The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has recorded a strong performance in the Punjab zila parishad elections and is leading in the majority of panchayat samiti zones, as per results declared so far on Thursday. The counting process is still underway and complete results are awaited, officials said.

Polling for the rural local bodies was held on December 14 to elect representatives across 347 zones of 22 zila parishads and 2,838 zones of 153 panchayat samitis in the state.

AAP secures clear edge in zila parishads

According to the available results, outcomes have been declared for 317 zila parishad zones so far. Of these, the AAP has won 201 zones, placing it well ahead of other parties.

The Congress emerged second with victories in 60 zones, followed by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) with 39 zones. The BJP won four zones, the BSP secured three, while independents claimed 10 zones.

District-wise data shows that the AAP won 22 zones in Hoshiarpur, 19 each in Amritsar and Patiala, 17 each in Tarn Taran and Gurdaspur, and 15 zones in Sangrur. The Congress registered its best performances in Gurdaspur and Ludhiana with eight zones each, followed by Jalandhar with seven zones. The SAD performed strongly in Bathinda with 13 zones, while the BJP managed to win four zones in Pathankot.

AAP leads in panchayat samiti results

In the panchayat samiti elections, trends declared so far indicate that the AAP is leading in a majority of zones. However, officials clarified that counting is ongoing and the final picture will be clear only after all ballot papers are tallied.

Kejriwal, Mann reject opposition allegations

Reacting to the trends, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal said the party’s performance reflected strong rural support for the Bhagwant Mann government’s work. Addressing the media in Mohali along with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Kejriwal dismissed allegations of irregularities raised by opposition parties.

He said the elections were conducted in a fair and free manner and claimed that the results so far showed a clear wave in favour of the AAP in rural Punjab. Kejriwal stated that nearly 70 per cent of the zila parishad and panchayat samiti seats had gone in favour of the party.

Congress, SAD question poll conduct

The Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal, however, accused the ruling party of misusing official machinery. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring alleged that the AAP had “stolen” the rural mandate and claimed that the results did not reflect genuine public support.

Opposition parties had earlier also accused the AAP government of high-handedness during the polling process, allegations that the ruling party has strongly denied.

Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay marked a significant moment in his political journey on December 18, combining a major public rally of his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) with a key promotional event for his final film Jana Nayagan. The twin developments underline his calibrated shift from cinema to full-time politics, with the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections clearly in focus.

Vijay addressed a large gathering near the Vijayamangalam toll plaza in Erode, marking his first major open rally after the Karur incident. Around 25,000 people were present at the venue, reflecting the sustained interest around his political entry and the mobilisation capacity of his fan base, now being encouraged to transition into party supporters.

Parallelly, the second single from Jana Nayagan was released online in the evening. The film, slated to hit theatres on January 9, has been announced as Vijay’s last cinematic outing before dedicating himself entirely to politics.

How Jana Nayagan fits into Vijay’s political strategy

Jana Nayagan, directed by H Vinoth, is positioned as more than just a farewell project to Vijay’s acting career. From its title, which translates to “People’s Leader”, to its narrative and music by Anirudh Ravichander, the film has been designed to mirror themes that Vijay has begun emphasising in his political speeches — governance, accountability and moral authority.

The actor has repeatedly projected himself in rallies as a leader who wants to serve the people of Tamil Nadu and raise issues affecting marginalised sections. The film’s tone appears to align with this image, aiming to present a restrained and serious persona without alienating his long-time fans.

By declaring Jana Nayagan as his final film, Vijay has attempted a gradual emotional transition for his supporters, with TVK hoping that this loyalty will convert into organisational strength and votes in the upcoming elections.

Analysts divided on electoral impact

Political analysts, however, remain cautious about the effectiveness of this approach. One analyst noted that while Vijay is clearly attempting to convert his massive fan following into party cadres, not every fan can realistically take on a political role. Another analyst pointed out that the film alone is unlikely to fetch votes, though messaging around issues such as corruption or dynastic politics could help Vijay gain some traction over time.

The analysts also flagged that Vijay is entering a crowded and competitive political space and that the impact of recent controversies has added to the challenges ahead. According to them, his current strategy appears to be aimed not only at 2026 but at building a longer-term political position.

Invoking legacy and symbolism

A recurring element in Vijay’s rallies has been his admiration for former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor M G Ramachandran. The second single from Jana Nayagan, titled Oru Pere Varalaaru, reinforces this aspiration, with lyrics emphasising the idea of a name that makes history and the power of the people’s voice.

While invoking MGR remains a common political trope in Tamil Nadu, analysts underline that his journey remains unmatched. They stress that sustained electoral participation and organisational strength, rather than crowd sizes at rallies, will determine Vijay’s political future.

For now, Vijay’s rally in Erode and the simultaneous promotion of Jana Nayagan highlight a carefully timed blend of cinema and politics, as he prepares to test his popularity beyond the silver screen.

Parliament on Wednesday cleared a major amendment to insurance laws, paving the way for 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in insurance companies, up from the earlier cap of 74 per cent. The Rajya Sabha passed the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025, a day after it was approved by the Lok Sabha.

Replying to the debate, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the move is aimed at attracting new insurers, intermediaries and allied service providers, which would expand the insurance ecosystem and lead to net employment generation.

Safeguards for policyholders highlighted

Addressing concerns over policyholder protection, Sitharaman said the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has mandated a minimum solvency ratio of 1.5 for all insurance companies, meaning their assets must be at least one-and-a-half times their liabilities.

She added that insurers are also required to make provisions for liabilities classified as “incurred but not reported” and “incurred but not enough reported,” and profits can be calculated only after accounting for these obligations. According to the minister, these norms ensure adequate safeguards for policyholders.

LIC performance cited amid reforms

The finance minister said the government continues to strengthen the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), citing its performance in the last financial year. LIC’s total assets under management rose by 6.45 per cent to ₹54.52 lakh crore in FY 2024-25, while its solvency margin improved to 2.11 from 1.98. The net value of new business also increased to ₹10,011 crore from ₹9,583 crore a year earlier.

Employment and consultation process

Sitharaman rejected claims that the amendments would hurt employment, stating that a deeper insurance market would benefit agents, brokers and intermediaries through wider outreach and more products.

She also countered opposition allegations that the bill was rushed, noting that consultations began in November 2024 with states and Union Territories. Inputs were also sought from insurers, regulators, industry bodies and the public, with over 13,000 responses received through the department’s website.

Wider changes under the bill

The legislation raises the FDI limit in insurance companies to 100 per cent and reduces the net-owned fund requirement for foreign reinsurance companies operating in India from ₹5,000 crore to ₹1,000 crore. It also broadens the definition of intermediaries to include managing general agents and insurance repositories.

The bill amends the Insurance Act, 1938, the LIC Act, 1956, and the IRDAI Act, 1999. Sitharaman said the changes align with the government’s long-term goal of achieving “Insurance for All by 2047” and improving ease of doing business.

Under the new framework, all insurance companies and intermediaries will be required to include the word “insurance” in their names for greater customer clarity. The amendments also introduce the provision for suspension of intermediary licences instead of immediate cancellation, allowing time for compliance.

Opposition voices concerns

Several opposition members opposed the bill in the Rajya Sabha, alleging it weakens accountability and prioritises shareholders over policyholders. They argued that insurance should primarily function as a social security mechanism rather than just an investment avenue.

Despite the criticism, the government maintained that the reforms would strengthen regulation, expand coverage, and support the growth of affordable insurance, especially in rural areas.