News Broadcasting
Yogi Adityanath Interviews with Network18 Editor in Chief Rahul Joshi
Mumbai: Network 18 broadcast an exclusive interview featuring Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The one on one discussion was held with Rahul Joshi, the Editor in Chief, where Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath spoke on various matters of public interest including the 2024 General Elections, the construction of the Ram Mandir, as well as the steps being taken to drive the state’s GDP.
Regarding employment, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh stated that over the past six years, the state has provided more than five lakh government jobs. He added that UP plans to further offer lakhs of jobs in the coming years. The CM will, on the of February 10, announce the quantum of investment that the state is likely to receive and also speak about the employment opportunities that are expected to be generated as a consequence.
During the discussion on the Investor Summit, CM Yogi stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the growth rate of UP has doubled in the last 6 years. PM Modi had set a target for the state during the first Investor Summit in 2018. To improve the lives of the 25 crore people in UP and to make India a 5 trillion dollar economy, UP must proactively work towards driving economic progress and development. The state has identified 25 sectors for growth and sent teams to major countries and cities in India to explore opportunities.
In regards to the upcoming assembly elections, the Chief Minister stated that the BJP has performed exceptionally well wherever it is in power. The benefits of government programs have been provided to all sections of society without discrimination. He also expressed confidence that in 2024, the Bharatiya Janata Party will secure more seats than in 2019.
On the topic of infrastructure, CM Yogi stated that UP’s existing infrastructure is connected to the National Capital Region (NCR), but the goal is to connect the eastern, Bundelkhand, western and central parts, as well as the airport. In the last six years, the state has made significant progress in its construction projects and strengthened inter-state connections. This has led to the establishment of Waterway No. 1, which connects the state with the eastern port. The express highway network has also been established in recent years, providing the state with the means to advance its economy in a timely manner and reach its targets.
Regarding the construction of the Ram temple, CM Yogi Adityanath stated that the temple’s construction is proceeding as planned. He affirmed that the temple will be built on time and Ramlala will take residence in the temple as scheduled. He described it as a moment of pride for the country and the world. The exact date for Ramlala’s arrival in the temple will be decided by the temple trust, and all plans will be executed in accordance with the trust’s decisions.
On the question of the Uniform Civil Code, CM Yogi Adityanath stated that various state governments have established committees to examine the issue. He mentioned that the Law Commission of Uttar Pradesh is also evaluating the matter. When the recommendations are received, the government will give due consideration. The Chief Minister stated that he will take all relevant factors into account and make a decision accordingly.
Regarding the issue of the boycott culture, CM Yogi Adityanath stated that individuals with exceptional talents such as artists, writers and others deserve respect, which is what the state strives to provide. He advised film directors to be mindful of the sentiments of the public and avoid including scenes that may cause controversy and harm public feelings. The Chief Minister emphasized that mistakes can happen, but deliberately causing controversy is unacceptable.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 rolls out Battle for the States ahead of key polls
Multi-format election coverage tracks voter mood across five battleground states
NEW DELHI: CNN-News18 has launched a special election programming initiative titled Battle for the States, as India gears up for high-stakes Assembly elections across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry.
Built around the theme ‘Road to Power’, the multi-format coverage aims to follow the entire electoral journey, from campaigning and polling to results and government formation. The network is leaning into on-ground reportage and data-backed storytelling to decode voter sentiment across regions where local issues often shape the narrative.
The programming line-up includes ‘Vote Tracker’, a three-part series developed in collaboration with survey agency Vote Vibe. The show blends survey insights with expert commentary and field reporting, using augmented reality graphics to present complex electoral data such as vote share, seat projections and leadership preferences in a more accessible format. It will air every Monday evening until April 6.
Adding a cultural lens to political reporting is ‘So Saree!’, a ground-driven segment where women anchors travel across constituencies dressed in traditional handwoven sarees from each state. The format uses attire as a storytelling device, highlighting regional identity while capturing grassroots voices.
Meanwhile, ‘Unfiltered Kaapi’ and ‘Chai-Niti’ bring a more conversational tone, drawing inspiration from everyday political discussions in tea stalls and coffee corners. These segments aim to break down key issues through candid, fast-paced exchanges between anchors and reporters, tailored to regional sensibilities.
For viewers seeking deeper insights, the weekend docuseries ‘Reporters Project’ takes a longer view, with correspondents travelling across constituencies to map voter concerns and political shifts on the ground.
“Elections are about people, their aspirations, identities and the issues that matter to them, and every state tells a different story,” said CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar. He added that the initiative focuses on understanding “the sentiment on the ground and what’s driving voter choices”.
Echoing the emphasis on credibility, Network18 CEO – English and business news Smriti Mehra said the network aims to combine on-ground reporting with data-led insights to deliver clear and timely coverage as the elections unfold.
With a mix of data, culture and grassroots reporting, CNN-News18 is positioning Battle for the States as a comprehensive window into one of India’s most closely watched electoral cycles, where every vote carries a story waiting to be told.
