K. Annamalai

The conflict in West Asia has escalated as US military strikes under Operation Epic Fury destroyed the B1 bridge in Karaj, Iran, with President Donald Trump warning that electric power plants are the next targets.

The BJP has released its candidate list for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, with former state president K Annamalai's name not included in the list.

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not a factor in the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly election. 

As Tamil Nadu gears up for the assembly election, India's top political team shares their perspective on who has the edge, what are the X-factors and the issues that matter to the people of the state. 

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, anchor Preeti Choudhry tracks the decisive victory of the Mahayuti alliance in the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation elections. As counting continues, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has managed to cross the majority mark in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), leading in over 112 seats. Preeti Choudhry highlights that 'the BJP has managed to cross the majority mark' while the Thackeray-led faction trails significantly. The programme features reactions from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who lauded the success as a 'seal of approval' for the NDA's development policies. Additionally, the report covers Tamil Nadu BJP leader K. Annamalai’s response to Raj Thackeray’s 'divisive narratives,' asserting that Mumbai has chosen unity over regional animosity. With counting still underway in 30 wards, the bulletin explores the shifting political landscape in Mumbai, Thane, and Pune, where the Mahayuti has established a commanding lead over the opposition.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the aftermath of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election results where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged victorious. Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai slammed the opposition's 'failed strategy of dividing Mumbaikars along linguistic and regional lines' following a heated campaign marked by personal attacks. Annamalai, who was targeted by Raj Thackeray with the 'Rasimalai' jibe and 'Lungi Pungi' taunts, stated that the people of Mumbai have rejected the anti-outsider narrative in favour of development and inclusive growth. The leader highlighted that while the opposition trafficked in divisive rhetoric aimed at fragmenting the city's population, the electorate prioritised unity and infrastructure. The programme examines the political implications of the BJP's performance in the financial capital and the defeat of regional animosity as a campaign tool.

The stage is set for Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election, which will be held on Thursday, where the BJP-led Mahayuti is locked in a keen battle with the united Thackeray cousins Raj and Uddhav for control of the cash-rich BMC.

This special report focuses on the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, where commentators like Meghna Pant and Tara Deshpande critique Mumbai's significant voter apathy. The discussion centers on the urgent need for citizens to vote on critical civic issues such as crumbling infrastructure, poor road quality, sanitation, and pollution, rather than party ideology. The bulletin also provides a major update on the Zubin Garg death inquiry; the Singapore Coroner's Court was told the singer was 'severely intoxicated' and drowned after declining a life jacket, with police suspecting no foul play. This development is a political flashpoint in Assam. Furthermore, the program covers the shifting political alliances in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, with parties vying for a coalition with actor-turned-politician Vijay. Additional headlines include the ED's legal battles in Bengal and an urgent MEA advisory for all Indians to leave Iran.

On this India Today special report, host Preeti Choudhry explores the shifting political landscape in Tamil Nadu following actor Vijay's entry into politics with his party, TVK. As major parties like the DMK, AIADMK, and BJP finalise their candidates, the role of Vijay remains a focal point of speculation. Preeti Choudhry notes, 'Everyone wants a piece of Vijay, be it the Congress, be it the DMK, be it the AIDMK or the BJP.' The discussion features insights from analysts Sumanth C. Raman and Shekar Iyer, who weigh the possibility of a Congress-Vijay tie-up or an alliance with the AIADMK to challenge the DMK-led front. The programme examines whether Vijay's charisma can translate into electoral muscle and if he will heed calls for a united anti-DMK front. The debate also touches upon the Congress party's dilemma in balancing its national interests within the India Alliance while seeking better seat-sharing terms in the state.

This special report examines the shifting political landscape in Tamil Nadu as major parties compete to align with actor-turned-politician Vijay. Following the launch of his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, the BJP has called for a consolidation of anti-DMK votes, with state chief K. Annamalai stating, 'When DMK has to go, the best way for DMK has to go is, all the anti-DMK votes gets consolidated.' While the Congress debates its future within the DMK alliance, Rahul Gandhi has shown solidarity with Vijay over the delayed release of his film 'Jananayakan'. The AIADMK has also hinted at potential new allies, yet a significant hurdle remains as Vijay reportedly insists on being the Chief Ministerial candidate in any potential coalition. The programme highlights how Vijay’s mass appeal and refusal to align with either the DMK or BJP currently position him as a decisive factor that could reshape the 2026 electoral battle in the state.

This India Today bureau report highlights the intensifying political battle in Tamil Nadu as the state celebrates Pongal ahead of the 2026 elections. Chief Minister MK Stalin described the festival as a 'secular celebration which has no caste, no religion,' while accusing the Centre of neglecting the state. Conversely, BJP leader K. Annamalai called for an end to 'anti-people DMK rule,' labeling the upcoming polls as a 'political Pongal' to burn corruption. The report details a massive distribution of festive hampers, including stainless steel utensils, sarees, and cricket kits, by both DMK and AIADMK leaders. Ministers K.N. Nehru and S. Raghupati were noted for distributing branded vessels, while AIADMK’s Vijay Bhaskar and SP Velumani provided pots and sports gear. Analysts suggest these 'freebies' are a strategic tool to woo the electorate, transforming a traditional government initiative into a high-stakes electoral battleground for voter goodwill in the state.

