ITV

Tag: Sanjay Pugalia

  • Rahul Kanwal to steer NDTV as CEO from June; revenue & losses rise in FY 25

    Rahul Kanwal to steer NDTV as CEO from June; revenue & losses rise in FY 25

    MUMBAI:  In a high-voltage move, New Delhi Television Limited (NDTV) has tapped veteran journalist Rahul Kanwal as its new chief executive officer and key managerial personnel, effective 16 June 2025. The appointment, cleared by the board at its meeting on 25 April, awaits the final nod from the ministry of information and broadcasting.

    Kanwal, who resigned as news director of India Today and Aaj Tak, and executive director of Business Today about a fortnight ago, brings more than 25 years of newsroom grit to the corner office. Known for his prime-time presence, election dissections and hard-nosed investigations, Kanwal has built a formidable brand in Indian journalism.

    An alumnus of the general management program at Harvard Business School and a Chevening Scholar, Kanwal honed his reporting chops at Delhi University and Cardiff University, specialising in international broadcast journalism. He is also a Roy Peck Trust Grant awardee for hostile environment journalism — and no stranger to both on-ground turbulence and boardroom manoeuvres.

    Kanwal’s editorial journey spans senior stints at Zee News and Headlines Today, marked by multiple awards for journalistic excellence. As he trades the anchor desk for the CEO’s chair, industry watchers are keen to see whether his instinct for headline-grabbing stories will translate into headline-grabbing strategies at NDTV.

    Meanwhile, the news broadcaster wrapped up FY25 with a cocktail of heady revenue growth and strategic bravado — and a side of losses. Busy transforming itself into a global, next-gen media powerhouse,  NDTV posted a 19 per cent jump in fourth-quarter revenue and a full-year top-line surge of 26 per cent.

    The network’s bold gambit included expansive coverage of heavyweight events like the Mahakumbh and Delhi Elections, alongside marquee brands such as Yuva and the NDTV Auto Awards. Meanwhile, its digital arm raced ahead, clocking a 47 per cent year-on-year jump in users across websites and apps.

    This was no year of half-measures. NDTV went all in — expanding distribution, overhauling its production and digital ecosystems, and splashing out on brand-building. It also widened its portfolio, launching NDTV Marathi to capture regional audiences and NDTV World to beam India’s view to global shores. The year also saw the launch of the ambitious NDTV World Summit, a high-powered gathering of global movers and shakers.

    However, ambition comes at a cost. Heavy investments meant NDTV ended the year in the red — a deliberate sacrifice, the company says, to sow the seeds for sustainable, profitable growth ahead.

    “FY 2024-25 was a defining year where we chose to lead with ambition and invest in the future,” said NDTV executive director and editor in chief Sanjay Pugalia. “We are confident the strategic decisions taken this year will deliver long-term value for our audiences, partners, and stakeholders.”

  • CM Yogi Adityanath showcases Uttar Pradesh’s growth and Mahakumbh legacy

    CM Yogi Adityanath showcases Uttar Pradesh’s growth and Mahakumbh legacy

    MUMBAI: The Mahakumbh 2025 is not just a religious gathering; it is a grand celebration of unity, tradition, and progress. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, in an exclusive interview with Ndtv editor-in-chief Sanjay Pugalia during the Mahakumbh Samvaad, eloquently shared how the state has emerged as India’s growth engine, with Mahakumbh reflecting a perfect blend of cultural heritage and sustainable development.

    Speaking from Lucknow, Adityanath’s words carried a mix of pride and purpose. He declared, “Uttar Pradesh has become the growth engine for India.” From empowering the youth through seven lakh government jobs to enhancing Mahakumbh’s grandeur with modern infrastructure, the chief minister painted a picture of a state transforming its legacy into a progressive powerhouse.

    The ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, which began on 13 January and runs until 26 February, has already drawn over 12 crore devotees from across the country to the sacred ‘Triveni Sangam’. Reflecting on the lessons from Ardha Kumbh 2019, Adityanath detailed his government’s meticulous preparations, “We reviewed hygiene, river cleanliness, and infrastructure gaps and worked systematically to improve them. This year, we built 14 underpasses, expanded the civil terminal, and added 5,000 acres of parking to the 10,000-acre mela area.”

    Adityanath highlighted the event’s inclusivity, noting, “This is a Maha Parv. On January 14, nearly six crore devotees took a dip in the Sangam. There was no discrimination, and even critics of Sanatana Dharma came to witness the event.”

