INDIA Bloc

In this exclusive interaction, Union Minister Piyush Goyal discusses the significance of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, describing it as a 'defining moment in India's history.' He emphasizes that India now negotiates from a position of strength, backed by a robust economy projected to reach 30-35 trillion dollars. Goyal highlights how the deal safeguards sensitive sectors like agriculture while opening vast opportunities for Indian exports in engineering, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. He credits the successful negotiation to the leadership and empowerment provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Minister explains that the agreement, often referred to as the 'mother of all deals,' will transform India into a global manufacturing hub and provide consumers with cheaper access to high-tech products and life-saving drugs. The dialogue underscores the strategic importance of the partnership with the 27-nation bloc, noting that it reflects nearly one-third of global trade and offers a win-win scenario for both India and the European Union.

In this Super 6 special edition, anchor Akshita Nandagopal reports on major political shifts in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. After the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar, the NCP has postponed its legislative party meeting to observe a mourning period. Sunetra Pawar is being seen as the frontrunner to carry forward his legacy and potentially assume the Deputy Chief Minister role.

On this Special Report, Akshita Nandagopal breaks down the shifting political landscape in poll-bound Tamil Nadu. The DMK and Congress have officially finalised their alliance following a high-level meeting between Rahul Gandhi and DMK MP Kanimozhi in Delhi. Akshita Nandagopal notes that while the partnership is confirmed, 'seat-sharing and power-sharing remain unresolved' as the Congress pushes for a significant increase in its seat count and potential cabinet berths. The programme also examines the NDA's strategy, where the BJP is attempting to consolidate various AIADMK factions and regional players like TTV Dinakaran’s AMMK. The report highlights the entry of actor Vijay’s TVK as a potential game-changer and the uncertainty surrounding O Panneerselvam’s role. Despite internal friction over specific constituencies like Madurai North, the DMK-Congress combine aims to replicate its previous electoral success against a fragmented opposition.

This news report focuses on the evolving political landscape in Tamil Nadu ahead of the upcoming elections. The DMK and Congress have officially confirmed their alliance following high-level meetings between DMK MP Kanimozhi and Rahul Gandhi. However, internal friction has emerged over the Madurai North seat, where Congress leader Manickam Tagore has expressed strong displeasure over 'slanderous' remarks made by DMK MLA Kaur Talapathy. Tagore has demanded the seat for Congress, stating he 'will not tolerate an insult to the Congress and its workers.' Meanwhile, the DMK faces a 'tightrope walk' as it considers accommodating the DMDK, led by Premalatha, who is also in talks with the NDA. The report highlights the challenges of seat-sharing as alliance partners like the VCK and Congress demand more constituencies than in previous elections. While the alliance is set, Congress continues to explore power-sharing options and has tasked Mukul Wasnik with handling further negotiations to ensure a united front against the NDA.

This special report examines the India Today-CVoter Mood of the Nation tracker findings. While the poll projects the NDA to secure 352 seats if elections were held today, driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's high leadership ratings and perceived political stability, analysts Yashwant Deshmukh, Raj Chengappa, and Tuhin Sinha discuss the state of the opposition, where Rahul Gandhi remains the primary challenger despite a significant rating gap.

This Special Report, led by Rajdeep Sardesai and Preeti Choudhry, analyzes the January 2026 'Mood of the Nation' poll featuring over 125,000 respondents. The survey projects a significant victory for the NDA with 352 seats, while the BJP alone is projected at 287 seats. Data indicates the NDA is returning with an increased vote share and seat share. The program evaluates Rahul Gandhi’s performance as Leader of the Opposition, noting a 44% positive rating despite a slight decline since August 2025. Panellists Yashwant Deshmukh and Raj Chengappa discuss election freebies, noting 50% of the public opposes doles while 44% believe the Election Commission should intervene. Analysis shows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity remains stable despite concerns regarding unemployment and price rises. Political stability is now cited as the government's primary success over the Ram Temple or Article 370. While a majority believe Congress should lead the opposition, 62% of respondents identify the party as the weakest link within the India bloc.

