Mallikarjun Kharge is one of the senior leaders of the Indian National Congress (INC) and has been a prominent figure in Indian politics for decades. Known for his integrity and dedication, Kharge first entered politics in Karnataka and gradually gained recognition as one of the most experienced parliamentarians in New Delhi. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to social justice and welfare, which have been his primary focus areas.
Kharge began his political journey in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly in the 1970s. Over the years, he has held several significant positions, including Minister of Labour and Minister of Railways at the central level. In the Lok Sabha, he became known for his articulate and powerful opposition to government policies, particularly on matters of fairness and governance.
As the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Kharge’s experience and command over parliamentary procedures were widely acknowledged. Beyond his parliamentary roles, he has been a dedicated party leader, serving as the President of the Indian National Congress since 2022. Under his leadership, the party has focused on strengthening its grassroots presence and engaging with voters across India, especially in rural areas.
Kharge is widely respected for his honesty, discipline, and commitment to public service. Despite facing numerous political and personal challenges, he has consistently worked to strengthen democratic institutions and promote inclusive development. After decades in leadership, Mallikarjun Kharge continues to play a significant role in shaping Indian politics.
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, the focus is on the political developments in Kerala as Congress MP Shashi Tharoor signals a peace pact with the party high command. Following a meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Tharoor reaffirmed his commitment to the party, stating, 'These are my two leaders, the Congress president on the one hand and the leader of the opposition in my own House of Parliament, the Lok Sabha'. The meeting aimed to resolve reported unease and coordination issues ahead of the crucial Kerala Assembly elections scheduled for April and May. Tharoor is set to play a pivotal role in the UDF campaign, with plans to visit all 140 constituencies in the state. The leadership has assured Tharoor of due recognition and involvement in key decision-making processes, ending a period of friction and setting the stage for a united front in the upcoming polls.
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.
On this Special Report, the focus is on Congress leader Shashi Tharoor’s clarification regarding his political future and his role in the upcoming Kerala elections. Following a meeting with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, Tharoor dismissed long-standing rumours of him leaving the party, stating, 'I have been hearing such stories myself for the last 17 years. I am moving forward with courtesy and love.' He praised Rahul Gandhi as a leader with a clear political stance against communalism and confirmed his active participation in the Kerala campaign. The Kerala Congress leadership, including V.D. Satheesan, has welcomed this development, describing Tharoor as an asset who will campaign across all 140 constituencies. The programme highlights how the party is consolidating its leadership to present a united front, with Tharoor asserting that he remains firmly with the Congress and will be at the forefront of the electoral battle in the state.
In this report, the focus is on the high-level meeting between Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. The meeting aimed to address speculations regarding a rebellion and internal friction within the Kerala Congress unit. Speaking after the marathon session, Shashi Tharoor stated, 'The discussion with my two party leaders, the LOP and the Congress President and we had a very good, constructive, positive discussion.' He emphasized that the party is moving forward on the same page, dismissing rumors of a fallout. Tharoor, the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, confirmed he would continue to campaign for the party alongside the state leadership. The Congress leadership has reportedly stepped in to ensure unity ahead of upcoming elections, describing Tharoor as an asset to the party. The discussion follows Tharoor's recent absence from party meetings and reported differences with the state leadership in Kerala.
On this Special Report, India Today’s Nagarjun Dwarkanath and Sagai Raj cover the explosive allegations of a ₹6,000 crore liquor scam rocking the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka. The Karnataka Wine Merchants Association has alleged that 'nearly 6000 crore rupees has been siphoned off through a systematic bribe network linked to bar and liquor licenses' over the last two years. The association claims that bribes for CL7 licenses in Bengaluru range from ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore, with funds purportedly reaching the excise minister and department officials. In response, BJP and JDS legislators staged a protest at the Gandhi statue, demanding the resignation of Excise Minister R.B. Timmapur. While the opposition accuses the government of acting as an 'ATM for the Congress High Command,' Minister Timmapur has dismissed the charges as baseless, challenging the accusers to provide evidence. The merchants now plan to escalate the matter by writing to Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.
In this exclusive interaction, former Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed levels serious allegations against the party leadership, claiming his life is under threat following his recent remarks. Ahmed asserts, 'Mr. Rahul Gandhi is the Chief Minister today in Congress,' implying that Rahul Gandhi, not Mallikarjun Kharge, wields absolute control over the party. He details his long history of travelling and working closely with Gandhi but alleges a shift in the leader's strategy to sideline senior veterans in favour of a younger cadre that offers unquestioning loyalty. Ahmed claims that instructions were sent from Delhi to attack his residences in Madhubani and Patna. Having resigned from the party's primary membership two months ago, Ahmed maintains he offered critiques as a well-wisher to address the party's weaknesses. He further alleges that the Congress leadership is insecure about senior leaders with grassroots support and prefers those who only chant 'Rahul, Rahul.' The administration has been alerted regarding the alleged threats to his safety.
