Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a telephonic conversation with newly sworn-in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay and congratulated him on assuming office.

The call came shortly after Vijay officially took oath as the ninth Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, marking a major political milestone for the actor-turned-politician and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

During the interaction, Prime Minister Modi wished Vijay success in his new role and assured continued cooperation between the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government for the welfare and development of the state.

PM Modi Extends Greetings Publicly

Before the phone conversation, PM Modi had also congratulated Vijay publicly through a post on social media platform X.

In his message, the Prime Minister said:

The message signalled the Centre’s willingness to maintain collaborative relations with the newly formed Tamil Nadu government despite political differences.

Vijay Takes Oath as Tamil Nadu’s 9th Chief Minister

Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony took place earlier in the day in Chennai after Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerged as the single-largest party in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The actor-politician’s rise marks one of the biggest political shifts in the state in recent decades, ending the long-standing dominance of the two major Dravidian parties.

Along with Vijay, nine senior leaders from TVK were also sworn in as cabinet ministers.

Ministers Inducted Into the New Cabinet:

• N Anand
• Aadhav Arjuna
• KA Sengottaiyan
• K G Arunraj
• P Venkataramanan
• R Nirmalkumar
• Rajmohan
• T K Prabhu
• S Keerthana

Major Welfare Announcements After Taking Charge

Soon after assuming office, Chief Minister Vijay announced several welfare and law enforcement initiatives aimed at addressing public concerns and fulfilling key election promises.

Key Announcements Include:

• 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers
• Formation of a Special Task Force against narcotics and drug abuse
• Establishment of a Women’s Protection Force to strengthen women’s safety and security

The free electricity scheme is expected to benefit middle-class and lower-income households across Tamil Nadu.

A Major Political Shift in Tamil Nadu

The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections produced a dramatic political realignment.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam secured 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, emerging as the largest party.

Although short of a clear majority, TVK formed the government with support from:

• Indian National Congress
• Communist Party of India
• Communist Party of India (Marxist)
• Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi
• Indian Union Muslim League

Political observers believe Vijay’s entry into governance could significantly reshape Tamil Nadu politics in the coming years.

A New Chapter for Tamil Nadu Politics

Vijay’s transition from cinema superstar to Chief Minister has drawn national attention, with supporters describing it as the beginning of a new political era in Tamil Nadu.

The coming months will now test how the first-time Chief Minister balances:

• governance
• welfare delivery
• coalition management
• public expectations

India achieved a major milestone in its strategic defence programme after the Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully conducted the flight trial of an advanced Agni missile equipped with MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) technology from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island.

The test was carried out on May 8, 2026, and marks another significant boost to India’s long-range missile and nuclear deterrence capability.

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🛰️ What Makes This Missile Important?

The missile was tested with:

• Multiple payloads
• Different target points spread across the Indian Ocean region
• Advanced MIRV capability

MIRV technology allows a single missile to carry multiple nuclear warheads, each capable of hitting different targets independently. This dramatically improves:

• Strategic reach
• Strike flexibility
• Nuclear deterrence capability

Only a small number of countries currently possess operational MIRV-capable missile systems.

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⚠️ Agni-5 or Agni-6? Here’s the Clarification

Some reports and social media discussions referred to the missile as Agni-6, but officially:

• DRDO described it as an “advanced Agni missile with MIRV capability”
• The Agni-6 programme is still awaiting formal government approval, according to DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat.

Defence analysts believe the latest test was likely:

• An upgraded version of Agni-V
• Or a technology demonstrator for future Agni-6 development

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🌍 Expected Strategic Capability

The upcoming Agni-6 programme is expected to feature:

• Estimated range: 6,000–10,000 km
• MIRV warhead capability
• Improved survivability and targeting systems

If inducted, it would significantly strengthen India’s strategic reach and long-range deterrence posture.

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🇮🇳 Rajnath Singh Praises DRDO

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and called the successful test:

The development comes amid growing global security concerns and rapid modernization of missile systems worldwide.

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🎯 India Also Tests New Glide Weapon System

Separately, India also conducted the maiden trial of:

• TARA (Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation)

The system:

• Converts conventional unguided bombs into precision-guided weapons
• Was developed by Research Centre Imarat and DRDO
• Is designed as a low-cost precision strike platform

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🧠 Why This Matters

The successful missile test highlights:

• India’s growing indigenous defence capability
• Advancement in strategic missile technology
• Increased focus on long-range deterrence and precision warfare

It also signals India’s continued push toward self-reliance in advanced defence systems under its indigenous military technology programmes.

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🔎 Final Take

The latest Agni MIRV test represents one of the most significant developments in India’s strategic missile programme in recent years. While official details remain limited, the successful trial demonstrates India’s progress in advanced missile delivery systems and strengthens its position among nations possessing sophisticated long-range deterrence technologies.

