Senior Congress leader and Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara is likely to be appointed Deputy Chief Minister in the new government led by DK Shivakumar, according to sources familiar with the ongoing discussions within the party. The move is seen as part of the Congress leadership’s efforts to ensure social and regional representation in the state’s new political setup.

The development comes as DK Shivakumar prepares to take oath as Karnataka’s Chief Minister following his election as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party after Siddaramaiah’s exit from the top post. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place in Bengaluru on June 3.

Parameshwara is one of the most prominent Dalit faces in Karnataka Congress and has held several important positions in the party and government over the years. Party leaders have reportedly been engaged in consultations over the composition of the new cabinet and the distribution of key positions ahead of the swearing-in ceremony.

The Congress leadership has been working to finalize ministerial appointments and balance representation among various communities and regions. Reports have also suggested that multiple deputy chief minister positions were under consideration as part of the broader cabinet formation exercise.

High-level meetings involving DK Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah and senior Congress leaders have taken place in New Delhi in recent days to finalize the structure of the new government. The discussions have focused on cabinet composition and organizational appointments ahead of the transition.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has sparked a fresh debate over the singing of Vande Mataram at official functions, arguing that requiring the full rendition of the national song at every public event is unnecessary.

Speaking on the issue, Tharoor said respect for Vande Mataram should not be confused with making its complete version compulsory at all official gatherings. He described such a requirement as an unnecessary burden and suggested that patriotism should remain a matter of voluntary expression rather than enforcement.

The remarks come months after the Centre introduced detailed guidelines governing the performance of Vande Mataram at official functions. According to reports, the revised protocol standardised how and when the national song should be sung or played during government events.

Tharoor’s comments add to an ongoing national discussion about the balance between respect for national symbols and individual choice. He has previously argued that patriotism gains meaning when expressed willingly rather than through compulsion.

The issue has generated political and constitutional debate in several states in recent months, with differing views emerging over whether the full version of the song should be rendered at official ceremonies and public events.

While supporters of stricter guidelines say the move promotes uniform respect for a national symbol, critics contend that making the full rendition mandatory could be seen as an imposition. The debate is expected to continue as political leaders and constitutional experts weigh in on the matter.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing renewed signs of internal unrest, with political speculation mounting over the possibility of a breakaway group emerging in West Bengal after the party’s recent electoral setback. Reports of disgruntled legislators distancing themselves from the party leadership have fuelled discussions about a potential new political formation led by rebel leaders rather than by veteran leader Mamata Banerjee.

The buzz comes shortly after the expulsion of two TMC MLAs over alleged anti-party activities. According to reports, concerns within the party have intensified amid claims that several legislators are unhappy with the current leadership structure and the role of the party’s top decision-makers.

Adding to the speculation, a large number of TMC legislators reportedly skipped a scheduled meeting at Mamata Banerjee’s residence, a development that has been interpreted by political observers as a sign of growing discontent within the organisation.

Split rumours gain momentum after election defeat

The developments come in the aftermath of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election, in which the BJP secured a decisive victory while the Trinamool Congress suffered a major setback after 15 years in power. The defeat triggered debates within the party over its future direction and leadership.

Reports suggest that discussions are taking place among some legislators regarding the possibility of forming a separate political platform. The situation has drawn comparisons with Maharashtra’s political realignments in recent years, though no formal announcement regarding a split has been made.

Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee has publicly dismissed rebel voices, stating that the party is stronger without those working against its interests. She has also alleged that there are organised efforts to weaken the Trinamool Congress following its electoral defeat.

While speculation continues, there has been no official confirmation of a new party being launched. Political observers say the coming weeks could determine whether the current tensions remain internal disagreements or evolve into a larger organisational challenge for the Trinamool Congress.