News Broadcasting
Star News’ exclusive survey questions the Gandhi clan’s credibility
MUMBAI: Following close on the heels of the announcement made by the Congress Party to field Rahul Gandhi from Amethi, Star News decided to do some probing. The news channel commissioned a survey which was aimed at getting public responses on various issues with regards to Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and the Congress.
The findings of the survey are as under:
1. Are you aware that Rahul Gandhi has decided to contest the election from Amethi?
Yes
No
Can’t Say
Congress Voters
77.10%
17.90%
4.90%
Non Congress Voters
71.50%
23.10%
5.40%
2. Will Rahuls entry into politics help the Congress to perform better in the upcoming elections?
Yes
No
Can’t Say
Congress Voters
72.40%
16.70%
10.90%
Non Congress Voters
56.20% 31.10%
12.70%
3. Are you more likely to support the Congress after the entry of Rahul Gandhi?
Yes
No
Can’t Say
Congress Voters
67.20% 19.10% 13.60%
Non Congress Voters
42.20% 39.10% 18.80%
4. Who is better equipped to lead the Congress Rahul or Priyanka?
Rahul
Priyanka
Both
None Can’t say
Congress Voters 46.20% 36.70% 10.30% 2.40% 4.40%
Non Congress Voters 25.80% 40.60% 15.40% 10.90%
7.20%
5. Who is more acceptable to you as a Prime Minister Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi?
Sonia
Rahul
Others/Can’t Say
Congress Voters
50.60% 35.60% 13.70%
Non Congress Voters
44.50% 32.00% 23.50%
6. Can the Congress win the elections and form the government if it projected Rahul Gandhi as a PM candidate?
Yes
No
Can’t Say
Congress Voters
46.20%
38.60% 15.20%
Non Congress Voters
34.20% 48.20% 17.60%
7. Do you find Rahul Gandhi fit enough to be the Prime Minister of India?
Yes
No
Yes, because he represents the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty
32.40%
13.80%
Yes, because he is young and energetic
22.40%
19.20%
Yes, because unlike his mother, he is a born Indian
6.80%
4.70%
Yes, because I don’t like the BJP led government
2.70%
3.00%
Yes, for some other reason
3.80%
3.20%
Total Yes
68.10%
43.90%
No, because he has no experience
24.70%
37.40%
No, because his mother is a foreigner
1.50%
3.00%
No, because I am against any dynastic rule
2.50%
7.90%
No, because people don’t know much about him
1.00%
2.70%
No, for some other reason
2.20%
5.20%
Total No
31.90%
56.20%
8. Who is better to be a Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee or Sonia Gandhi?
Vajpayee
Sonia
Others/Can’t Say
Congress Voters
52.30% 36.30% 11.40%
Non Congress Voters
67.90%
19.20%
12.90%
9. Do you consider Sonia Gandhi as foreigner?
Yes
No
Can’t Say
Congress Voters
27.50% 64.30% 8.20%
Non Congress Voters
47.30% 48.20% 4.40%
10. Do you consider Rahul/Priyanka Gandhi as foreigners?
Yes
No
Can’t Say
Congress Voters
10.20% 84.60% 5.20%
Non Congress Voters
13.10% 82.90% 4.00%
The above survey was conducted on 22 March in the state of Uttar Pradesh by reputed agency C Voters. From the figures that were thrown up, it looks like the Vajpayee clan is definitely stronger than the Gandhi clan. Not that there was a doubt anyway.
News Broadcasting
BBC to cut up to 2,000 jobs in biggest overhaul in 15 years
Cost pressures and leadership change drive major workforce reduction plan
LONDON: BBC has unveiled plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs, roughly 10 per cent of its global workforce, in what marks its biggest downsizing in 15 years.
The announcement was made during an all-staff meeting led by interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies, as the broadcaster moves to tackle mounting financial pressures and reshape its operations.
Between 1,800 and 2,000 roles are expected to be eliminated from a workforce of around 21,500. The cuts form part of a broader plan to save £500 million over the next two years, aimed at offsetting rising costs, stagnating licence fee income and weaker commercial revenues.
In a communication to staff, BBC interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies said, “I know this creates real uncertainty, but we wanted to be open about the challenge,” acknowledging the impact the move would have across the organisation.
The restructuring comes at a time of leadership transition. Former director-general Tim Davie stepped down earlier this month, with Matt Brittin, a former Google executive, set to take over the role on May 18, 2026.
While some cost-cutting measures are being implemented immediately, the majority of the structural changes are expected to roll out over the next few years, with full savings targeted by the 2027–2028 financial year.
The broadcaster had earlier signalled its intent to reduce its cost base by around 10 per cent over a three-year period, warning of “difficult choices” as it adapts to shifting economic realities and audience expectations.
With operating costs hovering around £6 billion annually, the BBC’s latest move underscores the scale of the financial challenge it faces, as it balances public service commitments with the need for long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
