Page 189 – THE LOCAL REPORT ARTICLES

Rajya Sabha polls: Congress accuses BJP of trying ‘poll chori’ in Haryana, warns cross voters of strict action

INDIA

March 17, 2026

Rajya Sabha polls: Congress accuses BJP of trying ‘poll chori’ in Haryana, warns cross voters of strict action

Rajya Sabha民意调查：国会指控人民党在哈里亚纳邦尝试“投票chori”，警告交叉选民采取严格行动

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Karamvir Singh Boudh, who was elected to the Haryana Lok Sabha

New Delhi: congress accusation tuesday bjp There are attempts to “vote for Chauri” and “murder democracy” in the Haryana Union Assembly elections, even as the party claims to take “sternest possible action” against its own MLAs suspected of cross-voting.The onslaught came hours after a high-profile, dramatic Rajya Sabha contest ended just after midnight in Haryana state, with the BJP and Congress winning one seat each after allegations of breach of vote secrecy, invalid ballots and cross-voting disrupted the election.

After tense overnight counting, the BJP and Congress have one seat each

Sanjay Bhatia of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Karamveer Singh Budde of the Congress Party were elected to the Haryana federal assembly.Bhatia, a former Lok Sabha member from Karnal, easily won the first seat with 39 first preference votes. Budde, a retired Haryana government employee and a prominent Dalit activist who currently serves as the National Coordinator of the Scheduled Castes Unit of the Congress, secured the second seat with 28 votes.Independent candidate Satish Nandal polled 16 votes, leaving the race for the second seat narrowly contested after cross-polling diluted what the Congress could have easily counted.According to the Federal House election formula, the quota required to win a seat is 2,767 votes. Both Bhatia and Bude exceeded this standard, leaving no room for further transfer of votes.

Deepender Hooda claims to ‘vote for Chauri’, says BJP is trying to ‘murder democracy’

At a press conference in Delhi, Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda congratulated the party leadership and praised Budh’s victory but launched a blistering attack on the BJP over the way the polls were being conducted.“In Haryana, under the cover of darkness, the BJP is trying to murder democracy and indulge in poll-based elections,” Hooda said, according to the Press Trust of India.He claimed that the BJP had “no faith in democracy” and only wanted to “seize power” but said MPs and workers were vigilant to ensure the victory of Budde, whom he described as a man who worked for social justice.According to news agency ANI, Hooda said the BJP had adopted “all possible strategies” and “such unethical political behavior would not have been resorted to for just one Lok Sabha seat anywhere in the country before today.”

Congress accuses election officials of bargaining, bias

Hooda claimed that the BJP tried “various tactics”, including encouraging cross-voting and trying to win seats through bargaining.He further claimed that when the move failed, the BJP “launched its B-Team INLD” and claimed that the BJP did not clarify its position until polling day.Hooda claimed that “the INLD evaded the vote when more than 30 votes in Congress had already been cast in favor.”He later accused the BJP of influencing the Election Commission and accused election officials of bias.“The returning officer showed bias and canceled four of our votes, even though they were all valid. This was done after another returning officer had already placed the same votes in a valid tray. This shows that the BJP is obsessed with ‘voting’ in the Lok Sabha elections,” Hooda said.Furthermore, Hooda added, “The four ballots that were invalidated during our count all counted… This is a victory for democracy.”

Congress acknowledges crossover vote, says ‘strictest action’ to come

Even while attacking the BJP, the Congress admitted that some of its MLAs had cross-voted.Hooda said some Congress MLAs from Haryana had cross-voted and warned of action.“Our MLAs who betrayed their conscience and integrity – not just themselves but even their next generation will be held accountable by the people of Haryana. The Congress party will take strictest possible action against these MLAs,” he said.Hooda also said the public would not forgive these MLAs and those who remained loyal to the party despite facing “temptations and pressures” earned more respect from the people.

Five votes were invalid and INLD abstained.

There have been some twists and turns in this election.Two members of the Indian National Congress (INLD) abstained from voting, reducing the number of valid votes in the 90-member Haryana Assembly to 88 when voting began.INLD leaders Abhay Singh Chautala and Aditya Devi Lal said the party decided to abstain “keeping in mind the sentiments of the people”.Five votes were later declared invalid – four by the Congress and one by the BJP, officials said.The poll body declared Congress MP Paramveer Singh’s vote invalid after the Congress and the BJP complained to the Election Commission about breach of voting secrecy.Invalid ballots became a major flashpoint, with congressional accusations of selective targeting and procedural bias.

