Frontline Conversations

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Frontline Conversations

  1. 1D AGO

    DMK manifesto 2026: Key promises, alliances, & welfare politics | Manuraj Shunmugasundaram speaks

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Manuraj Shunmugasundaram, national media spokesperson of the DMK, speaks about the key political narratives shaping the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election. The discussion centres on the DMK’s latest manifesto, the Rs.8,000 coupon scheme debate, and the broader ideological framework of the Dravidian model of governance. It also discusses whether welfare measures should be viewed as “freebies” or as long-term investments in people, particularly in recognising women’s unpaid domestic labour. A major focus of the interview is the evolving political landscape, including the entry of actor Vijay and the emergence of a potential third force. Is Vijay’s political appeal built on sustained credibility or short-term hype? The discussion contrasts this with what the DMK describes as “time-tested governance” under M.K. Stalin. Chapters: 00:41 | Rs.8000 scheme debate   02:26 | Women welfare model   04:14 | DMK manifesto insights   05:46 | Dravidian model explained   06:54 | DMK alliance dynamics   09:27 | Stalin leadership model   10:39 | Opposition power play   13:34 | Tamil Nadu LPG crisis   16:30 | Federalism debate   18:53 | Temple control debate   21:38 | People’s Sanctum book   22:26 | Political personal journey 24:14 | Final takeaways -Perfect for viewers interested in: - Tamil Nadu politics and 2026 Assembly election analysis - DMK manifesto and welfare policy debates - Vijay’s political entry and opposition dynamics - Dravidian model and governance in Tamil Nadu - Federalism and Centre-State relations in India - UPSC polity and current affairs preparation 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/ #dmk #TamilNaduElections #MKStalin #TNPolitics #LPGCrisis #FreebiesDebate #Vijaytvk #vijaypolitics #AIADMK #IndianPolitics #Election2026 #Federalism #LPGCrisis #WomenEmpowerment #DMKManifesto #DravidianModel#BreakingPolitics #FrontlineConversations

    25 min

  2. 1D AGO

    Puducherry election 2026: Can Congress return to power? | V. Narayanasamy explains

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, former Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy speaks about the political landscape ahead of the 2026 Puducherry Assembly election. The discussion looks into the performance of the BJP–N.R. Congress government, with criticism on governance, corruption, and the unfulfilled promise of statehood. He explains the alliance politics and electoral strategy, with insights into Congress–DMK coordination, seat-sharing challenges, and the dynamics of coalition politics on the ground. The interview also analyses internal rifts within rival alliances, the role of smaller parties, and whether Congress is positioned for a comeback in Puducherry. Chapters: 01:09 | Failure of BJP's double engine government 01:32 | Statehood promise not kept 02:39 | Corruption allegations explained 02:57 | Counterfeit drug scam 06:28 | Alliance conflicts & seat sharing 07:24 | BJP's internal rift 08:56 | Governors Kiran Bedi and K. Kailashnathan 09:32 | Why Narayanasamy isn’t contesting 10:03 | Is Vijay a political factor? 10:14 | Puducherry statehood debate 11:21 | Communal harmony in Karaikal 11:54 | Nominated MLAs controversy 13:11 | MLAs Joining BJP 14:10 | Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi Perfect for viewers interested in: Puducherry politics and 2026 Assembly election Congress vs BJP vs N.R. Congress dynamics Statehood debate and Union Territory governance Corruption, policy, and governance issues Alliance politics and electoral strategy UPSC polity and current affairs preparation In-depth political interviews and analysis 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

