Ram Mandir

On this Special Report, the focus is on the address by BJP National President J.P. Nadda to party workers. Emphasising the party's ideological roots, Nadda stated, 'Politics is not a shortcut, politics is not a 100-metre race, politics is a long marathon, where it will be a test of stamina, not speed.' He lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance model, citing the success of Jan Dhan accounts, the Jal Jeevan Mission, and the construction of houses for the poor. Nadda highlighted the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370, noting that the tricolour now flies proudly at Srinagar’s Lal Chowk. He called upon the youth to actively participate in politics to achieve the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. The speech also touched upon upcoming elections in five states and the importance of preserving Sanatan traditions against opposing forces.

A heated debate unfolds over the history of the Somnath Temple, sparked by the Prime Minister's recent comments. BJP National Spokesperson, Sanju Verma, argues that Jawaharlal Nehru showed 'deep contempt, Nehru showed disdain for Hinduism', citing a 1951 letter to Dr. Rajendra Prasad regarding the temple's inauguration. Countering this, Congress National Spokesperson, Dishant Rawal, defends Nehru's secular approach during a sensitive post-partition era and claims it was Mahatma Gandhi who advised against using government funds for the temple's reconstruction. Adding a scholarly perspective, historian Dr. Ravi Bhatt suggests that Indian history as taught in schools often focuses on disappointments and that there is 'plenty of room to refresh' the narrative by including multiple perspectives, including those of Persian historians, to create a more balanced view.

In this special report, a speaker addresses the nation on the themes of heritage and development. The speech highlights the historical reconstruction of the Somnath temple, praising the roles of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Maharaja Digvijay Singh. The speaker warns against divisive forces, stating, 'Aisi har taakat ko haraana hai jo hamein baantne ki saazish se rat rahi hai' (We must defeat every power that is conspiring to divide us). Outlining a vision for a developed India ('Viksit Bharat'), the address connects the spiritual rejuvenation from the Ram Mandir consecration to national goals, such as becoming the world's third-largest economy. The speech also details infrastructure advancements, including new airports and Vande Bharat trains, as crucial for progress while urging citizens to remain connected to their cultural roots.

BJP National Spokesperson Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi contrasts the ideologies of Jawaharlal Nehru and Narendra Modi, arguing that a significant shift is underway in India's understanding of secularism. Trivedi claims, 'Nehru was controlling the colonial legacy and he has made India a partially Muslim country by constitution in the garb of pseudo-secularism. Now Prime Minister Narendra Modi is turning it into a true secular country.' He criticises Nehru's stance on the Somnath temple restoration and defends government expenditure on rebuilding the Charar-e-Sharif shrine. Trivedi dismisses fears of India becoming a 'Hindu Pakistan,' asserting that Hindu dharma is inclusive and does not have concepts like 'jizya' or forced conversion. He highlights PM Modi's confidence in displaying India's cultural heritage globally, citing the construction of temples abroad and the significance of the Nataraj statue at CERN's laboratory as proof of a rising national consciousness.

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A significant security scare has been reported in Ayodhya after a man allegedly tried to offer namaz inside the Ram Mandir complex. The accused, identified as a resident of Shopian in Kashmir, has been arrested by police. Authorities are treating the incident with high alert as they investigate the man's motives and determine 'whether he's linked to any organization or whether he was simply a miscreant.' As part of the ongoing probe, officials are conducting thorough searches at the accused's residence in Kashmir. The investigation aims to uncover more details about the individual and the reasons behind this major security breach at the sensitive religious site.

In this news bulletin, the focus is on Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Tamil Nadu. Addressing a gathering, Shah launched a scathing attack on the MK Stalin-led DMK government, alleging that 'Hindu sentiments are being attacked'. He claimed there was an 'unannounced curfew during the Ram Mandir unveiling' and recalled how DMK leaders compared Sanatan Dharma to 'dengue and malaria'. India Today's Pramod Madhav reports from the venue, noting that the Sanatan issue is back at the center stage of the political battle in the state.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in the 'Pratishtha Dwadashi' celebrations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, marking the second anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. Addressing the gathering on New Year's Eve, CM Yogi Adityanath asserted that 'no one is above Sanatana Dharma' and criticized previous administrations for attempting to turn the temple town into a place of 'bloodshed' and conflict. He highlighted that the name of Lord Ram is now widespread, including in government schemes. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that modern India follows the ideals of Lord Ram, describing him as 'compassionate, humble and virtuous'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed a message, calling the occasion a 'divine festival of faith' and a 'holy and auspicious occasion' for the country.

On this special report, the focus is on the second anniversary of the Prana Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The occasion, observed as Pratishtha Dwadashi, saw rituals performed inside the temple. Addressing the gathering, a speaker remarked that previous governments had undermined Ayodhya and that the temple had witnessed conflict in the past. The address emphasized that 'no one is above Sanatan Dharma' and noted the widespread influence of Lord Ram. Another speaker described Lord Ram as compassionate and humble, stating that modern India follows his ideals. The event, described as a holy and auspicious occasion, highlights the enduring significance of the temple in the cultural and spiritual landscape of the nation.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in the 'Pratishtha Dwadashi' celebrations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, marking the second anniversary of the Prana Pratishtha ceremony. Addressing the gathering on New Year's Eve, CM Yogi Adityanath asserted that 'there is no one above Sanatan' and criticized previous administrations for attempting to turn the temple town into a place of 'agitation and struggle' and 'bloodshed'. He emphasized that Ayodhya is now protected by Lord Hanuman and free from the 'ghosts' of the past. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also addressed the event, stating that modern India is guided by the compassionate and virtuous ideals of Lord Ram. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed a message describing the anniversary as a 'defiant festival of faith and traditions'. The leaders performed rituals inside the temple, celebrating the transformation of Ayodhya.

