Praveen Chakravarty, Chairman of Professionals Congress and Data Analytics, discusses his analysis of the Padma Awards on India Today. He alleges an 'electionization' of the honours, claiming that a disproportionate number of awardees—over 35 percent in 2026—hail from states scheduled for upcoming elections. Chakravarty argues that this pattern has been consistent since 2020, suggesting the awards are used as political instruments. While expressing pride in awardees from South India, including actor Mammootty and musicians Ranjani-Gayatri, he questions why the share of awards for these states drops significantly during non-election years. The discussion also addresses historical data suggesting similar trends under previous governments. Chakravarty maintains that while the recipients may be deserving, the timing of the announcements is driven by electoral motives. He concludes by stating that in the world's largest democracy, elections should not be the sole driver of every national institution and recognition.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, legal expert Harish Salve discussed the constitutional crisis in West Bengal following Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's refusal to resign despite losing her seat and the decisive mandate against her party.
An India Today ground report from Tehran details the ongoing conflict, its impact on the city's infrastructure and how Iranians have gathered at Enghelab Square to demonstrate solidarity and unity amid war.
The Congress state unit in Tamil Nadu held an online meeting and decided to extend support to TVK. Congress is seeking a power-sharing agreement and is likely to demand two cabinet portfolios, along with a few board and corporation chairman posts, and other government roles such as trust members and directors.
Watch as India Today's Geeta Mohan brings this exclusive ground report from Iran's fourteenth-century Golestan Palace, which was damaged during the US-Israel airstrikes on Tehran.
