Bihar polls: Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj releases first list of 51 candidates

On this Special Report, the focus is on the structural differences between theocratic and autocratic regimes as tensions rise in Iran. The Unidentified speaker explains that unlike a standard dictatorship, Iran's system under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei derives its legitimacy from religious ideology, making regime change more complex. The speaker notes, 'In Iran, religious doctrine has become the state law and dissent is branded as going against religion.' The report highlights how the 1979 revolution fused faith and politics, allowing the regime to suppress dissent by invoking religion-based laws. By comparing the situation to Nicolas Maduro’s rule in Venezuela, the programme examines why previous protest movements, including those in 2009 and 2022, faced significant counter-mobilisation from supporters of the theocracy. The analysis questions whether the current climate in 2026 presents a different challenge to the supreme leader's ultimate political and religious authority.

Former Indian envoy Talmiz Ahmad analyzes escalating Iran-US tensions, providing a perspective on the ground reality in Tehran following a high-level call between Iranian and Indian foreign ministers. Ahmad notes there is 'no evidence of a pullback' from American military rhetoric and attributes widespread Iranian protests to 'extreme economic privation,' while suggesting they lack the leadership for regime change. He also critiques India's 'low-key approach' to the crisis. Domestically, the focus shifts to electoral practices, with a significant 'cash for votes' controversy in Maharashtra ahead of the BMC elections. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Jayesh Vani alleges widespread corruption and failure of police to act. The report also examines the broader culture of election freebies, highlighting the 'Gift Raj' in Tamil Nadu and an incident in Madhya Pradesh where gifted silver coins were found to be fake. Additionally, the bulletin covers a political storm at Lucknow's KGMU following 'love jihad' allegations and vandalism.

This news bulletin reports on the escalating tensions in the Middle East as Iran issues a stern warning to Gulf nations hosting United States military bases. The speaker highlights that countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq have been cautioned that these bases will be considered 'legitimate targets' if Iran is attacked by American forces. Reports indicate that personnel at the Al Udeid air base in Qatar have been advised to leave following these threats. An unidentified speaker, a professor, warns that US military involvement in Iran 'will lead to disaster' and could inadvertently turn the Iranian leadership into heroes against 'American aggression'. The programme discusses the historical context of US-Iran relations, referencing the 1953 coup, and emphasizes that military intervention would violate international law and lack US Congressional consent. Qatar has responded with a formal statement calling for regional measures to ensure safety while seeking a path for dialogue to de-escalate the current crisis.

After the campaign ended for the BMC elections, many reports have emerged about candidates allegedly bribing voters.