Mohammad Rizwan faced a tough time on the fifth day of the opening Test against Bangladesh as Liton Das brutally trolled him before collapsing in a bizarre fashion. Chasing 268, Pakistan were struggling at 121 for five when Rizwan came in to bat. Although he scored 59 runs in the first innings, the wicketkeeper-batsman failed to make the same impact in the second innings.

BAN vs PAK, 1st Test Day 5: highlighted | Achievement:

Rizwan could score only 15 runs in 46 balls before being dismissed by Nahid Rana. The drama started in the 38th over, when Rizwan was still at the crease. Speaking to Taijul Islam from behind the stumps, Liton mocked Rizwan by saying that the Pakistan batsman was only playing for survival and would avoid attacking cricket due to his poor reputation at home.

Also read: Pakistan faced a shameful defeat for the first time in Bangladesh

“He will play for survival now; there is no pressure on him to win. And his reputation in that country is already very bad. If he tries to attack and gets out, he will not be able to return home, his reputation is already very bad there,” Liton was heard saying on the stump mic.

It seemed that the trolling had an impact on Rizwan, who got out after a few overs to Nahid’s ball without giving any shot. Rana did a brilliant job dismissing Rizwan at 147 kmph. Rizwan applied pressure and placed his hand on his shoulder, hoping that the ball would hold its line, but it bounced back sharply and hit the top of the middle stump, leaving the Pakistani batsman stunned.

Rizwan entered the Test series after a disappointing campaign in the Pakistan Super League, where his team Rawalpindi failed to reach the playoffs after eight consecutive defeats.

Bangladesh overtakes Pakistan

With the Test in danger of being abandoned due to rain and Bangladesh leading by only 179 runs, it looked as if the match was destined to be a draw. But Bangladesh adopted an aggressive approach on the fifth day and declared the innings at 240 for nine after scoring 88 runs in 20 overs and set Pakistan a target of 268 runs. Nazmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with an inning of 87 runs.

Earlier, Bangladesh had scored 413 runs in the first innings, but with the help of Mehdi Hasan’s five wickets, Bangladesh had gained a lead of 27 runs. Pakistan’s chase never gained momentum as Taskin Ahmed attacked early and Nahid Rana tore apart the middle and lower order with raw pace.

Abdullah Fazal’s fighting knock of 66 was not enough as Pakistan were bowled out for 104, giving Bangladesh their first historic home Test win over Pakistan and a 1–0 series lead.

– ends

Around 1.45 lakh students from the state had registered for the exam, of which around 1.40 lakh appeared, recording an attendance rate of 96.39%.

Bengaluru: Following the controversy over alleged paper leak in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar urged the Center and Supreme Court Decentralizing the examination process and allowing states to conduct NEET independently.Around 1.45 lakh students from the state had registered for the exam, of which around 1.40 lakh appeared, recording an attendance rate of 96.39%.“The Karnataka legislature has passed a resolution to cancel NEET and allow states to conduct these examinations so that such disruptions do not happen. There should be a serious debate on this. They should file an affidavit in the Supreme Court saying that we have failed to conduct the examination and centralized examination is not possible in this country. Now the time has come that the state should take the responsibility of conducting the examination.“There should be a separate exam for All India Quota like before. As a centralized system, we look at it.” NTA has been violated. The biggest concern is that only NEET exam is considered for admission to MBBS. If we also consider the Class 12 exam, this pressure will reduce.Min demanded action against coaching centersMeanwhile, Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil criticized the Center and demanded the resignation of the Union Education Minister. He said, “For the last four-five years, irregularities in NEET have been coming to light again and again. The BJP government at the Center is entirely responsible for this mess. The Prime Minister should stop giving grand speeches and instead provide immediate solutions. The person who hosts ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ should be the first to resolve the chaos in this exam.”Patil expressed concern over the mental well-being of students preparing diligently for the exam. “Conducting the exams again is injustice to the honest students. It causes immense stress and hardship to them and their families,” he said.He called for strict regulatory action against coaching centers indulging in such malpractices and urged the Center to break the nexus between coaching industries and examination authorities.School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa expressed concern about the burden on students. He said, “We are making continuous efforts to reduce the academic and mental stress of children at the school level. However, such irresponsible decisions of the Central Government are pushing children and parents into the pit of despair.”Various student organizations also demanded decentralization of the examination. “By taking away the autonomy of the states and centralizing the entire medical admission process into a single window controlled by the NTA, the government has created a single-point failure system. This structure makes it easy for organized mafias to ruin the future of millions of people in one fell swoop. We demand the scrapping of the NTA and bringing back state-level common entrance examinations immediately. Alternatively, we advocate the return of transparent, competency-based counseling conducted at the state level based on Class 12 results,” said Mahesh SG, secretary, AISEC All India Save Education Committee.

