Frontline Conversations

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal has come under scrutiny following the deletion of more than 90 lakh names and questions over the impact on the Assembly election results. In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Prasenjit Bose, chairperson of the SIR panel of the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee, discusses the allegations of disproportionate deletion of Muslim voters, discrepancies in voter enrolment data, and the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Bose examines the disparity between the acceptance of applications for inclusion and deletion of names, raising concerns over the high rejection rate of Form 6 applications and the large number of Form 7 deletion requests accepted. He also discusses the 22 lakh voters whose appeals remain pending before tribunals, arguing that their names should be restored at the earliest so that they are not denied the right to vote in forthcoming civic elections. The conversation also looks at delays in the tribunal process, problems with the ECINET and ERONET portals, and questions over the centralisation of decisions on electoral rolls. Chapters: 00:00 | West Bengal SIR: Questions on the Election Commission 01:16 | Did Voter Deletions Affect West Bengal Election Results? 05:38 | Form 6 vs Form 7: Voter Inclusion and Deletion Data 06:30 | Why Were 90% of Form 7 Applications Accepted? 10:26 | Supreme Court on Pending Voter Appeals in Bengal 11:11 | 22 Lakh Voters: Demand for Immediate Restoration 16:46 | West Bengal Voter Re-enrolment: Form 6 Explained 17:00 | SIR Appeals and the Right to Re-enrol as a Voter 20:19 | ECI Digital Portal Failures Delay Voter Appeals 20:56 | Election Tribunals: 38 Lakh Cases and 19 Judges 24:15 | Election Commission Portal: Who Controls Voter Lists? 26:04 | Call for Judicial Inquiry and Forensic Audit of ECI Portals Perfect for viewers interested in: - Special Intensive Revision - West Bengal electoral rolls - Election Commission of India - Voter list deletions - Muslim voters in West Bengal - Form 6 and Form 7 applications - Supreme Court and SIR tribunals - ECINET and ERONET portals - Electoral transparency - Right to vote - West Bengal Assembly elections - Electoral reforms in India Credits: Host: Suhrid Sankar Chattopadhyay Camera: Jayanta Shaw 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 in-depth conversations on politics, society, education and democracy. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... 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/ #PrasenjitBose #SIR #WestBengal #ElectionCommission #VoterList #ElectoralRolls #MuslimVoters #SupremeCourt #ElectoralReforms #FrontlineConversations #FrontlineMagazine

The police crackdown on protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has drawn criticism over the use of force against protesters, the detention of journalists, and restrictions on movement and internet access in Delhi. In this episode of Frontline Conversations, former IPS officer Meeran Chadha Borwankar speaks about the Delhi Police’s handling of the protests, the challenges of policing large demonstrations, and the need for greater police autonomy. Borwankar discusses the restrictions imposed at Jantar Mantar, the cancellation of trains and the internet shutdown, questioning some of the measures taken by the authorities. She also addresses allegations of police brutality, the detention of media persons despite their press identity cards, and claims that anti-social elements were involved in the protests. The conversation also examines the political control over the police, the influence of political leadership on appointments and transfers, and the need for an independent and professional police force. Borwankar argues that police officers should be appointed on the basis of merit rather than political loyalty, while stressing that both the police and protest organisers have responsibilities when demonstrations grow into mass movements. Perfect for viewers interested in: Delhi Police Gyanesh Kumar Cockroach Janata Party Jantar Mantar protests Police brutality Freedom of the press Internet shutdowns Police reforms in India Police autonomy Right to protest Political interference in policing Student and youth protests Institutional accountability Credits: Host: Amey Tirodkar Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Muhammed Mukhtar If you found this conversation insightful, don’t forget to like, share and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations on politics, society, education and democracy. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook - /frontlineindia X - Frontline (@frontline_india) on X Instagram - /frontline.magazine LinkedIn - /frontline-magazine-b12921295 #MeeranChadhaBorwankar #DelhiPolice #GyaneshKumar #CJP #JantarMantar #PoliceBrutality #PoliceReforms #PoliceAutonomy #RightToProtest #FreedomOfThePress #InternetShutdown #FrontlineConversations #FrontlineMagazine

