The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, or CAA, remains one of the near debated laws in India in modern years. Passed by Parliament in December 2019, it seeks to provide a pathway to Indian citizenship for dependable scrupulous minorities from neighboring countries. The Act allows Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to apply for Indian citizenship if they arrived in the country before December 31, 2014.
These groups are wise persecuted minorities in their home countries. Muslims from the comparable countries are not covered under the law, which has triggered criticism. Opponents argue that this exclusion makes the Act sexist and violates the principle of secularism enshrined in the Constitution.
Support and opposition. The government maintains that the CAA is a humanitarian measure, designed to protect minorities facing scrupulous persecution in India’s neighborhood.
However, critics see it as a step that could marginalize Muslims, peculiarly when combined with a latent broad National Register of Citizens (NRC).
The law sparked far flung protests across India in new 2019 and immature 2020, with students, activists and trivial citizens taking to the streets. Supporters, on the different hand, have argued that it rights a existent wrong by offering refuge to persecuted groups. While the government has insisted that the CAA does not take away anyone’s citizenship, the controversy about its intent and impact continues to shape political debate in the country.
On this news bulletin, Rajdeep Sardesai leads a critical discussion regarding the tragic private aircraft crash in Baramati involving a Learjet 45. The programme features insights from Captain Thomas, Sanjay Lazar, and Captain Amit Singh, who examine the challenges of operating in uncontrolled airfields with low visibility. Rajdeep Sardesai highlights that the DGCA had conducted a regulatory audit of the aircraft owner, VSR, in February 2025, yet questions remain about systemic failures. Captain Amit Singh, founder of Safety Matters, notes the psychological pressure on pilots carrying VVIPs, stating, 'Even without instructions, if there's a VVIP on board, it then kind of a pressure that I have to perform.' The experts call for a restructuring of the DGCA and the implementation of the CAA bill to match India's exponential aviation growth. The discussion also touches upon the lack of navigational aids at small airfields and the delay in investigation reports from previous accidents involving the same company.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the intensifying political battle in West Bengal as Prime Minister Narendra Modi sounds the poll bugle in Singur. Launching development projects worth over ₹830 crore, the Prime Minister asserted that the state needs to end the Trinamool Congress's (TMC) 15-year rule to achieve 'asli parivartan' or real change. During his address, Narendra Modi stated, 'TMC is taking out its enmity from the people of Bengal' by allegedly stalling central welfare schemes and shielding infiltrators for vote-bank politics. The programme features a heated debate between BJP spokesperson Rohan Gupta and TMC representative Tausifur Rehman over issues of national security, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and the alleged blocking of central funds. Analysts also weigh in on whether the BJP's strategy of 'Paltano Dorkar' (need for change) can effectively counter Mamata Banerjee's grassroots influence and the rising role of Abhishek Banerjee in the state's political landscape.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a massive public rally in Malda, West Bengal, where he sounded the poll bugle for the upcoming state elections. During his speech, the Prime Minister asserted that 'this time, the people of Bengal will also make the BJP victorious', citing recent electoral successes in Maharashtra and Bihar as evidence of a growing national trust in the BJP's development model. He flagged off India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train from Malda, calling it a major boost for regional connectivity. PM Modi launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, accusing it of being 'merciless' and 'an enemy of the poor' for allegedly blocking central schemes like Ayushman Bharat and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. He further highlighted the issue of illegal immigration, promising that a BJP government would take 'big action' against infiltrators to protect the rights and land of local citizens while ensuring safety for refugees under the CAA.
In the fifth and the final episode of India Today@50 detailing events from 2015 to 2025, Raj Chengappa, Group Editorial Director (Publishing), provides a comprehensive analysis of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership from 2014.
India Today Legal Editor Nalini Sharma reports on the Supreme Court's expected verdict on the bail pleas of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and others in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. The accused have been in jail for nearly six years under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). A bench led by Justice Arvind Kumar reserved the order in December 2025 after hearing appeals against the Delhi High Court's refusal to grant bail. While Umar Khalid was recently granted interim bail for his sister's wedding, regular bail remains elusive. The prosecution maintains the riots were part of a 'larger conspiracy' timed with the US President's visit, whereas the defence argues that prolonged incarceration without trial makes bail imperative. The broadcast also references alleged speeches by Sharjeel Imam regarding the 'Chicken's Neck' corridor.
In this Special Report, India Today Legal Editor Nalini Sharma details the upcoming Supreme Court verdict on the bail pleas of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and other accused in the 2020 Delhi riots larger conspiracy case. The apex court is set to pronounce its order on Monday, deciding whether the accused, who have been incarcerated for nearly six years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), will be granted regular bail. Sharma notes, 'On Monday, we're expecting the big order from the Supreme Court.' The report highlights that while Umar Khalid recently received interim bail for his sister's wedding, the accused have yet to secure regular bail. The prosecution maintains the riots were a 'larger conspiracy' orchestrated during the US President's visit, while the defense argues for bail due to the prolonged trial.
On this Special Report, a panel of political spokespersons and analysts discusses the heated battle for the West Bengal Assembly Elections. An unidentified BJP Spokesperson asserts that the 'reverse countdown' for the state government has begun, citing rising crime and the recent killing of migrant worker Jewel Rana in Odisha. Countering this, a TMC representative dismisses the BJP’s confidence as a recurring 'tsunami' that fails to materialize, labelling the opposition as 'migratory birds'. The discussion also covers the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the impact of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and the challenges of anti-incumbency facing the ruling party. The programme explores whether the contest remains bipolar or if other parties can regain ground.