Budde calls it a victory despite ‘illegal cancellation of votes’

Congress winner Karamvir Singh Boudh also questioned the cancellation of voting after his victory.ANI quoted Budh as saying, “The votes were illegally canceled but I have the blessings of the Congress party and the people. I have the love of the top leadership of the Congress party.”Congress leaders expected his victory to be politically significant, especially after the BJP leaders dismissed him as a “weak candidate”.Hooda said those who called social workers weak received an “appropriate response” and described the outcome as a “constitutional victory”.Congress’ scheduled castes unit chief Rajendra Pal Gautam, who accompanied Hooda to the press conference, said he was “extremely happy” that the party had nominated “a real Ambedkarit” for the Rajya Sabha, the Press Trust of India reported.

Fresh Assembly Flashpoint

The results of the Union House also reached the Haryana Assembly on Tuesday.In another development, MPs went on strike claiming democratic values were being undermined.Congress MP Geeta Bhukkal claimed that the House had become a “marketplace for buying and selling things” and alleged that ministers openly admitted to “buying” MPs.“The Constitution has been strangled and that is why we are resisting,” she was quoted as saying by ANI.

BJP strikes back

The BJP, however, rejected the Congress party’s charges and referred the cross-polling issue back to the opposition.BJP winner Sanjay Bhatia said the Congress party was upset because its lawmakers were not united.“The responsibility of the Congress is to unite its workers and MLAs and now they are making accusations against us because of cross-voting by their own workers, which is not right,” Bhatia said.Haryana minister Mahipal Dhanda also dismissed the Congress party’s allegations, saying independent candidates had every right to seek votes and claiming the Congress party was “holding their workers hostage”.

Congress got away with it

With five Congress MPs allegedly cross-voting, if independent candidate Satish Nandal also gets 11 second-preference votes from BJP candidate Bhatia, and if one more Congress MP cross-votes in his favor, he could tie Budh’s vote tally.The math underscores how close Congress came to losing a seat it was expected to win easily.In the end, the Congress managed to secure one of the two seats despite fierce accusations of cross-voting, invalid votes and haggling, but the result triggered a new internal crisis against dissident MLAs and a new political battle with the BJP over the vote.

Suzy Wiles’ Net Worth: How Rich Is Trump’s Chief of Staff Diagnosed with Breast Cancer?

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March 17, 2026

Suzy Wiles’ Net Worth: How Rich Is Trump’s Chief of Staff Diagnosed with Breast Cancer?

The US president confirms that White House chief of staff Suzy Wiles has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer Donald Trump March 16th.

President Donald Trump confirmed Susie Wiles' breast cancer diagnosis, praising her decision to begin treatment immediately and expressing confidence in her prognosis. (Reuters) — President Donald Trump confirmed Susie Wiles’ breast cancer diagnosis, praising her decision to begin treatment immediately and expressing confidence in her prognosis. (Reuters)

The President of the United States issued a statement on the social media platform Truth Social saying that Wiles will continue to perform his duties during his treatment.

“(She) decided to take on this challenge immediately rather than wait. She had a great medical team and her prognosis was excellent,” Trump said in the Truth Society post. “During her treatment, she spent almost full time in the hospital White House“.

Wiles is the first female chief of staff in the White House and has held the position since Trump’s inauguration in January 2025.

Also read: Ali Larijani Family: Amid mass deaths in Israel, everything hinges on Iran’s security chief’s wife, children and net worth

Trump calls Susie Wiles a ‘terrific warrior’

After Wiles’ diagnosis was announced, trump card The board meeting at the Kennedy Center called her “fantastic” and an “amazing fighter.”

The president faced Wiles, who was sitting on his left, and said, “You’re going to be around for a long time.”

Trump further mentioned that Wiles would address her health issues “immediately” rather than waiting, a decision he said he fully supported. “I say, do it immediately, because with this particular disease, the sooner the better. That’s the only thing I know, the sooner the better.”

He commented that the prognosis was “very good,” noting that she had just begun treatment.

Suzy Wiles ex-husband, children, and net worth

Susan L. Wiles, 68, is the daughter of the late NFL player and sportscaster Pat Summerall.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Maryland, according to The Florida Times-Union, a division of the USA TODAY Network.

Wiles and her ex-spouse, Lenny Wiles, are parents to two daughters, Katie and Caroline, the Times Union reported. The couple married in 1984 and divorced in 2017.

Susie Wiles’ net worth has not been disclosed. However, her late father’s distinguished career as an NFL player and broadcaster prompted Celebrity Net Worth to estimate his estate at more than $10 million, which is likely to be divided between Wiles and her two siblings, according to Newsweek.

