a r ramesh

Early trends show the NDA, led by AINRC, is set to retain power in Puducherry. Chief Minister N Rangasamy secured the Thattanchavady seat, a key victory. The Congress-DMK alliance struggles, indicating a fragmented opposition. The NDA's organizational strength and voter outreach appear to have secured them another term, promising continuity in governance.

Ramesh of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam won the Srirangam constituency with a margin of 33590 votes. He garnered 103235 votes, while Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam candidate S. Durairaj came second with 69645 votes.

Padmanabhapuram, a DMK stronghold, has seen the party secure victory in the assembly seat for four consecutive elections since 2006. Current MLA Mano Thangaraj, a state minister, won the 2021 polls by a significant margin of nearly 27,000 votes, building on a larger win in 2016. The constituency recorded a 74% voter turnout in the 2021 elections.

R. B. Choudary, a prolific Tamil film producer, left an indelible mark by introducing 44 directors and shaping superstar Vijay's career. His banner, Super Good Films, delivered iconic family entertainers like 'Nattamai' and 'Poove Unakkaga'. Choudary's legacy continues through his actor sons, Jiiva and Jithan Ramesh, as his production house remains active.

Colachal, a Congress stronghold in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari district, has consistently elected JG Prince since 2011. He secured a significant victory in 2021, defeating the BJP by a substantial margin. This assembly segment, part of the Kanniyakumari Lok Sabha constituency, saw a 71.5 percent voter turnout in the last polls, indicating strong local engagement.

A significant political shift is unfolding in Kerala as the UDF surges past the 100-seat mark, leading in 102 constituencies. The ruling LDF trails with 37 seats, and the NDA is confined to a single seat. Several ministers are trailing, while some UDF leaders secure substantial leads, indicating a strong comeback for the front.

S8UL signed 19-year-old Grandmaster Pranesh M for the Esports World Cup 2026, alongside Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram. Pranesh recently gained attention after helping R Vaishali stay calm during her historic FIDE Women’s Candidates triumph. Chess returns to EWC this August with a $1.5 million prize pool.

Congress is deliberating on its Kerala chief minister choice, with V.D. Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, and K.C. Venugopal as top contenders. Meetings with the high command are ongoing, with a decision expected imminently. The party is also addressing internal indiscipline following public demonstrations supporting individual leaders.

Tamil Nadu's new assembly boasts increased diversity with 25 minority, 50 SC/ST, and 23 women representatives. TVK party is credited with breaking caste and religious barriers by fielding Dalit candidates in general constituencies, with several securing victories. This marks a significant shift from traditional candidate selection practices.

Veteran film producer R B Choudary passed away on May 5, 2026, following a road accident in Rajasthan. Choudary was returning from a family wedding when his car swerved to avoid cows and hit a roadside barrier. The accident resulted in significant damage to the vehicle. Choudary sustained fatal injuries. His son-in-law and driver were injured and hospitalized.

The United Democratic Front (UDF) celebrated a triumphant return to power after a decade, marked by jubilant scenes at Indira Bhavan. Opposition leader V D Satheesan was hailed for orchestrating the comeback, as jubilant workers celebrated the perceived rejection of the LDF government's policies and the end of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's "arrogance.

A significant UDF wave is reshaping Kerala's political landscape, challenging established legacies and incumbency. Key figures and traditional strongholds are facing unexpected reversals, indicating a strong public demand for change. While some close contests persist, the overall trend points towards a decisive mandate for the UDF, marking a departure from personality-driven politics and historical strongholds.

Early trends for the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections show a significant shift, with the Congress-led UDF projected for a commanding victory, leading in over 100 seats. The ruling LDF faces strong anti-incumbency, while the BJP remains a marginal player. This outcome suggests a return to Kerala's traditional pattern of alternating governments.

Kerala's 2026 Assembly elections are shaping into a multi-cornered battle, with 20 key constituencies defining the real contest. These seats, marked by urban change, coastal pressures, and high-profile candidates, will be decisive in determining the state's political direction.

On Labour Day, filmmaker Anand Pandit reflects on the invisible workforce that powers cinema, from technicians to daily wage crew members. He underscores the need to recognise their contribution and ensure safer, more dignified working conditions across film sets.