The big talking points of this episode of To The Point are the big battle for Bengal and the Mumbai civic polls. I
This special report details major political and social developments across India. In West Bengal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah initiates the campaign for the 2026 Assembly elections, accusing the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government of corruption and failing to protect women, citing the Sandeshkhali and RG Kar Medical College incidents. A political analysis contrasts the organizational strength of Mamata Banerjee with the BJP's election strategy. The focus then shifts to the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections in Mumbai, detailing new alliances such as the Thackeray cousins' partnership and the strategies of the Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi coalitions. The broadcast also covers the engagement of Rehan Wadra, son of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, to Aviva Beg. It concludes by observing the rising popularity of meditation festivals as a peaceful alternative for New Year's celebrations.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing a press conference in Kolkata on Tuesday, launched the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) campaign for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
This edition of To The Point examines the escalating violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, highlighted by the recent lynchings of Amrit Mandal and Dipu Chandra Das.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal organised a march towards the Bangladesh High Commission in Chanakyapuri to condemn the killing of Dipu Das and other atrocities against minorities.
On this India Today special broadcast, the focus is on the heated Parliament debate where Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the Congress leadership of 'vote chori' (vote theft). The discussion, hosted by Gaurav Sawant on 'India First', analyzes the Opposition's walkout. BJP National Spokesperson Dr. Ajay Alok calls Congress leaders 'cowards' who ran away with their 'tails down' and suggests Rahul Gandhi needs an ENT specialist for his 'deftness' . Congress leader Brijesh Kalappa defends the walkout, citing ECI bias. Political commentators Rajat Sethi and Rashid Kidwai weigh in on Rahul Gandhi's trip to Germany.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the Lok Sabha during the Winter Session 2025, defending the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls against Opposition protests. Shah attacked the Congress party, recalling his youth as a protester in Assam with the slogan 'Assam ki galiyan sooni hain'. He stated, 'Hamaare gyarah saal dekh lijiye', contrasting the BJP's 11-year governance record—citing the surgical strike, Article 370 abrogation, and Ram Mandir construction—with the Congress's tenure. He also criticized Rahul Gandhi's speechwriters and thanked Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
An India Today Special Report, moderated by Rajdeep Sardesai, examines the turbulent start of the Parliament Winter Session. The program features a confrontation between BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi and Congress MP Syed Nasir Hussain, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark urging the opposition to focus on 'delivery' not 'drama'. Trivedi dismisses opposition allegations, including 'vote chori' (vote theft), as political theatrics. In response, Hussain asserts it is the opposition's duty to question the government on critical issues such as Chinese incursions, the Manipur crisis, air pollution, and the transparency of the Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls. He accuses the ruling party of avoiding parliamentary debates and improperly deleting voters. The discussion touches on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and highlights the declining number of parliamentary sittings and a growing trust deficit in Indian politics.
This special report examines the soaring political temperatures in West Bengal over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and its impact on the Matua community. The piece explores the deep divisions within the Thakur family, pitting Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur and BJP MLA Subrata Thakur against their aunt, TMC Rajya Sabha MP Mamata Bala Thakur, leaving community members anxious about their citizenship status. According to the report, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee 'claims a Hindutva card or a Mathua Mahasang certificate is being sold for Rs. 100'. The programme details the on-ground situation in Thakurnagar, where camps are processing documents, and the conflicting claims from the BJP and TMC, as the CAA becomes a crucial issue for the 2026 elections.
This news bulletin covers the political conflict between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, focusing on the BJP's criticism of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's rallies against citizenship laws. The BJP claims that Banerjee's actions show she is afraid of a growing pro-BJP sentiment in the state as elections approach. According to the BJP, Mamata Banerjee is 'sensing that the ground beneath her feet is shifting and she's become extremely jittery'. The report identifies citizenship regulations and Bangladeshi infiltration as central election issues. The BJP argues that removing illegal immigrants would weaken the TMC's support base, while the TMC contends the process is a malicious attempt to disenfranchise genuine voters.
This special report details how India Today's OSINT team uncovered thousands of accounts based in Pakistan and West Asia posing as Indian citizens to post on sensitive issues like the Bihar elections and the NRC-CAA protests.
This special report details how a new transparency feature on X is unmasking foreign accounts influencing India's domestic conversations. India Today's OSINT team uncovered thousands of accounts based in Pakistan and West Asia posing as Indian citizens to post on sensitive issues like the Bihar elections and the NRC-CAA protests. The programme examines the geopolitical, domestic, and security dimensions of this digital information warfare, with experts discussing the significant legal gaps in Indian law to combat such coordinated campaigns. Advocate of the Supreme Court, Dr. Pawan Duggal, states, 'Currently, we do not have adequate protections under applicable Indian law. The Information Technology Act 2000 is completely silent on fake news.' The discussion also explores the limitations of technology in detecting VPN users and the need for social media platforms to be held more accountable.
This special report focuses on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's public rally in Bongaon, North 24 Parganas. The report covers her staunch opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, which she describes as a flawed process and a conspiracy by the central government, and highlights the political battle for the Matua community vote bank in a known BJP bastion. Attacking the BJP, Mamata Banerjee stated, 'if BJP tries to strike me in Bengal, I will shake its foundation across India'. The report details her strategy to counter the BJP, which includes writing letters to the Election Commission of India and planning a pan-India movement with other opposition parties against the electoral roll revision process. It also notes that the rally serves as the starting point for the Trinamool Congress's election campaign, deliberately launched from an area where the party has not performed well in recent terms.
