Mahayuti Sweeps Maharashtra Civic Polls, Securing 207 Council President Posts

On this Special Report, senior Punjab BJP leader and Vice President Fateh Jung Bajwa discusses the delegation's meeting with Governor Gulabchand Kataria regarding the deteriorating state of Punjab. Bajwa states, 'Today Punjab is burning,' highlighting critical concerns over the rise of gangsters, extortion threats to businessmen and artists, and the rampant drug menace. He specifically accuses the state government of attempting to 'gag the voice of the press' by filing FIRs against major media houses like the Punjab Kesari group and Ajit newspaper. Bajwa criticises Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, suggesting the CM failed to effectively address Punjab's security crisis. The leader further notes that the Governor has expressed deep concern and is communicating the situation to the Central Government. The report explores the BJP's demand for central intervention to restore law and order and protect democratic institutions in the state.

On this Special Report, Muzaffar Ahmad reports from the Srinagar-Kargil Highway on the transformative impact of the Zojila Tunnel project. Highlighting the strategic importance of the region, Ahmad states, 'This is a mega project which will be the game changer for the Ladakh region, not only for the people living in the Ladakh region, a boost for the tourism, but also for the security of the country.' The report explains that while the Sonmarg tunnel has already made Sonmarg accessible in winter, the upcoming Zojila Tunnel will ensure the Ladakh and Kargil regions remain connected by road year-round. This connectivity is crucial for transporting weaponry and essential items to the Line of Actual Control regardless of the season. Ahmad notes that despite current temperatures dropping to minus 25 degrees centigrade in areas like Mini-marg, the completed tunnel will provide a comfortable and reliable route for both civilians and army personnel, bypassing the extreme cold and heavy snowfall that historically isolated the region for months.

On this Special Report, the focus is on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's high-decibel election campaign in West Bengal's Singur. During his visit to Hooghly district, the Prime Minister launched several development projects valued at over 830 crore rupees. Addressing a massive rally, Narendra Modi stated, 'Bengal needs to end TMC's 15 year long Jungle Raj for Asli Parivartan.' He launched a scathing attack on the Mamata Banerjee-led government, accusing it of prioritizing 'Ghuspetiyas' or infiltrators as a vote bank while compromising women's safety and stalling central welfare schemes. The Prime Minister emphasized that for real change, a 'double engine government' is essential for the state's progress. The report also highlights the political significance of Singur, a former land-protest site, where the BJP is now challenging the TMC's developmental record. India Today's Anupam Mishra provides insights into the intensifying war of words between the BJP and TMC as the poll battle for Bengal escalates.

This special report examines the intensifying political churn in Karnataka as Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar cancels his scheduled visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos. The move comes after Shivakumar held high-level meetings with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge in the national capital, reigniting speculation regarding a potential power-sharing agreement with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Sources indicate that Shivakumar is positioning himself within the party's top brass while citing personal commitments for his absence from the global investment summit. The opposition BJP has criticised the Congress leadership, alleging that the internal race for the Chief Minister's post is being prioritised over the state's economic interests and public welfare. India Today’s Sagai Raj provides insights into the 'power tussle in the state of Karnataka' as senior leaders recalibrate their strategy. The programme explores whether these developments will propel Shivakumar closer to the CM chair or lead to further leadership turmoil within the state government.