    The Ndtv program also hosted prominent figures like Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who shared the spiritual essence of the Mahakumbh, “Spirituality is an integral part of life. Consciousness is eternal, and with peace and patience, we can transcend stress and embrace life fully.”

    The chief minister applauded Ndtv’s comprehensive coverage, stating, “The media has worked positively to bring this message of inclusivity and spirituality to the world.” Pugalia reflected on the event’s scale, calling it, “an unprecedented spectacle of grandeur, meticulously planned and executed.”

    The Mahakumbh Samvaad demonstrated how the Mahakumbh has become a symbol of unity, tradition, and development under Adityanath’s leadership. With initiatives like clean rivers, expanded facilities, and a focus on inclusivity, the event has set new benchmarks for organising large-scale spiritual gatherings.

    The Mahakumbh 2025 not only connects people through spirituality but also redefines Uttar Pradesh’s role on the national stage. As Yogi Adityanath aptly said, “Pickleball isn’t just a sport; it’s a movement.” Wait… wrong quote. But hey, the essence is the same—it’s not just an event; it’s a legacy.

  • Bachpan Manao: EkStep-NDTV take joyful childhoods to new heights

    Bachpan Manao: EkStep-NDTV take joyful childhoods to new heights

    MUMBAI: In a world obsessed with grades and gadgets, can we reclaim the joy of childhood? EkStep Foundation, with a little help from NDTV and more than 100 collaborators, is saying a resounding yes!

    And where better to launch this idea than the vibrant International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad, where imagination soared—quite literally.

    Through its Bachpan Manao mission, the initiative aims to make learning joyful and play the backbone of early childhood education. Because let’s face it, doesn’t every child deserve more than just rote learning and worksheets?

    Set against a sky painted with kites, children aged four to eight years got their creative juices flowing in a sustainable kite-making activity. The event wasn’t just about flying kites but also about helping minds take flight. And isn’t that what play is all about—learning without even realising it?

    This isn’t just about kites and crafts. Experts like Gayatri Menon from NID and Amita Tandon from Unicef Gujarat made a strong case:

    .  Play isn’t just fun; it’s essential for holistic growth.

    .  The National Education Policy 2020 highlights play-based learning for children under 8 years.

    .  The absence of play, they warned, could leave children without crucial skills that textbooks just don’t teach.

    When was the last time we, as adults, took play seriously?

    EkStep Foundation co-founder, Shankar Maruwada believes in a bold vision, “The intent was to create a joyful narrative for the foundational years of childhood. ⁠ We committed to a collaborative, co-creative approach, and we are grateful to more than 100 organisations that are partnering with us in this journey.”

    EkStep chief of policy & partnerships, Deepika Mogilishetty explained, “Every year 25 million children are born in India and each one deserves a steady foundation. Joyful learning is a breakthrough opportunity to ensure that every child can thrive to their fullest. We are at a pivotal time in India where we can create optimal experiences for every child. This requires a whole of society approach. Bachpan Manao is an invitation to every caring adult to celebrate the first 400 weeks of every child as a period of abundant and holistic growth. To simply celebrate the unique opportunity of childhood to learn, grow through play”
    From its initial three collaborators, Bachpan Manao has now roped in over 100 organisations. And this event wasn’t limited to Ahmedabad—it extended to Mumbai and Bengaluru, engaging hundreds of families, teachers, and Anganwadi workers.

    And with NDTV on board, the mission is getting national airtime, taking the message of joyful childhoods to millions.

    Primalise co-founder Reva Jhingan Malik said it best, “We attempted to make a deeper and wider sense of the child’s complex universe; challenging societal mental models about early childhood. Our collaborative journey led us to craft a narrative deeply anchored in human and cultural insights.”

    And the creative agency behind the campaign, Siriti co-founder Vainateya Gavai added, “Working closely with Ekstep and Primalise, we arrived at the rallying cry of ‘Bachpan Manao’ to bring early childhood into focus. The juxtaposition of these two words itself became a springboard for our mission. And NDTV coming onboard elevates this celebration to the next level.”

