Satheesan Uses Full Name Amid Debate Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan made headlines once again when he took oath as an MLA of the 16th state Legislative Assembly on Thursday by using his full name, Vadasseri Damodara Menon Satheesan. This comes just days after his swearing-in as chief minister, where he similarly read out his entire name, sparking controversy over the inclusion of the caste-based surname

Congress ends its 59-year absence in Tamil Nadu politics as MLAs Rajesh Kumar and P Vishwanathan join CM Vijay’s cabinet. Their induction marks a historic return for the party in the state government.​ Historic Return of Congress to Tamil Nadu Government After nearly six decades, the Congress party is finally back in the Tamil Nadu government as two of its

On May 20, the Senate removed $1 billion in funding for the White House ballroom project from a larger immigration bill, marking a notable political setback for former President Donald Trump. The funding was intended to cover Secret Service security upgrades for the East Wing, including modernized infrastructure and underground enhancements. The decision followed guidance from Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, who flagged the allocation as incompatible with budget reconciliation ru

TVK-led government clarifies that rebel AIADMK MLAs supporting the government will not receive cabinet positions, securing allies backing. Rebel AIADMK MLAs Excluded from Cabinet Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has ruled out offering cabinet posts to rebel AIADMK MLAs who are extending support to the government. The clarification was made following warnings from the

Senate Votes To Advance War Powers Resolution On Tuesday, May 19, the US Senate voted 50-47 to advance a war powers resolution that seeks to compel President Donald Trump to end military operations in Iran unless Congress authorizes continuation. This procedural victory marks the first time a resolution of this type has progressed after seven previous failed attempts since the conflict began in February. Four Republicans joi

Oath Date & Time: May 18, 2026, 10:00 AM IST, Thiruvananthapuram. VD Satheesan took oath as Kerala Chief Minister as the Congress-led UDF returned to power after 10 years. A 21-member UDF Cabinet was sworn in at Central Stadium, marking a major political shift in Kerala. The Congress-led United Democratic Front returned to power in Kerala on Monday, with VD Satheesan taking oath as the state’s new Chief Minister at Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapu

WASHINGTON — Do senators get paid during government shutdowns? A new Senate rule would delay their salaries during future federal funding lapses, but the money would still be released after the shutdown ends. The U.S. Senate voted unanimously on Thursday, May 14, 2026, to withhold senators’ pay whenever a government shutdown affects one or more federal agencies. Senate Shutdown Pay Rule Explained The measure, sponsored by Sen. John Kennedy,

After 10 days of deliberations, Congress has appointed VD Satheesan as Kerala's next Chief Minister, choosing the popular MLA over KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala, following a landslide UDF victory in the 2026 Assembly elections. In a move that concludes 10 days of intense deliberations, the Congress party has named VD Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Kerala following the United Democratic Front (UDF)’s victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections. Satheesan’s appointment ends the speculation that had centered on senior leaders KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala. Despite Venugopal’s strong support among the newly elected MLAs, Satheesan’s massive popularity among the masses, coupled with his strategic role in the party’s victory, made him the choice for the top post. The Congress leadership in Kerala had earlier hinted at appointing Satheesan as the CM due to his leadership in revitalizing the party after its heavy defeat in the 2021 elections. As Leader of the Opposition, Satheesan has been widely credited with uniting the Opposition and presenting a strong challenge to the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. His aggressive campaigning and alliance-building efforts played a crucial role in the UDF’s landslide victory, securing 102 seats. Venugopal, despite his backing among the majority of newly elected MLAs, accepted the high command’s decision graciously, emphasizing the party’s supremacy and reiterating his support for Satheesan. This smooth transition is seen as an attempt to quell factionalism within the Congress and present a united front ahead of the state’s political challenges. Satheesan’s journey in Kerala politics began with student activism, and he has been an integral part of the Congress for decades. As a six-time MLA from Paravur, Satheesan’s political career has been marked by his unwavering loyalty to the Congress and his ability to rally support even in challenging times. His rise within the party has positioned him as one of Kerala's most influential leaders, poised to steer the Congress-led UDF into a new era. The announcement of his appointment as CM comes after a wave of political tensions in the state, marked by the paper leak controversy in the NEET-UG 2026 exam and various issues surrounding the Left government. With Satheesan at the helm, Congress hopes to build on its recent success and make significant strides in addressing key governance concerns in Kerala.

