Frontline Conversations

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Frontline Conversations

  1. 27 APR

    Suhas Palshikar explains the delimitation row: North vs South, federalism, and women’s reservation

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Suhas Palshikar, political scientist and retired professor from Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, analyses the growing controversy around the delimitation debate in India, the recent defeat of a Constitution Amendment Bill linked to women’s reservation, and the larger political implications for federalism, representation, and democratic consensus. Drawing on historical context, constitutional provisions, and political developments, he explains why delimitation is emerging as a defining issue for India’s politics over the next decade. The conversation further explores key questions around population-based representation, the imbalance between States, and the need to reconcile democratic principles with federal realities. Palshikar also reflects on the dangers of politicising and “weaponising” issues like women’s reservation, and how such strategies could increase divisions within Indian democracy. Chapters: 00:00 | Intro: Delimitation row & political context 01:29 | Why the Bill failed in Parliament 02:32 | Constitution Amendment bill & consensus politics in India 04:33 | North vs South debate: Myth or reality? 06:06 | Is federalism under threat? 08:05 | Why delimitation is necessary 10:47 | Population control vs representation debate 15:36 | GDP-based representation debate 20:40 | Weaponisation of women’s reservation issue 22:54 | Civil society’s role in democracy 24:53 | Conclusion: Future of delimitation Perfect for: - UPSC aspirants preparing Indian polity, governance, and federalism - Students of political science and constitutional law - Journalists covering elections, Parliament, and policy debates - Viewers interested in the north vs south political discourse - Anyone seeking a deeper understanding of delimitation and India’s democratic structure Credits: Host: Amey Tirodkar Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Mridula Vijayarangakumar If you found this discussion insightful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth ground reports and political analysis. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online-subscription/ Follow us on: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/frontlineindia/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/frontline_india Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/frontline.magazine LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/frontline-magazine-b12921295/ #Delimitation #IndianPolitics #Federalism #NorthVsSouth #WomensReservation #LokSabha #PoliticalAnalysis

    25 min

  2. 27 APR

    West Bengal election 2026: Identity politics, vote banks, and the BJP vs Trinamool battle

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, sociologist, writer, and Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Royal Global University, Guwahati, Surajit Mukhopadhyay analyses the changing dynamics of the West Bengal Assembly election 2026, focusing on how identity politics has come to shape electoral outcomes in the State. Drawing on historical and sociological insights, he explains how Bengal’s earlier politics—once centred on class and economic inequality under the Left—has gradually shifted towards assertions of ethnic, religious, and regional identities. Mukhopadhyay argues that the decline of Left politics has opened space for what he calls the “politics of primordial identities”, where communities mobilise around ethnicity, religion, and cultural recognition rather than purely economic concerns. He examines how tribal assertions, including the Kurmi demand for Scheduled Tribe status, and broader questions of linguistic and cultural recognition, are influencing key electoral regions such as Jangalmahal and North Bengal. He also explores the growing Hindu-Muslim binary in Bengal politics, while cautioning against simplistic narratives like “vote bank politics”. Instead, he emphasises voter agency, local socio-economic realities, and the role of perception in shaping electoral behaviour. The discussion further unpacks how political parties—including the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party—are navigating and, at times, amplifying identity-based narratives. Chapters: 00:00 | Introduction: Identity politics in Bengal 01:27 | From class to identity: Decline of Left politics 02:54 | Ethnicity and regional divides in Bengal 10:31 | Kurmi ST demand and tribal assertion 17:45 | Religion and the Hindu-Muslim binary 24:03 | Myth of vote bank politics 26:40 | BJP vs Trinamool: Narrative vs reality 32:23 | Election outlook and predictions Perfect for: - Students of political science and sociology - UPSC aspirants tracking Indian elections and society - Journalists covering elections, identity, and governance - Political observers interested in West Bengal politics - Anyone trying to understand how identity shapes modern elections Credits: Host: Suhrid Sankar Chattopadhyay Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Mridula Vijayarangakumar If you found this discussion insightful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online-subscription/ Follow us on: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/frontlineindia/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/frontline_india Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/frontline.magazine LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/frontline-magazine-b12921295/ #WestBengalElections #BengalPolls #IdentityPolitics #Elections2026 #BJPvsTMC #bengalelections #bjpbengal #VoteBankPolitics #IndianPolitics #tmcbengal #UPSCCurrentAffairs #ElectionExplained #HinduMuslimvotebank #mamatabengal

