"Unfair Criticism": Karti Chidambaram On DMK's "Backstabber" Remark

Congress's Karti Chidambaram told NDTV today that the "backstabber" tag from the DMK following the Grand Old Party's decision to form an alliance with Vijay is "unfair criticism". The DMK, upset at the Congress decision, has called off the alliance that has been in place since 2004. Chidambaram said while he respected the ties with DMK, the people's mandate this time demanded that Vijay be allowed to form government and not giving him the necessary support would have led to a stalemate.

#NDTVExclusive | "Offered our support to TVK": Karti P Chidambaram (@KartiPC) to @jsamdaniel pic.twitter.com/Jf5MPlVHhK

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 6, 2026

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Chidambaram said: "The people have clearly voted for a new formation. They want change. They want a new formation to be led by Vijay, and they also have not given Vijay an absolute mandate. So they have told Vijay to go and lead a government, but to go and seek the aid and assistance of other parties. That's why he's reaching out to us, and we have now offered our support."

Read: "Paid High Price For Loyalty": Upset DMK Slams Congress Over Vijay Tie-Up

The decision to ally with Vijay came at a late evening party meeting yesterday after the Congress central leadership gave the state leaders a free hand. 

Ahead of the election, the Congress had decided not to support Vijay and continue their alliance with the DMK. 

There was "aloud thinking in the party to look at other formations and other alliances" before the election, Chidambaram said. "But after wide consultation, it was decided to continue with the existing alliance with the DMK. We fought the election in earnest, but the results have proven otherwise," he added. 

Read: 30 Of 47 AIADMK MLAs Want To Back Vijay, EPS Not In Favour: Sources

It was this decision to continue with the DMK alliance that has pushed party leader Manickam Tagore -- one of the section that batted for an alliance with Vijay -- to remarks that have led to a controversy. Pointing to the people's rejection of the DMK, Tagore had said the Congress had faced collateral damage for "no fault of ours". 

The Congress had won just five of the 28 seats it contested in alliance with the DMK -- down from 18 in 2021.   

Ahead of the election, the DMK had refused to share power with the Congress. Then Chief Minister MK Stalin had categorically refused to even consider the Congress' demand for a share in power if the coalition comes to power, saying it could create an impression of instability. 

This time, the Congress is expecting to get some cabinet berths -- an outcome of the fresh alliance that Chidambaram described as "responsibilities". 

Given the shape of the people's mandate, "We are aiding and assisting him (Vijay) to put together a working coalition. And while we are aiding and assisting him, that also comes with certain responsibilities, and those responsibilities will include us in participating in government," he added.

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Amanpreet Gill, Virat Kohli's Ex-U19 Teammate, Dies; Yuvraj Pays Tribute

Former India U-19 and Punjab medium pacer Amanpreet Singh Gill died at the age of 36 in Chandigarh on Wednesday, leaving the cricket fraternity in mourning. The cause of death is not yet known. Gill, who was Virat Kohli's U-19 teammate, featured in six first-class matches for Punjab, picking up 11 wickets. He was also part of the Punjab franchise (Kings XI Punjab) in the inaugural Indian Premier League season and later served as a member of Punjab's senior selection committee.

"Punjab Cricket Association deeply mourns the sad demise of Amanpreet Singh Gill, former Punjab cricketer and member, Senior Selection Committee, Punjab," the Punjab Cricket Association announced on X.

"Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family in this difficult time."

Two-time World Cup-winning India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh also paid tribute to Gill.

"Deeply saddened to hear about Amanpreet Singh Gill's passing. I shared the dressing room with him in our early days; he was a quiet, hardworking cricketer who loved the game. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace. Om Shanti," Singh posted on X.

Gill played five Youth ODIs and one Youth Test for India in 2007.

Punjab Cricket Association deeply mourns the sad demise of Amanpreet Singh Gill, former Punjab cricketer and Member, Senior Selection Committee Punjab.

He served Punjab cricket with dedication and passion, representing teams including India Under-19s, Kings XI Punjab and Punjab.… pic.twitter.com/tpr0EwEprk

— Punjab Cricket Association (@pcacricket) May 6, 2026

In the longer format, he claimed the wicket of former Sri Lanka all-rounder Thisara Perera.

However, he did not make the Virat Kohli-led India U-19 side that went on to win the 2008 World Cup.

"Deeply saddened by the passing of Amanpreet Singh Shergill, who proudly represented Punjab and was a part of the Punjab Kings family. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire cricketing fraternity," Punjab Kings posted on their official Instagram account.

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Suvendu Adhikari's Personal Assistant Shot Dead Near Kolkata

The personal assistant (PA) of West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has been shot dead in Madhyamgram, two days after the party's historic win in the assembly election.

The BJP leader's PA, identified as Chandranath Rath, was hit by three out of four bullets fired at him while he was in a moving car, sources said. The suspects followed his car and opened fire when it slowed down, they said.

