Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai has resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party after meeting senior party leaders in New Delhi, marking a significant political development in the state. Reports indicate that he is now preparing to launch a new political party.

According to reports, Annamalai met BJP national president Nitin Nabin and the party’s national general secretary (organisation), B. L. Santhosh, in Delhi and formally submitted his resignation.

The move comes after months of speculation regarding his future within the BJP. Annamalai, a former IPS officer who joined the party in 2020, had emerged as one of the BJP’s most prominent faces in Tamil Nadu and played a key role in expanding the party’s visibility in the state.

Reports suggest that differences over the BJP’s alliance strategy in Tamil Nadu, particularly its association with the AIADMK, were among the factors behind his decision. Sources also indicated that Annamalai had concerns regarding the party’s electoral approach and his future role within the organisation.

Despite his resignation, BJP leaders reportedly attempted to persuade him to reconsider his decision. Discussions were held with the former state chief as the party leadership sought to address his concerns.

Reports further indicate that Annamalai is considering the launch of a new political party focused on Tamil Nadu politics. While details about the proposed outfit are yet to be officially announced, his next move is expected to attract considerable attention in the state’s political landscape.

The development comes at a time when Tamil Nadu politics is witnessing significant shifts, and Annamalai’s decision could have implications for future political alignments in the state.

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.