Overview of Suzy Wiles’ political career

Wiles has been involved in politics for more than fifty years.

She served under New York Republican Rep. Jack Kemp in the 1970s and later contributed to former President Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign and administration, an early USA Today article reported.

She has since moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where she held consulting and government roles while raising her two daughters.

In 1995, Wiles played a key role in helping John Delaney become Jacksonville’s first Republican mayor since shortly after the Civil War. She served as Delaney’s chief of staff until 2000.

Wiles was subsequently selected to assist Sen. Rick Scott’s 2010 Florida gubernatorial campaign as well as his campaign for governor. Ron DeSantis‘ 2018 Events.

She has been involved in Trump’s presidential campaign since 2015. After winning in 2024, Trump named Wiles chief of staff, a position she has held ever since.

Smith and Warner’s PSL plans under scanner in ‘Do Not Travel’ alert

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March 17, 2026

Smith and Warner’s PSL plans under scanner in ‘Do Not Travel’ alert

David Warner, Steve Smith and the Pakistani flag

new delhi: australian stars Steve Smith David Warner faces growing uncertainty over his participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as security concerns in the region cast a shadow over the tournament.According to Australian media Codesport.com, several Australian players and coaches, including Glenn Maxwell and Marnus Labuschagne, are expected to participate in the PSL competition starting on March 26.

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Jay Shah calls 2019-2026 golden period for Indian cricket

However, rising tensions in Pakistan and surrounding areas have prompted serious discussions behind the scenes. Players have reportedly been informed of the security risks, including disruptions and travel complications related to the conflict. Flights in and out of the region have been affected, adding to uncertainty. Of greatest concern is a scheduled match in Peshawar, a city currently listed as “do not travel” by the Australian government due to security threats.Despite these risks, teams are continuing to prepare and a number of Australian players are expected to arrive in Pakistan soon. The situation leaves many people weighing the trade-offs between professional commitments and personal safety.To address concerns, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed contingency measures, including evacuating players via private jets if the situation worsens. While the game remains as planned, the final decisions for players such as Smith and Warner may depend on how the safety situation develops in the coming days.

A Utah mother convicted of murdering her husband writes a children’s book about grief, ‘Are You With Me’

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March 17, 2026
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Kouri Richins, the author of the self-published children’s book “Are You With Me,” tells the sad story of being found guilty of aggravated murder of her husband, who he poisoned with fentanyl. Kouri Richins published the book a year after her husband, Eric Richins, was killed in March 2022. She spiked his cocktail with five times the lethal dose of fentanyl. The jury deliberated for three hours before announcing the verdict.Richins, a real estate agent who was deeply in debt, wanted to leave her husband but stayed because of his money, prosecutors said. She was planning a future with another man and had a life insurance policy taken out on her behalf without her husband’s knowledge. Prosecutors showed the jury text messages between Richins and Robert Josh Grossman, with whom she allegedly had an affair, in which she fantasized about leaving her husband, getting millions of dollars in a divorce and marrying Grossman.

Luxury prisons for the rich in America: What the rich search on Google

Richins’ search history included “what is the lethal dose of fentanyl, luxury prisons for wealthy Americans and what is written on the death certificate if someone is poisoned.”After poisoning her husband, she called 911, which prosecutors said was not “the sound of a widowed wife.” “This is the sound of a wife turning into a black widow,” they said. Before his arrest in May 2023, Richins self-published a children’s book about coping with the loss of a parent. During the case, the lead investigator revealed that she actually paid a ghostwriting company to write the book for her. The book, which says it aims to create peace and comfort for bereaved children, tells the story of a young boy who questions whether his father is there for him during special moments like birthdays, Christmas and the first day of school.

India condemns Pakistan at UN for ‘fabricated’ Islamophobic rhetoric, points to Ahmadi crackdown and Afghanistan bombings

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March 17, 2026
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India condemns Pakistan at UN for ‘fabricated’ Islamophobic rhetoric, points to Ahmadi crackdown and Afghanistan bombings

India on Monday strongly condemned Pakistan at the United Nations, saying it habitually “fabricated” Islamophobic rhetoric against its neighbor, while questioning Islamabad’s own record on its treatment of minorities during Ramzan and its actions against Afghanistan.Addressing the United Nations General Assembly to mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Parvatarani Harish issued a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation while urging the United Nations to avoid formulating a framework that focuses only on one faith rather than addressing all forms of religious discrimination.

