Bihar Election Analysis: RJD-BJP Neck and Neck, JDU Improves, VIP Fails to Make a Dent

In this special report, Nalini Sharma provides live updates from the Supreme Court regarding the escalating legal battle between the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the West Bengal government led by Mamata Banerjee. The apex court was dictating its order on the ED's plea alleging state interference during raids conducted on 8th January 2026 related to a coal scam and a suspected ₹20 crore bribe to IPAC. Nalini Sharma notes that the court observed 'serious issues relating to the investigation by the ED' and the need for agencies to function independently to ensure the rule of law. The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the West Bengal government, granting three days to respond, and directed the preservation of all CCTV footage from the raid locations. The report highlights the Solicitor General's arguments regarding a 'repetitive pattern' of investigation hurdles in the state, while the TMC counsel argued the case was politically motivated ahead of elections.

In this news report, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde hits back at Uddhav Thackeray over allegations of voter fraud and the use of erasable ink. Shinde stated, 'There should be no bogus voting. That's why polling agents from every party come here,' emphasizing that multiple identification checks are in place to maintain transparency. The Mahayuti alliance has officially rejected the claims that indelible ink is being wiped off with sanitiser, a concern raised by the Thackeray brothers. While the opposition alleges that new marker pens are being used to facilitate fraud, Shinde clarified that the Election Commission has used this ink since 2012. The Election Commission of India has downplayed the allegations, asserting that the voting process remains secure with multiple layers of verification at polling stations. The report also highlights voter concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process amidst these political exchanges.

On this Special Report, Vidya Deshpande provides live updates on the BMC elections following serious allegations of voter fraud. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and Congress leader Sachin Sawant have claimed that the indelible ink used at polling booths is easily removable, potentially allowing for repeat voting. Deshpande notes, 'The Election Commission has clearly said that, you know, there is a mechanism in place' to ensure the process remains tamper-proof. The State Election Commission has warned that FIRs will be registered against any individuals attempting to wipe off the ink or vote twice. While opposition leaders have shared videos purportedly showing the ink vanishing with a simple rub, the EC maintains that the voter records are secure and the system is foolproof. The report highlights the escalating tensions as party workers, including those from the Thackeray camp, threaten to take matters into their own hands if fraudulent voting is detected during the high-stakes civic body polls.

On this Special Report, Satyajit Kumar reports from Ranchi where the Jharkhand Police have initiated an investigation against Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers. The action follows an FIR lodged by an employee of the Drinking Water and Sanitation Department, who alleged he was 'assaulted by the ED officers' during a summons related to a financial embezzlement case. Police officials, including a DSP and the Airport SHO, entered the ED zonal office to examine CCTV footage and other evidence. The move has sparked a political row, with BJP Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi alleging that the police presence could allow for the tampering of documents related to high-profile stakeholders, including Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Additionally, Godda MP Nishikant Dubey termed the police action as 'vindictive.' Meanwhile, the ED has expressed strong displeasure over the early morning police intervention, escalating tensions between the central agency and state authorities in Jharkhand.