On this Special Report, Preeti Choudhry and Rajdeep Sardesai anchor the 'Mood of the Nation' poll, dissecting public sentiment on electoral integrity and political accountability. Preeti Choudhry highlights a significant finding, stating, '44% of respondents feel it is the responsibility of the Election Commission' to curb the distribution of freebies before elections. The discussion explores the dichotomy between voters rejecting the idea of freebies in principle while often voting for parties that provide them. The panel, including Sanjay Jha and Tuhin Sinha, debates the 'level playing field' in Indian democracy, with 38% of respondents expressing concerns over potential bias in the electoral process. Further data reveals a complex view of the opposition, where 55% believe the Congress should lead the India bloc, yet 62% label it the 'weakest link.' The program examines the rock-solid popularity of the BJP and Prime Minister Modi despite these institutional concerns and opposition narratives regarding 'vote chori' and the misuse of central agencies.

This segment of the India Today-CVoter Mood of the Nation survey analyses the 'Mood of the Nation' January 2026 in the poll-bound states if Lok Sabha elections are held today.

On this Special Report, Yashwant Deshmukh, Founder-Director of C Voter, joins Rajdeep Sardesai and Kirti Bhadana to discuss the latest 'Mood of the Nation' poll findings. Deshmukh reveals that if elections were held today, the NDA is projected to secure 352 seats, noting that 'the biggest changes are being witnessed in the states where BJP had faced the setback, unexpected setback, including Maharashtra, UP, Rajasthan.' The data shows a decline in opposition momentum since August 2025, with the Congress party's performance rating dropping by 6% in January 2026. The discussion highlights a significant advantage for the BJP in Telangana and a consolidating bipolar contest in West Bengal. Deshmukh clarifies that the survey, involving over 125,000 respondents, specifically reflects Lok Sabha trends where the 'Modi dividend' is most prominent, cautioning against direct extrapolation to upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections.

On this Special Report, consulting editor Rajdeep Sardesai analyzes the 'Mood of the Nation' January 2026 projections for upcoming assembly polls. The data suggests a significant lead for the India bloc and regional parties in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, while the NDA maintains a comfortable lead in Assam. Sardesai observes, 'The big message is that the regional forces are holding their ground, which makes it very difficult for the BJP to penetrate these states.' The discussion highlights the divergence between national narratives and state-level factors, noting that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ratings remain high, voters distinguish between central and regional leadership. The panel, including Maria Shakeel and Sanju Verma, debates the BJP's 'course correction' in Uttar Pradesh following the 2024 Lok Sabha results and the opposition's ability to capitalize on regional strengths. The programme explores whether the India alliance can maintain its momentum as a diverse democratic force against the BJP's electoral machinery.

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would win 352 seats if the Lok Sabha elections were held today, INDIA bloc 182 seats and others nine seats, according to the India Today-CVoter Mood of the Nation survey.

On this Special Report, anchor Anjali discusses the escalating tension within the DMK-Congress alliance ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The rift centers on the Congress party's demand for a power-sharing agreement, with state leaders informing Rahul Gandhi that 'power sharing is a must if alliance wins, if not they lose their base and party can't grow.' While the DMK remains firm on offering only seats and not cabinet positions, DMK MP Kanimozhi has sought a meeting with Rahul Gandhi in Delhi to resolve the deadlock. The program highlights the contrast between the friction in the INDIA bloc and the perceived unity within the NDA, where former rivals have aligned. The discussion also covers warnings issued by DMK leaders to Congress MPs regarding seat allocations if the demand for a coalition government persists. The report features insights from correspondent Nagarjun on the internal dynamics and the potential impact on the upcoming polls.

Strategic affairs expert Brahma Chellaney first outlines the geopolitical significance of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement, saying both sides have embarked on a shared path toward economic resilience and strategic autonomy.