    35 min

  3. 25 APR

    Dalit history month: Tamil writer Bama on Ambedkar, Dalit unity, and the politics of identity

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, part of a special interview series for Dalit History Month, acclaimed Tamil writer Bama reflects on over three decades of Dalit writing, the enduring legacy of B. R. Ambedkar, and the evolving realities of caste, resistance, and identity in India. She traces how Ambedkar’s call to “educate, organise, and agitate” transformed Dalit consciousness, while also pointing to the continuing challenges of unity and political organisation within Dalit communities. Drawing from her lived experiences and literary journey since "Karukku, Bama highlights how education and assertion have grown but structural inequalities persist. Bama also offers a powerful perspective on Dalit feminism, arguing that the experiences of Dalit women are distinct due to the intersection of caste and gender. She also speaks about writing as healing, the power of words, and the lessons she has learned from children and marginalised communities. Perfect for: -Students of sociology, literature, and gender studies -UPSC aspirants and competitive exam candidates -Researchers studying caste, Dalit history, and feminism -Journalists covering social justice and identity politics -Anyone interested in understanding caste and inequality in modern India Chapters: 00:00 | Introduction | Dalit history month 01:12 | Ambedkar’s legacy & Dalit assertion 04:42 | “Educate, agitate” vs lack of unity 06:53 | Dalit feminism explained 11:42 | Dalit literature & global reach 14:32 | Writing journey & life lessons 16:56 | Rural change, media, & youth 20:00 | Writing as healing & final thoughts Credits: Host: A. Mangai Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Mridula Vijayarangakumar If you found this discussion insightful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth ground reports and political analysis. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook -   / frontlineindia   Twitter -   / frontline_india   Instagram -   / frontline.magazine   LinkedIn -   / frontline-magazine-b12921295

    23 min

  4. 24 APR

    Francesca Albanese on the genocide in Gaza, Israeli jail torture reports, and crisis of global law

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, discusses the ongoing crisis in Gaza, the global response to the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the role of international institutions in addressing alleged war crimes and human rights violations. Drawing on her reports, field insights, and legal analysis, she explains why she believes the situation in Gaza meets the definition of genocide under international law. Albanese reflects on her work within the United Nations, highlighting both its potential and its limitations. She argues that international law is being selectively applied, and that global powers are failing to uphold accountability despite mounting evidence and legal proceedings at institutions like the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. The interview further examines India’s evolving relationship with Israel, raising questions about foreign policy, defence ties, and the broader implications for democracy and human rights. Albanese also opens up about the personal cost of her work, including sanctions, political pressure, and the challenges of speaking truth to power in an increasingly polarised world. Perfect for: UPSC aspirants tracking international relations and global conflicts Students of political science, international law, and human rights Journalists covering geopolitics and the Middle East Viewers seeking in-depth analysis beyond headlines Anyone trying to understand the Gaza war and global power dynamics Credits: Host: Prathap Nair Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Mridula Vijayarangakumar If you found this conversation insightful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Frontline for more deep-dive discussions on global politics and current affairs. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook -   / frontlineindia   Twitter -   / frontline_india   Instagram -   / frontline.magazine   LinkedIn -   / frontline-magazine-b12921295

