Super 6: Lok Sabha passes bill criminalising insulting Vande Mataram, DMK opposes

The Lok Sabha has passed the Vande Mataram bill, introduced by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, granting the national song equal status to the national anthem. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP A Raja opposed the legislation, alleging it lacks Constituent Assembly authorisation and violates constitutional principles. Meanwhile, political developments continue in Karnataka, where Chief Minister DK Shivakumar visited Delhi to consult Congress leadership regarding 20 unallocated cabinet positions.

Concurrently, the Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu has intensified due to monsoon rain deficits, affecting drinking water supplies and agricultural irrigation in both states. Political leaders have called for bilateral dialogue to address the water allocation crisis. In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister Vijay inspected Chennai metro operations and proposed adding weekly chicken biryani to school midday meal programs to improve attendance and student nutrition. Additionally, actor Allu Arjun addressed public conduct and digital harassment during a fan event in Hyderabad.