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After publishing cartoon on PM Modi, Vikatan Group says its website blocked

As the controversy unfolds, the central government has yet to issue an official statement on the alleged blocking of the magazine’s website.

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Tamil digital magazine Vikatan has claimed that its website became inaccessible to readers following a complaint by the BJP to the central government over a cartoon allegedly depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an offensive manner.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and leaders of various political parties, who have criticized the alleged blocking of the website as an attack on freedom of expression.

In a social media post, Vikatan stated that numerous users from different locations reported being unable to access its website. However, the magazine clarified that there has been no official communication from the central government regarding the alleged block.

The controversy stems from a cover cartoon published by Vikatan Plus, the magazine’s digital edition, on February 10. The cartoon reportedly highlighted the issue of Indians being handcuffed and deported from the United States while Prime Minister Modi remained silent on the matter. The depiction drew sharp criticism from BJP supporters, with Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai lodging a formal complaint against the magazine with the central government.

Vikatan, asserting its commitment to freedom of expression, said it is investigating the reasons behind the alleged blocking of its website and has raised the issue with the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin condemned the alleged action, calling it undemocratic and reflective of the BJP’s “fascist nature.” He urged the central government to restore access to the website, emphasizing that blocking a media outlet for its opinions undermines democratic principles.

Tamil Nadu Congress president K. Selvaperunthagai and TVK chief Vijay also criticized the central government’s alleged move, with Vijay describing it as an attempt to stifle freedom of expression.

In response to Stalin’s remarks, BJP vice president Narayanan Thirupathy questioned the chief minister’s understanding of freedom of expression. “Before speaking about freedom of expression, the chief minister should review the list of individuals arrested in the past four years for criticizing him and his government,” Thirupathy said.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai defended the party’s complaint, stating that the cartoon was offensive and aimed at defaming PM Modi. In a letter to Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan, Annamalai sought action against Vikatan for publishing what he called “fake and defamatory content.”

“Freedom of the press does not grant a newspaper the license to malign a political leader with baseless and defamatory writings,” Annamalai said in his complaint. He also revealed that two separate representations had been sent—one to the Press Council of India and another to Minister Murugan—urging prompt action against Vikatan for allegedly acting as a “mouthpiece of the DMK” and publishing offensive content against PM Modi.

The incident has reignited debates over press freedom and the limits of political satire in India, with critics accusing the BJP of suppressing dissent and opposition leaders rallying behind Vikatan. As the controversy unfolds, the central government has yet to issue an official statement on the alleged blocking of the magazine’s website.

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Nitish Kumar’s son Nishant among 32 inducted in Bihar cabinet expansion

Nishant Kumar entered the Bihar cabinet for the first time as 32 ministers from NDA allies took oath in a major expansion of the state government.

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May 7, 2026

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Bihar government cabinet

A major cabinet expansion took place in Bihar on Thursday, with 32 leaders from the ruling NDA alliance inducted into the state government. Among the prominent names was Nishant Kumar, son of former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, who entered the cabinet for the first time.

The expansion included representatives from all major NDA allies in the state. According to reports, the BJP secured 15 ministerial berths, while JD(U) got 13 positions. Two ministers were inducted from Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), while Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha received one berth each.

The oath-taking ceremony was held in Patna in the presence of senior NDA leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Nishant Kumar’s induction comes weeks after he formally entered active politics. His entry into the Bihar cabinet is being viewed as a significant development for JD(U), which had long projected an anti-dynasty image under Nitish Kumar’s leadership.

The cabinet reshuffle follows Nitish Kumar’s move to the Rajya Sabha earlier this year and the formation of the government led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.

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PM Modi marks Operation Sindoor anniversary, calls it India’s firm stand against terrorism

PM Modi said Operation Sindoor showcased India’s firm response against terrorism while paying tribute to the armed forces on the operation’s first anniversary.

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May 7, 2026

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PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s firm response against terrorism and highlighted the country’s commitment to national security.

Marking one year of the operation, the Prime Minister praised the courage, precision and professionalism of the Indian armed forces. He said the military action was carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that had claimed the lives of 26 civilians in 2025.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as a calibrated tri-services operation targeting terror infrastructure linked to cross-border terrorism. Reports said the operation showcased coordinated action by the armed forces and was seen as a major counter-terror response by India.

On the anniversary of the operation, PM Modi also changed the display pictures across his social media platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The image carried the text “Operation Sindoor” along with the Indian tricolour design.

The Indian Air Force also shared visuals and messages recalling the operation and highlighting India’s military response. A video released by the force described the operation as a strong message against terrorism and referred to the precision strikes carried out during the mission.

Operation Sindoor was launched following the Pahalgam terror attack, after which India carried out strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, according to official statements and reports published at the time.

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Vijay meets Tamil Nadu Governor again as TVK pushes to prove majority

TVK chief Vijay held another meeting with Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as the party intensified efforts to secure majority support after emerging as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections.

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May 7, 2026

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Actor vijay

Actor-turned-politician Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar again on Thursday as his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), continued efforts to prove it has enough support to form the next government in the state.

TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly after winning 108 seats, but it remains short of the majority mark of 118.

The Congress has extended support to TVK, adding five MLAs to Vijay’s side. However, the alliance still needs additional backing from other parties or independents to comfortably cross the halfway mark.

According to reports, the Governor has not yet been fully convinced that TVK currently has the required numbers to form a stable government. This has delayed clarity over the swearing-in ceremony and the formal invitation to form the government.

Political activity intensified after reports emerged that some AIADMK legislators were moved to a resort in Puducherry amid speculation over possible support to TVK. AIADMK leaders, however, publicly denied any internal crisis.

TVK sources have expressed confidence that the party will be able to demonstrate majority support during discussions with the Governor.

The Tamil Nadu election results marked a major political shift in the state, with TVK breaking the long-standing dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in its first Assembly election contest.

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