The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, also known as the Vande Mataram Bill, through a voice vote amid Opposition protests. The legislation seeks to provide legal protection to the national song and penalise intentional disruption of its singing

Kanimozhi Karunanidhi cast her vote in Chennai and urged citizens to vote with the state’s future and identity in mind. Polling across Tamil Nadu saw strong participation, with turnout crossing 37% by late morning