The race for the next Chief Minister of Kerala has entered a crucial phase after the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) secured a decisive victory in the 2026 Assembly elections. While the Congress high command has not officially announced its choice, party insiders indicate that senior leader K. C. Venugopal currently holds a significant edge over other contenders.

The final decision is expected to be taken by the Congress central leadership after consultations with senior party figures, newly elected MLAs, and alliance partners.

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Congress Returns to Power in Kerala

The Congress-led:

• United Democratic Front

registered a sweeping comeback in Kerala by winning:

• 102 seats in the 140-member Assembly.

The Congress itself secured:

• 63 seats,
  making it the single-largest party in the coalition.

The result marked a major political setback for the ruling:

• Left Democratic Front,

which had been seeking another term in office.

Political analysts say anti-incumbency, unemployment concerns, rising prices, and strong campaigning by Congress leaders contributed to the UDF’s victory.

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KC Venugopal Emerges Leading Candidate

According to internal party discussions, a majority of Congress MLAs have reportedly backed:

• K. C. Venugopal

for the chief minister’s post.

MLA Preference Breakdown

Sources suggest:

• 43 MLAs openly supported Venugopal.
• Around 10 MLAs left the decision to the Congress high command.
• A few legislators mentioned multiple names including:
  • V. D. Satheesan
  • Ramesh Chennithala

This strong backing from legislators has significantly strengthened Venugopal’s claim.

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Why KC Venugopal Is Seen as Front-Runner

K. C. Venugopal is considered one of the most influential leaders in the Congress organisation at the national level.

Currently serving as:

• Congress General Secretary (Organisation),

he is known to be a close confidant of:

• Rahul Gandhi.

Key Factors Working in His Favour

1. Strong High Command Connection

Venugopal’s close association with Rahul Gandhi gives him considerable influence inside the party.

2. Organisational Experience

He has managed several key election campaigns and organisational responsibilities for the Congress nationwide.

3. MLA Support

The reported backing from a majority of legislators gives him a major political advantage.

4. Consensus Candidate Potential

Party insiders believe Venugopal may emerge as a compromise candidate acceptable to multiple factions.

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VD Satheesan Still a Powerful Contender

Despite Venugopal’s lead,:

• V. D. Satheesan

remains a strong contender.

Satheesan served as:

• Leader of Opposition in the outgoing Kerala Assembly,

and played an aggressive role against the ruling LDF government.

Why Satheesan Has Public Support

Political observers say Satheesan enjoys:

• strong grassroots popularity,
• support among younger Congress workers,
• and a reform-oriented image.

Many within the party credit him with energising the Congress campaign during the elections.

Some Congress supporters reportedly believe Satheesan’s leadership style could help the party maintain long-term political momentum in Kerala.

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Ramesh Chennithala Also in the Race

Senior Congress veteran:

• Ramesh Chennithala

continues to remain in contention.

Chennithala has extensive experience in:

• Kerala administration,
• state Congress politics,
• and parliamentary affairs.

However, insiders suggest his support among newly elected MLAs may currently be lower compared to Venugopal and Satheesan.

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Congress Observers Submit Report to Kharge

To assess the situation, Congress appointed senior leaders:

• Ajay Maken
• Mukul Wasnik

as observers for Kerala.

The two leaders:

• met newly elected MLAs individually,
• consulted party MPs,
• and gathered opinions from senior state leaders.

Their report has now been submitted to:

• Mallikarjun Kharge.

Sources say the observers recommended that the final decision should balance:

• organisational unity,
• public perception,
• and future electoral strategy.

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Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Expected to Play Key Role

The final decision is expected to involve:

• Rahul Gandhi
• Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

because both leaders maintain strong political ties with Kerala.

Rahul Gandhi previously represented:

• Wayanad

in the Lok Sabha, while Priyanka Gandhi currently serves as a Member of Parliament from Kerala.

Their political influence is expected to play a major role in the final leadership decision.

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What Challenges Await the New Kerala Government?

The next Chief Minister will inherit several major challenges:

Key Issues Facing Kerala

• Rising unemployment
• Financial stress and debt concerns
• Infrastructure development
• Flood and climate management
• Youth migration
• Tourism recovery
• Industrial investment

Political analysts say the Congress leadership may choose a CM candidate based on who can best balance governance with coalition management.

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When Will the Final Announcement Be Made?

Sources indicate the Congress high command could announce the new Chief Minister within the next few days after:

• consultations with UDF allies,
• meetings with central leadership,
• and internal political discussions.

Until then, political activity remains intense in:

• Thiruvananthapuram
• and New Delhi.