‘India’s Western neighbors’ spin Islamophobic narratives

“India’s western neighbors are a perfect example of imaginative stories of Islamophobia being created in their neighbourhoods,” Harish said.In a stinging attack, he added: “One wonders what will be called the brutal crackdown on Ahmadiyya in this country, or the massive deportation of helpless Afghans or the airstrikes during this holy month of Ramadan?”Harish’s response comes against the backdrop of Pakistan’s repeated attempts to level accusations against India in multilateral forums under the banner of Islamophobia.He also said the OIC “is systematically attempted by our Western neighbors to weaponize it against India” and has repeatedly made “false and baseless accusations” against the country.

India warns against weaponizing religion at UN

Harish stressed that the United Nations must take note of “the growing trend and danger of state and non-state actors weaponizing and exploiting religious identities to serve narrow political ends.”He warned that politicizing religion would not resolve grievances but risk legitimizing “selective, polarizing narratives” that would deepen divisions, the Press Trust of India news agency reported.“The United Nations is considered an institution that transcends religion, culture and politics. Its credibility depends on universality and impartiality,” he said.He further urges “to be wary of frameworks that focus solely on one faith without addressing all manifestations of broader religious phobia.”India also stressed that the 1981 Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief remains a balanced and durable instrument as it protects followers of all faiths without privileging any one religion.

India highlights its Muslim population, Kashmiri representation

Emphasizing the diverse character of India, Harish said that India has more than 200 million Muslims and is one of the countries with the largest Muslim population in the world.He said Muslims in India, including those in Jammu and Kashmir, elect their own representatives to speak for them.“The only ‘phobia’ evident here seems to be against multiculturalism and peaceful coexistence enjoyed by all communities in India, including the Muslim community,” he said.He added that such claims were contrary to India’s “fundamental ethos” and instead reflected “the sectarian and terrorist mentality that has existed in this country since its inception.”

Afghan reference adds sharp edges

Harish’s reference to “air strikes in this holy month of Ramadan” comes amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.Afghanistan claimed that an airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul late Monday killed about 400 people and injured about 250 others, with a Taliban spokesman blaming Pakistan. However, Pakistani media Sama quoted security sources as denying the allegation and calling the suggestion that the drug treatment hospital was attacked “ridiculous.”Pakistani authorities insisted the attacks targeted Taliban-linked military infrastructure in Kabul and Nangarhar and caused “no collateral damage.”

Ali Larijani Family: Amid mass deaths in Israel, everything hinges on Iran’s security chief’s wife, children and net worth

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March 17, 2026
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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that an attack killed Iran’s security chief, Ali Larijani, “one of the most senior and senior figures in the Iranian regime’s leadership.”

While Iran has yet to confirm Ali Larijani’s death; curiosity is growing about his family and wealth. (Reuters archives)

According to the Israel Defense Forces, after the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Larijani “served as the leader of the Iranian regime,” taking the lead against Israel and neighboring countries.

Additionally, the Israeli military has linked Larijani to the crackdown on anti-establishment demonstrators in Iran, saying he “advanced” violent law enforcement tactics and crackdowns.

Iran has so far not confirmed Larijani’s death, with state media publishing a photo of a handwritten note purportedly signed by him that was also shared on his social media account.

The announcement of his death peaked global curiosity about not only his political power but also his wife, children and net worth. this is what we know Ali Larijani.

Also read: Is Ali Larijani still alive? Senior Iranian official’s X post sparks new speculation over Israeli death claim

Where was Larijani last seen?

Last Friday, Larijani It can be seen on Tehran’s bustling streets during the annual Quds Day rallies. He was appointed secretary of the Supreme National Security Council in August following the joint US-Iranian attack on Iran in June 2025. On Monday, he issued a statement aimed at Muslims around the world, urging them to support Iran’s struggle and asking Gulf leaders to justify their continued permission to allow the United States to establish military bases in their countries used to launch attacks against Iran.

Ali Larijani’s early life, family and political career

Ali Larijani was born in Najaf, Iraq, on September 3, 1958. His father was Grand Ayatollah Mirza Hashem Amoli, and he grew up in a prominent clergy family. The family moved to Iran after the 1979 revolution, which brought him into Qom’s religious circles.

He received a degree in Mathematics from Alia Meir University and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Tehran. His early career included serving as editor of the Tehran Times and as deputy culture minister during the administration of President Rafsanjani.

The Larijani brothers — Ali, Sadiq (former justice minister) and others — hold significant control in Iran. The five brothers hold important positions and have established “spheres of influence” in the judicial, legislative, security and other departments.

