The Big Fight

Rajiv Kumar, former chairman NITI Aayog, said the Indian economy is that not isolated from all that's happening in the global economy. "We know that this is unprecedented synchronised downturn in the global economy that is taking place. But we probably are one bright spot in the global environment. We remain a very good story as far as foreign investors are concerned and as far as global economy observers are concerned," he said. On the question of fiscal deficit, he said GST revenues are buoyant and that the government has enough fiscal space. To balance out the Current Account Deficit, he said is required is far bigger focus on how to push out exports

Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram today said the BJP government cannot just blame "external factors" for price rise, and that India's growth forecast "will be slashed further" if no steps are taken. "The only one who seems to be happy about the economy is the government. I call it whistling in the dark" he jibed, adding, "Everybody else has predicted serious headwinds."

Elections to the post of the Congress President have dominated the headlines all of this week. Internal party election have been as exciting as a general election. It has seen everything from revolt, retraction, apology, anger, suspense, twist, last minute additions and pull-outs. But at the end, it is a contest between Shashi Tharoor and Mallikarjun Kharge. But even here, there is an interesting story. Mr Kharge's last minute candidature is being seen as an official entry. Images from the party HQ of his nomination also make it seem that he has the blessings of the high command. If we see  images of Mr Tharoor's nomination, bit of an 'Ekla Chalo' moment for him. He was full of ideas in his press conference. But it was clear where the support lies. So, then what does one make of these elections? Fixed match? Contest? Foregone conclusion?

Senior Leader of the Congress and Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Singhvi speaks exclusively to Sanket Upadhyay on The Big Fight about Mallikarjun Kharge announcing his nomination on the last day and clears the air on whether he is backed by Gandhis or not.

Supreme Court pulled up TV news channels for propagating hate just to gain TRP.  The court said that it is the anchor's duty to intervene at the right time. NDTV's motto has always been 'no hate for profit'. On The Big Fight, India's longest-running debate Show, we discuss with journalists, politicians and lawyers about whether court guidelines are the only solution to stop the nuisance happening on TV channels.

"The Modi government has maintained a clean image. They (opposition) tried a lot to malign the BJP. They tried to do that with the Rafale issue, but Narendra Modi has a clean image. His image is that of a person that works 24x7. Rahul Gandhi goes abroad 5 days every month," Sushil Modi, senior BJP leader, said.  

The battle for 2024 is now on. All camps have sprung into action. The BJP has set a target of mission 350 seats. On the other hand, Nitish Kumar says the BJP will only manage 50. Let's discuss what is in store for both sides.

Two years to go for the general elections, the opposition's strategy remains unclear. Nitish Kumar has put up posters in Patna. AAP is expanding its footprint in Himachal and Gujarat. KCR has started the efforts of getting all opposition leaders together. A consensus remains elusive.

"We saw how the Prime Minister, I think for the first time in his political life shed tears in Parliament for Ghulam Nabi Azad. So we know there is a soft corner there. We know there is some kind of jugalbandi happening there...We've known Ghulam Nabi Azad and his proximity to PM Modi. Everybody is free to have these kind of relationships. Fair enough. But if they start talking in the same language then obviously there is something happening," said Congress's Pawan Khera on Ghulam Nabi Azad's suggestion of a "Congress Jodo Yatra" before the party undertakes Bharat Jodo Yatra.

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah today said Ghulam Nabi Azad's letter resigning from the Congress reflects his pain and anguish. He said the need is of a "strong opposition and the Congress can give that."

Veteran Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad resigned from the party on Friday. Azad wrote a 5-page letter blasting Rahul Gandhi for "childish behaviour", "glaring immaturity" and for letting a "coterie of inexperienced sycophants" run the party. We discuss with our panelists what awaits Congress in the aftermath of recent exits.

Bilkis Bano has said that she was bereft of words when her rapists were set free by the Gujarat government. On August 15, 11 convicts were released free from a Godhra jail after the government granted them release under its remission policy. In this discussion, we look at the horror that follows Bilkis Bano after her rapists were released. We also discuss with experts the legal options that Bilkis has.

India celebrates 75 years of Independence this year. Has nationalism's definition changed over the years? There are some who suggest India is championing democracy on the global stage and muffling it at home. Others say India is the mother of democracy. On The Big Fight, we discuss whether waving the national flag and chest-thumping are the only way to display patriotism.

