Delimitation

The big focus of this episode of Super 6 is on two poll-bound states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where Prime Minister Modi on Friday sounded NDA's poll bugle for the upcoming assembly elections. 

On this Special Report, host Akshita Nandagopal leads a high-octane debate on the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) aggressive campaign to gain a foothold in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The discussion features spokespersons from the Congress, BJP, and DMK, alongside senior journalist Shekhar Iyer. Akshita Nandagopal asks, 'Do you think the BJP actually stands a chance in these southern states?' The panel examines the Prime Minister's recent rallies, the impact of anti-incumbency against the DMK, and the 'Dravidian model' of development. While BJP's Tuhin Sinha claims the party will deliver its best performance yet, DMK's Seelam Dharnidharan defends Tamil Nadu's socio-economic metrics, dismissing the 'double engine' growth narrative. The debate also touches upon the controversial issue of delimitation and its potential impact on South India's parliamentary representation. This programme provides a comprehensive analysis of the shifting political dynamics in India's southern states ahead of the upcoming electoral battles.

This Special Report examines Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intensive campaign tour across Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where he characterized the DMK administration as a 'corruption, mafia, and crime' government. The program features a high-stakes debate between political spokespersons and analysts regarding the National Democratic Alliance's electoral strategy and the rare joint appearance of EPS and TTV Dhinakaran. BJP spokesperson Tuhin Sinha alleges the DMK has stalled critical development projects, while DMK spokesperson Dharanidharan defends the state's 11.2 percent growth rate. Key discussion points include the 'double engine government' narrative, fiscal discrepancies in central funding, and the controversial delimitation process affecting South India's parliamentary representation. The report covers the Prime Minister's inauguration of infrastructure projects in Thiruvananthapuram and the Congress party's response to the BJP's southern outreach. Panelists evaluate whether the BJP can challenge the established Dravidian model in Tamil Nadu or the political duopoly in Kerala ahead of the upcoming elections.

In this news bulletin, an unidentified speaker reports on the escalating political tension in Tamil Nadu. The speaker highlights that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his scheduled visit to the state. According to the speaker, Stalin claimed that the 'Prime Minister's visit to Tamil Nadu is only during the polls' and raised concerns regarding delimitation and other state needs. Furthermore, the speaker notes that Stalin criticised Governor R N Ravi, alleging that the 'Governor Ravi acted like an agent of the BJP' and behaved like a tyrant. The report also mentions Stalin's demand for the Centre to restore MGNREGA funds. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi responded by suggesting it is time for the DMK to bid farewell to the state. The programme captures the intensifying war of words between the DMK leadership and the Union government as election campaigning gains momentum.

On this India Today report, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has intensified his criticism of the Central Government regarding the proposed delimitation exercise. He described the move as a 'demographic punishment' for southern states that successfully implemented population control and human development programmes. Siddaramaiah argued that states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala should not lose political representation as a penalty for their success in health, education, and women's empowerment. He highlighted that while Uttar Pradesh and Bihar might gain over 20 seats, southern states face a significant reduction in their political voice. The Chief Minister has called for a meeting of all southern CMs to form a united front against the exercise, asserting that representation must not become a reward for failure. Meanwhile, the BJP has dismissed these claims, with MLA Mahesh Tenginkai accusing the Chief Minister of misleading the public for political gain. India Today's Sagay Raj provides further insights into the growing apprehensions across southern India regarding political marginalisation.

On this Special Report, the focus is on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's strong stance against the proposed delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies. Speaking on the potential impact on Southern states, Siddaramaiah stated, 'Delimitation is not merely a technical electoral issue, it's a political question that will determine India's federal future.' He argued that the exercise risks penalising states that successfully implemented population control measures, potentially leading to a significant reduction in their parliamentary representation. The Chief Minister highlighted that while states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar might gain seats, Southern states could face political marginalisation. Siddaramaiah announced plans to invite Chief Ministers from across South India to Bengaluru to discuss a collective response to delimitation and concerns regarding the inequitable distribution of Union Government funds. The programme examines the growing friction between the Centre and Southern states over federal equity and democratic representation.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the transition of leadership within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as Nitin Naveen takes over as the National President. Succeeding Jagat Prakash Nadda, the 45-year-old leader from Bihar represents a generational shift, embodying the party's new motto of 'Youth, Energy, Continuity'. Reflecting on his journey, Naveen stated, 'I would like to remember my father, Naveen Kishore Prasad Sinha... he connected me with the workers and I always say that the workers taught me how to work by holding my hand.' The programme highlights Naveen's rise from a grassroots worker to a master strategist credited with the BJP's success in Chhattisgarh. As the party approaches its 46th anniversary, the new chief faces immediate challenges with upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, alongside the long-term goal of steering the party toward the 2029 Lok Sabha elections amidst significant legislative changes like delimitation and women's quotas.

In this special report, the focus is on the significant leadership transition within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as Nitin Nabeen prepares to formally take over as the National President. Succeeding Jagat Prakash Nadda, the 45-year-old leader from Bihar is described as a 'master strategist who built the youth wing of the party and scripted Satyagraha Assembly and Lok Sabha Way.' The appointment comes at a crucial juncture as the party adopts the 2026 motto of 'Youth, Energy, Continuity.' Nabeen faces immediate electoral challenges with upcoming assembly polls in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry. Beyond these battles, his tenure will involve steering the party toward the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, navigating the complexities of delimitation and the implementation of the 33% women's quota. The report highlights that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a signatory to Nabeen's nomination, signaling strong internal support for this new era of leadership aimed at taking the party forward over the next decade.