    NDTV Network’s director & editor-in-chief, Sanjay Pugalia passionately called on everyone—parents, policymakers, even grandparents, “NDTV is excited to collaborate with EkStep in honouring the vital and transformative years of a child’s life. These formative years call for a celebration of joy and opportunity. Our initiative seeks to ignite a movement dedicated to ensuring that every child in India experiences a joyful childhood. We invite policymakers, corporate leaders, educators, parents, and grandparents to join us in this important endeavor—Bachpan Manao. Together, let’s create a brighter future for our children.”

    With so much riding on the future, shouldn’t we all take a step back and ask: Are we letting kids just be kids? Bachpan Manao reminds us that joy, creativity, and play are not optional extras—they are essentials.

  • NDTV Infrashakti Awards: Honouring milestones in India’s infrastructure growth story

    NDTV Infrashakti Awards: Honouring milestones in India’s infrastructure growth story

    Mumbai: The NDTV Infrashakti Awards 2024 celebrated India’s remarkable infrastructure growth story by honouring extraordinary initiatives. Speaking at the event, union minister of road transport and highways, Nitin Gadkari, revealed that India would launch the first phase of a GPS and satellite-based toll system in the next three months, before implementing it nationwide.

    During a fireside chat with NDTV’s CEO and editor-in-chief Sanjay Pugalia, Gadkari spoke at length about the importance of tackling pollution in India by promoting non-polluting sources for personal and public transportation. The NDTV Infrashakti Awards were created to inspire innovation and excellence across the country by recognising individual and institutional initiatives.

    A significant component of the Infrashakti campaign, the awards focused on celebrating stories behind India’s infrastructural advancements. From engineering marvels to sustainable urban planning, the awards honoured exceptional contributions that defined the nation’s growth.

    Gadkari spoke on the importance of tackling pollution in India by promoting non-polluting sources for personal and public transportation. The union minister highlighted the government’s initiatives, including the promotion of electric scooters, cars, and buses, as well as the need to expand the use of bio and alternative fuels.

    Gadkari mentioned ongoing projects like electric trolley buses in Nagpur and the adoption of hybrid engines in construction equipment, which operate on diesel and CNG. He also stressed how the potential of tractors powered by ethanol, methanol, CNG, and electricity was set to revolutionise the agricultural sector, benefiting farmers significantly within the next year. “Green hydrogen is the future,” Gadkari stated, envisioning India as an exporter of energy rather than an importer.

    Adani Enterprises MD (agro, oil and gas) and director Pranav Adani while delivering the keynote address spoke on the transformative power of infrastructure, mentioning “Human history, whether ancient or modern, shows us that infrastructure is the fundamental key to all the progress.”

    The NDTV Infrashakti Awards 2024 comprised six jury-selected categories and one popular choice/viewers’ choice category. The categories include Rural Infra Pioneer, Renewable Energy Star, Water Saviour, Urban Infra Hero, Infra Visionary, and Transport Trailblazer. The public can also vote for the Inclusive Infrastructure category in the popular choice award, which allows everyone to make their voice heard.

    The awards were judged by an esteemed panel of five jury members – prime minister’s economic advisory council chairman Dr. Bibek Debroy; GSK Pharmaceuticals chairperson and HDFC Bank Ltd’s former MD and current non-executive director Renu Sud Karnad; image guru specialising in litigation landscaping and policy analyst Dilip Cherian; actor, sustainability advocate, and social activist Gul Panag; and Professor Emeritus at Gujarat Maritime University Professor G Raghuram.

    The stellar guest list also included union minister of petroleum and natural gas Hardeep Puri as the Guest of Honour. The minister, in conversation with NDTV’s Marya Shakil, laid emphasis on India’s growing focus and shift to green energy, while adding,

    “No matter which way you look at it, if you look at green energy, the transition, biofuels… look at the 15 per cent transition we have done. We did 15 per cent biofuel blending. And we are solving the problem in agriculture,”

    With this union minister Hardeep Singh Puri presented NDTV Infrashakti Lifetime Achievement Award for Connecting India to E Sreedharan, the “Metro Man” of India. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation’s executive director Anuj Dayal accepted the award on Sreedharan’s behalf. The Infrashakti Award for Rural Infra Pioneer went to DeHaat’s CEO Shashank Kumar, for his vision and commitment to leveraging technology for rural development, which has not only improved infrastructure but also revitalized rural economies, creating a ripple effect of socio-economic benefits. The NDTV Infrashakti Award for Inclusive Infrastructure was awarded to Swarga Foundation. Swarnalatha J, on receiving the award, remarked, “People call me by different names. I am here to tell the whole world that I am not just special because of my disability but because of my ability to turn every adversity into an opportunity.”