Visuals showed the car's left front window cracked with bullet holes.

Chandranath Rath had been working for Suvendu Adhikari for many years and handled the BJP leader's political coordination and other work. The PA was considered a part of Suvendu Adhikari's inner circle.

Suvendu Adhikari rushed to the hospital at Madhyagram where the police kept his PA's body.

Another man, Buddhadeb, who was with Rath was injured and was taken to a hospital after the attack in the assembly constituency in North 24 Parganas district near Kolkata, sources said.

The PA was driving his own car and Suvendu Adhikari was not with him, the BJP leader's brother Dibyendu Adhikari told NDTV. He sought a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and alleged the Trinamool Congress's hand in the attack.

"This incident is symptomatic of the culture of violence prevalent all these years, cultivated by the Trinamool Congress. He has been brutally murdered. This should be thoroughly investigated. There is a deeper conspiracy behind the killing," BJP leader Nikhil Prasun told NDTV.

BJP leader Devdas Mondal accused the Trinamool of killing an "innocent man". "We will identify the accused and bring them to justice," he told NDTV.

The Trinamool's Rathin Ghosh had won from Madhyamgram by 2,399 votes amid a strong BJP challenge.

The killing of Adhikari's PA comes on a day when the BJP alleged Trinamool Congress workers impersonating as BJP supporters have been trying to incite violence. Videos on social media showed sporadic incidents of groups going around breaking public property.

Kolkata Police chief Ajay Kumar Nand said at least 80 people were arrested and 65 were taken into custody in specific cases, while 15 others were detained as a preventive measure.

Adhikari, who has earned the name "giant killer" after he defeated Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur seat by over 15,000 votes, is one of the frontrunners for chief minister.

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Husband Accused Of Killing Former Miss Switzerland Says He "Loved" Her

Marc Rieben, the man accused of brutally killing his wife, told the Court on Monday that he "loved" her, the Mirror reported. The murder of Kristina Joksimovic, a former Miss Switzerland finalist, catwalk coach and mother of two, took place in 2024 February. The gruesome details from the investigation shocked not just Switzerland but the entire world.

As per the report, her husband allegedly choked her first and then carved out her womb and "pureed" her limbs in an industry-grade blender after she asked for a divorce. The trial opened recently, and Rieben appeared in Court with a statement, in which he said he "loved" his wife but admitted to her "dying at my hands".

Also read | Human Remains Found In 15-Foot Crocodile After Dramatic Airlift In South Africa

"I have caused my family immeasurable suffering. Why? Why did I fail? Why couldn't I prevent it? Why couldn't I stop her from dying at my hands?" he said as quoted in the report.

"I loved my wife with all my heart and believed in a future together. It haunts me day and night. What I did is absolutely unforgivable, and I take full responsibility. I deeply regret it, and I apologise."

He also spoke about the money, 94,000 pounds, he gave his two children and Kristina's parents. "It would be wonderful if you could use it to do something that brings some lightness into your lives," he said.

On being asked by the Court why he didn't offer the money earlier, he replied, "Because this is the first opportunity I'll have to see the bereaved. This offer is made regardless of what the court decides. I simply want to show my support. It's a gesture."

What happened to Kristina Joksimovic?

According to reports, Rieben reportedly refused to accept the divorce and demanded permanent custody of the children. He even rejected financial support for his wife. On the day of the murder, they were arguing about the same thing when he grabbed her by the throat and pressed her against the wall.

Joksimovic was originally from Serbia. Her body was discovered in her home in Binnigen, near Basel. While initial reports indicated a violent death, subsequent forensic findings and Court documents painted a much darker picture.

The most harrowing aspects of the case involve the post-mortem treatment of the victim. According to the autopsy reports and a recent ruling by the Federal Court in Lausanne, the suspect allegedly used a jigsaw, a knife and garden shears to dismember the body.

Also read | Man Trapped On Cruise Shares Emotional Video On 'Hantavirus' Outbreak: "We're Not Just Headlines"

Most shockingly, the forensic report highlighted that the suspect "carefully removed" the victim's womb, an act described by prosecutors as showing a complete lack of empathy.

In a desperate attempt to hide the crime, several body parts were reportedly "pureed" using an industrial blender and dissolved in a chemical solution.

The couple, who married in 2017, appeared to lead a "picture-perfect" life on social media. However, police reports suggest that officers had been called to the residence previously due to reports of domestic disputes.

The Court's decision is expected on May 13. 

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'Unable To Bear Stress': NRI Wants To Return To India After 8 Years Abroad

An NRI man living in the US for the last eight years said he was considering resigning from his current job and returning to India after being unable to handle the stress and depression. In a social media post, the 36-year-old techie with seven years of experience detailed that they were struggling with health issues amid a toxic work environment.

