The Barrackpore Lok Sabha constituency, located in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, has become a pivotal battleground in anticipation of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. Positioned on the bank of the Hooghly River and home to a significant population of working-class and Hindi-speaking voters, this area is considered a Trinamool Congress bastion. The political landscape witnessed high drama when the sitting MP, Arjun Singh, initially aligned with the BJP just ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha election and won, only to return to his old party, the Trinamool Congress, a year and a half later without resigning his seat. This twist adds an extra layer of intrigue to the looming elections. The constituency, an industrial hub boasting paper mills, jute mills, and small industries, is facing challenges in addressing various issues.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi fed grass and fodder to cows and calves, a ritual he performs annually to mark the harvest festival. The programme highlights the cultural significance of the act, noting that 'feeding cows on Makar Sankranti brings blessings and prosperity' according to Hindu traditions.
This news bulletin covers the commencement of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Thane Municipal Corporation elections. Early voters included high-profile figures such as Union Minister Piyush Goyal and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. The report highlights a significant increase in polling stations, rising from 7,297 in 2017 to over 10,000 this year, aimed at tackling voter apathy. One speaker noted, 'It largely became about Asmita on both sides, Hindu Asmita on one side and the Marathi Asmita on the other side,' reflecting the shift from civic issues like potholes and water supply to identity-based campaigning. The contest sees a fierce face-off between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in alliance with the BJP. Residents expressed concerns over the preservation of open spaces like the Mahalaxmi Racecourse and the Sanjay Gandhi National Park amidst rapid urbanisation. The bulletin monitors whether Mumbai will surpass its previous 55% voter turnout record.
On this special report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seen participating in Makar Sankranti celebrations at his 7 Lok Kalyan Marg residence. The Prime Minister fed grass and fodder to cows and calves, a ritual he performs annually to mark the harvest festival. The programme highlights the cultural significance of the act, noting that 'feeding cows on Makar Sankranti brings blessings and prosperity' according to Hindu traditions. The bulletin also mentions the Prime Minister's recent outreach, including letters sent to citizens in Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka for Bihu and Pongal. The discussion explores how these festivals, though named differently across states, connect India through a shared heritage of gratitude toward nature and farmers. The visuals capture the Prime Minister personally tending to the cattle housed at his official residence, emphasizing the divine status of cows in Indian culture during the auspicious harvest season.
On this Special Report, Maria Shakil covers the ongoing civic body elections in Mumbai, highlighting the participation of high-profile citizens. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, accompanied by his wife Anjali and daughter Sara, was among the early voters. Tendulkar emphasized the importance of the democratic process, stating, 'I think everyone's opinion, everyone's vote matters. That's why I'm here. That's why I'm requesting everyone to come and vote.' The programme discusses the Election Commission's efforts to increase voter turnout, including setting up booths near high-rise societies. Other prominent figures like Akshay Kumar, Twinkle Khanna, and Union Minister Piyush Goyal also exercised their franchise. Journalists Daniel Francis and Sana join the broadcast to analyze the shift in voter engagement compared to the 2017 elections. The discussion focuses on key urban issues such as infrastructure, traffic, and governance that are driving Mumbaikars to the polling stations after a nearly decade-long wait for local body polls.