New Delhi: Fresh questions have emerged PakistanAfter allegations surfaced that Tehran had sent military aircraft to protect Pakistani airports from American attacks, its role in the ongoing conflict between America and Iran has become important. device reflects a Saddam Hussein Used during the First Gulf War.The question was raised after a post by US Senator Lindsey Graham said that Pakistan may have hosted Iranian military aircraft following the US-Israeli air campaign against Iran. The allegation has drawn fresh scrutiny of Islamabad’s dual role as a mediator and potential logistical facilitator during the conflict.Pakistan later acknowledged that Iranian military aircraft were present on its soil, but rejected reports that they were moved to avoid US strikes. In a statement on Tuesday, Islamabad said the planes had arrived during a ceasefire period following initial peace talks and that their presence had “no connection with any military contingency or protection arrangement.”According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, aircraft from both Iran and the United States landed in the country following the ceasefire to facilitate diplomatic personnel, security teams and administrative staff associated with the talks held in Islamabad on 11 and 12 April. It said some aircraft remained because a round of talks was expected in the future, but talks never materialized.This clarification comes after a report by CBS News which claimed that days after US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire in early April, several Iranian aircraft, including Iranian Air Force RC-130 reconnaissance aircraft, flew to the Noor Khan airbase near Rawalpindi, which is close to the Pakistan Army headquarters. The report prompted Graham to call for a “complete reassessment” of Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the conflict.

A historical example of the Gulf War

If the allegation that Iran has flown aircraft to Pakistan is proven true, it would be a wonderful wartime example of 1991.During the Gulf War, when the US-led coalition launched Operation Desert Storm against Iraq, Saddam Hussein ordered a significant portion of the Iraqi Air Force to be sent to Iran to prevent destruction on the ground.Iraq was then facing a coalition of 42 nations, which had air superiority and began systematically destroying Iraqi military infrastructure.At the time, Iraq had one of the largest armies in the world, created during the eight-year Iran–Iraq War. According to archival accounts cited by the Wilson Center, as coalition airstrikes intensified, Baghdad transferred 115 military aircraft to Iran.Aircraft included advanced fighters and bombers such as Mirage F-1s, Su-24s, Su-22s, MiG-23s and MiG-29s – enough to equip a small national air force.The move was seen as an effort to preserve Iraq’s remaining air capability after coalition attacks crippled Iraq’s air force and air defense systems.However, this strategy backfired diplomatically. After the war ended, Iran returned only a portion of the aircraft to Iraq, retaining most of the aircraft as compensation for losses suffered during the Iran–Iraq War. The issue remained a point of contention between Baghdad and Tehran for years.

Why is Iran also adopting the same strategy?