The past few weeks have seen the powers of the Enforcement Directorate or ED, a political battle around it, a Supreme Court judgment on it and subsequent ED overdrive. The opposition alleges that this is ED's political action against opponents. While all of this was happening, the Congress decided to shift gears on Friday. The party planned a mega black Friday protest where senior leaders wearing black clothes, led by the Gandhis, were seen battling it out on the streets. By the evening, the BJP added a spin to the saga, with Amit Shah saying this is Congress' appeasement tactics. That they chose to wear black clothes on a day when 2 years ago, the foundation stone was laid for the Ram Temple. One thing is very clear that the political battle for 2024 has begun. But on The Big Fight, we ask a broader and a fundamental question - is the opposition fighting an existential battle?

Trinamool MP Derek O'Brien says "It is clearly in the rules, it is the government's responsibility but we have a government which doesn't want Parliament to run, and they are the cause for all these disruptions. You mentioned the names of Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley and Vajpayee, great parliamentarians whose ideology I did not share but there was so much to learn from them. What have we come to today? The only beneficiaries of Parliament not running is the BJP."

It is turning out to be quite a monsoon wash out in the Parliament. The week gone by saw 27 MPs suspended for creating a ruckus in Parliament. Even as this suspension saga continues, with MPs spending the night at the Mahatma Gandhi statue inside the Parliament, the government too started disrupting the house. An erring Adhir Ranjan and his utterances for the President drew the ire of BJP MPs. The Congress MP called the new President 'Rashtrapatni'. He then later issued an apology, but along the sidelines, a Smriti Irani-Sonia Gandhi spat began. Each party is giving out their own version of what happened.

The cross-voting in the presidential elections may not have dramatically affected the elections, but it has definitely sent a message to the opposition.  An analysis of state-wise data shows that cross-voting happened in favour of Droupadi Murmu. So, the big question is: where does this leave the idea of opposition unity?

The rupee is sliding, now it has touched 80 against a dollar. There are political arguments and then there are economic arguments, and we discuss all of them on the Big Fight. We will also ask the four big questions that arise as a consequence of this rupee slide.

Debating, giving opinions on religion is becoming increasingly difficult day by day.  You could be interpreted in a way that could land you in a lot of trouble, or worse, in jail. In recent days, the aforementioned issue has come to the fore with people reacting violently in real life as well as on social media. This debate sheds light on the issue.

The Udaipur hate terror act has left a nation in shock. A family bereaved. Absolutely no one in their right mind can justify this act of terror. It is now also coming to light that the perpetrators were extremely radicalized terrorists. Who chose an ISIS like killing method, even bought a bike with the numbers 2611. As those investigations are still on, a Supreme Court hearing on Friday was on in which Nupur Sharma petitioned the court to transfer all hate FIRs against her to Delhi. The Big Fight today is asking, who started this fire? And who will put it out?

As the Maharashtra crisis is unfolding every day, a quick perspective from our panel on the new twists and turns being witnessed each moment.

There have been massive protests over the Agnipath recruitment scheme. Dozens of trains, BJP offices, MLAs' homes have been attacked. It appears that what began as a recruitment program in the armed forces, has now turned out into massive law and order concern. Government introduced some changes last night; the one-time upper age relaxation from 21 to 23 years. The government says that this scheme is beneficial for agniveers. On Big Fight we explore the workings of Agnipath scheme in India.

Last week, the utterances of BJP leaders Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal created an international uproar. The BJP took action against the, but since then another polarised debate on hate has begun. Today's show is a little different though. All this started because hate has become normalised on TV news. We call this the hate for profit media fix match. The impact to the society is devastating. So, while we take action against motormouths, how about reigning in hate for profit media? in the name of free speech, should hate debates and hate news be normalised? a casual abuse here or there, a casual slap here or there, a casual insult, why? Nip it in the bud. End the fix match in the hate for profit media.

Protests broke out after Friday prayers in several cities over former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma's remarks on the Prophet. But while protesters dispersed in most places, in others like Ranchi and Prayagraj there was violence and clashes were reported. Can violence over someone's verbal remarks ever be justified?

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has repeated his position on Kashi and Mathura, saying the RSS will not be a part of any such movement as its main job is character building. However, this time, he went a step further, saying why look for a 'shivling' in every mosque? Apart from a message to the RSS cadre and people in general, this could be a strong message to BJP leaders as well, as both Yogi Adityanath and Keshav Maurya have been at the forefront in terms of commenting on Kashi and Mathura. While the central leadership is trudging more cautiously, is this some sort of a strategy we do not know about? Or will the BJP actually follow the words of Mr Bhagwat?