Before the war broke out, Larijani also played an important diplomatic role alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in trying to persuade Gulf states to avoid launching attacks on Iran. In addition, he also traveled to Muscat, the capital of Oman, to meet with mediators involved in the discussions.

Larijani issued a resolute statement after US and Israeli attacks killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warning Iran would ensure its opponents “regret” their actions and vowing to retaliate forcefully.

As chief nuclear negotiator, he played a major role in shaping Iran’s discussions with global powers and later supported the 2015 nuclear deal.

Although he is often seen as a pragmatist within the political framework, his stance has become more rigid in recent months as tensions with Israel and the United States escalate and diplomatic initiatives fail.

The United States has announced a reward of up to $10m (£7.5m) for information about senior Iranian military and intelligence officials, including Larijani, who is part of a list of 10 people linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

According to the Guardian, if Larijani’s death is confirmed, the total number of senior Iranian officials killed by Israel since the outbreak of the current conflict will increase to ten.

Among them were five other senior military leaders, including Ali Shamkhani, who served as a close adviser to the supreme leader.

Ali Larijani’s wife and children

At age 20, he married Farideh Motahari, the daughter of Morteza Motahari, a trusted associate of Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, Al Jazeera reported.

Although his family had a very conservative religious background, his children followed different paths. His daughter Fatemeh graduated from the University of Tehran in medicine and continued her studies at Cleveland State University in Ohio, USA.

Larijani and Farijani have four children: two sons, Moteza and Mohammad Reza, and two daughters, Fatmeh Ardashir Larijani and Sara.

The two sons keep a low profile in Iran and may be involved in business or religious activities. By contrast, the daughters are in the spotlight – Fatmeh has attracted attention for her career in the United States, while Sarah has been less in the public eye.

Follow Daughter: Fatemeh Ardashir Larijani

Fatemeh was a cancer specialist who trained at University Hospitals in Cleveland and worked at Emory University Winship Cancer Institute in Atlanta before he was fired in January 2026.

She has been targeted by Iranian-American protests amid a crackdown in Iran, with U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter calling for her to be deported over her father’s role. After her firing, her biography was removed from Emory University’s website.

The petition, which has gathered more than 41,000 signatures, urges President Trump to revoke her medical license due to her family’s ties to violence. Fatmeh’s husband is an American who works in clinical consulting.

What is Ali Larijani’s net worth?

Ali Larijani’s net worth remains undisclosed to the public due to a lack of credible financial transparency.

Analysts and political observers reportedly estimate his wealth to be between $1 million and $5 million. However, these are unverified estimates.

AB de Villiers tells MS Dhoni ‘hit higher or will drop out of CSK team’

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March 17, 2026
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Former South Africa batsman AB de Villiers said MS Dhoni should be offered higher in the batting order for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming IPL, adding that his current lower position does not maximize his impact.Dhoni, 44, will play for CSK when the season begins on March 28. De Villiers said Dhoni’s recent tendency to bat at No. 8 or 9 has limited his impact.Talking about Dhoni’s role in CSK, De Villiers said: “It’s very tricky and not simple. Brands are built over the years and CSK built the empire with the image of MS Dhoni that has always been there. When you mention CSK, you immediately think of Dhoni.”“I feel like his role over the last few years has been purely to keep the brand as strong as possible. That’s why I don’t think he’s going to bat at eight or nine like he did last season and not do enough,” de Villiers said, according to news agency PTI.“We know his batting is impactful, but if he’s batting that low and not being captain, it feels like he’s almost just filling a spot for the wrong reasons. There’s still a place for him but he needs to bat higher, at least six and sometimes maybe five or four.” The former South Africa captain said that Dhoni should make way if he bats below number six. “I do think Rutaraj and Sanju are the perfect players to take over from MS (Dhoni). My only question is where does MS fit in, if he can’t make that big of an impact sometimes at No. 4, 5, 6, then would rather be left out of the lineup,” de Villiers said, adding, “Let someone else, maybe bowl and bat and have a bigger impact in the game.”“ De Villiers also said, “It’s a tricky situation but Sanju Samson is the right person to take over and the credit goes to Dhoni because he has been waiting for the right person. If MS comes on, I hope he can take more pressure and be the one to handle those big moments.”As part of their future plans, CSK traded Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

Fact Check: Was IShowSpeed invited to Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez’s wedding and planning to livestream it? The truth comes out

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March 17, 2026
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A viral post claims that IShowSpeed has been invited to the wedding of Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez and will be broadcasting it live. The offer went viral but lacked any official confirmation. The statement comes from a meme account using an old image. In fact, the couple plans to hold a private ceremony after the 2026 World Cup, which Speed mentioned earlier as a joke.