This news report focuses on the Bharatiya Janata Party's strategic moves in Tamil Nadu ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mega election rally scheduled for 23rd January. A senior BJP leader and state in-charge is set to arrive in Chennai to finalise the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) poll strategy and ink a seat-sharing pact. The speaker notes that the leader 'will be finalizing the alliance strategy and will be signing the seat sharing pact with the NDA allies.' The discussions aim to strengthen the NDA fold in the state, specifically involving meetings with AIADMK leadership. The report highlights the BJP's push to consolidate a 'Rainbow Coalition' following high-level meetings in Trichy. While the opposition INDIA bloc claims dominance based on previous parliamentary results, the BJP remains confident of a sweep. The visit is seen as a crucial step in resolving internal alliance dynamics and establishing a unified front before the upcoming state elections.

On this Special Report, India Today correspondent Rahul Gautam provides insights into a high-stakes meeting held at Indira Bhawan regarding the Congress party's strategy for the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections. The meeting, attended by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, addressed reports of a rift within the DMK-Congress alliance. Rahul Gautam notes that 'there was a section of Congress leaders who were insisting that there should be a power sharing agreement this time around with DMK', citing previous arrangements during UPA 1 and UPA 2. The discussion also highlighted demands for an increased seat share, with state leaders reportedly seeking 35 to 40 seats compared to the 25 contested previously. The report further explores potential negotiations with Vijay's TVK on the sidelines as the party evaluates its electoral roadmap in the crucial southern state.

Political tensions are escalating in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, with alliance negotiations taking centre stage. An unidentified speaker has sharply criticised Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's assertion that the DMK-led alliance will win over 200 seats, stating, 'You can always daydream. Daydreaming is everyone's right and the CM is right now doing that.' This comes amid growing speculation about a potential alliance between the Congress and actor Vijay's TVK, fuelled by Congress leaders' support for his film 'Jananayagan'. While Congress MP Manikam Tagore asserts that the DMK-Congress alliance remains firm, the BJP is criticising the ruling front, predicting an NDA victory in 2026. The developments highlight the fluid political landscape as parties strategise their seat-sharing formulas and alliances for the upcoming polls.

In an exclusive report for India Today, Senior Editor Pramod Madhav reveals the intensifying seat-sharing tussle between the Congress and the DMK ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Madhav reports that the "Congress wants 40 seats whereas the DMK is ready to give 32 seats," highlighting a significant gap in expectations. The discussion was reportedly initiated by AICC observer Girish Chodankar, who argued that "it is probably time considering that things have changed" for power sharing. The report also uncovers that the Tamil Nadu Congress unit is lobbying for a tie-up with actor Vijay's TVK to pressure the DMK, noting that "Rahul Gandhi spoke to Vijay" after the Karur tragedy. Madhav adds that while "DMK is ready to provide 32 seats," the Congress is adamant on increasing its tally from the previous 25 to at least 38 or 40.

In a significant political development ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Congress MP Manickam Tagore has openly demanded a power-sharing arrangement with the ruling DMK. Speaking to India Today, Tagore asserted that the Congress is 'not an NGO' and emphasized that the party has been out of power in the state for 58 years. He argued that while the alliance is necessary to defeat the BJP, the Congress cadre expects a share in governance, including Cabinet berths. The demand comes amidst a 'war of words' within the INDIA bloc, with DMK leaders dismissing the call. Meanwhile, BJP Leader Tamilisai Soundararajan highlighted the party's 'Namma Oru Modi Pongal' outreach, attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, as a sign of the BJP's growing connection with Tamil culture.

In this episode of Newstrack, the focus is on the soaring political temperatures in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.

In this Special Report, the focus is on the heating political battle in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the NDA's campaign in Trichy, attacking the DMK for 'prioritising family succession over public welfare'. Meanwhile, fissures have appeared in the INDIA bloc as Congress MP Manickam Tagore demanded a share in the state government, stating, 'Time for share of power, not only share of seats'. The programme also features BJP leader Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan and DMK Spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai discussing the shifting alliances and the impact of actor Vijay’s political entry.