"While things were going well initially, everything changed since last year. Toxic management, extreme stress and pressure due to AI push, office politics, etc., anyway, in total I have about 7 YoE now (5+ here in US)," the user wrote in a Reddit post.

The techie admitted never having a proper support structure in life, confessing he could no longer manage daily stress on his own.

"Through schooling, bachelor's, India work experience, and then here in the US, at this point, I just don't have the strength to be alone anymore while constantly fighting the stress at work," the techie said.

"I'm already taking high BP medications and antidepressants since last year. Every morning when starting the day I feel like I'll end up having a stroke. I've also started disliking tech with each day now."

The man sought the internet's help in planning their future course of action, adding that he was willing to take a low-paying job in India.

"I'm happy to take up any low-paying job too in India, with a better work-life balance. I am feeling completely lost, helpless and nowhere to go. Please share your thoughts and opinions."

Check The Viral Post Here:

Unable to bear the stress and depression anymore, considering resigning and returning, 36M
by u/Great-Supermarket246 in returnToIndia

Also Read | 'I Own You Brownie': Ex-JPMorgan Banker Refiles 'Sex Slave' Lawsuit Against Lorna Hajdini

'Never Doubt'

As the post gained traction, social media users urged the techie to take care of their mental health and return home if it meant staying closer to friends and family.

"Returning is not a bad idea at all. Since you mentioned you are taking high BP medications, just curious, do you do any exercise? I personally have benefited a lot from exercising- it helped me feel better," said one user, while another added: "Never doubt a move that brings you closer to your loved ones and improves your health."

A third commented: "Whether you return to India or not, do consider taking job with less stress, even with low pay. You have worked enough, it is time for you to take it easy and focus on yourself, you need a job that can support that."

A fourth said: "Nothing is as important as your mental health. You are in the prime of your life. You have peak physical energy, enough years of experience under your belt. And savings. You also don't have kids or a wife to take care of."

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"Kick Her Out": Mahesh Jethmalani On Mamata Banerjee's "Won't Resign" Move

The call for dismissal of Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee went up by a notch as senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani said her behaviour is "unpardonable" and a "challenge to the whole democratic system". Once an election is certified by the Election Commission, the Chief Minister ceases to be a Chief Minister, he said in an exclusive interview to NDTV's Padmaja Joshi.

"It is an insult and she deserves to be taught a lesson... I'm glad she did this. I'm glad that this is her attitude so that the Governor can dismiss her instead of her gracefully resigning... the Governor must formally dismiss her because she holds office at his pleasure," Jethmalani said. "If she insists on sticking like a lemming to her chair, then the Governor must unceremoniously dismiss her. I would like to say, given this conduct, kick her out," he added.

In case Banerjee continues to occupy her office, the Governor could send in the police and "evict her," Jethmalani said.

"She is a trespasser in the Chief Minister's office from now on. The moment the election is certified - election results are certified - she is a trespasser," he added.  

Banerjee, who lost the state to BJP yesterday after three consecutive terms in power, has refused to resign from her post.

"I have not lost, so I will not go to Raj Bhavan. I will not tender resignation," she told reporters at a press conference this evening. She has claimed that 100 seats have been "stolen" from her party.

Her unprecedented move can technically get her dismissed. In any state, the Chief Minister and her cabinet work at the "pleasure of the Governor". The term of the Bengal assembly ends on May 7.

Asked about her allegation that 100 seats in the state have been "looted". Jethmalani suggested that the 71-year-old go to court if she has any grievance on that score.

"File individual election petitions for all of them if you have so much evidence. You can waste the time of the court; the court will probably unceremoniously throw you out as well. You have already been given short shrift in the Supreme Court twice before. If you want to keep making yourself a laughingstock, go ahead and do it. You have a constitutional right to move court," Jethmalani added.

Banerjee, following her defeat in the Bhabanipur constituency, alleged that the government and the Election Commission has colluded to bring about this "victory".

Earlier today, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who won a third straight term in this round of election, also told NDTV that Banerjee should be dismissed.

"If she doesn't resign, she will be dismissed. The country doesn't run according to her whims. The Governor will wait for a certain period, and after that, she will be dismissed - it is as simple as that," Sarma told NDTV.

"You don't allow fencing on the border, and then you claim seats were snatched from you? This result should have come to you a long time ago. The people of West Bengal gave you a lot. Today, they have given a mandate to the BJP," he added.

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US Destroys 6 Iranian Small Boats, Shoots Down Missiles And Drones

The US military has destroyed six Iranian small boats and intercepted Iranian cruise missiles and drones fired by Tehran as the US launches an operation to free up shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, US Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of Central Command, said on Monday.

Cooper said he "strongly advised" Iranian forces to remain clear of US military assets as it launches the operation. He said a US blockade of Iran, which prevents ships from going to Iran or departing Iranian territory, also remains in effect and was exceeding expectations.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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