Rumors spread fast and loud. A viral post claims a popular streamer has been invited to one of football’s most anticipated weddings and will even be broadcasting it live. The quote sparked off the buzz: “🚨 IShowSpeed has confirmed he has been invited to participate cristiano ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez’s wedding, which will be broadcast live. ” It sounds believable at first glance. Big shot. Bigger hype. But this story simply doesn’t hold up. It has not yet been confirmed by anyone involved. There is no official statement. There are no reliable sources. Instead, what exists are familiar patterns from the social media age, with looped jokes and edited visuals dressed up as breaking news. This time, millions of people were caught off guard.

IShowSpeed The truth behind wedding-attendance viral sensation ronaldowedding

This statement is false. It comes from a football meme account that is known for making fun of things rather than reporting on them. The photos in the post are old and not relevant to any upcoming ceremony. They are put back together in a way that is a believable but false story.Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez are actually engaged; they got engaged in August 2025. The viral post made their plans appear more public than they actually were.The couple plans to hold a private ceremony in Portugal after the 2026 World Cup. Ceremonies should be private, carefully planned, and free from the noise of constant media attention.IShowSpeed’s connection to this story comes from an interesting moment that happened a few months ago. During a live broadcast in November 2025, he jokingly asked for an invitation. The moment is funny rather than prophetic. There has been no news since he did not receive an invitation.The episode draws attention to a growing problem in digital culture. The lines between news and entertainment are becoming increasingly blurred. The key to viral posts is speed, not accuracy. Fans often share the content before viewing it, which helps such claims spread quickly.Readers can easily understand the main points. Stop and think before you believe. Look at the source code. If a story looks like this, it’s usually too perfect or too dramatic. There is no live broadcast, no confirmed guest list, and no public events planned for it. There’s a private party coming up that’s far beyond the imagination of the internet.

From Jayalalithaa’s shadow to spotlight: Tracing political journey of ‘Chinnamma’ VK Sasikala

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March 17, 2026
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This image is used for representation purpose only (AI-generated)

Former AIADMK chief VK Sasikala recently announced the name of her new political party- All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munetra Kazhagam ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. The move signals a new phase in her political journey. “I will work to my full potential and use my 39 years of political experience to remove the DMK government,” Sasikala said while outlining her political plans.

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Her entry into the state assembly elections comes at a time when the polls are expected to witness a high-stakes contest involving the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) led by Edappadi K Palaniswami, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) headed by chief minister MK Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi Stalin, besides new entrants such as actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).Once a close aide of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, Sasikala’s political journey has spanned decades, marked by loyalty to the AIADMK leadership as well as controversies, legal battles and shift in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape following Jayalalithaa’s death in 2016.

From confidante to political contender: Who is VK Sasikala?

VK Sasikala is best known for her long association with Jayalalithaa and the AIADMK. For decades, she remained one of Jayalalithaa’s closest aides and confidantes, a relationship that gradually brought her into the centre of Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.Born in Mannargudi in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvarur district and a high school dropout, Sasikala’s early life was far different and simple. The association grew stronger over the years, with Sasikala emerging as one of the most trusted figures in Jayalalithaa’s inner circle and often acting as an intermediary between the AIADMK leadership and party cadres.

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Following Jayalalithaa’s death, the AIADMK general council unanimously appointed Sasikala as the party’s general secretary, placing her at the helm of the party founded by MG Ramachandran.“Amma (Jayalalithaa) is not with us now but our party will rule here for the next 100 years,” Sasikala said while taking the post of General Secretary. Her elevation came amid a leadership vacuum within the party and briefly positioned her as the central figure in the AIADMK’s political future.

However, Sasikala’s political career has also been marked by controversies and legal battles. She was earlier remanded to judicial custody for 30 days in connection with the Colour TV scam and later faced conviction in the disproportionate assets case linked to the Jayalalithaa government of the 1990s. In February 2017, the Supreme Court upheld her conviction and sentenced her to four years in prison, bringing an abrupt halt to her bid to assume the chief minister’s office in Tamil Nadu.