In a Special Report, the challenges facing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in 2026 are examined, beginning with a statement from US President Donald Trump: 'I called Prime Minister Modi. I said we can't make a trade deal with you.' Hosted by India Today Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai, a roundtable with editors Tavleen Singh, Swapan Dasgupta, and Dr. Sanjaya Baru debates India's political and economic landscape. Key topics include a 'failure of governance' versus the 'Viksit Bharat' agenda, economic stagnation, and foreign policy shifts in a changing global order. The panel also analyzes the Congress party's revival prospects in upcoming state elections and the condition of the opposition, with one panelist remarking, 'We are a democracy in recession,' while also touching upon the need for social harmony.

In this New Year Editors Roundtable, we raise these questions: what are the challenges for the Modi government in 2026? Is 2026 a make-or-break year for opposition? Will Trump disrupt world order further? Watch as experts share their perspective on these and more on the show. 

On this New Year special, India Today's Rajdeep Sardesai explores if 2026 is a 'make or break' year for the opposition. Author Tavleen Singh dismisses the Congress as a 'magnificent failure,' arguing the party hasn't rebuilt its structure. Conversely, BJP leader Swapan Dasgupta asserts the ruling party remains dynamic while the opposition lacks tangible issues against the Modi government. Group Editorial Director Raj Chengappa notes that historically, Prime Ministers struggle in their third term, potentially aiding the opposition. However, analyst Ashutosh argues the opposition is battling an 'authoritarian system' with uneven playing fields. The panel also discusses the future of the INDIA alliance and upcoming state polls.

On this special editor's roundtable, a panel of experts discusses the principal challenges lying ahead for the government in 2026. The debate focuses on the sharp contrast between the government's ambitious 'Viksit Bharat' 2047 agenda and immediate governance issues like pollution and urban infrastructure. One perspective highlights that while taxation and technology have eased life for citizens, deep administrative reforms are still needed. Another view stresses that economic growth must accelerate to 9-10 per cent annually to meet development targets, noting that private investment remains a concern. The discussion also covers foreign policy uncertainties, particularly relations with the US, and the political dynamics of the ruling party. The programme explores these critical themes as the new year begins.

In this special year-end broadcast of India Today Explains, anchor Akshita Nandagopal looks back at the defining news events of 2025.

In this explainer, the focus is on the delimitation exercise scheduled for 2026 and the concerns it has raised among southern states. The Unidentified speaker details how the process, which fixes the number of Lok Sabha and assembly seats based on population, was frozen after the 1971 census to encourage population control. With the freeze ending and the census delayed due to Covid-19, projections mentioned in the report suggest southern states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala could lose significant representation, while northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar could gain seats. The segment notes that Chief Ministers like MK Stalin have sought unity to oppose this, while Home Minister Amit Shah has issued clarifications.

In a heated debate on India Today, Swaraj Abhiyan founder Yogendra Yadav argues that India is witnessing 'electoral deform' rather than reform. He cites 'abusive constitutionalism' and alleged voter list manipulation in Mau and Kundarki as evidence of an uneven playing field created by the ruling dispensation. Yadav claims that 20,000 names were removed in Mau prior to the Special Summary Revision (SIR). Countering these allegations, political analyst Rajat Sethi dismisses the Opposition's grievances as a 'loser's lament' and a 'boring, predictable rant'. Sethi asserts that the Opposition has 'zero connect' with the public and is failing to address genuine issues in Parliament. The discussion, moderated by an anchor addressed as 'Kirti ji', explores the credibility of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the Election Commission of India, and the proposed 'One Nation, One Election' system.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey addresses the Lok Sabha, raising concerns over demographic changes in Jharkhand's Santhal Pargana region. Citing Census data, Dubey claims the tribal population in the area dropped from 45% in 1951 to 28% in 2011, while the Muslim population increased from 9% to 24%. He also references West Bengal's population figures and notes that delimitation was frozen in Jharkhand to protect tribal seats. The MP highlights the issue of infiltration and its impact on the region's demographics.

The political contest in Tamil Nadu is intensifying ahead of the assembly polls, with TVK chief Vijay launching a statewide campaign. In a rally, the actor-turned-politician criticized both the BJP and the ruling DMK. He accused the BJP of "betraying India by using tactics like SIR and delimitation to crush the opposition and for pushing one nation, one election to reduce power of states." Vijay also alleged the DMK government, led by CM Stalin, has cheated the public by not fulfilling many of its 505 poll promises, such as gas subsidies and fuel price reductions. The DMK has responded, asserting that the legacy of Anna and Periyar remains strong and that nothing can damage their established vote base.

India bloc, comprising 24 parties, held a virtual meeting to solidify their strategy for the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament. The bloc plans to raise several key issues, including the Pahalgam terror attack, claims by Donald Trump of facilitating a truce between India and Pakistan, and the Election Commission's electoral roll revision in Bihar. Additionally, the agenda includes discussions on delimitation, atrocities against Dalits, and the Air India plane crash. An important quote emerging from the discussions was, "Do we want the Prime Minister to speak on this? What has happened between him and President Trump? What kind of compromise is being talked about?" The alliance is also considering a protest march in Delhi on July 23 or 24 against the voterless revision. Internal discussions also noted unhappiness from Left leaders over a recent remark by Rahul Gandhi in Kerala.

This episode of Super 6 delves into the political landscape of the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu elections with suspense over whether TVK chief Vijay will join the NDA fold.

At the SCO meet in China, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh slammed Pakistan for cross-border terrorism and urged member nations to speak out against such acts. He referenced Operation Sindoor as a response to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Sources reveal Singh proposed a four-point formula to manage India-China border tensions, including disengagement, de-escalation, demarcation, and delimitation. Singh emphasised India's zero tolerance for terrorism and right to self-defence against terror threats.