DK Shivakumar

This edition of News Today examines the fourth fuel price hike in two weeks amid the West Asia crisis.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Deputy DK Shivakumar will be travelling to the national capital following a summons from the Congress high command amid buzz over a Cabinet reshuffle and leadership change in the state.

The Tamil Nadu government has rejected the three-language formula proposed under the National Education Policy, reaffirming its commitment to a two-language system.

Ten days after winning the Kerala elections, the Congress party is yet to announce its Chief Minister amid a three-way contest between senior leaders KC Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala, and VD Satheesan for the post.

A political controversy has erupted over the proposed delimitation bill and its impact on parliamentary representation. Southern states, led by Tamil Nadu, expressed opposition ahead of a special parliament session, arguing that linking women's reservation to delimitation penalises regions that successfully controlled population growth.

Amid escalating West Asia tensions, Donald Trump has extended a pause on attacks against Iran's energy infrastructure until April 6, claiming diplomatic talks are progressing.

Amid the Karnataka power tussle, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar met the Congress high command in the national capital today. 

 Amidst ongoing speculation regarding a power-sharing agreement in Karnataka and his potential elevation to the Chief Minister's post, DK Shivakumar stated he has the support of all 136 Congress MLAs.

This report covers significant developments in Kerala, starting with chaotic protests at Kerala University in Thiruvananthapuram. Student activists from the SFI are protesting against Vice-Chancellor Mohan Kunnummal, alleging he is stalling the University Arts Festival by withholding funds. The protesters have clashed with police and are demanding the Vice-Chancellor's resignation, further accusing him of attempting to 'saffronise' the institution. In a separate legal development, the Kerala High Court has directed the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau to conduct a preliminary inquiry into alleged gold misappropriation regarding the Sabarimala temple's flag mast. A preliminary report indicated a discrepancy of approximately 250 grams of gold. The court has mandated a report within 30 days to investigate potential criminal breach of trust and falsification of records. Additionally, the programme touches upon political friction in Karnataka over brand ambassadors and leadership debates within the Congress party, alongside alliance tensions in Tamil Nadu.

This edition of Super 6 examines the escalating tension between the Pakistan Cricket Board and the International Cricket Council regarding the T20 World Cup match against India.

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.

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.

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 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.

This bulletin highlights the growing divide within the Congress party regarding the choice of ballot paper over EVMs in Karnataka's civic polls. The focus falls on statements attributed to DK Suresh, a former MP and sibling of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The most significant part of the exchange is, 'Whether stepping back is right or wrong should be decided by the party's high command.' The report features a discussion with correspondent Nagarjun, who outlines the conflicting perspectives within the party. He points out that DK Suresh is advocating for the traditional ballot system, while the final decision rests with the leadership. The segment also references the announcement by the state election commission about the upcoming Greater Bengal Authority polls.

This report focuses on the intensifying political developments regarding the Karnataka Chief Minister selection process in the national capital. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is currently in Delhi, where he stated, 'I can't disclose who I met in the national capital,' adding that he will provide answers shortly. His brother, D.K. Suresh, further fueled speculation by suggesting that 'good news can be expected soon' at the right time and situation. The transcript highlights that while the High Command's final decision is awaited, the D.K. brothers remain tight-lipped about their specific meetings. D.K. Shivakumar emphasised their presence in Delhi is political, asserting that as politicians, they are there to engage in the political process. The programme explores whether the Karnataka leadership 'Nataka' is reaching its climax as the state awaits clarity on the leadership role and the resolution of internal party dynamics.

This report examines the intensifying political developments in Karnataka as Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar cancels his scheduled visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos. The move follows high-level meetings with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi, reigniting speculation regarding a potential power-sharing agreement with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The speaker notes that 'DKS has now cancelled its planned trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, citing personal commitments', a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP. The opposition accuses the Congress party of prioritizing internal leadership battles over the state's economic interests and investment opportunities. As Shivakumar positions himself within the party's top brass, the report questions whether this churn will lead to a leadership change or further political instability in the state. The segment highlights the ongoing friction between the state's top two leaders and the impact on Karnataka's governance.

This special report examines the intensifying political churn in Karnataka as Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar cancels his scheduled visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos. The move comes after Shivakumar held high-level meetings with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge in the national capital, reigniting speculation regarding a potential power-sharing agreement with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Sources indicate that Shivakumar is positioning himself within the party's top brass while citing personal commitments for his absence from the global investment summit. The opposition BJP has criticised the Congress leadership, alleging that the internal race for the Chief Minister's post is being prioritised over the state's economic interests and public welfare. India Today’s Sagai Raj provides insights into the 'power tussle in the state of Karnataka' as senior leaders recalibrate their strategy. The programme explores whether these developments will propel Shivakumar closer to the CM chair or lead to further leadership turmoil within the state government.

In this news report, the focus is on the political controversy in Karnataka as Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar cancels his scheduled visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos. BJP MP Yaduveer Wadiyar has criticised the Congress leadership, claiming that the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister have 'put their party and their politics above the interests of the state.' The report highlights that Shivakumar's decision to stay in Delhi for meetings with the AICC high command, amidst speculation over a power-sharing pact with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has provided the opposition with ammunition. The BJP further alleged that the state government is in a 'coma stage' with no administration or law and order. Concerns were also raised regarding the impact on state investments, noting that previous opportunities had shifted to neighbouring states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The programme explores the implications of this political prioritisation over international economic engagements.