    Arun Krishnamurthy, recipient of the NDTV Infrashakti Award for Water Saviour, has been a beacon of hope in water conservation and management. His dedication to environmental stewardship underscores the critical importance of water conservation in India’s development agenda. The NDTV Infrashakti Award for Renewable Energy Star went to Pankaj Kumar and Siddhant Agarwal of Quant Solar. Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri also presented NDTV Infrashakti Award for Infrastructure Financier to the State Bank of India. The Infrashakti Award for Transport Trailblazer was given to Afcons Infrastructure for innovative solutions, significant contributions to the transport infrastructure sector and for setting new benchmarks in project execution and management.

    Sudhanshu Mani was honoured as Infrashakti Infravisionary, for his visionary initiatives that have not only addressed critical challenges but have also propelled India towards sustainable and inclusive growth. Sandeep Patel, Founder of Nepra, received the Urban Infra Hero Award for his instrumental leadership in pioneering projects that enhance liveability and resilience in urban centres, setting a new standard for integrated urban development.

    Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) executive director of research and advocacy Anumita Roychowdhury, highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change. “If there’s a takeaway from the summer we just had, with its persistent heatwaves and unprecedented floods, it’s that climate change is real and constant. We can’t keep blaming climate change; we must ensure our infrastructure development is sustainable and mitigates the impact.”

    The NDTV Infrashakti Awards 2024 showcased the pulse of a vibrant country by recognising and celebrating the efforts of those transforming India’s infrastructure landscape. By acknowledging infrastructure development, which has the power to change lives and connect communities, these awards serve as guiding beacon for a Viksit Bharat. The NDTV Infrashakti Awards aim to inspire further innovation and excellence in the sector, honouring the visionaries driving India’s growth story and contributing vastly to a sustainable future.

  • NDTV tops Reuters Institute’s digital news report 2024

    NDTV tops Reuters Institute’s digital news report 2024

    Mumbai: NDTV further cementing its position as the pioneer in Indian broadcasting achieved a significant milestone leading in offline and online reach as per the latest Digital News Report 2024 by the Reuters Institute at the University of Oxford. The study showed NDTV ranked highest in weekly reach for both offline (TV, Radio & Print) and online news consumption among the young, urban audience in India.

    The report revealed that NDTV’s 24-hour TV news channels lead the offline segment with 32 per cent of respondents indicating weekly usage. Notably, 18 per cent of respondents watch NDTV at least three days per week. This consistent viewership underscores NDTV’s reputation as a trusted news source in the competitive media landscape. In the online domain, NDTV continues to dominate with a 27 per cent weekly usage rate. In addition, 17 per cent of respondents reported using NDTV online at least three times a week. These figures reflect NDTV’s successful digital strategy and its appeal to a tech-savvy audience that relies on the internet for their news consumption.

    “NDTV has pioneered insightful news reportage. Being at the top of the chart yet again in the prestigious Reuter’s Institute Digital News Report, 2024 is more than a feat; it demonstrates our unwavering commitment to quality journalism. NDTV’s team of fearless journalists will continue to report powerful stories with unflinching integrity.” NDTV Network – CEO and editor-in-chief Sanjay Pugalia.

    The Reuters Institute study (Source: https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2024/india) offers a snapshot of NDTV’s weekly usage within the country’s vast and diverse media market, indicating the network’s strong presence and influence among this key audience segment. NDTV has remained the go-to platform for many during major headline events of 2023, spanning from global happenings to domestic events. NDTV’s ability to maintain high reach across both its traditional and digital platforms demonstrates the brand’s adaptability and commitment to delivering quality journalism.

  • NDTV redefines excellence in 2024 election coverage

    NDTV redefines excellence in 2024 election coverage

    Mumbai: NDTV has once again proven its unmatched position as the premier destination for intelligent and meaningful news with its dynamic and captivating coverage during this election season. From breaking news to in-depth analyses, NDTV ignited the electoral fervour with “India Decides” and “Chunav India Ka,” presenting an electrifying array of innovative formats to comprehensively cover elections across states, featuring over 100 reporters and more than 1000 ground reports.