    14 min

  3. MAR 28

    Tamil Nadu election 2026: DMK vs AIADMK, alliances, and Vijay’s entry

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, psephologist Arun Krishnamurthy joins Frontline to break down the evolving dynamics of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election. The discussion explores whether the State is moving beyond the traditional DMK–AIADMK binary and what the rise of Vijay’s TVK means for the political landscape. It looks at the role of women voters, Gen Z, and first-time voters, examining how emotional connection, welfare politics, and leadership perception are shaping electoral choices. The conversation also analyses whether schemes like the Rs.1,000 assistance and free bus travel have reached saturation, and if voter dissatisfaction could influence outcomes. A key focus is the emergence of a third political space, with TVK generating excitement among youth and urban voters. But the big question remains: will this enthusiasm translate into votes? The discussion also evaluates alliance arithmetic, vote transferability, and the balance between anti-incumbency and the desire for stability. Chapters: 00:00 | Introduction and context 00:41 | Why this election is different 02:03 | Jayalalithaa's legacy and emotional voting 00:59 | Women voters: Beyond welfare politics 05:06 | DMK welfare model: Strength or weakness? 06:15 | Rs.1000 Scheme controversy explained 08:57 | Voter mood: Stability vs change 14:34 | Is There Anti-Incumbency in Tamil Nadu? 20:53 | Can Vijay's TVK convert hype into votes? 22:51 | DMK vs AIADMK vs TVK 25:02 | Alliance Arithmetic & Vote Transfer 27:14 | Urban vs rural voting behaviour 28:13 | Is a third front a reality? 34:23 | VCK & NTK vote pattern 37:59 | Who has the most at stake? 39:59 | Final verdict Highlights: Why the Tamil Nadu 2026 Assembly election is “no longer a binary” Women voters shifting beyond welfare politics DMK governance: performance vs unmet promises AIADMK’s post-Jayalalithaa challenges Vijay’s TVK: excitement vs actual vote conversion Gen Z and first-time voters shaping the election Alliance politics, vote transfer, and ground reality Anti-incumbency vs stability debate Tamil Nadu politics and 2026 Assembly election analysis DMK vs AIADMK vs TVK contest Voter behaviour, women voters, and Gen Z impact Vijay’s political entry and TVK strategy Welfare politics and governance debates UPSC polity & current affairs preparation In-depth political interviews and ground reports Perfect for viewers interested in: Credits: Hosts: Vasanth Srinivasan and Ilangovan Rajasekaran 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... Follow us on: Facebook -   / frontlineindia   Twitter -   / frontline_india   Instagram -   / frontline.magazine   LinkedIn -   / frontline-magazine-b12921295   #TamilNaduElection2026 #VijayTVK #DMKvsAIADMK #TamilNaduPolitics #GenZVoters #WomenVoters #ElectionAnalysis #IndianPolitics #TVK #Stalin #Seeman #TN2026 #FrontlineConversations

    40 min

  4. MAR 23

    Inside AIADMK strategy: EPS leadership, BJP alliance, and TVK challenge

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Kovai Sathyan, National Spokesperson of AIADMK, speaks about the high-stakes Tamil Nadu Assembly election, the AIADMK strategy under Edappadi K. Palaniswami, and the party’s battle against DMK. He addresses key issues shaping Tamil Nadu politics today, from the debate over NEET and the impact of the 7.5% internal reservation for government school students, to the controversy around the three-language policy and Centre-State relations. The conversation explores the AIADMK’s alliance with the BJP, countering criticism around political dependence and clarifying the dynamics of coalition politics in Tamil Nadu. He also responds to questions on minority votes, internal party challenges, and whether the 2026 election will remain a straight contest between AIADMK and DMK. Chapters: 0:00 | Introduction & stakes for EPS 1:06 | AIADMK alliance with BJP 1:56 | Three language policy 2:34 | NEET 4:13 | Adimai Katchi & Delhi visits 6:44 | Tamil Nadu 2021 & 2026 - Seat sharing & EPS’s leverage 7:41 | EPS as CM face and NDA vs State dynamics 9:21 | DMK and alliances 9:56 | Bringing AMMK on board 11:48 | Is AIADMK weak now? 14:43 | PMK’s family fight and strength 15:17 | Shiv Sena tussel and ECI statement 16:14 | Vijay’s TVK: noise vs ground reality 18:06 | Whose votes Vijay cuts & minority arithmetic 19:31 | AIDMK vs DMK: Dravidian Majors 20:02 | Minority arithmetic in Tamil Nadu Highlights: - AIADMK’s strategy to counter DMK in 2026 - Stand on NEET and medical admissions in Tamil Nadu - Impact of 7.5% reservation on MBBS seats - BJP-AIADMK alliance explained - Vijay’s political entry and its real impact - Minority vote dynamics in Tamil Nadu - EPS as the Chief Ministerial face Perfect for viewers interested in: - Tamil Nadu politics and 2026 election - AIADMK vs DMK rivalry - NEET controversy and education policy - Vijay’s political entry and TVK - BJP alliances in South India - Political interviews and election analysis 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/ #TamilNaduPolitics #AIADMK #DMK #EPS #Stalin #TN2026 #Elections2026 #NEET #BJPAlliance #VijayPolitics #BreakingPolitics #IndiaPolitics #PoliticalInterview #Frontline

