Revanth Reddy's remarks on Hindu gods spark row, Kohli hits another hundred vs South Africa

On this Special Report, the focus is on the latest development in the Karur stampede investigation involving actor-turned-politician Vijay. Sources indicate that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has issued a fresh summons for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief to appear for a second round of questioning on January 19. This follows a marathon six-hour interrogation session held previously. During the proceedings, 'Vijay had sought a break, suggesting that because it's Pongal, he needs to be in Tamil Nadu' to participate in the festivities. The CBI reportedly agreed to the request, allowing the leader to return to Chennai before resuming the probe on Monday. The investigation pertains to the tragic stampede in Karur that occurred during a party event in September 2025. The programme examines the ongoing legal challenges for Vijay as he balances his political commitments with the federal inquiry.

This report focuses on the intensifying political speculation in Karnataka following a brief meeting between Rahul Gandhi and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at a helipad in Mysuru. The conversation, captured on video, has triggered discussions about Shivakumar’s potential pitch for the Chief Minister’s post, especially as Siddaramaiah has completed a record tenure. The speaker notes that 'D.K. Shivkumar managed to pull aside Rahul Gandhi and have a brief chat with him' after previously struggling to secure an audience with the Congress high command in Delhi. Reporter Nagarjun Dwarakanath provides details on the exchange at the Mysore airport tarmac, suggesting that the AICC may soon summon both Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah to the national capital. The programme explores the potential shifts in the state's leadership dynamics and the high command's next steps in resolving the ongoing 'CM Nataka'.

This news report examines the escalating political row in Tamil Nadu over the harvest festival of Pongal. Chief Minister MK Stalin has sparked a debate by declaring Pongal a 'secular festival which has no caste and no religion', framing it as part of the inclusive Dravidian model. The opposition, including the BJP and AIADMK, has hit back, accusing the DMK of distancing the Hindu festival from its religious roots and rebranding it for political convenience. The BJP further claimed the DMK is intentionally removing Pongal from the Hindu calendar. Amidst these charges, Stalin also accused the Union Government of treating Tamil Nadu like 'eternal Covid', a claim the BJP strongly refuted by citing central fund allocations. The report also highlights the state's welfare measures, including cash transfers for ration card holders and monthly aid for women heads of households, timed with the festivities.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Tamil Nadu BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan criticised Rahul Gandhi's support for actor-politician Vijay regarding the release of his film 'Jananayakin'. Soundararajan labelled the Congress's stance as a 'political drama' intended to 'encash the situation' and 'pamper the fans' of the TVK chief. She argued that the Congress has historically been 'anti-Tamils', citing past opposition to Jallikattu and the delay of the film 'Kutta Charithram'. Addressing allegations of the BJP 'arm-twisting' Vijay through CBI inquiries and censor board hurdles, she dismissed these as 'speculations' and 'procedural deficits' on the part of the producers. Soundararajan asserted that the BJP is 'very strong' in its alliance and does not need to pressure Vijay, though she noted that if Vijay stands alone, it could split the anti-DMK vote. She concluded that the opposition is merely attempting to gain political mileage by linking the BJP to Vijay's current challenges.