On the 5th of August 2019, a strong argument was made by the Centre that this is the beginning of a 'Naya Kashmir'. However, now, with a spate of targeted killings in the valley, Kashmiri pandits are up in arms -- they want to leave Kashmir, they're disillusioned. Non-Kashmiri Hindus and local Muslims are being targeted and killed, and now, questions are being raised on the very Kashmir policy which the Centre was so excited about. Has the Centre fumbled in its Kashmir policy?

"It is difficult to stop targeted attacks, but there are ways to manage it. This is a people-less fight, between the forces and terrorists. If you involve people, it can make it easier," says Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference Chairman Sajjad Lone.

"We've done a course-correction, we have no qualms in admitting it. There was initial prima facie evidence that people were taking drugs on the cruise, and 14 out of the 20 were found in possession of drugs. However, eventually, the truth did come out", says NCB Chief SN Pradhan on the Aryan Khan case.  

Senior Supreme Court Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who was Aryan Khan's counsel in the drugs-on-cruise case, said it was a "case of no evidence". "Tall claims were made about international drug cartels because the boy belongs to a celebrity family. This was a case of no evidence," he told NDTV.

"There was no evidence against Aryan Khan - so we're not surprised but we're certainly relieved," says Raian Karanjawala, who was Aryan Khan's counsel, after he was cleared of all charges. "Shah Rukh and Aryan were trying to lighten the mood, but both the women (Gauri and Suhana) were distraught," he recalls.

Eight months ago, when the sensational arrest of Aryan Khan, son of Shahrukh Khan, was made in Mumbai, claims of solid proof were made by the Narcotics Control Bureau. The agency said that even though there were no drugs in his possession, Khan could be a part of an international drug cartel or a syndicate. Eight months later, the very same agency now says - there's no case against him. So, what happened in 8 months? Was Aryan Khan targeted because he is SRK's son?

In November 2019, when the Supreme Court decided in favour of a temple in Ayodhya, the RSS chief and the PM hinted at moving forward - not celebrating this as a victory. They said that this was a moment of taking everyone together. That time, one really thought that such a controversial issue is now behind us, and that religious polarisation at least around the masjid mandir lines will be over. However, since early this year, this discourse has started again -- especially with the Gyanvapi mosque survey going ahead now, complete with its twists and turns. So, on this episode of the Big Fight, though the legal process is still at a basic stage, the question arises - is this the 2024 script that is being written now?

Food and retail inflation are at an all-time high -- with inflation breaking its own record, it's at the highest since 2014. However, the place of this important issue in the political discourse in the country appears to be buried under the mandir-masjid debate. Is inflation a topic that government doesn't want to discuss - for obvious reasons?

The World Health Organization estimated that the deaths related to Covid in India were around 47 Lakhs. Now, this is almost 10 times more than what the government has claimed. It's important to note that what the WHO is saying is not an absolute or actual number but a projection on the basis of statistical modelling. The WHO's projections, extrapolated on the basis of data study in 17 states matches the projections of the Lancet, the Economist and many other organisations. The Indian government refuted this report, saying that the modelling is inaccurate. Some sections in the government, not officially, also highlight what they call a deep-seated bias of the WHO against India - that the WHO found the cryptic data collection and reporting of Covid from China satisfactory, but they found fault in India's reports. So, which is more accurate - the Indian government's data or the WHO's projection? Or, is the truth somewhere in the middle?

"The last 10 months have been frightening for minorities. If the Prime Minister gave a signal to his partymen and others involved in violence, it would make a significant difference," says Najeeb Jung, former Delhi Lieutenant Governor who was one of the bureaucrats who wrote to the Prime Minister, flagging a "frenzy of hate" in recent times.

Over 100 former bureaucrats have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagging what they say is a "frenzy of hate" and "an escalation of hate violence across BJP-ruled states". Recently, the Supreme Court cracked down on hate speech, after which the Uttarakhand government refused permission for a religious event in Roorkee. But, with incidents of communal violence and hate being witnessed every few days, should the Prime Minister speak up?  

Across the country, incidents of communal hatred have been increasing over the last few days. From violence erupting during religious processions to hate speeches, there's been a spate of communal incidents. Who's fanning this fire - and how do we stop this?