In this Super 6 broadcast, the focus is on New Year's Eve celebrations across India. From the lights of Delhi's Connaught Place to the beaches of Goa and the snow-clad mountains of Manali and Gulmarg are buzzing with tourists.

On this special broadcast, India Today anchor Akshita Nandagopal rings in 2026 with live reports from across India. Mir Fareed, reporting from Srinagar, describes the recent snowfall as ‘literally a divine intervention’ that has revived tourism in Gulmarg after a dry spell. He notes that New Year celebrations in Kashmir remain focused on ‘tranquility’ and ‘soft things’ rather than loud frenzy. Meanwhile, Samarth Srivastava joins from Ayodhya, terming the occasion a ‘double bonanza’ marking both the New Year and the second anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. He highlights that devotees are visiting the Ram Temple to seek blessings, although crowds are currently thinner than expected. The programme concludes with visuals of fireworks from New Zealand as the world welcomes 2026.

On Ram Mandir Day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed a gathering in Ayodhya, marking the second anniversary of the consecration of Ram Lalla. In a sharp attack on the opposition, CM Yogi stated that 'political parties who ruled here used to make Ayodhya bleed' and that men were beaten for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram'. He asserted that 'nothing is bigger than Sanatan' and claimed that while some conspired to weaken it, they would not succeed. The Chief Minister also highlighted the surge in tourism, noting that '45 crore people have come to Ayodhya in the past 5-7 years'. The broadcast also featured Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who drew parallels between 'Operation Sindoor' and Lord Ram.

In this special report from Ayodhya, India Today’s Principal Correspondent Samarth Srivastava captures the electrifying atmosphere on New Year’s Eve, which coincides with the second anniversary of the Ram Mandir’s Pran Pratishtha (Dwadashi). Srivastava interviews a devotee dressed as ‘Ram Lalla’ and highlights the massive gathering of pilgrims. The report details the strict police barricading to manage the pedestrian rush towards the majestic temple. It also notes the presence of dignitaries like Rajnath Singh and CM Yogi Adityanath for the celebrations.

On this special report, the focus is on the New Year's Eve celebrations and the massive devotee rush at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The programme highlights the special arrangements and security measures, including barricading and police deployment, to manage the crowds. It also mentions the upcoming visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for a flag hoisting ceremony. Devotees are seen seeking blessings, with some arriving on wheelchairs, showcasing their immense devotion. The report also touches upon the second anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.

On this special broadcast, India Today reporters track the New Year's Eve celebrations across the country. Correspondent Abdul Basheer joins from Hyderabad's iconic Charminar, where he speaks to tourists and locals who have gathered in large numbers to ring in 2026. Meanwhile, Samaj Srivastava reports from Ayodhya, describing the atmosphere as 'electrifying' as the city observes the second anniversary of the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha. He highlights that devotees are flocking to the Ram Temple to seek blessings on this auspicious 'Pratishtha Dwadashi'. The programme also features updates from other cities, capturing the excitement and preparations as the nation gears up to welcome the New Year.

On the second anniversary of the Ram Mandir consecration, the Union Home Minister has extended greetings, noting the end of a '500-year wait'. The report details the celebrations in Ayodhya, where devotees have gathered in large numbers to mark the occasion and the New Year. The programme highlights the significance of the day and the arrangements made for the grand ceremony. The Home Minister's message emphasizes the temple as a symbol of the restoration of idols and life values. The broadcast mentions that the wait for the temple ended two years ago when Prime Minister Modi consecrated the idol. The report also touches upon the sacrifices made by devotees for the movement and the elaborate arrangements in place for the festivities.

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A major political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Madan Mitra alleged that 'Lord Ram was a Muslim and did not have a surname'. The remarks, made during a public speech, have drawn fierce backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which termed them a direct insult to the Hindu faith and Sanatan Dharma. Mitra defended his statement, claiming his comments were aimed at exposing what he called the BJP's 'shallow understanding of Hinduism' rather than attacking the religion itself. The BJP has accused the TMC of repeatedly targeting Hindu beliefs and questioned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's silence on the issue. India Today's Indrajit Kundu reports that while the TMC top brass is reportedly unhappy with the remarks, the controversy has intensified political and religious fault lines in the state ahead of the elections.

In a fiery showdown during the Winter Session of Parliament, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing counter-attack on the Congress party, rebutting their 'vote chori' (vote theft) allegations. Responding to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's concerns about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and immunity for Election Commissioners, Shah cited historical instances of alleged electoral malpractice by the Congress. He referenced the Allahabad High Court's 1975 verdict against Indira Gandhi and a petition questioning Sonia Gandhi's voting rights before citizenship. Shah asserted, 'Illegals will not be permitted to decide who the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers in this country will be.' The Opposition staged a walkout, with Rahul Gandhi challenging Shah to a debate.