Day after resigning as Karnataka CM, Siddaramaiah meets Kharge, Rahul Gandhi in Delhi
The former CM is also likely to press for Cabinet positions for his son and loyalists in the new Karnataka government, including the post of Deputy Chief Minister. A day after stepping down as Karnataka Chief Minister, senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah met President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Friday morning, officials said. Siddaramaiah, accompanied by his son Yathindra, is understood to have discussed his future role within the party leadership. The meeting is seen as significance as the veteran leader has already declined a Rajya Sabha berth and expressed his preference to remain active in Karnataka rather than take up a role at the Centre. He is also likely to press for Cabinet positions for his son and loyalists in the new Karnataka government, including the post of Deputy Chief Minister, sources added. Siddaramaiah thanked Rahul Gandhi for giving him an opportunity to serve the state and informed him that he had resigned from the chief minister’s post as asked, the sources said. According to the sources, Siddaramaiah later met Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and discussed the new government formation in Karnataka and his future role in the party. Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala, who was present during Siddaramaiah’s hour-long meeting with Rahul Gandhi, said, “It was a very pleasant meeting. They discussed multiple issues.” Asked if the transition will be smooth in Karnataka, he said, “Absolutely. There is no hurdle in the smooth tradition of power in the state.” Siddaramaiah is expected to meet Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge later in the day to discuss the political transition and government formation. Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala was present during Siddaramaiah’s meeting with the Gandhis. Meanwhile, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has accepted Siddaramaiah’s resignation as Chief Minister. According to sources, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who is expected to succeed Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister, will separately hold discussions on government formation with Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal. The Congress leadership is also expected to deliberate on restructuring the party organisation in Karnataka, sources said. The Congress will also work on rearranging the party organisation in Karnataka for which discussions will be held on Friday, the sources said. A meeting of the Congress Legislature Party in Karnataka is likely to be held on Saturday to elect the new chief minister, they said. A two-time chief minister, Siddaramaiah joined the Congress in 2006 after switching sides from the JD(S). Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Shaped political, social fabric of our state’: DKS expresses gratitude to Siddaramaiah after resignation
Stating that it has been a privilege to serve alongside him, Shivakumar said Siddaramaiah’s guidance would continue to inspire and strengthen everyone in the days ahead. Expressing “gratitude and deep respect” for Siddaramaiah, who resigned as Chief Minister of Karnataka, his probable successor DK Shivakumar on Friday said that he looks forward to carrying the journey forward together, and quoted a saying, “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together.” Stating that it has been a privilege to serve alongside him, Shivakumar, who served as Deputy CM under Siddaramaiah, said his guidance would continue to inspire and strengthen everyone in the days ahead. In a post on ‘X’, Shivakumar, who is widely expected to be elected as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party in the next couple of days said, “As the saying goes – If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together – I look forward to carrying this journey forward together for the people of Karnataka.” Siddaramaiah’s resignation as Chief Minister was accepted and the Council of Ministers headed by him was dissolved by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Friday. Both Siddaramaiah and his deputy Shivakumar are in Delhi to meet the Congress high command and discuss the transition of power, and formation of the new Cabinet. “God does not give boons or curses. He only gives opportunities. What truly matters is what we make of those opportunities. Siddaramaiah’s life is one of the finest reflections of this thought,” Shivakumar said. From a humble village in Mysuru to leading Karnataka as Chief Minister, his journey stands as a testament to resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to social justice, he noted. “As he steps down from the office of the Chief Minister, I express my heartfelt gratitude and deep respect for his years of service and leadership to the people of Karnataka,” Shivakumar, also the state Congress chief said. Noting that the impact of several public welfare schemes and the many developmental initiatives undertaken during Siddaramaiah’s tenure will remain significant chapters in Karnataka’s growth story, Shivakumar said, “Over nearly five decades in public life, he has shaped the political and social fabric of our state through people-centric governance and inclusive leadership.” “Ever since I was entrusted with the responsibility of serving as KPCC president in 2020, Siddaramaiah has stood firmly beside me like a pillar of strength. Together, we have worked shoulder to shoulder in strengthening the party and taking its vision to the people,” he recalled. It has been a privilege to serve alongside Siddaramaiah as Deputy Chief Minister and to continuously learn from his experience, wisdom, and political foresight, Shivakumar stated. “I sincerely hope his guidance will continue to inspire and strengthen all of us in the years ahead as we work towards Karnataka’s progress and welfare,” he added. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Karnataka Congress legislature party to meet Saturday; DK Shivakumar likely to be elected leader
