Priyanka Gandhi

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 India Today special report, we cover the tragic demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a chartered plane crash in Baramati. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep condolences, stating, 'Shri Ajit Pawar ji was a leader of the people, having a very strong grassroot level connect.' The bulletin details the final moments of the aircraft, which reportedly veered off the runway after the autopilot disengaged during landing. Experts and reporters on the ground discuss the technical aspects of the crash, noting that weather conditions were clear at the time. The programme reflects on Ajit Pawar’s significant political legacy, his tenure as Finance Minister, and his role in Maharashtra's administration since taking oath for the sixth time in December 2024. Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, including from Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, as authorities begin a DGCA-led investigation into the technical failure that led to this untimely loss.

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.

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.

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.

This episode of India First features a debate regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's criticisms of the Congress party in Kerala. Congress representative Dr. Karuna Sagar accuses the Prime Minister of communal polarisation and cites 1,318 alleged hate speeches by BJP leaders in 2025. In response, BJP National Spokesperson Sanju Verma defends the government’s economic record, noting India has overtaken Japan as the world's fourth-largest economy with a growth rate exceeding 7.5%. Verma highlights the success of the Ujjwala Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, claiming multidimensional poverty has dropped to 1.3%. Panelists Suman C. Raman and Abhijit Iyer-Mitra analyze Kerala's political dynamics, the influence of Jamaat-e-Islami, and the 'Urban Naxal' narrative. The discussion contrasts the BJP's electoral strike rates in Maharashtra and Haryana against the ideological shifts between the Left and Congress. This news segment examines the intersection of economic data, welfare schemes, and communal rhetoric ahead of regional political contests.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the massive political controversy in Madhya Pradesh triggered by Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya. The legislator has drawn severe criticism for his derogatory remarks regarding women and backward communities. Baraiya claimed that 'pretty women can distract men and which can lead to their rape' while further asserting that there are no 'pretty women' in the Adivasi, SC, ST, and OBC communities. He went on to suggest that raping a backward woman is considered equal to a 'pilgrimage' in certain scriptures. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has slammed the MLA, accusing him of spreading venom in society and demanding that Rahul Gandhi sack him from the party. The programme examines the backlash against these vulgar comments and the political fallout as leaders from the BJP demand accountability from the Congress leadership.

The big talking point of this episode of News Today is the exit poll numbers for the big Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections that concluded on Thursday.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched a scathing attack on the DMK and INDIA Alliance following the Madras High Court's verdict upholding the lighting of the Deepam on Thiruparankundram hill. Welcoming the Division Bench's order delivered today, Goyal highlighted the court's damning observation that the state government's law and order apprehension was merely an 'imaginary ghost' created to obstruct the festival. He accused Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin of harbouring a deep-seated 'anti-Hindu mindset' for consistently opposing the centuries-old practice and even attempting to impeach Justice GR Swaminathan for his earlier favourable ruling. Goyal termed the judgment a significant victory for Sanatan Dharma and issued a wake-up call to the people of Tamil Nadu to reject the 'appeasement politics' of the Congress and DMK-led alliance.

In this breaking news update, India Today correspondent Piyush Mishra reports on the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) sharp attack on the Congress leadership following a key appointment. After the Congress named Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as the chairperson of the Assam Congress screening committee for the upcoming 2026 assembly elections, BJP leader Amit Malviya claimed this move was a setup. Quoting Malviya, Mishra notes the BJP's stance that 'Rahul Gandhi has set Priyanka Wadhra up for failure' by handing her a 'near impossible task' in a state where the Congress allegedly has little electoral chance. The report highlights the BJP's narrative that this appointment is a strategy to shift the blame for an 'inevitable defeat' onto Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

In this special report, India Today details the engagement of Raihan Vadra, son of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Robert Vadra, to his long-time partner Aviva Baig. The couple celebrated their engagement in a private ceremony in Ranthambore, attended by close family. Aviva Baig, a professional interior designer and photographer, is the daughter of businessman Imran Baig and interior designer Nandita Baig. The report highlights their shared passion for photography, the 'fairy tale proposal' that sealed their seven-year relationship, and the blessings shared by Robert Vadra on social media.

On this episode of NewsTrack, Maria Shakeel discusses the controversy surrounding New York City's new Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who wrote a letter to jailed Indian activist Umar Khalid. The letter, shared by Khalid’s partner, expresses solidarity and urges him to resist bitterness. The show also highlights a letter from eight US lawmakers to the Indian Ambassador advocating for Khalid’s bail. Panelists, including Lt Gen Tiny Dhillon and Ajay Jain Bhutoria, debate whether this constitutes foreign interference or a genuine concern for human rights. Additionally, the programme covers the engagement of Rehan Vadra to Aviva Beg.

In this episode of Newstrack, the focus is on the controversy surrounding New York City's new Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who wrote a letter to jailed Indian activist Umar Khalid.

Lab tests have confirmed now that contaminated water was the reason behind the Indore water tragedy.

The big talking point of this episode of News Today is Bajrang Dal activists' attack on a birthday party in Bareilly this Sunday.

A special report analyzes the increasing violence by right-wing groups like the Bajrang Dal, highlighted by an attack on a birthday party in Bareilly over 'love jihad' allegations and the lynching of Suleman Khan in Maharashtra. The program debates whether tougher action is needed, with legal experts suggesting a ban on such groups may not be sustained in court and instead point to failures in law enforcement and the judiciary. This news analysis also covers major political developments, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee trading barbs as they launch campaigns for the 2026 'Battle of Bengal'. Additionally, it reports on the political alliance between the Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar factions of the NCP for the Pune Municipal elections and a dispute between Karnataka and Kerala over 'bulldozer justice'.

In this 'Image of the Day' segment, India Today's Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai reports on the upcoming engagement of Raihan Vadra, son of Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Robert Vadra. Preparations are reportedly underway for a private, intimate ceremony in Rajasthan where Raihan is set to get engaged to his long-time girlfriend, Aviva Baig. The event is described as a two-to-three-day family celebration. Sardesai concludes the special report with his signature sign-off.

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.

A political face-off has erupted between the Kerala and Karnataka governments after a demolition drive in Bengaluru’s Kogilu village left hundreds of residents homeless.