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NDTV’s Election Carnival traverses 11,000 Kilometres, across 50 cities, featuring 14 anchors
Mumbai: NDTV’s Election Carnival, a vibrant celebration of democratic enthusiasm and civic engagement, is on an extraordinary journey across India, captivating hearts and minds as it travels. Originally planned to cover 5000 kilometres, the Carnival’s overwhelming reception has led to an extended route to over 9,000 kilometres, now expanding further to 11,000 Kilometers and reaching more than 50 cities non-stop since 30 days.
In line with NDTV’s commitment to fostering informed citizenship, the Carnival has become a catalyst for change, igniting passions and inspiring action in every city it visits. It aims to promote lively discussions with political faces from that area, interactive sessions, and folk artist performances, inspiring local communities and motivating them to take an active role in the democratic process.
The Carnival kicked off its journey from the heart of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi celebrating the diverse regional cultures of India.
Travelling through various states including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana, the Carnival has provided invaluable insights into the political landscapes and electoral dynamics of each region.
In Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, the Carnival delved into the intense political competition between SP-BSP and BJP, highlighting the journey of BJP’s candidate, Arun Govil. Moving on to Mathura, the Carnival engaged with Hema Malini’s campaign, addressing local concerns such as environmental pollution.
In Bharatpur, the Carnival witnessed a fierce electoral contest between BJP’s Ramswarup Koli and Congress’ Sanjana Jatav, focusing on critical issues like education and healthcare.
Traversing to Madhya Pradesh, NDTV’s editor-in-chief, Sanjay Pugalia, had an exclusive conversation with Madhya Pradesh chief minister Dr Mohan Yadav during the Carnival’s stop in Bhopal, where Dr Yadav emphasised the need to diversify sectors beyond farming to boost farmers’ income. Followed by discussions in Ujjain shedding light on the electoral atmosphere and pressing local issues along with insights into employment, water, and infrastructure concerns in Khandwa.
In Gujarat, Anand became a focal point for dissecting the dynamics between BJP and Congress, while in Maharashtra, the Carnival amplified the electoral fervour in Baramati, addressing issues like water scarcity and unemployment.
The Carnival also journeyed through states like Jharkhand, exploring industrial concerns in Jamshedpur and electoral trust in Surguja.
Each stop of the Carnival enriched the national political discourse by providing unique insights into local issues, electoral dynamics, and voter sentiments, reaffirming NDTV’s commitment to facilitating meaningful dialogue and strengthening the democratic fabric of India.
NDTV’s Election Carnival is not just a journey; it’s a movement toward a more informed, involved, and participative democracy – India’s awakening movement. As it continues its odyssey across India, the Carnival reaffirms its commitment to being the voice of the people, bringing them closer to their leaders and the essence of democracy itself.
News Broadcasting
Induction cooktop demand spikes 30× amid LPG supply concerns
Supply worries linked to West Asia tensions push households and restaurants to turn to electric cooking alternatives
MUMBAI: As geopolitical tensions in West Asia ripple through global energy supply chains, the familiar blue flame in Indian kitchens is facing an unexpected challenger: electricity.
What began as concerns over the availability of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has quickly evolved into a technology-driven shift in cooking habits. Households across India are increasingly turning to induction cooktops and other electric appliances, initially as a backup but now, for many, a necessity.
A sudden surge in demand
Recent data from quick-commerce and grocery platform BigBasket highlights the scale of the shift. According to Seshu Kumar Tirumala, the company’s chief buying and merchandising officer, demand for induction cooktops has risen dramatically.
“Induction cooktops have seen a significant surge in demand, recording a fivefold jump on 10 March and a thirtyfold spike on 11 March,” Tirumala said.
The increase stands out sharply when compared with broader kitchen appliance trends. Most appliance categories are growing within 10 per cent of their typical demand levels, while induction cooktops have witnessed explosive growth as households rush to secure an alternative cooking option.
Major e-commerce platforms including Amazon and Flipkart have reported rising searches and orders for induction stoves. Quick-commerce apps such as Blinkit and Zepto have also witnessed stock shortages in major metropolitan areas including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
What was once considered a convenient appliance for hostels, small kitchens or occasional use has suddenly become an essential addition in many homes.
A crisis thousands of miles away
The trigger for this shift lies far beyond India’s kitchens.
Escalating conflict in the Middle East has disrupted shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Nearly 85 to 90 per cent of India’s LPG imports pass through this narrow waterway, making the country particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions.
The ripple effects have been swift.
India currently meets roughly 60 per cent of its LPG demand through imports, and tightening global supply has already begun to affect domestic availability and prices.
Earlier this month, the price of domestic LPG cylinders increased by Rs 60, while commercial cylinders rose by more than Rs 114.
To discourage panic buying and hoarding, the government has also extended the mandatory waiting period between domestic refill bookings from 21 days to 25 days.
Restaurants feel the pressure
The strain is not limited to households. Restaurants, hotels and roadside eateries are also grappling with supply constraints as commercial LPG availability tightens under restrictions imposed through the Essential Commodities Act.
In cities such as Bengaluru and Chennai, restaurant associations report that commercial LPG availability has dropped by as much as 75 per cent, forcing many establishments to rethink their kitchen operations.
Some restaurants have reduced menu offerings, while others are rapidly installing high-efficiency induction systems, creating hybrid kitchens where electricity now shares the workload with gas.
For smaller eateries and roadside dhabas, the shift is less about sustainability and more about survival.
A potential structural shift
The government has maintained that there is no nationwide LPG crisis and has directed refineries to increase production to stabilise supply.
Nevertheless, the developments of March 2026 may already be triggering a longer-term behavioural shift.
For decades, LPG has been the backbone of cooking in Indian households. However, recent disruptions have highlighted the risks of relying on a single fuel source.
Increasingly, households appear to be hedging against uncertainty by adopting electric cooking options to guard against price volatility and delivery delays.
If the current trend continues, the induction cooktop, once viewed as a niche appliance, could emerge as a quiet symbol of India’s evolving kitchen economy.