This news report focuses on a fresh political controversy following the 'At-Home' reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticised Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi for allegedly refusing to wear a traditional 'patka' from the Northeast, despite other dignitaries doing so. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the move as an 'act that was deeply insensitive and insulting to the people of entire Northeast'. The BJP claims that Rahul Gandhi did not oblige even after President Droupadi Murmu reminded him twice. In response, the Congress Party pointed out that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was also not wearing the same patka during the event. The discussion highlights that the theme of the reception was focused on Northeastern culture and food. Critics argue that as a constitutional office holder, Rahul Gandhi should have embraced the cultural symbol, while the opposition labels the BJP's reaction as a political diversion.
This report addresses the controversy surrounding the seating arrangement of the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, at the Republic Day parade. Ministry of Defence sources have clarified that the seating was strictly 'as per the table of precedence and that there was no violation of any protocol.' The report further highlights that special arrangements were made for Mallikarjun Kharge in consideration of his health. According to the transcript, Kharge was granted a personal assistant and special parking near the seating enclosure following his specific request. These measures were described as a 'special gesture' by the authorities. The bulletin concludes by noting that this information clarifies the official stance amidst the ongoing political debate over the seating positions of opposition leaders during the national event.
This special report of 'To The Point' with Preeti Chaudhary examines the political flashpoints of India's 77th Republic Day. The program highlights the 'Operation Sindoor' display at the Kartavya Path parade and the conferment of the Ashok Chakra upon Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. Chaudhary facilitates a debate between BJP's Professor Rakesh Sinha and Congress's Vivek Tankha regarding the seating of Opposition leaders and the narrative of the Constitution being 'under threat.' The discussion extends to the alleged 'electionization' of the Padma Awards 2026. Data presented by Praveen Chakravarty suggests that 37% of the 131 awardees, including legends like Mammootty and the late Dharmendra, hail from five poll-bound states such as West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. While the Opposition labels these civilian honors as 'election vehicles,' BJP's Khushboo Sundar defends the recognition of 'unsung heroes.' The report provides a factual look at how the Constitution and national awards remain central to India's political narrative ahead of crucial assembly elections.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the political significance of the Indian Constitution as the nation celebrates its 77th Republic Day. The report highlights how the Congress party has reiterated its 'Save the Constitution' narrative, a strategy that proved effective during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Rahul Gandhi described the constitution as the 'greatest weapon for every Indian, emphasizing that protecting it means protecting the Indian Republic.' The programme covers statements from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who emphasized justice, liberty, and equality. It also notes the political friction as the Bharatiya Janata Party counters this narrative by citing the 1975 Emergency. Additionally, the report mentions the controversy regarding the seating arrangement of the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, during the Republic Day Parade. The segment explores how the Samvidhan remains both a legal foundation and a central political narrative in contemporary India.
Senior Advocate and Congress Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha discusses the controversy surrounding the seating of Leaders of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge during the Republic Day parade. Speaking to India Today, Tankha stated, "The Constitution feels humiliated if you don't treat your institutions well," emphasizing that constitutional positions deserve dignity regardless of party affiliation. He addressed the Congress party's focus on the Constitution, asserting that while state elections focus on local issues, the narrative of institutional devaluation will resonate in the 2029 general elections. Tankha also reflected on his family's judicial legacy during the Emergency, citing the ADM Jabalpur case to highlight liberal values. He criticized the government's use of the National Security Act against activists like Sonam Wangchuk, arguing it insults Articles 21 and 22. Ultimately, he maintained that the opposition currently acts as the guardian of democracy against a ruling party agenda that he claims challenges the spirit of the Constitution.
On this Special Report, anchor Preeti Choudhry covers the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path. The bulletin highlights the cultural 'Vande Matram' performance involving 2,500 artists and the 'daredevils' motorcycle display by the CRPF and SSB. Preeti Choudhry notes that Prime Minister Narendra Modi 'is setting the stage for that today at the Republic Day on Kartavya Path' regarding a major trade deal with the European Union, as he interacted with EU officials Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen. The programme also features insights from Sandeep on the military significance of motorcycles and the upcoming flypast. The flypast showcases aircraft from 'Operation Sindoor', including Rafales and Sukhoi-30s, marking India's aerial prowess. The event was attended by top leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, amidst a rare clear Delhi sky.
During the 77th Republic Day celebrations, the commentator noted the conspicuous absence of key opposition figures, including the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and Rajya Sabha LOP Mallikarjun Kharge. The broadcast highlighted the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' theme across various tableaux. 'Vande Mataram is the theme of this float of West Bengal and understandably so because it is the tabla which begins with Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay whose composition Vande Mataram in 1875 became the eternal mantra,' the speaker observed. The parade featured 17 states and union territories, including Maharashtra’s cultural display, Madhya Pradesh’s tribute to Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, and Odisha’s 'Soil and Silicon' narrative. The Manipur tableau focused on a journey toward prosperity from agricultural fields to international markets, amidst hopes for peace in the state. Cabinet ministers including Piyush Goyal, Dharmendra Pradhan, and JP Nadda were seen in attendance as the Department of School Education and Literacy and Panchayati Raj floats also made their way down the Kartavya Path.
