New Delhi: Prime time Sunday was dominated by politics in the four states and one union territory due for assembly elections. Aaj Tak discussed BJP versus Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal, whereas NDTV India focused on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s promises to farmers in a rally in Meerut, on Sunday.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Sunday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “formidable enemy”, comparing him to the British. Meanwhile, former Congress Rajya Sabha MP Ghulam Nabi Azad praised the PM at an event in Jammu, saying he likes the fact that the PM does not try to hide his background.
On Zee News, anchor Aditi Tyagi pointed to the two contradictory statements of the Congress leaders and asked if Congress is “the great confused party”. The channel also ran the hashtag #ConfusedCongress.
While defending Rahul Gandhi, Congress spokesperson Mudit Agarwal questioned Azad’s statement, saying only he knows why he had criticised the PM for 10 years, and has suddenly changed his stance now.
BJP’s Rajeev Jaitly chimed in, “First it should be clarified that the Congress leaders are using the name of Mahatma Gandhi, but it is of no use because he had already said that after Independence, there is no purpose of Congress’ existence.”
On News 18 India, anchor Amish Devgan discussed the row over Rahul Gandhi’s remark at a rally last week. Gandhi had described his stint as a Lok Sabha MP from Wayanad in Kerala as “refreshing” after 15 years of politics in the North — this triggered a North-South debate. Devgan asked if Rahul Gandhi was trying to divide the country in the name of politics.
BJP’s Gaurav Bhatia said the Congress party does not have any ideology or direction in today’s times. “On one hand, Priyanka Gandhi campaigns in Uttar Pradesh while, on the other hand, Rahul Gandhi terms the voters of Uttar Pradesh immature,” he added.
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate clarified that Rahul Gandhi has a problem with the political mentality that does not accept the southern part of the country as its own. “The truth is that Rahul Gandhi is the leader who can win elections in both North and South India, which is troubling the BJP,” she said.
Tamil Nadu was in focus on India Today as the channel analysed the ‘legacy’ war over late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha on her birth anniversary. The channel noted that Amma’s birthday celebrations this year acquired even greater significance since state polls are just round the corner. The legacy war is on between the leadership of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and Sasikala-led Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam (AMNK). “When it comes to the optics, the ruling AIADMK to which Amma belongs came out as the victor,” said the channel, adding: “Chief Minister Palanisamy and Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam painted a picture of unity.”
India Today also showed visuals of a massive gathering at AIADMK headquarters and contrasted it with a scanty crowd at Sasikala’s celebrations. “The true supporters of Amma must unite for upcoming polls. We must achieve what Amma envisioned. We must win and rule for 100 years like Amma wanted,” Sasikala said, addressing the media.
Mirror Now‘s anchor Afrida Rahman Ali took a break from politics and discussed the vaccination drive 2.0, and asked whether we are ready to go ahead.
Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals, expressed belief that the country is ready for a good ramp-up. “I also believe that it’s important for each centre to be clear about their own cold chain. The process needs to be understood well — it isn’t difficult,” she added.
Professor Virander Singh Chauhan from the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology stressed that this is the best chance we have to reduce infection and all adults should go ahead and get vaccinated.