The ongoing hunger strikes by IIT Bombay students and by the parents of Sahil Wakode, a second-year student who died on campus, over alleged caste discrimination have brought renewed attention to the issue in higher educational institutions. In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Deepali Salve, a PhD student and Ambedkarite activist, speaks to independent journalist Greeshma Kuthar about the discrimination faced by Dalit students and the lack of accountability from institutional authorities and the government. Salve discusses the allegations of caste discrimination surrounding Sahil Wakode’s death, the response of IIT Bombay’s administration and faculty, and the demands for an impartial inquiry. She describes how caste prejudice operates in everyday campus interactions, from classroom discussions on reservation to remarks about fellowships, and explains why students may be reluctant to speak out against discrimination. The conversation also examines the media coverage of the case, the diversion of attention towards leaked examination footage and questions of merit and reservation, and the reluctance of political parties to prioritise caste discrimination. Salve calls for stronger Ambedkarite voices on campuses, greater support for marginalised students and government intervention to address the concerns of Sahil’s family and the protesting students. Highlights: The hunger strike over Sahil Wakode’s death Allegations of caste discrimination at IIT Bombay Everyday caste prejudice faced by students on campuses Why students are reluctant to report discrimination The role of IIT Bombay’s administration and faculty Media coverage, merit, and the debate over reservation Ambedkarite politics and the neglect of Dalit issues The need for an impartial inquiry and institutional accountability The demands of the protesting students and Sahil’s family The Maharashtra government’s response to the case Sahil Wakode IIT Bombay Caste discrimination Dalit students Higher education in India Reservation and merit Ambedkarite politics Campus discrimination Dalit rights Social justice Student protests Institutional accountability Perfect for viewers interested in: Credits: Host: Greeshma Kuthar Camera: Omkar Patne Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Muhammed Mukhtar and Kavya Pradeep M If you found this conversation insightful, don’t forget to like, share and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations on politics, society, education and democracy. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook - /frontlineindia X - Frontline (@frontline_india) on X Instagram - /frontline.magazine LinkedIn - /frontline-magazine-b12921295 #DeepaliSalve #SahilWakode #IITBombay #CasteDiscrimination #DalitRights #HigherEducation #Reservation #AmbedkaritePolitics #SocialJustice #CampusDiscrimination #StudentProtests #FrontlineConversations #FrontlineMagazine

In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Tatsam Mukherjee speaks with filmmaker Gurvinder Singh about his cinema, Punjab, memory, identity and the stories that remain outside mainstream narratives. Singh discusses his latest film "Rehmat", his experiences growing up as a Sikh in Delhi during the 1984 anti-Sikh violence, and how those memories shaped his understanding of religious identity and communal politics. The conversation also looks at Singh’s journey through Punjab and his decision to make films in Punjabi, his engagement with caste inequality, the lives of marginalised communities and the folk performers he encountered while travelling through the region. He speaks about the lack of visibility and distribution for independent Punjabi cinema, the challenges of getting such films on OTT platforms, and the emerging generation of filmmakers in Punjab. Singh also reflects on cinema literacy, the pressure to make films easily understood, and why audiences should be allowed to engage with films through experience rather than having everything explained to them. He discusses his approach to storytelling, the role of literature and self-learning in his own artistic journey, and his memories of growing up in Delhi in the 1990s without the internet. Chapters: 00:00 | Gurvinder Singh on 1984, Sikh identity and Rehmat 01:21 | 1984 anti-Sikh violence: Gurvinder Singh recalls his childhood 04:59 | ‘Hindu Sikh bhai bhai’: Gurvinder Singh remembers hope after 1984 06:40 | Why Gurvinder Singh makes films about Punjab’s untold stories 08:58 | Why Punjabi cinema lacked a strong parallel cinema movement 10:11 | Caste, honour killings and untold stories in Punjab 13:58 | Punjab, farmers’ protests and politics in cinema 16:59 | Why Punjabi independent films struggle on OTT platforms 20:00 | Gurvinder Singh on Punjabi literature and Gurmukhi 23:14 | Why Gurvinder Singh wants audiences to feel, not understand everything 25:27 | Cinema literacy in India: Why films are often read through politics 28:23 | Naseeruddin Shah, actors and Gurvinder Singh’s cinema 31:05 | Gurvinder Singh on school, self-learning and growing up in 1990s Delhi Perfect for: Viewers interested in Indian independent cinema Students and researchers of film and cultural studies Filmmakers and film enthusiasts Viewers interested in Punjabi cinema and literature Anyone interested in cinema, memory, identity, and social realities Credits: Host: Tatsam Mukherjee Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Muhammed Mukhtar and Kavya Pradeep M If you found this conversation insightful, don’t forget to like, share and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations on cinema, culture, society and politics. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook - /frontlineindia X - Frontline (@frontline_india) on X Instagram - /frontline.magazine LinkedIn - /frontline-magazine-b12921295