    23 min

  5. MAR 19

    K. Kavitha on Delhi liquor case, Tihar jail, and new party plans

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, former MP and founder of Telangana Jagruthi, K. Kavitha speaks about the Delhi liquor case, her five months in Tihar Jail, and the personal and political fallout that followed. Reflecting on the court’s verdict discharging the accused, Kavitha raises questions about the use of investigative agencies in political battles. Kavitha also addresses the internal crisis within the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), her suspension from the party after two decades of political work, and her decision to resign from both the party and her MLC post. In the conversation, she reflects on the political costs of the case, the reputational damage she faced, and the challenges of being a woman in public life. Chapters: 00:00 | Introduction 01:45 | Delhi liquor case and court verdict 04:20 | Five months in Tihar Jail and personal costs 07:30 | Allegations of political targeting 10:15 | Misogyny and online abuse in politics 12:40 | Rift with BRS and resignation after 20 years 16:30 | Internal criticism of BRS leadership 19:45 | Telangana identity and regional politics 23:10 | TDP, Pawan Kalyan and Telangana autonomy debate 26:00 | Vision for a new political party 29:30 | What Kavitha wants from politics Highlights: - Kavitha’s response to the Delhi liquor case verdict - Her experience spending five months in Tihar Jail - Allegations of political targeting by investigative agencies - The BRS internal crisis and reasons for her resignation - Challenges faced by women in Indian politics - Debate over TTD funds and Andhra leaders inaugurating works in Telangana - Kavitha’s vision for a Telangana-first political party - The future of regional politics in Telangana Perfect for viewers interested in: - Telangana politics and regional parties - The Delhi liquor case and political investigations - BRS internal politics and the KCR family - Women in Indian politics - Telangana identity and regional autonomy debates - Contemporary political interviews and analysis Credits: Host: Ayesha Minhaz Camera: Amarnath Vallakirthi and JKM photography 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/ #KalvakuntlaKavitha #DelhiLiquorCase #frontline magazine #TelanganaPolitics #KCR #BRS #kavithainteriew #Kavitha latest interview #IndianPolitics #TiharJail #TelanganaNews

    32 min

  6. MAR 18

    Can science in India be a dream job? | Dr Karishma S. Kaushik explains

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Physician-scientist and scientific consultant Dr Karishma S. Kaushik speaks about the realities of building a career in science—beyond awards, breakthroughs, and public recognition. Drawing from her book "The Real Deal", Kaushik reflects on the often-unseen side of scientific life: failed experiments, long periods of uncertainty, and the emotional resilience required to stay the course. She explains the idea of the “leaky pipeline” in STEM, explaining why many women enter science with promise but exit midway through their careers. The conversation explores structural barriers in India’s scientific ecosystem, from limited job opportunities and lack of transparency in hiring to the burden of invisible labour that disproportionately falls on women scientists. Highlights: Why most of science happens between achievements The reality of failed experiments and uncertainty in research The “leaky pipeline” and why women leave STEM careers Differences between research ecosystems in India and the US The role of bureaucracy in slowing down scientific work Why humour and community matter in scientific careers Debunking the myth of the “dream job” Practical advice for young women considering careers in science Women in STEM and career challenges Science careers and PhD life Research culture in India Workplace inequality and gender issues Career reality vs expectations UPSC essay, ethics, and social issues topics Perfect for viewers interested in: Credits: Host: Saatvika Radhakrishna Camera: Kavya Pradeep M 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