Vijay successfully passed the confidence motion in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday with 144 MLAs backing his government. The required majority mark was 118, and despite some opposition from the DMK and PMK, Vijay comfortably crossed this threshold. The trust vote unfolded with empty benches in the opposition as the DMK and DMDK legislators staged a walkout, while several PMK and BJP MLAs abstained from voting. Among the supporting MLAs, the AIADMK faction led by rebel leaders S

President Donald Trump is backing a temporary federal gas tax suspension as US drivers face sharply higher fuel prices linked to the Iran conflict. The proposal could cut up to 18.4 cents per gallon from gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon from diesel, but it cannot take effect without approval from Congress. How Much Could Drivers Save? Trump said on Monday, May 11, 2026, that he wants to remove the federal gas tax “for a period of time” and restore it once prices ease. The White House has not confirmed whether formal legislation has already been sent to lawmakers. The relief would be limited compared with the wider rise in pump prices. US gasoline prices have climbed sharply since the Iran conflict intensified, leaving many households paying more for commuting, deliveries and daily transportation. Congress Holds The Key The federal gas tax helps fund highways, bridges and public transit through the Highway Trust Fund. Any suspension could give drivers short-term relief but may raise concerns over road funding. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the administration supports steps to lower fuel costs. Some lawmakers have also backed a temporary gas tax holiday, while critics argue the savings may not fully reach consumers. For American families already dealing with inflation, even a small reduction at the pump could matter. But the plan’s real impact depends on Congress, fuel markets and whether gas stations pass the full tax cut to drivers.

Congress Leadership Yet to Finalise Kerala Chief Minister Candidate The Congress leadership is expected to take a final decision on Kerala’s next Chief Minister soon, following the party-led UDF alliance’s strong performance in the 2026 Assembly elections. Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal has emerged as one of the leading con

Peter Magyar Becomes Hungary PM After Historic Orban Defeat Peter Magyar was sworn in as Hungary’s new prime minister in Budapest on Saturday, May 9, 2026, ending Viktor Orban’s 16-year rule and opening one of Hungary’s biggest political shifts since the fall of communism. Magyar’s centre-right Tisza Party won 141 of 199 parliamentary seats, giving it a powerful two-thirds majority and a mandate to reshape Hungary’s political system. Why Magyar’s Victory Matters The result marks a sharp turn for Hungary after years of tension with the European Union over rule of law, corruption concerns and democratic checks. Magyar has pledged to rebuild trust with Brussels, strengthen institutions and unlock billions in frozen EU funds. The EU flag’s return inside Hungary’s parliament added symbolic weight to the transition, signaling a possible reset in Budapest’s relationship with Europe. Major Challenges Ahead Magyar inherits a strained economy, a widening budget deficit and deep political divisions after the Orban era. He has also urged several Orban-appointed officials, including President Tamás Sulyok, to resign before the end of May 2026. In his inaugural message, Magyar framed the election as more than a change of government, calling it a public demand for reform, accountability and a more hopeful future for Hungary.

Actor-politician Vijay moved closer to becoming the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after VCK and IUML officially extended support to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, helping the party cross the majority mark in the Assembly. Tamil Nadu’s dramatic post-election political uncertainty finally moved towards a conclusion on Saturday, May 9, 2026, after the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) extended unconditional support to Vijay

AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami’s carefully worded congratulatory message has triggered intense speculation over whether Vijay’s TVK has already secured enough support to form the next Tamil Nadu government. Tamil Nadu’s post-election political drama took another dramatic turn on May 9, 2026, after AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami posted a cryptic message on social media congratulating the “party forming the government” in the state. Tho

