Person of Interest: The rise and fall of LK Advani

On this Special Report, consulting editor Rajdeep Sardesai analyzes the 'Mood of the Nation' January 2026 projections for upcoming assembly polls. The data suggests a significant lead for the India bloc and regional parties in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, while the NDA maintains a comfortable lead in Assam. Sardesai observes, 'The big message is that the regional forces are holding their ground, which makes it very difficult for the BJP to penetrate these states.' The discussion highlights the divergence between national narratives and state-level factors, noting that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ratings remain high, voters distinguish between central and regional leadership. The panel, including Maria Shakeel and Sanju Verma, debates the BJP's 'course correction' in Uttar Pradesh following the 2024 Lok Sabha results and the opposition's ability to capitalize on regional strengths. The programme explores whether the India alliance can maintain its momentum as a diverse democratic force against the BJP's electoral machinery.

On this Special Report, anchor Rajdeep Sardesai discusses the findings of the January 2026 'Mood of the Nation' poll. The data reveals a significant surge in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity, with 'Narendra Modi is at 55%, Rahul Gandhi is at 27%' when citizens were asked who is best suited to lead India. The transcript highlights that despite global economic uncertainties and turbulence, the Prime Minister's approval rating stands at a high of 57%. The discussion involves analysts like Raj Chengappa and political representatives Sanju Verma and Sanjay Jha, who debate the reasons behind the NDA's projected seat share of 352. While the opposition points to economic distress and 'crony capitalism,' the ruling party attributes the surge to successful foreign policy deals and welfare schemes. The programme explores why the 'trust factor' remains with the incumbent government after twelve years in power.

Narendra Modi is best suited to be the next Prime Minister with 55% support in January 2026, marking a rise from 52% in August 2025, according to the India Today-CVoter Mood of the Nation survey.

She didn’t message her grandmother often. But on the morning of January 28, she did.