    53 min

  5. 15 APR

    Tamil Nadu election 2026: Social media narratives, war rooms, and players

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, political strategist and former head of the AIADMK IT wing, Aspire Swaminathan, analyses the shifting dynamics of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election. Drawing on his experience in managing campaigns, setting up war rooms, and travelling extensively across the State, Swaminathan explains how what was once a clear two-front contest has evolved into a complex three-way battle shaped by perception, narrative, and emerging voter behaviour. Swaminathan argues that elections today are driven more by perception than performance. While the gap between the DMK and AIADMK has narrowed, actor Vijay’s entry has sparked strong enthusiasm among young voters. However, he cautions that this social media-driven momentum may not yet translate into real vote share, comparing it to a company's “valuation hype” without historical backing. He examines voter behaviour across caste, religion, and generational lines, noting that anti-incumbency remains limited. He also evaluates the BJP’s position in Tamil Nadu, highlighting strategic gaps, leadership absence, and weak organisational traction. Chapters: 01:32 | Why TN election 2026 is “peculiar” 02:43 | DMK vs AIADMK: Has the gap closed? 03:54 | Why Seeman connects with young voters 05:50 | Vijay’s massive youth appeal explained 06:59 | Social media vs ground reality in elections 07:52 | Is Vijay only an urban phenomenon? 12:59 | Vote share math: Who gains, who loses? 15:03 | Why DMK still has a slight edge 15:32 | Anti-incumbency vs real anger 18:56 | M.K. Stalin’s changing public image 20:49 | Dynasty politics: Does it still matter? 21:48 | What’s happening with BJP in Tamil Nadu? 24:51 | Inside election war rooms 26:11 | How narratives win elections 27:56 | Conclusion Perfect for: - Students of political science and electoral studies - UPSC aspirants tracking contemporary Indian politics - Journalists covering elections, strategy, and voter behaviour - Political observers interested in Tamil Nadu’s changing landscape - Anyone trying to understand how modern elections are actually won Credits: Host: R.K. Radhakrishnan Editing: Razal Pareed Camera and Production: Kavya Pradeep M and Mridula Vijayarangakumar If you found this discussion insightful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online-subscription/ Follow us on: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/frontlineindia/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/frontline_india Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/frontline.magazine LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/frontline-magazine-b12921295/ #TamilNaduElections2026 #DMKvsAIADMK #TNPolitics #ElectionAnalysis #Seeman #MKStalin #EPS #TVKvijay #FrontlineConversations #YouthVote #VoteShare #PoliticalTrends #Election2026

    28 min

  6. 15 APR

    Shailaja Paik on Ambedkar, caste "vulgarity", and women’s bodies

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, part of a special interview series for Dalit History Month, historian and MacArthur Fellow Shailaja Paik discusses her work on caste, gender, and Dalit women’s history in India. She explains how her research challenges dominant narratives by centring the lived experiences of Dalit women, whose voices have long been absent from mainstream archives. Paik speaks about her books on Dalit women’s education and the cultural history of Tamasha performers, highlighting how caste operates through everyday practices, institutions, and control over women’s bodies and labour. She also introduces her concept of the “sex-gender-caste complex” to explain layered forms of oppression. From the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar and anti-caste movements in Maharashtra to contemporary debates on feminism, academic freedom, and caste in global contexts, Paik provides an analysis of why caste remains central to understanding modern India. She also discusses the challenges of writing histories that were never meant to be preserved and the importance of recovering marginalised voices. Highlights: - Shailaja Paik on Dalit women’s education - “Education freed and disciplined at the same time” - The politics of caste, gender, and sexuality - The “sex-gender-caste complex” explained - Tamasha performers and hidden cultural histories - Ambedkar’s legacy and anti-caste movements - Why caste still shapes everyday life - Feminism, archives, and erased histories Perfect for: - Students of history, sociology, and gender studies - UPSC aspirants and competitive exam candidates - Researchers studying caste, Dalit history, and feminism - Journalists covering social justice and identity politics - Anyone interested in understanding caste in modern India Credits: Host: Ayesha Minhaz Camera: Mridula Vijayarangakumar Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Mridula Vijayarangakumar and Kavya Pradeep M If you found this discussion insightful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online-subscription/ Follow us on: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/frontlineindia/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/frontline_india Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/frontline.magazine LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/frontline-magazine-b12921295/ #ShailajaPaik #DalitHistory #Ambedkar #DalitWomen #CasteInIndia #IndianHistory #FeminismIndia #DalitFeminism #FrontlineConversations #SocialJustice #CasteSystem #GenderStudies

