Making sense of TVK's victory: Why and how did Vijay win? | Part 1

Making sense of TVK's victory: Why and how did Vijay win? | Part 1

Author: The Hindu June 2, 2026 Duration: 59:49
In part one of this two-part interview, Pon Vasanth B.A., senior assistant editor with The Hindu, asks V. Geetha, feminist historian, translator and publisher, about her reading of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's victory in the 2026 Assembly election that stunned many. She shares her thoughts on how Vijay's win represents a "contingent moment", the shortcomings of the DMK and the AIADMK, the shrewdness of the TVK's campaign and other factors that played a role in this electoral outcome. Host: Pon Vasanth B.A., senior assistant editor, The Hindu Guest: V. Geetha, feminist historian, translator and publisher Producer: Shiksha Jural Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Each week, the journalists at In Focus by The Hindu select one pressing story from the news cycle and slow it down. Rather than a rapid headline, you’ll hear a thoughtful conversation that unpacks the layers behind an event-the historical precedents, the economic forces, the political nuances, and the human impact. This podcast relies on conversations with reporters who have been on the ground and specialists who have spent years, sometimes decades, studying a particular issue. The result is a clearer, more substantive understanding of what’s happening in India and around the world. You might explore the roots of a regional conflict one episode, and dive into the complexities of a new environmental policy the next. It’s designed for anyone who feels that the daily news skim leaves too many questions unanswered. Tune in for a consistent, deep-dive format that prioritizes context over instant reaction, making sense of the week’s most significant developments through careful analysis and expert insight.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

In Focus by The Hindu
Podcast Episodes
QDENGA: Can the new Japanese vaccine end the dengue menace in India? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:53
India has finally approved a vaccine for dengue. This is significant because India, in the last five years alone, has recorded over 1 million cases and at least 1,500 deaths due to dengue. Dengue is hyperendemic in India…
In Focus-Parley | Is corruption the biggest threat to India's future? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:41
Corruption has shaped elections, toppled governments and sparked some of the biggest public protests in independent India. Digitalisation has transformed the way citizens interact with the government. The Right to Inform…
Spain wins the World Cup, but did FIFA favour Argentina? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:05
Spain are world champions once again after a dominant FIFA World Cup campaign, defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final. But beyond the result, the tournament has sparked fierce debate over contrasting footballing philosophi…
Fuelling a pushback: Is India mismanaging the switch to E20 petrol? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:01
The nationwide rollout of E20 petrol has become a political issue. As people complain of engine damage and lower mileage, the Opposition has accused the government of forcing E20 petrol on people. Citizens and consumers…
Bonus episode | How the war on Iran changed the Gulf security order [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:00
The war on Iran may be over, but its consequences are only beginning to reshape the Persian Gulf. For decades, Gulf monarchies have balanced security partnerships with the United States, pragmatic engagement with Iran, a…
How has the use of VAR impacted FIFA World Cup 2026? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:30
In 2016, The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which oversees the laws of the game, approved trials for video referees. This edition marks the third time that VAR has been used in World Cups starting with…
El Nino again: How to climate-proof Indian agriculture? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:28
The El Nino phenomenon is back this year, which means, a deficient monsoon in India. This, in turn, means a challenging time for Indian farmers. Less rainfall is bad news for India on multiple fronts -- it dampens agricu…