DK Shivakumar

On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating political row in Karnataka following allegations of a multi-crore excise scam. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has strongly defended the government, stating, 'They are just trying to defame a Dalit minister, that's all.' The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government of a Rs 6,000 crore scam involving the excise department, alleging that bribes were taken for bar licenses. While the BJP demands a CBI probe and the resignation of Excise Minister R.B. Timmapur, the Congress leadership has dismissed the charges as 'politically motivated' and 'bogus.' The transcript highlights the BJP's claim that the state has become an 'ATM for the Congress high command,' a charge the ruling party flatly denies. The programme examines the claims made by the Karnataka Wine Merchants Association and the subsequent political offensive launched by the opposition.

In this intense debate, BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla and Political Analyst Sanjay Jha discuss the reported rift between Shashi Tharoor and the Congress leadership. Poonawalla claims, 'Congress, and particularly Rahul Gandhi, can't stand anybody who puts nation first,' citing Tharoor's praise for LK Advani and India's foreign policy as reasons for his alleged sidelining. He further suggests a 'board of peace' be formed to manage internal Congress factions. Sanjay Jha defends Tharoor as an 'intellectual heavyweight' and 'outstanding speaker,' though he admits Tharoor is a 'distinctive outlier' who might be a misfit in any political party. The discussion also touches upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi's gesture of welcoming Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, which Poonawalla frames as a tradition of cooperative federalism. Jha acknowledges the Congress faces challenges and must avoid complacency in Kerala despite Tharoor's electoral strength.

In an exclusive interaction with India Today at Davos, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar addressed the ongoing speculation regarding the state's leadership transition.

This Special Report, anchored by Nagarjun Dwarkanath, examines critical political developments across South India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kerala and Tamil Nadu to launch the NDA election campaign, criticizing the LDF, UDF, and Congress alliances. In Tamil Nadu, the Prime Minister addressed a rally in Madurantakam, while Chief Minister M.K. Stalin introduced an assembly resolution opposing the G. Ramji Bill to protect the original MNREGA framework. The bulletin features an exclusive interview from the World Economic Forum in Davos with Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who addressed leadership change speculation and a potential power-sharing formula with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Legal updates include the Karnataka High Court lifting the ban on bike taxis for aggregators like Ola and Uber. Regional reports cover internal rifts within the AMMK and Congress, the long-pending Rasimanal Dam project in Dharmapuri, and the legal pursuit of justice for Vachathi assault victims. This edition provides factual analysis of shifting alliances and legislative shifts defining the southern electoral landscape.

On this news bulletin, Akshita Nandagopal reports on the Election Commission allotting the 'Whistle' symbol to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-politician Vijay. The speaker notes, 'Whistle is the allotted symbol for the TVK that Amaragavettri Karagam has in fact welcomed this.' The programme also covers the high drama in the Karnataka Assembly where Governor Thavarchand Ghelot staged a walkout after refusing to read parts of the government-prepared speech, leading to a confrontation with Congress MLCs. Furthermore, the bulletin discusses the upcoming NDA rally in Tamil Nadu featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the potential ban on social media for those under 16 in Andhra Pradesh. Akshita Nandagopal also highlights a distressing incident at Bengaluru airport involving the molestation of a South Korean tourist by an airline staff member.

This bulletin highlights the growing divide within the Congress party regarding the choice of ballot paper over EVMs in Karnataka's civic polls. The focus falls on statements attributed to DK Suresh, a former MP and sibling of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The most significant part of the exchange is, 'Whether stepping back is right or wrong should be decided by the party's high command.' The report features a discussion with correspondent Nagarjun, who outlines the conflicting perspectives within the party. He points out that DK Suresh is advocating for the traditional ballot system, while the final decision rests with the leadership. The segment also references the announcement by the state election commission about the upcoming Greater Bengal Authority polls.