    The programming commenced with “Battleground with Sanjay Pugalia,” spotlighting key political figures in major cities. NDTV’s “Election Carnival,” launched in April, covered over 11,000 kilometres and 50 cities, providing unparalleled electoral insights from the ground. The “Pledge to Vote” initiative mobilized corporate leaders from the likes of Jayen Mehta (MD, Amul), Ajay Bijli (MD, PVR Inox), Rohit Kapoor (CEO, Swiggy), and Nadir Godrej (Chairman and MD, Godrej Industries) to drive voter participation among employees.

    This holistic election coverage featured trailblazers spanning various domains, leading the line-up was PM Narendra Modi who engaged with NDTV on multiple occasions along with key figures from the Union Cabinet such as the minister of home affairs Amit Shah, the minister of defence Rajnath Singh and the minister of external affairs Dr S Jaishankar. These interviews highlighted the government’s achievements, national security efforts, and future plans, offering viewers a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape. Following this, prominent figures like Chandrababu Naidu & Pawan Kalyan, Anurag Thakur, Piyush Goyal, Revanth Reddy, KC Venugopal, Milind Deora, Amitabh Kant and Sachin Pilot also shared their insights, further enriching the coverage.

    Additionally, we traveled 7,400 kilometers through southern India, engaging with 39 prominent leaders across 19 Lok Sabha constituencies in 4 states, engaging with key figures such as Siddaramiah, Shashi Tharoor, Annamalai, and Vijayendra Yeddyurappa, focusing on regional issues and transformative development initiatives.

    The interviews with PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, in particular, garnered extensive attention, with multi-million views across platforms, and achieved a social impression of over 3 billion as per Twitter Analytics.

    For the two marquee days of the season, NDTV’s “Poll of Polls” aggregated exit poll data, offering a balanced and comprehensive view of voter preferences and electoral trends, crucial for voters and analysts alike, and the Counting Day coverage, with its campaign #ResultKyaRaha, amassed massive traction.

    “NDTV has consistently upheld a legacy of trust and credibility, reinforcing its position as the premier destination for comprehensive election coverage. As this election season concludes, we are proud to have significantly contributed to shaping voter opinions. Through intelligent conversations, high-quality production, engaging interactions, and sharp, focused discussions, we stood out from the herd and made a real impact”, NDTV – editor-in-chief and CEO Sanjay Pugalia.

    NDTV also launched some groundbreaking initiatives, such as the innovative #NDTV18KaVote engaged first-time voters with influential young leaders and the youth-centric “Yuva” conclave. Meanwhile, “Poll Curry with Kunal Vijaykar” offered a unique blend of politics and local cuisine, featuring dynamic discussions with prominent political personalities.

    The comprehensive 360 campaign, backed by a Pan-India media plan, gained substantial traction across platforms and topped industry charts on many fronts:

    . As per data from industry platform SimilarWeb, NDTV.com was the No.1 English news website, with a groundbreaking 23.3 million visits worldwide, far ahead of every other English news website in the country on June 4th 2024

    .  According to BARB, UK, NDTV 24×7 was the No. 1 Asian channel in the entire UK, achieving the highest reach among all Asian channels on June 4th 2024.

    . On YouTube, NDTV 24×7 attracted a peak concurrency of 94k, far higher than most others in the industry. Source: Playboard. YouTube Peak Concurrency, 4th June. 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. (NDTV 24×7)

    This comprehensive programming strategy and extensive marketing plan not only set NDTV apart in the industry but also made a significant contribution to the democratic process.

  • NDTV Battleground Finale with Dr. S. Jaishankar highlights foreign policy

    NDTV Battleground Finale with Dr. S. Jaishankar highlights foreign policy

    Mumbai: The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are nearing the slogovers, with only two rounds of voting left, on 25 May and 1 June.

    To gauge the public mood and understand the electoral atmosphere, NDTV brought a special “Battleground” series that saw editor-in-chief Sanjay Pugalia travel to various states and decode the electoral issues on the ground, and political and caste equations.

    On Battleground’s finale tonight, foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar gave his prediction on the BJP’s 2024 performance. Pro-incumbency in several states and growing support in areas that are not the BJP’s traditional strongholds would ensure that the party beats its 2019 score, Dr Jaishankar said in a special conversation with Sanjay Pugalia.

    Asked what number he would choose if he has to place a bet on the BJP’s tally in these polls, Dr Jaishankar said he would leave the numbers to experts. “But I can tell you one thing, I had several public interactions in this election. I think the support base in very solid. People have a way of showing pro-incumbency. So I felt there is a pro-incumbency in several states,” he said.