In this episode of Frontline Conversations, anthropologist, translator and editor Onaiza Drabu discusses Kashmiri language, literature and cultural memory. Drawing on her edited volume, "The Big Book of Kashmiri Literature", she speaks about language loss, the stigma around speaking Kashmiri, and the renewed interest among younger Kashmiris in reclaiming the language. Drabu discusses how oral traditions, folklore, Sufi poetry and songs preserve Kashmiri history and identity. She explains why "The Big Book of Kashmiri Literature" brings together writing from the 14th century to the present through themes rather than chronology, and why translators are central to the book. The conversation also looks at the lack of patronage for Kashmiri writers, the growth of Kashmiri content on digital platforms, and the role of language in preserving memory, belonging and home. Chapters: 00:00 | What Does the Kashmiri Language Mean to Onaiza Drabu? 03:33 | Growing Up Kashmiri in an English-Medium Convent School 05:24 | Rediscovering Kashmiri Folklore, Stories and Oral Traditions 08:31 | How Kashmiri Literature Preserves Identity and History 10:28 | Four Themes That Shape Kashmiri Literature 13:48 | Kashmiri Poetry as a Record of Social History 16:06 | Translating Kashmiri Literature for a Wider Audience 21:42 | Why Kashmiri Translators Are Preserving Language and Memory 24:00 | Can the Kashmiri Language Survive Language Attrition? 24:47 | How Gen Z Is Reviving Kashmiri Language Online 28:39 | The Crisis of Kashmiri Literature and the Need for Patronage 30:55 | Women Writers and the New Generation of Kashmiri Poets 34:24 | Reclaiming Kashmiri Vocabulary as an Act of Cultural Resilience Perfect for viewers interested in: - Kashmiri language and literature - Language and identity - Oral traditions and folklore - Sufi poetry - Translation and literature - Kashmir’s literary history - Cultural memory - Language preservation - Kashmiri digital culture Credits: Host: Gowhar Geelani Camera: Idrees Abbas Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Muhammed Mukhtar T H #OnaizaDrabu #KashmiriLanguage #KashmiriLiterature #TheBigBookOfKashmiriLiterature #Kashmir #KashmiriPoetry #LanguageAndIdentity #OralTraditions #Folklore #Translation #CulturalMemory #FrontlineConversations

The death of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay student Sahil Wakode has renewed questions about caste discrimination in India’s higher educational institutions. Eminent sociologist and former UGC Chairman Sukhadeo Thorat discusses the issue and the need for stronger mechanisms to address discrimination on campuses. In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Thorat draws on his 2007 AIIMS inquiry to describe discrimination faced by SC students in classrooms, examinations, hostels and campus life. He discusses the limits of the Prevention of Atrocities Act and the UGC’s 2026 equity regulations, and argues that campus discrimination needs a dedicated legal framework with enforceable penalties. The conversation also covers the debate over merit and reservation, greater SC/ST representation among teachers, the importance of constitutional values on campuses, Thorat’s proposal for an independent body to address discrimination across the education system, and caste discrimination in schools. Chapters: 00:00 | Caste Discrimination in Higher Education 01:38 | AIIMS Caste Discrimination Report: What Went Wrong? 05:56 | Can Policy Stop Caste Discrimination on Campuses? 07:52 | Why India Needs a Law Against Campus Discrimination 10:41 | Merit vs Reservation: Rethinking Merit in Education 12:33 | Reservation, Equal Opportunity and Caste Inequality 16:56 | UGC Equity Regulations 2026: Key Gaps and Concerns 23:02 | University Reservation Roster: What Is the Problem? 26:03 | How Can Universities Address Caste Discrimination? 29:02 | Should India Have an Independent Anti-Discrimination Body? 29:51 | Caste Discrimination in Schools: The Overlooked Crisis 31:10 | IIT Bombay Case: Caste Discrimination and Atrocity Act 33:13 | Caste Discrimination in IITs Perfect for viewers interested in: - Caste discrimination - Higher education in India - Sukhadeo Thorat - UGC equity regulations - SC/ST students - Reservation policy - Dalit rights - IIT Bombay - Caste and education - Social justice Credits: Host: Amey Tirodkar Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Muhammed Mukhtar If you found this conversation insightful, don’t forget to like, share and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations on politics, society, education and democracy. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook - /frontlineindia X - Frontline (@frontline_india) on X Instagram - /frontline.magazine LinkedIn - /frontline-magazine-b12921295 #SukhadeoThorat #CasteDiscrimination #HigherEducation #UGC #SC/ST #Reservation #DalitRights #CasteAndEducation #IITBombay #SahilWakode #SocialJustice #IndianEducation #FrontlineConversations #FrontlineMagazine