She surrendered before a special court at the Parappana Agrahara central prison in Bengaluru to serve the sentence.The same year, allegations also surfaced when a senior Karnataka prison official claimed that Sasikala had bribed jail authorities for preferential treatment while in custody. The claim has been denied by her. She was later released in 2021 after four years. Meanwhile, political developments within the AIADMK continued to reshape her role in the party. Nearly nine months after she was appointed interim general secretary following Jayalalithaa’s death, the AIADMK general council passed a resolution in September 2017 removing her from the post and abolishing the position altogether.

A bond between ‘Amma’ and ‘Chinnamma’

The political rise of Sasikala is closely intertwined with the career of Jayalalithaa, who is popularly known among supporters as “Amma” (mother). For decades, Sasikala remained one of Jayalalithaa’s closest confidantes, earning the nickname “Chinnamma” (younger mother) among sections of party cadres who saw her as part of the late leader’s inner circle.Sasikala’s association with Jayalalithaa began in 1982 when she was introduced to the AIADMK leader by her husband M Natarajan, a government public relations officer at the time. What began as a personal acquaintance soon evolved into a close relationship, with Sasikala gradually becoming a constant presence at Jayalalithaa’s residence. By 1988, she had moved into the late leader’s Poes Garden home in Chennai.

Over the years, Sasikala’s proximity to the AIADMK leader translated into considerable influence within the party. As Jayalalithaa maintained a tightly controlled political circle and remained largely inaccessible to many party functionaries, Sasikala often served as an intermediary between the leadership and the cadre. Sasikala frequently travelled with Jayalalithaa and was seen as one of the few people with direct access to the powerful chief minister.Party leaders and aspirants seeking positions or election tickets frequently routed their requests through her, gradually cementing her reputation as a powerful behind-the-scenes figure within AIADMK. Her influence within the party expanded during the years when AIADMK was in power in Tamil Nadu.

Several leaders who later rose through the party ranks were widely believed to have benefited from Sasikala’s backing. Among them was O Panneerselvam, who later went on to become the state’s CM and a central figure in the party’s internal power struggles following Jayalalithaa’s death.Despite wielding influence within the party structure, Sasikala rarely occupied a formal political office during Jayalalithaa’s lifetime. Jayalalithaa never formally projected Sasikala as her political successor. Her role largely remained informal.The relationship between the two, however, was not without turbulence. In 1996 and again in 2012, Jayalalithaa briefly distanced herself from Sasikala, expelling her and several members of her extended family from the Poes Garden residence and accusing them of anti-party activities. When Jayalalithaa was hospitalised in 2016, Sasikala remained by her side. After the chief minister’s death later that year, she returned to Poes Garden.By then, Sasikala had become a deeply embedded figure within the party’s ecosystem – a confidante who had spent more than three decades alongside one of Tamil Nadu’s most influential political leaders.

Behind the bars: Sasikala’s prison saga

In September 2014, a special court sentenced Sasikala and her co-accused to four years in prison along with a Rs 10 crore fine each, after being found guilty of accumulating wealth beyond known sources of income during her close association with Jayalalithaa.After the Supreme Court upheld the conviction in February 2017, Sasikala surrendered before the special court at Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in Bengaluru on February 14, 2017. The AIADMK aide, along with her sister-in-law J Ilavarasi and Jayalalithaa’s foster son VN Sudhakaran, were taken into custody immediately. Before surrendering, she paid respects at Jayalalithaa’s memorial and visited the residence of MG Ramachandran. During her four-year prison term, allegations of preferential treatment surfaced, with police officer D Roopa claiming that Sasikala had bribed jail officials for special privileges, including a private kitchen.

Despite these claims, the jail term saw her barred from contesting elections, halting her immediate ambitions to become chief minister.Sasikala was finally released in January 2021 after serving her sentence. Her formal release took place at the Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru, where she had been undergoing Covid-19 treatment. Following protocol, she remained in the hospital for a brief period before re-entering the political arena. Crowds of supporters gathered outside the hospital, chanting slogans and distributing sweets to celebrate her return.

Sasikala’s political equation with AIADMK

Soon after Jayalalithaa’s death, the AIADMK general council unanimously appointed Sasikala as the party’s interim general secretary, marking the first time she formally assumed a leadership role within the organisation. At the time, O Panneerselvam, a long-time loyalist of Jayalalithaa, had been sworn in as Tamil Nadu’s chief minister.Within weeks, however, tensions began to surface. In February 2017, Panneerselvam launched an attack against Sasikala, claiming that he had been forced to resign as chief minister and accusing her camp of attempting to consolidate control over both the party and the government.