On this report, the focus is on the escalating political war of words in Tamil Nadu during the Pongal festival. DMK spokesperson A. Saravanan responded sharply to BJP State President K. Annamalai’s allegations that the DMK is a corrupt party that will be 'burnt' in the upcoming elections. Saravanan stated, 'BJP has no moral right to speak about corruption. In independent India, the most corrupt party is the BJP party.' He further alleged that the BJP uses a specific 'playbook' of calling regional parties corrupt while ignoring issues like the PM CARES fund and CAG audit findings. The discussion highlights the friction between the DMK’s 'secular Pongal' claim and the BJP’s 'political Pongal' narrative. The programme explores how the festive season has turned into a battleground for electoral rhetoric ahead of the polls, with the DMK defending its governance style against the BJP's persistent corruption allegations.

This India Today special report covers the escalating political conflict surrounding the Mumbai identity row ahead of the BMC polls. The controversy began after a statement regarding Mumbai being an 'international city' rather than just a Maharashtra city, leading to a 'vulgar political low' involving slurs and hateful comments. The transcript highlights the 'Slugfest after MNS Supremo Raj Thackeray's vulgar attack on BJP's Annamalai explodes' following the latter's comments on the city's status. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis intervened to defend his colleague, prompting counter-attacks from both the MNS chief and UBT supremo Uddhav Thackeray. Fadnavis criticised the opposition, suggesting they face a 'threat to survival' as the campaign concludes. The report underscores the deep political divide as voters prepare to decide the future leadership of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation amidst a heated 'triple-engine Sarkar' debate.

In this episode of To The Point, experts analyse the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the first in eight years.

This report covers the escalating political war in maharashtra over mumbai's identity. the row was triggered by bjp leader k. annamalai, who stated, 'because bombay is not a maharashtra city, it's an international city' while advocating for a 'triple engine sarkar' ahead of the bmc polls. maharashtra chief minister devendra fadnavis defended the remarks, claiming they were misconstrued, and hit back at uddhav thackeray and raj thackeray. fadnavis argued the conflict is about the political survival of the shiv sena (ubt) and mns rather than regional pride. he further pointed out that it was during uddhav thackeray's tenure that the cabinet approved teaching hindi and english in schools. meanwhile, uddhav thackeray mocked annamalai, warning of a public backlash in tamil nadu for such comments. the transcript highlights the sharp divide between the bjp and the thackeray cousins over the administration and cultural identity of india's financial capital.

This news report covers the escalating political confrontation in Maharashtra following remarks made by BJP leader K. Annamalai regarding Mumbai's identity. The controversy began when Annamalai stated, 'Mumbai is not a Maharashtra city, it is an international city,' triggering sharp reactions from MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. Raj Thackeray accused Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of lying to protect his colleague, while Uddhav Thackeray mocked Annamalai's electoral record in Tamil Nadu, calling him a 'zero'. In response, Devendra Fadnavis hit back, asserting that the upcoming BMC battle is about the political survival of the Thackeray brothers rather than Marathi identity. Fadnavis further countered Uddhav Thackeray by pointing out that it was during Thackeray’s tenure as Chief Minister that the cabinet approved the mandatory teaching of Hindi and English in schools. The report highlights the deepening rift between the Mahayuti alliance and the opposition over regional pride and administrative control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

Ahead of the high-stakes BMC elections, a fierce political war has erupted over Mumbai's identity. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a blistering attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray, stating their political survival is at stake, not the Marathi people's. Fadnavis declared, 'If my Marathi person is in trouble here , then you should go drown in a handful of water.' The controversy escalated after comments from BJP leader K. Annamalai, which the Thackeray cousins used to criticize Fadnavis. Uddhav Thackeray warned of a public backlash, while Raj Thackeray accused the Chief Minister of lying. Fadnavis countered that the election is about the Thackerays' political existence, not Marathi pride.

A political firestorm has erupted in Maharashtra following remarks by BJP leader K. Annamalai ahead of the BMC elections scheduled for January 15. Campaigning in Mumbai, Annamalai stated that a 'triple engine sarkar' is possible in the city. He sparked a major controversy by saying, 'Bombay is not, not a Maharashtra city, it is an international city and this city has got a budget of 75,000 crore'. The comment drew sharp criticism from Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS Chief Raj Thackeray, who attacked Annamalai over the statement. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended his party colleague, claiming the remarks were misconstrued and that the battle for the BMC is about the political survival of the Thackeray brothers, not Mumbai's identity.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) questioned actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay for seven hours in Delhi regarding a stampede at his party's event in Karur that resulted in 41 deaths. Vijay reportedly denied his party's role, stating that TVK functionaries were not responsible and that the Tamil Nadu police failed to maintain law and order. He claimed he left the venue to prevent further chaos. The CBI is corroborating his statement with video evidence as the probe unfolds during a crucial election season, with debates pointing to negligence or alleged political sabotage by the ruling DMK. Former IPS officer Sanjay Sahay noted it was a case of "atrocious" crowd management. The report also highlights another political controversy involving MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who revived the divisive 'hatao lungi, bajao pungi' slogan against Tamilians ahead of Mumbai's BMC elections.