Siddaramaiah

This news bulletin, anchored by Nagarjun Dwarkanath, covers significant political and criminal developments across Southern India. A primary focus is the finalized alliance between the DMK and Congress for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections following high-level talks between Kanimozhi and Rahul Gandhi. In Andhra Pradesh, the CBI has submitted a final charge sheet regarding the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) ladoo ghee adulteration scam. Criminal reports include a triple murder in Chennai involving a migrant family from Bihar, resulting in five arrests. Environmental concerns in Kanyakumari are highlighted, specifically regarding rare earth element mining and coastal erosion affecting deep-sea fishermen. Additional coverage includes the Karnataka Contractors Association's strike threat over pending dues, a SIT probe involving actor Jayaram in the Sabarimala gold theft case, and food poisoning incidents in Telangana government schools. The report also notes political developments in Kerala involving Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor, providing a comprehensive overview of current regional affairs and legal proceedings.

On this report, the focus is on the escalating legal battle between the Congress and the BJP in Karnataka. A complaint has been filed at the Cybercrime Police Station against the BJP's X account for allegedly posting defamatory content featuring Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivkumar. The controversial post reportedly used their photographs with the caption 'Scamlord' and alleged the 'existence of scam empire looting Karnataka day and night.' The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) legal cell has accused the BJP's social media team of character assassination and attempting to create societal confusion. While the BJP has frequently used satirical posts, the Congress has now formalised its protest through an FIR. The police have issued an acknowledgement of the complaint, and the investigation will determine which individuals within the BJP's IT cell will be served notices. This development marks a significant shift from a verbal war of words to a formal legal confrontation over social media content.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the significant legal relief for Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the MUDA land allotment case. A Bengaluru special court has rejected a petition filed by activist Snehamayi Krishna, which challenged the Lokayukta's 'B report' that provided a clean chit to the Chief Minister and his wife. Speaking on the development, Karnataka Minister M C Sudhakar stated, 'I think the truth has come out and the Lokayukta has given a B report and that has been accepted by the court.' The Minister further alleged that the case was a politically motivated plot by the BJP and JD(S) to tarnish the Chief Minister’s 45-year unblemished political career. While the court accepted the Lokayukta's findings, it noted that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into the alleged irregularities could continue. The programme details the dismissal of the activist's plea and the subsequent political reactions within the state cabinet.

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.

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.

On this report, the focus is on the arrest of Karnataka Congress leader Rajiv Gowda following allegations of abusing and threatening a woman civic official. The incident was reportedly triggered by the removal of an illegal movie banner featuring the son of Minister Zamir Ahmed Khan. According to the transcript, 'Rajiv Gowda was also dismissed from Congress party after this particular audio went viral on mainstream as well as social media'. The police stated that Gowda used obscene language and attempted to intimidate Municipal Commissioner Amruta Gowda. After his anticipatory bail was rejected and the High Court refused to quash the FIR, he was apprehended near the Kerala border. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took cognizance of the matter, leading to the arrest after the leader had been absconding for nearly two weeks. Rajiv Gowda now faces multiple charges, including disrupting government officials from performing their duties and criminal intimidation.

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.

The big focus of this episode of Super 6 is on two poll-bound states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where Prime Minister Modi on Friday sounded NDA's poll bugle for the upcoming assembly elections. 

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 Special Report, reporter Nagarjun Dwarkanath provides details on the Karnataka government's decision to move a resolution against the G. Ramji law before the Assembly session concludes on January 31. The government is demanding that the Centre 'bring the Manvega back' and repeal the new legislation. This move follows similar actions by the Tamil Nadu government under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The report highlights a growing confrontation between opposition-led states and the Centre, particularly regarding the role of Governors. In Karnataka, tensions escalated after Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot reportedly sought changes to the cabinet-approved speech, mirroring recent incidents in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The Congress-led government, supported by other India Alliance partners, is vocal about its opposition to the G. Ramji Bill, alleging it undermines federal structures and the rights of citizens. The standoff reflects a broader national debate over constitutional norms and the perceived interference of Raj Bhavans in state governance.

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.

Anchor Nagarjun Dwarakanath reports on the Karnataka Assembly session where Governor Thavarachand Gehlot faced heckling from Congress legislators. The Governor reportedly substituted the state cabinet's prepared speech with his own remarks. Congress members allege the Governor violated constitutional provisions and exited before the National Anthem concluded. The BJP claims the Governor was targeted due to his Dalit background. In Tamil Nadu, Union Minister Piyush Goyal demanded the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin following court observations regarding hate speech. The AIADMK staged a walkout from the Tamil Nadu Assembly, citing rising chicken prices and the suppression of opposition voices. The report details the expansion of the NDA alliance in Tamil Nadu to include the PMK and AMMK under Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Additionally, the bulletin covers the environmental crisis in Tirupur caused by illegal waste dumping in quarries and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale’s invitation to the CPM in Kerala to join the NDA for state funding.