This report focuses on the intensifying political developments regarding the Karnataka Chief Minister selection process in the national capital. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is currently in Delhi, where he stated, 'I can't disclose who I met in the national capital,' adding that he will provide answers shortly. His brother, D.K. Suresh, further fueled speculation by suggesting that 'good news can be expected soon' at the right time and situation. The transcript highlights that while the High Command's final decision is awaited, the D.K. brothers remain tight-lipped about their specific meetings. D.K. Shivakumar emphasised their presence in Delhi is political, asserting that as politicians, they are there to engage in the political process. The programme explores whether the Karnataka leadership 'Nataka' is reaching its climax as the state awaits clarity on the leadership role and the resolution of internal party dynamics.

This report examines the intensifying political developments in Karnataka as Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar cancels his scheduled visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos. The move follows high-level meetings with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi, reigniting speculation regarding a potential power-sharing agreement with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The speaker notes that 'DKS has now cancelled its planned trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, citing personal commitments', a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP. The opposition accuses the Congress party of prioritizing internal leadership battles over the state's economic interests and investment opportunities. As Shivakumar positions himself within the party's top brass, the report questions whether this churn will lead to a leadership change or further political instability in the state. The segment highlights the ongoing friction between the state's top two leaders and the impact on Karnataka's governance.

This special report examines the intensifying political churn in Karnataka as Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar cancels his scheduled visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos. The move comes after Shivakumar held high-level meetings with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge in the national capital, reigniting speculation regarding a potential power-sharing agreement with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Sources indicate that Shivakumar is positioning himself within the party's top brass while citing personal commitments for his absence from the global investment summit. The opposition BJP has criticised the Congress leadership, alleging that the internal race for the Chief Minister's post is being prioritised over the state's economic interests and public welfare. India Today’s Sagai Raj provides insights into the 'power tussle in the state of Karnataka' as senior leaders recalibrate their strategy. The programme explores whether these developments will propel Shivakumar closer to the CM chair or lead to further leadership turmoil within the state government.

In this news report, the focus is on the political controversy in Karnataka as Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar cancels his scheduled visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos. BJP MP Yaduveer Wadiyar has criticised the Congress leadership, claiming that the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister have 'put their party and their politics above the interests of the state.' The report highlights that Shivakumar's decision to stay in Delhi for meetings with the AICC high command, amidst speculation over a power-sharing pact with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has provided the opposition with ammunition. The BJP further alleged that the state government is in a 'coma stage' with no administration or law and order. Concerns were also raised regarding the impact on state investments, noting that previous opportunities had shifted to neighbouring states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The programme explores the implications of this political prioritisation over international economic engagements.

This news bulletin focuses on Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's decision to skip the World Economic Forum in Davos to meet the Congress high command in Delhi. The move has triggered fresh speculation regarding a leadership change within the state government. A BJP spokesperson, G.S. Prashant, criticised the move, stating, 'What D.P. Shivakumar and Shidram I have done for the last two and a half years, they have mortgaged the interests of the people of Karnataka at the feet of the Gandhi family.' The discussion highlights concerns that internal party politics are being prioritised over seeking global investments for the state. The report also mentions that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other top officials have previously skipped the Davos event, leaving representation to Large-Scale Industries Minister M.B. Patil. The opposition alleges that the Congress leadership is more focused on power struggles than governance, infrastructure, and the welfare of the people of Karnataka.

This edition of Super 6, focusses on the Pongal festival, which has become a central stage for political messaging and voter outreach ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

This special report examines the intensifying power struggle within the Karnataka Congress following Rahul Gandhi's recent visit to Mysuru. The Congress leader held separate one-on-one meetings with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, sparking fresh speculation regarding a potential leadership change in the state. During the interaction, DK Shivakumar reportedly posted a cryptic message stating, 'If efforts fail, the prayers don't,' which has further fueled political chatter about his chief ministerial ambitions. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized the state leadership for skipping a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to meet Rahul Gandhi. Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka termed the move a betrayal of Karnataka's interests, arguing that a global investment opportunity was sidelined for internal party politics. The Congress has dismissed these allegations, stating that foreign visit schedules are determined by embassies. The report highlights the growing friction between the state's top leaders and the potential intervention of the Congress High Command in Delhi.