Following the high command’s instructions, Siddaramaiah had already declared Shivakumar as his successor, making his election as CLP leader largely a formality. BENGALURU: The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) will meet to elect its new leader, with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar widely expected to be chosen following the Congress high command’s decision to name him as Siddaramaiah’s successor. The meeting will be chaired by outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the conference hall in Vidhana Soudha on Saturday at 4pm. The CLP secretary issued a circular in this regard on Friday. Following the high command’s instructions, Siddaramaiah had already declared Shivakumar as his successor, making his election as CLP leader largely a formality. AICC general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, the Congress floor leader in the Karnataka Legislative Council and minister NS Boseraju will also take part in the meeting. The 136 Congress MLAs are expected to elect the CLP leader in line with the high command’s directions. After securing letters of support from the MLAs, the new CLP leader will meet the Governor to seek permission to form the new government and finalise a date for the swearing-in of the Council of Ministers. According to sources, the swearing-in ceremony is likely to be held on Monday on the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha. Meanwhile, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar met the top Congress leaders in Delhi to discuss the transition of power, and formation of the new cabinet. Earlier in the day, Shivakumar also met other Congress leaders at a hotel in the national capital. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Shivakumar said discussions with the Congress high command were still underway and all party MLAs had been asked to remain present in Bengaluru for the meeting. “Everything is happening as requested by the high command. Nothing has been decided. Tomorrow we have called the CLP meeting, our central leaders have to come. We have to discuss with our high command. We have asked all MLAs to be present in Bengaluru. Apart from that, nothing else is there,” said Shivakumar. The developments come after Siddaramaiah resigned as the chief minister on Thursday, ending days of intense speculation over a leadership change. And on Friday, Siddaramaiah met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and other senior party in New Delhi to discuss the Karnataka cabinet reshuffle, Rajya Sabha elections and other organisational matters. The meeting is seen as significance as the veteran leader has already declined a Rajya Sabha berth and expressed his preference to remain active in Karnataka rather than take up a role at the Centre. Notably, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were locked in a keen contest for the chief minister’s post after the Congress won the May 2023 Assembly elections. The party eventually persuaded Shivakumar to accept the post of deputy chief minister. At the time, reports suggested a compromise under a “rotational chief minister formula”, whereby Shivakumar would take over as chief minister after two-and-a-half years. However, neither the party nor the two leaders officially confirmed the arrangement. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Congress asks PM Modi to end silence on NEET-UG leak, CBSE OSM row, act against Pradhan
Kanhaiya Kumar asked why PM Modi, who hosts ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’, stayed silent on paper leaks and questioned the appointment of an unqualified person as education minister. The Congress on Wednesday intensified its attack on the government over examination paper leaks, asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi to end his silence, act against what it called “incompetent” Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and bring in strict laws with zero tolerance for paper leaks. Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar criticised the government over the NEET-UG paper leak and subsequent cancellation, as well as the controversy surrounding the CBSE’s On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, alleging that it was unable to conduct even a single examination properly. “The responsibility to conduct all important exams has been handed over to the NTA, on which questions are raised repeatedly,” Kumar said at a press conference in Delhi. A probe into the background of NTA Director Abhishek Singh would reveal how close he is to those in power and what political connections he has with people in the government, Kumar alleged. Kumar asked why such officials were appointed to key positions for political gains and why no action was taken against them after failure. “Narendra Modi, by shattering the dreams of the country’s youth, is selling them the spectacle of a developed India. What is