BJP, Congress issue whips to MPs ahead of Waqf bill showdown in Parliament

On this news bulletin, the focus is on the long-awaited Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election results in Maharashtra. The speaker notes that 'Mumbai is set for a triple-engine Sarkar' according to exit poll trends, which also suggest a clear wave of support for Devendra Fadnavis. The discussion highlights that despite the Thackeray brothers, Raj and Uddhav, joining hands after 20 years, their influence appears to be fading among voters. The transcript details a voter turnout of approximately 50-55%, similar to 2017 levels, despite the elections being held after a nine-year gap. The analysis further points out that the Congress party's decision to contest solo hurt the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), while both factions of the NCP failed to gain significant ground. The program explores the shift from administrator-led local bodies back to elected representatives and the impact of local issues versus sentimental voting in the Mumbai metropolis.

On this India Today special report, the focus is on the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election results. Following the first civic polls in nine years for India's richest municipal body, exit polls suggest a significant victory for the Mahayuti alliance. Pradeep Gupta, Chairman and MD of Access My India, noted that the 'actual range of ward share and the seat share is 131 to 151 for the BJP plus'. Gupta attributes this projected success to the consolidation of non-Marathi and non-Muslim votes, particularly among Gujarati and North Indian communities in the western suburbs. The analysis highlights how the split in the Shiv Sena and a fragmented opposition vote, especially among the minority communities, has benefited the BJP-led coalition. While the Thackeray brothers banked on Marathi sentiment and unity, pollsters predict they may secure only around 63 seats. The programme examines the demographic shifts and arithmetic that define this crucial battle for Mumbai's civic throne.

On this special report of India Today Global, host Geeta Mohan discusses the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced new sanctions targeting 18 individuals and entities accused of helping the Iranian regime evade oil sanctions. Bessent stated, 'Today's sanctions target 18 individuals and entities that the regime uses to evade sanctions on Iranian oil and divert proceeds from its energy sales away from the rightful owners, the Iranian people.' The report highlights President Donald Trump's 'maximum pressure' policy, including a 25% tariff on nations doing business with Tehran. The programme also examines India's contingency plans to evacuate nearly 10,000 citizens from Iran amid the volatility. Professor Mohammad Marandi and other analysts provide insights into the potential for military escalation and the impact of these economic measures on the Iranian establishment and its people.

On this edition of NewsTrack, Maria Shakeel reports on the Supreme Court's significant intervention in the ongoing conflict between the West Bengal government and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The top court has stayed three FIRs filed by the Kolkata Police against ED officials following searches at the premises of political consultancy IPAC. Maria Shakeel notes that the court also issued a notice to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government regarding the ED's request to transfer the investigation to the CBI. During the programme, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar describes the order as a 'supreme slap' to the state government, alleging a breakdown of constitutional machinery. Conversely, TMC representatives argue the ED's actions constitute 'pre-poll interference' aimed at disrupting election strategies. The Supreme Court emphasized that while central agencies must not interfere with election work, 'serious offences cannot be shielded from investigation' by state agencies or political activities. The report explores the intensifying political battle in West Bengal ahead of the upcoming elections.