West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee Writes to CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Demands Halt to Voter Roll Revision

This news bulletin provides an inside scoop on the upcoming 2026 Union Budget, which sources suggest will be unique compared to those of the last 75 years. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present a record ninth budget tomorrow, with a significant pivot expected in the presentation style. Unlike previous years where Part A held the most detail, this budget is expected to see a detailed Part B, focusing on both short-term and long-term goals. The speaker notes that 'Part B of the will play a strong emphasis on both short-term and long-term goals', reflecting the government's strategic vision. The shift acknowledges that indirect tax matters are now handled by the GST Council, allowing the budget to serve as a medium-to-long-term statement of intent. The programme highlights how this aligns with the Vixit Bharat goal and India's aspiration to become the world's third-largest economy.

In a historic move for Maharashtra politics, Sunetra Pawar has taken oath as the state's first woman Deputy Chief Minister. The elevation follows the tragic demise of NCP leader Ajit Pawar in a recent plane crash. During the transition, party leaders and close aides rallied behind her, with the speaker noting, 'Sunetra Pawar, widow of the late Ajit Pawar, has taken oath as Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, making history as the first woman to hold the post.' The report highlights her background as the daughter of Padam Singh Patil and her previous role as a Rajya Sabha MP. Despite her 2024 electoral loss in Baramati to Supriya Sule, she now steps into a central leadership role within the Mahayuti Coalition. The programme examines whether she can maintain control over the party and the Pawar family legacy during this period of intense political churn and emotional transition for the state of Maharashtra.

This special report examines the evolving political landscape in Maharashtra following a high-profile meeting at Sharad Pawar's Baramati residence on 17th January. The report highlights that while the Sharad Pawar faction views a potential NCP reunion as 'Ajit Dada's last wish', the rival faction has officially denied any such merger talks. The transcript reveals that a tentative date of 12th February had been set for the merger before the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar. Furthermore, the Pawar patriarch expressed surprise regarding the elevation of Sunetra Pawar to the post of Deputy Chief Minister, stating he was unaware of the development. The programme features insights into the discussions involving senior leaders like Supriya Sule and explores whether the two factions will reconcile or continue to drift apart. As the political drama unfolds, the future of the Nationalist Congress Party remains uncertain amidst conflicting claims from both sides of the Pawar family.

On this Special Report, the focus is on Sunetra Pawar’s first reaction following her appointment as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Speaking after her elevation, she stated, 'I will continue to work tirelessly and honestly to realize the just, quality, base, and developed Maharashtra of his dreams.' The transition comes after the tragic and untimely demise of Ajit Pawar in an accident. Sunetra Pawar emphasized that the mantra provided by 'Ajit Dada' regarding the welfare of farmers, labourers, women, and youth remains her guiding principle. She acknowledged the immense responsibility of managing the entire state beyond the family bastion of Baramati. Highlighting the emotional weight of the moment, she noted that the support from the people of Maharashtra serves as her primary strength during these difficult times. The programme examines the challenges ahead for the new Deputy Chief Minister as she steps into this significant leadership role to fulfill the unfinished work of her predecessor.