happening in the country may be comedy for the government, but for children, it is a matter of life and death,” he said. How tragic it is that the Modi government can’t even conduct a single exam properly, Kumar said. The situation is such that when a 17-year-old student raised a plea about issues related to the CBSE, some journalists who have no spine labelled him a traitor, the Congress’ NSUI in-charge said. “The same prime minister who holds ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ before exams doesn’t utter a single word when there is a paper leak. First, reports of the NEET paper leak started surfacing, and then the CBSE issue came to light. What compulsion does Narendra Modi have that he appointed an unqualified person as the education minister?” Kumar said. He said the NSUI and the Indian Youth Congress have been continuously questioning the paper leaks, while the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is also consistently raising this issue. “Our demands are that the prime minister should break his silence and take action against the incompetent education minister. Strict laws should be enacted to stop paper leaks with zero tolerance,” he said. “When will the failed education minister be removed from his post. NTA is unable to conduct exams properly; this responsibility should be taken away from them. We want to tell the students that we stand with them, we will continue to fight their battle,” Kumar said. Kumar said the party was assisting NEET aspirants and would continue supporting students in the future as well, asserting that they should not have to risk their lives because of someone else’s failure. “CBSE affected students, who are facing difficulty in getting their answer sheets, or if there is any discrepancy in them, we have issued a number for them, 9268030030. Students can register their complaints and we will provide them full assistance,” the Congress leader said. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
TN CM Vijay unlikely to meet Sonia, Rahul in Delhi; set to return to Chennai
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is unlikely to meet senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi during his Delhi visit on Thursday, with party sources indicating that no appointment has been scheduled. The Chief Minister is expected to conclude his maiden official visit to the national capital after assuming office earlier this month and return to Chennai by a special flight. Airport sources said Vijay is likely to arrive in Chennai at approximately 12.40 pm. Vijay’s Delhi trip gained significance after his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, during which he raised a range of Tamil Nadu-specific concerns, including the contentious Mekedatu dam project, the arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, and the row surrounding Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu, the state invocation song. According to an official release, the Chief Minister urged the Centre to prevent Karnataka from proceeding with the proposed Mekedatu reservoir project across the Cauvery river, arguing that it runs counter to the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and Supreme Court rulings. He also sought immediate intervention to secure the release of detained fishermen and their boats. Vijay reportedly requested the Prime Minister to issue clear directions permitting Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu to be sung at the beginning of government functions, amid an ongoing political debate over the issue. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Siddaramaiah informs cabinet colleagues of his decision to step down as Karnataka Chief Minister
Amid growing speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, informed his cabinet colleagues of his decision to step down during the breakfast meeting hosted at his official residence on Thursday. His current deputy and possible successor, D K Shivakumar and other cabinet colleagues attended the breakfast meeting. “Congress high command proposed DKS as the next chief minister.I have agreed to this,” he said. Siddaramaiah is likely to formally tender his resignation at 2: 30 Pm. Photos shared by the Chief Minister’s Office showed Siddaramaiah embracing Shivakumar. In another image, Shivakumar was seen seeking Siddaramaiah’s blessings by touching his feet. Ministers including Priyank Kharge, KJ George, MB Patil, Ramalinga Reddy and HK Patil also attended the meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence under heightened security arrangements. According to CMO sources, the CM sought the Governor’s appointment after the party high command apparently asked him to make way for a leadership change in the state. However, Lok Bhavan sources said Siddaramaiah has not yet sought time to meet Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, who he has left for his native, Indore, for personal reasons. Discussions over a possible transition have periodically surfaced since the Congress government crossed the halfway mark of its tenure in Karnataka. The Congress leadership, including Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge, had held several hours of discussions with Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, both jointly and separately in Delhi recently. While some reports claim the Congress high command may be leaning towards a change and has conveyed its position to Siddaramaiah, the party has publicly rejected such suggestions. Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Federation of Backward Class Communities warned the Congress and its high command that the party will face consequences if Siddaramaiah is replaced. Asserting that Congress came to power because of the support of backward class and AHINDA (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalits) communities, federation leaders said there is no other leader of Siddaramaiah’s stature in the Congress party, and warned of agitation if he is made to step down. Shivakumar camp was jubilant, and his supporters broke into celebrations on Wednesday in many parts of the state, including Bengaluru and Ramanagara, amid reports that their leader was all set to become the next CM. Supporters of Siddaramaiah gathered outside his official residence, protesting amid intense speculation that he might step down. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Vijayan calls ED raids ‘targeted crackdown’ on Opposition, says Rahul may get ‘mental satisfaction’
Former Kerala CM alleged that the BJP has been using central agencies against opposition leaders since it came to power and claimed the action against him was also part of that strategy. Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday alleged that Enforcement Directorate (ED) searches at his residence were part of a “targeted crackdown” on opposition leaders across the country. He also claimed the searches may provide “mental satisfaction” to leaders like Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader had repeatedly questioned why his residence had not been searched and why he had not been arrested. Speaking to reporters after ED officials concluded hours-long searches at his rented house in Bakery Junction in connection with the alleged CMRL monthly payment case, Vijayan said the action would not weaken him or the CPI(M). “This is only a beginning. Nobody should harbour the illusion that such actions can intimidate or weaken us,” he said. The veteran CPI(M) leader alleged that the BJP-led Centre has been using central agencies against opposition leaders since it came to power, and claimed the action against him was also part of that strategy. Claiming that opposition leaders across the country were facing similar action from central agencies, Vijayan alleged that the Congress was maintaining silence over ED proceedings against leaders of other parties. The ED action is linked to allegations that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) paid Rs 1.72 crore to Exalogic Solutions, owned by Vijayan’s daughter T Veena, between 2018 and 2019, without receiving any services in return. Officials said searches were being conducted at around 10 premises across Kerala under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The searches came a day after the Kerala High Court dismissed a plea by CMRL seeking to quash the ED proceedings in the case. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
2007 history will be repeated in 2027: Mayawati blows the election bugle, hints at a Dalit-Brahmin alliance
Mayawati’s new strategy to win the 2027 UP Assembly elections, vigorously preparing to return to power using the 2007 ‘social engineering’ formula (Dalit-Brahmin alliance). Uttar Pradesh: Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati has sounded the election bugle for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, hinting at a strong comeback. Recalling the party’s historic 2007 victory on Sunday, she declared that if BSP workers strengthen their grassroots mobilization and reconnect with the “Sarva Samaj,” the same political model can easily be replicated in 2027. In a clear political message specifically focused on Brahmins and Dalits, the BSP supremo asked her party leaders to remind the public of the 2007 experiment with social alliances. She said that people should be told that during the BSP’s rule, every section of society that felt neglected, insecure, and humiliated, including Brahmins, Dalits, the poor, and backward communities, received power and full respect. Addressing an important meeting of BSP state officials in Lucknow, Mayawati comprehensively reviewed booth-level preparations, candidate selection, and organizational expansion. During the meeting, she sharply attacked opposition parties on issues of inflation, unemployment, law and order, and misleading and divisive politics. In her statement, Mayawati emphasized that the people of Uttar Pradesh must once again fully trust the BSP, just as they did in 2007. She recalled that during that period, the Brahmin community, the weaker sections, and people from all sections of society were rescued from an environment of neglect and insecurity and given full respect and dignity, both in the party and the government, through proper participation. She instructed BSP leaders to reassure the public that, like in 2007, people from all communities can once again unite. Particularly, Brahmins, the marginalized, and the weaker sections can unite to form a government that guarantees respect, better law and order, and a firm guarantee of constitutional rights. The former Chief Minister made serious allegations against her rival parties of resorting to caste and communal polarization before the elections. She clarified that these parties have completely failed to provide good governance to the public after coming to power. She claimed that inflation, unemployment, and increasing oppression and neglect of the weak and marginalized sections of society have caused widespread public