The current allegation comes as Iran’s air force appears to have suffered serious damage during the recent US-Israeli campaign. US and Israeli officials have claimed to have destroyed key Iranian air assets, while Israeli military footage reportedly shows an advanced Iranian trainer aircraft being destroyed by an F-35.Since Tehran is unable to effectively counter Allied air dominance, moving valuable aircraft outside its territory would be a logical wartime contingency, especially if the goal is to preserve strategic assets for the post-conflict period.However, Pakistan insists that the presence of Iranian aircraft during the ceasefire talks was related only to diplomatic logistics and not the protection of military assets. It also reported that senior-level diplomatic exchanges with Iran continued despite the halt in formal talks, including a visit by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, which was necessary to maintain existing logistics arrangements.Whether the aircraft were for diplomacy or protection, the optics are politically sensitive. Islamabad had positioned itself as a mediator between Washington and Tehran.If it is perceived as simultaneously providing operational sanctuary to Iranian military assets, this role may come under greater international scrutiny.

For years, the development of flight seemed quite simple. Dinosaurs developed feathers, learned to fly to some extent, and eventually, birds appeared and mastered the sky. Now, a strange fossil from China is forcing scientists to rethink that neat timeline. The feathered dinosaur Anchiornis huxleyi reportedly had four wings, colorful feathers and a surprisingly messy moulting pattern that suggests it would not have been capable of proper flight.Experts say this indicates that some dinosaurs may have evolved flight-related characteristics and later lost the ability entirely. Something like a modern ostrich or penguin. The fossil has also been described as the first true “technicolor” dinosaur discovery because traces of its original feather pattern were preserved in remarkable detail. And honestly, it seems almost impossible that color could survive for 160 million years.

Fossil of four-winged dinosaur discovered in China that changed the way birds flew

The research focuses on nine fossils discovered in eastern China that belong to Anchiornis huxleyi, a small feathered dinosaur that lived about 160 million years ago. Scientists already knew that this species was unusual because it had long feathers not only on its arms, but also on its legs. Which basically gave it four wings.Obviously, there are no four wings in the sense of an insect. Nevertheless, the structure appears to have facilitated gliding or aerial movement in some way. Researchers believe that these dinosaurs belonged to a larger group called Pennaraptora, which later gave rise to modern birds.Feather fossils are already extremely rare. Feathers decay quickly, so it is quite unusual to find a preserved feather. Finding fossils that still show the color patterns is on a whole other level. The wings of Anchiornis huxleyi reportedly appeared mostly white with pronounced black tips on the edges of the wings. Scientists say those patterns helped them identify which feathers were old and which were still growing.According to Earth.com, Dr. Yosef Kiat of Tel Aviv University explained that feathers grow for a few weeks before turning into dead material. Over time, they degrade and are replaced in a process called molting.Birds that rely heavily on flight usually moult carefully and symmetrically. They cannot afford to lose too many flight feathers at once, otherwise flying becomes difficult. Flightless birds molt in a more disorganized manner because being in the air is no longer necessary.

How these ancient feathers confounded researchers

The preserved black spots created a surprisingly clear map of the dinosaur’s feathers. Scientists noticed that some of the new feathers did not line up properly with others.That uneven growth pattern appears to indicate that the dinosaur was moulting randomly rather than in a controlled sequence. According to the researchers, the molting pattern strongly points to the fact that Anchiornis huxleyi is largely flightless, despite having a feather-like structure and elaborate wings.For decades, feathers and wings were often regarded as signs of steady progress toward modern birds. This fossil indicates that evolution may have been very messy. Some dinosaurs may have experimented with flight, partially succeeding, but later lost the ability when the environment changed.

Rare fossil that revealed the hidden side of evolution

This discovery could reshape scientists’ thinking about the origin of bird flight. Experts suggest that there may have been several different attempts to develop flight among feathered dinosaurs. Some lineages survived and improved. Others possibly stopped or moved backwards.Modern birds present similar examples even today. Ostriches, emus and penguins are all descended from flying ancestors but no longer fly themselves. Penguins instead turned their feathers into underwater tools.Still, it is rare to see evidence of it in fossils so old. Particularly through the color of the feathers being preserved rather than just the bones. Dr. Kiat reportedly said that feather colors allow scientists to identify behavior and functionality, not just physical appearance. In other words, the fossil revealed how the animal might have lived, not just what it looked like.

