The latest India Today and C-Voter Mood of the Nation survey analysis highlights significant shifts in voter preferences across India, particularly among Gen Z respondents. Pollster Yashwant Deshmukh, Founder and Director of C-Voter, discussed how actor-turned-politician Vijay has emerged as an appealing alternative, drawing support across different regions, including notable traction in the Northeast. Deshmukh noted that Vijay appears to have captured the space previously held by Arvind Kejriwal among youth voters seeking an alternative to traditional political parties like the BJP and Congress. Survey data reveals Prime Minister Narendra Modi's approval rating as the preferred prime ministerial candidate dropped from 57.7% in January 2026 to 48.7%, while Rahul Gandhi's numbers remained stable at 27.1%. Deshmukh emphasized that young voters are increasingly focused on current challenges rather than historical political narratives, presenting new strategic questions for both major national parties.
A special report and panel discussion examine key developments in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case involving Tamil Nadu granite industrialist R Veeramani, who faces allegations of sexually assaulting minors over several years.
A press conference addressed critical concerns regarding the integrity of Indian elections, democratic processes, and institutional independence. The speaker raised serious allegations of widespread election rigging, asserting that the destruction of the vote fundamentally undermines the Constitution, the validity of parliamentary laws, and institutional legitimacy. Citing past elections in states such as Haryana, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, the speaker questioned the disappearance of traditional anti-incumbency forces. Demands were made for the immediate resignation of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging direct complicity and calling for comprehensive accountability. The briefing outlined a timeline of dissent notes, public presentations, and voter awareness campaigns, claiming that democratic architecture has been systematically subverted. The address emphasized that those responsible for compromising the sanctity of the electoral system would face legal scrutiny and accountability.
An unidentified speaker addressed the media regarding concerns over the integrity of the Indian electoral system and the process governing appointments to the Election Commission of India. The address outlined a timeline beginning from December 2023, citing presentations and demonstrations regarding alleged voting discrepancies in Maharashtra, Madhepura, Aland, and Haryana. The speaker demanded the immediate resignation of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, calling on him to turn approver regarding operations within the poll body. The speaker asserted that elections in India have faced institutional challenges and stated that a dissent note had previously been submitted to the Prime Minister concerning executive involvement in choosing election commissioners. The address also called for an investigation into the roles of top government officials regarding appointments and the protection of democratic institutions, asserting that constitutional mechanisms and the voting framework must be safeguarded.
A special investigation on The Crime Scene examines the horrific fire aboard a double-decker sleeper bus on the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida that claimed the lives of nine passengers. While initially perceived as an accident, details from the FIR reveal severe negligence: the bus driver, Pawan, and conductor, Yogesh, were reportedly smoking beedis and cigarettes inside the cabin, ignoring smoke alerts and passenger pleas before fleeing the burning vehicle. The investigation uncovers critical safety violations, including sealed emergency exits replaced by extra sleeper berths, flammable interior materials, blocked walkways, and the absence of glass-breaking safety hammers. The bus, owned by an individual in Madhya Pradesh, was registered in Bihar, possessed a Rajasthan fitness certificate, and had accumulated over 1.7 lakh rupees in unpaid traffic challans. Further ground checks across Delhi and Uttar Pradesh reveal widespread flouting of transport regulations and safety codes across long-distance private sleeper buses.