A number of incidents have happened over this last week that force us to think about a pattern - in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh, despite the administration denying permission, ABVP workers put up loudspeakers to play out 'Hanuman Chalisa' as a counter to the 'Azaan' from mosques. Then, the 'bulldozer justice' in Madhya Pradesh, where there are allegations that the bulldozer is only being used against members of a community. In West Bengal, the Chief Minister has been accused of shielding Trinamool members - when a minor was gang-raped and she succumbed to injuries. This forces one question - do political sides define justice?

On a day when the central government has warned 5 states of an uptick in Covid cases, comes a change in India's vaccination policy. Booster or precaution doses are now available to all above 18 years of age - but, the booster for all is a paid service. Not free like Dose 1 and 2. What explains this vaccine inequity? Top focus on The Big Fight.

From students wearing hijabs being harassed to an economic exclusion of non-Hindus from temples - and now to halal meat vendors being attacked, just what is happening in Karnataka? Are vested interests stirring the communal pot ahead of next year's elections? Top focus on The Big Fight.

The BJP has claimed 4 of the five states that recently went to polls, while the AAP managed a spectacular win in Punjab. In the Opposition space, there is a burning desire to occupy and fill some sort of an anti-Modi political vacuum. Consider Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's speech in the Delhi Assembly on Thursday, where he directly attacked the Prime Minister. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, despite the Birbhum horror, has continued her attack against the PM. SP's Akhilesh Yadav has decided to limit himself to UP. Yogi Vs Akhilesh and Mamata or Kejriwal vs Modi - is this the opposition strategy and will it work? 

Tonight's The Big Fight addresses Prime Minister Modi's statement on the 2022 state elections being an indication for the 2024 general elections. With guests from all major political parties in India, The Big Fight aims to uncover the true extent of the threat of extinction for the Congress, and the chances of a united opposition shaping up before the Lok Sabha polls.

Politicians, activists and students debate the kind of impact the BJP's resounding success in UP during the assembly elections will have on the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Who has the edge in Varanasi, the nerve centre of politics in Uttar Pradesh? We bring to you a special edition of The Big Fight from the heart of Purvanchal, where issues of unemployment, corruption and crime come to the fore before the seventh phase of UP elections on March 7.

Education, Jobs, security, what do the young voters of Lucknow want from their leaders? Special edition of the BIG FIGHT from the heart of capital Lucknow which goes to polls on Feb 23

A special edition of Big Fight from Bareilly, on the highly-charged battle for West UP. Will Yogi Adityanath's latest barb, on UP turning into Kerala, Bengal and Kashmir, succeed in polarising voters? Or is hate politics yielding diminishing returns in 2022?

Rahul Gandhi's stirring speech in Parliament earlier this week , where he spoke about his idea of India, in it, he spoke about India's federal identity, while that's nothing new but by raising the issue of states having primacy with their own independent identities may seem to suggest that Rahul Gandhi was trying to position the Congress party as a natural ally and representative of state parties. Is Rahul Gandhi's vision of India a challenge to the BJP?

The Union Budget is going to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1. This is the second budget to be presented amid the Covid pandemic. We have seen various steps apart from the budget, announced by the FM, for instance the stimulus package and the PLI scheme. Now, can the distribution of government spend meet the expectations and need of an India dealing with a third Covid wave? This is the first budget post-vaccination - and a healthy budget can capitalize on vaccinated Indians. On the big fight tonight - will Budget 22 be the big booster dose for the Indian economy?

The Amar Jawan Jyoti burning at India Gate was merged with the flame burning at the National War Memorial today. Rahul Gandhi opposed this decision and said that "some people cannot understand patriotism and sacrifice - no problem...we will burn the Amar Jawan Jyoti once again for our soldiers". On Big Fight, we look at the government's stance on these 3 years back vs now and ask what changed?

The virus is still out there, strong and invisible. But there is something even more deadly than the virus and its variants - misinformation. Somehow, internationally, a message seems to have gone out to people that this new variant is mild, and it does not harm as much as the previous variants did. What is being cited are low deaths and low hospitalisations compared to the second wave. This is the worst thing that anyone can do, stating incomplete facts. The truth is as follows - no qualified doctor will ever conclude that the virus and its variant is mild, people who are falling ill are complaining of severe symptoms. Also, we are still completely unaware of the symptoms and impact of these variants on long Covid, what it will do to our body in the long term. So, on the Big Fight tonight, the big fight will be against misinformation, against the virus and its variants, and against this dangerous theory that this variant is mild. The 'mild' misnomer, challenged on the show tonight.