MUMBAI: CNN-IBN and The Indian Express and the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) have joined hands to cover state elections in Uttar Pradesh. Special month-long programming titled 'Battle for U.P' on CNN-IBN will include live debates amongst various party leaders and prominent authorities; exit poll projections after each phase of polling and post-poll surveys - providing a holistic account of the electoral activities taking place in various parts of the state.

The scope of the partnership entails The Indian Express featuring tune-in advertisements on the 'Battle for U.P.' programming along with regular extensive poll coverage on the days after it is aired on CNN-IBN.

In addition to daily news wheel stories the channel will also air a series of programmes dedicated solely to the elections. Some of them will include -

*A half hour special debate show from Lucknow on - whether the state's capital is being left out from the rest of the country when it comes to economic and social growth - featuring some of the city's most recognisable faces. The show will air on CNN-IBN on 27 April at 8:30 pm

*'Battle for U.P. exit poll special' on CNN-IBN- will present the exit poll projections of that phase on 1 May.

*Similarly, on 8 May - the day of the last phase of polling - a one-hour special at 9:30 pm on CNN-IBN will be aired analysing and predicting the exit poll results.

*11 May will see live, day long special coverage of the UP ballot counting on CNN-IBN beginning from 7 am until at least 2 pm. Two more shows will follow in the evening.

Introducing the campaign, CNN-IBN and IBN 7 editor in chief Rajdeep Sardesai said, "The UP elections are without a doubt one of the most important state assembly elections taking place in the country this year and CNN-IBN will be present on location to bring their viewers the most up-to-date news and comprehensive analyses as and when they happen."

Speaking on this significant alliance, CNN-IBN and IBN 7 director marketing and online projects Dilip Venkatraman said, "This coming together of the two biggest news brands to report on the U.P. elections is an all-encompassing approach that includes the best of both print and broadcast news. We are delighted to work together with The Indian Express on a property as important as this and hope for similar collaborations with them in the future."

"It is a great pleasure to collaborate with CNN-IBN in bringing our readers the latest on the U.P. state elections. I am confident that our partnership will provide the most current and inclusive coverage on the event(s) along with reliable analyses of the post-poll results," said The Indian Express head corporate business development Gautam Mukherjea.