As Tamil Nadu gears up for the 2026 Assembly elections, tensions simmer in the DMK-Congress alliance over seat-sharing. Congress demands 40 seats for relevance but settles for 38 after DMK's 32-seat offer. Amidst this, Tamil Nadu Congress leaders are urging Rahul Gandhi to explore an alliance with actor Vijay's TVK, hailed as a "natural ally." With power-sharing demands echoing from party workers, evolving political equations could reshape the coalition landscape in the coming months.

In a bold critique, senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan blasts the Modi government's silence on Venezuela's crisis, where an elected president was allegedly ousted in violation of international law. Warning that India could face a similar fate, Chavan questions unproven US drug charges against Nicolas Maduro and links the turmoil to Venezuela's vast oil reserves. He urges India to take a firm stand on global issues like Ukraine and Israel-Hamas to assert its leadership and UN ambitions, rather than fearing American influence.

INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala has ignited controversy by calling for youth-led protests similar to those in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka that toppled governments, aiming to remove the current administration. His viral remarks drew sharp BJP criticism, accusing him of anti-constitutional rhetoric that threatens democracy. The row exposes deep political divides and debates over acceptable protest language in India.

As 2026 begins, PM Modi and President Murmu extended warm greetings to the nation. PM Modi wished for health and peace, while President Murmu called the New Year a symbol of new energy. VP Dhankhar emphasized the collective resolve needed for a developed India. The leaders urged citizens to focus on social harmony and progress, setting a unified and optimistic tone for the year ahead.