Left, Right & Centre

In a major setback for the CBI and India's efforts to get fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi back, the Interpol withdrew the Red Corner Notice against him. The CBI has said it is using all available options within the Interpol for the restoration of the Red Corner Notice against fugitive diamond merchant. Choksi is wanted in Rs 13,000 crore bank fraud in Punjab National Bank.

 

Political strategist Prashant Kishor spoke to NDTV on his Gandhian ideology, his quest to bring development to Bihar, and most importantly, what the opposition lacks in comparison to the BJP.

As the chase for Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh enters its third day, Left, Right & Centre decodes how real the Khalistan threat really is.

Congress cries foul as Delhi Police reach Rahul Gandhi's home to question him about a remark he made during the Srinagar leg of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, 45 days ago, pertaining to sexual harassment of women. 'Politically timed,' says Congress, while Delhi Police say they want to help victims and need more details. On Left, Right & Centre, we ask - is the police action part due process or politically motivated?

 

Parliament was adjourned early for the fourth day in a row after the ruling BJP doubled down on Rahul Gandhi over his remarks in London - meanwhile, the opposition remains firm in its demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into Hindenburg's allegations against Adani. Rahul Gandhi hit out at the BJP, questioning if he would be allowed to speak in Parliament after four ministers levelled allegations against him, but the BJP insists he must apologise.

The BJP released a cartoon video ahead of the 2024 polls - one showing Prime Minister Modi as a calm, unruffled leader, juxtaposed with an angry and flustered Rahul Gandhi. The video made use of previous Congress party comments against the Prime Minister - and pitted the Congress as the primary opposition party. On Left, Right and Centre, we discuss the political messaging of the video.

India could have a new permanent US ambassador after over two years of the position being vacant but Eric Garcetti, Joe Biden's choice for the role, has been facing hurdles ever since he was nominated in July 2021, including allegations of ignoring his aide's sexual misconduct and having close links with a Chinese front organisation. He has also angered some Indians over his remarks against India's citizenship act. On Left, Right & Centre, we ask - will Mr Garcetti be cleared in the Senate vote?

The impasse in parliament over Rahul Gandhi's comments on the Indian democracy at Cambridge university, the Adani-Hindenburg row and the opposition allegations of misuse of Central investigative agencies is likely to continue through the second half of the budget session. On Left, Right & Centre, we ask - what is the way ahead out of this logjam?

The banking major Credit Suisse has seen its shares crash more than 20 per cent to record lows after its main shareholder refused to pump in more money - a move which has brought down shares in several other European banks. Former Chief Economic Advisor Dr K Subramanian weighs in on how this could impact India.

The UP government gives Rs 1 lakh to each district for special events - including the Akhand Ramayana recitation on Navratri. Events are meant to be held in every block and all preparations need to be complete by March 21. While the separation of the state and religion as espoused by the Constitution has been at the core of the secular ideal, these standards have been questioned in Uttar Pradesh. Year after year, Kanwar yatris have been garlanded by everyone from political leaders to police officers. They have been showered petals from helicopters. This is not a debate on the significance of Hindu religious festivals. It's more about whether this is being done to push the idea of a Hindu Rashtra ahead of elections, something which is at odds with the basic identity of what India has been.