NEET paper leaked; Stock market fall and much more

Here are the top stories of the day:

NEET exam canceled due to paper leak

The National Testing Agency canceled NEET-UG 2026 after question papers were leaked through “guess papers” circulated before the exam, which closely resembled the actual questions. More than 22 lakh students were affected. The Center ordered a CBI probe into the leaks and malpractices, while the NTA said the rescheduled dates of the exams would be announced within 7-10 days without fresh registration or additional fees. Read the full story

Main reasons for decline in stock market, investors’ wealth worth Rs 10.16 lakh crore lost

There was a massive decline in Indian stock markets, destroying investors’ wealth worth more than Rs 10 lakh crore. Rising crude oil prices, record decline of the rupee, persistent selloff by foreign investors and uncertainty over the fragile US-Iran ceasefire hurt sentiments, which were the key players behind the dramatic crash. Analysts said equities remained under pressure due to heightened geopolitical risks, higher bond yields and global macroeconomic concerns. Read the full story

Pakistan has allowed Iranian military planes to arrive at its airbase

Pakistan admitted that Iranian aircraft had landed on its airbase during the US-Iran ceasefire. However, it rejected US media reports suggesting any military connection, calling them speculative and misleading. Islamabad said the aircraft were involved in diplomatic talks and logistical arrangements related to peace efforts. The clarification comes after a CBS report alleged that Iranian military aircraft had landed at the Noor Khan airbase in Rawalpindi. Read the full story

A big upset is coming in AIADMK before the floor test of TVK’s Vijay.

The post-poll political drama in Tamil Nadu intensified with the AIADMK faction led by SP Velumani and CV Shanmugam extending support to Vijay’s TVK government ahead of the crucial floor test. The move exposed sharp divisions within the AIADMK over possible DMK support. Vijay has also received support from Congress, Left parties, VCK and IUML. Read the full story

Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik supports Vinesh Phogat; sought help from PM

Sakshi Malik supports Vinesh Phogat amid the standoff with the Wrestling Federation of India over her return to competition after retirement. Criticizing the rules that reportedly prevent mothers from resuming sports careers, Sakshi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and WFI officials to give Vinesh a fair chance to compete again and represent India. Read the full story

Dogs have earned their title as humanity’s best friend for good reason, they welcome us with a wagging tail, sense our moods, and stay with us through thick and thin. That loyal bond runs deep, turning everyday walks into adventures and quiet nights into rest. But it’s not just grand gestures; It’s how we step up for them in tough places that reflects our shared heart.Basic humanity can save a small creature’s life in seconds. A quick hand, a kind word, or teamwork with strangers turns panic into hope.One such incident happened in Paris, where people together saved the life of a puppy.

Photo via @FredGaulois/X/ RLD/TikTok

Parisians come together to save a puppy from drowning in the river

A dog fell into the Seine River near the river bank of the 13th Arrondissement. Viral video shows Paris crowd saving a dog from the Seine Locals form a human chain to save a puppy that has fallen into the river, posted to @viralvdoz on Instagram.When its owner called for help, the pup began swimming with full force against the water current, drawing a crowd of walkers, joggers and locals.The people standing around did not hesitate. They linked arms to form a human chain moving towards the water’s edge. A man was saved from falling down the slope into the water. Others lay down and balanced on the slope as far as possible while others held him securely. After tense minutes, they grabbed the dog by the collar and pulled him to dry ground, wet but safe. There was a wave of happiness as the owner hugged the rescue workers tightly.

social media reactions

The video won hearts on social media and went viral garnering thousands of comments, reshares and likes across multiple platforms.One user praised the French people, “Hand in hand, anonymous French people. Heart beating fast, muscles tense. The dog climbs back up, wet, alive. There was applause on the stages. This is the France we love: united, courageous and speechless. Good people. True gestures.”Another wrote, “Humanity at its finest!” and “Paris is proving that love wins.” One reel captioned it, “A scary moment turned into a beautiful rescue story when a dog fell into the Seine River and struggled to stay afloat.”