In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Sanjay Kumar, political analyst and former director of the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), discusses the political dynamics shaping Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 Assembly election and what they could mean for national politics. Kumar examines the Samajwadi Party’s Pichhada-Dalit-Alpsankhyak (PDA) strategy and its core support among Muslims, Yadavs and Dalits, and whether the party can expand its social coalition enough to challenge the BJP. He also discusses the decline of the BSP, the changing Dalit vote, the possibility of new political forces emerging in Uttar Pradesh, and the increasingly bipolar nature of the State’s electoral politics. The conversation looks at the BJP’s bid for a third consecutive term in Uttar Pradesh, the role of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the party’s campaign, and the significance of Brahmin voters. Kumar also explains why he believes the 2024 Lok Sabha election should not be used as a straightforward guide to the 2027 Assembly election. Chapters: 0:00 | UP Politics 2027: What to Expect 2:51 | Samajwadi Party’s PDA Vote Base Explained 5:19 | SP’s MY Factor: Muslim-Yadav Vote 6:48 | Can BJP Win a Third Term in Uttar Pradesh? 10:19 | BSP Decline: Where Did the Dalit Vote Go? 13:32 | UP Politics: BJP vs Samajwadi Party 15:13 | Can a New Political Party Rise in UP? 18:17 | Why Uttar Pradesh Matters to Congress 20:45 | Women Voters and UP Election Politics 22:38 | Yogi Adityanath and BJP’s UP Strategy 24:00 | UP Politics and the 2029 Lok Sabha Election 26:00 | Brahmin Vote in Uttar Pradesh 28:16 | Can SP Expand Its PDA Alliance? 32:16 | Why BJP and SP Need Smaller Caste Allies 35:13 | Will 2027 UP Results Predict 2029? 36:44 | Future of UP Politics Perfect for viewers interested in: Uttar Pradesh politics UP Assembly election 2027 Samajwadi Party BJP Yogi Adityanath BSP and Mayawati Dalit politics Indian elections Credits: Host: Anand Mishra Camera: Deepanshu Chhabra and Parveen Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Muhammed Mukhtar T H If you found this conversation insightful, don’t forget to like, share and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations on politics, society and democracy. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook - / frontlineindia X - Frontline (@frontline_india) on X Instagram - / frontline.magazine LinkedIn - / frontline-magazine-b12921295 #SanjayKumar #UttarPradesh #UPPolitics #UPElections #SamajwadiParty #BJP #YogiAdityanath #AkhileshYadav #BSP #Mayawati #DalitPolitics #CastePolitics #IndianPolitics #FrontlineConversations #FrontlineMagazine

In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) MP from Srinagar, confirms that he will resign from the party on November 3, 2026, saying Farooq Abdullah’s recent statement on Article 370 left him with no reason to reconsider. Mehdi speaks about his growing differences with JKNC over Article 370, 35A and the demand for restoration of constitutional protections for Jammu and Kashmir. He accuses the party leadership of abandoning the political agenda on which it sought the people’s mandate. The conversation also looks at Mehdi’s criticism of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s political positions, the contrast between the National Conference and Congress on constitutional protections, minorities and Kashmir, and his possible political path after leaving the party, including continued engagement with the Congress. Highlights: Ruhullah Mehdi on his differences with the JKNC Why he says the party has abandoned the fight for Article 370 Farooq Abdullah’s statement and Ruhullah’s decision to resign Omar Abdullah’s political positions and alleged inconsistencies The JKNC manifesto and the promise of constitutional protections Congress’ position on Kashmir and constitutional rights Ruhullah’s response to allegations that he is backed by outside forces His plans after resigning from JKNC Possible political understanding with Congress His position on the rights of Indian Muslims and other oppressed communities Why he believes he can win a fresh mandate from Srinagar Agha Saeed Ruhullah Mehdi Jammu and Kashmir politics National Conference Omar Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah Article 370 and Article 35A Congress Constitutional rights Minority rights Indian politics Perfect for viewers interested in: Credits: Host: Gowhar Geelani Camera: Idrees Abbas Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Muhammed Mukhtar T H If you found this conversation insightful, don’t forget to like, share and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations on politics, society and democracy. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook - / frontlineindia X - Frontline (@frontline_india) on X Instagram - / frontline.magazine LinkedIn - / frontline-magazine-b12921295 #AghaRuhullahMehdi #KashmirPolitics #JammuAndKashmir #Article370 #Article35A #NationalConference #OmarAbdullah #FarooqAbdullah #Srinagar #IndianPolitics #ConstitutionalRights #FrontlineConversations #FrontlineMagazine