disillusionment. Without directly naming the BJP, Mayawati said that current governments are more focused on rhetoric, image management, and divisive politics than on public welfare. She also strongly instructed her workers to be vigilant against attempts to influence voters through emotional and caste-based narratives during the elections. BSP insiders also believe that Mayawati’s strong focus on Brahmins is a significant signal. It’s worth noting that in 2007, the party’s “social engineering” formula helped it reach the pinnacle of power by mobilizing Dalit and Brahmin support. At that time, the BSP won 206 seats and formed a government in Uttar Pradesh with an absolute majority. The Bahujan Samaj Party has struggled significantly on the electoral front in recent years. This new strategy clearly indicates a serious effort to rebuild that broad social alliance before the 2027 elections. Mayawati also emphasized early selection of candidates, strengthening booth management, and expanding the party organization at every level. She stated that the upcoming elections will prove to be both challenging and decisive for the future of Uttar Pradesh politics. Senior BSP officials, district coordinators, and key assembly constituency-level leaders from across the state attended this important party meeting. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Punjab Commission Investigates Alleged Anti-Dalit Audio Clip
Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission investigates an alleged anti-Dalit audio by Congress leader Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, who claims the clip is fake. Warring has requested the police to file an FIR, alleging a smear campaign amid local elections. The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission is investigating an audio clip allegedly featuring anti-Dalit remarks by Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. Warring has denied the authenticity of the clip, claiming it is fabricated and part of a smear campaign against him during local elections. He has called for the Punjab police chief and the State Election Commission to file an FIR against those spreading the alleged false audio. The commission has requested a report from Muktsar police and a forensic analysis of Warring’s voice amid concerns over the timing of the audio’s release. The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission, led by Jasvir Singh Garhi, has initiated a probe into a controversial audio clip purportedly featuring anti-Dalit comments by Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, the state Congress president. The audio has led to significant political turmoil, with Warring denying its authenticity and claiming it was fabricated. Warring has urged the Punjab police chief and the State Election Commission to file a First Information Report (FIR) against those circulating the alleged false clip. He asserted that similar attempts to malign his image occurred seven years ago and are resurfacing during ongoing local elections. Garhi has requested a detailed report from the Muktsar police and has called for a forensic analysis of Warring’s voice. Warring expressed his disbelief at the commission’s quick decision to act on the clip without verifying it. He implied that releasing the audio at this crucial election time suggests a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation. Warring stated his commitment to identifying those responsible for what he calls a targeted smear campaign. Courtesy : Devdiscourse Note: This news is originally published on https:/devdiscourse.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Vijay’s cabinet and the transformation of social justice politics in Tamil Nadu
By choosing institutional inclusion over mere rhetoric, the TVK-led coalition government breaks the six-decade DMK-AIADMK duopoly to structurally redefine representation and social justice politics in Tamil Nadu The formation of the new Tamil Nadu government under the leadership of C Joseph Vijay marks a significant moment in the political history of the State. For nearly six decades, Tamil Nadu’s political landscape was dominated by the alternating rule of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Both parties consistently projected themselves as inheritors of the Dravidian movement and champions of social justice. Yet, despite the ideological centrality of equality, anti-caste politics, and representation in Tamil Nadu’s political discourse, the structure of political power often remained limited in its inclusiveness. The emergence of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led coalition government, therefore, represents more than an electoral transition. It signals an attempt to redefine the grammar of governance through broader social representation, coalition-based participation, and the redistribution of institutional power to historically marginalised communities. A Historic Moment in Dalit Representation : One of the most remarkable aspects of Vijay’s cabinet is the unprecedented representation accorded to Dalit communities. For the first time in Tamil Nadu’s history, the cabinet includes eight ministers from Dalit communities in a 35-member Tamil Nadu Cabinet. This development acquires even greater significance when placed within a historical context. Successive governments led by both the DMK and the AIADMK often projected themselves as defenders of social justice, yet Dalit representation within the cabinet rarely crossed symbolic limits. Even in the