    25 min

  7. MAR 18

    Will Iran lose the war? Defence expert Pravin Sawhney explains

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, defence analyst, author, and director of the Force Institute, Pravin Sawhney, examines the rapidly escalating war in West Asia following US–Israel strikes on Iran, and Iran's retaliatory attacks across the region. He argues that the conflict is fundamentally a “war of survival” for Iran and contends that it is unlikely to lose so long as it preserves its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Sawhney discusses the evolving military dynamics of the conflict, including Iran’s missile capabilities, the limits of Israeli air-defence systems such as Iron Dome, and the growing role of satellite navigation and modern warfare technologies. The conversation also explores the geopolitical dimensions of the crisis. Sawhney analyses the strategic support Iran is receiving from China and Russia, the shifting calculations of Gulf Cooperation Council states hosting US bases, and the economic risks posed by instability in the Strait of Hormuz. He argues that the war could reshape global deterrence politics and accelerate the transition to a multipolar world order. Highlights: -Why Iran views the war as an existential struggle for sovereignty -The military balance between Iran, Israel, and the United States -The role of Chinese satellite systems and modern warfare technologies -Russia and China’s strategic backing of Iran in a multipolar world -The vulnerability of US bases in the Gulf and changing GCC calculations -Economic risks surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and global energy flows -How the war could reshape global deterrence and world order -India’s diplomatic stance and the debate over its strategic autonomy Perfect for viewers interested in: -West Asia geopolitics and the Iran–US–Israel conflict -Military strategy and modern warfare technologies -The role of China and Russia in global power politics -Energy security and the Strait of Hormuz -India’s foreign policy and strategic autonomy -The emerging multipolar world order Credits: Host: Gowhar Geelani Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Mridula Vijayarangakumar If you found this conversation insightful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more in-depth discussions. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook -   / frontlineindia   Twitter -   / frontline_india   Instagram -   / frontline.magazine   LinkedIn -   / frontline-magazine-b12921295

    28 min

  8. MAR 6

    Journeying the Brahmaputra: China’s Yarlung Tsangpo Dam, river dolphins, and pirate encounters

    In this episode of Frontline Conversations, author and journalist Sanjoy Hazarika speaks to writer Samrat Choudhury about his latest book, "River Traveller: Journeys On The Tsangpo-Brahmaputra From Tibet To The Bay Of Bengal"—a sweeping blend of memoir, reportage, history, and river journey spanning Tibet, Northeast India, and Bangladesh. The discussion traces the 2,900-kilometre journey of the Brahmaputra, from the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet to the Bay of Bengal, exploring geopolitics, China’s dam-building ambitions, climate uncertainty, and the fragile ecology of one of Asia’s great rivers. Hazarika reflects on travelling across high plateaus and floodplains, filming in Tibet in 1998, encounters with river dolphins, and even a tense moment being chased by pirates in the Bay of Bengal. The conversation also examines migration and citizenship debates in Assam, the complexities of the NRC, and the human stories that unfold along the river’s shifting banks. At its heart, this is also a philosophical meditation on humility, memory, and what it means to be “completely at the mercy of the river”. Perfect for: • Readers of travel writing, memoir, and narrative nonfiction • Students of geopolitics, migration studies, and environmental policy • Those interested in Northeast India, Tibet, Bangladesh, and river ecologies • Viewers concerned about climate change, dams, and water security Credits: Host: Samrat Choudhury Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Mridula Vijayarangakumar and Kavya Pradeep M If you found this conversation insightful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more in-depth discussions. 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/ #SanjoyHazarika #Brahmaputra #Frontlinemagazine #RiverTraveller #YarlungTsangpo #ChinaDam #RiverDolphin #brahmaputrariver #NRC #Assam #ClimateChange #Hydropower #NortheastIndia #MigrationDebate #BayOfBengal

    38 min
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Frontline Conversations

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  • Creator
    Frontline
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Frontline
  • Show Website
    Frontline Conversations