The king cobra is one of the most dangerous and scientifically fascinating reptiles on Earth. Recognized as the world’s longest venomous snake, it can grow more than 18 feet and release powerful neurotoxic venom capable of killing larger animals. Despite its deadly reputation, this species is naturally shy and generally avoids confrontation with humans. King cobras inhabit the forests, bamboo groves, mangroves and wetlands of South and Southeast Asia, where warm temperatures and dense vegetation create ideal conditions for hunting. Although exact population numbers are difficult to measure, several countries are considered major strongholds for the species, supporting some of the most important king cobra habitats in the world.

top 10 countries With a significant population of king cobras.

IndiaIndia is considered one of the most important king cobra habitats in the world. This species is found in the Western Ghats, Northeast India, the Himalayan foothills and the Andaman Islands. Dense rainforests, heavy monsoon conditions and abundant prey make these areas ideal for survival.The Agumbe Rainforest in Karnataka is particularly famous and is often referred to as the “King Cobra Capital of India”. Scientists at the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station have tracked and studied king cobras for years, helping researchers better understand their movements, nesting habits and territorial behavior.India is also unique because here female king cobras have been seen making nests out of leaves and forest debris before laying eggs. This behavior is extremely rare in snakes.ThailandThailand has one of the most visible and stable king cobra populations in Southeast Asia. This species thrives in tropical forests, agricultural edges, wetlands and bamboo thickets throughout the country.Thailand is famous for wildlife rescue teams that often relocate king cobras found in villages and near roads. In some parts of the country, trained handlers and snake conservationists work closely with local communities to reduce fatal encounters.The snake also appears in Thai folklore and traditional beliefs, where it is often viewed with both fear and respect.

IndonesiaIndonesia supports major populations of king cobras due to its vast rainforest systems spanning thousands of islands. This species is found in Sumatra, Java, Bali and Kalimantan in Borneo.Indonesia’s humid tropical climate provides ideal conditions for the king cobra to hunt reptiles and small snakes. The dense forest cover also helps them remain hidden from predators and humans.Scientists believe that some island populations may show physical and behavioral differences due to long-term geographic isolation.malaysiaMalaysia is another major habitat of the king cobra, particularly in the forests of Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. This species is commonly associated with rainforest ecosystems, river banks, swamps and mangrove forests.Malaysia’s rich biodiversity gives the king cobra access to a wide range of prey species. They are considered apex reptile predators and play an important ecological role by controlling snake populations in the forests.This species is frequently documented in wildlife sanctuaries such as Taman Negara, one of the oldest rainforests in the world.myanmarMyanmar forms an important link in the chain of king cobras between India and mainland Southeast Asia. Large tracts of forest and hilly terrain provide suitable habitat for the species.Although Myanmar has been less studied than neighboring countries, researchers believe there may be significant populations of king cobras in its forests because many areas remain relatively untouched.The country’s biodiversity hotspots are also home to several other venomous snake species, forming a rich reptile ecosystem.