    “I can say that the trend in our favour is very positive. On the basis of my experience, I feel the numbers will increase, not decrease,” he said. He said the BJP would improve its tally in Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

    The foreign minister also brushed aside speculation that regional issues could impact the BJP’s prospects.

    “Local problems will be there but, in the end, when people vote, they will vote on whether they believe in Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Dr Jaishankar said.

    The show also featured team lease services vice chairman Manish Sabharwal and former IMF executive director Surjit Bhalla.

    “I have never seen such a one-sided election,” Surjit Bhalla said, expressing confidence that the ruling party’s tally would be record-breaking. Asked to guess the BJP’s seats, he suggested “350”.

    He said the country had never seen the kind of progress or performance it had seen in the last 10 years. Arguing against the notion that it is a “wave-less election”, Bhalla remarked: “If the BJP wins a vote share of 42-47 per cent, which I have said in my book that it’s possible, then that is a wave.”

    Manish Sabharwal said that the past 70 years had seen the delivery of democracy but not prosperity. “The last 25 years for India are very different from the next 25 years,” he said.

  • NDTV’s Election Carnival traverses 11,000 Kilometres, across 50 cities, featuring 14 anchors

    NDTV’s Election Carnival traverses 11,000 Kilometres, across 50 cities, featuring 14 anchors

    Mumbai: NDTV’s Election Carnival, a vibrant celebration of democratic enthusiasm and civic engagement, is on an extraordinary journey across India, captivating hearts and minds as it travels. Originally planned to cover 5000 kilometres, the Carnival’s overwhelming reception has led to an extended route to over 9,000 kilometres, now expanding further to 11,000 Kilometers and reaching more than 50 cities non-stop since 30 days.

    In line with NDTV’s commitment to fostering informed citizenship, the Carnival has become a catalyst for change, igniting passions and inspiring action in every city it visits. It aims to promote lively discussions with political faces from that area, interactive sessions, and folk artist performances, inspiring local communities and motivating them to take an active role in the democratic process.

    The Carnival kicked off its journey from the heart of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi celebrating the diverse regional cultures of India.

    Travelling through various states including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana, the Carnival has provided invaluable insights into the political landscapes and electoral dynamics of each region.

    In Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, the Carnival delved into the intense political competition between SP-BSP and BJP, highlighting the journey of BJP’s candidate, Arun Govil. Moving on to Mathura, the Carnival engaged with Hema Malini’s campaign, addressing local concerns such as environmental pollution.

    In Bharatpur, the Carnival witnessed a fierce electoral contest between BJP’s Ramswarup Koli and Congress’ Sanjana Jatav, focusing on critical issues like education and healthcare.

    Traversing to Madhya Pradesh, NDTV’s editor-in-chief, Sanjay Pugalia, had an exclusive conversation with Madhya Pradesh chief minister Dr Mohan Yadav during the Carnival’s stop in Bhopal, where Dr Yadav emphasised the need to diversify sectors beyond farming to boost farmers’ income. Followed by discussions in Ujjain shedding light on the electoral atmosphere and pressing local issues along with insights into employment, water, and infrastructure concerns in Khandwa.

    In Gujarat, Anand became a focal point for dissecting the dynamics between BJP and Congress, while in Maharashtra, the Carnival amplified the electoral fervour in Baramati, addressing issues like water scarcity and unemployment.

    The Carnival also journeyed through states like Jharkhand, exploring industrial concerns in Jamshedpur and electoral trust in Surguja.

    Each stop of the Carnival enriched the national political discourse by providing unique insights into local issues, electoral dynamics, and voter sentiments, reaffirming NDTV’s commitment to facilitating meaningful dialogue and strengthening the democratic fabric of India.

    NDTV’s Election Carnival is not just a journey; it’s a movement toward a more informed, involved, and participative democracy – India’s awakening movement. As it continues its odyssey across India, the Carnival reaffirms its commitment to being the voice of the people, bringing them closer to their leaders and the essence of democracy itself.