Vijay’s Tamil Nadu CM Bid Faces Major Political Twists Amid Majority Battle Tamil Nadu witnessed dramatic political developments on Friday, May 8, 2026, as actor-politician Vijay moved closer to becoming Chief Minister but still remained short of a confirmed majority. Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) gained support from Congress, CPI, and CPI(M), taking its strength to 116 MLAs in the 234-member Assembly. However, reports said Vijay submitted signatures of

An 18-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting at a nighttime party beside Arcadia Lake in Oklahoma on May 3. The tragic incident left one woman dead and 22 others wounded. Edmond police identified the suspect as Jaylan Amhad Davis, a member of the North Highland Piru gang. Davis turned himself in after the shooting, which erupted during a confrontation at a gathering advertised as "Sunday Funday" near the lake. The police investigation revealed that a fight, which

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has firmly rejected calls to resign following the defeat of her party, Trinamool Congress (TMC), in the recent West Bengal Assembly Elections. Despite the electoral setback, Banerjee has declared that she will not step down, describing the demand for her resignation as a "symbolic protest." The TMC leader made these remarks during a closed-door party meeting with senior party leaders and newly elected MLAs on May 6. Banerjee added that she would not

May 6, 2026 - In a fresh round of attacks on the BJP, Rahul Gandhi has accused the Haryana government of being a “regime of infiltrators,” continuing his campaign against the ruling party. The Congress leader took to social media, alleging that the BJP’s hold on the state government is based on manipulation and “vote theft,” a charge that has been central to his criticisms of the party’s tactics. Gandhi’s remarks are the latest salvo in his ongoing battle with the BJP as the 2026 elections draw nearer. He reiterated his stance that the BJP has resorted to unethical practices to win elections, accusing the party of allowing external elements to infiltrate the political system in Haryana. The Congress leader’s accusations aim to undermine the credibility of the BJP-led government and rally opposition supporters ahead of the upcoming polls. This accusation comes at a time when political tension is at a high in Haryana, as both major parties, BJP and Congress, intensify their campaigning and seek to consolidate their power. Rahul Gandhi’s statement is likely to further fuel the ongoing political rivalry, as both sides continue to jockey for political dominance in the state.

Chennai, May 6, 2026 - The political landscape in Tamil Nadu has seen a dramatic shift with Congress aligning with Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), a move that has been met with sharp criticism from their pre-poll ally, DMK. The Congress party, after a late-night virtual meeting, decided to extend conditional support to TVK, demanding cabinet positions and chairmanships in certain boards. The formal announcement of this alliance is expected soon, signaling a shift in political alliances in Tamil Nadu. The Fallout Between Congress and DMK The DMK, led by outgoing Chief Minister MK Stalin, wasted no time in accusing Congress of betrayal. DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai took to social media, calling Congress "backstabbers" for breaking away from their pre-poll alliance. Annadurai reminded Congress that their five Assembly seats were possible only because of Stalin's leadership and support during the elections. He also pointed out that it was Stalin who had stood by Congress during tough times, including when the BJP/RSS trolled Rahul Gandhi as "Pappu." This political fallout marks the end of the DMK-Congress alliance, with Congress now choosing to back Vijay's TVK, which emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats in Tamil Nadu's Assembly. Vijay’s TVK, which had initially ruled out an alliance with BJP, has found a new ally in Congress, signaling a new phase in Tamil Nadu politics. Despite falling short of a majority, TVK remains confident about forming a government with outside support, and they have already reached out to other parties from the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. The Congress, under the coordination of Karti Chidambaram, has decided to join hands with TVK, which is likely to shape Tamil Nadu’s political future in the coming weeks.

GOP Bill Seeks $1B for White House Security Upgrades Senate Republicans are pushing a $1 billion White House security funding plan tied to President Donald Trump’s proposed ballroom project, setting up a sharp fight in Congress. The money would go to the U.S. Secret Service for “security adjustments and upgrades” around the White House complex, including above-ground and below-ground protections. Officials said the funding is meant for security work, not bal