bangladeshBangladesh The king cobra mainly inhabits forested areas and hilly areas such as the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Sylhet forests.This species is rarely seen due to its secretive behaviour, but occasional sightings are reported near forest villages and tea plantation areas.Bangladesh’s tropical climate and dense vegetation provide suitable hunting conditions for the snake, although habitat loss remains a growing concern.NepalThe king cobra population in Nepal is mainly in the hot Terai region and the foothills of the lower Himalayas. The snake is uncommon in cold mountainous regions but survives well in subtropical forests and grassland ecosystems.King cobras in Nepal are often associated with protected areas and forest corridors associated with northern habitats in India.The species also holds cultural significance in parts of Nepal, where cobras are associated with traditional religious beliefs and festivals.vietnamVietnam remains an important habitat for the king cobra, particularly in tropical forests and protected reserves across the country.Vietnam has long faced challenges from the illegal wildlife trade, and king cobras are sometimes targeted for snake wine, exotic meat markets, and traditional medicine practices.Conservation groups have warned that habitat destruction and poaching could threaten local populations if protection is not strengthened.cambodiaCambodia supports king cobra populations in tropical forests, wetlands and remote wildlife sanctuaries.The snake plays an important role in Cambodia’s ecosystem by controlling populations of rodents and other snakes. Many of the king cobra’s habitats overlap with protected forests that also shelter elephants, clouded leopards, and rare bird species.Wildlife experts continue to study how deforestation is affecting reptile populations across the country.ChinaChina represents the northern edge of the king cobra’s natural range. This species is found mainly in southern provinces such as Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan and parts of Hong Kong.The hot and humid forests of southern China allow the king cobra to survive despite the cooler climate further north.Chinese researchers have increasingly focused on the study of king cobra venom because of its complex neurotoxin and potential medical applications.Why are king cobras so unique?Unlike true cobras, the king cobra belongs to its own genus Ophiophagus, which means “snake eater”. Its diet consists mainly of other snakes, including rat snakes, pythons, kraits, and even small cobras.This species is highly intelligent compared to many reptiles and is known for its strong defensive behavior. When threatened, it can raise about one-third of its body off the ground, spread its hood and produce a deep snarling hiss.King cobras are also one of the few snake species where females actively guard their nests until the eggs hatch.

Are king cobras endangered?

The king cobra is currently listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Habitat destruction, deforestation, road accidents, illegal wildlife trade and human conflict are decimating populations throughout Asia.As forests shrink and urban areas expand, encounters between humans and king cobras are becoming more common. Wildlife conservation groups in India and Southeast Asia are now working to protect forest corridors and educate communities about safe coexistence with one of the world’s most iconic snakes.

New Delhi: When Tamil Nadu The assembly will meet in Fort St. George on Wednesday for the vote of confidence in the nominated chief minister. VictoryThe immediate question will be whether the actor-turned-politician has enough numbers to survive his first major constitutional test. But the bigger political story may be on the other side of the aisle.The trust vote, at least for now, looks less like a test for Vijay’s government and more like a decisive test AIADMK – Party founded by MG Ramachandran Which once symbolized the anti-DMK pole in state politics and now seems to be heading towards another internal breakdown after the deaths of MGR and J Jayalalitha.

Dramatic turn before voting

Just a day before the floor test, the crisis escalated from whispers to open rebellion. Vijay personally visited the residence of senior AIADMK rebel leader C Ve Shanmugam in Chennai, a striking image that immediately sparked speculation that a section of the opposition party was preparing to break ranks.It is believed that there are about 30 MLAs in the rebel camp who raised questions. Palaniswamileadership after the party’s defeat in the 23 April assembly elections. The party won only 47 of the 164 seats it contested. Along with senior leader SP Velumani, Shanmugam has accused party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami of trying to find an understanding with rival Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam to keep Vijay away from power.“We faced defeat in the recently concluded election. Not only in the recently concluded election, but in the last election also we faced defeat. We asked our General Secretary to convene a General Council meeting to discuss the reasons for these electoral defeats and take further action in the interest and development of the party. Some people proposed that we, as the AIADMK legislature party, should form the government with the support of the DMK. This proposal is against the founding principles of our party as AIADMK was founded to uproot DMK, which we consider an evil force in Tamil Nadu.”The allegation is politically explosive not only because of the numbers involved, but also because the AIADMK was founded in opposition to the DMK. Any suggestion of the two Dravidian rivals joining hands, even tactically, goes against the fundamental identity of the party.

The numbers matter, but not in the obvious way

118 are needed for majority in the 234-member assembly. TVK won 108 seats, and its effective strength till the by-election is 107, after Vijay vacated his seat after becoming chief minister. Congress, VCK and Left allies have taken their alliance past the majority line, but by a narrow margin.This makes every abstinence or rebellion important.Yet Vijay’s own situation is no longer the central suspense. Even before the floor test, he has achieved the political feat that matters most: he has broken the 59-year-old monopoly of the DMK and AIADMK and emerged as the biggest force in Tamil Nadu.