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Amid the escalating power struggle, AIADMK elected Sasikala as its leader and she staked a claim to form the government. However, her bid to become chief minister was cut short when the Supreme Court upheld her conviction forcing her to surrender and serve a prison sentence. Before leaving for jail, Sasikala appointed Edappadi K Palaniswami as the AIADMK legislature party leader, paving the way for him to take over as chief minister.This resulted in deepening the division within the party. While Palaniswami emerged as the head of the government, Panneerselvam continued his rebellion, eventually leading to negotiations that resulted in a merger of factions within the AIADMK later in 2017.

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As part of the restructuring, the party briefly abolished the post of general secretary in 2017 which was later revived in 2022.Pannerselvam, speaking at Jayalalithaa’s memorial in Chennai, claimed that he had been pressured to step down from the CM’s post. “I am saying these facts in front of you to make things clear in public. I will continue to struggle. I will take back my resignation if people, MLAs, want,” he said. In the years that followed, relations between Sasikala and the AIADMK leadership remained strained. Both Palaniswami and Panneerselvam had publicly distanced themselves from her, asserting that the party would function independently of her influence.

Why is Sasikala launching a new party now?

Years after being sidelined from AIADMK, Sasikala appears to be paving an independent political path as Tamil Nadu moves closer to the next Assembly elections. Moreover, the abolition of the general secretary’s post and the consolidation of leadership effectively closed the door on Sasikala’s return to the party’s organisational structure.

Against this backdrop, the new outfit represents an attempt to reassert her political presence in a state where the legacy of Jayalalithaa and the AIADMK still carries electoral significance. While outlining her plans for the future, Sasikala said her political experience would guide her next steps in Tamil Nadu politics.The new party flag featured horizontal stripes of black, white and red embedded with the images of Dravidian icons CN Annadurai, MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa.The party symbol featured a Thennathoppu’ (coconut grove), indicating “unity” and that the party would function like a “joint family”.Sasikala also launched a scathing attack on Palaniswami for allegedly betraying her after she elevated him to the chief minister’s post in 2017. “I remained silent all these years hoping for unity, but the present circumstances have forced me to take this decision. Staying inactive now would be a betrayal to the party cadres and the people of Tamil Nadu,” she said while launching the party.

Sasikala’s next political test

For decades, Sasikala operated from behind the scenes as she remained closely linked to the political legacy of Jayalalithaa and the AIADMK. Today, however, she appears ready to take the next step expanding her political domain.Tamil Nadu is set to witness a massive face-off between all the contesting parties on 23 April. With the launch of Sasikala’s new political party, she is stepping into the spotlight once again, this time as the face of her own political movement.

IPL 2026: KL Rahul to lead Delhi Capitals’ attack from the top

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March 17, 2026
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Delhi Capitals’ KL Rahul celebrates his half-century during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 T20 cricket match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Karnataka. (PTI file photo)

New Delhi: KL Rahul is ready to opener for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The 33-year-old will also don the gloves for the Delhi-based franchise. The veteran batsman was initially ranked in the middle order last season, but poor returns from big-name buyer Jack Fraser McGurk forced the brain trust to elevate him to the top in search of a more consistent opening.Rahul batted at No. 4 for most of last season, a position that was settled before the start of the season but underwent a course correction after 11 league games. The change of position paid immediate dividends as Rahul smashed an unbeaten 65-ball 112 against the Gujarat Titans. However, it failed as the Shubman Gill-led team overhauled the 200-run target with 10 wickets and a ball to spare.Rahul was the leading scorer for Delhi Capitals last year, scoring 539 points in 13 games. Rahul’s strike rate of 149.72 is his best since 2018. Delhi Capitals have already started preparations for the next season and several preparatory camps involving Indian players have been held in Delhi and Hyderabad. The coaching staff, led by head coach Hemang Badani and director of cricket Venugopal Rao, has turned its focus to the IPL after fulfilling its commitment to The Hundred. The role will become clearer when captain Axar Patel is contacted by the team.Delhi Capitals made some smart purchases in the auction. They managed to acquire David Miller and Ben Duckett at rock-bottom prices. They also strengthened their bowling attack with the additions of Ochibu Nabi, Lungi Ngidi and Kyle Jamieson.The Axar Patel-led side started strongly last season but ran out of steam after losing to Mumbai Indians at home. The loss derailed their momentum and some mediocre back-to-back performances knocked them out of the playoff picture. At the end of the league stage, the Capitals were in fifth place.A strong Indian core, quality overseas picks and two world-class spinners in Axar and Kuldeep Yadav make Delhi a team to watch this season. They hope their strong performance will end their long wait for a maiden IPL title.

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