Bihar polls 2020: PM Modi addresses rally in Forbesganj

In this news report, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has officially staked its claim to the cabinet portfolios previously held by Ajit Pawar. Senior leaders including Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and Chhagan Bhujbal met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at his Varsha residence to ensure the party maintains control over key departments such as Finance, State Excise, and Sports. The meeting follows internal discussions in Baramati. During the broadcast, it was noted that 'the budget will be presented by Devendra Fadnavis himself' as a temporary measure. The NCP is requesting that these portfolios remain within their fold and be assigned to another party minister until a permanent Deputy Chief Minister is finalized. Further consultations with party hierarchies in Delhi are expected before a final decision is reached on the cabinet reshuffle and portfolio allocation.

This news bulletin, anchored by Nagarjun Dwarkanath, covers significant political and criminal developments across Southern India. A primary focus is the finalized alliance between the DMK and Congress for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections following high-level talks between Kanimozhi and Rahul Gandhi. In Andhra Pradesh, the CBI has submitted a final charge sheet regarding the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) ladoo ghee adulteration scam. Criminal reports include a triple murder in Chennai involving a migrant family from Bihar, resulting in five arrests. Environmental concerns in Kanyakumari are highlighted, specifically regarding rare earth element mining and coastal erosion affecting deep-sea fishermen. Additional coverage includes the Karnataka Contractors Association's strike threat over pending dues, a SIT probe involving actor Jayaram in the Sabarimala gold theft case, and food poisoning incidents in Telangana government schools. The report also notes political developments in Kerala involving Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor, providing a comprehensive overview of current regional affairs and legal proceedings.

This news report details the shifting political landscape within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) following the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar. The party has called for a crucial legislative party meeting where Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member and wife of the late leader, is expected to be elected as the leader of the MLAs. A key quote from the broadcast notes, 'Sunetra Pawar is likely to be elected as the leader of NCP legislative party.' Beyond leadership roles, the NCP faction is focused on retaining heavyweight portfolios such as Finance and Excise within the Mahayuti cabinet. Senior leaders including Praful Patel and Chhagan Bhujbal have reportedly met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss the transition. Additionally, the report highlights potential merger talks with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP SP faction, a move allegedly initiated by Ajit Pawar prior to his passing. The situation remains fluid as the party navigates this leadership vacuum in its bastion of Baramati.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating political row between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of insulting the North-East. Amit Shah stated that Rahul Gandhi disrespected the region by 'refusing to wear the gamosa that was presented to him by President Draupadi Murmu' during the at-home reception hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Republic Day. The incident has become the latest flashpoint between the two parties, with the BJP alleging a pattern of disregard for North-Eastern culture. While the Congress has yet to issue an official response to these specific claims, the report explores the details of the event where an Assamese delegation presented the traditional scarves to all delegates. The programme examines the political implications of this confrontation and the significance of the gamosa as a cultural symbol of the North-East.