  • NDTV Battleground: Decoding Maharashtra’s political landscape

    NDTV Battleground: Decoding Maharashtra’s political landscape

    Mumbai: NDTV’s legacy program Battleground is back with Sanjay Pugalia, editor-in-chief, NDTV Network at the helm. The platform delves deep into the intricacies of seat distribution in upcoming elections, challenges for the current government and the opposition, and much more with the foremost experts in the field. The first episode, brought together a panel of esteemed experts to dissect the dynamics shaping the electoral battleground in Maharashtra, just a month before the elections.

    The discussion, aired on 18 March 2024, offered invaluable insights into the current political scenario, policy perspectives, growth indicators, and challenges confronting both the ruling coalition and the opposition in Maharashtra. With two significant political realignments in the past three years, including the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, the state’s political landscape has witnessed considerable shifts, setting the stage for a fiercely contested electoral battle.

    The panelists engaged in a robust exchange of ideas and analyses, covering a wide array of topics crucial to understanding Maharashtra’s electoral dynamics. From the impact of electoral bonds on political funding to the intricacies of affordable housing projects and the imperative of cooperative federalism, the discussions provided a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted issues influencing voter sentiments and electoral outcomes.

    Notable highlights from the discussion include observations from political strategists like Amitabh Tiwari, who emphasized the complexity of voting behaviour and the significance of late deciders and floating voters in shaping election results. Chief economist of Axis Bank Neelkanth Mishra stressed on the importance of infrastructure development in driving growth and addressing key challenges such as unemployment, while political analyst Manisha Priyam shed light on the evolving perceptions of leadership and governance among voters. Understandings from panelists like Nilesh Shah, Managing Director of Kotak Mutual Fund, added depth to the discussion, highlighting the imperative of both cooperative federalism and competitive federalism in driving growth and development. His remarks emphasized the significance of fostering collaboration among states whilst promoting healthy competition to spur progress.

    Insights from senior journalists Rohit Chandavarkar and Sandeep Shastri further enriched the discussion, with Chandavarkar highlighting the pivotal role of Maharashtra as a deciding state due to its substantial electoral representation, and Shastri laid impetus on the standing of states like Maharashtra in reflecting the national mood.

    The panelists’ diverse perspectives and expert analyses underscored the nuanced nature of Maharashtra’s political landscape, characterized by a blend of regional dynamics, socio-economic factors, and ideological considerations. As Maharashtra braces for a pivotal electoral contest, the discussions on #BattlegroundOnNDTV provided stakeholders with valuable insights to navigate the complexities of the state’s political terrain.

    For further updates and in-depth analysis, viewers can tune in to NDTV for comprehensive coverage of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and stay informed about the latest developments shaping Maharashtra’s political landscape. Up next, NDTV heads towards Battleground Karnataka in the coming week.

  • “We are confident, people have unstinted faith in PM Modi’s leadership”: Nirmala Sitharaman in her first interview post-budget

    “We are confident, people have unstinted faith in PM Modi’s leadership”: Nirmala Sitharaman in her first interview post-budget

    Mumbai: In her first post-budget interview to any private network, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has highlighted what she called people’s unshakeable faith in prime minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing that this trust gave the government confidence to focus on empowerment instead of populism just before elections

    In an exclusive interview with NDTV’s editor-in-chief Sanjay Pugalia, Nirmala Sitharaman said the unflinching public faith in prime minister Modi empowered the government to prioritize long-term fiscal responsibility without compromising on the allocation to welfare schemes.

    “We are confident because, in the last 10 years, we have consistently launched schemes that benefit the people. And we don’t just launch the schemes, we ensure that the benefits reach the last person in the queue,” the finance minister said, to a question on the confidence on display with a budget that skipped any populist measure, including tax changes.

    “This is why we are confident that we have got the people’s blessings twice and will get it again. The people’s confidence in Prime Minister Modi is unshakeable and that gives us confidence.”

    Sitharaman, in the last budget before national polls, also trimmed the subsidy spend to Rs 3.81 lakh crore for FY25 compared to Rs 4.13 crore for FY24. Resisting the temptation of spending on schemes for the poor in the pre-election budget, the government stayed firm on fiscal consolidation to attract investors.

    “Our initiatives are not about populism or entitlement but of empowerment,” Sitharaman said, “We don’t believe in handholding people in a way which hampers their own decision-making. We will do welfare spending for healthcare and education.”

    Fiscal discipline and subsidies, she explained, are not substitutes to one another.

    To NDTV’s question on plans to raise capital expenditure, the finance minister said, “We will treat capex exhaustively in July (Union Budget).”