Avtar Group The Top 10 Cities for Women in India in 2025 are: Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Gurugram, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Coimbatore The 2025 edition of the study covers 125 cities and draws comparisons from its previous editions (from 2022). The cities are ranked based on an overall City Inclusion Score assigned to every city, which is inferred from Avtars research and governmental data. The City Inclusion Score (CIS) is derived from two parameters: the Social Inclusion Score (SIS) and the Industrial Inclusion Score (IIS). The Social Inclusion Score is a cumulative score of four indicators. These are: city liveability, safety, womens representation in employment and womens empowerment. The Industrial Inclusion Score evaluates the extent to which organisations in the city across industries are inclusive of women and is calculated based on three indicators: The density of gender inclusive organizations; the density of women-friendly/inclusive industries in a city, and career enablers provided to women by organizations. Speaking at the release event of the reports findings, Dr Saundarya Rajesh , Managing Director of Avtar Group , said, As we mark Avtars 25th year, the fourth edition of the Top Cities for Women in India reflects both how far we have come and how much more we must do. Over the years, the TCWI study has evolved into a tool of accountability that asks a simple question: Can a woman truly thrive in this city? It measures the real ease of career and life for women, whether cities enable women to enter the workforce, stay, grow, and lead. Creating such cities requires shared responsibility. Governments, organizations, institutions, communities, and women themselves must work together to build environments that are safe, accessible, affordable, and supportive. In todays context, cities must also take a broader view of inclusion, one that considers environmental resilience, supportive infrastructure, digital readiness, intergenerational equity, and respect for diverse perspectives. When these elements come together, women thrive, thereby strengthening local economies and moving India closer to its long-term development goals. Key Findings of the Top Cities for Women in India 2025 report: Bengaluru retains its position as the top city for women in India in 2025, with a City Inclusion Score of 53.29, reflecting sustained strength in Industrial Inclusion and career enablement. Chennai follows in second position with a City Inclusion Score of 49.86, while continuing to lead on social inclusion parameters such as safety mechanisms, public services, mobility initiatives and access to health and education. Pune (46.27), Hyderabad (46.04), and Mumbai (44.49) complete the top five, demonstrating consistent performance across both social and industrial inclusion indicators. Gurugram records one of the most notable upward movements, strengthening its position in 2025 compared to 2024, supported by rapid industrial growth and strong corporate presence (Rank no. 6 in 2025 compared to No. 9 in 2024). Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida perform strongly on industrial inclusion but lag on social indicators such as safety, affordability, and mobility, reinforcing that industrial growth alone does not ensure inclusive urban environments. Thiruvananthapuram, Shimla and Tiruchirappalli demonstrate strong social inclusion outcomes but limited industrial depth, pointing to constraints in local economic mobility for women and limitations in large-scale formal employment opportunities for women despite strong social foundations. Hyderabad, Kolkata and Pune stand out for fairly balanced inclusion profiles , with strong alignment between social inclusion and industrial ecosystems, enabling sustained workforce participation for women. Mumbai shows strong industrial inclusion (with an IIS of 69.00) but relatively weaker social inclusion (with a SIS of 38.44), highlighting challenges around affordability and access to infrastructure despite abundant employment opportunities. The 2025 TCWI rankings show increased representation of Tier-2 cities among higher ranks, indicating decentralisation of women-friendly urban ecosystems. Regional analysis The Southern region emerges as the most inclusive , recording the highest scores across all three indices, with a regional average CIS of 21.60, SIS of 27.81, and an IIS of 11.61, reflecting a more integrated approach to social infrastructure, safety, health, education, and industrial participation for women. The Western region follows closely , demonstrating consistently strong performance with a regional average CIS of 20.00, SIS of 25.47, and the highest IIS among regions at 12.01, indicating relatively mature industrial ecosystems supported by enabling social conditions. Central and Eastern regions trail across both inclusion dimensions social and industrial especially industrial inclusion, with regional average IIS scores of 4.96 and 4.40, respectively. Across 20222025, cities achieving convergence between Industrial Inclusion (IIS) and Social Inclusion (SIS) consistently rank higher on overall City Inclusion (CIS) , reinforcing that industrial growth is most effective when supported by safe, accessible, and equitable urban environments. www.avtarinc.com/tcwi About Avtar Avtar, founded in 2000 by Dr Saundarya Rajesh, is one of Indias leading workplace culture consulting firms, supporting hundreds of companies in creating diverse and supportive workplaces. Avtar is also the countrys largest provider of second career opportunities for women. An ISO 20700 certified firm, Avtars biggest research projects are its annual benchmarking studies the Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI) and the Most Inclusive Companies Index (MICI). Done in partnership with Seramount, BCWI and MICI, Indias largest workplace inclusion benchmarking studies, which have paved the way for the employment of more women and other underrepresented groups. Avtar also promotes inclusive hiring through MyAvtar, Indias first job portal for underrepresented professionals. A snapshot of Avtars work in the last 25 years: Provided advisory services in inclusive practices to 800+ organisations Conducted 5000+ workshops and training programs in companies of different sizes, spanning industries and locations Facilitated the re-entry of 1,00,000 second-career women into the workforce through MyAvtar.com Engaged with 200,000+ women through career enablement programs Offered unique skilling programs such as DigiPivot (a prestigious course in digital marketing, conducted in partnership with Google, HUL, and ISB) to hundreds of women. Provided career intentionality training, employment guidance, and access to industry leaders every year to 10,000+ girls from underprivileged backgrounds through Project Puthri, an initiative of the Avtar Human Capital Trust (AHCT). Impacted 4000+ schoolboys through MITR (Men Impacting Trust and Respect), an initiative by AHCT that mentors boys to be advocates for women. www.myavtar.com . For its transformational impact in the realm of DEI, Avtar Group was listed in the prestigious Steward Leadership 25 Listing by Straits Times & INSEAD in Singapore in 2022. In 2025, Avtar won the Times Business Awards and was recognized as the Leading Womens Employment Organization.