If he wins, he will form the first coalition government led by a new entrant of the Dravidian-era. Even if he loses, he will leave as a leader who overturned the political system of the state in his very first election.AIADMK does not have that luxury.

This is AIADMK’s referendum

For the AIADMK, the floor test could become a public measure of whether the party remains a coherent political entity or is entering terminal decline.The party won 47 seats in the April 23 election, a poor performance by its historical standards, but still enough to remain relevant. However, if about 30 MLAs defy the leadership line, it would signal that the real collapse has begun not in the electorate but inside the legislature.Edappadi Palaniswami has reportedly issued a strict whip to keep all the MLAs together. But in moments like these, the symbolism of defiance matters as much as the legal consequences. Even if anti-defection proceedings are followed, a clear split during the trust vote would mark the first major transfer of political loyalty from the AIADMK to the TVK.This is what makes this strength test so important. It is not about whether Vijay can garner five additional votes or not. It is about whether AIADMK can stop losing its people to the new center of gravity.

Why is the importance of rebels beyond numbers?

Rebel leaders are not marginal dissidents. Shanmugam and Velumani are among the established regional power centers of the party. Their rebellion indicates dissatisfaction not only with a tactical decision but with the direction of the party under Palaniswami’s leadership.Their public logic is revealing: supporting Vijay is being projected as a return to AIADMK’s original anti-DMK mission.This suggests that the rebels see TVK, and not AIADMK, as the legitimate successor to anti-DMK politics. In fact, they are arguing that Vijay has now become what the AIADMK used to be, which was the principal opposition to the DMK.

shadow of old partition

Tamil Nadu has already seen a split in AIADMK. After MGR’s death in 1987, the party broke between factions led by VN Janaki and Jayalalitha. After Jayalalitha’s death in 2016, the OPS-EPS divide almost broke it again.But those were wars of succession. Both sides still fought to claim the same inheritance.The current rebellion looks a little different. The language of the rebel camp – “New life to AIADMK”, “Amma rule should come back”, is significant while supporting TVK. This rebellion raises the possibility that some sections of the party may decide that the AIADMK legacy has run its course and may be shifted to a new political formation.Shanmugam said, “The people’s mandate is not for TVK, it is for Chief Minister Vijay.” The language suggests that they see Vijay not as an outsider but as a potential continuation of the emotional mass politics monopolized by the AIADMK.

DMK’s unusual comfort

The DMK’s reaction also underlined how unusual this moment is. It has categorically ruled out any post-poll talks with the AIADMK and has insisted that it will sit in the opposition.This means the DMK may be content to let its two rivals weaken each other.If Vijay rebels survive with AIADMK’s support, DMK will get the role of opposition, seeing AIADMK break up. If Vijay fails, he will be politically injured in terms of governance, but the AIADMK still faces allegations that it could not form a stable government due to infighting.In any case, AIADMK risks emerging as the biggest loser.

The real fight is of ‘two cards’

For decades, the AIADMK’s ‘two leaves’ symbol represented an entire political ecosystem – MGR charisma, Jayalalitha welfare populism and a deeply embedded anti-DMK identity. The rise of Vijay has disturbed it.Like MGR, he is a film star entering politics with a huge fan network. Like Jayalalithaa, she has quickly converted emotional appeal into electoral momentum. To many voters, he looks less like a new experiment and more like a revival of the old Tamil political formula.That is why floor test is not just a constitutional process. This is a fight for inheritance.If AIADMK MLAs switch sides, remain absent, or even publicly waver, the symbolism would be unambiguous: the party founded by MGR could hand over its own political DNA to a movement led by another actor.By Wednesday evening, Vijay may or may not prove his majority in the Assembly.But the more enduring question may be whether the AIADMK can prove that it still has one of its own.