This report covers the unprecedented chaos within the Karnataka Assembly where Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was reportedly heckled by ruling Congress legislators. The confrontation began after the Governor refused to read the speech prepared by the state government, opting instead to read his own address and exiting within five minutes. BJP MLA Sunil Kumar alleged on the floor of the house that 'the Congress MLA tried to heckle and heckle the governor of Karnataka because he belonged to a certain Dalit community'. While the BJP has demanded disciplinary action for the alleged manhandling of the Governor, the Congress party has hit back, claiming the Governor violated constitutional provisions by ignoring the Cabinet-approved speech. The ruling party further alleged that the Governor showed disrespect by walking out while the National Anthem was playing. The standoff highlights deepening tensions between the Raj Bhavan and the Siddaramaiah-led government over policy disagreements regarding central and state schemes.

In a significant constitutional standoff, the Karnataka government has announced its intention to move the Supreme Court following a deadlock with the Governor over the upcoming Joint Assembly Session. The Governor has reportedly objected to certain portions of the prepared speech script, labeling them as 'biased' and threatening to skip the session entirely. The Siddaramaiah-led government has set an 11:15 am deadline for the Governor to attend, emphasizing that skipping the session would be 'unconstitutional' under Article 176(1). The dispute reportedly centers on specific lines in the speech, including references to 'G. Ramji' and allegations of 'contractor-centric' programs. While a government representation met with the Governor to negotiate changes, the impasse remains. The state government is now prepared to approach a constitutional bench of the Supreme Court to resolve the crisis and ensure the legislative proceedings continue as mandated by the Constitution.

On this India Today report, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has intensified his criticism of the Central Government regarding the proposed delimitation exercise. He described the move as a 'demographic punishment' for southern states that successfully implemented population control and human development programmes. Siddaramaiah argued that states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala should not lose political representation as a penalty for their success in health, education, and women's empowerment. He highlighted that while Uttar Pradesh and Bihar might gain over 20 seats, southern states face a significant reduction in their political voice. The Chief Minister has called for a meeting of all southern CMs to form a united front against the exercise, asserting that representation must not become a reward for failure. Meanwhile, the BJP has dismissed these claims, with MLA Mahesh Tenginkai accusing the Chief Minister of misleading the public for political gain. India Today's Sagay Raj provides further insights into the growing apprehensions across southern India regarding political marginalisation.

On this Special Report, the focus is on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's strong stance against the proposed delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies. Speaking on the potential impact on Southern states, Siddaramaiah stated, 'Delimitation is not merely a technical electoral issue, it's a political question that will determine India's federal future.' He argued that the exercise risks penalising states that successfully implemented population control measures, potentially leading to a significant reduction in their parliamentary representation. The Chief Minister highlighted that while states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar might gain seats, Southern states could face political marginalisation. Siddaramaiah announced plans to invite Chief Ministers from across South India to Bengaluru to discuss a collective response to delimitation and concerns regarding the inequitable distribution of Union Government funds. The programme examines the growing friction between the Centre and Southern states over federal equity and democratic representation.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the political controversy in Karnataka's Udupi district involving Deputy Commissioner T.K. Swaroopa. The Udupi Congress has demanded the suspension of the official after she was seen waving a saffron flag during the Paryaya festival. According to the transcript, the flag was handed to her by a BJP MLA during a mutt program where the 'Bhagavad Vajra' was used. The Congress legal cell has written to the Chief Minister, alleging that the official's conduct violated government service rules and failed to reflect the neutrality expected of a state official. The BJP has hit back at the Congress, defending the action as part of Hindu tradition and culture, noting the event took place at a temple. The programme explores the escalating political tension between the Congress and BJP over the display of religious symbols by government officials.

Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi walked out of the Assembly on Tuesday for the third consecutive year, citing a muted microphone and alleged insults to the national anthem.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the ongoing power-sharing debate within the Karnataka Congress leadership. D.K. Suresh, brother of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, has sparked fresh discussion regarding the Chief Ministerial post. Suresh stated, 'If it is in D.K.S.' 's fate, he will be chief minister,' while emphasizing that the party's primary goal remains winning the 2028 assembly elections. He reiterated that the family and the KPCC president are acting as disciplined soldiers, following Rahul Gandhi's advice that the 'right decision will come at the right time.' The transcript highlights that the battle for the CM chair remains a significant political issue in the state, with Suresh noting that nothing is permanent, whether it be power or position. The report, featuring insights from Sagar Raj, explores the internal dynamics of the Karnataka government and the patience being exercised by the Shivakumar camp amidst high command deliberations.