On this Special Report, anchor Anjali Istowal examines the deepening internal crisis within the Congress party following a series of high-profile exits and public dissent. The program highlights the resignation of former MP Shakeel Ahmed, who launched a blistering attack on Rahul Gandhi, calling him a 'darpok' and 'insecure leader' who ignores senior voices. The discussion also covers veteran leader Rashid Alvi’s concerns regarding the lack of communication forums within the party and Shashi Tharoor’s apparent friction with the high command. Featuring a panel with BJP spokesperson Sanju Verma, analyst Syed Asad Abbas, and author Rashid Kidwai, the report debates whether the party's recent electoral setbacks in Bihar and other states have triggered this wave of opportunism or if there is a genuine organizational failure. The guests analyze the impact of Rahul Gandhi’s leadership style on party unity as the BJP claims the Congress is 'self-destructing' from within due to hubris and inaccessibility.
On this Special Report, BJP National Spokesperson Sanju Verma joins a panel to discuss the internal turmoil within the Indian National Congress following recent electoral setbacks. Verma asserts that 'Rahul Gandhi is self-destructive' and claims the party is imploding due to a leadership consumed by hubris and inaccessibility. The debate, moderated by Anjali, features insights from political commentator Rashid Kidwai and analyst Syed Asad Abbas. Kidwai notes that the Congress is becoming a party of 'people who are happy to be unhappy,' while Abbas defends the party by pointing out historical dissent within the BJP. The discussion highlights leadership vacuums in states like Karnataka and Maharashtra, the impact of the Bihar election losses, and the perceived communication gap between the Congress high command and its ground workers. The programme explores whether the current dissent is a sign of democratic space or a terminal decline for the grand old party.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the internal turmoil within the Congress party following the resignation of senior leader Shakeel Ahmed. Speaking on his departure, Ahmed stated, 'It is true that they are insecure in front of people who were leaders before them,' alleging that Rahul Gandhi prefers a circle of individuals who do not challenge his authority. The transcript highlights growing dissent, with another prominent leader, Rashid Alvi, echoing concerns regarding a lack of internal forums and accessibility to the high command. Ahmed further claimed that the leadership enjoys seeing senior veterans sidelined or mocked, suggesting a deliberate plan to phase out those who do not treat Gandhi as the absolute 'boss'. The BJP has capitalized on these developments, asserting that the internal rifts expose the reality of the Congress leadership structure. The programme examines the implications of these high-profile exits and the allegations of a widening communication gap between the party workers and the top brass.
This news bulletin reports on the significant exit of senior leader Shakeel Ahmed from the Congress Party amid escalating internal tensions. Criticising the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Ahmed stated that Rahul Gandhi is an 'insecure, derpok leader who is dictatorial and does not listen to senior netas in the party.' The report highlights Ahmed's claims that Gandhi only promotes those who praise him, suggesting a deep divide within the organisation. The Bharatiya Janata Party has capitalised on this development, asserting that Gandhi’s 'real face' has been exposed and predicting a wider revolt against the Gandhi-Vadra leadership. While the BJP claims internal rifts are responsible for Congress's electoral losses, Congress loyalists have defended the leadership, arguing that Gandhi nurtures talent and suggesting Ahmed's departure stems from personal disappointment over unmet goals. The segment also touches upon the 'cold war' involving Shashi Tharoor and the career concerns of the next generation of leaders within the party.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the internal dynamics of the Congress party following a high-level strategy meeting in Delhi. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala addressed the absence of Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor from the session, which was attended by Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to discuss Kerala poll preparedness. Chennithala clarified the situation, stating, 'Mr. Shashi Tharoor had a program in Calicut. It's a Kerala Literary Forum program. He has fixed it much earlier.' He dismissed speculations of a rift or internal discord, asserting that Tharoor remains a committed member of the party and had recently attended events in Wayanad and Cochin. The discussion also highlighted the party's confidence in the United Democratic Front (UDF) performance, with leaders aiming to cross the 100-seat mark in the upcoming elections. The programme explores the Congress's efforts to maintain a united front amidst seat-sharing talks and campaign planning for the Kerala assembly polls.
On this India Today special report, anchor Swetha details the Congress party's strategic shift ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections. Following a high-level meeting, Swetha notes that 'Rahul Gandhi, sources said, made it clear that the chief ministerial base will be decided only after elections.' The leadership, including Mallikarjun Kharge, has reportedly warned state leaders that infighting will not be tolerated, emphasizing a united front under collective leadership. The bulletin highlights the absence of Shashi Tharoor from the strategy meet, which the party attributed to prior commitments in his constituency despite speculations of a rift. Swetha discusses how ground reports suggest the United Democratic Front (UDF) currently holds an edge over the LDF. The report also addresses the growing presence of the BJP in urban Kerala, posing a challenge to the traditional power dynamics. The Congress leadership remains confident, aiming to cross the 100-seat mark by maintaining unity and avoiding public controversies among veteran leaders.
