Arun Jaitley at India Today Conclave Next 2017: Every structural reform like demonetisation will have consequences

In this news bulletin, an unidentified speaker discusses the shifting political landscape in Maharashtra, specifically focusing on the future of the Thackeray family. The speaker notes that 'the Thackerays cannot only rely on nostalgia and Balasaheb' to maintain their political influence in Mumbai. The discussion highlights that younger demographics and new aspirations are moving away from traditional identity politics. The transcript suggests that if exit poll numbers hold, the BJP could emerge as the leading party in Maharashtra by a significant margin. Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes the need for long-term alliances rather than short-term electoral arrangements, noting that voters are tired of frequent political realignments. The potential for the BJP-Eknath Shinde alliance to take control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is also explored as a major turning point for the city's governance.

On this India Today special report, Mumbai Tak Editor Sahil Joshi analyzes the latest exit poll data for the Mumbai BMC elections. Joshi observes that the anticipated consolidation of Marathi voters for the Thackeray brothers 'hasn't happened the way they had imagined', with predictions showing a significant drop in their traditional vote share. The discussion highlights a growing class divide, where upwardly mobile and urban voters are gravitating towards the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led alliance. Sahil Joshi points out that the 'reverse polarization' of non-Marathi speaking voters has further benefited the Mahayuti. The panel, including insights from Pradeep Gupta and Shaina NC, explores the impact of candidate accessibility and the failure of the opposition to form a united front. The programme examines whether these numbers signal the emergence of a 'new Mumbai' that balances Marathi identity with cosmopolitan aspirations, potentially giving the BJP-led alliance a historic mandate in the municipal corporation.

In this Special Report, Rajdeep Sardesai leads a panel discussion on the 'Poll of Polls' following the Mumbai municipal elections. Sardesai notes that 'each and every one of the polls is directionally clear' in suggesting a victory for the BJP-led alliance, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) trailing significantly. The programme features insights from Sanju Verma, Dhaval Kulkarni, and other analysts regarding the shifting loyalties of the Marathi-speaking community and the rise of the 'political Hindu'. The discussion explores whether Eknath Shinde has successfully tapped into the aspirations of young Maharashtrians while the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction faces criticism for alleged ideological compromises. Key infrastructure projects like the Samruddhi Expressway and Mumbai Trans Harbour Link are highlighted as pivotal campaign points. The panel also addresses controversies surrounding the indelible ink used during voting and the impact of resource-heavy campaigning in ward-level contests.

On this special report, Chairman and Managing Director of Axis My India, Pradeep Gupta, analyzes the shifting demographic trends in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Gupta highlights a significant generational divide, noting that younger voters aged 18 to 35 are increasingly gravitating towards the BJP and the 'triple engine' government. He states, 'They are voting this issue in the anticipation and hope that the ruling party in the state and in the central is likely to address them,' referring to critical urban infrastructure needs. The discussion underscores that while local issues like drainage, sanitation, and public toilets remain paramount due to the absence of local corporators for four years, the youth are prioritizing aspirational growth and modern infrastructure. The program also features insights from Shaina NC on the Eknath Shinde-led government's initiatives for the 'Marathi Manos' and redevelopment projects, contrasting these with the identity politics of the opposition.