This report examines the renewed leadership buzz in Karnataka following a high-profile meeting at Mysuru Airport. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi held brief interactions with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar before departing for Tamil Nadu. The meeting has sparked intense speculation regarding a potential change of guard as the state government completes a significant tenure. Addressing the rumours, Siddaramaiah stated, 'There is no such thing' and played down any talk of a tussle, asserting that both leaders will abide by the high command's decisions. Meanwhile, the BJP has criticised the Chief Minister, accusing him of prioritising Rahul Gandhi's visit over official protocol involving international dignitaries. Sources indicate that the Congress leadership may soon summon both Karnataka leaders to the national capital for further discussions. The programme explores the political dynamics within the state's ruling party amidst these developments.

On this Special Report, India Today's Moshmi Singh provides insights into the high-profile meeting between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in Mysuru. The meeting occurs as Rahul Gandhi travels to Tamil Nadu, serving as a significant optical moment following reports of a power tussle within the Karnataka Congress leadership. Moshmi Singh notes that 'the body language and the camaraderie that they share will be interpreted in detail' by political analysts. The discussion highlights Siddaramaiah's recent milestone as the longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka and the presentation of the state's budget. Amid speculations of a potential change of guard, the report examines how the 'Karnataka model' is being positioned by the party as an alternative to the 'double-engine sarkar'. The programme explores the political dynamics and the importance of these top leaders in the southern political landscape.

In a public address in Kalaburagi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called on Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to ensure equitable development across the state. Highlighting regional disparities, Kharge urged the leaders to replicate the development seen in their own constituencies, like Mysuru, in the Kalyana-Karnataka region. He stated, 'do for Kalavurgi what you did for Mysuru.' Kharge emphasized that the focus should be on the well-being of the entire state, not just specific areas, advising the leaders to work for all constituencies. The comments were made during a public program where Kharge stressed the need for balanced growth and attention to underserved regions like Kalyana-Karnataka.

A special report on the alleged power struggle within the Karnataka Congress for the Chief Minister's post. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has denied any such conflict, stating the fight is 'all made up by the media'. His deputy, D.K. Shivakumar, also downplayed the battle, expressing faith that the party high command will take care of him and make any necessary decisions. The report includes analysis from reporter Sagaraj, who contrasts Siddaramaiah's outright denial of a power change discussion with D.K. Shivakumar's statement deferring to the party's high command. The bulletin examines the nuances in the statements from both senior Karnataka leaders amidst speculation of a leadership contest.

This special report focuses on the Enforcement Directorate's raids on political consultancy IPAC ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. The broadcast highlights the long-standing association between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and IPAC, crediting the firm for the party's landslide victories in 2021 and 2024. The speaker draws parallels with previous agency actions against other political strategists, such as Sunil Kanugolu and Naresh Arora, noting a pattern of raids targeting opposition consultants closer to polls. The report details the opposition's allegation that these investigations are a 'witch hunt' designed to intimidate political rivals. The segment also reviews the timeline of agency actions in states like Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the political firestorm over the Karnataka government’s decision to release advertisements in the National Herald newspaper. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Spokesperson Prashanth G.S. accuses the Siddaramaiah administration of using taxpayer money to fund the ‘Gandhi family’s personal scam-ridden newspaper,’ describing it as a ‘family ATM.’ In defence, Karnataka Congress Spokesperson Shatabish Shivanna dismisses the allegations as ‘manufactured outrage,’ asserting that the National Herald is ‘not just a newspaper’ but a symbol of the freedom movement founded by Jawaharlal Nehru. The debate, moderated by Akshita Nandagopal, explores questions of conflict of interest and the justification of public spending on a daily with a limited subscriber base.

In this India Today expose, a report reveals that the National Herald newspaper received the highest amount of advertising funds from the Congress-led Karnataka government compared to other national dailies. The transcript details that between 2023 and 2025, the paper was allocated a significant portion of the ad budget, including '1.90 crore rupees' in 2023-24 and approximately '1 crore' in 2024-25. The report, filed by Sagai Raj, highlights that established newspapers received zero or minimal allocation. The revelation has sparked criticism from the BJP, questioning the use of taxpayers' money.