In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Gowhar Geelani speaks with Michael Kugelman, resident senior fellow for South Asia at the Atlantic Council, about US policy towards India in the context of US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor's recent visit to Kashmir and Leh. Kugelman discusses whether Gor’s remarks in Srinagar, including his description of "Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India", signal a shift in Washington’s longstanding position on Kashmir. Kugelman also examines the implications for India of China’s close relationship with Pakistan and the recent defence pact between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. He discusses how the emerging security architecture in West Asia could affect India’s strategic interests, whether Delhi should be concerned about the new defence alignment, and what role the US and China could play in the region. The conversation also looks at India-US relations amid recent tensions, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), India’s position in a more multipolar world, and Russia’s continuing role in South Asia. Highlights: Sergio Gor’s Kashmir and Leh visit Has US policy on Kashmir shifted? What Gor’s remarks mean for India-US relations The Türkiye-Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defence pact The US security role in West Asia China’s growing role in the regional security architecture India’s strategic interests in the Middle East The future of India-US relations CPEC and the China-Pakistan relationship India-US relations India-Pakistan relations Kashmir and US policy Saudi Arabia-Pakistan-Turkey relations Middle East geopolitics China-Pakistan relations China-Pakistan Economic Corridor CPEC and the Belt and Road Initiative India and the Gulf India-Israel relations US foreign policy Perfect for viewers interested in: Credits: Host: Gowhar Geelani Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Muhammed Mukhtar T H If you found this conversation insightful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations. Subscribe to Frontline Digital: ⁠https://frontline.thehindu.com/online...⁠ Follow us on: Facebook - ⁠  / frontlineindia  ⁠ Twitter - Frontline (@frontline_india) / X Instagram - ⁠  / frontline.magazine  ⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠  / frontline-magazine-b12921295  

In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Sagrika Rajora of Voters’ Adhikar Manch discusses the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Delhi and the large-scale deletion of voters from the electoral register. She speaks about the impact of the exercise on migrants, working-class people, residents of slums and resettlement colonies, minorities and people with unstable housing. The conversation also looks at the discretion given to BLOs, the difficulties of tracing voter records from earlier electoral rolls, and the use of Form 6 for people whose names have been excluded. Rajora questions whether the process provides adequate notice, due process and safeguards against arbitrary deletion. She also discusses concerns about selective exclusion, including the experiences of Muslim voters, transgender people and other marginalised groups, while stressing the need to investigate such patterns carefully. The discussion examines the relationship between SIR and citizenship concerns, the constitutional implications of disenfranchisement, and why the scale of deletions matters in a democracy. Highlights: Delhi’s SIR and the deletion of around 47.5 lakh voters How mass deletions affect migrants and working-class voters Voters marked as permanently shifted, untraceable, dead or duplicate Problems with enumeration forms and Booth Level Officers The difficulties of tracing voter records from the 2002 electoral roll Form 6, voter deletion and questions of due process Claims of selective exclusion and the experiences of marginalised communities Concerns over the treatment of Muslim and transgender voters Why the scale of deletions matters after the 2025 Delhi Assembly election The need for transparency, accountability and safeguards in electoral-roll revision Delhi SIR Special Intensive Revision Election Commission of India Voter deletion Electoral reforms Migrants and voting rights Citizenship and voting rights Right to vote Election Commission Political disenfranchisement Indian democracy Perfect for viewers interested in: Credits: Host: Soni Mishra Camera: Dipesh Arora and Deepanshu Chhabra Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Mridula Vijayarangakumar and Muhammed Mukhtar T H If you found this conversation insightful, don’t forget to like, share and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations on politics, society and democracy. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook - / frontlineindia X - Frontline (@frontline_india) on X Instagram - / frontline.magazine LinkedIn - / frontline-magazine-b12921295