    1hr 6min

  7. 13 APR

    Will Vijay’s TVK disrupt DMK and AIADMK? |Tamil Nadu election 2026

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Felix Gerald, spokesperson for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), discusses actor Vijay’s entry into politics and the party’s vision ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election. He explains how Vijay’s long-standing social work through Vijay Makkal Iyakkam has built grassroots support and argues that the current political momentum is not merely driven by stardom but by sustained public engagement. Gerald speaks about Vijay’s political motivation, emphasising his decision to dedicate the next phase of his life to public service. He also discusses how the party views its growth trajectory, internal survey estimates, and its confidence in emerging as a major political force in Tamil Nadu. From the intersection of cinema and politics to questions of governance, corruption, and leadership style, Gerard provides insights into how TVK is positioning itself as an alternative in the State’s political landscape. He also addresses campaign challenges, public perception, and the broader appeal of Vijay as a leader cutting across social divisions. Highlights: Vijay’s political journey Why TVK says its rise is “not just stardom” The role of social work in building grassroots support Internal surveys and TVK’s growth claims Cinema as a political tool: “Jana Nayagan” and mass outreach Vijay’s leadership style and public messaging strategy Youth mobilisation and cross-community appeal Can TVK emerge as a major force in Tamil Nadu politics? Students of political science, governance, and electoral politics UPSC aspirants and competitive exam candidates Researchers tracking regional parties and celebrity politics in India Journalists covering Tamil Nadu politics and emerging parties Citizens interested in Vijay’s political journey and TVK’s rise Perfect for: If you found this discussion insightful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook -   / frontlineindia   Twitter -   / frontline_india   Instagram -   / frontline.magazine   LinkedIn -   / frontline-magazine-b12921295

    12 min

  8. 9 APR

    Will West Bengal see its most communal election yet?

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Maidul Islam, Professor at the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Kolkata, examines the growing communalisation of politics in West Bengal and its implications for the 2026 Assembly election. He explains how the rise of the BJP, the spread of RSS networks, and the emergence of localised Muslim political formations are reshaping Bengal’s political landscape. Islam argues that while West Bengal historically remained insulated from large-scale communal violence, the post-2014 period marked a decisive shift. He looks into the rise of low-scale communal violence and warns that the pattern of communal riots and the rise of BJP are very synchronised. Tracing electoral data from 2014 to 2024, he explains how Bengal has transitioned into a bipolar contest between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress, marginalising traditional players like the Congress and the Left. From the role of welfare politics and identity mobilisation to the strategic use of voter enumeration processes such as SIR, Islam lays out how political narratives are being reshaped ahead of the elections. He also offers a detailed electoral forecast, suggesting that the Trinamool Congress could secure between 185 and 226 seats, depending on campaign dynamics and voter consolidation. Highlights: The rise of communal politics in West Bengal after 2014 “Low-scale communal violence” and its electoral implications Why BJP’s growth and communal tensions appear interconnected The decline of Congress and the Left in a bipolar political system The role of Muslim-majority districts in shaping electoral outcomes How SIR and voter dynamics are influencing political consolidation Why Trinamool has emerged as the dominant political force Seat-by-seat election prediction and possible scenarios Students of political science, public policy, and electoral studies UPSC aspirants and competitive exam candidates Researchers tracking communal politics and party systems in India Journalists covering elections, governance, and political trends Citizens interested in understanding West Bengal’s evolving politics Perfect for: Credits: Host: Suhrid Sankar Chattopadhyay Camera: Jayanta Shaw Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Mridula Vijayarangakumar If you found this discussion insightful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook -   / frontlineindia   Twitter -   / frontline_india   Instagram -   / frontline.magazine   LinkedIn -   / frontline-magazine-b12921295

    27 min
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Frontline Conversations

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  • Creator
    Frontline
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    109
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Frontline
  • Show Website
    Frontline Conversations