South Central

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran, Pooja Prasanna, and Leena Reghunath discuss the tussle between DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah over the state’s Chief Minister-ship. Professor Chandan Gowda joins them to unpack what this will mean for the state’s politics. In the second half, activist Shivasundar joins the hosts for a discussion on the hypocrisy of the RSS with respect to comments on the Preamble of the Constitution.Audio Timecodes 00:00:00- Introduction00:01:46- Announcements 00:03:31- Headlines00:14:26 - Karnataka State Leadership00:35:31- Preamble 01:13:08 - Letters1:17:47 - Recommendations Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.Become a subscriber - Click here.Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. To check out our other shows, Click here To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click hereProduced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Vignesh Manickam Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Honey Trehan, a veteran Bollywood director known for 'Punjab 95', discusses the absurd censorship demands targeting his film, centered on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Amandeep Sandhu, a Punjabi writer, and MG Radhakrishnan, a senior journalist, join the conversation about the clash between artistic expression and governmental control. They delve into the implications of censorship on storytelling, the film’s critical themes on human rights, and explore the political dynamics post the Congress-led UDF's electoral victory in Nilambur.

Sivapriyan ETB, an experienced journalist specializing in Tamil Nadu politics, and Rohin Bhatt, a non-binary lawyer and Supreme Court practitioner, delve into the Keezhadi excavation's challenge to the Union government's narrative, emphasizing the looming political implications ahead of the 2026 elections. They also analyze the Sonam Raghuvanshi murder case, discussing the societal pressures surrounding forced marriages and the intricate dynamics of caste, patriarchy, and women's choices that reveal broader issues of violence and agency in contemporary India.

Chinmayi Sripaada, a celebrated playback singer and activist, joins the hosts to discuss her brave stance against sexual harassment in the Tamil film industry, sharing her journey of isolation and resilience. She reflects on her emotional comeback through her recent Thug Life performance, highlighting the ongoing struggle for women's voices in music. The conversation also delves into the chaotic aftermath of the Bengaluru stampede, questioning accountability and the challenges of ensuring public safety during large events. It's a deep dive into art, activism, and society.

Join journalist Venkat Ananth, who unpacks the branding strategy of RCB, as he discusses the shockingly tragic stampede that occurred during the team's victory celebrations, claiming 11 lives. Purushothama Bilemale, President of the Kannada Development Authority, dives into the heated debate around Kamal Haasan's comments on Kannada’s origins and the broader implications for Dravidian languages. They dissect the intersection of language, culture, and sports while advocating for better safety and planning for large public events.

Join Seema Chishti, editor at The Wire, and TM Krishna, a renowned Carnatic vocalist and activist, as they tackle pressing issues in Indian politics. They delve into the BJP's conflicting messaging about Muslim representation, shedding light on communal tensions and political narratives. The duo also grapples with the ethical quandary of separating art from the artist, discussing the moral responsibilities tied to controversial creators. Their insights spark a rich conversation about accountability in both art and governance.

Join Shabbir Ahmed, Chennai Bureau Chief of The News Minute; Sudipto Mondal, a commentator on societal issues; and Vinay Srinivasa, an activist known for his relentless protests. They dive into Shashi Tharoor’s potential exit from Congress, dissecting the internal strife within the party. The discussion also addresses alarming instances of police brutality in Tamil Nadu and systemic violence in Indian policing, emphasizing the urgent need for reform in law enforcement and the protection of marginalized communities.

Join veteran journalists Prem Panicker, a seasoned reporter with 30 years of experience, and Sushant Singh, a former military officer turned editor, as they dive deep into the modern India-Pakistan tensions. They discuss the impact of the media's sensationalism, questioning its role during military escalations. Prem addresses the challenges of accuracy amidst misinformation, while Sushant critiques how narratives shape public perception. Their insights call for a more responsible media approach that prioritizes truth in conflict reporting.

Join journalist Smita Sharma, an expert on foreign policy, and Nitin Pai, co-founder of the Takshashila Institution, as they dissect India's Operation Sindoor and its regional implications. They discuss the strategic significance of targeted strikes against terrorist camps, the complexities of Pakistan's retaliatory strategies, and the troubling rise of militarism in Pakistan. Smita highlights the media's role in shaping narratives amidst conflict, while Nitin warns of escalating tensions as both nations navigate this charged landscape.

Nirupama Subramaniam, a seasoned journalist with four decades in the field, joins the discussion to analyze the aftermath of the tragic Pahalgam attack and the potential responses from India. Delving into the complexities of geopolitical tensions, she highlights the implications of the Indus Waters Treaty and the growing communal violence in India. The conversation also tackles recent shifts in the World Press Freedom Index, raising questions about the realities of media independence amid political pressures and the role of independent journalism in a democratic landscape.