outgoing DMK government, the number of Dalit ministers reportedly rose to four only after cabinet reshuffles. By contrast, the present cabinet has elevated Dalit representation to an unprecedented level, not merely numerically but institutionally. Dalit ministers have been entrusted with portfolios that influence education, ideology, social policy, and long-term governance. This shift matters because representation in democratic systems is not only about visibility; it is fundamentally about access to decision-making power. Political theorists of social justice have long argued that meaningful democracy requires historically excluded communities to participate in shaping institutions, rather than merely appearing within them symbolically. In this sense, Vijay’s cabinet marks a transition from token representation toward participatory representation. Education and the Politics of Historical Repair : Among the most symbolically significant appointments in the cabinet are those of Rajmohan and P Viswanathan, leaders from Dalit communities who have been entrusted with the School Education and Higher Education portfolios, respectively. The importance of these appointments cannot be overstated. For centuries, oppressed communities in India were systematically denied access to education, literacy, and intellectual authority under the caste hierarchy. Education functioned not merely as a site of learning, but as a mechanism through which social power was monopolised. The allocation of education ministries to leaders from historically oppressed communities, therefore, carries profound political meaning. It represents a reversal of historical exclusion and a form of democratic correction. These appointments symbolise a structural shift in governance: those who understand the lived experience of exclusion are now responsible for shaping educational policy and institutional access for future generations. Such representation extends beyond electoral arithmetic; it touches the moral foundations of social justice itself. The move also reflects a broader understanding of social justice, one that seeks not merely redistribution of welfare, but redistribution of institutional authority. Women’s Representation and Gender Inclusion : Another major milestone in the new cabinet is the inclusion of four women ministers, the highest number in Tamil Nadu’s history. While four women in a cabinet of thirty-five cannot yet be described as adequate gender parity, the development nevertheless marks an important beginning. Tamil Nadu’s political system has historically witnessed strong women leaders at the top, yet women’s broader participation within executive governance has often remained limited. The inclusion of four women ministers, therefore, represents an institutional acknowledgement that political representation must expand beyond caste inclusion alone. Social Justice also means to address intersections of caste, gender, class, and minority identity. In this respect, the present cabinet attempts to broaden the social composition of governance and establish a precedent that future governments may be compelled to follow. Minority Representation and Inclusive Governance : The cabinet has also ensured representation for religious minorities, reinforcing the coalition’s attempt to present itself as secular and socially inclusive. The induction of representatives from religious minorities group reflects an effort to incorporate minority voices into governance rather than keeping them confined to electoral alliances alone. This approach becomes particularly significant in an era where majoritarian politics increasingly shape national political discourse. By incorporating minorities within executive governance, the coalition signals that democratic legitimacy depends on participation across social and religious communities. Such inclusion also strengthens the idea that secularism is not merely a constitutional principle but an administrative practice. Coalition Politics and the Redistribution of Power : Perhaps the most transformative feature of the present government is its embrace of coalition politics and power-sharing. For decades, Tamil Nadu politics operated through centralised party structures dominated by a single political formation. Alliance partners often remained electorally useful but politically peripheral. While coalition parties contributed to electoral victories, they were rarely given substantial participation in governance. The present government departs from that model. For the first time in fifty-nine years, the Indian National Congress has become part of the Tamil Nadu government through direct power-sharing. This is historically significant not merely because Congress ministers are included, but because it marks the return of coalition governance in a state long characterised by dominant-party politics. The inclusion of alliance partners within the cabinet reflects a broader democratic principle: political support must translate into institutional participation. This development also exposes a long-standing criticism directed at earlier Dravidian governments, namely, that while they relied on coalition arithmetic electorally, they seldom shared governance meaningfully with alliance partners. Vijay’s approach appears to challenge that tradition by institutionalising coalition participation rather than limiting alliances to electoral arrangements. The Significance of VCK’s Inclusion : The inclusion of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) in the